Sidebar Forever
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
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.
Episodes
- Star Trek Turns 60 | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever commemorates the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, revisiting its groundbreaking vision, unforgettable cast, and enduring episodes like "Amok Time." The discussion also touches on its influence, citing par…
- 10 Things We Love (and Hate) About Modern Movies & TV | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On Sidebar Forever, hosts discuss the current state of modern movies and TV, exploring both positive aspects like convenient home streaming and shorter seasons, and negative points such as long runtimes and overly familiar casts. They also…
- 1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — The Dark Knight Returns | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever examines Frank Miller's 1986 comic, The Dark Knight Returns. It covers the story's reinvention of Batman, the mid-80s context, editorial freedom, fan reaction, and debates its influence and legacy.
- 1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — Maus: A Survivor's Tale | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode discusses Art Spiegelman's 1986 graphic novel, Maus, which chronicles his father's Holocaust survival and their complex relationship. It explores Spiegelman's background, survivor's guilt, and the book's critical reception, in…
- Unsung Ink: Sam Kieth | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever discusses the unconventional comic art of Sam Kieth, highlighting his work on titles such as The Sandman, Marvel Comics Presents, and his creator-owned series like The Maxx. The discussion reflects on his di…
- 1986: A Landmark Year in Comics — Daredevil: Born Again | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever reviews Daredevil: Born Again, a landmark 1986 comic by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. The episode details the story
- Unsung Ink: The Legacy of Black Writers and Artists in Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever highlights the contributions of Black writers and artists in the comics industry, tracing a creative lineage across generations and celebrating their impact on the medium.
- Can Artists and Art Styles Be an Acquired Taste? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever discusses artists and art styles that can be an acquired taste, featuring creators such as Richard Corben, Tony Salmons, Ralph Steadman, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frida Kahlo, and Salvador Dalí. It examines how…
- Blue-Collar Creators: The Backbone of Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever discusses "blue-collar" comic creators, those who consistently produced quality work without widespread fame. The episode examines figures like Gardner Fox and Mark Bagley, and considers the status of inkers, colorists, and…
- All-in-One-Day Movies | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever discusses movies set within a single day or night, exploring examples like Dog Day Afternoon, Sinners, Panic Room, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Hangover, Judgment Night, and Collateral. The hosts examine how filmmakers uti…
- The Sidebar Guests That Never Happened | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The Sidebar Forever podcast reflects on past guest interviews that did not materialize, mentioning David Mazzucchelli, Jeffrey Jones, and Bill Sienkiewicz. The episode also includes a wishlist of desired guests such as Serpieri, Claire Wen…
- Controversial Moments in Superhero Comics | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The episode revisits controversial moments in superhero comic history, such as sexual assault and bigotry, examining whether they were bold statements or attention stunts and how the definition of controversial has evolved.
- What is a Game Changer? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode explores the concept of 'game changers' across various creative fields, including film, television, comics, and music. It examines influential moments like 'The Matrix,' the rise of binge culture, and shifts in comic book art,…
- Let's Do It Again (for Better or Worse) | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever discusses actors, filmmakers, and comic creators revisiting past hits, examining motivations like fan service and nostalgia, and questioning whether these returns enhance or dilute a legacy. The episode also includes a conf…
- Remembering Drew Struzan | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever remembers Drew Struzan, the artist known for iconic movie posters such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Back to the Future. Struzan, who passed away on October 13, 2025, was a friend of the show and a Hall of Fame inductee.
