Podcast appearances and mentions of Roger Langridge

We revisit some beloved children's television series from the seventies and eighties this week as Chris Diamond returns to talk about those occasions when Spike Milligan would pop up as a special guest in shows such as Super Gran, The Sooty Show, Pob's Programme, Jackanory, The Muppet Show, Number 73, Tiswas and The Ratties (which Spike narrated). Wiping a nostalgia-fuelled tear from his eye, Chris regrets the lack of original children's programming which has cut-through these days and warmly reminisces about other shows from the period such as The Wombles, The Smurfs and The Trap Door (with Willie Rushton). There's also time for a game of 'Which Major Celebrity Of The Eighties Didn't Guest Star In Super Gran?' and an attempt by Chris to remember the lyrics to that show's infectiously catchy theme tune. With huge thanks to the exceptional Roger Langridge for this episode's artwork!

It's 50 years since Spike Milligan recorded an LP version of his children's story Badjelly the Witch, with music by Ed Welch. The story is simple and hilarious. Two children, Tim & Rose, go in search of their lost cow Lucy and along the way have adventures with characters such as Binklebonk the tree goblin and his grasshopper Silly Sausage, Mudwiggle the worm and Dinglemouse, a former banana. Peril is just around the corner however, as they are captured by the terrifying witch Badjelly who wants to eat them up for breakfast! The record was a huge hit with kids in New Zealand, thanks to radio broadcasts in the seventies and eighties, and even today the mere mention of the name 'Badjelly' will elicit broad grins of recognition across generations, yet oddly it barely registers with people in Britain. Hoping to put this right is cartoonist and writer Roger Langridge (who also designed this week's delightful artwork) who chats to Tyler about the history of Badjelly and shares favourite moments. There's also a lovely return visit from Jane Milligan who talks warmly about the baddest witch in all the world and hints at what the future holds.

Rescue Rangers. Adventures of the Gummi Bears. Aladdin: The Animated Series. DARKWING DUCK. To say that Tad Stones was instrumental to my childhood would be the understatement of the century. And today, I'm talking to the man himself.  Listen to hear:How Tad stumbled into a career in AnimationWhat classic comics and cartoons inspired Darkwing DuckWhich new Darkwing series is Tad's favoriteHow Tad Stones is involved in an unannounced Darkwing SeriesThe status of the Darkwing Duck TV Reboot!Dynamite Entertainment is bringing back some classic Darkwing Duck comics, as well as new series featuring creators like Amanda Deibert, Roger Langridge and Jeff Parker. The campaign has ended, but is still accepting late backers. Secure your copy of these beautiful oversized hardcovers at http://comicsaredope.com/darkwingAbout Tad Stones:Tad Stones (born c.1952 in Burbank, California) is an American animator, screenwriter, producer and director best known for his work for The Walt Disney Company, where he worked from 1974 to 2003. His most notable credits for Disney include creating, writing and producing the animated series Darkwing Duck and producing Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears, Aladdin and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. His latest project is the animated series Bob's Burgers, which premiered in January 2011 on Fox.See Tad's Original Art on Instagram @tadstones For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Roger Langridge is a multi-award winning author known for his work with Judge Dredd, Batman, the Muppets and more. But we get more dangerous when we sit down with him to talk Darkwing Duck and the Justice Ducks. Check out the Darkwing Duck campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dynamiteent/darkwing-duck-graphic-novel-collections-have-arrived Check out Roger's work at http://www.hotelfred.co.uk/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel at    / @4talespodcast   Follow Danny's books at https://www.4thwallpros.com/ Check out Kyrun's books at https://www.tauruscomics.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/4talespodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/4talespodcast/support

This episode has not one but TWO of the guests that will be appearing at Portsmouth Comic Con on the 11th and 12th of May. Luke “The Geek Of Steel” got to speak two heroes from the world of comics.  Writer Jordan Thomas and writer/cartoonist Roger Langridge sat down with Luke to talk about their careers, passions and what Portsmouth Comic Con means to them.Where to find Jordan online:Instagram:https://burntbarn.substack.com/X: https://twitter.com/Jordan_J_Thomas Where to find Roger online:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hotelfredWebsite: https://hotelfred.bigcartel.com/X: https://twitter.com/hotelfred

April 2024 Solicitations (remaining) Comic Reviews: DC Titans: Beast World Tour – Star City 1 by Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell; Ryan Parrott, Roger Cruz, Adriano Lucas; Robert Venditti, Gavin Guidry, Alex Guimaraes; Brandt and Stein Aquaman: Through Fire and Water by Ethan Sacks, Tom Derenick, Hi-Fi Marvel Power Pack: Into the Storm 1 by Louise Simonson, June Brigman, Roy Richardson, Nolan Woodard Resurrection of Magneto 1 by Al Ewing, Luciano Vecchio, David Curiel Star Wars: Thrawn – Alliances 1 by Timothy Zahn, Jody Houser, Pat Olliffe, Andrea Di Vito, Rachelle Rosenberg Marvel Unlimited Alligator Loki 33 by Alyssa Wong, Robert Quinn Image Ghost Machine 1 by Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter Snejberg, Peter Tomasi, Maytal Zchut, Brad Anderson IDW Dungeons and Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures II 1 by David Booher, George Kambadais, John-Paul Bove Star Trek Defiant Annual 1 by Christopher Cantwell, Ramon Rosanas, Lee Loughridge Dynamite Justice Ducks 1 by Roger Langridge, Carlo Lauro ComiXology Astonishing Times: Rise of the Kokin by Frank Barbiere, Arris Quinones, Ruairi Coleman, Andrew Cramer OGNs In Utero by Chris Gooch Death Strikes: Emperor of Atlantis by Peter Kim, Viktor Ullman, Dave Maass, Patrick Lay Racc Pack by Stephanie Cooke, Whitner Gardner Additional Reviews: Queen and Country News:  Maxx movie with Channing Tatum, Invincible returns 14 March, details for Aaron's TMNT, Oscar nominations, Wilson Bethel returning as Bullseye, WWE coming to Netflix, Doctor Who news, USS Callister Black Mirror spin-off, Steve Orlando and Jim Krueger to start new publisher, Omninews, Doug Jones Rogue Trooper adaption, Thunderbolts/Supergirl casting updates Trailers: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Despicable Me 4 Comics Countdown (23 Jan 2024): 1.     Bone Orchard Mythos: Tenement 8 by Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, Dave Stewart 2.     In Utero GN by Chris Gooch 3.     Penguin 6 by Tom King, Stevan Subic, Marcelo Maiolo 4.     Immortal Thor 6 by Al Ewing, Martin Coccolo, Matt Wilson 5.     Universal Monsters: Dracula 4 by James Tynion IV, Martin Simmonds 6.     Detective Comics 1081 by Ram V, Stefano Raffaele, Riccardo Federici, Lee Loughridge 7.     Superior Spider-Man 3 by Dan Slott, Mark Bagley, John Dell, Joe Caramagna, Edgar Delgado 8.     Newburn 14 by Chip Zdarsky, Jacob Phillips, Pip Martin 9.     Holy Roller 3 by Rick Remender, Joe Trohman, Andy Samberg, Roland Boschi, Moreno DiNisio 10.  Batman: Brave and the Bold 9 by Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Kyle Starks, Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, Wade Von Grawbadger, Matt Herms, Gabriel Hardman, Matt Hollingsworth, Bruno Redondo

When I asked Roger Langridge about the legacy he'll leave, he said "My tombstone will probably say 'Wrote the Muppets, then died.'" But the fact is, Roger is continuing the tradition of some of the greatest storytellers in history.We talked about his love for Carl Barks, newspaper strips, and the approach he brings to his own works -- including The Muppet Show, and the upcoming Justice Ducks miniseries he's penning for Dynamite Entertainment. I asked him what it's like switching from artist to writer, and drawing from real life as inspiration for his daily strip Hotel Fred.I had a blast talking to Roger, and I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation. Buy Justice Ducks at http://dynamite.com/disney, and follow Roger's adventures at http://hotelfred.com For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

We've returned to the world of Eighth Doctor comics for our episode today. Pieces of Eighth turns back the clock by a decade to mark the Doctor's appearance in a 50th anniversary story, and we're NOT talking Night of the Doctor. We chat to writers Scott and David Tipton about Prisoners of Time, the IDW comics celebration of the show, and in particular, the eighth episode, The Body Politic. We also speak to artist Roger Langridge.

Quarter-Bin Podcast #197 Mandrake the Magician 1 & 2, King Features / Dynamite, cover-dated 2015.   .Both of these untitled issues are written by Roger Langridge, with art by Jeremy Treece. What happens when Professor Alan takes on a character that pre-dates Superman? Does the magician show his age, or can he still carry a title with panache?Listen to the episode and find out! Click on the player below to listen to the episode:  Right-click to download episode directly You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed. Link: The Phantom Trail Promo: Finding Fantasy ReadsNext Episode: Black Orchid Book 1, DC Comics, cover-dated Holiday 1988.Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com "Like" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/relativelygeekyYou can follow the network on Twitter @Relatively_Geek and the host @ProfessorAlanSource: Half-Price Books

FOR MIDGARD! This week - in honor of IMMORTAL THOR releasing last week - we're putting the Geeksplained Spotlight on THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER by Roger Langridge, Chris Samnee and Matt Wilson! A series tragically cut short, this story tells the tale of Thor's early adventures in Midgard! From battling it out with the monstrous Hyde to a bar brawl with Captain Britain, this series is the perfect entry point for fans wanting to get into the comic adventures of the God of Thunder! Plus our latest Weekly Review on MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN, this week's Comics Countdown, and more! Time Stamps: 00:00:49 Intro 00:08:45 Spotlight on Thor: The Mighty Avenger 00:51:04 Weekly Review 00:59:35 Comics Countdown 01:12:51 Wrap-Up and Announcement Follow us! Twitter: twitter.com/geeksplainedpod?lang=en Instagram: www.instagram.com/geeksplainedpod/?hl=en Send us your questions for the Geeksplained Mailbag! Email: Geeksplained@gmail.com Music Sampled: "Sayonara" by SAKEROCK “Up and Away” by Kyle Troop and the Heretics “Thor Kills the Destroyer” by Patrick Doyle

From The Muppet Show to Popeye, creator Roger Langridge has done it all - including being the letterer of the comic strip in Doctor Who Magazine for ages! Listen to this classic interview with Roger from 2014 as he talks about his career and more. Doom's Day gets a review, news and more!

In the second part of this anniversary celebration, Dylan is once again joined by Mark Donaldson from On The Timelash. Together they discuss three DWM anniversary comic strips.Time & Time AgainWriter: Paul CornellArtist: John RidgwayHappy DeathdayWriter: Scott GrayArtist: Roger LangridgeTV Action!Writer: Alan BarnesArtist: Roger LangridgeThey meander around these three releases and all things multi doctor, while answering these burning questions: Who wasn't invited to Ian Levine's house?Do we actually need an excuse to see a Mandrel?What is it like to be housemates with William Hartnell? 

'What makes a good AutoBio Comic?' This week we have something a little different from the podcast. Tony, Al and Eamonn have been on the road. Nottingham Comicon kindly offered the boys a slot to host a panel on Autobiographical Comics. So along with guest and comics professional Roger Langridge they get into why we are so obsessed with the lives of others.  FYI - This is a live panel - but the quality is still pretty good. You can read Roger's comics for free here. Then go and buy a copy at this splendid page! You can have a listen to Eamonn on his podcast right here and buy copies of DUI 2 right here. You can also stalk Mr Henderson and grab copies of his brilliant daily Penned Guin strips right here. Many thanks for listening.   

Ross is joined once again by Mark from the Trap One Podcast to talk about Doctor Who comics. This time it's the Doctor Magazine trade titled The Hunters of the Burning Stone. This volume features three stories, The Broken Man, Imaginary Enemies, and The Hunters of Burning Stone the 50th anniversary story featuring  the return of Ian and Barbara.  These tales feature the talents of, Scott Gray, Martin Geraghty, MIke Collins, David A. Roach, James Offredi, and Roger Langridge.   Shout outs!: Trap One Podcast @TrapOne_  Mark McManus @QuarkMcMalus Doctor Who Magazine @DWMTweets https://doctorwhomagazine.com/  

Comics writer and illustrator Roger Langridge joins us on the island to talk about navigating Disney bureaucracy, wearing multiple different creative hats and Terry Pratchett's Dickensian adventure, Dodger

FIVE-HUNDRED EPISODES of The Virtual Memories Show?! Let's celebrate this milestone episode with tributes, remembrances, jokes, congrats, non-sequiturs, and a couple of songs (!) from nearly 100 of my past guests, including Maria Alexander, Jonathan Ames, Glen Baxter, Jonathan Baylis, Zoe Beloff, Walter Bernard, Sven Birkerts, Charles Blackstone, RO Blechman, Phlip Boehm, MK Brown, Dan Cafaro, David Carr, Kyle Cassidy, Howard Chaykin, Joe Ciardiello, Gary Clark, John Crowley, Ellen Datlow, Paul Di Filippo, Joan Marans Dim, Liza Donnelly, Bob Eckstein, Scott Edelman, Barbara Epler, Glynnis Fawkes, Aaron Finkelstein, Mary Fleener, Shary Flenniken, Josh Alan Friedman, Kipp Friedman, Michael Gerber, Mort Gerberg, ES Glenn, Sophia Glock, Paul Gravett, Tom Hart, Dean Haspiel, Jennifer Hayden, Glenn Head, Ron Hogan, Kevin Huizenga, Jonathan Hyman, Andrew Jamieson, Ian Kelley, Jonah Kinigstein, Kathe Koja, Ken Krimstein, Anita Kunz, Peter Kuper, Glenn Kurtz, Kate Lacour, Roger Langridge, Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn, John Leland, David Leopold, Sara Lippmann, David Lloyd, Whitney Matheson, Patrick McDonnell, Dave McKean, Scott Meslow, Barbara Nessim, Jeff Nunokawa, Jim Ottaviani, Celia Paul, Woodrow Phoenix, Darryl Pinckney, Weng Pixin, Eddy Portnoy, Virginia Postrel, Bram Presser, AL Price, Dawn Raffel, Boaz Roth, Hugh Ryan, Dmitry Samarov, Frank Santoro, JJ Sedelmaier, Nadine Sergejeff, Michael Shaw, R Sikoryak, Jen Silverman, Posy Simmonds, Vanessa Sinclair, David Small, Sebastian Smee, Ed Sorel, James Sturm, Mike Tisserand, Tom Tomorrow, Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Kriota Willberg, Warren Woodfin, Jim Woodring, and Claudia Young. Plus, we look at back with segments from the guests we've lost over the years: Anthea Bell, Harold Bloom, Bruce Jay Friedman, Milton Glaser, Clive James, JD McClatchy, DG Myers, Tom Spurgeon, and Ed Ward. Here's to the next 500 shows! • More info at our site • Support The Virtual Memories Show via Patreon or Paypal

In Islam, Jihad means the struggle for peace, particularly within oneself. In this podcast series I interview writers at different points in their careers to talk about struggling and finding peace in their work. Contact me @bassimstory and you can support this series at my Patreon of my name: Bassim El-Wakil (www.patreon.com/user?u=4409461) In this eleventh episode, I have the pleasure of talking to Roger Langridge, award-winning cartoonist, and writer of one of my favourite comics, Thor: The Mighty Avenger. He talks about his desire for fame as a cartoonist and how he matured past that need. Thank you for listening to this series. Royalty free music from Bensound. Story Toolkit logo design by the Proxy Guy.

Timed to go out exactly a month too late for Halloween, this week's episode details the saga of the dread Spectre of Tintagel and joining your genial host is another ex-pat Kiwi now living in Blighty – cartoonist and comic book writer Roger Langridge. The Spectre of Tintagel is not one of the better-remembered Goon Shows yet it remains powerfully atmospheric (well, as atmospheric as a Goon Show can get!) with some wonderful twists and turns and a winning performance by Mr. Valentine Dyall, AKA The Man In Black, as ‘The Butler'. Join Tyler and Roger as they talk about growing up listening to Badjelly the Witch, Roger reminisces about ‘unlocking the Goon Show code' and seeing Spike on stage in the early 80s, as well as Liberace laughing all the way to the bank, the unworkability of a notional Goon Show cartoon series, subverting catchphrases and, er, Roger's feelings about the musical numbers (Paddington hard stare) Check out Roger's work here: http://hotelfred.blogspot.com/ Please follow on Twitter @goonshowpod and @hotelfred (spot the GS reference folks!)

Episode 83Greetings, most excellent Explorers! The stellar Summer Special comes to an end with Bill and Ted Are Doomed. This bodacious comic book acts as both a sequel to the first two Bill and Ted movies as well as a prequel to Bill and Ted Face the Music. One would think after a most triumphant ending to Bogus Journey, that our Wyld Stallyns saved the future. However, the future is in peril again! Only this time it's because they're in debt and haven't lived up to their promise. They decide, without any input from their wives or the rest of their band, to go on a world-wide tour to save the future and themselves. The story was written by Evan Dorkin, illustrated by Roger Langridge, and published by Dark Horse Comics.Join Dennis and Johnny as the discuss the career of Evan Dorkin. Next, they delve into the Bill and Ted Universe and where the comic fits in it. Finally, they converse about the innocence of the Bill and Ted characters. Additional topics include our love of Dorkin's Beasts of Burden; the problematic beginning of the book; the connection between the Breakin' movies and Bogus Journey; how to make the Crow work (spoiler: you can't); the extinction of the Rocker Dude of the 80s; the book's sweet and touching ending; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Bill and Ted Are Doomed.We'll be back in October 2021 with our annual Halloween Special! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Al and Tony discuss the range of comics and web comics produced by the always busy Mr Roger Langridge. From Zoot, Fred, Knuckles and Co all the way to Thor, Mandrake and Batman Roger has created in all the various areas of the comics medium. Have a listen and see what takes your fancy! You can find Alan Henderson on Twitter here and buy his comics right her.  Many thanks for listening.

Welcome to the sutephalacalidaistic-exhimanitopus sixty-third episode of the 2000 AD Thrill-Cast Lockdown Tapes! This episode is, also, late - apologies for the technical issues that mean we're a week and a day late with the latest burst of aural Thrill-power, Earthlets. Something something Thrill-suckers something. But we're back and we have two short interviews with some of the creative minds behind the latest issue of 2000 AD Regened - writer Roger Langridge, and artists Brett Parson and PJ Holden. From the hilarious new misadaventure of Mary-Poppins-meets-Catwoman 'Pandora Perfect' to the Dredd-world series 'Department K' and 'Chimpsky's Law', Molch-R talks to Roger, Brett and PJ about their work for the all-ages special. Apologies for the poor sound quality during the interviews, it was caused by sun spots. Or something. Over the coming weeks the Thrill-Cast will continue to broadcast every week, with both new episodes and favourite interviews from the past six years – so make sure you’re keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe, and stay tuned for more from the Galaxy’s Greatest Podcast! Got a theme or interview you’d like to hear? Let us know at thrillcast@2000AD.com The 2000 AD Thrill-Cast is the award-winning podcast that takes you behind-the-scenes at the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic with creator interviews, panels, and more! You can subscribe to the Thrill-Cast on your favourite podcast app, iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can also listen now at 2000AD.com/podcast or you can watch at youtube.com/2000ADonline​​

This week the Marauders have a special guest, Tim Vargulish, who joins to talk about Thor: The Mighty Avenger by Roger Langridge, Chris Samnee and Mathew WIlson. Other topics this issue include Tim's latest comic release, what everyone has been up to and comic highlights from the last couple of weeks.  Next issue will have another special guest but the book is TBD. Email: comicmarauderspod@gmail.com Instagram: @comic_marauders Twitter: @comicmarauders

Comics  Stray Dogs #2 from Image | Writer(s): Tony Fleecs | Artist(s): Trish Forstner | $3.99 Once & Future #17 from BOOM! Studios | Writer(s): Kieron Gillen | Artist(s): Dan Mora | $3.99 Scumbag #6 from Image | Writer(s): Rick Remender | Artist(s): Bengal | $3.99    Comic Book History of Animation #4 from IDW (W) Fred Van Lente (A) Ryan Dunlavey $3.99 Crimson Flower #3 from Dark Horse | Writer(s): Matt Kindt | Artist(s): Matt Lesniewski | Colors: Bill Crabtree | $3.99   Bitter Root #11 from Image | Writer(s): David Walker Chuck Brown | Artist(s): Sanford Greene | Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou | $3.99 HAHA #3 from Image | Writer(s): W. Maxwell Prince | Artist(s): Roger Langridge | $3.99 Lady Baltimore Witch Queens #1 from Dark Horse | Writer(s): Mike Mignola Christopher Golden | Artist(s): Bridgit Connell | Letters: Clem Robins | $3.99 Miskatonic #5 from AfterShock Comics | Writer(s): Mark Sable | Artist(s): Giorgio Pontrelli | Colors: Pippa Bowland | Letters: Dave Sharpe | $3.99 Upcoming Comics   Sea Of Sorrows #4 from IDW Publishing | Writer(s): Rich Douek | Artist(s): Alex Cormack | $3.99 Department Of Truth #7 from Image | Writer(s): James Tynion IV | Artist(s): Tyler Boss | $3.99 Shadecraft #1 from Image | Writer(s): Joe Henderson | Artist(s): Lee Garbett Antonio Fabela | $3.99 Byte-Sized #4 from | Artists | Writers & Artisans | Writer(s): Cullen Bunn | Artist(s): Nelson Blake III | $3.99 Cult Of Dracula #1 from Source Point Press | Writer(s): Rich Davis | Artist(s): Henry Martinez | $3.99 Destiny NY #1 from Black Mask Comics | Writer(s): Pat Shand | Artist(s): Manuel Preitano | $3.99 Edgar Allan Poes Snifter Of Blood #6 from Ahoy Comics | Writer(s): Tom Peyer Robert T. Jeschonek | Artist(s): Greg Scott Alan Robinson | $4.99 Nuclear Family #2 from AfterShock Comics | Writer(s): Stephanie Phillips | Artist(s): Tony Shasteen | $3.99 Witchblood #1 from Vault Comics | Writer(s): Matthew Erman | Artist(s): Lisa Sterle | $3.99 CrossOver #5 from Image Comics  (W) Donny Cates (A) Geoff Shaw and Various $3.99  Two Moons #2 from Image Comics (W) John Arcudi (A) Valerio Giangiordano, Dave Stewart $3.99     

Comics  Red Atlantis #5 from AfterShock Comics | Writer(s): Stephanie Phillips | Artist(s): Robert Carey | $3.99   Happy Hour #5 from Ahoy Comics (W) Peter Miligan (A) Michael Montenat $3.99   Abbott 1973 #3 from BOOM! Studios | Writer(s): Saladin Ahmed | Artist(s): Sami Kivela | $3.99 Radiant Black #2 from Image Comics (W) Kyle Higgins (A) Marcello Costa $3.99 Ultramega #1 from Image Comics (W/A) James Harren $7.99 I Walk With Monsters #4 from Vault Comics | Writer(s): Paul Cornell | Artist(s): Sally  Midnight Western Theater #1 from Scout Comics | Writer(s): Louis Southard | Artist(s): David Hahn | $3.99 Maria Llovet's Eros/Psyche #1 from Ablaze Media  (W/A) Maria Llovet $3.99 The Creeps Magazine #30 from Warrant Publications E-Ratic #4 from AWA/Upshot (W/A) Kaare Andrews $3.99  Bequest #1 from AfterShock Comics (W) Tim Seeley (A) Freddie Williams II $4.99  Upcoming Comics Crimson Flower #3 from Dark Horse | Writer(s): Matt Kindt | Artist(s): Matt Lesniewski | $3.99 Lady Baltimore Witch Queens #1 from Dark Horse | Writer(s): Mike Mignola Christopher Golden | Artist(s): Bridgit Connell | $3.99 Bitter Root #11 from Image | Writer(s): David Walker Chuck Brown | Artist(s): Sanford Greene | $3.99 HAHA #3 from Image | Writer(s): W. Maxwell Price | Artist(s): Roger Langridge | $3.99 Scumbag #6 from Image | Writer(s): Rick Remender | Artist(s): Bengal | $3.99 Stray Dogs #2 from Image | Writer(s): Tony Fleecs | Artist(s): Trish Forstner | $3.99- Miskatonic #5 from AfterShock Comics | Writer(s): Mark Sable | Artist(s): Giorgio Pontrelli | $3.99 Once & Future #17 from BOOM! Studios | Writer(s): Kieron Gillen | Artist(s): Dan Mora | $3.99 Comic Book History of Animation #4 from IDW (W) Fred Van Lente (A) Ryan Dunlavey $3.99  Trades Kill Whitey Donovan TP from Dark Horse | Writer(s): Sydney Duncan | Artist(s): Natalie Barahona | $19.99 Spy Island TP from Dark Horse | Writer(s): Chelsea Cain | Artist(s): Elise McCall | $19.99 Big Girls Vol 1 TP from Image | Writer(s): Jason Howard | Artist(s): Jason Howard | $14.99 Scumbag Vol 1 Cocainefinger TP from Image | Writer(s): Rick Remender | Artist(s): Lewis LaRosa Various | $9.99 Skyward HC from Image | Writer(s): Joe Henderson | Artist(s): Lee Garbett Antonio Fabela | $39.99 We Only Find Them When They're Dead Vol 1 TP Discover Now Edition from BOOM! Studios | Writer(s): Al Ewing | Artist(s): Simone Di Meo | $9.99

