We Like Comics Because They Have no Bones: Recent Episodes
Mike and Joe
We Like Comic Books!!! And we want to share our excitement with you! Join us for a biweekly celebration of all things DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, IDW, and more. Each episode we pick a comic book or comic-related show/movie and review it, taking you on an exciting adventure to learn more.
Experience your favorite stories, take a deeper dive into familiar ones, or learn about new stories you may never have even heard of before! This is a CLEAN show so we’ll generally keep it PG-13. Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch ‘ya later!
Michael Dorn's entry into DC Comics' writing staff begins with the character he voiced in Superman The Animated Series: Steel! Joe and Mike's discussion will take you through high concept sci-fi ideas, reformed villains tropes in comics, and even an exploration of how to make a new character unique. Enjoy all this as well as a brief history of John Henry Irons in the most modern comic we've ever reviewed!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Vampires, and demons, and witches, oh my! Join us as we "splainy" the first trade of Joss Whedon's Dark Horse series, following the official canon continuation of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Join us as we explain the context you need to dive into this series, talk about entertainment made just for fans, and talk about Whedon's writing, the good and the bad!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Following Brad Meltzer's successful Identity Crisis event, he became the regular writer for DC's JLA, alongside penciler Ed Benes. Joe and Mike take a look at the backstory of Red Tornado, discuss familiar sci-fi tropes in comics, and talk about the challenges of transitioning from novelist to comic book writer. Also: Are the DC Trinity a bunch of elitist snobs?!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
With the passing of the legendary storyteller and artist Akira Toriyama, Joe and Mike delve into one of his most loved creations: Dragon Ball Z! While the anime was a smash hit here in the States, the guys discuss the interesting relationship it had with censorship, the impact of having limited access to Japanese media in the 90s, and the genius of its world-building and character work. Plus! A special spotlight on Krillin.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Originally published in Japan in .hack//the magazine, this manga centers on the many trials and tribulations of players of the online game "The World." Hard science fiction meets existential crises as we ask the question, who has more of a right to exist: man or AI? And is this streamlined retelling of the .hack tetralogy worthy of your time, or is it as dated as Y2K? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
After a long run on Sonic at Archie Comics, writer Ian Flynn makes the move to IDW to explore even more stories with the Blue Blur. We do our best to explain the vast array of characters and surprisingly deep lore in the first 12 issues of this series, all while reveling in some early-90s nostalgia. Gotta go fast!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
The New Warriors have had a troubled history at Marvel Comics, from falling out of favor with readers in the 90s, to being blamed for Civil War. But can these characters exist in the modern era? We'll take you on a tour of Christopher Yost's run in its entirety, examining questions of identity, genetic engineering, and character development in service of a larger narrative!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Join us as we celebrate the biggest winners from our 2023 reviews, discuss what we'd like to improve, and go on plenty of tangents about the state of superhero cinema! Plus, Joe and Mike talk about what's in store for 2024, and we look forward to another great year of comics!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Joe and Mike head to the seedy underbelly of the Marvel Universe with Jessica Jones! Popularized by the Netflix (now Disney+) show, Jessica Jones debuted in the pages of Alias, created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. The guys discuss making comics more like movies, why subtext makes a good character, and why even the letterer has an impact on good storytelling. Join us as we explore Marvel's snarkiest, most flawed female character in her early days! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Joe and Mike look at Jaime Reyes' inroduction to Prime Earth in his debut New 52 adventure by Tony Bedard and Ig Guara! The guys discuss the phenomenon of superhero fatigue, the difficulty of balancing good world-building with character development, and what elements they each feel are central to establishing Blue Beetle as his own character. And don't forget, you're not allowed to go anywhere near Tio Amparo's house!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
An examination of Yoko Taro's darkly hopeful prequel to Nier Automata, this is Joe and Mike's first foray into manga! We discuss the differences between Eastern and Western comics, the visual language of manga, and the dense world-building of this unique world. What begins as a discussion solely about Nier turns into a larger discussion about science fiction tropes, the strength of the genre, and yes, invites inevitable references to Star Trek...again!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Thing get all wibbly-wobbly and timey-wimey in this episode as the guys explore Titan Comics' Dr. Who series! Joe and Mike discuss the plot mechanics of time travel, the difficulty in translating the Angels to comic book form, and the importance of building a cohesive world with your art. This story covers David Tennant's version of the Doctor, better known as the Tenth Doctor!--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Flash fact: If you're a fan of the Scarlet Speedster, you'll really enjoy this episode! Joe and Mike go back to the 90s to discuss Wally West's legacy, the writing of Mark Waid, and why Eobard Thawne is the most twisted supervillain in comic books. But is it possible for something written in the "dark age" of the 90s to surpass its edgy contemporaries and deliver a good story? And where exactly is Barry Allen? Listen in to find out! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bonelesscomicspodcast/message
Cast adrift in a long hiatus, Joe and Mike return to tackle the Sentinel of Liberty's adventures in Dimension Z! Join us for an examination of Rick Remender and John Romita Jr's bizarre sci-fi epic featuring Steve Rogers, Arnim Zola, and more than a few references to the New Gods! We discuss Cap's impact on the people around him, half-baked sci-fi concepts, and how to follow one of the most acclaimed runs on the book of all time.
