Action Comics #1
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Released
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November 1st, 2010
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Running time
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19:19
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Previous review
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Tagline
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The man of steel! The man of tomorrow! The man who will wreck your stuff!
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Link
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Linkara: Hello, and welcome to Atop the Fourth Wall, where bad comics burn. Hey, kids, it's Secret Origins Month!
(To clips of various superhero movies, cartoons and TV shows, the title "Secret Origins Month" appears; cut to a shot of a cover for a superhero comic called "Secret Origins")
Linkara (v/o): Welcome to Secret Origins Month! Basically, a thought occurred to me a few months ago.
(Cut to a shot of some bottles of grape-flavored G2 Gatorade)
Linkara (v/o): Grape G2 Gatorade is really good. Yeah, it has nothing to do with this, but it really does taste good.
(Cut to a montage of other "secret origin" comics of superheroes)
Linkara (v/o): Anyway, I was wondering about the superheroes that I loved so much and got to thinking how much has changed over the years about them. After all, some of these guys are over 70 years old. There are bound to be a few things that writers and artists have tweaked over the years.
Linkara: And thus we have Secret Origins Month. We're going to take a look at the very first issues of some classic characters. First, is the one you can say started it all: Superman!
(The theme for the Superman movie plays as we cut to another montage, starting with a shot of Superman)
Linkara (v/o): To be fair, though, Superman is not really the first superhero. It's hard to say who exactly that is, since the definition of a superhero can vary wildly from person to person.
(Cut to a shot of a comic featuring the Mighty Hercules)
Linkara (v/o): After all, Hercules, who's a Greek myth, is currently a Marvel superhero, and who's to say ancient demigods don't fit the bill?
(Cut to shots of various pulp heroes)
Linkara (v/o): Pulp heroes might count, too, like the Shadow, Zorro, or the Phantom.
(Cut back to Superman)
Linkara (v/o): Still, Superman can probably be considered the father of the traditional concept of powers and abilities beyond mortal man and wearing a bright colorful costume. Originally, Superman was conceived as a villain with mental powers in 1933 by his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Over time, the concept evolved into the hero we know today, with some tweaks here and there. They drew inspiration from...
(A shot of the movie poster for Metropolis is shown)
Linkara (v/o): ...movies, actors, other actors...
(Back to Superman again)
Linkara (v/o): ...and just general thought about what the character should look like.
(The montage now focuses on the plight of Superman's creators)
Linkara (v/o): Sadly, Siegel and Shuster got kind of screwed over with their creation. There's a lot of legalese involved, but needless to say, no one could have anticipated just how much Superman would be a part of American pop culture after so many decades and how much money the brand had made.
(Cut to a clip of CNN Headline News telling about the apparent death of Superman)
Linkara (v/o): Superman's death in 1992 made national news, for crying out loud.
(An article is shown, displaying the original creators' family trying to reacquire the rights to Superman)
Linkara (v/o): But yeah, they sold the original rights to Superman for $130, and they and their families have tried for years to reacquire the rights, even after their deaths. I'm not gonna say who's right or wrong, but I know some of you would want me to mention it.
Linkara: But we're not here to talk about that. We're here to talk about the comic itself. So let's dig into "Action Comics #1", the very first appearance of Superman.
(AT4W title sequence plays; title card has "Can You Read My Mind" from the Superman movie playing in the background; cut to a closeup of the comic cover)
Linkara (v/o): Now, of course, I don't have a copy of the original comic. If I did, I wouldn't have it for very long, because I'd immediately sell it. There aren't many copies left in the world. After all, who knew that a silly little comic book published in 1938 would be worth a million bucks 70 years later? Oh, and just a little disclaimer here: this is all in good fun. I'm evaluating the comic with modern standards, and of course it's probably not gonna stand up. I freaking love Superman, and this is all just for laughs. Anyway, let's start with our cover. Like I said, I'm reading from a scanned copy, but gee, someone really put this one through the wringer. Every edge is worn and ripped. It's kind of dirty. Didn't anybody have a reprint they could use for the cover? But yeah, "Action Comics #1" for ten cents. You know, at the time of this review, there's debate about the rising price of comics to $3.99 per issue.
Linkara: Man, money was so much better during the Great Depression! (beat) Wait...
Linkara (v/o): But about the cover itself, I'm just curious about a few things. One, why were people driving around what looks like the middle of the desert? Two, was that guy underneath the car? I mean, he's crouching, and he looks rather surprised about this, like, "Geez, what the hell happened?" And then there's this guy who looks like he needs some Alka-Seltzer for his headache. (the comic opens to the first page) We open with Superman's origin story. Just a little bit of trivia for the format here: it was originally pitched as a comic strip, but when National Publications, the comic publisher at the time, was planning on making "Action Comics #1", they told Siegel and Shuster to reconfigure the story so it was in comic book format. So they had to literally cut and paste their strips into thirteen pages. Hence, why every page of this story has three rows of the exact same length and width.
Narrator: As a distant planet was destroyed by old age, a scientist placed his infant son within a hastily devised space-ship, launching it toward Earth!
Linkara: (as narrator) In retrospect, since the planet was dying of old age, they really should have seen this one coming.
Narrator: When the device landed on Earth, a passing motorist, discovering the sleeping babe within, turned the child over to an orphanage.
Linkara: Calling the police had not been invented yet.
Narrator: Attendants, unaware the child's physical structure was millions of years advanced of their own, were astounded at his feats of strength.
Linkara: (as an attendant) My God, fellow orphanage attendants! That child is lifting that inflatable chair!
Narrator: When maturity was reached, he discovered he could easily: leap 1/8 of a mile; hurdle a twenty-story building... raise tremendous weights... run faster than an express train... and that nothing less than a bursting shell could penetrate his skin!
Linkara: Uh... (holds up index finger) Wait, he learned all this when he reached maturity? What the hell was going on in the intervening eighteen years or so? Did the orphanage attendants just forget about the incredibly strong child? (as one attendant) Uh, sir, don't you think we should tell someone about (points thumb behind him) the fantastically strong kid? (as another attendant) Quiet! No interruptions during Fibber McGee and Molly!
Narrator: Early, Clark decided he must turn his titanic strength into channels that would benefit mankind.
Linkara: (as narrator) And thus The Weather Channel was born.
Narrator: SUPERMAN! Champion of the oppressed, the physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need!
Linkara (v/o): Here's another trivia note for you: Shuster and Siegel were both children of Jewish immigrants.
(Cut to shots of a wartime comic where Superman battles Adolf Hitler (the real deal, not just some clone))
Linkara (v/o): And while there were very few stories that saw Superman directly engaging Nazis in World War II, the two did publish a story in 1943 for Look Magazine that showed Superman taking Hitler and Stalin and bringing them to the League of Nations for war crimes trials against their own people. And that is awesome!
(Cut back to the first comic)
Narrator: A scientific explanation of Clark Kent's amazing strength!
Linkara: (putting his head on his hands eagerly) Oh, this ought to be good.
Narrator: Kent had come from a planet whose inhabitants' physical structure was millions of years advanced of our own. Upon reaching maturity, the people of his race became gifted with titanic strength!
(Cut to that same old shot of the Hitler clones from "Superman At Earth's End")
Hitler Clone: Of course. Don't you know anything about science?
Linkara: (recoiling, with his hands up) Whoa! Just had a humbling thought: "Superman At Earth's End" was the eventual result of this comic. (becomes nervous)
Linkara (v/o): The story proper begins with Superman leaping through the air... Yeah, when Superman was first invented, he didn't fly, just leap... and carrying a woman tied up and gagged. Yeah, when Superman was first invented, he was a kidnapping asshole. Superman goes to the Governor's mansion and demands to be let in. The guy at the door – I presume it's the butler – says he can come back in the morning.
(Cut to a clip of The Wizard of Oz)
Oz: Go away and come back tomorrow!
Dorothy: Tomorrow?!
(Cut back to the comic)
Linkara (v/o): Superman, though, is not one to be stopped by doors and just bursts his way in! Oh, and his cape keeps disappearing.
Superman: Answer my question! Are you going to take me to the Governor?
Butler: No! I won't!
Superman: Then I'll take you to him!
Linkara: (as butler) But... But I answered your question!
Linkara (v/o): Superman proceeds to goofily lift the butler up over his head with one hand and walk up the stairs, the guy screaming for help all the way. They reach the Governonr's room, which is guarded by a locked steel door.
Linkara: Is the Governor routinely menaced by costumed super beings? Why does he have a steel door for his bedroom?
Butler: Try and knock this door down!
Linkara (v/o): And Superman proceeds to do just that, ripping the thing off the wall.
Superman: It was your idea!
Linkara: (as butler) Okay, I admit I kind of walked into that one.
