Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling

This week's patient is Scott Summers, aka Cyclops of the X-Men! Anthony & Dr. Issues try to delicately untangle the Summers family tree and look at his many romantic relationships. What happens when a black man and a mutant discuss who's been more oppressed? Listen now to find out!

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Background
  • Scott Summers - created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby - X-Men #1 (Sept. 1963)
  • Mutant who can fire energy beam from his eyes - forced to wear ruby quartz visor to keep his blasts contained
  • One of the original students of Charles Xavier, eventually became the leader of the X-Men in Xavier's absence
  • Later learned his father was Christopher Summers, aka Corsair of the Starjammers
  • Brother Alex became Havok
  • Becomes romantically involved with Jean Grey
  • Trains new group of X-Men after the original team defeated by Krakoa
  • Quits the X-Men after Jean Grey dies
  • Marries Madelyne Pryor, a Jean Grey look-alike - have a child, Nathan (aka Cable)
  • Jean returns - Scott leaves family to be with her, but returns to kill Mr. Sinister after he drove Madelyne to suicide (she's really a clone, don't think about it too much)
  • We discover Cable is the time-traveling son of Scott & Madelyne (REALLY don't think about it too much)
  • Eventually marries Jean, but later has affair with Emma Frost since he felt abandoned by Jean
  • Jean dies AGAIN, now he's free to be with Emma
  • Begins to resent Xavier for molding him into the leader as a teen, leaves the school
  • House of M - Scott retains his powers, but is one of the few - helps protect first mutant baby born after the incident, gives her to Cable to raise in the future (Hope)
  • Avengers vs. X-Men - Phoenix Force returns to Earth to bond with Hope
    • Scott wants her under their protection, the Avengers want to take her, which leads to battle
    • A Phoenix-possessed Scott kills Xavier
    • Cyclops eventually captured and imprisoned
    • Broken out by Magneto and becomes hardened against mankind
  • Takes over Xavier's school per his will, but turns it over to Kitty Pryde
  • Killed during Death of X storyline as a result of Terrigen Mists
• Issues (17:05)
  • "Born to lead" - paralysis by analysis
  • Relationships with Jean, Madelyne, and Emma
  • Trauma prevents him from controlling his powers, whether external or internal
• Treatment (37:44)
  • In-universe - bond with non-mutant to get him to see bigger picture
  • Out-of-universe - reference Tony Robbins to demonstrate overcoming obstacles
• Skit (47:35)
• End (49:47)

References:

• Triskaidekaphobia - Fear of the number 13, discussed by Anthony & Dr. Issues in the intro
• Shrek is Love (NSFW) - Mentioned by Anthony in the intro (01:45)
• Scott is a dick - South Park, referenced by Anthony at 2:17
• Phineas Gage - Referenced by Anthony at 32:40

iTunes: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: hereTwitter FacebookE-mailPatreon

This week's patient is Scott Summers, aka Cyclops of the X-Men! Anthony & Dr. Issues try to delicately untangle the Summers family tree and look at his many romantic relationships. What happens when a black man and a mutant discuss who's been more oppressed? Listen now to find out!

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Background
  • Scott Summers - created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby - X-Men #1 (Sept. 1963)
  • Mutant who can fire energy beam from his eyes - forced to wear ruby quartz visor to keep his blasts contained
  • One of the original students of Charles Xavier, eventually became the leader of the X-Men in Xavier's absence
  • Later learned his father was Christopher Summers, aka Corsair of the Starjammers
  • Brother Alex became Havok
  • Becomes romantically involved with Jean Grey
  • Trains new group of X-Men after the original team defeated by Krakoa
  • Quits the X-Men after Jean Grey dies
  • Marries Madelyne Pryor, a Jean Grey look-alike - have a child, Nathan (aka Cable)
  • Jean returns - Scott leaves family to be with her, but returns to kill Mr. Sinister after he drove Madelyne to suicide (she's really a clone, don't think about it too much)
  • We discover Cable is the time-traveling son of Scott & Madelyne (REALLY don't think about it too much)
  • Eventually marries Jean, but later has affair with Emma Frost since he felt abandoned by Jean
  • Jean dies AGAIN, now he's free to be with Emma
  • Begins to resent Xavier for molding him into the leader as a teen, leaves the school
  • House of M - Scott retains his powers, but is one of the few - helps protect first mutant baby born after the incident, gives her to Cable to raise in the future (Hope)
  • Avengers vs. X-Men - Phoenix Force returns to Earth to bond with Hope
    • Scott wants her under their protection, the Avengers want to take her, which leads to battle
    • A Phoenix-possessed Scott kills Xavier
    • Cyclops eventually captured and imprisoned
    • Broken out by Magneto and becomes hardened against mankind
  • Takes over Xavier's school per his will, but turns it over to Kitty Pryde
  • Killed during Death of X storyline as a result of Terrigen Mists
• Issues (17:05)
  • "Born to lead" - paralysis by analysis
  • Relationships with Jean, Madelyne, and Emma
  • Trauma prevents him from controlling his powers, whether external or internal
• Treatment (37:44)
  • In-universe - bond with non-mutant to get him to see bigger picture
  • Out-of-universe - reference Tony Robbins to demonstrate overcoming obstacles
• Skit (47:35)
• End (49:47)

References:

• Triskaidekaphobia - Fear of the number 13, discussed by Anthony & Dr. Issues in the intro
• Shrek is Love (NSFW) - Mentioned by Anthony in the intro (01:45)
• Scott is a dick - South Park, referenced by Anthony at 2:17
• Phineas Gage - Referenced by Anthony at 32:40

iTunes: here
Google Play: here
Stitcher: here
TuneIn: here
Twitter
Facebook
E-mail
Patreon

Anthony & Dr. Issues chill out while talking about Batman's coolest nemesis, Mr. Freeze! Plus dueling song references - Foreigner vs. Omarion, and yet another South Park reference...

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Background (06:33)
  • Created by Dave Wood & Sheldon Moldoff in Batman 121 (Feb. 1959) as Mr. Zero - rogue scientist who spilled cryogenic chemicals on himself
  • Renamed Mr. Freeze in 1960s TV series (real name was Dr. Art Schivel) - generic mad scientist
  • "Heart of Ice", Batman: The Animated Series episode from September 1992 revamped character and gave him tragic backstory (and redesign by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola)
    • Victor Fries was scientist working for GothCorp and invented a cryogenic chamber to preserve his terminally ill wife Nora until she could be cured - got chemicals spilled on him, and now needs a sub-zero suit to keep him alive
  • Comics adopted the animated backstory for their use
  • Teams with Nyssa al Ghul to use Lazarus Pit to revive Nora - but she comes back as Lazara and leaves him
  • New 52 reboot - Victor's mother fell through ice which kept her alive, and he became fascinated with cryonics as a result
  • Nora Fields was kept preserved for 20 years before Victor even heard of her, and he did his thesis on her - became obsessed with finding a way to bring her back, until Bruce Wayne shut down the project, and in a fit of rage ended up spilling chemicals on himself
  • Gets captured by the Red Hood and sent to Arkham, where he escapes - decides to kill Bruce Wayne and leave Gotham with Nora - stopped by Batman
• Issues (16:48)
  • Obsession with Nora
  • Misanthropy
• Treatment (32:57)
  • In-universe
  • Out-of-universe
• Couch skit (44:00)
• Ending (46:04)

References in the show:

• "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner - Sung by Anthony & Dr. Issues in the intro
• Came Back Wrong - TV Tropes discussion mentioned by Anthony at 13:34
• Warm his icy heart with a hot island song - South Park, "Free Hat", mentioned by Anthony at 17:28
• "Got an icebox where my heart used to be" - Omarion, "Ice Box", mentioned by Dr. Issues at 17:47
• "First do no harm" - Hippocratic oath, mentioned by Anthony at 42:38

iTunes: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: hereTwitter FacebookE-mailPatreon

Anthony & Dr. Issues chill out while talking about Batman's coolest nemesis, Mr. Freeze! Plus dueling song references - Foreigner vs. Omarion, and yet another South Park reference...

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Background (06:33)
  • Created by Dave Wood & Sheldon Moldoff in Batman 121 (Feb. 1959) as Mr. Zero - rogue scientist who spilled cryogenic chemicals on himself
  • Renamed Mr. Freeze in 1960s TV series (real name was Dr. Art Schivel) - generic mad scientist
  • "Heart of Ice", Batman: The Animated Series episode from September 1992 revamped character and gave him tragic backstory (and redesign by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola)
    • Victor Fries was scientist working for GothCorp and invented a cryogenic chamber to preserve his terminally ill wife Nora until she could be cured - got chemicals spilled on him, and now needs a sub-zero suit to keep him alive
  • Comics adopted the animated backstory for their use
  • Teams with Nyssa al Ghul to use Lazarus Pit to revive Nora - but she comes back as Lazara and leaves him
  • New 52 reboot - Victor's mother fell through ice which kept her alive, and he became fascinated with cryonics as a result
  • Nora Fields was kept preserved for 20 years before Victor even heard of her, and he did his thesis on her - became obsessed with finding a way to bring her back, until Bruce Wayne shut down the project, and in a fit of rage ended up spilling chemicals on himself
  • Gets captured by the Red Hood and sent to Arkham, where he escapes - decides to kill Bruce Wayne and leave Gotham with Nora - stopped by Batman
• Issues (16:48)
  • Obsession with Nora
  • Misanthropy
• Treatment (32:57)
  • In-universe
  • Out-of-universe
• Couch skit (44:00)
• Ending (46:04)

References in the show:

• "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner - Sung by Anthony & Dr. Issues in the intro
• Came Back Wrong - TV Tropes discussion mentioned by Anthony at 13:34
• Warm his icy heart with a hot island song - South Park, "Free Hat", mentioned by Anthony at 17:28
• "Got an icebox where my heart used to be" - Omarion, "Ice Box", mentioned by Dr. Issues at 17:47
• "First do no harm" - Hippocratic oath, mentioned by Anthony at 42:38

iTunes: here
Google Play: here
Stitcher: here
TuneIn: here
Twitter
Facebook
E-mail
Patreon

It's the Greatest Hero You've Never Heard Of, Booster Gold! Anthony & Dr. Issues tackle the underachieving egomaniac, how the RZA could help make him a better hero, and for the first time ever, a hero actually learns something on Doc's couch!

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Background (3:03)
  • Created by Dan Jurgens (Feb. 1986) - Time traveler named Michael Jon Carter
  • Disgraced quarterback working as security guard in 25th century museum
  • Steals tech with the help of robot sidekick Skeets to go back in time to fight crimes he can predict
  • Football nickname was Booster, but planned superhero name was Goldstar - he screwed up the intro, so Ronald Reagan called him Booster Gold and the nickname stuck
  • Lower level member of the Justice League, eventually pairs with Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) and they become good friends
  • Forms the Conglomerate (sponsored superhero team), but the team has issues and they break up
  • Coins the name Doomsday for the alien who kills Superman - is nearly killed by it and loses an arm
  • Discovers Maxwell Lord is responsible for killing Kord, and returns to 25th century because he feels he is a failure as a hero
  • Post Infinite Crisis, becomes Supernova - used time travel to create villainous identity so he could make himself seem like a greater hero
  • Tries repeatedly to stop Barbara Gordon's paralysis, but cannot - Batman appreciates this and says he will help Booster anytime he can
  • Befriends and mentors new Blue Beetle Jamie Reyes, as a way to honor Ted Kord
  • Becomes new leader of JLI and starts to become respected hero
  • New 52 returns him to the glory seeking failed hero
  • He realizes that he ends up a great hero, but in order to do so the future must see him as a failure, so he can never fully achieve the greatness he desires
  • Recently changed the timeline to un-kill Thomas & Martha Wayne to give Batman the present of his parents at his funeral, but in the new timeline Bruce is no longer Batman and he and Selina are no longer together
• Issues (16:57)
  • Glory hound/egomaniac
  • Unfulfilled potential
  • Instant gratification/shortcuts
• Treatment (31:20)
  • In-universe - who are you without the suit?
  • Out-of-universe - act like a life coach
• Skit (38:34)
• Outro (41:24)
  • Upcoming shows: Mr. Freeze, Cyclops, The Question