With only 3 years between the comic and the film adaptation, The Mask represents perhaps the fastest comic-to-movie turnaround. John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke may not have created the character, but they popularized the tone and many of the scenes we associate with Big Head today! Join us for a discussion that takes us from the blood-splattered violence of the 90s to 1950s jazz crooners, all with our signature wit and comic-book-know-how. Ssssmokin!
Three years of podcasting, and for the third annual time, we're covering Star Trek! This time, however, we examine a series that has no connection to actual filmed production with IDW's Star Trek Year Five! Our discussion takes us from Hesperides to Simga Iotia III, all with a young Tholian aboard! Join us for our examination of this collaborative effort by many of the talents at IDW, and as always: live long and prosper!
Join us for the backstory of a character introduced in Star Wars Rebels: Kanan Jarrus! Greg Weisman and Pepe Larraz give us a coming-of-age story with divided loyalties, betrayal, and hard lessons. Join the guys as they unpack the history surrounding this comic, and discuss how they were both "late bloomers" when it came to enjoying Star Wars. May the Force be with you!
Keanu Reeves' freshman effort in comics teams him up with industry veterans Matt Kindt and Ron Garney! BRZRKR is the bloody tale of an immortal half-man, half-god, compelled to violence but not enamored with it. Listen as we discuss the hyper-violence of the book, science fiction genre tropes, and how good execution can sell a concept that seems rote on the surface. Find out what we think of the most successful comic book Kickstarter ever, BRZRKR! Vowels not included.
An event tie-in is the beginning of Daniel Way's controversial retooling of Wade Wilson, the mercenary known as Deadpool! Joe and Mike discuss the Marvel event Secret Invasion, focusing on Deadpool's tie-in issues, which caused a stir with fans at the time. Enjoy these Madcap adventures as the guys talk to each other and the voices in their head! Guest-starring Blooper of the Atlanta Braves!
Eoj dna Ekim enimaxe eht lacigam edis fo eht Ecotsuj Eugael! Join us for an examination of one of the most interesting and bizarre teams DC has to offer, the Justice League Dark. Ram V and Xermanico tackle the team after they've been relegated to backup stories in the main Justice League title. Join us as we discuss the impact this has had on the storytelling, the danger of using tired character tropes, and how Man-Bat is better than Batman (in this case)!
In the mid-70s, Gold Key was home to a number of licensed comics, which included the Addams Family! Fresh from watching Netflix's Wednesday, Joe and Mike examine this interesting piece of history from a long-gone publisher. But is this spooky and kooky, or should it have stayed in the grave? Join us to find out, as well as hear our thoughts on the various media adaptations of Charles Addams' work!
Carol Danvers and Rogue have a long-standing rivalry in the Marvel Universe, but where did it all begin? Joe and Mike dive headfirst into the world of Chris Claremont's X-men, discovering new, and sometimes disturbing, aspects of both character's histories. Discover along with us how the darkest chapter in Carol Danvers' history was redeemed.
