Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling

We bring on Ted Anderson, writer of Side Effects, to talk about his OGN that combines mental health and superpowers in a very unique way - don't miss it!

• Intro
• Background
  • How long have you been plotting the story in your head? (10:10)

• Side Effects
  • Impetus for writing the story
  • Hannah - relatable college kid drowning in everything
    • Reluctant hero syndrome with the powers
    • Are the powers real or imagined - the book plays with it

  • Dr. Jacobs - put upon mental health professional (37:15)
    • Changing medication frequently - how accurate is that? (20:15)

  • Ella - solid supportive character (44:40)
    • Friendlier than almost any roommate I had in college

  • Iz - Got her own baggage (49:50)
    • Her manic episode towards the end reminded me of Nadia's in Unstoppable Wasp - Jeremy Whitley gave quote on back

  • Situations in school - what was source of the obstacles? (56:00)
  • Tara & Dave - how did you hook up with them? (60:10)
  • Next stories? (65:05)

• Ending
  • Next episodes: Kang the Conqueror, Animal sidekicks, Claire Voyant
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me by Ellen Forney - Ted (8:40)
• Barking by Lucy Sullivan - Ted (9:00)

Ted's Twitter

Ted's Tumblr

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Allen & Will join the Five-Timers Club as we bring them back to talk Pocus Hocus 5! We also discuss Grandma Chainsaw, Monty Python, and more!

Creators on the Couch - Pocus Hocus 5

• Intro
• Background

• Chapter 2, Book 1
  • When last we left our… heroes? Protagonists? Characters (5:14)
  • How many books is chapter 2? (9:22)
  • How many chapters is the story? (9:32)
  • Grandma Chainsaw discussion (28:45)
  • Kickstarter rewards (39:32)

• Ending (43:13)
  • Kickstarter
  • Substack newsletter
  • Next episodes: Ted Anderson interview, Kang, Animal sidekicks
  • Plugs for social

References:

• First four appearances
  • First
  • Second
  • Third
  • Fourth - Anthony (2:20)

• XKCD Monty Python - Anthony (26:40)
• TV Tropes - Gainax Ending - Anthony (27:37)

GonnaGeek Network

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We wrap up Lantern Month with a case study in PTSD, Jessica Cruz! Lock yourself in your apartment and listen now!

Issue 167 - Jessica Cruz

• Intro
• • Thanks to everyone who joined us for the watch party
• Background (1:56)
• • Jessica Cruz created by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke, and Ethan Van Sciver in Justice League #30 (July 2014)
  • Jessica was on a camping trip with her friends when they witnessed mobsters burying a body - the mobsters killed her friends to prevent witnesses, but Jessica escaped
  • When she returned, she suffered from anxiety attacks and agoraphobia, and locked herself in her apartment for four years
  • When the Crime Syndicate of Earth-3 came to the planet and Power Ring was killed, his ring found Jessica and bonded to her because of her fear - the ring took over and led to her attacking the Justice League & Doom Patrol
  • With the help of Batman & Hal Jordan, she learned to use the ring and control it, instead of letting it control her
  • During the Darkseid War, his daughter Grail summoned the Black Racer to kill the Flash, she managed to overtake the ring's control long enough to jump in front and attack the Black Racer - it killed the entity in the ring, and left Jessica presumably dead, until a Green Lantern ring approached her and turned her into the newest Earth Lantern
  • Hal partners her with Simon Baz, the other new Earth Lantern, and right after they start working together, they have to take on Atrocitus and the Red Lantern Corps, who are constructing a Hell Tower on Earth - they destroy the tower, but the Rage Seed was still implanted in the Earth
  • She joins the Justice League, and helps them take on Doctor Manhattan (unsuccessfully)
  • Gets stranded on an outpost alone in space for a year, and managed to fight off Sinestro Corps members when they came to the station in search of supplies - she earns a yellow ring after this, and joins the Sinestro Corps as the Lantern of 2814

• Issues - Theme is "You got this… but what if you don't?" (6:48)
• • PTSD - Agoraphobia
  • PTSD - Anxiety (13:05)
  • PTSD - Imposter syndrome (20:41)
• Break (31:31)
• • Plugs for SNEScapades, Last Sons of Krypton, and Jeremy Whitley
• Treatment (33:25)
• • In-universe & out of universe are the same -
• Skit (feat. Lauren from Legends of SHIELD) (39:02)
• • DOC: Hello Jessica, I'm Dr. Issues
  • JESS: *deep breath & exhale* Hello Doctor
  • DOC: What can I do for you?
  • JESS: Well to be honest I'm a little creeped out
  • DOC: Why is that?
  • JESS: This isn't what I expected. Your office is… unique
  • DOC: I have to admit I've made some recent changes. I have to keep up with the latest breakthroughs in therapy.
  • JESS: It looks like you may have gone backwards instead.
  • DOC: What do you mean?
  • JESS: Well, first of all I thought there would be a couch. Why is there a beanbag? And what is that lavender smell?
  • DOC: I have come to realize that the environment is very important for patients to get better. That beanbag is warm and comforting and lavender is known to be very soothing. But I didn't stop there. I'm sure you've noticed that tall lamp as well.
  • JESS: Yeah, I think that's something that I should really talk to you about. It looks like something I've been… Researching.
  • DOC: it's part of my new concierge model. I want to be able to dedicate myself to my patients more and in a fashion that will allow for the best results while not stressing me out. But I apologize, I just realize I haven't really focused on why you want my help in the first place.
  • JESS: 'Cause I've been through some bad stuff, that's why. And there are some serious times I feel like I can't do this at all.
  • DOC: Well I can't blame you for feeling that way. That's pretty common. What does that do to you emotionally?
  • JESS: It makes me wanna jump out of my skin sometimes. I become a nervous wreck.
  • DOC: Anxiety. Got it. But I notice with what you have, clearly you have been managing very well for yourself.
  • JESS: What, the ring? That's part of the problem. Everybody thinks I have it all put together. *Scoffs* It makes me feel like an impostor.
  • DOC: What's that saying, "dress for the job you want?"
  • JESS: You're one to talk. *Sarcasm* You don't really dress like a DOCTOR
  • DOC: You know, I used to dress up in a full suit, but then I became more comfortable with who I am so I dress the way I want.
  • JESS: Is that why you went with this color scheme for the office? To match your personal preference?
  • DOC: If you must know, I actually picked this as a compromise. My favorite color is blue, and my daughter enjoys purple, so somewhere in between seems fitting. *pause* Why are you so fascinated with the random intricacies of my decor? I'm supposed to get to know your situation, not the other way around.
  • JESS: *sigh* Is it really that obvious?
  • DOC: You have been fidgeting for quite a while, you constantly look over your shoulder, and so far all you've done is critique me to the point that if I weren't so chill about all of this I'd be insulted.
  • JESS: Like I said I've been through a lot in my life. It pays to be safe.
  • DOC: I don't expect you to go into details, but if you could at least identify what type of trauma you've had it would be helpful.
  • JESS: My face, rather my EYE, gives it away. You're not stupid.
  • DOC: That definitely looks like a source of pain and I'm sorry. But there's more to it than that. You seem distracted. Is there anything else?
  • JESS: You're definitely perceptive, I'll give you that. *grunts* I can't do this, ok? *angry* I CAN'T DO THIS
  • DOC: Whoa! I didn't mean to get you that upset
  • JESS: Well you did… Not you really…but…what you're doing
  • DOC: I'm doing my job
  • JESS: No you're doing someone else's job, and that's what I'm trying to figure out…this could have been simple…*changes to authoritative tone* this is official green lantern corp business. This office has been on our radar for months. We know who comes in and out of here but lately, something has changed. *sound effect for powering up* Please provide us with the appropriate information, or I may have to use force.
  • DOC: Well at least you're nicer than the joint commission. *sigh*OK here goes. I've made a deal with a private equity firm… Of sorts. It's not a complete buyout so I still have significant control. Heck, they didn't even want money. They just wanted my office to be able to accommodate certain situations, along with my professional expertise.
  • JESS: Is that how you brainwashed Guy Gardner into thinking you're the best psychiatrist ever?
  • DOC: What? No, I
  • JESS: * interrupting* and is that how you survived ATROCITUS without being obliterated?
  • DOC: He just left on his own! I thought I was going to die!
  • JESS: *phone rings* This call is important. Don't…move…
  • DOC: *surprisingly calm* wouldn't dream of it
  • JESS: Hello…what? That was never supposed to happen in our lifetime…I'm not… you can't …someone else …ANYBODY else…you're asking for failure! No! * hangs up* We have to leave now! *panicked* NOW!
  • DOC: * phone rings* apparently it's my turn
  • JESS: I don't care…it's not that important
  • DOC: You don't know that *answers* hello this is Dr. Issues… I didn't realize it was you. Yes I do think that's relevant to what's going on right now. I guess it fits in with being audited. Okay I'll put in the orders
  • JESS: We don't have time for this, we have to leave. There's a creature that can destroy us all coming here right now and he is not about making friends. It's another lantern… The only orange one!
  • DOC: *interrupting* Nope actually we have to stay. More importantly, when I tell you, you have to open that door.
  • JESS: The closet? You're gonna have us hide in the closet? This is ridiculous.
  • DOC: We're not going in. He is.
  • JESS: You're not trapping the greediest being in the universe in the closet!
  • DOC: * deep sigh* Please understand that I am terrified right now and the only reason I'm keeping calm is that this is what happens to me when I know there are things that must be done. So for the sake of your life, mine, and everyone that we care about, just open the door when I say so. I'm begging you.
  • JESS: And when this doesn't work…?
  • DOC: Then I know I will have done everything I could and I know a hero such as yourself will fight to her last breath… But I hope it doesn't come to that.
  • JESS: Every day is a fight. Every moment. The choice to get out of bed. To eat. To smile. Everyone takes that for granted. And you really think I could fight that… whatever it is when it gets here?
  • DOC: Thank you for fighting, and winning all of those so far. So much anxiety is about "what if," and you have to keep proving yourself. The good news is there will come a day where you don't have to ask that question anymore. Maybe today's the day.
  • ***chant of MINE IS MINE AND MINE AND MINE AND MINE AND MINE AND MINE ***
  • DOC: NOW!
  • ***scream of NOOOOOOOT YOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUURS***
  • *** door opens then slams shut ***
  • JESS: What was in-
  • DOC: *answers phone again* Yes I was already putting them in… I think the HalJordanol should work if it's administered as an inhalant. I'll admit I don't know what the normal vital signs should be… Not aware of any next of kin listed. Estimated length of stay 5 to 7 days or epochs, whatever term is appropriate. *hangs up*
  • JESS: What did you do?
  • DOC: It will all make sense if you open the door again.
  • JESS: Are you insane? We can't let him- *stops abruptly* He's not in there, is he?
  • DOC: See for yourself
  • JESS: *opens door* It's empty… And it looks like a hospital room?
  • DOC: Crisis area. I'm not a contractor but I'm guessing there is some inter-dimensional stuff at play.
  • JESS: Then where is he now?
  • DOC: To be honest I don't know how to describe it, but if a hospital is the best analog, let's just say he's being held for observation with a plan to return to his residence.
  • JESS: There is no way the Guardians authorized this
  • DOC: I'm no expert in those types of discussions. All I know is, I have someone who can give a proper report of a system like this working for the first time.
  • JESS: You'll need some official documentation
  • DOC: Right now the best I can do is my card
  • JESS: I can't read it… It's like it's in some sort of alien language.
  • DOC: Yeah I actually can't read it either but for some reason I can understand it. They messed up my name though. It says "Dr. Ishigo." They also said that this is only for Lantern situations.
  • JESS: I don't think that's a mistake.
  • DOC: Nok.
• Ending (50:13)
• • Recommended reading: Green Lanterns
  • Next episodes: Ted Anderson interview, Animal sidekicks, Kang the Conqueror
  • Plugs for social

