Matt & Brett Love Comics!

Author and comedian extraordinaire DC Pierson joins us to talk about his comic-book-buying past and the first story arc of the critically acclaimed and fan favorite sci-fi comic book, Saga. Written by Brian K. Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples, Saga has become one of the most consistently entertaining and original comics around today. DC Pierson is the author of the novels Crap Kingdom and The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To. He’s also a member of the comedy group Derrick, whose movie Mystery Team is worth your immediate attention. Visit DC’s website dcpierson.tumblr.com and follow him on Twitter at @DCpierson. You can purchase Saga #1-6 on Amazon or Comixology. You can also purchase DC’s newest book, Crap Kingdom on Amazon. Music: “Entertainment” by Phoenix "DC Pierson / Saga #1-6 (2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/saga.html

Bi-coastal mayhem explodes this week as Brett is dispatched to Portland. He’s there to start the west coast branch of Matt & Brett Love Comics! with Dark Horse editor Jim Gibbons and former MTV Editor Josh Wigler. The three of them continue the oral history of Wizard, impostor syndrome, life after living the dream, and liquid lunches. Meanwhile in Brooklyn… Matt sits in his apartment, waiting, planning, plotting… and introducing next week’s book and guest: Saga #1-6 and comedian DC Pierson, respectively. Jim Gibbons is an editor for Dark Horse Comics. You can catch him on Twitter at @enemyofpeanuts or in the credits pages of some of Dark Horse’s best books. Josh Wigler is a comics journalist from Brooklyn. Enjoy his musings on Twitter at @roundhoward and at many fine online comics journalism establishmentationisms. Music: “Dream of the 90s” by Carrie Brownstein & Fred Armisen "Jim Gibbons & Josh Wigler / These Old Wizard People" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/old-wizard-people.html

Iron Man 3 fever is gripping the nation! To prep for this summer’s first blockbuster film, Matt and Brett read the movie’s source material (“Extremis” by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov) with Saturday Night Live writer Josh Patten. Weird scab cocoons, radical political agendas, cockney accents, this episode has it all! Plus, even more talk about the third biggest film of all time: Marvel’s The Avengers. A car cannot fit in that Daniel Craig or Javier Bardem? Extremis scabs Mallen stops for a visit Sparse bar Tom Cruise as Tony Stark Josh Patten is a writer for Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. You can follow him on Twitter at @thejoshpatten and see him perform improv comedy on non-SNL weeks with Grandma’s Ashes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. You can get Iron Man #1-6, “Extremis”, on Comixology or from Amazon. Music: “Tap Out” by the Strokes "Josh Patten / Iron Man v4 #1-6 (2005)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/iron-man-extremis.html

Friends of the podcast Kevin Hines and Timmy Wood return to partake in a rousing discussion: everyone has come semi-prepared with their list of 3 Marvel or DC characters that they feel are due for a comeback, either because they are dead, not being used, or being “misused” right now. Prepare for some shocking picks! Kevin Hines is an improviser at the UCB Theatre in New York City. He previously appeared in #44 Money Can’t Buy the Death of a Species and #14 Monkeys Make Everything Better. You can see Kevin perform weekly with The Curfew and The Brothers Hines. You can follow him on Twitter @kevhines and read his comic thoughts on his Tumblr, “Talking Comics with Kevin Hines”. Timmy Wood is an improviser in New York City and also writes for the website iFanboy. He previously appeared in #37 Joss Whedon is a Bad Person and #39 Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter. You can follow him on Twitter @TimmyWood. Next week we will be reading Iron Man volume 4 #1-6, “Extremis”, by Warren Ellis and Adi Granov. This storyline supposedly forms the backbone of Iron Man 3, so prepare for the blockbuster with this book club episode! As always, you can download on Comixology or order on Amazon.com. Music: “Like Ice Cream” by Divine Fits "Kevin Hines & Timmy Wood / Rebooting “Somebody Drinking Tea”" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/rebooting-tea.html

