Casual Comics Cast: Recent Episodes

Joe Benkis

A longtime casual comics fan and a couple of complete comics rookies try and make sense of just what the heck is going on in the world of Marvel, DC, and other comics publishers - books, TV, and movies.

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In this installment, we're talking:
Trailer for Kraven: The Hunter
Review of Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse
Comic Review of the latest Guardians of the Galaxy series from Marvel

And, more of the other stuff you've come to know and love.

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With The Flash zooming into cinemas, it's our last chance to discuss our hopes, fears, and other expectations for the last pre-James Gunn film in the DC movie universe. 

And, we've already covered a few Supergirl comics, but in anticipation of the film, we're going back in time to read and review some Supergirl comics from DC comics history.

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Join us for a review of three very different takes on the Thanksgiving holiday from comics. We're reading and discussing:

  • Franklin Richards: Happy Franksgiving (Marvel)
  • Deadpool #37: "Guess Who's Bumming at Dinner" (Marvel)
  • JSA #54: "Virtue, Vice, and Pumpkin Pie" (DC)

Plus, we each pick 5 comics heroes we would definitely want at our Thanksgiving dinner this year!

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Celebrating 30 YEARS of Army of Darkness comics

Never seen Army of Darkness? Seems unlikely, but neither has our co-host Jeff. In this episode, Jeff finally catches up on the beloved cult classic and gives his review. 

Plus, we look at Ashley J Williams' adventures across the pages of multiple comic publishers - with a special focus on the current crossover event, "Army of Darkness vs. Reanimator: Necronomicon Rising" from Dynamite Publishing. 

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In this super-sized, super-spooky Casual Comics Cast, we're covering the dark side of the Marvel Universe, including coverage of the 90s mini-series "Rise of the Midnight Sons" - the inspiration for the new Marvel console game. 

Reviews and plot summaries of:

  • Werewolf by Night on Disney+
  • Ghost Rider / Rise of the Midnight Sons, featuring Blade, Morbius, and more from Marvel's horror tites
  • Black Panther - White Light, Black Heat: A vampire tale set in New Orleans co-starring Blade and Brother Voodoo

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Thanks to a subscription to the mighty Marvel Unlimited app, we're able to catch up on even more recent Marvel event series. 

In this episode, we're recapping and discussing the 2021 event "Devil's Reign" - a Daredevil-centric series that sees The Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, currently mayor of New York,  discovering a major gap in his memory - namely, the secret identity of Daredevil. Fisk outlaws vigilante heroes in the city, and the war between he and Daredevil threatens to split the very fabric of NYC.

Featuring major roles from Moon Knight, She-Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-man - as well as villains galore, like Taskmaster,  Doc Ock, and the Thunderbolts, this adrenaline-fueled event sets up the current state of the Marvel comics universe. 

So whatever you do, don't miss "Devil's Reign"! 

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Over the years, there have been a lot more comics to film adaptations than we realized. Inspired by our recent trek to see Rifftrax Live: Return of the Swamp Thing, we're revisiting some of the lowlights of the bronze age of comic book adaptations - films made from 1978-1997. Spanning Richard Donner's "Superman: The Movie" through Joel Schumacher's "Batman and Robin", there are a whole lot of comic book adaptations to re-discover (and many more that should remain hidden).

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Over the years, there have been a lot more comics to film adaptations than we realized. Inspired by our recent trek to see Rifftrax Live: Return of the Swamp Thing, we're revisiting some of the lowlights of the bronze age of comic book adaptations - films made from 1978-1997. Spanning Richard Donner's "Superman: The Movie" through Joel Schumacher's "Batman and Robin", there are a whole lot of comic book adaptations to re-discover (and many more that should remain hidden).

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On this episode, we are discussing long-time favorite Marvel hero, She-Hulk. With the premiere of the new Disney+ Series, “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law”, you’ll hear about She-Hulk’s origin, the extent of her powers (including BOTH how far and how high she can jump), and just generally everything you need to know about Shulkie.

We’re reading and reviewing three comics:

·       Savage She-Hulk #1 (1979) by Stan Lee and John Buscema

·       Sensational She-Hulk #1 (1989) by John Byrne

·       She-Hulk (2015) #1 by Dan Slott and Greg Horn

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The next chapter in the MCU - and the long-awaited follow-up to fan-favorite, Thor: Ragnarok - is finally here. On this episode, we're discussing Taika Waititi's Thor: Love and Thunder.

What worked, and what still needed work? And, what to make of Jane Foster's "Mighty Thor", originally introduced in Jason Aaron's excellent run on the comic series in 2015?

Plus - our comic book picks for the week of 07/20/2022

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It's finally here - the long-awaited, Sam Raimi-helmed sequel to WANDAVISION. Oh, and the follow-up to Doctor Strange, Spider-man: No Way Home, and the next chapter in the continuing Marvel multiverse saga.

We discuss whether the movie lives up to expectations, what we learned, what we expect next - as well as our Top 3 Movie Moments from the first entry in Marvel's foray into PG-13 horror / action. 

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Part 2 of our look back at the pre-Dark Knight Batman series takes us back to some very different Batman experiences. For those who loved (or who will soon love) the 1966 Batman move and TV series, we've got discussion and reviews of:

  • Batman 66 - The 2013 comic book series that picks up the characters, tone, and wit of the beloved series
  • "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders" and "Batman: Two Face" - the animated movies with voice cast from the 1966 series
  • Detective Comics #43 - Classic Batman action from the 1940s. What the heck was up with Batman comics back then?
  • And, our review of "The Wrong Earth: Trapped on Teen Planet" - one of our favorite series from Ahoy Comics that picks up the tone and style of the classic 60s Batman and crosses that character with the dark, gritty post-Dark Knight version of Gotham

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With "The Batman" grabbing viewers on HBO Max, it's time to revisit the "which Batman is best" argument with a look at the seldom-discussed "Batman: The Movie" from 1966. 

Criminally left out of most discussions ranking the relative Batman movies, this Adam West-led Batman adventure deserves a place in the pantheon of Batman movies. So, join us as two seasoned Batman vets watch and discuss Batman: The Movie with someone who has never seen it before!

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This time, we're talking all things Marvel Multiverse. What is the Multiverse, anyway?

Heading into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, we'll cover all the bases to get you up to speed on Marvel's Multiverse. We're talking the history of the multiverse in comics, movies, and TV. There's also in-depth coverage on Marvel's "What If..." and we go deep into Marvel's "House of M" - a comic series that is sure to be heavily referenced in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness!

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With the premiere of Moon Knight on Disney+ just days away, we're reading some older Moon Knight titles to break down - what is the essence of the Moon Knight mythos? Reading comics spanning the 70s - today - we discuss just what elements of Moon Knight are consistent through the years, as well as some interesting turns the character has taken along the way. 

We discuss:

  • Werewolf by Night #32 (first appearance of Moon Knight)
  • Moon Knight #1 (1980)
  • West Coast Avengers #21
  • Moon Knight #1 (2014)
  • Moon Knight #1 (2021)

Plus, other comics news and our picks for comic book new releases for the week!

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We're shining a spotlight on some books that casual comic readers should check-out: A trio of books based on licensed properties with no prior continuity needed. If you're looking to pick up books where you don't need an in-depth knowledge of the history or "story so far", these are books that fit the bill. 

A trio of titles from Casual Comics Crew favorite author, Mark Russell, are reviewed on this episode:

  • Flintstone's #1 (DC Comics)
  • Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles #1 (DC Comics)
  • The Wonder Twins (DC Comics)

How successful are these books at hooking new readers? We'll discuss, plus, you'll get our suggestions for 3 other new titles to check out this week!

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The X-Men are experiencing (yet another renaissance), but with a dozen or more X-men related titles, is there an easy way for casual comic book readers to get up-to-speed if they want to join in the fun?

On this episode, Marc and Joe delve into the "gateway" books for the current state of Marvel's merry band of mutants - House of X and Powers of X.

These two titles ushered in a new era and established the world of the X-men that's running through continuity today. How easy are they for the casual X-Men fan to get into? And, how much fun were they to read?

Join us as we delve into the X-Madness and let you know our thoughts on the accessibility of the books and the interest level they generate for catching up in the X-men books on the shelves today.

Also, Casual Comics Picks of the Week - the new comics we're recommending for listeners!

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If you're a casual comic book reader, there's a new(ish) publisher on the block whose books you have GOT to be reading. 

Ahoy Comics has a whole slate of books that are perfect for casual fans - you don't need to know decades of continuity or be reading on a weekly basis to enjoy the incredible wit and amazing art in their titles. We've talked about a couple of their books in the past, but in this episode, we're shining a spotlight on our favorite publisher. In-depth reviews of:

  • The Wrong Earth: Night and Day #1
  • My Bad #1
  • Edgar Allan Poe's Snifter of Death #1
  • and Hostess Fruit Pies

Cheers!

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For new comic book readers and casual comic fans, finding a way to jump into a new series can be a daunting task. On this episode, we're reading and covering a couple of books that readers may be curious about - and checking whether they would be a good entry point for enjoying the wonderful world of comic books. The books we're covering this week are:

Saga #1 - The mega-popular sci-fi/drama/adventure/just about everything and the kitchen sink series from Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. This critically acclaimed book has won just about every major award there is, and there are continual rumors of a TV series to come. With the book coming back from a break of over a year, it's time to check in on this series and see what new(ish) comic readers think.

She-Hulk #1 (2022) - The new series by Marvel aims to take advantage of interest in the character driven by the upcoming Disney+ series. Can Rainbow Rowell craft an entertaining take on Jennifer Walters and her gamma irradiated alter-ego that is also accessible to someone who has never read a She-Hulk comic? We'll find out.

These reviews, plus more on this episode of the Casual Comics Cast!

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It's February and, we're in love with love. All over again. For the first time! We're reading and discussing two of the most famous comic book weddings from Marvel comics history:

Fantastic Four Annual #3 (1965) - The Wedding of Reed and Sue Richards
Amazing Spider Man Annual #21 (1987) - The Wedding of Spider Man and Mary Jane Watson

In addition, we're ranking our personal TOP 5 comic book couples of all time. Each of us picked our individual favorite couples and debate them - with kindness (it is Valentine's after all).

If there's anyone we missed, drop us a note at casualcomicsguy@gmail.com or on Twitter @casualcomicsguy and we'll discuss in a future episode. 

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We're talking to casual comics fans about the upcoming slate of Marvel TV Shows on Disney+
Which characters do we already know the most about, and which of the shows are we most excited for? Listen in as we discuss:
Moon Knight
She-Hulk
Ms. Marvel
Secret Invasion
I am Groot
Guardians of the Galaxy Christmas Special

And, we pointedly try not to discuss the upcoming Morbius movie, which is delayed yet again. 

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In service of our original mission - helping casual comic book fans (or those who want to be) get into the world of comics, we're reviewing two new-ish comics. We've got our thoughts on how well they connect with readers who are not steeped into the ongoing comics continuity, as well as how plain entertaining they are to read. 

On this episode, we're reviewing:
Death of Dr. Strange #1 (Marvel Comics) by Jed Mackay
One Star Squadron #1 (DC Comics) by Mark Russell

Plus, we discuss comics news, including getting WAY TOO EXCITED for the trailer for the Disney+ series "Moon Knight".

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In service of our original mission - helping casual comic book fans (or those who want to be) get into the world of comics, we're reviewing two new-ish comics. We've got our thoughts on how well they connect with readers who are not steeped into the ongoing comics continuity, as well as how plain entertaining they are to read. 

On this episode, we're reviewing:
Human Target (DC Comics) by Tom King
Dark Knights of Steel (DC Comics) by Tom Taylor

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Batman: Fear State is the latest title-crossing "event" for the bat-family of books in the DC Universe:
"Gotham City is on the brink of martial law as Batman fights a two-front battle!"
Listen along with Ryan (our biggest Batman fan), Jeff, and Joe as we recap the series, checking in on what's happening with Batman and friends right now - and examine whether the book is a good entry point for casual comics fans. 

And - We make time to discuss the mini-series event "Superman '78", which ties directly into the beloved classic movie "Superman", released in 1978, don'tcha know.

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Spider Man: No Way Home is the blockbuster that's sweeping the nation. We've got our super-Spidey friend, Marc, here to talk about the movie. What should you know before heading into the movie? What were the moments that thrilled us? What left us scratching our heads in confusion? The answers to all those questions, and more, are answered here - on episode 242 of the Casual Comics Cast!

Plus: We're reviewing the Disney+ series, Hawkeye. Starring Jeremy Renner as the archer with a branding issue and Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, his new (sort of) partner. Is this a "Christmas" show? The debate continues here. And, we see where Hawkeye ranks among our favorite Disney+ Marvel series to-date.

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Our resident Spidey fanatic - Marc - joins this episode to discuss the graphic novel "Spider-Man Life Story", written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Mark Bagley. 

This unique take on the legendary Marvel hero follows Peter Parker from the origin of Spider-Man in 1962 through the next through the six decades of his life placing the major milestone events in Marvel continuity and Spider-man's own legendary exploits into the era when they actually happened in Peter's single lifetime.

Plus, we rank our own "Sinister Six" - the six best/coolest/most essential villains in Spider-man's gallery of rogues.

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In the vein of our popular “Secret Wars” series recap, we’re talking about the comic series that inspired the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Captain America: Civil War”.

This 7-issue mini-series published in 1999 ignited the debate on “who watches the watchmen” in Marvel Comics, as a tragic event leads to attempted government regulation on the actions of super-powered individuals. 

The series features almost every Marvel hero (and villain) including  Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Thunderbolts! 

And now we’ve read it – so you don’t have to!

Join us as we review Marvel’s Civil War!

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In this long-awaited follow-up to our reviews of DC's Future State, we once again pick up on the new DC universe.

In addition, we discuss "The Wrong Earth" from Ahoy Comics, one of the best re-inventions of the superhero genre in ages.

Join us, won't you?

  • CCG

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On this episode, we discuss the launch of the new DC "Future State" mini-series... all of them!

Spawning out of DC's "Dark Nights: Death Metal", Future State takes us through one possible future for the DC Universe, adding to the legacy of the classic heroes and watching as the next generation of heroes pick up their mantle in this bold new world.

Reviews for:
Future State - The Flash
Future State - The Next Batman
Future State - Wonder Woman

Plus, we spend a good deal of time on our newest obsession, WandaVision on Disney+

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WandaVision is coming to Disney+ this week, so we're offering a beginners' guide to everyone's favorite Marvel couple. Including, the original mini-series that serves as an inspiration to the new TV show.

In this episode, we discuss:
X-Men 4 - Origin of the Scarlet Witck
Vision and The Scarlet Witch #1-4 (1982) - Where the couple move to the suburbs to take a break from the Avengers

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In this episode, we're talking about Marvel's god of thunder,Thor!

Issues 1-6 of the recent series from writer Donny Cates - and all the mind-blowing action and revelations - are discussed.

Plus, we go way back to talk about Thor #337 and the introduction of everyone's favorite horse-faced hero: Beta Ray Bill!

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This week, we are discussing our favorite X-Men characters and reviewing:

Giant Size X-Men #1 (1975) - the introduction of the "new" X-Men that we all know and love.

Astonishing X-Men vol. 1 (1995) by Joss Whedon - a more modern take on the X-Men from the fan favorite creator.

Plus, we talk about which of our X-Men are our favorites and play an X-Men version of "Date, Marry, Kill".

Cheers!

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In this episode, we're talking about the new trailer for THE BATMAN with Timmy Hall, host of the Buckeye Show on 97.1 the Fan.

Topics discussed include:
The Batman Trailer

The seminal comic book, The Killing Joke

The previous Batman films from - Nolan, Burton, and yes - even the Schumacher films.

And, Timmy Hall selects his Marvel Cinematic Universe All-Star squad - the top 5 heroes he'd want at his back if he had to face down Thanos in a rematch.

Cheers!

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In this episode, we explore the world of DC's Scarlet Speedster and seek the answer to the age-old question - who is faster, Superman or The Flash.

Plus, a discussion of the most famous villains in Flash's Rogues Gallery.

Classic comics that we read this week are:
Superman #199, "Superman's Race with The Flash #175, "The Race to the End of the Universe"

Join us for this race across the globe (and beyond)!

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As San Diego Comic Con (at Home Edition) comes to an end, we recap the highs and lows of the last two days.

In addition, we're joined by Thom Zahler, creator of the acclaimed comic series "Love and Capes" for an interview regarding his SDCC experiences, his comics inspirations, and what's next for him in the world of comics.

You can find more about Thom at his website:

https://thomzahler.squarespace.com/

Enjoy!

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In the true Comic Con tradition, you can't just go to panels, you have to meet some comics creators.

We're not only recapping what we watched from the Friday panels (and previewing Saturday), we're honored to be joined by Dan Davis - writer, illustrator, and publisher of "All Luck Comics".

Thanks for joining us on this Comic Con (At Home) journey, and we hope you'll check out All Luck Comics and Dan's work at https://www.dandavisart.com/allluckcomics/

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Recapping the greatest gift to all comics fans - the SDCC At Home experience.

We're talking about the panels from Thursday night and Friday (early), including:

Mystery Science Theater 3000
The Boys Season 2

And The 23rd Annual San Diego Comic Con Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza

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On this podcast,wWe're talking about Day 1 of San Diego Comic Con At Home.

With SDCC being 100% virtual this year, we give you a list of "must have" experiences in order to make your virtual con a complete success.

In addition, we talk about some of the panels we've watched so far:

"GeekEd: Watchmen and the Cruelty of Masks", a discussion on the political power of masks and hidden identities.

"Alien Superstar", the book written by
Henry Winkler (yes - that Henry Winkler) and Lin Oliver

"Truth Seekers" the horror/comedy from Amazon Prime video, starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg

We hope you'll find something you enjoy and will join us this year at San Diego Comic Con from your own home!

All of the panel discussions are archived and can be found - along with the full schedule here:

https://www.comic-con.org/cciathome/2020/thursday

(Use the links at the top of the page to navigate between days)

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This year, San Diego Comic Con is hosting an "At Home" edition. For all of you who have never been able to attend in the past, here's your chance to participate virtually from July 22-26, 2020.

On this episode, Joe and Michael look at the schedule of events and cover each day's highlights while Joe reminisces about the best of prior Comic Con's that he's attended.

Details for attending SDCC At Home are at: https://www.comic-con.org/cci

Watch along with us, and we'll be recording multiple recaps of what we're attending and updating you throughout the weekend!

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This week on a very special episode of the Casual Comics Cast, we’re following up on our most popular series to date – our review of 1984’s "Marvel’s Secret Wars" by reading the 2015 series, "Deadpool’s Secret Secret Wars". The series from Cullen Bunn and Matteo Lolli follows Deadpool's adventures on Battleworld.

It’s a "Secret Wars" tie in that was 20 years in the making!

In addition, we're talking about Spiderman/Deadpool #1 from Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness.

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This episode,Joe and Michael are joined by our resident DC Comics "expert", Ryan as we try and get our arms around Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey.

We're covering TV, comics, and movies with discussions on:

The most recent DC Comic "Birds of Prey" one-shot, written by Brian Azzarello

The confusingly (re-)named movie "Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey"

And, "Joker's Favor", the first appearance of Harley Quinn, which happened on the TV show, "Batman: The Animated Series"

We're discussing all these and more, so settle in and enjoy the show.

Cheers!

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On this episode, we wrap up our discussion of 1984's "Secret Wars" from Marvel Comics - reviewing issues 10-12 of this hugely influential mini-series.

With a double-sized final issue, and a discussion of the series MVP, there's little time to discuss much else - but we do squeeze in a quick review of "A Road Most Traveled", the New England IPA from Platform Beer Company.

Enjoy!

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This week, we're discussing multiple versions of America's favorite teen heroes - the Teen Titans!

Over the years, there have been a lot of representations of this team in various media. We'll get to each of them as we review:

Titans, Episode 1 - The deadly serious, all grown up version of the super team - available on the DC app and Amazon Streaming

New Teen Titans #1 - The "new" team (which is much closer to the team you know) introduced in November 1980, by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Published by DC Comics

Teen Titans Go!, season 1, episode 1 - The silly, super-immature version of the team from Cartoon Network.

So, sit back, have a beverage, and enjoy the show!

Cheers!
- CCG

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This week, in our search for more stuff to watch while in lockdown, we're exploring the wild world of DC's Doom Patrol.

We discuss "My Greatest Adventure #80", the first appearance of the Doom Patrol.

In addition, we review the first episode of the DC television series "Doom Patrol", now available to purchase on Amazon video.

Finally, to round out the weirdness, we're talking about "Edgar Alan Poe's Snifter of Terror #1", from Ahoy Comics. Spoiler alert - it's terrific.

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In our continuing quest to bring you some comics to catch up on while you're in quarantine and waiting for new comics, we're continuing our discussion of Marvel's Secret Wars.

On this episode, we chat about issues #7-9 - including the introduction of a new Spider-Woman and Spiderman's now famous "black suit".

We're also discussing:

As part of the "Joe's Got Issues" series, we've got Web of Spiderman #1 - continuing the alien symbiote saga from Marvel's Secret Wars

Plus, Wonder Woman vol. 2, #7: Featuring the first appearance of Barbara Minerva - the Cheetah from the upcoming DC blockbuster "Wonder Woman 84". - By Thomas Zahler, published by IDW.

All of these are available digitally, from Comixology / Amazon, so we hope you'll read along and enjoy!

Cheers!

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This week, we're reviewing:

Part 2 of Marvel's Secret Wars (1985), issues #4-6

Amazing Spider Man #361 - The first story featuring the villain Carnage!

The Venom movie from Sony Pictures, starring Tom Hardy

We're also talking about low calorie IPA's, including Gym Day from Platform Beer Company

Settle in with a beverage, and enjoy the show!

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In our continuing quest to bring you some comics to catch up on while you're in quarantine and waiting for new comics, we're discussing two awesome titles for you to read:

Love and Capes - By Thomas Zahler, published by IDW.

The "Heroically Super Situation Comedy" that was nominated for two Harvey awards.

And, as part of the "Joe's Got Issues" series, we're revisiting Marvel's Secret Wars - the game-changing 1985 superhero/supervillain crossover that re-invigorated superhero comics in the 80's. On this episode, we chat about issues #1-3.

Both of these are available digitally, and are included in a Comixology subscription. So we hope you'll read along and enjoy!

Plus, a quick watch of the trailer for "Morbius", from Sony Pictures, based on the Marvel Comics character.

Cheers!

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On the Easter edition, we discuss the most famous Rabbit Super Heroes in comics history.

Plus, we dig into the back issues to uncover the trade paperbacks we've been meaning to read (or re-read), but have never had the time. We're discussing:
Fables - DC Comics. Written by Bill Willingham
Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon - Marvel Comics. Written by Matt Fraction

And, with Ryan sitting in, you're going to get more actual, real DC Comics knowledge than usual on this time around.

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We've got some recommended watching and reading to get you through the week.

  • Dredd (2012) starring Karl Urban
  • Wonder Woman: Blood (2011), written by Brian Azzarello
  • The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - the Netflix show and the comic
  • And our Hot Comic Pick of the week, Valiant's "Doctor Mirage"

And - Pat's Back!

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This week, we discuss how to handle your Corona lockdown - including a bunch of new comics:

Robin 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular

Fantastic Four: Marvels Snapshot #1

Legion Of Super-Heroes #5

Transformers vs Terminator #1

Judge Dredd: False Witness #1

Plus, a bunch of the other nonsense you've come to know and love.

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This week on the Casual Comics Cast, we discuss what to watch and read while you're homebound this week. We talk about:

Netflix's Black Lightning

The Flash - both the comics and the CW series, now streaming on Netflix (including some Silver Age DC craziness)

Cloak and Dagger - The Comic and the Freeform series

The Umbrella Academy - The Book and the Netflix Series

And - what comic series you should catch up with on Comixology - the digital comics platform. Like:

Alex + Ada (Image Comics)
The Vision (Marvel Comics)

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Season 2 of “The Boys” is scheduled for release on Amazon in the coming month. We look back at season one – and the comics that inspired it.

Joe is back from Buckeye Comic Con - what's in his sack?

We’ve also got discussion of Marvel Comics:
“Marvel” #1
And we catch up on the new “Ghost Rider” storyline.

In indie comics:
"The Man who F-ed Up Time" - Aftershock Comics
"Death to Army of Darkness - Dynamite Entertainment

Plus, just in time for St. Patrick’s day, a quiz from Michael on Irish characters in mainstream comics.

So sit back and enjoy!

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This week, we review the Netflix series “I am Not Okay with This” and compare it to the comic.

We’re reviewing IDW Comics’ “Clue: Candlestick”, a whodunit based on the positively ancient board game.

We’ve also got discussion of Marvel Comics – “Immortal Hulk: Great Power” and “Rescue 2020”

In Indie Comics, we’ve got:
"Finger Guns” from Vault Comics
“Last Stop” from Scout Comics.

So, settle in, and enjoy…

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This week on the Casual Comics Cast:

We’re discussing the upcoming movie “Bloodshot”, starring Vin Diesel, Eliza Gonzalez, and Guy Pearce.

Plus, to prepare for the movie, Pat reviews Bloodshot #0 from Valiant Comcs.

Michael goes in the wayback machine, reviewing the recently reprinted Detective Comics #181 to learn more about the history of Batman, Robin, and Poison Ivy.

And another heart-pounding tale of love and suspense when Comic Book Theater Presents: “The Twisted Plot of Poison Ivy”

So, settle in with your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

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This week on the Casual Comics Cast, Columbus Ohio's #1, best-selling, and hottest podcast about comics and beer for casual comics fans:

There’s a quiz on the LEAST attractive comic characters.

In comics reviews, we have:
"Wolverine" #1, from Marvel Comics.
"Bang!" #1, from Dark Horse Comics
"Captain Ginger: Season Two" #1, from Ahoy Comics!

Plus, more Ahoy Comics with "Edgar Alan Poe’s Snifter of Terror: Season 2” #5

Comic Book Theater Presents: “NOT the Buttocks of General Smith”

And in beer reviews, it’s "Blockbuster Night", from Platform Beer Company.

So, settle in with your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

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This episode, we’ve got commentary on the new Netflix TV series - "Locke and Key"

We also review a bunch of comics, including:

Femalien: Cosmic Crush #1, from Full Moon Comix;

Wonder Woman #750, from DC Comics;

Captain America: The End and Doctor Strange: The End, from Marvel Comics;

Backtrack #1, from Oni Press

So, settle in with your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

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No kidding, we really do have a live studio audience. His name is Ryan and he’s here to talk about Batman. And to correct last episode’s disparaging remarks about a classic DC character - Leslie Thompkins.

Comic Book Theater Presents: The Ballad of Leslie Thompkins

In nonsense this week, Michael is done with dry January, finally. And the crew tries to figure out what a “whackpacker” is.

Plus, reviews of the following comics and beers:
• Red Sonja and Vampirella meet Betty and Veronica number eight, by Dynamite Comics
• Quantum and Woody number one, by Valiant Comics
• All Luck Comics number one, by All Luck Comics
• Skittley Bittley Bop, from Hoof Hearted Brewery
• Opera Cream Stout from Platform Beer Company
• And Bierwolf, from Great Lakes Brewing Company

So, settle in with your favorite beverage and enjoy the show!

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This week, we discuss:

How Michael is doing with Dry January (Spoiler alert: Still Dryer than Pat and Joe)
Pat and Michael’s extreme abuse of Joe’s physical comics
Which comic character – if any – has cats in his-slash-her mouth

In addition to that nonsense, you’ll get comic reviews and beer reviews, including Warrior Nun: Dora #2 from Avatar Press and Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter or Terror: Season 2 #4 from Ahoy! Comics

Plus, we'll rave about the beers from Platform Brewery right here in our backyard - Columbus, by way of Cleveland.

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Two episodes in two weeks? Looks like someone is making an "effort". Let's see how that is working out.

In this episode, the crew discuss the new comics of next week, the top selling comics of 2019, and the history of Marvel Comics' HAWKEYE.

This time:
- Michael actually reads a comic book (that she got for free 8 months ago)

  • Joe finds a new anti-hero to root for: Trick Shot

  • Pat searches his soul to see if he can accept - if not respect - the existence of Hawkeye the World's Greatest Archer

Join us, won't you?

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The Casual Comics Cast gets and update for 2020. After a long hiatus:
Pat finally reads a comics book.
Michael still cannot remember the names of any actors from comic movies or TV shows.
Dry January is not going as planned for every member of the podcast.
Joe has a cold, rendering him mostly useless during discussions on Image Comics.
Yet, we carry on; including our discussions of Image Comics' "God Hates Astronauts", Marvel and DC movies, and what's coming to Disney+
Happy New Year, everyone!

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Welcome to the reboot of the Casual Comics Cast. In this episode, we get into the history of Captain Marvel and answer the question, "What do I need to know before seeing the Captain Marvel movie?"

It also answers a lot of other questions you DON'T need to know before seeing the Captain Marvel movie (or probably ever).

Also, there's Hulk news - and we discuss the Netflix series "The Umbrella Academy".

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Mo and Joe talk about the new comics for the week.

Mo recalls which film iteration of Batman is her favorite. Joe really doesn't want to try and explain Galactus. And, the pair preview the following titles:

Justice League #11
Deadpool and the Mercs for Money #6
Silver Surfer #8: 'Microcosmic'
Klaus and the Witch of Winter - One Shot!

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This week, Mo and Joe talk about the new comics for the week. Mo discovers that comics are still more complicated than expected. Joe discovers that, even though he's been reading comics for 30 years, he still does not know what day of the week "New Comics Day" actually is. And, the pair preview the following titles:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #64

Batman Detective Comics Trade Papaerback Vol. 08: Blood Of Heroes?

Doctor Strange Sorcerers Supreme #1

Mighty Thor Premium Hardcover volume 2: Lords of Midgard

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This episode features: A quiz about obscure Marvel Comics characters, a review of (the trailer of) Doctor Strange, and a conversation about the "who's who" in Captain America: Civil War that's guaranteed to either enlighten or enrage listeners depending on how much you already know about Marvel Comics