Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling

• Intro
• Background
  • Mystique, Raven Darkholme, created by Chris Claremont & Dave Cockrum in Ms. Marvel #16 (April 1978)
  • To this day, Mystique's true origins have never been revealed
  • The earliest stories place her around 1900, where she was presenting as male and in a relationship with Irene Adler (Destiny), an obvious reference to Sherlock Holmes
  • While undercover, she had a short fling with Sabretooth, which led to a child Graydon Creed - despite having 2 mutant parents, Graydon is a normal human who comes to resent all mutants - he grows up to become a powerful politician before being assassinated by a time-traveling version of Mystique #BecauseComics
  • She is later seduced by Azazel., and becomes pregnant with a baby that she abandoned at birth - the baby would be taken in and named Kurt Wagner, aka Nightcrawler
    • Side note - Claremont intended for Mystique & Destiny to be Nightcrawler's parents, but the Code wouldn't allow a lesbian relationship at the time
  • Encounters a young runaway girl from Mississippi, and after Destiny foresees that she will become important to them, she takes in the young Rogue and acts as her foster mother
  • She leads a version of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and trains Rogue to join them and attack Ms. Marvel - Rogue ends up absorbing Carol's powers, memories, and personality for a time #BecauseComics
  • Turns the Brotherhood "legit" as Freedom Force, and they work for the government, while still clashing with the X-Men - during this time, Irene is killed, and this has a serious impact on her
  • Joins X-Factor under duress, but after some time she escapes and flees to Europe, where she becomes a top fashion model
  • Joins the X-Men as a shapeshifter named Foxx, and attempts to seduce Gambit so she can break up Gambit & Rogue and set up Rogue with another mutant - the ploy fails, but she joins the team on a probationary basis - Kurt says he needs time to process, though, which she gives him
  • Works with Gambit & the Marauders to betray Mister Sinister in the fallout of M-Day - Logan is sent to kill her, and he severely wounds her, but does not finish the job
  • She is later actually killed by Logan after she had been posing as Professor X for Norman Osborn's Dark X-Men
  • She was revived by the Hand, and posed as Dazzler, who was a mutant liaison for SHIELD in Madripoor
  • Had a tender moment with Rogue before her wedding to Gambit
  • Serves on the Quiet Council of Krakoa as a Winter representative
• • Issues - Piercing the veil
    • Can't really be herself because of the hatred towards mutants
    • Always distant in her relationships - rare exceptions, like Irene & Rogue
    • Inner self-acceptance isn't always reflected in outer appearance, which is difficult
  • Break (37:27)
    • Plugs for Take a Knee for Marvel vs. DC, Into the Knight, and Chris Claremont
  • Treatment (38:42)
    • In-universe - Become emotions, not people
    • Out of universe
  • Skit (49:34)
    • ***knock at the door*** Come in -***Mrs Issues*** Hey, just stopping by

• Oh! Um…usually you text me, but ok, I thought you were my next patient -No problem, I figured I hadn't been to your office in a while and I know you've had some rough days.

• • • Thanks *pause* I thought you had class tonight. -I do, that's why I brought someone along with me to cheer you up; plus you can keep watch for a bit. I'll be right back but I have to get my stuff from the car. ***door closes***
    • As always. But where's -***Door opens***Daughter Issues*** Daddy!
    • *pause* Ok Getthef**kout -WHAT? Why? ***fake crying***
    • Seriously get out or identify yourself or I'm calling the police -***some sort of morphing sound, now Mystique***

• M: well you don't have to be so rude, I thought you were a professional.

• • • D Professional enough to know my own daughter hasn't called me "daddy" in years. Her choice, not mine. And I guess I can't call the police on my own patient if I haven't given them a chance to explain. Don't expect me to be cheery after a stunt like that. -

• M You're perceptive, I'll grant you that. But now we have a problem.

• • • D I know what my problem is. What's yours?

• M *sigh* Let's be real. You can't fight me, and I don't necessarily want to fight you. But you're valuable. More than you know.

• • • D You were going to kidnap me?!

• M *laughs* No, nothing as dramatic as that. This was supposed to be a stealth operation. You have information. I need it.

