Comics Syllabus: Recent Episodes
paul lai
A comics and graphic novels appreciation podcast, where literacy educator Paul Lai (@twoplai) reads widely and digs deep in search of the socio-cultural, literary, and artistic significance of comic books, including superhero media, graphic novels, all-ages comics, and comic shop single issues. For comics fans, teachers, librarians and parents, and young readers alike.
comicssyllabus.substack.com
From DC Universe Infinite, Paul catches up with Gotham Academy: First Year, DCKO: Knightfight, Harley and Ivy, and Absolute Superman.
From Marvel Unlimited, Paul checks out some Imperial War minis, Jeff the Land Shark, Runaways, the Mortal Thor, and Miles Morales Spider-Man.
Who will win this week’s contest of DC and Marvel champions??
Also, Paul reacts to the IDW Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot’s first year, now on GlobalComix.
Subscribe and find video episodes at comicssyllabus.substack.com and find @TwoPlai on social media. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Summary
In this episode of Infinite Unlimited, Paul Lai (twoplai at BlueSky and Insta) returns to discuss the latest comic book releases from Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite Ultra.
From MU, we dive into notable titles such as Black Cat, Spider Gwen, and most of all, Exceptional X-Men #12 by Eve Ewing and Federica Mancin.
On DC Universe Infinite, we glance same-day DC KO #2 and the special 2025 anthology issue of Superman: Red and Blue. Super issues include Batman and Robin: Year One #12 and Absolute Batman Annual #1.
The episode wraps up with a comparison of Marvel and DC's offerings this week and a mention of GlobalComix carrying (most of) Void Rivals.
Subscribe and find us at comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus for Kids, Teens, and In-Betweens, Teacher Dad and Cohost Kid matriculate in “Strange Academy,” the 18-issue (with more to come!) Marvel series written by Skottie Young and drawn by Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado. Listen to find out what makes this is great comic for young readers, who our favorite characters (or “Brorsons”) are, and why we loved the series!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, we’re proud to share this interview with Irma Kniivila and Tri Vuong, the creators of the new EVERYDAY HERO MACHINE BOY (Image Comics)!
We’re totally in love with this action-packed, hilarious, heart-warming comic about an alien robot, Machine Boy, who finds identity, love, and friendship among earthlings like Grandma Karate, Mr. Hound, and a charming (and nefarious?!?) boyband known as “Orphan Universe”!
It’s hands-down one of the best comics I’ve read this year.
The wildly fun graphic novel is the brainchild of collaborators Vuong and Kniivila. We bring you the full conversation with them about Machine Boy’s origins, their influences, and how these two cartoonists and studio mates reined in their creative chaos to make this magical book. Irma and Tri are wonderful and inspiring to listen to!
Some of our conversation was printed at our home at Multiversitycomics.com but we’re pleased to present the whole enchilada (or maybe… bowl of spaghetti?) here at the Comics Syllabus podcast.
Check out “Everday Hero Machine Boy” from Image/Skybound, and you can also find Tri Vuong on the super-fun Lego Ninja Garmadon (Image) and Irma Kniivila’s very lovable Year of the Dog.
Let’s dig deep!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week on Comics Syllabus 4 Kids, Teens, and In-Betweens, Teacher Dad and Cohost Kid chat about the “Captain Marvel” current run written by Kelly Thompson with art by the likes of Carmen Carnero, Lee Garbett, Takeshi Miyakawa, and various others.
We also chat about “It’s Jeff!” the Landshark, Central Park on Apple TV, and some of the MCU announcements from D23.
Here we gooooooooo….
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this episode of Comics Syllabus for Kids, Teens, and Big Green Machines…
SHE-HULK!
Teacher Dad and Cohost Kid chat about the MCU TV show She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law (after episode 1) and the current “She-Hulk” run from Marvel Comics written by Rainbow Rowell, with art by Rogé Antônio and Luca Maresca. Super cool comics run! We talk Jack of Hearts, Titania fights, and much more!
Thanks for tuning in to the Comics Syllabus for Kids, Teens, and In-betweens!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this very first REAL REAL episode of Comics Syllabus for Kids, Teens, and In-Betweens…
We kick things off with SQUIRREL GIRL: SQUIRREL MEETS WORLD and SQUIRREL GIRL: 2 FUZZY, 2 FURIOUS (Marvel/Disney/Hyperion) by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, two novels featuring the pre-comics background story of Doreen Green. Listen to Cohost Kid and Teacher Dad go nuts over these fun adaptations into prose of our favorite Marvel character (#SquirrelGirlBoopsTheMCU).
Then, we uncover INVISIBLE, an awesome new graphic novel from author Christina Diaz Gonzalez and creator Gabriela Epstein (Scholastic/Graphix), a very cool new young readers graphic novel about friendship, community, and diversity. A group of Latine/Latinx/Latino/a students at a middle school are thrown into community service at the school cafeteria, when they find a chance to help neighbors in need… and find out a lot about each other. Super cool graphic novel for all ages, and we dig into our “YAYS!” and our “meh…s” about INVISIBLE.
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
ANNOUNCEMENT! For a loooong time, Paul (aka “Teacher Dad”) has been hosting the Comics Syllabus podcast mostly solo, reading widely and digging deep into comics and graphic novels.
…But NOW, the day has come for COHOST KID to join EVERY EPISODE OF “Comics Syllabus for Kids, Teens, and In-Betweens.” This is our special announcement pod.
(Sorry for the re-duplication— this audio is also attached to the Comics Syllabus main feed podcast combined with audio of the first INFINITE UNLIMITED episode of this era! But if you’re only subscribing to the new Comics Syllabus 4 Kids, Teens, and Inbetweens -only feed here, this will be the first episode that appears.)
Every other week, Teacher Dad and Cohost Kid will brave the wide world of graphic novels and comics for all ages, wherever our curiosity and optimism take us. Join us!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Okay, this is a bit awkward for now… You don’t hear from Comics Syllabus for a while, and then suddenly THE MESSAGES COME POURING INTO YOUR INBOX!
Allow me to explain…
This episode combines the AUDIO for THE INFINITE UNLIMITED as well as the audio announcement for COMICS SYLLABUS 4 KIDS, TEENS, AND IN-BETWEENS featuring me and the delightful COHOST KID! Yay!
So here’s the deal:
EVERY TWO WEEKS the “COMICS SYLLABUS for Kids, Teens, and Inbetweens” Podcast will feature Paul (aka “Teacher Dad”) and Cohost Kid talking about comics, graphic novels, and assorted media, aimed at young readers and those who support them. If that’s the only content you’re here for, you can also sign up JUST FOR THAT SPECIAL FEED HERE! https://comicssyllabus.substack.com/s/comics-syllabus
AND every week, Paul will talk about new releases on Marvel Unlimited, DCUniverse Infinite, Hoopla, and Substack at “THE INFINITE UNLIMITED” video podcast, which you can subscribe to specifically here: https://comicssyllabus.substack.com/s/the-infinite-unlimited
AND periodically, Paul will write posts about learning comics arts, from storytelling to drawing, from fandom to comics studies. You can find that on the main Substack feed at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Join us here or there or wherever you are!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Hi Comics Syllabus friends!
SOME of the stuff I mention in this laundry-list episode of what I’ve been reading and watching…
The Comics Pull List: Saga, Fire Power, Mind MGMT: Bootleg, She-Hulk, Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings, Batman/Superman World’s Finest, Daredevil, Batman, Swamp Thing, Monkey Prince, Immortal X-Men, Barnstormers and Dudley Datson, and more...
Graphic Novels on the Proverbial Nightstand: “Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian” and “Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird” by Tim Probert, “Himawari House” by Harmony Becker, “Our Colors” by Gengoroh Tagame.
Comics Substacks Shouted Out: Rodney Barnes’s “Dark Apocrypha,” Jeff Lemire’s “Tales from the Farm,” 3 Worlds/3 Moons… and more report cards from Substack Comics Year 1 to come.
Other media mentioned: Severance and Slow Horses on Apple TV, The Good Place, Winning Time (HBO), The Sea Beast (Netflix)
And sorry! I recorded this with NO mention of the Eisner Award winners just announced or for that matter San Diego ComiCon etc etc… I can chat about that in the next installment of…
The Comics Syllabus Poooodddcasssst
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week, we go BEYOND with “Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit” by Samira Ahmed, Andrés Genolet, and Triona Farrell (Marvel). We also make mention of the Ms. Marvel Disney+ MCU TV series, as well as mounds of multiverse mysteries.
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week, awesome creator Jose Pimienta joins the Comics Syllabus to discuss their upcoming graphic novel “Twin Cities” (Random House Graphic, out July 19, 2022) for middle grade/YA readers about twins growing up in Mexicali / Calexico on the US-Mexico border. Close siblings Teresa’s and Fernando’s coming-of-age (and coming apart?) stories cross national borders and others as well: adolescence and adulthood, culture and schooling, love and rivalry. Jose offers fascinating insight into the book’s origins, their own background growing up in Mexicali, the art and language of “Twin Cities,” and much more!
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
CW: Discussion about violence, including the violence this past week in Texas, and mental health issues.
On this week’s Comics Syllabus podcast, I talk about why this past week was difficult for me as a teacher, and as a reader as well. Then, I connect to Emma Grove’s book “The Third Person” from Drawn + Quarterly (2022) and the IDW “Charles Schulz’s Peanuts: Artist Edition” (2014). Also, check out Unpacking Peanuts the podcast:
https://www.unpackingpeanuts.com/
Thanks for listening and for your support. Be well.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus… a comic for young readers to learn about investigative journalism, water pollution, and evidence in search of truth:
We talk about “The Leak” by Kate Reed Petty and Andrea Bell (First Second, 2021), an exciting middle grade graphic novel about young Ruth’s heroic search to uncover the water polluters in her town.
Then, for not-so-young readers, we look at Kaare Kyle Andrews’ “Amazing Fantasy” (Marvel), recently released in a gorgeous treasure edition.
Hoping that next time, we’ll talk about “Decorum” by Hickman and Huddleston (Image) and “The Third Person” by Emma Grove (Drawn + Quarterly). Join us here at the Comics Syllabus!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Cohost Kid joins in today to discuss “Aru Shah and the End of Time” (Disney Hyperion), an adaptation by Joe Caramagna and Anu Chouhan of the first book of the Aru Shah series by Roshani Chokshi.
(Note: At one point, Cohost Dad flubs up and refers to “Hindi” gods and goddesses, when of course he meant “Hindu!” Hindu the faith; Hindi the language. C’mon, Cohost Dad, you know better…. My apologies!!!)
Then we talk about the “Avengers Assembly” series (two books out so far!) of mixed media novels for kids by Preeti Chhibber and James Lancett (Scholastic), including “Avengers Assembly: Orientation” and “Avengers Assembly: The Sinister Substitute.”
Let’s dig deep!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Edo Brenes writes and draws “Memories from Limón,” a graphic novel from Nobrow (2022), a journey back into hometown memory and history in a Costa Rican town, discovering family stories and secrets. We consider the storytelling power of following the protagonist, Ramiro, as he discovers this past through conversations with relatives over a trove of old photographs.
Then, at 23:00, we look at Olivia Stephens’ “Artie and the Wolf Moon” (Graphic Universe/Lerner, 2021), about an adolescent girl who discovers her family heritage… not through photographs but through finding out they’re WEREWOLVES! This middle grade/YA graphic novel richly depicts the freedom of running through the woods as a family of benevolent werewolves, as well as the joys and hazards of adolescence in the social world of malevolent teenagers (and vampires!).
Comics Syllabus podcast comes semi-regularly, reviewing graphic novels and comics from an educator’s angle, as well as exploring Substack’s comics creators. Toward that latter goal, a few mentions from the episode (starting about 34:30):
“Love to Hear from You,” Love Everlasting pod, with Tom Müller:
Nimona show announcement from I’m Fine I’m Fine Just Understand:
Mike and Mike with David Harper on Off Panel: https://sktchd.com/podcast/off-panel-349-dynamic-mannequins-with-mike-del-mundo-and-mike-huddleston/
Tom Brevoort’s on here:
Blue Book: https://jamestynioniv.substack.com/s/blue-book process post:
Founders for 3w3m:
Not comics: VOLTS podcast with David Roberts talks to Paulina Jaramillo on IPCC climate solutions report:
Thanks for listening! Will you help us out and let folks know about Comics Syllabus?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Welcome to the Comics Syllabus. Today, an Inbox LongBox episode, where we talk about comics on Substack. Specifically: 3 Worlds/3 Moons. We ask the question: Three worlds and three moons… Is that too many moons? How many is too many?
One thing that we do here is we look at Substack, where there's a lot of exciting comics coming out. And one of those projects is 3W/3M, which is a project of Jonathan Hickman, Mike Huddleston, Mike Del Mundo, and many other creators, artists, designers, world builders, letterers, colorists and… and an editor! There's a, there's a big broad team of folks working on 3W/3M, primarily headed by the Three-headed Snake Monster— appropriately Three-headed— Threes is the magic number— of Jonathan Hickman, Mike Huddleston, and Mike Del Mundo.
And so today we'll get into a couple of the comics that they've released so far as a way into the world that we're watching being built before our eyes. We'll ask questions about the entire Substack comics reading experience, and we’ll kind of explore, what are these worlds? Where have they signaled that they're headed? I think it's super fascinating.
We’ll dig into “Fable” and “Ruins” and much more… all can be found in the handy 3W/3M index page!!!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Thoughts on MOON KNIGHT! Digging into themes of the Lemire and Smallwood Marvel Comics run (2016) in light of the first episode of the Marvel Studios Disney+ show.
Oh, mishaps! This week, the podcast was MEANT to cover the 2016 ”Moon Knight” run by Lemire and Smallwood (which we DO!) AND the graphic novel “Memories from Limon” by Edo Brenes… but mysterious forces struck (a power outage in Paul’s home studio) … only the first half of that promise was met.
So “Memories from Limon” (NoBrow) will go on the list of UPCOMING TITLES to be discussed on future episodes of Comics Syllabus (visit us at comicssyllabus.substack.com ), along with these:
The Reading List for Upcoming Reviews:
“Squire” by Alfageeh and Shammas (HarperAlley/Quill Tree, 2022)
“Cyclopedia Exotica” by Aminder Dhaliwal (Fantagraphics, 2021)
“Walk Me to the Corner” by Anneli Furmark (Drawn + Quarterly, 2022)
“Killadelphia” v1-3 by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander (Image) and Barnes’ Substack, Dark Apocrypha.
“Dear Sophie, Love Sophie” by Sophie Lucido Johnson (HarperOne, 2022)
and “My Badly Drawn Life” by Gipi (Fantagraphics, 2022)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus podcast: “Girl on Fire” (HarperAlley). Come meet Lolo Wright, a hero for all ages, crafted by singer-songwriter-superstar Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner, and brought to comic life by Brittney Williams.
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Thoughts on MOON KNIGHT! Digging into themes of the Lemire and Smallwood Marvel Comics run (2016) in light of the first episode of the Marvel Studios Disney+ show.
Oh, mishaps! This week, the podcast was MEANT to cover the 2016 ”Moon Knight” run by Lemire and Smallwood (which we DO!) AND the graphic novel “Memories from Limon” by Edo Brenes… but mysterious forces struck (a power outage in Paul’s home studio) … only the first half of that promise was met.
So “Memories from Limon” (NoBrow) will go on the list of UPCOMING TITLES to be discussed on future episodes of Comics Syllabus (visit us at comicssyllabus.substack.com ), along with these:
The Reading List for Upcoming Reviews:
“Squire” by Alfageeh and Shammas (HarperAlley/Quill Tree, 2022)
“Cyclopedia Exotica” by Aminder Dhaliwal (Fantagraphics, 2021)
“Walk Me to the Corner” by Anneli Furmark (Drawn + Quarterly, 2022)
“Killadelphia” v1-3 by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander (Image) and Barnes’ Substack, Dark Apocrypha.
“Dear Sophie, Love Sophie” by Sophie Lucido Johnson (HarperOne, 2022)
and “My Badly Drawn Life” by Gipi (Fantagraphics, 2022)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus podcast: “Wingbearer,” an incredible new middle grade graphic novel by Marjorie Liu and Teny Issakhanian from HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books.
Then, Paul’s NON-SPOILER thoughts on “The Batman,” the small indie movie directed by Matt Reeves.
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
“Borders,” a graphic novel with story by Thomas King and art by Natasha Donovan (Little, Brown, & Company, 2021), is the main topic of this brief episode of the Comics Syllabus podcast, recorded in conversation with Cohost Kid.
Paul and Cohost Kid are actually on a family vacation, so pardon the poorer audio quality. But catch our convo as we also chat about two recently completed mini-series, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” by Tom King and Bilquis Evely (DC) and “Fantastic Four: Life Story” by Mark Russell and Sean Isaakze (Marvel).
(As we discuss “Borders,” we also mention the children’s book I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story by Martha Brockenbrough and Grace Lim, even though I fail to remember the title.)
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus podcast: “Girl on Fire” (HarperAlley). Come meet Lolo Wright, a hero for all ages, crafted by singer-songwriter-superstar Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner, and brought to comic life by Brittney Williams.
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Exclusively for Substack Subs… a podcast episode where I talk about graphic novels I’m teaching, some controversy about a Turning Red review, and some recommended Substack comics, including
I have exciting news to share: You can now read Comics Syllabus Newsletter by Paul Lai in the new Substack app for iPhone.
With the app, you’ll have a dedicated Inbox for my Substack and any others you subscribe to. New posts will never get lost in your email filters, or stuck in spam. Longer posts will never cut-off by your email app. Comments and rich media will all work seamlessly. Overall, it’s a big upgrade to the reading experience.
The Substack app is currently available for iOS. If you don’t have an Apple device, you can join the Android waitlist here.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus podcast: “Wingbearer,” an incredible new middle grade graphic novel by Marjorie Liu and Teny Issakhanian from HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books.
Then, Paul’s NON-SPOILER thoughts on “The Batman,” the small indie movie directed by Matt Reeves.
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
“Borders,” a graphic novel with story by Thomas King and art by Natasha Donovan (Little, Brown, & Company, 2021), is the main topic of this brief episode of the Comics Syllabus podcast, recorded in conversation with Cohost Kid.
Paul and Cohost Kid are actually on a family vacation, so pardon the poorer audio quality. But catch our convo as we also chat about two recently completed mini-series, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” by Tom King and Bilquis Evely (DC) and “Fantastic Four: Life Story” by Mark Russell and Sean Isaakze (Marvel).
(As we discuss “Borders,” we also mention the children’s book I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story by Martha Brockenbrough and Grace Lim, even though I fail to remember the title.)
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus pod, I make star-eyes emojis at the litany of New Comics at Substack, covered by Multiversity here and at the Comics Syllabus Substack here. And (at 52:55) we look a little deeper at “STARSIGNS” by Saladin Ahmed, Megan Levens, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Shawn Lee, and Heather Antos, available for free at Copper Bottle.
First, a warning: I let slip a spoiler for The Book of Boba Fett at around 7:00-7:10, so if you’re trying to stay away from those, SORRY and BE FOREWARNED! Skip past that moment at 7:00 if you’re keeping ears pure for the Disney+ show’s surprises.
Also, in the intro I tease some talk about “Fantastic Four” #14-19’s arc, “Point of Origin,” but I ran out of time. So we’ll save that for a future chat!
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus pod, I make star-eyes emojis at the litany of New Comics at Substack, covered by Multiversity here and at the Comics Syllabus Substack here. And (at 52:55) we look a little deeper at “STARSIGNS” by Saladin Ahmed, Megan Levens, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Shawn Lee, and Heather Antos, available for free at Copper Bottle:
First, a warning: I let slip a spoiler for The Book of Boba Fett at around 7:00-7:10, so if you’re trying to stay away from those, SORRY and BE FOREWARNED! Skip past that moment at 7:00 if you’re keeping ears pure for the Disney+ show’s surprises.
Also, in the intro I tease some talk about “Fantastic Four” #14-19’s arc, “Point of Origin,” but I ran out of time. So we’ll save that for a future chat!
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
To Substackscribers: Apologies that I didn’t post this podcast episode here a couple weeks ago. I intend for the Substack here to feature more episodes of the podcast, not fewer! But in the late-night rush of posting two weeks ago, I somehow forgot to post this episode here. So here it is….
Back from a winter break, we (eventually) dive into Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco's return to "Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines" from Image Comics. First we touch bases with "Usagi Yojimbo," open The Book of Boba Fett, revisit "Shadow Hero," and then round the corner into the return to Busiek and Pacheco's storyworld of a fantasy-infused World War I.
We also talk about recent runs of comics we're reading, like "Action Comics," "Amazing Spider-Man," Dash Shaw's "Discipline" from New York Review Books, and "Buckhead" by Shofo and George Kambadais (Boom!). Let's dig deep!
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Back from a winter break, we (eventually) dive into Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco’s return to “Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines” from Image Comics. First we touch bases with “Usagi Yojimbo,” open The Book of Boba Fett, revisit “Shadow Hero,” and then round the corner into the return to Busiek and Pacheco’s storyworld of a fantasy-infused World War I.
We also talk about recent runs of comics we’re reading, like “Action Comics,” “Amazing Spider-Man,” Dash Shaw’s “Discipline” from New York Review Books, and “Buckhead” by Shofo and George Kambadais (Boom!). Let’s dig deep!
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Graphic Novel Review: “No One Else” (Fantagraphics) by R. Kikuo Johnson.
PolyBagged (New Comics in Shops, Reviewed):
“The Good Asian” #7 by Pichetschote and Tefengki (Image),
“Made in Korea” #6 by Holt and Schall (Image),
“The Me You Love in the Dark” #5 by Young and Corona (Image),
“X-Men: Legends” #9 by Hama and Tan (Marvel),
“Crush and Lobo” #7 by Tamaki and Nahuelpan (DC),
“Devil’s Reign” #1 by Zdarsky and Chechetto (Marvel),
“Fire Power” #18 by Kirkman and Samnee (Image), and
“Amazing Spider-Man” #80.BEY by Ziglar and Fiorello (DC).
Would you do us a HUGE favor and let us know on this Google Survey what you want to hear on the Comics Syllabus podcast? https://forms.gle/R5tJBDJuGgAPUC2y8
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Graphic Novel Review: “No One Else” (Fantagraphics) by R. Kikuo Johnson.
PolyBagged (New Comics in Shops, Reviewed):
“The Good Asian” #7 by Pichetschote and Tefengki (Image),
“Made in Korea” #6 by Holt and Schall (Image),
“The Me You Love in the Dark” #5 by Young and Corona,
“X-Men: Legends” #9 by Hama and Tan,
“Crush and Lobo” #7 by Tamaki and Nahuelpan (DC),
“Devil’s Reign” #1 by Zdarsky and Chechetto (Marvel),
“Fire Power” #18 by Kirkman and Samnee (Image), and
“Amazing Spider-Man” #80.BEY by Ziglar and Fiorello (DC).
Would you do us a HUGE favor and let us know on this Google Survey what you want to hear on the Comics Syllabus podcast? https://forms.gle/R5tJBDJuGgAPUC2y8
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Would you do us a HUGE favor and let us know on this Google Survey what you want to hear on the Comics Syllabus podcast?
This week, Paul asks for your input through the survey above. You— YES YOU!— can shape the future of the Comics Syllabus podcast. We want this podcast to meet your interests. Let us know!
Then, Paul walks through samplings of the segments to potentially expand in the future of the podcast, including:
PolyBagged (New Comics in Shops): “Decorum” #8 (Image), “Mazebook” #3 (Dark Horse), “What’s the Furthest Place from Here” #1 (Image).
Infinite Unlimited: on Marvel Unlimited— “Kang” #1, “Way of X” #5, “Trial of Magneto” #1; on DC Universe Infinite— “Icon and Rocket” #5, “Nightwing” #80, and “Wonder Girl” #1.
Sunday Substack Comics Rack: “FISHFLIES” by Jeff Lemire serialized at jefflemire.substack.com
Archival Revival: “Hawkeye” by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Annie Wu— and in issue 7, Steve Lieber and Jesse Hamm. Also Paul’s binds of “Superior Foes of Spider-Man” and “The Fix” by Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber, as well as “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen” by Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber.
Graphic Novel Review: “Grass of Parnassus” (Adhouse) by Kathryn and Stuart Immonen
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Would you do us a HUGE favor and let us know on this Google Survey what you want to hear on the Comics Syllabus podcast? https://forms.gle/R5tJBDJuGgAPUC2y8
This week, Paul asks for your input through the survey above. You— YES YOU!— can shape the future of the Comics Syllabus podcast. We want this podcast to meet your interests. Let us know!
Then, Paul walks through samplings of the segments to potentially expand in the future of the podcast, including:
PolyBagged (New Comics in Shops) ( ): “Decorum” #8 (Image), “Mazebook” #3 (Dark Horse), “What’s the Furthest Place from Here” #1 (Image).
Infinite Unlimited: on Marvel Unlimited— “Kang” #1, “Way of X” #5, “Trial of Magneto” #1; on DC Universe Infinite— “Icon and Rocket” #5, “Nightwing” #80, and “Wonder Girl” #1.
Sunday Substack Comics Rack: “FISHFLIES” by Jeff Lemire serialized at jefflemire.substack.com
Archival Revival: “Hawkeye” by Matt Fraction, David Aja, Annie Wu— and in issue 7, Steve Lieber and Jesse Hamm. Also Paul’s binds of “Superior Foes of Spider-Man” and “The Fix” by Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber, as well as “Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen” by Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber.
Graphic Novel Review: “Grass of Parnassus” (Adhouse) by Kathryn and Stuart Immonen
Check out the Comics Syllabus Substack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this RSS feed.
Paul’s on Twitter and Instagram @TwoPlai, and you can also email twoplai at gmail :)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Comics Syllabus
Comics Syllabus: “Laid-Back Camp” and Other Comics with Cohost Kid
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Cohost Kid joins Paul again to talk about “Laid-Back Camp” by Afro (Yen Press) volumes 1-2. This charmingly low-key manga was an enjoyable read.
But first, dad and kid talk about other recent comics reads for each of them, including the “Wings of Fire” series by Tui T. Sutherland and Mike Holmes (Graphix), the “Frazzled” series by Booki Vivant (HarperCollins), “¡¡Manu!!” by Kelly Fernandez (Graphix), “Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles” by Fermín Solís (Self-Made Hero), and “Welcome to the New World” by Jake Halpern and Michael Sloan (Metropolitan).
And of course, we HAVE to check in with “It’s Jeff!” the Jeff the Landshark Infinity Comic by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru on Marvel Unlimited. Because JEFF!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
For Comics Syllabus Substack subscribers and supporters only, an episode of the Infinite Unlimited looking specifically at Comixology Originals out recently, including reviews of,
“Snow Angels” Season 2 #5 by Jeff Lemire and Jock (10:36).
(Lemire’s “Tales from the Farm” Substack.)
“The All-Nighter” #1-2 by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Paris Alleyne, Aditya Bidikar (19:00)
(Zdarsky’s “Zdarsko” Substack)
“We Have Demons” #1 by Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Dave McCaig, Jonathan Glapion (27:55)
“Clear” #1 by Scott Snyder, Francis Manapul, Andworld Design (41:00)
and “Night of the Ghoul” #1 by Scott Snyder, Francesco Francavilla, Andworld Design (46:22)
(Snyder’s “Our Best Jackett” Substack).
Would you consider sharing this Comics Syllabus and our Substack somewhere? Thanks!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week, Paul talks about “Asadora!” volumes 1-4 by Naoki Urasawa (Viz) and “Marshmallow & Jordan” by Alina Chau (First Second), two comics that have provided wonder and delight in hard times. (Those chats begin around 27:40 on the podcast.)
But first, Paul talks about some comics he’s been teaching and reading, including “Secret Coders” by Gene Yang and Mike Holmes (First Second) and “Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds and Danica Novgorodoff (Atheneum).
From comic shops, Paul discusses “I Am Batman” by John Ridley and various artists (DC), “Shang-Chi” by Gene Yang and Dike Ruan (Marvel), “Compass” by Robert Mackenzie & Dave Walker and Justin Greenwood (Image), and a few others.
And Paul also chats about some updates on Substack comics. Thanks for listening!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week, Paul talks about “Asadora!” volumes 1-4 by Naoki Urasawa (Viz) and “Marshmallow & Jordan” by Alina Chau (First Second), two comics that have provided wonder and delight in hard times. (Those chats begin around 27:40 on the podcast.)
But first, Paul talks about some comics he’s been teaching and reading, including “Secret Coders” by Gene Yang and Mike Holmes (First Second) and “Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds and Danica Novgorodoff (Atheneum).
From comic shops, Paul discusses “I Am Batman” by John Ridley and various artists (DC), “Shang-Chi” by Gene Yang and Dike Ruan (Marvel), “Compass” by Robert Mackenzie & Dave Walker and Justin Greenwood (Image), and a few others.
And Paul also chats about some updates on Substack comics. Thanks for listening!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
It’s JEFF! Jeff the Landshark. Kelly Thompson’s Marvel Unlimited Infinity Comic with artist team Gurihiru has won our hearts. And by “our,” we mean Comics Syllabus host Paul and his special guest, Cohost Kid! (That’s his daughter.) Today on the Comics Syllabus, we dive deep into the far reaches of Marvel history (2018!!!) to explore the origins of this irresistibly adorable character, his origins in the “West Coast Avengers” and “Deadpool” (also scripted by Thompson). Here’s Thompson’s Substack post detailing Jeff’s origins!
Then, Cohost Kid and the Comics Syllabus talk about some comics that have also won our hearts lately, including “Yotsuba&,” “Wings of Fire,” “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl,” “Ms. Marvel,” and Dad’s weird “Spider-Man” reading. We also chat about “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” and the Disney+ “What If?” series.
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
It’s JEFF! Jeff the Landshark. Kelly Thompson’s Marvel Unlimited Infinity Comic with artist team Gurihiru has won our hearts. And by “our,” we mean Comics Syllabus host Paul and his special guest, Cohost Kid! (That’s his daughter.) Today on the Comics Syllabus, we dive deep into the far reaches of Marvel history (2018!!!) to explore the origins of this irresistibly adorable character, his origins in the “West Coast Avengers” and “Deadpool” (also scripted by Thompson). Here’s Thompson’s Substack post detailing Jeff’s origins!
from “It’s Jeff!” Infinity Comic on Marvel Unlimited by Kelly Thompson and Gurihiru
from “West Coast Avengers” 7 (Marvel) by Kelly Thompson, Daniele di Nicuolo, Triona Farrell, & Joe Caramagna
Then, Cohost Kid and the Comics Syllabus talk about some comics that have also won our hearts lately, including “Yotsuba&,” “Wings of Fire,” “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl,” “Ms. Marvel,” and Dad’s weird “Spider-Man” reading. We also chat about “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3” and the Disney+ “What If?” series.
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics PLEASE! (for Parents, Librarians, Educators, and Student Enthusiasts!), we look at “Ms. Marvel: Stretched This” (Marvel/Graphix) by Nadia Shammas and Nabi H. Ali, “Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story” (DC) by Lilliam Rivera and Steph C., and “BlancaFlor: The Hero with Secret Powers” (TOON) by Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio García Sánchez, three super cool comics for different audiences of younger readers.