- A Special Halloween Episode: Black Horror | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode examines the Black Horror Canon, highlighting films with Black leads and stories from the Black experience. It covers classics like Blacula and modern titles like Get Out, while discussing the genre's appeal and audience recep…
- A Special Halloween Episode: 'Sinners' | SIDEBAR FOREVER
On this Halloween episode of Sidebar Forever, hosts Adrian and Swain discuss the 2025 film 'Sinners'. They explore its vampire plot, racial themes, performances from Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and others, and offer critiques on p…
- Comic Book Masterpieces | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever discusses defining works by iconic comic creators including Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Frank Miller. The episode explores various interpretations of a comic masterpiece, from single issues to character creation and the launc…
- Must-See Movies: Did They Live Up to the Hype? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Hosts of Sidebar Forever review Goodfellas, Fight Club, and Magnolia, films they had not previously seen. The discussion covers the casts, initial reception, and the enduring hype surrounding these movies.
- First Reactions to 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever discusses 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' covering the performances of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The episode reviews the film's story, fan service elements, and compares it to pri…
- 'Superman' is Here! | SIDEBAR FOREVER
In this episode of Sidebar Forever, the hosts react to the new Superman film, discussing its cast, plot, the influence of All-Star Superman, and supporting characters. They also compare this iteration to past cinematic versions and conside…
- Wrestlemania 41|SIDEBAR FOREVER
Dwight and Adrian discuss highlights and less successful matches from WWE Wrestlemania 41. The episode also explores the parallels between professional wrestling and comic books, focusing on storytelling and continuity.
- Reacting to 'Daredevil: Born Again' (Eps 1-3) | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The hosts review the first three episodes of Daredevil: Born Again, analyzing the performances of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio, the introduction of new characters, and questioning the pacing and handling of certain plot points and cha…
- Marvel's Man Without Fear: A Daredevil Retrospective | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode revisits Daredevil's comic origins, highlighting creators like Gene Colan, Frank Miller, and John Romita Jr., and tracks his on-screen adaptations, including the 2003 film and the Netflix series.
- Gifts of SiDEBARs Past | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever revisits the show's early days, reflecting on gifts received by the hosts, including artwork and swag. Memorable moments include interviews with Bernie Wrightson and Ho Che Anderson, and a conversation with Neal Adams.
- It Happened One Christmas (But That Don’t Make It A Christmas Story) | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever examines the presence of Christmas in media not centered on the holidays, using examples like Die Hard and 30 Rock. It also delves into the defining characteristics of a Christmas story, referencing Frosty t…
- Obsessed with Greatness | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever discusses characters in films like Whiplash, Black Swan, and Amadeus who are consumed by the pursuit of greatness. It examines the personal and mental toll of extreme ambition and how these narratives influe…
- Remembering James Earl Jones and John Cassaday | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This special episode of Sidebar Forever commemorates actor James Earl Jones, known for roles in Dr. Strangelove, The Lion King, and as Darth Vader, and comic artist John Cassaday, celebrated for Planetary and Astonishing X-Men. Both men pa…
- The 1980s Action Movie Draft | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The Sidebar Forever podcast held a draft of 1980s action movies, with hosts selecting films in categories like Solo Man on a Mission, Buddy Cop, Sci Fi-Fantasy, Military Action, and Wild Card.
- Let's Review 'Deadpool & Wolverine'! | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The Sidebar Forever podcast reviews the film Deadpool & Wolverine, covering its title, Hugh Jackman's return, surprise cameos, and box office impact. The hosts also debate Deadpool's MCU integration and the movie's R-rated status.
- The Trouble with Fan Service | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever discusses fan service in adaptations, examining how creator choices like casting and artistic liberties can conflict with fan expectations. The episode considers whether creators should prioritize fan loyalty or artistic fr…
- HeroesCon 2024: Howard Chaykin | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode features audio from a Howard Chaykin panel at HeroesCon 2024, moderated by Chris Brennaman. Chaykin covers his career, the origin of "Black Kiss," Gil Kane, and personal transformation. The episode concludes with Chaykin perfo…
- "Good artists copy. Great artists steal." | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever discusses the age-old debate on creativity, inspiration, and artistic theft. It examines the line between influence and copying, using examples from visual artists, filmmakers, and musicians.
