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Sidebar Forever

Hosted by Dwight, Swain & Adrian

Podcasting since 2007, the new iteration of the Sidebar podcast features even more entertaining and off-the-wall discussions on comics, art, and other pop culture topics.

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21 episodes
Avg 1 hr 15 min
English

Episodes 21

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#219
August 18 · 1 hr 31 min
1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — The Man of Steel | SIDEBAR FOREVER
When John Byrne was given the creative reins of DC's The Man of Steel, he reimagined Superman for a new generation, redefining the character while challenging long-held assumptions about who the Last Son of Krypton was and what he could be. In the final installment of our 1986 series, we trace Byrne's career leading up to The Man of Steel, explore the sweeping changes he made to Superman's mythology, debate whether the series represents his peak as a writer-artist, and ask how Byrne's remarkable body of work from the '80s stacks up against that of contemporaries like Alan Moore and Frank Miller. *Stay tuned for a hidden bonus pod near the end of this episode where we shout-out a few honorable mentions from 1986 that weren't included in the series.
#220
August 13 · 1 hr 17 min
Thwip! Let's Talk About 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The fourth installment in Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man series is finally here, and of course, we’re all over it. Spider-Man: Brand New Day has swung into theaters as both a critical and box-office smash, raking in a billion dollars in just six days and boasting a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. On the pod, we nerd out over all the comic book goodness packed into the movie, including the cameos from Tarantula, Tombstone, and Ramrod. We also dig into the film’s surprising lack of a true central villain, the controversial introduction of Jean Grey into the MCU, played by Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), and debate whether this is Tom Holland’s most evolved performance yet as Peter Parker—and Spider-Man. Then we build a quick Spider-Man Hall of Fame before tackling the question on everyone’s mind: Are movies back?
#218
August 3 · 1 hr 6 min
'Push the Wall': A Review of Frank Miller's New Memoir | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Frank Miller is one of the most influential—and controversial—creators in comic book history. With the release of his new memoir, we couldn't wait to dive in. Part autobiography and part creative playbook, Miller reflects on the defining moments of his life and career while pulling back the curtain on the storytelling techniques behind some of comics' most iconic works. In the conversation, we unpack our biggest takeaways from the book, revisit Miller's unforgettable stories from Daredevil, The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City, and beyond, and delight in his candid recollections of 1970s New York City, learning from Neal Adams and collaborating with industry legends like Jenette Kahn and Dick Giordano. Along the way, we ask the bigger questions: What surprised us most? What did we learn about Miller's creative process? And were there important moments from his remarkable career that he chose to leave on the cutting-room floor—for better or worse?
#216
July 14 · 1 hr 26 min
1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — Watchmen | SIDEBAR FOREVER
After all this time, is there anything else that can be said about the Watchmen comic series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons? On this week's pod, we sure give it our best shot! We compare the endless stream of Watchmen adaptations to the ever-expanding sprawl of the Star Wars universe. We debate whether Watchmen singlehandedly created the modern lens through which everyone now views superheroes. And we try to determine if Watchmen only functions as the ultimate deconstruction of superhero mythology, or if it can be read simply as a superhero mystery story. Closing out the conversation, we ask a big question: has Watchmen become the very cultural phenomenon it warned us about—something endlessly commodified, repackaged, and mythologized?
#217
June 12 · 40 min
Back in Black — Reviewing 'The Punisher: One Last Kill' | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Frank Castle returns, wreaking havoc on those who got it comin' in this action-packed, one-shot special on Disney+. Co-written by the man behind the skull himself, Jon Bernthal, One Last Kill finds Frank trapped in a high-rise tenement, dispatching bad guys after a bounty is placed on his head by an enemy with a personal score to settle. On the pod, we discuss how this special fits into the larger Punisher universe first established on Netflix, break down what works—and what doesn't—and spotlight a few of One Last Kill's guest stars, including a memorable appearance by Bernthal's own daughter. We also compare key plot elements in the special to The Raid 2 and debate how this version of the Punisher might fit into the MCU proper ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
#215
June 8 · 1 hr 27 min
The Best and Worst Superhero Origins | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Have you ever been exposed to radiation and walked away all the better for it? Or maybe you have a coworker who’s secretly an alien from another planet… and thankfully, one of the good ones? On this week’s episode, we examine the thin line between the iconic and the absurd as we rank the best—and worst—superhero origins. We talk about why, as kids, we were so obsessed with where these heroes came from—so much so that Marvel and DC built entire issues around origin stories. We debate the scientific accuracy behind how our favorite characters gained their abilities, while also exploring what truly motivates them. For instance, Batman and Spider-Man are driven by loss, while Captain America and Wonder Woman are fueled by duty and a sense of mission. Along the way, we ask a few questions: Have certain superhero origins been rebooted too many times? Do heroes like Zatanna and Ghost Rider feel less “super” because their origins are rooted in magic and the occult? And why do some origin stories sound completely ridiculous when reduced to a single sentence: “Scientist makes himself tiny… on purpose.” Special guest: Ernesto Figueroa.
#211
May 7 · 1 hr 22 min
Star Trek Turns 60 | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Back in 1966, a little science fiction show boldly went where no television series had gone before. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, we assembled a pod dedicated to the show that changed TV with its swashbuckling adventure, big ideas, and thoughtful morality tales. We discuss the initial vision for the series and the unforgettable cast who brought it to life — including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, and the rest of that legendary bridge crew. Along the way, we revisit our favorite episodes like “Amok Time” and “The Enemy Within,” and explore why these stories still hold up. We also shout-out parodies and homages to Trek like Galaxy Quest, Free Enterprise, and the chilling Black Mirror episode “USS Callister.” So grab your communicator, set phasers to fun, and join us as we celebrate sixty years of Star Trek: The Original Series! Special guest host: Warren Drummond (Los Angeles-based storyboard artist and author of "A Hard Day's Work.") Special featured guests: RobinTreks, Harley M, and Thomas N. Perkins.
#214
April 20 · 1 hr 22 min
10 Things We Love (and Hate) About Modern Movies & TV | SIDEBAR FOREVER
It was bound to happen eventually, right? As longtime cinephiles (and, sure, a little snobby about it), we finally turn our attention to the state of modern movies and TV. On this episode, we dive into what today’s film and streaming landscape gets right—and where it leaves us scratchin’ our heads. There’s a lot to love: the convenience of firing up a movie at home without tracking down a physical copy, and shorter streaming seasons with storylines that actually pay off. But not everything gets a pass. The success of a crowd-pleasing, throwback film like Project Hail Mary comes with a demanding two and a half hour runtime. And how did we end up in a world where every cast feels like a superhero reunion? (“Wait… is that Killmonger and Electro starring in a courtroom drama with Captain Marvel?”) Along the way, we ask some bigger questions. How has second screening changed the way we engage with movies and TV—and even how they’re made? Are filmmakers and showrunners now compensating for a distracted, at-home audience? And would ambitious, big-budget shows like Severance and The Last of Us even exist without the rise of streaming platforms?
#209
April 8 · 1 hr 21 min
1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — The Dark Knight Returns | SIDEBAR FOREVER
When Frank Miller wrote and drew The Dark Knight Returns in 1986, he didn’t just reimagine Batman—he detonated the character and rebuilt him inside a grim, dystopian Gotham City. This installment of our “1986: A Landmark Year in Comics” series revisits Miller’s bold reinvention of Gotham’s protector. On the pod, we recount the buzz in the mid-’80s when Miller took on one of DC Comics' flagship characters, the editorial freedom he was given with TDKR, and the immediate fan and critical reaction to the story. We also debate the controversy surrounding inker Klaus Janson's work on the book, as well as the endless array of TDKR homages (and rip-offs) seen over the years—including the recent Absolute Batman. And we tackle the big question: Is The Dark Knight Returns the greatest Batman story ever told… or just the most influential?
#210
April 3 · 1 hr 16 min
1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — Maus: A Survivor's Tale | SIDEBAR FOREVER
In this installment of our series on groundbreaking releases from 1986, we’re spotlighting Maus, Art Spiegelman’s landmark graphic novel about his father, Vladek, a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. Written and illustrated by Spiegelman, Maus moves between Vladek’s harrowing wartime experiences and the complicated relationship between father and son decades later. Through the now-famous device of portraying different groups as animals—Jews as mice, Germans as cats—Spiegelman creates a layered story about trauma, memory, and survival. On this episode, we dig into Spiegelman’s background in underground comics, his exploration of survivor’s guilt woven throughout Maus, and his warts-and-all portrayal of, not only his dad, but himself in the story. We also discuss the critical reception that helped elevate Maus beyond the comics world. In 1992, Maus became the first graphic novel ever awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Nearly forty years later, it stands as one of the most powerful works the medium has ever produced.
#212
March 26 · 46 min
Unsung Ink: Sam Kieth | SIDEBAR FOREVER
What happens when superhero comics get weird—like, really weird? On this episode of "Unsung Ink," we explore the world of Sam Kieth, a creator who bent anatomy, tone, and storytelling into something wholly his own. We dig into Kieth’s early days in comics, from his inking work on Mage with Matt Wagner to his memorable contributions to The Sandman alongside Neil Gaiman. From there, we discuss his underrated run on Marvel Comics Presents with Peter David—work that helped define his elastic, expressive style. Of course, no conversation about Kieth is complete without diving into his creator-owned projects, including The Maxx, Zero Girl, and Four Women—books that blended psychological depth and surrealism in ways that still feel ahead of their time. Following his passing on March 15 at the age of 63, we take a moment to reflect on Sam Kieth's legacy—a true original, and a voice in comics that can’t be replicated. Rest in peace.
#208
March 17 · 1 hr 6 min
1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — Daredevil: Born Again | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Forty years ago, comics hit a turning point. Mainstream and indie publishers alike released a wave of bold, groundbreaking stories that reshaped the medium. This is the first installment in our series, “1986: A Landmark Year in Comics,” and we’re kicking things off with Daredevil: Born Again by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. On the episode, we dig into the story’s brutal premise, as the Kingpin systematically dismantles Matt Murdock’s life, pushing him to his absolute lowest point before the long climb back. We also talk about how Miller only agreed to return to Daredevil after his iconic run if Mazzucchelli would pencil the story—and how Born Again helped set the stage for Mazzucchelli’s breakout work just a year later on Batman: Year One. Along the way, we touch on IDW Publishing’s Artist Edition of Born Again and how Miller’s Daredevil work influenced a generation of writers—including Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, and Chip Zdarsky—who would go on to craft their own celebrated runs with the character.
#206
February 25 · 1 hr 57 min
Unsung Ink: The Legacy of Black Writers and Artists in Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
For every hero soaring overhead, there’s a creator behind the scenes who deserves their shine. This Black History Month, we’re giving flowers to the Black writers and artists who helped define comics as we know it. From Matt Baker and Billy Graham, to Denys Cowan and Christopher Priest, to Stephanie Williams and Khary Randolph, we follow a creative throughline across generations. We also highlight pioneering cartoonists like Jay Jackson and Jackie Ormes—the first African American woman cartoonist. We talk about the first Black creators we encountered as readers—and what that meant. Did they change the way we saw the page? Or were they just doing what great creators do: making unforgettable, good-ass comics? This is Unsung Ink—a celebration of the names and faces behind the comics we love.
#207
February 23 · 1 hr 7 min
Can Artists and Art Styles Be an Acquired Taste? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Not all art is love at first sight. This week, we spotlight the hard-to-get artists — those acquired tastes who confuse you before they convert you. In the conversation, we celebrate bold originals like Richard Corben and Tony Salmons, unpacking how their styles challenged comic readers and pushed boundaries within the medium. Beyond the panel borders, we cite rule-breakers Ralph Steadman and Jean-Michel Basquiat, alongside surreal giants Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí — artists who proved that being “strange” isn’t a flaw, it’s a feature. We also swap stories about artists who weren't our cup of tea when we were younger, and how second and third looks turned skepticism into respect. Then we ask the hard stuff: Does great art require effort from its audience? And is it okay if some art leaves people behind?
#205
February 2 · 1 hr 11 min
Blue-Collar Creators: The Backbone of Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Since the 1980s, mainstream comics has had more than its fair share of superstar creators. But for every Chris Claremont and John Byrne, there have been hundreds of writers and artists quietly doing good work month after month. On this episode, we’re celebrating those “blue-collar” creators—the ones who may not have been treated like stars, but wrote and drew good-ass comics. We champion Silver Age talents like Gardner Fox, Curt Swan, and Jim Aparo, whose contributions helped define entire eras, before moving into more modern-day workhorses—Mark Bagley, Norm Breyfogle, Lee Weeks and more—who kept the trains runnin' and the stories comin'. Along the way, we ask: how did the rise of organized fandom affect a creator's overall popularity? What's the difference between a blue-collar creator and a hack? And why are inkers, colorists, and letterers almost always relegated to blue-collar status? The recent passing of Sal Buscema brought this topic into sharp focus for us. Sal spent decades doing essential work for Marvel, often without the same spotlight his brother John received. This episode is, in part, a tribute to him—and to all the creators who showed up, did the work, and helped build the comics industry we love.
