Episodes
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SIDEBAR CLASSIC - Halloween Special: The ‘Super’ in Supernatural | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The spooky season is once again upon us as we re-present one of our Classic episodes; celebrating Halloween with a lively roundtable on supernatural comics characters such as Dr. Strange, The Spectre, Zatanna, Dr. Fate and many more!
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Good-Azz Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
It’s all there in the title, right? On today’s episode, we came up with nine examples of what we’re calling… good-azz comics. These are books we read in our youth—some seminal moments in a character’s history, and others simply monthly installments that we happened to love. A few of the issues...
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Unsung Ink: Jim Aparo | SIDEBAR FOREVER
We’re back with another installment of our series celebrating talented creators who don’t always get the recognition they deserve—and this time, we’re shining the spotlight on comic book artist Jim Aparo. From his early days at Charlton Comics working alongside Dick Giordano, to his celebrated...
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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...
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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…
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'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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Remembering Drew Struzan | SIDEBAR FOREVER
We’re heartbroken to say goodbye to one of our artistic heroes—and a true friend of the show—Drew Struzan. Known around the world for his unforgettable movie posters, Drew’s brush brought to life the magic of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Blade Runner, Harry Potter, and so many…
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A Special Halloween Episode: Black Horror | SIDEBAR FOREVER
In part two of our Halloween specials, things go bump in the night as we look at what we’re calling the Black Horror Canon—horror films that feature Black heroes and protagonists, majority Black casts, or stories rooted in the Black experience. We resurrect some true classics like Night of the...
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A Special Halloween Episode: 'Sinners' | SIDEBAR FOREVER
It’s Spooky Season, and Adrian has never seen Sinners—Ryan Coogler’s fantastic vampire film set in the Jim Crow South—so here we go! Released in April 2025, Sinners became one of the year’s surprise hits, a box office success built around an original screenplay. The film stars Michael B. Jordan…
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Comic Book Masterpieces | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Every creative person has that one work their audience considers the ultimate creation—their masterpiece. On today’s pod, we had a blast digging into some of our favorite comic creators’ defining works. We talk about legends like Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Neal Adams, along with...
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Must-See Movies: Did They Live Up to the Hype? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
As die-hard cinephiles, we all have those legendary films that somehow slipped under our radar. This week, we’re finally tackling some of our biggest blind spots. Join your hosts as we review a trio of iconic, must-see movies we definitely should have seen by now—but somehow hadn’t. Dwight sat…
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First Reactions to 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally hit theaters, and you know we had to jump in with our instant reactions! The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Marvel’s First Family, and we had plenty to say about their performances, the story, and all the...
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'Superman' is Here! | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Look! Up in the sky... it’s Sidebar Forever! On this episode, we react to the latest Superman film — written and directed by James Gunn, and starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. We dive into our expectations going in…
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Wrestlemania 41|SIDEBAR FOREVER
The Showcase of the Immortals was upon us once again as WWE’s Wrestlemania 41 was unleashed this past Easter weekend. While there was little to rival the extravaganza of last year’s Wrestlemania XL/40, Dwight and Adrian do discuss the sterling highlights as well as the match-ups that could have...
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Reacting to 'Daredevil: Born Again' (Eps 1-3) | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Daredevil: Born Again has arrived, and we have thoughts! Join us as we break down the return of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, welcome new faces like Nikki M. James and Clark Johnson, and question some of the show’s biggest choices. Why did the series sideline...
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Marvel's Man Without Fear: A Daredevil Retrospective | SIDEBAR FOREVER
With Daredevil: Born Again premiering on Disney+ in March, now’s the perfect time to revisit everyone’s favorite blind superhero. On this episode, we explore Daredevil's comic book origins, spotlighting legendary creators like Gene Colan, Frank Miller, and John Romita, Jr., whose work helped…
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Gifts of SiDEBARs Past | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This week on the pod, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane to revisit the early days of the show. We reflect on some of the greatest gifts we've received as hosts—ranging from original artwork and swag, to unforgettable moments on the mic and memorable experiences with guests and listeners....
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It Happened One Christmas (But That Don’t Make It A Christmas Story) | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This week on Sidebar Forever, we're diving into the surprising ways Christmas shows up in films, comics, and television shows that aren't about the holidays. From Die Hard and Trading Places, to comic book one-shots like Wanted: Santa Claus—Dead or Alive, to 30 Rock's infamous Ludachristmas...
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Obsessed with Greatness | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On today's episode, we explore characters in film who are consumed by the pursuit of greatness at any cost. We delve into modern hits such as Whiplash, Black Swan, and The Prestige, while also revisiting classics like Sunset Boulevard, Amadeus, and Basquiat. Our discussion centers on Hollywood's...