Comic book writer Justin Aclin returns to the podcast and brings with him his favorite comic book of all time: Superman: Secret Identity by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen. Come along as Matt and Brett are introduced to the other Clark Kent in this modern day classic from DC Comics (which has also just been released in a new collection). Clark takes flight Flood Downtown explosion Human experiments Watching sunsets Old Clark or Bill Murray? Pick up a copy of Superman: Secret Identity from Comixology or Amazon. Justin Aclin is the author of Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders of the Lost Temple and Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Smuggler’s Code. You can follow him on Twitter as @JustinAclin. Justin previously appeared on Episode #57 “The Freeze Frame Animal House Ending to the Wizard Story” Music: “This Disorder” by The Features "Justin Aclin / Superman: Secret Identity #1-4 (2004)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/superman-secret-identity.html

Winston Noel from the great podcast Hear Me Out stops by to talk about comic book cartoons of the ‘90s and today. We cover everything from X-Men to Young Justice, and get ready to hear the old Fantastic Four theme like you’ve never heard it before: a semi-competent a cappella performance by improv comedians! Winston’s appearance also brings out the music fiends in Matt and Brett, so get ready to hear more about Oasis and Sheryl Crow than you have all week. Or maybe all year? Check out Winston’s podcast Hear Me Out, where he and co-host Alden Ford defend the most indefensible songs known to mankind. You can also follow him on Twitter @WinstonNoel and see him perform with the improv group Grandma’s Ashes every Saturday night at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. Next week’s reading is Superman: Secret Identity from DC Comics by Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen. You can purchase a new printing of this modern classic on Amazon or get a digital download on Comixology. Music: “Can’t Cry Anymore” by Sheryl Crow "Winston Noel / At the Turn of The Willennium" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/turn-of-the-willennium.html

The Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels, from Spike’s TNA IMPACT WRESTLING, joins Matt and Brett to discuss the most epic comic book of 2013: Thor: God of Thunder #1-5! It’s young mead-swilling Thor, old king Thor, and Avenger Thor all squaring off against Gorr the God Butcher in one heavy, time-twisting tale. We’re super psyched to have a huge comic book fan like Christopher Daniels on the show. He’s known for rocking all sorts of Marvel Comics T-shirts on television and he definitely knows his X-Men inside and out. Christopher Daniels can be seen on TNA IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike. You can get your daily dose of the Fallen Angel on Twitter at @facdaniels! Thor: God Of Thunder #1-5 is available now as digital download on Comixology or in June as a collected edition on Amazon. Music: “Unto Caesar” by the Dirty Projectors "Christopher Daniels / Thor: God of Thunder #1-5 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/god-of-thunder.html

This week’s guest is Justin Aclin, author of the new Dark Horse Comics original graphic novel, Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders Of The Lost Temple. In addition to contributing to Star Wars canon, Justin was also an editor at ToyFare Magazine (and “Twisted ToyFare Theater”) for the last chunk of its existence. So get ready for more Wizard Tales, as well as Star Wars talk. (For more Wizard history, check out Podcast Episode #47: Down the Wizard Hole.) You can follow Justin on Twitter @JustinAclin. Order a copy of Justin’s new graphic novel, Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders Of The Lost Temple from Amazon. You can also pre-order his second Star Wars graphic novel, The Clone Wars - The Smuggler’s Code (coming in July). Next week we will be reading Thor: God Of Thunder #1-5 with professional wrestler Christopher Daniels! Pick it up on Comixology or pre-order the collected edition on Amazon. Music: “In The Darkness” by Foxygen "Justin Aclin / The Freeze Frame Animal House Ending to the Wizard Story" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/freeze-frame.html

