Episodes
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Caffeinated Comics – Announcing an Announcement
There are big plans afoot! Jon heard a podcast idea from Howie Weingarten so good it will shake the foundation of “Caffeinated Comics” itself! Stay tuned for all the details in the next episode. Plus, disappointing Super Bowl ads, a Batman creator steps on Jon’s legacy, and pinning all hopes on...
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Caffeinated Comics – Artist vs Art
In the age of social media is anyone worth admiring? Jon and Elliott meet face to face to discuss how to forgive franchises when they turn, keeping politics out of anything, and hating the creators of the things we love. Plus, ageism in comics, skipping “Ghostbusters” and exploring brandy. [Ep369]
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Caffeinated Comics – Kinky Ureter
Jon drops in for a quick podcast when life gets in the way. Jon’s son went into the hospital for a routine surgery that felt anything but routine. Jon discusses how Ben is doing now, the calming power of Adam West, and why geek culture is meant to be a distraction, not a stress. [Ep368]
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Caffeinated Comics – Echo
Marvel releases an entire streaming series in one day about a D level character while the brand is on decline.So why watch it? Jon and Elliott discuss the return to form for the Netflix Marvel style series, how multiple differentiations keep it from being preachy and why the entire MCU needs to...
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Caffeinated Comics – Toy Collecting in 2024
2023 shook up the collecting world and Mike Caplan is here to make sense of it. The owner of “Mr. Wayne’s Pop Culture Collectibles has a long talk with Jon about the gateway drug of Funko Pops, how inflation is causing a move to higher-end collectibles and whether there is a ceiling for the…
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Caffeinated Comics – Godzilla Minus One
Howie Weingarten is a die-hard Godzilla fan and has good reasons to be elated and angry. Jon and Howie discuss how the latest Japanese version of Godzilla may be the best iteration since the 50s. Also, why he hates hates hates the new Apple TV series “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”. [Ep364]
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Caffeinated Comics – 2023 Wrap-Up
Everybody hated 2023 and Jon hates that. In a quick minisode, he goes over what he loved about 2023, and it’s more than just “Picard: Season 3”. Want to add your thoughts? Send a comment to https://www.facebook.com/CaffeinatedComics [Ep364]
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Caffeinated Comics – The Year in Toys with Michael Crawford
In the midst of layoffs from one of the biggest American toy companies, Jon discusses what went right this year with Captain Toy himself! Michael Crawford runs down his personal Top 10 of 2023, how inflation and experience shapes a collection, and why Mezco is taking up so much of his time. Plus,...
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Caffeinated Comics – Comics Made Us Mad
The comics market is changing and everyone has their own reason why. Jon and Elliott pore over the social media firestorm over the different ideas comic creators, retailers and fans have for falling comic book sales. From inflation to the end of periodicals to good old finger pointing, every…
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Caffeinated Comics – Doctor Who 60th Anniversary
It’s Doctor Who’s birthday and the BBC are celebrating with a soft reboot! Jon talks to JB Anderton, the host of the podcast “Doctor Who Gives a F*ck” on whether the Doctor is worth caring about again. Plus, breaking continuity, how David Tennant plays the Doctor today and why the long running...
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Caffeinated Comics – Timeless Heroes
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” has arrived on Disney Plus and it’s brought a new documentary on Harrison Ford with it. Jon and Elliott discuss what the doc covers (and doesn’t), how we can get to know the enigmatic Harrison Ford and how Disney Plus can save the reputation of the final…
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Caffeinated Comics – Good Bad or Bad Bad?
Jon and Howie Weingarten took the holiday weekend to cram in as many “Mystery Science Theater 3000” level movies as possible. Some were amazing, some were painful and some were unwatchable. But if they were all bad, what’s the difference? Jon and Howie discuss the difference in tone and how the...
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Caffeinated Comics – Inevitable Decay
Steven Brown returns to the studio to talk MCU. Jon and Steven discuss skipping “The Marvels” to finish Loki Season 2, why Kevin Feige is the new Brian Michael Bendis, and whether pausing creative work recharges it or loses its spark forever. [Ep358]
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Caffeinated Comics – Post Halloween 2023: Haunted Houses
We made up for starting our halloween celebration late by keeping it going an extra week. Howie Weingarten returns to speak of his love of haunted houses. He talks about the relationships between the guests and the actors, how out of the way locations bring more people in, and the responses he…
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Caffeinated Comics – Horror Movie Roundup
Halloween came last this year! Jon and Howie line up a murderer’s row of horror recommendations as November rears its ugly head. Why were Roger Corman’s Edgar Allen Poe movies “A” list movies? When did “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” get an identity crisis? And, is “Sorority Babes at the Slimeball...
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Caffeinated Comics – DG Chichester Returns
Marvel Legend DG Chichester returns to comics in a big way! Dan tells Jon and Elliott all about his new 4-issue limited series “Daredevil: Black Armor” and how he returned to write Matt Murdock after 25 years. Plus, the shadow of Frank Miller, the next generation of Marvel talent and the...
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Caffeinated Comics – Todd Allen Returns
Todd comes to the podcast with a Kickstarter already funded, so he tells Jon and Steven what’s in store for his latest novel and audiobook. Then, Todd uses his unique view into the comic book landscape to explain why sales charts no longer exist, what might actually be a hit and just what is…
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Caffeinated Comics – Remembering Keith Giffen
A comic legend has passed away. Jon and Elliott discuss how Keith Giffen’ dark art style and quirky sense of humor made him the backbone of DC comics for a generation, from Legion of Superheroes and Ambush Bug to Justice League International and 52 (not to mention creating Lobo). Plus, the return...
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Caffeinated Comics – Behind the Screens
Want to live in Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment? Neal Fischer can get you the next big thing. His new book “Behind the Screens” showcases floorplans from tv’s greatest shows from “The Brady Bunch” to “Scandal”. Jon and Neal discuss the missing fourth wall in most tv homes, impossible hallways and…
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Caffeinated Comics – Toy Fair 2023
Toy Fair returns but in the fall, with no new announcements and planning to leave New York for New Orleans. Jon and Elliott discuss the changing face of press events, whether conventions are still the backbone of the industry and why AI doesn’t matter. Plus, streaming Vincent Price, VHS tapes and...
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Caffeinated Comics – Happy Belated Batman Day
Jon had COVID all last week so we’re celebrating Batman Day today! Jon and Elliott discuss why the strikes have slowed down momentum for the world’s most popular comic book character, how current loyalty can turn into nostalgia and when we can expect the next Bat renaissance. Plus, a new Doctor…
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Caffeinated Comics – Giant Lab 2023
Hasbro’s Marvel Legends has returned with another large figure! Steven tells Jon why the classic Avenger is already on his wish list, how Hasbro recovered from the failure of last year’s Engine of Destruction and whether a Quinjet is in the line’s future. Plus, McFarlane goes his own way, the...
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Caffeinated Comics – Top Men audio commentary: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
The final Indiana Jones movie is available on digital and Jon and Elliott are kicking off Labor Day weekend watching it. Listen to this podcast along with the movie as the two super fans discuss behind the scenes stories, production secrets and recollections of the entire franchise in real time....
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Caffeinated Comics – Sad Fan Films
“Spider-Man: Lotus” cost $125,000. “The Flash” cost $200,000,000. And Jon and Elliott hate them both equally. How can a movie made out of love show no joy? How does the multiverse become formulaic? And what do both films miss about their core character? Plus, remembering the origin Harley Quinn,...
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Caffeinated Comics – The Star Trek Lens
How does Star Trek stay current while honoring its past? Jon welcomes Mr. Waynes Pop Culture Collectibles founder Mike Caplan to discuss all the series on Paramount Plus. How did “Picard” season 1 and 2 pave the way for the events of season 3? How does “Lower Decks” both parody and celebrate the...
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Caffeinated Comics – MCU ReVU: Spider-Man Far From Home
Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom return to the MCU just as Peter Parker leaves for Europe. The crew discusses the epilogue of Phase 3, why rights issues keep Marvel’s flagship character from becoming the center of the cinematic universe and how live action can compete with “Into the Spider Verse”.…
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Caffeinated Comics – Good Omens 2 You
David Tennant and Michael Sheen are friends and Jon and Elliott like to talk about them. They discuss how the real life friendship of the stars informed the new story and how “Staged” changed the backdrop of Neil Gaiman’s fantasy. Plus, Barbie makes Lego Movie moves, Star Trek sings, and comedy...
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Caffeinated Comics – 24 Hour Godzilla Party
Pluto TV has launched a 24 hour Godzilla channel, and Howie Weingarten is here for it. Jon and Howie discuss the highs and lows of the franchise and what uncovered gems there may be in the rubber suit genre. Plus, Howie hates “The Flash”, Barbie sells out, and remembering Paul Reubens [Ep343]
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Caffeinated Comics – Post SDCC 2023
Hollywood skipped Comicon this year. Was there finally room for comics? Jon and Elliott take a look at all the announcements and how they harken back to the 90s. Plus, the constant rebooting of Daredevil, the silence of “Secret Invasion”,and were the aughts so bad it can’t sustain nostalgia? [Ep342]
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Caffeinated Comics – The Summer of Box Office Disappointment
“Indiana Jones” continues to struggle, “The Flash” has slowed to a crawl and not even Tom Cruise can make a summer blockbuster possible. Jon and Elliott discuss what is keeping people out of the theaters, the ballooning budgets that don’t show up on screen,and why fans root for a franchise they...
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Caffeinated Comics – Top Men: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
It’s time. Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom welcome Indy super-fan and influencer Alex Arnold to discuss the latest and last Indiana Jones movie. Is it worth seeing on the big screen? Was it worth $300 million dollars? What is motivating the negativity online when most moviegoers are giving it positive...
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Caffeinated Comics – Top Men: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is finally out and it seems to be paying the price for its predecessor. Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom welcome back Lucasfilm PR man John Singh to describe the feeling at Skywalker Ranch in 2008, whether the atmosphere around the premiere of “Indiana Jones and...
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Caffeinated Comics – Justin Berger and Jamie Benning
Think you know everything about “Star Wars”? Justin Berger and Jamie Benning spent years researching every day of production for their new book “Return of the Jedi: An Authorized Timeline”. Jon talks to Justin and Jamie about finding new stories in a well-researched property, how George Lucas…
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Caffeinated Comics – Remembering John Romita
A seminal Marvel artist has passed away at the age of 93. Jon and Steven discuss how Jazzy John’s Spider-Man was the only Spider-Man for an entire generation, why “Daredevil” was secretly an audition, and how his soap opera background completed Peter Parker’s world in a way even Steve Ditko…
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Caffeinated Comics – Renfield Sucks
Howie Weingarten loves a good vampire movie. That’s why he hated Nicolas Cage playing Dracula. Jon and Howie discuss what makes a great vampire, why we still talk about Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee and why budget doesn’t matter. Plus, sneaking magazines in class, big hair porn and reviewing...
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Caffeinated Comics – Why Shows End
So many streaming shows dropped their final episodes this week. Jon and Elliott discuss whether a good ending is worth fewer episodes. Was “Barry” the greatest finale since “Breaking Bad”? Was “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” this decade’s “Mad Men”? And can any ending beat “Picard”? Plus, seeing and...
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Caffeinated Comics – Top Men: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
It’s the third Indiana Jones movie, but is it the last Indiana Jones movie? Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom discuss whether the Indy franchise was designed as a trilogy and if ignoring “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” means ignoring “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”. Plus…
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Caffeinated Comics – Remembering Bill Monroe
Bill Monroe was the host of “the Strokecast”, a seasoned public speaker and a frequent guest of the show. He was also Jon’s best friend. Jon tells the story of how he and Bill met in the 1980s, the adventures they had from Seattle to Las Vegas to the Dominican Republic and how Bill’s eternal...
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Caffeinated Comics – Remembering Ron Zabrocki
Noted NY session guitarist, producer and lifelong friend of the podcast Ron Zabrocki passed away this week so we’re representing his 2013 appearance. Ron tells stories of coming up in the 70s, how digital changed his sound and what he really thinks about the Beatles, all in his own inimitable…
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Caffeinated Comics – How Was Your COVID?
Jon was on his way to see “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3” when Howie Weingarten showed up from NY on the heels of the World Health Organization ending the COVID-19 global health emergency. They discuss the early days of lockdown, the good and bad ways their lives were changed forever by lockdown...
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Caffeinated Comics – MCU ReVU: Avengers Endgame
It’s all come down to this. Jon, Elliott, Dave, Tom and Steven Brown cover the largest superhero movie ever made.Was it a 3 hour movie or 3 1 hour movies? How did Lord of the Rings inform the structure? And did creating a perfect ending harm all the Marvel projects that came afterwards? Plus…
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Caffeinated Comics – The End of Picard
It’s been 35 years in the making and Jon and Elliott are still not ready. They discuss SPOILERS upon SPOILERS as showrunner Terry Matalas had to balance the cameo budget against rebuilding the Enterprise, how story trumps Easter Eggs and why a 70-year old cast makes the hosts feel well over 50....
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Caffeinated Comics – Ghostlord’s Quest
Doc Mack owns the largest video game arcade in the world but it’s all to support a video game he has been developing for over 25 years. Steven returns in person to the podcast with documentarian Craig Bass to discuss the film they are making about Doc and his game. Reshoots, injuries and…
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Caffeinated Comics – Star Wars Celebration
Star Wars has taken over London and Jon and Elliott are in Indiana Jones heaven! They discuss the new trailer and how much story it gives away (or doesn’t). Plus, the first wave of Indy merchandise since 2008, Ewan MacGregor’s moustache and why Star Wars fans may not be so toxic after all. [EP327]
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Caffeinated Comics – Why So Much?
Disney needs quarterly profits so bad they fired a billionaire. Jon and Elliott discuss how overspending on Disney Plus led to the company slashing 5.5 billion out of its budget. Plus, the streaming arms race, missing event movies and monthly comics in a sea of content and why Jon sounds like an...
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Caffeinated Comics – Boomers in Space
Harrison Ford is 80 years old and has two television series and a blockbuster movie coming out. Jon and Elliott discuss how the Indiana Jones delays may have caused a late burst of productivity and why “Shrinking” is not the show you might think. Also, “Picard” continues its unbroken streak of...
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Caffeinated Comics – MCUReVU: Captain Marvel
The first female led Marvel movie has arrived! Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom welcome author and journalist Julie DiCaro to discuss what it’s like to be a woman in a field where half the names end in “Man”. Plus, dubious 90s needle drops, the state of de-aging technology and why nice Skrulls are a...
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Caffeinated Comics – Top Men: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
It’s the most polarizing Indy film and opinions be divided! Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom recorded this before Ke Huy Quan won an Oscar but they welcome former Lucasfilm marketing staffer John Singh to discuss the 1984 blockbuster and whether it’s too dark, too light or just right. How did George...
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Caffeinated Comics – Doug Drexler on Picard
Doug Drexler has done makeup, graphics, VFX and concept illustration on Star Trek since “The Next Generation”. He’s back for “Star Trek: Picard” and here to tell Jon and Elliott all about it. Doug covers everything from creating new ships for a franchise he’s loved since the 1960s to getting back...
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Caffeinated Comics – MCU ReVU: Ant-Man and the Wasp
Paul Rudd returns to the MCU as Mike Caplan returns to the MCU ReVU! The owner of Mr. Waynes collectibles discusses the low stakes of the Ant-Man sequel with Jon, Elliott, Dave and Tom. How much of a game changer is Evangeline Lilly’s suit? Why is the plot like a Big Mac? And, how did this 2018...