MOTU on Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi, Episode 9

MOTU on Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi, Episode 9

Join Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi as they dive into the legacy of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in light of the new live-action film. From the toy line's bold designs to its pulp fiction roots in Conan and Flash Gordon, they explore what made the franchise iconic—and what they hope to see in this new adaptation. Will it embrace the vibrant, larger-than-life spirit of the original, or play it safe? Tune in for a nostalgia-packed tangent! 0:00 Introduction 0:09 Discussion on He-Man and Masters of the Universe 2:10 Influences and Design of He-Man 5:44 Comparison to Conan and Other Influences 13:57 Evolution of Toy Design and Animation 23:51 Flash Gordon and He-Man Connection 24:36 Expectations for the New He-Man Movie 26:01 Color in Film and Genre Material 39:31 Final Thoughts on He-Man Movie

Tron on Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi, Episode 8

Join Alex and Jason on Bif Bang Pow! Presents as they geek out over Disney's Tron franchise! From the groundbreaking 1982 original to Tron: Legacy, they discuss the films' enduring aesthetic, behind-the-scenes designs, merchandise, and why Cindy Morgan's Yori remains an iconic character. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Grid, this episode is packed with electrifying insights about one of sci-fi's most visually innovative worlds. 0:00 Introduction 0:56 Discussion on Original Tron Film 12:38 Tron's Influence and Merchandise 16:02 Tron Legacy and Design Aesthetics 26:20 Tron's Cultural Impact and Future 36:45 Closing Thoughts and Justice for Cindy Morgan

Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi. Episode 7: John Carter of Mars

Join Alex and Jason on this wild tangent-filled episode as they trace the epic lineage of John Carter of Mars – the Edgar Rice Burroughs character who became the godfather of superhero mythology. From Superman's origins to Flash Gordon's influences, they explore how Carter shaped comic book history before landing on a fascinating revelation about the 1980s cartoon Blackstar (spoiler: it was almost a John Carter show!). Packed with deep dives into pulp fiction, sci-fi inspirations, and Hollywood what-ifs, this is a must-listen for fans of adventure storytelling. Don't miss their passionate defense of the underrated John Carter movie too! 0:00 Introduction 0:55 John Carter of Mars Discussion 2:03 Influence on Superman and Other Characters 7:13 Flash Gordon and The Shadow 8:56 Batman and Lone Ranger Origins 12:52 Visual Lineage and Design Influences 14:34 First Awareness of John Carter 16:48 John Carter Movie and Franchise Potential 26:43 AI and Future of Storytelling 33:30 Blackstar and John Carter Connection 35:54 Closing Thoughts

Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi. Episode 6: Flash Gordon

Dive deep into a surprisingly interconnected world of Flash Gordon, Marvel Comics, and Queen! Join Jason and Alex as they unpack the history behind their beloved Flash Gordon action figures and uncover a fascinating link between the film’s character Klytus and the infamous Hellfire Club. From the origins of a key fight scene to Freddie Mercury’s iconic soundtrack, this episode is a tangent-filled exploration for any fan of 80s sci-fi and comic book lore. Get ready for a nostalgic trip packed with behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected connections! 0:00 Introduction & Flash Gordon Significance 1:05 The Connection to Peter Wingard & Marvel's Hellfire Club 2:40 Flash Gordon: Football Scene & Comic Origins 5:00 The Ripped Shirt Motif: From Comics to Serials & Beyond 8:10 Filmmation Series & European Release History 10:30 De Laurentiis's Passion for Flash Gordon & Comic Strip Sources 13:00 The Importance of Queen's Soundtrack 15:50 Rock Music in Fantasy/Sci-Fi & Queen's Impact 18:50 Queen's 'The Hero' & Personal Connection 21:40 The Use of Rock Scores in Film - Examples

Tangents with Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi. Episode 5: Frankenstein

In this episode exploring Bernie Wrightson's lasting impact on Frankenstein interpretation, Alex Ross and Jason Lenzi examine Wrightson's iconic 1980s portfolio and its landmark approach to capturing Mary Shelley's novel. The discussion analyzes Wrightson's pen-and-ink techniques rooted in classic American illustration, the revolutionary creature design including its noseless skull, and how these visual choices amplify the monster's psychological torment. Insights about Guillermo del Toro's upcoming adaptation and Wrightson's artistic legacy conclude this analysis of one of comics' most significant visual interpretations. 00:00 Podcast Intro and Frankenstein Discussion 00:46 Bernie Wrightson's Frankenstein Artwork 06:09 Artistic Techniques and Inspirations 11:25 Influences and Artistic Comparisons 14:27 Visual Interpretation of Frankenstein 18:49 Creature Design Philosophy 22:35 Frankenstein Film Adaptation Insights 24:15 Closing Thoughts on the Monster Legacy