Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling

• Intro
  • Upcoming holiday hiatus
• Background (2:38)
  • Dane Whitman created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema in Avengers #47 (Dec. 1967)
  • Dane Whitman is the nephew of Nathan Garrett, a descendant of Sir Percy of Scandia who served in the Court of King Arthur as the Black Knight, and was bestowed with a sword known as the Ebony Blade, carved from a meteorite and only to be wielded by the most honorable of knights
  • The sword then made its way to Nathan Garrett, who called himself the Black Knight and used the Ebony Blade to commit crime - on his deathbed, he renounced his life and told Dane to take up the sword and restore the family legacy
  • After initially being mistaken for his villainous uncle, he later joins the Avengers and the Defenders
  • While serving with the Avengers, he discovers the Ebony Blade is cursed - the more blood is shed with it, the more its wielder becomes insane - after battling Morgan le Fay and Mordred, Sir Percy's spirit merges with the blade, cancelling the curse
  • He then becomes romantically involved with Crystal and Sersi - He is attracted to both, but in an effort to save Sersi from an intergalactic illness, Dane is unwillingly bonded to Sersi in a merger called the "Gann Josin" - the bond is broken during a battle with alternate dimension versions of the Avengers, led by Proctor, a Dane Whitman from another world who was rejected by his Sersi and now travels the multiverse killing every version of her he can find - a Watcher creates an alternate reality where Sersi can be free of the curse, and Dane goes with her over guilt of his actions #BecauseComics
  • Meanwhile, his squire Sean Dolan gets the Ebony Blade, and becomes the villain known as Bloodwraith
  • Dane & Sersi are sent to the Ultraverse, home of Malibu Comics, where Dane becomes the leader of Ultraforce - attempts to return home, but ends up in the 12th century, where he battles Apocalypse and the mutant who would become Exodus
  • Upon returning to the 616 universe and current time, he joins Heroes for Hire for a period
  • After killing the villain Carnivore with the Ebony Blade, he leaves for Weirdworld, but is followed shortly after by the Avengers, who want to bring him to justice - Steve Rogers takes the Blade from him, but it drives him mad, and only after battling a possessed Steve and regaining control does the team realize Dane has things more under control than believed
  • During King In Black, it's revealed that the Ebony Blade is actually an evil blade that amplifies the anger and insanity within its wielder - Merlyn lied to Dane, who realized all the times that he lost control were all his fault
  • Recently revealed he had a daughter, Jacks, who now shares the mantle of Black Knight with him, because the two of them can split the burden of the Ebony Blade so that neither handles the madness alone

• Issues (8:01)
  • Addicted to the Blade
  • Guilt over how much of his actions were his doing vs the blade (19:36)
  • Legacy character - trying to undo the negativity of his uncle, all while "failing" in his own way (27:53)
• Break (35:16)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Bedknobs & Broomflicks, and Philip Kennedy Johnson
• Treatment (38:57)
  • In-universe - Bring in Kazuma Kuwabara from YuYu Hakusho, who can manifest energy into a sword, and teach him to let go of the Ebony Blade and focus on other things
  • Out of universe - (41:02)
• Skit (47:27)
  • DOC: Hello Dane, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • DANE WHITMAN: Hi Doc.
  • DOC: So what can I do for you?
  • DW: Well…
  • SIR PERCY: Why do ye waste yer time with this fool? He cannot comprehend the magnitude of yer burden.
  • DOC: Are you alright? You seem a bit… distant.
  • DW: Doc, schizophrenia is when you hear voices in your head, right?
  • DOC: Auditory hallucinations can be a symptom, although they're not exclusive to schizophrenia nor are they present in every case of schizophrenia. What makes you bring that up?
  • SP: Go on, tell him. Tell him ye hear yer great-great-granda talk to ye. Better yet, tell him ye can SEE me. Aye, that'll help.
  • DW: *shut up*
  • DOC: I'm sorry, are you-
  • DW: No, not to you.
  • SP: Doin' great so far.
  • DW: It's my great-grandfather. Great… I don't even know how many times over.
  • SP: Greater than ye'll ever be, at this rate.
  • DOC: OK…
  • DW: Let me start over. I have this sword.
  • SP: Oh sure, blame the sword. Not the sword's fault yer a foppish twit who's in over ye head.
  • DW: *Keep it up, old man, and I'll find a way to bring you back to life just to cut your head off.*
  • DOC: Alright, I'm getting the idea that I'm definitely not the only person you're talking to here. Are you talking to the sword?
  • DW: No, but the sword is the reason I'm talking to someone else.
  • DOC: Keep going.
  • SP: Aye, I cannae wait to hear how ye explain this.
  • DW: This sword is powerful.
  • SP: *sarcastic clap* bravo, hero. Are ye gonna tell 'em it cuts things, too?
  • DOC: For you to put so much stock in it, I'm sure it is. How does that connect to talking to someone else?
  • DW: If it weren't for my kin, I wouldn't have it.
  • DOC: Ah, a treasured heirloom...but more to it still, I'm guessing. Any soldier
  • SP AND DW: KNIGHT
  • DOC: Sorry...any knight holds their weapon dear to them. You don't just keep it close, though. You're staring at it.
  • SP: It's better than lookin' at his face. Ye know he'd see through ye, right?
  • DW: He's bonded with the sword...my ancestor...I know this sounds crazy
  • DOC: I'd never say that
  • SP: Cuz he's blind to ye, lad.
  • DOC: Is there anything that keeps you distracted, so your stress doesn't overwhelm you?
  • DW: I don't part with my duties. I have sworn to protect what's right.
  • SP: Atta' boy!
  • DOC: Sometimes being away from something you cherish can give a person a fresh perspective.
  • DW: I'm uniquely qualified to handle this weapon. That's not the problem. It's what happens when I let others get in my way
  • SP: So ye see now? He doesn't know how special you are...WE are. This is a gift, lad.
  • DOC: Nobody is put on the Earth to solely be your obstacle. Only circumstances and personal choices ever do that. I actually want to take this psychological journey WITH you, not against you.
  • DW: I've fought alongside many. I'm not paranoid. Just stressed.
  • DOC (subdued) AND SP (emphatic) : I can see that
  • DW: If my mind's not right, I'll lose control. Believe me, nobody wants that.
  • SP: So take control
  • DOC: So let go a bit
  • DW: *clearly confused* what?
  • SP: This ward of potions wants to weaken ye, too soft.
  • DOC: You're going to have to...I don't know...ration out or delegate your responsibilities. That's a tough thing to do in the short term, but you'll be able to redouble your efforts if you give yourself time to rest. Plus, the fact that you're STILL staring at that sword concerns me.
  • DW: (somber) Tell me, doctor...do you think a man can do good things with dark intentions?
  • SP: What are ye on about?
  • DOC: I don't pretend to know the answer to hypotheticals
  • DW: It's NOT hypothetical. *frustrated groan* This sword...feeds off of some things that I'd rather not talk about, not even to a psychiatrist. When it works...oh MAN does it work. I can slay any enemy. I can save people. But when things go bad...like I said, let's not talk about it.
  • DOC: Well, that's kind of my thing, sooooo
  • SP: Keep going and someone who would not be considered worthy of the court will know more than some of the sorcerers in my day
  • DW: I...can't. The point is, I don't want to go nuts. I don't need to be labeled insane. I have a lot of wrongs to right. Not just for me...for anybody who ever held this sword. My family. Does that part make sense?
  • DOC: Definitely.
  • SP: Ye see? You only need yerself, and that sword. I can still guide ye.
  • DOC: From everything you've told me, I want to make an alliance. It's my own oath to help that compels me to make sure you remain fit to wield that thing. A combination of talk therapy along with medication management
  • SP: *interrupting* No apothecaries
  • DW: I...have a bit of trouble with that last part.
  • DOC: You, or someone else?
  • SP: HE CANNAE KNOW THAT!
  • DW: I'd rather not say
  • DOC: I'll let you in on something...your delays in responses are a giveaway that you have what we call internal stimuli. I'm not trying to judge that. But if you have to hesitate like that when there are life and death decisions to be made, and even if they're distracting you with positive ideas, you're going to falter. I see it all the time. And if you don't take charge of this right now, then one of your fellow heroes or friends or family will try to protect you by whatever means necessary. It doesn't have to get to that point.
  • SP: Aye, he means well, but he doesn't know our kind.
  • DW: *pause* You don't make this easy
  • DOC: Nothing over a sword ever is, right?
• Ending (53:45)
  • Recommended reading: 2015 Black Knight solo series
  • Next episodes: Donna Troy, Homelander, Polaris
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Crystal episode - Anthony (4:09)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Spotify: here

Twitter

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• Intro
  • Thanks to all our Patrons: Humble Citizens Dan and Kate; Local Officials Frank, Rey, and Jonathan; Mayors Angela, Chad, Devon, Maggie, Matt, Nyan, Ryan, and Tasha; Presidents Ariel, Jeanine, Matt, and Ruby
  • Thanks to Khelan from Homo Superior - explain the show
• Background (3:30)
  • Wiccan created by Allen Heinberg and Jim Cheung in Young Avengers #1 (April 2005)
  • Billy Kaplan is a magic user recruited by Iron Lad (a time-traveling variant of Kang the Conqueror) to join a team of heroes to replace the disbanded Avengers
  • Initially calling himself Asgardian, he changes his name to Wiccan
  • Begins dating his teammate Teddy Altman, the shapeshifter called Hulkling
  • Meets Tommy Shepherd, who looks identically to him but has different hair and superspeed powers
  • Billy & the Young Avengers join Captain America's anti-registration team in Civil War - an attack on Billy is what kicks off a massive fight that leaves several heroes dead or incapacitated
  • Billy & Tommy come to learn of a possible connection to the Scarlet Witch, who previously had twin boys named Billy & Tommy that vanished when it was revealed that she created them out of chaos magic, but they later vanished after Mephisto wiped them from existence - their souls were "repurposed" into Billy Kaplan & Tommy Shepherd #BecauseComics
  • Children's Crusade: Billy & the Young Avengers seek out Wanda, who had been missing since House of M, to determine parentage - after finding an amnesiac Wanda in Latveria and engaged to Dr. Doom, she has her memory & powers restored, and reveals that she is in fact their mom - a battle with Dr. Doom leaves Cassie dead, but Teddy proposes to Billy
  • Empyre: Thanks to his Skrull-Kree heritage, Teddy becomes Emperor of a new alliance, and they declare war on the Cotati, a plant-like race bent on revenge against former Skrull enslavers - before he leaves, Teddy and Billy get married in Vegas, and then officially once the war is over, combining Skrull, Kree, and Jewish customs
  • Currently serving as prince consort to Teddy

• Issues (7:32)
  • Uncertainty over parentage causes stress
  • Questions over extent of powers (17:40)
  • Husband's responsibilities pull him off-world (30:14)
  • Not an issue: his family and support system (37:38)
• Break (47:43)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Play Comics, and Al Ewing
• Treatment (49:23)
  • In-universe - Have Billy say "no more magic" to put aside that aspect of his life for a while
  • Out of universe - Focus on what the patient wants to talk about, and whether they have a good fit with the therapist (51:36)
• Skit (feat. Khelan) (59:20)
  • DOC: Hello Billy, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • BILLY: Hey Doc.
  • D: How are you?
  • B: I mean, things have been worse.
  • D: That's not exactly a rousing endorsement.
  • B: Sorry, I just mean there were a lot of questions that were driving me crazy, and I don't have nearly as many as I did before. That's a good thing.
  • D: I'm glad to hear that. So what lingers?
  • B: Still a ton of stuff. *pause* This is a bit hard, you know? I get it's your job, but sometimes I think even professionals will misinterpret what I'm saying, so I'm careful with what I let out.
  • D: Totally understandable. Just remember that this is confidential, so even if things don't go as expected, they stay between us as long as no one is put in danger.
  • B: Good to know.
  • D: So, name something you want to discuss.
  • B: Iwanttobecalmiwanttobecalmiwanttobecalm…
  • D: Excuse me?
  • B: Sorry, just wanted to be sure I was in the right headspace before I started. Is it wrong to want your husband to be around more?
  • D: That...sounds like a loaded question. I take it you mean "more than he is now" and that there is some sort of barrier to that?
  • B: Exactly.
  • D: Does he disagree with you?
  • B: NOT exactly. It's more to do with...outside activities.
  • D: Are they activities that you approve of?
  • B: I don't have a choice.
  • D: There's always a choice; it's just a matter of consequences.
  • B: Well, the consequences here involve the wellbeing of a whole empire, so do with that what you will.
  • D: *pause* Heavy stuff.
  • B: And listen, I'm so proud of him taking on this responsibility, and he does it so well and capably. And it doesn't hurt that he looks AMAZING with a crown on his head. I just… I want some more US time, y'know?
  • D: For once when talking to a superhero, I DO know, quite well. How far would you say the scale has shifted?
  • B: Oh, he hasn't packed on weight or anything. He still can bench press
  • D: *interrupting* I'm glad that you're clearly still into him physically...what I meant was, on the work-life balance spectrum of his time with the crown versus his time with you, where is he on that scale?
  • B: Hmmmm...maybe 75-25? No that's too harsh. How about 60-40.
  • D: Your first answer was your gut, and that's ok. Intuition that's unrecognized can lead to dangerous emotional impulse. Your second answer sounds like what you would settle for. But tell me...really. What do you want it to be?
  • B: The selfish side of me would say 5-95, and that's being generous. I just… we're newly married, our honeymoon was interrupted by symbiote dragons attacking the resort, and it seems like he can't make a decision without having to worry about some intergalactic treaty or alliance hanging on his every move. I love him, and I'll be his ride or die until neither of us draw breath, but I confess I did NOT see this as part of the whole "till death do us part" thing when I fell in love with him. So the simple answer is I don't honestly know what a good balance would be, but I know this ain't it.
  • D: That may be one of the most mature answers I've heard in a long time. I'm not going to promise that those outside factors are going to change, but I can vow that it is my ethical duty to help your attempts at discovering a better balance each time we discuss it in each session. My only caution to you is to not expect things to just magically change.
  • B: Except you realize who you're talking to, right?
  • D: Yes, but even still-
  • B: Iwantabetterbalanceiwantabetterbalanceiwantabetterbalance
  • D: As I was saying, I know you want things to get towards total devotion, but the increase in civil unrest may be taking an emotional toll on your partner. Have you talked about that with him?
  • B: Pardon me, but, I don't think it's THAT bad.
  • D: Well, 25-75 isn't your perfect goal, and yet, the attempts on the lives of your fellow heroes must have led to so much anxiety.
  • B: No, no, that's not -
  • D: But you did say he was willing to surrender if it came time to save you. I'm glad that he has made it known how much he loves you.
  • B: Iwantabetterkingdomiwantabetterkingdomiwantabetterkingdom
  • D: You're clearly using your abilities to influence what you can. I've been talking a lot here. Rather than creating more stress for yourself, let me know, what's your take on your husband's pushback?
  • B: *semi-robotic* I want the kingdom to be better. *normal* I thought I made that clear with the spells and the talking and I really thought you would have picked up on this by now oh my gosh have I completely made things worse oh no oh no oh no not again…
  • D: Well, I usually don't jump to this in a session, but your anxiety appears to be through the roof! Have you considered other forms of relaxation, or a discussion on possible medication management?
  • B: Sorry, sorry, I just had a bit of a freakout there...we were talking about acceptable balance. I'm willing to work at it the slow...the NON MAGIC way.
  • D: No problem. 76-24 is not the worst I've ever heard in terms of a ratio
  • B: WHAT?
  • D: Just a bit of humor on my end. Usually the reality is somewhere between your gut and your partner's thoughts. I'm in no position right now to tell what the number is. Only you know that.
  • B: Oh, so the things you said before, with what I cast, and the responses after that, it wasn't so bad I didn't screw everything up there's still a chance oh my god this is amazing!
  • D: You're...welcome? I must say, for someone who knows a lot about things I couldn't begin to understand, you sell yourself short with how much you have in your control.
  • B: Maybe not as much as you think, doctor.
  • D: Ok then, perhaps we'll discuss how much control you have over the situation in our next session. In the meantime, enjoy that makeup honeymoon that your constituents planned for you out of respect for your personal lives.
  • B: Whoa...whoa...then it really made a difference? I did better? I...nevermind. You're right. Let's leave it at that. Iwanttogototeddyiwanttogototeddyiwanttogototeddy...
• Ending (66:24)
  • Recommended reading: Young Avengers Vol 1
  • Review read: Tamir "Mad at myself for sleeping on such a unique and engaging podcast, but after binging and catching up in just under 3 months I have two things to say: 1) This podcast is amazing. Just because the characters are fictional doesn't mean the issues they have are and it always surprises me when I get emotionally invested in an episode and have to remind myself that I'm in public. 2) I'm now sad that I have to wait weekly for new episodes when I was knocking out a couple a day while working. Listener for life."
  • Next episodes: Donna Troy, Homelander, Polaris
  • Plugs for social