Dan Abnett and Stjepan Sejic's collaboration is one of the few modern Aquaman stories to get a Deluxe Hardcover edition, but is it deserving of this honor? The guys talk about coherent world-building, the importance of art that communicates emotion, and discuss the controversy in the Justice League tie-in to this arc. Plus! An endless string of water-based puns may spell dangerous waters for our listeners!
Joe and Mike sink their teeth into the supernatural side of Marvel with Marc Guggenheim and Howard Chaykin's Blade series! This "re-vamp" (pun intended) was meant to capitalize on the success of the film trilogy, while making Blade relevant to the Marvel universe again after a long absence. The guys discuss whether or not vampires have souls, whether or not suspenders are needed to fight the undead, and the surprising success of putting the classic Dracula into a superhero universe!
Our annual year-end extravaganza! Join us for a guided tour of the last year, exploring our regrets, biggest successes, and how the podcast production has changed over the last season! Plus, we speculate on what characters we want to tackle in 2023, as well as continuing the age-old debate of how to pronounce "lawyer!"
Rob Liefeld's first professional work in comics was Hawk and Dove, where he co-created Dawn Granger with Barbara and Karl Kesel. Joe and Mike talk about having the ending spoiled before you begin, the political meaning behind Steve Ditko's early work, and even a surprising link between this story and a 90s sci-fi classic! Don't miss our last full review of season 2!
NIER, the quirky, cult classic title originally released for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, seems an odd choice for a comic book adaptation. But with the recent(ish) success of the NieR series on Playstation 4, Joe and Mike decide to visit the tie-in comic Square Enix commissioned through Wildstorm comics! The discussion involves mad science gone wrong, talking books, and lots of background lore that may enhance your enjoyment of the story. Visit the beautiful, dangerous, and divisive world of NieR.
In the second of two parts, Joe and Mike discuss the moral greys of international politics, the confusion of seeing lesser-knowns in civilian garb, and whether or not maiming people is better than killing! Join us for a fascinating character study of Black Adam that gets into some real world issues, while we compare the comic to the movie it inspired!
Shazam! In the first of two parts, Joe and Mike take a look at the history of the oldest superhero team in comics...the Justice Society of America! We'll make sense of the retcons, legacy characters, and even the geographic location of Kahnaq, so you can fully appreciate our story analysis of Black Reign.
Joe and Mike finally tackle Mike's favorite title at Marvel...The Fantastic Four! Jonathan Hickman's run on the title is one of the highest reviewed critically, but does it collapse under the weight of too many big ideas? And can Mike and Joe possibly balance the weight of their immense intellects with their friendship? Also featuring Spider-Man, Dragon Man, and some sweet, sweet jazz!
The guys go all the way back to 1987 for Bob Burden's Flaming Carrot #16, the first appearance of the Mystery Men! If you like absurdist humor, this title has everything, from carrot-men and clones of Hitler's feet to a super-villain barbecue! Both Joe and Mike nerd out to the numerous references to other comics, as well as the first appearance of The Shoveler and Mr. Furious, who later appeared in Kinka Usher's 1999 movie.
Turtle power! Joe and Mike explore various one-shots focusing on each of the Ninja Turtles, intended to highlight their uniqueness and build up the lore around IDW's 2011 relaunch of their ongoing title. But should these icons of the 80s and 90s have stayed in the sewers, or do they still feel relevant today? And who are newcomers Alopex and Kara Lewis?
Due to a goof on our part, we ended up reading two different story arcs for She-Hulk...so we reviewed them both! Enjoy a defining moment in the history of Jennifer Walters, the She-Hulk, and discover just what makes her special among the Marvel pantheon of heroes. Guest-starring the Time Variance Authority!
Described as "Ally McBeal with muscles" by some fans, Dan Slott and Juan Bobillo's run on She-Hulk begins here! While this run may have polarized fans, we were unanimous on our decision about its quality. Explore the wild world of superhuman law with us as your hosts! Part 1 of 2.
The New 52, DC's 2011 linewide reboot, brought with it many offbeat and experimental titles, but few of those lasted a long time. Red Lanterns is the exception, exploring issues of rage, hatred, camaraderie, redemption, and even redefining what a team book could be. Joe and Mike discuss the beginning of Charles Soule's run and Guy Gardner's induction into the team, as well as feeling empathy for a giant, mutli-tentacled alien brain!
