Wednesday Toast Returns! Comics, Internet Drama, and Why Everyone’s Annoying

Wednesday Toast Returns! Comics, Internet Drama, and Why Everyone’s Annoying

Episode Summary: In this episode, the hosts dive into the evolving landscape of comic books, content creation, social media dynamics, and industry politics. They share personal insights, industry opinions, and community experiences, offering a candid look at modern fandom and creator support. In this episode, we explore the nuances of comic book adaptations, movie reviews, and gaming industry trends, emphasizing the importance of nuanced opinions and understanding industry dynamics. Key Topics * The shift in comic book industry focus towards absolute universe * The challenges and realities of content creation as a hobby versus profession * Social media dynamics, bots, and the impact on genuine engagement * Industry politics around diversity, representation, and creator support * The influence of influencer culture and authentic opinions in fandom * Community support and the importance of creator behind-the-scenes * The evolution of comic book storytelling and art styles * The role of social media in shaping industry narratives and controversies Comic book adaptation nuances * Movie review culture and online reactions * Gaming industry trends and controversies * Impact of industry politics on content * Nuanced opinions vs. extreme reactions Key Takeaways * Content creation is a personal hobby that can be maintained without the pressure of influencer culture. * Social media platforms are increasingly filled with bots and inauthentic interactions, affecting genuine engagement. * Industry politics around diversity often overlook the importance of supporting creators behind the scenes. * Authentic opinions and community support are more valuable than clickbait or shock value. * The comic book industry is experiencing a renaissance with new creative takes and storytelling styles. Sound Bites "We're doing a monthly episode, just letting it all out." "Content creation is a hobby I genuinely enjoy." "Social media is filled with bots and inauthentic interactions." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format Changes 02:35 Navigating Life and Content Creation 05:25 The Role of Opinions in Comic Book Culture 08:12 The Influence of Social Media on Discussions 11:01 The State of Comic Books: DC vs. Marvel 16:41 The Impact of the Absolute Universe 21:18 Character Evolution and Originality in Comics 25:17 The Clickbait Dilemma 26:49 DC's Animated Projects and Fan Reactions 28:37 Indie Comics and Collecting Blind Bags 33:00 The Boycott of DC Comics 40:43 Creators vs. Characters in Comics 47:02 Reactions to Supergirl and Online Discourse 54:31 Supergirl and Nuanced Opinions 57:55 Character Depth and Corporate Meddling 01:00:49 Hollowed Out Stories and Emotional Beats 01:05:25 Humor in Movies and Nostalgia 01:08:22 Video Games and Anticipation 01:13:23 GTA VI and Industry Trends 01:17:59 Podcast Outro.mp3 How to Connect: Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Simon (@Sime_On_Toast) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠ [linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic] Keywords comic books, content creation, social media, industry politics, fandom, community, DC Comics, Marvel, indie comics, influencer culture comics, movies, gaming, industry trends, reviews, pop culture, superhero movies, video games, entertainment analysis

Wednesday Toast Saves Milestone Comics!

**Full Disclosure:** The title of this episode is a joke. We are fully aware that we are just two idiots talking about comics on a podcast. Nothing in this episode is meant to take away from the wildly talented creators, writers, artists, and editors who have carried the Milestone legacy for decades. The people working on these characters know the history, the industry, and the realities of publishing far better than we ever could. This episode is simply us speaking as fans and imagining what we might do in a completely hypothetical, make believe scenario with unlimited creative control. Our respect goes out to everyone who has helped build and continue the Milestone legacy. Episode Summary: In this episode of Wednesday Toast, Lex and Simon dive into a passionate discussion about Milestone Comics, Static Shock, and the current state of Black superheroes in the comic book industry. After the recent push from fans to support a new Milestone release, the conversation turns into a larger discussion about representation in comics, corporate influence, and the challenges Black characters face within major publishers like DC Comics. Milestone Comics has always held an important place in comic book history. Created to bring authentic representation and diverse storytelling into the superhero genre, characters like Static, Icon, Rocket, and Hardware helped shape conversations about diversity in comics. But decades later, many fans still feel these characters are not given the same long term support or marketing as other major heroes. Lex and Simon break down the complicated relationship between Milestone Comics and DC Comics, including how publishing deals, marketing strategies, and corporate decision making can impact which characters get pushed and which ones struggle to gain traction. The discussion also explores why independent and creator owned publishers like Image Comics have become an attractive alternative for many creators looking for creative control. The episode also features a hypothetical and completely fan driven conversation about what Lex and Simon might do if they had full creative control over the Milestone universe. From rethinking how Static Shock could lead a modern comic universe to exploring how independent publishing models could help these characters grow, the conversation becomes a deep dive into the future potential of Milestone Comics. Along the way, the hosts also discuss nostalgia in comics, the modern comic speculator market, and why long term storytelling is essential for building new fan favorite characters. If you are a fan of Milestone Comics, Static Shock, DC Comics, independent comics, or discussions about the future of the comic book industry, this episode is for you. Topics discussed in this episode: Milestone Comics and its legacy Static Shock and the impact of the animated series Black superheroes and representation in comics The relationship between Milestone Comics and DC Comics Independent publishing and creator owned comics Marketing strategies in the comic book industry Why new comic characters need time to develop The comic book speculator market Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Black comic books 02:42 The state of Black representation in comics 05:11 Milestone Comics and its legacy 07:47 Creative control and the future of Milestone 10:03 Corporate decisions and Black characters 12:43 Exploring alternatives to DC's publishing model 15:17 Why stories need time to breathe 17:50 Supporting independent Black creators 22:02 Corporate influence on comic creation 25:44 The future of Milestone Comics 29:33 New storytelling approaches 34:18 Nostalgia and comic book market trends 39:52 The comic speculator market Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions.

Wednesday Pull Revisits Static for Black History Month

Episode Summary:This week on Wednesday Toast, Lex (@wednesdaypull) continues the Black History Month rewind series by revisiting a past episode spotlighting a milestone Black comic book character and creative team. Originally released as Episode 90, this rewind features a discussion of Static Volume 1, the groundbreaking series published by Milestone Media in partnership with DC Comics. Static follows Virgil Hawkins, a teenager whose life changes after exposure to a chemical incident grants him electromagnetic powers. Rather than being born a hero, Virgil grows into one while navigating responsibility, identity, and the realities of his environment. The character was co-created by Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle, with early work by Robert L. Washington III and John Paul Leon. Static debuted in 1993 and quickly became one of Milestone’s most influential characters. Beyond the comic review, this episode captures Lex and Simon in a looser, less edited conversation as they talk collecting, toy photography, comic shop challenges, and the importance of supporting local businesses and comic creators. It is a snapshot of the show in its earlier days and a reminder of how community driven comic culture has always been. This rewind episode highlights why Static remains such an important figure in comics and why revisiting Black creators and characters continues to matter. Collects Static #1–4. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠] Keywords Black History Month, comic books, Static, community engagement, comic creators, YouTube, podcasting,Static Shock, Milestone Media, Milestone

Wednesday Pull Revisits Killadelphia for Black History Month

Episode Summary: This week on Wednesday Toast, Lex (@wednesdaypull) is revisiting the archives for Black History Month with a rewind episode. Originally released as Episode 87, this episode features a full review and discussion of Killadelphia, the horror noir series written by Rodney Barnes with art by Jason Shawn Alexander. The story follows Jimmy Sangster, a small town beat cop who returns to Philadelphia to bury his murdered father, a respected city detective. What begins as a personal loss quickly unravels into something far more disturbing as Jimmy uncovers a city overrun by corruption, violence, and vampires. Philadelphia, once a symbol of liberty, has fallen into decay. As the mystery deepens, Jimmy discovers the source of the outbreak is none other than John Adams, secretly alive and building an undead army to ignite a new and bloodier American revolution. This rewind episode is a reminder of why Killadelphia stands out as a bold, socially charged horror series and why revisiting Black creators and their work matters, especially during Black History Month. Collects Killadelphia issues #1–6. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠] Keywords Black History Month, comic books, Killadelphia, community engagement, comic creators, YouTube, podcasting

Wednesday Pull Revisits Bitter Root for Black History Month

Episode Summary: In this episode of Wednesday Toast, WednesdayPull reflects on Black History Month and shares experiences from a recent meet and greet with Comic Drake. The conversation transitions into a discussion about the comic 'Bitter Root', its significance, and the host's plans to create YouTube content. The episode revisits an old review of the first volume of Bitter Root. "Bitter Root Volume 1: Family Business." Once known as the greatest monster hunters of all time, the Sangerye family specialized in curing the souls of those infected by hate. But those days are fading. A terrible tragedy has claimed most of the family, leaving the surviving cousins divided between by the desire to cure monsters or to kill them. Now, though, there’s a new breed of monster loose on the streets of Harlem, and the Sangerye family must either come together or watch the human race fall to untold evil. Created by DAVID F. WALKER and SANFORD GREENE, the creative team of Power Man and Iron Fist, along with indie veteran CHUCK BROWN (Trench Coats, Cigarettes and Shotguns). Collects BITTER ROOT #1-5 Takeaways This month is dedicated to celebrating Black creators in comics. Meet and greets can be surprisingly impactful experiences. Engaging with fans can inspire new creative endeavors. 'Bitter Root' is a significant comic worth revisiting. The host plans to explore YouTube as a new platform. Community interactions can lead to deeper discussions about comics. Reflecting on past reviews can provide new insights. The podcast aims to connect listeners with comic culture. Future episodes will continue to explore important comic themes. Feedback from listeners is encouraged for future content. Sound Bites "I am your Black History host." "Meet and greets always are weird to me." "It was such a surreal experience." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Black History Month and Comic Culture 02:06 Reflections on Comic Dre and Community Engagement 03:13 Exploring 'Bitter Root' and Its Significance CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠] Keywords Black History Month, comic books, Bitter Root, Comic Drake, community engagement, comic creators, YouTube, podcasting