References:

• WandaVision episode - Anthony (3:36)
• Trevor Project - Khelan (55:55)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Spotify: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

• Intro
  • Thanks to new Mayor level Patron Matt (0:40)
• Background (2:16)
  • Squirrel Girl created by Will Murray and Steve Ditko in Marvel Super Heroes Vol. 2 #8 (Winter 1991)
  • Doreen Green discovered at 10 years old she could communicate with squirrels, and also grew a prehensile tail
  • At 14, attacks Iron Man in an attempt to impress him, and helps him defeat Doctor Doom (later revealed to be a Doombot, then an imposter, then the real thing #BecauseComics)
  • Later joins the Great Lakes Avengers, where her squirrel sidekick Monkey Joe dies - he is replaced by Tippy-Toe
  • Registers as a hero during Civil War, and it's revealed she has a crush on Speedball/Penance, but she finds his new dark persona off-putting
  • Serves as nanny to Danielle Cage, daughter of Luke Cage & Jessica Jones
  • Enrolls in Empire State University as a college student majoring in computer science, where she and her roommate Nancy, along with their friends Chipmunk Hunk & Koi Boi work on balancing schoolwork, saving the world, and managing social lives

• Issues (7:12)
  • Jeanine: She's incredibly powerful yet no one addresses it
  • Positivity/giving people benefit of the doubt works against her often (18:20)
  • Point of communication with community that's under represented/doesn't have a voice (30:46)
• Break (37:53)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Geek Peak Podcast, and Cullen Bunn
• Treatment (39:35)
  • In-universe - Bring the squirrels into therapy
  • Out of universe - (42:44)
• Skit (feat. Lisa from Comic Book Couples Counseling as Squirrel Girl) (50:38)
  • DOC: Hello Squirrel Girl, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • SQUIRREL GIRL: Oh I know who you are. I have your trading card!
  • D: What?
  • SG: Oh, Deadpool came up with trading cards for all kinds of heroes, villains, and other associated characters.
  • D: But I'm not a-
  • SG: Now that I'm seeing you in person, though, I think the artist didn't capture your features well at all.
  • D: I'm so confused…
  • SG: Sorry, I know I'm throwing a lot at you. Let's start over. Hi, I'm Doree-uh, Squirrel Girl.
  • D: I know your name, but we can go with Squirrel Girl if you'd like.
  • SG: How'd you discover that? My totally secret identity is totally a secret. Unless… CAN YOU TALK TO SQUIRRELS TOO?
  • D: No, can't say that I can. (Although I honestly haven't tried…) Anyway, I'm not supposed to be the focus of an encounter. How can I help you?
  • SG: Can I get an autograph?
  • D: *pause* You are really taking this trading card thing to heart, huh?
  • SG: Is that a yes?
  • D: Short answer, no. Longer answer, only if you actually discuss something that is worth being in a psychiatrist's office for besides giving off fangirl vibes.
  • SG: Well, aren't you a party pooper! Ok then, help me deal with squirrels.
  • D: I...uh...well, I would need to know a little about their...personalities? Is there some sort of baseline compatible with humans and the type of sentience I'd be used to?
  • SG: They're way more capable of bridging the gap between humanity and squirreldom than you think! They can be as moody and petty and impulsive as anyone you've ever treated. I'm sure of that.
  • D: I usually see you pictured with one squirrel, though. Obviously you have favorites. Pets are certainly a part of the family.
  • SG: Do you consider your child to be a pet, then?
  • D: Well...no. I can see how my wording can make things sound awkward. I'm sure to make plenty of mistakes.
  • SG: So that part of the card is true!
  • D: *flustered* Does that card say anything GOOD about me?
  • SG: I thought you weren't going to talk about yourself.
  • D: Only because you brought it up again! So...back to it. You're close to squirrels. How does that compare to humans around you?
  • SG: Not bad. Actually, I think I can relate to just about anything that wants to talk.
  • D: That's wonderful! Do you have an example?
  • SG: I was nice to Galactus so he didn't eat the Earth.
  • D: You...you saved all of us from something that could eradicate us with hunger, all by being nice to him? You shooed away an omnipotent being? You defeated multiple villains with an army of creatures the average person ignores or actively tries to avoid. Life...doesn't usually work out that way.
  • SG: It does for me. Are you calling me a liar?
  • D: No! In fact, you may be the most honest patient I've had in a while. But that's not something I can help you improve. What's something that you consider to be a weakness?
  • SG: Sometimes, I think I'm too nice.
  • D: I've definitely heard that before. You don't want to give too much of yourself to others, and leave little time for yourself. What would you say is the ideal balance for you?
  • SG: Maybe stereotypical, but how about 50/50.
  • D: 50/50...of what? There's more than 2 sides to a person's life.
  • SG: Not necessarily. Half for me, half for everyone else.
  • D: *truly stunned* I mean, spiritual, physical, family and friends, vocational...you're telling me that it all comes down to 50/50?
  • SG: Yup. Works for me. Works for my teammates. It probably doesn't work for enemies, but that's why I win!
  • D: I don't want to lose track of you saying you're TOO nice. And yet, you're giving me an amazing, elegant schema for which you view life. What's off kilter?
  • SG: I babysit too much.
  • D: So...don't do it as much?
  • SG: *genuine surprise* Really? That makes so much sense! Then I would have more time to do other things! Wow. I needed to hear that. Thank you so much!
  • D: *clearly thinks this is sarcasm* You don't have to bait me into thinking-
  • SG: *interrupting* Sometimes it just takes a professional like you to remind a regular old superbeing like me about the little things. That intelligence rating on your card is spot on!
  • D: Wait...what? I'm considered intelligent? At what rank?
  • SG: Ooooh, nice try, but I learned my lesson. You don't want to talk about yourself or that silly card.
  • D: But I thought you wanted me to sign it.
  • SG: Hmm… I suppose it would add to the value. Although we don't have any way to verify the signature, and CGC is backed up like CRAZY these days… fine, here you go.
  • D: *signing sound* And now that I have it, lemme take a look… A THREE?!?! THAT'S IT?!?!
  • SG: It's out of 7, so it's not as bad as it sounds.
  • D: YOU'RE NOT HELPING.
  • SG:I'm only a three too. So is Captain America.
  • D: I'm...with...him...but he's the very essence of what a hero is supposed to be. I gushed to him...oops!
  • SG: I KNEW IT! You're just like all of us, and yet, you still help everyone you see. We're not so different.
  • D: Except you have squirrel powers.
  • SG: Are you going to keep saying that?
  • D: As long as you keep saying I'm just like you.
  • SG: Then how can you bridge the gap between people who can't see the common stuff?
  • D: *pause* You just summarized my whole life's goal to make sure I stayed on track. I'm dumbfounded. How about this: I try to understand more about critter characterization, and you...just keep being you, except stick to a basic question I can answer like before.
  • SG: It's a deal! I'll bring Tippy-Toe along next time, and I'll translate for you.
  • D: OK. So should I bring nuts for him-
  • SG: Her. And we'll bring our own. She's very particular. No offense.
  • D: Understood.
• Ending (57:33)
  • Thanks to Lisa - check out Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast
  • Recommended reading: Unbeatable Squirrel Girl
  • Next episodes: Wiccan, Donna Troy, Homelander
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Batman "You wanna get nuts?" - Anthony (0:35)
• Luke Cage/Jessica Jones episodes - Anthony (4:51)
• Chris Jericho/Rock promo - Doc/Anthony (11:30)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Spotify: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

