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As Mentioned in Episode 280 – Business-Casual Basilisk

January 12, 2020 As Mentioned, As Mentioned One comment

Listen to the episode here.

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

Agent Coulson of Earth-1218 is mostly in it for the belly rubs.

What you see is what you get; and what you get is a large man with large guns and large feelings. (Bishop #1)

The gravitas of the X.S.E. is somewhat undercut by the fact that Bishop’s gun very clearly uses Nerf ammo. (Bishop #1)

You see what I mean about the shirt, right? (Bishop #1)

Do you think the other future criminals made fun of Mountjoy for not wearing a bunch of neon or having a mullet? (Bishop #1)

Bishop X-plains Mountjoy. (Bishop #1)

This effect is so creepy! (Bishop #1)

It’s okay, buddy. We’ve all been there. Sort of. Not really. (Bishop #2)

The utter disconnect between the expressions in this one is such a good detail. (Bishop #2)

TFW your holographic sister will not sit like a normal person on your futuristic bladed motorcycle. (Bishop #2)

Additional evidence against Hancock being Cyclops: he probably wouldn’t imply that his optic blasts generate heat. (Bishop #3)

Mountjoy is everyone! (Bishop #4)

NEXT EPISODE: Callasantos family reunion!

As Mentioned in Episode 279 – Giant-Size Special #8

December 29, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned 10 comments

Listen to the episode here!

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

IT BEGINS! (Generation X #1)

Seriously, though, that is really gross. (Generation X #1)

I want to read a miniseries about this kid. (Generation X #1)

They are so very, very parents. (Generation X #1)

Sean Cassidy, OF ALL PEOPLE, should know EXACTLY how dangerous trees can be. (Generation X #1)

An old friend–of ours, and apparently of Monet’s. (Generation X #1)

Emplate is so cool and creepy! (Generation X #1)

Also cool and creepy: Chamber. (Generation X #1)

The covers of this series are so inviting. (Generation X #2)

For the record, HICK is worth 13 points to LOSER’s 5. (Generation X #2)

Penance is nothing if not efficient.

Ooh, Monet is GREAT. (Generation X #2)

That horror-movie framing! (Generation X #2)

DAMN, Paige! (Generation X #3)

Chamber is a neat dude. (Generation X #3)

Nanny X-plains puberty. (Generation X #3)

Mondo and Cordelia are… complicated. (Generation X #3)

If it weren’t for the two troubles in a row, this cover would be pretty darn near perfect, gradient and all. (Generation X #4)

Bachalo’s marginalia is WONDERFUL. (Generation X #4)

Seriously, so good. (Generation X #4)

Hi, Eliot. (Generation X #4)

Not all the images are gonna be of these guys, but it was tempting. (Generation X #4)

Fortunately, sometimes they intersect with plot. (Generation X #4)

And sometimes not. (Generation X #4)

I… I just love them so much. (Generation X #4)

Orphanmaker grew up! (Generation X #4)

Meanwhile, everything is terrible. (Generation X #4)

Well, maybe not everything. (Generation X #4)

This is one of my favorite scenes in any comic, ever. (Generation X #4)

And then, Legion Quest ended. (Generation X #4)

So, yeah, this is a thing, and you can watch it here should you find yourself so inclined.

NEXT WEEK: Jay & Miles on vacation!

NEXT EPISODE: Bishop goes solo!

LINKS & FURTHER FESTIVITY:

Jay Smooth’s timeless “In Defense of Humbug” turns 10 years old this year!
The movie with the hipster fuckghost is The Spirit of Christmas, which involves disappointingly little ghostfucking but surprisingly accurate 19^th-century bartending.
Tom Otterness’s “Life Underground” statues in NYC’s 14th St./8th Ave. Subway station have a lot in common with Bachalo’s marginalia.
For more on the intersection of mutant and real-world politics, check out our 2017 RCCC special, Welcome to the Mutant Revolution!
Follow Christina Strain on Twitter…
…and check out her upcoming Netflix original movie, Finding Ohana!

The full list of winners of the 2019 Super Doctor Astronaut Peter Corbeau Awards for Excellence at X-Cellence will be posted separately on 12/30.

As Mentioned in Episode 278 – A Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing

December 22, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned One comment

Listen to the podcast here.

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

Fun times with the MLF. (X-Force Annual #3)

They were really pushing the idea that he was Roberto. (X-Force Annual #3)

I get that it’s supposed to be a bad thing; but, man, Dani’s horse got AWESOME. (X-Force Annual #3)

“Of course, they won’t need to figure out my password if they walk in on me journaling in IMAX.” (X-Force Annual #3)

The Collective Man! (X-Force Annual #3)

These two are just really not good at false identities, are they? (X-Force Annual #3)

Sometimes a family is a ghost and her imaginary baby. (X-Force Annual #3)

Alas, contrary to the implications of this cover, Storm will not be seduced by a giant statue of a lady in this story. (X-Man Annual #3)

“Chess is sexy, right?” (X-Man Annual #3)

Gene Ha draws a really terrific Storm. (X-Man Annual #3)

Do they usually? (X-Man Annual #3)

“Squares.” (X-Man Annual #3)

She’s not wrong. (X-Man Annual #3)

(It’s okay; it’s only a dream.) (X-Man Annual #3)

These are the most lackluster Lords Cardinal I’ve ever seen. (X-Man Annual #3)

“Even sixth base?” (X-Man Annual #3)

I unrepentantly love this silliness. (X-Man Annual #3)

Ugh, seriously, so good. (X-Man Annual #3)

NEXT EPISODE: NEXT EPISODE: Giant-Size Winter Special, feat. Christina Strain & Chip Zdarsky…

…hope you survive the experience!

