The Smark Avengers

Corey, Dylan, and Jon are three long term friends and long term comic book fans. They are not experts, they are not well-respected in their fields, but they are here to talk about comic book topics that make them laugh.

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S4 · E141
Friday · 1 hr 14 min
Spider-Man Villain Tier Rankings
Peter Parker has been Spider-Man since the 1960s and has not run short of running into costumed villains dedicated to squashing him. Whether they are lifelong rivals who have personal vendettas and connections to his out of costume identity or just two-bit crooks sporting a costume to rob a bank, the Spider-Man rogues gallery is as diverse as it is colorful. With this many villains in his past, you have to wonder how they rank and compare to one another right? 🕷️ Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers take a look at 25 of Spider-Man’s villains and decide where they fit on a classic Tierlist: How does the Roderick Kingsley Hobgoblin compare to the Jason Macendale Hobgoblin? Does the Scorpion’s tenure as Venom raise his profile amongst other villains? Where does perennial loser Shocker fall? Has the recent use of Venom over the years hurt his perception as a top tier villain? Who is a certifiable S-tier Spider-Man villain? All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: do you agree with Jon and Dylan’s finalized list? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!
S4 · E140
September 18 · 1 hr 13 min
Cinematic Synergy Woes
Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe blew up on the cultural zeitgeist, a whole new generation and audience have been introduced to such iconic characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and more (including characters from the Distinguished Competition like Superman and Batman) that they may not have encountered any other way. Since comics, like most else in this capitalist hellscape we currently live in, is a business the question becomes how do you convert the movie going audience to comic books readers? Do you capitalize on what the audience has seen and try to reproduce it or do you stick to your guns and show them the classic representation? Thankfully both DC and Marvel has tried to both to mixed success but the prevailing strategy at times has been synchronicity. Sometimes you get winners like updating the Guardians of the Galaxy to be more like James Gunn’s interpretations of the characters and sometimes you aren’t as lucky... 🦸 Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers discuss some of their least favorite moment where the comics tried to synchronize with the movies (and maybe a few they liked): - The removal of Nick Fury and the introduction of Marcus Johnson aka Nick Fury Jr. - Black Adam joins the Justice League to raise his stock in anticipation of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “Black Adam” - Civil War 2 being released around the time of the MCU’s “Captain America: Civil War” - Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver losing their status as mutants due to Disney & Fox having rights issues over mutant characters - John Diggle and Felicity Smoak replacing Green Arrow’s supporting cast - Spider-Man gains organic webbing in lieu of having web-shooters All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: what is your least favorite attempt by Marvel or DC to synchronize with the movies or television series? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E139
September 11 · 1 hr 17 min
Spider-Man and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? (We Liked It)
More of a blessing than a curse, the Smark Avengers may have lost the intended episode they originally set out to record but realized they all had opinions on the latest Spider-Man centric addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe! While this may have been the sixth or seventh movie that Tom Holland has portrayed Peter Parker, many have commented that this is the first time he feels like the proper Earth-616/comic book version of the character. No job, no girlfriend, no mentors, and no adoring public… this truly is a Brand New Day for Spider-Man in the MCU. Take two Spider-Man super fans and one DC comics fan who hasn’t watched a MCU movie since 2013 and you’ll get three Smark Avengers discussing the impact that this movie has had on Spider-Man, the MCU, the genre of super hero movies as a whole, and other topics that come up in this free form discussion of the film. 