This week the Ka-Pow crew celebrates our favorite holiday: Free Comic Book Day!  Tune in to Episode Five to hear our thoughts on all the recent big pop culture news, then stick around for an in-depth look at many of the goodies that will be available for free in comic shops nationwide this weekend.

Length - 1:47:25

Language - PG.  (Contains some mildly adult themes and innuendo.)

0:04:21 - STAR WARS NEWS

0:10:24 - TV RECAPS AND REVIEWS

0:33:48 - NETFLIX AND CHILL

0:45:09 - MOVIE NEWS

1:15:45 - COMIC BOOK NEWS

1:18:36 - ANIMATION NEWS

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

1:19:56 - Free Comic Book Day 2016

And finally, we dive into the annual geek holiday known as Free Comic Book Day, explaining how it began and what it helps achieve, then preview the offerings available in this, its 15th anniversary year.  You’ll get a taste of all twelve of the “Gold Sponsor” titles being given away at every participating store, a few tantalizing teases of the many other “Silver Sponsor” publishers and what fun sorts of activities you might expect to find at your friendly neighborhood comic shop on Saturday, May 7th.

www.freecomicbookday.com/

This week the Ka-Pow crew celebrates our favorite holiday: Free Comic Book Day!  Tune in to Episode Five to hear our thoughts on all the recent big pop culture news, then stick around for an in-depth look at many of the goodies that will be available for free in comic shops nationwide this weekend.

Length - 1:47:25

Language - PG.  (Contains some mildly adult themes and innuendo.)

0:04:21 - STAR WARS NEWS

0:10:24 - TV RECAPS AND REVIEWS

0:33:48 - NETFLIX AND CHILL

0:45:09 - MOVIE NEWS

1:15:45 - COMIC BOOK NEWS

1:18:36 - ANIMATION NEWS

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

1:19:56 - Free Comic Book Day 2016

And finally, we dive into the annual geek holiday known as Free Comic Book Day, explaining how it began and what it helps achieve, then preview the offerings available in this, its 15th anniversary year.  You’ll get a taste of all twelve of the “Gold Sponsor” titles being given away at every participating store, a few tantalizing teases of the many other “Silver Sponsor” publishers and what fun sorts of activities you might expect to find at your friendly neighborhood comic shop on Saturday, May 7th.

www.freecomicbookday.com/

It’s a free-wheeling fourth episode

Length - 0:57:39

Language - PG-13.  (Contains some mild adult language.)

COMICS

3:12 - “Walking Dead: The Alien”

Brand new digital story set in

http://panelsyndicate.com/

7:40 -

Convention giant Wizard World cuts some 2016 shows after posting

http://icv2.com/articles/news/view/34257/wizard-world-loses-4-3-million-2015

9:57 - “Superman: Rebirth” rumors

Does starring role for original “Post-Crisis”

http://www.newsarama.com/28863-superman-clues-how-does-final-days-tie-into-rebirth.html

TV RECAPS AND REVIEWS

12:12 - Supergirl

First season ends on emotional high note.

14:17 - The

Does actor’s upcoming role prove who died in season-ending

http://screenrant.com/walking-dead-negan-kill-glenn-okja/

15:33 -

Syfy orders pilot for show set on Superman’s home planet.

http://www.thewrap.com/superman-prequel-drama-krypton-ordered-to-pilot-at-syfy/

17:39 -

Waterlogged second season begins for “Walking Dead” spin-off.

19:18 -

Spectacular second season of the “Breaking Bad” prequel concludes.

22:36 -

Marvel Netflix series wins Peabody Award.

http://marvel.com/news/tv/26065/marvels_jessica_jones_takes_the_prize_in_the_75th_annual_peabody_awards

MOVIE NEWS

23:31 - “Flash” movie casting

Warner Brothers reportedly looking to

http://screenrant.com/flash-movie-2018-dceu-characters-villains/

25:24 - “Captain

Positive reviews and social media memes continue to roll in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvkWGrIQ7r8

27:38 - Ambitious

James Cameron announces all four sequels filming concurrently.

http://collider.com/james-cameron-avatar-2-sequels-star-wars/

29:56 -

Actress to star in “Force Awakens” director’s new film “Kolma.”

