Matt & Brett Love Comics!: Recent Episodes
Matt Little & Brett White
Matt Little and Brett White love comic books like Rogue loves Gambit — in a very unhealthy way that exhausts everyone around them. Join them as they dissect comic book culture with the focused totality of their nerd abilities.
The movie Matt never thought he’d see has arrived! An assassin, a scoundrel, a destroyer, a raccoon, and a tree have all come together to form the heart of what just might be the best movie of the summer. Get ready for some PRAISE. And spoilers, lots of spoilers if you haven’t seen Guardians of the Galaxy yet!
Joining Matt and Brett are frequent guest Kevin Hines, as well as first time guests Nate Kushner and Lacroix Scott. Get out there and see Guardians of the Galaxy ASAP!
Music: “Cherry Bomb” by the Runaways, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone
"Movie Recap: Guardians of the Galaxy" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/guardians-of-the-galaxy.html
While at HeroesCon, Matt and Brett moderated the Image Artists panel featuring Ryan Browne (“God Hates Astronauts”), Jason Latour (“Southern Bastards”), Paul Azaceta (“Outcast”), and Paul Maybury (“Sovereign”).
Music: “Artists Only” by Talking Heads
"HeroesCon 2014: Image Artists Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/heroescon-image-artists-panel.html
Matt and Brett had the pleasure of moderating the Image Writers panel at HeroesCon 2014, which features Matt Fraction (“Sex Criminals”), Kelly Sue DeConnick (“Pretty Deadly”), Bryan JL Glass (“Mice Templar”), and Justin Jordan (“Spread”).
Music: “Virginia Plain” by Roxy Music
"HeroesCon 2014: Image Writers Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/heroescon-image-writers-panel.html
Matt and Brett have returned from their trip to Charlotte, North Carolina’s HeroesCon with a lot of new memories, a few new buddies, and a double quartet of interviews! Yes, double quartet. Octet? Probably.
Anyway, while wandering the expansive Artist Alley at the comic-focused show, Matt and Brett spoke with:
- Mitch Gerads (artist on Punisher)
- Jake Wyatt (upcoming artist on Ms. Marvel)
- Joe Quinones (artist on Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell)
- Jordan Boyd (colorist on Star Wars: Legacy)
- Dean Trippe (writer and artist of Something Terrible)
- Kevin Wada (cover artist for She-Hulk)
- Matt Wilson (colorist for The Wicked + The Divine)
- Maris Wicks (artist for Primates and All-New X-Men)
Music: “Easy” by Real Estate
"HeroesCon 2014" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/heroescon.html
The summer con season is in full swing and this year – for the first time ever – includes another show in New York City. This was the inaugural Special Edition NYC con held in Manhattan’s Javits Center, and unlike the big ol’ New York Comic Con, this con was strictly comics. Brett hit the show floor and grabbed some interviews, catching up with old friends and making new ones.
- Will Sliney (Fearless Defenders) on Spider-Man 2099
- Marguerite Bennett (Joker’s Daughter) on writing Firestar in Amazing X-Men Annual #1
- Mike Norton (Battle Pug) on his hot hot Con Bowler meme
- Rachelle Rosenberg on coloring Superior Foes of Spider-Man and Star Wars: Legacy
- Maki Naro (Sufficiently Remarkable) on his time on StripSearch
- Annie Wu (Hawkeye) on the NYC improv comedy scene and her team Villain; cameo appearance by Kris Anka!
Music: “Editions of You” by Roxy Music
"Special Edition NYC 2014" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/special-edition-nyc.html
This week on Matt & Brett Love Frozen Yogurt, things take a slight detour towards comic books and ‘80s cartoons! But really, there’s a lot of froyo talk up top before we stroll down memory lane, reminiscing our teenage years discovering TV shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Space Ghost Coast to Coast. Also, Matt’s been reading some comics on the Marvel Unlimited app! This is the first talk episode in a little while, so there’s some catching up to do.
Stuff we mentioned:
- Rachel & Miles X-Plain the X-Men
- X-Men (original animated series)
- G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (original animated series)
- “We just heard Duke’s going to be all right!”
- Transformers: “Call of the Primitives”
- Transformers: The Headmasters (series)
- Batman: The Brave and The Bold (series)
- Ultimate Spider-Man (series)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series)
- Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (series)
- Space Ghost Coast to Coast (series)
- Craig Rowin’s It’s That Episode 40 with Space Ghost writer Dave Willis
- One-time Space Ghost guest (episode 30) Flip Orley
- Marvel RPG
- X-Files List of Mythology Episodes
- X-Files: “Small Potatoes” (written by Vince Gilligan)
- X-Files: “The Post-Modern Prometheus” (B&W episode)
- X-Files: “Bad Blood” (Rashomon-style pizza delivery vampire episode)
- The Punisher (Greg Rucka run)
- Brett’s six-inch Marvel Legends Black Widow figure
- Podcast episode with T.J. Dietsch where Brett talks about his X-Men toy conspiracy theory
- Podtoons: Batman is a Terrible Liar
- Podtoons: Spider-Man Goes Suburban
- Left Handed Radio: Tales from the Longbox
- Staten Island Clown
Hey! Are you going to HeroesCon in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 20-22? We are! Let us know on Twitter (@brettwhite and @themattlittle) or on our Facebook page!
Music: “Who Makes Your Money” by Spoon
"That Feeling When You First Find A Thing" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/when-you-first-find-a-thing.html
Matt and Brett keep the X-Fun rolling as they read the two-part classic Uncanny X-Men story that inspired this summer’s big hit film, X-Men: Days of Future Past. This story by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Tom Orzechowski, and Glynis Wein is considered to be one of the greatest X-Men stories of all time, and it’s definitely one of Brett’s favorites. Will everyone else share his strong feelings?!
Joining them is comedian, writer, fashion designer, and director Ellena Chmielewski! Thrill as she breaks down Destiny’s elaborate — and totally rockin’ — bad guy garments.
You can follow Ellena’s internet adventures on Twitter and Instagram. To find out what all the hype is about, you can pick up a copy of Days of Future Past on Amazon as either a paperback or hardcover and digitally on Comixology.
Music: “Decent Days and Nights” by The Futureheads
"Ellena Chmielewski / Uncanny X-Men #141-142 (1981)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/days-of-future-past.html
Matt, Brett, and the movie crew are back again, except this time they’re more united in their praise for a film than ever before! One could say they’re X2: X-Men United?
Get ready for spoilers because there’s a LOT to spoil — and a lot to get excited about — in this new film. How did Brett keep from telling everyone about it after seeing it two weeks ago at a press screening? Find out!
You can hear Sebastian Deken in our Amazing Spider-Man movie episode; Jon Gutierrez on our Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie episode; Katey Healy-Wurzburg on our Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie episode; and Meghan O’Keefe appeared on “My Neighborhood on Tumblr”.
Tell use what you think about this movie! There’s a lot to discuss. If you’re interested in reading the source material, you can find Days of Future Past on Amazon.
Music: “The Future - Main Titles” by John Ottman, Jeffrey Schindler, American Federation of Musicians & Jasper Randall Choir
"Movie Recap: X-Men: Days of Future Past" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/x-men-movie-recap.html
TRIGGER WARNING! Matt and Brett and special guest Jordan D. White are diving into easily the heaviest comic book that’s ever been read on this show. Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows’ polarizing, controversial ode to H.P. Lovecraft is discussed, and things get serious. So, in all seriousness, here’s a legit trigger warning for sexual abuse and violence, because it’s impossible to discuss this heavy work of horror without addressing those topics head-on.
Brett even read up on criticism of Neonomicon and Alan Moore’s general handling of sexual violence in his work. Here’s what he read, just in case you want more information and context.
- Basebenzi, On Alan Moore
- comicbookGRRRL, Comic Review: Neonomicon by Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows
- Gail Simone, SOMEONE ASKED…
- Rich Johnston, Rape, He Wrote
- Klint Finley, On Race and Sexual Violence in the Works of Alan Moore
- Tim Callahan, The Great Alan Moore Reread: Neonomicon
Also… Ninja Turtle Update! Remember in episode #112 when Brett claimed that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles once appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show? Brett uploaded his old VHS recording to YouTube and you can watch it in its entirety right now!
Jordan D. White is an editor for Marvel Comics, specifically the Deadpool titles. You can follow him on Twitter @cracksh0t and check out his own ode to Lovecraft, Scapie Stories, on his website, wax-work.com!
You can purchase Neonomicon on Amazon or Comixology.
Music: “We Exist” by Arcade Fire
"Jordan D. White / Neonomicon #1-4 (2010-2011)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/neonomicon.html
Matt and Brett dive into ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! in this episode, as they read three all-new number one issues from three all-new ongoing series. From lawyers to space pirates, anti-heroes to super heroes, these three issues show off just how diverse Marvel’s current offerings are.
You can pick all three series up on Comixology:
- She-Hulk #1 by Charles Soule and Javier Pulido
- Magneto #1 by Cullen Bunn and Gabriel Hernandez Walta
- Cyclops #1 by Greg Rucka and Russell Dauterman
You can even plan ahead and pre-purchase the first volumes of She-Hulk, Magneto, and Cyclops on Amazon.
Music: “She’s Got Everything” by the Kinks
"She-Hulk v3 #1, Magneto v4 #1, Cyclops v3 #1 (2014)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/all-new-marvel-now.html
Matt, Brett, and two friends of the podcast watched “Amazing Spider-Man 2” on Thursday night and man oh man did they all have thoughts about it! In between a lot of soul-searching, the gang does come up with some things they liked about the film, and then just had a good old time discussing some of the film’s more interesting choices.
You can hear Katey Healy-Wurzburg on previous episodes where we discussed Spider-Man’s many origin stories, as well as our “The Amazing Spider-Man” street review. You can hear Kevin Hines again on our 100th episode, as well as on our Amazing Spider-Panel (which actually ties in quite nicely to this episode). You can also check out surprise podcast guest Mike Lawrence @TheMikeLawrence on Twitter and on his own podcast, Nerd of Mouth.
Music: “My Hero” by Foo Fighters
"Movie Recap: The Amazing Spider-Man 2" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/amazing-spider-man-2-recap.html
This week’s chat episode guest is our dear ol’ buddy Dave Bluvband. You may recognize Mr. Bluvband from his work on public access sensation The Chris Gethard Show, where he appears as The Human Fish. In this free-flowing talk-a-palooza, we discuss Dave’s love of Silver Age Marvel, his comic shop habits when traveling across the country, and some of his comic-book based comedy exploits.
You can follow @Bluvband on Twitter, and be sure to check him out on The Chris Gethard Show!
Music: “Hegira Émigré” by of Montreal
"Dave Bluvband / You Can't Always Go To Steve Ditko" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/david-bluvband.html
Producer Ben fills in for Matt this week as the podcast heads both underground and into an intergalactic wrestling circuit. Brett and Ben’s childhood — and adulthood — Turtle fandom shines through in this dissection of the comics based on and inspired by the 1987 cartoon series. Would these comics have given Brett and Ben’s kid selves their desperately needed Turtle Fix?
- Man-Ray wields a harpoon
- “Now for some real work…”
- “I want a pizza! Like now!”
- NYC in a nut shell
- PPA-TOOIE!
- Wrestlers posing
- A Zardoz moment
- Splinter: caught in the act
- Wingnut and Screwloose origin story
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Adventures #5-8 was written by Ryan Brown and Dean Clarrain, with art by Ken Mitchroney and Jim Lawson. You can purchase the comics on Comixology or from Amazon as a nicely bound trade paperback or a digital download for your Kindle.
Be sure to check out Raise Some Shell by Richard Rosenbaum (also on the iBooks Store), Tubin’ from the Coming Out Of Their Shells album, and if you can find a decent copy of the Turtles’ appearance on Oprah, let us know. It looks like Brett might have the only copy!
Music: “Turtle Power” by Partners In Kryme
"Ben Ragheb / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #5-8 (1989-1990)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/tmnt-adventures.html
Spring has arrived! Matt and Brett got up super early to record this one — so early, Brett’s eating cereal! The dudes talk about Flash Gordon, The WDVE Morning Show, the role of editors, Andrew Wildman’s tenure on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Peter David’s Incredible Hulk, Marvel Unlimited, John Romita Jr. on Superman, action figures, and much, much more, all before their morning coffee! Or at least Matt’s morning coffee. Brett doesn’t drink coffee.
For further listening, why not check out our Captain America: The Winter Soldier reaction/discussion episode, our episode reading Falcon with Mike Quackenbush, or when we read Winter Soldier #1-5 with Kris Anka and Dafna Pleban.
Music: “Ignition (1901 Remix)” by The Hood Internet, with R. Kelly and Phoenix
"Eight In The Morning Drinking Bottles Of Wine" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/8am-drinking-wine.html
To celebrate the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Matt and Brett have joined with Chikara wrestling guru Mike Quackenbush to read the first ever limited series starring the Marvel sequel’s breakout star: The Falcon! What other Marvel characters does Mike have an affinity for? What’s it like eating lunch with Larry Hama? Just how good of friends was Mike with Marvel editor legend Mark Gruenwald? Find out in this episode!
Falcon #1-4, written by Christopher Priest with art by Paul Smith and Mark Bright, can be found in the new Avengers: Falcon trade paperback, which collects the mini-series for the first time ever!
Check out Chikara’s website for more information about their upcoming return. You can also follow @MikeQuackenbush on Twitter. And, if you missed it, listen to our Captain America Movie Recap.
Music: “New York Groove” by Ace Frehley
"Mike Quackenbush / Falcon #1-4 (1983-1984)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/falcon.html
Look out: spoilers! Matt and Brett are joined by past guests as they discuss Captain America: The Winter Soldier mere minutes after leaving the theater. How practical is Falcon’s wing pack? Was Hayley Atwell wearing make-up or was her face done in weird CGI? How threatening are the French? Will our comments about Garry Shandling get back to him?
You can hear each of our guests on past episodes of the show: Lauren Hunter talks about Superman in #66; Jon Gutierrez talks about Wizard Magazine in #47; Katey Healy-Wurzburg talks about Spider-Man in #24; and Ben Ragheb talks about the Star Trek/X-Men crossover in #68.
To hear our discussion of the comics from whence this movie plot came, check out Kris Anka & Dafna Pleban / Winter Solder #1-5 (2012).
Go see Captain America: The Winter Soldier in theatres then tell us what you thought in the comments.
"Movie Recap: Captain America: The Winter Soldier" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/captain-america-movie.html
This week Brett is joined by fellow podcaster Jim Viscardi, host of the new and incredibly insightful interview podcast, Let’s Talk Comics. Join us as we discuss Jim’s origins at Marvel Comics, his move to Nashville, the identity of his nemesis, and his new podcast endeavor.
Be sure to visit Let’s Talk Comics on Tumblr and @letstalkcomics on Twitter for more about Jim’s show, including his interview with Sam Humphries.
Next week, we will be celebrating the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier by reading Falcon #1-4 by Christopher Priest, Paul Smith, and Marc Bright. Purchase the comic in a new trade paperback on Amazon.
Music: “You Talk Way Too Much” by The Strokes
"Jim Viscardi / Like the King of Croatia" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/jim-viscardi.html
The Brain Eaters cometh! Halle Kiefer and Mary Lordes return to the show to discuss Image Comics’ Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch, as well as fantasy vs. sci-fi, dinosaur based sexual orientations, celebrity crushses, and dragon shaped pleasure toys. Also, do YOU know the difference between Tyrese Gibson, Taye Diggs, and Tyson Beckford? How about Nick Nolte and Gary Busey? Does Kurtis Wiebe make Brett’s list of Crushes of 2014?
Related links:
- An interview with Kurtis J. Wiebe and several other creators about body image in comics
- Swamp Thing and Man-Thing talk about girls
- Know Your Meme: Dragon Dildos
Check out Halle and Mary’s web series, Brain Eaters — dubbed “gross ‘Cosmos’” on this very podcast. You can follow @hallekiefer and @marylordes on Twitter, too!
If you haven’t already read Rat Queens, download an issue on Comixology or buy yourself a nice printed copy from Amazon.
Music: “Rats” by The Kinks
"Halle Kiefer & Mary Lordes / Rat Queens #1-5 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/rat-queens.html
Matt and Brett are joined by two Spider-Man aficionados — Kevin Hines (UCB) and Mark Ginocchio (Chasing Amazing) — to discuss a question that comedian Glenn Boozan has about the nature of heroism: is vulnerability really a hero’s greatest strength? This Amazing Spider-Panel dives deep into some of Spider-Man’s biggest themes in order to answer that multi-layered query.
Glenn Boozan is a comedian at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. Her show, This Is Going To Hurt is running right now! Kevin Hines can be seen weekly with his improv team The Curfew. He also appeared on our 100th episode. Mark Ginocchio is a comic book journalist who writes “Gimmick or Good” for CBR. You can follow his quest to own every issue of Amazing Spider-Man at Chasing Amazing, and listen to his podcast, Superior Spider-Talk.
Next week on the show, we will be reading Rat Queens #1-5 from Image Comics by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch. You can purchase the series digitally on Comixology.
Music: “Crime” by Real Estate
"Glenn Boozan, Mark Ginocchio, Kevin Hines / The Amazing Spider-Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/amazing-spider-panel.html
Bonus time! Brett had to show Matt the X-Men fanmade movie that blew his mind, and since the video is totally silent, the guys decided to just talk over it. So check out the article over on io9, which sums up the (no sarcasm here) masterpiece and includes a few GIFs, and then hit play on the video right when we do for a totally new M&BLC experience! This jam is worth watching.
When you’re done with this, you should check out the episode where we read the “X-Cutioner’s Song” storyline with Pat Loika!
Music: “To Be With You” by Mr. Big
"BONUS: X-Men Movie Xcutioners Song Commentary Track" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/xmen-movie-xcutioners-song.html
The guys get relatively topical this week, as Matt, Brett, and guest Nat Towsen discuss Image Publisher Eric Stephenson’s recent address at this year’s ComicsPRO event. On top of that heavy talk, the guys discuss reboots, New York City history, and a ton of other stuff.
- Take A Tour Of Marvel’s Manhattan
- Grassroots Tavern
- Transcript of Eric Stephenson’s address at ComicsPRO
Nat Towsen is a comedian in New York City and the host of Nat Towsen’s Downtown Variety Hour at the UCB East Theatre. You can also follow him on Twitter at @NatTowsen.
Music: “He’s A Rebel” by The Crystals
"Nat Towsen / There Is Always A Hand On Your Shoulder" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/nat-towsen.html
This week, Comic Book Club’s own Alex Zalben speeds into our lives and brings with him The Flash v2 #192-200 by Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins and Phil Winslade. It’s Brett’s first time reading the Flash, and he has a LOT of questions about family trees and the Speed Force. Also, Punisher fans, we apologize in advance.
For more of Alex, you can check out Comic Book Club on the Nerdist Network, and you can follow him on Twitter @azalben. To read this stretch of Flash issues, go to Amazon or Comixology.
Music: “Run” by Vampire Weekend
"Alex Zalben / The Flash v2 #192-200 (2003)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/alex-zalben-flash.html
Matt and Brett are joined by friend of the podcast T.J. Dietsch to talk about this year’s Toy Fair in New York City, as well as toys in general. You can learn more about T.J. on his previous appearance, where he regaled us with tales of his time working for Wizard and ToyFare magazine.
You can read T.J.’s musings over at his blog, United Monkee. You can follow him on Twitter at @PoppaDietsch.
Music: “The Man With All The Toys” by the Beach Boys
"He's Not a Hero, He's in Hell" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/toy-fair-tj-dietsch.html
Matt and Brett are snowed in! And since their actual podcast plans were dashed due to the storm, they decided to read a classic comic book tale of snowy adventure. This week, we’re reading Snowblind, the classic issue of Alpha Flight by John Byrne that features five whole blank pages of story as Alpha Flight’s Snowbird fights blind against an ancient spirit in a snowstorm.
You can buy this issue on Comixology, or you can read it in Alpha Flight Classic volume 1, or buy the issue itself at MyComicShop.
Next week on the show, we’ll be reading Batman #404-407, also known as Batman: Year One. You can buy it on Amazon or download on Comixology.
Music: “Winter Must Be Cold” by Apples in Stereo
"Alpha Flight #6 (1984)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/alpha-flight-no-6.html
Matt and Brett celebrate 100 episodes by talking about 100th issues with Kevin Hines! Spider-Armor! The Legacy Virus! Touching lessons about literacy! All that, and the gang dives back into the mail bag to answer questions about superhero musical taste and comic shops.
For more of Kevin Hines, listen to our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot review or our limbo characters episode. You can also follow Kevin on Twitter @kevhines and see him perform at the UCB Theatre with The Curfew every Saturday night.
Music: “You Gotta Feel It” by Spoon
"One Hundredth Issues" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/100.html
The comedy-in-comics discussion continues with a trek through the strange genius of Michael Kupperman’s Tales Designed to Thrizzle. Joining Matt and Brett is a longtime sketch comedy writer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City, Damian Chadwick.
- Picasso: His Astonishing Life
- Johnny Silhouette
- Sidafexil
- childish revenge
- Baby Poop'n'Tell
- Cousin Grandpa
- Unnecessary Foreplay
- pubic hair stencils
- The Buzz Aldrin Mysteries
- Fabulous Nut Bra
- Uncle Billy’s Drunken, Bitter Guide to the Animal Kingdom
To read Tales Designed to Thrizzle, either get the single issues on Comixology in black and white, or buy the collection in color on Amazon or Comixology.
Follow @damianchadwick on Twitter, and if you’re in the Portland area, check out Reading Frenzy.
Music: “Who Have I Become?” by Best Coast
"Damian Chadwick / Tales Designed To Thrizzle #1-4 (2005-2008)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/tales-designed-to-thrizzle.html
Matt and Brett get together this week to discuss [Brett’s recent “Andy Rooney moment”][facejam], comedy in comics, the many different types of comedy that could be in comics, and various other comedy-driven talking points. Point is, it gets intense. Then they switch gears to respond to a few listeners who sent in their problems with “The Dark Knight Rises,” in a new segment dubbed The Letters Column!
(Want to suggest a better title than “The Letters Column”? Tweet it to @brettwhite and you could win a prize!)
Next week on the show, Matt and Brett will be reading a comedy comic: Michael Kupperman’s Tales Designed To Thrizzle #1! You can get the first issue on Comixology, or buy the whole first volume on Amazon.
Music: “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy
"Why Aren't There Sitcoms In Comic-Book Form?" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/sitcomic-books.html
The crew from the Star Wars Minute podcast drop out of hyperspace to discuss some truly classic Star Wars comics with Matt and Brett. The adventure in question is Star Wars #7-10, from the original Marvel Comics series in the late ‘70s. These comics have everything: shirtless interviews, Borg precursors, hokey religions, giant great bunnies, literal Jedi knights, and more!
If you haven’t yet read Star Wars #7-10 by Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, and friends, and this episode didn’t scare you off, now is the time to purchase these issues in Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago, either physically on Amazon or digitally through Dark Horse.
You can check out Alex and Pete on Star Wars Minute, the podcast where they analyze, scrutinize, and mythologize the Star Wars trilogy one minute at a time. You can also follow @arobtwit (Alex) and @peterbonavita (Pete) on Twitter, listen to Pete on Nerd Geek Dork, and check out Alex’s comic book art. And why not buy Alex’s graphic novel, Box Office Poison, while you’re at it?
Music: “The Throne Room/End Title” by John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra
"Alex Robinson & Pete The Retailer / Star Wars #7-10 (1978)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/star-wars.html
Matt and Brett seek shelter on the coldest day of 2014 in the warmth of their Podcastatorium, where they ring in the new year by talking about The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, Valiant Comics, Golden Age Superman stories, gripes with The Dark Knight Rises, Marvel’s Phase Two films, and what Star Wars comics will look like at their new publisher.
Want to buy some of the things we talked about?
- The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story
- Valiant: Unity
- The Dark Knight Rises (also on iTunes)
- Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years
- Thor: The Dark World (also on iTunes)
Next week on the show, we’ll be taking a trip way back in time to 1978 to read the very first original Star Wars stories published by Marvel Comics: “Star Wars” #7-10 by Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, and friends. You can purchase these issues in the Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago trade, either on Amazon or digitally through Dark Horse.
Music: “Fugitive Air” by Of Montreal
"Very British in His First Appearance" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/very-british.html
The holidays have arrived and they’ve come packaged with a lot of violence! Matt and Brett stumbled upon the accidental theme of “putting a hit on Santa” and had to read these two issues: Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special by Keith Giffen, Alan Grant, and Simon Bisley; and Hitman #22 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea.
From Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special:
- Santa’s Origin
- Are they aliens?
- Elf death
- Slash
- Tough Santa
- The finger
From Hitman #22:
- Simpsons
- Santa hit
- Gift swap
Joining Matt and Brett is comic book creator Christopher Hastings. You might recognize him from his creator-owned web comic Dr. McNinja, or you might be reading his incredibly fun Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe mini-series. If not, remedy that!
Get these comics:
- Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special: Amazon, Comixology
- Hitman #22: Amazon, Comixology
- The Adventures of Dr. McNinja: Amazon
- Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe: Amazon, Comixology
Music: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love
"Christopher Hastings / Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special (1991) & Hitman #22 (1998)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/christmas-special.html
It’s a secret crossover with Left Handed Radio as Matt & Brett are joined by their sketch comedy cohorts Anna Rubanova and Adam Bozarth! The group discuss the “process” behind writing their all-comic-book sketch episode, their deal with Above Average, what comics spoke to them as vagrant youths, and try to name all 36 Chambers of the Wu-Tang. Warning: we earn an explicit tag with this episode! Let’s blame Brett.
Music: “Protect Ya Neck” by Wu-Tang Clan
"Anna Rubanova & Adam Bozarth / Wolverine’s Bar & Grill" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/left-handed-radio.html
We’re going Buck(y) wild this week with artist Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Men, X-Men) and BOOM! Studios editor Dafna Pleban (Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm, Sons of Anarchy). They are two of the biggest Bucky/Winter Soldier fans around, so we read the first arc, The Longest Winter, from the character’s 2012 ongoing series by Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice, and Bettie Breitweiser!
You can check out more of Kris’s work on his Tumblr or Twitter, and you can chat about Bucky fandom with Dafna on her Tumblr or Twitter as well. If you’re interested in reading Winter Soldier #1-5, you can purchase it on Comixology or Amazon.
Music: “Spinoza” by Generationals
"Kris Anka & Dafna Pleban / Winter Soldier #1-5 (2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/winter-soldier.html
Matt and Brett are joined by fellow podcaster and comic book journalist extraordinaire: Matt Wilson of Comics Alliance and War Rocket Ajax fame! Join this trio as they talk about Chicago facts, hip hop movies, Christmas comics, Spider-Man, and TGIF intros!
Check out Matt Wilson’s work on Comics Alliance and listen to him on the podcasts War Rocket Ajax and Movie Fighters. You can also follow him on Twitter @highmindedmw and read the two books he’s written: The Supervillain Handbook: The Ultimate How-to Guide to Destruction and Mayhem and The Supervillain Field Manual: How to Conquer (Super) Friends and Incinerate People.
Next week we will be reading Winter Soldier #1-5 by Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice and Bettie Breitweiser, available on Amazon or Comixology.
Music: “Y.A.L.A.” by M.I.A.
"Matt D. Wilson / For Juggalos, By Juggalos" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/matt-d-wilson.html
iFanboy’s very own Paul Montgomery joins Matt and Brett in a celebration of all things Thor! Okay, well, it’s actually just a celebration of the six issues surrounding the first appearance of Thor’s new big screen baddie, Malekith. These Podcasters Three join forces to analyze the work of Walt Simonson and answer the big questions: What’s up with Balder? How accurate is Thor’s New York City geography?
- WEEEOOO
- Balder’s not feeling Odin’s plan
- Thor the construction worker
- Well drawn weird page about a McBurger
- DOOM
- She’s made of wood
- A specific subway stop
- Bad hiding place
- A bit of Kurse
- John Workman’s lettering
There are several places to find these issues:
- Amazon: Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus
- Amazon: Thor by Walter Simonson - Volume 1 and Volume 2
- Comixology: Thor Visionaries: Walter Simonson Volume 1 (#337-348) and #349
Paul Montgomery previously appeared on Matt & Brett Love Comics! Epsiode #42 “Film Students: It Gets Better”. You can also hear more from him on The Fuzzy Typewriter and iFanboy podcasts.
Music: “Don’t Carry It All” by the Decemberists
"Paul Montgomery / Thor #344-349 (1984)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/thor.html
Enjoy the next installment in our ongoing “Oral History of Wizard Magazine” series as Brett talks to former ToyFare editor — and current Marvel.com and Comic Book Resources writer — T.J. Dietsch about his history with all things related to Wizard magazine.
For more of T.J.’s online exploits, check out his blogs United Monkee and Pop Poppa (and its associated podcast, the Pop Poppa Nap Cast). You can also follow T.J. on Twitter at @PoppaDietsch.
Next week on the show, we’re celebrating the release of Thor: The Dark World by reading Thor #344-349. Where to get these issues:
- Amazon: Thor by Walter Simonson Omnibus
- Amazon: Thor by Walter Simonson - Volume 1 and Volume 2
- Comixology: Thor Visionaries: Walter Simonson Volume 1 (#337-348) and #349
Music: “Here Comes The Night Time” by Arcade Fire
"T.J. Dietsch / Tough On Your Childhood Fan Side" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/tough-on-your-childhood.html
Matt and Brett try something a little different this week, as they discuss two recent issues that both grabbed at their heart/gut strings and reveal just a little bit of something about themselves. Brett picked Astonishing X-Men #67 by Marjorie Liu and Amilcar Pinna. Matt picked Hawkeye #13 by Matt Fraction and David Aja.
You can find these issues of Astonishing X-Men and Hawkeye on Comixology (X-Men, Hawkeye), or pre-order the trade paperbacks containing these issues on Amazon (X-Men, Hawkeye).
Music: “We Walk” by R.E.M.
"Astonishing X-Men v3 #67, Hawkeye v4 #13 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/astonishing-hawkeye.html
Matt and Brett reconvene post-NYCC to run through all of Marvel’s new series announcements, including favorites like Silver Surfer and Black Widow. We also interview documentary filmmaker Patrick Meaney about his work on two upcoming documentaries, Comics In Focus: Chris Claremont’s X-Men and The Image Revolution.
Music: “Sugarcane” by Sleigh Bells
"Patrick Meaney / All-New Marvel NOW!" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/all-new-marvel-now.html
It’s convention time in New York City! Matt and Brett went to New York Comic Con this past weekend, and it was pretty great. They interviewed their old friends, their new friends, and some of the hardest working creators in comics today.
- Will Sliney on the X-Men cartoon
- Charles Soule on playing music
- Cliff Chiang on Paul Smith’s Uncanny X-Men
- Joe Harris on Slingers
- David Marquez on Miles Morales
- Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman on Star Wars
- Russell Dauterman on Paul Smith’s Uncanny X-Men
And check out Russell’s X-Men animated series print:
For more NYCC fun, check out our episode from 2012. And why not pick up a copy of Joe Harris and Adam Pollina’s Wars in Toyland? We’ll be back next week with more from NYCC 2013.
Music: “Crash Years” by the New Pornographers
"New York Comic Con 2013" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/new-york-comic-con.html
With Arrow returning to the small screen this week, Matt and Brett decided to read one of the hooded vigilante’s recent comic book exploits: Green Arrow/Black Canary: The Wedding Album by Judd Winick, Cliff Chiang, Amanda Conner, and Andre Coelho. Joining them is comedy writer Mary Iampietro. Mary drops some serious knowledge about comic book painters Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell, and the trio all talk way too much about The Real World.
- Superhero wedding invites
- I came for the fight
- Emo Batman in the stairwell
- Speedy makes her point
- Wedding party
- Black Canary, ready to fight
- Who needs the Comics Code
- Superhero strip club
- Superhero lingerie
- Black Canary mourns
- Gruesome autopsy
- Granny Goodness
- Black Canary in the arena
- Use the chamber pot
- Super impotence
- Green Arrow’s new costume
- Best Superman panel ever
- Oliver Queen, King Douche
You can listen to Mary Iampietro on the video game podcast Unlimited Lives, which airs on the UCB’s SiriusXM channel. You can also see her sketch team Alamo perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.
Get your own copy of Green Arrow/Black Canary: The Wedding Album on Comixology or from Amazon.
Music: “Sleeping in the Beetle Bug” by Of Montreal
"Mary Iampietro / Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special #1-5 (2007-2008)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/green-black-wedding.html
Kevin and Timmy return to talk about the debut episode of ABC’s new comic book-based super-spy show, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. What did everyone think? What does everyone think everybody else thought? What other shows are they watching? And most importantly: what does Timmy have to say about Pretty Little Liars? All of this and much more in this very special episode of Matt & Brett Love Television!
Next week on the show we’ll be reading Green Arrow/Black Canary: The Wedding Album by Judd Winick, Amanda Conner, and Cliff Chiang. You can purchase these issues (Green Arrow/Black Canary: Wedding Special and Green Arrow/Black Canary #1-5) through Amazon or digitally on Comixology.
Music: “Junior Kickstart” by the Go! Team
"It's Essentially Mean Girls Meets Agatha Christie" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/agents-of-shield.html
Comic Book Club co-host Justin Tyler returns and brings with him one of the legit best comics we’ve ever read on the show: Starman #0-5 (and also #11 because it’s Justin’s fave) by James Robinson, Tony Harris, and Matt Smith. While discussing this offbeat legacy hero, the trio touches on the Marvel swimsuit issue, sibling rivalries, and the interesting career of James Robinson.
- Death of Starman
- Dissing Starman
- Great quip
- Poor, poor old Mist
- Family reunion
- Lecture from dad
- Jack can’t catch a break
- Jack’s cosmic rod
- The JSA in action
- Hourman fights
- Shocking ending
- The ice cream caper
Justin Tyler is one of the hosts of Comic Book Club Live, which you can listen to on the Nerdist Network or watch live every Tuesday at 7pm at Fontana’s in New York City. Justin previously appeared on episode #52, Mutant Genesis.
You can purchase these issues of Starman on Amazon or Comixology.
Music: “Bitter Rivals” by Sleigh Bells
"Justin Tyler / Starman v2 #0-5, 11" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/starman.html
This week on the show, Matt flies solo and reveals the Secret Origin of his love of comics. Strap yourself in: this may be the most self-indulgent episode yet!
Music: “He Gets Me High” by Dum Dum Girls
"The Secret Origin of Matt" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/secret-origin-of-matt.html
Nicole makes a triumphant return as we read her pick: Time Breakers #1-5 by Rachel Pollack and Chris Weston. Originally published by DC Comics' long-defunct Helix imprint, this probably-wasn’t-intended-to-be-but-ended-up-being-a mini-series is all about time travel and paradox, so get ready to be sufficiently confused! You’ll also learn the downside of being a jewel thief, and hear Matt clarify things!
As Time Breakers is rather difficult to find, here are a few scans to give you an idea of the comic. You can find copies on Amazon and My Comic Shop.
- Angela’s origin
- The Hamlet paradox
- Well-dressed heroes
- This is how you die
- Where _did_ Angela go?
- The Time Breakers paradox
- Playing a god
- The big paradox
Be sure to check out Dibs, the web series that Nicole directed since she last appeared on the show.
Music: “Making Time” by the Creation
"Nicole Drespel / Time Breakers #1-5 (1997)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/time-breakers.html
Matt and Brett talk about this summer’s offering of comic book movies, Spider-Man in the ‘80s, the duo’s cross-country summer travels, Brett’s job at MTV Splash Page, and the coming of the Batfleck!
Next week we will be reading Time Breakers #1-5 by Rachel Pollack and Chris Weston. Nicole Drespel will be returning to discuss the most head-scratchingest time travel adventure ever! This one’s out of print, but you can find copies on Amazon and My Comic Shop.
Music: “Why I Cry” by Best Coast
"Ben Affleck Is In The Shadow Of Ben Affleck" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/ben-affleck.html
Hot 97 DJ and comedian Cipha Sounds is on the podcast to discuss the modern day noir comic Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. You’ll learn all about hip hop radio, Cipha’s journey into the improv world, and, now, his first steps into the comic book world! Also learn all of our… rules.
You can purchase Criminal #1-5 (the “Coward” story arc) on Amazon or download on Comixology. Check out Cipha every morning on Hot 97 in New York City during The Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg Show. You can also follow him on Twitter @ciphasounds and check out TAKE IT PERSONAL: The Hip Hop Improv Show at the UCB Theatre East, Fridays at 9.
Music: “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring Ray Dalton
"Cipha Sounds / Criminal #1-5 (2006-2007)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/cipha-sounds-criminal.html
This week’s episode is all about Spider-Man as we talk to Mark Ginocchio, the man behind the Chasing Amazing blog and Comics Should Be Good’s Gimmick or Good? column. Mark is only four issues away from owning every single issue of Amazing Spider-Man, so we pick his brain about collecting, Spider-Man in the ‘90s, and how he started on this crazy quest in the first place.
Follow Mark’s Amazing Chase on Twitter at @ChasingASMBlog and read his column, Gimmick or Good?, where he examines the foil-gatefold, holo-bagged comics of the '90s.
And, of course, Gwen or Mary Jane?
Next week we’ll be reading the first story arc from Criminal, “Coward” by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Find it on Amazon or Comixology.
Music: “Circular Karate Chop” by They Might Be Giants
"Mark Ginocchio / Four Issues Away" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/mark-ginocchio.html
Spoiler and trigger warnings abound in this oh-so-heavy discussion of Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s extremely adult Kick-Ass 2. Seriously, any worthwhile talk about this comic has to veer into some super uncomfortable territory, because lord knows the book itself doesn’t take the time to properly unpack the heinous and horrifying acts it depicts. (We promise we’ll be on to much, much lighter fare next week!)
If you haven’t read Kick-Ass 2 and this episode has you curious about it, get a copy from Amazon or download it on Comixology.
Music: “Finger Back” by Vampire Weekend
"Kick-Ass 2 #1-7 (2010-2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/kick-ass-2.html
Nicole Drespel hasn’t been on the show since episode #48 (Gotham Central). How is she? Where has she been? What has she been reading? She and Brett play a game of catch up, including her thoughts on The Amazing Spider-Man (and his appearance at SDCC), a letter from a 1977 issue of Ms. Marvel, before moving on to today’s topic: jumping back into comics.
Nicole has picked up two series and read their newest issues without going back to see what she’s missed: Wolverine & The X-Men #33 and Hawkeye #12. How easy was it to jump back in? What should she read next?
Anyway, here’s what you should read next:
Next week we’ll be reading Kick-Ass 2 by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. Get a copy from Amazon or download from Comixology.
Music: “Right Action” by Franz Ferdinand
"Jumping In Without Catching Up" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/jumping-in.html
Our guest from our first ever book-club-style episode (see #4), Jeff Rubin, returns with his College Humor colleague Pat Cassels to dive into a book that’s quite topical right now — Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s iconic Wolverine mini-series from 1982! If you’ve seen The Wolverine in theaters and want to hear more about the story that took Logan to Japan, this is your chance!
Jeff Rubin and Pat Cassels both work for College Humor and host the web series Bleep Bloop together. Jeff also hosts The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, sometimes alongside Pat. Check out a Daria movie trailer on College Humor, written by Pat.
You can get your own copy of Wolverine #1-4 from Amazon or Comixology.
Music: “How It Starts” by The Features
"Jeff Rubin & Pat Cassels / Wolverine #1-4 (1982)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/the-wolverine.html
Barely a day after returning from a whirlwind weekend at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, Brett reminisces about his experiences to Producer Ben. Tales are told, as Brett met a lot of people that he’s excited to talk about – some of which can be seen in the pics below! If you’re a Cheers, Tick, or Joss Whedon fan, this episode is for you!
- Brett meets R2-D2
- Brett meets John “Cliff Clavin” Ratzenberger
- Joss Whedon promoting Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Commissioned sketch of Stefon by Kris Anka
- The Tick (Townsend Coleman) addresses a crowd in San Diego
- Karen Gillan’s reveal
Next week we will be reading Wolverine #1-4 by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, from 1982.
This storyline inspired The Wolverine, which hits theaters this week. Read the book first! You can order it from Amazon or download it from Comixology.
Music: “San Diego” by Starlight Mints
"San Diego Comic Con International" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/sd-comic-con.html
Comic book fan and all around good guy Pat Loika joins Matt and Brett to discuss a storyline that is near and dear to all of their hearts: X-Cutioner’s Song. Stryfe, Apocalypse, Mr. Sinister, the canon fodder of the Mutant Liberation Front, and the Dark Riders — this crossover has everything. This podcast also has everything, including Brett’s extremely long-winded explanation as to why X-Factor #84 is one of the most perfect comics of all time.
You can follow the many adventures of Pat Loika on his great podcast, Loikamania, where Matt and Brett will also appear in just a few weeks to discuss the X-Men even more. You can also follow @patloika on Twitter.
Purchase the chapters or collected editions of X-Cutioner’s Song on Comixology, My Comic Shop, and Amazon.
Music: “Execution Day” by the New Pornographers
"Pat Loika / X-Cutioner’s Song (1992)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/x-cutioner.html
Matt and Brett sit down with CBR writer and reviews guru Steve Sunu to review his career, his education, and his time at Wizard. Steve teaches us how to make a $1.00 gift a $20.00 gift, the hidden customer service side of writing, and what to ask Mark Millar if you ever get to hang out with him.
And then, in our second segment, Brett grills Matt about someone he met in a bar.
Music: “Australia” by Manic Street Preachers
"Downton Wizard" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/downton-wizard.html
Producer’s note: Sorry to make you wait a week to hear this episode. To make it up to you, we’ll be releasing another episode on Wednesday.
Matt and Brett hit the HeroesCon floor hard and left the show with some super fun interviews with a few of their favorite comic book creators. Just like at last year’s New York Comic Con, we asked comic creators about the comics (and other things) that they love and that inspire them. In this episode:
- Matt Wilson talks about everyday inspiration
- Eric Powell talks about Jack Davis
- Ming Doyle talks about classic Star Trek
- Dean Trippe talks about his favorite Robin
- Laura Martin talks about ‘60s TV shows
- Mitch and Bettie Breitweiser talk about internet cat fame
- Jason Aaron talks about New Teen Titans and '80s DC
Previously, we talked about Matt Wilson’s work on Young Avengers, Eric Powell’s The Goon, Laura Martin’s work on Planetary and Jason Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men.
Please check out all of our guests’ websites and their work at your local comic book shop or local internet space.
Music: “Trying To Be Cool” by Phoenix
"HeroesCon: Creator Interviews" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/heroescon-creators.html
Matt and Brett had the honor of moderating the Comic Book Covers panel at HeroesCon 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cover artists Francesco Francavilla, Phil Noto, Dave Johnson and Joe Quinones all offered insight into their creative process as well as hearty laughs and humorous anecdotes. Yes, anecdotes!
Francesco Francavilla’s work can be seen in The Black Beetle for Dark Horse Comics, as well as Hawkeye for Marvel Comics. Phil Noto currently provides covers for Astonishing X-Men and just wrapped up a run on Thunderbolts. The Reverend Dave Johnson provided iconic covers for series like 100 Bullets, Punisher MAX, and Deadpool. Joe Quinones’s work can currently be seen on the cover of Captain Marvel every month.
Music: “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk
"HeroesCon: Covers Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/heroescon-covers.html
Comic pros Maris Wicks and Joe Quinones stopped by the M&BLC hotel room at HeroesCon in Charlotte, NC to talk about one of this year’s hottest books: Young Avengers. Find out which of us was most like Kid Loki as a kid, and how many of us claim Miss America as our favorite cast member!
Joe Quinones is an artist for Marvel Comics, currently providing covers for Captain Marvel and interior work on FF. See more of his art at Joe Quinones' interweb-log or follow him on Twitter @Joe_Quinones.
Maris Wicks is the illustrator of the nonfiction graphic novel Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. You can see more of her work on her blog, dots for eyes, or follow her on Twitter @mariswicks.
Both artists' work can be seen in the upcoming anthology limited series, Batman: Black and White.
You can purchase Young Avengers Volume 2 by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie and Mike Norton from Amazon, MyComicShop.com, or Comixology.
Music: “Stay Useless” by Cloud Nothings
"Maris Wicks & Joe Quinones / Young Avengers v2 #1-5 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/young-avengers.html
Matt and Brett had the honor of moderating the Stumptown panel at HeroesCon 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Writer Greg Rucka, artist Matthew Southworth, and colorist Rico Renzi all talk about the creation of and issues within the excellent limited series published by Oni Press.
Want to know more about that awesome car chase? Or the seedier sides of the Portland? Or which ‘70s private eye shows inspired the series? This panel answers all of those questions and more!
You can purchase Stumptown on Amazon, MyComicShop.com, or Comixology.
On the next book club episode, we’ll be reading Young Avengers Volume 2 #1-5 by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Mike Norton, and Matt Wilson. You can purchase Young Avengers Volume 2 on Amazon, MyComicShop.com, or Comixology.
Music: “Varsity” by Smith Westerns
"HeroesCon: Stumptown Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/heroescon-stumptown.html
We’re going to HeroesCon! If you’re going to be in Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend, come find us and say hello! Your beloved hosts will be moderating some panels and wandering around the con all weekend.
This week Brett (X-Men devotee) and Ben (self-described Trekkie) join forces to read two of the strangest crossover stories in comic book history: Star Trek/X-Men #1 (1996) by Scott Lobdell (with art provided by pretty much everyone that ever worked at Top Cow) and Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men: Second Contact #1 (1998) by Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton and Cary Nord.
Spoiler: these books are actually pretty good, crazy as they may be. Topics discussed include: the Top Cow hip hop crew; are the X-Men helping out Star Trek, or vice versa?; Gary Mitchell and other villain names; the relative sizes of things in outer space; the late ‘90s multimedia craze; and how to induce sentimentality with judicious use of time travel and alternate realities.
Where’s Matt? Well, due to technical difficulties (which also made this episode late) we had to re-record this one, and schedules did not work out. But we were able to salvage some audio from the first session, so his comments are here too.
These issues are out of print, so enjoy looking at some of these excerpts as you listen.
Star Trek/X-Men #1 1. Scotty says “Laddie” a lot 2. Gladiator in space 3. Did he just punch my ship?“ 4. Detailed Wolverine, featureless Scotty. 5. Dr. McCoy? 6. Check out Wolverine’s bone claws! 7. Wolverine speaking to an instrument panel. 8. Friend of yours? 9. Bishop is impossibly buff. 10. Cyclops throws Phoenix under the bus. 11. Gary/Proteus is defeated, everyone go home. 12. Gambit flirting with Uhura.
Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men: Second Contact #1 1. Painstaking attempt at continuity. 2. Brief cameo by The Thunderbolts. 3. Colussus sneaking up on Mr. Data, who is dressed like your dad. 4. Kang and his color-coded costume. 5. The far flung future of 2013. 6. Battle of Wolf 359. 7. John Proudstar serving aboard the USS Saratoga. 8. Kitty is growing up, right? 9. Kitty destroys a sentinel. 10. Kitty finally sees her mind travel. 11. Kitty Pryde kissing Wesley Crusher. 12. Riker and Banshee (two of Brett’s crushes) team up. 13. Wolverine gave Worf a cigar. 14. Computer coloring creates Deanna Troibot.
You can also watch/read (most) of the first comic on YouTube.
And, as always, you can click the comic book covers to purchase these issues on MyComicShop.com.
See you at HeroesCon!
"Benjamin Ragheb / Star Trek X-Men Comics" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/star-trex-men.html
Matt, Brett, and producer Ben sneak away from a big Memorial Day picnic in order to talk about the latest Star Trek film, why it’s so divisive, and how long-term exposure to comic book continuity has influenced Matt and Brett’s take on the film. Also: how important is Peter Parker’s financial situation to the Spider-Man mythos?
- Matthew Yglesias on Star Trek in movies versus on television
Next week we will be reading Star Trek/X-Men #1 (1996) by Scott Lobdell with art provided by pretty much everyone that ever worked at Top Cow, and Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men: Second Contact #1 (1998) by Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton and Cary Nord. Ben’s a super Star Trek fan and Brett’s a super X-Men fan. Who will be more let down?!
Click the links above to purchase these issues on MyComicShop.com.
Music: “Star Trek Main Theme” by Michael Giacchino
"Star Trek Into Darkness" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/star-trek-into-darkness.html
Improv comedian and professional theatre appreciator Lauren Hunter joins us to talk about Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, theatre nerds versus comic book nerds, Hugh Jackman’s universal appeal, a history of The Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wonder Woman, and the classic Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Superman story, “For the Man Who Has Everything…”
- Kal-El’s glasses
- Kryptonian headbands
- Political rally
- Mongul arrives
- Death Star sorta
- Introductions
- Wonder Woman punch
- Go to hell
- Wonder Woman defeated
- Robin to the rescue
- Batman’s fantasy
- Superman’s angry
- Easy on the eardrums
- Burn
- He is content
- Superman, murderer
- Superman hides a present
- Super kiss
You can find “For the Man Who Has Everything…” in the DC Universe by Alan Moore collection on Amazon, or you can download the single issue on Comixology.
Lauren Hunter performs on Friday nights at The Queen’s Secret Improv Club with the team Sister Sex Wolf. You can follow her as @larhunter on Twitter.
Music: “I Used To Let You Get To Me” by Generationals
"Lauren Hunter / Superman Annual #11 (1985)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/superman-annual.html
Matt and Brett discuss The Internet with two Internet-experts, Rebecca Eisenberg (Upworthy) and Meghan O'Keefe (VH1). Come along with us as these two guide Matt and Brett through Tumblr’s underbelly, fan and slash fiction, who is which ninja turtle, speculation about Star Trek Into Darkness, and the wide world of online fandom.
- Bunny Stark Twitter account
- The Autobiography of Magneto X
Rebecca’s work can be found on Upworthy as well as the Tumblr site I Spy A Famous Face. She is ryeisenberg on Tumblr and @ryeisenberg on Twitter.
Meghan blogs for VH1 and is also the mastermind behind My Mom Watches Game of Thrones. She is megsokay on Tumblr and @megsokay on Twitter.
Next week’s book club pick, from Superman Annual #11 by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, is the classic story “For the Man Who Has Everything…” You can find the issue in the DC Universe by Alan Moore collection on Amazon, or you can find the single issue on Comixology.
Music: “Diane Young” by Vampire Weekend
"Rebecca Eisenberg & Meghan O'Keefe / My Neighborhood on Tumblr" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/our-neighborhood-on-tumblr.html
Author and comedian extraordinaire DC Pierson joins us to talk about his comic-book-buying past and the first story arc of the critically acclaimed and fan favorite sci-fi comic book, Saga. Written by Brian K. Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples, Saga has become one of the most consistently entertaining and original comics around today.
DC Pierson is the author of the novels Crap Kingdom and The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To. He’s also a member of the comedy group Derrick, whose movie Mystery Team is worth your immediate attention. Visit DC’s website dcpierson.tumblr.com and follow him on Twitter at @DCpierson.
You can purchase Saga #1-6 on Amazon or Comixology. You can also purchase DC’s newest book, Crap Kingdom on Amazon.
Music: “Entertainment” by Phoenix
"DC Pierson / Saga #1-6 (2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/saga.html
Bi-coastal mayhem explodes this week as Brett is dispatched to Portland. He’s there to start the west coast branch of Matt & Brett Love Comics! with Dark Horse editor Jim Gibbons and former MTV Editor Josh Wigler. The three of them continue the oral history of Wizard, impostor syndrome, life after living the dream, and liquid lunches.
Meanwhile in Brooklyn…
Matt sits in his apartment, waiting, planning, plotting… and introducing next week’s book and guest: Saga #1-6 and comedian DC Pierson, respectively.
Jim Gibbons is an editor for Dark Horse Comics. You can catch him on Twitter at @enemyofpeanuts or in the credits pages of some of Dark Horse’s best books.
Josh Wigler is a comics journalist from Brooklyn. Enjoy his musings on Twitter at @roundhoward and at many fine online comics journalism establishmentationisms.
Music: “Dream of the 90s” by Carrie Brownstein & Fred Armisen
"Jim Gibbons & Josh Wigler / These Old Wizard People" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/old-wizard-people.html
Iron Man 3 fever is gripping the nation! To prep for this summer’s first blockbuster film, Matt and Brett read the movie’s source material (“Extremis” by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov) with Saturday Night Live writer Josh Patten. Weird scab cocoons, radical political agendas, cockney accents, this episode has it all! Plus, even more talk about the third biggest film of all time: Marvel’s The Avengers.
- A car cannot fit in that
- Daniel Craig or Javier Bardem?
- Extremis scabs
- Mallen stops for a visit
- Sparse bar
- Tom Cruise as Tony Stark
Josh Patten is a writer for Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. You can follow him on Twitter at @thejoshpatten and see him perform improv comedy on non-SNL weeks with Grandma’s Ashes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.
You can get Iron Man #1-6, “Extremis”, on Comixology or from Amazon.
Music: “Tap Out” by the Strokes
"Josh Patten / Iron Man v4 #1-6 (2005)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/iron-man-extremis.html
Friends of the podcast Kevin Hines and Timmy Wood return to partake in a rousing discussion: everyone has come semi-prepared with their list of 3 Marvel or DC characters that they feel are due for a comeback, either because they are dead, not being used, or being “misused” right now. Prepare for some shocking picks!
Kevin Hines is an improviser at the UCB Theatre in New York City. He previously appeared in #44 Money Can’t Buy the Death of a Species and #14 Monkeys Make Everything Better. You can see Kevin perform weekly with The Curfew and The Brothers Hines. You can follow him on Twitter @kevhines and read his comic thoughts on his Tumblr, “Talking Comics with Kevin Hines”.