• Intro
• Background (2:22)
  • Let's talk supervillain parents. How do you go about modelling good behavior for your kids when your own behavior tends to lean towards world domination? Do you try and create a Little Lord of Destruction to follow in your footsteps and eventually take your place? Or did the parenthood switch actually flip and you're horrified at the thought of your kids taking after you, leading to you doing everything possible to try and break the cycle? And if it's the latter, how do you do it? Do you go the Tony Soprano route and just keep them far away from your activities and just give them the best life possible so that they'll never want for anything and never have to turn to crime? Oops, now they're spoiled brats who lack empathy and act hurtfully towards others without a second thought. Do you abandon the kid and stay far, far away from them so your corruptive influence will never touch them? Oops, growing up with an absent parent is actually a major contributor to a lot of social problems. Do you shield them and try to live a double life as a mundane workaday respectable person? OK...that's a major time bomb waiting to go off when they discover the truth. Or do you decide the kid's worth going straight for? Ahh...there's the rub.
  • 1. The ones who want their kids to follow in their footsteps, actively groom them to do so, succeed at it, and feel no remorse about it. The one that springs to mind immediately is Senator Roark from Sin City. Evil, ruthless, cunning, and sadistic to the core, his boy Junior (That Yellow Bastard) is every bit of his father and then some. I'm sure there are others, but he's at the top of my list. (4:16)
  • 2. The ones who want their kids to follow in their footsteps, but fail at it miserably for one reason or another, and the kids become heroes. How the parents feel about it varies; there are lots of examples, but my favorite is definitely Darkseid with Orion. Mortal enemies, destined to fight to the death and both very willing to do so, but buried in the subtext all those decades (and finally stated in Countdown to Final Crisis when Orion "kills" him) is that Darkseid is secretly very proud of what a fierce, bold, renowned warrior Orion has become, even if it's all being pitted against him. (8:30)
  • 3. The "do as I say, not as I do" parents. These are ones who desperately want their kids to be good, but they're not willing to model good behavior themselves and give up their lives of crime. Most of the members of The Pride qualify -- I think Xavin's wanted him/her to eventually grow up and be a Skrull overlord, but for the most part, they just want their kids to have normal happy lives and go to great lengths to keep their supervillainy from them. (15:06)
  • 4. The "give my kids everything they could want so that they won't need to be criminals" parents. Best example I can think of is definitely Tombstone. When he's not away in prison, he gives his daughter Janice everything. Spoils her rotten. Eventually gives her a first-class education at Columbia Law. She worships him and wants to be like him, but he's horrified that she would stoop to follow in his footsteps; he got her that law degree so she'd never have to. And besides, as he says, a lawyer's work is basically crime that you can't get arrested for. (And really, he's not wrong.) Of course, she becomes The Beetle. (22:26)
  • 5. The ones that are horrified at the effects their villainy has on their kids, and desperately want to change and go straight. Easy example is The Lizard. Curt Connors became The Lizard almost entirely by accident, and devotes nearly every lucid moment alternating between trying to cure himself and mitigating the damage to his family that his episodes cause. And he either must be really really good at it or Martha and Billy Connors are saints for how much they put up with from him. Until Martha dies and Curt has to change Billy into a Lizard to cure him of the Carrion virus. #BecauseComics. (30:20)
  • 6. The ones that unconditionally love their children whether they're allied with them, fighting against them, or don't want to have anything to do with them one way or the other. They'd do anything for them and fly to their side in their times of need no matter what. Hello, Magneto. That one's obvious. A slightly different dynamic would be Galactus with Silver Surfer. The arcs written in the last 20 years by JMS and Greg Pak have really showcased an entirely different dynamic between the two. Surfer will always be Galactus' creation and still finds himself at odds with him from time to time, but the two will help each other out if the other needs it at the drop of a hat. Surfer understands Galactus a lot better, and to the extent that Galactus as a cosmic entity is capable of such things, I think Surfer is clearly his favorite herald, and he has an infinite capacity for forgiveness no matter how many times he rebels. I liken them to a father and son where the son has grown into a mature adult himself. Even if they don't have a lot in common, they're always family, and they'll always have an unspoken bond. (38:48)

• Break (46:18)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Ignorance Was Bliss, and Gail Simone
• Treatment (47:54)
  • This isn't even one of those themes where I have to stretch it to find a real-world analogue. Lots of us were raised by parents who didn't model great behavior for us. Heck, in our generation, half of us grew up with broken homes, and a lot of those situations led to one parent being absent and barely raising us if at all. There have been libraries worth of sociological and macroeconomic studies that have detailed the effects. If you're a prospective new parent who's fortunate enough to be aware that you're a very flawed person who needs to avoid passing on your negative tendencies to your kids, how do you go about doing it?
• Ending
  • Recommended reading: Comics. Just read comics.
  • Next episodes: Squirrel Girl, Wiccan, Donna Troy
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Shang-Chi episode - Anthony (1:22)
• Damian Wayne episode - Anthony (12:53)
• Ant-Man "Be the hero she already thinks you are" - Anthony (28:24)

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Creator Interview - Pocus Hocus

• Intro - Allen Dunford & Will Radford
• Questions
  • Your backgrounds (2:41)
  • First story (5:34)
  • Where did the story come from (6:51)
  • What drove Pocus to sell his soul? (13:52)
  • How much did you "write what you know" (18:18)
  • Demon's backstory & motivation (22:30)
  • How did you find the artists (26:15)
  • How far in advance do you have the story mapped out (31:24)
  • Will each future issue be its own, or will there be bundles? (37:40)
  • Timeframe for issue 3 (39:10)
  • Where can people find you on social media (40:55)
• Pocus Hocus Kickstarter

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• Intro
  • Ask for reviews
• Background (1:52)
  • Starfire (Princess Koriand'r) created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez in DC Comics Presents #26 (Oct 1980)
  • Second in succession to the throne of Tamaran, she and her sister were kidnapped, and her father sold her off to ensure peace
  • After enduring several years of slavery and sexual torture, she was experimented on by being subjected to ever-increasing energy levels, which gave her the ability to release energy blasts from her hands, as well as fly - her sister (who had also undergone the experimentation, and was more powerful) attacked her, however, and had her sentenced to execution
  • She escaped and made her way to Earth, where she took the name Starfire (the Earth translation of Koriand'r) and joined the Teen Titans
  • Twice married to Tamaranian men, once for politics and once for love - both died
  • Almost married Dick, until a possessed Raven interrupted the ceremony #BecauseComics
  • Went missing after Infinite Crisis, although she was one of the heroes who helped defeat Alexander Luthor
  • Alongside Adam Strange & Animal Man, gets stranded on an unknown planet - the three of them fight alongside each other several times
  • During Blackest Night, a psychic attack reveals her greatest desire is to marry Dick Grayson
  • New 52 - Backstory is essentially the same, but now she's one of the Outlaws alongside Jason Todd & Roy Harper - close friends with Dick Grayson, who avoids romantic feelings for her
  • Rebirth - Rejoins the Titans, and becomes leader after Damian Wayne is removed from the role
  • Killed by her sister Komand'r (Blackfire), who believes she will eventually come back to life