#204
January 13 · 1 hr 6 min
All-in-One-Day Movies | SIDEBAR FOREVER
We're starting off the New Year racing against the clock with movies that unfold over the course of a single day—or night. From sunup-to-sundown classics like Dog Day Afternoon, to 24-hour pressure cookers such as Sinners, to noir thrillers that take place fully at night like Panic Room, we break down how filmmakers make limited time feel limitless. We also discuss comedies that utilize this format—Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Hangover, as well as action films, including Judgment Night and Collateral. Along the way, we ask why audiences are particularly drawn to stories about "surviving the night," how screenwriters raise the stakes with only hours to work with, and whether some genres pull off the “all in one day or one night” trick better than others.
#203
Dec 22, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
The Sidebar Guests That Never Happened | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The holidays are a time for looking back, so this week we’re doing exactly that. We’re talking about the ones that got away—the Sidebar guest interviews we sought out that never quite happened. We won’t spoil every name here, but let’s just say David Mazzucchelli, Jeffrey Jones, and Bill Sienkiewicz were among the many heartbreakers (kidding… mostly). We close out the conversation with a wish list of guests we never even got the chance to invite on, such as Serpieri, Claire Wendling, and Walt Simonson. Looking back on this era reminded us just how magical that run was—a stretch when incredible creatives were joining us week after week, and we loved every minute of it. So, join us for the final pod of 2025 as we walk down memory lane and share a few behind-the-scenes stories.
#202
Dec 10, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Controversial Moments in Superhero Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
When subjects like rape, domestic violence, and bigotry make their way into the pages of American superhero comics, they don’t just grab readers’ attention—they make headlines. Today, we revisit some of the most controversial moments in superhero comics history. From the sexual assault of Barbara Gordon at the hands of the Joker, to Yellow Jacket physically abusing the Wasp, to the Punisher’s brief and baffling transformation into a Black man, these moments forced fans and publishers alike to confront where the line should be drawn. We also discuss a crisis of consciousness with Captain America putting down his shield and becoming Nomad, only to later be fired by the government and replaced with John Walker We wrap things up by asking: Were these moments bold statements or just stunts for attention? How has the definition of “controversial” shifted over the years?
#198
Nov 14, 2025 · 1 hr 54 min
What is a Game Changer? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This week, we’re talking about those moments in film, television, and comics when everything shifted. From The Matrix redefining action movies, to Netflix establishing binge culture, to Neal Adams reshaping comic book art—we break down the creative breakthroughs that changed the game forever. We also discuss game changers in modern music and art like rise of music videos in the 80s, the use of sampling and autotune, and the impact of illustrator Frank Frazetta on generations of young painters. Finally, we look at so-called negative game changers: the Comic Book Speculator Boom, the slow death of physical media, and how streaming reshaped (and maybe even hurt) how we experience TV, film and music.
#199
Nov 4, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Let's Do It Again (for Better or Worse) | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Everyone longs for the glory days—that moment in life or career when everything clicked and it felt like you couldn’t miss. On this episode, we’re talking about actors and filmmakers who decided, decades later, to try and capture that magic again. From Tom Cruise revving back up as Maverick, to Michael Keaton slipping on the wig and makeup for Beetlejuice once more, to icons like Harrison Ford, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Mark Hamill stepping back into their legendary roles—we’re digging into what it means when stars revisit past hits. We also look at directors like Tim Burton, Ridley Scott, and Roland Emmerich returning to the worlds that made them famous, and comic book legends Frank Miller, Chris Claremont, and Jim Starlin revisiting their signature creations and stories. Oh, and we’ve got a confession about this version of Sidebar that fits right in with this theme. Plus, we ask: – What really drives these creative run-backs—fan service, nostalgia, or the quest for relevance? – Do these returns add to a legacy, or water it down? – And is there any "nostalgia porn" we’d actually welcome?

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