Timmy Wood is an improviser in New York City and also writes for the website iFanboy. He previously appeared in #37 Joss Whedon is a Bad Person and #39 Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter. You can follow him on Twitter @TimmyWood.
Next week we will be reading Iron Man volume 4 #1-6, “Extremis”, by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov. This storyline supposedly forms the backbone of Iron Man 3, so prepare for the blockbuster with this book club episode! As always, you can download on Comixology or order on Amazon.com.
Music: “Like Ice Cream” by Divine Fits
"Kevin Hines & Timmy Wood / Rebooting “Somebody Drinking Tea”" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/rebooting-tea.html
Comic book writer Justin Aclin returns to the podcast and brings with him his favorite comic book of all time: Superman: Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen. Come along as Matt and Brett are introduced to the other Clark Kent in this modern day classic from DC Comics (which has also just been released in a new collection).
- Clark takes flight
- Flood
- Downtown explosion
- Human experiments
- Watching sunsets
- Old Clark or Bill Murray?
Pick up a copy of Superman: Secret Identity from Comixology or Amazon.
Justin Aclin is the author of Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders of the Lost Temple and Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Smuggler’s Code. You can follow him on Twitter as @JustinAclin.
Justin previously appeared on Episode #57 “The Freeze Frame Animal House Ending to the Wizard Story”
Music: “This Disorder” by The Features
"Justin Aclin / Superman: Secret Identity #1-4 (2004)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/superman-secret-identity.html
Winston Noel from the great podcast Hear Me Out stops by to talk about comic book cartoons of the ‘90s and today. We cover everything from X-Men to Young Justice, and get ready to hear the old Fantastic Four theme like you’ve never heard it before: a semi-competent a cappella performance by improv comedians! Winston’s appearance also brings out the music fiends in Matt and Brett, so get ready to hear more about Oasis and Sheryl Crow than you have all week. Or maybe all year?
Check out Winston’s podcast Hear Me Out, where he and co-host Alden Ford defend the most indefensible songs known to mankind. You can also follow him on Twitter @WinstonNoel and see him perform with the improv group Grandma’s Ashes every Saturday night at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.
Next week’s reading is Superman: Secret Identity from DC Comics by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen. You can purchase a new printing of this modern classic on Amazon or get a digital download on Comixology.
Music: “Can’t Cry Anymore” by Sheryl Crow
"Winston Noel / At the Turn of The Willennium" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/turn-of-the-willennium.html
The Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels, from Spike’s TNA IMPACT WRESTLING, joins Matt and Brett to discuss the most epic comic book of 2013: Thor: God of Thunder #1-5! It’s young mead-swilling Thor, old king Thor, and Avenger Thor all squaring off against Gorr the God Butcher in one heavy, time-twisting tale.
We’re super psyched to have a huge comic book fan like Christopher Daniels on the show. He’s known for rocking all sorts of Marvel Comics T-shirts on television and he definitely knows his X-Men inside and out.
Christopher Daniels can be seen on TNA IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike. You can get your daily dose of the Fallen Angel on Twitter at @facdaniels!
Thor: God Of Thunder #1-5 is available now as digital download on Comixology or in June as a collected edition on Amazon.
Music: “Unto Caesar” by the Dirty Projectors
"Christopher Daniels / Thor: God of Thunder #1-5 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/god-of-thunder.html
This week’s guest is Justin Aclin, author of the new Dark Horse Comics original graphic novel, Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders Of The Lost Temple. In addition to contributing to Star Wars canon, Justin was also an editor at ToyFare Magazine (and “Twisted ToyFare Theater”) for the last chunk of its existence. So get ready for more Wizard Tales, as well as Star Wars talk.
(For more Wizard history, check out Podcast Episode #47: Down the Wizard Hole.)
You can follow Justin on Twitter @JustinAclin. Order a copy of Justin’s new graphic novel, Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders Of The Lost Temple from Amazon. You can also pre-order his second Star Wars graphic novel, The Clone Wars - The Smuggler’s Code (coming in July).
Next week we will be reading Thor: God Of Thunder #1-5 with professional wrestler Christopher Daniels! Pick it up on Comixology or pre-order the collected edition on Amazon.
Music: “In The Darkness” by Foxygen
"Justin Aclin / The Freeze Frame Animal House Ending to the Wizard Story" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/freeze-frame.html
We are pleased to be joined by the amazing comedians Lorraine Cink and Kirk Damato to discuss one of the most beloved story arcs in all of comicdom: Justice League International #1-7 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire. The iconic “one punch” is, of course, discussed.
- Fallen Justice Leaguers
- Guy Gardner sits like a jerk
- Garder meets Batman
- One punch
- Rescuing Black Canary
- Gardner hits his head
- Impressive splash page
- Birth control death ray
- Ronald Reagan
- Green Lantern’s bean bag
You can purchase Justice League #1-6 and Justice League International #7 on Amazon or on Comixology.
Kirk and Lorraine perform musical improv together on Tuesday evenings with the group Legend at the Magnet Theater, and on Friday evenings with the group Hello at the People’s Improv Theater. Kirk is also known for putting on the Hogwart’s Improvisation Society at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, as well as cosplaying at DragonCon every year. Check out Kirk’s web series Cakey! The Cake from Outer Space. Lorraine writes and hosts the Marvel Entertainment web series The Watcher as well as her own YouTube series, The Lorraine Show*.
Music: “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys
"Lorraine Cink & Kirk Damato / Justice League International #1-7 (1987)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/justice-league-intl.html
Matt and Brett are pleased to welcome Marvel Comics editor Jordan D. White to the podcast. Jordan edits Deadpool, Thunderbolts, Uncanny X-Men, All-New X-Men and a ton of other great comics. The trio pick right up where last week’s Savage Dragon convo left off, and find out the version they read isn’t the only one there is. They also discuss Star Wars, Fox’s X-Men films, and so-bad-they’re-good horror films.
Follow Jordan on Twitter @cracksh0t and check out his podcast, Cast In Wax.
Next week we’ll be reading the “Justice League: A New Beginning” storyline by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire. The story was originally published in 1987 as Justice League #1-6 and Justice League International #7. You can get the story on Amazon and from Comixology.
Music: “Sacrilege” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Jordan D. White / I Made It Into A Hat" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/into-a-hat.html
This week’s pick was suggested by comic book lover Jeffrey Brown! Matt and Brett are joined by UCB sketch comedians Geoff Garlock and Siobhan Thompson to discuss Image Comics, the origins of fashion, and Savage Dragon.
Geoff Garlock is the host of the podcast Worst Gig Ever. He also counts the bands Orchid and Panthers on his extensive music resume. Siobhan Thompson performs monthly at the UCB Theatre with the sketch team The Prom. She also writes comedy videos for UGO.com.
Savage Dragon #1-3 are collected on Comixology, and #0 is free. They can also be found for cheap on My Comic Shop.com.
Music: “Queen of the Night” by Whitney Houston
"Geoff Garlock & Siobhan Thompson / Savage Dragon #0-3 (1992, 2006)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/savage-dragon.html
Matt and Brett relax in our quiet, post-crossover, chill out episode. Matt gives some of his thoughts, memories and impressions on last week’s topic, X-Men: Mutant Genesis. For more on the X-Tinction Agenda, briefly touched upon in this episode, you can buy that X-Men classic on Amazon or Comixology. And here’s that hot picture of Cyclops that made an impression on young Brett.
Next week we’ll be reading our first listener pick, Savage Dragon #1-3 and #0. #1-3 are collected on Comixology, and #0 is free. They can also be found for cheap on My Comic Shop.com.
Music: “Leader of the Pack” by Sleigh Bells
"The Chill Out Episode" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/chill-out.html
It’s part two of the CRISIS ON INFINITE PODCASTS crossover with Comic Book Club Live! The roles have reversed, and now Brett is discussing the 1991 relaunch of the X-Men line with Pete LePage, Justin Tyler and Alex Zalben. These comics sold more total units than Justin Bieber’s entire discography and inspired a decade’s worth of imitators and celebrators.
- X-Men #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop
- X-Force #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop
- Uncanny X-Men #281 on Amazon, My Comic Shop
- X-Factor #71 on Amazon, My Comic Shop
This podcast has got everything: hostile business takeovers, Grey Poupon, never-nudes, Coolometers, and Trevor Fitzroy. Check out the images below to see what we discussed during the episode.
- 209 Rob Liefeld, Everyting But
- 210 So much emphasis on the crotch
- 211 Awesome Warpath page
- 212 Stryfe resting his foot on a panel
- 213 Of Course – To Be Continued!!
- 214 Facehugger in a glove
- 215 Grey Poupon
- 216 The way Larry Stroman draws hair…
- 217 Peter David’s dig on John Byrne, using Lockjaw
- 218 Professor X’s blanket
- 219 Unopenable mayo jar
- 220 Twin Peaks reference
- 221 Magneto owning it
- 223 Heroes riding or throwing heroes
- 224 Really harsh training
- 226 Psylocke’s inner monologue
- 227 Villain gallery
- 228 X-Men at the pool
- 229 Things to come
- 230 Jim Lee’s sketchbook
- 231 Uncanny X-Men has great ads
- 232 Calling this 1-900 number
- 234 The RPG Rifts
- 235 Sentinel surprise
- 236 The Coolometer
- 237 Trevor Fitzroy
- 238 Shakespearean X-Men
You can download part one of this crossover here, and subscribe to the Comic Book Club Live podcast here. And if you’re in New York City on a Tuesday, head to Fontana’s at 7pm to watch them tape an episode and maybe win a prize.
Music: “The Keepers” by Santigold
"Comic Book Club / X-Men: Mutant Genesis (1991)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/comic-book-club.html
Save the Date! The Crisis on Infinite Podcasts Crossover with The Nerdist Network’s Comic Book Club Podcast will be happening Tuesday, February 5th at 7 PM at Fontana’s in New York City. Come see a live episode of Comic Book Club, followed by a live episode of Matt & Brett Love Comics! Tickets are free!
Matt and Brett are joined by Kasey Soska, co-host of the storytelling podcast Flee The Scene. He shares some ridiculous stories and makes a good case for checking out the comic book section in your local library.
Then things get insane as the trio opens a factory sealed box of original Marvel OverPower cards from 1995. A new pack is opened every two minutes as they marvel at the most “interesting” artwork ever seen by man. Below we have provided scans of the cards deemed Ugliest from every pack. Enjoy!
- Wolverine, Black Cat, War Machine, Bishop (XSE Tactics), Psylocke, Cyclops, Professor X (Psychic Scan), Doctor Octopus, Professor X (X-Men Founder)
- Thor, Jubilee (Distracting Burst), Punisher, Omega Red, Jubilee (Training), Loki, Gambit, Silver Surfer, Black Widow
- Bishop (Spectrum Blast), Colossus, Spider-Woman, Jubilee (Spectrum Tease), Mystique, Deadpool
You can check out Flee the Scene on the web, follow Kasey as @DoctorHighFive on Twitter, and shop for your own OverPower cards on Amazon.
Next week’s reading can be purchased in a number of ways!
- X-Men #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop
- X-Force #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop
- Uncanny X-Men #281 on Amazon, My Comic Shop
- X-Factor #71 on Amazon, My Comic Shop
Music: “With a Girl Like You” by the Troggs
"Kasey Soska / OverPower UnBoxing" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/overpower-unboxing.html
Save the Date! The Crisis on Infinite Podcasts Crossover with The Nerdist Network’s Comic Book Club Podcast will be happening Tuesday, February 5th at 7 PM at Fontana’s in New York City. Come see a live episode of Comic Book Club, followed by a live episode of Matt & Brett Love Comics! Tickets are free!
John Frusciante and Will Hines, hosts of The Upright Citizens Brigade Long-Form Conversations podcast, drop by to discuss issue #20 of the legendary indie comic, Love & Rockets. This is a new read for John, Matt, and Brett, so hear them learn all about the world of Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez from Will, who bought and read the series as it was changing the game in the ‘80s.
You can pick up Love & Rockets #20 on Amazon or My Comic Shop. The stories in this issue have been collected in two trades: The Girl From H.O.P.P.E.R.S. and Heartbreak Soup. (Both also available on Comixology.)
Will Hines performs weekly with The Stepfathers at the UCB Theatre in Chelsea. You can follow him on Twitter @willhines. John Frusciante performs weekly with the team Airwolf at the UCB Theatre East. You can follow him on Twitter @JohnJFrusciante. John and Will host The UCB Long-Form Conversations podcast.
Music: “Bottle Rocket” by The Go! Team
"John Frusciante & Will Hines / Love & Rockets #20 (1987)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/love-and-rockets.html
Save the Date! The Crisis on Infinite Podcasts Crossover with The Nerdist Network’s Comic Book Club Podcast will be happening Tuesday, February 5th at 7 PM at Fontana’s in New York City. Come see a live episode of Comic Book Club, followed by a live episode of Matt & Brett Love Comics! Tickets are free!
Prepare yourselves for as deep a discussion about the world of Sonic the Hedgehog as may ever appear on this podcast. Matt and Brett sit down with Aaron Burdette to discuss the anthropomorphic star of the line of Archie comic books, as well as some video games you’ve probably heard of. We also touch upon Star Wars, living in The South, Brett’s letter to ToyFare, and the monkey from Friends.
For a terrifying glimpse into the world of Sonic, watch this YouTube video.
Aaron Burdette is a sketch writer in New York City whose work is featured weekly as part of Stone Cold Fox at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. Follow him on his amazeballs Twitter @AaronBurdette.
Read Aaron’s graphic novel reviews on Goodreads.
On the next episode, we’ll be talking about Love & Rockets #21 from Fantagraphics by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez.
Music: “Hang Loose” by Alabama Shakes
"Aaron Burdette / The Skunk with the Purple Beret" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/sonic-the-hedgehog.html
Save the Date! The Crisis on Infinite Podcasts Crossover with The Nerdist Network’s Comic Book Club Podcast will be happening Tuesday, February 5th at 7 PM at Fontana’s in New York City. Come see a live episode of Comic Book Club, followed by a live episode of Matt & Brett Love Comics! Tickets are free!
Matt, Brett, and Nicole talk to guest Anna Rubanova about Gotham Central #6-10 and the complicated relationship Batman has with the Gotham police. The gang also discusses the origin of the name “Left Handed Radio”; childhood cartoon crushes on Chip (of the Rescue Rangers), Montery Jack, Daria, and shirtless Batman as voiced by Kevin Conroy; how Brett’s “type” has never changed; the many backgrounds of Catwoman; the homosexual gender divide of the Marvel and DC Universes; and using foreign languages to express emotion. ¡Qué emocionante!
This episode was not sponsored by WPIX 11.
You can download your own copy of Gotham Central #6-10 from the Comixology online store.
Anna is a writer for video sketch team The Punch and is also one of the minds behind the sketch comedy podcast Left Handed Radio. You can see Anna’s work on her website, annarubanova.com, or follow her on Twitter @TheActualAnna.
Music: “Baby Get Worse” by Divine Fits
"Anna Rubanova / Gotham Central #6-10 (2003)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/gotham-central.html
Hello, 2013! Matt and Brett return with guest Jon Gutierrez, a great comedy writer based in New York City. He has performed on house improv teams at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, as well as written for UCB sketch and video sketch teams.
Most notably, Jon worked for the beloved, historic and hilarious ToyFare magazine as the price guide editor, and wrote for the strip Twisted ToyFare Theatre. Learn the origins of Mego Spidey and ToyFare magazine, the inner workings of the price guide, as well as tales from the Wizard compound. From the early days of Wizard to the bitter end, this episode brings the stories.
We also introduce our next book club pick: Gotham Central #6-10 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark. It’s available digitally on Comixology and is an essential read.
You can catch Jon’s current writing and voice acting in the web series “Marvel Super Heroes: What The–?!” and see him perform live every Friday with Sister Sex Wolf at the Queen’s Secret Improv Club.
Music: “The Witch” by The Walkmen
"Down the Wizard Hole" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/down-the-wizard-hole.html
This is the one where Matt, Brett, Nicole and producer Ben get trapped in an elevator and reminisce about the past year of Matt & Brett Love Comics. Clips from past episodes, lessons learned, issues discussed, Ninja Turtles endorsed. Do comic books cause deviated septum? It’s been a crazy first year and we’re very thankful for all the listeners out there!
If you’d like to hear the full episodes that go along with the clips:
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19: X-Force v2 #1-6 (2004-2005)
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17: The Goon # 36-39 (2011-2012)
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13: New Mutants #18-21 (1984)
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27: Courtney Crumrin & The Night Things
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6: Incredible Hulk v2 #370-373,376-377 (1990-1991)
If you’d like to hear other podcasts we like:
- iFanboy (iTunes)
- Decompressed (iTunes)
Music: “Sleigh Ride” by Ferrante and Teicher
"We’re Trapped on an Elevator" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/year-in-review.html
Things get edgy, angsty and grungy with the arrival of Generation X from Marvel Comics, by Scott Lobdell and Chris Bachalo. Nicole Drespel and Matt Fisher join Brett to discuss the ‘90s iteration of the classic teen-mutants-with-problems premise. Spoiler Alert for, like, every awful thing that happens to these characters in later years.
Matt Fisher is a New York City based comedian who can be seen performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre with The Law Firm. You can also follow him on Twitter @fishermatt and on Tumblr.
You can find Generation X #1-4 on Amazon or My Comic Shop.
Music: “Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses
"Matt Fisher & Nicole Drespel / Generation X #1-4 (1994-1995)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/generation-x.html
The return of Kevin Hines! With two Spider-Man mega-fans in one place (Matt and Kevin; Brett is a Spider-Man regular-fan), we had to discuss the radical events of Amazing Spider-Man #698! So, spoilers for that if you haven’t read it. Also spoilers for pretty much every TV show, movie and comic from the last decade. You have been warned. Also discussed: super-heroines as real world politicians, what makes a meaningful comic book death, and Friends (NBC).
You can see Kevin perform improv comedy with The Curfew and the Brothers Hines at the UCB Theatres in New York City. You can also follow him on Twitter @kevhines and his comic book thoughts on Tumblr.
Our next book club selection is Generation X #1-4 (1994) by Scott Lobdell and Chris Bachalo. The trade paperback collecting these issues, including the team’s origin story, can be purchased on Amazon. The single issues can also be bought for cheap on My Comic Shop.
Music: “A Christmas Duel” by The Hives & Cyndi Lauper
"Money Can’t Buy the Death of a Species" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/death-of-a-species.html
Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s DC Comics epic Rock of Ages takes center stage this week, as Matt and Brett guide America Won’t Shut Up co-host Jason Flowers through the comic book wilderness. What does someone who hasn’t cracked a comic book open since Zubaz were cool think of electric Superman, one-handed Aquaman, and the overwhelmingly bizarre (yet awesome) ideas packed into every one of Grant Morrison’s JLA issues? Find out in this episode!
Jason Flowers is the co-host of the podcast America Won’t Shut Up. You can find this week’s comics on Comixology or Amazon.
Music: “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind
"Jason Flowers / JLA #10-15 (1997-1998)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/jla.html
Paul Montgomery joins the podcast for this episode and talks about his history with iFanboy and their positive brand of comic journalism, as well as extended talk about animation. The trio also discuss the barriers for entry that exist for new fans but don’t come up with any concrete solutions. Whoops!
You can follow Paul Montgomery’s online exploits at iFanboy.com as well as @fuzzytypewriter on Twitter. Also check out his podcast, Fuzzy Typewriter.
Music: “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” by Arcade Fire
"Film Students: It Gets Better" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/it-gets-better.html
Things get downright horrific when the gang discusses the Image Comics mini-series Severed, by Scott Snyder, Scott Tuft and Attila Futaki. Equally horrific: the prospect of mothers exposing their unborn children to Backstreet Boys music in the name of science. But is it as scary as a cannibal killer stalking America in 1916, in search of children to eat? You be the judge!
Nicole returns just in time for this super scary tale. Our guest is writer Becky Ferreira. Becky recently interviewed the cast of Amazing Spider-Man!
Severed #1-7 is available digitally on Comixology and a lovely hardcover can be ordered from Amazon.com.
Music: “Garbageman” by The Cramps
"Becky Ferreira and Nicole Drespel / Severed #1-7 (2011-2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/severed.html
Matt and Brett converse from two different boroughs in this episode, in the aftermath of hurricane-turned-superstorm Sandy. Both Matt and Brett share their experiences living in New York City in this trying time, and also discuss some of the bigger comic book related news items of the week: Disney acquiring Lucasfilm, Bryan Singer returning to the X-Men franchise, and where they fall in the wider spectrum of concern.
They also introduce the next book club pick: Severed #1-7 from Image Comics, by Scott Snyder, Scott Tuft and Attila Futaki. You can pick it up digitally on Comixology and a lovely hardcover can be ordered from Amazon.com.
For listeners who want to help, Alex Zalben wrote a handy guide to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts for MTV Geek. Please help out in any way you can.
Music: “A Bite Out of My Bed” by the New Pornographers
This episode was recorded on Thursday, November 1. Sorry everybody for posting it late, my apartment is still without Internet access! – Ben
"We All Seem To Come Together Pretty Well" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/we-all-come-together.html
Timmy Wood (writer for iFanboy) returns and brings with him a comic not fit for young audiences! Smoking, sexing, and violencing; writer/artist Darwyn Cooke crams it all into this adaptation of Richard Stark’s The Hunter.
You can get The Hunter digitally on Comixology, or you can get the very, very handsome physical copy on Amazon.
Timmy Wood is a comedian in New York City as well as a writer for the website iFanboy. For his work on iFanboy, check out Comic Book Job Evaluations and iFlashback. You can follow Timmy on Twitter at @TimmyWood.
Music: “The French Song” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
"Timmy Wood / Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter (2009)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/starks-parker.html
Matt and Brett hit up New York Comic Con last weekend and boy oh boy, did they see a lot of Adventure Time cosplayers and lady Lokis! They also got to talk to some wonderful comic book creators about the comics (and other things) that they love. In this episode:
- Declan Shalvey talks about the Phalanx Covenant
- Paolo Rivera talks about The Walking Dead
- Joe Quinones talks about Empire Strikes Back
- Ryan Stegman talks about Todd MacFarlane
- Maris Wicks talks about the pizza tag on Tumblr
- Mike Norton talks about Blue Beetle and indie comics
- Corinna Bechko and Gabe Hardman talk about horror comics and “doing it for the money”
- Tim Chamberlain talks about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Ming Doyle talks about Aquaman
Please check out all of our guests' websites and their work at your local comic book shop or local Internet space.
Music: “New York City Cops” by The Strokes
"New York Comic Con 2012" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/new-york-comic-con.html
Matt and Brett talk comics with another guy who loves comics, Timmy Wood. Timmy is an improviser in New York City who also happens to write some very funny articles for the comic book website iFanboy. This discussion episode covers everything from Brett’s tenure with Wizard Entertainment to Timmy’s Woody Allen fandom, as well as a story from Matt about the power Mr. Rogers has over people’s emotions.
We also introduce next week’s pick, selected by guest Timmy Wood: Richard Stark’s Parker vol. 1: The Hunter by Darwyn Cooke! This leads to a lot of D. Cooke talk, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
For Timmy Wood’s work on iFanboy, check out Comic Book Job Evaluations and iFlashback. You can follow Timmy on Twitter at @TimmyWood.
To read next week’s pick, check it out on Amazon or on Comixology.
To pick apart Brett’s comic book rankings, check out this and this.
Music: “Carried Away” by Passion Pit
"Timmy Wood / Joss Whedon is a Bad Person" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/not-really.html
In a shocking twist, the guests introduce a comic book to Matt and Brett. Whoah! Things get downright creepy as the foursome tear into the first Locke & Key mini-series by IDW Publishing. The use of the word “tear” was intentional, because Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez have crafted a suspenseful horror story that is possibly the most intense read this podcast has seen.
You can read the first mini-series, “Welcome to Lovecraft”, on Comixology or from Amazon.
Jeremy Bent can be seen on the improv team Thank You, Robot and in the web-series Quest For An Unknown Planet. Frank Hejl writes and performs with the sketch team Onassis. They are both members of Bucky, an improv team at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
Music: “Everlasting Light” by the Black Keys
"Jeremy Bent and Frank Hejl / Locke & Key #1-6 (2008)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/locke-and-key.html
Matt & Brett Love Comics! in association with Left Handed Radio present The Sequel Machine.
Every month, The Sequel Machine recruits 25 writers to write the sequels for film’s biggest franchises one page at a time. The catch is, the writers only get to read the page before theirs in a round-robin, exquisite corpse style. The end result is a hilarious, twisted, and as coherent as any misquided Hollywood sequel.
This month: Dark Knight 4.
Opening act: Katey Healy-Wurzburg
Performed by: Adam Bozarth, Dan Chamberlain, Matt Little, Anna Rubanova, Jeremy Bent, Michael Hartney, Kevin Hines, Jim Santangeli, and Brett White
Written by: Adam Bozarth, Brett White, Anna Rubanova, Dave Bluvband, John Freiler, Taylor Moore, Katey Healy-Wurzburg, John Timothy, Matt Little, Lee Rubenstein, Jason Saenz, Mike Scollins, Matt Braunsdorf, Brandon Gulya, Benjamin Apple, Daniel Mirk, Erik Tanouye, Kirk Damato, Chris Principe, Alex Zalben, Matt Mayer, Jon Gabrus, Justin Tyler, and Joe Berkowitz
Script produced by Brett White and Matt Little.
See the next Sequel Machine show live: 9thmare on Elm Street. UCB Theatre East, 3rd Street & Avenue A. Thursday, October 4th, 11:00 PM
"The Sequel Machine: Dark Knight 4" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/dark-knight-4.html
It’s time to talk comics, and boy oh boy do Matt and Brett cover a lot of them in this week’s discussion. Hulk: Season One, Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Gotham Central and Year Ones both Robin and Batgirl. Plus an extensive shout out to colorist extraordinaire Jordie Bellaire and a special drop-in by next week’s guest, Frank Hejl!
Next week we’ll be talking about IDW Publishing’s Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriquez. The first volume is titled “Welcome to Lovecraft”; you can get it on Amazon or on Comixology.
Music: “All Arise!” by the Decemberists
"Renaissance of the Colorist" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/renaissance-of-the-colorist.html
We’re joined by actor/sketch comedian/Hanes-appointed Grillmaster Michael Hartney as we dive into the time-twisting antics of Deadpool #11 and Amazing Spider-Man #47. How do two issues published 30 years apart relate to each other? Listen to find out! Or look it up on Wikipedia! Or listen to last week’s episode! It’s not a huge secret.
Warning: the contents of Deadpool #11 were hilarious enough to warrant numerous staged readings.
In addition to being a hilarious comedian, Michael Hartney is arguably the world’s biggest Superman fan, and leads us into our first discussion of the Man of Steel. It’s in-depth!
Deadpool v2 #11 by Joe Kelly and Pete Woods is available in digital format on Comixology or collected with Amazing Spider-Man #47 by Stan Lee and John Romita in Deadpool Classic v3, available on Amazon.
Michael Hartney performs with sketch team The Prom at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City on the second Monday of every month. He can also be seen in the 30 Rock episode “Idiots Are People Two!”
Music: “Money (That’s What I Want)” by The Sonics
"Michael Hartney / Deadpool v2 #11 (1997) & Amazing Spider-Man #47 (1967)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/amazing-deadpool.html
Live from Panera Bread, it’s Matt & Brett Love Comics! This week, Matt & Brett discuss the personal importance of next week’s book club pick: Deadpool #11 and Amazing Spider-Man #47; the perks of having a spreadsheet for your comics collection; saying something is funny vs. the thing actually being funny; where the line is drawn between couponing and hoarding; and the first creative teams they followed. All that and busy restaurant noise await within. Make thee with the clickery!
You can order this issue of Deadpool from Amazon or download at Comixology.
Music: “Life Is Long” by David Byrne & Brian Eno
"Organized Hoarding" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/organized-hoarding.html
Things get cute and cuddly this week as Matt, Brett, and guests Kelly Hudson and Alan Starzinski discuss We3! And by “cute” and “cuddly” we mean “heart-breaking” and “extremely violent.” Along with serious discussions about free will, find out which podcasters are dog people, which are cat people, and which one is a rabbit person (none of this is literal).
Also both Alan and Kelly were on the AMC series Comic Book Men so… you know we had to talk about that.
The modern Vertigo/DC Comics classic We3, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, can be purchased online on Comixology and Amazon.
Alan Starzinski is a performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. You can see him improvise with his team Sandino at Harold Night and in their own show, Unsolved Mysteries.
Kelly Hudson is an editor for College Humor as well as a performer on the Upright Citizens Brigade sketch team Beige. You can watch her in the webseries Rejected Pitches, part of the Above Average channel on YouTube. She is also an author of the fake menu Fuds.
Music: “The Palace At 4 AM” by A.C. Newman
"Kelly Hudson and Alan Starzinski / We3 #1-3 (2004)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/we3.html
Apologies for being late with the show this week. Family vacations, y'all!
Matt and Brett flirt briefly with turning this into a podcast exclusively about The Real World before diving into the meat of the show: Rob Liefeld and Phil Donahue. Okay, that’s just one thing discussed, but your interest is totally piqued now?
The next book club pick will be 2004 Vertigo mini-series We3 by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. The series can be purchased either through Amazon or Comixology.
Correction Timothy Green II drew the Annihilation: Conquest - Starlord series.
Music: “Michael and the Slipper Tree” by The Equals
"I’m Mad About A Lot Of Things" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/mad-about-things.html
Step inside The Cone of Truth, where Matt and Brett have been joined by Nicole and the always awesome Kelly Sue DeConnick. Things get truthy about all of Kelly Sue’s current and upcoming projects, including the just-released Captain Marvel #2, the just-announced Avengers Assemble, and the just-Tumblr’d Ninja Princess Zombie Rockstar.
This week we discuss Kelly Sue’s pick, Planetary, and try to wrap our brains the mad, mad genius that is Warren Ellis.
Also, a shout out to Olympic Cards & Comics in Lacey, WA.
You can find Planetary #1-6 by Warren Ellis and John Cassaday on Comixology or Amazon.
Kelly Sue DeConnick’s work can be seen monthly in Captain Marvel and other fine comics. You can follow her on Twitter and Tumblr.
Music: “Intergalactic” by The Beastie Boys
"Kelly Sue DeConnick and Nicole Drespel / Planetary #1-6 (1999)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/planetary.html
We take a break from our regular schtick to bring you something special: Matt & Brett Love Comics! in association with Left Handed Radio present The Sequel Machine.
The Sequel Machine recruits 24 writers to write the sequels for film’s biggest franchises, one page at a time. The catch: the writers only get to read the page before theirs in a round-robin, exquisite corpse style. The end result is hilarious, twisted, and about as coherent as any other misguided Hollywood sequel.
This is Spider-Man 4.
Written by: Brett White, Aaron Burdette, Frank Hejl, Anna Rubanova, Adam Bozarth, Jason Saenz, Taylor Moore, Dan Chamberlain, Beth Appel, Ben Stadler, Ari Scott, Kerry McGuire, Mike Scollins, Dru Johnston, Katey Healy-Wurzburg, John Freiler, Jon Bershad, Chris Schell, Chris Wilkes, Dave Bluvband, Kevin Hines, Will Hines, Erik Tanouye, and Matt Little.
Performed live by: Jeremy Bent, Adam Bozarth, Aaron Burdette, Dan Chamberlain, Matt Little, Taylor Moore, Cathryn Mudon, Anna Rubanova, and Brett White.
Featuring Michael Hartney as esoteric comic-book comedian Nicky Gold.
See the next Sequel Machine show live: Dark Knight 4. UCB Theater East, 3rd Street & Avenue A. Thursday, September 6th, 7:30 PM.
Check out more photos from the show by Curtis Retherford.
Artwork by MRTIM, creator of webcomic Our Valued Customers. Buy his book!
Music:
- “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears
- “Spider-Man Theme” by Joe Perry
- “Spydermann” by Another Bad Creation
"The Sequel Machine: Spider-Man 4" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/spider-man-4.html
Things get spooky this week, though it has less to do with The Night Things and more to do with the tales told by this week’s guest, sketch comedy writer Kerry McGuire. Actually, not “spooky” so much as dark. We discuss Nicole’s pick, the first Courtney Crumrin series from Oni Press. The book inspires a little bit of talk about childhood alienation and a lot of talk about pupils.
Eye pupils.
Newly colored versions of Courtney Crumrin & The Night Things #1-4 can be found on Comixology and on Amazon.
Kerry McGuire is a writer for the sketch comedy team Charlemagne, who perform in New York City as part of Maude Night at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
Music: “Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare” by Matt & Kim
"Kerry McGuire and Nicole Drespel / Courtney Crumrin & The Night Things" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/night-things.html
There’s a lot of business to cover in this episode! Up first: Nicole makes her first pick! We’ll be reading Courtney Crumrin & The Night Things #1-4 by Ted Naifeh, from Oni Press. Download it from Comixology where the first issue is available for free!
Next, Matt and Brett reveal the top secret show they’ve been working on for the past few months: SPIDER-MAN 4! Matt, Brett, and 22 other comedians created a half hour Spider-Man screenplay in a round-robin, exquisite corpse writing project. On Thursday, August 2nd, the podcasts Left Handed Radio and Matt & Brett Love Comics present a special one-time-only performance of the darkest, sexiest, best movie you’ll never see.
Spider-Man 4 is happening at 7:30 PM on Thursday, August 2nd, at UCB Theatre East in New York City. Reserve your tickets now!
Then, Matt and Brett introduce Nicole to Marvel NOW! and get her perspective. Which books sound interesting? What’s the difference between a reboot and a relaunch? What up with all that numbering stuff? All that AND The Unchangeable Wolverine!
Music: “Now It’s On” by Grandaddy
"The Unchangeable Wolverine" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/unchangeable-wolverine.html
Matt and Brett are joined by the absolutely awesome Kelly Sue DeConnick. Kelly Sue joined us on the day that the first issue of Captain Marvel, her new ongoing title from Marvel Comics, was released. In addition to some Captain Marvel talk, we discuss Kelly Sue’s upcoming collaboration with artist Emma Rios on the series Pretty Deadly for Image Comics, as well as Kelly Sue’s history with writing, acting and improv comedy.
We also discuss the Kelly Sue’s pick for our next episode, Planetary #1-6 by Warren Ellis and John Cassaday. Get a copy of those issues on Comixology or on Amazon, because if you haven’t read Planetary then you are missing out!
Keep up with Kelly Sue DeConnick at kellysue.com and follow @kellysue on Twitter.
Music: “Zero” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Kelly Sue DeConnick / Some Kind of Cosmic Coffeeshop" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/cosmic-coffeeshop.html
With a retelling of Spider-Man’s origin currently hanging around in theaters, the M&BLC crew decided to read four previous iterations of the web-slingin' wall-crawler’s origin. The tomes discussed are:
- Amazing Fantasy #15 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (1962)
- Spider-Man: Chapter One #1 by John Byrne (1998)
- Ultimate Spider-Man #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley (2000)
- Ultimate Comics Spider-Man v2 #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli (2011)
How does the Silver Age debut of Spider-Man hold up 50 years after its release? Did anything about John Byrne’s 1998 reboot work? And does Oscorp’s HR packet include an overview of Greek mythology? Find out in this episode!
Katey Healy-Wurzburg hosts a monthly show at the Upright Citizens Brigade East Village Theatre called The Fascinator. You can follow her on Twitter at @khealywu.
Curtis Retherford writes on his website, curtisretherford.com. Check out his upcoming web series, Quest for an Unknown Planet.
Music: “It’s Real” by Real Estate
"Katey Healy-Wurzburg and Curtis Retherford / Spider-Man Origins (1962-2011)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/spider-man-origins.html
Matt and Brett team up to introduce the next book club pick and discuss some of their favorite comic book related summer memories. Because it’s summer. You know that, right? Find out which summer comic event caused Brett to stop breathing and which comic film cheered Matt up after a disaster date!
To tie in to this summer’s repeat telling of Spider-Man’s origin, our next book club episode will spotlight four previous retellings from the comics themselves! They are:
- Amazing Fantasy #15 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (1962)
- Spider-Man: Chapter One #1 by John Byrne (1998)
- Ultimate Spider-Man #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley (2000)
- Ultimate Comics Spider-Man v2 #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli (2011)
Click through to purchase these issues on ComiXology, or if you feel like dropping a rather thick stack of cash for these and many other issues, you can purchase them in the following collections!
Music: “Shine A Light” by Apples in Stereo
"Summer Memories" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/summer-memories.html
Immediately after seeing this summer’s latest reboot, Brett, Katey, Lauren and Sebastian discuss “The Amazing Spider-Man” on the street outside the movie theater.
WARNING: Some spoilers and a lot of sighing.
Have you seen the movie yet? What did you think? Let us know in the comments, true believers. Excelsior!
Music: Theme from Spider-Man: The Animated Series
"The Amazing Spider-Man" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/spider-man-movie.html
The show makes its first foray into independent territory, courtesy of Ryan Stegman’s fateful pick. During the trio’s discussion about “The Death-Ray” by Daniel Clowes, they realize that smoking is really awesome (it gives you powers!), the ‘70s were pretty much forgetful, and Brett went through a wicked Everclear phase. Plus, lengthy discussions on the parallels of comedy and comic books, Twitter and careers. This episode is free-wheelin’!
You can purchase “The Death-Ray” from Amazon.com.
Ryan Stegman is a comic book artist best known for his work on Scarlet Spider and She-Hulks. His work will be featured next on Fantastic Four, alongside writer Jonathan Hickman. You can follow him on Twitter @RyanStegman and Tumblr ryanstegman.tumblr.com.
Music: “Second Chance” by Peter Bjorn and John
"Ryan Stegman / The Death-Ray (2004)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/the-death-ray.html
Artist Ryan Stegman has been blowing up at Marvel Comics this year thanks to his work on the runaway hit Scarlet Spider, and he will continue to explode with an upcoming stint on Fantastic Four. Matt and Brett invited Ryan to join the book club and it was a blast. In this chat-filled episode, Ryan tells his secret origin story (involving mysterious headaches and a con-man) and Matt defends the infamous “Clone Saga”!
Also briefly introduced is the next book club pick, selected by Mr. Stegman himself. It’s “The Death-Ray” by Daniel Clowes! You can order the book through Amazon. This one comes highly recommended (moreso than the previous pick) so do check it out before listening to next week’s episode!
You can follow Ryan Stegmen on Twitter @RyanStegman and see some of his art on ryanstegman.tumblr.com.
Part 2 of the interview continues here.
Music: “The Only Place” by Best Coast
"Ryan Stegman / Con-Man Chiropractor" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/ryan-stegman.html
The show takes a detour from positivity to discuss what can only be referred to as the Birdemic of comic books! Time travel, future ninjas, inexplicable fighting, poor spatial relations, Pottery Barn, what doesn’t this mini-series have? A reason for existing. It doesn’t have a reason for existing. Listen and find out if this mini is so bad it’s… nah, it’s just so bad.
But no body-shaming, y'all!
This mini-series can be purchased in the trade paperback X-Force: The Legend Returns.
As a point of reference, you can read about Birdemic on Wikipedia.
Zhubin Parang is a writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He can also be seen performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre with the sketch team Charlemagne and improvising in the show What I Did For Love.
Music: “Take Back the Toys” by The Hives
"Zhubin Parang and Nicole Drespel / X-Force v2 #1-6 (2004-2005)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/birdemic-of-comic-books.html
The game has changed. Brett’s pick is not a comic that he loves. It’s not even one he likes. It’s not even one he would recommend, but his morbid curiosity has gotten the best of him. He has picked X-Force vol. 2 #1-6 (2004) by Rob Liefeld – with a dash of Fabian Nicieza! Strap on your shoulder pads, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Aside from discussing the Liefeld in the room, Matt and Brett touch on everything from Wolverine & the X-Men and Saga (new comics!) to the Avengers (of course!) and TV’s Young Justice. Even Operation: Galactic Storm (blast from the past!) is discussed.
For more info on the comic shops mentioned in the episode:
- Star Clipper (St. Louis, MO)
- Outer Limits Boro (Murfreesboro, TN)
- Midtown Comics (New York, NY)
- The Comic Store (Lancaster, PA)
- Desert Island (Brooklyn, NY)
Young Justice is available on the iTunes Store.
Music: “Summertime” by Sex Bob-Omb
"The Hustler Gene" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/the-hustler-gene.html
Everything discussed in this episode was way too heavy to be discussed past 11 PM, but the Fearless Foursome — Matt, Brett, Nicole, and Benjamin Apple — did just that. If you’ve been waiting to hear comic book fans and comedians discuss the objectification of women in burlesque, the government’s role in labor unions, nature versus nurture, and intellectual property rights, then this is the show for you!
Also: Nicole takes the listeners on a guided tour of all the things that have made Brett cry.
All of the above, of course, stem from this week’s comic book pick: The Goon #36-39, by Eric Powell.
Issues of The Goon can be purchased digitally on The Dark Horse Comics digital store. You can view the trailer for The Goon animated feature on YouTube here.
Benjamin Apple is a writer for the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre sketch team Onassis, who won the 2011 FriSC competition. He’s also a headline contributor for The Onion and appeared in an episode of Gossip Girl.
Music: “Heartbeat” by Dum Dum Girls
"Benjamin Apple and Nicole Drespel / The Goon # 36-39 (2011-2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/the-goon.html
Matt and Brett thought they were going to just announce Matt’s pick for next week and be done with this episode. They. Thought. WRONG.
After introducing The Goon #36-39, by Eric Powell, the duo finds themselves unexpectedly declaring a manifesto for this podcast. All that, plus a sneak peek at the show’s next pick, wicked early!
Issues of The Goon can be purchased digitally on The Dark Horse Comics digital store.
BONUS: Check out this trailer for The Goon animated feature on YouTube.
Music: “Grey Lagoons” by Roxy Music
"Hate is Just a List" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/hate-is-a-list.html
It’s part 2 of Matt and Brett and Kevin Hines’s chat with Chris Roberson! We dig in to the origins of iZombie, the one paragraph pitch, what this book had to do with I, Vampire, what Spot’s coming out meant to Brett, asking Mike Allred to do that awesome thing again, and what we all thought of the book (spoiler: it’s pretty great).
Chris also takes time to discuss his stance on creator’s rights, why he’s okay walking away from DC, and teases us with announcements for his next projects.
Kevin Hines performs at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York every Saturday evening at 7:30pm with The Curfew. He also teaches improv at UCB, and bleeds his thoughts onto the Internet at kevhines.com.
Chris Roberson is the writer of iZombie, published by Vertigo/DC Comics, and Memorial, published by IDW. He’s also the author of the novel “Further: Beyond the Threshold” available May 22.
Music: “Bang Pop” by Free Energy
"Chris Roberson and Kevin Hines / iZombie" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/izombie.html
Matt and Brett are joined by comedian Kevin Hines and their very first industry guest, writer Chris Roberson! Chris is the brilliant writer of the soon-to-be-concluded Vertigo book iZombie and the IDW original series Memorial. In part one the guys discuss the finer side of life in Oregon, taco hunting, where ideas come from, and writing vs. math. Chris also reminds us that if you try to play poker with Bill Willingham, you’re gonna lose. Look for part two later this week.
Kevin Hines performs at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York every Saturday evening at 7:30pm with The Curfew. He also teaches improv at UCB, and bleeds his thoughts onto the Internet at kevhines.com.
Chris Roberson is the writer of iZombie, published by Vertigo/DC Comics, and Memorial, published by IDW.
Music: “Calling All Destroyers” by Tsar
Photo of Brett’s Mysterious Moustache by Curtis Retherford
"Chris Roberson and Kevin Hines / Monkeys Make Everything Better" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/chris-roberson.html
Things get all demonically weird with the New Mutants, and we can only think about party planning and Cannonball’s pleasure schedule. Sketch comedian Kathy Salerno joins us and urges listeners to “create their own arenas.”
Also, we track how long it takes Nicole to spot a social injustice in our reading, and the answer is either sooner or later than you expect!
Also, Ch'od is discussed.
Kathy Salerno is a writer for the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre sketch team Fambly, who perform in New York City on the second Monday of every month. She’s also one third of the Scott Snyder approved Watchin' Downton web-series.
Music: “Exorcising Demons” by The Features
"Kathy Salerno and Nicole Drespel / New Mutants #18-21 (1984)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/new-mutants.html
Matt, Brett, and a dozen or so of their friends report on their reaction to The Avengers. Recorded in the wee hours of the morning outside a movie theatre in midtown Manhattan.
WARNING: Some spoilers and a lot of curse words.
Music: “Captain America and the Avengers” by Data East
Photo by Curtis Retherford
"The Avengers Movie" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/the-avengers-omg.html
Say hello to a triple-sized minisode! Brett reveals his next pick: New Mutants #18-21 by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz! Matt joins in and the two discuss the state of the X-Comics in the ‘80s and early '90s. Get ready to have a lot of odd sounding names, numbers and years tossed your way, cause the hosts are talking comics!
Also a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT regarding ol’ M&BLC and the Avengers! Yeah, THOSE Avengers! You have to listen to find out!
All that, plus Matt and Brett rattle off the names of the awesome listeners who have thus far made their appreciation known via social media. We appreciate your appreciation!
Music: “Gratisfaction” by the Strokes
Music Bed: “See You Through” by The Features
"Beef: It’s An Awesome Noun" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/beef.html
Nicole Drespel returns just in time to be introduced to Woody, a character that she has extremely strong feelings about. Does this satirical book get the seal of approval from our guest, UCB performer Dru Johnston? What do we think of the goat? And where was Nicole for the last four months? All of that is discussed, plus the comedians step out of their comfort zone and talk about serious racial issues. Fun! Keep this podcast closer than your cheat book.
You can see Dru perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre every Saturday night with improv team Grandma’s Ashes, and once a month with sketch team Everything Rabbits. Want him to possibly perform at your college? Contact UCB TourCo.
Music: “Short Version” by Wild Flag
"Dru Johnston and Nicole Drespel / Quantum & Woody #1-5 (1997)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/quantum-and-woody.html
Matt introduces his pick: Quantum & Woody #1-5 by Christopher Priest and M.D. Bright! Originally published by Acclaim Comics in 1997, it’s completely possible that you missed out on the madcap misadventures of Quantum and Woody. Have no fear, though, for Matt breaks their history down better than a recap page ever could. All that, plus a special political message about an issue plaguing our Internet.
Music: “You Say It Too” by Generationals
"An Apartment Building Full of Jerks" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/apartment-full-of-jerks.html
This episode brings to light that either Matt or Brett may be a deranged murderer. Don’t worry, they manage to hold back any blood lust just long enough to talk about the truly harrowing experience that is Sandman #14.
They’re joined by Rebecca Eisenberg, curator of the Tumblr phenomenon I Spy a Famous Face. She gives some handy advice on how to increase both your Twitter and Tumblr follower count. All this, plus a brief history of Mickey Mouse and the return of Paul Lynde and Fred Schneider.
For more of Rebecca, check out I Spy a Famous Face and follow her on Twitter @ryeisenberg.
If electronic formats are your thing, this week’s book is also available on Kindle and on comiXology.
Music: “Titanic Vandalism” by the Go! Team
"Rebecca Eisenberg / Sandman v2 #14 (1990)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/sandman.html
Brett introduces his next pick: The Sandman #14 by Neil Gaiman and Mike Dringenberg! This single issue is from 1990 and is quite possibly one of the most intense comics Brett has ever read. Is he a wimp? Read it and judge him, mercilessly.
If electronic formats are your thing, this week’s book is also available on Kindle and on comiXology.
Music: “Simple Song” by The Shins
"It Involves Cereal" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/it-involves-cereal.html
We know the entire Internet has already mapped the cast of Peter David’s classic Incredible Hulk run onto the cast of Jersey Shore, but we figured we’d throw our two cents in. We read a pivotal stretch of Hulk issues with comedian Halle Kiefer and could not stop talking about Hulk sex. Seriously, are Betty Banner and Marlo okay?
Bike shorts, a ton of nun action, Dr. Geraldo Strange, this episode has it all. And spoiler alert: Gray Hulk is definitely The Situation.
For more of Halle, check out her work on VH1’s The FABLife and her “Jersey Shore” recaps for Rolling Stone. And follow her on Twitter @HalleKiefer.
Music: “B is For Brutus” by The Hives
"Halle Kiefer / Incredible Hulk v2 #370-373,376-377 (1990-1991)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/hulk-sex.html
Matt introduces his pick: Incredible Hulk #370-373 and #376-377 by Peter David and Dale Keown! Originally published in 1990, these issues present the Hulk as he’s never been seen before… I mean, sorta.
Listen and learn:
- Why are we skipping 374 & 375?
- Are those creepy metal spiders?
- Why is Matt not a businessman?
The issues are collected in Incredible Hulk Visionaries: Peter David volumes 5 and 6.
Haven’t read it? Pick up a copy at your local comic book store or click the covers below to order online. We’ll see you next week!
Music: “Weekend” by Smith Westerns
"All of The Best (and Worst) of The Hulks and Banners" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/hulks-and-banners.html
Ponytails. Space stations. Time Displacement Cores. Attack formations. Bye bye Rob Liefeld, hello Greg Capullo! Writer Fabian Nicieza takes hold of the pouch-covered reigns of X-Force, and Matt, Brett, and guest Jeff Rubin tackle the in-your-face mutant mayhem that is… “Assault on Graymalkin.”
We’re tackling the big questions! Does “Cheers” take place in the Marvel Universe? How does X-Force relate to “Friday Night Lights”? Just how bad is G.W. Bridge at his job? The answers are kinda-sorta contained within this episode!
For more of Jeff, check out The Jeff Rubin Show. It’s a podcast, too!
Music: “Rambo” by The Features
"Jeff Rubin / X-Force #19-25: Assault on Graymalkin (1993)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/x-force-discussion.html
We’re re-launching with a book club format. Brett introduces X-Force: Assault On Graymalkin; grab a copy and get ready for a full discussion on the next episode.
"The “We’re Not Teenagers; We’re Kind of Adults?” Period" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2012/x-force-intro.html
Featuring special guest: Nicole Drespel
- 0:00:00 Intros made, and prepare to visualize eating Thanksgiving dinner off of Matt’s body
- 0:01:18 Topic broached, previously Matt asked Nicole to read Wonder Woman #1-2. Nicole gives her first impression of Wonder Woman prior to the reading. Note: she is NOT girl Superman.
- 0:02:54 Superhero voices, something to consider! Also, Paul Lynde superheroes.
- 0:04:07 Matt talks about his prior experience with Wonder Woman
- 0:07:21 Brett talks about Wonder Woman and of course works in fast food into it.
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0:08:56 We kick off the discussion of the 3 first issues of Wonder Woman. Is Nicole a fan? Which characters are wet blankets?
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0:13:24 The controversial origin change is brought up
- 0:15:26 How much of a feminist icon is Wonder Woman now, and how important is her origin to feminism? Also how DO you pronounce Hippolyta?
- 0:21:41 The potential stories told with the Greek gods, and how sketchy Zeus really is.
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0:25:54 What is the deal with the name Wonder Woman? And we discuss Wonder Woman’s other big appearance this week in Justice League #3, and compare boobs.
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0:31:10 Across the street at Marvel, how are the women doing?
- 0:37:08 Matt tells Nicole about Wonder Woman’s origin! Kinky!
- 0:40:37 Who is Paul Lynde Superhero’s supporting cast?
- 0:42:36 How do we get women and girls reading comics? And also, men? Boys? Guys? What’s the term?
- 0:49:03 We discuss Batwoman and Batgirl and how they stack up against Wonder Woman.
- 0:53:10 Fashion!
- 0:55:19 Nicole’s got a bone to pick with Joss Whedon after reading the first page of Buffy Season 9.
For more of Nicole, check out nicoledrespel.com.
"Wonder Woman and Women in Comics" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2011/wonder-women.html
Featuring special guest: Nicole Drespel
- 0:00:00 Introductions are made! Welcome to Matt & Brett Love Comics!
- 0:03:50 Matt and Brett discuss DC’s domination of the market share.
- 0:07:56 Nicole just doesn’t get Animal Man! Otter Man, though, is mighty appealing… and also worth discussing in-depth.
- 0:13:08 Matt recounts his favorite Spider-Man 3 background extra.
- 0:15:33 Adam X makes the first of surely many mentions on the podcast.
- 0:17:29 Amazing Spider-Man #673 facilitated Matt’s single white female-ing of Spidey.
- 0:23:44 Animal Man #3 and Swamp Thing #3 were both incredibly disturbing
- 0:29:05 Avengers Academy #21 is the first of the school books to be discussed. It has everything Nicole likes in comics, except type faces.
- 0:34:12 If you were a superhero, where would you go on a roadtrip?
- 0:35:31 Action Comics #3 shows the 1% of Krypton. Should there be a spinoff called Krypton Babies?
- 0:45:00 Regenesis fever kicks off with New Mutants #33 and X-Men #20! Nicole perks up when she hears that the X-Men have fought vampires, and what should the New Mutants really be called?
- 0:52:05 Uncanny X-Men #1 is discussed; does Cyclops’ letter to humanity make him an asshole?
- 0:59:57 Brett says that he could be pleased with a story that is just X-Men remembering things they did, which leads to a discussion of Jean Grey’s botched proposal to Cyclops
- 1:01:20 Wolverine & The X-Men #1 is pretty much the best thing ever.
- 1:08:05 Nicole leads the talk on the elaborately named Anita Blake: Circus of the Damned - The Scoundrel #2. Watersnake Vampire
- 1:13:56 Matt thinks Nicole will love one of DC’s relaunched heroines.
"Krypton Babies" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2011/krypton-babies.html