Katar Hol or Carter Hall? Creators Robert Venditti and Bryan Hitch try to make sense of Hawkman's confusing history in this recent run. Joe and Mike discuss the run that redefined Hawkman for our modern age, giving him a story that is equal parts fantasy adventure and search for redemption. And, for the first time ever, watch the full episode on YouTube!
Flying popcorn tins with laser beams! Atomic flying elbows! Spaceships in the Eiffel Tower! These are just a few of the things you'll find in our review of Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba's 2008 series, The Umbrella Academy. We try to make sense of the chaos for you in a world where FINALLY an anthropomorphic banana wouldn't be out of place!
Joe and Mike dive into the world of event tie-ins with Ms. Marvel - Civil War II by G. Willow Wilson and a rotating cast of pencilers. While event comics usually aren't an ideal way to first experience a character, the guys discuss why this story is important to fans of Kamala Khan, the morality of pre-crime, and learning to stand on your own two feet...even when it means standing up to your idols.
Joe and Mike dive headfirst into cosmic Marvel via a character that isn't often associated with it...Doctor Strange! Marvel relaunched the title upon the eve of Steve Ditko's passing, but do Mark Waid and Jesus Saiz pull off a new direction, or does it end up feeling like familiar ground? Take a trip through the universe and the ego of the world's most...powerless sorceror?
Joe and Mike break down Marvel's 2020 Morbius miniseries by Vita Ayala and Marcelo Ferreira. Seemingly canceled before its time, does it manage to service horror fans and superhero fans at the same time? The guys get into the fundamentals of horror, try to figure out if Morbius is a hero, and discuss the limitations of characters with a single, core wound that just won't go away.
As Marvel continues to push forward with adapting their characters for the screen, Joe and Mike look towards Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey's 2014 run on Moon Knight. Is Marc Spector deserving of his C-list status, or does the reading justify a closer look? Brains will sporulate, blood will be spilled, and justice will come to those who travel by night. But can even two seasoned comic fans make sense of this character?
Published in 1987, Frank Miller's Batman Year One is considered the definitive origin story for the Caped Crusader. With the release of The Batman, Mike and Joe decide to revisit this story with a critical eye. The discussion that follows covers Selina Kyle's surprising backstory, having a deuteragonist upstage the protagonist, and the power of honesty even in the face of failure.
In the second part of our analysis of both the comic and the movie, we discuss why time travel can be problematic, the comic stylings of Brent Spiner, and end our final thoughts in a way we never have before.
With the premiere of Star Trek: Picard, we've decided to take a look back at DC's official movie adaptation of Star Trek: Generations. This story introduced many story elements and relevant themes that impact the modern show, but is the comic a worthy endeavor? Part 1 contains our thoughts on orbital skydiving, Captain John Harriman, and more!
With the recent release of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart on PS5, the guys decide to tackle Wildstorm's 2011 miniseries based on the characters. Written by a veteran of the series, and drawn by an experiend comic artist, it should be a recipe for success...right? Both Joe and Mike struggle with their memory as they go into the dimension only known as...The Artemis Galaxy!
Green Arrow has been interpreted many times in many forms of media over the years, but what do we think of his "definitive" origin story from 2007? Joe and Mike unpack the character of Oliver Queen, relating why he's a personal favorite, while analyzing Andy Diggle and Jock's attempt to make his origin accessible for the modern reader!
In this short episode, Joe and Mike get together (in person) to discuss the last year of podcasting, reveal the origins of their theme song, and talk about what they'd change if given the chance. Join us as we talk about 2021 and comics! And for the first time, a video version is available on our YouTube channel!
Rounding out our short series on Batman and related characters, Joe and Mike discuss the Boy Wonder all grown up: Nightwing! While Dick Grayson struggles to find his place in the post-New 52 Gotham City, Joe and Mike struggle to find Dick's character arc in Tim Seeley's first few issues of Nigthwing proper. The discussion covers his pre-DC Universe Rebirth History, as well as an analysis of new villain Raptor!
