Whiz Comics #2
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Released
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November 3, 2014
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Running time
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19:58
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Previous review
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Next review
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Tagline
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The story that encourages your kids to talk to strangers!
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Link
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Linkara: Hello, and welcome to Atop the Fourth Wall, where bad comics burn. And welcome my friends to this year's Secret Origins Month.
(The "Secret Origins Month" title is shown, with new images)
Linkara: And while you're all posting in the comments, asking about whenever I'm gonna do a villains version of Secret Origins Month, I'll start talking about the big red cheese: Captain Marvel!
(Shots of Captain Marvel are shown)
Linkara (v/o): The good captain was created by writer Bill Parker and artist Charles Clarence, or C.C. Beck, for the company Fawcett. Parker is responsible for a few other who have had other minor roles continuing into today or at least have been mentioned before or cameoed, like Ibis the Invincible or Spy Smasher. Fawcett Comics was actually really damn successful with Captain Marvel after his creation in 1940. In fact, at one point, the book outsold Superman, and National Comics sued Fawcett over purported similarities between the two characters – and won. This is despite the fact that Superman actually started ripping off elements from Captain Marvel, like the ability to fly.
Linkara: Which I would remind you is a much more obvious power than jumping really high, since his name is Superman and not Trampoline Man.
Linkara (v/o): Or hell, the "leap tall buildings in a single bound" thing implies his superpower is pole-vaulting. But I could do an entire video about the National vs. Fawcett lawsuit. Hell, at one point, the judge declared that National had actually let the copyright to Superman run out. All I will say is that this lawsuit killed the Fawcett superhero comic line, which ultimately resulted in DC purchasing all the characters in 1980 and relaunching them in the wake of "Crisis On Infinite Earths", where they remain, for better or worse, to this day. But what about Captain Marvel himself? How did he come about? Well, in the wake of the success of Superman and Batman, Fawcett wanted a piece of that action and created several superheroes. Captain Marvel was initially conceived of as six superheroes, an entire team led by Captain Thunder. Each of the six would gain a power from a mythological figure. The higher-ups at Fawcett suggested paring it down to Captain Thunder himself having all the powers of the mythological figures, spoken with the magic word "SHAZAM!", an acronym for the first letter of each figure's name. We'll get more into that a bit later. Unfortunately, they could keep the Captain Thunder name either, since it turns out there was already a character named Captain Thunder.
Linkara: (annoyed) And it's thanks to (a shot of the other Captain Thunder is shown in the corner) that asshole that these days, we can't even use Captain Marvel's own damn name in DC Comics! If he had just been Captain Thunder, there wouldn't have been a problem! (sarcastically giving a thumbs-up) Thanks for that one, Cap!
Linkara (v/o): Although, ironically, in the '70s, DC was publishing Captain Marvel, licensed from Fawcett, but since DC was keeping his book as a separate universe from Superman, a thinly-veiled pastiche named Captain Thunder ended up meeting Superman in 1974. Comics are weird. Since kids were the primary readers of comic books, a kid being the hero was a natural. But instead of just letting the kid fight crime, a la The Awesome Tomboy...
Linkara: Whose adventures you can see on the (points to AT4W DVD on his shelf) first Atop the Fourth Wall DVD... Hint, hint...
Linkara (v/o): ...they decided on another way to make a little kid as big and strong as Superman. The "Captain" and first name of the character Billy Batson both derived from the founder of Fawcett, Wilford H. Fawcett, who also went by the nickname "Captain Billy". Visually, Captain Marvel's outfit was initially military-inspired, with a flap on the front that would often get phased out later, possibly harkening back to the Captain Billy thing again, since Fawcett served in World War I. The white cape with gold fleur-de-lis symbols, modeled after ceremonial capes worn by British nobility.
Linkara: So let's dig into "Whiz Comics #2" and see just how Billy Batson became "The World's Mightiest Mortal".
(AT4W title sequence plays, and the title card has the opening dialogue from the Shazam! TV show in the 1970s)
Show narrator: Chosen from among all others by the immortal elders – Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles, Mercury – Billy Batson...
(Cut to a closeup of the comic's cover)
Linkara (v/o): You'll notice that today's issue is "Whiz Comics #2". There is no "Whiz Comics #1". Why? Well, because originally, it was printed under different titles as ashcan copies. An ashcan copy is the comic book equivalent of a pilot episode that's never aired. It's made with limited, if any, distribution, strictly for copyright purposes. These days, it's used mostly for promotional comics, but in this case, Fawcett created "Flash Comics #1" and "Thrill Comics #1" as ashcan books – but then quickly discovered that both of those names had already been used before. As such, they just skipped straight to Whiz Comics #2.
Linkara: And frankly, this makes sense that they would never print a number 1. As I've mentioned before, back in the Golden Age, being a number one meant nobody was sure if there'd be an issue 2, so kids were less likely to invest their ten cents into it.
Linkara (v/o): This cover is awesome, and I can't but think it's trying to one-up Superman's first cover.
(Cut to the cover of "Action Comics #1")
Linkara (v/o): "Action Comics #1" had Superman smashing a car into a rock.
(Cut back to the "Whiz Comics" cover)
Linkara (v/o): For Captain Marvel, he takes that car and tosses it into a wall like he doesn't even care. I mean, look at that! The guys were still in the car! They're dead now! HE KILLED THEM!!
Text: GANGWAY FOR CAPTAIN MARVEL!
Linkara: (dramatically) Captain Marvel – defender of the bicycle lane!
Text: Whiz Comics proudly presents the world's mightiest man-powerful...
Linkara (v/o): Erm, way not to space that typeface, letterer.
Text: ...the world's mightiest man – powerful champion of justice – relentless enemy of evil...
Linkara: (dramatically) Prone to fits of road rage!
Linkara (v/o): We open at night in the city, next to subway, where child [Billy Batson] is selling papers.
