In our second consecutive week without bees (we're as disappointed as you are), the boys cover a wide variety of subjects.  First, they wax philosophical about how perceived trends in the Big Two comic publishers may have resulted in what looks to be a MASSIVE year from Image Comics and for creator-owned comics.  Later, the boys segue into conversations about creator rights, Tumblr art theft and Gary Friedrich's recent problems.  

But first, what you've REALLY been asking for: James explains Mass Effect 2 to Brandon!  You're welcome, Internet.

In this sadly bee-less episode, the boys regroup after James made Brandon watch an episode of Kevin Smith's Comic Book Men with him and talk about the show's problems.  From its gender relations problems to its representation of comics retail, the boys discuss whether, as the most culturally salient example of comic book shops & fans, the show is actually harmful to the industry.

Don't worry, though!  They still insult each other and talk about comics they liked.  

In this episode, the boys talk with writer and editor (until recently at Marvel) Alejandro Arbona!  You may recognize Alejandro from the books he's edited recently, including Sacrifice, Casanova, Osborn: Evil Incarcerated and Red Skull: Incarnate.  Sacrifice #3 is even out today!  How about that?

We talk to Alejandro about the art of editing, his government-sponsored writing sabbatical, how the Eleventh Doctor stole his style and, much more importantly, BEES!  James and Alejandro both love bees, which means this is a special BEE TALK episode!  Learn while you listen, even if it's just about the reality TV show we're pitching.

Find Alejandro on Twitter at: @alejandrobot

Find out where to buy Sacrifice at AZTECS FOREVER and remember that Casanova: Avaritia #3 comes out in March! Pre-order it with the code  5960607229-00311 or have your shop do it!  Pre-order it online!

In this episode, the boys talk to acclaimed writer Sam Humphries (Our Love is Real, Sacrifice,  Fraggle Rock, CBGB: The Comic and the upcoming John Carter: The God of Mars) about comics, self-publishing and System D, MySpace Comics and how life with him "would become a depressing mix of explosions and chemical spills and wolves."

I believe this is known in "The Biz" as a hard sell.

Find Sam at:

Twitter: @samhumphries

Web: SAM HUMPHRIES DOT COM,

Find out where to buy Sacrifice at AZTECS FOREVER

This week, the boys welcome their first guests on the show, Erin Fraser and Matt Bowes from Graphic Content, a comic book film series in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!  Plied with liquor and mini cupcakes, the freewheeling conversation starts with an introduction to Graphic Content and spirals from there. Along the way, they announce that the next Graphic Content screening will be Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, co-presented by Comics! The Blog!

On February 14th, show up at the Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre (8712 109th Street, Edmonton, AB) at 9pm for some drinks, prizes, schmoozing and comic talk!  At 9:30pm, we'll introduce the movie on-stage and settle down for an evening of fun!  Check out the Comics! The Blog and Graphic Content websites for more detail.

Find Erin at:

Twitter: @erinefraser

Web: Sequential Tart

Find Matt at:

Twitter: @matt_bowes

Web: This Nerding Life

As always check us out on our website and on Twitter at @blogaboutcomics, @leask & @soupytoasterson!