• Issues (4:41)
  • Tortured and enslaved in her childhood
  • Horrible relationship with her sister (13:09)
  • On/off relationship with Dick (21:40)
• Break (27:48)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Talk Me Into, and Jeremy Whitley
• Treatment (29:32)
  • In-universe - Use her energy projection powers to help show her emotional state at any given time
  • Out of universe - (32:33)
• Skit
  • Hello Starfire, I'm Dr. Issues. -Greetings, doctor. Just to be clear, "Starfire" is a media creation. Please, call me Koriand'r.
  • My apologies, Koriand'r. So, what can I do for you? -Others have told me that I am a bit of an...energetic spirit. I get too rough. I would disagree, but it has been said so many times that I wonder if there is some truth to it.
  • In what context? -All of them.
  • *sigh* Um, can you give an example? -Suppose there is a powerful enemy at your door right now, and I am with a team. At least one of them stands slack-jawed, another one tries to start a conversation or say something to defuse the situation. By the time they realized what has happened, I have already thrown the first punch. It is a bit of a blur after that, and we have won, but at least one other person is yelling at me for being too hasty.
  • I've heard that so many times. "Ready, Fire, Aim." -More like "Aim and Fire before they are ready." I am not careless, just efficient.
  • And you want the others to match your efficiency? -I know they cannot. I do not want them to resent me for doing what works. This may sound perverse, but it is actually fun to fight and win!
  • I do my homework, Koriand'r. I don't think it's your fighting that really upsets anyone, at least not as much as you think. -Then what is it?
  • I'm not certain, but maybe your...uh...style? -*sound effect, charging up?* I LOVE MY STYLE!
  • *clearly shaken* And you SHOULD! I'm not criticizing it! I'm saying...on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most flamboyant, you're an 11. -Thank you so much! It is a compliment to be seen as a bright shining beacon on Tamaran.
  • *ahem* You're...welcome? Hoo boy...look, you do you, alright? I'm trying to tow the line between discretion and blatancy. -I am not some… what is the word, a head of air! Just because I only know what one of those words meant does not mean you can try and make me feel stupid.
  • *deep breath* Let's try again. I want to be kind, but I also want to be honest. I'm thankful that you are proud of who you are. Nobody can take that from you. But understand that being so intense in every sphere of your life is going to burn others out if you're not careful once in a while. However, I may be wrong if you've cultivated the best circle of friends and family already. That would make my point moot. -*pause, less intense than before* It is partly correct.
  • Which part? -Definitely family. My sister. I love her.
  • That's a good thing. -No...I should not. Not after what she did to me. Several times. But I have forgiven her. Too many people have told me that was a dumb thing to do...that she will betray me again.
  • There's no point in regaining pain. There are enough burdens in our lives that we shouldn't add extra. Love is an amazing thing. -But at what cost? I have traded many different types of love...some not truly of my choice. Raven says I should be bitter after what I have endured...but I am not. Sometimes I do not understand why I feel this way, but, what it is it is. I think that is the Earthen expression.
  • You are clear with that. Your smile literally lights up a room! I'm glad that you have someone like that to confide in -She was one of the "traded loves" I talked about. At first I would consider her an enemy. But I do not have the type of bond that I truly long for.
  • That would be… - *awestruck* Dick.
  • *flustered* erm...I'm not that kind of therap - *oblivious, still awestruck* Grayson.
  • OH THANK GOD. I mean, thank goodness we can talk about someone so important to you. -He is better than before, you know. He has said some things about you. That is why I came here. Can you find a way for us to be together? It is so very complicated! Some of the times, I wish to have better understanding of Earthen relationships. Other times, I feel it is better to be in the darkness.
  • Sorry, my role is not to be a matchmaker, or directly "fix" relationships. Only you two can do that. What I CAN do, is work with you to process your emotions and behaviors so that whatever happens, your experiences get better over time. -Wonderful! This calls for a Tamaranian hug!
  • *panic* NO! *calms down* No, I'm not a hugger as a professional. -But that is the best way to share joy with everyone!
  • See, that's what I'm talking about. It's best for YOU...not everyone. Sure, there are plenty of people who agree with you, but I'll admit, I'm a bit weird. Respecting my wishes would bring me joy. Save that joy for Raven...or Dick...or whomever is used to it. -Raven has said the same thing. But in the end, hugs will win the day! Come on, Doctor of the Issues, you will see for yourself.
  • *sound of bones crunching* Ugh…*whispering agony* my spine…I see what you mean by "too rough" -Oops. Your training seems to be weak. I will be more careful next time.
  • Oof...next time?
• Ending (43:47)
  • Recommended reading: OG Teen Titans by Wolfman & Perez
  • Next episodes: Children of super villains, Squirrel Girl, Wiccan
  • Plugs for social

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• Intro
• Background (1:25)
  • Emma Frost created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne in X-Men #129 (Jan. 1980)
  • Emma Frost born to a wealthy family in Boston, who had lived in the area since the 1600s
  • Discovered she had telepathic abilities while in high school, but refused to join the Xavier Institute, and when her manipulative father chose her as his heir, she opted to leave and make her own way
  • After attempting to seduce her professor, her family had her sent to the Essex Clinic, where she was drugged and manipulated into attacking the X-Men by Magneto
  • Became a stripper for the Hellfire Club, where she made Sebastian Shaw infatuated with her, ending up becoming the White Queen
  • Also started a multinational business, Frost International, and started her own school, the Massachusetts Academy, where she recruited young mutants for her own cause
  • Was attacked by a time traveler and was in a coma for a year - during that time, most of her students were killed - she was brought out of the coma by an energy surge that caused her consciousness to take over the body of Bobby Drake, aka Iceman #BecauseComics - when she learned what happened to her students, she had a breakdown and realized they were better off with Xavier, who was able to reestablish the connection between her body and mind
  • Wracked with guilt, she established her school as Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and she & Banshee started a new team, Generation X
  • After surviving an attack on Genosha, she discovered she had a secondary mutation: the ability to turn her skin to unbreakable diamond - she joins the Xavier Institute, and takes the Stepford Cuckoos under her wing
  • Began a "psychic affair" with Scott Summers, who was growing apart from Jean - although Jean tore through her mind and forced her to relive all her guilty episodes from the past, she revealed to Wolverine that she truly loved Scott
  • Beast discovered her shattered body, and the investigation revealed that Esme of the Cuckoos convinced another student to shoot her with a diamond bullet - meanwhile, Phoenix-powered Jean reassembled Emma
  • After Jean's death, Emma & Scott begin a real relationship, and are co-headmasters of the Xavier Institute
  • Discovered that the Stepford Cuckoos were actually her children, bred from eggs harvested by a doctor years before while she was under the control of the Essex Clinic
  • Served as a member of the Cabal alongside Norman Osborn, Loki, Dr. Doom, Namor, and the Hood, only to betray Shaw
  • In Avengers vs. X-Men, Emma is one of the Phoenix Five - was one of the last two, with Scott, before he was able to wrest her portion away from her, only to be killed by Xavier
  • Inhumans vs. X-Men - after a Terrigen cloud killed Scott, Emma created a psychic projection of him destroying the cloud, after which Black Bolt "killed" the projection - a negotiated peace between the parties ended after Emma incited the X-Men to take action to save their species - Medusa destroyed the cloud, but Emma sent programmed Sentinels after the rest of the Inhumans to seek revenge for Scott's death
  • Currently one of the leaders of Krakoa - named by Xavier & Magneto as the head of trade relations

• Issues (7:20)
  • Ruby - Relationship with Scott
  • Love for mutants, willing to sacrifice all for them regardless of personal impact (19:23)
  • Role in Inhumans vs. X-Men, where she ultimately is revealed as the villain (27:17)
• Break (44:10)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Popcorn Psychology, and Chris Claremont
• Treatment (45:26)
  • In-universe - Focus on putting Emma in diamond form and having her work through things without her psychic abilities
  • Out of universe - Work on establishing a rapport with her and determining how to address the various issues and trauma she's dealt with (47:46)
• Skit (feat. Kris of Marvelous Madames) (57:08)
  • DOC: Hello Emma, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • EMMA: *mentally* And we're starting off with lies.
  • D: *mentally* Excuse me?
  • E: That's not your name and we both know it.
  • D: Surely, if you've read my mind, you're also aware of the multiple attempts on my life. Not to mention as a mutant you can appreciate the need for a pseudonym to maintain some level of privacy to protect loved ones. Ms. White Queen. Or is it Black Queen? Or Black King? Or Ice Princess?
  • E: Your point is taken. Still, just know that any effort to mislead or lie to me will be swiftly shut down. I do not suffer fools.
  • D: Nor would I expect you to. So, what did you change?
  • E: Come again?
  • D: I'm not gullible. Telepath or not, delving into someone's mind changes the person in some fundamental way. That's the point of therapy. You did that to me without regard for my thoughts on the matter...literally. So, I'm asking you, with all candor...what did you change?
  • E: I'm not an amateur at this, you know. What I told you is what I sought. *pause* Judging by your facial expression, you don't believe me.
  • D: It's fascinating. Sometimes, I mirror expressions, mime voices of those who are talking to me...it's not intentional. I've been in some awkward situations because the person thought I was mocking them. Not this time, though. And you know I'm right. Why are you so skeptical of sessions like this?
  • E: Because those with my abilities already accomplish what you do hundred-fold, without the baggage of "small talk" getting in the way.
  • D: Like a sentience surgeon. I'm glad you're on that path of logic, because society has determined consent to be a MAJOR hallmark of ethics in every interpersonal undertaking.
  • E: Is that what you think I do? Mental assault?
  • D: I'm trying to understand. No offense, but, it's clear that you know how to work a room, regardless of mutant abilities. I'm trying to figure out if it's your main coping strategy, or a backup plan.
  • E: It's been both.
  • D: Can you give an example of each?
  • E: Sure. *mentally* I'll give you a glimpse of one of my best days…*unintelligble speech/sounds* and one of my worst *more unintelligible speech/sounds* So you tell me, doctor. Would you have done anything differently?
  • D: *overwhelmed* WHOA. To be honest, I have no idea. I've been empathetic before, but that was...truly mimetic….no telemimetic...it's like you downloaded parts of your memory into my brain and I choose how to live it...this is so bizarre. *clearly in some sort of discomfort* ugh...they both involve Scott. I shouldn't be surprised.
  • E: Is there a problem, doctor? I can assure you, I did nothing to injure your brain.
  • D: No, not like that…*snaps fingers* THAT'S WHAT YOU CHANGED!
  • E: Oh dear. That was too quick. I expected some sort of opportunity to talk about him at length, without all of the pretense.
  • D: That's my CO-HOST's view, not mine. I'll gladly discuss your feelings about him without referencing *clear pain* AAAAGH!
  • E: He's not a dick, got it?!
  • D: Got it. The point is, he impacts every aspect of your life, and your love for him affected some...questionable choices. What can I do to help you get to the next stage of your relationship as adults?
  • E: Why would there be a next stage? I know he's loved me. That's all I need.
  • D: And he's loved another. And you turned his ideals into the grandest effigy I could imagine...all out of spite.
  • E: SPITE?! No, having some mental foreplay when you least expect it may have some spite, but not when all of mutant-kind is at stake. It was us or them...and it surely wasn't going to be us. Not when we're the next evolution of the species. I'm not the damsel in distress. I'm the diamond in the rough! I can show you, too. *special effect to change form*
  • D: Fascinating...and now, the therapy can begin.
  • E: What does that mean?
  • D: Before now, you had the ultimate "wisdom of the crowds" through your abilities, just picking things up about each person on a whim. Now, when you're like this, you're shut off. I don't think that's a mistake. Maybe it's a defense mechanism for you, but I see it as a chance for growth. Tell me, what do you feel right now?
  • E: Nothing.
  • D: Can you tell by my face what I think?
  • E: *pause* You have the same face as when I told you I only looked at one thought in your mind...I should register that as the same, but...it's so difficult this way.
  • D: EXACTLY. Welcome to a new way to build your schema of the world. No mind games...just good old fashioned observation, trial and error. No judgement, no scorecard, just me and you, trying to figure out human interaction. I don't expect you to stay this way, but do you realize just how magnificent your personal experiences can be if you learn how to warm up your cold side?
  • E: There is a rationale to your style. I *pause* think...I like it? *transforms again* That is quite the challenge...definitely worthy of pursuit. Fine, your point stands.
  • D: Wait, now I do think Scott is-
  • E: Say it and lose yours.
  • D: Understood.
  • E: Thank you, my dear. Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to Krakoa. Heaven knows what Logan's gotten himself up to in the past hour. I shall return.
  • D: When shall I -
  • E: *mentally* Oh I'll make it clear. Good day, Doctor.
• Ending
  • Recommended reading: Generation X (so 90s), Death of X
  • Next episodes: Starfire, Children of super villains, Squirrel Girl
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Cyclops episode - Anthony (4:04)
• Stepford Cuckoos episode - Anthony (4:30)
• Mark Manson - Doc (29:30)
• Mr. Freeze episode - Doc (46:20)

