Saturday, April 26, 2014

Episode 39 - Found Out About You



Comics Therapy. No Reviews. Just Analysis.

Three books from Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Plus your Nerd Confessions (about your best LCS experiences).

Show Notes:
Our theme this week is betrayal. We thought about doing a Stockholm Syndrome-type investigation, but that’s such a loaded and controversial psychological term that trying to apply it, even poetically, to fictional situations seemed like more of a stretch for us than usual. But there’s no doubt about it, betrayal is par for the course in comics. It keeps things interesting amongst established teams, and when doled out piecemeal to readers, it can up the intrigue in a developing story faster than almost anything else. Very occasionally it’s even used for laughs, but more often than not a true betrayal is unexpected and shocking. (And if you’re Andrea, elicits an audible gasp. Or shriek. Whatever. She is also a delight to watch to watch movies with.)

The Eltingville Club #1 15:25
Behavior so disgusting it has to be satire, right? Sadly, Aaron's experiences in his youth - and more recent egregious examples within the larger comics community - tell us this intentionally ugly glimpse into the minds of the adolescent nerd hits remarkably close to home.

The Bunker #3  33:05 - 39:55 (if you want to completely avoid spoiling the big twist in this issue)
If you can't even trust yourself, you certainly can't trust your friends. Now or ever.

Avengers Undercover #3 41:27
Alternative title: Avengers PTSD. Alternative alternative title: If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em.
Our favorite teen heroes are dealing with the aftermath of Murder World in a variety of ways, some more healthy than others.


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This weeks Intro Gin Blossoms - Found Out About You:


This weeks Outro P!nk - Who Knew:

Friday, April 18, 2014

Episode 38 - Dear God



Comics Therapy. No Reviews. Just Analysis.

Two books from April 16, 2014. Plus your Nerd Confessions (about the best start to a series) and Aaron's Inner Child.
On The Couch: artist and writer Phil Hester.

Show Notes:
The theme this week is creation and destruction. Limitless power invokes the age old question of responsibility. And playing God can have nasty side effects for both deity and disciple alike.

Genesis 14:03 - 24:00 (if you'd like to completely avoid spoilers for this OGN)
A dreamlike journey before imminent death or a twisted reality as death itself is avoided? Creation and destruction in one gorgeous package.

A Voice in the Dark #6 26:15
One of the most unique female characters in comics today is also a serial killer, but we're not judging, just fascinated. Her acceptance of her own darkness is what gives her strength.

The Couch - Phil Hester 37:45
Phil has worked for many publishers over the course of his long career but is particularly recognized for his runs on Swamp Thing with Mark Millar and Green Arrow with Kevin Smith and Brad Metzner. His creator-owned book The Wretch was nominated for an Eisner award for best new series. He is also known for taking over writing duties on DC’s pre-New 52 Wonder Woman. He is currently writing Thunder Agents for IDW and Invincible Universe for Image Comics.



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This weeks Intro XTC - Dear God:


This weeks Outro Monty Python - Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life:

Friday, April 11, 2014

Episode 37 - The Damage Done



Comics Therapy. No Reviews. Just Analysis.

Two comics from April 9, 2014. Plus your Nerd Confessions (about comics that blew your mind, in the metaphorical sense).
And on The Couch, we talk with writer Fabian Rangel Jr.

Show Notes:

This week's theme is...let’s call it intervention. In the drug parlance. We’re looking at two books that dabble a bit with the effects of drug use and abuse. But in the midst of that, we also delve into some even bigger issues, including sexual violence in comics, date rape drugs, and gender division amongst readers across the industry. 

TL;DR Andrea is crazy and Aaron was drinking. We're back!

Ghost Rider #2 24:30
Character reboots, pink pills and a brief interlude about *that scene* in Invincible #110. Poor Robbie gets the short end of the stick in life and from us.

Great Pacific #14 34:55
If you're power hungry, and your populace is hungry for drugs instead, what are your choices? Fish or cut bait is still applicable here.

The Couch - Fabian Rangel Jr. 44:10
Fabian is the creator of Doc Unknown, a superhero action adventure series, and has lately gotten a lot of attention due to his consistent success self-publishing his comics through Kickstarter and Comixology Submit. You can also find Doc Unknown short stories as a backup in Five Ghosts, published by Image Comics.


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This weeks Intro The Notorious B.I.G - 10 Crack Commandments:


This weeks Outro Neil Young - The Needle And The Damage Done: