WARNING: Do not listen to this episode unless you have seen the 2024-2025 Star Wars release "Skeleton Crew" or do not mind hearing key plot points. Skeleton Crew is the latest entry in the Star Wars universe. It is an 8-episode series streaming on Disney+. Set five years after Return of the Jedi and the same era as the Mandalorian, Ashoka, and Boba Fett shows, it involves a group of four children who accidentally stowaway on a spaceship and leave home. The series is about their journey to come back home, and the plot evolves from there. Jude Law stars in the series with Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, and Nick Frost and is created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford. Watts recently directed the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man trilogy. Filmmaker, owner of the Scum and Villainy Cantina in Hollywood, California, and Star Wars insider JC Reifenberg returns to the podcast. They discuss the charm of this series while the stakes of the plot are not as dire as other entries in the Star Wars timeline. The wildfires in southern California have been devastating. To donate to the American Red Cross go to https://www.redcross.org/ or from your phone via text by messaging "REDCROSS" to 90999.

This is a new adaptation of the classic 1986 comic book, so while the plot points of this film are openly discussed, it can hardly be called SPOILERS. Watchmen Chapter 2 is the second half of the animated adaptation of the classic 1986 comic book series. It picks up directly where Chapter 1 ended. Brandon Vietti directed both Chapters and is making his third appearance on the podcast. In this episode, Vietti discusses specific changes he made to the story based on original ideas and influence from the 2009 Zack Snyder film. He also addresses potential viewers who saw the 2019 HBO/MAX series Watchmen and may consider this film to be a prequel. Vietti also addresses the projects he's worked on that he's most known for. Watchmen Chapter 2 is out on digital and on Blu-Ray/DVD.

WARNING: Do not listen to this episode unless you have seen the 2024 Marvel Studios release "What If?...., Season 3" or do not mind hearing key plot points. What If? is an animated series produced by Marvel Animation and streamed on Disney+. It features Oatu the Watcher, who shows the various universes in the Marvel multiverse. The series consists of eight episodes and concludes a storyline that began in Season 1. This podcast covered the first two seasons of the show. Season one was reviewed on Episode 257 and season two was Episode 370. Eddie Pence, a Hall of Justice regular who is also a stand-up comedian and co-host of many podcasts, joins the show to discuss season three. In this episode, they go over how this season was variations of Marvel characters from disappointing movies. The plots seem more outlandish than the previous two seasons, and it seems that the season is highlighting Marvel's recent “slump.”

Just like the classic 1966 Batman TV show, the Burt Ward interview is a two-parter! This episode is a continuation of Episode 406 and picks up where that episode ended. Burt Ward played Robin/Dick Grayson in the 1966 Batman TV series, alongside the late Adam West in the famed television series that became the #1 rated TV Show in the world. He later became a hero of a different sort, creating and operating with his wife, Tracy, Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, the world's largest giant breed dog rescue during the last 30 years, saving more than 15,500 dogs and hundreds of cats, finding each one a safe, forever home. He also has created with Tracy Gentle Giants Natural Non-GMO Pet Food and Gentle Giants Special Feeding and Care program for dogs and cats that has them living as long as 30 plus healthy, active years with a wonderful quality of life. In this episode, Ward discusses the process of filming Batman and Batman: The Movie. He also talked extensively about the years after Batman and discussed reprising the role in Legends of the Superheroes, and the two animated features based on the show. “Return of the Caped Crusaders” and “Batman vs. Two-Face,” as well as his cameo in the 2019 DC Crossover “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” He also discussed the life and legacy of the late Adam West. He spoke about his relationship with West, and how that friendship endured until the latter's passing. He also details his passion for animals. Finally, Ward discusses the legacy of the Batman TV show in the evolution of the superhero genre.

"Holy Podcast Batman!" Superhero icon Burt Ward played Robin/Dick Grayson in the 1966 Batman TV series, alongside the late Adam West. He was an aspiring young actor at UCLA whose first acting interview landed him the role of Robin the Boy Wonder in the famed television series that became the #1 rated TV Show in the world. He later became a hero of a different sort, creating and operating with his wife, Tracy, Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions, the world's largest giant breed dog rescue during the last 30 years, saving more than 15,500 dogs and hundreds of cats, finding everyone a safe, forever home. He also has created with Tracy Gentle Giants Natural Non-GMO Pet Food and Gentle Giants Special Feeding and Care program for dogs and cats that has them living as long as 30 plus healthy, active years with a wonderful quality of life. In this episode, Ward explains in wonderful detail his passion for animals. He also discussed how he met Adam West, and how the fame from being Robin enhanced his life. He also talked about his relationship with West, and how that friendship endured until the latter's passing.

WARNING: Do not listen to this episode unless you have seen the 2024 Warner Bros./DC Comics HBO release "The Penguin" or do not mind hearing key plot points. The Penguin is a direct spinoff of the 2022 film “The Batman.” Oz Cobb plays a small role in an interrogation scene in the film. In this 8-part series, Oz's backstory is explored and a plot involving him unfolds. The Penguin is played in both the film and show by Colin Farrell, using extensive prosthetic makeup. Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deirdre O'Connell, Clancy Brown, Carmen Ejogo, and others round out an extensive cast. The story takes place shortly after the events of the Batman. Raymond Padilla makes his debut on the podcast to review this episode. Padilla is the founder of RPAD.TV and has written for Forbes, Games Radar, PC Magazine, Xbox Nation, CNet, and countless others. In this episode, Padilla talks about the incredible performances that make up the show, and the shocking plot twists that make up the show. They talk about the storylines and how they could tie into a sequel to the Batman.

WARNING: Do not listen to this episode unless you have seen the 2024 Marvel release "Agatha All Along" or do not mind hearing key plot points. Agatha All Along is a direct follow-up to the 2020 Marvel release "Wandavision." It stars Kathryn Hahn as Agatha Harkness, the primary villain in Wandavision. It takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but is released under the banner Marvel Television. Longtime writer and podcaster Jenna Anderson makes her debut on the podcast by reviewing this series. Anderson is taking part in a new podcast venture entitled Phase Hero, in which she joins three friends to bring their unique perspectives and passion for superhero culture to weekly discussions. In this episode, Jenna explains what worked in Agatha All Along, and what the impact of its storyline is in the bigger MCU. She discusses the incredible casting and unique twists that tie into the bigger Marvel picture and many callbacks to Wandavision. Follow Jenna on social media @heyitsjennalynn.

WARNING: Do not listen to this episode unless you have seen the 2024 Sony/Marvel release "Venom: The Last Dance" or do not mind hearing key plot points. Venom: The Last Dance is the 3rd movie in the Venom franchise, adjacent to the Spider-Man movie lore. Venom was a huge hit in 2018, and this movie tells the story of Eddie Brock and his symbiote who are on the run and being chased by an alien menace with ties to the symbiotes. Veteran guest on the podcast Marshall Harris joined the show to discuss this latest film. The discussion stems from the issues with this story, and how questionable the direction it takes throughout the film. Also covered is the original comics history of Venom, and how it ties into Spider-Man, focusing on the future of Tom Holland's character. Speculation as to what role Venom will have in future Marvel and Sony projects.

Iconic voice actors Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt joined the show to discuss their newest venture. They co-wrote a graphic novel, entitled, “Topsy McGee and the Scarab of Solomon.” Platt has provided voices for dozens of English-language versions of Japanese anime films, television series, and video games including Naruto, Rave Master, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Lowenthal is a voice actor also known for his work in cartoons, anime, and video games, including Ben 10, Naruto, and Peter Parker/Spider-Man. He voiced young Superman in the 2006 DC series Legion of Superheroes. In this episode, the married couple discussed the creation of their graphic novel, and what they took from their voice acting that helped them design the story. They also talk about the current state of superhero animation, and how streaming has impacted the way fans consume media. They also talk about how an American viewer can introduce themselves to anime, which is more available with streaming services. Get Topsy McGee and the Scarab of Solomon here: https://a.co/d/i6ZP8iL.

WARNING: Do not listen to this episode unless you have seen the 2024 Warner Bros./DC Comics release " Joker: Folie à Deux" or do not mind hearing key plot points. Joker: Folie à Deux is the sequel to the 2019 film Joker. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, Lady Gaga as Harleen "Lee" Quinzel, and was directed by Todd Phillips. The film takes place directly after the events of the first Joker film. Arthur Fleck is set to stand trial for murders he committed in the first movie. The film is promoted as a musical and features performances from Lady Gaga and Phoenix. Syracuse University Professor Kendall R. Phillips rejoins the podcast to review the Joker sequel. As someone who really understood and applauded the first film, Joker: Folie à Deux misses its mark. He explains what worked in the first movie that didn't carry through to this movie.

Acclaimed actor and voice actor Diedrich Bader returns to the podcast to commemorate the show's 400th episode. Bader was a guest on Episode 177 while promoting the animated film Superman: Red Son. Bader is in the midst of an accomplished career both as an on-screen performer and a voice actor. Most notably, Bader starred in the Drew Carey Show, American Housewife, and Outsourced. Recently, he appeared in the recently completed show Better Things. In animation, Bader is widely known as Batman from both the classic “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and more recently “Harley Quinn.” He has also been in Masters of the Universe, Transformers, The Zeta Project, and countless others. Most recently he is playing Harvey Dent/Two-Face in the new animated Batman series, “Batman: Caped Crusader.” In this episode, Bader talks about the state of the superhero genre. He also comments on the difference in Batman characters in Harley Quinn as opposed to Brave and the Bold. He also commented on the fact that this podcast has 400 episodes.