If your new to reading comics or a seasoned reader looking for which writers, creators or artists to start or focus on it can be a bit overwhelming. During this episode we dive into the career of one of the comic book industry's current leading writers, Chip Zdarsky and discuss his career and which series he has worked on. This podcast mainly focuses on his Marvel work such as his Daredevil run, Spider-Man Life Story, Avengers Twilight along with stories surrounding his Howard the Duck run. We do mention his other work at DC and Image Comics, but are more knowledgeable on this material. Thank you for listening and supporting creatives in the comic book industry.

It's our 70th episode and what better way to celebrate than with our spooky season read. This year we took a pop culture retro dive into the highly acclaimed The Walking Dead Series created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore published by Image Comics in October of 2003. We review the first compendium volume covering the first 48 issues of the series. We discuss comic book vs TV show adaptation, the art styles, notable characters, and the interesting dynamics of surviving in a zombie post - apocalyptic world.

40 years and over 165 issues, Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo comic book series continues its ongoing adventures. The tales of this anthropomorphic rabbit Ronin center around seeking to helping others, redeeming the honor of fellow travelers and bringing justice worthy to those around him. Being heavily influenced by Japanese Cinema and the history of the infamous warrior Miyamoto Musashi, Stan Sakai embraces the elements of history and Japanese culture to create a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Persevering through 4 different publishers Usagi Yojimbo continues to be one of the best award winning anthology series in the comic book industry. During this podcast we discuss our first reactions to the Usagi Yojimbo Saga Volume 1 collection and why new readers should consider checking out these incredible stories.

One of highly acclaimed Spider-Man runs of last decade, Superior Spider-Man went into a complete new direction that had impact life on everyone's favorite web-slinger. Writer Dan Slott asked the question, "What make Spider-Man the hero we know today? Why Peter Parker? Can anyone be Spider-Man?" In a unique twist of fate, one of the web slingers arch foes becomes Spider-Man and the Marvel Universe is in for a wild ride. In this episode we discuss this omnibus and figure out what makes this run so impactful to read. We highly recommend fans of the Spider-Man checking out this comic book run by an incredible creative team.

Everyone has a different perspective when it comes to seeking out justice. The heroes and villains' from DC Comics are no exception from it. When a nightmare of an apocalyptical vision occurs to members of the Legion of Doom its up to them to save humanity from the Justice League? Or is there more to this prophetic vision than what it seems. Our worlds finniest heroes must be resilient in order to withstand the combine forces of the likes of Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Gorilla Grodd, Cheetah, the Riddler and so many more the infamous evil iconic villains'. Written by Jim Kruger and Alex Ross, with art also by Ross and Doug Braithwaite this Absolute Edition collects the 12 issue series plus character designs and behind the scenes material of how this larger than life story that reinvigorated the super friends in todays modern society.

In celebration of the Deadpool returning to the big screen its time to take a closer look at Deadpool's comic book origins. During this podcast we review and discuss the Deadpool Classic Trade Paperback vol 1. This covers his first appearance in New Mutants #98 in 1991 created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld as well as stories from the legendary comic book writer Mark Waid, and the writer who brought him into a more familiar version we know today, Joe Kelly. His humor, stunning personality, and his 4th wall antics all had to start from somewhere, so tune in to find out more about your favorite Merc with a Mouth.

This podcast episode reviews the first graphic novel A Contract with God by Will Eisner, known as the godfather of the graphic novel. The story is about a religious man gives up his faith after the passing of his young adopted daughter and how he struggles with acceptance and perceptive. This is one of the 4 tales based on Eisner experience growing up in The Bronx on Dropsie Avenue that takes place in this collected edition.

This book is recommended for anyone who is interested in the history of comics, wants to learn more about the life of legendary Will Eisner and his impact on the comics industry.

When it comes to origins in comics it can be difficult to break new ground. However, Kelly Sue DeConnick found a way to bring a new vision to life for the world of Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman Historia explains how the Amazons were created, how Hippolyta: Diana's mother rose to power and the founding of island of Themyscira.

From the robust mythology of the Greek Gods to Hippolyta fighting of behalf of herself and her tribe of Amazons this epic story stands up shares the struggles of how they fought for their survival and justice for their people.

We recommend this story for fans of Wonder Woman, Greek Mythology and imaginative art styles that shows this larger than life world.

During the 1980s the comic book industry came out with some of the greatest stories that we still hold in high regard today. This includes Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil Born Again, Maus, and so many other innovative comics that changed the mindset of what kind of tales graphic novels can tell. The Incal by writer Alejandro Jodorowsky & art by Mœbius is regarded as one of the most epic sci-fi comic book stories of all time. This French graphic novel tells the wonderous adventure of detective John Difool and how the Incal, an object of immense power. brings him together with a group of strangers, warriors, bounty hunters and talking animals to help guide him through a prophecy that the fate of the universe depends on him to decide.

This epic space opera is recommended for anyone who loves worldbuilding, investing in underdog heroes, mystery, and larger than life storylines. Fans of Dune, Blade Runner, Fifth Element, and Riddick are encouraged to read of the most expansive Sci-Fi graphic novel adventures in comic book history.

In 1991 Marvel relaunched the X-Men #1 title book with exciting collaboration of writer Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee to become the world's best selling comic book of all time. The time at Marvel during Jim Lee's beginnings brought about a new era of art style that sets a new dynamic for the comic book industry going forward. This would also go on to inspire the designs of the X-Men Animated series that was huge success of Saturday Morning Cartoons. During this podcast we review the massive oversized collected edition of X-MEN XXL by Jim Lee to study the art that highlights some of the most memorable stories of the Claremont/Lee run including X-Men #1.