Crushing Comics

Welcome back to our read of Grant Morrison's run on Batman! For this episode, Peter insisted we read Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul IN FULL... and he was *WRONG*, y'all. If you were thinking maybe you didn't get enough of a summary from the stunning Chris Burnham summary pages in the Grant Morrison Batman omnibus we are here so you can witness our suffering with this part recap, part mocking, and part lamentation on this lumpy uneventful event. If you are reading digitally, here's the correct order: Batman (1940) Annual 26, Robin (1993) Annual 7 (2nd story), Batman (1940) #670, Robin (1993) #168, Nightwing (1996) #138, Detective Comics (1937) #838, Batman (1940) #671, Robin (1993) #169, Nightwing (1996) #139, & Detective Comics (1937) #839. For this epic (re)read, Harry is our expert - he loves Batman and Morrison, and he has read this run multiple times. Fariha is our intermediate - she has read plenty of Morrison and DC, but not this run in full and never any pre-90s Batman. And, Peter is now the novice - he's read some of this run before, but otherwise this is his FIRST TIME reading ANY pre-New-52 Batman! Tune in next week for Batman R.I.P. in DC Universe (2008) #0 and Batman (1940) #676-681.

It's This Week in X for 30 June, 2021 - the final week of The Hellfire Gala! Actually, there's just one Hellfire Gala issue this week - the final issue of X-Factor (2020) #10 - plus, the penultimate chapter of Cable (2020) #11. CONTENT WARNING: This issue contains overt themes of hate crimes, racially-motived violence, and sexual assault, which we begin discussing in specific at the 43-minute mark through 72m. In X-Factor #10, we discuss the structure of this abrupt series finale, as well as its narrative, visual, & editorial flaws - from the passing moments in the party scene, to the resolution of Prodigy's plot, to the major reveal in the final pages. Plus, thoughts on handling unexpected endings and if we care about that final reveal. In Cable #11, we discuss the merits of Teen Cable (Table) vs. Old Man Cable (…OMable?), the Ride of the Summers Clan +2, and how satisfying it is when a story has room to reach its intended ending. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison! In this episode, we (and the Morrison omnibus) continue our read to the introduction of The Black Glove in Batman (1940) #667-669. Then, we SKIP issues #669-671 to continue to the Death of Batman (but not in the way you think) in Batman (1940) #672-675. The Black Glove is a story that HEAVILY references several stories in The Black Casebook, since it features Batman's full cast of international imitators! For this epic (re)read, Harry is our expert - he loves Batman and Morrison, and he has read this run multiple times. Fariha is our intermediate - she has read plenty of Morrison and DC, but not this run in full and never any pre-90s Batman. And, Peter is now the novice - he's read some of this run before, but otherwise this is his FIRST TIME reading ANY pre-New-52 Batman! Tune in next week as we read Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul IN FULL - not only in #670-671, but from prelude to ending in Batman (1940) Annual 26 & #670-671, Detective Comics (1937) #838-839, Nightwing (1996) #138-139, and Robin (1993) Annual 7 (2nd story) & #168-169.

It's This Week in X for 23 June, 2021 - the third week of The Hellfire Gala - plus EVEN MORE X-comics! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss SWORD (2021) #6 (and Guardians of the Galaxy #15), Wolverine (2020) #13, Way of X (2021) #3, X-Men Legends (2021) #4, and highlights from Marvel Voices Pride. (Wolverine technically comes first, but because it was a briefer discussion we held it between the two more heavy-hitting issues.) In SWORD #6, we explore the intergalactic implications of the Hellfire Gala fireworks as we talk currency, coronations, terrific Captain America monologues, sneakily deleted scenes published in other comics, and the biggest shock of the Gala so far! For Wolverine #13, we debate if a comic that's 30% Logan really ought to be released under his name, and dig into Krakoa's first big "L" when it comes to Terra Verde. Way of X #3 is a heavy one, as we divide in love, frustration, and boredom and unpack our feelings by discussing Nightcrawler's ethics, making more mutants, sex positivity, and so much more. Then, we briefly buy/skip on X-Men Legends #4, and summarize the stories X-fans will care about the most in Marvel Voices Pride. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison - and, our first episode discussing Morrison's run that began in 2006. Content Warning: We discuss sexual assault from 27:00 to 32:45. In this episode, we discuss Morrison's first arc with Andy Kubert - Batman and Son - in Batman (1940) #655-658. This story establishes some major themes of Morrison's run, as well as their major creation in the Batman family - Damian Wayne! Then, we (and the Morrison omnibus) skip over the unrelated issues #659-662 to continue with #663 - the infamous prose issue about The Joker ! After that, Batman comes face-to-face with a second deadly imitator in #654-655. And, finally, we get a glimpse into Damian's potential future in #666. Harry is our expert - he loves Batman and Morrison, and he has read this run multiple times. Fariha is our intermediate - she has read plenty of Morrison and DC. And, Peter is now the novice - he's read some of this run before, but otherwise this is his FIRST TIME reading pre-New-52 Batman! Tune in next week to continue our Morrison read with Batman (1940) #667-669 & 672-675. Note that we are skipping over the Resurrection of Ra's al Ghul issues in #670-671, which we will return to in the following episode.

It's part two of This Week in X for 16 June, 2021 - the third week of The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss New Mutants (2019) #19 and X-Corp (2021) #2. (We discussed the epic Planet-Size X-Men in the previous episode.) In New Mutants #19, we cover the highs and lows of this cast who can so easily undress each other (figuratively & literally) from platonic love triangles to sincere apologies to that shocking finale. And, was X-Corp #2 the sleeper hit of the Gala or a business-as-usual snooze? The panel is split on our reaction. We run through Monet's agenda, discuss potential pitfalls of coloring a diverse cast, and opine on the potential picks for Mutant CXO. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

It's part one of This Week in X for 16 June, 2021 - the third week of The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Tyler, & Harry for a planet-size discussion of Planet-Size X-Men #1 - our coverage of this week's other two issues will follow in a separate episodes. We cover the events that lead to these cosmic fireworks, the most memorable moments of art and story, and the ramifications of the mutants' major move both from our real world perspective and within the Reign of X. Get ready, y'all - we were in an intense, occasionally hot-headed, and thoroughly silly mood for this one. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison! This is the final of our three episodes of pre-reading to catch up on some of the themes, characters, and influences on Morrison's run. Next week, Morrison begins! In this episode, we read the final 3rd of the Tales of the Demon TPB, which includes Batman's unlikely marriage to Talia al Ghul! Then, we take a quick spin through the Demon Trilogy of OGNs (collected together as "Birth of the Demon" TPB), reaping diminishing returns from each one. Harry is our expert - he loves Batman and Morrison, and he has read this run multiple times. Fariha is our intermediate - she has read plenty of Morrison and DC. And, Peter is now the novice - he's read some of this run before, but otherwise this is his FIRST TIME reading pre-New-52 Batman! The stories are: - DC Special Series #15 - "I Now Pronounce You Batman and Wife!" (Summer 1978) - Detective Comics #485 - "The Vengeance Vow" (Aug/Sep 1979) - Detective Comics #489 - "Where Strike the Assassins" (April 1980) - Detective Comics #490 - "Requiem for a Martyr" (May 1980) - Batman: Son of the Demon (September, 1987) - Batman: Bride of the Demon (December, 1990) - Batman: Birth of the Demon (December, 1992) Tune in next week for our first engagement with Grant Morrison material, as we crack open our omnibuses and read Batman (1940) #655-658 & 663-666.

It's This Week in X for 9 June, 2021 - the second week of The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss X-Men (2019) #21, Excalibur (2019) #21, & Children of the Atom (2021) #4. (Yes, we know the books have Excalibur first; we disagree!) X-Men #21 is the finale of Hickman's X-Men, and it is fireworks-filled but surprisingly subtle. Come for intense Namor ego, stay for Sinister Secrets and sumptuous art (but, not for the anticlimactic off-panel psychic vote). Excalibur #21 is about breaking things and circling back to previous status quo. We discuss narrative necessities, the personal vs. the political, ridiculous capes, finding the right cast, and a long-anticipated reunion. Children of the Atom #4 is a BUY or SKIP discussion, with us highlighting what's working and what's worrying about this supporting book (which is NOT part of the Gala). Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison! This is the second of three episodes of pre-reading to catch up on some of the themes, characters, and influences on Morrison's run. In this episode, we read the first 2/3rds of the Tales of the Demon TPB, which includes the debut of Talia al Ghul and R'as al Ghul. We didn't know what to expect from these Bronze Age stories, but we wound up falling in love! Harry is our expert - he loves Batman and Morrison, and he has read this run multiple times. Fariha is our intermediate - she has read plenty of Morrison and DC. And, Peter is now the novice - he's read some of this run before, but otherwise this is his FIRST TIME reading pre-New-52 Batman! The stories are: Detective Comics #411 - "Into the Den of the Death-Dealers" (May 1971) Batman #232 - "Daughter of the Demon" (June 1971) Batman #235 - "Swamp Sinister" (Sep 1971) Batman #240 - "Vengeance for a Dead Man" (March 1972) Batman #242 - "Bruce Wayne - Rest in Peace!" (June 1972) Batman #243 - "The Lazarus Pit" (Aug 1972) Batman #244 - "The Demon Lives Again!" (Sep 1972) Tune in next week as we wrap up our pre-reading by finishing the final four issues in Tales of the Demon, as well as the Demon Trilogy of Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon.

It's This Week in X for 2 June, 2021 - and time for The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Marauders (2019) #21, X-Force (2020) #20, and Hellions (2020 #12. In Marauders #21, we discuss every morsel of this opening platter of Hellfire Gala hors d'oeuvres, including welcome committees, psychic consent, Banshee's multiple invites, potential bonus Cuckoos, and fireworks that are only implied. For X-Force #20, we discuss the team's role in keeping undesirables OUT of Krakoa, inserting themselves in places THEY aren't desired, and encountering internal resistance to Beast's interventionist ambitions. Finally, in Hellions #12, it turns out the Hellfire Gala is NOT for all mutants. We discuss Sinister's oblivious mingling, Nanny's unlimited imbibing, Havok's ineffective inquiries, Empath's kindest moment, and that shocking final panel. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Welcome to a new season of our Crushing Comics Book Club, where we discuss a classic run of comics together as both fans and critical readers. For the next few months we'll be reading Grant Morrison's Batman, but before we get started we'll be doing a few weeks of pre-reading to catch up on some of the themes and influences of the run. Harry is our expert - he loves Batman and Morrison, and he has read this run multiple times. Fariha is our intermediate - she has read plenty of Morrison and DC. And, Peter is now the novice - he's read some of this run before, but otherwise this is his FIRST TIME reading pre-New-52 Batman! Today, we start with a discussion of how we first found Batman (and Morrison), plus a read of Batman's debut in Detective Comics (1937) #27 as well as Batman (1940) #1 - the first appearances of Joker and Catwoman. Then, we all read The Black Casebook for the first time! It's an unusual book - 12 of the most-outlandish Golden and Silver Age stories as selected by Morrison to hint at, explain, or reflect the themes of their Batman run. We'll talk about our FAVORITE Casebook story, the WEIRDEST story, plus give a rundown of EVERY tale in this tome - with a few hints from Harry at how they might be relevant later. The stories are: Batman #65 - A Partner For Batman! from June, 1951 Batman #86 - Batman - Indian Chief! from September, 1954 Detective Comics #215 - The Batmen of All Nations from January, 1955 Detective Comics #235 - The First Batman from September, 1956 World's Finest #89 - The Club of Heroes from July, 1957 Detective Comics #247 - The Man Who Ended Batman's Career from September, 1957 Batman #112 - Am I Really Batman? from December, 1957 Batman #113 - Batman - The Superman of Planet X from February, 1958 Detective Comics #267 - Batman Meets Bat-Mite from May, 1959 Batman #134 - The Rainbow Creature from September, 1960 Batman #156 - Robin Dies at Dawn from June, 1963 Batman #162 - The Batman Creature from March, 1964 Tune in next week as we read the Tales of the Demon TPB.

It's This Week in X for 26 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss X-Men (2019) #20 and New Mutants (2019) #18. We took a deep, DEEP dive into both of this week's issues! First, on X-Men #20, we discussed the prevailing theme of lost love, Mystique's motivations, creating terrorists (and your own worst enemies), worst weapons, interventionism, impotent bigots, inadvertently causing your destruction, and burning it all down. Then, for New Mutants #18, we discussed the themes of self-image, bodily autonomy, and the haves-and-have-nots of Krakoa and how each of those three themes weave through the various "debates" in the issue. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for our SEASON FINALE of reading classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! This episode is an incredibly deep dive into Uncanny X-Men #137 and Jean Grey, as well as into the version that ALMOST made it to print from Phoenix: The Untold Story, as well as Claremont's 1990 epilogue to the story in Classic X-Men #43. Plus: Have we convinced Fariha to love Jean Grey?! This episode contains full spoilers for House of X and Powers of X and a few comments about the Dawn of X status quo that follows it. And, get ready, y'all - we'll be back next week with BATMAN BY GRANT MORRISON!

It's This Week in X for 19 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Way of X (2021) #2 and Wolverine #12. For Way of X #2, we discuss the sad state of several mutant brains, anomie, evolving societies, the middle path, psychic fingerprints, kinks in the resurrection process, and impending storm clouds for Krakoa. For Wolverine #12, we have a brief, chaotic BUY or SKIP debate over this issue's quality, X-Force's B-sides, Wolverine's hospitality, Omega Red's triple agency, and Beast's unbridled glee for war crimes. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode, we discuss Uncanny X-Men #135-136. The Dark Phoenix has taken over Jean Grey's body and mind, and she's HUNGRY - but, can the X-Men stop her when she makes a brief return to Earth to say goodbye to her final human connections? We dig into Cyclops' first psychic dance battle, Phoenix's approximate sense of morality, how classic Sagas and modern Events are different, and more. Plus, we cover a pair of Dazzler stories in Classic X-Men issues - #37-38. This episode contains full spoilers for House of X and Powers of X and a few comments about the Dawn of X status quo that follows it.

It's This Week in X for 12 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss Children of the Atom (2021) #3 and X-Factor (2020) #9 - for X-Corp #1, check out our previous episode. Children of the Atom #3 continues to split our panel in new and different ways. We discussed sudden space ships, self-imposed responsibilities, sour dinner parties, and taking off our X-glasses when deciding the value of this story. For X-Factor #9, we dig into psychic inception and Morrigan's goals. Then we spiral into a lengthy argument over a single data page and yell at Marvel for cancelling our favorite comic. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

It's a special single-issue episode of This Week in X, the first of two episodes for the week of 12 May 2021. Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we dig into X-Corp (2021) #1. We had a mega-sized discussion for this giant-size debut, tackling each of the board members of this uncanny new corporation: Monet, Madrox, Trinary, & Angel. Plus, we get a little bit heated about horses, UN sanctions, and the big HQ "launch." Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode, we discuss Uncanny X-Men #132-134. The X-Men bring conflict to the door of The Hellfire Club and learn they are outmatched by their inner circle - and it has dire consequences for Jean Grey. Plus, we cover Classic X-Men issues - #40, 41-42, & 44 - including a touching tale of Rogue's two moms and Cyclops's orphanage origin story. This episode contains full spoilers for House of X and Powers of X and a few comments about the Dawn of X status quo that follows it.

It's This Week in X for 5 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Marauders (2019) #20, Hellions (2020 #11, and X-Men - Curse of the Man-Thing (2021). Marauders #20 was Storm's issue, but we were fascinated by Emma's parts of it. We tackle our favorite Storm memories, but also dive deeply into what makes Emma tick and her (at first begrudging, but now enduring) respect for Ororo & Kitty. In Hellions #11, we discuss Kwannon's self-sufficiency, Arcade's lack of loyalty, the Mastermind family, Sinister's duplicitous plot (and why it matters A LOT), and more. For X-Men - Curse of the Man-Thing we hold a "BUY OR SKIP" lightning round and discuss the finer points of Magik's status as a lord of a little slice of hell. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode, we dissect Uncanny X-Men #129-131 - the debut of Kitty Pryde, Dazzler, Emma Frost, Sebastian Shaw, and the Hellfire Club! In addition to being the origin of Kitty's tense relationship with Emma, this also introduces new shades of Jean's growing power (and eroding morality). Plus, we cover a fistful of Classic X-Men issues - #20, 34, 35, 39 - which includes a STUNNING Moira MacTaggert story and a formative Emma Frost tale. This episode contains full spoilers for House of X and Powers of X and a few comments about the Dawn of X status quo that follows it.

It's This Week in X for 28 April, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Cable (2020) #10, New Mutants (2019) #17, and X-Men Legends (2021) #3. In Cable #10, we discuss father/son disconnects, Auntie Emma, Arrakans on the move, and some interesting developments on The Old Guy. For New Mutants #17, we discuss Rahne's weakness, adventures in Otherworld, living your best life, white rabbits, Warpath's journal, and more! Tyler and Peter take a "buy it or skip it" approach to X-Men Legends #3, which Fariha didn't read. Which option will she choose?! Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for more classic X-Men! Watch and listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! This is the episode that inspired us to start this show! This is our in-depth discussion of The Proteus Saga in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #125​-128, as well as related stories in Classic X-Men (1986) #24, 32, & 33. We explore ALL the implications of Moira MacTaggert, her husband Joe, her son Proteus, and the sudden growth of Jean's powers as the Phoenix. This episode contains full spoilers for House of X and Powers of X and a few comments about the Dawn of X status quo that follows it. The final 10 minutes includes a specific spoiler for two plot beats in X of Swords.

It's This Week in X for 21 April, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss SWORD (2021) #5 and X-Force (2020) #19 - for Way of X #1, check out our previous episode. For SWORD #5, we discuss the issues theme of "murder" and how that plays out across two interwoven plots. We cover the rainbow of data that opened the issue, body language, sartorial choices, the power in a name, suffering competition, the meaning of humanity, beating the odds by changing the game, and more! X-Force #19 split our opinions as we discussed muppet faces, Jean-splaining, the Astral Plane vs. The Dreamscape, long-form storytelling, and more. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

It's a special single-issue episode of This Week in X, the first of two episodes for the week of 21 April 2021. Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we go deep on Way of X (2021) #1. This book seemed like it would focus on Kurt establishing a mutant religion, but this debut issue proved to be so much me. We discuss Kurt's doubts, cheap death, failed japes, Dunbar's number, scathing data pages, offcuts of experience, Crucible aftermath, Kindly Ones, and a SHOCKING final page. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Marvel Team-Up (1972) #89, a Nightcrawler solo story by Claremont with just a dash of Spider-Man as we learn more about Kurt's past in the circus and if he can keep his tail to himself. Then, in (Uncanny) X-Men Annual 3, Claremont writes his first of many fairy-tale send-ups - that also happens to be a cautionary environmental tale and also full of some supple bottoms of the male team members as draw by George Perez. Finally, in Classic X-Men (1986) #31, Professor X takes out his social class discomfort on a Shi'ar plumber while cosplaying as Captain Picard. Yes, it's all as weird as that implies. Also, Peter is full of anecdotes and Tyler tries to make us all cry about fish. We mostly stay away from spoilers for House of X and Powers of X, though Fariha discusses one of the themes of the Dawn of X without spoiling anything specific.

It's This Week in X for 14 April, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss Children of the Atom (2021) #2 and Wolverine (2020) #11. For Children of the Atom #2 we went incredibly deep, as this series once again divided our panel like no other! We discussed Avengers vs. X-Men diplomacy, Gabe being more than meets the eye, how countries can export culture (and, vaccines as cultural innoculations), character voices, nuances of layout and coloring, Cats Laughing, and so much more! Wolverine #11 was full of things we love: Omega Red, Paris, vampire hunting, memos from Sage, Wolverine pinching Beast's cheek like he is a widdle baby, and more. And yet... we did NOT love it. We talk about why this issue didn't work for us, and get hyper-fixated on the antics of an undead mosquito. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #122-124. The X-Men enjoy a brief respite back in New York, with Storm visiting her childhood apartment only to find it has turned into a drug den. Their downtime is interrupted by Arcade, hired to gain revenge on the team by our favorite platonic life partners Black Tom and Juggernaut. Arcade is a master of advertising and capture, but his his most-dangerous game really all that deadly? And, why does Colossus nearly tear the team apart before defeating Arcade's plot with the power of love?! We also read back-up stories in Classic X-Men (1986) #29-30, and it turns out #29 is an ESSENTIAL Colossus issue! We mostly stay away from spoilers for House of X and Powers of X, though Fariha implies that we see more of a certain well-disguised villain in the current era.

It's This Week in X for 7 April, 2021! CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Join Peter, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Marauders (2019) #19 and Excalibur (2019) #20, plus the breaking news of new X-titles debuting in July, August, and September 2021! Marauders #19 has a lot to say beyond its basic plot of a turf war in Madripoor, and it leads us to discuss continuity as technical debt, class conflicts in mutant society, if the Hellfire Kids can be truly scary, the plight of visible minorities, what's left behind after colonization and occupation, what it means being born a mutant, & even more! Then, in Excalibur #20, we have a serious, personal discussion about mental health, the gender divide of Krakoan mercy, being former kids who move to the Adults Table, how class privilege can affects re-starting with a "blank slate," and much more! Plus, what are Leah Williams and Jonathan Hickman writing in the new line-up of X-books?!!? Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #120-121. The X-Men attempt to return to New York from Japan, but Vindicator's Alpha Flight diverts them to land in Canada to try once again to reclaim Logan. A two issue throw down ensues, with lots of pleasing face-offs between the teams. We also read back-up stories in Classic X-Men (1986) #25-26 and briefly mention Power Man & Iron Fist #57. We mostly stay away from spoilers for House of X and Powers of X, but this includes some implied plot details from House of X #2 and it mentions characters who we saw in X-Factor's line-up in 2020

It's This Week in X for 31 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss X-Men (2019) #19 and X-Men Legends (2021) #2. X-Men #19 stunned our entire panel - even noted Hickman-skeptic Peter! Our discussion includes a breakdown of every data page, the meaning of "time debt," the step-change of evolution, defining "love," Doctor Who parallels, the brilliant final page, and much more! Plus, what did we think about this conveniently forgotten major retcon to Summers' continuity in X-Men Legends #2? And, what is so special about Adam-X's butt? Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #118-119. The X-Men arrive in Japan hoping to phone home, but they walk into an ecological disaster caused by Moses Magnum. They immediately get sucked into saving the country and the world alongside Sunfire, Misty Knight, & Colleen Wing while Wolverine falls in love with Lady Mariko. We stay away from modern spoilers for House of X and Powers of X for a change!

It's This Week in X for 24 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, & Fariha as we discuss Cable (2020) #9 and Excalibur (2019) #19. Cable #9 struck us as "wistful" as Teen Cable's "Find Stryfe" world tour felt like a farewell to this baby-faced version of the character. Have we caught feelings for Table?! Would he rather throw himself into the ocean than be with us? Excalibur #19 proved to be a perfect example of why "X-Men is better, when it's read together," as even in frustration with Kwannon's hunt for Betsy's psyche we found aspects of identity and agency to discuss. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #116-117 and back-up stories that fit during after #116 in Classic X-Men (1986) #22-23 (but NOT a contemporaneous story from #24, which we're saving until later). The X-Men agree to assist Ka-Zar in liberating the Savage Land from Garrok's control before setting sail for any sign of non-Antarctic land. Meanwhile, Xavier flashes back to a day in his past with two significant first contacts - with Storm and Amahl Farouk, The Shadow King! Our conversation on issue #117 includes thorough spoilers for House of X and Powers of X, plus some implied spoilers about certain characters participating in current X-books.

It's This Week in X for 17 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss SWORD (2021) #4 and X-Force (2020) #18. In SWORD #4 we dug into the kinetic Portal-style fight scene, Frenzy's cutting mid-battle quip, the dynamics of Brand and The Five, and clues to Magneto's new proposal for the Quiet Council. Will Krakoa fall to Knull's symbiote army? In X-Force #18 we took a tour through the team's desires, including Black Tom's tickle time, Jean's bedtime routine, Beast's fears of inadequacy, and Sage drinking her way out of being perfect. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics ffrom this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

It's This Week in X for 10 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss X-Factor (2020) #8, Children of the Atom (2021) #1, and Wolverine: Black White & Blood (2021) #4. No recent issue has divided the four of us quite as much as Children of the Atom #1! Are these characters the next generation of X-Men? We talk about cultural appropriation, acceptance, what we want to see from X-books, and a whole lot more. In X-Factor #8, our love affair with X-Factor continues and we had a lot to say about efficiency of storytelling, Morrigan's plans, the upsides of death, the losses of resurrection, Xavier-avoidance, and more. Wolverine: Black White & Blood #4 - should you buy it or skip it? We share our lightning round reactions to each of the three stories to help you decide. Plus: What X-Men should next get a 2-color anthology? Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics ffrom this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #114-115 and a back-up that fits between these issues in Classic X-Men (1986) #21. We also briefly comment on Mystique's debut in Ms. Marvel (1977) #16-18 so that we can discuss a later story about Mystique and Rogue from Marvel Fanfare (1982) #60 (2nd story). In Uncanny X-Men, Jean and Beast think the X-Men are dead and barely make it out of Antarctica themselves. Meanwhile, Cyclops and the rest of the team tunnel out of Magneto's volcano to emerge in The Savage Land! There, they have to repeatedly fight for their survival, but are initially unwilling to assist Ka-Zar with liberating his home from a self-proclaimed god. Marvel Fanfare (1982) #60 is a story of one of Rogue's first missions with Mystique and her nascent Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, which leads us to discuss the sexual and addictive nature of Rogue's powers. Our conversation includes one very minor comment about a character and his location in Hickman's era of X-Men - it's barley even a spoiler.

It's This Week in X for 3 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Hellions (2020) #10. Plus, Tyler and Fariha pitch Peter on Peach Momoko's Demon Days: X-Men #1! Hellions #10 was all about sweet dreams and worst nightmares, and we dug into what that meant for Psylocke & Havok. Plus, was a tortured Sinister as satisfying as we thought it'd be? For Demon Days: X-Men, Fariha and Tyler share their favorite elements of Peach Momoko's debut as a writer & interior/sequential artist in this story influenced by Japanese folk tales. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #112-113 and corresponding back-up stories from Classic X-Men (1986) #18-19. In UXM #112-113, Magneto has the X-Men cornered, first in his magical magnetic flying wagon, and then in his under-volcano base in Antarctica. The team cannot work together to defeat him, and Jean is afraid to push herself to overpower him, so the team become his captives! And, Magneto has a specific revenge in mind after his time spent as an infant at the hands of Xavier and Moira. Classic X-Men #18 shows us just how much power Jean might be wielding (and keeping secret from the team), while Classic X-Men #19 is a riveting tale of Magneto as a Nazi-hunter who things the only good Nazi is a dead Nazi. It's certainly one of the stories that influenced the version of Magneto in X-Men First Class! Our conversation includes some minor comments and spoilers for House of X and Powers of X - especially for House of X #2, so you've been warned! We also comment very broadly on Reign of X, but in a non-spoiler fashion.

It's This Week in X for 24 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Wolverine (2020) #10, New Mutants (2019) #16, and X-Men (2019) #18. New Mutants #16 was packed with plot, but not everyone on our panel was in love with that density We talked about a surprising return Otherworld, body-swapping gone bad, a certain mutant's long-lost progeny, bullying the bullies, and how everyone in this book needs therapy (but some are going about it all wrong). Plus, a lengthy a side about the marriage of art and lettering! In Wolverine #10, we had as much to say about Adam Kubert's striking layout choices as we did about Maverick's rejection of one new allegiance (or was it two?) in favor of sticking with a reliable crew he can control. In, in X-Men #18 it's been a year of anticipation for us and 537 years for Wolverine, Synch, & Darwin in The Vault... and this issue just explores DAY ONE! We discuss human and mutant machines, repetition, mutant power breakthroughs, repetition, and more! Plus, some quick callout of X-appearances in King in Black: Return of the Valkyries, Marvel Voices Legacy, and Black Panther. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read a series of non-Uncanny issues that lead up to the in medias res start to Uncanny X-Men (1963) #111. First, we see what Magneto has been up to after his encounter with the team in UXM 104 in his Jack Kirby penned appearance in Captain America (1968) Annual 4. Then, we check out how Mesmero managed to mesmerize the full team of X-Men - and, especially, Jean Grey - in Classic X-Men (1986) #17. And, finally, we learn how Beast gets roped into this adventure (and what Havok and Polaris have been up to) in Marvel Team-Up (1972) #69. After all that, we're ready for UXM 111, and I'll be honest - we spend a lot of the time talking about how hot we think Magneto looks. Our conversation includes some minor comments and spoilers for House of X and Powers of X - especially for House of X #2, so you've been warned! We also comment very broadly on Reign of X, but in a non-spoiler fashion.

It's This Week in X for 17 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Cable (2020 #8, Marauders (2019) #18, and X-Men Legends (2021) #1! In Cable #8, the clones on clones on clones plot didn't only confuse Teen Cable - it took some discussion for us to unravel who was a clone of whom. Plus, we discussed time hijinks and Domino's lucky strike. Next, Marauders #18 had one of the hugest post-HOXPOX plot developments as well as one of our favorite post-HOXPOX moments… and they were in two different scenes! Can you guess which one was which? Finally, X-Men Legends #1 transported us back to the 90s in more ways than one, to Tyler's delight (while Fariha & Peter remain undecided)! We discussed Sinister backstory, 90s plot rhythms, and why THIS BLOOD IS ON FIRE. Plus, some quick bulletins about X-appearances in Champions, King in Black, and Savage Avengers. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

It's This Week in X for 10 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss SWORD (2021) #3, Excalibur (2019) #18!, X-Force (2020) #17, and Wolverine: Black White & Blood #3. In SWORD #3, we follow Manifold through three conversations as it redefines his powers and discuss each one - with him as terrestrial family man in the Australian Outback, an interstellar diplomat trying to end the SnarkWar, and internal spy within SWORD. In Excalibur #18, we get very excited about a memo from Saturnyne and Emma's "I mean business hairdo." Also, we discuss what would make Rictor feel more complete (hint: it's not mutant magic). In X-Force #17, we discuss the many deaths (18!) and costumes (8!) of Quentin Quire, but also unreliable narrators, locked boxes, past trauma, affection vs transaction, (X-)gene editing, and BEAUTIFUL artwork. And, finally, we conduct a lightning round review of Wolverine: Black White & Blood #3. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss a pair of down-time issues in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #109-110. Issue #109 finds a lovely lake-side picnic interrupted by a certain maple-leaf-wearing visitor hot on Wolverine's proverbial tail. Issue #110 is a fill-in, but a planned fill-in, which means it has a bit more heft to it than our recent read of issue #106. Plus, we check in on the back-up stories in Classic X-Men (1986) #16 and 27-28, which also fit in this period. Our conversation includes some minor comments and spoilers for House of X and Powers of X - especially for House of X #2, so you've been warned! We also comment very broadly on Reign of X, but in a total non-spoiler fashion.

It's This Week in X for 3 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Hellions (2020) #9, X-Factor (2020) #7, & King in Black: Marauders (2021). In Hellions #9, we wonder who is betraying whom and when the deception really starts. In King in Black: Marauders, we have a lot to say about Kate's compassion, Bishop's role, and Krakoan mercy. And, we're once again obsessed with everything in X-Factor #7, from the dynamics of speed to character rehab to reading faces. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss the major developments that come from the X-Men's journey into the M'Kraan crystal in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #107-108 - including a major creative development with the arrival of John Byrne! We also check in on the back-up background stories in Classic X-Men (1986) #14-15, plus Iron Fist (1975) #15, which is more or less UXM #108.5. Our conversation includes some minor spoilers for House of X and Powers of X - especially for House of X #2, so you've been warned!

It's This Week in X for 27 January, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Excalibur (2019) #17, Wolverine (2020) #9, New Mutants #15, & X-Men #17 - a massive week of X-Men comics! In Excalibur #17, why must Betsy escape her better life? And, has this book been about dual identities all along? In Wolverine, does the issue elevate itself beyond just another Madripoor plot? In New Mutants, the plot is so dense with character development we can barely discuss it all in an entire hour - but we try! And, finally, we try to make some sense of X-Men #17. Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for more classic X-Men! Watch and listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss a Chris Claremont & Bill Mantlo fill-in issue on Uncanny X-Men (1963) #106 that doesn't give us too much to dig into other than which X-Man we'd prefer to date. That leaves us plenty of time to focus on two other Claremont comics of the same period. First, we visit Iron Fist (1975) #14, the penultimate chapter of his run on Iron Fist with John Byrne and the debut of Sabretooth! Then, we check out what Claremont is up to on Ms. Marvel (1977) #9-10, the debut of Deathbird! Our conversation includes some minor spoilers for House of X and Powers of X - especially for House of X #2, so you've been warned!

It's This Week in X for 20 January, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss X-Force (2020) #16 and Cable (2020) #7. X-Force #16 finds the X-Force team investigating the aggressive infection expelled by Krakoa last issue. Is it a cancer? A parasite? Whatever it is, now it has settled into a deep trench under the waves, and it's up to Wolverine, Forge, and Quentin Quire to eliminate it. Cable #7 finds Cable picking up the kidnapped mutant babies plot from prior to X of Swords, but with another member of the Summers clan along for the ride. What will happen when he gets to the bottom of the mystery and realizes it has more to do with him than he could have ever expected!? Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.

We're back for more classic X-Men! Watch and listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss Chris Claremont's first use of Magneto and his escalation of Phoenix to the realm of cosmic power from Uncanny X-Men (1963) #104-105, as well as a pair of stories he inserts around that in back-ups from Classic X-Men (1986) #12-13. Our conversation includes some minor spoilers for House of X and Powers of X - especially for House of X #2, so you've been warned!

It's This Week in X for 13 January, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Marauders (2019) #17 and SWORD (2021) #2. Marauders finds both Emma Frost and Callisto ready to make major changes to their status quo - but how will that effect Storm and the rest of the Marauders team? Plus, Storm has a decision of her own. SWORD sees Abigail Brand's new team sucked into Earth's conflict with Knull, space king of the symbiotes. Can Krakoa repel a fraction of Knulls symbiote invasion? And, what member of the SWORD team has been Venomized? Spoiler warning - we discuss everything about X-Men up to and including comics from this week, as well as other current events in the Marvel Universe.