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• Intro
  • New #BecauseComics moment per episode
• Background (2:58)
  • Crystalia Amaquelin created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #45 (Dec. 1965)
  • She is unique among Marvel characters in that she has been a member of the Fantastic Four, Avengers, and Inhumans, as well as tangentially related to the X-Men
  • Crystal is a member of the Inhuman Royal Family, sister to Queen Medusa, with the ability to control the elements
  • She first encountered the Fantastic Four on the run from the Seeker, who wanted to destroy the Royal Family - saved by Johnny Storm, the two quickly fell in love
  • When Sue Storm Richards was pregnant with Franklin and left the team, Crystal served as her replacement
  • Left the team after discovering that her stay on Earth was poisoning her, as her Inhuman body could not handle the Earth's atmosphere, and she returned to Attilan, breaking up with Johnny
  • In the process of Lockjaw teleporting her home, she encountered Quicksilver, who was injured battling Sentinels - she brought him home to the Great Refuge to help him recover, and over time they fell in love and announced their marriage
  • They had a baby girl, Luna, who exhibited no powers - Crystal forced Pietro to agree that Luna would grow up normally
  • Pietro's temper grates on Crystal, and she has an affair with Wanda & Vision's realtor, a human named Norman Webster - Norman ends the affair when he realizes Crystal is married, and Pietro initially refuses to attempt reconciliation
  • She attempted to renew her relationship with Johnny, but she found he was married to Alicia Masters (actually a Skrull in disguise #BecauseComics), and when an Inhuman crisis endangered the entire family, she and Pietro eventually reconciled
  • Joined the Avengers, and moved into the mansion with Luna and her nanny, Marilla
  • During her tenure, she became close with Dane Whitman, the Black Knight, who was himself the target of Sersi's affections, all while Crystal and Pietro were working on reestablishing their relationship - this love quadrangle created many difficult situations, until Dane & Sersi were sent to another dimension
  • After Heroes Reborn, Crystal and Pietro were reunited, but Dane also returned to the universe, and when Dane and Pietro later fought over Crystal, she left them both to return to Attilan to think
  • After House of M, Pietro stole Terrigen Mists and exposed Luna, granting her powers - this act led to Black Bolt annulling the marriage
  • She was then betrothed to Ronan (by Medusa) as part of an alliance between the Inhumans and the Kree - the marriage was quickly ended, however, as a deal was struck with Black Bolt and the Supreme Intelligence
  • Made an Inhuman ambassador by Queen Medusa, leads the Royal Inhuman Diplomatic Mission

• Issues (9:10)
  • Jeanine: Stepping away from royal family
  • In the shadow of her older sister (19:17)
  • Difficulty of being a super parent (25:12)
• Break (30:44)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Scotch N Sports, and Al Ewing
• Treatment (32:42)
  • In-universe - Bring in Captain Planet as a mentor
  • Out of universe - Focus on emotional impact of making those important decisions (35:14)
• Skit (41:52)
  • Doc: Hello Crystal, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • Crystal: Hi Doctor.
  • D: Thank you for meeting with me. I'm a little sad to see Luna's not here, though.
  • C: She's with my family. For better or worse I have no shortage of babysitters. It helps to know so many folks with superpowers.
  • D: Yes, you do have quite the list of friends and colleagues.
  • C: Which is one of the things I wanted to talk to you about.
  • D: OK, shoot.
  • C: I've been an Avenger, a member of the Fantastic Four, one of the Inhuman Royal Family, and affiliated with the X-Men. I hardly have any peers who have those kinds of connections. And my powerset means I can control all of the elements. Yet I always feel like I'm not taken seriously enough. I'm either Medusa's kid sister, or worse yet Pietro's ex.
  • D: So your primary issue is that of establishing an identity separate from those around you?
  • C: Yes, exactly!
  • D: I see. Well, my first thing I want to make clear is that being part of these groups isn't necessarily a bad thing, and-
  • C: Oh I'm well aware, and I apologize if it came across as such. I'm proud to be included in these rosters. The relationships I've built over the years mean the world to me, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. It's just… that's not *all* of who I am.
  • D: That's certainly frustrating, and I see why-
  • C: And that's what few people understand. Pietro understood that...understands that? I don't know...we've gone back and forth so many times. He's so impulsive. I want him to slow down sometimes, but that's not who he is, and then that makes me realize that I wasn't understanding him...oh, it burns me up inside! *flame sound effect*
  • D: Relationships that are frayed don't have to be completely incinerated...like you just did to that insurance form. Can we -
  • C: Oh no! I didn't mean to take it out on your possessions! That reminds me of when I talk to Johnny. It's weird. We work as great friends, but I sometimes go down a 'what-if' rabbit hole if I had built something special with him. But that's not fair to him either. My mind is a tornado right now *wind noises*
  • D: I see...how demonstrative. *clearly frustrated* I'll just restack those files a bit later. It sounds like you have tied so many parts of who you are to other people, that it even becomes tiresome for you to differentiate your motivations from those around you. How do you cope with that?
  • C: I make time for myself. At least, I used to. I'm not an absentee parent. Luna comes first. When I get a chance like this, I seem to be out of sorts. *water effects gently throughout her speech* I get flooded with thoughts of how she's doing, if I'm missing something, if I should have pushed for more co-parenting, If I'm pawning her off too much. Am I making any sense?
  • D: *barely hiding his frustration* I am awash with inspiration on how to help you...and so are my shoes. The anxiety of parenting never goes away, but rest assured that one of the best things you can show your child is letting them face some of their own challenges.
  • C: *angry* Challenges?! She was kidnapped before! Caring for Lockjaw is a challenge! No, I won't be a helicopter parent, but do you know what it's like to lose the most important thing to your soul? You question reality. *earthquake effects* The ground you walk on might as well swallow you whole. Everyone judges you left and right. You judge yourself...harshly. It's not fair. It's not fair to her, or to me. I can stand on my own without a royal say-so-
  • D: CRYSTAL! STOP!
  • C: Huh?
  • D: *Exhausted, but calm* Please...stop. I got the message. I've never had a patient connect so viscerally to everything that's going on in their psyche. This is a private session, but it may be the greatest public example of what makes you...you!
  • C: So it's just my powers?
  • D: NO! No. It's the emotional intelligence fluidity. You are able to adapt to those around you and feel just as comfortable on a new team as well as with old friends. New bonds are capable of being as strong, or stronger, than prior relationships. That's a trait that not everyone comes by easily. But there's an obvious peril with that. You're always navigating a shifting hierarchy of personal priorities. That can be exhausting.
  • C: *sarcastic* You don't say? I just… I don't want to BE my sister, but sometimes I envy the straightforward manner with which she deals with situations. She's the queen. Everyone knows that, so there's no wishy-washiness. With me, it all depends on who it is and what they need. I know you're saying that's a good thing, but uggghhhh is it draining.
  • D: I get that. And I'm grateful that wasn't accompanied by another power flux. What I would encourage you to do is to take a look at each relationship in your life, and determine how important it is to you. You don't have to rank each one individually, maybe just use a few tiers. Then, if you're in a situation where you have a choice to make, utilize the tiers to determine which one takes precedence. And let's not forget about your own needs as well.
  • C: Hmm. Interesting idea. Well, it can't be any worse than what I've been doing so far. Which is winging it.
  • D: Much of life is winging it, but with a bit more wisdom each time. The course corrections are less tricky with every turn.
  • C: I understand. Thanks for the advice, and sorry for the damage to the office. You can send the bill to Black Bolt. At least we know he won't yell about it *heehee*
• Ending (47:32)
  • Recommended reading: Avengers: Bloodties, War of Kings
  • Next episodes: Emma Frost, Starfire, Children of super villains
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Medusa episode - Anthony (4:02)
• South Park "Feelin' good on a Wednesday" - Anthony (9:06)
• Don Cheadle is Captain Planet - Anthony (34:04)

