Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling

We bring back one of the top current comic book writers, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, for the FOURTH time. We had so much fun chatting we went well past the originally scheduled end time. Wanna find out why he stuck around? Listen now to find out!

• Intro

  • Welcome back

• Background

• How have you been since last time?

• Superman Omnibus

  • Vol. 1 covers up to the end of Warworld

  • When is Vol. 2 coming out?

• Adventures of Superman: Book of El

  • What inspired this story? Was this born of unused stuff from Warworld, or was this a conversation you had with DC about wanting to follow up?

  • Kryl-Ux: Operating from a place of such unfathomable grief - where did you do the research into that mindset?

• Hellhunters

  • I saw somewhere you said this was the first time you really went to Marvel and said this was a story you needed to tell - what was it about Sal Romero that compelled you to continue the tale?

• Batman & Robin

  • Memento - big Nolan fan?

  • How much research went into creating part of Batman's past so that it worked in the present?

  • Damian's trauma over Emma's injury is very realistic, given all that he's gone through - I appreciate the reminder that he's still a child

  • Bruce refuses to accept that there could be something inhuman about Memento - arbitrary skepticism like crazy

• Incredible Hulk/Infernal Hulk

  • How do you coordinate on all the various deities with Marvel to keep consistency both internally & externally?

  • Issue #27 - damn you for making me cry reading a HULK book

  • Infernal Hulk - next evolution of the storyline - how far in advance do you have things mapped out?

• Ending

  • What is next?

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WE ARE BACK! And it only took almost a year, but we're finally ready to release our live panel from DerpyCon all about the Equine Essence of Entropy, Discord from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic! Try not to turn to stone while you listen...

• Intro
  • Who are Capes on the Couch?
• Background
  • Discord created by Lauren Faust and M. A. Larson in "The Return of Harmony" (Sept. 17, 2011)
  • A draconequus who embodies the spirit of chaos and disharmony, he was imprisoned in stone for a millennium by Princesses Celestia and Luna
  • Essentially a child-friendly version of Q from Star Trek: The Next Generation, he is voiced by Q's actor John de Lancie
  • He broke free and wreaked havoc on Equestria until the Mane Six were able to use the Elements of Harmony to recapture him
  • Released by Celestia in the hopes of having Fluttershy reform him - although they get off to a rocky start, they eventually become friends, and Fluttershy is the one pony who Discord truly cares about
  • He continues to be a trickster, but the ponies come to begrudgingly befriend him
  • He does betray the ponies when Lord Tirek asks him for assistance in stealing the ponies' magic, but after Fluttershy cries (and Tirek steals HIS magic) he realizes his error and helps Twilight Sparkle defeat Tirek - his magic is restored, and he fully reforms
  • When the Mane Six are captured by changelings, he ignores the situation until he learns Fluttershy is in danger
  • He creates a false identity of Grogar and allies with several villains, all in a misguided attempt to boost Twilight Sparkle's confidence prior to her coronation - it backfires HORRIBLY, and the villains gain enough power to threaten the Mane Six until he distracts them long enough for the Mane Six to escape

• Issues
  • Pride - his number one flaw
  • Troll - pushes ponies too far for the sake of his own amusement
  • Desperately craves affection - he will deny it to his last breath, but it's true
• Treatment
  • In-universe
  • Out of universe
• Skit
  • DOC: Hello Discord, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • DISCORD: Hmph. You're not exactly a bastion of magic are you?
  • DOC: Aaaaaand we're off to a great start. Just so you know, I did my best to magic-proof this office because I don't want any shenanigans.
  • DISCORD: Oh did you now? It doesn't matter anyway, it's not like you're a part of the important spheres anyway. So which one put you up to this? Celestia? Luna? This doesn't seem like Twilight's doing. And if Fluttershy was involved, she would've told me. We're best friends, you know, not like I imagine someone like YOU would know anything about that.
  • DOC: Is there a point to belittling a person that is paid to help you instead of doing something fun?
  • DISCORD: So you DO have a spine. I have to push buttons sometimes.Gets the creative juices flowing.
  • DOC: All you have to do is look in the mirror for that.
  • DISCORD: *fakes crying* Doctors are supposed to be comforting, not mocking their patients. Besides, last time I checked, my Mirror of Mayhem didn't exactly end well for some ponies…
  • DOC: You started it.
  • DISCORD: What are you, 8 years old? I've eaten cheese with more maturity than you.
  • DOC: I look young for my age, but maybe you can't gauge the age of humans due to your vast experience…umm…you know, I'm not being sarcastic when I say this, but what DO you do?
  • DISCORD: I'm chaos incarnate! The essence of entropy! The clown prince of-
  • DOC: *interrupting* That's taken by someone else and I don't want to deal with that right now…although parts of you do remind me of *shudder* a former patient
  • DISCORD: Oh don't worry, this is just a little lark for me. An intermission before the next extravaganza I have planned. *rambling rapidly* oh it's going to be so much fun with lots of decorations and fireballs and I got this music planned that's actually the screaming of my enemies and it will just make everyone pay attention until they go 'Oh Discord you're so amazing' and I'm like 'I know, right?'. Sit tight, let me get the popcorn.
  • DOC: That's uh…you don't actually seek feedback much, huh?
  • DISCORD: Who needs feedback when I'm my own best judge of entertainment?!
  • DOC: And you wonder why people complain sometimes? More than sometimes? Like, EVERY time?
  • DISCORD: Quitters never get ahead. But you can have mine on a platter if you'd like.
  • DOC: Ew. Now you're just a headless horsema…dragon? I dunno. Your visual nature throws off my wit.
  • DISCORD: You're a fool if you think you can match my wit, my charm, my style, my flair, my je ne sais quoi
  • DOC: I'm not trying to match anything. I'm trying to compliment you!
  • DISCORD: Sounds simple to me. Tell me how wonderful I am.
  • DOC: Is that all you think treatment is? A shower of praise?
  • DISCORD: If the horseshoe fits.
  • DOC: You don't WEAR shoes.
  • DISCORD: Some psychiatrist you turned out to be. Can't even be friendly with someone who has the ultimate friends in the universe!
  • DOC: *sigh* Look, I'm trying really hard to be your psychiatrist. Let's get this straight. I'm NOT your friend. I'm MEANT to be just off the path of your relationships. I'm SUPPOSED to point out your blind spots so you can improve them. I'm INTENTIONALLY looking to challenge your status quo, so you can be a better version of yourself. You think being encased in stone is lonely? Try being alone when everyone is right next to you, because they tolerate you instead of WANTING to engage you. That's what's in your future if you don't learn to temper your impulses, and I DON'T need magic to see that.
  • DISCORD: *pause, starts responding almost internal monologue of partial thoughts* That's not true. There was that time I…well, they turned on me for that…but then…um, they threatened to banish me…but THEN I turned it around…aaaaaand they wouldn't look at me for a week after that. Such party poopers, the lot of you. *pause* Wait, did you say BETTER?
  • DOC: Yes, I
  • DISCORD: I CAN BE BETTER! THE BEST BETTER! THE BEST BETTER FRIEND! You can do that for me?
  • DOC: I'm not sure that makes sense but…
  • DISCORD: GOODIE! This will be so much fun! Very important question: how do you feel about chocolate rain?
• Ending

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In conjunction with the release of the Fantastic Four: First Steps movie, and as a leadup to our return (this September!), we're dropping a three-hour combined episode on Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Galactus! This episode will surely be as fantastic as the movie!

Sue's original episode

Ben's original episode

Galactus's original episode

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We are introducing a brand new subseries on the show, COLLEAGUES ON THE COUCH! We'll be talking with mental health professionals about their experiences in the field. For this debut episode, we're chatting with horse dancer/crack shot/Anthony's cousin Dr. Ashley Zultanky! Come for the family gossip, stay for the breakdown of Captain America!

Colleagues on the Couch - Dr. Ashley Zultanky

• Intro
  • New subseries - we interview MH professionals about their work in the field

• Questions
  • What is your origin story? (What got you interested in mental health?) (3:48)
  • What is your superpower? (What is your strength/focus as a MH professional?) (7:24)
  • How do you find the balance of what to bring into a session vs what to keep out? (15:14)
  • What's your kryptonite? (biggest complaint about the current MH system) (22:51)
  • What's your Lantern Oath? (a mantra/phrase/thing that keeps you from burning out?) (35:44)
  • What's your greatest nemesis? (not a person, just a personal item that remains an ongoing problem/challenge) (40:22)
  • What's your legacy or superteam? (Who are the people who inspire you, are a part of your sphere of influence, or who you have mentored?) (49:25)

• Act Matrix discussion (53:39)
• Ending
  • Plugs for social & GonnaGeek Network

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Issue 194 - Thunderbolt Ross

• Intro

• Captain America: Brave New World reaction coming to Patreon

• Background (1:38)

• General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962)

• Lieutenant General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross oversees gamma bomb project that ultimately leads to the creation of the Hulk (Bruce Banner)

• Grew up in a military family, and was focused on serving his country from a young age - joined the Army Air Corps (later Air Force) and worked his way up through the ranks

• Bruce's growing relationship with Ross' daughter Betty was a source of frustration and anger for him, as was the recurring nuisance of the Hulk - Ross made it his personal mission to find and destroy the Hulk

• Several times he allied with villains to battle the Hulk, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the military

• Betty and Bruce get engaged, but the Leader turns Hulk savage, and the wedding is called off - Betty later marries Glenn Talbot, and Ross is satisfied that Banner will never be his son-in-law

• When Talbot was captured by the Soviets in a rescue mission to save Ross, his apparent death fractured his relationship with Betty, as well as a demotion at work because of his inability to capture the Hulk

• Betty divorced Talbot and revealed she still loved Bruce - enraged by this, Ross allied with MODOK to have the Abomination kill the Hulk, but Betty caught wind of the plan and accused her father of treason - he was discharged from the Air Force and nearly committed suicide

• When Bruce and Betty get married, Ross shows up at the wedding with a gun to stop the ceremony - Rick Jones intervenes and is shot non-fatally

• In a SHIELD experiment he merges with Zzzax, a being of sentient electrical energy - in a battle with a mutant, he expends his energy to save Betty, and dies

• His body was resurrected by the Leader, and he rejoins the Air Force

• After Betty is killed by the Abomination and Hulk is exiled by the Illuminati, Ross sinks into an alcoholic depression - when Steve Rogers is shot, he is visited by MODOK and the Leader and offered a chance to gain Hulk-like powers - he then becomes Red Hulk, and his first act is to kill the Abomination for murdering Betty

• Ross' identity as the Hulk is kept secret for over two years before being revealed during World War Hulks

• He later joins the Avengers, where he befriended an LMD named Annie that helped give him some perspective and understanding about things

• Temporarily bonds with both the Venom symbiote and the Spirit of Vengeance, becoming a being known as the Circle of Four - this is to defeat Blackheart, son of Mephisto

• Gets depowered by Doc Green, a super-intelligent version of the Hulk

• Issues - Theme is "a small river flowing long enough becomes a canyon" (7:10)

• When tradition becomes a trap

• Overprotective of his daughter (13:44)

• Oh yeah, the Hulk stuff (25:15)

• Break (29:06)

• Plugs for Play Comics & Geek Peak

• Treatment (30:19)

• In-universe -

• Out of universe - (32:37)

• Skit (39:51)

• Hello General Ross, I'm Dr. Issues. - Doctor, with all due respect, let's set the record straight. I didn't come here for treatment. I came here for a clean bill of health. I've been involved in enough government missions, secret protocols, and super-powered expeditions that I should be the last one to hide from any flaws. I'm not perfect, but I don't have to be. And that was before I learned about getting red in the face.

• Well, that is a hot start, General -I don't do jokes, if you don't mind. There are serious matters at hand.

• But you…I'll keep that in mind. Sheesh. There are always serious matters at hand. That's how the world works. That doesn't mean they all have to involve you. -Agreed. I pick my spots. But those are enormous spots. I know my enemy better than they know themselves. That's what's lacking in battles nowadays. The foe has no concept of planning. So many people think being random makes you dangerous. It just makes you a fool.

• Well, not to sound condescending, but I doubt all of your plans go the way you want them to. -A plan is useless. PLANNING is indispensable. Do you know who said that?

