TOPIC: Hosts discuss Host Brian Fies’ graphic novel, “Whatever Happened to the World of Tomorrow?”

In the alley outside the theater, Bucky Barnes helps Steve Rogers to his feet, brushing off his friend’s jacket. “Come on, man. My last night! I got to get you cleaned up,” Bucky says.

“Why? Where are we going?” Steve asks, wincing slightly.

“The future,” Bucky replies with a grin, handing Steve a newspaper. A bold ad proclaims “World Exhibition of Tomorrow – 1943.”

The scene dissolves to a vibrant outdoor exhibition at night. A gleaming Unisphere sparkles with glowing fountains, a monorail gliding overhead. Bucky and Steve descend a terrace of short stairs, the crowd buzzing around them.

“I don’t see what the problem is,” Bucky says, scanning the lively scene. “You’re about to be the last eligible man in New York. You know there’s three and a half million women here?”

Steve shrugs, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “Well, I’d settle for just one.”

“Good thing I took care of that,” Bucky says, waving at a girl approaching them.

“Hey, Bucky!” the girl calls, smiling brightly.

Steve glances at Bucky, skeptical. “What’d you tell her about me?”

“Only the good stuff,” Bucky replies with a wink.

The scene shifts to a large exhibit amphitheater, where a display reads “Dr. Fineas Horton Presents The Synthetic Man” above a costumed mannequin. An announcer’s voice booms, “Welcome to the Modern Marvels Pavilion and the World of Tomorrow! A greater world. A better world.”

“Oh, my God! It’s starting!” the girl exclaims, grabbing Bucky’s arm.

On stage, five top-hatted women in tights stand before a 1940s automobile, its wheels conspicuously absent. A lady announcer steps forward, her voice ringing out, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Howard Stark!”