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• Intro
  • Thanks to new Mayor patron Blaize
• Background (2:42)
  • Shang-Chi created by Steve Engleheart & Jim Starlin in Special Marvel Edition #15 (Dec. 1973)
  • Shang-Chi introduced as the son of Fu Manchu, an evil sorcerer bent on world domination - his white mother was chosen based on her genetics - Shang was raised to be an assassin and serve his father, but on his first mission to kill one of his father's rivals, he has a change of conscience, and discovers his father is the true evil
  • Early stories largely based around defeating his father's henchmen and doing everything he can to stop him - also based heavily in racist Yellow Peril tropes
  • Often teamed up with other martial artists, like White Tiger, Iron Fist, and Daughters of the Dragon
  • After finally destroying his father's organization, he retired to become a fisherman, but was drawn out to assist former colleagues at MI-6
  • Joined the Marvel Knights, run by Daredevil, to take down the Punisher and his extrajudicial killings
  • Joined the second iteration of Heroes for Hire during Civil War, and began a relationship with Tarantula, although it was over quickly due to her violent tendencies
  • Joined the Secret Avengers to help track down his father, who had been resurrected again
  • Gained spider powers during the Spider-Island event, but when he mutated into a spider, Iron Fist used his chi powers to cure him
  • Joined other Asian heroes in the Protectors and the Agents of Atlas - together they fought Sindr, Ismenios, and other villains
  • Later became the Supreme Commander of the Five Weapons Society, his father's old organization, but vowed to use it for good - this put him in conflict with other members of the group, but several of them allied to his cause
  • Was temporarily the host of the Phoenix Force when it was seeking someone new, but when he refused to kill Captain America in battle, the Phoenix rejected him and left his body
  • Tracked down his half-sister, who had left the society, and convinced her to return

• Issues (9:41)
  • Dealing with having a mass murdering villain for a father
  • No childhood outside of training (15:45)
  • Raised thinking the Western world was horrible & out to get him (23:24)
• Break (33:18)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Freudian Sips, and Saladin Ahmed
• Treatment (35:12)
  • In-universe - Help him hone energy sensing abilities
  • Out of universe - Address cultural differences, and meet the patient where they are without being condescending (38:16)
• Skit (49:14)
  • DOC: Hello Shang-Chi, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • SHANG-CHI: Greetings, doctor.
  • D: I'd tell you to make yourself comfortable, but it seems you've already done that.
  • SC: Comfort is a luxury seldom offered, and even more rarely accepted. Forgive me if this ironically makes you uncomfortable.
  • D: No, it's fine. We don't have a "no shirt, no shoes, no service" sign out front for a reason. This is a place for calm and peace.
  • SC: I am sure you mean well, and truly believe that. But sadly, Doctor, wherever I go, chaos follows me like a tail attached to a cat, and I am certain this office will be no different.
  • D: That must be difficult to deal with.
  • SC: I long ago accepted my fate. My father's influence is far-reaching, and even without him, there are many who would seek to usurp the title of Master of Kung-Fu. Even as I agreed to meet with you, I pondered whether there was a chance this was a trap for a sneak attack.
  • D: I'm certainly glad you trusted me enough to come here, for what it's worth. What made you finally agree?
  • SC: I spoke to some trusted associates who have been clients of yours. Their experience and faith in you was enough to convince me.
  • D: So now that you're here, what do you want to discuss?
  • SC: At this point in my life, I am trying to transition my path to one of less fighting. However, as I said, so much of what I do involves martial arts that this seems impossible.
  • D: No forks in the road. That's one way to look at it. I'll pause on that because I see on your face that there is more to it.
  • SC: I know that you think I am being blind to other options, but it is not as you say. I have taken service jobs. I have been a teacher of the craft. I do not wish to abandon all that I know for the sake of comfort. And still...something haunts me. Other noble heroes invite me. If I am not asked first, then I am chosen as a consequence. I am thankful that I have survived so far, and I do not fear death. But there is this pestering essence that the world does not accept me as I am.
  • D: That's...heavy. It's rare that I'm taken aback by someone due to their eloquence. I have to admit, I got lost in it!
  • SC: Forgive me if I am rude, but your statement itself is an example of it.
  • D: I'm still lost.
  • SC: You said I speak well.
  • D: *pause* OH MY GOD I AM SO SORRY I DID THAT I'VE HAD IT DONE TO ME I AM AN IDIOT I WOULD NEVER MEAN TO DO THAT ON PURPOSE I
  • SC: *laughs* Your chi is genuine. But do you realize how common that is, how through no forethought, we are verbally sparring? I know that is how it will be for the rest of my life. At least, that's how I perceive it.
  • D: Perception is reality. I won't hide my mistakes, and I'm thankful for your latitude. But that tells me your experiences have been way more hostile than a random faux pas.
  • SC: You have quickly redeemed yourself. Yes, there are blatant examples that happen. How am I supposed to grant grace to those who don't do the same? Unfortunately, my father did me no favors. I carried a similar yoke of disdain across my shoulders for those I only knew through his eyes. I am grateful for my enlightenment so many years ago as a young man. But I feel those same shackles weighing down those around me when they see me, not knowing what to make of me, what to say, fearful or angry and not even understanding why.
  • D: It's not your - or anyone's - singular purpose to enlighten every individual. You'll make yourself feel worse that way. Focus on the successes, be they one or one million.
  • SC: You know, it's not just the common man. I was chosen by the Phoenix Force once. I fought Captain America. I had proven myself ...but because I showed grace, I was eliminated by Phoenix itself. Still...I would make that decision again.
  • D: A worthwhile and rigorous process is the true path, regardless of the outcome. Thank you for reminding me of what my own Attendings taught me. But using a great thought process, even when all emotions say to ignore it, that's true mastery.
  • SC: It is fair to say we understand one another so far.
  • D: Oh believe me, it's hard for me to keep my chill when someone calls me a
  • SC: *cuts him off* Wait.
  • D: What?
  • SC: Something is amiss.
  • D: I don't -
  • SC: Silence. *beat* Get down.
  • *glass shatters* ASSASSIN LEADER: SHANG-CHI! THE WHITE DRAGON CALLS FOR YOUR DEATH!
  • D: Who's the White Dragon?
  • SC: *fighting sounds throughout* Unclear. There have been several with that name. I watched the last one die. Beheaded by my brother. It seems someone new has taken up the mantle.
  • D: And I thought my family was difficult to deal with…
  • SC: *to fighters* You all fight well, but in service to a madman. There will be no shame in submitting now. I promise this. But continue to fight me, and you and your master will suffer great pain.
  • AL: You will join us, Shang-Chi, or die. Either way, the White Dragon Clan will be victorious!
  • SC: There is no victory in your falsehoods.
  • D: But there will be a huge insurance claim coming your way!
  • AL: The doctor is of no consequence! Subdue him or kill him, it is of little matter.
  • D: I'M OUT!
  • SC: *more fighting sounds, tapering off* there is no need, doctor.
  • D: You...just took down a hit squad, while conversing at the same level as your original discourse with me…*random movement sounds* AND YOU'RE FIXING THE ROOM?!!!
  • SC: I have brought pain and despair to your office. For this, I must apologize.
  • D: Ok, first off, if we are going to have sessions together, do not apologize for saving my life. Second, if it weren't insulting to a man of your stature *whispers* and I could afford it *normal* I would hire you as my bodyguard on sight.
  • SC: Or, I could teach you, in exchange for your psychiatric services. Bartering at it's finest.
  • D: "The Way of The Issues…" I'm sold!
• Ending (55:47)
  • Recommended reading: Secret Avengers & Marvel Knights
  • Next episodes: Crystal, Emma Frost, Starfire
  • Plugs for social

