Because Comics: Recent Episodes
Partial Arc
Every other week, hosts Jay Jones and Mike Christensen review two current ongoing comic books from our pull lists before diving into discussion of a classic - and oftentimes ridiculous - comic or graphic novel. Then we close out each episode with one of two games: "Super-Mundane," where we ask which super hero would be the best (and worst) at an everyday task or activity; or "Who Am I?" where we play twenty questions to try to guess the identity of a specific hero or villain. We hope you join us in celebrating the crazy and often hilarious world of comics!
In this very special episode of "Because Comics," we recommend a few classic comics we love, "Y: The Last Man" and "JLA: Year One." Then we go back to a classic Superman story - "The Last Days of Superman!" And then we do it again... you'll see. Finally, we play a game of "Super Mundane," and ask which superhero would be the best and worst podcaster?
Thank you so much for listening! Because Comics is going on a brief hiatus, but we want to thank the fans for our fantastic interactions, and we hope to be back with more episodes in 2018! In the meantime, follow PartialArc.com for news on our brand-new board game, Mortals! And remember... Do good to others and every man can be a Superman. Pull List: Jay: “Y: The Last Man" (Vertigo), written by Brian K. Vaughan, art by Pia Guerra. Mike: “JLA: Year One" (DC), written by Brian Augustyn and Mark Waid, art by Barry Kitson. Main Segment: “Superman" #156 - "The Last Days of Superman!" (DC), written by Edmond Hamilton, art by Curt Swan and George Klein. “Superman" #66 - "The Last Days of Superman" (DC), written by William Woolfolk, art by Curt Swan. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst podcaster?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Mike and Jay recommend "Batman" and "The Defenders," and then in honor of "Spider-Man: Homecoming," we finish our summary of the story we began in the last episode! Then we ask which Spider-Man we'd most like to fight: Tobey Macguire or Andrew Garfield? Pull List: Jay: “Batman - The War of Jokes and Riddles" (DC), written by Tom King, art by Mikel Janin. Mike: “Defenders" (Marvel), written by Matt Fraction, art by Terry Dodson, Jamie McKelvie and various. Main Segment: “Amazing Spider-Man" #32-33 "The Final Chapter!" (Marvel), written by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko. Game: "Would You Rather... be a supervillain and fight Tobey Macguire's Spider-Man or Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
This week, Jay and Mike recommend "Shirtless Bear Fighter" and "The Secret Voice," and then we begin to explore the best "Spider-Man" story ever made! At least the first part of it... Then we play "Super Mundane," and ask which super-hero would be the best and worst dentist? Pull List: Jay: “Shirtless Bear Fighter" (Image), written by Sebastian Girner & Jody LeHeup, art by Mike Spicer and Nil Vendrell. Mike: “The Secret Voice" (Study Group Comics), writing and art Zack Soto. Main Segment: “Amazing Spider-Man" #31 - "If This Be My Destiny!" (Marvel), written by Stan Lee, art by Steve Ditko. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst destint?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend you read "Hadrian's Wall" and "Up and Out," and then we flash back to an early Wonder Woman story where she fights a guy named Dr. Psycho! Then we play "Would You Rather," and determine which comic book universe would be the best place to be a demigod. Pull List: Jay: “Hadrian's Wall" (Image Comics), written by Kyle Higgins & Alec Siegel, art by Rod Reis. Mike: “Up and Out" (Webcomic), by Julia Kaye. Main Segment: “Wonder Woman" #5 - "Battle for Womanhood!" (DC), written by Alice Marble and William Moulton Marston, art by Sheldon Moldoff and Harry G. Peter. Game: "Would You Rather... Be a demigod of Marvel's Norse mythology or DC's Greek mythology?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
We recommend you read "Kill or Be Killed" and "Anno Dracula," and then we talk about space slavery and French accents as Thor fights the Grey Gargoyle in space! Pull List: Jay: “Kill Or Be Killed" (Image Comics), written by Ed Brubaker, art by Elizabeth Breitweiser & Sean Phillips. Mike: “Anno Dracula" (Titan), written by Kim Newman, art by Paul McCaffrey. Main Segment: “Thor" #258-259 - "If the Stars Be Made of Stone!" (Marvel), written by Len Wein, art by John Buscema. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst meter maid?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
It's our three-year anniversary! And we're recommending "Batman/Shadow" and "Rose," and then we're gonna read through "To Be Or Not To Be" by Ryan North! And then we play "Would You Rather," and debate which comic we'd rather be in charge of editing: the X-Men comics, or the Fantastic Four comics? Thanks so much for listening for the past three years! Pull List: Jay: “Batman/Shadow" (DC), written by Steve Orlando & Scott Snyder, art by Riley Rossmo. Mike: “Rose" (Image), written by Meredith Finch, art by Ig Guara. Main Segment: “To Be Or Not To Be" (Riverhead Books), written by Ryan North, art by various. Game: "Would You Rather... be the editor for the X-Men comics or the Fantastic Four comics?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend you read "Providence" and "Godshaper," and then we uncover a classic Batman vs. Joker thriller as we recap "The Laughing Fish!" Then we wrap up with a game of "Super-Mundane," and pose the question: which heroes would be the best and worst laser tag players? Pull List: Jay: “Providence" (Avatar), written by Alan Moore, art by Jacen Burrows. Mike: “Godshaper" (BOOM! Studios), written by Simon Spurrier, art by Jonas Goonface. Main Segment: “Detective Comics" #475-476 - "The Laughing Fish" (DC), written by Steve Englehart, pencils by Marshall Rogers, inks by Terry Austin. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst laser tag player?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In our Pull List segment, Jay and Mike recommend "Moonshine" and "Southern Cross." Then for our Main Segment, we take a look at the instant classic, "Jughead" #200! Jughead Jones is given the deal of his life... but at what cost? Then we play "Would You Rather," and debate which would be better: an Avengers musical or a Justice League musical? And through this game, we all learn something that we wish we had never known... Pull List: Jay: “Moonshine" (Image), written by Brian Azzarello, art by Eduardo Risso. Mike: “Southern Cross" (Image), written by Becky Cloonan, art by Andy Belanger and Lee Loughridge. Main Segment: “Jughead" #200 - "Something Ventured, Something Gained" (Archie Comics), written by Tom Root, pencils by Rex Lindsey, inks by Jim Amash. Game: "Would You Rather... watch an Avenger musical or a Justice League musical?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In this episode, Jay and Mike recommend "I Kill Giants" and "Darth Maul," and then we flash back to a classic, bizarre comic, as the Justice League must deal with Snapper Carr: Super-Traitor! Finally, we play a game of "Super-Mundane" and ask which heroes would be the best and worst bus drivers? Also, a warning: this episode was recorded late at night, and things got a little loopy... enjoy! Pull List: Jay: “I Kill Giants" (Image Comics), written by Joe Kelly, art by J.M. Ken Niimura. Mike: “Darth Maul" (Marvel Comics), written by Cullen Bunn, art by Luke Ross. Main Segment: “Justice League of America" #77 - "Snapper Carr - Super Traitor!" (DC), written by Dennis O'Neil, pencils by Dick Dillin, inks by Joe Giella. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst bus driver?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
This week we review "Mother Panic" and "Coady and the Creepies," and then we recap Thor's 3-issue fight with the Mangog! Then, we play "Would You Rather," and debate where would be the best place to work: the Daily Bugle, or Nelson and Murdock? Pull List: Jay: "Mother Panic" (DC), written by Jody Houser and Jim Krueger, art by Tommy Lee Edwards, Phil Hester, and Ande Parks. Mike: “Coady and the Creepies" (Boom! Studios), written by Liz Prince, art by Amanda Kirk. Main Segment: “Thor" #155-157 "Mangog!" (Marvel Comics), written by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby. Game: "Would You Rather... work at the Daily Bugle or Nelson & Murdock?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
From our pull lists, we recommend "The Old Guard" and "Hulk," and then in honor of "Logan," we flash back to "Uncanny X-Men," a VERY 90s comic where Wolverine had to take care of a kid. Then we end the episode with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst grillmaster? Pull List: Jay: “The Old Guard" (Image Comics), written by Greg Rucka, art by Leandro Fernandez. Mike: “Hulk" (Marvel Comics), written by Mariko Tamaki, art by Nico Leon. Main Segment: “Uncanny X-Men" #268 - "Madripoor Knights" (Marvel Comics), written by Chris Claremont, art by Jim Lee. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst grillmaster?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In today's Pull List, we recommend "Mighty Thor" and "God Country." Then, in honor of "The Lego Batman Movie," we jump back to a classic Batman tale... "Robin Dies At Dawn!" Finally, we end with a Lego-themed game of "Would You Rather," and are forced to ponder which we would rather see Lego versions of... "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," or "Suicide Squad"? Pull List: Jay: “The Mighty Thor" (Marvel Comics), written by Jason Aaron, art by Russell Dauterman. Mike: “God Country" (Image Comics), written by Donny Cates, art by John J. Hill, Geoff Shaw, Jason Wordie. Main Segment: “Batman" #156 - "Robin Dies at Dawn!" (DC), written by Bill Finger, art by Sheldon Moldoff. Game: "Would You Rather... watch 'Lego Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice' or 'Lego Suicide Squad'?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In our pull list segment, we recommend the new "Superman" series, and the creator-owned "Chimera." Then we see what happens when Thor and Hercules fight... and when people skim their film studio contracts! Then we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst school counselor? Hint: the best is not who you might expect... Pull List: Jay: “Superman" (DC), written by Peter J. Tomasi, art by Patrick Gleason. Mike: “Chimera" (Comicker), written and drawn by Tyler Ellis. Main Segment: “Thor" #126-128 (Marvel), written by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst school counselor?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In this week's Pull List, we recommend you read "Curse Words" and "Horizon." Then for our main segment, we flash back (pun!) to "The Flash" #132: "The Heaviest Man Alive!" Then we play "Would You Rather," and we get REALLY stumped... Pull List: Jay: “Curse Words" (Image Comics), written by Charles Soule, art by Jordan Boyd and Ryan Browne. Mike: “Horizon" (Image/Skybound), written by Brandon Thomas, art by Juan Gedeon, Frank Martin. Main Segment: “The Flash" #132 - "The Heaviest Man Alive!" (DC), written by John Broome, art by Carmine Infantino. Game: "Would You Rather... have an arch-nemesis who is nigh-unstoppable or a super-genius?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
This week, we ring in 2017 by recommending "Hawkeye" and "Mayday," and then we take a look back at a classic meeting of two icons... "Superman vs. Muhammad Ali!" It's a fantastic, epic comic, and even a god shows up, although she... doesn't really do anything. We wrap up with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst party entertainer? Things get creepy. VERY creepy. Pull List: Jay: “Hawkeye" (Marvel), written by Kelly Thompson, art by Leonardo Romero. Mike: “Mayday" (Image), written by Alex de Campi, art by Blond & Tony Parker. Main Segment: “Superman vs. Muhammad Ali" (DC Comics), story by Dennis O'Neil, written and art by Neal Adams. Game: "Super-Mundane - Who would be the best and worst party entertainer?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
This week, we recommend you start reading "Green Arrow" and "Doctor Aphra!" And then we talk about "Spider-Man: Sins Past," and we're sorry. We're so, so sorry. Also, we play "Would You Rather," and debate which super-team - Avengers or Justice League - has the best New Year's Party. Happy New Year, and we'll see you in 2017! Pull List: Jay: “Green Arrow" (DC Comics), written by Benjamin Percy, art by Otto Schmidt. Mike: “Doctor Aphra" (Marvel), written by Kieron Gillen, art by Salvador Larroca and Kev Walker. Main Segment: “Amazing Spider-Man: Sins Past" (Marvel), written by J. Michael Straczynski, art by Mike Deodato Jr. Game: "Would You Rather... spend New Year's Eve with the Avengers or the Justice League?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
We recommend "Shipwreck" and "SLAM!" from our pull lists, and then we go back further then we've ever gone... to "Superman's Christmas Adventure!" It's... a weird one. Then we play a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst hall monitor. Happy Holidays! Don't forget to treat yourself with some comics! Pull List: Jay: “Shipwreck" (Aftershock), written by Warren Ellis, art by Phil Hester. Mike: “SLAM!" (BOOM! Box), written by Pamela Ribon, art by Veronica Fish. Main Segment: “Superman's Christmas Adventure" (DC Comics), written by Jerry Siegel, art by Jack Burnley. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Hall Monitor?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
From our pull lists, we recommend you check out "Green Valley" and the new Riri Williams / Ironheart series of "Invincible Iron Man." Then for our main segment, we talk about one of the most epic stories from the history of the Legion of Super-Heroes... the aptly-named "Great Darkness Saga!" Then we play "Would You Rather," and get into the real ethical dilemmas... would you rather be an apprentice for Doctor Doom, or Ra's al Ghul? Pull List: Jay: “Green Valley" (Image / Skybound), written by Max Landis, art by Jean-Francis Beaulieu, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Cliff Rathburn. Mike: “Invincible Iron Man" (Marvel), written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Stefano Caselli. Main Segment: “Legion of Super-Heroes: The Great Darkness Saga" (DC Comics), written by Paul Levitz & Keith Giffen, art by Keith Giffen & Larry Mahlstedt. Game: "Would You Rather... be an apprentice for Doctor Doom, or Ra's al Ghul?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
For our pull list segment, we recommend "The Unworthy Thor" and "Raven." Then for our main segment, we celebrate love by recapping the wedding of Scott Summers and Jean Gray! Then we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst ride attendant? Pull List: Jay: “The Unworthy Thor" (Marvel), written by Jason Aaron, art by Olivier Coipel. Mike: “Raven" (DC Comics), written by Marv Wolfman, art by Alisson Borges. Main Segment: “X-Men" #30 - "The Ties That Bind" (Company), written by Scott Lobdell, art by Andy Kubert. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Ride Attendant?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Happy Halloween! For a special treat, Jay and Mike recommend you read "Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love" and "Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye." Then, for your... treat, I guess? Anyway, it's a Halloween tradition, so we're talking about "Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness." Because of COURSE that's a crossover that happened immediately after the Marvel Zombies were introduced. Finally, we play "Would You Rather," and ask who you would rather spend Halloween with... Doctor Strange, or Hellboy? Pull List: Jay: “Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love" (DC Comics), written by Sarah Vaughn, art by Lan Medina. Mike: “Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye" (DC Comics), written by Jon Rivera, Tom Scioli, and Gerard Way, art by Michael Avon Oeming and Tom Scioli. Main Segment: “Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness" (Marvel Comics), written by John Layman, art by Fabiano Neves, Fernando Blanco, and Sean Phillips. Game: "Would You Rather... spend Halloween with Doctor Strange, or with Hellboy?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In our Pull List segment, we review "Big Trouble in Little China/Escape From New York" (yes, that's one comic) and the new "Jessica Jones" series. Then, we celebrate October with a spooky Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom team-up comic, "Triumph and Torment!" Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst designated driver? Pull List: Jay: “Big Trouble in Little China/Escape From New York" (Boom! Studios), written by Greg Pak, art by Daniel Bayliss. Mike: “Jessica Jones" (Marvel), written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Michael Gaydos. Main Segment: "Doctor Strange & Doctor Doom: Triumph and Torment" (Marvel), written by Roger Stern, art by Mike Mignola. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Designated Driver?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
We kick off the episode by recommending you read "Seven to Eternity" and "Josie and the Pussycats," and then for our main segment... did you know Superman made a sex tape? Well, we're gonna talk about it, and it's gonna be super creepy, but we're gonna get through it together. Also, we play a game of "Would You Rather," and ask if you would prefer to work in Arkham Asylum for a year, or stay there for a night? Pull List: Jay: “Seven to Eternity" (Image Comics) written by Rick Remender, art by Matt Hollingsworth and Jerome Opeña. Mike: “Josie and the Pussycats" (Archie Comics) written by Marguerite Bennett and Cameron Deordio, Audrey Mok. Main Segment: "Action Comics" #592-593 - "Superman's Sex Tape" (DC Comics) written and drawn by John Byrne. Game: "Would You Rather... Work in Arkham Asylum for a year, or stay there for a night?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend two-fisted sci-fi with "Atomic Robo" and "Bounty," and then in honor of the new Marvel/Netflix series, we go back to a classic "Luke Cage, Hero for Hire" comic, and ask the question: Where's my money, honey? We wrap up the episode with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst to host a surprise party - and who would be the best/worst to have a surprise party for? Pull List: Jay: “Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od" (Tesladyne), written by Brian Clevinger, art by Scott Wegener. Mike: “Bounty" (Dark Horse), written by Kurtis J Wiebe, art by Mindy Lee. Main Segment: "Luke Cage, Hero for Hire" #8-9 (Marvel), written by Steve Englehart, pencils by George Tuska. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst to Host a Surprise Party? Best / Worst to be the Recipient of a Surprise Party?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay recommends you read "All-Star Batman" (shocking) and Mike recommends "Animosity," and then Mike takes us WAY down the rabbit hole as we recap the events of 1993's "Godzilla vs. Barkley." Yes, CHARLES Barkley. Also, we wrap up the episode with a game of "Would You Rather," and ask if you'd rather be a superhero with superpowers, or be a superhero through intense training and ridiculous amounts of money? Pull List: Jay: “All-Star Batman" (DC Comics), written by Scott Snyder, art by John Romita, Jr. (with Declan Shalvey). Mike: “Animosity" (Aftershock Comics), written by Marguerite Bennett, art by Rafael de Latorre. Main Segment: "Godzilla vs. Barkley" (Dark Horse Comics), written by Mike Baron, art by Jeff Butler. Plot by Alan Smithee. Game: "Would You Rather... Be a superhero with superpowers, or be a superhero who spent years intensely training and who also has ridiculous amounts of money?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend you read "The Black Monday Murders" and "Power Man & Iron Fist," and then we go DEEP into Jack Kirby's Fourth World saga, because we're talking about the Forever People! Who? Yes, them! Wait, who? And then we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst at cake decorating. (Special thanks to listener Guy Shani for this Super-Mundane suggestion!) Pull List: Jay: “The Black Monday Murders" (Image) written by Jonathan Hickman, art by Tomm Coker. Mike: “Power Man & Iron Fist" (Marvel) written by David F. Walker, art by Sanford Greene for #1-4, and Flaviano as of #5. Main Segment: "Forever People" #3-4 - "Life vs. Anti-Life!" / "Kingdom of the Damned!" (DC Comics) written and drawn by Jack Kirby. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst at Cake Decorating?" Special thanks to listener Guy Shani for this suggestion! Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In our pull list segment, Jay and Mike recommend "Unfollow" and "Another Castle." Then, since Hulk will be going to Asgard next year in "Thor: Ragnarok" (and we got some pretty cool news about that at this year's Comic Con), we jump back to Hulk's earliest visit to Asgard in "The Incredible Hulk" #102. Finally, we end the episode with a very challenging game of "Would You Rather," and ask if you'd prefer to work in the Justice League's Watchtower, or the Avengers Mansion? Pull List: Jay: “Unfollow" (Vertigo), written by Rob Williams, art by Mike Dowling. Mike: “Another Castle" (Oni Press), written by Andrew Wheeler, art by Paulina Ganucheau. Main Segment: "The Incredible Hulk" #102, "A World Not His Own!" (Marvel), written by Gary Friedrich, art by Marie Severin. Game: "Would You Rather... Work at the Justice League's Watchtower or at Avengers Mansion (/Tower)?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend "Black Hammer" and "The Unbelievable Gwenpool," and then for some reason we're talking about Batman & Superman fighting again, even though I think we've had quite enough of it. Also, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best... pilot? That's a mundane task, right? Pull List: Jay: “Black Hammer" (Dark Horse) written by Jeff Lemire, art by Dean Ormston. Mike: “The Unbelievable Gwenpool" (Marvel) written by Christopher Hastings, art by Gurihiru. Main Segment: "World's Finest" #143, "The Feud Between Batman & Superman!" (DC Comics) written by Edmond Hamilton, art by Curt Swan. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Pilot?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend you read "The Goddamned" and "Joyride," and then Mike recaps the events of "Marvel Team-Up" #137. And folks, we've talked about a lot of weird comics on this show. But they don't get much weirder than "Marvel Team-Up" #137. Finally, we bring the episode to a close with a game of "Would You Rather," and spend entirely too long debating the merits of being bitten by either a radioactive pigeon or a radioactive squirrel. Pull List: Jay: “The Goddamned" (Image Comics), written by Jason Aaron, art by Giulia Brusco & R.M. Guera. Mike: “Joyride" (BOOM! Studios), written by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing, art by Marcus To. Main Segment: "Marvel Team-Up" #137 - "Aunt May & Franklin Richards vs. Galactus - Twinkle, Twinkle" (Marvel), written by Michael Carlin, art by Greg LaRogue. Game: "Would You Rather... be bitten by a radioactive pigeon or a radioactive squirrel?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In our pull list segment, we recommend "Archangel" and "Mockingbird." Then we cut back to the Legion of Super-Heroes for a classic adventure, cleverly titled "The Super-Moby Dick of Space!" Then we end the episode with our game, "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best - and worst - ruler? You know, that mundane task or activity of "ruling." We may be running out of ideas, you guys. Pull List: Jay: “Archangel" (IDW) written by William Gibson, art by Butch Guice and Tom Palmer. Mike: “Mockingbird" (Marvel) written by Chelsea Cain, art by Kate Niemczyk. Main Segment: "Adventure Comics" #332 - "The Super-Moby Dick of Space!" (DC Comics) written by Edmond Hamilton, pencilled by John Forte, inked by George Klein. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Ruler?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
In our pull list segment, Jay and Mike recommend "The Fix" and "Goldie Vance." Then, Mike takes us back to the '90s with the oddly self-aware, possibly meta first issue of "Thunderstrike!" Finally we end the show with a game of "Would You Rather," and ask who you would prefer to take a tour of the galaxy with - the Silver Surfer, or the Guardians of the Galaxy? Pull List: Jay: “The Fix" (Image Comics), written by Nick Spencer, art by Steve Lieber. Mike: “Goldie Vance" (Boom! Box), written by Hope Larsen, art by Brittney Williams, colors by Sarah Stern. Main Segment: "Thunderstrike" #1 - "Blood Without Glory!" (Marvel Comics) written by Tom DeFalco, pencils by Ron Frenz, finished art by Al Milgrom, colors by Mike Rockwitz. Game: "Would You Rather... Tour the galaxy with the Silver Surfer or the Guardians of the Galaxy?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike begin this episode by recommending you check out "DC Rebirth" and "Black Panther." Then, we flash back to an awesome time of Kirby dots and dragon-tanks, as we pull back another layer of the Fourth World saga with "New Gods: The Pact!" Then we wind down with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask which hero would be the best and worst at renovating a home? The answer for "Best" turns out to be super obvious, provided you've ever heard of him. And be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode for a special treat! Pull List: Jay: “DC Universe: Rebirth" #1 (DC Comics), written by Geoff Johns, art by Gary Frank, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Phil Jimenez. Mike: “Black Panther" (Marvel Comics), written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, art by Brian Stelfreeze, colors by Laura Martin. Main Segment: "New Gods" #7, "The Pact!" (DC Comics), written and drawn by Jack Kirby. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst at Renovating a Home?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike suggest you check out "Beasts of Burden" and the new "Punisher" series. Then, in honor of the new film "X-Men: Apocalypse," we flash back to the Big Bad's first major appearance, in the original "X-Factor" comics! Finally, we play "Would You Rather," and Jay vastly underestimates the inherent coolness of a character from "Captain America: Civil War." Pull List: Jay: “Beasts of Burden: What the Cat Dragged In" (Dark Horse) written by Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer, art by Jill Thompson. Mike: “The Punisher" (Marvel) written by Becky Cloonan, art by Steve Dillon. Main Segment: "X-Factor" #24-25 - "The Fall of the Mutants" tie-in, aka "Judgement Day!" (Marvel) written by Louise Simonson, pencils by Walt Simonson, inks by Bob Wiacek. Game: "Would You Rather... be Black Panther in Wakanda for a day, or be Spider-Man in Queens for a day?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
It's our two-year anniversary! We encourage you to check out "Moon Knight" and catch up on "Rat Queens," and then in honor of "Captain America: Civil War" (as well as the current election), Mike takes us back to an issue of "What If" where Steve Rogers is elected president! Then we bring things to a close with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst at hosting a game night? Thank you so much for two incredible years! We look forward to sharing many more weird, wacky comic book stories with all of you! Pull List: Jay: “Moon Knight" (Marvel Comics) written by Jeff Lemire, art by Greg Smallwood. Mike: “Rat Queens" (Image Comics) written by Kurtis Weibe, art by Tess Fowler. Main Segment: "What If?" #26, "What If Captain America Had Been Elected President?" (Marvel Comics) written by Mike W. Barr, art by Herb Trimpe and Mike Esposito. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst at Hosting a Game Night?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter at @partialarc Read Mike's columns every Tuesday and Thursday at PartialArc.com, and follow him on Twitter at @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend you check out "Black Widow" and "DC's Bombshells," and then Mike takes us back to a classic "Legion of Super-Heroes" adventure, where we reveal a traitor in the Legion! Finally, we play "Would You Rather," and ask which dangerous wonder you would most like to visit... Themyscira or Atlantis? Also, we talk about that "Doctor Strange" trailer, because of course we do. Pull List: Jay: "Black Widow" (Marvel Comics) written by Chris Samnee and Mark Waid, art by Mark Waid. Mike: "DC Comics: Bombshells" (DC Comics) written by Marguerite Bennett, art by various. Main Segment: "Adventure Comics" #346-347 - "One Of Us Is A Traitor!" (DC Comics) written and pencilled by Jim Shooter, inks by Sheldon Meldoff. Game: "Would You Rather... Take a day trip to Themyscira or Atlantis?"
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Jay and Mike are back from seeing "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" - let's see if they can hold their emotions in check while reviewing some classic comics, "Superman: Birthright" and "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns." Then, in honor of "Daredevil" season 2, we flash back to another Frank Miller comic, and the first meeting of Daredevil and the Punisher! Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask which heroes would be the best and worst at being a Home Security Specialist - the answers may surprise you! But also, probably they won't. Pull List: Jay: “Superman: Birthright” (DC Comics), written by Mark Waid, art by Leinil Francis Yu. Mike: “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” (DC Comics), written and drawn by Frank Miller, inked by Klaus Janson, colored by Lynn Varley. Main Segment: “Daredevil” #183-184 - “Child’s Play” / “Good Guys Wear Red” (Marvel Comics), written by Roger McKensie & Frank Miller, pencils by Frank Miller, inks and colors by Klaus Janson. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Home Security Specialist?"
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We've been doing this show for 50 episodes! Can you believe it? In our "Pull List" segment, we recommend you read "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and Archie Comics' "Jughead" reboot, and then in honor of the upcoming "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," Mike recounts one of the earliest fights between the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight... and it is 100% INSANE. Also, in our "Would You Rather" game, we have to choose between the Punisher and Deadpool - who would you rather have gunning for you while the other one protects you? Pull List: Jay: "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (DC Comics), written by James Tynion IV, pencilled and inked by Freddie E. Williams II, colored by Jeremy Colwell. Mike: "Jughead" (Archie), written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Erica Henderson. Main Segment: "World's Finest" #153 (DC Comics), "The Clash of Cape and Cowl," written by Edmont Hamilton, pencilled by Curt Swan, inked by George Klein. Honorable Mention: "Superman/Batman" #78, written by Jack Kelly, Joe Kelly, and Amanda McMurray, art by Ed Benes and Brett Booth. Special thanks to fan Wayne Cannon for this submission! Game: "Would You Rather... Be hunted down by Deadpool, with only the Punisher to protect you, or be hunted down by the Punisher, with only Deadpool to protect you." Special thanks to fan Guy Shani for this submission!
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In the pull list segment, Jay and Mike recommend "Cry Havoc" and "The Adventures of Supergirl." Then, Mike brings us back to the heyday of Jack Kirby's Fourth World comics, with "Mister Miracle" #3-4, "The Paranoid Pill!" Including the introduction of Big Barda, Scott Free's OTP! Finally we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best and worst capture the flag players? It's a lot harder than it sounds, but the results are amazing. Pull List: Jay: "Cry Havoc" (Image Comics), written by Simon Spurrier, art by Lee Loughridge & Matt D. Wilson. Mike: "The Adventures of Supergirl" (DC Comics), written by Sterling Gates, art by Bengal. Main Segment: "Mister Miracle" #3-4, "The Paranoid Pill" Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Capture the Flag Player?"
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Jay and Mike recommend you check out "Rumble" and "The Totally Awesome Hulk," especially if you like awesome monsters and awesome fight scenes. Then, Mike takes us back to the story where we first saw the Spider-Mobile, but this time, we cover the rest of the story... and it somehow involves a gang war, a Christmas party, and Aunt May's new boyfriend! Then we end the episode with a game of "Would You Rather," and ask if you'd rather have the life of Daredevil or Moon Knight? Pull List: Jay: "Rumble" (Image Comics), written by John Arcudi, art by James Harren, colors by Dave Stewart. Mike: "The Totally Awesome Hulk" (Marvel Comics), written by Greg Pak, art by Frank Cho, colors by Sonia Oback. Main Segment: "Amazing Spider-Man" #130-131, "My Uncle, My Enemy!" (Marvel), written by Gerry Conway, art by Ross Andru. Listen to our original commentary on the Spider-Mobile scene from #130 in Episode 22 of Because Comics. Game: "Would You Rather... Have the Life of Daredevil, or Moon Knight?"
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Jay and Mike recommend you read "Captain Marvel" and "Table Titans," and then Mike takes a listener suggestion, and takes us back to the arc of "Wolverine: Origins" where Deadpool beats up Wolverine. (The fact that Deadpool was also in a terrible movie of a similar name is not lost on us.) Then, we end the episode with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask which heroes would be the best and worst limo drivers? Pull List: Jay: "Captain Marvel" (Marvel), written by Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas, art by Kris Anka. Mike: "Table Titans" (web original), Written and drawn by Scott Kurtz (Brian Hurtt for Season 3), colors by Steve Hamaker. Main Segment: "Wolverine: Origins" #21-25, "The Deep End" (Marvel), written by Daniel Way, art by Steve Dillon. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Limo Driver?"
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In this episode, Jay and Mike recommend "Superman: American Alien" and "All-New Wolverine" from their personal pull lists. Then, Mike takes us back to another of our crossover comics classics as we recap "Superman Meets The Quik Bunny!" Finally, we play "Would You Rather," and we're forced to choose between a date with Gambit, or a date with Deadpool! We know, there's no right answer, but there is a slightly better answer. Pull List: Jay: "Superman: American Alien" (DC Comics), written by Max Landis, art by various. Mike: "All-New Wolverine" (Marvel), written by Tom Taylor, art by David Lopez. Main Segment: "Superman Meets The Quik Bunny" (DC Comics), written by Mike Carlin, layout art by Carmine Infantino, finished art by Dick Giordano. Game: "Would You Rather... let your sister date Gambit or Deadpool?"
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Jay and Mike are back, and they're gonna power through their colds and deliver an episode! They recommend the new Marvel comics "Scarlet Witch" and "Patsy Walker, aka Hellcat," and then Mike brings us back to "Secret Origins" #36, where we learn just how good Hal Jordan was at keeping his Green Lantern identity a secret... then, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask which heroes would be the best and worst wingman / wingwoman! Pull List: Jay: "Scarlet Witch" (Marvel Comics), written by James Robinson, art by Vanessa R. Del Rey. Mike: "Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!" (Marvel Comics), written by Kate Leth, art by Brittney Williams. Main Segment: "Secret Origins" #36, "Green Lantern" (DC Comics), scripted and plotted by James Owsley, plot assisted by Robert Greenberger, penciled by M.D. Brig. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Wingman / Wingwoman?"
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We're bringing the year to a close with "Vision" and "Giant Days," and then we recap a comic best forgot, the "Uncanny X-Men" comic that ruined Nightcrawler. That's right, guys. We're going to talk about "The Draco." Because we are apparently gluttons for punishment. Then, we bring it home with one last game of "Would You Rather," and decide definitively if we'd rather live in Marvel's New York City, or in Marvel's Hell's Kitchen. We'll see you in 2016! Pull List: Jay: "Vision" (Marvel), written by Tom King, art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta. Mike: "Giant Days" (Boom! Box), written by John Allison, art by Lissa Treiman. Main Segment: "Uncanny X-Men" #428-434 - "The Draco" (Marvel), written by Chuck Austen, art by Sean Phillips, Phillip Tan, and Takeshi Miyazawa. Game: "Would You Rather... Live in Marvel's New York City, or Marvel's Hell's Kitchen?"
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It's the most wonderful time of the year once again, and Jay and Mike suggest you treat yourself by reading "Martian Manhunter" and "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur." Then, we go WAY back to the early days of Wonder Woman, and check out a special Christmas adventure from "Sensation Comics" #14! Spoiler alert: The entire plot hinges on Princess Diana talking to a tree. Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask which superhero would make the best and worst librarian? Pull List: Jay: "Martian Manhunter" (DC Comics), written by Rob Williams, pencils by Eddy Barrows, inks by Eber Ferreira. Mike: "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" (Marvel), written by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder, art by Natacha Bustos. Main Segment: "Sensation Comics" #14 - "Wonder Woman: The Story of Fir Balsam" (DC Comics), written by William Moulton Marston, art by H. G. Peter. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Librarian?"
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Mike and Jay recommend you read "Plutona" and "Art Ops," but let's face it, we know why you're here. There's a "Star Wars" movie on the horizon, so in honor of "Episode VII - The Force Awakens," Mike takes us back to the earliest Star Wars comics, when Marvel retold "The Magnificent Seven" but with Han Solo. Trust me, it gets much weirder than you think. Then, we play "Would You Rather," and find out if we'd prefer a loveless relationship with a superhero... or a passionate relationship with a supervillain? Pull List: Jay: "Plutona" (Image), written by Jeff Lemire and Emi Lenox, art by Jordie Bellaire and Emi Lenox. Mike: "Art Ops" (Vertigo), written by Shaun Simon, art by Mike Allred. Main Segment: "Star Wars" #8-10 - "Eight Against a World!" (Marvel), written by Roy Thomas, art by Howard Chaykin, inks by Tom Palmer. Game: "Would You Rather... be in a loveless relationship with a superhero, or a passionate relationship with a supervillain?"
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It's almost Thanksgiving, and Jay and Mike are busting out the cranberry sauce and yams! We talk about the comics we're thankful for - "Klaus" and the new "Archie" reboot - and then Mike recaps "The Vision and the Scarlet Witch" #6, where we prove that Magneto makes an absolutely terrible dinner guest. Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and discuss which superheroes would be the best, and worst, at hosting Thanksgiving dinner.
Pull List:
Jay: "Klaus" (BOOM! Studios), written by Grant Morrison, art by Dan Mora.
Mike: "Archie" (Archie Comics), written by Mark Waid, art by Fiona Staples.
Main Segment:
"The Vision and the Scarlet Witch" #6, "No Strings Attached!" (Marvel Comics), written by Steve Englehart, pencils by Richard Howell, inks by Frank Springer.
Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst at Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner?"
You can check out Mike on the Real Women of Gaming Twitch event, "Cards Against Sobriety," this Saturday, November 20th, 8pm EST / 5pm PST. Tune in at twitch.tv/realwomenofgaming
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Jay and Mike recommend the perfect just-after-Halloween comics, "Paper Girls" and "Scooby-Doo Team-Up." Then, in honor of the new season, Mike brings us back to an issue of "The Flash," where Wally West is faced with a challenge that really only he could deal with. Finally, we play "Would You Rather," and decide whether we'd rather be a member of the X-Men, or the Green Lantern Corps... Pull List: Jay: "Paper Girls" (Image Comics), written by Brian K. Vaughn, art by Cliff Chiang and Matt Wilson. Mike: "Scooby-Doo Team-Up" (DC Comics), written by Sholly Fisch, art by Dario Brizuela (issues 13-16 by Scott Jeralds). Main Segment: "The Flash" #30 - "Dancing In The Dark" (DC Comics), written by William Messner-Loebs, pencils by Greg Larocque, inks by Larry Mahlstedt. Game: "Would You Rather... Be a Member of the X-Men, or the Green Lantern Corps?"
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It's Halloween again, and after Jay and Mike suggest you read some not-so-spooky comics, "Doctor Strange" and "Star Wars," we return to those lovable world eaters and their horrifying shenanigans in "Marvel Zombies 2!" Then in the game segment, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask which superheroes would make the best and worst street performers! Pull List: Jay: "Doctor Strange" (Marvel), written by Jason Aaron, art by Chris Bachalo. Mike: "Star Wars" (Marvel), written by Jason Aaron, art by John Cassaday and Stuart Immonen. Main Segment: "Marvel Zombies 2" (Marvel), written by Robert Kirkman, art by June Chung and Sean Phillips. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Street Performer?"
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Our Halloween creep begins! Jay and Mike recommend "Welcome Back" and "Power Up," and then Mike takes us back to the early days of horror comics with EC Comics' "Tales from the Crypt!" Then we play "Would You Rather," and decide whether we'd like to take on the Justice League or the Avengers.
Pull List:
Jay: "Welcome Back" (BOOM! Studios), written by Christopher Sebela, art by Jonathan Brandon Sawyer.
Mike: "Power Up" (BOOM! Studios), written by Kate Leth, art by Matt Cummings.
Main Segment:
"Tales from the Crypt" (EC Comics), by Al Feldstein (inker, penciler, writer), Graham Ingels (inker, penciler), Jack Kamen (inker, penciler), Johnny Craig (cover, inker, penciler).
Game: "Would You Rather... As a supervillain, fight the Justice League, or the Avengers?"
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It's another Bizarro episode! Mike and Jay recommend "Diesel" and "Hank Johnson, Agent of Hydra," and then Jay takes on Mike's traditional role, and guides us through the timey-wimey nonsense that is "The Return of Bruce Wayne!" Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and Mike gets to ask, who would be the best (and worst) Dungeon Master? Pull List: Jay: "Hank Johnson, Agent of Hydra" (Marvel), written by David Mandel, art by Michael Walsh. Mike: "Tyson Hesse's Diesel" (BOOM Studios), written and drawn by Tyson Hesse. Main Segment: "The Return of Bruce Wayne" (DC Comics), written by Grant Morrison, art by Lee Garbett, Frazier Irving, Georges Jeanty, Yanick Paquette, Pere Perez, Ryan Sook, and Chris Sprouse. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Dungeon Master?"
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Jay thinks you should read the new "Lando" comic (because of course you should), and Mike thinks you should read the "All-New Hawkeye" comic (no, it's not the Matt Fraction comic, but we promise it's also a great series). Then we get to the main segment - a silver age story called "Superman's New Power"... and it turns out, this is by far the WEIRDEST comic we have ever discussed on the show. Also, we ring out the episode by trying out a brand new game - "Would You Rather?" Today, we ask who you would rather hench for... Lex Luthor, or Thanos? Pull List: Jay: "Lando" (Marvel Comics), written by Charles Soule, art by Alex Maleev. Mike: "All-New Hawkeye" (Marvel Comics), written by Jeff Lemire, art by Ramon Perez. Main Segment: "Superman" #125 - "Superman's New Power!" (DC Comics), written by Jerry Coleman, pencils by Wayne Boring, inks by Stan Kaye. Game: "Would You Rather... Hench for Lex Luthor, or Thanos?"
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Jay and Mike recommend you catch up with "Daredevil" before it wraps up next week, and while you're at it, start reading the new "Black Canary" series. Then, Mike shares a time when Salem - Sabrina the Teenage Witch's talking cat who, by the way, has a VERY sketchy origin story - turned the world of Archie upside down with some magical meddling! Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask what heroes would be the best and worst travel agents? The best might surprise you! (The worst probably won't.)
Pull List:
Jay: "Daredevil" (Marvel Comics), written by Mark Waid, art by Chris Samnee. The final issue, #18, comes out September 2nd.
Mike: "Black Canary" (DC Comics), written by Brendan Fletcher, art by Annie Wu.
Main Segment:
"Archie" #636 - "The Great Switcheroo!" (Archie Comics), written by Tania Del Rio, pencilled by Gisele, inks by Rich Koslowski.
Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Travel Agent?"
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Jay and Mike make a case for you to read "East of West" and "Kaijumax," though those comics pretty much sell themselves. Then, in light of the recent buzz over Jared Leto's Joker in "Suicide Squad," Mike takes us back to the days when the Clown Prince of Crime first got his murderin' groove back, with "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!" Then we close out with a game of "Who Am I," and Jay pulls out some obscure clues to try to stump Mike. Does it work? Listen and find out!
Pull List:
Jay: "East of West" (Image Comics), written by Jonathan Hickman, art by Nick Dragotta.
Mike: "Kaijumax" (Oni Press), written by / art by Zander Cannon.
Main Segment:
"Batman" #251 - "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge!" (DC Comics), written by Dennis O'Neil, art by Neal Adams.
Game: "Who Am I?"
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Jay recommends "Batman" again (this time it's different) and Mike recommends "Jem and the Holograms," and then, in honor of the new film reboot, Mike takes us back to the early days of "Fantastic Four," and the first appearance of Doctor Doom! Turns out, one of the greatest supervillains of all time has gone pretty much unchanged for the past 50 years. Finally, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask which heroes would be the best - and worst - at helping you move?
Pull List:
Jay: "Batman" (DC Comics), written by Scott Snyder, art by Greg Capullo. The "Superheavy" storyline begins with issue #41.
Mike: "Jem and the Holograms" (IDW), written by Kelly Thompson, art by Sophie Campbell and Amy Mebberson.
Main Segment:
"Fantastic Four" #5 - "The Prisoners of Doctor Doom!" (Marvel Comics), written by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby.
Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst at Helping You Move?"
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Jay and Mike take you to the future with their pull list suggestions, "Prez" and "Ivar, Timewalker." Then, in honor of the new Marvel Studios film, Mike takes us back to the past, to Scott Lang's first appearance as Ant-Man in the pages of "Marvel Premiere." Then we ring out the episode with a game of "Who Am I," and Mike is stumped until he isn't... and really, isn't that just how life is for all of us? Pull List: Jay: "Prez" (DC Comics), written by Mark Russell, art by Ben Caldwell. Mike: "Ivar, Timewalker" (Valiant Comics), written by Fred Van Lente, art by Clayton Henry (with others). Main Segment: "Marvel Premiere" #47-48 - "To Steal An Ant-Man!" (Marvel Comics), written by David Michelinie, art by John Byrne and Bob Layton. Game: "Who Am I?"
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Jay and Mike recommend two VERY different science-fiction comics, "Injection" and "Kaptara." Then, in light of the new film "Terminator: Genesys" hitting theaters this week, Mike takes us back to an even more timey-wimey comic, "Robocop vs. The Terminator." Then we close out the episode with a game segment, "Super-Mundane," and ask which heroes would be the best and worst Wedding Planner? We don't mind telling you, this one really stumped us!
Pull List: Jay: "Injection" (Image Comics), written by Warren Ellis, art by Declan Shalvey & Jordie Bellaire. Mike: "Kaptara" (Image Comics), written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Kagan McLeod. Main Segment: "Robocop vs. the Terminator" (Dark Horse Comics), written by Frank Miller, art by Walt Simonson. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / Worst Wedding Planner?"
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Jay and Mike recommend two miniseries ending this month, "Ei8ht" and "Princess Leia." Then, Mike takes us back to a classic Batman comic, "A Death in the Family"... and it turns out it was much weirder and more political than any of us were expecting. Finally, for today's game segment, we play "Who Am I," and Mike gets an assist from another comics podcast... see, kids? Podcasts are full of useful information! Pull List: Jay: "Ei8ht" (Dark Horse Comics), written by Rafael Albuquerque & Mike Johnson, art by Rafael Albuquerque. Mike: "Princess Leia" (Marvel Comics), written by Mark Waid, art by Terry Dodson. Main Segment: "Batman" #426-429, "A Death in the Family" (DC Comics), written by Jim Starlin, pencils by Jim Aparo, inks by Mike DeCarlo, covers by Mike Mignola. Game: "Who Am I?"
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Jay and Mike recommend "D4VE" and "Shutter," and then we dive into "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" #53, and his most famous transformation - that time he turned into a giant turtle man! And then we play "Super-Mundane," and ask which hero would make the best - and the worst - dogwalker? Pull List: Jay: "D4VE" (Monkeybrain), written by Ryan Ferrier, art by Valentin Ramon. Mike: "Shutter" (Image), written by Joe Keatinge, art by Leila del Duca. Main Segment: "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" #53, "The Giant Turtle-Man!" Written by Jack Schiff, art by Curt Swan and John Forte. Game: "Super-Mundane - The Best and Worst Dogwalker?"
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Jay and Mike recommend brutal action with "Archie vs. Predator" and brutal crime drama with "The Kitchen," and then, to celebrate the new Marvel / Netflix series, Mike takes us back to "Daredevil" #7, when Matt Murdock first got his red costume, and battled - and defended - the Sub-Mariner! And finally, for today's game of "Who Am I," Jay and Mike tap into the collective unconscious and achieve a psychic connection, because everything in this episode is all connected... don't believe us? Listen to the episode and see!
Pull List:
Jay: "Archie vs. Predator" (Archie), written by Alex de Campi, art by Fernando Ruiz and John Workman.
Mike: "The Kitchen" (Vertigo), written by Ollie Masters, art by Ming Doyle.
Main Segment:
"Daredevil" #7, "In Mortal Combat with the Sub-Mariner!" Written by Stan Lee, art by Wally Wood.
Game: "Who Am I?"
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For the past year, Jay and Mike have brought you their conversations about comics - but sometimes the conversation wanders a bit off the beaten path... in honor of the podcast's anniversary, we bring you some of their outtakes and ramblings, which were not heard in the past 26 episodes! Thank you so much for listening for the past year!
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It's our very special one-year anniversary! Jay and Mike flash back to how the podcast began, and talk about the comics that first got them into comics, "The Return of Superman" and "Ultimate Spider-Man." Which is funny, because then for the main segment, Mike invites us all to the Battle of the Century - "Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man!" And folks, it's a doozy. Then we bring it home with a game of "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best waiter - and who would be the worst? Pull List - the comics that got us into comics: Jay: "The Return of Superman" (DC), written by Dan Jurgens, Karl Kesel, Roger Stern, Louise Simonson, and Gerard Jones; art by Tom Grummett, Jackson Guice, Jon Bogdanove, and Mark Bright. Mike: "Ultimate Spider-Man" (Marvel), written by Brian Michael Bendis, art by Mark Bagley. Main Segment: "Superman vs. the Amazing Spider-Man", presented by Carmine Infantino and Stan Lee, written by Gerry Conway, drawn by Ross Andru. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best / worst waiter?"
Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com. Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter as @partialarc Find more from Mike at supergeekmike.com, or on Twitter as @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike tell you to read "Howard the Duck" and "Hexed," and then in light of the new "Avengers: Age of Ultron" film, they talk about "The Avengers" #57, with the first appearance of the Vision, his conflict with Ultron, and how the Avengers are apparently terrible at their jobs. Then we play "Who Am I?" and boy... guys, sometimes comic book characters' real names are SUPER silly. Pull List: Jay: "Howard the Duck" (Marvel), written by Chip Zdarsky, art by Joe Quinones. Mike: "Hexed" (Boom), written by Michael Alan Nelson, art by Dan Mora. Main Segment: "The Avengers" #57, "Behold... The Vision!" written by Roy Thomas, art by John Buscema. Game: "Who Am I?"
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Jay and Mike recommend "The Phantom" and "The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl," and then Mike leads us on a discussion of "The Question" #26, where the Question meets the Riddler, and things get VERY heady. Then we play "Super-Mundane," and debate who would be the best - and worst - kids' sports coach. Pull List: Jay: "King: The Phantom" (Dynamite), written by Brian Clevenger, art by Brent Schoonover. Mike: "The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl" (Marvel), written by Ryan North, art by Erica Henderson. Main Segment: "The Question" #26, "Riddles," written by Dennis O'Neil, art by Denys Cowan. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best and Worst Kids' Sports Coach?"
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Jay and Mike tell you that you should be reading "Nameless" and "Gotham Academy," because you really, really should. Then we discuss "The Incredibles: Family Matters," the comic book sequel to the best superhero movie of all time. Then, Mike and Jay play "Who Am I," and explore the magic of retroactive continuity... Pull List: Jay: "Nameless" (Image), written by Grant Morrison, art by Chris Burnham and Nathan Fairbairn. Mike: "Gotham Academy" (DC), written by Becky Cloonan and Brendan Fletcher, and drawn by Karl Kerschl. Main Segment: "The Incredibles: Family Matters" #1-4, written by Mark Waid, art by Marcio Takara. Game: "Who Am I?"
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Jay and Mike recommend "Darth Vader" and "Copperhead," and then Mike takes us to the far future of "Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth!" which is basically Jack Kirby's version of "Planet of the Apes." Then, we play "Super-Mundane" and ask which superheroes would be the best and worst bartenders? Pull List: Jay: "Darth Vader" (Marvel), written by Kieron Gillen, art by Salvador Larroca. Mike: "Copperhead" (Image), written by Jay Faerber, art by Scott Godlewski. Main Segment: "Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth!" #1, written and drawn by Jack Kirby. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best and Worst Bartender?"
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Jay and Mike recommend "Batman" (especially the "Endgame" storyline) and "The Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw," and then Mike takes us back to "The Amazing Spider-Man" and the most ill-advised superhero car of all time, the Spider-Mobile! Then, we play "Who Am I," and we REALLY test Mike's knowledge of DC continuity...
Jay: "Batman" (DC), written by Scott Snyder, art by Greg Capullo. The "Endgame" storyline begins with issue #35. Mike: "The Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw" (Image), written by Kurt Busiek, art by Ben Dewey. Main Segment: "Amazing Spider-Man" #160, "My Killer, the Car!" Written by Len Wein, art by Ross Andru. The Spider-Mobile first appears in "Amazing Spider-Man" #130, written by Gerry Conway, art by Ross Andru. Game: "Who Am I?"
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It's almost Valentine's Day, so after Jay and Mike recommend "Ant-Man" and the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" sequel comics, we explore a weird story of love, marriage, and demonic contracts (again?) as Mike busts out an old issue of "Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane!" Then, in this episode's "Super-Mundane," we ask who would be the best - and the worst - at writing greeting cards? Jay: "Ant-Man" (Marvel), written by Nick Spencer, art by Ramon Rosanas. Mike: "Avatar: The Last Airbender" sequel comics (Dark Horse), written by Gene Luen Yang with Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, art by Gurihiru. Main Segment: "Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane" #41, "The Devil and Lois Lane" Written by Leo Dorfman, art by Kurt Schaffenberger. Game: "Super-Mundane: Writing Greeting Cards?"
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In today's episode, Jay and Mike recommend "Birthright" and "Wayward," and then Mike draws us in with the noir-style revamp of the X-Men's Multiple Man in "Madrox: Multiple Choice." Then we play "Who Am I?" The answer is: someone totally awesome. Jay: "Birthright" (Image), written by Joshua Williamson, art by Andrei Bressan and Adriano Lucas. Mike: "Wayward" (Image), written by Jim Zub, drawn by Steve Cummings. Main Segment: "Madrox" #1-5, "Multiple Choice" Written by Peter David, drawn by Pablo Raimondi. Game: "Who Am I?" Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com. Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter as @partialarc Find more from Mike at supergeekmike.com, or on Twitter as @supergeekmike
Happy New Year! In this episode, we take a look at a new direction of "Batgirl" and old acquaintances in "Storm," and then Mike talks about that time the cast of "Archie" met the cast of "Glee" - and it's WAY weirder and more fun than it sounds. And at the end, we play "Super-Mundane" and ask which hero would be the best baby-sitter - and who would be the worst?
Jay: "Batgirl" (DC), written by Brenden Fletcher and Cameron Stewart, art by Babs Tarr. Mike: "Storm" (Marvel), written by Greg Pak, drawn by Victor Ibañez. Main Segment: "Archie" #641-644, "Archie Meets Glee!" Written by Roberto Aguirro-Sacasa, drawn by Dan Parent. Game: "Super-Mundane - Best and Worst Baby-Sitter?"
Listen to full episodes at PartialArc.com. Email us at becausecomics@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter as @partialarc Find more from Mike at supergeekmike.com, or on Twitter as @supergeekmike
Jay and Mike recommend "Gotham By Midnight" and "Red Sonja," and then Mike leads us in an examination of the most broken Spider-Man story ever - "Spider-Man: One More Day." And then, if that weren't enough, we also discuss an issue of "Sensational Spider-Man" from around the same time that COMPLETELY contradicts the message of One More Day, and actually tells a much better story. We discuss the power of comics storytelling and the significance in relatable characters, and then we bring it all home with our game segment, "Who Am I?" Happy New Year, everyone - we'll see you in 2015! Pull List: Jay: "Gotham By Midnight" (DC), written by Ray Fawkes, art by Ben Templesmith. Mike: "Red Sonja" (Dynamite), written by Gail Simone, art by Walter Geovani. Main Segment: "Spider-Man: One More Day" - written by J. Michael Straczynski & Joe Quesada, art by Joe Quesada. "The Sensational Spider-Man #40 - The Book of Peter" - written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, art by Clayton Crain. Game: "Who Am I?"
Happy Holidays from Because Comics! In this festive episode, Jay and Mike suggest comics that make good gifts, specifically "Old Man Logan" and "Superman: Secret Identity," and then discuss "Brave and the Bold" #148, where Batman and Plastic Man team up to save Christmas (XMas?) from the evils of cigarette smuggling! And for today's game segment, we play "Super-Mundane," and ask who would be the best - and worst - Secret Santa? Pull List: Jay: "Old Man Logan" (Marvel), written by Mark Millar, art by Steve McNiven. Mike: "Superman: Secret Identity" (DC), written by Kurt Busiek, art by Stuart Immonen. Main Segment: "Brave and the Bold" #148 - "The Night the Mob Stole XMas!" written by Bob Haney, art by Joe Staton & Jim Aparo. Game: "Super-Mundane - Secret Santa?"
Jay and Mike recommend the new "Rocket Raccoon" series and "JL8," and then we flip the script! And Jay leads us on a discussion of Mark Millar's "Nemesis." It's... it's pretty rough, you guys. Also, we play "Who Am I," and this time Mike's the man with the answers, and Jay's in the hot seat... Pull List: Mike: "Rocket Raccoon" (Marvel), written and drawn by Skottie Young. Jay: "JL8," written and drawn by Yale Stewart (at jl8comic.tumblr.com). Main Segment: "Nemesis" #1-4, written by Mark Miller and drawn by Steve McNiven. Game: "Who Am I?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Memetic" and "The Fade Out," and then in honor of Thanksgiving, they discuss "The Spectre" #6, which reminds us of the REAL spirit(s) of the holiday... Plus, the boys play "Super Mundane," and decide which superhero would be the best - and worst - at being a tour guide. Pull List: Jay: "Memetic" (Boom!), written by James Tynion IV, art by Eryk Donovan. Mike: "The Fade Out" (Image), written by Ed Brubaker, art by Sean Phillips. Main Segment: "The Spectre" #6 - "Pilgrims of Peril!" Written by Gardner Fox, pencilled by Jerry Grandenetti, inked by Murphy Anderson. Game: "Super Mundane - Being a tour guide?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Starlight" and "The Wicked + The Divine," and then, in honor of the new Disney movie, they discuss the 2008 "Big Hero 6" mini-series, which is a lot stranger than you might think. Plus, a very special "Who Am I" - you're definitely gonna want to hear how this one ends!
Pull List: Jay: "Starlight" (Image), written by Mark Millar, drawn by Goran Parlov. Mike: "The Wicked + The Divine" (Image), written by Kieron Gillen, drawn by Jamie McKelvie. Main Segment: "Big Hero 6" #1-5 - "Brave New Heroes!", written by Chris Claremont, drawn by David Nakayama. Game: "Who Am I?"
Join us for a very special, spooooky Halloween episode! Jay and Mike recommend "Edge of Spider-Verse" and "Big Trouble In Little China" (the film and the comic), and then Mike walks us through the first Marvel Zombies mini-series, which is exactly what you hope it will be. Plus, our spoooooky Halloween edition of "Super Mundane," where we determine who would be the best at putting together a haunted house! SPOOOOOOOKY!!! Pull List: Jay: "Edge of Spider-Verse" (Marvel), written and drawn by various. Mike: "Big Trouble In Little China" (Boom), story by John Carpenter and Eric Powell, written by Eric Powell, drawn by Brian Churilla. Main Segment: "Marvel Zombies" #1-5, written by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Sean Phillips. Game: "Super Mundane - Putting On A Haunted House?"
Jay and Mike discuss "Southern Bastards" and "Silver Surfer," and then explore "Swamp Thing" #7, starring a surprisingly chatty, weirdly ineffectual Batman! Then they play a game of "Who Am I," and it more or less goes completely off the rails, in a way that was almost certainly bound to happen one of these days. Comics are super-weird, you guys.
Pull List:
Jay: "Southern Bastards" (Image), written by Jason Aaron, art by Jason Latour.
Mike: "Silver Surfer" (Marvel), written by Dan Slott, drawn by Mike Allred.
Main Segment:
"Swamp Thing" #7 - "Night of the Bat!" Written by Len Wein, drawn by Bernie Wrightson.
Game: "Who Am I?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Seconds" and "Pretty Deadly," and then discuss "Amazing Spider-Man Annual #5," and the REAL secret history of Peter Parker's parents (suck it, Sony Pictures). Then they play "Super Mundane," and determine which hero would be best at leading a yoga class - and, of course, who would be the worst... Pull List: Jay: "Seconds" by Bryan Lee O'Malley. Mike: "Pretty Deadly" (Image), written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, drawn by Emma Rios. Main Segment: "Amazing Spider-Man" Annual #5 - "The Parents of Peter Parker!" Written by Stan Lee, pencilled by Larry Lieber & John Romita, inked by John Romita. Game: "Super-Mundane - Leading a yoga class?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Swamp Thing" and "Black Widow," and then, in the spirit of convention season, Mike discusses "Archie & Friends" #156, where the gang dresses up in costume and heads down to Comic-Con, filled with glorious off-model cameos! Plus, we play "Who Am I," and Mike gets a bit too cocky... Pull List: Jay: "Swamp Thing" (DC), written by Charles Soule, drawn by Jesus Saiz Mike: "Black Widow" (Marvel), written by Nathan Edmondson, drawn by Phil Noto Main Segment: "Archie & Friends" #156 - "The Great Riverdale Comic-Con!" Written by Alex Segura, Drawn by Bill Galvan Game: "Who Am I?"
It's a throwback episode! Jay and Mike recommend comics from their pull lists gone by, with "Joe the Barbarian" and John Rogers' "Dungeons and Dragons," and then they review the first issue of Howard the Duck's solo series, and determine conclusively that Howard the Duck stories have ALWAYS been super-weird. Also, in this episode's "Super-Mundane," we discuss who would be the best - and the worst - at leading a camping trip. Pull List: Jay: "Joe the Barbarian" (Vertigo), written by Grant Morrison, drawn by Sean Murphy. Mike: "Dungeons and Dragons" (IDW), written by John Rogers, drawn by Andrea Di Vito. Main Segment: "Howard the Duck" #1: "Howard the Barbarian," written by Steve Gerber, drawn by Frank Brunner. Game: "Super-Mundane - Leading a camping trip?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Squidder" and "Saga," and then talk about the weird adventures of Superman's pal in 2011's "Jimmy Olsen" one-shot. Plus, in "Who Am I," Mike has a surprisingly challenging time figuring out the answer, considering how much he enjoys the character in question... Pull List: Jay: "Squidder" (IDW), written & drawn by Ben Templesmith
Mike: "Saga" (Image), written by Brian K. Vaughn, drawn by Fiona Staples Main Segment: Jimmy Olsen One-Shot (Jimmy Olsen's Big Week), written by Nick Spencer, drawn by RB Silva & Amilcar Pinna. This story originally ran as a back-up series, beginning in "Action Comics" #890, which featured Lex Luthor as the main character for about 10 issues. Game: "Who Am I?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Grayson" and "She-Hulk." Then, in light of the new "Guardians of the Galaxy" film (out on Friday!), Mike looks back at the first appearances of the film's guaranteed breakout characters - Groot and Rocket Raccoon! Also, in today's "Super Mundane," we definitively answer who would be the best - and worst - at building a tree-house.
Pull List:
Jay: "Grayson," written by Tim Seeley, drawn by Mikel Janin
Mike: "She-Hulk," written by Charles Soule, drawn by Javier Pulido
Main Segment:
Tales to Astonish #13: "I Challenged Groot, the Monster from Planet X!" Written by Stan Lee, drawn by Jack Kirby
Incredible Hulk #271: "Now Somewhere In the Black Holes of Sirius Major There Lived a Young Boy Name of Rocket Raccoon!" Written by Bill Mantlo, drawn by Sal Buscema
These stories and others are collected in "Rocket Raccoon and Groot Ultimate Collection"
Game: "Super Mundane - Building a tree house?"
More about Bill Mantlo:
http://gregpak.com/love-rocket-raccoon-please-consider-donating-to-writer-bill-mantlos-ongoing-care/ http://www.lifehealthpro.com/2011/11/07/tragic-tale
The Hero Initiative: http://www.heroinitiative.org/
Jay and Mike recommend "Thor: God of Thunder" and "Ms. Marvel," and then Mike talks about "Fantastic Four" #10, where Marvel Comics first became incredibly meta. Also, today's game is "Who Am I" - see if you can figure it out before Mike uses his lifeline!
Pull List:
Jay: "Thor: God of Thunder," written by Jason Aaron, drawn by Esad Ribic
Mike: "Ms. Marvel," written by G. Willow Wilson, drawn by Adrian Alphona
Main Segment:
"Fantastic Four" #10, "The Return of Doctor Doom!" Written by Stan Lee, drawn by Jack Kirby
Game: "Who Am I?"
Jay and Mike recommend "Batman: Eternal" and "Velvet," and then Mike leads us through a dissection of the incredibly weird first six issues of "The Incredible Hulk" from 1962. Also, in today's "Super Mundane," we determine conclusively who would be the best at chaperoning a coed sleepover... and who would be the worst. Spoiler alert: it's someone we've definitely talked about before.
Pull List:
Jay: "Batman: Eternal," written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, drawn by various
Mike: "Velvet," written by Ed Brubaker, drawn by Steve Epting
Main Segment:
"The Incredible Hulk" #1-6, written by Stan Lee, drawn by Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko
Game: "Super Mundane - Chaperoning a coed sleepover?"
Jay and Mike discuss "Moon Knight" and "Afterlife with Archie," and then dissect the incredible crossover book "The Punisher Meets Archie." Also, another installment of "Who Am I," though Mike figures this one out a bit faster. Plus, we spend an awful lot of time talking about one of comics' most hit-and-miss characters. Pull List: Jay: "Moon Knight," written by Warren Ellis, drawn by Declan Shalvey Mike: "Afterlife With Archie," written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, drawn by Francesco Francavilla Main Segment: "The Punisher Meets Archie," written by Batton Lash, with Punisher art by John Buscema, and Archie art by Stan Goldberg Game: "Who Am I?"
Mike and Jay recommend Marvel's "Superior Foes of Spider-Man" and Image's "Rat Queens," and then discuss the original "X-Men: Days of Future Past" comic book storyline which inspired the new film. Also, in this episode's game of "Super Mundane," we determine conclusively which superhero would be the best Best Man at a wedding.
Pull List:
Jay: "Superior Foes of Spider-Man," written by Nick Spencer, drawn by Steve Lieber
Mike: "Rat Queens," written by Kurtis J. Weibe, drawn by Roc Upchurch
Main Segment:
"Uncanny X-Men" #141-142, written by Chris Claremont & John Byrne, drawn by John Byrne
Game: Super Mundane "Who would be the best best man?"
Mike and Jay discuss "Wonder Woman" and "Lumberjanes," and then talk about "Amazing Spider-Man" issue 100-102, which really took the idea of "does whatever a spider can" to a whole new level. Also, in "Who Am I," Mike tries to guess which hero Jay is describing, and it takes more than a few guesses. Pull List: Jay: "Wonder Woman," written by Brian Azzarello, drawn by Cliff Chang Mike: "Lumberjanes," written by Grace Ellis and Noelle Stevenson, drawn by Brooke Allen Main Segment: "Amazing Spider-Man" #100-102, written by Stan Lee, drawn by Gil Kane Game: Who Am I?
Welcome to Because Comics! In our inaugural episode, Jay and Mike go over the format of the show, discuss "Sex Criminals" and "The Wake," and talk about that time Cap fought post-Watergate cynicism in "Captain America and the Falcon" #163-175. Also in our "Super Mundane" segment, we debate which superhero would be the best at directing an elementary school musical.
Pull List: Mike: "Sex Criminals," written by Matt Fraction, drawn by Chip Zdarsky Jay: "The Wake," written by Scott Snyder, directed by Sean Murphy Main Segment: "Captain America and the Falcon" #163-175, written by Steve Englehart, drawn by Sal Buscema Super-Mundane: Who would be best at directing a school musical?