Animation Fascination

"You cannot live like this, baby, in hate!"

James Cameron returns us to Pandora with Avatar: Fire & Ash, and this time the conversation goes far beyond the spectacle. In this episode of ⁠Animation Fascination⁠⁠, hosts ⁠⁠Marc Vibbert⁠ ⁠& Stanford Clark⁠ are joined by special guest ⁠Agustin Rios⁠ (of Heroes Reforged⁠) to break down the newest chapter of the Avatar saga—its themes, technology, and whether the franchise is still evolving… or repeating familiar myths.

We dive into the film’s emotional core following the Sully family after tragedy, the introduction of the aggressive Mangkwan clan, Quaritch’s uneasy alliances, and the ever-expanding mythology of Eywa and Pandora. But this episode isn’t just a movie review — it’s a full-blown discussion about the cinematic experience itself.

Agustin also shares insights from his past work in 3-D conversion as the group explores the rise, fall, and possible rebirth of 3-D filmmaking, along with a passionate conversation about physical media, preservation, and what the future of home viewing might look like.

(Recorded: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026)

• Main Topic
• Avatar: Fire & Ash

• Film Discussion

• The Sully family after The Way of Water
• Grief, family, and belonging on Pandora
• The Mangkwan — a Na’vi tribe that rejects Eywa
• Quaritch’s evolving motivations and uneasy alliances
• Spider’s transformation and humanity’s future on Pandora
• Kiri’s connection to Eywa and the spiritual mythology
• The Tulkun, the Metkayina, and environmental parallels
• Final battle and what it means for the franchise moving forward

• Franchise Conversation

• Is Avatar just FernGully, Dances with Wolves, or Pocahontas?
• Why Pandora still resonates with audiences
• World-building vs. storytelling debates
• James Cameron as a technological filmmaker

• 3-D & Technology
• The rise of theatrical 3-D
• Agustin’s experience in 3-D conversion
• Why some 3-D works — and why some doesn’t
• Premium formats, immersion, and audience expectations

• Physical Media & Preservation
• Streaming vs ownership
• Collector culture and boutique labels
• Archival concerns for modern films
• Will 3-D survive at home?

🎧 Whether you love the Avatar films, are fascinated by film technology, or want to hear a passionate discussion about the theatrical experience—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Support Animation Fascination!

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Find the show on social media at:

• BlueSky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AnimatedPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AnimationFascination⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Follow us individually on social media at:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠⁠- @MarcVibbert
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠- @StanfordClark

Check out our other podcasts:

• Stanford - ⁠⁠⁠⁠Movies: Past and Present⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Marc - ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Holdo Maneuver (A Short-form Star Wars Podcast)⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Richmond Way: A "Ted Lasso" Rewatch Podcast⁠⁠⁠

"Look up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!"

From the groundbreaking Fleischer Studios shorts of 1941 to today’s modern takes, Superman has had an incredible journey in animation. In this episode of Animation Fascination⁠, we explore 85 years of the Man of Steel on screen, examining iconic moments, legendary voice actors, and the evolution of Superman’s animated legacy. It's up, up, and away as hosts ⁠Marc Vibbert⁠ ⁠& Stanford Clark are joined by special guest Adam Hlavac (of Heroes Reforged and Glorious Nightmares).

Join us as we celebrate the hero who inspired generations and dive deep into the shows and films that defined him—from Superman: The Animated Series and Super Friends to My Adventures With Superman and beyond.

(Recorded: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025)

Main Topic

Superman in Animation

• Animation Milestones

• First animated flight — Fleischer

• Phone booth transformation — animation origin

• Iconic “Faster than a speeding bullet…” intro

• Rotoscoping influence on superhero action

• 1940s–1960s

• Fleischer Superman Cartoons (1941–43)

• 17 shorts (Fleischer + Famous Studios)

• Introduced flight & phone booth change

• Rotoscoping for realism

• Bud Collyer (voice), Joan Alexander (Lois)

• The New Adventures of Superman (1966–69) – Filmation, Silver Age tone

• Batman/Superman Hour (1968) – Compilation format

• 1970s–1980s

• Super Friends (1973–86) – Hanna-Barbera, team-focused

• Superman (1988) – Ruby-Spears, 50th anniversary, Lex as businessman

• 1990s–2000s

• Superman: TAS (1996–2000) – DCAU, Bruce Timm style, Tim Daly (Supes), Clancy Brown (Lex)

• The New Batman/Superman Adventures (1997) – Compilation

• Justice League (2001) / Justice League: Unlimited (2004) – Continues TAS Continuity

• Krypto the Superdog (2005–06) – Kid-centric, Superman cameo in pilot

• Legion of Super-Heroes (2006–08) – Young Clark in the future

• Animated Films

• Brainiac Attacks (2006)

• Superman: Doomsday (2007)

• Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)

• Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)

• Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)

• Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)

• All-Star Superman (2011)

• Superman vs. The Elite (2012)

• Justice League: Doom (2012)

• Superman: Unbound (2013)

• Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

• Justice League: War (2014)

• Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)

• Death of Superman / Reign of the Supermen (2018–19)

• Red Son (2020)

• Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

• Man of Tomorrow (2020) – starts Tomorrowverse

• Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (2022)

• Justice League: Warworld (2023)

• Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths trilogy (2024)

• Recent

• My Adventures with Superman (2023–Present ) – Anime-inspired, fresh take, multiverse nods

• Notable Superman Voice Actors

• Bud Collyer – Fleischer, Filmation

• Tim Daly – Superman: TAS

• George Newbern – Justice League

• Darren Criss – Tomorrowverse

• Jerry O’Connell – DCAMU

• Channing Tatum – The LEGO Movie 1(2014) & 2 (2019), The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

• Nicolas Cage – Teen Titans Go! (2018)

• John Krasinski – League of Super-Pets (2022)

🎧 Whether you’re a lifelong Superman fan or a DC Comics aficionado—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Support Animation Fascination!

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠⁠

Find the show on social media at:

• BlueSky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AnimatedPodcast⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠@AnimationFascination⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Follow us individually on social media at:

• ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠- @MarcVibbert
• ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠- @StanfordClark

Check out our other podcasts:

• Stanford - ⁠⁠⁠Movies: Past and Present⁠⁠⁠
• Marc - ⁠⁠⁠The Holdo Maneuver (A Short-form Star Wars Podcast)⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠The Richmond Way: A "Ted Lasso" Rewatch Podcast⁠⁠

"Unique can sometimes feel like alone."

Marc Vibbert and co-host Stanford Clark are joined by guest host Ted Sowards for a cosmic deep dive into Pixar’s 2025 sci-fi adventure, ELIO.

From alien abductions to intergalactic diplomacy, this film explores childhood, identity, and the wonders of the universe — all through the eyes of eleven-year-old Elio Solís.

(Recorded: Thursday, June 26th, 2025)

Main Topic

• Disney-Pixar's ELIO

🎧 Whether you’re a Pixar fan, a fan of alien encounter films, or just love a great coming-of-age story—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Support Animation Fascination!

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠⁠

Find the show on social media at:

• BlueSky - ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AnimatedPodcast⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠@AnimationFascination⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Follow us individually on social media at:

• ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram  ⁠⁠⁠- @MarcVibbert
• ⁠⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠- @StanfordClark

Check out our other podcasts:

• Stanford - ⁠⁠⁠Movies: Past and Present⁠⁠⁠
• Marc - ⁠⁠⁠The Holdo Maneuver (A Short-form Star Wars Podcast)⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠The Richmond Way: A "Ted Lasso" Rewatch Podcast⁠⁠

"You just gestured to all of me! [but in live-action]"

In this fire-breathing episode of Animation Fascination⁠, host ⁠Marc Vibbert⁠ is joined by guest host Ted Sowards to take flight into the highly anticipated(?) live-action adaptation of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2025). Directed by Dean DeBlois and featuring an all-new cast alongside Gerard Butler reprising his iconic role as Stoick the Vast, the film reimagines the beloved Viking-and-dragon tale with breathtaking visuals, sweeping music, and heart at its core.

We explore how this new vision captures the spirit of the original trilogy while carving out its place in the franchise — discussing the idea of live-action adaptations of animated films as a whole, and, of course, dragons.

(Recorded: Tuesday, June 17th, 2025)

Main Topic

• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (2025)

🎧 Whether you’re a fan of the original animated film, fantasy epics, or just love dragons—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Support Animation Fascination!

