Ben’s Thought Bubbles
@bensthoughtbubbles.bsky.social
Movie reviews and a superhero obsession; these are über-nerd Ben Smith's opinions about movies, shows and comics you should see!
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Just in time for our FF unit, Anna and I (mostly Anna, to be fair) teamed up to write a history and context article on the FF for @theconversation.com. Enjoy! theconversation.com/how-marvels-...
How Marvel’s Fantastic Four discovered the human in the superhuman
A look at the Fantastic Four in comics from their 1961 debut onwards shows how the the Marvel universe originated from the Four.
theconversation.com
July 27, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Just in time for our FF unit, Anna and I (mostly Anna, to be fair) teamed up to write a history and context article on the FF for @theconversation.com. Enjoy! theconversation.com/how-marvels-...
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Do we still need stories about an aspirational immigrant who's so devoted to his adopted country that he regularly puts himself in danger to help even those who fear and distrust him, and who's primary antagonist is an egotistical tech billionaire?
Yes, fucking obviously. You numpties.
Yes, fucking obviously. You numpties.
July 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Do we still need stories about an aspirational immigrant who's so devoted to his adopted country that he regularly puts himself in danger to help even those who fear and distrust him, and who's primary antagonist is an egotistical tech billionaire?
Yes, fucking obviously. You numpties.
Yes, fucking obviously. You numpties.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Rest well Peter David. You shaped comics for so many of us. You will be greatly missed.
May 25, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Rest well Peter David. You shaped comics for so many of us. You will be greatly missed.
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Ah Jesus. Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Peter David. One of the greats.
A lot of people are going to (very rightly) call attention to his work on the Hulk, which was character-defining.
But I'd also draw attention to his "Spider-Man", "X-Factor" and "Aquaman" runs.
A lot of people are going to (very rightly) call attention to his work on the Hulk, which was character-defining.
But I'd also draw attention to his "Spider-Man", "X-Factor" and "Aquaman" runs.
May 25, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Ah Jesus. Deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Peter David. One of the greats.
A lot of people are going to (very rightly) call attention to his work on the Hulk, which was character-defining.
But I'd also draw attention to his "Spider-Man", "X-Factor" and "Aquaman" runs.
A lot of people are going to (very rightly) call attention to his work on the Hulk, which was character-defining.
But I'd also draw attention to his "Spider-Man", "X-Factor" and "Aquaman" runs.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
ANDOR is a stunning achievement (not just for Star Wars, but film/television in general). Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, and company have crafted the definitive commentary on modern society and politics. The best Star Wars show of all time.
May 14, 2025 at 3:18 PM
ANDOR is a stunning achievement (not just for Star Wars, but film/television in general). Tony Gilroy, Diego Luna, and company have crafted the definitive commentary on modern society and politics. The best Star Wars show of all time.
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May 14, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Quite enjoyed #Thunderbolts.
It is a little too “jokey”, and needs a stronger second act, but it’s a clever interrogation and exploration of “superhero fatigue”, using it as a springboard to tackle millennial existential ennui and the collapse of American self-image.
It is a little too “jokey”, and needs a stronger second act, but it’s a clever interrogation and exploration of “superhero fatigue”, using it as a springboard to tackle millennial existential ennui and the collapse of American self-image.
a woman is sitting in a car with thunderbolts written on the bottom
ALT: a woman is sitting in a car with thunderbolts written on the bottom
media.tenor.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Quite enjoyed #Thunderbolts.
It is a little too “jokey”, and needs a stronger second act, but it’s a clever interrogation and exploration of “superhero fatigue”, using it as a springboard to tackle millennial existential ennui and the collapse of American self-image.
It is a little too “jokey”, and needs a stronger second act, but it’s a clever interrogation and exploration of “superhero fatigue”, using it as a springboard to tackle millennial existential ennui and the collapse of American self-image.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
For the 1st time "the comics side & the studio side have worked together on a comic set in the world of a specific MCU movie."
Out July 2nd, this one shot is written by Matt Fraction & illustrated by Mark Buckingham. The cover is by Phil Noto & homages Jack Kirby.
Deadline🔗🧵
Out July 2nd, this one shot is written by Matt Fraction & illustrated by Mark Buckingham. The cover is by Phil Noto & homages Jack Kirby.
Deadline🔗🧵
April 25, 2025 at 5:28 PM
For the 1st time "the comics side & the studio side have worked together on a comic set in the world of a specific MCU movie."
Out July 2nd, this one shot is written by Matt Fraction & illustrated by Mark Buckingham. The cover is by Phil Noto & homages Jack Kirby.
Deadline🔗🧵
Out July 2nd, this one shot is written by Matt Fraction & illustrated by Mark Buckingham. The cover is by Phil Noto & homages Jack Kirby.
Deadline🔗🧵
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
#Andor Season Two is phenomenal.
“Andor” is the best franchise television show since “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” It is easily one of the three best “Star Wars” things ever.
The second season is thoughtful, methodical, ambitious, literate. The best thing I’ve seen on TV this year.
“Andor” is the best franchise television show since “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” It is easily one of the three best “Star Wars” things ever.
The second season is thoughtful, methodical, ambitious, literate. The best thing I’ve seen on TV this year.
a man in a red uniform is screaming in front of a crowd of men .
ALT: a man in a red uniform is screaming in front of a crowd of men .
media.tenor.com
April 19, 2025 at 8:09 AM
#Andor Season Two is phenomenal.
“Andor” is the best franchise television show since “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” It is easily one of the three best “Star Wars” things ever.
The second season is thoughtful, methodical, ambitious, literate. The best thing I’ve seen on TV this year.
“Andor” is the best franchise television show since “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” It is easily one of the three best “Star Wars” things ever.
The second season is thoughtful, methodical, ambitious, literate. The best thing I’ve seen on TV this year.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
I don’t really miss the grind of doing weekly episodic reviews or recaps, but every once in a while a show comes along that you’d love to get to write about weekly. Where it feels like there is that much going on.
I’d love to write twelve pieces on the second season of #Andor.
I’d love to write twelve pieces on the second season of #Andor.
a poster for andor star wars showing a woman holding her neck
ALT: a poster for andor star wars showing a woman holding her neck
media.tenor.com
April 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM
I don’t really miss the grind of doing weekly episodic reviews or recaps, but every once in a while a show comes along that you’d love to get to write about weekly. Where it feels like there is that much going on.
I’d love to write twelve pieces on the second season of #Andor.
I’d love to write twelve pieces on the second season of #Andor.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
“Your money has blood on it.”
“All money has blood on it.”
#Sinners is sublime. Virtuoso pop crowdpleasing cinema with a delightful cast, a playful sensibility and rich atmosphere.
It’s a film about art, commerce, ownership and the deals with the devil artists navigate. A great time at the cinema.
“All money has blood on it.”
#Sinners is sublime. Virtuoso pop crowdpleasing cinema with a delightful cast, a playful sensibility and rich atmosphere.
It’s a film about art, commerce, ownership and the deals with the devil artists navigate. A great time at the cinema.
a man in a suit and tie with the words wooo on the bottom
ALT: a man in a suit and tie with the words wooo on the bottom
media.tenor.com
April 15, 2025 at 8:57 PM
“Your money has blood on it.”
“All money has blood on it.”
#Sinners is sublime. Virtuoso pop crowdpleasing cinema with a delightful cast, a playful sensibility and rich atmosphere.
It’s a film about art, commerce, ownership and the deals with the devil artists navigate. A great time at the cinema.
“All money has blood on it.”
#Sinners is sublime. Virtuoso pop crowdpleasing cinema with a delightful cast, a playful sensibility and rich atmosphere.
It’s a film about art, commerce, ownership and the deals with the devil artists navigate. A great time at the cinema.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Woooo!! New American classic right there. This is gospel. About 4 different sequences that had me thinking career-best from Coogler. Superb on all fronts. Exquisite cast but Miles Caton blew me away. Ludwig - I can only bow down. 🎶Thematically resonant and fun as hell. #Sinners
Drumroll 🥁 Pyrotechnics 🧨 Fire 🔥
Bring out the band: 🎺🎻🪕🎷
Now watching: Sinners (2025) Dir. Ryan Coogler
Bring out the band: 🎺🎻🪕🎷
Now watching: Sinners (2025) Dir. Ryan Coogler
a man in a suit and tie with the words wooo on the bottom
ALT: a man in a suit and tie with the words wooo on the bottom
media.tenor.com
April 18, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Woooo!! New American classic right there. This is gospel. About 4 different sequences that had me thinking career-best from Coogler. Superb on all fronts. Exquisite cast but Miles Caton blew me away. Ludwig - I can only bow down. 🎶Thematically resonant and fun as hell. #Sinners
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Marvel’s First Family, the group that kicked off the modern age of superheroes, is finally taking their “first steps” into the MCU! Read our latest cover story to prepare for #TheFantasticFour to (re)launch into theaters. bit.ly/3E0z4xm
April 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Marvel’s First Family, the group that kicked off the modern age of superheroes, is finally taking their “first steps” into the MCU! Read our latest cover story to prepare for #TheFantasticFour to (re)launch into theaters. bit.ly/3E0z4xm
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Al Ewing's Immortal Thor will end with July's issue #25, setting the stage for a new volume, also by Ewing, later this year, per Marvel. (Cover by Alex Ross)
April 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Al Ewing's Immortal Thor will end with July's issue #25, setting the stage for a new volume, also by Ewing, later this year, per Marvel. (Cover by Alex Ross)
All-timer of an #ImmortalThor today…they’re trapped in a maze and a magical being introduces the gimmick of a coin flip as to whether they (and you, the reader) progress further or go back a page to start it again. @al-ewing.bsky.social does it again, this had to be an insane issue to write!
April 2, 2025 at 1:37 PM
All-timer of an #ImmortalThor today…they’re trapped in a maze and a magical being introduces the gimmick of a coin flip as to whether they (and you, the reader) progress further or go back a page to start it again. @al-ewing.bsky.social does it again, this had to be an insane issue to write!
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RIP Doc, Iceman, Batman 😭
April 2, 2025 at 5:16 AM
RIP Doc, Iceman, Batman 😭
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
RIP Val Kilmer, one of the greatest to ever do it, a thoroughly irreplaceable charismatic actor
a close up of a man with a mustache looking at something
Alt: Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday in Tombstone twirling a pewter mug mocking Johnny Ringo's gun twirling
media.tenor.com
April 2, 2025 at 4:17 AM
RIP Val Kilmer, one of the greatest to ever do it, a thoroughly irreplaceable charismatic actor
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
‘COYOTE VS ACME’ has been officially saved by Ketchup Entertainment, who bought the film for $50M
They plan to give the film a worldwide theatrical release in 2026.
They plan to give the film a worldwide theatrical release in 2026.
March 31, 2025 at 2:53 PM
‘COYOTE VS ACME’ has been officially saved by Ketchup Entertainment, who bought the film for $50M
They plan to give the film a worldwide theatrical release in 2026.
They plan to give the film a worldwide theatrical release in 2026.
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
For over 85 years, one signal has illuminated Gotham City’s sky. Today is for Batman!
March 30, 2025 at 3:05 PM
For over 85 years, one signal has illuminated Gotham City’s sky. Today is for Batman!
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My new poster art for Marvel Television's #DaredevilBornAgain now streaming on @disneyplusbr.bsky.social
"Painting The Town Red"
Hope you are loving my art/murals in the show!
kirbyscomicartshop.com/collections/...
See you at @WonderCon!
DC @AwesomeCon April
Italy in May! @lakecomocon
"Painting The Town Red"
Hope you are loving my art/murals in the show!
kirbyscomicartshop.com/collections/...
See you at @WonderCon!
DC @AwesomeCon April
Italy in May! @lakecomocon
March 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
My new poster art for Marvel Television's #DaredevilBornAgain now streaming on @disneyplusbr.bsky.social
"Painting The Town Red"
Hope you are loving my art/murals in the show!
kirbyscomicartshop.com/collections/...
See you at @WonderCon!
DC @AwesomeCon April
Italy in May! @lakecomocon
"Painting The Town Red"
Hope you are loving my art/murals in the show!
kirbyscomicartshop.com/collections/...
See you at @WonderCon!
DC @AwesomeCon April
Italy in May! @lakecomocon
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
Hi friends, some personal news: unfortunately my run on Fantastic Four is ending with issue #33 in June...
...and then starting again with a new Fantastic Four #1 in July, with Humberto Ramos on art!! He is doing INSANE THINGS that you are going to LOVE
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
...and then starting again with a new Fantastic Four #1 in July, with Humberto Ramos on art!! He is doing INSANE THINGS that you are going to LOVE
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Marvel Unveils Time Traveling Next Chapter for ‘Fantastic Four’
Writer Ryan North and artist Humberto Ramos are sending Marvel's first family back in time.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
March 19, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Hi friends, some personal news: unfortunately my run on Fantastic Four is ending with issue #33 in June...
...and then starting again with a new Fantastic Four #1 in July, with Humberto Ramos on art!! He is doing INSANE THINGS that you are going to LOVE
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
...and then starting again with a new Fantastic Four #1 in July, with Humberto Ramos on art!! He is doing INSANE THINGS that you are going to LOVE
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Reposted by Ben’s Thought Bubbles
This year, for Marvel United: A Pride Special I felt the urge to homage the cover of Captain America Comics #1 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, to invoke and remember the inspiring fascist-punching roots of the superhero genre.
Out in June from Marvel Comics
Out in June from Marvel Comics
March 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
This year, for Marvel United: A Pride Special I felt the urge to homage the cover of Captain America Comics #1 by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon, to invoke and remember the inspiring fascist-punching roots of the superhero genre.
Out in June from Marvel Comics
Out in June from Marvel Comics