Jav & Charles Talk Comics

In which the Force is strong in our heroes, and Charles clearly holds a grudge against Tony Stark. Jav picked Secret Invasion to read and both he and Charles loved the arc and Charles was happy Jav didn't ask him to read every comic in that event (but Charles probably already has). Charles attempted to out nerd Jav by suggesting the beginning of the first Darth Vader comic run, where he must earn his red lightsaber.Secret Invasion Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Leinil Francis YuDarth Vader Written by Charles Soule Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli

Two comics enter and two comics were discussed as usual. We don't have the ability to dispose of a comic and Jav would never want to and Charles would at least feel guilty. Both comics were enjoyed by both hosts and much merriment was had along the way.Spider-Man Kraven's Last Hunt Written by Marc DeMatteis Art by Mike ZeckElephantMen Written by Richard Starkings Art by Moritat

In which our heroes discuss two DC comics Batman: Court of Owls and John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 1: Original Sins. Both were liked by both Charles and Jav although Jav clearly hated the art in the Batman arc saying the artist was only borderline great.Batman: The Court of Owls Issues 1-7 Written by Scott Snyder Art by Greg CapulloJohn Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 1: Original Sins Written by Jamie Delano Art by John Ridgway

Prepare to break the fourth wall as Jav and Charles talk about John Byrne's She-Hulk run from the 80s. Then they discuss a much newer comic set much earlier in 1939 called Pulp and it was just that, a pulpy masterpiece from Ed Brubaker.Pulp Written by Ed Brubaker Art by Sean Phillips and Jacob PhillipsThe Sensational She-Hulk Art and Writing by John Byrne

In a very special episode Jav and Charles talk comics with a very special guest Mark Reznicek not only is he a huge comics fan he is also the drummer for The Toadies. It was great having the opportunity to talk to someone who clearly knows a lot about comics but also loves them the way Jav and Charles do.

Episode 4Buckle up buckaroos it's long one. Our heroes finally talk about The Dark Night Returns and talk they do. Surprisingly enough they liked it. Then they talk about a Superman arc Panic in the Sky which was a lot of fun to read and discuss.The Dark Night Returns Written and Drawn by Frank MillerSuperman: Panic in the Sky By Ordway, Grummett & Hazlewood

In which Jav and Charles have a deep and intricate discussion of the finer details of the Secret Six and Fantastic Four: Life Story. Just kidding, all they remembered about Secret Six was they liked it a lot and they got hung up arguing about why no mutants appeared in Fantastic Four. Jav complained a lot about their not being mutants to the point where he damned it with his greatest scorn, “I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.”Fantastic Four: Life Story Written by Mark Russell Art by Sean IzaakseSecret Six Written by Gail Simone Art by Dale Eaglesham

In which our heroes argue over how to build suspense. Well Charles argues for that, Jav just spoils things. This episode has some very heave themes in the comics and the boys discuss them with the same tact and care they do with all their comic choices.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin Written by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Tom Waltz Art by Esau Escorza, Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop, and Kevin EastmanSandman Mystery Theatre Written by Matt Wagner Art by Guy Davis, Richard G. Taylor, and John Watkiss

First episode of season four, in which our heroes participate in a predestination paradox both in this podcast twice and in every one of their other podcasts. As in all our podcasts two comic arcs were read one suggested by Jav, House of X/Powers of X and one suggested by Charles, Superman: Red Son. Charles liked one of them if you've listened before you can probably guess which one.Superman: Red Son Written by Mark Millar Art by Dave Johnson and Kilian PlunkettHouse of X/Powers of X Written by Jonathan Hickman Art by Pepe Larraz, R. B. Silva, and Mark Brooks

In which Charles compares Watchmen to Gwenpool and it makes sense. In this extremely late final episode of Season 3 Jav and Charles discuss the granddaddy of all graphic novels Watchmen. They both loved it. The second comic they read was House of M and although they spend a lot less time talking about it they both enjoyed it very much. Tune in for Episode 1 of Season 4 when they talk about Superman: Red Son and House of X / Powers of X.Watchmen Written by Alan Moore Art by Dave GibbonsHouse of M Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Olivier Coipel

In the penultimate episode of Season 3 our heroes battle through their many mistakes to discuss two fun comics. A 30's Spider-Man and a group of young ladies in the 70's who fight ghosts and win.Spider-Man Noir Written by David Hine, Fabrice Sapolsky Art by Carmine DI GiandomenicoProctor Valley Road Written by Grant Morrison, Alex Child Art by Naomi Franquiz

In which our heroes celebrate Halloween with a truly macabre vampire comic as Jav tries to scare Charles who is a know horror hater. It backfires when Charles really like 30 Days of Night, especially cause there were no zombies in it. They also read Wonder Twins who even though one of them only turns into water, teach all of us about the unfairness of the world we live in and Thunder Lust!Wonder Twins Written by Mark Russell Art by Stephen Byrne30 Days of Night Written by Steve Niles Art by Ben Templesmith

In which our heroes answer the question on everyone's minds, are Sue and Reed Richards swingers? The answer might surprise you. And Jav excoriates Taylor Swift with his most damning attack, “Taylor Swift is OK.” Charles, however, welcomes our new Swiftian Overlord and as a trusted podcaster is willing to assist her in spreading her message to the unworthy masses. They also talk about two comic books.Hawkeye V3 Written by Matt Fraction Art by Annie Wu, Javier PulidoThe Sentry Written by Paul Jenkins Art by Jae Lee

In which our heroes talk about the two best comics they've talked about on a podcast. Superman: Secret Identity and Mister Miracle may not be better than every other comic we've read but this is the first comic where both suggestions were both this amazing.Superman: Secret Identity Written by Kurt Busiek Art by Stuart ImmonenMister Miracle Written by Tom King Art by Mitch Gerads

In this episode Jav and Charles get back to their woke claptrap and talk about the importance of inclusion of different people in comics and literature like a couple of virtue signaling wokesters. They also discuss two comics. One woke comic that has a woman leader daring to tell men what to do and another one that has a child living on the street with his sister and they get given superpowers.The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Written by Alan Moore Art by Kevin O'NeillShazam: Monster Society of Evil Art and Writing by Jeff Smith

After almost 3 seasons Jav & Charles are finally releasing a trailer for their podcast. This is your chance to try a little taste of Jav & Charles without having to listen to an entire episode. If you like it you can check out full episodes from almost 3 seasons. Season 4 pending renewal will launch in 2024.

In which our heroes go back to the true format of the show and read one comic from the dark ages of the 80s and then they read a newer comic set in the 80s, the 1880s.The Sixth Gun Written by Cullen Bunn Art by Brian HurttFall of the Mutants in Uncanny E-Men 225-227 Written by Chris Claremont Art by Marc Silvestri, New Mutants 59-61 Written by Louise Simonson Art by Bret Blevins, X-Factor 24-26 Written by Louise Simonson Art by Walt Simonson

In a first for JCTC our heroes do both Superman and Batman in one pod and they didn't even read a comic where Superman dies, although he kills 3 people and in the Batman comic Batman dies. I'm not exactly sure either one of the hosts actually likes comics. Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader Written by Neil Gaimen Art by Andy Kubert Superman: The Supergirl Saga Written by John Byrne Art by John Bryne and Jerry Ordway

In which our heroes talk about how bad an idea a bunch of white men in private rooms making plans for the world can be. Which is essentially the plot of New Avenger: Illuminati. It doesn't help that they are superheroes making the decisions. Then they discuss a sweet story about Muppets coming to America and then be forced to battle corporate forces that run the country as a group of freedom fighters. And they do take the gun from his cold dead hand.Survival Street Written by James Asmus Art by Abylay KussinovNew Avengers: Illuminati Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Brian Reed Art by Jim Cheung

In which our heroes discuss the atomic bomb, serial killers, and Star Wars Episode 1 as well as two comic books. First up is Jav's choice a brilliantly noir Catwoman arc that may be the most noir comic talked about on the pod so far. Second comic was a great different comic in Plastic Man suggested by Charles, and they referenced Plastic Man's junk so many times you would have thought Charles wrote it. Plastic Man was a surprisingly poignant comic considering the main character is essentially silly putty.Plastic Man Written by Gail Simone Art by Adriana Melo Catwoman Written by Ed Brubaker Art by Darwyn Cooke

In which Jav and Charles actually argue about Jav's choice Planet X and Charles was clearly right about his opinions (and listeners know he writes these notes too). They also talk about Miles Morales' Ultimate Spider-Man origin which both of them like, but they argue again about the theft of Miles' best friend Ganke being repurposed into Ned Leeds in the newest live action Spider-Man movies. Charles' irritation is justified, according to Charles. I have spoken.Ultimate Spider-Man Miles Morales Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Sara PichelliEarth X Written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross Cover art by Alex Ross Art by John Paul Leon

In which are heroes read The New X-Men and are horrified to find that they have the Woke Mind Virus. Out of nowhere the X-Men seems to be pushing some kind of agenda where everyone should be treated equally and it doesn't matter what you look like or where you were born. They also talk about Civil War no not state's rights, the comic book one, it's about not having a 2nd amendment right to blow up a school with you body. Killing schoolkids with super powers will be dealt with immediately with an act of congress. Civil War Written by Mark Millar Art by Steve McNivanThe New X-Men Written by Grant Morrison Art by Frank Quietly

In this episode Tom is Strong and The Flash is on Point, when our heroes discuss Flashpoint and Tom Strong. For once Charles likes an event book (that he suggested) in Flashpoint and Jav changes his tune from the last episode when he horrifically savaged Charles' choice. Charles also really liked Jav's choice of Tom Strong, a comic that was (in Jav & Charles' hackneyed opinion) a love story to the old comics and pulp novels from whence they came. Flashpoint Written by Geoff Johns Art by Andy KubertTom Strong Written by Alan Moore Art by Chris Sprouse

In this episode our heroes discuss two very different comics. One a traditional superhero event book full of tropes and the other a noir-based detective book full of tropes (but different ones). In Jav's pick, Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters fight for America and in Charles' pick The Good Asian, also fights for America but in a different way. The Good Asian Written by Pornsak Pichetshote Art by Alexandre TefenkgUncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters Written by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray Art by Daniel Acuna

In the surprisingly comic book centric episode our heroes mainly talk about the comic books they read. Instead of veering off into strange tangents about the dating habits of the lower class in Victorian London. The closest thing to a tangent they had was Charles rambling on about Spider-Verse while they discussed the great first comic arc of Spider-Gwen. They also talked about an 80's Incredible Hulk run that Incredibly Charles liked.Spider-Gwen Written by Jason Latour Art by Robbi RodriguezThe Incredible Hulk Written by Peter David Art by Todd McFarlane

In which our heroes spend the first half of the podcast trying to convince each other that they really like Kingdom Come while ruthlessly nitpicking the comic. Jav gives it 3 stars out of 5 which surprised Charles because he didn't know Jav's scale went below a 4 or that he had a 5-star scale. They also discuss Batman & Robin a great comic with two legacy characters assuming new roles.Batman & Robin Written by Grant Morrison Art by Frank QuitelyKingdom Come Written by Mark Waid with Art by Alex Ross

In which Charles says whereas multiple times because he's fancy and he also loses a chunk of audio at the end. Jav and Charles also talk about two good comics. Charles' selection is a buddy comedy featuring Spider-Man and Deadpool and Jav's is the greatest team book mashup ever (according to Jav, probably) JLA/Avengers.Spider-Man Deadpool Written by Joe Kelly Art by Ed McGuinnessJLA/Avengers Written by Kurt Busiek Art by George Perez

In which our heroes are once again talking movies with Ceasar Alcala. Finally back together after a failed attempt at discussing Thor due to a myriad of technical difficulties, none of which surprisingly were Jav's fault. The main movie was the latest Ant-Man and Wasp joint but many other movies and shows are mentioned in this rambling podcast. Almost every movie discussed were enjoyed by all expect when Ceasar excoriates Jav's one true love. Listen to find out what that is.

Welcome to the Season Finale of Jav & Charles Talk Comics. In this the final episode (of season 2) our heroes discuss two amazing comics from two titans of the industry (that's right Jav there are other words to describe writers and artists other than great). First up your heroes talk about Grant Morrison's initial entry into American Comics with his first arc on Swamp Thing and it is great (listen to find out why). Then the boys talk about All Star Superman written by Grant Morrison, their love song to Superman is beautiful, poignant, and funny, how's that for a trifecta. Don't forget to tune in next season when Jav & Charles promise to do a Superman arc where Superman doesn't die.All Star Superman Written by Gran Morrison Art by Frank QuitelySwamp Thing Written by Alan Moore Art by Stephen Bissette and John Totleben

In which our heroes jump into the way back machine and talk about their childhood (and adult) favorite Star Wars. And even though it was written in the 70's Charles refused to betray his inner child and had nary a negative thing to say about it. Then they talk about everyone's favorite superhero Batman Zero Year and Jav damns it with his most vicious scorn “It was good just not great”.Star Wars Written by Roy Thomas and Archie Goodwin Art by Howard Chaykin and Carmine InfantinoBatman Zero Year Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV Art by Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and Rafael Albuquerque

In which our heroes shower two comics with love. Even Charles couldn't come up with anything to dislike about Jav's choice. The only nitpicky thing he had was about too short an arc in the beginning of Astro City.Astro City Metrobook 1 Written by Kurt Busiek Art by Brent Anderson; Alex Ross; Will BlybergStrange Adventures Written by Tom King Art by Mitch Gerads; Evan ‘Doc' Shaner

In this episode Jav & Charles jump into the wayback machine and talk about a comic that debuted over a decade before they were born but had a serious impact on their nerdy boyhoods and adulthoods. The original 10 issues of the Fantastic Four plus issues 48-50 the Galactus arc. Even for a comic of its time they both liked it a lot. They also talked about All New Wolverine, an arc where Laura Kinney takes the Wolverine mantle over Logan's dead body (cause he died, get it?). This was a great run where we get to meet the young lady who's going to rival Gwenpool for Charles' favorite new character of the 2000s Gaby.All New Wolverine Written by Tom Taylor Art by David LopezFantastic Four Writer & Editor Stan Lee Artist & Co-Plotter Jack Kirby

Patrick is finally on the pod. Longtime listeners know Charles (of Jav & Charles Talk Comics) has a brother named Patrick and he's on this show. Charles had badgered him for years to read Invincible and he finally did (once he watched the cartoon on Prime and liked it) and now he's on the pod to talk about it.Patrick also got to read Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles which everyone on the pod had trouble putting into words the strong feelings that this comic's deep and beautiful prose brought out in them.Invincible Written by Robert Kirkman Art by Cory Walker and Ryan OttleyExit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles Written by Mark Russell Art by Mike Feehan

In this very special episode Jav and Charles reminisce over what their favorite comics that they have read over the last two seasons. At no time will there be a clip from an old episode. Charles has no willingness to work that hard on the podcast.

In which our heroes come right down main street to talk about Jupiter's Legacy and X-Men: Deadly Genesis. In another X-Men arc they prove that no matter what happened previously they can always change it. And Jupiter's Legacy is just another Oedipal story where a man kills his dad and his mom and then tries to kill his sister (I may be forgetting how Oedipus Rex goes).Jupiter's Legacy Written by Marc Millar Art by Frank QuietlyX-Men: Deadly Genesis Written by Ed Brubaker Trevor Hairsine

In this episode Charles curses a lot. Enough that while editing he texted Jav that he was cursing a lot and Jav berated him about having a foul mouth and said that was the only reason they had to put an explicit rating on the pod. Charles pretended to be contrite but is planning to curse even more on the next pod. Charles also started the pod rambling. Oh yeah Jav and Charles talked about three separate comic books. Runaways, Fantastic Four v X-Men and X-Men v The Avengers and Charles liked two of them.Runaways Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Adrian AlphonaFantastic Four v X-Men Written by Chris Claremont Art by Jon Bogdanove and Terry AustinX-Men v The Avengers Written by Roger Stern Art by Marc Silvestri

Bonus EpisodeIn which our hero'sDiscuss movies with a guestCeasar AlcalaCeasar joins the pod once again to discuss Marvel Movies with Jav and Charles. They talk about the four movies that have come out since the last bonus pod: Shang Chi, Eternals, Spider-Man No Way Home, and Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness

Jav won this round, not by knockout but on the points. On this episode we talk about two great comics Batgirl, with Cassandra Cain as Batgirl and X-Factor that starts with a Madrox mini-series. They are both great and we enthuse over both. Jav punishes Charles for liking X-Factor by suggesting something from the 80s for the next episode.Batgirl Written by Kelley Puckett, Scott Peterson Art by Damion ScottX-Factor written by Peter David Art by Dennis Calero, Ryan Sook

In which our heroes discuss Ultimate Spider-Man and Nextwave. Although a large part of the pod is taken up with a discussion of how to separate art from the artist.Ultimate Spider-Man Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Mark BagleyNextwave Written by Warren Ellis Art by Stuart Immonen

In which Charles admits Patton Oswalt sends secret messages for him to decipher via twitter. And they discuss Charles selection Preacher, about a small-town minister in TX, that's imbued with the love child of an angel and a demon and then goes on an epic road trip. Then they discuss Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen which cannot be summed up within a couple of lines in a podcast description. It is however awesomely frenetic and insane.Preacher Written by Garth Ennis Art by Steve DillonSuperman's Pal Jimmy Olsen Written by Matt Fraction Art by Steve Leiber