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/04/jj-abrams-and-daisy-ridley-will-reunite-for-a-very-non-star-wars-y-film/

30:22 - “Deadpool”

R-rated blockbuster available digitally on April 26.

http://www.comingsoon.net/dvd/news/679199-deadpool-digital-release-set-for-april-26#/slide/1

30:51 - DC’s

Rip Hunter’s real name revealed in time-bending episode.

32:12 - The

A dark turn in the desperate battle against Zoom.

34:24 -

Robert Downey Jr. confirmed for “Spider-Man: Homecoming” cast.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/21/robert-downey-jr-spider-man-homecoming

35:11 -

Former Norman Osborn actor joins cast of DC flagship franchise.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/justice-league-adds-willem-dafoe-880889

36:01 -

Is clone of Wolverine, Laura Kinney, coming to the big screen?

http://www.superherohype.com/news/371911-exclusive-which-x-men-character-might-make-her-debut-in-wolverine-3#/slide/1

36:27 -

“Game of Thrones” actress rumored to co-star in upcoming X-Men spinoff

http://www.avclub.com/article/maisie-williams-wolfsbane-x-men-spinoff-new-mutant-234648

37:30 - “Blade

Long-awaited sequel to hit theaters in October of 2017.

http://variety.com/2016/film/news/blade-runner-sequel-release-date-changed-1201757777/

38:24 -

More details emerge about interconnected films from the worlds of G.I.

http://comicbook.com/2016/04/21/more-details-on-hasbro-cinematic-universe-revealed/

41:48 - “Marking

Local filmmakers premier acclaimed new wrestling documentary.

http://www.mindfooled.com/

GAMING

43:26 - “Letters

This week’s episode wraps up with a look at two tabletop game we’ve

https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/letters-from-whitechapel/

http://wizkids.com/heroclix/tmnt/

It’s a free-wheeling fourth episode

Length - 0:57:39

Language - PG-13.  (Contains some mild adult language.)

COMICS

3:12 - “Walking Dead: The Alien”

Brand new digital story set in

http://panelsyndicate.com/

7:40 -

Convention giant Wizard World cuts some 2016 shows after posting

http://icv2.com/articles/news/view/34257/wizard-world-loses-4-3-million-2015

9:57 - “Superman: Rebirth” rumors

Does starring role for original “Post-Crisis”

http://www.newsarama.com/28863-superman-clues-how-does-final-days-tie-into-rebirth.html

TV RECAPS AND REVIEWS

12:12 - Supergirl

First season ends on emotional high note.

14:17 - The

Does actor’s upcoming role prove who died in season-ending

http://screenrant.com/walking-dead-negan-kill-glenn-okja/

15:33 -

Syfy orders pilot for show set on Superman’s home planet.

http://www.thewrap.com/superman-prequel-drama-krypton-ordered-to-pilot-at-syfy/

17:39 -

Waterlogged second season begins for “Walking Dead” spin-off.

19:18 -

Spectacular second season of the “Breaking Bad” prequel concludes.

22:36 -

Marvel Netflix series wins Peabody Award.

http://marvel.com/news/tv/26065/marvels_jessica_jones_takes_the_prize_in_the_75th_annual_peabody_awards

MOVIE NEWS

23:31 - “Flash” movie casting

Warner Brothers reportedly looking to

http://screenrant.com/flash-movie-2018-dceu-characters-villains/

25:24 - “Captain

Positive reviews and social media memes continue to roll in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvkWGrIQ7r8

27:38 - Ambitious

James Cameron announces all four sequels filming concurrently.

http://collider.com/james-cameron-avatar-2-sequels-star-wars/

29:56 -

Actress to star in “Force Awakens” director’s new film “Kolma.”

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/04/jj-abrams-and-daisy-ridley-will-reunite-for-a-very-non-star-wars-y-film/

30:22 - “Deadpool”

R-rated blockbuster available digitally on April 26.

http://www.comingsoon.net/dvd/news/679199-deadpool-digital-release-set-for-april-26#/slide/1

30:51 - DC’s

Rip Hunter’s real name revealed in time-bending episode.

32:12 - The

A dark turn in the desperate battle against Zoom.

34:24 -

Robert Downey Jr. confirmed for “Spider-Man: Homecoming” cast.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/21/robert-downey-jr-spider-man-homecoming

35:11 -

Former Norman Osborn actor joins cast of DC flagship franchise.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/justice-league-adds-willem-dafoe-880889

36:01 -

Is clone of Wolverine, Laura Kinney, coming to the big screen?

http://www.superherohype.com/news/371911-exclusive-which-x-men-character-might-make-her-debut-in-wolverine-3#/slide/1

36:27 -

“Game of Thrones” actress rumored to co-star in upcoming X-Men spinoff

http://www.avclub.com/article/maisie-williams-wolfsbane-x-men-spinoff-new-mutant-234648

37:30 - “Blade

Long-awaited sequel to hit theaters in October of 2017.

http://variety.com/2016/film/news/blade-runner-sequel-release-date-changed-1201757777/

38:24 -

More details emerge about interconnected films from the worlds of G.I.

http://comicbook.com/2016/04/21/more-details-on-hasbro-cinematic-universe-revealed/

41:48 - “Marking

Local filmmakers premier acclaimed new wrestling documentary.

http://www.mindfooled.com/

GAMING

43:26 - “Letters

This week’s episode wraps up with a look at two tabletop game we’ve

https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/letters-from-whitechapel/

http://wizkids.com/heroclix/tmnt/

1:29 - Supergirl

Indigo debuts before the upcoming finale.

4:15 - DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

A team-up with Jonah Hex in the Old West.

7:05 - Daredevil

“Defenders” to start filming at the end of this year?

http://comicbook.com/marvel/2016/04/11/daredevils-charlie-cox-announces-the-defenders-filming-date/

7:36 - Game of Thrones

President Obama requests early screening of the new season.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/14/politics/game-of-thrones-barack-obama-first-look/

STAR WARS NEWS

8:15 - Original trilogy returning to theatres

Triple feature planned at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2016/04/12/original-star-wars-trilogy-to-return-to-us-theaters-this-summer/#512aee6d3379

10:57 - “Force Awakens” deleted scenes

Blu-Ray lacking previously promised special features.

http://collider.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-deleted-scenes/

12:30 - Han Solo’s jacket auctioned

“Force Awakens” wardrobe sells for $191,000.

http://time.com/4292489/harrison-ford-han-solo-jacket-auction-sold/

12:41 - Young Han Solo casting

Unknown Alden Ehrenreich frontrunner for iconic role.

http://deadline.com/2016/04/star-wars-han-solo-movie-alden-ehrenreich-frontrunner-cast-1201737425/

13:07 - Mon Mothma actress returns

Actress Genevieve O’Reilly reprises role from Episode III.

http://www.hitfix.com/harpy/mon-mothma-actress-gets-the-last-laugh-after-being-cut-from-star-wars-revenge-of-the-sith

13:32 - Star Wars Land

Disney theme parks break ground on new attraction.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-disney-star-wars-html-20160414-htmlstory.html

15:12 - C-3PO comic prequel

The origin of C-3PO’s red arm revealed in new comic book one-shot.

http://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/OCT150933

MOVIE NEWS

16:27 - “Deadpool 2”

Sequel officially announced.