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THIS EPISODE SEETHES WITH RAGE AS WE DISCUSS ATROCITUS! FEEL THE ANGER THROUGH YOUR SPEAKERS AND INTO YOUR HEART

• Intro
  • Green Lantern watch party THIS SATURDAY NIGHT 8:30 PM Eastern

• Background (2:35)
  • Atrocitus created by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver in Green Lantern #25 (Dec 2007)
  • The Manhunters were created by the Guardians of the Universe to protect the universe, but they went rogue and obliterated all life in Sector 666 - Atros was one of only five survivors in the entire sector
  • He renamed himself Atrocitus, and he and the other four survivors called themselves the Five Inversions - they performed a ritual and discovered the prophecy of the Blackest Night, which foretold the destruction of the universe at the hands of the Guardians - after attempting to defeat the Guardians, he and the Inversions were imprisoned on Ysmault
  • Abin Sur traveled there and began questioning Atrocitus about the prophecy - he freed Atrocitus from his prison to help guide Abin to Earth, but Atrocitus broke free and attacked Abin, retconning why Abin Sur's ship crashed to Earth
  • He then created a divining rod that led him to William Hand, aka Black Hand, but before he could kill Hand, Sinestro & Hal Jordan intervened - Hand escaped with the rod (also a retcon), and Atrocitus was returned to his prison on Ysmault
  • While in prison, his rage helped him create the red power battery, which he used to murder his fellow Inversions, creating rings and a central battery - he used these rings and batteries to create the Red Lantern Corps, who would assault Sinestro and anyone responsible for the destruction of Sector 666
  • During Blackest Night, the other corps leaders bring him to his home planet, and he has a moment of grief for the loss of his family - he temporarily allies with the other spectrum corps
  • Made a deal with Guy and Ganthet that once Krona was defeated, Atrocitus would take possession to enact justice - although Krona was killed, Ganthet gave Atrocitus the corpse to do what he wanted with it
  • Loses his ring to Guy Gardner, who joins the Red Lanterns as an undercover mole for Hal Jordan
  • DC Rebirth - creates a Hell Tower on Earth to plant the Rage Seed that will birth a new Rage Entity - the tower is destroyed by Simon Baz & Jessica Cruz, but Dex-Starr managed to deliver the seed before the tower was destroyed

• Issues - Theme is the pain & rage cycle (9:36)
  • Ruby - why would a psychologist go straight to rage?
  • Ruby - Rage in dealing with loss (16:04)
  • Really the only Red Lantern capable of thought - how does that affect his rage, and does it mean it's capable of being tamed? (23:11)

• Break (29:53)
  • Plugs for Geek Peak, Bedknobs & Broomflicks, and Jordan Blum

• Treatment (31:11)
  • In-universe - Attempt hemodialysis on Atrocitus
  • Out of universe - Minus the powers, he's a very angry man raging at the world because of his loss (33:15)