Joe and Mike delve into Gail Simone and Ardian Syaf's reintroduction of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl to the DC Universe. The discussion takes the guys through their thoughts on anti-establisment allegories in Gotham, symbolism that's too obvious, and their differing opinions on new villains The Mirror and Gretel.
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have defined the modern era of Batman comics with their genre-bending, over-the-top style, but can they finish strong with "the last Batman story" they'll ever tell? Joe questions whether this was a story or a thought experiment, while Mike wonders if the Joker was ever really real. One thing is certain: you'll have an opinion on what (Scott) Snyder ends up doing with Bruce Wayne.
Does Brian Michael Bendis manage to reinvent Jessica Drew for a new generation, or does this Spider-Woman not live up to our standards? Joe and Mike discuss how to pronounce "Wundagore," remark on questionable art choices, and ultimately end up with their biggest difference of opinion ever in the final episode of our "Spider Trilogy!"
In the second of a 3-part series examining auxiliary Spider-Man characters, the guys dive into 5 radically different takes on the mythos, with varying degrees of success. Does the Spider-Man concept hold up to such drastic genre shifts as film noir, horror, and even mecha manga? Jump into the Edge of Spider-Verse with your hosts, Joel Guetschow and Mike White!
In this timely review of Venom's first outing as an anti-hero, Joe and Mike talk about robots attacking America's homeless, meeting Mark Bagley, and how Spider-Man just might be a villain in Eddie Brock's story! However, the real question is: Do David Michelinie and Mark Bagley do the character work to justify Venom's change in alignment?
How will two seasoned Star Trek fans react to Brannon Braga's comic book outing in the franchise? Joe and Mike discuss the logic of teaming up with the Borg, their favorite series, and over-sexualization in comics. What begins as a comic review leads Mike to a realization about the state of the franchise at large...
Joe and Mike venture into the Vertigo universe for the first time, exploring one of their most popular and long-running series: Fables! Mike talks about how a colorist can make or break some art, while Joe wonders if Pinocchio REALLY needed to go into that much detail about puberty?
Joe and Mike break down Mike Mignola's first, incredibly successful, creator-owned comic. Published by Dark Horse Comics in 1993, does it hold up to our modern understanding of storytelling, and how does it compare to the movie? The guys struggle with having seen the movie before the book, discuss the differences, and question why that Torch guy wasn't just Lobster Johnson?
What's the answer to The Question? We take a break to address some of our listener questions on the air, allowing for a wide range of topics. Joe and Mike address their feelings on social commentary in media, changing the books to be like the movies, and even what kind of t-shirts they prefer!
Taking a break from the usual grind, Joe and Mike review a comic book movie, and one of the lowest rated on Rotten Tomatoes! Does Daredevil live up to its bad reputation, or was Ben Affleck's first time out in tights worth watching?
In this episode, Joe and Mike take things a little more lightly with this fun detour into a combination of fandoms...gaming and comics! Is the barebones story provided in the games enough for a compelling read, or does it leave us wanting more? The answer is...kind of both!
In this long-delayed episode, Mike and Joe talk about bad fathers in comics, delve into how Scott Free's life mirrors Tom King's, and wonder whether any of it really happened at all! Can we escape the weird, wild, world of Apokolips and master our fear?
The episode that almost wasn't! After completely scrapping episode 3, the boys are back to explain Jack Kirby's New Gods. If you plan to listen to our Mr. Miracle review (coming soon), this will provide some much needed context for this expansive corner of DC Comics. Will Mike and Joe be able to stay on-topic for a whole episode (nope), or will they go on tangents about Gotham and the Ben Affleck Daredevil movie?
In our first full comic book review, Joe and Mike tackle the event that broke the Avengers circa 2004. We discuss Brian Michael Bendis' polarizing views on continuity, forgiveness amid tragedy, and why sleeping with Madame Hydra might not be a good way to open your event book. - - In Avengers Disassembled, the team takes some of the worst hits in their entire history, but will they be able to adapt to the attack when it comes from one of their own?
We like comics!! In Episode 001, Mike and Joe dive into their history with comic books (while occasionally going on unrelated tangents). Join us for a quick rundown of why we got into comics! Spoiler alert: they don't have any bones.