• • • D I've already been down that rabbit hole. Secure encryption, magical wards, along with undisclosed offshore servers have made sure I don't make the same mistake ever again.

• M Doom really hooked you up, then.

• • • D HOW…*deep breath*...you are masterful, you know that? Always seeking more information, more leverage.

• M: It's my currency, it's how I get ahead.

• • • D: But do you need that anymore? You don't come across as someone who wants to be at the beck and call of someone else, but you also find ways to put yourself as the center of attention, even if no one else knows it yet. I know those aren't mutually exclusive, but that can get complicated very fast.

• M: My life is complicated? Hmmm, I would have never thought that in a hundred years…no wait, that is EXACTLY what I've spent every day for the last hundred-plus years thinking about. I have enough baggage to fill an entire airport. I just choose which ones to pick up on various occasions.

• • • D: So what set of circumstances would lead you to add me to the mix? It's obvious you don't want therapy.

• M: I won't divulge my secrets if you won't divulge yours.

• • • D: This isn't a negotiation.

• M: Au contraire. All conversations are negotiations. Most people don't apply the proper context. Or pressure.

• • • D: This must be so difficult for you. You're talking to a person that's not of your world, nothing to offer that you couldn't weasel out in some other way, and yet, this is the path you chose. You find me weak, but interesting, and I don't know why.

• M: *pause* Are you fishing, or trying to sound profound?

• D: Why not both? My point is, you seem to set up your own challenges without respect to the person, or the emotional consequences even for yourself. I'll give you a hypothetical. What if you learn of someone you DIDN'T want to have on your radar, and they hunt you down after they destroy me? Is that risk worth it?

• M: It wouldn't be the first time that someone else gets hurt in the crossfire.

• • • D: But what if it's someone you actually care about? Are you really going to throw away the opportunity to improve a lasting relationship for the sake of an odd job or morbid curiosity? What if I could offer you that chance and the other person is willing to talk about it…with you and me?

• M: You can't make promises like that.

• • • D: Never said I could. But I can try. That's all I'm saying.

• M: I know for a fact that you aren't a…family therapist.

• • • D: Who said it was family?

• M: *pause* I…

• • • D: *snaps fingers* YOU were fishing! You didn't know! This was a hunch, wasn't it?

• M: *sigh* There aren't that many psychiatrists that delve into…our type, for lack of a better term. Word spreads fast. I have the background on your services, but things were locked out, as you so eloquently put it, before I could get any good dirt. But still…if there was a chance…

• • • D: There's no alternative mission…no monetary gain? You really just want…hmmm…I meant what I said. No guarantees. This may get messy.

• M: As always. So…you know, I may have wanted someone that is NOT considered a person close to me. If I disclose it, would you be able to set up someone like that, too?

• • • D: Nope Nope Nope. This is a one-time deal. You get one person, I contact on my time. If they say no, you don't get another chance. Understood?

• M: Clearly. Doesn't mean I will stop trying. I have more on you, you know. Think about it. Every person you see in your life could be me, doctor. A. Ny. One.

• • • D: And every person you meet is an opportunity for you to stop looking at them as a puppet to mimic, and engage them for who you really are. I guess we'll both have doubts.

• M: You are learning to negotiate better. Keep at it, and I might consider this…therapeutic.

***for end of show*** No matter how complicated life can be, you'll always have control of your own mystique -

M: ***morphing sound*** Oh do you, now?

Uhhhhhh…for Anthony I guess? Gah! I'm Doctor Issues thank you so much we'll see you next week!

• Ending (55:06)
  • Recommended reading: Mystique by Brian K. Vaughan
  • Next episodes: Poison Ivy, Moira McTaggert, Gladiator
  • Plugs for social

Transcript

References:

• Carol Danvers episode - Anthony (3:18)
• Rogue episode - Anthony (3:20)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

TikTok

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

Before he makes his big screen debut in Wakanda Forever, we take a deep dive on NAMOR! To what depths does his distrust of the surface world go?