• Skit (39:19)
  • Hello Atros, I'm Dr - ATROCITUS AND YOU ARE NO DOCTOR
  • *Gulp* Hello Atrocitus, I'm Dr - I SAID YOU ARE NO DOCTOR TO ME. I do not recognize your title, only the title of MASTER OF RAGE HOLDS ANY MEANING TO THOSE WHO SUBSCRIBE TO the power it provides.
  • *pause* Um…I mean, I can't lie, man. I'm here as an…um…professional…to -YOU ARE WASTING TIME, Doctor Issues.
  • *Rapid* I'm here to make sure you don't destroy all of existence because you are so powerful and mad and I don't want to offend you but I need to do my job so please just let me…Atrocitus…sir -I HATE WHINERS. WHINING is the provenance of those too incompetent to comprehend the veracity of the world and TOO WEAK TO COMPEL THE CHANGE REQUIRED to bring JUSTICE to those who would cause DESTRUCTION AND PAIN TO THE INNOCENT.
  • *exasperated* OH COME ON! I'm doing my best here. Just tell me why you're so angry. -*seething* EEEEEEEVVVVVVVERRRRRYTHIIIIIIIING IS WRONG!
  • Okay, but - DO NOT QUESTION ME, Doctor Issues. I HAVE SEEN THINGS your mere mortal brain IS INCAPABLE OF MAKING SENSE OF
  • I want to make it right -YOU ARE TOO WEAK TO DO ANYTHING, Doctor Issues.
  • Ouch, dude. I'm not against you -THEN WHO SENT YOU?
  • The…um…if I tell you, you'll be…cross…er…like, more than now…or something -YOU CONSPIRE WITH MY ENEMIES! I have seen this coming, once I allowed my brain to acknowledge the TRUCE BETWEEN MY DESTINY AND REALITY
  • You're projecting, which can get you in troub -DO NOT USE PSYCHOLOGICAL JARGON ON ME, Doctor Issues.
  • But it's proper…oh man, this is much harder than usual…look, the way you come across, I usually try to offer something to help calm down. Can I do that? -WHAT? THERE IS NO CALM HERE. If you create an alliance with those aligned against me, Doctor Issues, THEN YOUR BLOOD WILL STAIN THE COSMOS FOR ETERNITY! I WILL SEND YOUR CORPSE TO A FAR AWAY STAR SYSTEM, and when they come to search for you, Doctor Issues, I will ASSAULT THE SHIP, rip open the cockpit doors, and DESTROY THE PILOTS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
  • Some people…not necessarily you, but SOME OTHER people…might consider that a bit…paranoid? -I'M NOT PARANOID! I KNOW THAT OTHERS ARE AFTER ME BECAUSE I'VE GONE AFTER THEM FIRST.
  • That doesn't sound healthy either. Your blood pressure must be through the roof. -MY DIASTOLIC GOES TO INFINITYYYYYYY
  • But that's the lower numb…that's not poss…you're just…what? -DO NOT DOUBT THE POWER OF THE RED LANTERNS. WE HAVE FORSEEN THE DESTRUCTION OF YOUR GALAXY AND IT TURNS CRIMSON WITH THE BLOOD OF YOUR DESCENDANTS. THERE IS NO ESCAPE FOR YOU THIS TIIIIIIIIIMMMMMMEEEEE
  • I…are you even listening to yourself? -MY EARS ARE OPEN AND MY EYES ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD. I hear the voices of THOSE WARRIORS who seek a connection with the ULTIMATE POWER.
  • Alright, I will stop you right there. You may kill me for this but you are NOT MAKING SENSE. -*pause, surprising calm but still intense* This world, and everything you know about it is not ready for the final meeting of powers you can't understand. *back to full intensity* ONLY THE RED LANTERNS MAY BREATH THE AIR THAT SMELLS OF COMBAT, AND WASH AWAY THE DISGRACE OF THOSE THAT CAME BEFORE US.
  • That sounds nightmarish -NIGHTMARES ARE THE BEST PART OF MY DAY!
  • I…can't match your intensity, so I won't try. I have to admit, I feel lost in your presence. That's not a good sign. I may have to seek a consult from someone else -THERE IS NO ONE ELSE TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR SALVATION. I WILL GIVE YOU THE DIVINE BLESSING OF THE BLOOD PROPHECY *vomit sound*
  • Ew…you puked on me?! Is this blood? YOU PUKED BLOOD ON ME? *psychedelic/ambient music* I…do you see it too? What is this? You're…you're a tortured soul. You've been through so much. I'm sorry. I wish you had known help is out there…it's always there. -THIS IS NOT HOW IT WORKS! YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISINTEGRATED INTO THE MADNESS OF ATROCITUS. IF YOU HAVE SURVIVED…*quieter* then your journey is not at an end…your mind will travel, to parts unknown. My vision fades…THERE ARE OTHERS…YOU DO NOT KNOW THEM…BUT THEY ARE…OF YOU…*surprisingly quiet* and they make me…tame.
  • I'm understanding more now, but still confused, and you're still here -NO, THIS IS NOT MY DOING. MY COMPLACENCY WILL ONLY LEAD TO THE DESTRUC OF MORE WORLDS IF I DO NOT GATHER MY ARMY, AND RECONSTITUTE MY RAGE. THIS OFFICE IS A CAGE, AND I WILL NOT LET YOUR WEAPON CONTINUE TO WEAKEN ME.
  • I don't have any weapons! -YOUR HEART…IT BEATS WITH THE FORBIDDEN LIGHT. YOU SAY NOTHING…*quiet, twinge of fear* but your presence speaks evvvvverything.
  • Um…thanks? -YOU WILL NOT HOLD MEEEEEEEEE *RUNNING, CRASH THROUGH DOOR*
  • *pause* Seriously What the hell was that?!!! I should be dead five times over…and he looked like he was scared of me? I've had a calming effect before, but this is ridiculous! *phone rings* Hello? Yeah, sorry! I forgot about this call! Thank you so much, I just had the most unique patient…well, I can't divulge who, but…how did you know that? Yeah, and the one before? You can help? Ok, we'll talk about equity tomorrow. If you can assist with these lanterns, I'd be so appreciative. And put a contingency in for door accommodations. Ok. Bye.

• Ending (49:42)
  • Recommended reading: Red Lanterns
  • Next episodes: Jessica Cruz, Ted Anderson interview, Animal sidekicks
  • Plugs for social

References:

• The Noid - Anthony (54:30)

Music by ShidenBeatsMusic from Pixabay

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We kick off Season 10 and Lantern Month with the prickliest Earth Lantern, GUY GARDNER! How does Doc survive a session with someone like this? Tune in to find out!

• Intro
  • Welcome back for Season 10
  • January is Lantern Month
  • Patrons will get an exclusive episode, plus a watch party of the Ryan Reynolds movie

• Background (4:00)
  • Guy Gardner created by John Broome and Gil Kane in Green Lantern #59 (March 1968)
  • Guy is the child of an abusive alcoholic who regularly beat him, giving him an aggressive nature and a defiance to authority
  • In college, however, he shifts and becomes engaged in social work, and later a teacher for disabled children
  • When Abin Sur's ring sought out a successor, Guy Gardner would have been chosen had he been closer, but since Hal Jordan was in the vicinity of the crash, he was selected
  • He later becomes a reserve Lantern, backing up John Stewart
  • Hal's power battery explodes in his face, trapping him in the Phantom Zone - when he is freed, he is comatose and suffering from brain damage for many years
  • The Guardians revive him and give him a new ring & outfit, and charge him with assembling a team to battle the Anti-Monitor - the brain damage during his coma altered his personality, leaving him immature, arrogant, and violent
  • He is a founding member of the Justice League International, although he chafes against Batman's leadership - Batman knocks him out with one punch, and when he awakens, he is empathetic and caring - until he hits his head again, and he reverts to his abrasive self
  • Loses a fight with Hal and surrenders his ring, but later finds a yellow ring of Sinestro's
  • After losing an eye in another fight with Hal/Parallax, he drinks from the Warrior chalice and unlocks dormant powers hidden in his DNA - he then becomes a shapeshifter that can create weapons from his limbs
  • He is returned to full human in GL Rebirth when the Parallax entity is stripped from the main power battery, and he becomes one of the trainers for the new Corps, later becoming a member of the Honor Guard
  • During Blackest Night & War of the Lanterns, he wears a Red ring and then a Sapphire ring, fueling himself with rage over the death of Kyle Rayner and his love of the Corps
  • New 52 - He gets dismissed from the Corps after the Guardians create the Third Army to replace all Green Lanterns, but regains his ring, and along with Simon Baz & other Lanterns, they defeat the Guardians and restore the Corps
  • Then he joins the Red Lanterns, working as an undercover agent on behalf of the Green Lanterns - he takes over from Atrocitus as leader, and uses his rage against what he felt as disrespect from Hal, John, Kyle, the Guardians, and the Corps

• Issues - Gotta love 'em, because otherwise you'll hate 'em (9:03)
  • All right, so...Guy Gardner. The friend in the group no one really likes that much. The really difficult coworker who's indispensable and you have to try and get along with because you know he's not going anywhere. The guy who never really grew out of his high school jock phase. We've all known a few Guy Gardners in our lives. Some of us may have even been a Guy Gardner at one time and not know it. Guy's really not that much of a mystery. His issues are right there out in the open in big blinking neon letters.
  • Cockiness and abrasive personality. If you aren't aware of how great a Green Lantern, superhero, or a man Guy is, just ask him. He'll be happy to tell you all about it. If you have a disagreement about Guy's assessment of himself, he'll also be happy to correct your misconceptions. Loudly, at first. Violently, if loudly doesn't get the job done. Guy's got an incredibly big mouth and certainly doesn't mind telling you exactly what he thinks of you. This tends to make him more than a little difficult to get along with as a person, and much more difficult as a teammate. It's become a running gag over Guy's time in DC that his fellow Corps members and Justice League teammates are not shy about expressing enjoyment when bad things befall him. Even people like Superman, who'd normally be above such things.
  • No sense of self-preservation. You know that phrase, "your mouth's writing checks your ass can't cash"? Guy's ass has not only stopped payment on the many checks his mouth has written over the years, it's sent his mouth several overdraft notices. It's the primary requirement of a Green Lantern's job description to be able to overcome great fear. One of the reasons Guy is such a great Lantern is that he seems too thick-headed to even understand the concept of fear at all. His default mode is, "you want a piece of me?" and he frequently charges head-first into a fight without any plan other than letting his willpower, gumption, and titanium balls carry the day. And he will often get slapped around for his trouble, not only by more powerful opponents like Doomsday, but baseline humans he picks fistfights with like Hal Jordan and Batman. It really seems like a little bit of healthy rational fear would serve him well. (25:48)
  • Identity wrapped up in being a Green Lantern. Of all the Lanterns we meet and get to know well, Guy loves being part of the Corps and being a superhero maybe more than any of them. Beneath his rough exterior, the times he's been on the outs with the rest of the Corps and stripped of his position absolutely kills him inside. During the War of the Lanterns arc, where he had to learn how to power a violet ring off of love, the only thing that got it working was him proclaiming his love for the Corps, and how he had absolutely nothing without them. Guy is a person who loves his job more than anything else in his life, and doesn't really know how to function when it doesn't love him back. (31:16)

• Break (40:41)
  • Plugs for Ignorance Was Bliss, Play Comics, and Howard Mackie

• Treatment (41:53)
  • In-universe - Make Guy think Doc is the best of the best, and then deflate that
  • Out of universe - Real-world equivalents? Come on, the world is full of these people. Men, women, rich, poor, they come from all backgrounds, all walks of life. Pig-headed people who think highly of themselves, think they're always right, and have a hard time making anything more than the most superficial connections with others. People who never really matured as they got older, who love to rag on others way past the point where it stops being funny, who carry jokes way too far, and can't let things go. But for whatever reason, it's easier to keep them around than the alternative. (45:28)

• Skit
  • Hello Guy, I'm Dr. Issues. - What's up Doc?
  • Not much - I bet you hear that ALL THE TIME.
  • Eh, you get used to it. - Must be tough, dealing with all these whackjobs and nasty bastards all day.
  • It's not easy, but - I mean it's not like patrolling the whole galaxy or nuthin', but it's a good gig I 'spose.
  • I do like - Must take a lotta willpower to face all the stuff you see every day. Bet you think you could even wield a power ring, eh?
  • To be honest, I hadn't considered - Well lemme disabuse you of that idea right off the bat. THIS ring is only for the strongest of will. There are a lotta wannabe ring-slingers out there, but the Corps only takes the best o' the best. I should know, they picked me.
  • I can see - An' I'm so good they let me weed out the softies who can't hack it. Me an' Kilowog, we train all the rookies an' turn 'em into solid, functioning Lanterns. Not just anyone can do that, ya know.
  • I'm sure - 'Course if I had full control, there'd be a few folks I'd never have let in the first place. I mean Sinestro, c'mon, you can see from a mile away he's one guy who shoulda never got a ring. His name is friggin' Sinestro, I mean, what's next, a lantern called Evil McMurder? The Smurfs make a lotta mistakes, but that's gotta be up there, top 5 at least.
  • Smurfs? - The Guardians, lil' blue dudes, they created the Corps. They say they don't use emotion, but if you ask me, sometimes they throw logic out the window too. Then again, they put me in charge of stuff, so what's that saying? A blind squirrel finds a nut?
  • I have heard that - I mean, I should be the full-time Lantern for Earth, we don't even need anyone else. The other guys are OK, but if you can have filet mignon, why settle for a sloppy joe?
  • Different folks have - John's alright. Bit too stick in the mud for me sometimes, but he's definitely thorough when it comes to dealing with stuff. A Marine cop architect ain't exactly the kinda guy who's gonna miss details. An' a black guy has seen enough hateful stuff to give him perspective on conflict, I mean i'm sure you get crap all the time.
  • I don't quite see how that's - Kyle's a good kid. He's gotta stop beatin' himself up over every lil' thing, though. He needs better coping skills, ya can't just draw your problems away. I mean he's a great partner, but the crying and whining get old after a while. "Oh i'm a sensitive artist, all my girlfriends die, boo hoo." If he starts pissin' me off I ask him to get me somethin' outta the fridge from Alex. That shuts him up for a while hahahaha
  • Wow, I don't even know where - An' then there's Jordan. The hotshot. The ace pilot. The pretty boy. If I hadda nickel every time someone fawned over him, I'd be able to afford a nice little place in Pago Pago. He's gotten us inta more scrapes and fights than I can count. Seems like just about every problem the Corps has can be traced back to him, somethin' he did, someone he ticked off, it's almost always Hal. An' he knows it too. What I wouldn't give ta wipe that smug smile offa his mug.
  • Sounds like you've got - Oh an' don't get me wrong, I've tried. More than once, actually. Sonuvabitch always ends up getting me with a lucky shot.
  • If it's happened more than once - But as much as it pains me ta say it, for every time he's put us in danger, he's saved our ass. Mine, yours, the universe's. He and I have gone toe-to-toe so many times, and no matter what, he's always gonna be the first one ta back me up when it hits the fan. So yeah, I don't like him half the time, but that don't mean I don't respect him. Fact is, he needs me to push him.
  • How do you - He knows I'm right awn his ass, ready to take his spot if he so much as sneezes the wrong way. John, Kyle, the other kids, hell even the other Lanterns, we're all waiting for him to mess up. And the beauty of it is, ya don't even hafta wait that long, because it's Hal.
  • That kind of pressure - Makes diamonds? Yeah, that's what it's like in the Corps. We don't have the luxury of second-guessing ourselves. Ya can't be afraid of things, that's kinda the whole point. No fear, willpower, all o' that. When ya been through everything I've been through, fear is a waste o' time.
  • But fear can - An' all those other colors, the Froot Loops Troops, they can suck an egg.
  • Other emotions are just as - Yeah, I'm sure you're gonna give me some spiel about the power of emotions, and I'll be honest, I've felt the power of all of 'em at some point, 'specially when they're punching you in the face.
  • *whispers* I'd like to punch you in the face -*oblivious* Yeah, I'm used to people being too intimidated to say what they really mean. That ain't me. You know what the world needs more of? People like me to take a stand.
  • Are you sure -I knew you'd agree so I figured I'd give you a shot at bouncing some ideas, I dunno. We don't have someone looking at the big picture. Dare I say, I feel like a grunt even when I'm the main event.
  • Ya don't say -The nerve, right? Some alien overlords treat me like I'm liability when I'm the biggest asset they got
  • *Whispers again* just biggest ass* -Oh man, I must be going deaf, you say somethin? You know doc, you're alright. You know how to listen. You're not like all the others that want to talk down to me or beat me to a pulp. I heard about people like you. You got…whadja call it…
  • Common sense? -No…you actually think about people. Nobody is really brave or stupid enough to do that unless they have a ginormous heart or they're a genius or they're trying to get their head ripped off or something. You just take it all in, waiting for the right time, then BAM you say just the right thing. You told me everything I'll ever need to know in one session. It's awesome. I could do this all day!
  • But I didn't -Oh don't go with the false modesty. This is worth ten times what you charge. I'm tellin all the guys about you. I'll have you on speed dial. All day e'ery day!
  • I don't -Just wait till the guardians learn I really am as badass as I said all along, and I got a doctor to back me up.
  • I wouldn't -Right, need to play that card close to the vest. Damn, you're smart. Well, that's about all I can stand of this. Gonna go catch the O's game, gotta case of Natty Bo's waitin' for me. See ya 'round Doc! *leaves*
  • *sigh* Why do I even care about jerks like him so much? It's like I'm a magnet for these hard luck cases..

• Ending
  • Recommended reading: Green Lantern Corps, Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors
  • Next episodes: Atrocitus, Jessica Cruz, Ted Anderson interview
  • Plugs for social

References:

• "Anti-Hero" - Anthony (50:28)

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We take on the Titanous daughter of Trigon, RAVEN! How good is Anthony's Tara Strong impression? How do you handle an empath? All this and more in our season finale - listen now!

• Intro
  • Patrons get an extra episode
  • We'll also do a watch party of the Ryan Reynolds movie
• • Unwittingly this is season finale
  • January is Lantern month
• Background (5:09)
• • Raven created by Marv Wolfman & George Perez in DC Comics Presents #26 (October 1980)
  • Raven is the daughter of the demon Trigon and a human woman, Angela Roth - Raven was raised in Azarath to control her emotions by monks so she could control her demonic powers, which include astral projection, teleportation, and emotional manipulation
  • When she learned Trigon was planning to invade Earth, she first approached the Justice League for assistance, but when they refused, she reformed the Titans as the New Teen Titans to battle Trigon, who they imprisoned in an alternate dimension
  • When Trigon inevitably escaped, he corrupted Raven and took her over - the Titans killed her, allowing the souls of Azarath to possess her body and kill Trigon, after which she was resurrected, free of his control
  • Became Dark Raven after she was possessed by her evil conscience, and implanted her good soul in Starfire (although she said she implanted a seed of Trigon) - the evil Raven then attempted to destroy Starfire, but was defeated by the Titans, and her good soul was placed in a new body
  • She later enrolled in a high school under the name Rachel Roth, and dated Beast Boy for a while
  • She broke up with Beast Boy and left the team, although the two were unrelated
  • Discovered three half-brothers, children Trigon had with other mothers, who tried to use her to access their father's realm - Raven used her powers to make her brothers so greedy they stole Trigon's power
  • New 52 - her origin is practically similar, but initially she was operating as a double agent for Trigon under his control
  • During a battle with the Crime Syndicate, Raven was sent several thousand years into the past, where she used her powers to teleport herself and the Titans forward to the future, before returning to the present - all the chronal manipulation severed Trigon's connection to her
  • She and several other heroes were kidnapped by Damian Wayne, who was putting a team together to battle Ra's al Ghul
  • She and the other Titans create a school to train new students

• Issues - Her heart is not her own (9:15)
• • Emotional repression
  • Seemingly cannot escape her father's manipulation & control
  • Empath power leaves her vulnerable to emotions of those around her
• Break (36:39)
• • Plugs for Scotch N Sports, Popcorn Psychology, and Meredith Finch
• Treatment (37:50)
• • In-universe -
  • Out of universe -
• Skit (47:44)
• • Hello Raven, I'm Dr. Issues. -Hello.
  • *longest pause that almost makes listener think there's something wrong with the episode* Umm, what can I do for you? -Well, we can talk about…stuff. I guess.
  • Ooooooookay, such as… -I don't know.
  • *another awkward pause, but not as long as the first* Feel free to talk about whatever you want. I'm not used to digging this hard to start a conversation when the person booked the first session themselves. -I got a recommendation.
  • I'm flattered *pause* Is there something holding you back? -*sigh* I was trying to avoid using this *Azarath Metrion Zinthos* Aaaah, that's better. You should be easier to talk to now.
  • What did you do? -I had to find a way to let a part of myself out. But I needed a willing vessel. You work just fine.
  • I'm a good listener, not an empty vessel. -I didn't say "empty," just willing. You're an empath. I can tell.
  • Then what is it that I'm supposed to carry? -Oh I don't know…the weight of soul crushing guilt that you can never do anything to make your problems go away, or stop those that created you from ruining your life, or trying to find someone that takes you seriously for more than a fling, or…grrr…even when I throw it away I can still feel it eating at me.
  • I can tell *sound of actual biting* ow! What the hell? What bit me? -I'm not using metaphors.
  • You…you put your emotions into me? They physically…I don't know how to describe this. -I wouldn't try to put words to it. They hate that. It's too close to an amateur trying to learn a new spell on the fly.
  • Then why do this at all? -Respite, mostly. I have a tough burden. 99.9% of the time, I keep myself reigned in. But that 0.1%...oh, when that gets out, lets loose…let's just say NOBODY has ever liked the consequences.
  • Well, I'm certainly not liking them myself! What do you do to mature them? -*pause* There's no maturation process. You have to neutralize them.
  • And that's what you've been doing your whole life. -Yes. Well, when I'm in control, that's what I do.
  • What happens specifically when you're not in control? -I can't answer that.
  • Can't, or won't -Can't because my memories become warped and it's usually due to someone else taking control. One time it's a part of myself. Another time, it's someone else. All I know is, when it gets to that point, pain and suffering follows. Then I have to do damage control and all I want to do is be left alone. Does that make sense?
  • I have to say yes…mainly because as I THINK you make sense, I now FEEL like you make seeeenOHGOD *thump sound as Doc drops on the floor* spoke too soon. Something you said…or I said…you don't like. -*legitimately worried* That's not good. When you reach a certain threshold, the part of myself I gave to you should automatically come back to me. *magical sound effect, alduron en lenthranall* it's stuck. How is that possible?
  • Remember how you said willing vessel? Well…I think the best I can explain it is, I take my work home with me sometimes. -You can't hold onto other people's emotions! That's ridiculous!
  • *angry* Well it's not so literal 99.9% of the time! -*sigh* Ugh, FINE! *alduron en lenthranall, alduron en lenthranall* *now in a true panic* WHY ARE YOU STILL HOLDING ON?
  • *grunting* I need to ask a few more questions -Are you joking right now?
  • Surprisingly no. Tell me, what was so wrong with my answer before? -I didn't believe you.
  • So you don't trust me? -I just met you.
  • And yet you made me carry a burden that has weighed on you since you were born? There's a huge contradiction. -I was…I was trying something different. Dark arts, meditation, isolation, fighting…that only gets me so far. I can't lean on teammates without some serious backlash. Even the ones I love…loved…still love? Anyway, the point is, I know the definition of insanity, and I'm tired of doing the same thing over and over again. But I didn't expect THIS. You care too much, even though I'm a stranger…and it scares me.
  • Thank you. *sound of air rushing by* whoa! That was exhilarating! What did you do now? -Nothing…wait…it's back…to me…it came back? WILLINGLY came back? But not the same. I'M not the same. Or part of me…I don't really understand myself. Is this you? No, you're you.
  • That's a relief. -I'll need to explore this with other parts of myself. This is probably temporary…whatever it is…but You must be worth it if I didn't even have to tell you about that time my father got inside me
  • Hewhatnow? -*rapid* Nothing gotta go and don't worry about nightmares they go away quickly
  • Wait just a -*interrupting, with magic sound effect* here's a token to ward off any demons, take one and call me in the morning
  • But I'm the -*interrupting again* And for your own safety please talk to someone so you don't burn yourself out. *door slams*
  • Did she really say something about her dad…*shudder*
• Ending (53:57)
• • Recommended reading: New Teen Titans (Wolfman/Perez run)
  • Next episodes: January is Lantern month
  • Plugs for social

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Things get cosmic as we discuss GLADIATOR! Doc has no shortage of confidence when it comes to dealing with this Strontian - are you not entertained?

• Intro
  • Extra Life reminder

• Background (3:50)
  • Gladiator of the Imperial Guard created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum in The X-Men #107 (Oct 1977)
  • Introduced as a member of the Imperial Guard of the Shi'ar Empire, serving under Emperor D'Ken, brother of the exiled Lilandra
  • Kallark is a Strontian, and the race is incredibly strong, but only when devoted to a principle - Kallark and other Strontians were vying for a spot in the guard, when they were ordered to return to Strontia and kill their elders - only Kallark obeyed without question, learning that it was a test of loyalty set up by the elders to protect the homeworld
  • He encountered several heroes along his journey, as he continued to serve whoever was in charge of the Shi'ar Empire - D'Ken, Lilandra, Deathbird, and Vulcan
  • Kallark defends the Empire against Vulcan and his assault, but when Vulcan leads a coup and takes over, Kallark is honor-bound to serve, although he has fleeting thoughts of doubt
  • On Vulcan's orders, Kallark and the guard attack the wedding of Crystal and Ronan, intended to unite the Kree and Inhumans, though he sides with Lilandra to prevent her execution, he is unable to prevent a later assassination
  • He accepts the position of Emperor of the Shi'ar to prevent further bloodshed and war, but appoints two advisors to help him handle most of the logistics of running the empire
  • Joins the Annihilators to give himself an outlet for fighting, but refuses a leadership role
  • Joins the Galactic Council, where he decides that Earth must be destroyed to save the universe from incursions, but when it was restored, no memory remained of the destruction
  • Put a time-displaced Jean Grey on trial for her "future" crimes as Phoenix
  • After Xandra is discovered, Kallark hands over the throne of the Shi'ar empire to her and returns to his role as head of the Guard

• Issues - More than you think you know (11:10)
  • The waxing and waning of his self-esteem and focus. It's a function of the Strontian species that their physical abilities are all directly tied to their confidence level and their belief in themselves and their purpose. When Gladiator believes he can do so, he is powerful enough to knock planets out of their orbit, burn Galactus with his heat vision, and is said to have once ripped a black hole in half. Which I really hope was just an idle boast, because there's just...so many things wrong with that sentence. When he doubts himself, he becomes weak enough to get smacked around by Cannonball.
  • A slavish devotion to his sense of duty. Gladiator takes his oath of loyalty to the Shi'ar throne and his position as Praetor of the Imperial Guard VERY seriously. He begins his career of imperial service when the Emperor orders him and the rest of the cadets being evaluated with him to kill the Council of Elders of his home planet as a test of loyalty. Most of the rest of the cadets refuse the order and rebel. Gladiator obeys it without question. He's had to serve a string of emperors and empresses who were objectively very bad people, from T'Korr to D'Ken to Deathbird to Vulcan. He hates the things he's ordered to do most of the time, but is a loyal servant of the throne through and through, purposefully keeping his focus single-mindedly on his duty in order to keep his powers at their maximum level and best perform his duties. The only time he ever wavers is when he's ordered to execute Lilandra, which is a pretty high bar, all things considered. (18:38)
  • Lack of faith in his ability to lead anything that's not the Guard. When Vulcan and Deathbird are dispatched after War of Kings, Gladiator really doesn't want to take charge of what's left of the empire, and would rather anyone else be leader besides him. When he's with the Annihilators, he has no interest in any kind of a leadership role despite arguably being the team's most powerful member. When Professor X and Lilandra both die and someone has the bright idea to hatch a child from an egg made out of their combined genetic material, Gladiator's first response is, oh, thank God you're here! YOU'RE the empress now! This is probably tied into the confidence-based nature of his powers, but even with all of his experience serving at the highest echelons of an interstellar empire that boasts over one million member states, he really seems allergic to the idea of being in charge of anything that's not in his comfort zone of the Praetorian Guard. (25:46)

• Break (34:32)
  • Plugs for ODPH, Freudian Sips, and Cullen Bunn

• Treatment (36:07)
  • In-universe - Get him out of his element
  • Out of universe - Compare to high-level athlete with the yips (39:14)

• Skit (48:31)
  • Hello Kallark, I'm Dr. Issues. -Thank you for taking the time to see me, doctor.
  • So, what can I do for you? -Forgive me my manners, but, we should at least shake hands before discussing more…personal items.
  • Ok, sure -*yell*Ow! You have quite the grip for a human.
  • Said…no one ever. Are you ok? I wasn't even trying to -*abruptly* I'm fine. Everythings fine. Not everything, but my hand is fine. *whispering to himself* Have I truly fallen so far?
  • What was that? -Nothing. I…I need to see you because I have some questions that only a man of mental science can answer.
  • Mental sci…that's unique. Anyhoo, go ahead. -Even though I am eons old, I pride myself on my…stamina. *hushed tone* do you understand what I'm saying? This is embarrassing.
  • Well, you might need a different specialist, then. Do you have a primary care provider? -The Shi'ar Empire has spared no expense to test me from crown to sole, and yet, they find nothing…but…I haven't given them all of my…details.
  • Go on…*sigh* look, I'm a professional. This is all confidential. If this goes where I think it's going, I may have ways to assist you. Continue -*deep breath* I am a proud member of the Imperial Guard. The proudest…member…if you will. I train my body constantly to serve in as many capacities as I can. And yet, I must admit…I may have cheated…oh the shame!
  • I'm not casting judgment. You cheated with whom? -No, no, I do not blame anyone besides myself, by my own hand.
  • Well, your hands may desensitize you if you aren't using variation in technique. -You do sound like you know about this topic quite well, and without hesitation. Alright then! I'll admit, I've resorted to using some natural remedies. Supplements if you will.
  • Oh really? Well, on Earth many of those products do more harm than good. -I have learned the…umm..hard way…that this is true throughout the galaxy. Sure, for a brief time I felt like I could tackle a whole army and have my way with them in any test of…accomplishment. But that feeling faded. Now I feel…weaker than any Strontian has any right to feel. I may look the same, but I can tell I lack…girth. Is this making sense?
  • Yes, and I definitely can help you. There is plenty of literature on my planet that shows some men have this type of adverse reaction to treatments for anxiety or depression. -Really? So they can't get up what they used to? I could lift planets out of their natural orbit, you know.
  • Um…not the visual I would have wanted, but my point is, it's treatable. I don't know what the alien equivalent is, but here, it's called sildenafil. There are some options, and I want to go over the risks and benefits of - *interrupting* I have no fear of risks! Just tell me the benefits, please.
  • Well, as you may have guessed, you'll be able to function in that area again. It increases blood flow, but the typical formulation is only used as needed to avoid staying that way permanently. -What? As needed? But I am always needed. The guard never ceases their duties. How am I supposed to maintain a steady workload if I rely on this temporary aide?
  • Well first you need to try a low-*interrupting* And what time of day do I take this…sildenafil?
  • On the days you use it…and ONLY on that day, you can take it up to 4 hours before any stimulation, but it's best 30 minutes before -And what about my diet?
  • Don't eat, you need an empty stomach, but you can drink water, it's good to stay hydrated, anyway. -And what if I need to increase my…output. How many of these can I take?
  • Just one a day, but -And will this also affect my breathing if I am too vigorous?
  • Actually, for pulmonary hyperten -And what about if I am injured? If this affects my blood, will I suffer mortal wounds easier?
  • I wouldn't recommend -Plus I don't…recover…as well as I used to. If I take anything else, will it affect those things as well?
  • I thought you didn't care about side -How long do I take this, if I feel like my…body…is catching up to my…head? Sometimes I get a throbbing
  • STOP! ***breathing heavily*** Look, stop with the innuendo, alright? You're talking about a sensitive topic, but you got through it. It's not easy to penetrate your defenses, but I've kept a stiff upper lip for too long. You're not going deep enough to get to the psychological basis of all of this. I can't last much longer. We need to start talking in plain language, or this whole encounter ends in a meaningless discharge. Do I make myself clear? -*shouts* SIR YES SIR!
  • Good. Now, as I was trying to say before you unloaded all of your emotional content, erectile dysfunction is -*shocked* EXCUSE ME?!!!
  • *pause* Come again? -WHAT are you on about? I've been pouring my soul out about my decline as a defender of the empire, and you want to talk about…sexual matters? What is wrong with you?
  • I…I thought -You are a disgrace to your profession! And to think, I let myself believe that I needed your kind of help. I have tested the limits of EXISTENCE, and you have some sort of perverse motive to corrupt everything I stand for. How dare you!
  • But the…and your cadence…your tone…the embarrass…*sigh* You know what? I'm willing to cut my losses. I apologize for the misunderstanding. I can refer you to another clinician, and we'll wipe the slate clean. Shake on it? -*pause* You drive a hard bargain.
  • *crunching sound* OOOWWWW Where did that come from? -My grip…that's the grip I know that could choke out the Sun…YOU DID IT! I don't know how, but I'm back to…to ME? I can trust my…head…as well as my body…with my hands…I'm so excited I could just explode! Thank you! The Empire thanks you. THE UNIVERSE WILL SHOWER YOU WITH JOY *swooshing sound to indicate flying away* YESSSSSSS!
  • *sigh* I need a vacation.

• Ending (55:09)
  • Recommended reading: War of Kings
  • Next episodes: Raven, Aquaman
  • Plugs for social

Transcript

References:

• Moira episode - Anthony (6:05)
• Crystal episode - Anthony (7:08)
• Transformers Movie - Anthony (8:05)
• Rogue & Gambit episodes - Anthony (10:10)
• Dan and Dave 30 for 30 Podcast - Doc (44:45)

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• Intro
  • Reminder of charity event on 12/18

• Background (4:02)
  • Moira MacTaggert created by Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum in Uncanny X-Men #96 (Dec. 1975)
  • Moira Kinross had been dating Joseph MacTaggert prior to meeting Charles Xavier, but left Joseph to become engaged to Charles
  • Joseph managed to convince Charles to serve in the military in order to be "worthy" of Moira, and while he was gone, he worked his way back to her and forced her to break off the engagement
  • After they were married, Joseph became abusive, and when Moira ran away, he tracked her down, beat her and raped her, leaving her in a coma for a week - the child would later become Proteus
  • Studied genetics and founded a mutant research center on Muir Island, and reconnected with Charles, pushing him to form his school
  • Moira ran a school of her own, training mutants who were outcasts - it was this group of students (including Cyclops' brother Vulcan) that Charles first sent in to rescue his captured team, but the children were all seemingly killed, and Charles wiped everyone's mind out of shame
  • Showed up at Xavier's school claiming to be a "housekeeper" to help Charles keep an eye on the school, and she fell in love with Banshee
  • Kept Proteus confined at Muir Island to protect the world, but he escaped, and she was forced to reveal the truth to the team and Joseph, who was unaware he had a son for 20 years
  • Also helped David Haller cope with his unstable powers before bringing in Charles and helping him with his son
  • Contracted the Legacy Virus, and seemingly died in an attack on Muir Island by Mystique and the Brotherhood
  • House of X/Powers of X revealed a massive retcon - Moira had been a mutant all along, with the power of reincarnation and the ability to recall everything from her previous life - she used this information to attempt to alter history several times, both siding with and trying to fight against mutants
  • An encounter with Mystique and Destiny in her 3rd life reveals that she will only get 10 or 11 lives
  • She is responsible for bringing together Charles and Magneto, along with Apocalypse and several other mutants, to create the nation-state Krakoa as a haven for mutants, although she is operating behind the scenes - her previous death was retconned as that of a Shi'ar golem
  • She, Charles, and Magneto establish resurrection protocols for all mutants on Krakoa, but Moira specifically wants to prevent Destiny or any other precognitive mutants from being resurrected, lest they discover her or her plans - when Mystique manages to have Destiny resurrected anyway, Moira has Emma Frost brought into the fold, only for Emma to reveal Moira's existence to everyone - Destiny & Mystique shoot Moira with Forge's mutant removal gun, turning her back into a baseline human, and exiling her from Krakoa
  • Before she dies, she transfers her mind to an Omega Sentinel
  • Was one of the protagonists of AXE Judgment Day, where she sells out Krakoa and mutants to the Eternals as revenge for kicking her out

• Issues - Theme is Groundhog Day Gone Wrong (13:28)
  • Mad scientist archetype - experimenting on your own kind
  • Manipulating the future (20:30)
  • Imprisonment of your own son - later revealing his birth was purely for scientific purposes, but that wasn't canon at the time (28:02)

• Break (36:39)
  • Plugs for Frigay the 13th, Hops Geek News, and Gail Simone

• Treatment (38:49)
  • In-universe -
  • Out of universe - (43:34)

• Skit (50:42)
  • DOC: Hello Dr. MacTaggert, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • MOIRA: Going for the formal helps with the disassociation, I see.
  • DOC: *pause* So, do you prefer Moira, or
  • MOIRA: Don't be dense, Doc. It's beneath you.
  • DOC: I was trying to be witty, but I guess I failed…or you didn't catch it because you're too engrossed in analyzing me.
  • MOIRA: It's a habit. Not a bad one, really. When you've done this as many times as I have, you have to find ways to amuse yourself.
  • DOC: Done what, exactly?
  • MOIRA: All of this. The analysis, the prodding, the experimentation, incarceration, exploitation… *realizes there's a pattern here* isolation, incineration…
  • DOC: Well-
  • MOIRA: Objectification… deviation…
  • DOC: Doctor MacTaggert-
  • MOIRA: Oh, discrimination, can't forget that one…
  • DOC: Can we please move on?
  • MOIRA: *inspired* Infantilization
  • DOC: You've made your point.
  • MOIRA: I wanted to see how long I could keep it up.
  • DOC: Oh believe me, I would listen to you all day if I didn't have other things to do, because it's clear that I don't have a role in your world otherwise. Not my circus, not my monkeys…and NO, that's not a shot at any group of people, if you're going to try and exploit that comment.
  • MOIRA: Oh, no one has a role in my world. Or at least no one has a role they're willing to play properly. That's been the trouble over these lives, if they'd just listen to me we could've had such an easy go of things. But no matter how many times I try, I cannot get people to listen. So don't take it personally doctor, there isn't a being on this planet - human or mutant - that is on my level.
  • DOC: Of course not. You created your own level. Who wants to get on it? Well, that's a different story. You're not matching the incentives of others, so they're disinterested…antagonistic, even. Projective identification.
  • MOIRA: Oh don't come at me with that nonsense. I've tried to match incentives. I've done the work in ways you can't even imagine. I've gone through torturous lifetimes that would make your soul weep. The end is always the same - death and pain for everyone. So I'm trying a new tactic, and I'm going to prevent the pain from even starting. But no, I have to deal with zealots like Erik who fight for the purity of it all, or hopeless optimists like Charles who believe in a harmony that will never exist, or warmongers like Apocalypse who revel in the pain. I created my own level because no one else actually wants to keep people from suffering. I came close… I had a utopia… and they hated me for it. So now I'm done cooperating, I'm done pretending to be nice Moira. I'll give them the world they don't know they want, and they can thank me later. Or not. Either way, they're getting it.
  • DOC: Fatalism. Next?
  • MOIRA: Oversimplification. Next?
  • DOC: It's not my fault if you collapse all of your trauma into a term that any undergraduate could look up in seconds. I think your collective experience yields more wisdom than that. But you already know that, don't you?
  • MOIRA: There are no words in English, Krakoan, or any other form of communication on this planet that could define what I have gone through.
  • DOC: Then stop using those languages. You get to make your own definitions. You're too smart to get yourself bogged down in existentialism. I get that. But you've cut too much meat off of the bone. That's a flavorless existence.
  • MOIRA: Mixed metaphors,*tsk tsk tsk* you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
  • DOC: Deflection. Good one.
  • MOIRA: And what is your role in all of this? You play along with the "heroes", deluding yourself into believing you're "helping" make things better, all in service of some greater good that does. Not. Exist. And all the while the world hurtles towards its inevitable extinction. You are… you are so out of your element it defies explanation.
  • DOC: Ad hominem attack. Nice. Almost threw in nihilism but not quite.
  • MOIRA: Oh, now look who's
  • DOC: *interrupting* condescension, albeit juvenile.
  • MOIRA: That's not really-
  • DOC: *clearly not listening* But where are the emotional overtones? Where's rage? No, too intellectual for that…Bombast. That's the word.
  • MOIRA: Are you daft?
  • DOC: No no no, we already covered that. Ah, I wish I had one of my professors here, we'd keep going longer, but you're not helping
  • MOIRA: This is outrageous. Stop it!
  • DOC: *snaps finger* premeditated victimization! That's it! That's the new term you've created for yourself. You live your life solely for the purpose of your own martyrdom, like a bastardized phoenix!
  • MOIRA: How dare you compare me to that… thing… I am not some wanton destroyer bent on chaos. I was bringing life and order and peace to an entire planet, I was ending millennia of conflict. I am a scalpel, and you think me a Neanderthalic club. This further proves how inadequate your conception of my plans and the world is. Even for someone who's lived a multitude of lives, I have wasted so much time speaking with you.
  • DOC: Your choice, right? And to clarify my stance in your metaphor, I DO think you know how to hold a scalpel. I'm not accustomed to someone so willingly holding the belly of the blade in their palm and complain that the world doesn't appreciate the bloodshed.
  • MOIRA: As any woman will tell you, birth requires bloodshed. I'm not shying away from it. It's simply an objective assessment of the situation.
  • DOC: Oh, I agree it's objectification alright. I know that's not what you said, but I had to give my objective assessment of your objective assessment, you see.
  • MOIRA: Hmm. I am no longer entertained by this game. We're done here.
  • DOC: Sorry you consider this a game. After all, I thought you make the rules.
  • MOIRA: I do. And one of the keys to prestidigitation is sleight of hand. *not to Doc* Orchis, that should have been enough time. You can take me out now. *pause* What do you mean you couldn't hack the system?
  • DOC: Who are you-
  • MOIRA: I don't care if Mystique couldn't get in, she didn't have your… our resources. Ugh. This entire mission is a failure. I will have your hide when I return.
  • DOC: What-
  • MOIRA: I will see you again, Doctor. In this lifetime. *teleportation sound*

• Ending (56:50)
  • Recommended reading: Krakoan Age of X-Men, starting with HoX/PoX
  • Next episodes: Gladiator, Raven, Aquaman
  • Plugs for social

Transcript

References:

• Anthony Extra Life fundraiser
• Romesh Ranganathan comedy clip - Doc (33:30)

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For the FIFTH TIME, we are visited by the hilarious ERICA SCHULTZ! Do we talk comics? Eventually…

• Intro
• Background

• Bylines in Blood
  • Basis for story

• NYCC announcements
  • X-23: Deadly Regenesis
  • Hallow's Eve

• Ending
  • Next episodes: Moira MacTaggert, Gladiator, Aquaman

  • Plugs for social

• Transcript

References:

• Anthony Extra Life fundraiser

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

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TeePublic

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This show is going green, as we cover POISON IVY with the help of licensed therapist Sara Boyadjis!

• Intro
  • Sara - give us your background

• Background (2:54)
  • Poison Ivy, Dr. Pamela Lillian Isley, created by Robert Kanigher & Carmine Infantino in Batman #181 (June 1966)
  • Originally a botanist who was poisoned to prevent her from implicating a colleague in a theft, she survived and learned she was immune to toxins - attacked Gotham to prove she was the greatest female super villain ever
  • Reimagined post-Crisis by Neil Gaiman, Pamela Isley was mentored in biochemistry by Dr. Jason Woodrue (Floronic Man), and was colleagues with Alec Holland (Swamp Thing)
  • Woodrue seduces her and injects her with toxins as an experiment - she is hospitalized, and when she recovers she vacillates quickly between kindness and rage
  • The experiments also give her the ability to manipulate plants, and her touch can transfer a fungus that gives her a control over people
  • She becomes obsessed with Batman, as he is one of the only people she cannot control due to his strong will, although she has overcome him on occasion
  • Woodrue breaks Ivy out of Arkham to help him create mind-controlling hemp to take over Gotham, but she sides with Batman, who decapitates Woodrue, as she takes the money and runs away - whole storyline was Very Special Episode about drugs
  • In "No Man's Land", after Gotham is hit by an earthquake and isolated from the rest of the US, Ivy takes over Robinson Park, and turns it into an Eden-esque paradise - she also takes several orphans under her wing - she strikes a deal with Batman to maintain control over the area, as long as she grows food for the rest of the population
  • This is when she first meets Harley Quinn, left for dead by the Joker - Ivy nurses Harley back to health, and the two become close friends
  • After thinking her powers were poisoning the children in her care, she asks Bruce Wayne to help reverse her powers and make her human - she later regains her powers thanks to Hush, although the procedure temporarily kills her (she gets better) #BecauseComics
  • New 52 reboots her origin - she was born with a skin condition that kept her isolated, her father murdered her mother, and in college she sold pheromone pills that mind controlled users - she later joined Wayne Enterprises to study biochemistry, but was the victim of an accidental chemical spill that gave her the ability to control plant matter
  • Creates plant-human hybrid children that grow at an accelerated rate - the children leave Ivy and go off on their own
  • Eventually settles in as antihero, focusing on environmental activism
  • Establishes a relationship with Harley Quinn, but the two break it off after Ivy reveals she loves the planet more than any one person on it

• Issues - Opportunities for natural growth
  • The greener she gets, the more misanthropic she gets
  • Two specific carve outs: first Bruce, based more as an obsession (18:02)
  • Harley relationship humanizes them both, and is the healthiest one either of them has (27:12)

• Break (40:42)
  • Plugs for Grief Burrito, Frigay the 13th, and Phillip Kennedy Johnson

• Treatment (42:14)
  • In-universe - Have Ivy create an area by herself, where she can be alone with plants, and slowly integrate other people
  • Out of universe (49:00) - Address individual with god complex

• Skit (54:05)
  • DOC: Hello Dr. Isley, I'm Dr. Issues
  • IVY: Thanks for remembering I have a doctorate.
  • DOC: My experience tells me that no matter what has happened to a person, their training sticks with them. Credentials come and go.
  • IVY: Sounds like the seasons. Spring and fall, winter and summer. They tend to pair up that way, don't you think? I know it's common to think of the full cycle, but that's not how nature works for things to grow.
  • DOC: Some things offset, sure. Now, what can I do for you?
  • IVY: As a person, probably little. But as fertilizer, maybe you're up to snuff.
  • DOC: *sarcastic* And there are those famous thorny barbs I've heard so much about.
  • IVY: Force of habit.
  • DOC: I heard the opposite; you wait for someone to put their guard down, and then you manipulate them or trap them.
  • IVY: You're bringing up ancient history. Those roots have withered. I'm in this world for much bigger purposes.
  • DOC: Well, maybe I can help with your mindset and goals. Keep you emotionally focused, right?
  • IVY: Emotion doesn't matter when you have a world to save. Your experience with…others should have taught you that.
  • DOC: Too many to name
  • IVY: You only need one. You KNOW who I'm talking about.
  • DOC: *pause* There's an easy answer, and there's a hard answer. Which do you want first?
  • IVY: *irritable* I'm not a child waiting for guessing games *calms down*…but if you must know, always handle the thorns first so the delicate petals bloom.
  • DOC: Hard first then. *sigh* I'm not talking about Harley.
  • IVY: *surprised* But she sent me here! She said you put up with all sorts of…nonsense that drives the Arkham therapists bonkers. And she doesn't trust people…EVER. Neither do I. So…who?
  • DOC: I can't give their name, because it's not mine to give.
  • IVY: I knew it. You're a stooge! You don't care about her, or me, or the planet, do you? You just want to be another one of his…lapdog Bat children that miss the forest AND the trees. It was a mistake coming here.
  • DOC: WAIT! Wait…you didn't hear the easy part.
  • IVY: *sigh, clearly angry* make it quick
  • DOC: I agree that you can be a part of saving the world, with the right tools.
  • IVY: You realize you put me through unnecessary anguish by getting your priorities mixed up, right?
  • DOC: *gulp* I apologize, okay? I want this to work, but I'm not going to shy away from your blindspots. What would it take for you to trust me on this?
  • IVY: Tell me about these tools of yours.
  • DOC: Well…this may not be what you want to hear, but there are some medications that-
  • IVY: *interrupting* I'm immune to toxins, control pheromones, and learned the essence of life itself, and you want to talk about medication?!!! Do you know the harm that Big Pharma has done to humankind, let alone the plant kingdom? How dare you!
  • DOC: Please! It's not what you think! *stuttering due to fear* e-e-e-ever heard of St John's Wort?
  • IVY: Of course. It's a common natural supplement for those with depression.
  • DOC: And psilocybin?
  • IVY: Good old "magic mushrooms." Had to keep Harley from trying to bury herself into the ground…she called herself "mother earth." Not something to play with.
  • DOC: How about kratom
  • IVY: Are you insane?! Nobody should touch that stuff without knowing the psychological effects even if there's anecdotal evidence for pain…where are you going with this?
  • DOC: That plants are the essence of all medicine, and we know it. YOU know it. I wouldn't dare prescribe any of the things mentioned without more study because it's too dangerous without more information. But that doesn't mean people who care…I mean REALLY care, aren't trying to find out.
  • IVY: After everything I've done in my life, you think a review board would allow me to participate in any such research? I'm banned for life!
  • DOC: …and when has that mattered before?
  • IVY: You'd be risking your license on someone who is a lost cause.
  • DOC: No, I'm not saying you should DO the research, I'm saying you should be a PART of the research.
  • IVY: You want me to be a guinea pig. You're evil, you know that? You are no better than any of the fossil industry moguls that strip the planet bare. You would have me die on the vine rather than produce fruit for the world!
  • DOC: No, no, no…you don't get it…I'm trusting you with your gift. You're IMMUNE.
  • IVY: *pause* My body can process things that others can't…filter out the danger…and only leave what's left if there's a way to…extract it without turning me into a green slurry in a food processor.
  • DOC: Ewww…but yes. You could be the source of a natural treatment process that eliminates the stigma of medication management, improves the safety, AND helps with your…let's just say, mood lability.
  • IVY: And you could do all of that…for me?
  • DOC: actually…no.
  • IVY: *angry* WHAT???
  • DOC: WAIT! Again! My point is that your own version of the world can include those types of goals in the long run, but we can't do that yet. And we sure can't do it alone. You have an opportunity to prove me wrong, but we have to meet somewhere in the middle. I have approved safe treatments that help. You have a grand scheme for how the planet should be. Can we meet somewhere in the middle?
  • IVY: *calmer* You're weird, you know that?
  • DOC: Compared to…
  • IVY: True…perhaps we can work on crossbreeding pollinators with aerosolized melatonin. The possibilities are endless.
  • DOC: An apple a day could truly keep the doctor away. Well, most of them.
  • ***dream sequence sounds***
  • IVY: Doctor? Doctor?
  • DOC: *snoring*
  • IVY: Oh dear, I forgot to tell him to use a filtration system for his office. Those pheromones will give him some incredibly odd dreams. I'll have to keep a note of that since most people just become mindless drones. Perhaps there's something unique in his genetic makeup or blood chemistry…
  • DOC: *whispering while sleeping* Lithium in lilacs, who could say no?
  • IVY: Hoo boy... And I STILL didn't get the easy or hard answers out of him. On the bright side, these ramblings make for fascinating research. I will say these sessions are worth my time, at least a little bit.

• Ending (60:54)
  • Recommended reading: Fruit of the Earth, part of No Man's Land
  • Next episodes: Moira McTaggert, Gladiator, Raven
  • Plugs for social

Transcript

References:

• Anthony Extra Life fundraiser
• Tee Franklin episode - Anthony (10:04)
• Harley Quinn episode - Anthony (27:20)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

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Patreon

TeePublic

Discord