- 5 Comics That Explain The 90s | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode discusses five comic books that define the 1990s: Spawn #1 and Image Comics, the death of Superman, 'Bad Girl' comics like Lady Death and Shi, DC's 'Kingdom Come,' and Neil Gaiman's 'Sandman.' Honorable mentions include X-Men…
- Wrestlemania XL! | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Dwight and Adrian review Wrestlemania XL, covering title changes and character returns. The discussion includes the match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, with consideration of The Rock and the Bloodline faction.
- 9 Underrated Sci-Fi Movies You Need to See | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode of Sidebar Forever explores nine underrated science fiction movies, drawing inspiration from a Movieweb.com article. Films like 'The Brother From Another Planet,' 'Soylent Green,' and 'Equilibrium' are highlighted, alongside a…
- Too Much Star Wars? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The hosts of Sidebar Forever debate whether the Star Wars universe has become oversaturated with content, examining the varying reception of recent films and series. The discussion broadens to include other movie-to-TV adaptations and conc…
- 5 Comic Books That Explain the ’80s | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode discusses five comic books that explain the 1980s, including major crossover events, the popularity of X-Men, British anthologies, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Alan Moore's Swamp Thing.
- The Punisher Turns 50 | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever marks The Punisher's 50th anniversary, examining his comic origins, adaptations in film and TV, actors like Dolph Lundgren and Jon Bernthal, and the controversial co-option of his skull symbol by far-right groups.
- SUPERHERO MOVIE DRAFT | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The podcast episode features a Superhero Movie Draft, with hosts selecting movies across categories such as Sequels, Teams, Non-Marvel/DC, Solo, and the Billion Dollar Club.
- 1984 | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever episode 1984 covers the pop culture landscape of 1984, including music, movies, television, and comics, alongside personal recollections from that year.
- Walt Simonson Hall of Fame | SIDEBAR FOREVER
This episode builds an unofficial Hall of Fame for comic artist Walt Simonson, covering his notable works like The Mighty Thor and Manhunter, his unique dinosaur signature, and his cameo in the 2011 Thor film.
- Plot Twists & MacGuffins | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever explores plot twists and MacGuffins in film, referencing examples like Psycho, The Sixth Sense, and Pulp Fiction. The episode also considers directors known for these techniques.
- B-Movies That Are Craptastic | SIDEBAR FOREVER
Sidebar Forever analyzes two B-movies: The Substitute (1996) and The Chronicles of Riddick (2004). The discussion covers Tom Berenger's martial arts, Vin Diesel's breakout roles, and the quality of these films and their sequels.
- Is Rotten Tomatoes Still Valid? | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The Sidebar Forever podcast discusses the validity of Rotten Tomatoes, examining its accuracy, ownership by major studios, and relevance in the current online landscape.
- Actors with the Most Geek Cred | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The podcast episode identifies actors with the most extensive careers in science fiction, fantasy, and comic book films, discussing their fan appeal and the impact of iconic roles on their careers.
- Sidebar Classic - Brian Stelfreeze (Part 2)
This classic Sidebar episode concludes a two-part discussion with artist Brian Stelfreeze, who shares insights into his creative process and the scientific aspects of designing comic book cover art.
- Sidebar Classic - Brian Stelfreeze (Part 1)
This episode features legendary artist Brian Stelfreeze discussing his early career and his work as a cover artist for Batman: Shadow of The Bat. Stelfreeze also touches on the state of the comic industry.
- 5 Comic Books That Explain the ’70s | SIDEBAR FOREVER
The podcast episode "5 Comic Books That Explain the ’70s" discusses five comic books that reflect the 1970s, such as those based on toys like Micronauts and Shogun Warriors, characters with occult themes like Ghost Rider, and martial arts-…
- Sidebar Classic - Whilce Portacio
This classic episode from 2010 features an interview with comics artist Whilce Portacio. Portacio discusses his nearly four-decade career, his artwork on titles like Uncanny X-Men and Iron Man, and his role as a co-founder of Image Comics…