On this week's Stack podcast: Alien #1 Marvel Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson Art by Salvador Larroca Harley Quinn #1 DC Comics Written by Stephanie Phillips Art by Riley Rossmo Firefly: Brand New ‘Verse #1 BOOM! Studios Written by Josh Lee Gordon Art by Fabiana Mascolo Teen Titans Academy #1 DC Comics Written by Tim Sheridan Art by Rafa Sandoval Once & Future #17 BOOM! Studios Written by Kieron Gillen Art by Dan Mora Action Comics #1029 DC Comics Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad Art by Phil Hester, Michael Avon Oeming HAHA #3 Image Comics Written by W. Maxwell Prince Art and Cover by Roger Langridge Batman/Superman #16 DC Comics Written by Gene Luen Yang Art by Ivan Reis Crimson Flower #3 Dark Horse Comics Written by Matt Kindt Art by Matt Lesniewski Detective Comics #1034 DC Comics Written by Mariko Tamaki, Joshua Williamson Art by Dan Mora, Gleb Melnikov The Scumbag #6 Image Comics Written by Rick Remender Art by Bengal Barbalien: Red Planet #5 Dark Horse Comics Script by Tate Brombal Story by Jeff Lemire and Tate Brombal Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta Stray Dogs #2 Image Comics Written by Tony Fleecs Art by Trish Forstner Post Americana #4 Image Comics Story and Art by Steve Skroce SUBSCRIBE ON RSS, ITUNES, ANDROID, SPOTIFY, STITCHER OR THE APP OF YOUR CHOICE. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, AND FACEBOOK. SUPPORT OUR SHOWS ON PATREON. Full Episode Transcript Alex:                 What is up, y'all? Welcome to The Stack. I'm Alex. Justin:              I'm Justin. Pete:                I'm Pete. Alex:                 On The Stack, we talk about a bunch of books that have come out this week, kicking it off with a very scary book called Alien #1 from Marvel, written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, art by Salvador Larroca. This is a big deal because this is the first of the Fox properties that is coming to Marvel. We have Predator coming down the pike. Alien is here now, and we had Phillip Kennedy Johnson on the live show talking about this book a couple of months back now when he first got on it. So he teased that, if you want to go and listen to it, but all of the teasing aside, what'd you think of this one? Justin:              I thought this was great. Really captures the vibe of the Alien movies while being a compelling new story where you really feel alongside the characters. Mistakes are made. Classic Alien thing where somebody really fucks up with these things. You don't get a lot of mistakes with the alien people. Alex:                 The thing that I thought was really fascinating about this as a fan of the Alien franchise, and to get into spoilers for the book a little bit … It's about a military guy. He ended up getting captured by aliens, escaped. We don't know exactly how yet, but this is years later. He's retiring, trying to reconnect with his son. Definitely a theme Phillip Kennedy Johnson is playing with with his books right now with fathers and sons and connecting through this and through Superman. Alex:                 So that's interesting, I think, just from a reading perspective, but here, the son is a civilian, and for fans of the Alien movies, it's such a big deal when they go to Earth in this book. When they go to Earth, you see very little of it, but you see people on Earth. You see what's going on with society. You see civilians involved, and just from that fan perspective, I kind of geeked out about that beyond the fact that it seems like they're doing really interesting, weird stuff with the mythology in this comic book. Salvador Larroca's aliens in particular are terrifying. The pacing of it is alarming and upsetting in the right way. I really dug this book a lot as well. Pete, what did you think? Pete:                Yeah. I agree with you. I thought the aliens looks amazing. There's a lot of great kind of splash page shots that are really powerful. The Bishop. I'm always creeped out by Bishop, and so it was creepy to see Bishop back. Yeah, and it was a very interesting story that we got to kind of see the son's side of why he doesn't care about what his father's been doing, and then we know the father's side. So it was very interesting perspective, and I think that's a cool way to, as Justin said, to put kind of a fresh spin on something that we've seen a lot of. So yeah. I thought this, as far as the first issue is concerned, does a great job of giving you something that you know and love with a little bit of newness to it. So I think well done. Justin:              What I think they capture well here is the sins of the corporation in Alien are always what keeps making people act poorly, and that's what gets everyone in trouble. In this, it's all about human mistakes, and it's just the aliens are there as the force of nature that makes them pay for their mistakes, and it's just really great. Alex:                 Absolutely. Really bowled over by this book. Next up, Harley Quinn #1 from DC Comics, written by Stephanie Phillips, art by Riley Rossmo. This is a great team for this book, Riley Rossmo in particular on a Harley Quinn book. So much fun. Really like the tone here. Very different from the past couple of runs of Harley Quinn. I thought this was very enjoyable. What was your guys' take? Pete:                Yeah. I agree. I thought the art was amazing. Really great story as far as the first issue goes. Does such a great job of grabbing the reader and getting kind of this take on Harley, and I think it's a nice take. I'm a huge fan of the animated series, but I don't want every comic to be like that. So this is, I feel like, a different enough take where it still feels like Harley Quinn, and I love the art and the storytelling. I think this is a fantastic first issue. Justin:              Yeah. I think what this book … I mean, the art is so cool. It's fun how Batman is such a presence in it, and it's a little bit more of a Batman that is likable and sort of like just “Look. I'm just trying to keep an eye on you, Harley. So don't screw around.” Pete:                He's like a dad. Batman's like a dad of Gotham. Justin:              Yeah. Uncle Batman, and I really like this Harley because it's not like it's a huge change where she's like “I'm good now.” It's the same character who's just like “I'm trying this out. I don't know. Let's just see,” and she's sort of having fun with it, and I feel like that preserves the original spirit of the character. We talked about this on the live show this week about how Harley Quinn spun out of Batman: The Animated Series and how wild it is that a character like that can just explode and have so many iterations in all these different mediums, and now to see her back here sort of having that spirit of the original while also being the new character is great. Alex:                 Totally agree. Next up, Firefly Brand New Verse #1 from BOOM! Studios, written by Josh Lee Gordon, art by Fabiana Mascolo. We've had effusive praise for Greg Pak's run on the main title. This is a different artist, a different team, and it's jumping forward, I believe, 25 years in time to showing us the descendants of the original Serenity crew, what's going on with them now. So what'd you think about this? Does this hold up to the high quality of the other Firefly books? Justin:              Well, I think, what I like about it is that they're taking a lot of swings. They keep moving with the Firefly story, just like “Hey. Let's tell the most interesting story no matter what the continuity really is. Let's just keep moving,” and for them to move from the past to the present into the future, or I guess, not in that order, but it's great to see, like “Oh, yeah. I'm so curious about this. What's going to happen where? What are these characters like?” They feel spiritually like the old Serenity crew, but they're all new people. Alex:                 Pete? Justin:              It's like meeting your friends' friends, and they're nice. Pete:                Yeah. I thought- Alex:                 Pete, I know you're probably put off by the fact that Greg Pak wasn't on this, who you love, but go ahead. Pete:                Yeah. I was kind of like “Wait a second. What's going on here?” The Pak was killing this, but yeah. I like the way it kind of starts. I think it's a great kind of story, a good take, but it's one of those things where it's like when you have a to-do list and you just sleep instead of doing what you're supposed to be doing, you're putting everybody on the ship in jeopardy. That was just kind of crazy, but yeah. I enjoyed it. I thought the art was good. I thought it was fun. Justin:              So you're bothered by the chores, that no one's doing their chores. Pete:                Well, I'm just bothered by how casually they woke up, and they were like “Hey. Did you fix the engine?” and they were like “Well, I thought you were going to fix the engine.” Then it's like … We're on a spaceship. You can't just be that casual. Justin:              What's the chore wheel like in your household? Pete:                It's a lot of chores, man. All right? It's a lot. Justin:              What happens if you don't do it? How does it break out? Did you get your chores done today, for instance? Pete:                Yeah. Yeah. Just barely. Just barely. Alex:                 Oh, boy. Justin:              Stakes high. Alex:                 Teen Titans Academy #1 from DC Comics, written by Tim Sheridan, art by Rafa Sandoval. This is exactly what it sounds like. The Titans are opening up a school in Titans Tower. Meanwhile, the Teen Titans are off doing Teen Titan stuff, and these are the Teeny Titans who are signing up. Maybe some day they're going to be Teen Titans or Titans. I said all of those words quite a bit. What'd you think about this book? Justin:              Great enunciation from Alex. Hit all of his consonants really well, and that was borderline tongue twister. Pete:                Yeah. I thought this was a fun story. I ship Nightfire. So I feel I'm happy that they're still out doing- Alex:                 Just trying to slip that in there, Pete. Justin:              Dropping that knowledge. Pete:                I feel like it was a little busy, but they have so many people on Teen Titans. I kind of feel like that's going to happen, but overall, I thought it was a really solid first issue. Justin:              I'll tell you what, Pete. I ship Nightfire, especially in this issue. I would normally definitely be a Batwing or Nightgirl, Nightacle. Is that the right- Pete:                [crosstalk 00:08:57]. Alex:                 Nightacle. Justin:              Nightgirl is not the right answer, I don't think. Alex:                 Nightacle? Justin:              Oraclewing? Alex:                 Orwing. Orwing. Justin:              Orawing. Alex:                 Batdick. Justin:              Good. But I agree. I feel like there have been a lot of books like this. Marvel does this a lot where they're like “Let's take our magic characters and make a school about them. Let's have all these young mutants be in this school,” and often it feels like the stories feel very next door to the main storyline, and this feels like a Titans books, and it's just now there's these gradations between all the different Titans. There's the Titans, the Tiny Titans, and the Teeny Titans, and there's the tall Titans, the tiptop Titans. Alex:                 What did you think- Pete:                Guys, stop. Alex:                 What did you think about them having to be called Mr. Nightwing? That was pretty weird, right? Justin:              What I liked about it was it felt like kids who hadn't made a plan about “Oh, what should we call ourselves?” and then someone was like “Oh, you're Mr. Nightwing,” and they're like “Okay,” and then they have to go with it. Alex:                 What's your first name, Mr. Nightwing? Pete:                Yeah. Justin:              Uh, Dave? Alex:                 Oh, god. I'm Dave Nightwing. Yeah. This is okay. I'm usually a sucker for these books. I thought this was all right. I liked Rafa Sandoval's art, just good superhero art across the board. Always very appropriate for Titans. I don't really know anything about the Red X, which is the big mystery here. So felt like a bit of a deep dive for anybody who is outside that continuity, but I like some of the characters. I'm definitely going to tune back for issue two and see what happens. I don't know what I'm talking about. Justin:              Another binge read. Alex:                 Once & Future #17 from BOOM! Studios, written by Kieron Gillen, art by Dan Mora. Pete, I was a little worried about you this issue, because not as much grandma as there usually is- Justin:              Yeah. Alex:                 … but still- Pete:                Yeah, but you still- Alex:                 … there's a dragon. There's a lot of action. Pete:                But you also got smoking grandma. Grandma's smoking in this. So that's- Alex:                 Smoking hot is what you're saying, right? Pete:                No. That's not what I'm saying. Alex:                 Okay. Pete:                But yeah. I like this- Alex:                 I ship Petema. Justin:              Petema. Pete Smokingma. Smoking Petema. Pete:                A lot happens in this issue. We kind of get all the pieces on the board. It was great to kind of finally see plans collides and everybody else kind of come together, kind of revealing what's going to happen moving forward. This is just non-stop glorious. Every issue is unbelievably drawn. The stories are fun. The characters are great. The art's unbelievable. I don't know why you aren't reading this book. Justin:              I am, because we all read. We read a lot of comics, and I like this book, but I will say I think I need a little gear shift. I feel like we've been in this- Pete:                What? Justin:              I feel like we've been in- Pete:                I'm not going to stand here and let you … This is an unbelievable comic. Okay? End of story. You can't put in your bullshit. This comic is fantastic. Justin:              I- Alex:                 Well, hold on, Pete. Just to jump in, Justin, I hear what you're saying. I actually think they got there with this issue, because I've been feeling that as well. It's a lot of the grandma wandering around and being like “You don't know what's going on with these stories. There's a lot of stories,” and the son being like “Stories? Come on,” and then everybody's kind of wandering around and yelling at each other about magic stuff and stories, but this issue, what we got … It really feels like it's heading towards the endgame here. We finally know they're looking for the Holy Grail. The bad guys wanted to essentially wipe everything clean and destroy the world. The good guys, of course, want to stop them. They get a dragon, and we get this very propulsive ending of them on a dragon chasing after … I'm honestly forgetting whether it's Gawaine or Galahad who has been turned into a centaur, and I think that's part of the issue you're getting at, where it's a lot of these names being thrown out there, but I like this ending, and I'm very excited for the next issue off of this. Justin:              Yeah. I mean, I like where it's going, and honestly, the stuff with Rose felt like the most interesting. She feels like she's operating sort of on her own, but it's just like you're saying. It feels like grandma and her son, #PeteMissesGrandma, #SmokingHotGrandma … It feels like they really are just like “Oh, here we go again. This story's crazy, but we have to keep doing it,” and so I'm just ready, and the Merlin stuff was interesting. I liked that, but even he's a little like “I've already got this all figured out.” So I think I just need a little refreshment with that. Pete:                Unbelievable. You're unbelievable. Alex:                 Well, let's move on then and talk about Action Comics #1,029 from DC Comics, written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Becky Cloonan, and Michael W. Conrad, art by Phil Hester and Michael Avon Oeming. In the front story, we're getting a tale of Superman and his son, as we talked about a little bit earlier. In the back story, we're finding out what's going on with Midnighter after Future State. This directly picks up on that in a very surprising way. What'd you think about this one? Pete:                I thought this was a very touching story. Love the kind of like Superman taking about being a human and this whole father-son back and forth stuff. It's really speaking to me. I very much enjoyed this. The Midnighter story is freaking me out. Justin:              It's different Midnighter. Pete:                Yeah. Yeah. I love how stylized the art is. I think it's a cool take on Midnighter, but I'm nervous to see how this is all going to unfold, and I don't like the fact that they're not talking to each other. You know what I mean? You're supposed to be able to talk to your partner. Justin:              Are you talking about him and the computer in his brain? Pete:                No. Him and Apollo. Justin:              Yeah. What I will say is it is a very different take on Midnighter, but it feels like Apollo is still the one who's knocking on the door at the end. Pete:                Still the one. Justin:              That's what I'm saying. So that must give you some reassurance, and the front story, I thought, was great, really keying in on this idea of fathers and sons, and sons losing fathers, and fathers realizing that the sons are realizing that they're eventually going to lose their father. It's just great idea and echo storytelling, and then the last couple pages, setting up the sort of creepy Warworld Rising stuff, I'm into. Alex:                 I'm into it too, and I like how they are tying in the DC Future State stuff. Now, the other thing … This is news that I believe leaked early this week before they were going to let it out, but it seems clear now in retrospect how they're setting this up with Superman potentially being taken off the board so that John Kent is going to move into the Superman role. We got this Midnighter backup which seems like it should be unrelated to a Superman thing, but it turns out that DC is going to be launching some sort of a Superman and The Authority series by Grant Morrison with art by Mikel Janin- Pete:                What? Alex:                 … which this seems to be setting up directly, in my mind. We don't know much more about it other than that, but that certainly seems to be where they're going, and that is very cool. Justin:              Yeah. I mean, Grant Morrison back in the game? Not sort of existing on the periphery being like “Hey. Did you think I could make this