We are pleased to be joined by the amazing comedians Lorraine Cink and Kirk Damato to discuss one of the most beloved story arcs in all of comicdom: Justice League International #1-7 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire. The iconic “one punch” is, of course, discussed. Fallen Justice Leaguers Guy Gardner sits like a jerk Garder meets Batman One punch Rescuing Black Canary Gardner hits his head Impressive splash page Birth control death ray Ronald Reagan Green Lantern’s bean bag You can purchase Justice League #1-6 and Justice League International #7 on Amazon or on Comixology. Kirk and Lorraine perform musical improv together on Tuesday evenings with the group Legend at the Magnet Theater, and on Friday evenings with the group Hello at the People’s Improv Theater. Kirk is also known for putting on the Hogwart’s Improvisation Society at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, as well as cosplaying at DragonCon every year. Check out Kirk’s web series Cakey! The Cake from Outer Space. *Lorraine** writes and hosts the Marvel Entertainment web series The Watcher as well as her own YouTube series, The Lorraine Show. Music: “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys "Lorraine Cink & Kirk Damato / Justice League International #1-7 (1987)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/justice-league-intl.html

Matt and Brett are pleased to welcome Marvel Comics editor Jordan D. White to the podcast. Jordan edits Deadpool, Thunderbolts, Uncanny X-Men, All-New X-Men and a ton of other great comics. The trio pick right up where last week’s Savage Dragon convo left off, and find out the version they read isn’t the only one there is. They also discuss Star Wars, Fox’s X-Men films, and so-bad-they’re-good horror films. Follow Jordan on Twitter @cracksh0t and check out his podcast, Cast In Wax. Next week we’ll be reading the “Justice League: A New Beginning” storyline by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire. The story was originally published in 1987 as Justice League #1-6 and Justice League International #7. You can get the story on Amazon and from Comixology. Music: “Sacrilege” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Jordan D. White / I Made It Into A Hat" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/into-a-hat.html

This week’s pick was suggested by comic book lover Jeffrey Brown! Matt and Brett are joined by UCB sketch comedians Geoff Garlock and Siobhan Thompson to discuss Image Comics, the origins of fashion, and Savage Dragon. Geoff Garlock is the host of the podcast Worst Gig Ever. He also counts the bands Orchid and Panthers on his extensive music resume. Siobhan Thompson performs monthly at the UCB Theatre with the sketch team The Prom. She also writes comedy videos for UGO.com. Savage Dragon #1-3 are collected on Comixology, and #0 is free. They can also be found for cheap on My Comic Shop.com. Music: “Queen of the Night” by Whitney Houston "Geoff Garlock & Siobhan Thompson / Savage Dragon #0-3 (1992, 2006)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/savage-dragon.html

Matt and Brett relax in our quiet, post-crossover, chill out episode. Matt gives some of his thoughts, memories and impressions on last week’s topic, X-Men: Mutant Genesis. For more on the X-Tinction Agenda, briefly touched upon in this episode, you can buy that X-Men classic on Amazon or Comixology. And here’s that hot picture of Cyclops that made an impression on young Brett. Next week we’ll be reading our first listener pick, Savage Dragon #1-3 and #0. #1-3 are collected on Comixology, and #0 is free. They can also be found for cheap on My Comic Shop.com. Music: “Leader of the Pack” by Sleigh Bells "The Chill Out Episode" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/chill-out.html

It’s part two of the CRISIS ON INFINITE PODCASTS crossover with Comic Book Club Live! The roles have reversed, and now Brett is discussing the 1991 relaunch of the X-Men line with Pete LePage, Justin Tyler and Alex Zalben. These comics sold more total units than Justin Bieber’s entire discography and inspired a decade’s worth of imitators and celebrators. X-Men #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop X-Force #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop Uncanny X-Men #281 on Amazon, My Comic Shop X-Factor #71 on Amazon, My Comic Shop This podcast has got everything: hostile business takeovers, Grey Poupon, never-nudes, Coolometers, and Trevor Fitzroy. Check out the images below to see what we discussed during the episode. 209 Rob Liefeld, Everyting But 210 So much emphasis on the crotch 211 Awesome Warpath page 212 Stryfe resting his foot on a panel 213 Of Course – To Be Continued!! 214 Facehugger in a glove 215 Grey Poupon 216 The way Larry Stroman draws hair… 217 Peter David’s dig on John Byrne, using Lockjaw 218 Professor X’s blanket 219 Unopenable mayo jar 220 Twin Peaks reference 221 Magneto owning it 223 Heroes riding or throwing heroes 224 Really harsh training 226 Psylocke’s inner monologue 227 Villain gallery 228 X-Men at the pool 229 Things to come 230 Jim Lee’s sketchbook 231 Uncanny X-Men has great ads 232 Calling this 1-900 number 234 The RPG Rifts 235 Sentinel surprise 236 The Coolometer 237 Trevor Fitzroy 238 Shakespearean X-Men You can download part one of this crossover here, and subscribe to the Comic Book Club Live podcast here. And if you’re in New York City on a Tuesday, head to Fontana’s at 7pm to watch them tape an episode and maybe win a prize. Music: “The Keepers” by Santigold "Comic Book Club / X-Men: Mutant Genesis (1991)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/comic-book-club.html

