The Smark Avengers

The Smark Avengers
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  • Comedy

Corey, Dylan, and Jon are three long term friends and long term comic book fans. They are not experts, they are not well-respected in their fields, but they are here to talk about comic book topics that make them laugh.

  1. The Art of Following Unlikable Characters

    2d ago

    The Art of Following Unlikable Characters

    Why do some of the most compelling stories ask us to spend time with people who are difficult—or even outright horrible—to understand? With Jon unavailable for this episode, Corey and Dylan sit down for a wide-ranging discussion on one of storytelling’s most uncomfortable but fascinating ideas: following unlikable or morally questionable characters as protagonists. The conversation is sparked by Corey’s recent reading of Odin #1 from Image Comics, which follows an investigative journalist embedded with a group of young neo-Nazis lost in the wilderness. From there, the discussion expands into comics and beyond, exploring how writers navigate empathy, discomfort, and moral distance. 📚 Topics discussed include: What makes an unlikable or villainous character compelling to follow The difference between understanding a character and endorsing their actions How writers build empathy without excusing harmful behavior Antiheroes, villain protagonists, and morally gray storytelling in comics When storytelling becomes meaningful exploration versus uncomfortable glorification A significant part of the conversation also turns toward audience interpretation, as Corey and Dylan discuss concerns about how some readers/viewers may identify too strongly with unsavory characters, particularly when those characters embody unchecked power, dominance, or influence. They explore how certain stories can be misread—or intentionally reinterpreted—in ways that reflect a desire for control or superiority rather than the narrative’s intended critique, and why that tension matters in modern storytelling. Along the way, they question where the line is between engaging with complex fiction and projecting real-world values onto characters who are meant to be cautionary or critical examples. Do characters need to be likable to be worth following? Can a story about terrible people still offer insight without being misunderstood? And what responsibility, if any, does an audience have when engaging with these kinds of narratives? Join us for a deeper-than-usual conversation about comics, storytelling, and the uneasy space between fiction, interpretation, and audience response. 💬 Join the discussion: Do you think audiences sometimes misinterpret villain-centric stories as aspirational? Where is the line for you? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic discussions and narrative deep dives 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, character studies, and storytelling debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 5m
  2. Has Modern Comics Lost the Plot?

    Jun 5

    Has Modern Comics Lost the Plot?

    It's time for another relaxed-fit episode as Corey, Dylan, and Jon sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of comic books, what's working, what isn't, and some of the stranger directions Marvel and DC have taken recently. From Spider-Man to the X-Men, Iron Man to Lobo, no topic is safe as the guys bounce around the comic book landscape and share their thoughts on the stories, characters, and creative decisions that have caught their attention. 📚 Topics discussed include: The latest redesign for Mary Jane Watson's Venom persona The identity and future of Spider-Man villain Torment Thoughts on the current Iron Man comics Whether The Sentry is being used effectively The state of the X-Men line following recent events Why Lobo continues to be one of comics' most ridiculous characters The challenges and opportunities facing modern Marvel and DC The conversation also shifts beyond the Big Two as Corey reflects on what he's learned from five months of covering new comic releases on New Number Ones, including observations about smaller publishers and the kinds of books that deserve more attention from readers. Is modern comics in a healthy place? Are publishers making the most of their best characters? And have comic fans become harder to please than ever? Tune in as the Smark Avengers crew tries to make sense of it all. 💬 Join the discussion: What do you think is the biggest problem facing comics today? Or are things better than fans give them credit for? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book discussions and industry talk 🔔 Subscribe for weekly comic book podcasts, character deep dives, rankings, tournaments, and more Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 13m
  3. Does Watchmen Still Hold Up? (First-Time Reader Reaction)

    May 29

    Does Watchmen Still Hold Up? (First-Time Reader Reaction)

    For the first time ever, Dylan has finally read Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen… and now it’s time to talk about it. In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon revisit one of the most influential comics ever created as Dylan gives his fresh perspective on the legendary graphic novel while Corey and Jon reflect on their own past readings years later. Using the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Watchmen discussion guide as a framework, the guys dive deep into the themes, characters, structure, and legacy of the series that changed comics forever. 🟡 Topics discussed include: Dylan’s first impressions of Watchmen Whether the comic still holds up in 2026 Rorschach, Dr. Manhattan, Ozymandias, and the Comedian The book’s political and social themes The storytelling techniques that made it revolutionary Whether the comic deserves its legendary reputation Does Watchmen remain a masterpiece decades later? Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone who’s never read Watchmen before, this episode is a deep dive into one of the most discussed comics of all time. 💬 Join the discussion: Does Watchmen still deserve its reputation as the greatest graphic novel ever written? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic deep dives and literary discussions 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, retrospectives, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 16m
  4. The Avengers Auction Gets CHAOTIC (Deadpool, Rogue & More)

    May 22

    The Avengers Auction Gets CHAOTIC (Deadpool, Rogue & More)

    The Avengers Auction returns… and this time the roster gets way stranger. In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon continue their ongoing mission to draft every Avenger in Marvel history by spinning a wheel of names and bidding with limited cash. Covering the Jonathan Hickman Avengers era, All-New All-Different Avengers, Uncanny Avengers, and other 2010s lineups, the guys are forced to balance huge stars with some truly obscure wildcard picks. 🦸 Characters up for auction include: Deadpool Rogue Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel Miles Morales Starbrand Ex Nihilo Kaluu Alexis the Protector And many more from Marvel’s weirdest Avengers era As the bids climb higher, strategies begin to fall apart. One major “power move” completely backfires, sending the auction into chaos and changing the direction of the draft. Who builds the best Avengers team? Who wastes their budget on terrible picks? And who gets stuck with the most random roster imaginable? If you enjoy Marvel Comics, fantasy drafts, obscure comic characters, and chaotic debates, this episode is for you. 💬 Join the discussion: Which drafted Avengers team would YOU choose? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy Marvel drafts and auctions 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, rankings, tournaments, and deep dives Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 3m
  5. Ranking X-Men Villains From S to D (Magneto, Apocalypse & More)

    May 15

    Ranking X-Men Villains From S to D (Magneto, Apocalypse & More)

    Who are the best—and worst—X-Men villains of all time? In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon put some of the most iconic enemies of the X-Men through the ultimate test: a tier list ranking from S to D. From legendary masterminds to questionable henchmen, nothing is safe from debate. Villains featured include: Magneto (Jon’s favorite—so expect strong opinions) Apocalypse Mister Sinister Mystique Sabretooth Bastion Toad And more from across X-Men history Each character is judged on power, impact, storylines, and overall legacy, but when the guys can’t agree… things get heated. Who belongs in S Tier as an all-time great? Who gets pushed down to D Tier as a disappointment? And which rankings will spark the biggest arguments? If you love X-Men comics, villain breakdowns, and chaotic tier list debates, this episode is for you. 💬 Join the debate: How would YOU rank these X-Men villains? Who did we get completely wrong? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy tier lists and comic debates 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book rankings, deep dives, and weekly episodes Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 25m
  6. From Joker to Gorilla Boss: Batman’s Weirdest Golden Age Villains

    May 8

    From Joker to Gorilla Boss: Batman’s Weirdest Golden Age Villains

    Batman has one of the greatest rogue galleries in comics… but it didn’t start out the way you think. In this episode, Corey walks Dylan and Jon through a PowerPoint deep dive into Batman’s Golden Age villains, showcasing everything from the icons that stood the test of time to the absolute strangest characters DC ever published. 🦇 In this episode: Classic villains like Joker, Catwoman, Penguin, Two-Face, and the Riddler in their earliest forms Deep cuts like the vampiric Monk, the mob-minded Gorilla Boss, and the Hitler stand-in Carl Kruger Truly bizarre one-offs like The Ugliest Man in the World How Golden Age versions of villains differ from their modern counterparts Why some villains became legends… while others completely disappeared As Corey presents each character, Dylan and Jon react in real time to just how weird, experimental, and sometimes ridiculous early Batman comics could be. From horror-inspired enemies to wartime propaganda villains to straight-up nonsense, this episode explores a side of Batman history that proves the Golden Age was pure chaos. 💬 Join the discussion: Which Golden Age Batman villain surprised you the most? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy Batman deep dives 🔔 Subscribe for more comic history, character breakdowns, and chaotic discussions Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 6m
  7. The Shocker: Spider-Man’s Most Underrated Villain?

    May 1

    The Shocker: Spider-Man’s Most Underrated Villain?

    The Shocker might look like a joke… but is he actually one of Spider-Man’s most underrated villains? In this episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon take a deep dive into Herman Schultz, better known as the Shocker. Led by resident Spider-Man expert Dylan, the crew explores the character’s full history—from his iconic debut to his many ups, downs, and questionable life choices. ⚡ In this episode: The origin of the Shocker and his signature vibro-shock gauntlets Breaking down his yellow quilted suit (and why it’s more practical than it looks) His inconsistent motivations: master criminal vs guy just trying to get by Where the Shocker fits in Spider-Man’s rogue gallery Whether he’s a legitimate threat… or just an easy win The episode wraps up with a look at Shocker’s appearances across movies, animated series, and video games, and how those versions compare to his comic book counterpart. Is the Shocker a low-level crook who got lucky—or a villain who never quite got the respect he deserves? 💬 Join the discussion: Is the Shocker underrated, or exactly where he belongs? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy Spider-Man deep dives 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book history, character breakdowns, and debates Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    58 min
  8. Too Many Ads, Not Enough Wrestling — WrestleMania 2026 Review

    Apr 24

    Too Many Ads, Not Enough Wrestling — WrestleMania 2026 Review

    WrestleMania is supposed to be the biggest night in wrestling… so why did it feel like there was more advertising than action? In this year’s wrestling-themed episode, Corey, Dylan, and Jon break down WrestleMania 2026 — covering the matches, standout moments, and the decisions that left them scratching their heads. 💥 In this episode: Full WrestleMania 2026 match breakdowns What worked — and what absolutely didn’t Why so many matches felt shorter than expected The overwhelming presence of ads and sponsorships The crowd reactions, surprises, and missed opportunities Just how over Danhausen was during the event From high points to frustrating choices, the guys dig into whether this year’s WrestleMania delivered on the hype or fell short of expectations. Was this a great show buried under bad pacing? Or a sign of a bigger problem with modern WWE events? 💬 Join the discussion: What did you think of WrestleMania 2026? Did the ads hurt the show for you? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy wrestling recaps and debates 🔔 Subscribe for more comic book podcasts, wrestling specials, and weekly discussions Click the link for Dylan's radio show!: http://www.bouncedigitalradio.co.uk Click the link for Dylan's Twitch stream: http://Twitch.tv/spookylaroux Click the link for Jon's Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/bigjonbowski/ Click the link for Corey's show "Large Old Cup": https://open.spotify.com/show/2YHMppnl9inQevwLIxR64f

    1h 14m
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About

Corey, Dylan, and Jon are three long term friends and long term comic book fans. They are not experts, they are not well-respected in their fields, but they are here to talk about comic book topics that make them laugh.

Information

  • Creator
    The Smark Avengers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Smark Avengers 2024
  • Show Website
    The Smark Avengers