References:

• The Simpsons "Much Apu About Nothing" - Anthony (31:14)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

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TuneIn: here

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• Intro
  • Reminder to read The Longbox View

• Background
  • James Gordon Jr. created by Frank Miller and Dave Mazzuchelli in Batman #407 (May 1987)
  • Son of Jim Gordon and his first wife Barbara
  • Jim Jr. was kidnapped by the Falcone crime family shortly after Jim Sr. moved to Gotham and became known as an incorruptible cop - Jim Jr. was tossed off a bridge, but saved by the new vigilante known as Batman
  • Not much known until Black Mirror - revealed that Jim Jr. suffers from an imbalance in his amygdala, leaving him unable to process emotions in a typical manner
  • As a young man, he liked to kill and torture animals, worrying his parents
  • Implicated in the disappearance of one of his sister Barbara's friends, although nothing was ever proven
  • As an adult, he attempts to reconnect with his father and sister, telling them he's on medication that helps stabilize him, and he's helping Dr. Leslie Thompkins
  • Jim Sr. doesn't trust this, and has Barbara analyze the medication - turns out he reversed its effects, and he plans on dosing a children's nutritional facility to increase homicidal tendencies
  • He stabs Barbara in both legs, and tells her he helped break Joker out of Arkham before the Killing Joke - makes comment that he inspired Joker to shoot Barbara in the spine
  • Also tells Batman (Dick Grayson) that empathy makes men weak - Barbara stabs him in the eye and his father shoots him in both legs
  • New 52 - inmate at Arkham who drugged his sister and traded her to Joker in exchange for their mother
  • Recruited into the Suicide Squad and joined because he was in love with Amanda Waller
  • Reformed thanks to an experimental drug, and helped defeat the Batman Who Laughs
  • Developed a split personality obsessed with killing redheads, but when confronted by Barbara, he realized what he had done and killed himself in remorse

• Issues (8:17)
  • Trauma of being kidnapped (even if he was a baby) and being a target because of his father
  • Amygdala issues means problems processing emotions (20:08)
  • Views empathy as making people "weak" (30:35)
• Break (47:17)
  • Plugs for BetterHelp, Ocho Duro Parlay Hour, and Howard Mackie
• Treatment (49:00)
  • In-universe - Use Harley Quinn to help
  • Out of universe - Lengthy treatment utilizing SSRIs/medication and a team of professionals (54:18)
• Skit (60:02)
  • Hello James, I'm Dr. Issues. - And how long have you been a doctor?
  • Including residency, 12 years. - In all that time, how many patients have you successfully reformed?
  • I don't think of it in those terms. "Reformed" carries an all-or-nothing mindset. My focus is on meeting patients where they are, and helping them achieve whatever measure of success they're looking for. -So none. That's unfortunately the benchmark for your ilk.
  • You just ignored everything I said. -No, I'm refuting your hypothesis. You were trying to set up a strawman. I just subverted you before you could get it going.
  • Opposite again. I would allow you to steelman...bring your greatest argument, and I can still get a positive point across. All it takes is a questioning thought, and a person's automatic system can change. -You allow others to be at their strongest and barely make a dent in their psyche. *sarcastic clap* Bravo doctor.
  • I see you've given a lot of thought to this. Specifically, you've spent your free time on ways to make professionals expend extra effort so you can drag them to your level and beat them with experience. I hope that doesn't happen to me, but I KNOW it won't happen from one session. This is refreshing in a way, because you're so brazen about it. -*pause* I recognize the "don't argue with an idiot" cliche when I hear it. How juvenile can you be?
  • I'm a big kid at heart, sometimes. I know you're intelligent, so I didn't think you'd be offended by an obvious joke. If you were, then I apologize. -Shame. "Big kid" apologizing, I'm sure that draws people to your humanism, but it doesn't make them listen to your advice. It makes them question why they don't just listen to their OWN child. At least that's someone they can care about. You're insignificant to them, and they don't matter one bit to you.
  • *Anger* Whoa, whoa...I care about my patients! I wouldn't do this job if I didn't care about each person I see. I just have my own boundaries so I don't drain myself every day. -Draining yourself...another frailty. You can't handle the basic burdens of a layperson's life. I see it. You're sweating...your skin is almost slimy, it's pathetic.
  • I didn't come to your cell to be insulted. -*simultaneously* So where do you usually go?
  • Aw man, that was so easy. For someone trying to knock me as weak, you still took the bait for a bad joke like that. -I learned a long time ago that finding a basic connection with someone can make future endeavors much easier with them.
  • *pause* You don't think my field is worth it, but you're talking about future sessions? I'm missing something. -You're missing everything. This is not a session about therapy. This is a session about strategy. I tried being subtle with your kind before. It almost got me killed. I play with medicines like candy. If you let me, I could make any inmate be your most compliant patient. Suffering is the strongest motivator. Take your benzodiazepine, or drink bleach. Here's an antipsychotic...or barbed wire wrapped around your genitalia. Their choice, but either way, they're following a "treatment plan."
  • *long pause* I know I'm supposed to have some big emotional reaction to what you just said, but my own warped brain doesn't allow for it. Therefore, I'll just say it plainly...torture is not a treatment modality. -But it
  • Aaaaaaaand, for people unlike you, it's not fun. -That's the first time so far that you've correctly pre-empted me. It's likely your last, in part due to your own flaws again.
  • I already told you, one session won't make me drained, I'm not as weak as you think. -Care to wager? *fizzing sound*
  • GAAAAAAAAH What on Earth was that?! My arm! -That, oh doctor of medicine, is a rare toxin that absorbs rapidly through the skin. Picked up a thing or two while I shared a cell with the Joker. I believe you've met? You have a few minutes to experience all of your sensations leaving your consciousness, and put you into a state of...what was that term…"locked in syndrome?" I thought what I did to Barbara made her world slow down, but to suspend yours forever? I could've never dreamed of a better opportunity. Well, if it affects you too strongly, you'll die. Details, details. And don't worry, I know it works because I already disseminated it on the staff and guards in a less noticeable and low potency form. They're as weak as kittens right now and don't even know it.
  • *unintelligible whispers* -*mockingly* I'm sorry, what was that? It's hard to hear you from this end of relevance. Have you changed my thought pattern yet?
  • *whispers audibly* My...pen...get my pen... -Oh, that IS a fancy pen you've dropped, isn't it? Monogrammed and everything. You come across more humble than that. Looking to write a last note to loved ones, hmmm? Oh...OOOOOOH, I see, probably a backup plan for you to activate in case of emergency. I'll just keep it for myself then *zapping sound, with a thud*
  • Or, you could activate it yourself because it is biocoded to me. -huuuuuh
  • Oh no, no monologues, you did yours already. And I'm declining you as a patient!
  • ***Explanation actually comes AFTER the skit for once***

• Ending
  • Recommended reading: Batman: The Black Mirror
  • Next episodes: Shang-Chi, Crystal, Emma Frost
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Prosopagnosia - Anthony (28:16)
• BatMarch - Anthony (31:24)
• Joker episode - Anthony (70:55)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Spotify: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord