342, “Captain America and The Falcon: Secret Empire (feat. Ensley F. Guffey)”

An American feels betrayed by his government, which has revealed itself to be nothing but a bureaucratic system designed to conceal criminal activity. Sounds familiar, right? It's also the basis for the superhero classic Captain America and the Falcon: Secret Empire. Steve Englehart, Mike Friedrich, and Sal Buscema’s Nixon-era tale finds Cap on the run from a populace that no longer trusts him. Joining Paul and Arlo for this Four-Color Flashback installment is Wanna Cook? author and Cap superfan Ensley F. Guffey. The gang discusses why a story like this couldn't be told today, how it's difficult to understand Watergate’s importance given today's political climate, the uncomfortable jive-talkin’ racial stereotypes, and why the outrageous cornball of old superhero comics doesn't dilute its power. Plus, Arlo makes an apology and the gang shares what comics they've been reading.

Next: it's all been leading to this. Avengers: Infinity War.

 

THE BREAKDOWN

• Intro / Banter (00:00 - 16:10)
• What Comics Are We Reading? (16:10 - 49:43)
• Main Topic (49:43 - 2:15:32)
• Outro / Next Week (2:15:32 - 2:18:43)