Podcast! The Comics

This/last week, the boys got together to celebrate an early Christmas with each other, involving brainstorming new endorsement tiers, talking TV and discussing some comics from the last week.

Remember: there may not be a new episode next/this week due to our holiday break!

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_194.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:14pm MDT

This week, the boys got together to reminisce about going through all of James' comics, which it turns out is a pretty cool thing when you get to pinpoint the exact comic that made you best friends!  After this, they discuss the wonder that is the Chopped Canada Teens Tournament and wrap up talking about some comics they enjoyed from the previous week.

 

Tune in next week for something holiday-y?!?!?!?!

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20193.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:46pm MDT

This week, the boys get together to watch A Very Murray Christmas, discuss the weird situation Brandon got himself in with Rob Liefeld (and why we still love him), and what it's like getting rid of most of your comics.

Also, James talks about Red Wolf #1 so if that is your bag, this is the episode for you.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20192.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:19pm MDT

Last week (sorry), the boys caught up after James' busy long weekend out of the city, by talking about Doctor Who, Mockingjay Pt 2 and Creed. James also realizes that Brandon has never watched Black-ish, and immediately rectifies that.  Finally, they discuss comics.  Do they spend more or less time discussing comics than they do making increasingly aggressive endorsement pitches?  That's for you to find out!

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20191.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:06pm MDT

This week, the boys get together to talk about Jessica Jones, prematurely eulogize Gravity Falls by discussing its second-to-last episode, and add a new tier to the increasingly elaborate sponsorship tiers that, shockingly, few of you are taking advantage of.  Also, then they talk about comics.  

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20190.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:46pm MDT

This/last week, the boys got together for an increasingly elaborate sponsorship request!  Also, a comics podcast!  Before they talk about comics though, and well after they have an increasingly elaborate sponsorship request, they talk about John Mulaney's new comedy special, The Comeback Kid, and how he's a talented, thoughtful comic who will certainly never disappoint us by doing something gross or creepy.

[insert future disappointment here]

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20189.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:39pm MDT

This week, the boys get together to watch the first episode of Aziz Ansari's new Netflix show, Master of None and the latest episode of Brooklyn Nine-Ninewhile discussing comics.  Also, they come up with some plans and suggestions that they were very careful to word in a way so as not to be the recipients of any lawsuits, but please don't scrutinize any of that, they're not lawyers.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20188.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:28pm MDT

This week, the boys got together to watch the first part of Gravity Falls' season finale and the Supergirl pilot, and James talks about the movies he's seen recently, including a more in-depth analysis of Burnt than anybody has ever once asked for.  After all this is done, they set the record for the longest time in an episode before actually talking about comics, at over 52 minutes!  Let's all get some cake, we've earned it.

The MultiversalQ episode James guested on (and in which he ate a lot of white people) can be found over at their site:

http://www.multiversalq.com/fondue-dracula-the-2015-halloween-spooktacular/

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20187.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:45pm MDT

This episode, the boys catch up on Gravity Falls before the season (series?) finale, watching one episode that's firmly anti-MRI and another that uses character beats to earn its ending.  James talks about being excited for Star Wars, and the surprise of finding a Clone Wars episode that's more progressive about indigenous issues than basically anything else in media.  Finally, they talk comics, I GUESS.

Note: this is the first of two episodes going up today, as we get back on schedule!

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20186.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:34am MDT

This week, the boys make apologies for the lack of episodes recently.  Actually, episodes were recorded, but due to life and work stuff they just didn't get up!  So here's one episode for today - recorded almost two weeks ago - and there will be another on Monday, when we'll hopefully get back on schedule!

Listen, what happened in this episode? I dunno!  It was a while ago. James probably shit talked the Martian a bit (even though he enjoyed it) and Brandon probably said he didn't do much. They watched some TV and talked about it, and then they talked about some comics.  Heck, they even decided on a title for the episode, which has clearly been forgotten.

Yes, we still ask for a sponsorship.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20185.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm MDT

This week (or last week, sorry! technical troubles caused a late upload), the boys catch up and discuss the first episode of the new PBS food show, I'll Have What Phil's Having, and how its host's openness and lack of familiarity with a foreign culture presents a great learning opportunity.  They also have one of their (self-described) best comics discussion sections to date, and James talks about his troubles with hard sci-fi in advance of seeing The Martian.

There's also a lot of baseball talk.  Listen, it's the playoffs. You understand.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20184.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:35pm MDT

This week, the boys convene for a proper episode after taking the previous week "off" to do a panel on indigenous representation in media [Ed. Note: check the previous episode's show notes to find out more!] and instead of sitting around, giving themselves diabetes and watching television, they went out to give themselves heart disease while watching a movie!  They went off to watch the Signature Edition rerelease of The Iron Giant, and then came back to talk about it and a bunch of comics from the previous week.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20183.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:39pm MDT

You may have noticed that last week there was no episode!  It's because on the normal podcast recording night, the boys were at Variant Edition's Indigenous Representation in Media panel!  Brandon, as one of the owners, was the host and emcee for the panel, while James was a panelist with Richard Van Camp, Patti Laboucane-Benson and Kelly Mellings!  It was a great experience, and in lieu of having an episode, we'd like to point you towards the full audio podcast of the panel over at Yegs & Bacon:

http://variantedmonton.com/2015/09/30/yegs-bacon-episode-022-indigenous-representation-in-pop-culture/

There will be a regular episode of the podcast tomorrow, but until then, give a listen to this!

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20182ish.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:05am MDT

This week, the boys got together to have a less... uh... emotional conversation and mostly just had a pleasant time.  First, they discussed the second episode of the new season of Mind of a Chef, as James has given in and decided to buy it digitally, and they discuss the curious case of Life in Pieces, a new TV comedy that is a bafflingly mixed bag of good performers and less great material.  Finally, they discuss the comics of the last week, breaking down some books in one of the most in-depth critical segments on the show to date.

Also, James proposes some more sponsorships.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20182.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:14pm MDT

This week, the boys get together to catch up after a week off, as James insisted to Brandon that "in the middle of moving" is not a good time to record a podcast and gave him the night off, before promising that he'd "figure something out," which turned out to be "nothing."  James talks watching a 5.5h Bollywood movie with the hosts of Bollywood Is For Lovers (@bollywoodpod) and they settle down to discuss the most recent episode of Gravity Falls and the season premiere of The Mind of a Chef.  Then they talk about some comics, and then things get real.

You may have noticed a discussion about the announcement of Marvel's Red Wolf solo series last week and the controversy around it.  You may have also noticed that DC canceled their book with an aboriginal character in it.  James has some emotional thoughts about these announcements, the overall landscape of indigeneity in comics, and getting burnt out on bad news.

Uh... enjoy.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20181.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:27pm MDT

This week, the boys welcome Sam Humphries, writer of Star-Lord and Kitty Pride and the upcoming Citizen Jack back to the show for his record-extending fifth appearance.  As Sam episodes always are, this one is wide-ranging and loose, jumping from Citizen Jack and its birth in a place of anger to the Metrodome to making advance dinner plans for a trip to Los Angeles.  It's long, it's surreal and it's one of our favourite episodes to date.

Find Sam online at: 

Twitter: @samhumphries

Tumblr: samhumphries

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20180.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:46pm MDT

This/last week, the boys welcomed Danica back to the show for a night of catching up and discussing comics.  Brandon and Danica talk about life at the comic shop and make the mistake of inviting James out to hang out on Danica's father's porch out in the country.  Someone will regret this, probably!  James talks about life as a professional cook for a day, and how stressful but fun it was, and makes an ssing admission about how long it took him to realize a copy of a movie was broken.  Finally, they all discuss the latest Gravity Fallsepisode and some of the comics from the previous week.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20179.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:21pm MDT

This/last week, the boys got together to recap stuff from the previous week.  Brandon talked about his store's latest event, a Doctor Who Day, while James talks about being frugal for a week and catching up on a lot of comics he's owned for a while, like John Rogers' Dungeons & Drgaons run and Locke & Key, as well as the frustrations of reading Oishinbo, a 30-years-and-running-old whose English adaptation doesn't have any of the emotional plot due to deliberately non-chronological adaptation publishing.  Next, they discuss the new Netflix revival/series, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, and wrap it all up with a discussion of new comics from the previous week.

Also, American Ninja Warrior is once again discussed and Brandon deliberately sets James off on a rant to close out the episode.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20178.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:11pm MDT

This week, the boys get together to catch up and watch the first two second season episodes of Rick and Morty, a show they haven't watched since its first two episodes, period.  It turns out it's gotten really confident and ambitious!  Who knew?  James also gives a rundown of the newest Fantastic Four movie, which is way more interestingly bad than the internet is giving it credit for, before they move into comics.  Instead of just reviewing new books, this week features a lot of catch-up on some runs that James finally read over the weekend.  Hope you like Batman: Endgame and Secret Wars hot takes!

Also, Brandon bet James $5 he wouldn't get this episode up on time, so pay up, sucker.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20177.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:52am MDT

This/last week, the boys recount their trip for Brandon's birthday, aka the darkest day of the year, one of two where James is forced by his own rules to give Brandon an unqualified compliment.  It's awful.

After this, they discuss Gravity FallsThe Jim Gaffigan Show and a bunch of comics. Also, did you know the comics internet went CRAZY recently?  They talk about that, too.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_176.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:42pm MDT

This week/last week, the boys get/got together to discuss their previous week.  Brandon actually had some fun, while it's arguable that James had too much fun.  Next, they discuss the second episode of The Jim Gaffigan show, before wrapping up with a discussion of the week's comics.

I mean, I could be more specific, but it's been a week and a day.  I don't even remember what I had for breakfast most days.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20175.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03pm MDT

This week (again, technically last week, who cares), the boys get together to discuss the media they enjoyed recently, and because Brandon was actually able to go see a movie for once, it wasn't totally one-sided!  They discuss Ant-Man's charm and efforts to rise above its issues, while James reports back on the charm and warmness of Trainwreck.  Next, they discuss the first episode of TVLand's The Jim Gaffigan Show, and wrap up by talking about a bunch of comics.  

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20174.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:02pm MDT

This week, the boys are back after a week off while James was on vacation and I guess Brandon was too lazy slash running a new business or something.  Either way, pretty selfish, and if you would all ignore that this is going up five days late, that would be great, thanks.

After they catch up on personal stuff, the first Gravity Falls episode in four months is discussed.  After this, James leads a discussion on how interesting it was to have three comics come out in the previous week featuring prominent aboriginal characters, and how two of them were pretty good and only one was disappointingly racist.  Honestly, it's a better ratio than usual.  Other comics are discussed, I guess.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20173.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:02pm MDT

This week, writer and podcaster Matt Wilson comes back to the show.  The last time Matt was on, he discussed his recently launched webcomic, Copernicus Jones: Robot Detective.  Years later, the series has transitioned to Monkeybrain Comics and is Kickstarting its first trade paperback collection, which Matt is here to promote.  Along the way, they discuss Kids in the Hall, what makes noir and how the neo-noir format offers the ability to tweak expectations and working with a new artist.  Finally, James makes partial amends for his participation in a War Rocket Ajax scandal, but mostly to get selfish vindication.

Remember to support the Copernicus Jones kickstarter immediately; it ends on Wednesday!

Find Matt online at:

Web: About.me

Twitter: @themattdwilson

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_172.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:26pm MDT

This week, (but technically last week, whoops!) the boys got together to catch up, and, much more importantly, watch the first episode of the Rock's new HBO TV series, Ballers.  Unfortunately, let's just say that didn't turn out as well as they wanted, so they talked about Inside Out and moving out to the country instead.  Finally, they talked about a bunch of comics!  Because this is a comics podcast, at least in theory.

Also, apologies for this not going up last week!  That makes this week a DOUBLE PODCAST WEEK, I GUESS.

Direct download: Podcast2120The20Comics20-20Episode20171.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02am MDT

The boys return to James' where they talk about the week that was, and dig into Sense8, Jurassic World and The Flash finalé, as well as other things Brandon can't remember less than 24 hours after they recorded. Oh, and also, comics! Get some hot takes on DC's new line (good?) and other things! 

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_170.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:22pm MDT

Because terrible puns, is why.

This week, the boys are recording live at Variant Edition, so the audio has a lot of background sound, and whatever. Brandon talks about all the things he hasn't done becuase STORE STUFF, you guys, and James runs through some Bollywood recommendations and his Comics Alliance article about Marvel and Red Wolf and indigenous representation in comics. Then? Comics talk! And a lot of it.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_169_-_2015-06-11_8.52_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:31am MDT

This week, the boys reconvene after a few weeks without recording together to catch up.  Brandon gives an update on the store and their living situation, while James talks a bit about his vacation, as well as the raw emotions churned up by the Truth and Reconciliation Report. 

After this, they discuss the Kevin Owens/John Cena match from Elimination Chamber, as well as the storytelling details that made it so good.  Finally, they talk comics, including Convergence: Shazam #2Inferno #1 and All New Hawkeye #3.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_168.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:35am MDT

As promised in Episode 167, this is a special bonus episode for people who wanted a more standard P!TC episode and not an hour and a half of James and Scott Williams talking about how people are wrong about both Avengers movies.  In a quick mini-episode, James follows the normal format: first, he talks about what he's been up to, namely his vacation and a discussion of the experiences eating at so many great restaurants and catching up with friends.  Second, he talks about things he's watched and played recently, in this case Mad Max: Fury RoadThe Chef's Table and the new Wii U game Splatoon.  Finally, he discusses comics he's read, including a decade's worth of Usagi Yojimbo and how Captain Marvel #15 moved him in a personal way he wasn't expecting.

That's it, you animals!  Come back later this week for an appropriate episode, featuring Brandon.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_167_and_a_half.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:41pm MDT

This week brings a very special episode: the finale of the site's Marvel Cinematic Universe Rewatch, Fast and Fury-ous!  James and Scott Williams finally sit down to discuss Avengers: Age of Ultron, from what it does better than Marvel's The Avengers to where it stumbles.  Finally, they do an overall top-to-bottom rating of the MCU movies to date, and set up their next rewatch (maybe).

Note: Since this episode is so different from the normal format, as loose as it is, there will be a small bonus mini-episode tomorrow following the usual format.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_167.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:28am MDT

This week, James is on vacation, and will hopefully not end up dead in a dumpster in New York or Toronto, and Brandon is running the podcast with Danica LeBlanc and not Jay Runham. In fact, Jay Runham is not on this episode. I can't express this enough.

Anyway, Brandon and Danica talk about their weekends (work) and all the Masters of Sex that they just watched (a lot) and then get to comics and it's late and they are both tired so maybe just listen to this and stop reading the description. That would be super great, thanks.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_166.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:24pm MDT

This week, the boys convene on Alberta Election night to briefly address the night's events before talking about more important things: comic shops and superhero movies!  They reminisce about the successful opening of Brandon's comic shop this past weekend, discuss the ups and downs of Avengers: Age of Ultron and talk about the surprisingly enjoyable live episode of Undateable, including what the show might learn from this if it gets the chance.

Finally, they discuss comics from the past week, including another fantastic issue of Daredevil, the strong second issue of Jem and the Holograms and the spectacularly well-crafted Bitch Planet #4.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_165.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:37am MDT

This week, the boys catch up after some pretty boring weeks - Brandon's busy preparing for his store's preview opening (today!) and James has been shockingly ill - to watch the first episode of Marvel's Daredevil on Netflix and discuss the series' strong start.  They then review comics from the previous week, including Ms. Marvel #14Giant Days #2Thor #7 and Lumberjanes #13.  Finally, they discuss comics news of the day, including the new Justice League United creative team.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_164.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:45pm MDT

This week, the boys get together after a week apart to catch up; Brandon talks about preparing his store for opening and the sweet relief of receiving his first (and first incorrect) order from Diamond, while James talks about his upcoming vacation.  Next, they (read: James) discuss the series finale of Cougar Town.  Finally, they talk about a lot of comics from last week, including Howard the Duck #2Descender #2Kaijumax #1 and the varied offerings from DC's Convergence event.

Meanwhile, James tries not to die of the plague.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_163.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:27pm MDT

This week, the boys James is flying solo, but instead of descending into madness (again), he's talking to Kieran Shiach, host of the Have A Nice Day wrestling podcast and Journey Into Misery, the podcast where he explains complicated and convoluted comics continuity to his girlfriend Helena an enthusiastic comics reader without any of the baggage of having to know who Max Mercury was, until a few months ago, that is.  Over the course of the episode, they talk about the best and worst wrestling theme songs, the Flash and the fun of doing a podcast about introducing someone to comics continuity where the joke is absolutely never on the new reader and instead is a loving facepalm directed at something established readers take for granted.  They might also make plans to hang out in Pennsylvania in late summer, so... uh... stay tuned for that one.

Find Kieran online at:

Web: King Impulse dot com;

Twitter: @kingimpulse

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_162.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:52am MDT

This week, the boys got together to watch the Showcase of Immortals, the Grandest Stage of them all, WRESTLEMANIA!  Wait, no, come back!  It's fun, we swear!

Let's be real: you're either going to really love this episode, or you're going to want to skip it.  But this episode was a lot of fun, with frequent guest and co-rewatcher-in-chief Scott Williams stopping by to discuss not just the entire 6-hour event, match by match, but to discuss how to build stories in a serialized medium, with a highly invested audience that's second-guessing every move and often thinks they know best.  Sounds like comics, right?  Right.

Plus, James is challenged to not let his laziness get in the way of making a petty, minor edit to the show at Brandon's expense.  What happened?  Listen and find out!

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_161.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:50am MDT

This week, the boys get together to watch the hundredth episodes of two TV series that were never expected to reach that milestone: Cougar Town and Community.  They discuss how each series avoids the mistake of having the 100th episode be a "theme" episode *cough*Bones*cough*, instead leaning into the strengths of their casts.  In particular, they talk about how Community's 100th episode marks the strongest of the new season so far.  Additionally, James talks about seeing the Studio Ghibli documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness and seeing a local indie wrestling show.

Finally, they discuss comics from the last week, including Giant Days #1Batgirl #40Superman #39Frankenstein Underground #1 and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #3.

This week's episode is brought to you by Goodwill Industry of Alberta's Comic Book Fair!  This Saturday and Sunday (March 28th & 29th), stop by 8759-51st Avenue NW rom 9am to 6pm and check out all the comics they have!  Throughout the year, Goodwill collects comics, graphic novels and memorabilia, and this weekend they're all on sale!  Check out the Fair's Facebook page for more information and head over the weekend for fun and comics, two things we here at C!TB are definitely behind.

Contact us if you're interested in your business, event or petty feud sponsoring the show!

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_160.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:41pm MDT

oys talk about two TV premieres that they ended up being more excited about than they thought they would: the premiere of iZombie, based on the Vertigo comic, and the return of Community for its sixth season on Yahoo.  In both cases, modest expectations were met by an impressed response.  James also saw Song of the Sea, the latest animated feature from Tomm Moore, and it was unsurprisingly solid.