Green Lantern book weirder?” and then he does. That'll be interesting. Alex:                 Yeah. That's great. It's also great to see Michael Avon Oeming on a regular book as well. I really like his stuff on Midnighter, and that's a lot of fun. Let's move on, talk about Haha #3 from Image Comics. Justin:              Haha. Pete:                Oh, here we go. Justin:              Hoo-ah. Alex:                 Hoo-ah #3, following the adventures of Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman land. It's been a great ride. I can't believe we've gotten here. The continuity has been very dense, but really getting that back story of how did he find the scent of a woman? How did he come up with hoo-ah? It's been a wonderful ride, and [crosstalk 00:17:04]. Justin:              How did he come up with hoo-ah? Alex:                 It is written by W. Maxwell Prince, art and cover by Roger Langridge. I love this team. I was so excited about this. This is a anthology book where W. Maxwell Prince is taking his regular creepiness from Ice Cream Man and applying it specifically to different types of clowns. This issue, we get a mime issue, a mime who is friends with a robot. Justin:              Love a mime. Pete:                The worst. Alex:                 Roger Langridge, one of my absolute favorite creators. He did Thor: The Mighty Avenger. He did Snarked is the book that he did that was all a riff on Lewis Carroll stuff. That is awesome. He did an amazing Muppets book, if you never checked it out. It's definitely much more surreal and fantasy based than the previous two issues that were very realistic and dark takes, but man, I love this book. It was so good. Maybe my favorite of the week. What did you guys think? Justin:              Favorite of the week? Pete:                I hated it. Justin:              You hated it? Pete:                Yeah. I don't like mimes. I think they're creepy, and this proves my point. Justin:              Wait. Rank sort of the clowns, the different genres of clown, in sort of least scary to scariest. Pete:                Well, first off, I think … No offense to Alex's wife, but I think that [crosstalk 00:18:21]- Alex:                 But I hate your wife. Pete:                Yeah. I think- Alex:                 No offense to your wife. I hate your wife. Pete:                No. Your wife is an unbelievable person. I don't know how she puts up with you. Justin:              Wait. You're considering wife a different genre of clown? Pete:                No. I just don't want to speak poorly of clowns, and Alex's wife was an amazing clown. That's a separate category. I want to try and make that clear. Alex:                 Just to be clear before you get to into it, Pete, of course we're going to break this into the four types of the clown, the Whiteface, the Tramp, the Auguste, and the character. So go ahead. Pete:                I don't know what- Justin:              Dropping clown husband knowledge. Pete:                I don't know what was just said- Justin:              Auguste. Pete:                … but- Alex:                 The Auguste. Pete:                … to answer your question, Justin, clowns do freak me out. I think, sometimes you can see the sadness in their eyes, and that can be very painful, and then mimes- Justin:              So give me the power rankings. So you got your mimes. You got your- Pete:                Yeah. The mimes are the creepiest of them all. Justin:              Really? Pete:                Yeah. Justin:              Why is that? Because they're not talking? Pete:                Yes. I don't trust people who don't talk, and I also … Well, and you have some- Justin:              Too skinny. Pete:                But also, they're- Alex:                 Wait. Sorry. Is it that they wear stripes so they look like they just got out of prison? Pete:                No. No. That makes them look French, but I think that- Alex:                 All French people just got out of prison. Go ahead. Justin:              Yeah. Pete:                Oh, that's an awful thing to say. Yeah. I don't trust mimes, and clowns can be scary is my long-winded point that you kind of dragged out. Alex:                 Justin, what about you? What did you think about this issue? Justin:              It was great. It's very fun. it's like- Pete:                Wait. It's fun? That was fun? Justin:              This whole issue is very fun. I would love to see this- Pete:                People died. I don't know what … What do you mean? What's fun? Justin:              Hey. I got news for you. People die all the time. Pete:                Oh, don't be that guy. Justin:              But not robots. Think about that. I'd like to see the script of this comic to see the process, really, how they put this together, because the visuals are so good. They do so much of the storytelling, and it's just a fun, nearly silent issue where we touch on, I don't even know, just how the world sucks, finding moments whenever you can despite the weird circumstances of developing an act and becoming friends with a robot, how the dancing frog can live, can truly live if you do it right, and it's- Pete:                The poor WB frog. Justin:              Yeah. Alex:                 Great book. Definitely pick that up. Next up, another one of my favorites of the week, Batman/Superman #16 from DC Comics, written by Gene Luen Yang, art by Ivan Reis. In this book, we're getting two tales told simultaneously of Golden Age, I think, I would say, Superman and Batman through film … not strips, but old-timey film reels. On the top, you got Superman. On the bottom, you got Batman. Like they say at the beginning, you can read them separately. I kind of recommend reading them together, because, spoiler, they actually start to tie together at the end there. This is a very cool, really fun issue that I enjoyed quite a bit. Justin:              Yeah. This issue, I feel like, really just stands alone. I mean, I know it is tying into a larger story, but it really is just a super innovative way of telling these two stories, and you sort of think one thing, and then there are some reveals later on that you're like “Oh, huh. Okay,” and like Alex said, things sort of come together in the end. Just a really innovative issue, I thought. Pete:                I'm glad you guys liked it. Alex:                 Pete, you're so negative this week. Pete:                Not really. Alex:                 Okay. Well, let's move on then to Crimson Flower #3 from Dark Horse Comics, written by Matt Kindt, art by Matt Lesniewski. Pete, lots of people die. There's a lot of blood in this one as our main character hones in on her target. What'd you think about this? Pete:                I very much enjoyed this. I thought this was a really great villain reveal. We thought it was kind of like one villain, and then kind of through the villain monologue, you got to see kind of how dark and twisted this villain actually was. So yeah. I really liked it. I like these scarf powers, and I think the art's creepy and twisted in all the right ways. It's a very interesting, cool book, and again, it's like there's not a lot of … There isn't too much dialogue. So it's not a heavy read. I very much enjoyed this. Justin:              Yeah. I like this a lot. The art is really cool. I wish we had talked to Matt Kindt about this book. Pete:                Yeah. Alex:                 We messed up. Justin:              Yeah. We messed up, because we had him on the live show recently, and this would have been a good one, because I think maybe we had just read the previous issue, which I think we all enjoyed. Yeah. It's hard to pin this story down. It's a really unique story. it's a revenge tale, and the art really just really showcases the storytelling that's happening here in a way that is really surprising. Alex:                 This is probably the wrong thing, but the art almost feels like a medieval tapestry come to life in a certain way in terms of how- Pete:                Oh, interesting. Alex:                 … it's laid out and the way that they have these stories inside of stories inside of stories. Very fascinating book. I highly recommend picking it up. Justin:              Yeah. Alex:                 Next up, Detective Comics #1,034 from DC Comics, written by Mariko Tamaki and Joshua Williamson, art by Dan Mora and Gleb Melnikov. This is telling a story of a kind of poor but still doing okay for himself Bruce Wayne. What'd you think about this one? Pete:                I- Alex:                 I mean, he's doing fine. They're making a big deal about “I don't have my money. I only have 18 Batcaves and this really nice apartment in a good part of Gotham. That's it. Pete:                Yeah. Justin:              Yeah, and he's like “It's crazy. I have neighbors now,”- Pete:                Yeah. It's- Justin:              … and it's like “Yeah. I know. We all have neighbors, asshole.” Pete:                Yeah. It's weird to see Batman kind of dealing with people, but I do really love the art. I really loved the moment where the bad guy sees Batman and is like “Crap.” That was just fun. Yeah. I think it's an interesting story. I really like the backup as well. I feel like it's a great package. Justin:              It's a great package. Pete:                You love a good package. Justin:              Yeah. I like this a lot too, and oddly we've talked a lot about Batman: The Animated Series, but this feels like Batman is warming up a little bit and becoming more like that Bruce Wayne from Batman: The Animated Series, where he has to talk to people and he has to be like a normal person sometimes, and maybe that's what it's like when you lose money and come back down to Earth and get with the people. Bruce Wayne, get with the people. Meet your neighbors. Alex:                 Oh, I thought you were going to say something else after that. You said “Meet your neighbors.” You went up, and then- Pete:                Yeah. Yeah. I thought- Justin:              Meet your neighbors. Pete:                [crosstalk 00:25:49]. Justin:              That's what I'm saying. Do it. Go do it. Pete:                [crosstalk 00:25:50]. Alex:                 Oh, that was it. Okay. It was a punctuation point. Justin:              Meet your neighbors. Alex:                 Yeah. Good story. Let's move on, talk about The- Justin:              Alex, go meet your neighbors. Alex:                 I would love to, but coronavirus. The Scumbag #6 from Image Comics, written by Rick Remender, art by Bengal, dealing with the last arc. Here, we got our main Scumbag is now a super celebrity. He has blown the lid on all the things he's done to save the Earth while having a big party in his new mansion, and then new threats come his way. What'd you think, Pete? Pete:                Yeah. I feel like this is Remender having a lot of fun, a lot of cool metal references going on here, which was fun. Yeah. I mean, talking crack pipe. I mean, who doesn't love that? But yeah. It was just tough because I felt like we had gotten somewhere with Scumbag as a character. It seems he regressed a little bit. I felt like he kind of did some things where he was doing things for the better of him, himself, and the team and moving towards being a hero, but now with this, it's kind of like he went backwards a little bit. So that part's a little frustrating, but a lot of really fun art, crazy, over the top, just stupid stuff. Justin:              But what I like about this is Remender knows to bring this character back to sort of what he is, and yes, there's a hero in him, but we don't want him to be the hero yet. He has to continue to be the hard partying Scumbag, and that's what he is as he's thrown into a different superhero situation, which I'm excited to see how that plays out. Alex:                 Next up, I know this is one of Pete's favorite Barbalien, Red Planet #5 from Dark Horse comics, script by Tate Brombal, story by Jeff Lemire and Tate Brombal. I cannot say that last name. I'm so sorry. Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta. This is about the Martian Manhunter-esque part of the Black Hammer universe. He is gay. He is dealing with that. He is also dealing with being trapped on his own planet at some point. Pete, talk about this book. Why did this one strike you in particular? Pete:                Well, it's a very powerful book. I mean, you got people fighting for their rights, what they believe in. There's a lot of great protest moments. There's very powerful page with blood spilled on it. They're saying a lot of great stuff in this book. They're talking about the collective. They're talking about us as humans trying to grow and fight for things. It's very, very powerful, very cool. Love the imagery and the art, and it's just really well done. Justin:              Yeah. I mean, I agree. I feel like we've been talking up the Black Hammer sort of side universe so much lately, and it really is just like this great, creative explosion that's happening over in the Dark Horse universe, and this story … We've been talking a lot about the sort of episodic series, and this is just a great standalone story that has blown out that really takes you along for a great ride. Alex:                 Really good book. Definitely agree. Next up, one of the darkest books of the week, Stray Dogs #2 from Image Comics, written by Tony Fleecs, art by Trish Forstner. So we reviewed, really liked, I think, the first issue of this book, which took a bunch of dogs, brought them together, and it turns out that maybe their owner is murdering women and stealing the dogs. We get deeper into that mystery this issue. I think you kind of called this out last issue, Justin, but it very much feels like Law & Order Don Bluth or something like that, and it's kind of upsetting to read, in a certain way. Justin:              It is upsetting, because these dogs are witness to this killer who is continuing to kill. I mean, we don't know that for sure yet, I guess, but the way it's like all these dogs, definitely drawn in the style of the Don Bluth Disney, very cute, lovable dogs that are just like “We're in a dog story about dogs just trying to get by and then fall in love and then eventually go home and have Lady and Tramp children,” but instead it's like this super dark … The dogs are witnessing and realizing that their current owner is a killer. It's so dark, and I was so surprised by this, and it's great. Pete:                Yeah. It's very interesting, kind of this thing of what if the person who is raising you, taking care of you, feeding you, all these things, is a horrible, horrible person? It's like, what do you go on? Do you go on the fact that “Oh, but they provide for me, and they're nice, and they take me out,” and all these things, and then “Oh, but I don't see the murders”? It's very interesting perspective. It's very messed up and done in this adorable art that makes it even darker, but it's this tale that hopefully these dogs can hopefully get to the bottom of and make a difference, but man, it's a crazy start, for sure. Justin:              Yeah. I mean, I say this a lot. I hope these dogs can solve that human murder. Pete:                Yeah. Alex:                 Last but not least, Post Americano #4 from Image Comics, story and art by Steve Skroce. In this issue, our heroes, I guess, have been captured. One of them has reconnected with their mom, and entering the fray is what looks like a superhero and a werewolf. I love this book so much more than I think I would every single time out of the gate, because it's just so weird and funny and violent in exactly the right way, and I keep going into it thinking “This will be the issue. This will be the one that turns me. This is when they'll go too far,” and they never do. It just skirts that line perfectly. Justin:              Well, and I think this issue does a great job of having this heartfelt reunion between our mother and daughter characters here, and it's really sweet and taken very seriously, and then the back half of the issue or back third of the issue is this wild nonsense superhero showcase. Pete:                Yeah. It's completely over the top, tons of violence. Each issue is crazier than the last, and you're like “Oh, they can't top that,” but then this issue does, and it kind of makes fun of itself in the process, but man, really fun. Great read. The art's fantastic. A lot of cool characters. I mean, I love the car. I thought the car was so great. Such an awesome entrance, but it did hurt when that mint issue #1 got trashed by the guy in the tie. That hurt. Alex:                 Good stuff. If you'd like to support our podcast- Justin:              Heartbreaking. Alex:                 … patreon.com/comicbookclub. Also, we do a live show every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM to Crowdcast and YouTube. Come hang out. We would love to chat with you about comic books. iTunes, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, or the app of your choice to subscribe and listen to the show. On iTunes, leave us a comment and rate us. We would appreciate that quite a bit. @ComicBookLive on Twitter. Comicbooklive.com for this podcast and more. Until next time, we'll see you at the virtual comic book shop. Justin:              Send in the mimes, those cooky, spooky mimes. The post The Stack: Alien, Harley Quinn And More appeared first on Comic Book Club. 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Bill and Ted are Doomed! DOOMED I TELL YOU! DOOOOOOOOOMED! Also there is a comic book out this week called Bill and Ted are Doomed, and we are gonna review that. Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patron at patreon.com/MajorSpoilers. It will help ensure Dueling Reviews continues far into the future! Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF) BILL AND TED ARE DOOMED #1 CREATORS Writer: Evan Dorkin Artist: Roger Langridge Colorist: Roger Langridge Cover Artist: Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer The official prequel series to the new film! After defeating the evil dictator De Nomolos in Bogus Journey in 1995, things aren't looking as excellent as they should for either Bill and Ted or Wyld Stallyns. There's tension in the band and worry at home. Bill and Ted's obsessiveness with writing the one song to bring peace to the world is affecting their playing and their relationships with their families. The band is losing favor with fans and the future isn't shaping up as they were all led to believe it would from past (and future) events. Desperate for a solution Bill and Ted burst in to announce their great idea to revive the band's fortunes: A world tour to spread the love--and the rock, and the love of the rock--to the world.