• Intro
  • New patron: Citizen Amar-Kareem

• Background (4:55)
  • Namor Mckenzie, the Sub-Mariner, created by Bill Everett in Motion Picture Funnies Weekly (April 1939) and Marvel Comics #1 (October 1939)
  • Namor was born from a human father, sea captain Leonard McKenzie, and an Atlantean, Fen, daughter of Emperor Thakorr
  • His unique parentage gave him both strengths and weaknesses that other Atlanteans did not possess: he is pink skinned like humans as opposed to the blue skin of pureblood Atlanteans, but he cannot survive in water or on land for prolonged periods of time, or it will impact his psyche
  • Initially Namor was, if not a full villain, at best an antihero or well-intentioned extremist, attacking Americans in the name of protecting Atlantis and the ocean
  • Once WWII started, he joined other heroes in attacking Nazis
  • After WWII, he suffered an amnesiac attack, and once he recovered, he joined Professor Xavier in searching for mutants - Xavier's attempt at repairing his memories, however, created further issues in Namor's mind, and gave him bipolar disorder
  • He was later found wandering the streets of New York as an amnesiac vagrant - upon learning that Atlantis was destroyed by nuclear bombs, his memories returned and he vowed revenge on the surface world, pitting him against the Fantastic Four numerous times
  • He would attempt several times to woo Susan Storm away from Reed, but although Sue admits an attraction to Namor, she remains loyal to her husband
  • He married twice - his first wife Dorma was killed shortly after the wedding by an evil mermaid, and his second wife Marrina was driven mad, and Namor was forced to kill her with the Ebony Blade - she survived, and Norman Osborn altered her DNA to turn her into a raging beast as part of his revenge on Namor, who killed her once again #BecauseComics
  • In the 90s, he searches for sunken treasures and uses the money to finance a corporation that focuses on conservation
  • He is a member of the Illuminati, and notably the only one opposed to sending the Hulk into space, as he foresaw dire consequences should Bruce return - he was the only one who Bruce didn't seek vengeance upon when Hulk came back
  • Due to his mutant abilities, he formally joins the X-Men, and is one of the Phoenix Five during AvX, but is the first one to be defeated and lose his Phoenix Force powers
  • Namor is killed by the Squadron Supreme in retaliation for his numerous attacks on Earth and other worlds, but this is undone by time travel after the team realized Namor's murder would lead to global destruction
  • Fights the Agents of Atlas after Atlantis' guardian dragon is stolen - after some battling, Namor & the agents come to an understanding, and then team up against the King in Black

• Issues - born of two worlds, welcome in neither
  • Mixed parentage creates hostility
  • Unique physiology leads to bipolar disorder, or at least manic/depressive swings
  • Zealotry for Atlanteans leads to issues with both his people as well as surface dwellers

• Break
  • Plugs for Last Sons of Krypton, Cheers to Comics, and Meghan Fitzmartin