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Merch⁠⁠

Find the show on social media at:

• BlueSky - ⁠⁠⁠@AnimatedPodcast⁠⁠
• Instagram - ⁠⁠@AnimationFascination⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Follow us individually on social media at:

• ⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠Instagram  ⁠⁠- @MarcVibbert
• ⁠⁠BlueSky ⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠- @StanfordClark

Check out our other podcasts:

• Stanford - ⁠⁠Movies: Past and Present⁠⁠
• Marc - ⁠⁠The Holdo Maneuver (A Short-form Star Wars Podcast)⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠The Richmond Way: A "Ted Lasso" Rewatch Podcast⁠

"Go forth among the stars and seek only the strongest prey. They shall be your trophy."

In this episode of Animation Fascination⁠, hosts ⁠Marc Vibbert⁠ ⁠and Stanford Clark take a deep dive into the new adult animated science fiction action horror film PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) and co-directed by Joshua Wassung, the film spans centuries of human history — from Viking warriors in 841, to samurai brothers in 1609 Japan, to WWII fighter pilots in 1942 — all locked in deadly encounters with the galaxy’s fiercest hunters.

Blending intense action, rich world-building, and stunning animation by The Third Floor, PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS has been praised for its animation, direction, and gripping storytelling. The film delivers a bold new chapter in the Predator saga while honoring the franchise’s relentless spirit of the hunt.

(Recorded: Wednesday, June 11th, 2025)

Main Topic

• PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS
• (now available on Hulu & Disney+)

🎧 Whether you’re a lifelong Sci-Fi fan, an animation aficionado, or just love the Predator franchise —this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

🌟 Like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and content from ⁠Animation Fascination⁠! 🌟

Support Animation Fascination!

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Merch⁠

Find the show on social media at:

• BlueSky - ⁠⁠@AnimatedPodcast⁠
• Instagram - ⁠@AnimationFascination⁠
• ⁠Facebook⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠

Follow us individually on social media at:

• ⁠BlueSky ⁠/ ⁠Instagram  ⁠- @MarcVibbert
• ⁠BlueSky ⁠/ ⁠Instagram ⁠- @StanfordClark

Check out our other podcasts:

• Stanford - ⁠Movies: Past and Present⁠
• Marc - ⁠The Holdo Maneuver (A Short-form Star Wars Podcast)⁠ & ⁠The Richmond Way: A "Ted Lasso" Rewatch Podcast

"The Untold Story of 'A Goofy Movie'."

In this special episode of Animation Fascination⁠, host ⁠Marc Vibbert⁠ ⁠ sits down with filmmakers Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton, the directing duo behind the brand-new Disney+ documentary NOT JUST A GOOF, along with legendary director Kevin Lima, who brought A GOOFY MOVIE to life back in 1995.

NOT JUST A GOOF uncovers the emotional, funny, and sometimes rocky journey behind the making of A GOOFY MOVIE —a film that may have been overlooked when it premiered but has since grown into a beloved cult classic for an entire generation. The doc celebrates the creativity, resilience, and vision of a young team making their first Disney feature while exploring themes of fatherhood, identity, and belonging.

(Recorded: Friday, April 4th, 2025)

🎥 Hear all about:

• The origins of the documentary and why now was the perfect time to tell this story
• Kevin Lima's memories of directing A GOOFY MOVIE and what it was like being a first-time Disney feature director
• Behind-the-scenes tales from the original production
• The impact of the film over the past 30 years
• How the documentary became a spiritual sequel to Waking Sleeping Beauty
• What surprised even the filmmakers during their deep dive into Disney’s archives

Plus, we geek out over Powerline, road trips with Goofy, and the unexpected emotional weight this film still carries three decades later.

🎉 NOT JUST A GOOF premieres April 7th on Disney+, perfectly timed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of A GOOFY MOVIE.

🎧 Whether you’re a lifelong fan, an animation aficionado, or just love a great comeback story—this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Support Animation Fascination!

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠
• ⁠Merch

Find the show on social media at:

• BlueSky - ⁠@AnimatedPodcast
• Instagram - @AnimationFascination
• Facebook
• YouTube

Follow us individually on social media at:

• BlueSky / Instagram  - @MarcVibbert
• BlueSky / Instagram - @StanfordClark

Check out our other podcasts:

• Stanford - Movies: Past and Present
• Marc - The Holdo Maneuver (A Short-form Star Wars Podcast) & The Richmond Way: A "Ted Lasso" Rewatch Podcast

🔗 Follow the Film & Creators:

• @goofyfilmdoc | NotJustAGoof.com
• Kevin Lima – @kevinlima612
• Christopher Ninness – @chrisninness
• Eric Kimelton – @makebelieveeric
• Don Hahn – @don.hahn
• Scott Seibold – @scottseibold
• Mason Trueblood – @masontrueblood
• Cameron Chambers – @camchammusic
• Venturia Animation Studios – @venturia.animation
• Juan Urbina – @juan.m.urbina
• Bill Farmer – @goofybill
• Jason Marsden – @jasonmarsden

"With Great Power, Comes Great... Respect."

In this episode of Animation Fascination, hosts Marc Vibbert and Stanford Clark swing into action with special guest Hector Navarro (Heroes Reforged) to discuss Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man – Marvel’s latest animated take on the web-slinger!

Is this fresh spin on Peter Parker’s origin a game-changer, or are we just retreading old webs? We break down the unique twists on Spider-Man’s story, from Oscorp’s influence to a surprising new symbiotic connection, and debate whether the series stands out from previous adaptations like The Spectacular Spider-Man. Plus, we analyze the animation style, character arcs, and how the show ties into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Does this version of Spidey live up to the legacy? Tune in and find out!

🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation!

"Sometimes, to survive, you must become more than you were programmed to be."

Join Stanford Clark and Marc Vibbert as they dive into the most exciting animated films of 2024! From long-awaited sequels to fresh, original stories, we’re breaking down everything that made this year in animation unforgettable.

• 🎞️ Movies We’re Discussing:
• 🌊 Moana 2: A return to the ocean with Moana and her next big adventure!
• 🤖 Transformers: One: The origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron.
• 🐦 The Wild Robot: A heartwarming adaptation of Peter Brown’s beloved book.
• 🟡 Despicable Me 4: Gru, the Minions, and more mischief!
• 🐼 Kung Fu Panda 4: Po faces his greatest challenge yet.
• 🧩 Piece by Piece: A touching story built brick by brick.
• ✨ Spellbound: A magical journey from Skydance Animation.
• 🐖 Hit Pig!: A quirky pig on a bounty-hunting mission.
• ⚔️ The Lord of the Rings: The War for the Rohirrim: An epic animated Middle-earth tale.🌈 IF: A whimsical journey from John Krasinski.
• 🌊 Flow: A stunning artistic achievement from Janus Films.
• 🐱 The Garfield Movie: Starring Chris Pratt as everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat.
• 🎭 Inside Out 2: Riley’s emotional rollercoaster continues.…and so much more!

🚀🔎 We’ll explore the creativity, innovation, and storytelling that defined this year’s animated releases. Plus, hear our thoughts on trends in animation and what we’re most excited about for the future!

💬 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow animation fans. Stay tuned for more episodes where we celebrate the art of animation!

"Who ya gonna call?"

Join us for a spooky *Animation Fascination* live stream recording as we celebrate Halloween with guests Kayla and Johnny from Geek the F Out and Jay from Geek.Dad.Life.!

We'll be diving into three classic THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS episodes: "When Halloween Was Forever" (S1E8), "Knock, Knock" (S2E40), and "Janine Melnitz, Ghostbuster" (S2E12).

Get ready for spoopy nostalgic fun, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of ghostly good times! 👻🎃

"The Ultimate Disney Fan Event."

Join hosts Marc Vibbert and Stanford Clark on this episode of Animation Fascination as they dive into all the exciting announcements from D23 Expo 2024! Get the inside scoop (and Stanford's maybe not so "hot takes") on live-action adaptations of SNOW WHITE and LILO & STITCH, along with Pixar's original films and sequels to fan favorites like TOY STORY and THE INCREDIBLES.

Plus, we explore Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming sequels to ZOOTOPIA and FROZEN. Marvel Animation also has big news with EYES OF WAKANDA, the final season of WHAT IF...?, and YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN.

And the latest (and controversial?) Disney Parks rides inspired by CARS, MONSTERS, INC., and ZOOTOPIA. Tune in for all the magical news and make sure to subscribe!

(recorded on: August 23rd, 2024)

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