Special links:

• Grit by Angela Duckworth - Mentioned by Dr. Issues at 34:44
• "My Shot" from Hamilton - Mentioned by Anthony
• "C.R.E.A.M." by Wu-Tang Clan - Mentioned by Anthony in outro (NSFW language)

iTunes: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: hereTwitter FacebookE-mailPatreon

It's the Greatest Hero You've Never Heard Of, Booster Gold! Anthony & Dr. Issues tackle the underachieving egomaniac, how the RZA could help make him a better hero, and for the first time ever, a hero actually learns something on Doc's couch!

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Background (3:03)
  • Created by Dan Jurgens (Feb. 1986) - Time traveler named Michael Jon Carter
  • Disgraced quarterback working as security guard in 25th century museum
  • Steals tech with the help of robot sidekick Skeets to go back in time to fight crimes he can predict
  • Football nickname was Booster, but planned superhero name was Goldstar - he screwed up the intro, so Ronald Reagan called him Booster Gold and the nickname stuck
  • Lower level member of the Justice League, eventually pairs with Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) and they become good friends
  • Forms the Conglomerate (sponsored superhero team), but the team has issues and they break up
  • Coins the name Doomsday for the alien who kills Superman - is nearly killed by it and loses an arm
  • Discovers Maxwell Lord is responsible for killing Kord, and returns to 25th century because he feels he is a failure as a hero
  • Post Infinite Crisis, becomes Supernova - used time travel to create villainous identity so he could make himself seem like a greater hero
  • Tries repeatedly to stop Barbara Gordon's paralysis, but cannot - Batman appreciates this and says he will help Booster anytime he can
  • Befriends and mentors new Blue Beetle Jamie Reyes, as a way to honor Ted Kord
  • Becomes new leader of JLI and starts to become respected hero
  • New 52 returns him to the glory seeking failed hero
  • He realizes that he ends up a great hero, but in order to do so the future must see him as a failure, so he can never fully achieve the greatness he desires
  • Recently changed the timeline to un-kill Thomas & Martha Wayne to give Batman the present of his parents at his funeral, but in the new timeline Bruce is no longer Batman and he and Selina are no longer together
• Issues (16:57)
  • Glory hound/egomaniac
  • Unfulfilled potential
  • Instant gratification/shortcuts
• Treatment (31:20)
  • In-universe - who are you without the suit?
  • Out-of-universe - act like a life coach
• Skit (38:34)
• Outro (41:24)
  • Upcoming shows: Mr. Freeze, Cyclops, The Question

Special links:

• Grit by Angela Duckworth - Mentioned by Dr. Issues at 34:44
• "My Shot" from Hamilton - Mentioned by Anthony 
• "C.R.E.A.M." by Wu-Tang Clan - Mentioned by Anthony in outro (NSFW language)

iTunes: here
Google Play: here
Stitcher: here
TuneIn: here
Twitter
Facebook
E-mail
Patreon

Anthony sings the Bee Gees, Dr. Issues channels Madeline Kahn, and the Patreon is announced. Oh, and they also talk about the Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool!

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Announcement of new Patreon! (02:34)
• Deadpool background
  • Created by Rob Liefeld & Fabian Nicieza in New Mutants 98 (Feb. 1991)
  • Began as villain attacking Cable & New Mutants
  • Later joins X-Force, begins making appearances in other books
  • Gets own miniseries in 1994
  • Joe Kelly series in 1997 is where character comes into his own - introduces Blind Al & Weasel, along with 4th wall breaking
  • Gail Simone introduces little yellow boxes Deadpool could interact with
  • Joins Cable in "buddy cop" series, firmly established as comic relief character
  • 2010 - joins Uncanny X-Force, more moralized version of character
  • 2010s sees Deadpool become the new Wolverine - appears in numerous series and side miniseries
  • In solo series, gets cured of healing factor and loses scarred face
  • New series by Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan - gets married and discovers he has child
  • Died in Deadpool 250 as part of Secret Wars
  • All New All Different Marvel - joins Avengers Unity Squad, initially sides with Hydra Steve Rogers out of respect, but later has crisis of conscience and walks away
• Favorite Deadpool moments (24:08)
• Issues (25:40)
  • Considered in-universe to be "schizophrenic" or suffering from psychosis
  • Moral flexibility & ambiguity
  • Blind loyalty to certain characters/people can cost him
• Treatment (42:37)
  • In-universe - any & all treatments are on the table
  • Out-of-universe - anti-psychotics, under observation
• Skit
• Ending

Pop culture references throughout the episode:

• "I Started a Joke" by the Bee Gees
• Lisa breaks Ralph Wiggum's heart
• Clips from South Park "It Hits the Fan" - NSFW
• Clue - "Flames on the sides of my face"

iTunes: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: hereTwitter FacebookE-mailPatreon

Anthony sings the Bee Gees, Dr. Issues channels Madeline Kahn, and the Patreon is announced. Oh, and they also talk about the Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool!

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Announcement of new Patreon! (02:34)
• Deadpool background
  • Created by Rob Liefeld & Fabian Nicieza in New Mutants 98 (Feb. 1991)
  • Began as villain attacking Cable & New Mutants
  • Later joins X-Force, begins making appearances in other books
  • Gets own miniseries in 1994
  • Joe Kelly series in 1997 is where character comes into his own - introduces Blind Al & Weasel, along with 4th wall breaking
  • Gail Simone introduces little yellow boxes Deadpool could interact with
  • Joins Cable in "buddy cop" series, firmly established as comic relief character
  • 2010 - joins Uncanny X-Force, more moralized version of character
  • 2010s sees Deadpool become the new Wolverine - appears in numerous series and side miniseries
  • In solo series, gets cured of healing factor and loses scarred face
  • New series by Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan - gets married and discovers he has child
  • Died in Deadpool 250 as part of Secret Wars
  • All New All Different Marvel - joins Avengers Unity Squad, initially sides with Hydra Steve Rogers out of respect, but later has crisis of conscience and walks away
• Favorite Deadpool moments (24:08)
• Issues (25:40)
  • Considered in-universe to be "schizophrenic" or suffering from psychosis
  • Moral flexibility & ambiguity
  • Blind loyalty to certain characters/people can cost him
• Treatment (42:37)
  • In-universe - any & all treatments are on the table
  • Out-of-universe - anti-psychotics, under observation
• Skit
• Ending

Pop culture references throughout the episode:

• "I Started a Joke" by the Bee Gees
• Lisa breaks Ralph Wiggum's heart
• Clips from South Park "It Hits the Fan" - NSFW
• Clue - "Flames on the sides of my face"

iTunes: here
Google Play: here
Stitcher: here
TuneIn: here
Twitter
Facebook
E-mail
Patreon

Anthony and Dr. Issues dissect the God of Mischief, Loki! They also talk sibling rivalries, gender fluidity, and sing the Odd Couple theme. It's a good one, we promise.

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Infinity War discussion - SPOILER FREE (01:25)
• Background on Loki (03:55)
  • First appeared in Timely Comics Venus #6 in 1949 as an exiled Olympian God
  • Familiar appearance debuted in Journey Into Mystery #85, October 1962, as Thor's enemy
  • Son of Laufey, felled ruler of the Frost Giants, adopted by Odin of Asgard
  • Raised alongside Odin's son Thor, but jealous because he's treated differently
  • Repeatedly tries to overthrow Asgard and/or defeat Thor
  • Instrumental in founding the Avengers as an enemy (08:25)
  • During "Acts of Vengeance" story, convinces other villains to attack heroes they're not typically associated with
  • Loki manipulates his spirit to control Lady Sif and becomes a woman
  • Torn apart by the Void and resurrected
  • Kid Loki becomes a street hustler
  • Joins Young Avengers, regains power and age through Wiccan's spell
  • Agent of Asgard - befriends Verity Wills who can tell when someone is lying
  • Survives the incursions of "Secret Wars"
  • Doesn't know what comes next (there's a door with a sign and everything!)
• Issues (18:34)
  • Pathological liar
    • Pathological vs. compulsive liar
  • Sibling rivalry/jealousy of Thor (24:52)
  • Gender identity/sexuality (33:01)
    • Not gender identity disorder
• Treatment
  • In-universe - ultimate family therapy (39:49)
    • Proof of progress
  • Out of universe (42:16)
    • Family therapy if possible
    • Journal of lies vs. truth
• Couch skit (47:59)
• Ending (50:07)
  • Next few episodes:
    • May 16 - Deadpool
    • May 23 - Booster Gold
    • May 30 - Mr. Freeze

Special links:

• "The Scorpion and the Frog" - Mentioned by Dr. Issues at 17:45
• "Is Loki Canonically Genderfluid Now?" - Article by Emily Asher-Perrin regarding Loki's sexuality (discussed at 33:01)

iTunes: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: hereTwitter FacebookE-mail

Anthony and Dr. Issues dissect the God of Mischief, Loki! They also talk sibling rivalries, gender fluidity, and sing the Odd Couple theme. It's a good one, we promise.

SHOW NOTES:

• Introduction
• Infinity War discussion - SPOILER FREE (01:25)
• Background on Loki (03:55)
  • First appeared in Timely Comics Venus #6 in 1949 as an exiled Olympian God
  • Familiar appearance debuted in Journey Into Mystery #85, October 1962, as Thor's enemy
  • Son of Laufey, felled ruler of the Frost Giants, adopted by Odin of Asgard
  • Raised alongside Odin's son Thor, but jealous because he's treated differently
  • Repeatedly tries to overthrow Asgard and/or defeat Thor
  • Instrumental in founding the Avengers as an enemy (08:25)
  • During "Acts of Vengeance" story, convinces other villains to attack heroes they're not typically associated with
  • Loki manipulates his spirit to control Lady Sif and becomes a woman
  • Torn apart by the Void and resurrected
  • Kid Loki becomes a street hustler
  • Joins Young Avengers, regains power and age through Wiccan's spell
  • Agent of Asgard - befriends Verity Wills who can tell when someone is lying
  • Survives the incursions of "Secret Wars"
  • Doesn't know what comes next (there's a door with a sign and everything!)
• Issues (18:34)
  • Pathological liar
    • Pathological vs. compulsive liar
  • Sibling rivalry/jealousy of Thor (24:52)
  • Gender identity/sexuality (33:01)
    • Not gender identity disorder
• Treatment
  • In-universe - ultimate family therapy (39:49)
    • Proof of progress
  • Out of universe (42:16)
    • Family therapy if possible
    • Journal of lies vs. truth
• Couch skit (47:59)
• Ending (50:07)
  • Next few episodes:
    • May 16 - Deadpool
    • May 23 - Booster Gold
    • May 30 - Mr. Freeze

Special links:

• "The Scorpion and the Frog" - Mentioned by Dr. Issues at 17:45
• "Is Loki Canonically Genderfluid Now?" - Article by Emily Asher-Perrin regarding Loki's sexuality (discussed at 33:01)

iTunes: here
Google Play: here
Stitcher: here
TuneIn: here
Twitter
Facebook
E-mail