Who is Agatha Harkness?

Who is Agatha Harkness?

Good question. 

Agatha Harkness in the comics is one of those background characters that essentially shows up whenever magic is involved in the current shenanigans and usually explains what's going on to whoever is in charge of dealing with it. First appearing as the Fantastic Four's nanny, she's best known for training Scarlet Witch... And not much else... 

Till, of course, now...

Marvel Comics

Agatha Harkness originally appeared in the Fantastic Four comics when she was hired to watch after Franklin Richards, the kid of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman. Turns out she wanted the baby for some witchcraft crap and they ended up firing her. 

Next we saw her appear in Scarlet Witch's origin story, where she trained her powers since, despite being mutant powers, they closely resembled magic. This was repeated in the show X-Men: Evolution where Agatha also helped Nightcrawler and Rogue try to cure their petrified mother Mystique (Which ended in Rogue committing murder and Agatha peacing out). 

Throughout Agatha's multiple appearances in the comics and various video games, she had the attitude of Professor McGonagall with slightly more ambiguous morals. She showed up, explained the magic plot, then took off.*

*Note: There is some sort of recent development where she regained her youth to resemble the actress from Wandavision, but honestly I haven't been following the latest comics so whatever that was it was a thing. 

Wandavision

Most people know Agatha from the incredible series Wandavision, where she served as the dangerous antagonist, played by Kathryn Hahn. In the series, Agatha tests Wanda to see the true extent of her powers, revealing that Wanda's powers are magic, which was unlocked by the tesseract (See Avengers: Age of Ultron). Agatha is the only person inside Wanda's brainwashed TV town who knows what's really going on. Agatha wants to steal Wanda's chaos magic and mix it with the Darkhold, the magical MacGuffin which showed back up in Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.  Wanda ends up thrashing the witch in a magic duel and leaves her in a mind-wiped state, which is apparently reversed in the new series. 

That and the fact that she was apparently involved in the Salem Witch trials is far more backstory and characterization than we ever got in the comics. 

Marvel's Midnight Suns

In the sadly slept-on video game Marvel's Midnight Suns Agatha shows up as an NPC with more than her usual explain-the-plot role. She is a surrogate mother to the protagonist, the Hunter, and sadly was killed before the Hunter was able to be resurrected by Nico Minoru. Here Agatha helps the player character by appearing as a ghost and guides them through the home base on various quests to unlock secrets and collectables. We eventually find out that she was killed by Scarlet Witch in an accidental experiment with dark magic, so the main character has to deal with that when they finally get Wanda to join the party. 

Here Agatha feels more like comic book Aunt May with magic than the cold witch she usually is. She's kind and sympathetic to The Hunter, and misses her former partner the Caretaker (She doesn't get a name but think magic witchy Nick Fury). Her backstory is the same as the comics but she's far more relatable and interesting here, except maybe her version in Wandavision. 

The Beauty of the MCU

Fun fact: In the 90's comics weren't doing well and Marvel was hemorrhaging money so they started selling off their properties for movie adaptations, including X-Men and Spider-Man. They tried to sell the Avengers too but nobody wanted to buy it as the characters were "just not profitable". Today Iron Man and Thor are as well known as Superman and Batman because of what Marvel did with them in the MCU. Agatha Harkness got an even harder glow-up, as it can be argued how important the Avengers were in the previous comics, Agatha was usually just there in the background. They're were few if any Agatha Harkness fans clamoring for her to show up in anything before Wandavision, and now thanks to excellent writing, an amazing actress, and a couple slight adjustments to the character, she's now a vibrant piece of superhero media. 

-JOE

Third Doctor Revisited: "The Three Doctors"

I knew I had to write something about the tenth anniversary special of Doctor Who when TJ and I got to that point. Despite the “First Law of Time” (as it’s called by the Time Lords) precluding the crossing of one’s own timeline, this story set the precedent for anniversary stories; “The Five Doctors” (twentieth anniversary) and “The Day of the Doctor” (fiftieth anniversary) continued this trend, in addition to other multi-Doctor stories (like “The Two Doctors” and “Twice Upon a Time”).

This story saw the return of the First Doctor, though due to William Hartnell’s health he was limited to filming his character trapped in a “time eddy”. According to the pseudo-canon material, he was pulled from time at the period when Vicki and Steven were his companions. Hartnell was unable to film with the other Doctors, but was able to film his scenes elsewhere to still help the other Doctors defeat Omega. It was the last appearance of the First Doctor, as portrayed by William Hartnell, as he passed away about two years later. All Whovians ought to be grateful to that first First Doctor actor, who started this 60+ year journey.

P

atrick Troughton as the Second Doctor also returned of course, recalling his encounters with Benton and Lethbridge-Stewart in “The Web of Fear” and “The Invasion”. I found his rivalry with his future self amusing. We kind of saw that dynamic between the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, but this rivalry was much more pronounced. Unlike future multi-Doctor stories where the memories were blurred and mostly forgotten, the Second Doctor seemed to remember this adventure when encountering the Third Doctor again in “The Five Doctors”. His stories weren’t my favorite, but I enjoyed him as the Doctor, so I’m glad he returned and would return two more times. As he was on the orders of the Time Lords, my theory places this appearance after “The War Games” and before his regeneration (see my Fugitive Doctor post for more on that), but the pseudo-canon places this moment while Jamie and Zoe were still in the TARDIS.

Finally, the third of the three Doctors was naturally the current Jon Pertwee incarnation. Unlike other multi-Doctor stories, the Third Doctor was the only incarnation with a clear companion (even in “The Day of the Doctor” you could sort of say that Queen Elizabeth was the Tenth Doctor’s companion). Jo had wonderful chemistry with all three of the Doctors and I felt like she kept the story moving. And finally, after years of being stuck on Earth with UNIT, the Third Doctor’s exile on Earth finally ended, allowing him and Jo to willingly head into time and space (instead of the Time Lords directing his travels). 

This story also marks the first time the Brigadier and Benton entered the TARDIS. Insert “bigger on the inside” commentaries and the Brig’s repeatedly skeptical comments. You’d think that after three years of working closely with the Doctor, he’d be more willing to believe. But I guess like Ben and Ian, we needed that skeptic in the TARDIS.

The Time Lords in crisis: Something you don’t see too often. It shows just how big of a threat Omega was, though honestly I’m not sure I understand what effect Omega had on Gallifrey during this story. All the same, Omega was a big enough deal that he would be referenced throughout the series (example: The Hand of Omega in “Remembrance of the Daleks”) and he would reappear against the Fifth Doctor. Only a couple other Time Lords have that much recurring prominence in Doctor Who, besides the Master. But we’ll get to more Time Lords as we get into the Fourth Doctor era shortly I’m sure.

When Power Fantasy Animes Becomes Weak

Artist: Samantha Brooks

Isekai, the genre of anime and manga where characters are transported to, reborn, or trapped in a different world, has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Popular animes like Digimon, Moonlit Fantasy, and Failure Frame. While the concept offers vast creative potential—allowing for diverse world-building, unique magic systems, and character development—the genre has also become synonymous with a particular narrative crutch: the overpowered (OP) protagonist.

At first glance, the allure of an overpowered hero in an isekai setting is easy to understand. Who wouldn’t want to escape the mundanity of the real world for a life where you’re instantly stronger, smarter, and more capable than everyone around you? The thrill of seeing an ordinary character suddenly wield god-like abilities and effortlessly overcome challenges can be immensely satisfying. However, as this trope becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s starting to wear thin, turning what was once a compelling fantasy into a repetitive and uninspired narrative device.

The Appeal of the OP Protagonist

To understand why the overpowered isekai trope became so popular, we need to consider its roots in wish fulfillment. Many isekai stories begin with a protagonist who, in their original world, is either unremarkable, downtrodden, or struggling with some personal issue. Upon being transported to a new world, they’re often granted immense power, typically in the form of magic, combat prowess, or a unique skill set that makes them virtually unbeatable.

This transformation taps into a deep-seated desire for empowerment. It’s a fantasy that resonates with many viewers, especially those who may feel powerless or overlooked in their own lives. The OP protagonist doesn’t just survive in the new world—they thrive, conquering all obstacles with ease. For a while, this formula worked brilliantly. Shows like Sword Art Online and No Game No Life captivated audiences with their larger-than-life heroes who could bend the rules of their respective worlds to their will.

The Narrative Dangers of Overpowered Protagonists

However, as the trope has become more widespread, it’s led to a glut of isekai series that rely on the same basic premise: an invincible protagonist who faces no real threats or challenges. While the power fantasy remains intact, the narrative depth often suffers as a result.

One of the biggest issues with overpowered protagonists is that they can make the story predictable and boring. If the hero can solve every problem with a flick of their wrist or a single well-placed punch, where’s the tension? Where’s the drama? Conflict is the engine that drives a story forward, but when the protagonist is too powerful, conflict becomes meaningless. The stakes are non-existent, and the plot becomes a series of increasingly outlandish scenarios designed solely to showcase the hero’s abilities, rather than explore the world or develop the characters.

Moreover, OP protagonists can stifle character development. In many of these series, the hero’s journey is less about growth and more about spectacle. There’s little room for the protagonist to learn, adapt, or struggle in a meaningful way. They start off powerful and remain powerful, with few, if any, moments of vulnerability. This lack of development can make the character feel flat and one-dimensional, reducing them to little more than a vessel for the audience’s power fantasies.

The Diminishing Returns of Power Fantasy

As more and more isekai series adopt the overpowered protagonist trope, the novelty has started to wear off. What was once a fresh and exciting concept has become overused, leading to a sense of fatigue among viewers. Audiences are beginning to crave more nuanced stories—ones where the protagonist isn’t an all-powerful deity, but rather a flawed, relatable character who grows and changes over time.

In response to this growing fatigue, some isekai series have begun to subvert or challenge the OP trope. Shows like Re:Zero and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime introduce protagonists who, while powerful, also face significant challenges and consequences. These series remind us that strength alone doesn’t make a character interesting; it’s how they use that strength, and how they confront the world around them, that truly matters.

The Future of Isekai

The overpowered isekai trope is becoming inherently bad. its overuse has led to a saturation of the genre with stories that lack depth and originality. To keep isekai fresh and engaging, creators need to move beyond the simple power fantasy and explore the full potential of the genre—by crafting complex characters, building intricate worlds, and, most importantly, by allowing their protagonists to struggle, grow, and occasionally fail, like Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash.

As the isekai genre continues to evolve, there’s hope that we’ll see a shift away from the overpowered protagonist trope and towards more balanced, character-driven narratives. After all, the best stories aren’t just about watching a hero win—they’re about watching them learn, adapt, and ultimately, become someone greater than they were before.

LDS Geeks Podcast #25: Disney Songs (Part One)

It's our 25th podcast episode! Not like we're ever too serious, but Russell and I thought of something fun to start off our discussion of Disney songs we love. This time it's about songs that came out in our first 25 years of life (just to fit into the theme of the 25th episode). Enjoy!

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 25 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

    25th Episode Statistics

    Spencer's Recommendation: Jeremy Camp

Check out Jeremy Camp on Spotify 

I Still Believe is available for streaming on Hulu with Live TV 

    Russell's Recommendation: Disney's Recess

Available for streaming on Disney+

    "I2I" from A Goofy Movie 

    "Go the Distance" from Hercules

    "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan

 

3 Versions of The Lightning Thief

Fair warning for anyone who absolutely hates the movie adaptations of Percy Jackson.

While the movie adaptations of “The Lightning Thief” and “Sea of Monsters” don’t get the same hate as Avatar (there is no movie in Ba Sing Se) they are almost universally disliked by diehard fans of the Percy Jackson fandom. Now that I’ve read the first book (working on “Sea of Monsters”) and watched the Disney Plus and movie adaptations, I wanted to compare and contrast the three versions of “The Lightning Thief”.

After recently rewatching the series and the movie and rereading the book, I picked seven scenes that take place in all three versions and picked my favorite presentation of each. Make sure you let me know your favorites too.

Percy Jackson vs. the Fury

Disney Plus Show - The book and the movie both had build-up towards Mrs. Dodds attacking Percy that kind of distracted me from the intensity of the moment. However, in the Disney Plus series, there was no need for taking Percy away from the group. The fury simply attacked Percy and let the mist obscure things for the rest of the group, throwing us quickly into the action.

Capture the Flag

Movie Adaptation - This is where I get controversial. Like many things in the movie, this scene had some major modifications from the source material. I like that Percy was opposed to Annabeth at first. It gave some solid grounding to their rivalry and makes the change in their relationship even more of a contrast. Although, I will say that the lack of Clarise made things confusing for me in the sequel.

Auntie Em's Garden Gnome Emporium

Original Book Material - I feel like the movie and the show both took away the mystery and intrigue of Medusa. The show gave away her identity so quickly and the movie made her a mindless monster. The book kept her a mystery until right before it was almost too late. We still got her tragic backstory and we still got an awesome fight scene, but she remained a mystery right through the end.

The Lotus Casino

Movie Adaptation - First off, this whole scene is set to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” so for years I always think fondly of this scene when I hear the song play on Spotify. I also liked that everyone had their weakness. In the show and book, they mostly stayed alert and together, while losing track of time, but in the movie adaptation our trio got individually tempted and not just distracted. Plus, I don’t know how you can hate on their epic escape.

The Underworld and Hades

Original Book Material - I loved the mystique of dropping below the shop, the detail of the underworld groups, Tartarus, and confronting Hades. Because the movie chose not to include Kronos (probably in case a sequel wasn’t ordered) we didn’t get any mention of Tartarus or the pit. And there was a lot of talking and exposition in this scene that wouldn’t have been interesting in the show. 

Percy Ascending to Olympus 

Original Book Material - Definitely didn’t care for the movie bringing Percy’s mom to Olympus. Nor did I care for the deadline passing in the show, so I preferred the original material bringing Percy to Olympus alone and talking to Zeus. I loved the internal dialogue Percy had, deliberating about how his father felt about him and vice versa. It hit on a very central theme: Family and family dysfunction. The show has done a great job expanding on this, but for this scene the book did it best.

Luke's Betrayal

Original Book Material - Again I’m going to default to the original source material. In the movie, we honestly didn’t even get a great explanation as to why and how Luke framed Percy (I’ll get to that another time). In the Disney Plus series, Annabeth’s saving Percy kind of took away from the dramatic betrayal. Another close encounter with death made the drama of Percy Jackson’s life more exciting again.

As announced at D23, season two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians is supposed to come out in 2025. While we wait, I plan to finish off “Sea of Monsters” and see how far I get through the books. But I think it’s safe to say you’ll see more Riordan content from me in the next several months. 

Animes Like Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is a unique entry in the isekai (Protagonists from our world is taken to a different, magical world) genre that stands out for its realistic portrayal of a group of people transported to a mysterious world. Unlike many other anime where the protagonists quickly adapt to their new surroundings with overpowered abilities or immense knowledge, Grimgar takes a slower, more contemplative approach. The characters struggle with the harsh realities of survival, including learning to fight, facing the trauma of killing for the first time, and dealing with the loss of their friends. The series is visually stunning, with a watercolor-like art style that emphasizes the fragility and beauty of the world the characters are trying to survive in. The story is as much about emotional and psychological growth as it is about adventure and combat.

The premise of Grimgar is simple yet profound: a group of strangers awakens in a strange, RPG-like world with no memory of their previous lives. They band together out of necessity, forming a party to take on various tasks, but quickly realize that survival is neither easy nor guaranteed. As they grapple with the harshness of their new reality, they form bonds, grow as individuals, and face the dangers of their world together. The anime’s focus on the psychological and emotional aspects of survival, coupled with its slow pacing and deep character development, make it a standout in the genre.

If you enjoyed Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash for its deep emotional resonance, realistic depiction of survival, and strong character development, here are other anime that offer similar themes and experiences.

Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss shares a lot of thematic similarities with Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, particularly in how it handles the harsh realities of its world. The story follows Riko, a young girl, and her robot companion, Reg, as they descend into the Abyss, a mysterious and dangerous chasm. Each layer of the Abyss presents new, terrifying challenges that push the characters to their limits both physically and mentally.

Like Grimgar, Made in Abyss is visually stunning, with an art style that contrasts the beauty of the world with its underlying darkness. The emotional depth and psychological trauma experienced by the characters as they venture deeper into the unknown echo the struggles faced by Haruhiro and his party in Grimgar. The series’ ability to blend adventure, horror, and heartfelt moments makes it a must-watch for fans of Grimgar.

Log Horizon

 

Log Horizon is another isekai anime that, like Grimgar, focuses on the struggles of adapting to life in a new world. The series follows Shiroe, a strategist and his companions who are trapped in the MMORPG Elder Tale. Unlike Grimgar, Log Horizon delves into the political and social aspects of being stuck in a game world, exploring how the characters build a society, manage resources, and deal with the challenges of living in a world with its own rules and systems.

While Log Horizon has a more optimistic and less gritty tone compared to Grimgar, it shares the theme of survival in an unfamiliar environment. The series also offers strong character development and a focus on strategy and teamwork, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoyed the group dynamics in Grimgar.

The Rising of the Shield Hero

The Rising of the Shield Hero is another isekai anime that delves deep into the struggles of a protagonist thrust into a harsh and unforgiving world. The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, who is summoned to a parallel world as one of four heroes tasked with defending the realm. However, unlike the other heroes, Naofumi is betrayed, falsely accused of crimes, and shunned by society. With his reputation in tatters and only a shield as his weapon, he must find a way to survive and grow stronger.

Similar to Grimgar, The Rising of the Shield Hero focuses on themes of resilience, survival, and emotional growth. Naofumi’s journey is marked by a sense of isolation and the need to build trust and relationships from the ground up. The series also emphasizes the psychological toll of his experiences, making it a compelling watch for fans of the darker, more realistic aspects of Grimgar.

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is a standout anime for its realistic portrayal of survival, emotional depth, and strong character development. The anime listed above—Made in Abyss, Log Horizon, and The Rising of the Shield Hero—all share some of these elements, offering different takes on the themes of survival, teamwork, and emotional growth. Whether you’re drawn to the psychological struggles, the intricate world-building, or the strong group dynamics, these series are sure to resonate with fans of Grimgar and provide new, compelling experiences in the world of anime.

Get to Know Your Geeks: Favorite Narnians

I recently finished re-reading (and rewatching) The Chronicle of Narnia. It's been one of my favorites for about fifteen years now, since I was first shown Prince Caspian at a college movie night. They're always good movies and books that I could watch and read on repeat to boost my mood. So for this post I asked some of our team to pick their favorite Narnian (which unfortunately rules out my favorite protagonist, Shasta/Cor). With such an inspiring series, I hope you're able to glean some inspiration from our favorites.

--Spencer

Aslan 

I couldn't decide between Aslan and Edmund for they are the best characters in the series. However, without Aslan, Edmund's redemption would be meaningless. Therefore, in this post I will highlight why Aslan is the best character. 

As any fan of Narnia knows Aslan is symbolic of Jesus Christ. They share striking parallels that underscore their roles as symbols of divine intervention, sacrifice, and redemption in their respective narratives. Both figures are depicted as powerful yet benevolent leaders who offer profound guidance and protection to their followers. Aslan, like Jesus, embodies the ultimate moral authority, representing the highest virtues of courage, wisdom, and selflessness. His actions in The Chronicles of Narnia, such as his sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, echo Jesus's life.

The symbolism surrounding Aslan is deeply rooted in Christian theology. Aslan’s death in Edmund’s place and his resurrection are direct allegories to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection, signifying themes of atonement and the triumph of good over evil. Through these similarities, Aslan serves not only as a central figure in Narnia’s lore but also as a literary reflection of the profound spiritual and moral teachings of Christianity. The reason I believe that The Chronicles of Narnia is successful is thanks to Aslan similitude to Jesus Christ.

--Michael

Reepicheep is my favorite because he is an embodiment of “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” Despite being small in stature, he used his talents to fight for Aslan and always kept his eyes on the goal of one day entering Aslan’s country. I loved the interaction between Reepicheep and Aslan in the film version of Prince Caspian when it almost appears that Aslan will not be giving Reepicheep back his tail. At the sight of Reepicheep’s squadron of mice willing to cut their own tails off, Aslan restores Reepicheep’s own tail. It is sweet to see Reepicheep’s own loyalty to Aslan and see his desire fulfilled in being allowed to enter Aslan’s country, no longer needing his rapier, and the subsequently greet the seven friends of Narnia into that same country. He is loyal, he is fearless, he is a talented fighter and chess player, what more could you hope to find in a mouse!

--Russell

It's a struggle to decide on my favorite Narnian. Depending on the day it could shift between Reepicheep, Eustace, and Lucy (especially the movie versions) but for today I landed on Puddleglum. He's probably the biggest reason I'm still upset that The Silver Chair never got adapted for the movies. While the kids frequently described him as a "wet blanket", he stated multiple times that he was more optimistic than most Marshwiggles. Despite his apparent pessimism and his perceived negativity, I relate to Puddleglum a lot.

He came across as a pessimist compared to Eustace and Jill, but he never faltered in his commitment to see the quest through and find Prince Rilian. Imperfect as he was, Puddleglum tried to follow Aslan's signs despite the grievances of his traveling companions. True he made some mistakes, like going to the giants' castle, but he demonstrated faith in Aslan's words despite his mistakes and even though he didn't know the outcome. He readily accepted that following Aslan's direction didn't mean their journey would go smoothly, just that they'd get where they needed to be. In effect, he was willing to die on that quest if it meant listening to Aslan. And of course he was the one who finally stood up to the Lady of the Green Kirtle and put his fate in Aslan's paws regardless of the outcome. "I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia."

Honestly, I probably come across a lot like him. Sometimes I have to verbalize my anxieties in order to stay optimistic (my wife has noted this many times) and sometimes I can get pretty down despite my faith and my words. But I'm on Aslan's side too. 

Also, did I mention that he was portrayed by Tom Baker in the 1990 BBC adaptation of The Silver Chair? The Fourth Doctor himself! Legendary!

--Spencer