The Smark Avengers

The Smark Avengers

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. 8h ago

    Cinematic Synergy Woes

    Ever since the Marvel Cinematic Universe blew up on the cultural zeitgeist, a whole new generation and audience have been introduced to such iconic characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and more (including characters from the Distinguished Competition like Superman and Batman) that they may not have encountered any other way. Since comics, like most else in this capitalist hellscape we currently live in, is a business the question becomes how do you convert the movie going audience to comic books readers? Do you capitalize on what the audience has seen and try to reproduce it or do you stick to your guns and show them the classic representation? Thankfully both DC and Marvel has tried to both to mixed success but the prevailing strategy at times has been synchronicity. Sometimes you get winners like updating the Guardians of the Galaxy to be more like James Gunn’s interpretations of the characters and sometimes you aren’t as lucky... 🦸 Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers discuss some of their least favorite moment where the comics tried to synchronize with the movies (and maybe a few they liked): - The removal of Nick Fury and the introduction of Marcus Johnson aka Nick Fury Jr. - Black Adam joins the Justice League to raise his stock in anticipation of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “Black Adam” - Civil War 2 being released around the time of the MCU’s “Captain America: Civil War” - Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver losing their status as mutants due to Disney & Fox having rights issues over mutant characters - John Diggle and Felicity Smoak replacing Green Arrow’s supporting cast - Spider-Man gains organic webbing in lieu of having web-shooters All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: what is your least favorite attempt by Marvel or DC to synchronize with the movies or television series? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!

    Cinematic Synergy Woes
  2. Sep 11

    Spider-Man and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? (We Liked It)

    More of a blessing than a curse, the Smark Avengers may have lost the intended episode they originally set out to record but realized they all had opinions on the latest Spider-Man centric addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe! While this may have been the sixth or seventh movie that Tom Holland has portrayed Peter Parker, many have commented that this is the first time he feels like the proper Earth-616/comic book version of the character. No job, no girlfriend, no mentors, and no adoring public… this truly is a Brand New Day for Spider-Man in the MCU. Take two Spider-Man super fans and one DC comics fan who hasn’t watched a MCU movie since 2013 and you’ll get three Smark Avengers discussing the impact that this movie has had on Spider-Man, the MCU, the genre of super hero movies as a whole, and other topics that come up in this free form discussion of the film. 🕸️ Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers break down and discuss such topics as: - The minimal use of traditional Spider-Man villains such as the Scorpion and Tombstone in favor of using Jean Grey as the main antagonist - The theme of acceptance, grieving, and processing pain - Jean Grey’s characterization and whether or not there are other mutant characters who could have filled the same role - The characterization of Frank Castle in Brand New Day versus the television series - The changes in the Hulk and how he seemingly no longer has control over his other form - Spider-Man still missing his wisecracking personality All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: did Brand New Day hit the mark for you? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!

    Spider-Man and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? (We Liked It)
  3. Sep 4

    Midnight Marvel Madness

    A few months ago Marvel Comics announced a new horror imprint “Midnight Marvel” and three new titles that would be debuting this October: Midnight Fantastic Four, Midnight X-Men, and Midnight Spider-Man. The objective is simple, let’s take three iconic Marvel comics and put them through the horror lens to see what happens! Whether it’s cosmic horror with the Fantastic Four, vampiric horror with the X-Men, or body horror with Spider-Man it looks like Midnight Marvel has something for every fan of horror to enjoy! With Jon unavailable to record, it’s up to Corey and Dylan to wade through the initial solicitations and covers for these three upcoming Marvel tales to see if you can judge a book by its cover! 🧟 Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers (minus one) dissect Midnight Marvel: Are the uniform covers strong branding or bad design choice if placed on the new release wall in stores? How strong of a premise is the Fantastic Four encountering unspeakable cosmic horror? Is Hickman’s X-Men versus vampires original or is it too surface level for the mind behind the Krakoan Age? What separates Midnight Spider-Man from the other horror takes on Peter Parker? All of this and more! 💬 Join the discussion: which of the Midnight Marvel titles have your attention? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!

    Midnight Marvel Madness
  4. Aug 28

    The Smark Avengers Kill Venom

    For years the Venom symbiote has been a hero, a villain, a Lethal Protector, a Dark Avenger, a Guardian of the Galaxy, an ally, a thorn in the side of Spider-Man, and everything in between as it has bonded and jumped from host to host. Well the Smark Avengers are sick of it! In the past, the Smark Avengers have sought a permanent end to the likes of Aquaman, the Flash, Wolverine, Magneto, and Lobo but now it’s Eddie Brock’s turn! 🕸️ Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers plot to kill Eddie Brock aka Venom: - Corey goes through the symbiote’s strengths and weaknesses - Dylan’s shotgun approach includes food poisoning, leaving him in North America under the current presidential administration, a Luigi’s Mansion-style vacuum, and more! - Jon’s single, in-depth plan involving kidnapping, marriage, assembling an evil gang Can Dylan and Jon get the job done? 💬 Join the discussion: If you had to get rid of the symbiote, how would to do it? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!

    The Smark Avengers Kill Venom
  5. Aug 21

    San Diego Comic Con News

    For decades now, San Diego Comic Con has been the closest thing to Christmas morning for comic book movie and television fans around the world. Big announcements, surprises, and appearances steal the headlines for days after the convention comes and goes and this year was no different! Dylan is out this week but have no fear as the remaining lads Corey and Jon sort their way through the big news stories out of SDCC as well as discuss their own insights and opinions on the next slate of Marvel and DC offerings for the big and small screen alike. 🎭 Sit back and relax as the Smark Avengers (minus one) discuss: Ryan Gosling being cast as the MCU’s Ghost RiderThe Avengers Doomsday presentation and the next phase of the MCUBlack Panther 3 and the new Black Panther actor The new trailer for the DC Comics’ Clayface movie More details on the Lanterns HBO Max seriesMarvel’s new Indiana Jones comic book seriesThe lead-up to Iron Man’s 700th issueEddie Brock’s return to the Venom symbioteThe Punisher joining the Avengers line-up in 2027💬 Join the discussion: What was the biggest news from Comic Con in your opinion? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on this same channel!

    San Diego Comic Con News
  6. Aug 14

    The Smark Avengers Become Marvel Comics Editors-In-Chief?!

    A number of weeks ago, Marvel Comics made a major announcement that CB Cebulski would be stepping down as the acting Editor-In-Chief and would be replaced by Steve Wacker. Of course this means a potential major shift at Marvel Comics as a new EIC means the possibility of massive changes in the status quo. For months the Smark Avengers have been stating that Marvel needed to do something big to shake things up and this seems like the very thing they need to get back into competition with the Distinguished Competition at DC Comics. The question is… what sort of changes can be made to make up ground? This week Corey, Dylan, and Jon take turns playing armchair quarterback as they go around the horn and reveal what sort of changes they would make if they were given “the pencil” at Marvel Comics as Editor-In-Chief! ✏️ Grab your notepads and your red ink pens, true believers, as the Smark Avengers discuss: The surprising history of the men who acted as Marvel Editor-In-ChiefWhat they think makes a great EICTheir opinions on the current state of MarvelWhat big changes they would make if they were the new EICThis is a great episode for Bat-fans and trivia lovers alike! 💬 Join the discussion: What changes would you make if you were the Editor-In-Chief for Marvel Comics? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!

    The Smark Avengers Become Marvel Comics Editors-In-Chief?!
  7. Aug 7

    Silver Age Batman Villains

    The Silver Age was an iconic time for super hero comics as it gave birth to some of the most iconic versions of the medium’s most beloved figures. Green Lantern Hal Jordan, The Flash Barry Allen, and the rise of Marvel Comics line of heroes are just a few who were created and thrived in the Silver Age. Comic mainstays from the Golden Age like Superman and Batman also adapted to the new era of comics under the Comics Code Authority and with it came the changes in villains. In a previous episode, Corey walked Jon and Dylan through Batman’s rogues gallery from the Golden Age which saw such famous characters as the Joker, Catwoman, and Two-Face but also some less than memorable and certainly less than iconic characters as well. This week Corey is back with another Power Point Presentation to introduce Jon and Dylan to the insane rules of the Comics Code Authority and the world of Batman villains in the Silver Age! 🦇 Tune in at this Bat-Time on this Bat-YouTube-Channel as Corey showcases such villains as: - The original take on Mister Freeze - The second version of Clayface - Calendar Man - Polka-Dot Man - Kite-Man - Zebra Man - The Rainbow Creature - Gaggy - And more! This is a great episode for Bat-fans and trivia lovers alike! 💬 Join the discussion: Who was your favorite Silver Age villain? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on the Smark Avengers YouTube channel!

    Silver Age Batman Villains
  8. Jul 31

    Leap of Faith - Daredevil Jumping On Points!

    Matt Murdock a.k.a. Daredevil is one of the most dynamic and tragic heroes in Marvel Comics history. With a large supporting cast like Foggy Nelson and Karen Page along with a rogues gallery including the Kingpin, Bullseye, Elektra, the Owl, and Purple Man… the Man Without Fear has been captivating readers since the 1960s with the recent success of his Disney+ earning him new fans every season. That being said… one of the biggest challenges facing new comic book readers is where and how do you jump on to a new book? Thankfully for you new readers, resident Daredevil expert Jon is walking Corey and Dylan through the major creative runs for the Man Without Fear and what are the best jumping on points! 😈 Sit back and relax, True Believers, as the lads cover: - Stan Lee, Bill Everett, and Jack Kirby’s creation of the character along with the creation of villains the Owl, the Purple Man, and Stilt-Man. - The shift in issue #7 where Daredevil gains his iconic solid red costume. - The swashbuckling Silver Age days. - Frank Miller’s run that changed everything for Matt Murdock and as the Kingpin is introduced as his major antagonist along with the Hand, Elektra, Bullseye, and more. - Frank’s return to Daredevil for the iconic Born Again storyline. - The introduction of the Marvel Knights line of comics with filmmaker Kevin Smith’s run on Daredevil and the death of Karen Page. - Brian Michael Bendis’ run with the introduction of Sammy Silk, the status quo shift for the Kingpin and Vanessa Fisk, Matt Murdock’s short-lived marriage, and Daredevil’s arrest. - Ed Brubaker’s continuation of Bendis’ story of Murdock in prison and ending with the Shadowland storyline. - Mark Waid’s returning Daredevil to his swashbuckling roots as he tries to hide his depression in an atypical run. - Charles Soule’s run that proves to be influential to the Daredevil: Born Again television series that returns Daredevil to his New York roots and the Kingpin becomes Mayor of NYC. This is a great episode for longtime fans of ol’ Hornhead or new fans looking to learn more about the iconic vigilante from Hell’s Kitchen! 💬 Join the discussion: What do you think is THE iconic Daredevil run? 👍 Like the video if you enjoy comic book related discussions and humor 🔔 Subscribe for more comic deep dives, reviews, rankings, 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 Also be sure to check out New Number Ones posted every week on our YouTube channel!

    Leap of Faith - Daredevil Jumping On Points!

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.