Bill and Ted are Doomed! DOOMED I TELL YOU! DOOOOOOOOOMED! Also there is a comic book out this week called Bill and Ted are Doomed, and we are gonna review that. Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patron at patreon.com/MajorSpoilers. It will help ensure Dueling Reviews continues far into the future! Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF) BILL AND TED ARE DOOMED #1 CREATORS Writer: Evan Dorkin Artist: Roger Langridge Colorist: Roger Langridge Cover Artist: Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer The official prequel series to the new film! After defeating the evil dictator De Nomolos in Bogus Journey in 1995, things aren't looking as excellent as they should for either Bill and Ted or Wyld Stallyns. There's tension in the band and worry at home. Bill and Ted's obsessiveness with writing the one song to bring peace to the world is affecting their playing and their relationships with their families. The band is losing favor with fans and the future isn't shaping up as they were all led to believe it would from past (and future) events. Desperate for a solution Bill and Ted burst in to announce their great idea to revive the band's fortunes: A world tour to spread the love--and the rock, and the love of the rock--to the world.

On this week's review Stack, we're talking: Bill & Ted Are Doomed #1, Dark Nights Death Metal: Trinity Crisis #1, Empyre Aftermath: Avengers #1, Empyre Fallout: Fantastic Four #1, Stealth #5, Something is Killing the Children #10, Superman #25, Ultraman: The Rise of Ultraman #1, Ice Cream Man Presents Quarantine Comix Special #1, Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity #5, Web of Venom: Wraith #1, G.I. Joe #8, Reaver #11 and Blackwood: The Mourning After #4. SUBSCRIBE ON RSS, ITUNES, ANDROID, SPOTIFY, STITCHER OR THE APP OF YOUR CHOICE. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, AND FACEBOOK. SUPPORT OUR SHOWS ON PATREON. Full Transcript: Alex:                 What's up y'all, welcome to The Stack. I'm Alex. Justin:              I'm Justin. Alex:                 And on The Stack we talk about a bunch of comics that come out today. A little bit of a slower week after Labor Day. [crosstalk 00:00:23] chill. Justin:              Never. Alex:                 Never? Justin:              Never. Every week when comics come out… Come on, we just had a… We walked through the great desert of comic drought and here we are back, every week's exciting. There's a lot of fun stuff. Alex:                 I will tell you that in my mind, this is less comics than usual, but just because we did probably 36 comics last week and are doing a little less this week, so there you go. Justin:              I think that may be what it is. We're doing just a slightly less number of them. Alex:                 Yes. We talked for, I don't know, like an hour last week. That was a very long episode of The Stack. But hey, let's see what we get here. Two hours for this one. Justin:              Yeah. Let's extend it. Let's offer our thoughts on everything. Alex:                 And one little business note. Pete is off because he has poison ivy. Now let's get into it. First off, Bill and Ted are Doomed #1 from Dark Horse Comics written by Evan Dorkin and art by Roger Langridge. This is the official prequel to the film Bill and Ted Face the Music. I think it suffered a little bit by switching around of the release schedule of Bill and Ted 3, unfortunately it's coming out afterwards. I talked about this on the live show a little bit. I would just be excited about anything that Evan Dorkin and Roger Langridge are doing together because they're so good. And in my mind, this doesn't disappoint. But how'd you feel? Justin:              Yeah, it was fun. I haven't seen the new Bill and Ted movie. I'm not a die hard Bill and Ted guy. I've seen the first two, but I got to say this played almost like Bill and Ted in an Archie comic, in a fun way. It felt just like a fun, almost episodic, touchstone on all the different characters that are in the universe. Yeah, I'm excited to see where it goes next. Alex:                 It feels like the two dudes who created this are such bit dudes, so they're a perfect field for it. And you get verbal bits, you get little graphic bits from Roger Langridge in the background of things. It definitely, if you haven't seen the third movie, it plays off a lot of the storylines there and sets up those things. So I would highly recommend watching the movie first and then go and read this, because it's not that it ruins bits necessarily for the movie, but it certainly sets up a lot of the plot points there. But this is fun in its own, right. It's Bill and Ted going on a world tour, dealing with the bummer that is their not paying off on the promise of their big concert at the end of Bogus Journey. It's fun stuff. I really enjoyed this issue a lot, particularly for it being like… You could phone in a prequel for a comic like this, but there clearly is a lot of love that went out here. Justin:              Yeah, exactly. And like I said, it does that smart thing that a lot of tie-in books do, where it takes one thing about the characters and it just plays on it, as opposed to getting deep into the mythology of a certain thing or just trying to do something new. It's like, here, let's just touch all these things and then push them down the field a little bit, and it does a good job of that. Alex:                 Next up Dark Nights Death Metal Trinity Crisis #1 from DC Comics written by Scott Snyder and art by Francis Manapul. Now I will say this plays like just another spinoff of Dark Nights Death Metal. This is an essential chapter of the book, I feel like? Justin:              100%. Alex:                 Which is crazy, but you get Francis Manapul art, you get Scott Snyder doing wild writing. It's great. I mean, we had Scott on the live show two weeks ago or a week and a half ago at this point, and he talked quite a bit about the Dark Nights event. It's just fun to see all of those wild ideas at play here. I liked this issue quite a bit, like I've been liking this series, I think. Justin:              I do too. And this is a good distillation of all the characters, as opposed to the main book, which is really grinding the plot forward and having to touch on so many things. This takes the pace down a little bit, I think, and really lets each character give you a little bit of status quo with them. And after hearing from Scott, it was really cool to see all the different, especially the Trinity characters, and the rest of the characters, to see them and look at them through his eyes. Alex:                 Yeah. I'm curious to see how it plays out in the next issue because there's a big cliffhanger at the end here that feels what he is trying to do with the main series. This is an essential issue, but also with the main series, he's just throwing you into the middle of things. Things have already happened. Between the month that the comics have been released or two weeks or three weeks or whatever, other things have gone on and same thing as here, but here we're getting a glimpse of it and everything is great. Let's move from the middle of an event to the end of an event. I want to talk about these together. We got the very alliterative Empyre Aftermath Avengers #1 from Marvel written by Al Ewing, art by Valerio Schiti, Empyre Fallout Fantastic Four #1 from Marvel written by Dan Slott and art by Sean Izaakse, or Izaakse, I guess. Alex:                 We were a little mixed, I think, about the Empyre event. This had the Kree-Skrull armada fighting the Cotati, some plant people, bunch of other stuff going on. But here as the title says, it's not as clean as Avengers and Fantastic Four, it's a little mixed together. But the Avengers issue is dealing a lot with Emperor Hulkling, the Fantastic Four issue is dealing a little more firmly with Fantastic Four, as well as some other things and both of them and big teases for the future of the Marvel universe. Given how mixed I was about the Empyre event, I was surprised how much I liked both of these issues. Justin:              Yeah, I think these books did a good job of giving us the context that we felt we were lacking with the main event. I feel like with the main event, we were like… The storytelling felt like, “Oh, this is exciting, this is building up to something big.” And then it just was actually sort of a smaller event than we thought. It was a hang out event. Not a lot of characters died and not a lot of status quo stuff was changed. It was like, there's this issue, and now we've resolved this issue. And these give us like, “Well, here's what is different,” a little bit. Justin:              And honestly, it's not a ton. But there are great scenes in here. I love this stuff in the Al Ewing written book, Empire Aftermath, where we get the Brand versus versus Captain Marvel stuff. That stuff was really cool. Just seeing the Avengers hanging out and talking. There's a great scene between Captain America and Tony Stark. “I wish we trained them. Registered them. Just kidding. Let's not go there.” That was fun. There were some good moments in here. Alex:                 The other thing that I really liked about that book in particular is framing Hulkling as a different type of king in the Marvel universe, because we've got Black Panther, we've got Doctor Doom, we've got all of these characters who are very regal and serious and are very “We do what we need to do.” “We do what is best for Wakanda.” “I do what is best for Latveria.” And they frame it as Hulkling is at the beginning of this journey, so he may get to that point. Certainly a lot of people warn him that you're going to get to a point where these choices are going to be impossible, and if you want to be emperor, you need to choose the people that you're representing. Alex:                 But right now he is an emperor that doesn't necessarily hold back when things need to be done, but he is trying to be more benevolent for that. And that to me, that is a fascinating character to follow going forward, particularly the idea that Wiccan is going to be with him, and it's the sort of thing, I don't know if there's plans for this. I honestly have just not paid much attention to what's coming forward in comics. But if there was a Emperor Hulkling comic, that would be a great character thing to follow. Just the idea of how do you rule two races that have hated each other for millennia and try to do it the right way with your husband by your side? That's great. Justin:              Yeah, I agree. And being able to… They're the characters that emerged from this as the most interesting. I like the tags at the end of both of these books, but they are the ones… I would definitely like to see them on a day to day basis, what they're up to, because otherwise most of the characters in this book are characters we know and already like and they're just being themselves. Thor and She-Hulk are officially dating, which I thought was a fun revelation here. Alex:                 Also, I think this was in this one, I'm kind of mixing them up now, but I love the line after the unofficial Kree-Skrull wedding where the rabbi says, “This is the first outer space same-sex Jewish wedding that I've ever officiated.” But just fun. Just fun stuff. Good times. And the Fantastic Four issue I thought it was very good as well, and also in terms of delineating itself from the Avengers issue, focusing on the history of the blue area of the moon, which has been very key to Marvel universe continuity, working in the unknown that weird Nick Fury robot dude who took over for the Watcher and coming up with a new status quo for him as well. Just a good stuff. It's very clearly following off of Dan Slott's run on Fantastic Four, and it feels of a piece of that, but his run has been good. His run has been funny. He has a good handle of the characters, so this feels fun as well. Justin:              Yeah. Agreed. What I also want to just real quick want to say, it was nice that each separate issue, they came out the same week, and really reflected the different writers who have shepherded this project, their tones a little bit differently, and they were able to have their own wrap up. Because Dan Slott I feel was so Fantastic Four focused and got to have the humor of a Spider-Man hanging out and Wolverine talking shop and all that. That was a very Dan Slott thing to do. Alex:                 Yeah. So good stuff. Even if you were on the fence about Empyre, maybe pick up these two issues so you can have a sense of the new status quo in the Marvel universe. Let's move on to another one. Stealth #5 from Image Comics, written by Mike Costa and art by Nate Bellegarde. Man, I love this book. We've been talking about every issue of this book. This is about a old dark horse, Darkhawk, excuse me, esque superhero, who is suffering from dementia. His son is investigating mysteries that are tied with it. There is an old villain of his who is tied to his origin who is coming after him. This is the issue before the end, so it definitely feels like, even though some big things happened, there's a little bit of a pause there, but particularly with the villain, with Dead Hand, it's so well written and he's so calculated and terrifying at the same time. It's very impressive to read. Justin:              Yeah, I was going to say this comic… We've raved about it so much. Its main characters are so well done. And then they take the time and this issue to really establish… The most fun character in this issue is the villain and we get a little bit of origin snuck into the back half of the book, but it was just another great book. Great action. Really well drawn. Everyone's on the same plane. I don't know what's going to happen in this last issue. Alex:                 I'm very excited to go and get to the end of it. Let's move on to another one that's been great the entire run, Something is Killing the Children #10 from Boom! Studios, written by James Tynion IV, art by Werther Dell'Edera. This is continuing the storyline of a bunch of invisible monsters killing some children. It's fascinating to me that so little and so much happens in every issue of this book. I don't know if you get that feeling as well. Justin:              100%. I get the exact same feeling of like… I'm always like, “Ooh…” This is such a tonal book. It's something that you read where you're just like… You want the taste of it. It's not about a million things happening because the dread they create each issue and those moments of horror and every day… I'm always reminded reading this of the issue where the cop is like, “Hey, I have a bunch of beer in my bag if you want to grab one.” When they're in the impromptu morgue they made in the high school gym, a couple of issues back. And every issue just has those great little details, and then also just a bunch of horrifying action. And this issue has maybe more action than we've seen for a couple. Alex:                 I have a question for you. When there is a monster comes out and kills one of the children, in your head are you like, “That's the thing that's killing the children.” Justin:              No, because I'm constantly, “Is that the thing killing the children?” Because I don't believe… There's something… The mystery they've created here leaves a little bit of like, “Maybe that's not what's killing the children.” Alex:                 Another great issue of this book, and Werther Dell'Edera's art is so gorgeous. I also love the layouts of this book. I mean, this might be part of getting it digitally, but the fact that they have these huge spreads that are multi panels long, it just feels and reads different from every other comic that I'm reading today. Real good stuff. Moving on to Superman #25 from DC Comics written by Brian Michael Bendis and art by Ivan Reis. This is introducing another new villain for Superman, or maybe ally, we'll see what happens, but it is a race of aliens that we've never met before who are aware of the destruction of Krypton, become concerned about Superman, and then proceed to follow him throughout history. Alex:                 So we get a parallel, for this anniversary issue, of Superman's entire history through this alien's perspective as well as through Superman's perspective and his relationship with Lana Lang, which we're reestablishing here. I like this issue. I'm cautiously optimistic after big guy with weird lip that I'm forgetting of the name, [Roeger Thargar 00:15:49] or whatever, the other villain that he introduced. There's a lot of returning to the destruction of Krypton and mining that, so I'm cautiously optimistic. Justin:              Reading this issue, maybe you want to take a mental check in on Bendis's run in general. What do you think? Because this felt a hard reset and sort of like, “Ah, I don't know, let's start over,” in some ways. And I this issue. It made me really think Superman is going to get with Lana Lang, oddly. In a sort of stressful way of. Alex:                 That would be fucked up if that would happen. Justin:              Agreed. But what do you think this means for Bendis's run in general, or what do you think of Bendis's run in general, reading this? Alex:                 I appreciate the fact that he's added a lot of new characters to the Superman continuity. That's certainly something that's needed, but this is the absolute worst way of saying this. A lot of reading his run feels like a chore. Like, “I got to read this because he's going to be adding this new thing that people are going to pick up on later on and it's going to affect the rest of DC continuity so I got to know what's going on.” I don't know, it doesn't feel exactly the right fit for Bendis at the same time. Justin:              I agree. It feels homeworky, where a lot of it is just so much of laying the groundwork, when it's just like, “What is the story you're telling?” So much of the stuff that came before him, I love so much with Superman, the real Superman family living in Smallville and it was a real family unit, and I was like, “I see what the story is here. It's a family unit rallying around their father/husband who is Superman and what he has to do.” And everyone got to do their own thing. In this it feels like Lois and Superman are always in different places, very busy. John Kent is with the Legionnaires now. It feels like everyone's working so hard and I don't know what's happening. Alex:                 There seems to be a loss of the core values of Superman in a certain way. And I think it's funny, because that's something that he is trying to hit constantly and trying to work around and trying to reemphasize. And he does get around to it sometimes in his run, like the fight with the Injustice League in Metropolis, which I honestly do not remember whether that was in Superman or Action Comics, was very good and very tense and very dangerous, but then it was interrupted by Leviathan coming in to be like, “Let's stop this fighting.” It feels watching a chess game in a certain way, to get to your point about laying the groundwork. Justin:              And that's everyone's favorite activity, is just tucking in and watching some fucking chess. Alex:                 Yeah. Bobby what's his name. Justin:              Yes. Searching for Bobby chess fish. Alex:                 Moving on to another setup thing though, Ultraman, The Rise of Ultraman #1 for Marvel Comics, written by Kyle Higgins and Matt Groom, art by Francesco Manna, Michael Cho, Gurihiru, Ed McGuinness, and Espen Grundetjern. This is the classic Ultraman hero. We get a front story and a bunch of backup stories. I'll tell you what, I wasn't totally sold on the lead story because I felt it actually did kind of a Bendis thing of deconstructing and decompressing the origin of Ultraman, and by the end of the issue, I was like, “Great, that was the thing that I was curious to see you get to at the beginning of this issue, because I don't know any of these characters or what's going on.” But I really liked the back matter a lot. Justin:              Yeah, I agree. It was weird. This story had that confidence of “You know what we're doing here. Look at these characters, they're hanging out, they're screwing around.” And then it sort of ended with “Oh, I don't actually know these characters. I don't know what's happening.” And then I'm like, “Oh, I see. Maybe there's an Ultraman happening here.” But the back matter really set it up, set up the whole thing. The Ultra Q I think was the name of the one that really set up what the deal was and how the Kaiju organization came together. And then they had the fun interspersion of the funnies version of Ultraman. Alex:                 Yeah, I like that stuff quite a bit. It's certainly a big package in terms of there's a lot of stuff going on in the comic, so I think it's worth picking up potentially for that. Particularly if you're a fan of Ultraman. I don't have a connection to the franchise or anything, so I was a little lost to the lead story, but I'm definitely curious to pick up the second issue and see how that continues because clearly Marvel has put a lot of faith of this. This is a big priority for them. So I'm curious to see where it goes, particularly because it gets to the point you want it to get to at the end of that first issue. Alex:                 Let's move on to another one, I'm very curious to talk to you about this one, Ice Cream Man Presents: Quarantine Comix Special #1 from Image Comics written by W Maxwell Prince, art by Martin Morazzo, but also by Declan Shalvey and Chris O'Halloran, Deniz Camp, and Artyom Poplin, with Aditya Bidikar, A Ewing, Al Ewing I guess, and PJ Holden, Christopher Cantwell, and Eoin Marron with Chris O'Halloran. So this is a collection of, as the title says, short comics that the Ice Cream Man team published while in quarantine. There are, I believe, four tales of their own, and then four guests tales that go along with it. What'd you think about this book in total and then any particular stories you want to call out? Justin:              I mean, this felt like such a good ice cream. Obviously we love… We talk about this book nonstop. It's something that is just a scary comic book that does so much with its stories to create dread, but also there are moments of humor and really make a point. And this felt like a great book that really digested what we're going through right now and recontextualized our own everyday horror and put it in these different storylines in a way that I thought was great, really great. Alex:                 Yeah. I really like this a lot too. The thing that I was most curious about reading this book is how other people would handle the idea of Ice Cream Man. And of course the lead stories, they capture it perfectly, they're great. They feel exactly Ice Cream Man because it's the team that's doing it. But the one for me that worked perfectly that I could not believe it was the main team not doing it, that was the one by Deniz Camp and Artyom Poplin with Aditya Bidikar. That was the one, if you haven't read it this is obviously spoilers, but it's basically a girl who is looking out through window at the outside world as it's falling apart, whether it's through coronavirus or something worse, like zombie plague, it's not entirely clear. And in the background it certainly seems like her family is falling apart and breaking apart. Alex:                 And at the same time, she's drawing little pictures on the windows to add things into the landscape and what's going on. And of course, things become more horrible, the drawings take on a life of their own. To me, that was like… This is an Ice Cream Man story. This is exactly what it feels like, particularly in the early days of quarantine, to look outside of the window and see those empty streets. Perfect. Justin:              Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Being able to really artistically bring that into the comic book form, I thought this whole book just gives that off in a way that I haven't seen anyone do that. How'd you feel about the Animal Crossing? Alex:                 It was all right. I thought that was okay. I haven't really played Animal Crossing necessarily, but it was like… It's a funny story, but it was too jokey for Ice Cream Man for me, if that tracks? Justin:              Yeah, totally. Alex:                 But yeah, this is a great package. And to your point about the quarantine stuff, I've kind of rankled against anything that talks about quarantine, TV shows that are like, “It's set during quarantine. We filmed it during quarantine. Everybody filmed it on their Zoom cameras,” makes me annoyed and I could care less because I'm living that right now. But this is something that worked for me. Justin:              And I think the real smart thing they did is really interpret it as opposed to presented it, and that's what I love about it. I got to give a shout out to the first story, because it's got my man Shakespeare in it. Alex:                 There you go. Love Shake CW. Justin:              Shakes CW. That's how I think. Scholars refer to him in that way. Alex:                 Back in time. Yeah, great stuff though. Definitely pick that up. Next up Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity #5, excuse me, from DC Comics, written by Kami Garcia, art by Mico Suayan and Jason Badower. We've also talked about almost every issue of this one. This is a more realistic take on Joker and Harley. Joker is a serial killer, Harley is the psychiatrist working with the Gotham PD trying to track him down. This issue, Joker is in her house and she confronts him. This is very well written, but to me, the art is definitely the standout, and it's just gorgeous to look at across the board. Justin:              Agreed. The use of color in this is so smart. The different passages we get in black and white with Joker affectation, and then the other sections that come through. But vivid detail in the black and white. And then later we get the sort of the more comic booky feeling normal coloring passages. It's great. And the way they are positioning Joker and Harley here is something that I haven't really seen in a while, and it was great to see joker with a straightforward origin. There's not a ton of like, “He's a ghost from the future,” or whatever. It was nice to see that. Alex:                 Good book. Definitely pick it up. For adults only. Next up, Web of Venom: Wraith #1 from Marvel written by Donny Cates, art by Guiu Villanova. This is another issue teeing up the big King In Black event that's coming very, very soon. Here we get Wraith, who is in Donny Cates's Guardians of the Galaxy run, dealing with his own symbiote, [Arjun 00:27:03]. Big stuff happens here. This is as tense and big and crazy as usual as we have come to expect from Donnie Cates's Venom run. Good stuff. Justin:              This book doesn't… I'm not super familiar with Wraith, but it didn't have any business being this good and interesting and exciting. It's great. It had the vibe of a great Western story, but bringing in all the symbiote continuity, I guess is the way… It's amazing, just in general, that Venom has become this universe spanning continuity. Alex:                 I don't want to make this one person versus another, but I was struck reading this book, which is something that Donny Cates has already done, where Brian Michael Bendis was like, “Where did the symbiotes come from? The planet Klyntar. That's where they're from.” And the fact that Donny was like, “Yeah, yeah, but also they're the prison for this god Knull. It's not actually their planet or where they come from. It's this other thing,” is in my mind… It's funny that it's a responsible retcon of a retcon, if you know what I mean. Justin:              It's funny to be calling out Bendis so hard in this episode of The Stack, [crosstalk 00:28:23], who we like. Alex:                 Don't come for us, man. Justin:              Don't come for us, man. I also want to call out in this book, the art feels like… The pacing of it, the ramping up and coming down. This feels something that could have been a standalone, Western short story, just with this great Marvel universe stuff laid over top of it. Alex:                 Yeah, it's very good. All of these Web of Venom event things have been very good. Let's move on to another surprisingly good comic, GI Joe #8 from IDW written by Paul Allor and art by Emma Vieceli. I got to say, I went from not caring about GI Joe at all to this being top of my stack every month. This book is great. Justin:              We keep talking about it. Pete's not even here and here we are talking about GI Joe comics, because the depth of the world building they're doing here is just so good. Alex:                 I think my main impression of GI Joe is the 80s cartoon where you have Cobra Commander and it's all very silly and everybody's like, “My name is Ice Cube and shoot ices.” That's pretty much all it is. Justin:              Most of the communication is just the them shouting their names, and their names are also what they do. It's a very Pokemon thing for them to do. Alex:                 And the fact that not only is this team taking the idea of GI Joe seriously, but actually plumbing into their character deaths and making these often excruciating to read character studies about the choices that people need to make in the middle of war, is bonkers. This issue, we get a character who is… Well, the whole setup is Cobra has taken over the world, GI Joe is the underground fighting back, and here we get one of the characters, I'm honestly forgetting which stupid name she has, but she is the Canadian ambassador. She's behind enemy lines. She's starting to fall in love with one of the people from Cobra- Justin:              Are you talking about Bombstrike? Alex:                 Yes. There we go. And the choices that she needs to make across the board where it's like… It's hard to watch. It's hard to read on both sides, when she makes the right choices, when she makes the wrong choices, but that comes down to the writing. The art is good. I really am shocked how great this book is. Justin:              Yeah, and continues to impress. It's not just a flash in the pan one story was good. Continues to be great across the board. Alex:                 Mainly it feels like, and I don't say this to deride the writer or anything, but this feels like if Tom King decided to write GI Joe, what would happen. Justin:              That's good. That's a compliment. Alex:                 Next up, Reaver #11 from Image Comics written by Justin Jordan and art by Niko Henrichon. This follows our fantasy world extreme characters attacking some dudes on a boat. I got to tell you, we've talked about a bunch of issues in this book. It feels like Justin Jordan has finally figured out which characters work, which characters pop, and is just focusing on them, and that in my mind is such a smart decision. Justin:              It's really funny in the page, the author page or the artist page, after the cover, we see all the characters who are initially wandering through the wilderness, and I was like, “Oh yeah, remember all those people?” And now it's just gotten down to these few characters that are just kicking ass. Alex:                 And it's great. I mean, it works. I'm glad they pivoted the book to that. If you have an enormous dude who is impossible to kill and is a crazy murderous barbarian, and a tiny girl with a ghost face and sharp teeth who likes to bite people, focus on them. That's all good. Get rid of the other characters and it's all fine. Justin:              Bring out the bitey girl. Alex:                 But it's good. In terms of being extreme fantasy, I think this is a fun issue. Justin:              Agreed. Alex:                 Last one to talk about, another Evan Dorkin book from Dark Horse Comics Blackwood: The Mourning After #4, art by Veronica and Andy Fish. I'll admit, I haven't really read Blackwood or The Mourning After, but I like this issue quite a bit. This is bunch of people from seemingly a magical school or a magical library who are fighting against somebody. There's some evil masks. The character designs are great. The magic is great. Even knowing nothing about this, I think part of it is that Evan Dorkin is good at plot, Veronica and Andy Fish are great at art, so the issue works even if you don't know anything about it. Justin:              The way that the masked person kills people in this is unbelievable. It's horrifying. Every time I was just like, “Huh.” You see their corpse, it's great. Alex:                 It's kind of amazing reading these two Evan Dorkin Dark Horse books back to back, which I did, Bill and Ted are Doomed and The Morning After #4, because you have one that's like, “Fun times, Bill and Ted, woo.” And the other one's, people's flesh being ripped off their bones. Good stuff. Just very talented guy. Justin:              Yeah, I agree. And to be able to work in those two different tones is very cool. Alex:                 There you go. All right, that is it for The Stack. If you'd like to support our podcast, patreon.com/comicbookclub. Also we do a live show every Tuesday at 7:00 PM to Crowdcast and YouTube. iTunes, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, or the app of your choice to subscribe and listen to the show. @comicbooklive to follow us socially. Comicbookclublive.com for this podcast and many more. We'll see you at the virtual comic book shop. Justin:              Live large. Get out of that poison Ivy patch, baby. The post The Stack: Bill & Ted Are Doomed, Dark Nights Death Metal And More appeared first on Comic Book Club. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookclub See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After their foray into the abyss that is the 1993 Marvel annuals, Paul and Al are back with a regular episode, with chat about Denny O'Neil and Joe Sinnott, the recent wave of allegations of impropriety and harassment in comics, DC quitting Diamond, Marvel's new Warhammer line, the culling of the Empyre crossover and the return of Bill & Ted under Evan Dorkin and Roger Langridge, as well as reviews of Ash & Thorn and All-America Comix. I don't understand how a heart is a spade but somehow the Official Handbook of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe is made.

Comics Review Details: From Beyond the Unknown Giant 1 by Dave Wielgosz, Marc Guggenheim, Dan Jurgens, Steve Pugh, Norm Rapmund, Kenneth Rocafort Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Something Wicked 1 by Kelly Thompson, Veronica Fish, Andy Fish Lucifer's Knight 1 by John Perry, Emi Utrera, Jolly Awodola Afterlift by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne Sentient by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel Walta Breaklands by Justin Jordan, Tyasseta, Sarah Stern Nowhere Men 1 by Eric Stephenson, Nate Bellegarde, Jordie Bellaire Black Monday Murders 1 by Jonathan Hickman, Tomm Coker Berzerker Unbound by Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato Jr Additional Reviews: Locke & Key s1, Dracula, Frankenstein News: King and Taylor trolling, Disney/Marvel make cuts, pencils down, Artemis Fowl straight to Disney+ Special Comics Countdown (OGNs): Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol Sentient by Jeff Lemire, Gabriel Walta Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp, Manuel Preitano Shadow of the Batgirl by Sarah Kuhn, Nicole Goux Frogcatchers by Jeff Lemire Extraordinary: The Story of an Ordinary Princess by Cassie Anderson The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips Afar by Leila del Duca, Kit Seaton Criminy by Roger Langridge, Ryan Ferrier

https://premium.badtaste.it ➡ Sostieni BadTaste.it: diventa nostro sottoscrittore e ottieni la tua t-shirt esclusiva disegnata da Mirka Andolfo! Claudio Scaccabarozzi ha recensito per voi “Orrore a Hollywood”, terzo volume saldaPress dedicato a Rocketeer, scritto da Roger Langridge per le matite di J. Bone.

We’re back! This week we read Thor: Mighty Avenger, by Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee. We debate the existence of Sasquatch, envision Jesus on the Avengers, and wonder who wore it best: Netflix’s A Knight Before Christmas, Kate & Leopold, or Thor. Make sure to drop by the Eureka Valley Public Library (in the Castro) and check out our art on display! **Edit** Thor originally appeared in Journey into Mystery, NOT Tales to Astonish.

Rachelle and Dave are joined by their friend J.Bone to talk about Dave Stevens' The Rocketeer. J is not only a fan, he also has drawn a lot of Rocketeer comics himself, including Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror with Roger Langridge, The Rocketeer and The Spirit with Darwyn Cooke, The Rocketeer at War with Marc Guggenheim and he did the cover and interior illustrations for the prose collection, The Rocketeer: Jet-pack Adventures. So he knows a little something about ol' Cliff Secord. Also in this episode: the first official image of Josh Brolin as Cable, Dave recommends the first issue of Elsewhere from Image Comics, Rachelle recommends The Wendy Project by Melissa Jane Osborne and Veronica Fish, and J recommends old romance comics.

Chris gets back into the latest news and upcoming releases including: the passing of Sam Glanzman and USS Stevens, the NPR 100 Favorite Comics And Graphic Novels list, Mike Mignola and Rasputin: Voice of the Dragon‘s, Hellboy: Krampusnacht and Koshchei The Deathless, Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible Volume 1-2 Omnibus, BPRD: Hell On Earth Omnibus, Frank Miller’s Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi from IDW, Behaving Madly the anthology of MAD knock-offs, a huge list of IDW/SDCC trade paperback and hardcovers exclusives including several Artist Editions, Silver Volume 3 from Dark Planet Comics, Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition from Viz, Batman: The Dark Prince Charming 1-2 from DC, Roger Langridge’s Fred the Clown - The Iron Duchess free downloads, Check, Please! and The Thing 35th Anniversary Art Book from Printed in Blood.

For March, Sean and Derek check out three very different webcomics. They begin with Roger Langridge's The Great McGonagall, a biographical treatment of William "Topaz" McGonagall, known historically as the worst poet in the world. This is a very new webcomic, having begun in January 2017, and in it Langridge takes an already cartoonish figure and plays it up for even more humor. As the guys point out, the artist's style is perfect for this kind of send up. Next, Sean and Derek turn their attention to Sufficiently Remarkable, Maki Naro's ongoing look at the struggles of a young artist trying to get by in New York City. Naro is one of the former contestants of Strip Search -- much like Abby Howard, whom the guys discussed back in October -- and, in fact, is how he first gained Sean's attention. As Derek reveals, this is a reality-based drama of interpersonal relationships, but one that struggles at times with the occasional pull into gag-strip formulas. Finally, and after a brief check in with Jim McClain about the progress of his and Paul Schultz's Poe and the Mysteriads, the guys round out the episode with a discussion of The Boston Metaphorical Society. Written by Madeleine Holly-Rosing and with art by Emily Hu, this is a steampunk-inspired narrative surrounding the paranormal investigations of a former Pinkerton agent, his uniquely talented colleagues, and the scientific exploits of Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and Harry Houdini. This is the second webcomic of the month that mines history for its content, although unlike Roger Langridge's cartoon biography, this one uses the past as a springboard for its fantastical flourishes.

Welcome to episode two hundred and thirteen, a two and a half hour episode bursting to the brim with comic book talk, as Graeme McMillan and Jeff Lester discuss Captain America Steve Rogers #1 and the first four issue of Karnak, all recently available on Marvel Unlimited, scheduling snags and the coming Wild Storm, the first issue of Betty Boop by Roger Langridge and Gisèle Lagacé, Batgirl, Wonder Woman, New Talent Showcase, licensed comics, Garth Ennis comics, Greg Pak comics, and oh so much more.  Show notes are available at waitwhatpodcast.com, we welcome your comments and questions at WaitWhatPodcast@gmail.com, and we invite you to look out for us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Patreon!

Time Codes: 00:00:34 - Introduction 00:02:34 - Andy's report on Cartoons Crossroads Columbus 00:15:08 - Setup of this year's Halloween episode 00:17:24 - All-age Halloween anthologies 00:43:38 - Betty Boop #1 and Spell on Wheels #1 00:59:47 - The Lost Boys #1 and American Vampire Anthology #2 01:19:48 - The Double Life of Miranda Turner and Nix Comics Quarterly #9 01:34:22 - Wrap up 01:35:55 - Contact us It's the Wednesday before Halloween, so it's time once again for the Two Guys with PhDs to look at this season's spooky, horror-filled offerings. This year, Andy and Derek discuss 10 individual titles, some of which were specifically published for Halloween 2016 and others with particular themes and release dates that nicely coincide with the holiday. They begin with four all-age anthology titles and then move on to works that, while not specifically intended as Halloween specials, capture the spirit of the season  in one form or another. In total, they discuss: The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror #22, by Matt Groenig and others (Bongo Comics) Spongebob Comics #61, edited by Chris Duffy (United Plankton Pictures) Adventure Time Spooktacular 2016, by Pendleton Ward and others (KaBoom!) Disney's Giant Halloween Hex, by various (IDW Publishing) Betty Boop #1, by Roger Langridge and Gisèle Lagacé (Dynamite Entertainment) Spell on Wheels #1, by Kate Leth and Megan Levens (Dark Horse Comics) The Lost Boys #1, by Tim Seeley and Scott Godlewski (DC/Vertigo) American Vampire Anthology #2, by Scott Snyder and others (DC/Vertigo) The Double Life of Miranda Turner, by Jamie S. Smith and George Kambadais (Image Comics) Nix Comics Quarterly #9, by Ken Eppstein and others (Nix Comics)  

This week on the Major Spoilers Podcast: The Adventures of Wally Fresh, Blue Beetle #1, Betty Boop #1, and Kaladesh is Magic! Plus Dot-to-Dots for everyone! Support this show on Patreon! http://patreon.com/MajorSpoilers NEWS Will dot-to-dot replace adult coloring books? http://majorspoilers.com/2016/09/22/solicitations-forget-adult-coloring-books-dot/ The Legion Clubhouse! http://twitter.com/LegionClubhouse REVIEWS STEPHEN BLUE BEETLE #1 Writer: Keith Giffen Artist: Scott Kolins Publisher: DC Comics Jaime Reyes is back home, but just when he thought he had a grasp on this alter-ego, the Blue Beetle, he discovers everything he believed about his scarab is a lie according to the mysterious Doctor Fate. With dire warnings about the symbiote that is fused to Reyes' spine, Kent Nelson, the original wielder of Doctor Fate's power, seemingly on verge of insanity, has he come to save Jaime as he claims...or will he try to eliminate the Blue Beetle, no matter the cost? [rating:3/5] MATTHEW BETTY BOOP #1 Writer: Roger Langridge Art: Gisle Lagace Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment The most famous female cartoon star of all is back - and Dynamite has her! All-new adventures of Betty Boop (with her pals Koko the Clown and Bimbo, natch!) by award-winning writer Roger Langridge and Gisele Lagace. Join Betty as she works at the Oop-A-Doop Club, dreams of hitting the big-time, looks after her old Grampy... oh yeah, and FIGHTS GHOSTS! (Betty was always ahead of her time!) [rating: 3.5/5] RODRIGO Kaladesh is a Magic: The Gathering expansion block consisting of the sets Kaladesh and Aether Revolt. [rating:3/5] MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK http://majorspoilers.com/2016/09/27/poll-week-sith-lord-edition/ If you want to suggest a trade paperback, you need to send an email to podcast@majorspoilers.com. That suggestion will go into the hopper and at least once a month, we'll pick a number of suggestions for you to vote on, and at the end of the polling period, the book with the most votes will get the Major Spoilers Podcast treatment. DISCUSSION The Adventures of Wally Fresh Volume 1: Cupid's Arrow Turner Lange Wally Fresch, a young layabout living in Brooklyn, has hit a rough patch recently. After the current economic fallout left Wally out of work, he has been struggling to pay his rent and get his life back in order. As a result, he has taken on a new roommate, Barry (a spirit animal from the spirit World). Together with their next-door neighbor with a deadly past, Valerie, the three now get into just about any trouble they can find. Cupid's Arrow finds Wally attempting to relieve his romantic woes by turning to the world of internet dating. He quickly finds the woman who might just be “The One.” However, Valerie has her suspicions. She warns Barry that a serial killer is on the loose, a deadly beauty targeting men in the tri-state area through online dating. Afraid that Wally might be next, Valerie and Barry race against time as they try to solve the mystery of the Marmalade Mangler. CLOSE Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends! Closing music comes from Ookla the Mok.

This week on the Major Spoilers Podcast: The Adventures of Wally Fresh, Blue Beetle #1, Betty Boop #1, and Kaladesh is Magic! Plus Dot-to-Dots for everyone! Support this show on Patreon! http://patreon.com/MajorSpoilers NEWS Will dot-to-dot replace adult coloring books? http://majorspoilers.com/2016/09/22/solicitations-forget-adult-coloring-books-dot/ The Legion Clubhouse! http://twitter.com/LegionClubhouse REVIEWS STEPHEN BLUE BEETLE #1 Writer: Keith Giffen Artist: Scott Kolins Publisher: DC Comics Jaime Reyes is back home, but just when he thought he had a grasp on this alter-ego, the Blue Beetle, he discovers everything he believed about his scarab is a lie according to the mysterious Doctor Fate. With dire warnings about the symbiote that is fused to Reyes’ spine, Kent Nelson, the original wielder of Doctor Fate’s power, seemingly on verge of insanity, has he come to save Jaime as he claims...or will he try to eliminate the Blue Beetle, no matter the cost? [rating:3/5] MATTHEW BETTY BOOP #1 Writer: Roger Langridge Art: Gisle Lagace Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment The most famous female cartoon star of all is back - and Dynamite has her! All-new adventures of Betty Boop (with her pals Koko the Clown and Bimbo, natch!) by award-winning writer Roger Langridge and Gisele Lagace. Join Betty as she works at the Oop-A-Doop Club, dreams of hitting the big-time, looks after her old Grampy... oh yeah, and FIGHTS GHOSTS! (Betty was always ahead of her time!) [rating: 3.5/5] RODRIGO Kaladesh is a Magic: The Gathering expansion block consisting of the sets Kaladesh and Aether Revolt. [rating:3/5] MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK http://majorspoilers.com/2016/09/27/poll-week-sith-lord-edition/ If you want to suggest a trade paperback, you need to send an email to podcast@majorspoilers.com. That suggestion will go into the hopper and at least once a month, we’ll pick a number of suggestions for you to vote on, and at the end of the polling period, the book with the most votes will get the Major Spoilers Podcast treatment. DISCUSSION The Adventures of Wally Fresh Volume 1: Cupid's Arrow Turner Lange Wally Fresch, a young layabout living in Brooklyn, has hit a rough patch recently. After the current economic fallout left Wally out of work, he has been struggling to pay his rent and get his life back in order. As a result, he has taken on a new roommate, Barry (a spirit animal from the spirit World). Together with their next-door neighbor with a deadly past, Valerie, the three now get into just about any trouble they can find. Cupid’s Arrow finds Wally attempting to relieve his romantic woes by turning to the world of internet dating. He quickly finds the woman who might just be “The One.” However, Valerie has her suspicions. She warns Barry that a serial killer is on the loose, a deadly beauty targeting men in the tri-state area through online dating. Afraid that Wally might be next, Valerie and Barry race against time as they try to solve the mystery of the Marmalade Mangler. CLOSE Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends! Closing music comes from Ookla the Mok.

It's been a very Thor week for Joe. So Thor, in fact, that he got a migraine and so had to delay this week's minithode. Anyway, having got the puns out of our system, let's take a look at J. Michael Straczynski and Oliver Coipel's Thor (2007) vol. 1, and Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee's Thor: The Mighty Avenger. There's also a roundup of some news bits, although note that the ep was recorded before SDCC kicked off in earnest - so we'll catch up with all the goings-on from there on our next full ep! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

DC Rebirth Week 3: Flash, Detective Comics 934, Wonder Woman, Action Comics 957, Aquaman; Top 10 comics sales May 2016; Wacky Raceland 1; Civil War II: Spider-Man and Gods of War; Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy; Private Eye; Scarlet TV series 08 June Comics Countdown: 10. Daredevil 8 by Charles Soule, Goran Sudzuka, Matt Milla 9. Black Canary 12 by Brenden Fletcher, Sandy Jarrell, Annie Wu, Lee Loughridge 8. Sheriff of Babylon 7 by Tom King, Mitch Gerads 7. Shutter 22 by Joe Keatinge, Leila Del Duca, Owen Gieni 6. Baker Street Peculiars 4 by Roger Langridge, Andy Hirsch, Fred Stresing 5. Detective Comics 934 by James Tynion IV, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Adriano Lucas 4. Head Lopper 4 by Andew MacLean 3. Howard the Duck 8 by Chip Zdarsky, Joe Quinones, Joe Rivera, Jordan Gibson 2. Harrow County 13 by Cullen Bunn, Tyler Crook, Brian Hurtt, Matt Kindt 1. Vision 8 by Tom King, Gabriel Walta, Jordie Bellaire

Remembering Darwyn Cooke, Top 10 in April comics sales, Captain America Civil War, X-Men Apocalypse reviews,  Marvel TV and movie news, DC TV and movie news, Powers TV show, Locke and Key, and the Comics Countdown for 11 May 2016.   Detailed: Darwyn Cooke, New Frontier, Parker, Catwoman, X-Statix, Minutemen, Batman Beyond; Top 10 comics sales (Star Wars, Black Panther, Gwenpool, Harley Quinn, Batman); Captain America Civil War Take Three; X-Men Apocalypse reviews; Black Panther casting; Locke & Key; Supergirl moves to CW; Powerless to NBC; Krypton to SyFy; no more Agent Carter; Most Wanted won't happen; Powers on Playstation; Ireland Comic Con.   11 May 2016 Comics Countdown 10. A & A: the Adventures of Archer and Armstrong 3 by Rafer Roberts, David Lafuente, Ryan Winn, Brian Reber 9. Gotham Academy 18 by Brenden Fletcher, Adam Archer, Sandra Hope, Moritat, Serge LaPointe, Steve Orlando, Minkyu Jung, Natasha Alterici, Faith Hicks 8. House of Penance 2 by Peter Tomasi, Ian Betram, Dave Stewart 7. Darth Vader 20 by Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca, Edgar Delgado, Mike Norton, David Curiel 6. Baker Street Peculiars 3 by Roger Langridge, Andy Hirsch 5. Batman 52 by James Tynion IV, Riley Rossmo, Brian Level, Jordan Boyd, Fco Plascencia,  4. Harrow County 12 by Cullen Bunn, Hannah Christenson 3. Archie 8 by Mark Waid, Veronica Fish, Andre Szymanowicz, Jen Vaughn 2. Vision 7 by Tom King, Michael Walsh, Jordie Bellaire 1. Southern Bastards 14 by Jason Aaron, Jason Latour

This week, we're thrilled to have Roger Langridge - the all-ages comics genius - on the show. Yes, he's awesome. And yes, I just made up that "all-ages comics genius" moniker...but it's totally appropriate.

We talk about some of our favorite DC Rebirth announcements! Plus, we review all these books: Another Castle #1 - Andrew Wheeler, Paulina Ganucheau The Baker Street Peculiars #1 - Roger Langridge, Andy Hirsch Black Widow #1 - Mark Waid, Chris Samnee The Doorman #1 - Eliot Rahal, Daniel Kibblesmith, Kendall Goode International Iron Man #1 - Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev Mockingbird #1 - Chelsea Cain, Kate Niemczyk Patience - Daniel Clowes

This week on the podcast, Gwen and Derek look at three very different recent titles. They begin with Carlos Giménez's Paracuellos. The original first two volumes of this comic, published in Spain in 1977 and 1982, have now been collected into a single-volume English translation (by Sonya Jones) and published by IDW's EuroComics imprint. The Paracuellos strips are Giménez's autobiographical look at his time in several of the Social Aid "homes" that were a part of Francisco Franco's fascist Spain. As Gwen and Derek reveal, the stories are stark and heartbreaking, and Giménez presents a difficult environment where oppression and apathy (at least in the context of the adults) shape young and vulnerable lives. They discuss not only the socio-political atmosphere of Paracuellos, but also Giménez's stylistic strategies for rendering this world. Next, the Guy and Gal with PhDs Talking about Comics look at two #1 issues just released this month: Roger Langridge and Andy Hirsch's The Baker Street Peculiars (KaBOOM! Studios) and Jimmie Robinson's Power Lines (Image Comics). The former is of particular interest to them, since Andy Hirsch is a friend of the show. This is the first of a four-issue series about a group of young outsiders who team up with whom appears to be Sherlock Holmes in 1930s London. The setup to this story is action-packed and exudes adventure, and Hirsch's art brings out both the dynamism and the fun that this narrative has to offer. Power Lines is a different take on race relations in the United States, and, in many ways, it's a very timely premise. A young African American male goes with his tagger friends into a white middle-class neighborhood, only to find himself a embroiled in some mysterious centuries-old power from which he cannot extricate himself. (Sort of like race in America?) Both Gwen and Derek like where Robinson seems to be going with the story, but they nonetheless wonder if he may be unexpectedly stepping into some ethnically tinged traps. However, the ambition is clearly there, and both cohosts are curious where Robinson's story will eventually lead.

Derek is back at his local shop, Collected Comics and Games in Plano, TX, for the March on-location episode of podcast. (Unfortunately that was no February episode at Collected due to unforeseen circumstances.) While there, he talks with several shop employees and customers about a variety of comics-related matters. Folks spend a lot of time discussing some of the titles they've been reading lately. Matt Kuzio, who usually participates in these shows, was unable to be there this month, but he shared in absentia some of the comics he's been enjoying, including Emma Ríos and Kwei Lim's Mirror (Image Comics), Kate Leth and Brittney Williams'a Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! (Marvel Comics), Chris Lewis and Tony Gregori's Karma Police (Comics Experience), and Sarah Andersen's Adulthood Is a Myth: A Sarah's Scribbles Collection (Andrews McMeel Publishing). Sabrina, the shop manager, talks up some of the preview copies she's been receiving, such as the first issues of Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber's The Fix (Image Comics), Christopher Sebela and Robert Wilson IV, Heartthrob (Oni Press), and Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss's 4 Kids Walk into a Bank (Black Mask Comics). Chris, a regular customer of Collected, discusses his enthusiasm for Angela Queen of Hel (Marvel). And shop employee, Stephanie, mentions Marguerite Bennett and Ariela Kristantina's Insext, although Derek references his less-than-enthusiastic discussion of the title in the recent publisher spotlight on AfterShock Comics. There's also quite a bit of talk over recent comics in TV and film -- such as the new Lucifer series and the second season of Daredevil -- and, on a very special note, everyone there sings the praises of Andy Hirsh, a local artist (and friend of the show) who is also a Collected customer. His series, The Baker Street Peculiars (written by Roger Langridge and published by BOOM! Studios) just began this month, and his new book, Varmints, is due for release this fall from First Second. Needless to say, there's plenty to discuss, and the guys cover a lot of ground this month!

Top 300 Feb sales, Civil War trailer, Mockingbird 1, Haunted Mansion, Spidey 2099, Tale of Shadows by Lyndon White, Boo Hag by Kelly Williams, 09 Mar Countdown. In detail: February sales (down for Marvel, down for DC, Image good!, Dark Horse and Vertigo not so great), Spider-Man underoos, Winter Soldier vs. Dark Knight, X-Men Apocalypse, Haunted Mansion by Joshua Williamson and Jorge Coelho, Mockingbird by Chelsea Cain and Kate Niemczyk, Novelists as Comic Writers, Spider-Man 2099 by Peter David and Will Sliney, Spider-Woman by Dennis Hopeless and Javier Rodriguez, Spider-Women crossover, Tale of Shadows by Lyndon White, Boo Hag by Kelly Williams, Alterna Comics and Peter Simeti, Headless Horseman by Ray and Kelly Williams, Paradox Girl, Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy crossover by Chyna Clugston, Red Alert for Telos, Quick hits: Vision, All-New Wolverine, Ms. Marvel, Headlopper, Gotham Academy.   Comics Countdown 09 Mar 2016: 10. Rocket Raccoon and Groot 3 by Skottie Young, Filipe Andrade 9. Batman and Robin Eternal 23 by Genevieve Valentine, Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Christian Fernandez, Gabe Eltaeb 8. Spider-Gwen 6 by Jason Latour, Robbi Rodriguez, Rico Renzi 7. Baker Street Peculiars 1 by Roger Langridge, Andy Hirsch 6. Harrow County 10 by Cullen Bunn, Tyler Crook 5. Descender 11 by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen, 4. Legend of Wonder Woman 3 by Renae DeLiz, Ray Dillon 3. Mighty Thor 5 by Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman 2. Snow Blind 4 by Ollie Masters, Tyler Jenkins 1. Doctor Strange 6 by Jason Aaron, Chris Bachalo, et al   Links: Graphic Policy sales article from Glenn and Ray: http://graphicpolicy.com/2016/03/15/by-the-numbers-february-2016/ Ray's DC reviews for GeekMom: http://geekdad.com/2016/03/dc-this-week-the-legend-of-wonder-woman-soars/ and http://geekdad.com/2016/03/new-52-detective-catwoman/ Rabbitt Stew Comics facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Rabbitt-Stew-Comics-239188076419130/

Marvel Holiday Special 2005.  “The Mole Man's Christmas” written by Shaenon Garrity, with Andrew Farago, and pencils by Roger Langridge.

One of the things that has defined 2015 for The Comics Alternative has been the number of Publisher Spotlights it's presented -- seven, up until today. This week, the Two Guys are back with their eighth and final spotlight of the year, one on the fall releases out of Locust Moon Press. They begin their critical focus with a brief interview Derek conducted with Josh O'Neill, the publisher of Locust Moon Press. In that conversation, Josh shares the background and history of Locust Moon, first as a bookstore (which will be closing its doors early next year) and then as a publisher with an impressive catalog. They also discuss the press' success with Kickstarter, including last year's campaign with Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream and the current efforts with The Lost Work of Will Eisner. After that, Andy and Derek get into the nitty gritty of the show, a discussion of Locust Moon's fall releases. They begin with Prometheus Eternal, a short collection of stories inspired by Rubens's famous painting, Prometheus Bound. This work was created in collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art and including work by such creators as Grant Morrison, Paul Pope, Dave McKean, Bill Sienkiewicz, Farel Dalrymple, Yuko Shimizu, and David Mack. Next, the guys turn to another collection, this one the sixth issue of Quarter Moon. The theme to this issue is "Impractical Cats," and with cat-related contributions from a variety of creators including Farel Dalrymple, Tia McClelland, Mike Sgier, Lisk Feng, Jim Comey, Gregory Benton, J.G. Jones, Dean Haspiel, Jeremy Baum, and a host of others. After that, they look at Ben Kahn and Bruno Hidalgo's Shaman, a satiric and inventive mashup of superheroes, the supernatural, and humor. Neither Andy nor Derek were aware of Shaman before this spotlight episode -- they completely missed Kahn's Kickstarter from earlier this year -- but now they're totally on board and look forward to more of this series, because it's funny as hell. Finally, the guys wrap up with a long discussion of Little Nemo's Big New Dreams, a joint effort with Françoise Mouly's TOON Graphics. This is a smaller, more affordable, and more holdable, version of the broadsheet-sized Dream Another Dream, including more than thirty strips from the Eisner Award-winning collection. And like the aforementioned Prometheus Eternal and Quarter Moon collections, this TOON book is chock-full of impressive contributors, including Art Spiegelman, Craig Thompson, Carla Speed McNeil, Mark Buckingham, Roger Langridge, Box Brown, R. Sikoryak, Jim Rugg, Yuko Shimizu, Gerhard...and the list goes on. In fact, you could even see today's show as the most creator-packed episode that the Two Guys have ever recorded.

Ray is in great form as he receives a very special gift from illustrator Roger Langridge that momentarily leaves him lost for words. Tom Stade also rings up for a chat, and Ray gets his hands on Nat’s phone and sends a tweet that she’s really not happy about. They have a bit of a do, so Adam comes in for some conflict resolution and they’re all friends again by the end of the show.

Ray is in great form as he receives a very special gift from illustrator Roger Langridge that momentarily leaves him lost for words. Tom Stade also rings up for a chat, and Ray gets his hands on Nat’s phone and sends a tweet that she’s really not happy about. They have a bit of a do, so Adam comes in for some conflict resolution and they’re all friends again by the end of the show.

- Ei8ht #1. Mike Johnson y Rafael Albuquerque. (Dark Horse). - Mandrake the Magician #1. Roger Langridge y Jeremy Treece. (Dynamite). - Secret Identities #1 Jay Faerber/Brian Joines y Ilias Kyriazis. (Image). - Silk #1. Robbie Thomson y Stacey Lee. (Marvel). - Burning Fields #2. Michael Moreci, Tim Daniel y Colin Lorimer. (Boom!). - Reyn #2. Keal Simons y Nate Stockman. (Image). Pequeña review de: - Ivar, Timewalker #2. Fred Van Lente y Clayton Henry (Valiant).

- Ei8ht #1. Mike Johnson y Rafael Albuquerque. (Dark Horse). - Mandrake the Magician #1. Roger Langridge y Jeremy Treece. (Dynamite). - Secret Identities #1 Jay Faerber/Brian Joines y Ilias Kyriazis. (Image). - Silk #1. Robbie Thomson y Stacey Lee. (Marvel). - Burning Fields #2. Michael Moreci, Tim Daniel y Colin Lorimer. (Boom!). - Reyn #2. Keal Simons y Nate Stockman. (Image). Pequeña review de: - Ivar, Timewalker #2. Fred Van Lente y Clayton Henry (Valiant).

SHOW NOTES: Roger Langridge’s website and twitter Read an excellent interview with Roger that I refer to a number of times in our conversation here. Th…

This week on The Comics Alternative the Two Guys with PhDs discuss Rocketeer comics. In fact, it's an all-Rocketeer episode, from the Dave Stevens material to the most recent manifestation with The Spirit. So come put on your jodhpurs, strap on your jet pack, and get ready to take off as Andy and Derek try their best to cover the full range of Rocketeer titles – a formidable task, indeed – beginning at the beginning with Dave Steven's groundbreaking Rocketeer stories, the mulit-creator collections Rocketeer Adventures vol. 1 and Rocketeer Adventures vol. 2, Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, Roger Langridge and J. Bone's The Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror, and Mark Waid and Paul Smith's most recent Rocketeer story, The Rocketeer and The Spirit: Pulp Friction (all published by IDW). This episode it chocked full of that nougaty goodness we have come to know as Cliff Secord and his posse. Plus, lots of Betty talk. What's not to like?

Roger Langridge and Dan Berry chat about tricking people into liking their work, getting better at writing and remaining visible.

All-different! All-weird! Around Comics' Brion "Sal" Salazar picks up the baton dropped by his wayward brother, helping us through The Dark Knight Rises, Green Lantern, Avengers, and other comic book-themed films (with a little Battleship on the side), Chew Volume Five: Major League Chew from John Layman and Rob Guillory, Hiroya Oku's Gantz from Dark Horse (incorporating Eli Roth and Hostel/Cabin Fever, Human Centipede, Rob Zombie and his cinematic oeuvre, Jim Lee and 100 Bullets, Bryan Hitch, Paolo Rivera, J. Scott Campbell, Scott McCloud and Abraham Lincoln, and more!), Sammy the Mouse from Zac Sally and La Mano 21, Mark Waid's The Unknown, Eric Powell's Goon (by way of Alan Moore and Pictopia, Mike Norton, Scotty Young, Rick Remender and Fear Agent, Hellboy, Jeff Lemire, and others), IDW's Popeye #1 from Roger Langridge and Bruce Ozella, The Green River Killer, a tease for Morrison and Quitely's Flex Mentallo, podcast burnout, and a whole mess more!

All your base belong to us, including Douglas Adams, FCBD 2011 (Locke & Key from IDW and Gabriel Rodriguez, Kirkman and Howard's stunning Duper Dinosaur Origin Special, Captain America and Thor the Mighty: Fighting avengers by Roger Langridge and Chris Samnee, The Dark Crystal and Jim Henson, Top 10 Deadliest Sharks from Discovery Channel, Escapegoat, and more), Jacques Tardi, Hine and Kane's Bulletproof Coffin, Fear Itself, Flashpoint #1, Vince rants on Wonder Woman (and eats a heapin' helping of crow in the process), creators outliving their shelf lives, Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris from Dynamite, Judgment on Gotham, new reader hurdles, Remender, Moore, and company's Venom, Butcher Baker, Four Star Studios, Fracture, and a whole mess more!

Really, what’s more in keeping with the Easter season than a podcast with Aron, Paul, Tim and Wayne talking about comics?  Whether you’re celebrating the resurrection of the living God or enjoying an off-the-hook pagan fertility ritual, clearly this is the podcast for you. Business cards Tim’s nerd date Roger Langridge and R-rated superhero comics […]

Jermaine, Stephen, Adam, Frank and special guest Michael come down with a completely natural case of the giggles as they talk about Roger Langridge's serious remarks on the severe nature of modern comics, point out some DC goofs, chat with Free Comic Book Day guest Brian Smith about the debut of the Intrepid Escapegoat and bring out the ol' Spoiler Alert siren for Avengers #12!

In this colon-infested commentary, we touch upon Predators, Ken Meyer Jr's awe-inspiring Ink Stains for Comic Attack, CLiNT, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Batgirl Vol. 1: Batgirl Rising, Abe Sapien: The Abyssal Plain #2, Morning Glories #1 from Image, Baltimore: The Plague Ships #1, Fear Agent: Out of Step part one from Dark Horse, Pilot Season: Stellar, The Sixth Gun from Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt from Oni Press, Steve Pugh (with Warren Ellis) and Hotwire: Deep Cut #1 from Radical (with a bit of Legends: The Enchanted for not-so-good measure), Thor, the Mighty Avenger by Chris Samnee and Roger Langridge, Vertigo's Unknown Soldier, Hack/Slash: My First Maniac, Officer Downe from Joe Casey and Chris Burnham, Scarlet #1, The Sword (part the first) from Image, and much, much more!

July 7, 2010 - Chris Samnee has come a long way, and impresses comic fans with every page he puts out. Now, as a regular artist at Marvel and other publishers, as well as one of the Comictwart group, fans have seen a lot of wonderful art from Samnee. Chris Neseman and Josh Flanagan talked with Chris about his work on this week's Thor: The Mighty Avenger, written by Roger Langridge, Vertigo's Area 10 written by Christos Gage, Siege: Embedded, The Mighty, the forthcoming Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale, and way back to Capote in Kansas. Is Samnee the hardest working man in comics, and will he draw until he drops? Is there such a thing as too much coffee? We all hope not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, we wrap up our massive coverage of  the c2e2 comics convention . In part 2 we talk with Mike Perkins, who talks about being at the halfway point drawing Stephen King's  The Stand.. Raven Gregory writor/Editor of Zenescope  talks about Grimm's Fairy Tales, and the new Charmed series. Don Kramer discusses taking over the art duties on Wonder Woman, collaborating with J. Michael Straczynski. ArtistChris Samnee talks Area 10 his Vertigo Crime Novel with Christos Gage, his upcoming new Marvel all ages book Thor: The Mighty Avenger written by Roger Langridge, and the origin of Comic Twart, the online artist jam blog, featuring many top illustrators.  A massive Green Lantern creator conversation, with Doug Mahnke, Christian Allmay, Pete Tomasi and Patrick Gleason.Tom Stillwell talks about Honor Brigade and the new Toy Boy one shot. Zander Cannon discusses his work on Top 10 for Wildstorm and his book on the US-Soviet space race T-Minus with Kevin Cannon and Jim Ottaviani.Josh Elder talks about co-founding Reading With Pictures,a not for profit group trying to bring comics to the classroom, to help schools promote and encourage literacy . Andy Kuhn and Phil Hester  tell us about the return of their Image Comics series Firebreather, and its coming debut as an anime film for Cartoon Network directed by Peter Chung.. Matt Kindt talks about the Super Spy The Lost Dossier for Top Shelf  and his June Vertigo OGN Revolver. Web Comic creators Len Kody and Tony Maldanado talk Chicago 1968,. David Peterson talks Mouse Guard : Legends Of the Guard , and Janet Lee & Jim McCann discuss their childrenís book Return of The Dapper Men both from Archaia , Chris Burnam talks about Officer Downe his new collaboration with Joe Casey, and his work on Boomís Armory Wars with Peter David, and Tom Fowler wraps things up to talk about Mysterius The Unfathomable for Wildstorm, and his work for Mad

Heroes Con 2009 starts tomorrow! To help us get excited for the event, Roger Langridge, Jonathan Hickman, Chad Cicconi, Adam Withers and Comfort Love, and Dave Wachter all join us to talk about the con. (1:53:40)