Matt & Brett Love Comics!

The Brain Eaters cometh! Halle Kiefer and Mary Lordes return to the show to discuss Image Comics’ Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch, as well as fantasy vs. sci-fi, dinosaur based sexual orientations, celebrity crushses, and dragon shaped pleasure toys. Also, do YOU know the difference between Tyrese Gibson, Taye Diggs, and Tyson Beckford? How about Nick Nolte and Gary Busey? Does Kurtis Wiebe make Brett’s list of Crushes of 2014? Related links: An interview with Kurtis J. Wiebe and several other creators about body image in comics Swamp Thing and Man-Thing talk about girls Know Your Meme: Dragon Dildos Check out Halle and Mary’s web series, Brain Eaters — dubbed “gross ‘Cosmos’” on this very podcast. You can follow @hallekiefer and @marylordes on Twitter, too! If you haven’t already read Rat Queens, download an issue on Comixology or buy yourself a nice printed copy from Amazon. Music: “Rats” by The Kinks "Halle Kiefer & Mary Lordes / Rat Queens #1-5 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/rat-queens.html

Matt and Brett are joined by two Spider-Man aficionados — Kevin Hines (UCB) and Mark Ginocchio (Chasing Amazing) — to discuss a question that comedian Glenn Boozan has about the nature of heroism: is vulnerability really a hero’s greatest strength? This Amazing Spider-Panel dives deep into some of Spider-Man’s biggest themes in order to answer that multi-layered query. Glenn Boozan is a comedian at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. Her show, This Is Going To Hurt is running right now! Kevin Hines can be seen weekly with his improv team The Curfew. He also appeared on our 100th episode. Mark Ginocchio is a comic book journalist who writes “Gimmick or Good” for CBR. You can follow his quest to own every issue of Amazing Spider-Man at Chasing Amazing, and listen to his podcast, Superior Spider-Talk. Next week on the show, we will be reading Rat Queens #1-5 from Image Comics by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch. You can purchase the series digitally on Comixology. Music: “Crime” by Real Estate "Glenn Boozan, Mark Ginocchio, Kevin Hines / The Amazing Spider-Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/amazing-spider-panel.html

Bonus time! Brett had to show Matt the X-Men fanmade movie that blew his mind, and since the video is totally silent, the guys decided to just talk over it. So check out the article over on io9, which sums up the (no sarcasm here) masterpiece and includes a few GIFs, and then hit play on the video right when we do for a totally new M&BLC experience! This jam is worth watching. When you’re done with this, you should check out the episode where we read the “X-Cutioner’s Song” storyline with Pat Loika! Music: “To Be With You” by Mr. Big "BONUS: X-Men Movie Xcutioners Song Commentary Track" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/xmen-movie-xcutioners-song.html

The guys get relatively topical this week, as Matt, Brett, and guest Nat Towsen discuss Image Publisher Eric Stephenson’s recent address at this year’s ComicsPRO event. On top of that heavy talk, the guys discuss reboots, New York City history, and a ton of other stuff. Take A Tour Of Marvel’s Manhattan Grassroots Tavern Transcript of Eric Stephenson’s address at ComicsPRO Nat Towsen is a comedian in New York City and the host of Nat Towsen’s Downtown Variety Hour at the UCB East Theatre. You can also follow him on Twitter at @NatTowsen. Music: “He’s A Rebel” by The Crystals "Nat Towsen / There Is Always A Hand On Your Shoulder" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/nat-towsen.html

This week, Comic Book Club’s own Alex Zalben speeds into our lives and brings with him The Flash v2 #192-200 by Geoff Johns, Scott Kolins and Phil Winslade. It’s Brett’s first time reading the Flash, and he has a LOT of questions about family trees and the Speed Force. Also, Punisher fans, we apologize in advance. For more of Alex, you can check out Comic Book Club on the Nerdist Network, and you can follow him on Twitter @azalben. To read this stretch of Flash issues, go to Amazon or Comixology. Music: “Run” by Vampire Weekend "Alex Zalben / The Flash v2 #192-200 (2003)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/alex-zalben-flash.html