After this, the boys discuss comics they enjoyed from the last week, including Howard the Duck #1Spider-Gwen #2Southern Cross #1Casanova: Acedia #2 and Thor #6.  They also shoot themselves in the foot regarding a local media award.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_159.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:18am MDT

This week, the boys find their efforts to watch the first episode of the Powers TV adaptation blocked by a US-only release, so instead they just talk about other TV instead.  First, they talk about Netflix's new series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, its message of positivity and how it showcases the talents of Jane Krakowski.  Next, they discuss the latest episode of Gravity Falls, "Not What He Seems," and fall over themselves complimenting how the show manages to move forward its overall narrative while still keeping a tight focus on characters and their relationships.

Finally, they talk about new comics they enjoyed, such as All New Hawkeye #1Spider-Woman #5Princess Leia #1 and Descender #1, as well as navigating Rat Queens #9, a very good comic that's still co-owned by an abuser, even if he's no longer drawing it.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_158.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:09am MDT

This week, the boys discuss James' descent into even-bigger-nerddom, as he played his first game of Dungeons & Dragons and... liked it?  Oh, lord.  Well, we're sure the shiny pink dice and his matching fingernails & ensemble helped.  Either way, it was fun and he will do it again!  They also discuss the first two episodes of Phil Lord and Chris Miller's new TV series, The Last Man on Earth, which is both funny and deeply, troublingly anxiety-inducing.

Next, the boys discussed a lot of the last week's comics, such as Spider-Gwen #1Gotham Academy #5Darededevil #13Curb Stomp #1Thor Annual #1 (featuring the writing debut of CM Punk!) and Men of Wrath #5.  Also, James tries to convince Brandon to help staff the store by letting some dudes lay low for a while, which personally, I feel is super helpful.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_157.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:34am MDT

This week, the boys welcome Brandon's wife, the Lovely Danica(tm), back on the show.  The gang is together to watch the Parks and Recreation series finale (so good, btw), but due to a scheduling change, they had a few hours to kill and recorded this first.  They talk about their weekends recording the Doctor Whooch 50th Episode Special, a lot of great comics from last week that just happened to star women (like She-Hulk #12Silk #1Batgirl #39Ms. Marvel #12 and Bitch Planet #3), and a Home Improvement reference goes horribly right.  Finally, they talk about how comic book stores can end up cultivating echo chambers of reductive feedback from customers, and how that hinders progression in the industry.

 

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_156.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:33am MDT

This week, the boys have recuperated from a jubilant night out celebrating the site's fourth anniversary (and this podcast's third) and the rest of their weekends, and are ready to get back to what's important: insulting Mark Millar and talking about comics and TV.  First, they talk about the latest episode of Gravity Falls, which deepens an unexplored relationship, and one of the latest episodes of Parks and Recreation, which used a show within a show to do what it does best: explore the bonds between characters we care about.

Finally, they discuss the new comics from the last week, including the end of the "Spider-Verse" event in Amazing Spider-ManSouthern Bastards #7Darth Vader #1Guardians of the Galaxy #24 (part 2 of the "Black Vortex" crossover) and Help Us! Great Warrior #1.

They also discuss John Cena's bizarre body shape and how an appearance on a sitcom actually let him be more heroic and nuanced than the WWE has in years.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_155.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am MDT

This week, the boys are celebrating a momentous occasion: Brandon is finally watching John Wick!  After missing out on an opportunity to watch it one last time in the theatres, James breaks out his brand new blu-ray and shares with Brandon the majesty of one of the best action movies in the last few decades.  And no, that's not hyperbole.  It's smartly assembled, visually gorgeous and features a lot of really good looking murders.  It's kiiiiinda amazing.

After this, the rest is downhill, as they discuss stuff like Hawkeye #21Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #2Superman #38 and Cluster #1.  Plus, they go HAM on people already being cynical about the Marvel/Sony announcement about bringing Spider-Man into the MCU.  Good job, nerds!  You almost ruined everything again.

Ugh, you're the worst.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_154.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:24am MDT

This week, the boys finally convene after several desperate weeks apart, longing to once again be near each other.  You don't understand their friendship, you monsters.  Whatever.  It's fine.  

After insulting each other by calling each other names of oft-hated sitcom characters, the boys catch up on their time apart - Brandon is gearing up for the launch of his store and James is dealing with family things, and both distracted themselves from this with movies.  They discuss Louis CK's new comedy special (available online) and how his work on Louie, namely his experimentations with surrealism and arthouse, are finding its way into his standup.  They talk about the long-awaited return of Casanova with Acedia 1, as well as Sex Criminals #10Bitch Planet #2 and Gotham Academy #4.

Finally, James compares himself to the Old Testament God, because go hard or go home, and the boys agree on a new enemy of the show. 

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_153.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:08am MDT

This week, the boys welcome back long-time friend of the show Kelly Thompson!  Kelly was recently announced as the writer upcoming Jem and the Holograms comic, and came back to the show to talk about adapting a beloved property for a new century, the amazing art of collaborator Ross Campbell, late night talk shows, her ongoing refusal to watch Everwood and to call James "a nightmare person" about three times.

The highlight of the episode, however, is when Kelly, James and Brandon all discuss their "top five" celebrity lists (i.e., which celebrities they'd most like to have sex with), starting with the heterosexual lists and getting progressively more queer as it goes on.  Find out who all three of them are attracted to, and get a way more intimate look at an up-and-coming writer than you ever thought you would!

Find Kelly online at:

Twitter: @79semifinalist

Web: 1979 Semifinalist dot com

And make sure to order Jem and the Holograms #1, out March 18th from IDW Comics!  Order code: JAN150430

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_152.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:41am MDT

This week, the boys talk to Kevin Warren, artist of Copernicus Jones and godforsaken fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.  Over the course of the hour, they touch on restarting the comic after its previous iteration with a different artist, Stephanie McMahon's pedigree and making time for comics and movies when you have a young family.  To his credit, Kevin generally refuses to engage James' needless antagonism over the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry.

Find Kevin online at:

Twitter: @theycallmekdub

Web: The Hero Dies

Keep up to date with Copernicus Jones on its Tumblr page and buy issues online on Comixology.  Issue #6, the final issue of the first arc, is available today for 99 cents!

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_151.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51am MDT

This week, the boys remembered at the last minute that it was their 150th episode and they should maybe do something to commemorate the occasion.  Unfortunately, because they realized this so late, there was no time to get a special guest for the show, so instead, they decided they had no other option but to indulge you, the listeners with a Q&A special.  Listen to them take some questions seriously, antagonize you over others and get off topic with even more still!  Enjoy their awkward silence as they acknowledge a previous fight!  Marvel at Channing Tatum!  This episode has it all!  

Well, except comics.  There actually aren't ANY comics in this episode of a podcast with the word "Comics" in the title.  Whoops.  Here's to another 150 episodes of this!

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_150.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:07am MDT

This week, the boys explain their absence over the last few weeks and get right back to business insulting each other, watching TV and talking about comics.  They discuss the first episode of Marco Polo, the new Netflix Original Series, which manages to have almost no white men, a nuanced view of Asia, and a surprising amount of subtlety until the final few minutes, when they can't hold it in any longer.  They talk comics, like She-Hulk #11Daredevil #11Capture Creatures #2 and They're Not Like Us #1.  Finally, they exchange Christmas gifts!  Will this be the year they finally get each other the exact same thing?  Will they Gift of the Magi it?  Listen and find out!

Also, consider sponsoring us in 2015.

Direct download: Podcast_The_Comics_-_Episode_149.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:23pm MDT

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