🕸️ Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers break down and discuss such topics as: - The minimal use of traditional Spider-Man villains such as the Scorpion and Tombstone in favor of using Jean Grey as the main antagonist - The theme of acceptance, grieving, and processing pain - Jean Grey’s characterization and whether or not there are other mutant characters who could have filled the same role - The characterization of Frank Castle in Brand New Day versus the television series - The changes in the Hulk and how he seemingly no longer has control over his other form - Spider-Man still missing his wisecracking personality All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: did Brand New Day hit the mark for you? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E138
September 4 · 1 hr 5 min
Midnight Marvel Madness
A few months ago Marvel Comics announced a new horror imprint “Midnight Marvel” and three new titles that would be debuting this October: Midnight Fantastic Four, Midnight X-Men, and Midnight Spider-Man. The objective is simple, let’s take three iconic Marvel comics and put them through the horror lens to see what happens! Whether it’s cosmic horror with the Fantastic Four, vampiric horror with the X-Men, or body horror with Spider-Man it looks like Midnight Marvel has something for every fan of horror to enjoy! With Jon unavailable to record, it’s up to Corey and Dylan to wade through the initial solicitations and covers for these three upcoming Marvel tales to see if you can judge a book by its cover! 🧟 Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers (minus one) dissect Midnight Marvel: Are the uniform covers strong branding or bad design choice if placed on the new release wall in stores? How strong of a premise is the Fantastic Four encountering unspeakable cosmic horror? Is Hickman’s X-Men versus vampires original or is it too surface level for the mind behind the Krakoan Age? What separates Midnight Spider-Man from the other horror takes on Peter Parker? All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: which of the Midnight Marvel titles have your attention? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!
S4 · E137
August 28 · 1 hr 6 min
The Smark Avengers Kill Venom
For years the Venom symbiote has been a hero, a villain, a Lethal Protector, a Dark Avenger, a Guardian of the Galaxy, an ally, a thorn in the side of Spider-Man, and everything in between as it has bonded and jumped from host to host. Well the Smark Avengers are sick of it! In the past, the Smark Avengers have sought a permanent end to the likes of Aquaman, the Flash, Wolverine, Magneto, and Lobo but now it’s Eddie Brock’s turn! 🕸️ Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers plot to kill Eddie Brock aka Venom: - Corey goes through the symbiote’s strengths and weaknesses - Dylan’s shotgun approach includes food poisoning, leaving him in North America under the current presidential administration, a Luigi’s Mansion-style vacuum, and more! - Jon’s single, in-depth plan involving kidnapping, marriage, assembling an evil gang Can Dylan and Jon get the job done? 💬 Join the discussion: If you had to get rid of the symbiote, how would to do it? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!
S4 · E136
August 21 · 1 hr 5 min
San Diego Comic Con News
For decades now, San Diego Comic Con has been the closest thing to Christmas morning for comic book movie and television fans around the world. Big announcements, surprises, and appearances steal the headlines for days after the convention comes and goes and this year was no different! Dylan is out this week but have no fear as the remaining lads Corey and Jon sort their way through the big news stories out of SDCC as well as discuss their own insights and opinions on the next slate of Marvel and DC offerings for the big and small screen alike. 🎭 Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers (minus one) discuss: Ryan Gosling being cast as the MCU’s Ghost Rider The Avengers Doomsday presentation and the next phase of the MCU Black Panther 3 and the new Black Panther actor The new trailer for the DC Comics’ Clayface movie More details on the Lanterns HBO Max series Marvel’s new Indiana Jones comic book series The lead-up to Iron Man’s 700th issue Eddie Brock’s return to the Venom symbiote The Punisher joining the Avengers line-up in 2027 💬 Join the discussion: What was the biggest news from Comic Con in your opinion? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!
S4 · E135
August 14 · 1 hr 8 min
The Smark Avengers Become Marvel Comics Editors-In-Chief?!
A number of weeks ago, Marvel Comics made a major announcement that CB Cebulski would be stepping down as the acting Editor-In-Chief and would be replaced by Steve Wacker. Of course this means a potential major shift at Marvel Comics as a new EIC means the possibility of massive changes in the status quo. For months the Smark Avengers have been stating that Marvel needed to do something big to shake things up and this seems like the very thing they need to get back into competition with the Distinguished Competition at DC Comics. The question is… what sort of changes can be made to make up ground? This week Corey, Dylan, and Jon take turns playing armchair quarterback as they go around the horn and reveal what sort of changes they would make if they were given “the pencil” at Marvel Comics as Editor-In-Chief! ✏️ Grab your notepads and your red ink pens, true believers, as the Smark Avengers discuss: The surprising history of the men who acted as Marvel Editor-In-Chief What they think makes a great EIC Their opinions on the current state of Marvel What big changes they would make if they were the new EIC This is a great episode for Bat-fans and trivia lovers alike! 💬 Join the discussion: What changes would you make if you were the Editor-In-Chief for Marvel Comics? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E134
August 7 · 1 hr 18 min
Silver Age Batman Villains
The Silver Age was an iconic time for super hero comics as it gave birth to some of the most iconic versions of the medium’s most beloved figures. Green Lantern Hal Jordan, The Flash Barry Allen, and the rise of Marvel Comics line of heroes are just a few who were created and thrived in the Silver Age. Comic mainstays from the Golden Age like Superman and Batman also adapted to the new era of comics under the Comics Code Authority and with it came the changes in villains. In a previous episode, Corey walked Jon and Dylan through Batman’s rogues gallery from the Golden Age which saw such famous characters as the Joker, Catwoman, and Two-Face but also some less than memorable and certainly less than iconic characters as well. This week Corey is back with another Power Point Presentation to introduce Jon and Dylan to the insane rules of the Comics Code Authority and the world of Batman villains in the Silver Age! 🦇 Tune in at this Bat-Time on this Bat-YouTube-Channel as Corey showcases such villains as: - The original take on Mister Freeze - The second version of Clayface - Calendar Man - Polka-Dot Man - Kite-Man - Zebra Man - The Rainbow Creature - Gaggy - And more! This is a great episode for Bat-fans and trivia lovers alike! 💬 Join the discussion: Who was your favorite Silver Age villain? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E133
July 31 · 1 hr 16 min
Leap of Faith - Daredevil Jumping On Points!
Matt Murdock a.k.a. Daredevil is one of the most dynamic and tragic heroes in Marvel Comics history. With a large supporting cast like Foggy Nelson and Karen Page along with a rogues gallery including the Kingpin, Bullseye, Elektra, the Owl, and Purple Man… the Man Without Fear has been captivating readers since the 1960s with the recent success of his Disney+ earning him new fans every season. That being said… one of the biggest challenges facing new comic book readers is where and how do you jump on to a new book? Thankfully for you new readers, resident Daredevil expert Jon is walking Corey and Dylan through the major creative runs for the Man Without Fear and what are the best jumping on points! 😈 Sit back and relax, True Believers, as the lads cover: - Stan Lee, Bill Everett, and Jack Kirby’s creation of the character along with the creation of villains the Owl, the Purple Man, and Stilt-Man. - The shift in issue #7 where Daredevil gains his iconic solid red costume. - The swashbuckling Silver Age days. - Frank Miller’s run that changed everything for Matt Murdock and as the Kingpin is introduced as his major antagonist along with the Hand, Elektra, Bullseye, and more. - Frank’s return to Daredevil for the iconic Born Again storyline. - The introduction of the Marvel Knights line of comics with filmmaker Kevin Smith’s run on Daredevil and the death of Karen Page. - Brian Michael Bendis’ run with the introduction of Sammy Silk, the status quo shift for the Kingpin and Vanessa Fisk, Matt Murdock’s short-lived marriage, and Daredevil’s arrest. - Ed Brubaker’s continuation of Bendis’ story of Murdock in prison and ending with the Shadowland storyline. - Mark Waid’s returning Daredevil to his swashbuckling roots as he tries to hide his depression in an atypical run. - Charles Soule’s run that proves to be influential to the Daredevil: Born Again television series that returns Daredevil to his New York roots and the Kingpin becomes Mayor of NYC. This is a great episode for longtime fans of ol’ Hornhead or new fans looking to learn more about the iconic vigilante from Hell’s Kitchen! 💬 Join the discussion: What do you think is THE iconic Daredevil run? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on our YouTube channel!
S4 · E132
July 24 · 1 hr
Relaxed Fit: Superhero Movies, Fighting Games, and More
After capping off their year and a half long Avengers Auction project, the Smark Avengers are back with a relaxed fit episode! As is tradition with the relaxed fit, Corey, Dylan, and Jon don’t really know what they’re going to talk about before they record and let the conversation flow naturally… and did it ever! Almost immediately this one goes off the rails so… strap in! 🧘Sit back and relax as the lads discuss: - Supergirl’s disappointing performance at the box office - Is the upcoming Spider-Man or Avengers movie the litmus test for if the superhero movie bubble has burst - Upcoming DC movies Dynamic Duo, Clayface, and The Batman 2 - Does the rumored Dynamic Duos plot ruin the Dick Grayson and Jason Todd characters - The insane world of Injustice: Gods Among Us DC Comics continuity - Fighting games like Street Fighter, Smash Brothers, and more - The upcoming Street Fighter movie versus the 90s Street Fighter movie - And circling back to fighting games leads to a bizarre conversation about Dracula Once more the lads test the idea of whether or not they need more structure in their lives? 💬 Join the discussion: What are your thoughts on the future of superhero movies? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E131
July 17 · 1 hr 37 min
The Final Avengers Auction: The Wheel of Redemption
It has been almost a year and a half in the making but it’s time for the final Avengers Auction and it is the biggest one to date! For months Corey, Dylan, and Jon have been working their way down the Avengers roster in an attempt to build the ultimate Avengers line-up through a series of auctions as sorted by the spins of a wheel. Now, with 41 names left, the Avengers Wheel of Redemption is finally ready to be spun! The lads are bringing in all of the money they have left over from their previous Avengers Auctions which leaves Jon at a distinct disadvantage. Can he come back from this 100 dollar deficit? Who will come out with the Ultimate Avengers team? Who will finally draft Spider-Man?! 🛞Who is on the wheel to be drafted?! Names included: - Heavy hitters like Iron Man, the Hulk, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, War Machine, Daredevil, Mister Fantastic, and the Sentry! - Classic Avengers like the Black Knight, Doctor Druid, Firestar, Photon, and Jack of Hearts! - Unlikely names like Cannonball, Ghost Rider, and Penance! - And… head scratchers like Starbrand, Nightmask, and Blue Bolt! Buckle in! With 41 names the Wheel of Names is in for a long ride! 💬 Join the discussion: Who drafted the best team overall? What character went for a steal?! 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E130
July 10 · 55 min
Crocodile Characters and Other Shenanigans
While Jon is away, Corey and Dylan will play… and in this case playing means talking about their favorite Crocodile/Alligator/Reptilian characters… or try to. At first Corey and Dylan discuss the Batman rogue Killer Croc but then the topic verges off into how to identify a crocodile’s sex, Lana Del Ray’s regular every day bloke husband, then they go back to Killer Croc but then verge off the path to talk about Mary Jane Watson and Venom. Don’t worry, they get it back on topic… or try to before they start talking about animal-based monster characters. 🐊 Topics discussed include: - Copperhead from Batman: Arkham Origins - The Lizard from Spider-Man’s rogue gallery - Manbat from Batman’s rogue gallery - King Shark from the Suicide Squad - Leatherhead from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Their feelings on the “Watch-A-Long” videos they’ve put out in the past - The Rhino from Spider-Man’s rogue gallery - The tendency of Spider-Man to have villains replace other villains and then those original villains to come back - A brief discussion on IP and movies - Characters named after animals versus animal-based characters - Chip Zdarsky’s Batman run and the “Failsafe” storyline - James Tynion IV’s Batman run and creating new characters that didn’t stick The lads then tie it together by inventing their brand new character “Cool Croc” to add to the lineage of crocodile/alligator themed characters. Join Corey and Dylan as they dive headfirst into the animal kingdom as it relates to monsters and comic books. 💬 Join the discussion: Who are your favorite animal-based monster characters? Did Corey and Dylan miss any big examples of one? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!