Linkara (v/o): The Governor is woken up, Superman explaining that an innocent woman is about to be executed for murder, but he has a signed confession from the real murderer. The butler tries to shoot Supes, thinking him to be some crazy man. Crazy strongman, considering the door thing, but whatever. Naturally, the bullet ricochets off of him. Also, in the bottom-left corner is this silly little clock.
Narrator: A life hangs in the balance. 12 minutes to go.
Linkara (v/o): After Superman's cape vanishes again, the Governor asks to see the papers, and now it's nine minutes to go. So, what, three minutes passed between Supes getting shot and then saying the Governor can save the innocent woman? What's even goofier about this is that that's the last time the clock thing happens. And I know you're thinking that it'd make more sense when this was strips and not pages for a comic book, but no! Or what if in the next day's comic strip doesn't have the clock thing, either?
Linkara: I mean, you can't just have some pointless clock appear for suspense reasons (the comic's clock appears in the corner, reading "9 minutes to go") and not do anything with it! (he sees the clock and stares silently at camera)
Linkara (v/o): So yeah, the woman is pardoned, and Supes departs, leaving a note saying that the real murderer is on the front lawn. Due process? What's that? The next day, Clark is relieved to see he's not mentioned in the report.
Linkara: (reading paper) "Mysterious man in spandex and vanishing cape shows he's smarter than the Metropolis police force. Editor's note: Steel doors – Are they the way of the future?"
Narrator: Miles away, in the Governor's private chamber...
Linkara (v/o): Yes, his private chamber that has eight people in it. The Governor's just happy that someone with that kind of power is on the side of law and order.
Linkara: Which is why he broke into your house and beat up your butler and broke your property and obtained a confession from an unwilling woman! Seems to me that Superman is on his own side of law and order there, Governor.
Linkara (v/o): And yes, we know it was an unwilling woman. Otherwise, why the heck would she be tied up and gagged? Don't answer that. We cut to the Daily Star, which is what it was originally called, where Clark's editor [Perry White] tells him to try to figure out anything he can about Superman. However, that's interrupted when he's given another assignment.
Perry White: Hurry, Kent-- a phoned tip... wife-beating at 211 Court Ave!
Linkara: (as Perry) Get some great pictures of the woman getting beaten by her husband! Oh, and interview their kids, too! This is gonna be a great story! (normal) Seriously, what the hell?
Linkara (v/o): Naturally, Superman shows up at the place, where a man is beating his with... uh, a squash? Superman lifts the guy up by his clavicle, where he, of course, goes into this awkward position. Supes then proceeds to throw to the jackass into a wall!
Superman: You're not fighting a woman, now!
Linkara: BECAUSE I AM A MAN!
(As always, he reaches out and punches offscreen, then pulls that which he has punched into frame. In this case, he has punched... Iron Liz!)
Linkara: (surprised) Liz! Where the heck did you come from?!
Iron Liz: (looking around, confused) I don't know...
Linkara (v/o): Later, Clark asks Lois Lane out for a date. She takes pity on the guy who's wearing khakis with a dark suit jacket, and they go for dinner and dancing. At a nearby table, three goons are talking. One of them [Butch Matson, as the comic mentions] decides to cut in and dance with Lois. Lois of course objects, but Clark wants to maintain his facade of being weak. Fortunately, Lois is no pushover. (a punching sound is heard)
Butch Matson: Fight... you weak-livered pole-cat!
Linkara: (as Butch) Even though it was the lady who hit me!
Linkara (v/o): (as Butch, shoving his hand in Clark's face) Smell my hand! SMELL IT! (normal) Lois, walks away, calling Clark a coward for not wanting to fight the thug. Said thugs decide to chase after Lois for hitting that guy. They run her off the road and kidnap her, but fortunately, Superman chases after them and lifts their car up, shaking them all out and giving us our cover shot of smashing it against the rocks. He takes the jerk and lifts him up.
Superman: This will take but a few seconds.
Linkara: (as Superman) Time for a power wedgie! (lifts up his arms as if giving a wedgie)
Linkara (v/o): Supes takes Lois home. I admit, it's kind of sweet in hindsight, considering their future marriage and especially...
(Cut to footage of the Superman movie showing Superman flying Lois through the air)
Linkara (v/o): ...the original Superman movie. Still, just imagine how goofy this scene would be in the movie if Superman was hopping around instead of flying.
(The picture jumps up and down repeatedly; cut back to the comic)
Linkara (v/o): The next day, Clark receives yet another assignment.
Perry: Kent the front page is getting so dull, I've even got to headline card-games.
