Bif Bang Pow! Presents

Join Alex and Jason on this wild tangent-filled episode as they trace the epic lineage of John Carter of Mars – the Edgar Rice Burroughs character who became the godfather of superhero mythology. From Superman's origins to Flash Gordon's influences, they explore how Carter shaped comic book history before landing on a fascinating revelation about the 1980s cartoon Blackstar (spoiler: it was almost a John Carter show!). Packed with deep dives into pulp fiction, sci-fi inspirations, and Hollywood what-ifs, this is a must-listen for fans of adventure storytelling. Don't miss their passionate defense of the underrated John Carter movie too!0:00 Introduction0:55 John Carter of Mars Discussion2:03 Influence on Superman and Other Characters7:13 Flash Gordon and The Shadow8:56 Batman and Lone Ranger Origins12:52 Visual Lineage and Design Influences14:34 First Awareness of John Carter16:48 John Carter Movie and Franchise Potential26:43 AI and Future of Storytelling33:30 Blackstar and John Carter Connection35:54 Closing Thoughts

Dive deep into a surprisingly interconnected world of Flash Gordon, Marvel Comics, and Queen! Join Jason and Alex as they unpack the history behind their beloved Flash Gordon action figures and uncover a fascinating link between the film’s character Klytus and the infamous Hellfire Club. From the origins of a key fight scene to Freddie Mercury’s iconic soundtrack, this episode is a tangent-filled exploration for any fan of 80s sci-fi and comic book lore. Get ready for a nostalgic trip packed with behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected connections!0:00 Introduction & Flash Gordon Significance1:05 The Connection to Peter Wingard & Marvel's Hellfire Club2:40 Flash Gordon: Football Scene & Comic Origins5:00 The Ripped Shirt Motif: From Comics to Serials & Beyond8:10 Filmmation Series & European Release History10:30 De Laurentiis's Passion for Flash Gordon & Comic Strip Sources13:00 The Importance of Queen's Soundtrack15:50 Rock Music in Fantasy/Sci-Fi & Queen's Impact18:50 Queen's 'The Hero' & Personal Connection21:40 The Use of Rock Scores in Film - Examples

In this episode exploring Bernie Wrightson's lasting impact on Frankenstein interpretation, Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi examine Wrightson's iconic 1980s portfolio and its landmark approach to capturing Mary Shelley's novel. The discussion analyzes Wrightson's pen-and-ink techniques rooted in classic American illustration, the revolutionary creature design including its noseless skull, and how these visual choices amplify the monster's psychological torment. Insights about Guillermo del Toro's upcoming adaptation and Wrightson's artistic legacy conclude this analysis of one of comics' most significant visual interpretations.00:00 Podcast Intro and Frankenstein Discussion00:46 Bernie Wrightson's Frankenstein Artwork06:09 Artistic Techniques and Inspirations11:25 Influences and Artistic Comparisons14:27 Visual Interpretation of Frankenstein18:49 Creature Design Philosophy22:35 Frankenstein Film Adaptation Insights24:15 Closing Thoughts on the Monster Legacy

Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi explore the surprising connection between Flash Gordon actor Peter Wingard and Marvel Comics' Hellfire Club. Their discussion reveals how a 1960s Avengers TV episode starring Wingard directly influenced the Dark Phoenix storyline in X-Men comics. The conversation traces Wingard's career impact from Jason King to modern adaptations of these pop culture touchstones.00:00 Introduction to Flash Gordon & Peter Wingard00:41 Hellfire Club's Marvel Comics Origin03:08 Avengers Episode & Dark Phoenix Influence07:11 Character Design & Jason King Legacy13:15 Controversial Episode Analysis17:23 Modern Adaptations & Creative Influences20:25 Peter Wingard's Enduring Legacy

Jason Lenzi and Alex Ross discuss unique perspectives on visual aesthetics in media, focusing on Alex's distinctive observational approach. The conversation examines specific design elements from Batman's costume to Davey Jones' facial features as personal benchmarks. They explore how these visual details influence character creation and pop culture analysis across comics, film, and music.00:00 Introduction to Aesthetic Observation: Podcast intro discussing Alex's unique perspective on visual details in media01:25 Batman's Cowl: Comics vs Film Analysis: Deep dive comparing comic book visualizations to live-action adaptations using Batman's costume05:00 Davey Jones: The Ultimate Male Ideal: Exploring Davey Jones' facial features and his significance as a personal aesthetic benchmark14:26 Character Design Influences: How specific facial aesthetics inspired comic character creations like Submariner19:10 Monkees' Music & Cultural Impact: Discussion of The Monkees' discography, Beatles comparisons, and TV show legacy28:25 Steve Ditko vs Stan Lee: Character Creation: Analyzing the creator dynamics behind Spider-Man and artistic representation in comics

Join Jason Lenzi and Alex Ross as they continue their deep dive into the legendary Jack Kirby's career in part two of this illuminating discussion. They explore Kirby's groundbreaking psychedelic collages, revolutionary impact on Marvel's cosmic storytelling during the 1960s, and his surprising artistic influences beyond superhero comics. The conversation also reveals personal reflections on how Kirby's work shaped childhood experiences and continues to influence pop culture today.00:00 Introduction to Jack Kirby Discussion00:57 Kirby's Collage Innovation03:46 1960s Pop Culture Context11:56 Later Career & Thundarr Development18:51 Kirby's Artistic Legacy Debate23:12 Character Design Influences25:09 Comparative Cultural Impact29:35 Closing Reflections

In this inaugural episode of BBP Presents, Jason Lenzi and legendary comic book artist Alex Ross dive deep into the world of Jack Kirby. They discuss Kirby's profound influence on Alex's art, character design, and the broader pop culture landscape, starting with Alex's first meeting with Kirby in 1992.📌 Key Topics DiscussedIntroduction to Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi (00:00): Setting the stage for a series of insightful conversations.Early Encounters and Impact (02:11): Alex's early experiences and how Kirby's work resonated with him.Kirby's Influence on Alex Ross's Art (03:53): Examining specific examples of Kirby's influence on Alex's artistic style.Kirby's Representation and Character Design (07:02): Discussing Kirby's unique approach to character portrayal.Sgt. Fury and Hollywood Takes (10:12): Exploring Kirby's work on Sgt. Fury and its adaptations.Kirby's Impact on Pop Culture and Legal Battles (12:31): Analyzing Kirby's lasting influence and the controversies surrounding his work.Recognition and Influence in the Industry (15:35): Highlighting Kirby's recognition and impact within the comic book industry.Silver Surfer, TOPPS Comics, and Part Two (18:42): Teasing future discussions and the continuation of this conversation.💡 Main TakeawaysJack Kirby's innovative art style and storytelling significantly influenced generations of artists, including Alex Ross.Kirby's character designs were unique and groundbreaking.Meeting your heroes can be a pivotal moment in one's creative journey.Kirby's legal battles highlight the complex issues surrounding creator rights in the comic book industry.⭐ Notable Quotes "I'm just a guy like anybody else who's got these samples... showing the different professionals and meetings. And I'm hoping to be part of this big thing that is, you know, the World of Comics..."