Episode 135: What If…?

Episode 135: What If…?

This week, Vince and I tackle What If…?, a long-running, multi-volume series from Marvel. Most folks are familiar with the concept, but for those of you who are new to comics, What If…? explores different possibilities, as the name implies. Vince and I each selected ten issues spanning many years. We discussed the Fantastic Five (with both Spider-Man and Silver Surfer joining the team in various issues), the X-Men, Spider-Man, the Punisher, Captain America and more. It’s a long episode, clocking in at over an hour, but it was so much fun to record that I didn’t want to cut it short. Enjoy. Discussion What If…? What We’re Reading Vince: Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Gunnerkrigg Court Roger: All-New X-Men, Superior Spider-Man New Releases Marvel: Alpha Big Time TP Astonishing X-Men #65 Dexter #1 (Of 5) Fantastic Four #11 Infinity #1 (Of 6) Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man #17 Nemesis #1 Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #2 Thor God Of Thunder #11 Ultimate Comics X-Men #30 Uncanny X-Force #10 Uncanny X-Men #10 Wolverine #8 Wolverine And The X-Men #34 DC: Batgirl #23 Batman #23 Batman Arkham Unhinged #17 Constantine #6 Demon Knights #23 Green Lantern Corps #23 Justice League Of America #7 Katana #7 Nightwing #23 Suicide Squad #23 Superboy #23 Worlds’ Finest #15 Image: East Of West #5 Ghosted #2 Lost Vegas #4 (Of 4) Mind The Gap #12 Saga #13 Walking Dead #113 Other: T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1 (IDW) Archer And Armstrong #12 (Valiant) iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

The Amazing Spider-Man Issue 682

The Amazing Spider-Man Issue 682

Spider-Man has been ridding one hell of a wave as of late. Between his team-ups with the Avengers, FF, and various duo story-arcs, he’s proven that he can hold his own amongst (and against) the best. While that may not be anything new, what is new is that his personal life is finally looking up as well. Sure, he and Carly decided to call it quits, but MJ’s already back in the picture, and no doubt will lead to more than just hot coffee (if you know what I mean, he writes with a wink). At the start of The Amazing Spider-Man issue 682, we see Spider-Man taking on Equinox using gadgets he’s developed at Horizon Labs. I loved the Goblin throwback, and Stefano Caselli’s artwork for this was nothing short of insane (which we’ll get more into in a bit). The scene, as well as the one immediately following the fight, is important because it allows Peter to come to the realization that it isn’t just Spider-Man who is saving lives and bettering mankind; a man’s legs are saved thanks to one of Peter’s inventions from Horizon Labs. A look around the city during a walk in to work allows Parker to see how much of an influence his inventions have had on others around him; inventions which first had been made to help Spider-Man. Of course, any longtime reader of the series knows; Peter cannot remain happy or at peace long. Let’s be honest, the universe would collapse. Queue Doctor Octopus and his nefarious plan which started several issues back. But wait… is it nefarious? Doc Oc turns up the heat on the planet, using satellites he’s gotten into space (see prior ASM issues co-starring Johnny Storm). In a worldwide television broadcast, he claims to have a solution to global warming, and that as one of his last acts, the doc wants to leave the world in a better state than when he came in. You see, the ol’ boy’s dying. Truth be told, he is not looking his best, which brings me back to Caselli’s artwork in this issue. Caselli is the man. Seriously. This issue is a testament to what amazing art can be in comics. Check out these two page spreads and tell me you aren’t seriously impressed. Caselli and Frank Martin Jr. go above and beyond with these. Which leads us to Dan Slott. Slott has proven time and again that he was placed on this earth to write Spider-Man. His characters are engaging and relatable. He knows how to tell a story in such a way that you are driven to turn the page. This issue is no different. From beginning to end, you are drawn into the events that unfold; and much like Spider-Man, you will not accept a kindler, gentler Doc Oc just looking to green-up the world before fertilizing it 6 feet under. Spider-Man, knowing he will have to go up against the Sinister Six, pulls out all the stops in terms of his newest Horizon Labs gadgets (made specifically for each villain). He confronts the Avengers, and in a single pannel proves without a doubt that he has the balls to lead them into battle against the Six. “Perhaps what?! You’re actually discussing this?! What is this? Earth’s mightiest chat room?!” “Spider-Man? Is that–?” “Yeah. New suit. New look. Get over it. I’m talking now. And I’m saying the only two words anyone here should be saying–” As I said on the podcast, I maintain he should have said, “Avengers friggin’ assemble!” But maybe that’s just me. Ends of the Earth starts now. Hells ya. The Amazing Spider-Man Issue 682 Marvel Story: Dan Slott Art: Stefano Caselli, Frank Martin Jr....

Episode 051: Discussing Girl Parts

Episode 051: Discussing Girl Parts

This week, we brought Tart Darling back for an interview discussing the state of women in comic books; especially DC’s relaunch. It was a fantastic interview and I’m certain everyone will enjoy it. Discussion In a change from the normal discussion, we won’t be focusing on the issues themselves, but rather the characters and what makes them good/bad and interesting from the perspective of a female reader. Starfire (Red Hood & The Outlaws) Batgirl Catwoman Birds of Prey Wonder Woman Harley Quinn & Amanda Waller (Suicide Squad) Amazing Spider-Girl Valkyrie (Secret Avengers) Black Cat (Amazing Spider-Man) Thor Girl, Cloud 9, etc (Youth in Revolt) Veil, Hazmat, Finesse (Avengers Academy) What We’re Reading Vince: Fear Itself, Superior Roger: Batman & Robin #2, Justice League #2 New Releases MARVEL FEAR ITSELF FEARLESS #2 (OF 12) SHAME ITSELF #1 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #673 NEW MUTANTS #33 XREGB UNCANNY X-MEN #1 XREGB X-MEN #20 XREGB X-23 #16 DC ANIMAL MAN #3 BATWING #3 DETECTIVE COMICS #3 GREEN ARROW #3 HAWK AND DOVE #3 JOE THE BARBARIAN HC JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #3 MEN OF WAR #3 OMAC #3 RED LANTERNS #3 ACTION COMICS #3 SWAMP THING #3 THE REST IRREDEEMABLE #31 iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man v2 Issue 1

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man v2 Issue 1

I’ll admit that my first reading of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man v2 Issue 1 wasn’t under the best settings. It was past two a.m., I’d had to pop a few pain killers, and though groggy, I couldn’t fall asleep. At times like these, I like to turn on my iPad and enjoy a few new comics. Is this fair to the writers? Not always. However most times, I stand by my initial opinions… although I may be a little sketchy on the details as to why I feel this way. Such was the case with this new number one. Another thing I should mention up front is that though I was very impressed with the actual Death of Spider-Man story-arc as a whole, and liked the fact that Marvel was going to kill such an iconic character (even though it was only in the Ultimates universe), I did not like the idea of them replacing Spider-Man so quickly… if at all. To me, this is not so much a new beginning, as it is just a marketing scheme, such as what we’re also seeing with the current X-Men shenanigans with Schism. But I digress. None of this is to say that I’ve had it out for Miles Morales, our new man, er, boy, in tights. But rather that I already took issue to the manner in which he was being given his powers and forced into the limelight. Let’s start at the beginning of this cliché-ridden tale. The issue starts eleven months ago. Norman Osborn, ever the egoist, fills panels with text about the myth of Arachne and the origins of the first Spider-Man (his doing), all the while playing with arachnid subject no. 42. As any geek will quickly tell you, 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. Vince pointed out during our podcast this week that 42 was actually also the jersey number which Jackie Robinson wore. Jackie was the first black Major League Baseball player, and though that may be a coincidence, I’d be inclined to believe that Bendis was ahead of the curve on that one and planned it. Back to the no. 42 spider who, as spiders are wont to do in Marvel comics, wanders outside of its containment facility and stows a ride back to a thief’s apartment where it promptly bites young Miles Morales on the hand. By this time, a lot of character development has been established. Miles is from a lower class family, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say impoverished (as that hasn’t been defined). We do see however that it’s a tough neighborhood to get out of, and so Miles’s parents are quite happy when he wins a lottery to attend the Brooklyn Visions Academy, a charter school that will give Miles a better chance at getting a decent education. Miles isn’t very excited however, feeling as though he hasn’t earned the chance. Don’t fret though, for what Miles lacks in self-confidence and worth, he more than makes up for in mopping and moodiness. Here’s where I have one of my biggest complaints with where it appears this series is going. The obvious comparisons will have to be made to Peter Parker, who despite being a geek, was incredibly funny, witty, and just plain fun to read. Miles, by comparison, is as lifeless as a cinder block. He’s boring. Very boring. I’ve raised four kids and can tell you, most are more full of life. Perhaps the argument can be had that he is old beyond his years, and that this is what will help us believe in him as Spider-Man. This is another concern of mine, as Miles is very young, and I’m not certain how believable he will be in this role. To be quite honest, the only thing keeping me interested at this point is my faith in Bendis’s writing, although that faith has been shaken a few times in the past… I just hope this isn’t one of those times. By the end of the issue, we see that the spider bite is affecting Miles a little differently than it did Peter, however how that will play into his role as Spider-Man is anyone’s guess. Anyone but Bendis, that is. Don’t let us down, Brian. Not with this IP. Ultimate Comics Spider-Man v2 Issue 1 Marvel Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Sara Pichelli, Justin Ponsor...

Captain America Movie Review

Captain America Movie Review

Finally, the long wait is over; Captain America: The First Avenger is now in theaters. I managed to catch a midnight release screening, and was very impressed. I’m going to attempt to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, but if you know the basic story of Captain America, you know the movie. Steve Rogers was a skinny kid, unfit to serve in the military, no matter how much he was willing to fight. His fighting spirit eventually lands him in the government’s Super Soldier Program and Captain America is born. There’s a fun segment in the movie where they don’t want to risk their most prized asset on the battlefield, so Rogers becomes a spokesman for selling war bonds. He wears his classic costume and does song and dance numbers; it’s goofy and hilarious. When they try the same act in Europe, it doesn’t go over as well for the troops, and it starts Rogers down the path to becoming a true hero instead of just a poster boy. He also gets a more “Ultimate-ized” version of the costume, which is just better for a movie. Once Cap hits the battlefield and starts plowing through Hydra soldiers, the movie really finds its way. The action scenes are well choreographed, with plenty of shield-slinging and director Joe Johnston does a great job behind the camera. Guns firing, explosions everywhere and Nazis getting smashed in the face; it’s all handled well. There’s a chase scene in New York that comes across as more “Spider-Man” than “Captain America,” but it’s a small complaint that doesn’t carry through the rest of the movie. Making the villains in the movie members of the Hydra organization and setting them up as the Nazi’s “science division” works fine, both for the movie and marketing. What holds it all together is the Red Skull, with Hugo Weaving delivering a fantastic performance. He portrays Red Skull’s slimy and arrogant personality perfectly and is legitimately menacing when in his full Red Skull costume, with the exposed face and long coat. Hydra’s insane technology is everywhere, and the movie does a great job combining Kirby-style designs with real-world functionality. Beyond that, the Howling Commandos are awesome and Tommy Lee Jones absolutely kills it in every scene. Steve’s relationship with Peggy Carter is okay, with some nice scenes, but felt a bit overdone at the end. However, I’m really not a fan of the way Bucky was portrayed in the movie. In the comics, he was Cap’s younger sidekick, who wasn’t even officially a soldier because he was too young. It led to a great relationship between the two, and made the story overall more relatable to a younger audience. In the movie, he’s a longtime friend of Steve’s and just an average soldier. I understand why the change was made; instead of a couple years worth of comics, the movie only had two hours to solidify the relationship between the two to make their eventual separation more meaningful. It just didn’t do anything for me, personally. As for the larger universe-building of the connected movies, Marvel Studios has come a long way since Iron Man 2, with subtle but direct links to Iron Man, Thor, The Incredible Hulk and, of course, The Avengers. I would love to know how average moviegoers, unaware of Marvel’s larger plan, react to the after-credits sequence in Captain America. Overall, Captain America is a great Summer movie. The patriotic inspiration of Captain America is balanced well with the personal inspiration of Steve Rogers. It’s action-packed, emotional and serious at times, but is fun the whole way through. There are a few plot-holes that still nag at me, but not so much that I can’t go along with it. Looking back and comparing the two, I’d like to say Captain America is the better-made movie, but I still think Thor was more enjoyable, with its grander scope and broader appeal....

Comic of the Week (5/25/11) – Incredible Hulks Issue 629

Comic of the Week (5/25/11) – Incredible Hulks Issue 629

After all these years, you wouldn’t think there’s much fresh characterization left for Bruce Banner and his angry alter-ego, the Hulk. Luckily for us, Greg Pak does. With only a handful of issues left in his years-long run on the title, Pak is still finding new and interesting stories to tell. In this issue, Bruce Banner races to save the love of his life, Betty Ross, before he loses her to the Red She Hulk forever. Along the way, he may just save the world, too. Incredible Hulks #629: “License to Smash” Marvel Comics Story: Greg Pak Art: Tom Grummett, Cory Hamscher, Edgar Delgado...

Comic of the Week (5/18/11) – Ultimate Spider-Man Issue 158

Comic of the Week (5/18/11) – Ultimate Spider-Man Issue 158

Marvel is continuing with the “Death of Spider-Man” in the Ultimate Universe. The events of last month’s Ultimate Spider-Man, as well as Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates #3, led to Peter Parker jumping in front of a bullet intended for Captain America. Badly injured, Peter manages to piece himself together and stumble home, where the Human Torch and Iceman are fighting for their lives against the remaining members of the Sinister Six. Ultimate: Spider-Man #158: “Death of Spider-Man, Part 3 of 5” Marvel Comics Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Mark Bagley, Andy Lanning, Justin Ponsor...

Comic of the Week (5/11/11) – Grab Bag #3

Comic of the Week (5/11/11) – Grab Bag #3

Another Grab Bag, looking at three comics taking things in new directions. Flashpoint #1 by Geoff Johns & Andy Kubert, Journey into Mystery #623 by Kieron Gillen & Doug Braithwaite and New Mutants #25 by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Leandro Fernandez....

Episode 027: Janet Lee Interview

Episode 027: Janet Lee Interview

We’re very happy to have a fantastic interview with the Eisner-nominated artist behind ‘Return of the Dapper Men’ from Archaia; Janet Lee. Janet is currently working on ‘Jane Austen’s Emma’ by Marvel. Janet’s unique style has won her critical acclaim, and it was fantastic talking to her about the process she goes through to create each page. Prior to working on Dapper Men, Janet’s artwork sold in galleries (she also sells pieces online). I loved hearing her talk about the leap from being a gallery artist to a comic book artist. Janet shares some behind the scenes working on ‘Return of the Dapper Men’, as well as other interesting projects. I love talking to artists who are passionate about what they do, but what’s more, have a free spirit when it comes to experimenting and simply having fun. Janet was a joy to interview. I hope you all enjoy this episode. iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Comic of the Week (5/4/11) – Fear Itself: Spider-Man #1

Comic of the Week (5/4/11) – Fear Itself: Spider-Man #1

With another big event in “Fear Itself,” we’re of course treated to a whole lineup of tie-in comics. Event tie-ins have been very inconsistent over the years, with probably more bad than good. However, Fear Itself: Spider-Man plays its role perfectly. It expands on the story of the Fear Itself miniseries, without being required reading for the overall story. At the same time, it tells a solid Spider-Man story without being required reading for Amazing Spider-Man. Fans of one story may check out this title and become interested in the other, which is exactly what a tie-in miniseries should do. Fear Itself: Spider-Man #1 Marvel Comics Story: Chris Yost Art: Mike McKone, Jeromy Cox...

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