While many would argue that pop culture has become oversaturated with superhero content, there are still some spectacular stories being told n that highlight the superhero genre still has more to offer. One of those projects is the Amazon Prime animated series Invincible, based on the comic book of the same name from The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman. After only one season, Invincible has already cemented itself as one of the best superhero shows of all time. With stellar performances from an incredible voice cast, shocking twists, and visceral action sequences, Invincible has distinguished itself as the best of the best. Invincible is to superhero stories what Game of Thrones is to fantasy epics. Invincible is well aware that the audience has been exposed to over 20 years of superhero tropes and story beats from countless other movie and TV adaptations, and gleefully subverts those expectations with shocking results. It’s exactly the shot in the arm that the genre needs when even the biggest fans are starting to feel some superhero fatigue.
After Season 1 became a massive hit, Amazon Prime was eager to begin production on more episodes. The animated series was quickly renewed for a second and third season. Season 1 acted as a fantastic adaptation of the source material and having read the comic book series, I can say that we’ve only scratched the surface of Invincible‘s potential. If you think Season 1 was wild, wait till you see the some of the places this story goes next.
With so many fans excited for Season 2, the question on everyone’s mind is, when will we see new episodes premiere on the streaming platform? Well, as you’ll see in the very fun video below, we got our answer. Well, kind of. Take a look for yourself…
As Allen The Alien would say “OK, I’ll take it.“. Sure, would I like to see a Summer 2023 release date instead of a late 2023 release date? Absolutely. But animated series can often take a lot longer to make than live action shows, so I’m just happy that we’re getting Season 2 sometime this year. In the meantime, if you want to check out another unique and subversive superhero show, check out Amazon Prime’s other hit comic book series, The Boys. Invincible and The Boys are two of my favorite shows being produced right now, so odds are if you enjoy one, you’ll probably like the other. Plus, you can be sure that as soon as we have more information on the upcoming season of Invincible, you can count on World’s Best Media to keep you updated!
Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter @PJWrightWBM, Instagram @worldsbestmedia2017, and our Facebook Page, Worlds Best Media. Those likes and follows, as well as iTunes reviews for the podcast, go a long way to supporting World’s Best Media. We really appreciate the loyalty and support shown to us by our fans, so thanks again! Stay healthy and stay safe!
The SUMMER ain’t over yet! These are my picks for the movie, TV, streaming, and comic book content to check out in August 2021.
TV
UFO – Documentary Series (Sunday 8/8) Showtime
UFO’s have been in the news now more than ever. As a long time UFO researcher, it’s very satisfying to see this topic finally being taken seriously. This is a 4-part documentary series from JJ Abrams premiering on Showtime. Abrams may have fallen out of grace as a filmmaker, for me at least, but the subject matter makes this a must watch.
Stargirl Season 2 (Tuesday 8/10) The CW
This was a very pleasant surprise when the first season premiered last year. A great cast, cool villains, and fantastic use of classic characters and lore from throughout DC‘s history. This is a great superhero show that the whole family can enjoy. From what I’ve seen, they seem to have really kicked it up a notch in Season 2.
Marvel Studio’s WHAT IF…? (8/11) Disney+
After the events of LOKI, this promises to be very cool.
Titans Season 3 (8/12) HBO
An underrated superhero show that I highly recommend checking out. The first two seasons are available on HBO Max right now.
The Walking Dead: The Final Season (8/22) AMC
I gave up on The Walking Dead a few seasons back, but I just might tune in to see how everything wraps up.
Blu-Ray/4K
Batman: The Long Halloween Part II (8/10)
This has been one of the stronger stories put out by DC Animation over the last few years. Part 1 was great and reviews for Part 2 are even better. I’ve heard that the best way to watch this, is to watch Part 1 & 2, back-to-back. As one movie, like the filmmakers created it to be. I’m sure that, just like their adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns, DC animation will release a Deluxe Edition that is the entire Long Halloween story as one film.
Movies
The Suicide Squad (8/6)
This is a James Gunn movie. Enough said
Free Guy (8/13)
I had zero interest in seeing this film, however I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. The early word is that it’s phenomenal, which is kind of shocking. Friend of the podcast Mark Fitzgerald, who I interviewed, a few months back worked on this movie. So I’m definitely going at the very least auto for loyalty my friend Mark.
The Green Knight (8/18)
This unique and captivating retelling of a classic Arthurian fable has been receiving rave reviews since its release. The film is very far from your typical fantasy movies like Lord of The Rings, as a result some have found it difficult to find a local theater playing the movie on the big screen. So the company that produced the film is giving moviegoers as chances to watch this excellent new story online. Here are the details on how to watch courtesy of Screen Rant: The A24 Screening Room will be playing The Green Knight for one night only in an online format. It will be available on Wednesday, August 18 at 9PM EST and tickets are available now on the A24 Screening Room site at the price of $20 per ticket. The film is accessible through the web, Apple TV, and Roku. After creating an account and buying a ticket, customers will be able to have access to the movie at the aforementioned date and time. Audiences will have 4 hours to watch the film and any other content provided.
New Movies On Streaming
Godzilla VS Kong (Available on HBO Max on 8/17)
A sometimes dumb, but nonetheless fun watch.
Comic Books/Graphic Novels
The Trial of Magneto (8/18)
Someone murdered Wanda Maximoff, The Scarlet Witch, and Magneto is the prime suspect. But what if Magneto is innocent? Did he really kill his own daughter or is there something far more sinister at play? The 5-Issue miniseries is the latest chapter in Jonathan Hickman’s ongoing X-Men Saga that continues to rock the Marvel Universe to it’s core.
Kang The Conqueror #1
SPOILERS FOR LOKI!!!! Fans of the recently wrapped first season of Loki, had a lot of questions following the standout finale episode. The character at the center of many of those questions, was the man pulling strings of The TVA: He Who Remains. He Who Remains, is of course better known to comic book readers as Kang The Conqueror. Kang, He Who Remains, or whoever you want to call him, has gone by many names while becoming the self proclaimed Master of Time. No matter the incarnation we see him in next, this character is going to be massively important moving forward into Phase 4 of The MCU. This 5-issue miniseries is a great place to start for anyone wanting a better understanding Kang and how this fascinating villain will shape the past, present, and future of The MCU.
Thanks for reading! Follow us on Twitter @PJWrightWBM, Instagram @worldsbestmedia2017, and our Facebook Page, Worlds Best Media. Those likes and follows, as well as iTunes reviews, go a long way to supporting World’s Best Media. We really appreciate the loyalty and support shown to us by our fans, so thanks again! Stay healthy and stay safe!
It’s all about INVINCIBLE this week, baby! On this episode we go over everything that makes this series great: the characters, the season’s major story arcs, the incredible cast with standout performances from J.K. Simmons, Steven Yuen, Walton Goggins, Sandra Oh, Zachary Quinto, to name a few, every brilliant twist, turn, and surprise throughout the season, and so much more!
SPOILER ALERT! The images below depict Omni-Man’s slaughter of The Guardians of The Globe!
This is the show that everyone is going to be talking about. Potentially the “Game of Thrones of the Superhero genre”, as we say in the episode. So don’t miss this killer installment of The World’s Best Podcast! Thanks for listening and enjoy! FULL SPOILERS
Listen here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/44944950 Or subscribe/listen on Spotify, Stitcher, Spreaker, iHeartRadio, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox, Podcast Addict, Google Podcasts, & Apple Podcasts/ITunes…
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter @PJWrightWBM, Instagram @worldsbestmedia2017, and our Facebook Page, World’s Best Media. Those likes and follows, as well as iTunes reviews, go a long way to supporting World’s Best Media. We really appreciate the loyalty and support shown to us by our fans, so thanks again! Stay healthy and stay safe!
After a brief hiatus, we’re back! for WBM SPRING 2021 Movie & TV Preview: Week 2/Week3! Today we’re going to take a look at the excellent new Amazon Prime series, INVINCIBLE…
Mark Grayson AKA Invincible
Amazon Prime’s New Series INVINCIBLE
At first glance, Invincible appears to be another coming-of-age superhero tale mixed with a variation on The Superman Archetype. However, this fantastic new series from Amazon Prime actually subverts every troupe and expectation that comes along with the above mentioned stories, to create it’s own wonderfully rich and unique series. Invincible is based on the phenomenal comic book series of the same name from writer Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead. Animation is the perfect way to tell this story because the universe of Invincible is as wild and creative as the Marvel or DC Universes. If you like superhero movies and TV, but are looking for something new from the genre, Invincible is the series for you.
So What’s It About?
Invincible and Atom Eve flying together. Eve has the ability to manipulate matter on a molecular level.
17 year old Mark Grayson is a typical teenager, except for the fact his father is Omni-Man, the world’s greatest superhero. Kind of like Superman, Mark’s dad is an alien from another world called Viltrum. Omni-Man, or Nolan Grayson, came to earth on a peacekeeping mission and eventually met his wife Debbie. Being half Mark will inherit his fathers abilities. When he finally does, he jumps right in the superhero game. Whether it’s rescuing people or stopping bad guys so low, working with all the superheroes like teen teen or the guardians of the globe, or working with his dad who is training him on how to use his abilities and develop them over time. Nolan and Debbie are still very much in love and Mark is over the moon about finally got his powers. There’ loving family who care deeply about one another. However, things aren’t as perfect as they seem.
Steven Yuen as Mark
Mark at high school
Though not a full-time member, Invincible often works with superhero groups like The Teen Team and The Guardians of The Globe. The member of the team team that in March is most friendly is Adam and Eve, if you can go to Marks high school. Mark finds himself in an interesting love triangle between his new girlfriend Amber and fellow superhero Atom Eve, who undeniably has feelings for Mark.
(Left to Right: Rex-Splode, Atom Eve, Invincible (Mark Grayson), Dupli-Kate)
L. Amber; R. Eve
This series has so much going for it, I almost don’t know where to start. The vocal performances are fantastic, mostly due to the stellar voice cast. Steven Yuen (Glenn from The Walking Dead) plays the series lead, Mark Grayson/Invincible. This was pitch perfect casting and Yuen doesn’t disappoint with a excellent performance. Sandra Oh plays Marks mom and wife of J.K. Simmons’ Omniman, The worlds most powerful superhero. Speaking of, another highlight in the series is JK Simmons, who adds another iconic comic book character to his resume as Mark’s father Omniman, the world’s most powerful superhero. His performance in the Spider-Man films as J. Jonah Jameson is one of the best marriages of character and actor in any superhero film. Jameson and Omni-Man couldn’t be more different from one another, yet it’s a testament to Simmons’ versatility as an actor that he brings such nuance and subtlety this fascinating and complicated character. With supporting roles that include John Hamm, Gillian Jacobs, Walton Goggins Zachary Quinto Seth Rogen, Kevin Michael Richards, and many, many more. Invincible is absolutely stacked with amazing talent.
Not The Same Old Superhero Story
During the show’s quieter moments, like Grayson’s sharing some family time at home, the animation isn’t dissimilar to the type of animation you’d see in on DC Animated Films or Young Justice on HBO Max (Another MUST WATCH series). It’s a clean, stylish lock, that certainly works, but has a bit of a “stock” feel to it. I almost think this is a deliberate choice by the creators, to once again manipulate viewer expectations. The entire show is about subverting classic superhero stories and over the last 10 or 15 years we got used to a certain style of animation, like what I described above. Then the show cuts loose and it’s a feast for the eyes. The action sequences and fight scenes are detailed, visceral, and brutal. This series doesn’t pull any punches.
I should also mention this is an excellent adaptation. When I think of all the big moments and characters that I would really want to see at this point in the story, as a fan of the original comic book, everything I’m looking for is there and then some. It never feels overstuffed, the pacing is pitch perfect. A lot of character, plot, and mythology for giving to us in the first four episodes, but it never feels like too much. Which brings me to another important part of the series identity. Like the comic book it’s based on, Invincible is extremely violent. They do a fantastic job of showing just how gory and vicious the damage could be if someone with powers like Superman really cut loose. The series wisely doesn’t over do it when it comes to how many ultra violent scenes there are. It never comes off as gratuitous. When we do get a particularly brutal scene it’s in service of the larger and really packs a wallop.
For comic book fans as well as anyone looking for new and different from the genre, Invincible is a MUST WATCH!
Thanks for reading! Follow me on Twitter @PJWrightWBM or type Worlds Best Media into the search bar, you can also like and follow us on our Facebook page; World’s Best Media. We’re on Instagram @worldsbestmedia2017. Those likes and follows, as well as iTunes reviews, go a long way to supporting World’s Best Media. We really appreciate the loyalty and support shown to us by our fans, so thanks again! Stay healthy and stay safe!
For several years now, I’ve been of the opinion that television is the dominant storytelling medium of the 21st century. When I say dominant I mean, television has been consistently turning out storytelling, acting, and action set pieces that we normally only expect from big budget Hollywood films. Personally I think the real game changer was Game of Thrones.
Love or hate how it ended, up until Game of Thrones, in theory there’s nothing stopping a television show from having an actor give a riveting and compelling performance that rivals the years Oscar nominees. Where television couldn’t measure up, was its ability to deliver visual effects heavy, action set pieces. Game of Thrones was the first television show to deliver action sequences that were as good or better than anything on the big screen that year. The Siege of Castle Black, The Massacre at Hardholme, The Battle of The Bastards, were among some of the best battle sequences in any medium and rivaled what we’ve come to expect from our summer blockbusters. The VFX quality that went into making Dany’s dragons look damn near photo real was astonishing. In fact I’ll go so far as to even say that I think Daenerys dragons were the most realistic looking dragons ever put on film. They look like real living breathing creatures.
