Caffeinated Comics On Radio Misfits

Another San Diego Comicon is in the books and Jon and Elliott are here to unpack the announcements. How many Marvel movies are coming? Why is Star Trek having more fun than Star Wars? How good are the parties? Plus, more Slott on Spider-Man and more Hickman on, something. [EP289]

Comic sales hit 2 billion dollars in 2022. So why aren't we hearing more about comics? Jon, Steven and Elliott discuss where kids are getting their graphic novels, how 1000 less comic books stores impact the reading community, and if rising prices are worth the boost to the bottom line. Plus, why a George Carlin quote perfectly applies to older comic fans.  [EP288]

Taika Waititi returns to the franchise he transformed, but can he pull off the same trick twice? Jon, Steven, and Elliott discuss whether the balance of comedy and tragedy pays off, how much Jason Aaron's comic run factors into the plot and how Taika can be in everything. Plus, Bruce Campbell hosts a Doctor Strange special. [EP287]

It's more than "Tron" vs "Batman". Jon, Elliott, Bill Monroe and Wally Podrazik discuss the two watershed years for geek movies. Do we need Hollywood polish or the grit of guerilla filmmaking? How did the home video market change the landscape in 7 years in between? And are movie theaters that important? [EP286]

The Avengers release their middle child! Jon, Elliot, Dave, Tom and Steven discuss the battle between Joss Whedon and Marvel Studios, whether the casting of James Spader makes or hurts the character of the villainous robot, and why Quicksilver comes and goes so quickly. Plus, a lot of moods about the Supreme Court. [EP285]

The artist behind "Batman;the Long Halloween" has passed away at age 66. Jon and Elliott discuss how Tim Sale brought a sense of indy comics to mainstream comics while never losing the dynamics that makes superhero comics what they are. how his work elevated Jeph Loeb's writing and the Superman and Spider-Man books that live under the shadow of his Batman classics. Plus, comparing Star Trek and Star Wars now that we get new shows from each franchise every week.  [EP284]

James Gunn makes the Marvel Universe his own! Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom Juettner discuss how Marvel brings outer space into the mix, who could have played Star Lord and how "Star Wars" this film really is. Plus, why "A" list actors are lining up for some very small parts. [EP283]

Jon and Steven are back for an in-person podcast! With "Obi-Wan Kenobi", "Strange New Worlds", "Stranger Things", "The Boys" and more, how much streaming is too much streaming? Is one episode a week the new normal? How fast do you have to watch a series to avoid spoilers? And why is the new season of "Kids in the Hall" so worthwhile?  Plus, Jon has a big birthday in Seattle and is now old. [EP282]

This is where it all turns around. Jon, Dave and Elliott welcome Laurence Holmes to discuss how the MCU found its footing by going ground level, whether it was worth bringing Bucky back and how the twists in this film had immediate repercussions in the newborn television series “Agents of Shield”. Plus, Tom the mixologist creates a drink to make us say “Hail Hydra!”

Is it the worst MCU movie ever made? Jon, Elliott, and Dave welcome Tom the mixologist to discuss Chris Hemsworth’s second solo outing. What was Patty Jenkins original vision before she left this movie? Why did Christopher Eccleston skip the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary for this? And why is it more Star Wars than Lord of the Rings? Plus, the perfect Asgardian cocktail. [EP280]

Shane Black shakes up the Marvel Universe! Jon, Elliott and Dave welcome Neal Fischer to discuss how the first Marvel movie after "Avengers" stands alone, how much the plot owes to "Extremis" and how much is pure Shane Black. Plus, Neal's new book, " Being Patrick Swayze: Essential Teachings from the Master of the Mullet"! [EP279]

Sam Raimi returns to Marvel! Jon, Elliott and Steven discuss SPOILERS on just how Raimi the new Doctor Strange movie is, how multiverse it gets and if it's a complete story or a lot of stuff that happens. Plus, Bruce Campbell sightings abound! [EP278]

The legendary artist of the Bronze Age has passed at the age of 80. Jon and Steven discuss how Neal brought a new sense of illustration to cartooning, why he didn't stay in advertising and why his Batman never seems to be out of date. Plus, Steven has COVID. [EP277]

It's a special bonus MCU ReVU episode! Jon and Elliott welcome Neal Fischer to discuss the pandemic's biggest hit taking over home video. Elliott opens the physical disc while Jon streams the movie repeatedly and Neal remembers his theater experience. Are discs on their way out or becoming the next collector's item? Do extras matter? And how good is this movie still? All this plus Neal's new book about Patrick Swayze. [EP276]

The Federation lands in the Windy City and Jon and Elliott have serious FOMO. They discuss how the franchise got back on track after the drought of the aughts, how there is as much Star Trek in production as there has ever been, and if it's worth supporting an entire streaming platform. Plus, EXO-6 goes berserk with sixth scale Trek figures! [EP275]

Disney Plus takes a big swing with their latest series! Jon and Steven Discuss the complicated backstory of Marvel's Batman and the runs that define him. Plus, Oscar issac' redemption for Apocalypse, the aging of Ethan Hawke and more Star Trek than there has ever been.  [EP274]

It's the team up you've been waiting years for! The full hosts of Caffeinated Comics and Shaken Not Heard combine for a super-sized episode. Jon, Steven, Elliott Serrano and Dave Pinto combine forces to discuss how Joss Whedon changed the game for the entire superhero genre, how to balance a large cast coming from different movies for the first time and how the success of the MCU makes "Avengers" now seem small. Plus, the multiverse beckons, the Hulk truly debuts and giving up on Will Smith. [EP273]

In 2020, quarantine looked like it was going to shutter the cruise industry. So what is it like in 2022? Bill Monroe returns to discuss how to keep a safe distance with people while sharing a boat with them. Plus, intimate venues, introspective events and podcasting on the high seas. [EP272]

It's the 40s! Jon and Elliott discuss the first period piece of the MCU, the connection between "Captain America: the First Avenger" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and the difference between a movie star and a great actor. Plus, a surprise visit from Steven Brown! [EP271]

A Shakespearean director takes an Asgardian legend and makes a mediocre movie! Jon and Elliott are joined by "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee" head writer Mike Drucker to discuss Marvel's take on Thor. Where did Chris Hemsworth come from? Why is Hawkeye in this? Do the jokes still work? All this plus, tips on how to run a writer's room from a comedy veteran. [EP270]