LINKS & FURTHER ATROCITIES:

Listen to Miles talk about people who turn into dinosaurs on Battle of the Atom!
Here is a fairly remarkable Marxist examination of Sex House; because, why not?
Should you be so inclined, you can watch the entire series here. It’s worth noting that the first few episodes do not reflect the tone of the series as it progresses. (Content Warning: I don’t even know anymore.)
We delved into Reignfire’s weird, weird origins in the cold open to Episode 238 – Meet Them Where They Are.
Jay co-wrote a serial Thor novel! You can subscribe to it here, if you are so inclined.

As Mentioned in Episode 277 – Hedgehogs of Cairo

December 15, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned 3 comments

Listen to the episode here!

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

Sauron has hella abs… (X-Men Unlimited #6)

…and apparently a come-hither gaze? (X-Men Unlimited #6)

Sauron’s backstory is a wild ride even by Silver Age standards. (X-Men Unlimited #6)

“Also, I get three mana of any color.” (X-Men Unlimited #6)

That’s our Sauron! (X-Men Unlimited #6)

Karl Lykos is a cheerful guy. (X-Men Unlimited #6)

They say it’s the smell, but I bet the other pterosaurs are actually judging him for his jorts. (X-Men Unlimited #6)

Meanwhile in Cairo… (X-Men Unlimited #7)

It really doesn’t seem like Candra should be able to bend her arms and legs. (X-Men Unlimited #7)

Truly, a fancy beard. (X-Men Unlimited #7)

Urchins: 1, Gambit: 0. (X-Men Unlimited #7)

Later, this kid will be retconned to have been imaginary. Don’t think too hard about it. (X-Men Unlimited #7)

STEALTH! (X-Men Unlimited #7)

X-Men vs. Urchins. (X-Men Unlimited #7)

Seriously, Candra, Storm will stab you in a sewer and not even care. (X-Men Unlimited #7)

NEXT EPISODE: Sex?

LINKS & FURTHER DINOSAURS

Jay co-wrote a serial Thor novel! You can subscribe to it–and hear and read the first chapter–here, if you are so inclined.
(If Jay got to pick a theme song for said novel, it would be the extremely kickass Faster, Pussycat cover of “You’re So Vain.”)

As Mentioned in Episode 276 – Wizard Problems

December 8, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned No comments

Listen to the podcast here.

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

I’m still kind of angry that this isn’t the interior art style. (Excalibur #83)

But are there roller skates? (Excalibur #83)

Still creepy; still cool. (Excalibur #83)

‘Kay. (Excalibur #83)

There’s something very Philip Bond about this pair of panels; and I, for one, am here for it. (Excalibur #83)

Ew. (Excalibur #83)

Evil Kitty’s hair is SO GREAT. (Excalibur #84)

Seriously. So. Excellent. (Excalibur #84)

Is it, though? (Excalibur #84)

Purple on purple. (Excalibur #84)

“Magic, subtext, whatever.” (Excalibur #84)

Choices, choices. (Excalibur #84)

It’s like when a character has been written out of a show but the actor’s contract isn’t up so they have to keep doing flashbacks. (Excalibur #85)

Starring Eliot Spencer as Wolverine. (Excalibur #85)

That’s just… not true. Like, at all. (Excalibur #85)

AND THAT’S WHY YOU ALWAYS LEAVE A NOTE (Excalibur #85)

Next Episode: Jorts Unlimited!

LINKS & FURTHER DIVERSIONS:

You can hear all about the time Margali made Kurt his own personal hell in Episode 134 – Live at Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival.
The Raven probably isn’t a good film; but it is a delightful one.
Here’s Max’s significantly funnier take on Tarot’s potential.
Jay co-wrote a Thor novel! You can pre-order it here, if you are so inclined.

As Mentioned in Episode 275 – End of the Summer

December 1, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned One comment

Listen to the episode here!

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

HI, PROSH. (X-Force #39)

Look at this charming weirdo. (X-Force #39)

You see what I mean about the frolicking? (X-Force #39)

Damn skippy! (X-Force #39)

Well, that can’t be good. (X-Force #39)

I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING (X-Force #39)

This whole issue has a very Looney Toons vibe. (X-Factor #107)

It’s good that they can find common ground. (X-Factor #107)

Gravity: she’s a harsh mistress. (X-Factor #107)

Again: I really love the way the art here leans into Strong Guy’s inherent cartoonishness. (X-Factor #107)

Ouch. (X-Factor #107)

That cover! (Uncanny X-Men #318)

The choker really does seem to have an extra layer of symbolism, especially considering the color vs. the rest of her outfit. (Uncanny X-Men #318)

You tried, buddy. (Uncanny X-Men #318)

Serious X-Terminators vibes, right? (Uncanny X-Men #318)

“But, y’know, good luck with that.” (Uncanny X-Men #318)

She’s not wrong, Warren. (Uncanny X-Men #318)

…it works, though. (Uncanny X-Men #318)

NEXT EPISODE: The Soul Sword Trilogy!

LINKS & FURTHER CRYPTIDS:

Jay co-wrote a Thor novel! You can pre-order it here, if you are so inclined.
For more on Fred Dukes and confronting and subverting the fatphobic tropes around his characterization, listen to Episode 240 – Live at ECCC, feat. Vita Ayala, Seanan McGuire, & Leah Williams!
“End of the Summer” is a really good song.

As Mentioned in Episode 274 – The Red Shoe Prophecies

November 24, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned No comments

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

Listen to the episode here!

LINKS & FURTHER RECORDINGS:

Read Chris Eddleman and Robert Secundus’s X-Annotations at Xavier Files and Polygon!
Follow Chris on Twitter here!
Listen to Chrises on Infinite Earths…
…and follow them on Twitter!

As Mentioned in Episode 273 – The Back-End Creep

November 17, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned 2 comments

Listen to the podcast here!

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

Ouch. (Wolverine #85)

Do you think Cable got there early and then waited for someone to say his name so he could make a dramatic entrance? (Wolverine #85)

here is your large adult son (Wolverine #85)

Aw, man, right in the feels. (Wolverine #85)

And again. (Wolverine #85)

I like this cover more than it probably deserves. (Cable #16)

Lang’s tiny panties might be the weirdest thing about the whole Phalanx situation. (Cable #16)

Well, that happened. (Cable #16)

Cable vs. Derrida. (Cable #16)

He really never learns. (Cable #16)

It’s cute how anyone ever thinks Cameron Hodge is going to accept defeat with grace. (Cable #16)

GET IT? ‘CAUSE HE’S POINTY! (Cable #16)

NEXT EPISODE: Talking House of X and Powers of X with Chris Eddleman!

LINKS & FURTHER CATASTROPHES:

WHOA DANG WE’VE BEEN ON A LOT OF PODCASTS LATELY!
- Miles joined Titan Up the Defense for Tales of the Haunted Disco Barn…
- …and got his Dracula on in Exiled’s Assault on Camelot Eternal!
- Meanwhile, Jay joined the Fantasticast for a look at Karma’s debut!
Did you know that Jay co-wrote a Thor novel? Because that happened. (Lila Cheney is in it, so you know it’s gonna be cool.)

As Mentioned in Episode 272 – Children of the Phalanx

November 17, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned No comments

Listen to the episode here.

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

(X-Factor #106)

Damn skippy. (X-Factor #106)

Ew. (X-Factor #106)

Okay, the Phalanx is legitimately both cool and scary here. (X-Factor #106)

The looks on their respective faces really make this panel. (X-Factor #106)

R.I.P. (X-Factor #106)

Oh, THESE jerks. Again. (X-Factor #106)

Forge-o-Vision involves a lot of lucite rods, apparently. (X-Factor #106)

Douglock X-Plains the Phalanx. (X-Factor #106)

Spoiler: It’s all Phalanx. (X-Force #38)

My kingdom for this panel as drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith. (X-Force #38)

HE LOOKS LIKE A DINOSAUR OKAY (X-Force #38)

The Babel Spire has some serious Inferno vibes. (Excalibur #82)

Oh, yeah, this DEFINITELY ends well. (Excalibur #82)

Presenting: The stealth team. (Excalibur #82)

NEXT EPISODE: The Summers family goes rock climbing.

As Mentioned in Episode 271 – Abs for Days

November 3, 2019 As Mentioned, As Mentioned 3 comments

Listen to the episode here.

Art by David Wynne. Wanna buy the original? Drop him a line!

And we open our cover spotlight series with Monet, who is, for some reason, tiptoeing in big clunky boots. (Uncanny X-Men #316)

A name AND implied backstory? Yeah, she’s doomed. (Uncanny X-Men #316)

Okay, yeah, Kubert’s Banshee can get it. (Uncanny X-Men #316)

This is actually a great look. Too bad it’s a Phalanx doppelgänger. (Uncanny X-Men #316)

There they are, folks: Banshee’s abs. (Uncanny X-Men #316)

Next up: Synch! (X-Men #36)

He just looks so wrong with the intact glasses! (X-Men #36)

Showing a bunch of predominantly white cops holding guns on an unarmed black teenager while claiming that superpowers are the only issue in play is a pretty good illustration of exactly how the mutant metaphor fails at intersectionality. (X-Men #36)