Linkara: (as Perry) And we all know this Yu-Gi-Oh crap is never gonna take off!
Linkara (v/o): Apparently, there's a war going on in a South American country and he's being sent as a news correspondent. However, Clark instead takes the train to Washington, D.C. Yes, our hero ignores the news assignments given to him to do whatever the hell he feels like. In this case, he observes a senator [Senator Barrows] talking to a lobbyist and overhears their plans to meet later. At the senator's home, Superman is waiting outside to listen in on their conversation.
Senator Barrows: I've told you to avoid me in public. What would people think if they knew I had anything to do with you?
Linkara: (feigned surprise) A lobbyist meeting a politician?! What new spore of madness is this?!
Linkara (v/o): By the way, is it just me or is this lobbyist Vincent Price?
Lobbyist: I had to see you. Tell me: do you think you'll succeed in pushing the bill thru? [sic]
Linkara: And yes, they spelled "through" like that. It's either a thing they did in the 1930s or this was a precursor to text messaging.
Sen. Barrows: There's no doubt about it! The bill will be passed before its full implications are realized. Before any remedial steps can be taken, our country will be embroiled with Europe.
Linkara: My God, that son of a bitch wants America to oppose Hitler! (points to camera) STOP HIM, SUPERMAN!
Linkara (v/o): Well, admittedly, it leaves it pretty vague about that, since the only line he says is, "embroiled with Europe", which could mean getting America to side with the Axis powers, but it's kind of wince-inducing now if they meant to end America's neutrality at the time. It's also kind of amusing, considering a year after this comic was published, America's Neutrality Act would be amended to allow cash-and-carry arm trades to Great Britain and others opposing the Axis powers. It's a funny old world, idn't it? As Vincent Price leaves the office the senator's office, Superman intercepts him and drags him out a window. They jump onto telephone wires, Vincent Price panicking because he thinks they'll be electrocuted.
Superman: No, we won't! Birds sit on telephone wires and they aren't electrocuted-- not unless they touch a telephone-pole and are grounded!
(Linkara is seen reading a book called "The Physics of Superheroes"; he looks up)
Linkara: Damn, he's right! You win this time, comic, but I'll find another way to call on your science somehow!
Linkara (v/o): And so, our story ends with Superman taking Vincent and leaping towards another building as if to fall.
Narrator: And so begins the startling adventures of the most sensational strip character of all time: SUPERMAN! A physical marvel, a mental wonder, Superman is destined to reshape the destiny of a world!
Linkara: (dramatically, raising his arms in the air) All shall bow before Superman, or he shall knock down your steel doors and wreck your cars!
(Cut to shots of comics in the book; there's more than just "Superman")
Linkara (v/o): I went back and forth about whether I'd talk about the other stories in "Action Comics #1", since in both the Gold and Silver Ages, comics had more than one story in them, but I think I'm gonna hold off on them for the time being. They're not really all that impressive. There's a black-and-white Western ["Chuck Dawson"]; "Zatara", a Golden Age magician superhero, whose nemesis is a woman called the Tigress... who does not go out of her way to look anything like a tiger; a short prose story ["South Sea Strategy"] meant to be continued next month; a humor story ["Sticky-Mitt Stimson"]; a story of Marco Polo; a slightly racist little boxing story about a blond-haired white guy facing off against an Aborigine "wild Bushman"; a black-and-white crime drama ["Scoop Scanlon, Five Star Reporter"]; and finally, another Western ["Tex Thomson"]. Maybe I'll come back to somewhere down the road, but right now, we're talking about Superman.
(Back to the Superman comic briefly)
Linkara (v/o): His first outing established a lot of things that had become common: his relationship with Lois, mild-mannered reporter, enhanced strength, etc., etc. On the other hand, though, he's guilty of destruction of private property, threatening lives, coercing confessions, kidnapping, and reckless endangerment.
Linkara: So basically, when Superman started out, he was the superhero equivalent of the Kool-Aid Man. See you next week for more of Secret Origins Month! (gets up and leaves)
(End credits roll)
Yes, I know, the clock's in the bottom RIGHT, not the bottom LEFT. These things happen.
Hey, this was actually the first Golden Age comic to be featured on the show. Spiffy!
So who called the newspapers before they called the police about a wife beating?
(Stinger: Linkara pulls in Iron Liz, who looks around, confused)
Linkara: (surprised) Liz, where the heck did you come from?!
Iron Liz: I... don't know...
Linkara: (seeing a pair of sunglasses on her head) Those are my sunglasses! (grabs them)
(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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