S4 · E129
July 3 · 57 min
From Psylocke to Phone Ranger: Avengers Auction Chaos
The final regular Avengers Auction is here... and the Avengers roster has officially gotten weird. In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon spin the wheel one last time as they continue their quest to draft every Avenger in Marvel history. This installment covers characters who joined Earth's Mightiest Heroes between 2016 and 2026, a period that introduced a handful of major names, a surprising number of former villains, and more obscure heroes than anyone knew existed. 🦸 Characters up for auction include: Psylocke X-23 Night Thrasher Hazmat Mr. Immortal Captain Beyond Ultron Blue Bolt Infinity City Avenger X Phone Ranger And many, many more With fewer superstar names available than ever before, the bidding wars may be smaller, but the laughs are bigger as the guys attempt to determine which characters are hidden gems and which ones are destined to become the latest auction busts. Who assembles the strongest team from this unusual era of Avengers history? Who gets stuck with the strangest roster? And can anyone justify spending actual auction money on Phone Ranger? 💰 In this episode: The final regular Avengers Auction draft Avengers members from 2016–2026 Heroes, villains, teenagers, and complete obscurities Marvel's strangest roster additions Bad bids, questionable strategies, and auction chaos Plenty of deep-cut Marvel trivia and laughs The Avengers Auction may be nearing its end, but Marvel's ability to create bizarre new Avengers appears limitless. 💬 Join the discussion: Which of these modern Avengers would you actually want on your team? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy Marvel drafts, auctions, and obscure comic book characters 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, rankings, character deep dives, and Marvel history discussions Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f
S4 · E128
June 26 · 1 hr 21 min
The Greatest Comic Book Couples of All Time
Behind every great superhero is... sometimes another superhero. In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon take a look at some of the most iconic romances in comic book history and discuss what makes certain relationships endure for decades while others fade away with the next creative team. ❤️ Featured relationships include: Peter Parker & Mary Jane Watson Clark Kent & Lois Lane Scott Summers & Jean Grey And many more of comics' most famous couples and pairings The guys discuss which relationships have stood the test of time, which ones helped define the characters involved, and why some romances have become just as important to comic book history as the heroes themselves. Of course, not every hero is lucky enough to find lasting love. The conversation also turns to characters like Daredevil and Nightwing, whose love lives seem destined to be reset every few years as new writers introduce new relationships, new status quos, and new romantic drama. Why do some comic book couples survive editorial changes while others disappear almost overnight? 💘 Topics discussed include: The greatest marriages and romances in comics Why certain pairings resonate with readers The importance of supporting casts in superhero stories Characters trapped in endless cycles of short-term relationships How new writers often reshape a hero's romantic life The role romance plays in modern superhero comics Whether you're a fan of classic comic book marriages, superhero romance, or just enjoy debating which characters belong together, this episode is packed with plenty of opinions, nostalgia, and spirited discussion. 💬 Join the discussion: Who do you think is the greatest comic book couple of all time? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book history and character discussions 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, rankings, retrospectives, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/
S4 · E127
June 19 · 1 hr 11 min
Did Zack Snyder Miss the Point of Watchmen?
After diving deep into the original Watchmen comic, Corey, Dylan, and Jon turn their attention to one of the most controversial comic book adaptations ever made: Zack Snyder's Watchmen. Widely praised for its visual faithfulness and criticized for its interpretation of the source material, Watchmen remains a movie that comic fans continue to debate more than a decade after its release. In this episode, the Smark Avengers break down what Snyder got right, what he got wrong, and whether the film truly understands the themes that made Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' comic a classic. 🎬 Topics discussed include: The film's controversial changes to the ending Characterization differences between the movie and comic The impact of Snyder's costume redesigns The use of music and soundtrack choices throughout the film Important scenes, themes, and subplots omitted from the adaptation Whether visual accuracy translates into thematic accuracy The challenges of adapting one of the most influential comics ever written The crew also dives into one of the strangest discussions of the episode: the unexpected similarities between Watchmen and the 1997 film Batman & Robin. It's a comparison that sounds ridiculous at first—but the more they talk about it, the harder it becomes to ignore. Is Watchmen a misunderstood masterpiece? A visually stunning but fundamentally flawed adaptation? Or something in between? Join Corey, Dylan, and Jon as they revisit one of the most debated comic book movies ever released and ask the question comic fans have been arguing about for years: Did Zack Snyder miss the point of Watchmen? 💬 Join the discussion: Do you think Watchmen is a faithful adaptation of the comic, or does it fundamentally change the story's message? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book movie retrospectives 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f
S4 · E126
June 12 · 1 hr 4 min
The Art of Following Unlikable Characters
Why do some of the most compelling stories ask us to spend time with people who are difficult—or even outright horrible—to understand? With Jon unavailable for this episode, Corey and Dylan sit down for a wide-ranging discussion on one of storytelling’s most uncomfortable but fascinating ideas: following unlikable or morally questionable characters as protagonists. The conversation is sparked by Corey’s recent reading of Odin #1 from Image Comics, which follows an investigative journalist embedded with a group of young neo-Nazis lost in the wilderness. From there, the discussion expands into comics and beyond, exploring how writers navigate empathy, discomfort, and moral distance. 📚 Topics discussed include: What makes an unlikable or villainous character compelling to follow The difference between understanding a character and endorsing their actions How writers build empathy without excusing harmful behavior Antiheroes, villain protagonists, and morally gray storytelling in comics When storytelling becomes meaningful exploration versus uncomfortable glorification A significant part of the conversation also turns toward audience interpretation, as Corey and Dylan discuss concerns about how some readers/viewers may identify too strongly with unsavory characters, particularly when those characters embody unchecked power, dominance, or influence. They explore how certain stories can be misread—or intentionally reinterpreted—in ways that reflect a desire for control or superiority rather than the narrative’s intended critique, and why that tension matters in modern storytelling. Along the way, they question where the line is between engaging with complex fiction and projecting real-world values onto characters who are meant to be cautionary or critical examples. Do characters need to be likable to be worth following? Can a story about terrible people still offer insight without being misunderstood? And what responsibility, if any, does an audience have when engaging with these kinds of narratives? Join us for a deeper-than-usual conversation about comics, storytelling, and the uneasy space between fiction, interpretation, and audience response. 💬 Join the discussion: Do you think audiences sometimes misinterpret villain-centric stories as aspirational? Where is the line for you? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic discussions and narrative deep dives 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, character studies, and storytelling debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f
S4 · E125
June 5 · 1 hr 13 min
Has Modern Comics Lost the Plot?
