The Quantum Realm: An MCU Review: Recent Episodes
Jacob Devlin
The Quantum Realm takes us on a journey through Marvel Studios' epic roster of feature films and TV series in release order. Join your Watchers for a second, third, or hundredth look of each MCU installment, along with the occasional multiversal detour. We'll dive into the impact of each chapter and its key moments, along with its central heroes, villains, and side characters. How well does each piece withstand the test of time and hold its place in the larger MCU, and what does it mean to its adoring fans?
The Avengers accidentally unleash a malevolent A.I. into the world. All is not well.
This modern day Frankenstein tale feels chillingly relevant as we watch artificial intelligence play more and more of a role in our lives. Let's talk about the Maximoffs(!!!), the tension between Banner and Natasha, and why this movie needed to deviate from the comic book storyline. Also: Steve Rogers... worthy from the start? We present both sides of the "Hammer Debate," and pick a side. Artist Eduardo De Jesus cohosts!
A cosmic band of misfits, including a warrior tree, a wisecracking raccoon, and Kevin Bacon's biggest fan, save the galaxy to the tune of a "stellar" 80s soundtrack! Katie and Jacob break down ALL the feels, the introduction of the Power Stone, chime in with our own thoughts on the Awesome Mix, and tell some fun stories of our personal connections to this movie. We are Groot!
Ask an MCU fan to list their top ten favorite movies, and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER almost consistently shows up on this list! Steve and Jacob break down the pop culture list, the big reveal of the Winter Soldier's identity, musings on how Star Wars is experienced by MCU characters, and how this movie functioned as a "1970s political thriller." Plus, Project Insight targeted some interesting names, and we HAVE to talk about who was introduced in the mid-credit scene...
(Spoilers follow for AVENGERS: ENDGAME.)
THOR: THE DARK WORLD is perhaps one of the least-liked films by the collective MCU fandom, as well as the critics! Google the title, and the search results will suggest that you ask, "Is Thor: The Dark World necessary?" Katie and Jacob are here to unpack the film, its reception, and hopefully shed light on this dark world! We discuss what went wrong with Malekith, Tom Hiddleston's stellar return as Loki, the first mention of the Infinity Stones, and our feelings toward broccoli and cauliflower! Plus, how many Mjolnirs existed on the set of this movie? Even if you tend to skip THOR: THE DARK WORLD in your MCU marathons, don't skip our recap on The Quantum Realm!
For the first time, we branch off the "sacred timeline" to visit Marvel pre-MCU! Corey and Jacob discuss the enduring appeal of the mutants and how they were featured in Twentieth Century Fox's first X-Men (2000) film. How does this hold up over 20 years later? What are some of our "fan casts" and theories about how this might play out in the MCU? And finally, what does happen to a toad when it gets struck by lightning? (There's some fascinating background on this line...)
Spoilers follow for Wandavision, Ms. Marvel, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
What did Tony Stark mean by, "We create our own demons?" Jacob teams up with comic shop owners Eric and Dra. Esperanza Freitchen to open up Phase Two and discuss the merits and criticisms of IRON MAN 3, from AIM to its depiction of post-traumatic stress.
Mild spoilers for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Avengers: Endgame.
There was an idea... for Kevin Tanabe and Jacob to talk about THE AVENGERS (2012), a massive crossover movie that wove together elements of every Phase One movie that came before it! We discuss initial reactions and cultural impact on everything from haircuts to shawarma sales, how the movie holds up after its 10-year anniversary, and how the MCU has come to play a role in "modern mythology."
Jacob listens to Steven Rogers (yes, you read that correctly!) share stories from the world of cosplay, and we revisit Captain America's entrance to the MCU in THE FIRST AVENGER.
(Some spoilers follow for CAPTAIN MARVEL and AVENGERS: ENDGAME!)
Whosoever listens to this episode, if they be worthy, shall hear all our thoughts about THOR (2011)! Vickie Lan and Jacob revisit the God of Thunder's entrance to the MCU and discuss all things Loki, the hammer, and the Shakespearean elements of the movie!
Jacob sits with co-host Avon Van Hassel to chat about all the highs and lows of the MCU's first sequel, IRON MAN 2!
Don't get angry! The Watchers review the key moments and characters of 2008's THE INCREDIBLE HULK and discuss Bruce Banner's appeal--and dark side!
Get yourself a cheeseburger, pull up a seat, and join Watchers Jacob and Katie Salidas for an in-depth breakdown of the MCU's first film: Iron Man!
This preview episode asks the question, "Can you recall your very first Marvel memory?" Might it somehow be related to your love for the fandom today? We'll get a brief overview of what's to come on The Quantum Realm and start to explore the reasons why the MCU is so beloved!