http://variety.com/2016/film/news/deadpool-2-ryan-reynolds-1201753693/

17:02 - AMC Theatres backlash

Company walks back idea of “phone-friendly” screenings that allow texting.

http://www.avclub.com/article/amc-may-have-overstated-whole-texting-friendly-the-235317

20:43 - “Spider-Man: Homecoming”

Title of next solo movie confirmed, with Michael Keaton rumored as villain.

http://marvel.com/news/movies/26023/spider-mans_next_solo_film_officially_receives_its_title

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/michael-keaton-circling-villain-role-883753

22:58 - “Justice League”

Filming begins for DC’s team-up movie.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/21/justice-league-starts-April-11

23:12 - Ben Affleck going solo

Rumors confirmed the actor is writing, directing and starring in solo Batman film.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/13/ben-affleck-batman-confirmed-direct-star-in-solo-movie

24:03 - “Captain America: Civil War” receiving critical acclaim

New Marvel movie screened for critics amidst growing buzz.

http://movieweb.com/captain-america-civil-war-test-screenings/

26:05 - “Doctor Strange” teaser

First footage from the magical new film released.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-U_t2pUHI

29:18 - “Suicide Squad” trailer

Third trailer reveals more off-kilter action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwsbcW-d-E

32:16 - “Thor: Ragnarok” casting surprises

Natalie Portman not returning for the sequel, making way for new love interest.

http://nerdist.com/thor-ragnarok-natalie-portman-tessa-thompson/

34:04 - “Wolverine 3” rumors

Is the future-set script an adaptation of “Old Man Logan?”

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Wolverine-3-Set-Here-What-We-Know-124307.html

35:06 - “Inhumans” disappears from schedule

Film no longer part of Marvel’s “Phase Three” lineup for 2019.

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvels-inhumans-movie-may-move-from-2019-release/1100-6438745/

37:30 - More “Avatar” on the way

James Cameron announces four new sequels to the highest grossing film in history.

http://www.cnet.com/news/james-cameron-confirms-four-avatar-sequels/

39:04 - “The Dark Tower”

Jackie Earl Haley to join cast of Stephen King adaptation.

http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3387386/jackie-earle-haley-joins-stephen-kings-dark-tower/

40:09 - “Batman: The Killing Joke” receives rating

DC animated feature given franchise’s first R rating.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/14/batman-killing-joke-animated-rated-r

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

40:51 - “Empty Graves,” stellar Superman Fan Fiction

Tumblr user Kitty Unpretty gives us a unique spin on the familiar time travel story, as Martha Kent must protect her adopted young son by any means necessary.  But what ripples will an altered past have for a still uncertain future?

http://unpretty.tumblr.com/post/142158892973/unpretty-villain-attempts-to-go-back-in-time

COMIC BOOK NEWS

46:49 - DC: Rebirth

The Ka-Pow crew takes an in-depth look at the solicitations for the first month of titles in the DC: Rebirth relaunch.  Follow along as we go title by title, filling you in on the creative teams and upcoming plotlines, revealing our hopes and concerns, and passing judgement on this whole experiment months before any of the actual books hit store shelves.

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/dc-comics-april-2016-previews-catalog-2016/dc-comics-april-2016-previews-catalog

1:29 - Supergirl

Indigo debuts before the upcoming finale.

4:15 - DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

A team-up with Jonah Hex in the Old West.

7:05 - Daredevil

“Defenders” to start filming at the end of this year?

http://comicbook.com/marvel/2016/04/11/daredevils-charlie-cox-announces-the-defenders-filming-date/

7:36 - Game of Thrones

President Obama requests early screening of the new season.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/14/politics/game-of-thrones-barack-obama-first-look/

STAR WARS NEWS

8:15 - Original trilogy returning to theatres

Triple feature planned at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/simonthompson/2016/04/12/original-star-wars-trilogy-to-return-to-us-theaters-this-summer/#512aee6d3379

10:57 - “Force Awakens” deleted scenes

Blu-Ray lacking previously promised special features.

http://collider.com/star-wars-the-force-awakens-deleted-scenes/

12:30 - Han Solo’s jacket auctioned

“Force Awakens” wardrobe sells for $191,000.

http://time.com/4292489/harrison-ford-han-solo-jacket-auction-sold/

12:41 - Young Han Solo casting

Unknown Alden Ehrenreich frontrunner for iconic role.

http://deadline.com/2016/04/star-wars-han-solo-movie-alden-ehrenreich-frontrunner-cast-1201737425/

13:07 - Mon Mothma actress returns

Actress Genevieve O’Reilly reprises role from Episode III.

http://www.hitfix.com/harpy/mon-mothma-actress-gets-the-last-laugh-after-being-cut-from-star-wars-revenge-of-the-sith

13:32 - Star Wars Land

Disney theme parks break ground on new attraction.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-disney-star-wars-html-20160414-htmlstory.html

15:12 - C-3PO comic prequel

The origin of C-3PO’s red arm revealed in new comic book one-shot.

http://www.previewsworld.com/Catalog/OCT150933

MOVIE NEWS

16:27 - “Deadpool 2”

Sequel officially announced.

http://variety.com/2016/film/news/deadpool-2-ryan-reynolds-1201753693/

17:02 - AMC Theatres backlash

Company walks back idea of “phone-friendly” screenings that allow texting.

http://www.avclub.com/article/amc-may-have-overstated-whole-texting-friendly-the-235317

20:43 - “Spider-Man: Homecoming”

Title of next solo movie confirmed, with Michael Keaton rumored as villain.

http://marvel.com/news/movies/26023/spider-mans_next_solo_film_officially_receives_its_title

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/michael-keaton-circling-villain-role-883753

22:58 - “Justice League”

Filming begins for DC’s team-up movie.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/21/justice-league-starts-April-11

23:12 - Ben Affleck going solo

Rumors confirmed the actor is writing, directing and starring in solo Batman film.

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/apr/13/ben-affleck-batman-confirmed-direct-star-in-solo-movie

24:03 - “Captain America: Civil War” receiving critical acclaim

New Marvel movie screened for critics amidst growing buzz.

http://movieweb.com/captain-america-civil-war-test-screenings/

26:05 - “Doctor Strange” teaser

First footage from the magical new film released.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt-U_t2pUHI

29:18 - “Suicide Squad” trailer

Third trailer reveals more off-kilter action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZwsbcW-d-E

32:16 - “Thor: Ragnarok” casting surprises

Natalie Portman not returning for the sequel, making way for new love interest.

http://nerdist.com/thor-ragnarok-natalie-portman-tessa-thompson/

34:04 - “Wolverine 3” rumors

Is the future-set script an adaptation of “Old Man Logan?”

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Wolverine-3-Set-Here-What-We-Know-124307.html

35:06 - “Inhumans” disappears from schedule

Film no longer part of Marvel’s “Phase Three” lineup for 2019.

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvels-inhumans-movie-may-move-from-2019-release/1100-6438745/

37:30 - More “Avatar” on the way

James Cameron announces four new sequels to the highest grossing film in history.

http://www.cnet.com/news/james-cameron-confirms-four-avatar-sequels/

39:04 - “The Dark Tower”

Jackie Earl Haley to join cast of Stephen King adaptation.

http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3387386/jackie-earle-haley-joins-stephen-kings-dark-tower/

40:09 - “Batman: The Killing Joke” receives rating

DC animated feature given franchise’s first R rating.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/14/batman-killing-joke-animated-rated-r

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

40:51 - “Empty Graves,” stellar Superman Fan Fiction

Tumblr user Kitty Unpretty gives us a unique spin on the familiar time travel story, as Martha Kent must protect her adopted young son by any means necessary.  But what ripples will an altered past have for a still uncertain future?

http://unpretty.tumblr.com/post/142158892973/unpretty-villain-attempts-to-go-back-in-time

COMIC BOOK NEWS

46:49 - DC: Rebirth

The Ka-Pow crew takes an in-depth look at the solicitations for the first month of titles in the DC: Rebirth relaunch.  Follow along as we go title by title, filling you in on the creative teams and upcoming plotlines, revealing our hopes and concerns, and passing judgement on this whole experiment months before any of the actual books hit store shelves.

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/dc-comics-april-2016-previews-catalog-2016/dc-comics-april-2016-previews-catalog

Length - 1:18:23

Language - PG-13.  (Contains some mild adult language.)

STAR WARS NEWS

4:30 - “Rogue One” trailer

First teaser for “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” released.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wji-BZ0oCwg

6:40 - Admiral Ackbar actor passes away

Erik Bauersfeld, voice of fan favorite rebel commander dies at age 93.

The eerie table of ashes explained.

http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/05/star-wars-force-awakens-jj-abrams-kylo-ren-ashes

MOVIE NEWS

7:42 - “The Force Awakens” released

The latest Star Wars film comes to Blu-Ray and DVD.

9:08 - Spider-Man

Possible titles for the solo film and appearances by other Marvel characters revealed.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/04/05/sony-registers-additional-spider-man-movie-domain-names/

http://collider.com/spider-man-reboot-marvel-cameos/

10:51 - “Deadpool”

Blu-Ray release date announced.

11:05 - “Kingsman:The Golden Circle”

Release date of the sequel set.

11:42 - “The Fire Rises”

Documentary chronicling making of Nolan’s Batman trilogy now free online.

http://nerdist.com/revisit-christopher-nolans-the-dark-knight-trilogy-with-76-minute-documentary/

12:10 - Tom Staggs resigns

Behind the scenes shake-ups at Disney could impact Marvel film slate.

http://www.doctordisney.com/2016/04/04/tom-staggs-heir-apparent-bob-iger-leaving-walt-disney-company/

19:08 - “Swiss Army Man”

New trailer for bizarre film starring Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrK1f4TsQfM

20:06 - “Hardcore Henry”

Impressions of the experimental action film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_je40DOn8s

TV RECAPS AND REVIEWS

22:15 - The Walking Dead

Current season ends in controversy.

29:50 - Supergirl

Crossing over with the CW’s Flash.

31:36 - Arrow

Black Canary’s fate.

34:44 - Cloak and Dagger

New series announced, coming to Freeform.

36:28 - The Boys

Cinemax series adapting the comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.

37:38 - Game of Thrones

New season beginning soon.

38:38 - DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

Per Degaton!

41:53 - Wynonna Earp

Series based on indie comic by Beau Smith premiers on SyFy.

42:45 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Current cartoon features lots of fun Easter Eggs from the past.

45:39 - Star Wars: Rebels

Season ends on a high note for the animated show.

48:08 - Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Two agents spin off into their own series.

COMIC BOOK NEWS

48:25 - DC and Marvel midnight releases

Marvel poaches DC’s plans for releasing upcoming titles early.

Full details revealed for big DC reboot, including multiple versions of Superman.

http://www.dccomics.com/comics/dc-comics-april-2016-previews-catalog-2016/dc-comics-april-2016-previews-catalog

54:28 - “Shiver Bureau”

Indie Comic Spotlight on an excellent, offbeat ghost story by Walter Ostlie.

http://shiverbureau.com/

GREAT DEBATE

57:47 - Batman v Superman

We dedicated an entire episode to our thoughts and feelings about “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” but computer problems destroyed most of it.  Rather than get our blood up again and rant about the movie a second time, we spliced together a short reel of salvaged highlights we were able to rescue from that original discussion.  So please forgive the sloppy editing and enjoy our frenetic, mostly out-of-context comments about the controversial blockbuster.