Matt and Brett are joined by friend of the podcast T.J. Dietsch to talk about this year’s Toy Fair in New York City, as well as toys in general. You can learn more about T.J. on his previous appearance, where he regaled us with tales of his time working for Wizard and ToyFare magazine. You can read T.J.’s musings over at his blog, United Monkee. You can follow him on Twitter at @PoppaDietsch. Music: “The Man With All The Toys” by the Beach Boys "He's Not a Hero, He's in Hell" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/toy-fair-tj-dietsch.html

Matt and Brett are snowed in! And since their actual podcast plans were dashed due to the storm, they decided to read a classic comic book tale of snowy adventure. This week, we’re reading Snowblind, the classic issue of Alpha Flight by John Byrne that features five whole blank pages of story as Alpha Flight’s Snowbird fights blind against an ancient spirit in a snowstorm. You can buy this issue on Comixology, or you can read it in Alpha Flight Classic volume 1, or buy the issue itself at MyComicShop. Next week on the show, we’ll be reading Batman #404-407, also known as Batman: Year One. You can buy it on Amazon or download on Comixology. Music: “Winter Must Be Cold” by Apples in Stereo "Alpha Flight #6 (1984)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/alpha-flight-no-6.html

Matt and Brett celebrate 100 episodes by talking about 100th issues with Kevin Hines! Spider-Armor! The Legacy Virus! Touching lessons about literacy! All that, and the gang dives back into the mail bag to answer questions about superhero musical taste and comic shops. For more of Kevin Hines, listen to our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot review or our limbo characters episode. You can also follow Kevin on Twitter @kevhines and see him perform at the UCB Theatre with The Curfew every Saturday night. Music: “You Gotta Feel It” by Spoon "One Hundredth Issues" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/100.html

The comedy-in-comics discussion continues with a trek through the strange genius of Michael Kupperman’s Tales Designed to Thrizzle. Joining Matt and Brett is a longtime sketch comedy writer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City, Damian Chadwick. Picasso: His Astonishing Life Johnny Silhouette Sidafexil childish revenge Baby Poop'n'Tell Cousin Grandpa Unnecessary Foreplay pubic hair stencils The Buzz Aldrin Mysteries Fabulous Nut Bra Uncle Billy’s Drunken, Bitter Guide to the Animal Kingdom To read Tales Designed to Thrizzle, either get the single issues on Comixology in black and white, or buy the collection in color on Amazon or Comixology. Follow @damianchadwick on Twitter, and if you’re in the Portland area, check out Reading Frenzy. Music: “Who Have I Become?” by Best Coast "Damian Chadwick / Tales Designed To Thrizzle #1-4 (2005-2008)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/tales-designed-to-thrizzle.html

Matt and Brett get together this week to discuss [Brett’s recent “Andy Rooney moment”][facejam], comedy in comics, the many different types of comedy that could be in comics, and various other comedy-driven talking points. Point is, it gets intense. Then they switch gears to respond to a few listeners who sent in their problems with “The Dark Knight Rises,” in a new segment dubbed The Letters Column! (Want to suggest a better title than “The Letters Column”? Tweet it to @brettwhite and you could win a prize!) Next week on the show, Matt and Brett will be reading a comedy comic: Michael Kupperman’s Tales Designed To Thrizzle #1! You can get the first issue on Comixology, or buy the whole first volume on Amazon. Music: “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Portnoy "Why Aren't There Sitcoms In Comic-Book Form?" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/sitcomic-books.html

