The following lists pop culture references from the Missouri Avengers short film by W. Scott Pattullo.
Academy of Art University[]
- See main article: Academy of Art University
California Girls[]
The Beach Boys song California Girls is mentioned, and played, as a joke in the short film. It's in the rooftop scene when Big Bad Bowen is talking to Scotty P.
DC Comics[]
The Superman reference
Both DC Comics characters Superman and Batman are referenced in the short film. One of the newspaper headlines shows a picture of Big Bad Bowen lifting a car similar to the iconic Action Comics cover. Also, the fight scene with Dr. Villainous was parodying the 1966 Batman TV series fight scenes.
G.I. Joe[]
The G.I. Joe reference
The 1980's animated series G.I. Joe is referenced in the short film. A G.I. Joe poster can be seen on the wall in young Steve's bedroom.
Hello MOTO[]
Motorola's Hello MOTO is referenced in the short film. Big Bad Bowen used it as his ringtone.
Marvel Comics[]
The Marvel Comics properties Avengers, Punisher, Speedball, Spider-Man, and X-Men are all referenced in the short film. The Missouri Avengers team is named after the Avengers, a Punisher comic book can be seen in Big Bad Bowen's bedroom, the cat Niels is named after Speedball's cat Niels, and two newspaper headlines depict Big Bad Bowen in scenes resembling Amazing Fantasy and Uncanny X-Men comic book covers.
MySpace[]
The social media website MySpace is referenced in the short film. MySpace is how Big Bad Bowen set up a date with Hair Girl.
Newspapers[]
The newspapers Branson Tri-Lakes News, Kansas City Star, Springfield News-Leader, and St. Louis Post-Dispatch are all referenced in the short film. Big Bad Bowen appears on the front page of each publication.
Star Wars[]
- See main article: Star Wars
ThunderCats[]
The ThunderCats reference
The 1980's animated series ThunderCats is referenced in the short film. A ThunderCats poster can be seen on the wall in young Steve's bedroom.
Wilhelm scream[]
The iconic film industry sound effect known as the Wilhelm scream is referenced in the short film. It can be heard during the fight scene.
Word to your mother[]
The popular slang phrase "word to your mother" is referenced in the short film. Big Bad Bowen and Scotty P say it to each other while Big Bad Bowen is on the rooftops.