Then, in “Polybagged,” Paul talks about new comics he’s picked up recently, including “The Mighty Valkyries,” “Seven Secrets,” “I Am Batman,” “Nightwing,” “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” “The Death of Dr. Strange,” “Black Hammer: Visions,” “Robin,” “Adventureman,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Comics!
Finally, continuing on with Substack’s comics, including Jeff Lemire’s FISHFLIES, James Tynion IV, Michael Avon Oeming, and Aditya Bidikar’s BLUE BOOK, and Chip Zdarsky’s PUBLIC DOMAIN.
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week's Comics PLEASE! (for Parents, Librarians, Educators, and Student Enthusiasts!), we look at “Ms. Marvel: Stretched This” (Marvel/Graphix) by Nadia Shammas and Nabi H. Ali, “Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story” (DC) by Lilliam Rivera and Steph C., and “BlancaFlor: The Hero with Secret Powers” (TOON) by Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio García Sánchez, three super cool comics for different audiences of younger readers.
Then, in “Polybagged,” Paul talks about new comics he’s picked up recently, including “The Mighty Valkyries,” “Seven Secrets,” “I Am Batman,” “Nightwing,” “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” “The Death of Dr. Strange,” “Black Hammer: Visions,” “Robin,” “Adventureman,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Comics!
Finally, continuing on with Substack’s comics, including Jeff Lemire’s FISHFLIES, James Tynion IV, Michael Avon Oeming, and Aditya Bidikar’s BLUE BOOK, and Chip Zdarsky’s PUBLIC DOMAIN.
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Apologies for the late post here. Some issues with podcast plugin!
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, Paul talks through thoughts on the first volume and complete run of “Y: The Last Man” as part of the first Comics Syllabus “Long Read” segment. Over the next few weeks, read along with us as we re-read the seminal Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra Vertigo comic from the early aughts, timed with the new FX/Hulu show. You can also read more about the Long Read at the Comics Syllabus Substack: https://comicssyllabus.substack.com/
Then, Paul offers a few thoughts on his experience of watching “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” catching the movie (and hopefully not COVID!) at a drive-in movie theater, and pondering his feelings on seeing Chinese-American culture represented… IN AN MCU MOVIE!
Finally, Paul talks about the comics that are starting to appear on Substacks for creators who have made the move to the newsletter platform making a big investment in comics. For subscribers, Jeff Lemire’s “FishFlies” and Chip Zdarsky’s “Public Domain” and James Tynion IV, Michael Avon Oeming, and Aditya Bidikar’s “Blue BOOK” are starting their early installments. Brief reviews!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week's Comics Syllabus, Paul talks through thoughts on the first volume and complete run of "Y: The Last Man" as part of the first Comics Syllabus "Long Read" segment. Over the next few weeks, read along with us as we re-read the seminal Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra Vertigo comic from the early aughts, timed with the new FX/Hulu show. You can also read more about the Long Read at the Comics Syllabus Substack: https://comicssyllabus.substack.com/
Then, Paul offers a few thoughts on his experience of watching "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," catching the movie (and hopefully not COVID!) at a drive-in movie theater, and pondering his feelings on seeing Chinese-American culture represented... IN AN MCU MOVIE!
Finally, Paul talks about the comics that are starting to appear on Substacks for creators who have made the move to the newsletter platform making a big investment in comics. For subscribers, Jeff Lemire's "FishFlies" and Chip Zdarsky's "Public Domain" and James Tynion IV, Michael Avon Oeming, and Aditya Bidikar's "Blue BOOK" are starting their early installments. Brief reviews!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, some examination of “Shang-Chi”… but not the movie, since host Paul is still avoiding theaters. Pandemic! Delta! (For a good take on Marvel’s groundbreaking movie, check out Christopher Chiu-Tabet’s Multiversity review as well as All Over the Internet.) Instead, Paul shares thoughts on the recent Marvel series written by Gene Luen Yang and drawn by Dike Ruan and Philip Tan, including the five issue mini-series “Brothers and Sisters” and the first three issues of the current ongoing.
Then, a brief “Polybagged” with mentions of comics that Paul’s recently been reading, including:
“Jia and the Nian Monster” by Mike Richardson and Megan Huang (Dark Horse)
“Amazing Fantasy” #1-2 by Kaare Andrews (Marvel)
“Always Never” by Jordi Lafebre (Europe Comics)
“Eve” #1-4 by Victor LaValle and Jo Mi-Gyeong (Boom!)
“Superman: Son of Kal-El” #1-2 by Tom Taylor and John Timms with Gabe Eltaeb (DC)
“Mouse Guard: Fall 1152” by David Peterson (Villard, 2008)
Finally, we launch our “Long Read” for the Fall, a re-read of “Y the Last Man” by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. With the show coming in a couple weeks, join us as we read the original run of this series. A reading schedule:
Deluxe Edition v1 and v2: Sep 19, 2021
Deluxe Edition v3 and v4: Oct 3, 2021
Deluxe Edition v5 and v6: Oct 17, 2021
Read with us!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, some examination of “Shang-Chi”… but not the movie, since host Paul is still avoiding theaters. Pandemic! Delta! (For a good take on Marvel’s groundbreaking movie, check out Christopher Chiu-Tabet’s Multiversity review as well as All Over the Internet.) Instead, Paul shares thoughts on the recent Marvel series written by Gene Luen Yang and drawn by Dike Ruan and Philip Tan, including the five issue mini-series “Brothers and Sisters” and the first three issues of the current ongoing.
Then, a brief “Polybagged” with mentions of comics that Paul’s recently been reading, including:
“Jia and the Nian Monster” by Mike Richardson and Megan Huang (Dark Horse)
“Amazing Fantasy” #1-2 by Kaare Andrews (Marvel)
“Always Never” by Jordi Lafebre (Europe Comics)
“Eve” #1-4 by Victor LaValle and Jo Mi-Gyeong (Boom!)
“Superman: Son of Kal-El” #1-2 by Tom Taylor and John Timms with Gabe Eltaeb (DC)
“Mouse Guard: Fall 1152” by David Peterson (Villard, 2008)
Finally, we launch our “Long Read” for the Fall, a re-read of “Y the Last Man” by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. With the show coming in a couple weeks, join us as we read the original run of this series. A reading schedule:
Deluxe Edition v1 and v2: Sep 19, 2021
Deluxe Edition v3 and v4: Oct 3, 2021
Deluxe Edition v5 and v6: Oct 17, 2021
Read with us!
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack, and find out how you can support Paul’s work on this podcast, at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, we look into “Snow Angels,” a Comixology Originals series by Jeff Lemire and Jock, now three issues into its second season. “Snow Angels” can be found here free for Comixology Unlimited or Amazon Prime subscribers.
Then, on our “Polybagged” segment about new comics in shops, Paul INADVERTENTLY figures out that he’s completely Lemire-centric this week. Along with “Snow Angels,” we look at:
“Ascender” #18 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen (Image)
“The Unbelievable Unteens” #1 by Jeff Lemire and Tyler Crook (Dark Horse)
and coming up soon, “Mazebook” #1 (Dark Horse, Sept 8) and “Primordial” #1 with Andrea Sorrentino (Image, Sept 15).
Let’s admire this deft engineer of comics whose heft mirrors our life and years: Jeff Lemire!
Now, you can SHAPE THE FUTURE (of this podcast):
What should Comics Syllabus do for our next “Long Read,” where we make a reading schedule and discuss a longer series for a couple months? Our choices for you to vote on:
“Bone” by Jeff Smith (Cartoon)
“Y the Last Man” by Brian K. Vaughan & Pia Guerra (DC/Vertigo)
“Secret Coders” by Gene Yang & Mike Holmes (First Second)
“Runaways” by Rainbow Rowell & Anka & Genolet (Marvel)
VOTE HERE!
…and Paul’s looking for feedback to make Comics Syllabus better! Y’know, it’s one of those Google Form surveys. Respond to as little or as much as you please. Check it out here: https://forms.gle/eMVocv6M8LxTBzgv5
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Check out the Comics Syllabus SubStack (and find out how you can support Paul) at comicssyllabus.substack.com
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, we look into “Snow Angels,” a Comixology Originals series by Jeff Lemire and Jock, now three issues into its second season. “Snow Angels” can be found here free for Comixology Unlimited or Amazon Prime subscribers.
Then, on our “Polybagged” segment about new comics in shops, Paul INADVERTENTLY figures out that he’s completely Lemire-centric this week. Along with “Snow Angels,” we look at:
“Ascender” #18 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen (Image)
“The Unbelievable Unteens” #1 by Jeff Lemire and Tyler Crook (Dark Horse)
and coming up soon, “Mazebook” #1 (Dark Horse, Sept 8) and “Primordial” #1 with Andrea Sorrentino (Image, Sept 15).
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Welcome to the Comics Syllabus, where on this week’s audio-only episode, we talk a bit about the sequel series to the celebrated “March” autobiography of John Lewis, “Run” volume 1, written by Lewis and Andrew Aydin, with art by L. Fury and Nate Powell.
Then, some chatter about the “What If” comics on Marvel Unlimited compared to the MCU show on Disney Plus and the “Suicide Squad” comics on DC Universe Infinite.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this episode of Comics PLEASE! (Parents, Librarians, Educators, and Student Enthusiasts), we are hyped about some new graphic novels for kids out this summer as we enter the Fall’s new school year:
“The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher: A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel” by Ryan North and Derek Charm (DC Kids)
“Miles Morales: Shock Waves” by Justin A. Reynolds and Pablo Leon (Scholastic Graphix/Marvel)
“Chibi Usagi: Attack of the Heebie Chibis” by Julie and Stan Sakai (IDW)
“Fifth Quarter” by Mike Dawson (First Second)
All four won us over and we talk about the virtues and potential audiences for these four cool new comics. Let’s dig deep!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Marc Bernardin writes and Ariella Kristantina draws this all-ages fantasy about Adora, a girl whose adventurous spirit, courageous heart, and generous soul lead her and a band of companions on a voyage that is more than meets the eye. From Comixology Originals, this is a graphic novel for parents and caregivers as well as kids. Both will find a familiar sort of fun, but the story is set in a surprise context that reverberates with significance.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s “Polybagged,” covering some new comics in shops this week (July 21, 2021), we talk about:
“Bermuda” #1 by John Layman and Nick Bradshaw (IDW)
“Dark Blood” #1 by LaToya Morgan and Walt Barna (Boom!),
“Save Yourself” #2 by Bones Leopard and Kelly & Nichole Matthews (Boom!), and
“Radiant Black” #6 by Kyle Higgins, Cherish Chen, and Darko LaFuente (Image)
with mentions of other titles.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus is a set of thoughts on the “Black Widow” movie from Marvel/Disney (SPOILERS aplenty!) with some reference to the comic book history of the character.
But first, Paul opens with a correction/apology, as last week’s “Polybagged” misattributed the backmatter story in “Ordinary Gods” #1 to Kyle Higgins, when the author is the awesome Jana Tropper. (And I mention Reading with Pictures and an upcoming comics for educators conference: https://www.readingwithpictures.org/ )
Then we delve into “Black Widow,” and Paul shares some of his responses to the movie and connections to various “Black Widow” comics iterations of the character.
Finally, a plea for feedback and some help getting the word out about Comics Syllabus during this experimental summertime period.
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed. Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram.
Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week: Part 1 of Discussion about 2021’s Eisner Nominees, and covering new comics this week: “Karmen” #5, “Mamo” #1, “Ordinary Gods” #1, and “Wynd” #8.
On this week’s Comics Syllabus, we start with “Polybagged,” (video episode here) covering some new comics in shops this week (July 7, 2021), talking about:
“Karmen” #5 by Guillem March (Image),
“Mamo” #1 by Sas Milledge (Boom!),
“Ordinary Gods” #1 by Kyle Higgins and Felipe Watanabe (Image), and
“Wynd” #8 by James Tynion IV (Boom!)
with mentions of other titles.
[CORRECTION: In my review of “Ordinary Gods” #1, I mistakenly attributed the backup prose story at the end, “Flip of a Coin,” to the comic’s writer, Kyle Higgins. In fact, the backup story was written by Jana Tropper. Apologies for the misattribution!]
Then, we talk through about half the list of Eisner Nominations for 2021 (video episode here), including Best Continuing Series, Best Limited Series, Best New Series, Best Single Issue, Best Short Story, Best Writer, and Best Writer/Artist.
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed. Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram.
Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s “Polybagged,” covering some new comics in shops this week (July 7, 2021), we talk about:
“Karmen” #5 by Guillem March (Image)
“Mamo” #1 by Sas Milledge (Boom!),
“Ordinary Gods” #1 by Higgins and Watanabe (Image), and
“Wynd” #8 by Tynion IV and Dialynas (Boom!)
with mentions of other titles.
[CORRECTION: In my review of “Ordinary Gods” #1, I mistakenly attributed the backup prose story at the end, “Flip of a Coin,” to the comic’s writer, Kyle Higgins. In fact, the backup story was written by Jana Tropper. Apologies for the misattribution!]
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this segment of Comics Syllabus, a couple months ago the Eisner nominees for 2021 were announced. Here’s the whole list from their website:
https://www.comic-con.org/awards/2021-eisner-awards-nominations
But in this segment, Paul runs through the list of nominees (and his own selections for most of the categories) in:
Best Continuing Series
Best Limited Series
Best New Series
Best Single Issue
Best Short Story
Best Writer
Best Writer/Artist
We’ll be back next week for Part 2 about the other major categories Paul plans to decide!
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed. Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram.
Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week: “Djeliya” by Juni Ba (TKO). New issues of “Crossover,” “Monstress,” “Usagi Yojimbo,” and “Made in Korea.”
First, we review “Djeliya” by Juni Ba from TKO Studios (video episode here). Juni Ba’s new graphic novel is “A West African Fantasy Epic” and follows djeli (storyteller and advisor) Awa as she fights for (and with!) Monsour, heir to a throne, against gods and beasts for the rightful throne. Ba’s work artfully mixes Cartoon Network stylistics with folk narratives from Ba’s Senegal/West Africa, as he mentions in this great interview with the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast. Paul unpacks some of why this book has jumped to the tops of his list, and Juni Ba to the group of creators Paul’s most excited about.
On this week’s “Polybagged,” (video episode here) covering some new comics in shops this week (June 30, 2021), we talk about:
“Usagi Yojimbo: Dragon Bellow Conspiracy” #1 by Stan Sakai and Pattison (c) (IDW),
“Made in Korea” #2 by Holt and Schall (Image),
“Monstress” #35 by Liu and Takeda (Image), and
“Crossover” #2 by Zdarsky, Hester, and Parks (Image)
with mentions of other titles.
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed. Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram.
Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s “Polybagged,” covering some new comics in shops this week (June 30, 2021), we talk about:
“Usagi Yojimbo: Dragon Bellow Conspiracy” #1 by Stan Sakai and Pattison (c) (IDW),
“Made in Korea” #2 by Holt and Schall (Image),
“Monstress” #35 by Liu and Takeda (Image), and
“Crossover” #2 by Zdarsky, Hester, and Parks (Image)
with mentions of other titles.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this video episode, we review “Djeliya” by Juni Ba from TKO Studios. Juni Ba’s new graphic novel is “A West African Fantasy Epic” and follows djeli (storyteller and advisor) Awa as she fights for (and with!) Monsour, heir to a throne, against gods and beasts for the rightful throne. Ba’s work artfully mixes Cartoon Network stylistics with folk narratives from Ba’s Senegal/West Africa, as he mentions in this great interview with the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast. Paul unpacks some of why this book has jumped to the tops of his list, and Juni Ba to the group of creators Paul’s most excited about.
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed. Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram.
Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
[Audio version of Comics Syllabus podcast]
On this week’s audio-only version of the Comics Syllabus, first, we open with “Polybagged”, new comics in shops this week that Paul picked up, including:
“Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters” #4 by Samnee and Samnee (Oni)
“Good Luck” #1 by Erman and Simeone (Boom!)
“The Blue Flame” #2 by Cantwell and Gorham (Vault) and
“Black Hammer Reborn” #1 by Lemire and Yarsky (Dark Horse)
Then, “The Infinite Unlimited” looks at some new titles available on the Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite apps. It’s Vita Ayala Week on “The Infinite Unlimited,” our segment of the Comics Syllabus where we check out new arrivals and dope archivals on Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite!
Ayala’s “Static” #1 with CrissCross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey (DC) and their “Children of the Atom” #1 with Bernard Chang (Marvel) popped up on their respective apps this week, along with:
DC Universe Infinite: “Batman/Fortnite Zeropoint” #5, “Sensational Wonder Woman” chapter 10, “Death Metal: Last Stories of the DC Universe” #1, and “Sweet Tooth: The Return” #2.
Marvel Unlimited: “Thor & Loki: Double Trouble” #1, “Daredevil” #28, “Eternals” #3, and “Non-Stop Spider-Man” #1
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed. Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram.
Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s “Polybagged,” covering some new comics in shops this week (June 23, 2021), we talk about:
“Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters” #4 by Samnee and Samnee (Oni)
“Good Luck” #1 by Erman and Simeone (Boom!)
“The Blue Flame” #2 by Cantwell and Gorham (Vault) and
“Black Hammer Reborn” #1 by Lemire and Yarsky (Dark Horse)
with mentions of other titles, and a little preface about opting not to cover any Image titles this week among our main reviews.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
It’s Vita Ayala Week on “The Infinite Unlimited,” our segment of the Comics Syllabus where we check out new arrivals and dope archivals on Marvel Unlimited and DC Universe Infinite!
Ayala’s “Static” 1 with CrissCross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey (DC) and their “Children of the Atom” 1 with Bernard Chang (Marvel) popped up on their respective apps this week, along with:
DC Universe Infinite: Batman/Fortnite Zeropoint 5, Sensational Wonder Woman chapter 10, Death Metal: Last Stories of the DC Universe 1, and Sweet Tooth: The Return 2.
Marvel Unlimited: Thor & Loki: Double Trouble 1, Daredevil 28, Eternals 3, and Non-Stop Spider-Man 1
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On a new segment (series?) on the Comics Syllabus, Paul talks about comics and graphic novels of interest to Parents, Librarians, Educators, And Student Enthusiasts in “Comics P.L.E.A.S.E.” (see what I did there?)
We start by discussing “Truly Tyler” from Balzer + Bray, the latest in Terry Libenson’s “Emmie and Friends” series which was kicked off by “Invisible Emmie.” Emmie reappears as one of the two main characters here, and we also get to know Tyler, her friend and cartooning partner, as the two deal with the pressures of middle school social circles and a growing friendship across boundaries.
Join us as we dig deep into “Truly Tyler” and talk about why Libenson’s latest offers gifts and opportunities for different points of view for young people.
Then, in “Polybagged” (21:35), new comics in shops this week that Paul picked up, including
“Home” #3 (Image) by Anta and Wieszczyk,
“The Many Deaths of Laila Starr” #21 (Boom!) by Ram V and Andrade,
“Rangers of the Divide” #3 (Dark Horse) by Megan Huang,
and “Compass” #1 (Image) by Mackenzie, Walker, and Greenwood.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On a new segment (series?) on the Comics Syllabus, Paul talks about comics and graphic novels of interest to Parents, Librarians, Educators, And Student Enthusiasts in “Comics P.L.E.A.S.E.” (see what I did there?)
We start by discussing “Truly Tyler” from Balzer + Bray, the latest in Terry Libenson’s “Emmie and Friends” series which was kicked off by “Invisible Emmie.” Emmie reappears as one of the two main characters here, and we also get to know Tyler, her friend and cartooning partner, as the two deal with the pressures of middle school social circles and a growing friendship across boundaries.
Join us as we dig deep into “Truly Tyler” and talk about why Libenson’s latest offers gifts and opportunities for different points of view for young people.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On our “Polybagged” segment for the week of June 16, 2021, Paul discusses new comics in shops this week that he picked up, including:
“Home” #3 (Image) by Anta and Wieszczyk
“The Many Deaths of Laila Starr” #3 (Boom!) by Ram V and Andrade
“Rangers of the Divide” #2 (Dark Horse) by Megan Huang
“Compass” #1 (Image) by Mackenzie, Walker, and Greenwood
Let’s keep reading!
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On our “Polybagged” segment for the week of June 9, 2021, Paul discusses new comics in shops this week that he picked up, including
“Good Asian” #2 (Image),
“X-Men” #21 (Marvel),
“Wonder Woman” #775 (DC),
“Eve” #2 (Boom!), and
“Far Sector” #12 (DC/Young Animal).
Let’s keep reading!
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this Comics Syllabus segment, we review the graphic novel “Black Star” by Eric Anthony Glover and Arielle Jovellanos. “Black Star” is from the new Megascope imprint of Abrams ComicArts, spotlighting comics by and about people of color (see Paul’s review of “After the Rain” here). “Black Star” is a sci-fi thriller about a competition for survival in a distant and dangerous planet, beautifully told with gripping, relentless comic book storytelling.
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
We start this new weekly episode of the Comics Syllabus audio podcast with a review of the graphic novel “Black Star” by Eric Anthony Glover and Arielle Jovellanos (at 7:53). “Black Star” is from the new Megascope imprint of Abrams ComicArts, spotlighting comics by and about people of color (see Paul’s review of “After the Rain” here). “Black Star” is a sci-fi thriller about a competition for survival in a distant and dangerous planet, beautifully told with gripping, relentless comic book storytelling.
Then, in “Polybagged” (20:57), new comics in shops this week that Paul picked up, including “Good Asian” #2 (Image), “X-Men” #21 (Marvel), “Wonder Woman” #775 (DC), “Eve” #2 (Boom!), and “Far Sector” #12 (DC/Young Animal).
Let’s keep reading!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Subscribers/followers of Comics Syllabus, thanks for your patience as we figure out how to integrate video segments to our originally audio-only podcast. This episode is to clarify the video and audio podcast feeds (so far!) for our show, which is all about reading widely and digging deep in the world of comics and graphic novels. So…
Find the weekly audio podcast version of the Comics Syllabus on Sundays at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or video-friendly podcast apps like Pocket Casts. You can try this RSS feed including video or watch the segments here at our podcast host Castos.
For audio-only episodes, you can find us on Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or use this weekly audio-only RSS feed.
Connect with us at the Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram. Let’s keep reading!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
The Comics Syllabus continues its return with…
A new segment called “The Infinite Unlimited,” exploring comics available on subscription apps like DC Universe Infinite and Marvel Unlimited, beginning with the 1993 “Static” series that was part of the original Milestone Comics line. Co-written initially by Milestone founders Dwayne McDuffie and Robert L. Washington III, Static is probably Milestone’s most well known character… and a new series starring Static leads off Milestone’s revival later this month.
But the original 90s Milestone series have become available for the first time digitally on DC Universe Infinite, and @TwoPlai digs into the early issues of “Static,” which feature pencils by none other than John Paul Leon, legendary artist who we recently lost to cancer.
Then, at (15:48) in “PolyBagged,” our segment covering new comics in shops this past week, we discuss:
“Fire Power” #12 (Image)
“Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon” #6 (Marvel)
“Dead Dog’s Bite” #4 (Dark Horse)
“Nocterra” #4 (Image)
…along with a list of honorable mentions for this week.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or RSS feed (with video) or (audio only RSS)
Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week in “PolyBagged,” our segment covering new comics in shops this past week, we discuss:
“Fire Power” #12 (Image)
“Dead Dog’s Bite” #4 (Dark Horse)
“Nocterra” #4 (Image)
“Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon” #6 (Marvel)
…along with a huge list of honorable mentions for this week.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or RSS feed: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
A new segment called “The Infinite Unlimited,” exploring comics available on subscription apps like DC Universe Infinite and Marvel Unlimited, beginning with the 1993 “Static” series that was part of the original Milestone Comics line. Co-written initially by Milestone founders Dwayne McDuffie and Robert L. Washington III, Static is probably Milestone’s most well known character… and a new series starring Static leads off Milestone’s revival later this month.
But the original 90s Milestone series have become available for the first time digitally on DC Universe Infinite, and @TwoPlai digs into the early issues of “Static,” which feature pencils by none other than John Paul Leon, legendary artist who we recently lost to cancer. Dig in to some early issues of “Static” and Leon’s art with us.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
For video segments, subscribe/follow the Comics Syllabus: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, your favorite podcast app, or RSS feed: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Comics Syllabus Facebook or TwoPlai on Twitter or Instagram
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
[VIDEO VERSION. For the audio version of this episode, check out the podcast feed or jump to https://paulflai.com/podcast/2021-05-29-the-dragon-path-and-other-new-comics/ ]
The Comics Syllabus podcast returns, this time with a video version of our segments, including a weekly segment we’re calling “Polybagged,” where I talk up some of the new comics out this week that I’m finding interesting. This week, we spend time talking about:
“Black Panther” #25 by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Daniel Acuña, Brian Stelfreeze, and Laura Martin (Marvel)
“Shadecraft” #3 by Joe Henderson, Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela (Image)
“Blue Flame” #1 by Christopher Cantwell, Adam Gorham, Kurt Michael Russell (Vault)
“Bitter Root” #13 by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene (Image)
and “Batman Black and White” #6 by various spectacular artists and writers (DC)
…along with a huge list of honorable mentions for this week.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus
or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
[VIDEO VERSION. For the audio version of this episode, check out the podcast feed or jump to https://paulflai.com/podcast/2021-05-29-the-dragon-path-and-other-new-comics/ ]
The Comics Syllabus returns, this time with a video version of our segments (look for those on this stream!), which this week include…
A graphic novel review of “The Dragon Path,” the new book by Ethan Young from Scholastic’s Graphix imprint. The young prince of the Wong Clan has to lead his people through a fraught journey to the Old Land through the Dragon Path! One of our favorite graphic novel creators, Ethan Young, has a new book out for young readers that builds an intriguing fantasy world set in an Asian backdrop and featuring fun characters, along with Young’s characteristic lively art.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus
or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
[AUDIO VERSION] …and we’re back!
The Comics Syllabus podcast returns, this time with a video version of our segments (look for those on this stream!), which this week include…
A graphic novel review of “The Dragon Path,” the new book by Ethan Young from Scholastic’s Graphix imprint. The young prince of the Wong Clan has to lead his people through a fraught journey to the Old Land through the Dragon Path! One of our favorite graphic novel creators, Ethan Young, has a new book out for young readers that builds an intriguing fantasy world set in an Asian backdrop and featuring fun characters, along with Young’s characteristic lively art.
And then, a segment we’re now calling “Polybagged,” where I talk up some of the new comics out this week that I’m finding interesting. This week, we spend time talking about:
“Black Panther” #25 by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Daniel Acuña, Brian Stelfreeze, and Laura Martin (Marvel)
“Shadecraft” #3 by Joe Henderson, Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela (Image)
“Blue Flame” #1 by Christopher Cantwell, Adam Gorham, Kurt Michael Russell (Vault)
“Bitter Root” #13 by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene (Image)
and “Batman Black and White” #6 by various spectacular artists and writers (DC)
…along with a huge list of honorable mentions for this week.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus
or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s episode, we’re graced by an interview with Mark Russell, writer of the Ahoy Comics series “Billionaire Island” with artist Steve Pugh and the newly collected first arc of “Second Coming” with artist Richard Pace. Mark Russell talks with Paul about the origins of these sharply satirical but ultimately profound comics, one about the extremes of our contemporary wealth inequality and the other about Jesus returning to earth and becoming pals with a superhero. Russell digs deep into the origins of his ideas, his collaborations with publishers and artists, and how he employs humor and humanity to make wonderful comics. This conversation’s a real treat!
(Note: There’s a brief audio gap about 30:25 in the episode where Mark comments that he just drew inspiration from the renditions of the God of the Old Testament– apologies for the Skype error!)
Then, our “Picks and Shovels” segment on what we’re reading, including…
“Almost American Girl” by Robin Ha (Balzer + Bray)
“Shadow of the Batgirl” by Sarah Kuhn (w) and Nicole Goux (a) (DC Kids)
“Daredevil” #1-19 by Chip Zdarsky (w), Mark Chechetto (a), Jorge Fornes (a), others (Marvel)
“Folklords” #1-4 by Matt Kindt (w), Matt Smith (a), (Boom!)
“The Golden Age, Book 1” by Roxane Moreil (w) and Cyril Pedrosa (a) (First Second)
Let’s dig deep!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com:
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Thaaatttt's right! DRAGONSLAYER, the newest WINGS OF FIRE: LEGENDS book is just about to come out! (It's March 2020 btw.) What better time to launch the pilot episode of the WINGS OF FIRE FANCAST, where a young fan talks through every. single. book. of the absolutely, unstoppably marvelous young readers' fantasy series WINGS OF FIRE by Tui T. Sutherland, published by Scholastic.
Brought to you by the Readin' Jubilee, a kid who loves reading and can't wait to talk about what she reads. Supported by Cohost Dad, the Readin' Jubilee talks about why she loves the series, what WoF is all about, and why YOU might LOVE this podcast!
Check it out! Subscribe by adding https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/wingsoffire to your favorite podcast app. FIIIIRRRRRE!!!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week’s episode, Johnny digs deep into a pair of series from Image Comics, “Little Bird” by Darcy Van Poelgeest (W) and Ian Bertram (A) and “Pretty Deadly: The Rat” by Kelly Sue DeConnick (W) and Emma Rios (A).
But first, our “Picks and Shovels” segment on what we’re reading:
Johnny:
“Green Lantern” Seasons 1 & 2 (DC Comics) W: Grant Morrison A: Liam Sharp C: Steve Oliff & Olyoptics
“Sentient” (TKO) W: Jeff Lemire A: Gabriel Walta
“Ascender” Vol 1 (Image Comics) W: Jeff Lemire A: Dustin Nguyen
“Canopus” (Scout Comics) W/A Dave Chisolm
“Trillium” (DC/Vertigo) W/A Jeff Lemire
Paul:
“Spy x Family” (Viz; Shonen Jump) by Tatsuya Endo
“Parable of the Sower” (2020, Abrams) by Octavia Butler (original novel), Damian Duffy (adapt.), John Jennings (art). Paul’s review: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/reviews/parable-of-the-sower/
“Conan the Barbarian” (Marvel) by Jason Aaron (w), Mahmud Asrar (a)
“The Banks” (TKO) by Roxane Gay (w) and Ming Doyle (a)
“Legend of Korra: Ruins of Empire” (Dark Horse) by Michael Dante DiMartino (w) and Michelle Wong (a)
“Superman Smashes the Clan” (DC) by Gene Luen Yang (w) and Gurihiru (a)
From Johnny’s deep dig: Image from “Little Bird” by Darcy Van Poelgeest (W), Ian Bertram (A), Matt Hollingsworth (C), Aditya Bidikar (L):
Image from “Pretty Deadly: the Rat” by Kelly Sue DeConnick (W) and Emma Rios (A):
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
"Sports is Hell" by Ben Passmore (Koyama)
Ben Passmore's new "Sports is Hell" from Koyama Press satirically sends up our intertwined sports, politics, and cultural madnesses. Paul and Johnny dig deep into the short graphic novel.
But first, our "Picks and Shovels" (What We're Reading) include:
Johnny: "The Last God" (DC Black Label), "Nancy" by Olivia Jaimes (Andrews McMeel), "East of West" (Image Comics)
P: "Commute: An Illustrated Memoir of Female Shame" by Erin Williams (Abrams), "Wonder Woman Dead Earth" #1 (DC Black Label), "Criminal" #12 (Image Comics), and the upcoming "Dragon Hoops" (First Second)
Look forward to our upcoming deep dives into "Little Bird" (Image Comics) and "Pretty Deadly: The Rat" (Image Comics)
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week, Johnny and Paul offer a perspective and critiques of the “Dawn of X” mutant titles from Marvel, drawing on theory of the “literary carnivalesque” from Mikhail Bakhtin to describe what’s intriguing about the X-books in the wake of Jonathan Hickman’s House of X/Powers of X relaunch. Our discussion then touches on all the DoX titles so far, including “X-Men,” “Excalibur,” “New Mutants,” “X-Force,” “Fallen Angels,” and “Marauders.”
But first, the What We’re Reading segment touches on Strnad and Corben’s “Mutant World,” Jemisin and Campbell’s “Far Sector” (DC), Mignola’s “Cosmic Odyssey” (DC), Minh Le and Andie Tong’s “Green Lantern: Legacy” (DC Kids), Cates and Stegman’s “Venom” (Marvel), “Noisemakers: 25 Women who raised their voices and changed the world” (Random House), Johns and Franks’ “Doomsday Clock” (DC), and Bill Amend’s “FoxTrot.”
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Glory! Magnificent! Kinkajou! Oh my!
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What comics meant the most in the 2010s... to us, to comics, to the larger culture? "Saga"? "Ms. Marvel"? Raina Telgemeier's "Smile"?
Paul and Johnny run through their list of the comics of the decade, the graphic novels, superhero books, independent or alternative comics that marked out the 2010s for them. They also try to project ahead into what these selections say about the trends and transformations of comics in the 2020s.
Listen in to hear our whole list and all the commentary.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
What graphic novels in 2019 stood out as the most significant, most soul-stirring, most thought-provoking, most artistically innovative?
Co-hosts Paul and Johnny are excited to share the Comics Syllabus Podcast’s favorite graphic novels of 2019. Listen as they chatter about the comics works and collections that they loved most this year.
Johnny’s List:
10: The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited Carey Pietsch/Clint,Griffin,Justin,Travis McElroy – 1st Second Books
9: GUTS Raina Telgemeier – Scholastic
8: Hot Comb Ebony Flowers – Drawn & Quarterly
7: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me W: Mariko Tamaki A: Rosemary Valero-O’Connell – 1st Second Books
6: Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction Vol. 4-7 Inio Asano – Viz Media
5: Rusty Brown Chris Ware – Pantheon Graphic Library
4: Pittsburgh/River at Night Frank Santoro – New York Review of Comics Kevin Huizenga – Drawn & Quarterly
3: BTTM FDRS W: Ezra Clayton Daniels A: Ben Passmore – Fantagraphics Books
2: The Hard TomorrowEleanor Davis – Drawn & Quarterly
1: Are You Listening? Tillie Walden – 1st Second Books
Paul’s List:
10: MIghty Jack and Zita the SpacegirlBen Hatke — First Second
9: New KidJerry Craft — HarperAlley
8: Angola Janga: The Kingdom of Runaway Slaves Marcelo D’Salete — Fantagraphics
7: Making Comics Lynda Barry — Drawn and Quarterly
6: The HousePaco Roca — Fantagraphics
5: BTTM FDRSW: Ezra Claytan Daniel (w) and A; Ben Passmore — Fantagraphics
4: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me W: Mariko Tamaki A: Rosemary Valero-O’Connell – First Second Books
3: In WavesAJ Dungo — NoBrow
2: Hot CombEbony Flowers — Drawn and Quarterly
1: The Hard Tomorrow Eleanor Davis — Drawn and Quarterly
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://faceboo
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this week's Comics Syllabus, Paul (@twoplai) shares his favorite comic books series of 2019, recommendations for the holiday season and for all your year-end reading. His top ten series list includes:
"Giant Days" by John Allison and Max Sarin (BOOM!)
"Paper Girls" by Brian K. Vaughn, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson, Jared K. Fletcher (Image)
"Black Panther" by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Kev Walker, Daniel Acuña, Jen Bartel and others (Marvel)
"Batman Universe" by Brian Michael Bendis and Nick Derington (DC)
"Fairlady" by Brian Schirmer, Claudia Balboni, and Marissa Louise (Image)
"Criminal" by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips, and Jacob Phillips (Image)
"Isola" by Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, MSASSYK, and Aditya Bidikar (Image)
"Sea of Stars" by Jason Aaron, Dennis Hallum, Stephen Green, and Rico Renzi (Image)
"Invisible Kingdom" by G. Willow Wilson and Christian Ward (Dark Horse; Berger Books)
"Red Sonja" by Mark Russell and Bob Q (Dynamite)
with special honorable mentions to:
"House of X" and "Powers of X" by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, RB Silva, and others (Marvel), "Ironheart" by Eve Ewing and others (Marvel), "Unbeatable Squirrel Girl" by Ryan North, Derek Charm, Erica Henderson and others (Marvel)
"Doom Patrol: Weight of the World" by Gerard Way, Jeremy Lambert, and James Harvey (DC/Young Animal), "Batman: Creature of the Night" by Kurt Busiek and John Paul Leon and others (DC), "Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen" by Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber (DC), "Superman Smashes the Klan" by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru (DC), "Far Sector" by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell (DC)
"Sera and the Royal Stars" by Jon Tsuie and Audrey Mok (Vault)
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On the Comics Syllabus today, guest co-host Johnny Hall (@johnnyhall3) and Paul (@twoplai) discuss Frank Santoro’s graphic novel “Pittsburgh,” (starting at 12:30) a potent reminiscence and contemplation of Santoro’s immediate family and upbringing in the city.
But first, Johnny and Paul remember Tom Spurgeon, comics reporter extraordinaire and example for us all. After talking about “Pittsburgh,” Paul asks Johnny about his recent re-read of Warren Ellis and John Cassaday’s “Planetary” from DC twenty years ago (at 47:50) and then dive into the recent Dawn of X and House of X/Powers of X series written by Jonathan Hickman and others at Marvel (at 1:07:38).
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On the Comics Syllabus today, another installment of COMICS PLEASE! (for Parents, Librarians, Educators, and Student Enthusiasts), covering comics and graphic novels for kids and teen readers.
This time, a review of the "Wings of Fire" graphic novel series, adapting Tui T. Sutherland's fantasy series as graphic novels with art by Mike Holmes from Scholastic's Graphix line. This chat is with Cohost Kid!
Then, a chat about "Superman Smashes the Klan" by Gene Luen Yang and Gurihiru (DC).
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On the Comics Syllabus today, our special guest is Alea Perez (@ShhhYeah), President-Elect of the American Library Association's Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable and Multiversity contributor.
At ( 38:40 ), we talk about Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell's "Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me" (First Second), this past summer's graphic novel hit.
But first, we talk with Alea about comics and graphic novels in libraries, how she became a librarian advocate for comics, and the ALA's Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable.
"Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me" by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell (First Second)
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This week’s Comics Syllabus podcast features a discussion of Kevin Huizenga’s “The River at Night” (Drawn + Quarterly) ( 35:20 ) with good friend of the podcast Johnny Hall. Johnny and Comics Syllabus host Paul met up at Cartoon Crossroads (CXC) Columbus, had a chance to meet Mr. Huizenga, and talk about this collection of Huizenga’s wonderful “Ganges” series of comics, originally published in issue form by Fantagraphics but now collected by D+Q!
But first, Johnny and Paul discuss the CXC show in Columbus, Ohio, and their experiences, including mentioning creators and comics they encountered there, such as Jaime Hernandez, Natasha Alterici, Nate Powell, Ezra Claytan Daniels, Frank Santoro, Kevin Huizenga, Melanie Gillman, Carta Monir, Mike Mignola, Jeff Smith, and more. It’s a really special convention, and Paul and Johnny discuss why.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts,
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
For kids and middle grade readers: “Guts” by Raina Telgemeier (Graphix) (6:22)
And for teens and young adults: “Simon and Louise” by Max de Radigués (Conundrum). (18:39)
In this pilot episode of “Comics PLEASE! Kids Graphic Novels and YA Comics for Parents, Librarians, Educators, and School-aged Enthusiasts,” @TwoPlai tries out a new format for podcasting about comics for young readers.
We begin with two 8-Minute Reviews, starting with “Guts,” the new autobiographical kids and middle grade book by Raina Telgemeier from Scholastic’s Graphix line. A follow up to the mega-hits “Smile” and “Sisters,” Telgemeier’s new “Guts” explores her childhood experiences with anxiety, stomach pains, friendships, and therapy.
Then, a review of “Simon and Louise” by Max de Radigués, a Conundrum book for teens and young adults that tells two connected stories about the mishaps and misadventures of a boyfriend and girlfriend on separate summer breaks. “Simon and Louse” came out in early August, 2019.
Paul follows up these reviews with a few other recommended titles (26:30 ) for folks who have enjoyed Raina’s memoir books, including “Sheets” by Brenna Thummler, “New Kid” by Jerry Craft, “Click” by Kayla Miller, and the “Luz” series by Claudia Dávila. And he recommends the other work of Max de Radigués, especially the new "Stig and Tilde" from Nobrow.
Then, in the “Chalk Talk Chat,” Paul talks about a question other parents have asked him before: “Okay, I got my kid into reading comics... What if my kid will ONLY read comics now?” (36:56)
Your thoughts?
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
"Best Friends" by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham! "Might Jack and Zita the Spacegirl" by Ben Hatke! "Hilda and the Mountain King" by Luke Pearson!
This week, @TwoPlai is joined by his first (and admittedly favorite) guest host of the new Comics Syllabus era-- Cohost Kid! We talk about a couple books from First Second that are the next installments of really fun kids comics series. Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham's "Best Friends" is a follow up to "Real Friends" that autobiographically explores friendships and worries of the latter half of elementary school for Hale. Ben Hatke's culmination of both his "Mighty Jack" AND "Zita the Spacegirl" series has also just come out. And we also talk about NoBrow's new "Hilda and the Mountain King," book number six for Luke Pearson's awesome "Hilda" series.
Let's dig deep!
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Thanks for listening!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
First, @TwoPlai offers an analysis of "King of King Court" by Travis Dandro (Drawn & Quarterly), an affecting graphic memoir employing comics' repertoires of subjective narrative to explore the experience of growing up with family, addiction, love, and pain.
Then, a rundown of recent series that @TwoPlai has been reading in a new segment called "New Comic Book Day (NCBD) Notes."
Mentioned:
"Once and Future" #1 by Kieron Gillen & Dan Mora (Boom Studios)
"Red Sonja" by Mark Russell and Mirko Colak (Dynamite)
"Reaver" by Justin Jordan, Rebekah Isaacs, & Alex Guimarares (Image)
"Forgotten Queen" by Tini Howard & Amilcar Pinna (Valiant)
"Fairlady" by Brian Schirmer, Claudia Balboni, Marissa Louise (Image)
"Sera and the Royal Stars" by Jon Tsuei and Audrey Mok (Vault)
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy this RSS feed to your podcatcher: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
Join the discussion on the Comics Syllabus Facebook page: http://facebook.com/ComicsSyllabus or with Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TwoPlai or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/
Let's dig deep.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On the return of the Comics Syllabus podcast, we talk about “Hot Comb” by Ebony Flowers (Drawn & Quarterly), a memoir in vignettes about Flowers coming-of-age in the Baltimore area black community as a young woman and her experiences surrounding hair, touching poignantly on race, gender, growing up, family, societal expectations, community, class, identity, and selfhood. It’s a beautiful and powerful book that TwoPlai tries his best to unpack his responses and questions about.
Find the Comics Syllabus at its home at Multiversitycomics.com: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe and follow the Comics Syllabus podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you find podcasts, or copy th
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TwoPlai sets up to return to the Comics Syllabus, and he offers a remembrance of Derek Parker Royal of the Comics Alternative.
Derek and the Comics Alternative: http://comicsalternative.com/
Engage with the Comics Syllabus: https://twitter.com/twoplai https://www.instagram.com/twoplai/ http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/comics-syllabus/
Subscribe to the Comics Syllabus on Apple Podcasts or add this RSS feed to your podcast app: https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/comicssyllabus
For upcoming Comics Syllabus discussions:
http://www.multiversitycomics.com/news/2019-eisner-winners/
"Hot Comb" by Ebony Flowers, which I think I called "Blowout Comb" on the podcast, mistaking that title for the Digable Planets album from 25 (!) years ago: https://www.drawnandquarterly.com/blog/2018/05/dqhq-pr-hot-comb-ebony-flowers-spring-2019
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Apologies from Producer Dad for the poor sound quality!
In this episode, Readin' Jubilee and her sidekick Dad talk about Paula Harrison's 12 book series Rescue Princesses. They're princesses. Who rescue animals. You might love it! Readin Jubilee sure did.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This episode, the Reading Jubilee looks at Faith Erin Hicks' three-part graphic novel series The Nameless City from First Second books. So fun!
Three books... that's a trilogy!
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This episode: THE MUSHROOM FAN CLUB by Elise Gravel, about as fun a book about mushrooms as you could find anywhere!
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This episode, Matt and Paul talk about Mister Miracle by Jack Kirby issues 4 and 5 and the Mister Miracle (2017) series by Tom King and Mitch Gerads. Check out the podcast at the showpages at http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/mother-box/
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this episode, Matt and Paul deep dive into the fascinating lecture that celebrates Kirby's life and contextualizes his work within both the historical landscape and his career in the comics industry. The 2017 lecture from Palm Springs Comicon is a multimedia presentation by Illustrator and comic book historian Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art), and you can watch the whole thing on YouTube right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwHBkpXnEhA ! Thanks again to number one fan of the show Jaems Murphy for pointing us towards this awesome lecture!
Also on the show, Matt and Paul discuss The treatment of Kirby at both Marvel and DC; understanding the context of the Fourth World; the many faces of Orion; the many genres of New Gods; the cosmetic benefits of a Mother Box; the arrival of Sonny Sumo; the uncomfortable racial stereotypes of comics from this era and much, much more.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Mother Box: Episode 4! Big Barda, Happyland, and the Ballad of Goody Rickles!
Full show notes at our home at Multiversity: http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/mother-box/
On the show this time, Paul manages to pull an interesting discussion from the concept of Goody Rickles, Matt compares Intergang to Homer Simpson, and Big Barda has no time to suffer your neuroses! Discussed this episode: The sliding timeline of superhero comics, and how contemporaneous references can add a date to the seemingly timeless; How Happyland highlights the world we see versus the terrifying reality that lurks under the surface; how a scene in "New Gods" #4 is a microcosm for the series as a whole; and the progressive (relatively) introduction of an important new female character!
Paul and Matt also talk about: DC's handling of its "legacy," Pervy Darkseid, the overwhelming imagination of Jack Kirby, Orion vs O'Ryan, Metron's existential crisis, Darkseid's "Santa Claus" moment, Kirby's scathing commentary on the media and its powerful role in our everyday lives, and just who the heck is Goody Rickles anyway?!
Stay tuned to the end of the show when Paul and Matt discuss the future format of the show! A massive thanks also to Jaems Murphy for his awesome feedback and suggestions for further viewing/reading.
Join us in two weeks for the opening blasts of the next exciting episode of Mother Box!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
"Forever People" #3! "New Gods" #3! "Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen" #137! "Mister Miracle" #3! Join Matt @MattLune and Paul @TwoPlai as they dive deep into Jack Kirby's New Gods, walking through some masterpieces of Fourth World lore and adventure.
Full show notes at our home at Multiversity:
http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/mother-box/
To subscribe, add this URL to your favorite podcatcher app: http://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/motherbox
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
Mattron (Matt Lune) and Lai-ray (Paul Lai) march on through the second issues of Jack Kirby's Fourth World series,"Forever People" #2, "New Gods" #2, "Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen" #136, and "Mister Miracle" #2. Join Matt @MattLune and Paul @TwoPlai as they dive deep into Kirby's creative masterwork.
Full show notes at our home at Multiversity:
http://www.multiversitycomics.com/tag/mother-box/
Issues info:
(all Vince Colletta inks in interiors)
“Forever People” #2, April-May 1971, “Super War!”
“New Gods” #2, April-May 1971, “O’ Deadly Darkseid!”
“Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen” #137, April-May 1971, “The Four-Armed Terror”
“Mister Miracle” #2, May-June 1971, “X-Pit!”
To subscribe, add this URL to your favorite podcatcher app: http://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/motherbox
Across the vast distances – where the mysteries deepen, and hide, and wait with answers not yet known – a call has been heard – a name summoned for the Ultimate Mission – to thwart the Ultimate Destruction! Thus they come – the protectors – the wielders of the Astro-Force – Matt and Paul of the Mother Box Podcast!
[audio: http://episodes.castos.com/podsforliteracy/Mother-Box-03-the-Fourth-World-Expands-and-Darkseids-Tendrils.mp3]
Other topics for discussion include the parodic nature of "Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen," the burgeoning generation gap in 1970's society, the examination of the target audience of "Forever People" and how that's exploited through advertising, Kirby's experimentation with photo collages, how both Margaret Attwood and Jack Kirby exploit matriarchal tropes to present convincingly disturbing villains, and much, much more!
Matt and Paul also discuss at length the masterful skill in which Kirby draws the reader down the page, an example of which can be found near the end of "New Gods" #2:
[image width=600]http://multiversitystatic.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0404-2.jpg[/image]
Join us in two weeks where we’ll be discussing the third issues of “Forever People,” “New Gods,” and “Mister Miracle,” and “Jimmy Olsen” #138! Don’t miss the opening blasts of the next exciting episode of Mother Box!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
The first issues of Jack Kirby's Fourth World series, "New Gods" #1, "Mister Miracle" #1, and "Forever People" #1, along with "Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen" #136. Join Matt @MattLune and Paul @TwoPlai as they dive deep into Kirby's creative masterwork.
Full show notes at our home at Multiversity:
http://www.multiversitycomics.com/podcasts/mother-box-episode-1/
Issues info:
(all Vince Colletta inks in interiors)
“Forever People” #1, February 1971, “In Search of a Dream.”
“New Gods” #1, February 1971, “Orion Fights for Earth!”
“Mister Miracle” #1, March 1971, “Murder Missile Trap”
“Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen” #136, March 1971, cover art by Neal Adams
To subscribe, add this URL to your favorite podcatcher app: http://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/motherbox
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
If you're wondering, "what happened to Paul and the Comics Syllabus?" We've taken an extended break to start the Mother Box podcast. You can follow the podcast with this RSS feed: (just pop it into your podcast app of choice) https://paulflai.com/feed/podcast/motherbox
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
On this episode of the Reading Jubilee podcast, we discuss Hilda and the Hidden People, created by Luke Pearson, written by Stephen Davies, and illustrated by Seaerra Miller (Flying Eye Books), a novel based on TV show on Netflix based on the graphic novel series by Luke Pearson.
Readin' Jubilee gives her take on the fun novel and the world of Hilda!
Check it out!
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Get ready to expand your mind as Matt @MattLune and Paul @TwoPlai start their dive into Jack Kirby’s Fourth World!
Matt and Paul launch “Mother Box: A New Gods by Jack Kirby Podcast” project, a read-through of the “Fourth World Omnibus” by Jack Kirby. Together, Matt and Paul aim to learn about the New Gods universe, characters, and stories in anticipation of the planned “New Gods” movie directed by Ava Duvernay. They will read through and discuss Kirby’s New Gods work issue by issue. And they’ll invite on experts and other readers to inform them along the way.
Part One:
This episode is a pilot, of sorts, for “Mother Box,” as well as a briefing about Jack Kirby, the New Gods, and what we hope to do with the project.
Some primer articles you might check out:
Multiversity’s Jonathan O’Neal’s piece
DC’s 101
Nerdist Primer
IGN rundown
Chris Sims at Comics Alliance
A blogger’s explainer piece
Recent Kirby write-up in the Independent
The Vulture’s Reisman longform
Another blogger’s take, what’s wrong with New Gods (it’s Superman)
LA Times “Reading Irresponsibly with Jack Kirby” piece
Part Two:
We continue with a closer reading of the first issues of the “Fourth World Omnibus,” the first three issues of Jack Kirby’s work at DC on “Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen.
Whether you’re a new fan or an avid fan, if you want to read the Fourth World Saga along with us, on this, the second part of our pilot episode, we’ll be discussing the issues where it all began, “Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen” #133-135. Matt also mentions the Jack Kirby penned introduction from #133, which you can find below!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit comicssyllabus.substack.com