Linkara: And with as specific a place as that, I can't wait for him to grow up so he can go to bar and have drink.
Linkara (v/o): A shadowy man approaches the young boy and asks why he isn't home in bed? Not a bad question, but I'm also curious why he's selling newspapers in the middle of a rainstorm. Or at night for that matter.
Billy: I have no home, sir. I sleep in the subway station. It's warm there.
Linkara: (as Billy) I sleep next to a hobo who smells like urine.
Shadowy man: Follow me!
Linkara: (as Billy) Well, certainly, mysterious stranger in black who remains in the shadows and is inviting me, a child, down into the dark, dank subway system. This seems perfectly safe!
Linkara (v/o): What a great message for kids: follow the stranger when he invites you into the dark, grimy area. He might be giving you magical powers! Or he's Freddy Krueger. 50/50 shot; I've seen worse odds.
Billy: Where are we going?
Shadowy man: Wait and see.
Linkara: Only now, in the boredom of waiting for public transportation, has Billy Batson realized, "Hey, where the hell are we going?"
Narrator: Suddenly, a strange subway car, with headlights gleaming like a dragon's eyes, roars into the station and stops. No one is driving it!
(Cut to a clip of the abridged version of Yu-Gi-Oh)
Narrator: Thomas was very cross because he'd been turned into a dragon, and all the other trains didn't want to talk to him.
(Cut back to the comic)
Narrator: No one is driving it!
(Cut to a clip of Clerks: The Animated Series)
Narrator: Who is driving?! Oh, my God! Bear is driving! How can that be?!
(Back to the comic again)
Shadowy man: Have no fear. Everything has been arranged.
Linkara: (as shadowy man) You will be delicious.
Narrator: The moment its passengers are seated, the car hurtles through the pitch-black tunnel at tremendous speed.
Linkara: (singing while looking around shiftily) There's no earthly way of knowing...
Linkara (v/o): I love Billy's expression here. It's like he's simultaneously really confused and really surprised. It's kind of like a wide-eyed innocence of the creepy shadow man wearing a hat as big as a Pilgrim's hat.
Narrator: The car has stopped at the end of the line. The boy and his phantom companion step out onto a platform resembling the mouth of a weird, subterranean cavern.
Linkara: And now you know how Batman recruits new Robins.
Linkara (v/o): Billy and the shadow man walk into a large chamber containing seven bizarre statues. Above them is a sign that reads, "THE SEVEN DEADLY ENEMIES OF MAN", representing the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Envy, Greed, Hatred, Selfishness, Laziness and Injustice. Yeah, for obvious reasons, lust was replaced with injustice and anger with hatred, though frankly, I'm in favor of those changes. Both of those emotions are perfectly okay under the right circumstances, whereas legitimate hatred is the end result of too much anger, and injustice is a true enemy of humanity, not that you want to bang someone. And nearby is Gandalf the White in a big white chair next to a globe and a giant-ass book.
Bearded man: Welcome, Billy Batson.
Linkara: (as bearded man) Let me tell you about my grandchildren.
Billy: H-How did you know my name?
Bearded man: I know everything.
Linkara: (as bearded man) But even I don't know why they're called Apple Jacks when they don't taste like apples.
Bearded man: I am– SHAZAM!
Linkara: Whew! I was worried for a second there. I thought he was going to say he was Kazaam. I do not want to "green eggs and ham" it right now.
Narrator: A huge black cloud–a blinding lightning flahs– a deafening peal of thunder form out of nowhere as the old man speaks his name–
Linkara: You think that's bad? You should meet his daughter: Frau Blücher.
(As he says this, the sounds of thunder and lightning and a horse whinnying are heard)
Narrator: Simultaneously a curious inscription, explaining Shazam's name, appears magically on the wall.
Linkara: Oh, big deal! He's got Siri on his walls.
Linkara (v/o): Actually, it spells out the mythological figures that make up the acronym: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury.
Linkara: (as Shazam) Admittedly, though, the stamina of Atlas ain't what she used to be.
Narrator: Once again Shazam speaks.
Linkara (v/o): Well, he speaks up above, where naturally we'd be reading, but you decided to shove this narration text into his beard. Or does the beard have a mind of its own, and it snatched the narration into it to be consumed? Shazam explains that for 3,000 years, he's used those abilities to battle evil.
Linkara: And he doesn't look a day over 2,000.
Shazam: And during that time I have seen everything–known everything–that happened throughout the world, from the highest to the lowest.
Linkara: (as Shazam) Unfortunately, that means I've had to watch every episode of Two and a Half Men.
Shazam: The Historama!
Linkara: (as Shazam) Patent pending.
Shazam: Through this Historama I have watched you from the moment you were born, Billy.
Linkara: Aaand we're right back to being creepy!
Narrator: Miraculously the Historama, a super-television screen capable of depicting past, present and future events, flashes scenes from Billy's life.
Linkara: And that's how you explain how he was able to see every episode of Two and a Half Men in 1940. See? My jokes make perfect sense!
Linkara (v/o): Shazam exposits for the audience information that Billy would already know: namely, that after his parents died, his greedy uncle shoved Billy out into the streets in order to get the money and bonds had willed to Billy. Hanging above Shazam is a massive granite block attached to a thin thread that's fraying apart. Shazam instructs Billy that he's too old now to continue the fight against injustice and cruelty, and thus, by speaking his name, Billy will become the mightiest man in the world: CAPTAIN MARVEL! Aaand Shazam naturally never bothers to ask Billy if he wants the job, just tells him, that's it. But whatever. He does, and a bolt of lightning shoots Billy, transforming him.
Shazam: Henceforth it shall be your sacred duty to defend the poor and helpless, right wrongs and crush evil everywhere.
Linkara: (as Shazam) Also to constantly get into fights with Superman when the writers want someone who's a match for him.
Linkara (v/o): And after Shazam explains that saying his name again will turn him back into Billy, the granite block falls down and crushes Shazam to death.
Linkara: (spreading arms out and grinning) You know, for kids!
Linkara (v/o): Seriously, what the hell with that?! What's even the point of killing Shazam right after you introduce him like that? It's not like with Green Lantern, where Abin Sur needed to pass off the powers before he died. What the hell was the problem with just letting him retire? Also, a little trivia note: C.C. Beck said in an interview that Shazam was deliberately drawn to resemble a much older Captain Marvel, which you can read a lot into if you so choose. However, I'm here to snark on a classic comic where an old man is crushed to death by a granite block that was put over his head for some reason, so let's get back to that. I mean, seriously, is that gonna happen to Billy in 3,000 years?
Linkara: (waves dismissively) Oh, silly me! We know that won't happen! What'll happen is that Captain Marvel will become a jealous dickhead over Wonder Woman and will eventually help bring about the end of the world. (beat) Dear Lord, was "Distant Fires" a stupid story!
Narrator: A moment later, Billy finds himself standing at his old post. Shazam, Captain Marvel and the weird underground cavern have vanished.
Linkara (v/o): So has the shadow man. We never see him again in this issue. I don't know if it turned out if he was Tawky Tawny or something, we have no idea who that was.
Linkara: (holding his finger to his ear) Who's Tawky Tawny, you may ask? Oh, well, that's the talking tiger that sometimes hangs out with Captain Marvel. (beat) I have mentioned that comic books are weird, right?
Linkara (v/o): So yeah, he's right back in the rain with his newspapers.
Linkara: (as Billy, looking up, wide-eyed) Wow! I have the powers of several demigods... Well, back to being poor and homeless!
Narrator: NEXT MORNING... Sensational news almost makes Billy forget his night's adventure...
Linkara (v/o): And what news overrides what happened?
Linkara: (pretending to read an invisible newspaper) "Soggies may rule"!
Headline: MANIAC SCIENTIST THREATENS U.S. RADIO SYSTEM; DEMANDS $50,000,000!
Linkara: Yes, the news of a mad scientist threatening people is truly more important than him becoming a superhero. (goes back to reading "paper" again) Oh, my God! "Building code under fire"!
Linkara (v/o): Two goons buy a paper from him, one of whom casually mentions reading about the boss, implying that they work for the mad scientist. Acting on a hunch, he follows the two to some swanky apartments.
Doorman: Go on, kid, beat it! You can't sell newspapers in here.
Linkara (v/o): Or anywhere, for that matter, since they appear to be blank.
Narrator: Billy tries to follow them, but the doorman stops him.
Linkara: Captain Marvel's greatest nemesis: the doorman.
Linkara (v/o): Billy decides to go meet with Sterling Morris, radio head, to tell him about the two strange men.
Linkara: (as Billy) I saw two guys casually mention (makes "air quotes") "the boss", which could be referring to a completely different story in the past. We've got to do something!
Linkara (v/o): He runs past the receptionist and sees Morris, explaining what he saw, but Morris doesn't believe anybody living in the rich apartments would be extorting money. And he's got a point: if he's rich already, probably thanks to his mad scientist thing, why would he be trying to extort money? Billy says he'll leave, but asks for a job as a radio announcer if he does manage to catch the mad scientist.
Morris: A job? I'll give you anything you want if you find this madman.
Linkara: (as Morris) But I'm sure I'll catch him first, for you see, I am the superhero known as... RADIOHEAD.
Linkara (v/o): That night, Billy transforms into Captain Marvel and heads over to the apartments again, finding a laboratory of the scientist quickly. He communicates with his goons via television screen, and indeed the identity of the mad scientist is Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. Sivana's name was apparently a combination of the word "nirvana" and the Hindu god Siva, or Shiva.
(Cut to a clip of Suburban Knights)
Cinema Snob: (dressed as Indiana Jones) You betrayed Shiva!
(Cut back to the comic)
Linkara (v/o): Since the radio stations won't agree to his demands, he states that he will drive every radio station from the air... forever! How? Uh... really not sure. I don't know, Captain Marvel bursts in, and the narration says the machine they have is a "radio-silencer", so maybe it scrambles radio transmissions? It's not really clear. What is clear is that Captain Marvel wastes no time tossing a guy into the machine so hard it's destroyed. And when the other goon flees in an elevator, Marvel rips open the door and pulls the elevator cable back up so he can get the other guy and pop him over the back of his head. Sivana, still on the TV, sees all of this.
Marvel: Well, Sivana, that's the end of your radio-silencer.
Linkara: (as Marvel) Even though you could probably just build another one. (as Sivana) No, I can't. I'm a mad scientist. The union won't let me do the same plan twice.
Sivana: But not the end of me! We will meet again – Captain Marvel!
Marvel: Yes, Sivana, we will meet again. And when we do you will be behind prison walls– OR DEAD!
Linkara: (stunned) Did Captain Marvel just threaten to kill Dr. Sivana?
Linkara (v/o): After he changes back, presumably out of sight of the goons, he calls up Morris to come over and explains what happened, minus the "Captain Marvel" part. Morris is a little disbelieving that the little kid did all of this, but accepts it for now, fulfilling his promise and making Billy Batson a radio announcer. Just a reminder that Billy is, like, what, ten? Twelve?
Billy: Boy, oh, boy! Here's where we go to town! Me and–
Morris: You and who else, son?
Billy: –er–nobody, sir. Just me and the microphone. That's all, sir – just me and "Mike"!
Linkara: (as Billy) "Mike" is what I'm naming the giant paperweight that'll hang over my head. (normal) Anyway, this story is great.
Linkara (v/o): I admit, it's fairly basic overall, both in terms of very little detailing on the artwork, particularly the lack of backgrounds, and Billy looks a little too cartoony versus the slightly more realistic people around him, and the story is very straightforward, with just him getting his powers out of nowhere and conveniently stopping some bad guys, but hey, it's for kids; this is exciting and adventurous. Stuff like the strange man who takes you to the alley and whatnot is... not healthy, but hey, it was a different time.
Linkara: When we return next week, Secret Origins Month will cover someone (holds out hand at forearm level) very small... Even smaller than Billy Batson...
(End credits roll)
Shazam narrator: This is Billy Batson, star reporter for station WIZZ-TV. He has been picked by the ancient wizard Shazam to carry on the...
(Stinger: The back cover of the comic is shown)
Text: Don't fail to be on hand next month when he [Billy] and CAPTAIN MARVEL "GO TO TOWN"!
Linkara: (dramatically) Billy soon becomes a public menace as he (makes a throwing motion) throws cars around without regard for lives and property!
(end)
Atop the Fourth Wall Transcripts
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2008:
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Spider-Man 56 · Doom's IV 2 · Batman 147 · The Top 15 WTF Moments in Comics · Titans 1 · Sinnamon 11 · US-1 1 · S.C.I. Spy 1 · Superman At Earth's End
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2009:
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Godzilla Vs. Barkley · Uncanny X-Men 423 · Uncanny X-Men 424 · Mr. T and the T-Force 1 · Star Trek comic 1 · Newmen 1 · NFL Superpro 1 · Neutro 1 · Amazons Attack Prologue · Amazons Attack 1 and 2 · Amazons Attack 3 and 4 · Amazons Attack 5 and 6 · Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes 1 · Top 15 Worst Heroes Becoming Villains · Daredevil 305 · Daredevil 306 · Blue Beetle Tribute · World of Warcraft 2 and 3 · Captain Planet and the Planeteers 3 · Wolverine: Adamantium Rage · Youngblood 1 · New Guardians 2 · The Marriage of Hercules and Xena · Secret Defenders 9 · Secret Defenders 10 · Superman vs Terminator 1 · Countdown Prologue · Countdown Part 1 · Countdown Part 2 · Top 15 Worst Moments of Countdown · Xena 1 · Cable 1 · Law and Order 1 · Batman: Fortunate Son · Air Raiders 1 · Nightcat 1 · Zero Patrol 1 · Blood Pack 1 · Mickey Mantle 2 · Adventures of the Kool-Aid Man 1 · Silent Hill: Dying Inside 1 and 2 · Silent Hill: Dying Inside 3 and 4 · Silent Hill: Dying Inside 5 · Maximum Clonage · 22 Brides 1 · All-Star Batman and Robin 1 and 2 · Doom 1 · Spider-Man, Storm and Cage · Bimbos in Time · The Dark Knight Strikes Again Part 1 · Extreme Super Christmas Special 1 · James Bond, Jr. 3 · Top 15 Missed Opportunities of AT4W
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2010:
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Pitt 1 · Scarlett comic 1 · Future Five 1 · Ultimates 3 1 and 2 · Ultimates 3 3 and 4 · Ultimates 3 5 · Youngblood 2 · Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers 1 · Strange Adventures 136 · Doom's IV 1/2 · X-Men comic 1 · Darker Image 1 · The Dark Knight Strikes Again Part 2 · Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes 2 · Star Trek/X-Men 1 · Athena 1 · JLA - Act of God Part 1 · JLA - Act of God Part 2 · JLA - Act of God Part 3 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Meet Archie · Lunatik 1 · Chuck Norris Karate Kommandos 1 · AT4W & Spoony: Experiment Warrior 2-3 · The Dark Knight Strikes Again Part 3 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: Fit to Win · Anita Blake: The Laughing Corpse 1-2 · Freak Force 1 · Chain Gang War 1 · Ewoks 9 · Cable 2 · The California Raisins 3-D 2 · Hardcore Station 1 · The Others 1 and Brute Force 1 · Amazing Spider-Man: Skating on Thin Ice 1 · Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force · Action Comics 592 · Action Comics 593 · Top 15 Comics I'll Never Review · 100th Episode · Nolan Ryan 1 · Transformers comics 4-5 · Silent Hill: Dead/Alive 1 and 2 · Silent Hill: Dead/Alive 3 and 4 · Silent Hill: Dead/Alive 5 · Spider-Man: The Greatest Responsibility · Action Comics 1 · Amazing Fantasy 15 · Detective Comics 27 · The X-Men 1 · Brute Force 2 · New Kids on the Block 4 · Marvel Team Up 127 · Santa Claus Conquers the Martians · Top 15 Screw-Ups of Atop the Fourth Wall
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2011:
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Justice League: Cry for Justice 1-2 · Justice League: Cry for Justice 3-4 · Power Rangers Zeo 1 · Justice League: Cry for Justice 5-7 · Care Bears 13 · Superman: Distant Fires · Youngblood 3 · Doctor Who Classics 7 · Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four in... Brain Drain! · KISS Comics · Superman and Wonder Woman: Tandy Computer Whiz Kids · Spawn 1 · X-Force 1 · The Backstreet Project 1 · All-Star Batman and Robin 3 and 4 · Lady Gaga 1 · Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1-3 · The Godyssey 1 · Superman Meets the Quik Bunny · Ultimate Warrior's Workout · Ultimatum 1-2 · Ultimatum 3-4 · Ultimatum 5 · SCI-Spy 2 · Miller Time: Batman/Spawn · Gameboy 1 · Eminem and the Punisher 1 · Barbi Twin Adventures 1 · Rise of Arsenal 1-2 · Rise of Arsenal 3-4 · Comic Book Advertisements · Star Trek 2 (Gold Key) · PSA Hell: Captain America: Return of the Asthma Monster! · NBComics 1 · Mightily Murdered Power Ringers 1 · Kamandi at Earth's End 1 · US-1 2 · Twilight Zone 9 · Superman and the TRS-80 Whiz Kids: The Computers that Saved Metropolis! · Street Fighter 1 (Malibu) · Silent Hill: Paint It Black · Silent Hill: Among the Damned · Silent Hill: The Grinning Man · Spider-Man: Planet of the Symbiotes · Pokémon - The Electric Tale of Pikachu · All-Star Comics 8 · The Fantastic Four 1 · All-American Comics 16 · Captain America Comics 1 · Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan 1 · Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan 2 · Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan 3 · Top 15 Personal Favorite Jokes of AT4W
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2012:
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Marville 1 · Miller Time: Robocop vs. the Terminator 1 · Brute Force 3 · 15 Things That Are Wrong With Identity Crisis · New Guardians 1 · Gameboy 2 · Youngblood 4 · Star Trek III: The Search for Spock · Mr. T 1 (AP Comics) · Mr. T 2 · The Amazing Spider-Man and Captain America in Dr. Doom's Revenge! · The Invincible Four of Kung-Fu & Ninja 1 · Kamandi at Earth's End 2 · Black Web 1 · Transformers: Generation 2 1 · Captain Tax Time 1 · Superman 701 · Bloodstrike 1 · Marville 2 · The Amazing Spider-Man on Bullying Prevention 1 · The New Teen Titans Anti-Drug Giveaway 1 · Daredevil vs Vapora 1 · Batman: A Word to the Wise · Marvel Team-Up 74 · Blake's 7 2 · Battle for Bludhaven 1-2 · Battle for Bludhaven 3-4 · Battle for Bludhaven 5-6 · Sir Charles Barkley and the Referee Murders · Captain Electron 1 · Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home · 200th Episode · Rock 'N Roll 31 · Future Shock 1 · Catwoman: Guardian of Gotham 1 · Catwoman: Guardian of Gotham 2 · Psychoman 1 · Marville 3 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: The Answer to a Riddle · Batman: Jazz 1 · Starstream 1 · The Thing From Another World 1 · The Thing From Another World 2 · Spider-Man: Power and Responsibility · Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror 2 · Flash Comics 1 · Tales of Suspense 39 · The Brave and the Bold 54 · The Incredible Hulk 1 · Superman's Christmas Adventure · Archie Giant Series Magazine 452 · Teen Titans 13: A Swingin' Christmas Carol · Batman: Noel · The Next 15 Screw-Ups of Atop the Fourth Wall
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2013:
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Kamandi at Earth's End 3 · Raver 1 · Transformers 31 · Happy Days 2 · All-Star Batman and Robin 5 · Youngblood 5 · Star Wars 3-D 1 · Marville #4 · Titans Retrospective: Team History · Titans Retrospective: JLA/Titans: The Technis Imperative · Titans Retrospective: Titans 1-25 · Titans Retrospective: Titans 26-50 · Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster · Power Pachyderms 1 · Star Trek V: The Final Frontier · Dragnet 4 · Wild Thing 1 · Spider-Man 2099 1 · Punisher 2099 1 · Doom 2099 1 · Ravage 2099 1 · Comic Book Quickies 1 · Kamandi at Earth's End 4 · SCI-Spy 3 · Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men 1 · Mr. T and the T-Force 2 · Miller Time: All-Star Batman and Robin 6 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: A Deadly Choice · Battlestar Galactica: Journey's End 1 · Marville 5 · Miller Time: Tales to Offend 1 · The Culling: Teen Titans Annual 1 · The Culling: Superboy 9 · The Culling: Legion Lost 9 · The Culling: Teen Titans 9 · Plan 9 From Outer Space: 30 Years Later 1 · Brute Force 4 · Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country · SCI-Spy 4 · The Thing From Another World: Climate of Fear 1-2 · The Thing From Another World: Climate of Fear 3-4 · Spider-Man: Crossfire · 2001: A Space Odyssey 1 · Showcase 4 · Tales to Astonish 27 · Showcase 22 · Journey into Mystery 83 · The Punisher: Silent Night 1 · Solson Christmas Special featuring Samurai Santa 1 · Star Trek: The Next Generation 2 · Doctor Who Classic Comics 15 · The Next 15 Missed Opportunities of AT4W
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2014:
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Marville 6-7 · Comic Book Quickies 2 · Miller Time: All-Star Batman and Robin 7 · Preparedness 101: A Zombie Pandemic · Gameboy 3 · US-1 3 · Youngblood 6 · Star Trek: Generations · The A-Team 1 · The Wild 1 · Kamandi at Earth's End 5 · Nova Girls: Kissing Canvas · Avengers 200 · SCI-Spy 5 · Red Hood and the Outlaws 1 · Athena 2 · Bill and Ted's Excellent Comic Book 1 · Zolastraya and the Bard 1 · PSA Hell: Superman: For the Animals 1 · Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos 2 · Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: The Movie 1 · Speed Steer 5 · Batman: Jazz 2 · 2001: A Space Odyssey 2 · Comic Book Quickies 3 · 300th Episode · 300th Episode: Part 2 · 300th Episode: Part 3 · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 1 · Batman: Shadow of the Bat 56 · Sinnamon 1 · US-1 4 · The Adventures of Jell-O Man and Wobbly 1 · Miller Time: All-Star Batman and Robin 8 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: The Computer That Said No to Drugs · Marvel Super Special 17 · SCI-Spy 6 · Kamandi at Earth's End 6 · Sonic Super Special 7 · Star Trek: First Contact · Cosmic Slam 1 · The Thing from Another World: Eternal Vows 1-2 · The Thing from Another World: Eternal Vows 3-4 · The Thing from Another World: Questionable Research · Spider-Man: The Trial of Peter Parker · Whiz Comics 2 · Tales to Astonish 44 · Detective Comics 38 · The Avengers 1 · The Hobbit 1 · The Hobbit 2 · The Hobbit 3 · Santa the Barbarian 1 · Top 15 Worst Comics I've Reviewed
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2015:
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Miller Time: All-Star Batman and Robin 9 · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 2 · Trouble 1 · Comic Book Quickies 4 · PSA Hell: Energy and Safety with the Justice League · Youngblood 7 · ROMTROSPECTIVE: ROM Spaceknight 1-40 · ROMTROSPECTIVE: ROM Spaceknight 41-75 · The Star Wars 1 · Batman: Jazz 3 · Mr. T and the T-Force 3 · Big Bang Presents 3: Protoplasman! · Crimson 1 · Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (RPG Game) · Titans: Scissors, Paper, Stone · PSA Hell: Batman: Shadow of the Bat 57 · Comic Book Quickies 5 · Avengers Assemble Featuring Captain Citrus 1 · Doctor Who/Star Trek: The Next Generation: Assimilation Squared · My Cage · The Punisher 60 · The Punisher 61 & 62 · Steam Wars · Ultimate Power 1-2 · Homestuck, Act 1 · Atomic Robo, Vol. 3 · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating Superman · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating Batman · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating Wonder Woman · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating The Flash · Zyuranger Episodes 17-22 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: The Computer Trap · Trouble 2 · Pokémon Reburst, Chapter 1 · Green Lantern 23.1 · Team Youngblood 1 · US-1 5 · The Star Wars 2 · Power Man and Iron Fist 79 · Nightmares on Elm Street 1-2 · Nightmares on Elm Street 3-4 · Nightmares on Elm Street 5-6 · Spider-Man: Virtual Mortality · More Fun Comics 73 · Daredevil 1 · Action Comics 252 · Tales of Suspense 52 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 1 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 2 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 3 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 4 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 5 · Deadpool Bi-Annual 1 · Cho Dengeki Stryker · Zombies Christmas Carol 1-3 · Zombies Christmas Carol 4-5 · Another 15 Missed Opportunities of AT4W
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2016:
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NFL SuperPro Special Edition 1 · Popeye: Borned to the Sea 1 · OnStar Batman Auto Show Special Edition 1 · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 3 · The Star Wars 3 · Youngblood 8 · All-Star Batman and Robin 10 · Pokémon Adventures Ch. 1-2 · Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Episodes 1-5 · Blue-Skying, Part 1: Blue Beetle Dan Garrett · Blue-Skying, Part 2: Blue Beetle Ted Kord · Blue-Skying, Part 3: Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes · Blue-Skying, Part 4: Blue Beetle Jaime Reyes New 52 · Star Trek Special: Flesh and Stone · Blackest Night 1-8 · Dart 1 · Batman: Shadow of the Bat 58 · The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky · Ultimate Power 3 · Star Trek: The Next Generation 3 · Comic Book Quickies 6 · 400th Episode · 400th Episode: Part 2 · Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man · Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day 1 · Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day 2 · Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day 3 · 15 Things Wrong With Marvel's Civil War · Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 1 · The Minister of Chance · US-1 6 · Star Trek: Voyager 1 · Unsounded, Chapter 1 · Biggles and the Menace from Space · Batman and Robin: The Official Comic Adaptation · Superman and the TRS-80 Computer Whiz Kids: Victory by Computer · Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War · My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic 27-28 · Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Ch. 1 · Pryde of the X-Men · A Nightmare on Elm Street: Paranoid 1 · A Nightmare on Elm Street: Paranoid 2 · A Nightmare on Elm Street: Paranoid 3 · Spider-Man: Cyberwar · The Real Ghostbusters in Ghostbusters II 1-3 · Strange Tales 110 · More Fun Comics 73: Aquaman · Tales of Suspense 57 · All-Star Comics 3 · My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic 2015 Holiday Special · Ghostbusters: Past, Present, and Future · Elvira's House of Mystery Special 1 · Another 15 Screw-Ups of AT4W
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2017:
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Digimon: Digital Monsters 1 · Phonogram: The Immaterial Girl 1-6 · Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1 · Trouble 3 · The Star Wars 4 · Spectacular Spider-Man Episode 1x10 - "Persona" · Youngblood 9 · The A-Team 2 · The Batman/Superman Movie: World's Finest · See You Next Mirror: Exiles Retrospective, Part 1 · See You Next Mirror: Exiles Retrospective, Part 2 · Reagan's Raiders 1 · Fist of the North Star, Ch. 1 · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 4 · Iron Man: The Animated Series - The Wedding of Iron Man · Athena 3 · Batman: The Dark Knight 1-3 · The New Teen Titans Anti-Drug Giveaway 2 · Crisis on Infinite Earths · Secret Wars (1984) · The Infinity Gauntlet · Flashpoint · Babylon 5 1 · The Star Wars 5 · All-New Ghost Rider, Volume 2 · Robocop vs. the Terminator 2 · Superman vs. the Terminator 2 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: News By Computer Foils Kidnappers · Ultimate Power 4 · Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 1 · Batman: Odyssey 1 · Asterix: The Legionary · Comic Book Quickies 7 · JoJo's Bizarre Adventures Episodes 1-4 (2012-2013 series) · Thunderbirds Are Go · Batman: The Official Movie Adaptation · Ultimate Iron Man Vol. 1 1-2 · My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic 11-12 · Stormwatch 0 · A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Beginning 1-2 · A Nightmare on Elm Street: Fearbook · New Line Cinema's Tales of Horror 1 · The Sensational Spider-Man 0 · Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash · Marvel Comics 1 · Brave and the Bold 28 · Kamen Rider Fourze Episodes 1-4 · Clive Barker's Hellraiser Dark Holiday Special · Sensation Comics 14: The Story of Fir Balsam · Steam Wars Holiday Special · Christmas with the Superheroes 2
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2018:
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My Top 15 Favorite Episodes of AT4W · Legion of Superheroes: The Great Darkness Saga · James Bond, Jr. 1 · JLA/Avengers · Homestuck, Act 2 · Isaac Asimov's I-Bots 1 · Thunderstrike 1 · Youngblood 10 · Badrock 1A · Event Comics Month II: Infinite Crisis · Event Comics Month II: Infinity War · Event Comics Month II: World War Hulk · Event Comics Month II: Final Crisis · Power Rangers Turbo vs. Beetleborgs Metallix 1 · Diesel 1 · Teen Titans: "Betrayal" and "Aftershock, Parts 1 and 2" · The Punisher: Purgatory · Comic Book Quickies 8 · 500th Episode · Dark Knight III: The Master Race 1-2 · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating Green Lantern · The New Guardians 3 · US-1 7 · Nova Girls: Space 34-24-34 · Batman: Odyssey 2 · Star Wars 3-D 2 · Pokémon - The Electric Tale of Pikachu 3 · PSA Hell: Captain America Meets the Asthma Monster · Superman and Spider-Man · Amazing Cow Heroes 4: Cold Cuts · Ravage 2099 2 · Adventures of the Kool-Aid Man 2 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: Safeguarding the Environment · Mr. T and the T-Force 4 · Star Trek 2 (DC) · Star Trek (2009): The Official Motion Picture Adaptation · Star Trek: The Next Generation 4 · Star Trek 1 (Gold Key) · Silent Hill: Hunger · The Thing: The Northern Nightmare · Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash: The Nightmare Warriors · Spider-Man: Smoke and Mirrors · Hellraiser: Hell on Earth · Fantastic Four 52 · Marvel Comics 1 (The Human Torch) · The Incredible Hulk 181 · The New Mutants 98 · Batman Returns: The Official Comic Adaptation · The Punisher: Red X-Mas · Star Wars: The Force Awakens Comic Adaptation · Luke Cage, Hero for Hire 7
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2019:
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Yet Another 15 Missed Opportunities of AT4W · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 5 · Batman/Aliens 1 · Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel · Pokémon 15x19-20 "Cilan Takes Flight" and "An Amazing Aerial Battle" · Tomb Raider Vol. 3: Queen of Serpents · Little Victory: Chimera 1 · Youngblood 0 · Kickers, Inc. 1 · The Savage Dragon 1 · Darkwing Duck 1-4 · The California Raisins 3-D 5 · Hellstar Remina, Ch. 1-3 · Gallery of Horrors · Batman: The Dark Knight 16-17 · Tremors · Ultimate Power 5-6 · Batman Forever: The Official Comic Adaptation · Street Fighter: The Official Comic Adaptation · Catwoman: The Official Comic Adaptation · Dune: The Official Comic Adaptation · Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Movie Special · Justice is Silent: Cassandra Caintrospective, Part 1 · Justice is Silent: Cassandra Caintrospective, Part 2 · Justice is Silent: Cassandra Caintrospective, Part 3 · US-1 8 · Tandy Computer Whiz Kids: Community Action Program · Captain America Goes to War Against Drugs · Comic Book Swimsuit Issues · Batman 45-47: The Gift · Star Trek: The Next Generation 5 · The A-Team 3 · JoJo's Bizarre Adventures Episodes 5-9 · Trouble 4 · Franken Fran, Ch. 1 and 4 · Youngblood: Judgment Day · Teen Titans 27-28 · Clive Barker's Hellraiser 1 · Clive Barker's Hellraiser Summer Special · Clive Barker's Hellraiser Spring Slaughter · Spider-Man: The Exile Returns · Detective Comics 225 (Martian Manhunter) · Batman: Harley Quinn 1 · DC Comics Presents 26 · The Flash 123 · Evil Dead 2: A Merry Deadmite X-Mas · Transformers (UK) 145 · The All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold 14 · Star Wars: The Last Jedi Comic Adaptation
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2020:
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Top 15 Dumbest Evil Plans of AT4W · Batman/Aliens 2 · Star vs. the Forces of Evil: Deep Trouble 1-4 · Megamind · Revolution · Superman vs. Muhammad Ali · Hellstar Remina, Ch. 4-6 · Youngblood: Strikefile 1 · Comic Book Quickies 9 · Black Panther, Vol. 4 1-6 · Batman: Odyssey 3 · Justice League/Mighty Morphin Power Rangers · The Champions, Vol. 3 1-4: Beat the Devil · Star Trek vs. Transformers · Athena 4 · Daredevil: Born Again · Action Comics 775 · Comic Book Quickies 10 · 600th Episode · Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Comic Adaptation · Star Wars: Attack of the Clones Comic Adaptation · Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Comic Adaptation · Star Wars: Rogue One Comic Adaptation · DC Challenge! 1 · Kyoryu Sentai Zyurangers Episodes 40-43 · Trouble 5 · Dan Dare: Voyage to Venus · Superman 358 · Zero Hour: Crisis in Time · House of M · Secret Empire · Heroes in Crisis · Animax 1 · Ninjutsu 1-2 · Green Goblin 1-2, 4, 8, 12-13 · US-1 9 · Emergency! 1 · Mr. T and the T-Force 5 · Pinhead 1-3 · Pinhead 4-6 · Pinhead vs. Marshal Law · Spider-Man: Web of Life · Marvel Super-Heroes 12 (Captain Marvel) · The Flash 110 · The Amazing Spider-Man 129 · Awesome Comics Holiday Special · Transformers (UK) 41 · Solo: A Star Wars Story Comic Adaptation
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2021:
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Yet Another 15 Screw-Ups of AT4W · Star Trek Book and Record Set: Dinosaur Planet · DC Challenge! 2 · The Mighty Heroes 1 · Justice League 1x01-3: Secret Origins · The Star Wars 6 · The King of Braves GaoGaiGar Ep. 1-4 · Youngblood: Strikefile 2 · Pokémon 15×01-02: "Enter Elesa, Electrifying Gym Leader" & "Dazzling the Nimbasa Gym" · Stanley and his Monster 1-4 · Marvel Than Meets the Eye: The Transformers 1-40 · Marvel Than Meets the Eye: Transformers 41-80 · Marvel Than Meets the Eye: Generation 2 and Regeneration One · Star Trek 9 (Gold Key) · Star Trek/Legion of Superheroes · Mystery Science Theater 3000 1 · Batman: The Dark Knight Returns · Ultimate Power 7-8 · Batman: The Dark Knight 23.4 · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating Aquaman · Sword Interval: Flashback Arc · PSA Hell: The Amazing Spider-Man: Riot at Robotworld · Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition) · Transformers/Ghostbusters: Ghosts of Cybertron · The New Guardians 4 · Codename: Ninja 1 · Batman: Hush · Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Ep. 15-16 · Mr. T and the T-Force 6 · Doom’s IV 1 · Batman and Elmer Fudd & Catwoman and Sylvester and Tweety · Batman: Odyssey 4 · The Dresden Files: Storm Front, Vol. 1 · US-1 10 · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 6 · DC Challenge! 3 · Marvel Super Special 1: KISS · The Ring, Vol. 1 · The Ring, Vol. 2 · Spider-Man: Web of Death · Detective Comics 359 · The X-Men 4 · Batman 1 · Spider-Man Holiday Special 1995 · The Adventures of Chrissie Claus 1 · Christmas Quickies 1 · Still Another 15 Missed Opportunities of AT4W
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2022:
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Ultimate Power 9 · The Adventures of Superboy 3x05-06 and 4x07-08 · Batman: The Killing Joke Adaptation · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating the JLA · Chew: Poyo Character Focus · Youngblood: Strikefile 3 · Doctor Who: Logopolis · Armageddon 2001 · Secret Invasion · Civil War II · Dark Nights: Metal · The Star Wars 7 · Sonic the Hedgehog: Tangle and Whisper · Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men: Planet X · Stargate SG-1: P.O.W. · Man of Steel · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 7 · Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Episodes 17-21 · US-1 11 · X-Men Green · Spider-Man: Maximum Carnage · DC Challenge! 4 · Comic Book Quickies 11 · 700th Episode · Ken Penders' The Lost Ones 1 · Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope · Transformers: Deviations · Legion of Superheroes 0 and Legionnaires 0 · Mr. T and the T-Force 7 · The Ring, Vol. 3: Spiral · The Ring, Vol. 4: Birthday · Spider-Man: Funeral for an Octopus · Christmas Quickies 2 · Batman 27: A Christmas Peril · Mr. T and Emmanuel Lewis in A Christmas Dream · Top 15 Goofiest Superheroes of Atop the Fourth Wall
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2023:
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Star Wars: A New Hope Comic Adaptation · Marvelman Family's Finest 1 · Superman vs. Aliens 1 · Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney · Hellblazer: Dangerous Habits · Youngblood: Strikefile 4 · What Dreams May Come, Part 1: The Sandman 1-20 · What Dreams May Come, Part 2: The Sandman 21-40 · What Dreams May Come, Part 3: The Sandman 41-60 · What Dreams May Come, Part 4: The Sandman 61-75 · Animax 2 · The Dome: Ground Zero · Action Comics 1 (Non-Superman Stories) · Transformers (UK) 132-134 · Just Imagine Stan Lee Creating Robin · Mr. T and the T-Force 8 · The Dresden Files: Storm Front, Vol. 2: Maelstrom · Captain Marvel: The Last Avenger · E-Robot, Ch. 1 · Overwatch: Legacy and Old Soldiers · Green Lantern: Emerald Twilight · Back to the Future: Who is Marty McFly? · Super Soldier 1 · Legends of the Dark Claw 1 · Spider-Boy 1 · Assassins 1 · DC Challenge! 5 · US-1 12 · The Star Wars 8 · Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters 8 · The Ring, Vol 0: Birthday · Sadako at the End of the World · Spider-Man: The Mark of Kaine · Sadako-San and Sadako-Chan · Doctor Who: Remembrance of the Daleks · Doctor Who: The Klepton Parasites · Doctor Who: The Chimes of Midnight · Yu-Gi-Oh: Capsule Monsters Ep. 1-3 · Klaus 1-7
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2024:
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Still Another 15 Mistakes of AT4W · Batman vs. the Predator 1 · Ben 10 Ep. 1×01, 09, 13 · Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger Ep. 14, 22-24 · Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Comic Adaptation · Sonic/Mega Man: Worlds Collide, Act 1
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Specials:
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AT4W 2009 Trailer · Linkara's Take on Watchmen · Watchmen Review · Theme Song Contest · The Spoony Experiment: Warrior #1 · Theme Song Contest Winner! · Blackest Night · Silent Hill: Dying Inside Trailer · Silent Hill Alternate Endings · AT4W & Spoony: Experiment Warrior 2-3 · October 2010 Trailer · Silent Hill: Dead/Alive Review Alternate Endings · The Live Show! · AT4W Story Recap · October 2011 Trailer · Return of AT4W Live! · Revenge of the AT4W Live! · Southland Tales · Curse of AT4W Live · House of AT4W Live! · Ghost of AT4W LIVE! · October 2012 Trailers · Bride of AT4W Live! · Son of AT4W Live! · Night of AT4W Live! · Day of AT4W Live! · Dawn of AT4W Live! · Land of AT4W Live! · Diary and Survival of AT4W Live! · Power of AT4W Live! · Midnight of AT4W Live! · Planet of AT4W LIVE! · Genesis of AT4W LIVE! · 300th Episode Livestream Recordings · Destiny of AT4W LIVE! · Resurrection of AT4W LIVE! · Revelation of AT4W Live! · Remembrance of AT4W LIVE! · The New 52 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 1 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 2 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 3 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 4 · Atop the Fourth Wall: The Movie, Part 5
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