The crew from the Star Wars Minute podcast drop out of hyperspace to discuss some truly classic Star Wars comics with Matt and Brett. The adventure in question is Star Wars #7-10, from the original Marvel Comics series in the late ‘70s. These comics have everything: shirtless interviews, Borg precursors, hokey religions, giant great bunnies, literal Jedi knights, and more! If you haven’t yet read Star Wars #7-10 by Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, and friends, and this episode didn’t scare you off, now is the time to purchase these issues in Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago, either physically on Amazon or digitally through Dark Horse. You can check out Alex and Pete on Star Wars Minute, the podcast where they analyze, scrutinize, and mythologize the Star Wars trilogy one minute at a time. You can also follow @arobtwit (Alex) and @peterbonavita (Pete) on Twitter, listen to Pete on Nerd Geek Dork, and check out Alex’s comic book art. And why not buy Alex’s graphic novel, Box Office Poison, while you’re at it? Music: “The Throne Room/End Title” by John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra "Alex Robinson & Pete The Retailer / Star Wars #7-10 (1978)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/star-wars.html

Matt and Brett seek shelter on the coldest day of 2014 in the warmth of their Podcastatorium, where they ring in the new year by talking about The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story, Valiant Comics, Golden Age Superman stories, gripes with The Dark Knight Rises, Marvel’s Phase Two films, and what Star Wars comics will look like at their new publisher. Want to buy some of the things we talked about? The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story Valiant: Unity The Dark Knight Rises (also on iTunes) Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years Thor: The Dark World (also on iTunes) Next week on the show, we’ll be taking a trip way back in time to 1978 to read the very first original Star Wars stories published by Marvel Comics: “Star Wars” #7-10 by Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, and friends. You can purchase these issues in the Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago trade, either on Amazon or digitally through Dark Horse. Music: “Fugitive Air” by Of Montreal "Very British in His First Appearance" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/very-british.html

The holidays have arrived and they’ve come packaged with a lot of violence! Matt and Brett stumbled upon the accidental theme of “putting a hit on Santa” and had to read these two issues: Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special by Keith Giffen, Alan Grant, and Simon Bisley; and Hitman #22 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. From Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special: Santa’s Origin Are they aliens? Elf death Slash Tough Santa The finger From Hitman #22: Simpsons Santa hit Gift swap Joining Matt and Brett is comic book creator Christopher Hastings. You might recognize him from his creator-owned web comic Dr. McNinja, or you might be reading his incredibly fun Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe mini-series. If not, remedy that! Get these comics: Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special: Amazon, Comixology Hitman #22: Amazon, Comixology The Adventures of Dr. McNinja: Amazon Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe: Amazon, Comixology Music: “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love "Christopher Hastings / Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special (1991) & Hitman #22 (1998)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/christmas-special.html

It’s a secret crossover with Left Handed Radio as Matt & Brett are joined by their sketch comedy cohorts Anna Rubanova and Adam Bozarth! The group discuss the “process” behind writing their all-comic-book sketch episode, their deal with Above Average, what comics spoke to them as vagrant youths, and try to name all 36 Chambers of the Wu-Tang. Warning: we earn an explicit tag with this episode! Let’s blame Brett. Music: “Protect Ya Neck” by Wu-Tang Clan "Anna Rubanova & Adam Bozarth / Wolverine’s Bar & Grill" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/left-handed-radio.html

We’re going Buck(y) wild this week with artist Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Men, X-Men) and BOOM! Studios editor Dafna Pleban (Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm, Sons of Anarchy). They are two of the biggest Bucky/Winter Soldier fans around, so we read the first arc, The Longest Winter, from the character’s 2012 ongoing series by Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice, and Bettie Breitweiser! You can check out more of Kris’s work on his Tumblr or Twitter, and you can chat about Bucky fandom with Dafna on her Tumblr or Twitter as well. If you’re interested in reading Winter Soldier #1-5, you can purchase it on Comixology or Amazon. Music: “Spinoza” by Generationals "Kris Anka & Dafna Pleban / Winter Soldier #1-5 (2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/winter-soldier.html