Save the Date! The Crisis on Infinite Podcasts Crossover with The Nerdist Network’s Comic Book Club Podcast will be happening Tuesday, February 5th at 7 PM at Fontana’s in New York City. Come see a live episode of Comic Book Club, followed by a live episode of Matt & Brett Love Comics! Tickets are free! Matt and Brett are joined by Kasey Soska, co-host of the storytelling podcast Flee The Scene. He shares some ridiculous stories and makes a good case for checking out the comic book section in your local library. Then things get insane as the trio opens a factory sealed box of original Marvel OverPower cards from 1995. A new pack is opened every two minutes as they marvel at the most “interesting” artwork ever seen by man. Below we have provided scans of the cards deemed Ugliest from every pack. Enjoy! Wolverine, Black Cat, War Machine, Bishop (XSE Tactics), Psylocke, Cyclops, Professor X (Psychic Scan), Doctor Octopus, Professor X (X-Men Founder) Thor, Jubilee (Distracting Burst), Punisher, Omega Red, Jubilee (Training), Loki, Gambit, Silver Surfer, Black Widow Bishop (Spectrum Blast), Colossus, Spider-Woman, Jubilee (Spectrum Tease), Mystique, Deadpool You can check out Flee the Scene on the web, follow Kasey as @DoctorHighFive on Twitter, and shop for your own OverPower cards on Amazon. Next week’s reading can be purchased in a number of ways! X-Men #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop X-Force #1 on Amazon, Comixology, My Comic Shop Uncanny X-Men #281 on Amazon, My Comic Shop X-Factor #71 on Amazon, My Comic Shop Music: “With a Girl Like You” by the Troggs "Kasey Soska / OverPower UnBoxing" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/overpower-unboxing.html

Save the Date! The Crisis on Infinite Podcasts Crossover with The Nerdist Network’s Comic Book Club Podcast will be happening Tuesday, February 5th at 7 PM at Fontana’s in New York City. Come see a live episode of Comic Book Club, followed by a live episode of Matt & Brett Love Comics! Tickets are free! John Frusciante and Will Hines, hosts of The Upright Citizens Brigade Long-Form Conversations podcast, drop by to discuss issue #20 of the legendary indie comic, Love & Rockets. This is a new read for John, Matt, and Brett, so hear them learn all about the world of Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez from Will, who bought and read the series as it was changing the game in the ‘80s. You can pick up Love & Rockets #20 on Amazon or My Comic Shop. The stories in this issue have been collected in two trades: The Girl From H.O.P.P.E.R.S. and Heartbreak Soup. (Both also available on Comixology.) Will Hines performs weekly with The Stepfathers at the UCB Theatre in Chelsea. You can follow him on Twitter @willhines. John Frusciante performs weekly with the team Airwolf at the UCB Theatre East. You can follow him on Twitter @JohnJFrusciante. John and Will host The UCB Long-Form Conversations podcast. Music: “Bottle Rocket” by The Go! Team "John Frusciante & Will Hines / Love & Rockets #20 (1987)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/love-and-rockets.html