Jackie Panella
32 articles published since June 23, 2023
About Jackie Panella
Jackie Panella grew up on the East Coast of the United States with an obsessive love for both superheroes and Star Wars. The majority of their childhood was spent watching Batman cartoons on cable tv, borrowing Marvel comic books from the local library, and reliving Luke Skywalker's adventures many times through VHS. After spending so much time exploring these incredible and fantastical universes, Jackie knew that they wanted to become a writer. They left the East Coast and moved west to pursue their dreams of creative storytelling. It wasn't long until Jackie found a passion for writing online articles about their favorite Marvel, DC, and Star Wars media. These days, Jackie loves to get involved in online discussions about the most iconic characters in pop culture.
Huyang Fixed Star Wars' Major Droid Problem
C-3PO set a problematic standard for Star Wars' comic relief droids, but Huyang proved that droids can be more complex characters.
Why Lois Lane's Most Controversial Scene in My Adventures With Superman Saved the Show
The animated series had a controversial argument scene between Lois and Clark which divided fans, but improved the show's overarching villain plot.
How Reva Became One of Star Wars' Most Compelling Villains
The Third Sister's ruthless attitude was controversial, but her similarities with Anakin made her a powerful example of Star Wars villainy.
Ahsoka Proves the Brilliance of Luke's Arc in The Last Jedi
Ahsoka's character arc channeled themes from Luke Skywalker's arc in The Last Jedi and proved that the film had one of Star Wars' best stories.
The Brave and the Bold Needs to Improve Robin's Cinematic Reputation
Batman & Robin presented a problematic adaptation of Batman's sidekick, but Damian Wayne's DCU debut can restore Robin's cinematic appeal.
Star Wars Television Keeps Neglecting Anakin's Heroic Legacy
Ahsoka and other live-action Star Wars series continue to disregard Anakin's redemptive qualities, thus making him a less nuanced character.
Why Jonathan Kent's Death Doomed the DCEU Timeline
Jonathan Kent's tornado sacrifice robbed Clark of the superhero experience he needed to better protect Metropolis.
My Adventures With Superman Exposed Jor-El's Flaws in Man of Steel
Superman's animated series highlighted the character flaws in Man of Steel's Jor-El, and demonstrated his lack of understanding about human morality.
How Zack Snyder Turned Superman Into DC's Darth Vader
Snyder boldly applied Shakespearean elements from Anakin Skywalker's downfall arc to the DCEU Superman, transforming Clark Kent into a tragic hero.
My Adventures With Superman Made Its Hero Exactly Like Peter Parker
The new animated Superman borrowed several elements from the MCU's Peter Parker, addressing common complaints about the DC character.
Harley Quinn Season 4 Shines When It Ditches the Heroism
The fourth season of Harley's animated series tried to make its villains more heroic, but Poison Ivy's promotion showed that it's better to stay bad.
Ahsoka: Sabine Needs More Lightsaber Training, and Star Wars Rebels Showed Why
Sabine's struggle in her first lightsaber duel with Shin Hati was actually predicted years prior in Star Wars Rebels.
Captain Marvel's Yon-Rogg Showdown Challenged Marvel Story Clichés for the Better
Carol Danvers' first adventure defied Marvel's trend of climactic super-powered duels, and showed that character development is more compelling.
The Batman's Bulletproof Armor Subverted Superman's Invulnerability
Gotham City's protector had a special bulletproof armor that evoked Superman's invulnerability, and showed one big difference between the two heroes.
Whiplash Was Iron Man's Most Underrated MCU Villain
Iron Man 2's whip-wielding antagonist had an emotionally charged backstory that made him Tony Stark's most underrated villain.
Darth Vader's Siege of Lothal Changed Star Wars Rebels Forever
Vader's hunt for the Ghost Crew epitomized the terrifying might of the Empire, and became the basis for Star Wars Rebels' gritty storytelling.
Ezra Bridger's First Rebel Victory Also Doomed His Loved Ones
Ezra inspired Lothal's citizens to resist their Imperial oppressors, but his rebellious actions cost him a reunion with his parents.
Kanan's Duel With the Grand Inquisitor Was the Franchise's Best - Because of Its Dark Twists
The Kanan vs Grand Inquisitor duel outshined other lightsaber duels in Star Wars media, because it subverted tropes from the prequels' best duel.
How an Imperial Spy Targeted Ezra Bridger's Greatest Weakness
Ezra Bridger believed the rebel front to be more unified than it actually was, and his naivete made him an easy target for the Empire.
Ezra Bridger Could've Become the Next Anakin - But Yoda Saved Him
Master Yoda's guidance saved Ezra Bridger from succumbing to his fears and falling to the dark side like Anakin Skywalker did.