In which our heroes discuss the mythology and action in a beautifully written and drawn Wonder Woman reimagining by George Perez. They also discuss Spider-Men by Brian Michael Bendis which is a wonderful team up of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Charles also takes the time to apologize for something the unpaid intern did on Twitter and also gives almost no real explanation for why the pod was two weeks late.Spider-Men Vol 1 & 2 Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Sara PichelliWonder Woman Written and Drawn by George Perez

In which our heroes discuss family dynamics in a very good and not very extreme (except for the jackets) Starman updating from the 90s. Then they talk about a much more recent comic The Old Guard and get to talk about the pure poetry that sometimes flows from the pens of comic book writers.The Old Guard Book One: Opening Fire Written by Greg Rucka Art by Leandro FernandezStarman Vol 1: Sins of the Father Written by James Robinson Art by Tony Harris

In which Jav lists Neal Adams covers while hating on Neal Adams. And they also talk about the Kree/Skrull War and She-Hulk. Start listening for the Kree/Skrull Avenger arc and then hang around as we digress into discussing how to structure a legal settlement in a comic book. She-Hulk Vol. 1: Law and Disorder Written by Charles Soule Art by Javier Pulido and Ron WimberleyAvengers: Kree/Skrull War Written by Roy Thomas Art by Neil Adams, Sal Buscema and John Buscema

In which our heroes talk too long about Cosmic Odyssey, that Jav suggested and then talk for a shorter time about Spider-Woman a delightful arc that welcomes Jessica Drew's new child to the world. Oh yeah and she also beats the hell out of some Skrulls both right before and right after giving birth.Spider-Woman Vol 1: Baby Talk Written by Dennis Hopeless Art by Javier RodriguezCosmic Odyssey Written by Jim Starlin Art by Mike Mignola

In which our heroes start season two in the year 2000. Two great comic writers in early runs with Kirkman's Battle Pope and Bendis' Powers.Powers Who Killed Retro Girl Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Michael Avon OemingBattle Pope Written by Robert Kirkman Art by Tony Moore

In which our heroes finish off Season One with a Busiek fest. Hear their outpouring of love for Marvels and their confusion about Avengers Forever. And on a personal note, we would like to thank everyone that listened to Season One and invite you back to listen to Season Two in 2022 when we talk about Powers Who Killed Retro Girl and Battle Pope in Episode 1.Marvels Written by Kurt Busiek Art by Alex RossAvengers Forever by Kurt Busiek Art by Carlos Pacheko

In which our Hero's travel back in time to 1602 to see the Marvel age start way too early. And then travel further back in time to see a complete Mouse civilization in the 1100's in Mouse Guard the most adorable swashbuckling adventure they've ever read. 1602 Written by Neil Gaiman Art by Andy KubertMouse Guard Written and Drawn by David Peterson

In which our heroes discuss another Justice League (without bad haircuts) in The Nail and Charles protests too much that he doesn't dislike Jack “The King” Kirby. They also talk about Old Man LoganWolverine #66-72 & Wolverine Giant-Size Old Man Logan Written by Mark Millar Art by Steve McNivenJustice League: The Nail Written and Drawn by Alan Davis

In which our hero goes to battle alone and attempts to do a solo podcast. He soon comes to the realization that although he might not like it, he's more of a group book hero.Ep 12 of Jav & Charles Talk Comics briefly touch on the test pods that Charles did when he thought he could be a solo act. This is the start of one of those test pods. It's only 5 minutes but it's also not good, Jav wouldn't even listen to the whole 5 minutes. Although that might have something to do with him not being on it.

In which our hero's break the fourth wall in their discussion of Gwenpool. They also talk a about a very political Batman arc and Charles and Jav both decide that maybe comics shouldn't be political. Or at least not so blatantly nationalist.The Unbelievable Gwenpool Written by Christopher Hastings Art by GurihiruBatman 10 Nights of the Beast Written by Jim Starlin Art by Jim Aparo

In which Charles rambles on about Spider-Man for an hour Jav talks some too. First they discuss Spider Island which Charles suggested (of course, the little fanboy) and then they discuss Saga: star crossed lovers have a child, interstellar war, battle for the baby. And a raucous good time was had by all.Spider Island Written by Dan Slott Art by Humberto RamosSage Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Fiona Staples