It's time for another relaxed-fit episode as Corey, Dylan, and Jon sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of comic books, what's working, what isn't, and some of the stranger directions Marvel and DC have taken recently. From Spider-Man to the X-Men, Iron Man to Lobo, no topic is safe as the guys bounce around the comic book landscape and share their thoughts on the stories, characters, and creative decisions that have caught their attention. 📚 Topics discussed include: The latest redesign for Mary Jane Watson's Venom persona The identity and future of Spider-Man villain Torment Thoughts on the current Iron Man comics Whether The Sentry is being used effectively The state of the X-Men line following recent events Why Lobo continues to be one of comics' most ridiculous characters The challenges and opportunities facing modern Marvel and DC The conversation also shifts beyond the Big Two as Corey reflects on what he's learned from five months of covering new comic releases on New Number Ones, including observations about smaller publishers and the kinds of books that deserve more attention from readers. Is modern comics in a healthy place? Are publishers making the most of their best characters? And have comic fans become harder to please than ever? Tune in as the Smark Avengers crew tries to make sense of it all. 💬 Join the discussion: What do you think is the biggest problem facing comics today? Or are things better than fans give them credit for? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book discussions and industry talk 🔔 Subscribe for weekly comic book podcasts, character deep dives, rankings, tournaments, and more Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f
S4 · E124
May 29 · 1 hr 16 min
Does Watchmen Still Hold Up? (First-Time Reader Reaction)
For the first time ever, Dylan has finally read Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen… and now it’s time to talk about it. In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon revisit one of the most influential comics ever created as Dylan gives his fresh perspective on the legendary graphic novel while Corey and Jon reflect on their own past readings years later. Using the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Watchmen discussion guide as a framework, the guys dive deep into the themes, characters, structure, and legacy of the series that changed comics forever. 🟡 Topics discussed include: Dylan’s first impressions of Watchmen Whether the comic still holds up in 2026 Rorschach, Dr. Manhattan, Ozymandias, and the Comedian The book’s political and social themes The storytelling techniques that made it revolutionary Whether the comic deserves its legendary reputation Does Watchmen remain a masterpiece decades later? Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone who’s never read Watchmen before, this episode is a deep dive into one of the most discussed comics of all time. 💬 Join the discussion: Does Watchmen still deserve its reputation as the greatest graphic novel ever written? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic deep dives and literary discussions 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, retrospectives, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f
S4 · E123
May 22 · 1 hr 3 min
The Avengers Auction Gets CHAOTIC (Deadpool, Rogue & More)
The Avengers Auction returns… and this time the roster gets way stranger. In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon continue their ongoing mission to draft every Avenger in Marvel history by spinning a wheel of names and bidding with limited cash. Covering the Jonathan Hickman Avengers era, All-New All-Different Avengers, Uncanny Avengers, and other 2010s lineups, the guys are forced to balance huge stars with some truly obscure wildcard picks. 🦸 Characters up for auction include: Deadpool Rogue Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel Miles Morales Starbrand Ex Nihilo Kaluu Alexis the Protector And many more from Marvel’s weirdest Avengers era As the bids climb higher, strategies begin to fall apart. One major “power move” completely backfires, sending the auction into chaos and changing the direction of the draft. Who builds the best Avengers team? Who wastes their budget on terrible picks? And who gets stuck with the most random roster imaginable? If you enjoy Marvel Comics, fantasy drafts, obscure comic characters, and chaotic debates, this episode is for you. 💬 Join the discussion: Which drafted Avengers team would YOU choose? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy Marvel drafts and auctions 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, rankings, tournaments, and deep dives Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f
S4 · E122
May 15 · 1 hr 25 min
Ranking X-Men Villains From S to D (Magneto, Apocalypse & More)
Who are the best—and worst—X-Men villains of all time? In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon put some of the most iconic enemies of the X-Men through the ultimate test: a tier list ranking from S to D. From legendary masterminds to questionable henchmen, nothing is safe from debate. Villains featured include: Magneto (Jon’s favorite—so expect strong opinions) Apocalypse Mister Sinister Mystique Sabretooth Bastion Toad And more from across X-Men history Each character is judged on power, impact, storylines, and overall legacy, but when the guys can’t agree… things get heated. Who belongs in S Tier as an all-time great? Who gets pushed down to D Tier as a disappointment? And which rankings will spark the biggest arguments? If you love X-Men comics, villain breakdowns, and chaotic tier list debates, this episode is for you. 💬 Join the debate: How would YOU rank these X-Men villains? Who did we get completely wrong? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy tier lists and comic debates 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book rankings, deep dives, and weekly episodes Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

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