This week the Pals are taking a hard look at the purpose of comics! Are we allowed to escape into the fantasy they provide or are they tools for examining the real world? Sean and Cale talk Batman. And Phil wrote us a letter from the 1980's. Plus: Stick around til the end to hear what Cale watches on TV!

What're We Reading?

Random Question of the Week: What is your favorite instance of a good guy gone bad, or a villain turning over a new leaf?

News:

Marvel Isn't Looking to Make Rated R Movies!:

https://goo.gl/bj2AR5

Marvel Cinematic Universe Will Look Very Different by May 2019!:

https://goo.gl/0ZGoXY

James Gunn Returning For Guardians 3!:

https://goo.gl/Kk5Ude

Doctor Strange Director Will Direct Pilot of 'Locke and Key' on Hulu!:

https://goo.gl/2FQoOV

DC Announces Dark Matter!:

https://goo.gl/lr8C4N

The Cloak and Dagger Trailer!:

https://goo.gl/pv94xV

Jeff Lemire Decides Against Writing About White Supremacy in Bloodshot!:

https://goo.gl/Xy2Twd

Is It Okay for Stories to be Used as Escapism? Nick Spencer Weighs in!:

https://goo.gl/nIAHf1

Main Topic:

Is the primary purpose of comic books (and all forms of entertainment) escapism? In light of the controversy surrounding the release of Secret Empire #0 and Captain America being the head of Hydra, we dish on the notion that entertainment should serve as an opportunity to escape from the strife of daily life, and what the responsibility of creators is to service their audience. Should creators look to challenge and engage their audience, potentially making them uncomfortable along the way, or should they ultimately seek to provide all the thrills without forcing their audiences to ask themselves tough questions about the world they live in?

Plugs:

Slack N' Slash: goo.gl/gDiLz4

Panels Publishing: sellfy.com/panelspublishing

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/WoeisMarco_

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop