“It is a hell of a lot of fun.” On today’s episode we talk about the nonsensical, psychadelic, batshit insane comic that is Shade the Changing Man. Created and drawn by the legendary Steve Ditko with scripting by Michael Fleisher, this is 1970s weirdness to the extreme. Is there any narrative coherence to the story? No. Is there a hell of a lot of …

“I have found that to be a fan of something is to let fandom go.” One of the more controversial crossover event comics ever released. It has a bad reputation among fans in general and Captain America fans in particular. Written by Nick Spencer and drawn by a roster of superstar artists, Secret Empire sees Cap implementing a fascist takeover of the …

“A gritty…but not grim…street-level aspect to the character.” Today on the program Selina’s Big Score a Catwoman comic (sort of). It is a noir crime drama, a gumshoe detective story, a heist caper, but mostly it’s Darwyn Cooke just being Darwyn Cooke. Great art, great story, great characters. Pretty much it’s just great. In addition, we discuss the…

“It’s about as goofy as it gets written at a time when comics were not afraid just to be silly.” Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! Today on the program we discuss what can best be described as a “completely bonkers” comic…The Brave and the Bold #148: The Night the Mob Stole Christmas written by Bob Haney and drawn by Joe Staton…

“It sometimes feels that to escape the Past it would take some kind of superhuman effort of some kind of magic” On this episode, we discuss The Scarlet Witch by James Robinson. This is a beautiful book with a rotating roster of artists that takes Wanda Maximoff on a world tour to redo/retcon/reimagine her origin story and find redemption. She also …

“Consider, if you will, the Phoenix, how it shines.” On this episode, we discuss the epic that is The Dark Phoenix Saga. There are certain works that we call “seminal” “iconic” or “classic” but none truly live up to those monikers like this story. Written by Chris Claremont and drawn by John Byrne, this is the big one, the story that dwarfs all oth…

“Happy Halloween!” On this episode we talk about we talk about a horror crossover that launched and entire sub-genre: Afterlife with Archie by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla. The Archie gang meets zombies. It is an unlikely horror comic that is genuinely horrific and genuinely moving. In addition we talk about Agatha All Along (ag…

“Heroes? Villians? Or something more complex?” On this episode we discuss The Suicide Squad: Trial By Fire by John Ostrander and Luke McDonnell – the seminal run that pretty much defined the Suicide Squad right up till this very day. Lots of moral ambiguity and pragmatic decisions. In addition we talk about Marvel and DC losing the trademark for Su…

“…a much richer texture than the typical comic aimed at children.” On this episode we talk about The Smurfs. Yes, the Smurfs. The original comics from the 196s written and drawn by the Belgian author Peyo. Specifically we will be discussing four stories: Purple Smurfs, The Smurfette, King Smurf, and Smurf vs Smurf. This was meant to be a frivolous …

“Oh Canada!” On this episode we talk about the one and only Canadian super team Alpha Flight written and drawn by John Byrne. This is a very 1980s comic – that can be a good thing and a bad thing. In this case more good than bad. Lots of new situations, new heroes, a new country, and a very daring choice for a particular character’s lifestyle. John…

“Pain…so much pain.” On this episode we talk about The Crow written and drawn by James O’Barr. First off…content warning. This comic deals with extreme violence, self harm, and sexual assault. This might not be for everyone. The Crow is of course the Goth classic (?) that has spawned multiple movies and a TV show, and pretty much epitomized the Got…

“And We’re Back…for Real!” After a long hiatus we are in fact back baby! And to kick it off its a good one, Howard the Duck by the legendary Steve Gerber and the equally legendary Gene Colan. And not just any old story either, but the time Howard ran for President in 1976! It was a tumultuous time in America’s history with extreme partisan politics…

And we’re back…almost. After a long, unplanned hiatus The Collected Edition will be back with brand new episodes starting in July 2024. This is just a brief announcement episode to explain where we’ve been and what will be coming. Thanks, everyone for your patience while we’ve been gone and I hope you will join us again for new and exciting convers…

“One of my favorites among the multitude of Xmas stories!” It’s that festive time of the year and what’s a better way to celebrate than with a rolicking adventure from the legendary Darwyn Cooke? It’s got everything: The Fantastic Four, Inhumans, mind control, lost children, shopping a Macy’s, and a tender J. Jonah Jamison. Oh, and Spider-Man saves…

“Tank Girl simply is.” Today on the program we discuss the anarchic insanity that is Tank Girl. A punk rock fever dream created by artist Jamie Hewlett and writer Alan Martin in 1988, it was a frenetic cacophony of a comic book that didn’t so much cross the line of decency and good taste, as it erased that line completely and said, “Line? What line…

“…a noble piece of work in the ongoing evaluation of the comics medium.” Today on the program we discuss the radical parody/satire that is Ambush Bug! The 1985 crazy meta masterpiece (?) from the legendary Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming. It’s only 4 issues…but man is it something. In addition, we talk about the second season of Loki and lowe…

“Nostalgia writ large” Today on the program we discuss the retro adventure-chic masterpiece that is The Rocketeer by Dave Stevens. It’s cool, it’s beautiful, it ended too soon. In addition, we talk about the passing of Keith Giffen, a true legend in comics. As always, thanks for listening. WE STILL WANT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS! SEND ‘EM HERE: REQUEST …

“Conflict in narrative is fun!” The premise of the show is to talk about the famous and infamous runs in comics, and this comic falls perfectly into both categories. Probably one of the most acclaimed and controversial runs in comics, Neal Adams and Denny O’Neil‘s Green Lantern Green Arrow arguably changed comics forever. But is it any good? Does i…

“…it prioritizes intelligence and romanticism over violence and cynicism.” Today on the program we talk about the greatest thing in the history of the world…Doctor Who! In particular, the stories The Star Beast and the City of the Damned, both classic comics featuring the 4th Doctor Tom Baker. These comics were originally published in the late 70s …

“…dynamic and fast-paced action rendered with cyber-punk aesthetics mixed with epic Kurosawa-esc samurai visuals.” Listener Request! Neither Brian nor I are TMNT fans – or at least we were not familiar with the franchise to claim to be one. But listener Emily requested The Last Ronin for us to read and we did so with a little trepidation…but man, w…

“Much of this is highly entertaining, goofy four-color fun.” Episode 100! Woo Hoo! And for this momentous occasion, we delve deep into the history of comics and discuss the very first (?) superhero team – the Justice Society of America! Full of Golden Age wackiness and wartime propaganda, All-Star Comics is an interesting and fascinating look into …

“And it can be a lot of fun for the sheer goofiness of its premise and the audacity for even attempting it.” Today on the program we discuss a weird one – the Creature Commandos! It’s about soldiers during WW2 who get transformed into movie monsters in order to scare the enemy. Seriously. The premise is bonkers and the tone is all over the place. A…

“A great intro to the laughing magician, and a harrowing series of events. Strewth!” One of the longest-running Vertigo titles and one of the best. Along its run, Hellblazer featured a long list of some of the more talented and acclaimed creators in comics. On this episode, we discuss where it all began (sort of) with Jamie Delano and John Ridgway’…

“…just strap in and let yourself take the ride and you will not be disappointed.” Are you interested in a comic that covers the entire history of Marvel comics from its beginnings through the 70s and 80s and into a hypothetical future? Well, this is the comic for you! Today on the program we will be discussing Avengers Forever, the comic that attem…

“I don’t know if this is a “good” comic, but it is a hugely entertaining one.” Today on the program…it’s a weird one! It’s the super violent and super bizarre The Shadow by Andy Helfer with art by Kyle Baker and Bill Sienkiewicz. This is some bat-shit crazy stuff people! A comic that manages to satirize and parody all the excesses of the 80s while …

“It is a veritable ‘Where’s Waldo’ of gothic and Victorian novels.” Today on the program we will be discussing The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a troubled classic by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill. This is a creative tour de force, an overflowing toy chest full of rich ideas, mixing multiple copyright-free characters in a story full to the brim…

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” Today on the program…you just got lucky! We will be discussing Longshot – the 80s comic Ann Nocenti and illustrated by a young Art Adams. And this is as 80s as 80s get. Interdimensional amneasia, mullets, and pouches! Nocenti does some spectacular writing at its purplest, and Adams creates art tha…

“The point is just to have fun, to embrace the joy and wackiness of the season.” Today on the program we discuss Superman’s Christmas Adventure from 1940. Written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Jack Burnley this is a 16-page dose of Golden Age goodness. This is a madcap story; a romp with loads of silliness wrapped up in colorful paper and tied with …

“What is history but a fable agreed upon?” Today on the program we discuss Fables, the Bill Willingham written and Mark Buckingham illustrated classic in the comic book pantheon. Does it hold up? Does it deserve its place in the history of great comics? Is it political (spoiler: yes)? Listen and find out! In addition, we discuss the legacy of Kevin…

“…his panels don’t so much seek to terrify, but rather they haunt you. It is disturbing and beautiful.” Today on the program we discuss the horror comic Rachel Rising by Terry Moore. This is a stark, scary, disturbing, and strangely funny comic. If you’ve never read Terry Moore’s work…you should. He is a singular creator, one whose voice and vision…

“This series broke with convention, it broke with tradition, and it broke the fourth wall.” Today on the program we discuss the Sensational She-Hulk, the classic, genre-defying series by John Byrne. The series poked fun at the tropes and clichés of comic books, the publishers, the creators, and the fandom. It was a satire, a parody, a deconstructio…

“Not everything in life is golden or satisfying.” Today on the program we take a look at Aztek: The Ultimate Man written by Grant Morrison & Mark Millar with art by Stephen Harris. It is a 90s extravaganza fill with excess, grittiness, and questionable costume choices. It’s the book that caused a rift between Morrison and Millar that, let’s face it…

Flintstones, read the Flintstones. You’ll have a gay old time. Today on the program we talk about the 2016 12-issue mini-series The Flintstones written by Mark Russell and art by Steve Pugh. This reimagining was more realistic – in that, the character designs were less stylized and given more human proportions – and its situations and attitudes ref…

“Maybe even better than eating quiche.” Today on the program we talk about the classic, brilliant, iconic, beautiful, glorious, and wonderful comic BONE. We like this one, can you tell? This is a comic that is a vaudevillian comedy, a Disneyesque cartoon, and an epic fantasy all at once. Jeff Smith created something special here. Also, Brian gets w…

“This being the 90s Crimes and Judgments falls into the excesses that decade could bring.” In this episode, we discuss The Spectre: Crimes and Judgments by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake from 1992. This is a gritty, noir, horror thriller with 90s excess…we have opinions. This is a story full of contradictions, missed opportunities, and confused me…

“It’s fan service above and beyond the call of duty.” Today on the program we discuss the absolute gloriousness that is the Marvel/DC crossover epic JLA Avengers written by Kurt Busiek, and art by the mighty George Pérez. It is a bonanza of comic book wonder, a masterclass by Pérez, and a pretty good story overall. You want easter eggs? This comic …

“…a well-told, layered story with complex ideas and themes about a guy in a mini-skirt who fights robots.” Today on the program we discuss the flagship title that launched Valiant Comics – Magnus Robot Fighter. This is the story of a man named Magnus …that fights robots …in a mini-skirt …which to be fair was the style at the time. Written by Jim Sh…

“In 1985, with the publication of Beauty and the Beast, history officially died. ” Today on the program we wade into the infamous end of the pool. Beauty and the Beast by Ann Nocenti and “art” by Don Perlin. It tells the story of the love affair between Hank Mccoy’s Beast and – the disco-inspired mutant Dazzler. Is it good? Well, no. But does it ha…

“…in Black Monday Murders Hickman actually out Hickman’s himself.” Today on the program we discuss The Black Monday Murders by Johnathan Hickman and Tom Coker – which should be a breeze. It’s…complicated. We have an interesting time trying to explain what is actually happening. Because the Black Monday Murders can be a bit daunting for first-time r…

“A hero’s journey writ small… with cosmic implications. ” Today on the program we discuss the classic run on Starman written by James Robinson and art by Tony Harris. This is a beloved run on the character (and deservedly so) with lots of phallic imagery. Also, Paul and Brian have differing ideas on the true nature of Jack Knight – is he a jerk or …

“A good horror story makes you feel more than just afraid. It should unsettle you, it should make you confront ideas you’d rather not think about. ” Today on the program we talk horror. The 2014 6-issue story written by Scott Snyder and beautifully illustrated Jock about scary creatures in the woods and the town that might not be as innocent as it …

“Even the great Neil Gaiman it seems cannot make the Eternals interesting.” Today on the program we discuss the 2007 reboot(ish) of the Eternals by the great Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr. Can they revitalize and reinvigorate the sprawling cosmic epic that Jack Kirby created in the 70s? They try. They really, really try. In addition, we talk about…

“…excellent fight choreography desperately in need of a purpose.” Today on the program we discuss the…difficult comic that is Master of Kung Fu. This is the early 70s attempt to cash in on the Kung Fu craze that introduces the Marvel universe to Shang Chi, written and drawn by a bunch of people but primarily Steve Englehart, Doug Moench, Paul Gulac…

“…forged something far beyond Hasbro and Marvel’s wettest dreams.” On this episode, we discuss the 1980s classic GI Joe: A Real American Hero comics by writer Larry Hama and artist Herb Trimpe. This comic was essentially a toy commercial but Hamma went far beyond his mandate and wrote something entertaining and even depth. Who knew? In addition, we…

“…delivering an exciting action espionage drama with a badass heroine as its lead.” Today on the program we discuss the retro action espionage thriller run on Black Widow by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee. This 12-issue run consisting of two storylines – SHIELD’s Most Wanted and No More Secrets – follows Natasha as she is forced to deceive SHEILD, seem…

“There are heavy ideas going on in this comic, but also this is a noir detective comic. and that’s pretty cool. ” This time we talk about the grand epic, neo-noir detective comic about hybrid animal-human people, Elephanmen: Wounded Animals written by Richard Starkings and drawn beautifully by Moritat. Set in a world post-pandemic (yikes) this stor…

“…immerses the reader in nostalgia. A nostalgia for something that never happened. Or did it?” The year 2000 mini-series that introduced the very first and most important hero in the Marvel universe that you never heard of, or maybe did hear of but can’t remember. That’s right, it’s The Sentry. The dark tale of false memory, and forgotten heroes. W…

“High space adventure awaits!” Journey back with us to the far-away time of the 1980swhere a new imprint – Epic – was being launched with the flagship title: Dreadstar! Written and drawn by the legendary Jim Starlin this tells the tale of Vance Dreadstar and his merry band of rogues. They battle despots, space armies, Darth Vader analogs, and “two-…

“It is harmless fun that seems as if the creators were having fun creating it. And sometimes that’s all that matters. ” Today on the program we will be discussing the absolutely bonkers series from Marvel back in the late 70s Godzilla: King of the Monsters written by Doug Moench with art (for the most part) by Herb Trimpe. How bonkers? Well, Godzil…

“…a profoundly severe case of daddy issues comes roaring to the forefront with tragic consequences.” Today on the program we will be discussing Invincible – the inspirational story of a plucky bartender that gets to live his dream of playing football for the Philadelphia Eagles. Oh wait, that’s not right. We will of course be talking about the comi…