Game of Thrones was only the beginning. My favorite kind of storytelling: fantasy, science fiction, superhero stories, all require complex VFX, stunt work, and make up effects, among other things to make them work. Fortunately as Television has progressed as a medium, Visual Effects have become advanced enough and cost effective enough, for even a network like The CW can have one of their hit superhero shows feature a spectacular fight scene between The Flash and Gorilla Grodd. Now we get to see armies of creatures out of fantasy clash in battle, we can marvel at our favorite superheroes saving the day in daring fashion, and watch some of the coolest fight choreography this side of John Wick, all without setting foot in a movie theatre.
Especially with movie theaters currently closed, we all appreciate now more than ever that some of the most memorable characters, some of the greatest drama and storytelling, as well as incredible VFX are available to us every day on streaming and TV. Which is why I loved it when one of my favorite YouTube channels, Watchmojo, put together this list of the Top 20 TV Show Opening Scenes. As I thought back to some of my all time favorite, opening scenes to a TV series, it was fun to think of all the shows that came to mind for me and compare them to the 20 picks and honorable mentions in this video. Like I said, I had a some fun with it, so will I thought I’d share it with all of you! Give it a watch right here:
I’d love to know what some of your favorite TV show openings are! Hell, it doesn’t have to be just TV, what are some of your favorite movie openings scenes? Let me know in the comments below!
After our last podcast on The Walking Dead you may be thinking: “Another Walking Dead Podcast? I thought you hated this show!” Well, tonight is a special occasion because this Sunday’s episode will be the last to feature Rick Grimes on The Walking Dead. Andrew Lincoln AKA Rick Grimes himself is moving on to greener pastures. With Rick still alive, well, and the main character in the comics, what will be the final fate of Rick Grimes on the TV series? Will he live? Will he die? What impact will his departure have on the series and the characters? Can the show survive without Rick Grimes? All these questions and more will be answered as Paul Jr. & Sr. breakdown and review The Walking Dead: Rick Grimes’ Final Episode! I must admit, by the end the episode I was genuinely interested in watching where the series goes from here. So, we get into all of that on the podcast. Enjoy! Also, BEWARE SPOILERS!Listen here or subscribe on Stitcher and iTunes:
I swore we’d never do another episode on The Walking Dead… (sigh)… But here we are, with an episode all about the season premiere of The Walking Dead! Because I am. A. Fucking. Idiot. This show punches me in the dick and I say “Thank you, sir!May I have another?!”. When will I fucking learn?
On the bright side, this is a really fun episode that I think you’re going to love. We have the original walking dead man, Paul Sr. Co-hosting and the sparks fly! We do a kind of commentary/recap/review of the Season 9 premiere of The Walking Dead. We do an in-depth analysis of the series past, present, and future. As well as some insight into how the comic book and the TV series diverge and overlap. What’s going on with Rick, Negan, and the whole Walking Dead gang? Do we even care? How many times can I get words The Walking Dead into one synopsis? Find out right here!
We’ve never done an episode quite like this one, so don’t miss it! We had a blast recording it, so we hope you enjoy listening! Listen here or subscribe on Stitcher and iTunes:
I know I said I’d never do it again! I know some vows can’t be broken.! But dammit I was convinced to do this episode of “The World’s Best Podcast”;on the season finale of The Walking Dead! My Dad, Paul Sr. and I sat down, watched the season finale, and did an audio commentary throughout the entire Episode of the finale. You can definitely listen to this episode is by itself, but the best way to listen would be to put on your headphones to listen to our show and then put on The Walking Dead Season Finale on you TV or device and follow along with us. We let you know when to start the Episode and we tell you exactly where we are on the show if we pause to talk and start again. We had a great time recording this one, so I hoping you enjoy listening (and maybe watching/listeneing) as much as we did recording it! I keep saying I’m never going to do a Walking Dead episode again but God only knows this for eight so we’ll see. Anyway, listen here or subscribe on iTunes:
With the mid-season premiere of The Walking Dead on Sunday night, we had to cover how the series dealt with the monumental fallout from its mid-season finale. Most of it sucked, I didn’t want to do it, but I was reminded that we covered the last big Walking Dead ep, so we should probably cover this one. No that that’s over with IM OUT! YOU WILL NOT GET ME BACK WITH YOUR SHITTY WRITING AND TRICKS, THE WALKING DEAD!!! FUCK THIS SHOW! Please enjoy our episode 😀
Here’s a relatively short (by the standards of this show at least) Episode where we talk about the shocking developments on Sunday night’s episode of The Walking Dead. Also, keep a lookout Friday morning when we’ll have our full Star Wars Episode VIII The Last Jedi up. We’re also going to try to get in a review of Netflix’s new Marvel series The Punisher if we can. Until then, please enjoy this fun episode about the most recent episode of The Walking Dead. Today I have a very special co-host, beloved by fans the world over, my Father… Mr. Paul Wright Sr! Listen here or subscribe on iTunes:
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