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Remembering James Earl Jones and John Cassaday | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On this special episode, we honor the extraordinary legacy of actor James Earl Jones, a voice that defined generations. From his groundbreaking roles in Dr. Strangelove and The Great White Hope, to his unforgettable performances in The Lion King and Coming to America, Jones left an indelible mark...
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The 1980s Action Movie Draft | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Gear up for a blast from the past as we time travel to the 1980s and draft our favorite action movies. It’s like the NFL Draft, but with iconic action flicks! Your hosts battle it out over five categories to assemble their ultimate teams. Once a film is picked, it’s off the board—no repeats...
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Let's Review 'Deadpool & Wolverine'! | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Wade Wilson is back and he’s brought the Ol’ Canucklehead with him! Join us as we review the absolute bonkers ride that is Deadpool & Wolverine. We unpack why this film isn't called Deadpool 3, Hugh Jackman’s epic return as our favorite mutton-chopped Canadian, each and every surprise cameo, and...
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The Trouble with Fan Service | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Join us on today's pod as we dive into the murky waters of fan service or ‘Stan’ service to paraphrase one Marshall Mathers. From comic book adaptations to controversial casting choices like Hugh Jackman as Wolverine to artistic liberties taken such as the racially-diverse Norse gods in the Thor...
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HeroesCon 2024: Howard Chaykin | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On this episode, Adrian recorded audio from a panel featuring writer/artist/raconteur Howard Chaykin at HeroesCon 2024 this past weekend. Moderated by Chris Brennaman of Infinite Realities Comics in Tucker, GA, the panel follows Chaykin discussing his career, the true origin of his series ‘Black...
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"Good artists copy. Great artists steal." | SIDEBAR FOREVER
When it comes to creativity, inspiration is often taken from the works of others. But where do we draw the line between influence and outright copying? Join us on this thought-provoking episode as we ponder the age-old debate: When do imitation and homage become stealing? From comic book artists...
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5 Comics That Explain The 90s | SIDEBAR FOREVER
In the third installment of our ‘5 Comics That Explain’ series, we G-ride to the 1990s. The conversation includes Spawn #1 and the meteoric rise of Image Comics, the death (and inevitable return) of Superman in issue #75 and the ‘Bad Girl’ craze led by scantily-clad characters such as Lady Death...
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Wrestlemania XL! | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On this episode, Dwight and Adrian review WRESTLEMANIA XL! As longtime wrestling fans, we totally ‘mark’ out on the Grandest Stage of Them All! Titles change! Heroes and villains return! And will Cody Rhodes survive the onslaught of the Universal Champion Roman Reigns, The Rock and the combined...
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9 Underrated Sci-Fi Movies You Need to See | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Be it aliens, clones, or dystopian futures, we love us some science fiction. On today's podcast, we take inspiration from movieweb.com by compiling a list of nine underrated sci-fi movies. Terrific films like The Brother From Another Planet, Soylent Green, The Hidden, Equilibrium, and The Girl…
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Too Much Star Wars? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This week, we travel to a galaxy far, far away and ask the question: With all the films, TV shows, animated shows, comics, novels, and video games out there, is there too much Star Wars? Don't get us wrong, of course, we love the Star Wars Universe to pieces. But depending on which adaptation or...
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5 Comic Books That Explain the ’80s | SIDEBAR FOREVER
With our second installment in this series, we jump to the 1980s. In the conversation, we discuss massive crossover events such as Crisis and Secret Wars, the rise of X-Men Mania, and the British Invasion in the form of anthologies like Warrior and 2000 AD. We also cover the phenomenon that was…
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The Punisher Turns 50 | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher debuted in February 1974 in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man #129. Almost 50 years to the month, we celebrate Castle as a figure, not just within comics, but one who has also been adapted to film, TV, and animation. On the pod, we discuss Don Pendleton's The...
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SUPERHERO MOVIE DRAFT | SIDEBAR FOREVER
In the wake of this year’s Super Bowl, we have our first ever Superhero Movie Draft! We’ve prepared our 1st Round Picks in the categories of Sequels, Teams, Non-Marvel/DC, Solo and the Billion Dollar Club! It promises to be a humdinger with steals, surprises and alley-oops! As always, thanks for...
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1984 | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On this episode, we discuss the music, the movies, television, comics and personal memories from the year Kyle Reese came back to save humanity - 1984!
About this show
A podcast on popular culture and the arts hosted by Dwight Clark, Swain Hunt & Adrian Johnson. Every episode features the hosts chopping it up over a variety of topics from entertainment, culture and the visual arts.
Hosted by
Hosted by Dwight, Swain & Adrian