 We kick off Spidey Super Stories, a series dedicated to everyone’s favorite web-slinger, Spider-Man, with a look at “Spider-Man No More!” from Amazing Spider-Man #50, along with two early clashes with the Kingpin in #51-52 and #69, by Stan Lee and John Romita, published by Marvel Comics!  Fed up with a public that hates and fears him, Spider-Man hangs up his web-shooters to devote more time to his studies, his social life and his sickly Aunt May (not necessarily in that order) ... just as a mysterious crime lord known as the Kingpin is tightening his grip on New York City!  Has the wall-crawler given up crime-fighting for good? (C’mon, what do you think?) More importantly, will he come to his senses in time to win over those Amazing Friends known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Spider-Man vs. the Spoiler  ·         The stones on Frederick Foswell  ·         The 1967 “Spider-Man” theme  ·         Spider-Man: The New Sinister  ·         Captain America and the Falcon #176-176  ·         Thor: Goddess of Thunder  Join us in two weeks as Spidey Super Stories continues with Superior Spider-Man: My Own Worst Enemy!  Until then:Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise!   Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

We kick off Spidey Super Stories, a series dedicated to everyone’s favorite web-slinger, Spider-Man, with a look at “Spider-Man No More!” from Amazing Spider-Man #50, along with two early clashes with the Kingpin in #51-52 and #69, by Stan Lee and John Romita, published by Marvel Comics! Fed up with a public that hates and fears him, Spider-Man hangs up his web-shooters to devote more time to his studies, his social life and his sickly Aunt May (not necessarily in that order) ... just as a mysterious crime lord known as the Kingpin is tightening his grip on New York City! Has the wall-crawler given up crime-fighting for good? (C’mon, what do you think?) More importantly, will he come to his senses in time to win over those Amazing Friends known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Spider-Man vs. the Spoiler ·         The stones on Frederick Foswell ·         The 1967 “Spider-Man” theme ·         Spider-Man: The New Sinister ·         Captain America and the Falcon #176-176 ·         <a href="https://www.comicscanon.com/episode-33-thor-the-goddess-of-thunder/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thor: Goddess of Thunder</a> Join us in two weeks as Spidey Super Stories continues with Superior Spider-Man: My Own Worst Enemy! Until then:<a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 191 – Spider-Man No More!

 In this episode, we wrap up our two-parter on The Sandman Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones, with a look at issues 64-69, published by Vertigo/DC Comics!  Lyta Hall and the Furies descend on The Dreaming, intent on destroying the dream realm and killing the Dream King. Various characters meet untimely ends, while others move on to new locales and one steps into a new role.  Can Morpheus defeat the Erinyes and save The Dreaming? And can he make his way past those dream warriors who stand guard at the gates of ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Curt reveals Kevin’s M.O.D.O.K. name  ·         What Titanic has taught us  ·         Morpheus makes a joke!  ·         The Bear Season 2  ·         Our episode on New Avengers: Illuminati  ·         New Avengers Vol. 7: The Trust and Mighty Avengers Vol. 3: Secret Invasion Book 1  ·         My Bad Vol. 2: Thirty Minutes or Dead  ·         The Charlie Parker series by John Connolly  Join us back here in two weeks as Spidey Super Stories, a miniseries on everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, swings into action with a look at Spider-Man No More!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, we wrap up our two-parter on The Sandman Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones, with a look at issues 64-69, published by Vertigo/DC Comics! Lyta Hall and the Furies descend on The Dreaming, intent on destroying the dream realm and killing the Dream King. Various characters meet untimely ends, while others move on to new locales and one steps into a new role. Can Morpheus defeat the Erinyes and save The Dreaming? And can he make his way past those dream warriors who stand guard at the gates of ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Curt reveals Kevin’s M.O.D.O.K. name ·         What Titanic has taught us ·         Morpheus makes a joke! ·         The Bear Season 2 ·         Our episode on New Avengers: Illuminati ·         New Avengers Vol. 7: The Trust and Mighty Avengers Vol. 3: Secret Invasion Book 1 ·         My Bad Vol. 2: Thirty Minutes or Dead ·         The Charlie Parker series by John Connolly Join us back here in two weeks as Spidey Super Stories, a miniseries on everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, swings into action with a look at Spider-Man No More! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 190 – The Sandman: The Kindly Ones Part 2

 In this episode, our series-within-a-series on The Sandman begins winding down as we kick off a two-parter on Vol. 9, The Kindly Ones, discussing issues 57-63, published by Vertigo/DC Comics!  When her young son Daniel is abducted, Lyta Hall embarks on a quest to find the trio of goddesses known as the Furies and exact revenge on the being she holds responsible: Morpheus, the Dream King! Meanwhile, we revisit some old friends as this rich fantasy epic moves inexorably toward its violent endgame.  What do returning characters Nuala, Thessaly and the Corinthian have to do with all of this? Why are Loki and the mischievous Puck gaslighting Lyta disguised as cops? And can this penultimate arc avoid apprehension by those Dream Police known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Marc Hempel’s artwork  ·         A brief aside about Cormac McCarthy  ·         Curt reviews The Flash  ·         She-Hulk: Jen, Again  ·         Jazzy John Romita and Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection Vol. 3: Spider-Man No More  ·         X-Men: Starjammers by Dave Cockrum  Kindly join us in two weeks as we conclude this two-part dive into The Kindly Ones with The Sandman #64-69!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, our series-within-a-series on The Sandman begins winding down as we kick off a two-parter on Vol. 9, The Kindly Ones, discussing issues 57-63, published by Vertigo/DC Comics! When her young son Daniel is abducted, Lyta Hall embarks on a quest to find the trio of goddesses known as the Furies and exact revenge on the being she holds responsible: Morpheus, the Dream King! Meanwhile, we revisit some old friends as this rich fantasy epic moves inexorably toward its violent endgame. What do returning characters Nuala, Thessaly and the Corinthian have to do with all of this? Why are Loki and the mischievous Puck gaslighting Lyta disguised as cops? And can this penultimate arc avoid apprehension by those Dream Police known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Marc Hempel’s artwork ·         A brief aside about Cormac McCarthy ·         Curt reviews The Flash ·         She-Hulk: Jen, Again ·         Jazzy John Romita and Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection Vol. 3: Spider-Man No More ·         X-Men: Starjammers by Dave Cockrum Kindly join us in two weeks as we conclude this two-part dive into The Kindly Ones with The Sandman #64-69! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 189 – The Sandman: The Kindly Ones Part 1

 On this episode, we look ahead to the June 16 release of The Flash with a little story that established the concept of the multiverse as a canonical part of superhero comics: “The Flash of Two Worlds” from The Flash # 123, by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino, published by DC Comics!  Performing for children at a fundraiser, the Flash (Barry Allen) vibrates at super speed and finds himself on another Earth! And it turns out this world is home to ... The Flash (Jay Garrick), whose “fictional” exploits thrilled Barry (and DC Comics readers) several years earlier! Faced with the existence of multiple realities, what do our heroes do? Why, team up to fight bad guys, of course!  We also run through two subsequent Barry Allen/Jay Garrick team-ups: “Double Danger on Earth” from The Flash # 129 and “Vengeance of the Immortal Villain” from The Flash #137! How well do these stories stack up, six decades later? And do any of them cross over the finish line into that multiverse of madness known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Curt ... has some thoughts ... about the Flash’s super-speed powers  ·         The Thinker leaves millions on the table  ·         The Flash Vol. 2 No. 1: “Happy Birthday Wally!”  ·         Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse  ·         Fear Agent Final Edition Vol. 1  Run, don’t walk, to join us in two weeks as we return to the world of The Dreaming for the first of a two-part look at The Sandman: The Kindly Ones!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise!   Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

On this episode, we look ahead to the June 16 release of The Flash with a little story that established the concept of the multiverse as a canonical part of superhero comics: “The Flash of Two Worlds” from The Flash # 123, by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino, published by DC Comics! Performing for children at a fundraiser, the Flash (Barry Allen) vibrates at super speed and finds himself on another Earth! And it turns out this world is home to ... The Flash (Jay Garrick), whose “fictional” exploits thrilled Barry (and DC Comics readers) several years earlier! Faced with the existence of multiple realities, what do our heroes do? Why, team up to fight bad guys, of course! We also run through two subsequent Barry Allen/Jay Garrick team-ups: “Double Danger on Earth” from The Flash # 129 and “Vengeance of the Immortal Villain” from The Flash #137! How well do these stories stack up, six decades later? And do any of them cross over the finish line into that multiverse of madness known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Curt ... has some thoughts ... about the Flash’s super-speed powers ·         The Thinker leaves millions on the table ·         The Flash Vol. 2 No. 1: “Happy Birthday Wally!” ·         Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse ·         Fear Agent Final Edition Vol. 1 Run, don’t walk, to join us in two weeks as we return to the world of The Dreaming for the first of a two-part look at The Sandman: The Kindly Ones! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 188 – The Flash of Two Worlds

 On this episode, just in time for the May 24 debut of American Born Chinese on Disney+, we take a look at, well, American Born Chinese, written and drawn by Gene Luen Yang, published by First Second!  This award-winning graphic novel moves between three characters: The Monkey King, a deity who chafes at being called a monkey; Jin Wang, a child of Chinese immigrants who sees his heritage as an obstacle as he falls in love with an American classmate; and Danny, a typical American teenager whose efforts to fit in at a new school are thwarted by his visiting cousin, a horrible Chinese stereotype named Chin-Kee!  How do these stories eventually come together? Can our protagonists learn to accept themselves as they are? And can American Born Chinese gain entrance to that heavenly dinner party known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Is it okay to laugh at Chin-Kee?  ·         Peeing in Coke cans: the continuing crisis  ·         Hugonauts: The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time  ·         Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki  ·         American Barbarian by Tom Scioli  Join us in two weeks as we visit one of the most pivotal stories in superhero comics history—The Flash of Two Worlds!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

On this episode, just in time for the May 24 debut of American Born Chinese on Disney+, we take a look at, well, American Born Chinese, written and drawn by Gene Luen Yang, published by First Second! This award-winning graphic novel moves between three characters: The Monkey King, a deity who chafes at being called a monkey; Jin Wang, a child of Chinese immigrants who sees his heritage as an obstacle as he falls in love with an American classmate; and Danny, a typical American teenager whose efforts to fit in at a new school are thwarted by his visiting cousin, a horrible Chinese stereotype named Chin-Kee! How do these stories eventually come together? Can our protagonists learn to accept themselves as they are? And can American Born Chinese gain entrance to that heavenly dinner party known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Is it okay to laugh at Chin-Kee? ·         Peeing in Coke cans: the continuing crisis ·         Hugonauts: The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time ·         Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki ·         American Barbarian by Tom Scioli Join us in two weeks as we visit one of the most pivotal stories in superhero comics history—The Flash of Two Worlds! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 187 – American Born Chinese

 It’s one of the few superhero deaths that has managed to stick over the intervening decades. And it ties up Adam Warlock’s Magus Saga with a tidy bow. On this episode, we revisit Marvel Comics’ first-ever “graphic novel,” Jim Starlin’s The Death of Captain Marvel!  He’s fought countless Earth villains and cosmic bad guys, but the man named Mar-Vell finally confronts a foe he can’t defeat: cancer. As the greatest minds on Earth and Titan work tirelessly to find a cure, one of the universe’s mightiest warriors must come to grips with his own mortality, eventually engaging in a psychic battle with his greatest enemy—Thanos!  Can Captain Marvel avoid the literal kiss of Death and live happily ever after? (Spoiler alert: No.) More importantly, can he ascend to that enlightened state of cosmic awareness known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Everyone’s favorite space prospector  ·         Hey, where’s Carol Danvers?  ·         Marvel’s personification of Death vs. Vertigo’s Death  ·         Dreadstar: The Price graphic novel  ·         Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3  ·         Guardians of the Galaxy (2023) #1  ·         Adam Warlock: Rebirth #1   Join us in two weeks as we pivot away from Jim Starlin and cosmic Marvel for something completely different—Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise!   Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

It’s one of the few superhero deaths that has managed to stick over the intervening decades. And it ties up Adam Warlock’s Magus Saga with a tidy bow. On this episode, we revisit Marvel Comics’ first-ever “graphic novel,” Jim Starlin’s The Death of Captain Marvel! He’s fought countless Earth villains and cosmic bad guys, but the man named Mar-Vell finally confronts a foe he can’t defeat: cancer. As the greatest minds on Earth and Titan work tirelessly to find a cure, one of the universe’s mightiest warriors must come to grips with his own mortality, eventually engaging in a psychic battle with his greatest enemy—Thanos! Can Captain Marvel avoid the literal kiss of Death and live happily ever after? (Spoiler alert: No.) More importantly, can he ascend to that enlightened state of cosmic awareness known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Everyone’s favorite space prospector ·         Hey, where’s Carol Danvers? ·         Marvel’s personification of Death vs. Vertigo’s Death ·         Dreadstar: The Price graphic novel ·         Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ·         Guardians of the Galaxy (2023) #1 ·         Adam Warlock: Rebirth #1 Join us in two weeks as we pivot away from Jim Starlin and cosmic Marvel for something completely different—Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 186 – The Death of Captain Marvel

 On this episode, we wrap up our two-parter on Marvel’s cosmic messiah, Adam Warlock, with a look at two stories that close the loop on Jim Starlin’s classic Magus Saga: Avengers Annual #7 and Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2, published by Marvel Comics!  In “The Final Threat,” Warlock, Captain Marvel, Moondragon and the Avengers are all that stands between Earth and an alien armada as Warlock’s onetime ally, Thanos, attempts to use the power of the soul gems to extinguish all the stars in the heavens! Plus, Adam Warlock meets Adam Warlock—for the second time!  Then, in “Death Watch!,” Spider-Man and The Thing must rescue the captive Avengers before Thanos settles for his consolation prize: snuffing out our very own sun as a token of his affection for Death herself!  Can Adam Warlock finally find peace? Can your friendly neighborhood wall-crawler help defeat the Mad Titan and save the world? And can these stories prevail against that Infinity Crusade known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         When Ben Grimm was the face of Marvel Comics  ·         A little movie called Star Wars  ·         Step by Bloody Step  ·         Marvel Team-Up #55: “Spider, Spider on the Moon”  ·         Marvel’s most fearsome villain, Equinox!  ·         Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1: Legacy   Join us in two weeks as we explore the death of another cosmic character at the hands of Jim Starlin with 1982’s The Death of Captain Marvel!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

On this episode, we wrap up our two-parter on Marvel’s cosmic messiah, Adam Warlock, with a look at two stories that close the loop on Jim Starlin’s classic Magus Saga: Avengers Annual #7 and Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2, published by Marvel Comics! In “The Final Threat,” Warlock, Captain Marvel, Moondragon and the Avengers are all that stands between Earth and an alien armada as Warlock’s onetime ally, Thanos, attempts to use the power of the soul gems to extinguish all the stars in the heavens! Plus, Adam Warlock meets Adam Warlock—for the second time! Then, in “Death Watch!,” Spider-Man and The Thing must rescue the captive Avengers before Thanos settles for his consolation prize: snuffing out our very own sun as a token of his affection for Death herself! Can Adam Warlock finally find peace? Can your friendly neighborhood wall-crawler help defeat the Mad Titan and save the world? And can these stories prevail against that Infinity Crusade known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         When Ben Grimm was the face of Marvel Comics ·         A little movie called Star Wars ·         Step by Bloody Step ·         Marvel Team-Up #55: “Spider, Spider on the Moon” ·         Marvel’s most fearsome villain, Equinox! ·         Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1: Legacy Join us in two weeks as we explore the death of another cosmic character at the hands of Jim Starlin with 1982’s The Death of Captain Marvel! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 185 – The Strange Death of Adam Warlock Part 2

 Content warning: Suicide/self-murder  On this episode, we kick off a two-part look at the definitive Adam Warlock story, The Magus Saga, aka The Strange Death of Adam Warlock, as featured in Strange Tales issues 178-181 and Warlock issues 9-11, written and drawn by Jim Starlin, published by Marvel Comics!  Who is Adam Warlock, the mysterious character slated to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3? He’s an artificially created, super-powered space messiah, cursed with a gem on his forehead that devours people’s souls. And in this far-out tale, he faces off against the evil head of an intergalactic empire ... who just happens to be his future self!   With newfound allies Thanos, Gamora and Pip the Troll at his side, can Warlock prevail against his despotic shadow self? And will this cosmic comic  receive the blessing of that Universal Church of Truth known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         The Adam Warlock rock opera  ·         Our Thanos War episode  ·         Elric of Melnibone  ·         Jim Starlin’s Adam Warlock vs. Jack Kirby’s Fourth World  ·         Fantastic Four: Life Story  ·         For All Mankind  ·         Dungeons &amp; Dragons: Honor Among Thieves  ·         The Spider Man &amp; Hulk Toilet Paper Infinity Comic  Join us in two weeks as this saga (and our two-parter) concludes with Avengers Annual #7 and Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

Content warning: Suicide/self-murder On this episode, we kick off a two-part look at the definitive Adam Warlock story, The Magus Saga, aka The Strange Death of Adam Warlock, as featured in Strange Tales issues 178-181 and Warlock issues 9-11, written and drawn by Jim Starlin, published by Marvel Comics! Who is Adam Warlock, the mysterious character slated to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3? He’s an artificially created, super-powered space messiah, cursed with a gem on his forehead that devours people’s souls. And in this far-out tale, he faces off against the evil head of an intergalactic empire ... who just happens to be his future self!  With newfound allies Thanos, Gamora and Pip the Troll at his side, can Warlock prevail against his despotic shadow self? And will this cosmic comic receive the blessing of that Universal Church of Truth known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         The Adam Warlock rock opera ·         <a href="https://www.comicscanon.com/episode-78-captain-marvel-the-thanos-war/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Our Thanos War episode</a> ·         Elric of Melnibone ·         Jim Starlin’s Adam Warlock vs. Jack Kirby’s Fourth World ·         Fantastic Four: Life Story ·         For All Mankind ·         Dungeons &amp; Dragons: Honor Among Thieves ·         The Spider Man &amp; Hulk Toilet Paper Infinity Comic Join us in two weeks as this saga (and our two-parter) concludes with Avengers Annual #7 and Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 184 – The Strange Death of Adam Warlock Part 1

 With April Fool’s Day just around the corner, the time seems right for a long-overdue look at DC Comics’ Ambush Bug, who was breaking the fourth wall and spreading mayhem almost a decade before Marvel Comics’ Deadpool. Specifically, we take a look at his appearances in 1984’s Action Comics #560 and issues 1-4 of 1985’s Ambush Bug miniseries, by Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming!  Combining elements of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Looney Tunes shorts and the superhero parody of Steve Gerber’s Howard the Duck, these issues find the chartreuse crackpot crossing paths with the despotic space-sock Argh! Yle!, the giant koala known as Quantis and even Superman himself!  But can he survive a run-in with (gasp!) Darkseid??!! And can these twisted tales survive that Spanish Inquisition known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode:  ·         Kevin gets tape on a comic!  ·         The Legion of Substitute Heroes Special  ·         Curt shares some thoughts on Shazam: Fury of the Gods  ·         Star Trek: Picard Season 3   Join us in two weeks as we look ahead to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with a two-part series on Adam Warlock!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise!   Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

With April Fool’s Day just around the corner, the time seems right for a long-overdue look at DC Comics’ Ambush Bug, who was breaking the fourth wall and spreading mayhem almost a decade before Marvel Comics’ Deadpool. Specifically, we take a look at his appearances in 1984’s Action Comics #560 and issues 1-4 of 1985’s Ambush Bug miniseries, by Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming! Combining elements of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Looney Tunes shorts and the superhero parody of Steve Gerber’s Howard the Duck, these issues find the chartreuse crackpot crossing paths with the despotic space-sock Argh! Yle!, the giant koala known as Quantis and even Superman himself! But can he survive a run-in with (gasp!) Darkseid??!! And can these twisted tales survive that Spanish Inquisition known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode: ·         Kevin gets tape on a comic! ·         The Legion of Substitute Heroes Special ·         Curt shares some thoughts on Shazam: Fury of the Gods ·         Star Trek: Picard Season 3  Join us in two weeks as we look ahead to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with a two-part series on Adam Warlock! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 183 – It’s an Ambush Bug, Not a Feature!

 In this episode, we look at the source material for one of the upcoming DC movies recently announced by James Gunn: The Authority Vol. 1: Relentless, collecting The Authority #1-8 by Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary, published by Wildstorm Comics!  When the U.N. superhero team Stormwatch is slaughtered by xenomorphs from the Aliens film franchise (...wait, what?), The Authority steps out of the shadows, determined to save the world by any means necessary -- and to change it, as well.  Can this team of attitude-heavy heroes defeat an army of flying super-terrorists and thwart an invasion from an alternate Earth? And can they muscle their way into that superpowered sphere of influence known as ... The Comics Canon?  In This Episode  ·         We need to talk about Kaizen  ·         That Regis: He’s just so darn bad!  ·         More nerdy speculation on upcoming DC movies  ·         Tyler Cross: Black Rock  ·         Peanuts from Dec. 10, 1973  ·         Grimjack: The Manx Cat  Join us in two weeks as we engage in some pre-April first tomfoolery with a look at Ambush Bug!  Until then:  Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts!   Send us an email!   Hit us up on  Twitter  or  Facebook!  And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, we look at the source material for one of the upcoming DC movies recently announced by James Gunn: The Authority Vol. 1: Relentless, collecting The Authority #1-8 by Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary, published by Wildstorm Comics! When the U.N. superhero team Stormwatch is slaughtered by xenomorphs from the Aliens film franchise (...wait, what?), The Authority steps out of the shadows, determined to save the world by any means necessary -- and to change it, as well. Can this team of attitude-heavy heroes defeat an army of flying super-terrorists and thwart an invasion from an alternate Earth? And can they muscle their way into that superpowered sphere of influence known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode ·         We need to talk about Kaizen ·         That Regis: He’s just so darn bad! ·         More nerdy speculation on upcoming DC movies ·         Tyler Cross: Black Rock ·         <a href="https://www.gocomics.com/peanuts/1973/12/10" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.gocomics.com/peanuts/1973/12/10" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peanuts from Dec. 10, 1973</a> ·         Grimjack: The Manx Cat Join us in two weeks as we engage in some pre-April first tomfoolery with a look at Ambush Bug! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener"> Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 182 – The Authority: Relentless

The Comics Canon is the podcast that reads, reviews, and renders judgment on the greatest comic book stories of yesterday and today. Each episode, Curt Holman and Kevin Moreau take a critical and completely subjective look at one of the biggest stories and most seminal moments in the medium's history, as they decide: Does this belong in the pantheon of classic and iconic tales known as ... The Comics Canon?

Curt and Kevin have some amazing insights into some of the more famous stories in comic book history. They take this incredibly beautiful medium very seriously in their consideration on whether or not a particular story should be in the Cannon. Fantastic Podcast!

Great Discussions!

It’s an easy show to listen to, and a good place to hear discussions on some of your favorite comics. I wouldn’t really consider it the end all be all to an actual comics canon. Just a fun experiment. They have some valid points, but sometimes I really can’t support their decisions. The biggest one being their decision on The dark knight returns. I’m the middle of the road when it comes to politics, but sometimes it feels like they wear theirs on their sleeves. Objectivity is hard I get it, but if your trying to make a Canonical list of the most important comics you need to leave those biases at the door. Love the podcast guys, good luck.

A decent comic book show.

The Comics Canon

C.D. Brown

In this episode, Curt and Kevin welcome filmmaker and author C.D. Brown as they wrap up their preparations for Avengers: Infinity War with a look at the landmark limited series The Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin, George Perez and Ron Lim, published by Marvel Comics!  Oh, crap! Thanos the mad Titan has the six infinity gems, granting him dominion over the mind, the soul, space, time, power and reality itself! And in an attempt to please Death herself, he’s eradicated half of all life everywhere!  Can the assembled might of Earth’s heartiest heroes, cosmic champions and assorted space gods possibly be enough to outwit this omnipotent oppressor? And can this mind-bending saga gain the favor of our own Living Tribunal and gain entry into that pantheon of power-packed periodicals known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  Vamp City Our first “lost episode” A potential movie spoiler alert Thanos and Darkseid Chekhov’s Law of Mephisto Layla and Other Love Songs The Ceremonial Eyepatch of Sorrow! Marvel’s trippy cosmic entities Adam Warlock is a jerkwad! The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe The Death of Captain Marvel Thanos Returns Captain America #700 Warlock by Jim Starlin: The Complete Collection  Join us in two weeks as we look ahead to the May 18 release of Deadpool 2 with a look at With Great Power Comes Great Coincidence! from Deadpool #11 and In the Hands of the Hunter! from Amazing Spider-Man #47! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin welcome <a href="http://www.charliebrownwriter.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">filmmaker and author</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cdbrownauthor" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">C.D. Brown</a> as they wrap up their preparations for Avengers: Infinity War with a look at the landmark limited series The Infinity Gauntlet by Jim Starlin, George Perez and Ron Lim, published by Marvel Comics!  Oh, crap! Thanos the mad Titan has the six infinity gems, granting him dominion over the mind, the soul, space, time, power and reality itself! And in an attempt to please Death herself, he’s eradicated half of all life everywhere!  Can the assembled might of Earth’s heartiest heroes, cosmic champions and assorted space gods possibly be enough to outwit this omnipotent oppressor? And can this mind-bending saga gain the favor of our own Living Tribunal and gain entry into that pantheon of power-packed periodicals known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vamp-City-CD-Brown-ebook/dp/B07C125BMM/ref=sr_1_4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vamp City</a></li> <li>Our first “lost episode”</li> <li>A potential movie spoiler alert</li> <li>Thanos and Darkseid</li> <li>Chekhov’s Law of Mephisto</li> <li>Layla and Other Love Songs</li> <li>The Ceremonial Eyepatch of Sorrow!</li> <li>Marvel’s trippy cosmic entities</li> <li>Adam Warlock is a jerkwad!</li> <li><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/unbeatable-squirrel-girl-creators-explain-934736" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe</a></li> <li><a href="https://blogintomystery.com/2013/07/01/the-death-of-captain-marvel/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Death of Captain Marvel</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.adventuresinpoortaste.com/2017/07/05/thanos-vol-1-thanos-returns-is-a-gripping-dive-into-marvels-galaxy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thanos Returns</a></li> <li><a href="https://io9.gizmodo.com/captain-americas-time-travel-adventure-has-come-to-a-he-1825188414" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Captain America #700</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.newsarama.com/20504-as-marvel-cosmic-goes-galactic-jim-starlin-looks-back-at-adam-warlock.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Warlock by Jim Starlin: The Complete Collection</a></li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we look ahead to the May 18 release of Deadpool 2 with a look at With Great Power Comes Great Coincidence! from <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Deadpool_Vol_1_11" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Deadpool #11</a> and In the Hands of the Hunter! from <a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Amazing_Spider-Man_Vol_1_47" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Amazing Spider-Man #47</a>! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 57 – The Infinity Gauntlet (With C.D. Brown)

Listen here, Anti-Monitor! Wiping out countless realities and snuffing out untold billions of lives is one thing. But when you step to the Maid of Steel ... well, now you’ve gone and made it personal! In what may be our longest episode ever, we close the book on the epic 12-issue event that closed the book on the DC multiverse—Crisis on Infinite Earths, by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, published by DC Comics! After a pitched battle at the dawn of time, five Earths become one, and a few redundant superheroes find themselves without a home! But the Anti-Monitor still has one trick up his metal sleeve, teleporting our world to the anti-matter universe (hey, you said there was only one universe left)! Can the last Supermen standing and a parade of your favorite D-listers succeed against the cosmic creep with the worst name in comics? And can this landmark reality-warping series score a table at that restaurant at the end of the universe known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode!  George Perez’s cosmic artwork The Anti-Anti-Monitor “How come YOU get to be Earth-1?” “Weird” Al Yankovich’s “Word Crimes” Plan 9 From Outer Space Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War Justice League: The Darkseid War 52  Join us in two weeks on Wednesday, Dec. 25, as we mark our 100th episode with a look at the origin of the first and most legendary superhero of them all in Action Comics #1! Until then: Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise! Rate us on Apple Podcasts! Send us an email! Hit us up on Twitter or Facebook! And as always, thanks for listening!

Listen here, Anti-Monitor! Wiping out countless realities and snuffing out untold billions of lives is one thing. But when you step to the Maid of Steel ... well, now you’ve gone and made it personal! In what may be our longest episode ever, we close the book on the epic 12-issue event that closed the book on the DC multiverse—Crisis on Infinite Earths, by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, published by DC Comics! After a pitched battle at the dawn of time, five Earths become one, and a few redundant superheroes find themselves without a home! But the Anti-Monitor still has one trick up his metal sleeve, teleporting our world to the anti-matter universe (hey, you said there was only one universe left)! Can the last Supermen standing and a parade of your favorite D-listers succeed against the cosmic creep with the worst name in comics? And can this landmark reality-warping series score a table at that restaurant at the end of the universe known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode! <ul> <li>George Perez’s cosmic artwork</li> <li>The Anti-Anti-Monitor</li> <li>“How come YOU get to be Earth-1?”</li> <li>“Weird” Al Yankovich’s “Word Crimes”</li> <li>Plan 9 From Outer Space</li> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/canonical-conversations-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-with-vox-atl/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse</a></li> <li>Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War</li> <li>Justice League: The Darkseid War</li> <li>52</li> </ul> Join us in two weeks on Wednesday, Dec. 25, as we mark our 100th episode with a look at the origin of the first and most legendary superhero of them all in Action Comics #1! Until then: <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Impress your friends with our Comics Canon merchandise</a>! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>! <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">Send us an email!</a> Hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 99 – Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 2: Issues 7-12

Glen Weldon

In this episode, Curt and Kevin are joined by special guest Glen Weldon – NPR contributor, panelist on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast and author of The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture – as they discuss Batman: The Court of Owls, collecting Batman (Vol. 2) #1-7, published by DC Comics! The Dark Knight Detective has always believed the Court of Owls to be nothing more than an old folk tale. But when Bruce Wayne is marked for death by their enigmatic assassin, the Talon, Batman learns that they’re very real – and that everything he thought he knew about Gotham City is wrong! Trapped in an underground labyrinth, driven to the edge of madness, can the Caped Crusader escape the Court’s deadly clutches and reclaim Gotham City as his own? And can he gain entry into that secret society known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: • Curt makes a terrible joke • The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture • Superheroes as soap opera • Greg Capullo • Batman’s dentistry skills • Hot Fuzz • Batman: Superheavy • Batman: Captured By the Engines • Swamp Thing: Raise Them Bones • The LEGO Batman Movie Join us in two weeks as we prepare for the latest Hugh Jackman movie by gassing up the Spider-Mobile and traversing a desolate hellscape known as Wolverine: Old Man Logan! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 27 - Batman: The Court Of Owls (With Glen Weldon)

In this episode, Curt and Kevin start the clock, kicking off a four-part exploration of one of the most acclaimed comic book series of all time with a look at Watchmen #1-3, written by Alan Moore, drawn by Dave Gibbons, and published by DC Comics! In an alternate-reality version of 1985, a man named Edward Blake is thrown to his death from his penthouse apartment. Investigating this Manhattan murder mystery, the faceless vigilante known as Rorschach discovers that Blake was once the government-sanctioned crimefighter called the Comedian! Fearing that someone may be targeting former costumed adventurers, Rorschach attempts to warn his onetime allies—Dan “Nite Owl” Dreiberg, Adrian “Ozymandias” Veidt, Laurie Jon “Doctor Manhattan” Osterman and his live-in girlfriend, Laurie “Silk Spectre” Juspeczyk. But Rorschach’s warnings seem far-fetched, until the godlike Doctor Manhattan is accused of causing cancer in his friends and enemies—and abandons Earth for Mars! With America’s atomic protector gone, can President Richard Nixon prevent an impending nuclear conflict? And will our protagonists live long enough to retire to that home for hidebound heroes known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  The kid gloves come off! Watchmen’s Charlton Comics roots The signature trope of Watchmen Why is he called The Comedian when he doesn’t tell any jokes? What kind of person would want to become a costumed vigilante? Tales of the Black Freighter: The feel-good book of the year! A surprise menage-a-trois “Threatening man buns” Citizen Kane—the Watchmen of movies! Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt  Join us in two weeks as our four-part series continues with a look as issues 4-6! Until then, why not peruse our new spring line of Comics Canon merchandise? We also invite you to check out the King Krackle digital brushes from our friends at Category 4! Last but not least, please be so kind as to rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin start the clock, kicking off a four-part exploration of one of the most acclaimed comic book series of all time with a look at Watchmen #1-3, written by Alan Moore, drawn by Dave Gibbons, and published by DC Comics! In an alternate-reality version of 1985, a man named Edward Blake is thrown to his death from his penthouse apartment. Investigating this Manhattan murder mystery, the faceless vigilante known as Rorschach discovers that Blake was once the government-sanctioned crimefighter called the Comedian! Fearing that someone may be targeting former costumed adventurers, Rorschach attempts to warn his onetime allies—Dan “Nite Owl” Dreiberg, Adrian “Ozymandias” Veidt, Laurie Jon “Doctor Manhattan” Osterman and his live-in girlfriend, Laurie “Silk Spectre” Juspeczyk. But Rorschach’s warnings seem far-fetched, until the godlike Doctor Manhattan is accused of causing cancer in his friends and enemies—and abandons Earth for Mars! With America’s atomic protector gone, can President Richard Nixon prevent an impending nuclear conflict? And will our protagonists live long enough to retire to that home for hidebound heroes known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li>The kid gloves come off!</li> <li>Watchmen’s Charlton Comics roots</li> <li>The signature trope of Watchmen</li> <li>Why is he called The Comedian when he doesn’t tell any jokes?</li> <li>What kind of person would want to become a costumed vigilante?</li> <li>Tales of the Black Freighter: The feel-good book of the year!</li> <li>A surprise menage-a-trois</li> <li>“Threatening man buns”</li> <li><a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-citizen-kane-1941" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Citizen Kane</a>—the Watchmen of movies!</li> <li><a href="https://aux.avclub.com/peter-cannon-thunderbolt-pokes-fun-at-watchmen-in-this-1832857211" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt</a></li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as our four-part series continues with a look as issues 4-6! Until then, why not peruse our new spring line of <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comics Canon merchandise</a>? We also invite you to check out the King Krackle digital brushes from our friends at <a href="https://creativemarket.com/category4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Category 4</a>! Last but not least, please be so kind as to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 83 – Watchmen Part 1: Issues 1-3

 In this episode, Curt and Kevin prepare for the long-awaited release of Justice League with (what else?) a discussion of a kinda/sorta Justice League story: the acclaimed 1996 battle-of-the-superheroes miniseries Kingdom Come, written by Mark Waid, painted by Alex Ross, and published by DC Comics! In the not-too-distant future, a new generation of super-powered beings has taken the place of the Justice League. But these reckless “heroes” are even more of a menace than the villains they face, and millions of innocents pay the price when one super-battle results in the devastation of the American Midwest! Wonder Woman coaxes a reluctant Superman out of self-imposed exile to reunite the Justice League. But Batman refuses the call, and the heroes clash over differing ideologies. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor and the U.N. have their own ideas for how to deal with this growing crisis—and one of them involves a nuclear bomb! Can these costumed crusaders put aside their differences, end the threat of these metahuman miscreants, and avert atomic annihilation? And can they win the keys to that kingdom of caped champions known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  “Get It On” by Kingdom Come Elseworlds and “imaginary stories” Marvels and the breathtaking art of Alex Ross Alan Moore’s Twilight of the Superheroes Kingdom Come’s uncanny similarities to Civil War Can you have a grim and gritty refutation of grim and gritty comics? Alan Moore's Miracleman JLA: American Dreams Everyone's favorite Superman! Canceled Too Soon  Join us in two weeks as we prepare for the first season of Hulu’s Runaways adaptation with a discussion of Runaways: Pride and Joy! Until then, please  rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin prepare for the long-awaited release of Justice League with (what else?) a discussion of a kinda/sorta Justice League story: the acclaimed 1996 battle-of-the-superheroes miniseries <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2017/09/revisiting-dc-comics-triumphant-kingdom-come.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kingdom Come</a>, written by Mark Waid, painted by Alex Ross, and published by DC Comics! In the not-too-distant future, a new generation of super-powered beings has taken the place of the Justice League. But these reckless “heroes” are even more of a menace than the villains they face, and millions of innocents pay the price when one super-battle results in the devastation of the American Midwest! Wonder Woman coaxes a reluctant Superman out of self-imposed exile to reunite the Justice League. But Batman refuses the call, and the heroes clash over differing ideologies. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor and the U.N. have their own ideas for how to deal with this growing crisis—and one of them involves a nuclear bomb! Can these costumed crusaders put aside their differences, end the threat of these metahuman miscreants, and avert atomic annihilation? And can they win the keys to that kingdom of caped champions known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNSmYWfIKuA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">“Get It On” by Kingdom Come</a></li> <li>Elseworlds and “imaginary stories”</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marvels-Kurt-Busiek/dp/078514286X" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Marvels</a> and the breathtaking art of Alex Ross</li> <li><a href="https://archive.org/stream/TwilightOfTheSuperheroes/TwilightOfTheSuperheroes_djvu.txt" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alan Moore’s Twilight of the Superheroes</a></li> <li>Kingdom Come’s uncanny similarities to <a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-8-civil-war/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Civil War</a></li> <li>Can you have a grim and gritty refutation of grim and gritty comics?</li> <li><a href="https://nerdist.com/why-alan-moores-miracleman-still-matters/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alan Moore's Miracleman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/154529.JLA_Vol_2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">JLA: American Dreams</a></li> <li>Everyone's favorite Superman!</li> <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/canceled-too-soon/id1107637427?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Canceled Too Soon</a></li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we prepare for the first season of <a href="http://deadline.com/2017/09/marvels-runaways-photos-first-look-hulu-series-1202179015/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hulu’s Runaways adaptation</a> with a discussion of <a href="https://comicvine.gamespot.com/runaways-pride-and-joy/4050-28015/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Runaways: Pride and Joy</a>! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 46 – Kingdom Come

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? In this episode, Curt and Kevin charter a school bus to Stamford, Connecticut to weigh the pros and cons of the Superhero Registration Act, the ethics of cloning a dead god, and the problems of giant crossover events as they (rather civilly) discuss the 2006-2007 Marvel limited series Civil War. In the wake of a national tragedy, a shocked and fearful public calls for the regulation of super-powered beings. Iron Man leads a group of heroes in favor of licensing, proper training, and (presumably) having government holidays off, while Captain America heads up a resistance movement not eager to take its marching orders from politicians. Will this clash of titans end in blood and tears, with friends and families forever rent asunder? Or will our Founding Fathers come together to deem it a revolutionary tale worthy of admission into that Land of the Free known as … The Comics Canon?

Episode 8 Civil War

In this episode, Curt and Kevin prepare for the Nov. 2 release of Thor: Ragnarok with the first of three action-packed installments! The month of #Ragnaroktober kicks off with a spirited discussion of Greg Pak’s swords, sandals and sci-fi epic Planet Hulk … specifically, The Incredible Hulk # 92-95 and 103-105, published by Marvel Comics! Exiled into space by the brain trust known as the Illuminati, the Hulk ends up on war-torn Sakaar, forced to fight in the arena of the tyrannical Red King! Is he, as some suspect, the storied savior known as the Sakaarson … or could he be the whispered weapon of mass destruction known as the Worldbreaker? Can the green-skinned gladiator and his warbound allies survive against wildebots, spikes and the Silver Savage and overthrow this deranged despot? And can they fight their way into the winner’s circle of that cosmic Colosseum known as … the Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  Our Illuminati episode John Carter of Mars Bill Mantlo Brad Pitt’s finishing move in Troy The History of Rome’s podcasts on Emperor Commodus The Stone Men From Saturn! Live Free or Die Made-up sci-fi profanity Skaar, Son of Hulk Don Rosa vs. Carl Barks Hulk: Abominable War of Kings  Join us next week as #Ragnaroktober rolls on with a special bonus episode! Straight from the Comics Canon vaults, for the first time anywhere, we share our pilot/proof of concept episode on Walt Simonson’s Thor debut, The Ballad of Beta Ray Bill! And then, in two weeks’ time, it’s the second part of a Simonson twofer, as we discuss the writer-artist’s fiery conclusion to the Surtur Saga, Ragnarok and Roll! Until then, please  rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin prepare for the Nov. 2 release of Thor: Ragnarok with the first of three action-packed installments! The month of #Ragnaroktober kicks off with a spirited discussion of Greg Pak’s swords, sandals and sci-fi epic Planet Hulk … specifically, The Incredible Hulk # 92-95 and 103-105, published by Marvel Comics! Exiled into space by the brain trust known as the Illuminati, the Hulk ends up on war-torn Sakaar, forced to fight in the arena of the tyrannical Red King! Is he, as some suspect, the storied savior known as the Sakaarson … or could he be the whispered weapon of mass destruction known as the Worldbreaker? Can the green-skinned gladiator and his warbound allies survive against wildebots, spikes and the Silver Savage and overthrow this deranged despot? And can they fight their way into the winner’s circle of that cosmic Colosseum known as … the Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-42-new-avengers-illuminati/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Our Illuminati episode</a></li> <li>John Carter of Mars</li> <li>Bill Mantlo</li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyuefjAuqOw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brad Pitt’s finishing move in Troy</a></li> <li><a href="http://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The History of Rome</a>’s <a href="http://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/2010/05/96-the-most-aptly-named-emperor.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">podcasts</a> on <a href="http://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/2010/06/97-the-fall-of-hercules.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Emperor Commodus</a></li> <li><a href="http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Journey_into_Mystery_Vol_1_83" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Stone Men From Saturn!</a></li> <li><a href="https://comicvine.gamespot.com/the-uncanny-x-men-166-live-free-or-die/4000-22882/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Live Free or Die</a></li> <li>Made-up sci-fi profanity</li> <li>Skaar, Son of Hulk</li> <li>Don Rosa vs. Carl Barks</li> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15789303-hulk" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hulk: Abominable</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EARP2XE/ref=dp-kindle-redirect" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">War of Kings</a></li> </ul> Join us next week as #Ragnaroktober rolls on with a special bonus episode! Straight from the Comics Canon vaults, for the first time anywhere, we share our pilot/proof of concept episode on Walt Simonson’s Thor debut, The Ballad of Beta Ray Bill! And then, in two weeks’ time, it’s the second part of a Simonson twofer, as we discuss the writer-artist’s fiery conclusion to the Surtur Saga, Ragnarok and Roll! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 44 – Planet Hulk

In this episode, Kevin Moreau and “Ultimate” Curt Holman return to the Ultimate Universe to discuss the origin of the popular biracial Spider-Man, Miles Morales in the second half of an unofficial Ultimate Spider-Man two-parter, this time reviewing Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1-5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli, published by Marvel Comics! When young Miles Morales is bitten by a genetically modified spider, he quickly develops the ability to turn invisible and cling to walls, among other things. Miles wants no part of these awesome powers, wishing only to live a normal life and do well at his new charter school. But when Miles witnesses the tragic death of Spider-Man, he begins to realize that with great power comes great responsibility! Can our 13-year-old hero live up to the heroic example set by his predecessor? And can he make the grade in that elite class of comic-book champions known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:   Curt has a beef with his third-grade class Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse The Death of Spider-Man The Death of Superman What role did Barack Obama and Donald Glover play in Miles’ conception? How do you pronounce Ganke? (We got it slightly wrong) The significance of the number 42 Ms. Marvel Comicsgate and the Miles Morales backlash Spider-Men Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 3: Amazing Fantasy Not to mention sweet Comics Canon t-shirts and other merch!  We return in two weeks, just in time for the scariest month of the year! And we get into the spirit of the season with a look at the origins of DC Comics’ eerie elemental, Swamp Thing, specifically House of Secrets #92, Swamp Thing Vol. 1 #1-4 (or so), and Swamp Thing Vol. 2 #33! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Kevin Moreau and “Ultimate” Curt Holman return to the Ultimate Universe to discuss the origin of the popular biracial Spider-Man, Miles Morales in the second half of an unofficial Ultimate Spider-Man two-parter, this time reviewing Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1-5 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli, published by Marvel Comics! When young Miles Morales is bitten by a genetically modified spider, he quickly develops the ability to turn invisible and cling to walls, among other things. Miles wants no part of these awesome powers, wishing only to live a normal life and do well at his new charter school. But when Miles witnesses the tragic death of Spider-Man, he begins to realize that with great power comes great responsibility! Can our 13-year-old hero live up to the heroic example set by his predecessor? And can he make the grade in that elite class of comic-book champions known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  <ul> <li>Curt has a beef with his third-grade class</li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4Hbz2jLxvQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse</a></li> <li>The Death of Spider-Man</li> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-65-the-death-of-superman/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Death of Superman</a></li> <li>What role did Barack Obama and Donald Glover play in Miles’ conception?</li> <li>How do you pronounce Ganke? (<a href="https://twitter.com/brianmbendis/status/332270880774307840?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">We got it slightly wrong</a>)</li> <li>The significance of the number 42</li> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-3-ms-marvel-no-normal/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ms. Marvel</a></li> <li>Comicsgate and the Miles Morales backlash</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spider-Men-Brian-Michael-Bendis/dp/0785165347" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spider-Men</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37812909-peter-parker" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 3</a>: Amazing Fantasy</li> <li>Not to mention sweet <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comics Canon t-shirts and other merch</a>!</li> </ul> We return in two weeks, just in time for the scariest month of the year! And we get into the spirit of the season with a look at the origins of DC Comics’ eerie elemental, Swamp Thing, specifically House of Secrets #92, Swamp Thing Vol. 1 #1-4 (or so), and Swamp Thing Vol. 2 #33! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 68 – The Miles Morales Episode

The all-powerful Beyonder transports some of Earth's mightiest heroes and villains to a patchwork planet known as Battleworld, conveniently outfitted with high-tech ships and fortresses! His one command: "Slay all your enemies and all you desire shall be yours!" Thus begins one of comics' first and most famous multi-part crossover epics: Secret Wars, written by Marvel Comics editor in chief Jim Shooter and drawn by Mike Zeck and Bob Layton! Conceived to support a line of Mattel toys, this 12-part series pits members of the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four against such heavy hitters as Doctor Doom, Magneto, and the Devourer of Worlds himself, Galactus! Alliances are formed, schemes are hatched, battles are fought, and many plotlines are brought up and then abandoned! Join us as we answer the burning questions: Can Curt and Kevin find meaningful things to say about an overlong slugfest aimed squarely at young children? And can this landmark comics event emerge victorious in that Contest of Champions known as … The Comics Canon? In This Episode!  Martin Scorsese vs. the MCU Jim Shooter's problematic female characters Where did these two supervillains come from?!! Volcana is totally Kevin's type "Some of my best friends are mutants!" Doctor Doom's space-age bachelor pad We need to talk about Klaw Chekhov's lightning bolt Is this the worst comic we've ever reviewed? Asgardian Wars Contest of Champions (2015) Secret Warriors V1: Nick Fury: Agent of Nothing  Join us in two weeks on Wednesday (new comic book day!) as we review a multi-part crossover epic featuring Reed Richards, Doctor Doom, Molecule Man and a mysterious planet known as Battleworld! Yes, it’s Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic’s Secret Wars from 2015! Until then, be the envy of your Battleworld fortress with our snazzy Comics Canon merchandise! Last but not least, please help us spread the word! Rate us on Apple Podcasts, send us an email, and hit us up on Twitter or Facebook! We may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

The all-powerful Beyonder transports some of Earth's mightiest heroes and villains to a patchwork planet known as Battleworld, conveniently outfitted with high-tech ships and fortresses! His one command: "Slay all your enemies and all you desire shall be yours!" Thus begins one of comics' first and most famous multi-part crossover epics: Secret Wars, written by Marvel Comics editor in chief Jim Shooter and drawn by Mike Zeck and Bob Layton! Conceived to support a line of Mattel toys, this 12-part series pits members of the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four against such heavy hitters as Doctor Doom, Magneto, and the Devourer of Worlds himself, Galactus! Alliances are formed, schemes are hatched, battles are fought, and many plotlines are brought up and then abandoned! Join us as we answer the burning questions: Can Curt and Kevin find meaningful things to say about an overlong slugfest aimed squarely at young children? And can this landmark comics event emerge victorious in that Contest of Champions known as … The Comics Canon? In This Episode! <ul> <li>Martin Scorsese vs. the MCU</li> <li>Jim Shooter's problematic female characters</li> <li>Where did these two supervillains come from?!!</li> <li>Volcana is totally Kevin's type</li> <li>"Some of my best friends are mutants!"</li> <li>Doctor Doom's space-age bachelor pad</li> <li>We need to talk about Klaw</li> <li>Chekhov's lightning bolt</li> <li>Is this the worst comic we've ever reviewed?</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/X-Men-Asgardian-Wars-Chris-Claremont/dp/078518872X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Asgardian Wars</a></li> <li>Contest of Champions (2015)</li> <li>Secret Warriors V1: Nick Fury: Agent of Nothing</li> </ul> Join us in two weeks on Wednesday (new comic book day!) as we review a multi-part crossover epic featuring Reed Richards, Doctor Doom, Molecule Man and a mysterious planet known as Battleworld! Yes, it’s Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic’s Secret Wars from 2015! Until then, be the envy of your Battleworld fortress with our snazzy <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comics Canon merchandise</a>! Last but not least, please help us spread the word! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, and hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! We may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 96 – Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984-85)

In this episode, Curt and Kevin mark the 1,000th issue of Detective Comics and the 80th birthday of Batman with a look back at three early milestones in the career of DC Comics’ mega-popular Caped Crusader—beginning with his first appearance (as “The Bat-Man”) in Detective Comics #27 from 1939! From there, it’s on to the world’s best-known origin story from 1939’s Detective Comics #33! And last but not least, since a snarling Dark Knight Detective is only as good as his anarchic arch-enemy, it’s the first appearance of the Joker, from 1940’s Batman #1! Can the World’s Greatest Detective crack the imminently solvable Case of the Chemical Syndicate, overcome the death of his parents, and survive his first encounter against the deadly Clown Prince of Crime? And can he strike terror into the hearts of the superstitious and cowardly gatekeepers of … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  What’s the appropriate gift for an 80th anniversary? Our Dark Knight Returns episode The enduring flexibility of Batman as a character Batman &amp; Bill and the legacy of Bill Finger The cover of Detective Comics #27 “I’m not a doctor, but that’s not how poisons work!” Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs The Silver Age Batwoman Batman: Year One, the animated film The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture (and our Court of Owls episode)  Join us in two weeks as we begin a four-part deep dive into Watchmen with a look at issues 1 through 3! Until then, why not peruse our new spring line of Comics Canon merchandise? We also invite you to check out Mathilda: The Forces of Evil vs. the Third Grade, as well as the King Krackle digital brushes from our friends at Category 4! Last but not least, please be so kind as to rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin mark the 1,000th issue of Detective Comics and the 80th birthday of Batman with a look back at three early milestones in the career of DC Comics’ mega-popular Caped Crusader—beginning with his first appearance (as “The Bat-Man”) in Detective Comics #27 from 1939! From there, it’s on to the world’s best-known origin story from 1939’s Detective Comics #33! And last but not least, since a snarling Dark Knight Detective is only as good as his anarchic arch-enemy, it’s the first appearance of the Joker, from 1940’s Batman #1! Can the World’s Greatest Detective crack the imminently solvable Case of the Chemical Syndicate, overcome the death of his parents, and survive his first encounter against the deadly Clown Prince of Crime? And can he strike terror into the hearts of the superstitious and cowardly gatekeepers of … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li>What’s the appropriate gift for an 80th anniversary?</li> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-4-batman-the-dark-knight-returns/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Our Dark Knight Returns episode</a></li> <li>The enduring flexibility of Batman as a character</li> <li><a href="https://film.avclub.com/batman-bill-exposes-the-secret-identities-behind-a-su-1798191229" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Batman &amp; Bill and the legacy of Bill Finger</a></li> <li>The cover of Detective Comics #27</li> <li>“I’m not a doctor, but that’s not how poisons work!”</li> <li>Conrad Veidt in <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/84042/how-1928-silent-film-influenced-creation-joker" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Man Who Laughs</a></li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batwoman_(Kathy_Kane)" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Silver Age Batwoman</a></li> <li>Batman: Year One, the animated film</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Caped-Crusade-Batman-Rise-Culture/dp/1476756732" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture</a> (<a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-27-batman-the-court-of-owls-with-glen-weldon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">and our Court of Owls episode</a>)</li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we begin a four-part deep dive into Watchmen with a look at issues 1 through 3! Until then, why not peruse our new spring line of <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comics Canon merchandise</a>? We also invite you to check out <a href="https://www.voodoomaverick.com/comics" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mathilda: The Forces of Evil vs. the Third Grade</a>, as well as the King Krackle digital brushes from our friends at <a href="https://creativemarket.com/category4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Category 4</a>! Last but not least, please be so kind as to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 82 – Batman Origins

Alonso Duralde

Uncle Scrooge

In this episode, Curt and Kevin welcome special guest Alonso Duralde of the Linoleum Knife podcast, The Wrap and What the Flick?! to discuss three stories—The Seven Cities of Cibola, The Lemming With the Locket, and Tralla La—by classic Uncle Scrooge creator, writer and artist Carl Barks! The world’s wealthiest mallard, joined by his nephews Donald Duck and Junior Woodchucks Huey, Dewey and Louie, sets out in search of seven legendary golden cities, an ancient civilization hidden in the Himalayas, and far-flung Herringtail, Norway, and runs afoul of the dastardly Beagle Boys—and one very elusive lemming! Can a poor umptillion-fabulatillionaire prevail against those who would seek to relieve him of his wealth?  And can he attain that prize greater than any gold, more rewarding than a swim in any money bin—entry into that billionaire boys’ club known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  Did George Lucas once borrow from Scrooge McDuck? Uncle Scrooge as Daniel Plainview The Gods Must Be Crazy Daniel Clowes’ Playful Obsession Various communist leaders The DuckTales revival Hey, Hostess® Fruit Pies! Give us a call! Let’s talk! Bone: The Great Cow Race Clue: the comic book Only a Poor Old Man The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck Jonah Hex/Yosemite Sam Special #1  The Comics Canon is presented with the support of Creative Loafing Atlanta, home of such podcasts as Mo Audio and Dish on the Dish. Join us in two weeks as we get ready for another Netflix show (Marvel’s The Defenders) with the death and resurrection of Elektra in Frank Miller’s Daredevil! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin welcome special guest <a href="http://www.alonsoduralde.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alonso Duralde</a> of the <a href="http://www.linoleum-knife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linoleum Knife</a> podcast, <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wrap</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/whattheflickshow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What the Flick?!</a> to discuss three stories—The Seven Cities of Cibola, The Lemming With the Locket, and Tralla La—by classic Uncle Scrooge creator, writer and artist <a href="http://comicsalliance.com/tribute-carl-barks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carl Barks</a>! The world’s wealthiest mallard, joined by his nephews Donald Duck and Junior Woodchucks Huey, Dewey and Louie, sets out in search of seven legendary golden cities, an ancient civilization hidden in the Himalayas, and far-flung Herringtail, Norway, and runs afoul of the dastardly Beagle Boys—and one very elusive lemming! Can a poor umptillion-fabulatillionaire prevail against those who would seek to relieve him of his wealth?  And can he attain that prize greater than any gold, more rewarding than a swim in any money bin—entry into that billionaire boys’ club known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.cbr.com/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-133/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Did George Lucas once borrow from Scrooge McDuck?</a></li> <li>Uncle Scrooge as Daniel Plainview</li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gods_Must_Be_Crazy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Gods Must Be Crazy</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.againwiththecomics.com/2007/08/clowes-playful-obsession.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Clowes’ Playful Obsession</a></li> <li>Various communist leaders</li> <li>The <a href="http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/ducktales-first-look-trailer-watch-1202001079/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DuckTales revival</a></li> <li><a href="https://comicvine.gamespot.com/profile/cbishop/lists/the-incredible-hulk-vs-the-roller-disco-devils-hos/49709/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hey, Hostess® Fruit Pies!</a> Give us a call! Let’s talk!</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KGXGQJY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bone: The Great Cow Race</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.idwpublishing.com/category/clue/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Clue: the comic book</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.fantagraphics.com/onlyapooroldman/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Only a Poor Old Man</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.shakingthrough.net/comics/shakethrus/2006.htm#01" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck</a></li> <li><a href="http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/06/23/exclusive-dc-preview-jonah-hex-yosemite-sam-special-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jonah Hex/Yosemite Sam Special #1</a></li> </ul> The Comics Canon is presented with the support of <a href="http://www.creativeloafing.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Loafing Atlanta</a>, home of such podcasts as <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-606622506" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mo Audio and Dish on the Dish</a>. Join us in two weeks as we get ready for another Netflix show (Marvel’s The Defenders) with the death and resurrection of Elektra in Frank Miller’s Daredevil! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 39 – The Uncle Scrooge Episode (With Alonso Duralde)

In this episode, Curt and Kevin welcome your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a pair of powerful Spidey Super Stories! First up, they swing into action with a discussion of one of the most famous comic stories of all time: the origin of Spider-Man in Amazing Fantasy #15! After that, it’s on to an action-packed tale of great power and great responsibility (and one of the most iconic scenes in superhero comics), as a guilt-ridden wall-crawler fights against impossible odds to save the life of his beloved Aunt May in the three-part storyline If This Be My Destiny …! from Amazing Spider-Man #31-33! Can the winded web-slinger prevail against the machinations of the mysterious Master Planner? And can he survive the cutthroat halls of academia long enough to win a ticket to that homecoming dance known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: • Actor Frank Nelson • Are you obliged to stop a thief? • The Acme Warehouse • Spider-Man’s Uncanny Valley moment • Marvel: The Untold Story by Sean Howe • Peter Parker’s true calling: costume design! • To Alcohol! • Kid Puncho, the Fighting Clown • Kind words from The Nerds Uncanny • Thor Frog from Walt Simonson’s Thor #365 • The Hood: Blood From Stones • The Return of Beta Ray Bill • Give Our Regards to the Atom-Smashers! • Kraven’s Last Hunt • Kevin’s essay on Secret Empire in Vex Mosaic • Curt’s review of Spider-Man: Homecoming The Comics Canon is presented with the support of Creative Loafing Atlanta, home of such podcasts as Mo Audio and Dish on the Dish. Join us next week for a look at the year in Marvel movie and TV adaptations (so far), and then again the week after that for a discussion of the dark side of geekdom via Evan Dorkin’s The Eltingville Club! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 37 - The Spider-Man Episode

In this episode, Kevin and “Old Man Holman” mark the release of the new Logan movie by gassing up the Spider-Mobile for a road trip across a post-apocalyptic wasteland to discuss Wolverine: Old Man Logan, collecting Wolverine #66-72 and Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant-Size #1, published by Marvel Comics. Fifty years after the villains of the Marvel Universe teamed up to defeat the world’s heroes, a haunted Logan has forsaken violence to live a peaceful life of farming with his wife and two children. But when he can’t pay his rent to the vicious Hulk Gang, the promise of a financial windfall leads him on a dangerous cross-country trip with the blind archer Hawkeye. Can the man formerly known as Wolverine outrun rampaging dinosaurs, creepy Moloids and his own dark past long enough to save his family? Can he keep from popping his claws and returning to his savage ways? And can he gain admittance to that alternate reality known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: • Giant Size Man-Thing • Kevin mispronounces Morry Hollowell’s name • Where Curt draws the line • Reading comics on a tablet • #NotmyHawkeye • Kevin’s fanboy struggle • The post-apocalypse economy • Curt likes a big map • Paste Pot Creek and Otisburg • “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” • “Gigglin’” Glen Weldon • Hawkeye Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon • Secret Wars • Logan • Asterios Kokkinos’ The Five-Minute Podcast • Legion Join us in two weeks as we switch gears to discuss a very different comics character getting the cinematic treatment: Daniel Clowes’ Wilson (along with Ghost World and Art School Confidential). Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 28 - Wolverine: Old Man Logan

Just in time for the Oct. 4 release of Todd Phillips’ Joker movie, Curt and Kevin are joined by Atlanta actress and comics fan Jennifer Lee for a timely (and faintly explicit) discussion of the 1989 graphic novel Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean, published by DC Comics! On April Fools’ Day, the inmates, led by the Joker, have taken over Arkham Asylum and taken the staff as hostages. Their one demand? That Batman join them for a lethal game of hide and seek! Meanwhile, the journal of founder Amadeus Arkham reveals the gruesome origins of Gotham City’s most notorious psychiatric facility! Can the Caped Crusader survive a gauntlet of his deadliest enemies without going insane—if he hasn’t already? And can this strikingly illustrated tale check itself into that madhouse of sequential storytelling known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode!  Church Going by Philip Larkin The Thoth tarot deck Why is Batman so uptight? The fetishization of madness “You can’t let someone run around blinding horses, dude!” Is Batman mentally ill? Violent Cases and Mr. Punch Alice by Jan Svankmajer Legion season 3 Batman: I Am Suicide The Stumptown pilot The Invisibles Planetary Castle Rock season 2  Join us in two weeks as we get into the spooky spirit of October with a look at Emily Carroll’s book of short horror comics, Through the Woods! Until then, turn some heads with our snazzy Comics Canon merchandise! And why not accessorize with a little King Krackle from our sponsor at Category 4? Last but not least, please help us spread the word! Rate us on iTunes, send us an email, and hit us up on Twitter or Facebook! We may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Just in time for the Oct. 4 release of Todd Phillips’ Joker movie, Curt and Kevin are joined by Atlanta actress and comics fan Jennifer Lee for a timely (and faintly explicit) discussion of the 1989 graphic novel Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean, published by DC Comics! On April Fools’ Day, the inmates, led by the Joker, have taken over Arkham Asylum and taken the staff as hostages. Their one demand? That Batman join them for a lethal game of hide and seek! Meanwhile, the journal of founder Amadeus Arkham reveals the gruesome origins of Gotham City’s most notorious psychiatric facility! Can the Caped Crusader survive a gauntlet of his deadliest enemies without going insane—if he hasn’t already? And can this strikingly illustrated tale check itself into that madhouse of sequential storytelling known as ... The Comics Canon? In This Episode! <ul> <li>Church Going by Philip Larkin</li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoth_tarot_deck" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Thoth tarot deck</a></li> <li>Why is Batman so uptight?</li> <li>The fetishization of madness</li> <li>“You can’t let someone run around blinding horses, dude!”</li> <li>Is Batman mentally ill?</li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violent_Cases" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Violent Cases</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tragical_Comedy_or_Comical_Tragedy_of_Mr._Punch" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Punch</a></li> <li>Alice by Jan Svankmajer</li> <li>Legion season 3</li> <li>Batman: I Am Suicide</li> <li>The Stumptown pilot</li> <li>The Invisibles</li> <li>Planetary</li> <li>Castle Rock season 2</li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we get into the spooky spirit of October with a look at <a href="http://www.emcarroll.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Emily Carroll’s</a> book of short horror comics, Through the Woods! Until then, turn some heads with our snazzy <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comics Canon merchandise</a>! And why not accessorize with a little King Krackle from our sponsor at <a href="https://creativemarket.com/category4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Category 4</a>? Last but not least, please help us spread the word! <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, and hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>! We may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 94 – Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth

In this episode, “Miller March” continues as Curt and Kevin ring in the second season of Netflix’s Daredevil series by applying their keen extrasensory senses to Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s classic tale of revenge, redemption and overheated Christian symbolism. When his junkie ex-girlfriend sells his secret identity for a fix (we’ve all been there, right, fellas?), Matt Murdock finds himself homeless and penniless as he faces off against the Kingpin of Crime, a murderous psychotic, a roided-up super-soldier, and one very unfriendly health-care professional. Is this the end of everyone’s favorite blind attorney turned protector of Hell’s Kitchen? Or can ol’ Hornhead overcome these trials and tribulations to win a favorable verdict in the People’s Court known as … The Comics Canon? Things discussed in this episode: The lamest rogue’s gallery in all of comics? (Cough) Stilt-Man (Cough) Karen Page’s poor negotiation skills “The Passion of the Matt” and heavy-handed Catholic imagery Leave my credit score alone, you monster! “There is no corpse.” Lois the Killer Nun! Nuke? Seriously? It’s an Avengers thing … you wouldn’t understand. Why kids don’t play make-believe as Daredevil Join us in two weeks as we shamble down to rural Georgia to pass sentence on The Walking Dead: Safety Behind Bars and The Heart’s Desire! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 5 Daredevil: Born Again

In this episode, Curt and Kevin dig deep into the fertile soil of The Saga of the Swamp Thing issues 21-24! In this tangled tale of fearsome flora, Alan Moore puts DC’s mixed-up muck monster through an existential crisis that plants the seeds of a new era in superhero comics.

Episode 2: Swamp Thing's Anatomy Lesson

In this episode, Curt and Kevin return to Gotham City to unwrap the riddle of Batman: The War of Jokes and Riddles, by Tom King, Mikel Janin and Clay Mann, published by DC Comics! The Dark Knight Detective has popped the question to his “purr-fect” match, the beguiling cat burglar known as Catwoman. But before his feline foil can answer, he must unburden himself of a terrible secret—an especially dark night from early in his crime-fighting career. The Caped Crusader’s two most dangerous enemies, the Joker and the Riddler, have gone to war, with the streets of Gotham as their battleground. The city’s supervillain community has taken up sides, with its citizens quite literally caught in the crossfire, along with the tragic figure known as … Kite Man? Can the World’s Greatest Detective suss out a solution to this pernicious puzzle before the entire city is torn asunder? And can this criminal conflict win top billing on that comedy club marquee of magnificence known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  Curt starts with a knock-knock joke DC’s Rebirth initiative Our Vision: No Worse Than a Man Episode Our favorite Riddler The Joker and Riddler’s Dungeons &amp; Dragons alignments Is Charlie Brown a Batman villain? Enemy at the Gates The troubling implications of Batman and Catwoman’s hookup The heartbreaking tragedy of Kite Man Batman: I Am Suicide Mister Miracle Batman: The Long Halloween  Join us in two weeks as we celebrate our two-year anniversary and our 50th official episode with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark Superman tale, For the Man Who Has Everything! Until then, please  rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin return to Gotham City to unwrap the riddle of Batman: The War of Jokes and Riddles, by Tom King, Mikel Janin and Clay Mann, published by DC Comics! The Dark Knight Detective has popped the question to his “purr-fect” match, the beguiling cat burglar known as Catwoman. But before his feline foil can answer, he must unburden himself of a terrible secret—an especially dark night from early in his crime-fighting career. The Caped Crusader’s two most dangerous enemies, the Joker and the Riddler, have gone to war, with the streets of Gotham as their battleground. The city’s supervillain community has taken up sides, with its citizens quite literally caught in the crossfire, along with the tragic figure known as … Kite Man? Can the World’s Greatest Detective suss out a solution to this pernicious puzzle before the entire city is torn asunder? And can this criminal conflict win top billing on that comedy club marquee of magnificence known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li>Curt starts with a knock-knock joke</li> <li>DC’s Rebirth initiative</li> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-14-the-vision-little-worse-than-a-man/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Our Vision: No Worse Than a Man Episode</a></li> <li>Our favorite Riddler</li> <li>The Joker and Riddler’s Dungeons &amp; Dragons alignments</li> <li>Is Charlie Brown a Batman villain?</li> <li><a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/enemy-at-the-gates-2001" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Enemy at the Gates</a></li> <li>The troubling implications of Batman and Catwoman’s hookup</li> <li><a href="https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/19/16455276/batman-kite-man-dc-comics-tom-king-bill-finger" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The heartbreaking tragedy of Kite Man</a></li> <li>Batman: I Am Suicide</li> <li><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/best-comics-2017/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mister Miracle</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/02/batman-the-long-halloween-review" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Batman: The Long Halloween</a></li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we celebrate our two-year anniversary and our 50th official episode with Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ landmark Superman tale, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6537607-for-the-man-who-has-everything" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">For the Man Who Has Everything</a>! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 49 – Batman: The War of Jokes and Riddles

In this episode, Curt and Kevin turn their attention to one of the most famous Superman stories of all time—the headline-grabbing, multi-part event storyline The Death of Superman, written and drawn by a rotating cast of creators and published by DC Comics! The hulking, mysterious figure who comes to be known as Doomsday arrives out of nowhere, destroying everything in his path! Not even the Justice League can slow this raging brute as he plods toward Metropolis, leaving death and ruin in his wake! Only one man has a chance against this inhuman monster. But is even Superman up to the task? Can the Man of Steel stop Doomsday’s relentless onslaught without paying the ultimate price? (Well, the title of the story is a dead giveaway.) And will his name be added to that memorial of monumental epics known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened? Vulture recounts the birth of Doomsday Extremely radical 90s bad guys Lex Luthor Jr. and Supergirl’s creepy relationship Convoluted post-Crisis continuity The Garden of Gethsemane Glen Weldon’s Superman: The Unauthorized Biography Superman’s death scene done right Did we mention our Comics Canon TeePublic store? Superman/Batman Annual #1: Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One The Death of Captain America World Without a Superman  Join us in two weeks as we explore the topic of death from a different angle with a look at cartoonist Roz Chast’s graphic memoir, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin turn their attention to one of the most famous Superman stories of all time—the headline-grabbing, multi-part event storyline The Death of Superman, written and drawn by a rotating cast of creators and published by DC Comics! The hulking, mysterious figure who comes to be known as Doomsday arrives out of nowhere, destroying everything in his path! Not even the Justice League can slow this raging brute as he plods toward Metropolis, leaving death and ruin in his wake! Only one man has a chance against this inhuman monster. But is even Superman up to the task? Can the Man of Steel stop Doomsday’s relentless onslaught without paying the ultimate price? (Well, the title of the story is a dead giveaway.) And will his name be added to that memorial of monumental epics known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.tdoslwh.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened?</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.vulture.com/2016/03/history-doomsday-batman-v-superman.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Vulture recounts the birth of Doomsday</a></li> <li>Extremely radical 90s bad guys</li> <li>Lex Luthor Jr. and Supergirl’s creepy relationship</li> <li>Convoluted post-Crisis continuity</li> <li>The Garden of Gethsemane</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Superman-Unauthorized-Biography-Glen-Weldon/dp/1118341848" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Glen Weldon’s Superman: The Unauthorized Biography</a></li> <li>Superman’s death scene done right</li> <li><a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Did we mention our Comics Canon TeePublic store?</a></li> <li>Superman/Batman Annual #1: Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One</li> <li><a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-9-the-death-of-captain-america/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Death of Captain America</a></li> <li>World Without a Superman</li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we explore the topic of death from a different angle with a look at cartoonist Roz Chast’s graphic memoir, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 65 – The Death of Superman

Tedd Walley

In this episode, we welcome Tedd Walley, writer, artist and publisher of Mathilda: The Forces of Evil vs. The Third Grade, as we travel to the distant future of 2013 for a discussion of the landmark X-Men storyline Days of Future Past from Uncanny X-Men #141-142, and finish it off with Demon from #143, by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, published by Marvel Comics! In a dystopian future America ruled by the mutant-hunting Sentinels, Kate Pryde and the few remaining X-Men launch a desperate plan to avert nuclear war! The adult Kate inhabits the mind of her younger self, enlisting the X-Men of 1980 to stop the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants from assassinating Senator Robert Kelly! Then, young Kitty Pryde finds herself alone in the X-Mansion on Christmas Eve when she’s attacked by one of the demonic N’Garai in a cross between Home Alone and Alien! Can the youngest X-Man save the day twice in the span of three issues? And can our misunderstood mutants prevent apocalypse and usher in that better tomorrow known as ... The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:    Point Blank, on Netflix July 12 The cover of Uncanny X-Men #141 X-Men: Days of Future Past Wolverine: Days of Future Past Rachel Summers What is the Brotherhood’s endgame? How tight is security at the Pentagon, exactly? Kitty Pryde and Chris Claremont’s legacy of strong female characters Our Dark Phoenix and Ed Piskor episodes A Murderer’s Row of 80s comics professionals All-New X-Men: Yesterday’s X-Men The Great Darkness Saga Brian Michael Bendis’s upcoming Legion of Superheroes comic New X-Men: Here Comes Tomorrow  Join us in two weeks as we grow tired of wondering whether the New Mutants film will ever see the light of day and dive into another Claremont mutant property from the early 80s with The Demon Bear Saga from New Mutants #18-20! Until then, be the most stylish mutant on your block with our Comics Canon merchandise! And be sure to check out King Krackle from our friends at Category 4! Last but not least, please be so kind as to rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, we welcome <a href="https://www.voodoomaverick.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tedd Walley</a>, writer, artist and publisher of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mathilda-Book-Forces-Third-Grade-ebook/dp/B07HDZ2THM" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mathilda: The Forces of Evil vs. The Third Grade</a>, as we travel to the distant future of 2013 for a discussion of the landmark X-Men storyline Days of Future Past from Uncanny X-Men #141-142, and finish it off with Demon from #143, by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, published by Marvel Comics! In a dystopian future America ruled by the mutant-hunting Sentinels, Kate Pryde and the few remaining X-Men launch a desperate plan to avert nuclear war! The adult Kate inhabits the mind of her younger self, enlisting the X-Men of 1980 to stop the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants from assassinating Senator Robert Kelly! Then, young Kitty Pryde finds herself alone in the X-Mansion on Christmas Eve when she’s attacked by one of the demonic N’Garai in a cross between Home Alone and Alien! Can the youngest X-Man save the day twice in the span of three issues? And can our misunderstood mutants prevent apocalypse and usher in that better tomorrow known as ... The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIMJ0_S-x40" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Point Blank</a>, on Netflix July 12</li> <li>The cover of Uncanny X-Men #141</li> <li>X-Men: Days of Future Past</li> <li><a href="https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Wolverine_Days_of_Future_Past_Vol_1_1" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Wolverine: Days of Future Past</a></li> <li>Rachel Summers</li> <li>What is the Brotherhood’s endgame?</li> <li>How tight is security at the Pentagon, exactly?</li> <li>Kitty Pryde and Chris Claremont’s legacy of strong female characters</li> <li>Our <a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/episode-10-uncanny-x-men-the-dark-phoenix-saga/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dark Phoenix</a> and <a href="http://www.comicscanon.com/canonical-conversations-ed-piskor-x-men-grand-design/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ed Piskor</a> episodes</li> <li>A Murderer’s Row of 80s comics professionals</li> <li>All-New X-Men: Yesterday’s X-Men</li> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Darkness_Saga" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Great Darkness Saga</a></li> <li>Brian Michael Bendis’s upcoming <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dcs-legion-super-heroes-return-brian-michael-bendis-millennium-1217804" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Legion of Superheroes</a> comic</li> <li>New X-Men: Here Comes Tomorrow</li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we grow tired of wondering whether the New Mutants film will ever see the light of day and dive into another Claremont mutant property from the early 80s with The Demon Bear Saga from New Mutants #18-20! Until then, be the most stylish mutant on your block with our <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Comics Canon merchandise</a>! And be sure to check out King Krackle from our friends at <a href="https://creativemarket.com/category4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Category 4</a>! Last but not least, please be so kind as to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 87 – Uncanny X-Men: Days of Future Past (With Tedd Walley)

In this episode, Curt and Kevin prime the pump for the Oct. 5 release of the Venom feature film with a discussion of the sinister symbiote’s origin story -- that is, as portrayed in issues 33-39 of Ultimate Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, published by Marvel Comics! Peter Parker’s childhood friend Eddie Brock reveals that their fathers were working on a cancer-fighting super-suit shortly before they died in a mysterious plane crash years earlier. When Peter investigates, the suit bonds with him, making him more powerful, and soon attempts to turn him into a homicidal monster! When the suit bonds with a vengeful Eddie Brock, can Peter hope to prevail against this stronger, bloodthirstier version of himself -- and save his friend in the process? And can he swing his way into that worldwide web of comic book stories known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode:  The pronunciation of “symbiote” The Ultimate Comics line The history of Spider-Man’s black costume What do we think about Venom? Ultimate Gwen Stacy Spider-Man 3 The most recent Venom trailer The Venom episode of Spectacular Spider-Man Ultimate Six Birth of Venom Avengers #6 Have we mentioned our TeePublic store?  Join us in two weeks as we return to the Spider-corner of the Ultimate universe to discuss the origin of that other popular web-slinger, Miles Morales, in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man! Until then, please rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

In this episode, Curt and Kevin prime the pump for the Oct. 5 release of the Venom feature film with a discussion of the sinister symbiote’s origin story -- that is, as portrayed in issues 33-39 of Ultimate Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, published by Marvel Comics! Peter Parker’s childhood friend Eddie Brock reveals that their fathers were working on a cancer-fighting super-suit shortly before they died in a mysterious plane crash years earlier. When Peter investigates, the suit bonds with him, making him more powerful, and soon attempts to turn him into a homicidal monster! When the suit bonds with a vengeful Eddie Brock, can Peter hope to prevail against this stronger, bloodthirstier version of himself -- and save his friend in the process? And can he swing his way into that worldwide web of comic book stories known as … The Comics Canon? Things Discussed in This Episode: <ul> <li>The pronunciation of “symbiote”</li> <li>The Ultimate Comics line</li> <li>The history of Spider-Man’s black costume</li> <li>What do we think about Venom?</li> <li>Ultimate Gwen Stacy</li> <li>Spider-Man 3</li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSBDZkeGjJE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The most recent Venom trailer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cbr.com/venom-best-origin-spectacular-spider-man/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Venom episode</a> of Spectacular Spider-Man</li> <li>Ultimate Six</li> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/599050.Spider_Man" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birth of Venom</a></li> <li>Avengers #6</li> <li>Have we mentioned <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-comics-canon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">our TeePublic store?</a></li> </ul> Join us in two weeks as we return to the Spider-corner of the Ultimate universe to discuss the origin of that other popular web-slinger, Miles Morales, in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man! Until then, please <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comics-canon/id1074541605" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">rate us on iTunes</a>, <a href="mailto:letters@comicscanon.com" rel="noopener">send us an email</a>, or hit us up on <a href="https://twitter.com/thecomicscanon" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecomicscanon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook,</a> and  we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!

Episode 67 – Ultimate Spider-Man: Venom

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Interesting Stories & Things

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!