• Dwight Eisenhower. So you enjoy the process necessary to reach goals, and not just the goal itself. -If I didn't then I would have stopped existing a long time ago. I think people get that wrong about me. They think I'm some madman that wants to destroy the Hulk at all costs.

• And that was wrong…how? -I was never a madman. I'm calculating the whole way through.

• The heat thing says otherwise -Emotion in battle, Doctor. It's something you can't wrap your head around. Oh yeah, I get the rage, but in the fog of war, that can be the guide to see you through. No hippie woo woo love fest is going to save you when bullets are zipping and bombs are dropping. The only time you bring in God is to say "Thank God it's over" and you've won.

• You present more demure than expected. -You sound like one of those Gen Z types when you say that. You're a grown man. Act like it.

• So no social media memes; understood sir. But are you really past everything that's listed in your file? Banner? Betty? Intelligencia? Avengers? It says here your own likeness was killed! None of that sounds traumatic to you? -Of course it does. So what? We all have trauma. I used to let it eat at me, just shove it down my own throat, and let it all come out when the time is right. But with what I have now, there's no secrets. It's on my skin, in my veins, and radiating through the air. I finally found a way to have nothing to hide. My choices, my fights, my consequences. Anything to add to that?

• You're hitting the same note. What brings you enjoyment? How about sadness? Do you have any fears left? -You're breaking the cardinal rule; you're supposed to ask one question at a time. I'm sad that too many people think too small for their entire lives. I find joy in being one of the few living creatures to destroy multiple so-called badasses because I can adjust tactically and not be held down by magical thinking. I fear that anything less than a perfect rating in this assessment will leave me with a permanent mark that will have me use your office as a rage room.

• *pause* Didn't you shoot someone at your daughter's wed -*interrupting* RAGE. ROOM.

• You don't have to be so pushy about it. -So, are you slapping the PTSD label on like everyone else?

• No, I'll think outside the box and go I-G-E-D. -What the hell is that?

• Intermittent Gamma Explosive Disorder -*Groans* Doc Samson was right about you.

• Ending (43:41)

• Recommended reading: World War Hulks

• Next episodes: DerpyCon panel, Colleagues on the Couch w/ Dr. Ashley Zultanky, Shadowman

• Plugs for social & GonnaGeek Network

References:

• Incredible Hulk episode with Popcorn Psychology - Anthony (2:00)

• "Calm Down" by Busta Rhymes & Eminem - Anthony (30:38)

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WE'RE BACK!!! Season 12 kicks off the same way Season 11 ended - chatting with our good friends Allen & Will about their latest Kickstarter campaign. Plus Anthony explains the sudden hiatus. All this and more - LISTEN NOW!!!

• Intro
  • GonnaGeek promo for Smoking & Drinking in Space/Capes
  • Howard Mackie plug

• Background
• Welcome back for Season 12!

• Horus in Hell 3
  • Kickstarter - figurine bonuses (20:25)
  • Variant covers (26:53)
  • Future planned out? (30:05)
  • Mostly Dead (32:03)
  • Next campaign? (33:51)

• Ending
  • Plugs for social (42:13)
  • thetophatstudios.substack.com - Allen & Will's Substack
  • Upcoming episodes: Thunderbolt Ross, Colleagues on the Couch debut

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Our old friends are back from hell... Allen & Will return to promote their latest Kickstarter for Pocus Hocus 6, plus reveal some more upcoming projects. Grab your top hat and magical rabbit, and listen now!

• Intro
  • GonnaGeek promo for Play Comics
  • Erica Schultz plug

• Background
• How have you been since last time?

• Pocus Hocus 6
  • Pocus - issues with his father (8:40)
  • Emily - why does she stick around? (13:22)

• Break for promo plug - Ocho Duro Parlay Hour (17:30)
• Back to Pocus 6
  • Will finally makes it to the show
  • Lily - when will we learn more about her background? (21:30)
  • Hugo - discussion about his nature (23:15)
  • Horus - what's going on with him? (29:40)

• Other stuff
  • Deacon Dan (33:37)
  • One Sunday Afternoon (35:08)
  • The Herald (36:10)
  • Kickstarter incentives (43:34)

• Ending
  • Plugs for social (45:38)
  • thetophatstudios.substack.com - Allen & Will's Substack

References:

• "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" by Janet Jackson - Anthony (2:26)
• Lily von Shtupp - Anthony (20:58)

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https://capesonthecouch.com/issue-193-wonder-woman/https://capesonthecouch.com/?p=1574

We're going transcontinental for this one, as we talk to Nigerian creator Murewa Ayodele about his upcoming book STORM! One of the most cinematic stories you'll ever hear, and it's not in a comic book - listen now!

• Intro
• Background
  • How did you get into comics? (1:45)
  • What is the Nigerian comic scene like?

• MK: BWB - hilarious short about "Egyptian stuff" - where'd you come up with the idea? (11:45)
• I Am Iron Man (18:55)
  • Very cool conceit for the series - how much research did you do, and why did you pick the eras/stories that you chose?
  • Damn you for making me cry with #3 right after laughing my ass off at Mojo
  • DEXTER'S LAB REFERENCE IN #4 YOU ARE AMAZING

• Akogun: Brutalizer of Gods (28:02)
  • One of the most badass titles I've ever heard in my life
  • Yoruba mythology is fascinating - what inspired the combination of western ideas with African roots?

• Storm (34:24)
  • How much of the recent X-stuff do you have to know about to pick this one up?
  • Ororo is such a complex character - how do you decide knowing which parts of her to focus on?
  • Favorite trait of hers? Favorite character flaw? (40:00)
  • How are you honoring her Kenyan heritage? (46:52)
  • Thoughts on some of the online discourse surrounding Ororo's home (50:38)
  • One of the most iconic & fashionable characters in Marvel - how much effort is/was put into discussions & designs of her wardrobe?
  • How far out in advance do you have stories mapped?

• Fan questions (57:29)
  • Antoine Dodson, @worldofantoine, asks: Since they are working to heighten Storm's profile in the larger marvel universe again, could we see any crossover stories or events centering around Storm in the future?
  • @butterflykyss asked: Ororo is slated in this run to be earth's protector which is pretty awesome. However, Gaia, I would presume, believes that title is more appropriate in describing her. Any chance the two will cross paths?
  • Sorcerer Supreme, @mysticalme337, asks: Admittedly I've asked Mr. Ayodele this before, but if he had to have Ororo team up with Doc Strange, what dynamic would he have for them?
  • Kimmi, @SeleneGallio616, asks: What has been the best part in imaging what Ororo's story after Krakoa would be? And what has been the biggest inspiration for her fashion sense?
  • Ororo Munroe, @Storm54737952, asks: In relation to this image, can we associate that this spear is made of Light... not a simple light, but rather a light linked to the House of Ideas, the divine light, the Light of TOAA? after all, she will face Oblivion!
  • Jug, @jugtbwjwsu, asks: Is there gonna be any chances of Storm seeing her Grandparents again?
  • Sky Breaker, @dsolomon83, asks: Any armoring in the new suit? Bulletproofing, knife proofing, laser proofing etc.

• Anything else in the fire?
• Ending
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Mojo episode - Anthony (24:34)

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It's our SEASON 11 PREMIERE! We bring back Jeremy Whitley for the FOURTH TIME to discuss his new OGN, Navigating With You. How did he manage to take Anthony & Doc's real-life high school friendship and turn it into a YA lesbian romance? Listen to find out!

• Intro
• Background
• What have you been up to since the Dog Knight?

• Navigating With You (4:21)
  • What was the impetus for this story?
  • Did you realize you basically wrote me & Doc, except girls?
  • Love inclusive writing, a Jeremy specialty
  • THANK YOU for acknowledging disability tragedy porn without falling victim to it
  • The impact Josh has on Gabby, and her development over the arc, just *chef's kiss*
  • Super Navigator Nozomi - story within the story - when did you decide to write a manga within a comic? How hard was it to condense the story into a handful of pages for each volume? (27:37)
  • What was the biggest thing you wanted to fit in there that was just for you & yours, knowing other people might or might not "get it" but you had to have in the story? (36:48)

• Any new stories coming up?
• Ending
  • Plugs for social
  • Jeremy's website

References:

• Macho Man "Cream of the Crop" interview - Anthony (33:32)

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