Episode Summary:

@WednesdayPull navigates a personal slump and the weight of current events before pivoting to a deep dive into Marvel’s latest experiment: Wonder Man. The episode examines how the series uses Hollywood satire and character-driven storytelling to breathe new life into a post-Endgame MCU.

Takeaways:

• Production Context: The host opted for a solo session after a brief hiatus; the series dropped as an eight-episode binge.

• The "Post-Endgame" Shift: Discussion on how Marvel's evolution has altered viewer expectations.

• Meta-Commentary: The show shines as a satire of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

• Strengths: Refreshing, natural humor and standout character development for a lesser-known hero.

• • Critiques: Notable pacing issues, particularly regarding the series finale.
  • The Big Picture: Why Marvel should continue taking risks and the role of entertainment as a necessary distraction.

• Timestamps:

• • 00:00 – Introduction and Host's Reflections

  • 05:18 – Wonder Man Release & Initial Thoughts

  • 09:18 – Character Development & Standout Performances

  • 12:41 – Meta Commentary & Industry Themes

  • 17:23 – Pacing, Structure, and the Finale

• • 22:16 – Final Thoughts & Broader Implications

  Memorable Quotes:

• "I lost it at some point.""I really enjoyed it.""Marvel can take risks."

  
  

  How to Connect:

  Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates.

  Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes.

  Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions.

  
  

  How to Support the Podcast:

  Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback.

  Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds!

  Consider supporting us on Patreon!

  
  

  Credits:

  Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull)

  Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull)

  Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  
  

  Keywords: Wonder Man, Marvel, MCU, comic books, character development, current events, podcast, entertainment, storytelling, Hollywood satire

Summary

In this episode of Wednesday Toast, Lex reflects on the recent finale of My Hero Academia and the mixed reception of Stranger Things. He discusses the culture of critique in media, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism while also acknowledging the joy that fandom can bring. Lex shares his personal creative journey, detailing his plans to write scripts, collaborate with other creators, and engage with his audience through Substack and YouTube. He expresses excitement for upcoming projects and the importance of supporting various creative endeavors.

Takeaways

The importance of maintaining a consistent podcast schedule.

Fandom can bring joy and whimsy, even in critique.

Constructive criticism is essential for creative growth.

Engaging with the audience through various platforms is key.

Personal creative journeys can be fulfilling and rewarding.

Collaboration with other creators can enhance projects.

Substack is a useful tool for organizing content and updates.

YouTube can serve as a platform for sharing insights and experiences.

It's important to support different facets of creativity.

Finding joy in the creative process is paramount.

Sound bites

"I just didn't want to miss a week."

"I thought it was a lot of fun."

"I want to take it slow and do it right."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wednesday Toast

00:16 Reflections on My Hero Academia and Stranger Things

01:45 The Joy of Fan Theories

03:58 Criticism in Creative Works

08:02 Personal Creative Journey and Projects

12:24 Upcoming Comic Book Ventures

17:17 Substack and New Content Initiatives

19:38 The TMNT Fan Club and Future Plans

28:59 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

How to Connect:

Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates.

Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes.

Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions.

How to Support the Podcast:

Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback.

Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds!

Consider supporting us on Patreon!

Credits:

Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Simon (@Sime_On_Toast)

Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull)

Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠

Keywords

comic books, Stranger Things, My Hero Academia, critique culture, creative journey, Substack, YouTube, podcasting, TMNT, storytelling

Episode Summary:After years of following the journey from UA High to the front lines of a superhuman war, the guys finally sit down to process the emotional conclusion of My Hero Academia. We explore how the show evolved from a "peppy" school-life anime into a tragic exploration of how society creates its own monsters.

We also compare the "academic" hero journey of Deku to the "blue-collar" hero workforce of One Punch Man, discuss the heartbreaking parallels between the series' greatest heroes and villains, and share why characters like Eraser Head and Lemillion stole the show.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Evolution of MHA: How the show transitioned from lighthearted classroom antics to a high-stakes, emotional war.

• Shigaraki vs. Deku: A deep look at "Nature vs. Nurture" and the tragic backstories that define the final arc.

• The "Workforce" Perspective: Why One Punch Man feels like the logical "adulthood" progression from the school-focused world of MHA.

• Heroism & Sacrifice: Discussing the "gut-punch" moments involving Eri, Lemillion, and the relentless Eraser Head.

• The Manga Gateway: How to use high-quality storytelling to get the next generation of "smooth brains" (aka our kids) into reading.

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro and the "Token Tax" tangent.05:15 - Why it was finally time to talk the My Hero Academia finale.08:15 - THE HERO COMPARISON: School days (MHA) vs. the workforce (One Punch Man).12:00 - Using Manga to trick your kids into reading.18:00 - THE MHA DEEP DIVE: Sime’s journey to being emotionally wrecked on an elliptical.24:30 - THE TRAGEDY OF THE VILLAIN: Analyzing Shigaraki’s trauma.29:00 - Why Eraser Head is the "Batman" of the MHA universe.

MHA vs. ONE PUNCH MAN: THE QUICK TAKE

• My Hero Academia: Focuses on growth, legacy, and the education of a hero. It’s the journey of becoming an adult.

• One Punch Man: Focuses on the workforce. Heroes are government employees dealing with bureaucracy, paychecks, and boredom.

How to Connect:

Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates.

Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes.

Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions.

How to Support the Podcast:

Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback.

Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds!

Consider supporting us on Patreon!

Credits:

Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Simon (@Sime_On_Toast)

Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull)

Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠

Keywords

My Hero Academia Finale, MHA Ending, My Hero Academia Review, One Punch Man, One Punch Man Season 3, Anime Podcast, Shigaraki Backstory, Deku vs Shigaraki, Eraser Head, Lemillion, Solo Leveling, Manga vs Anime, Superhero Society, Shonen Jump, The Wednesday Toast, Wednesday Pull, Sime on Toast, Anime Analysis, Hero Association, UA High