• Treatment
  • In-universe -
  • Out of universe - Mixed race parentage

• Skit
  • Hello Namor, I'm Dr. Issues. - I am King Namor, ruler of Atlantis. I am not one of your colleagues, we are not fraternizing over a beverage. You will address me accordingly.
  • My apologies, your majesty…your highness…your Atlantean Majestic highness? I'm bad at this. -I gave you one job and yet you have failed. But I am a forgiving ruler, so you will get one more chance.
  • Thank you, King Namo…wait, you don't rule me! -That is not the point. As long as you show the proper respect, and the appropriate decorum, then I have no quarrel with you.
  • Very well then. What does the mighty King of Atlantis have to gain from gracing the presence of a common land-dwelling human psychiatrist? -I would have thought that my message was delivered ahead of time. If not, then I will be forced to punish the one that failed to deliver said message, AND then I will have them re-send that message twice as fast the next time. There is no room for error in troubling times such as these.
  • So…what was the message? - That I, albeit one of the most important figures in existence, has made his mark on the world, yet still find challenges that can only be mastered through the guiding hand of one with the knowledge of the mind. You, my humble servant, are such a man.
  • Um…thanks? So, what can I help you with? -My people have respected me for so long that I worry they no longer fear me the way they should. There is no room for comfort when our world remains in great peril on all sides.
  • No offense but, that comes across a bit paranoid. -You wouldn't say that if you have fought the battles we have fought. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
  • But why would you want fear instead of respect? Fear is the more primal response and that sounds…beneath you. -Fear can be harnessed. Respect is dormant, docile even.
  • Boy, you really have a hard edge. Do you ever relax? -I am capable of the finest travels in leisure only privy to those that would dare seek such an endeavor.
  • *pause* Such as… -That's classified. It is beneath a man of my stature to, as you say, kiss and tell.
  • Oooooookaaaaay…are you always this obtuse? -There is no need to use such language! Remember your place amongst royalty.
  • *pause* You don't know what that word means, do you? -*pause* The kingdom of Atlantis has no need for obscure vocabulary. We speak directly, we are a people of action.
  • All you're talking about so far is your people. That's nice, but the point of individual therapy is the individual. What do you want to change? -Nothing.
  • Then we're done here. What's the point? -You once again have a misguided approach. I am saying that I value consistency. Tradition. Honor. Or are those concepts too…obtuse for you to comprehend?
  • You want permanent, everlasting control of that which is important to you. -Now we are speaking the right language.
  • As a psychiatrist, I must inform you, King Namor of the Atlanteans, that I am in no position to make any such guarantee that our sessions will yield that result. - I see. You need to work on your delivery of sarcasm. It does not match any of my rivals for wit or passion.
  • You're USED to people talking to you that way? Did you ever think that it's because you get under the skin of every person you meet? -A pearl is made by an irritant of sand in an oyster's mouth. And yet, not every oyster produces a pearl. My lot in life is to create more treasures of the sea. Why should I care if others are intolerable of my grit?
  • I'm not sure that's a "lot" in life instead of a conscious choice. -*pause* That's not a question.
  • I…don't think I wanted it to be a question? Anyway, you're blocking my attempts to understand your emotions, your thought process, and your values. What do you want from me? -Well, you haven't attempted to throw me out of your office yet, so that tells me you are more tolerant than most plebs. ***paper unfurls*** Here's a list of every goal that is relevant to my success.
  • The first 50 of them are crossed off. You don't need to show me those. -Then how will you know of my great achievements?
  • I agree -What?
  • *quickly* Nothing…now, you name at least 20 people here and simply have an exclamation point next to their names…except Sue, where you have a heart…but there are no details for any of them - I don't need explanations; I know what they mean.
  • But I DON'T know what they mean! -That's for you to decipher as we talk over the next 22 sessions
  • 22?! Aww man…um, why 22? -I have a full calendar of every in-person session and phone call that we'll have so that you can't say "I'm busy" at the last moment. Your online system is truly convenient.
  • Are you trying to make up for a lack of other attachments by putting more energy into me? -*pause* You say it like it's a bad thing.
  • 15 minute…10 minute time limit - But I
  • *interrupting* and only 3 topics -You are in no position to
  • *interrupting again* plus if you are more than 5 minutes late I charge double -*pause* you are trying to create barriers. I see. But a king never yields. You WILL treat me and you WILL know my greatness. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go salvage a barren stretch of an unknown trench that you have never heard of but will save countless ocean creatures for the sake of Atlantean commerce. I'll be sure to send you a private message when it concludes at…oh, about 4AM on your time scale.
  • *heaviest sigh* I look forward to it. - Now THAT was better.

• Ending
  • Recommended reading: Sub-Mariner: The Depths
  • Next episodes: Mystique, Poison Ivy, Moira McTaggert
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Sue Storm episode - Anthony (11:34)
• Captain Planet - Anthony (12:38)
• Evil Overlord List - Anthony (14:10)
• Marx Brothers Duck Soup - Anthony (14:34)

Transcript

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

TikTok

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

We sit down with mental health advocate & cofounder of We Matter Too, Dr. Ashley Perkins! We talk the pros & cons of social media, self-diagnosis, and more!

We Matter Too with Dr. Ashley Perkins

• Intro
• Background
  • Pharmacist
  • We Matter Too
  • TEDx Talk
• Ending

Transcript

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

• Intro
• Background
  • TV work - Community writer - how'd you get in the writers room there?
  • American Dad

• MODOK
  • What came first, the TV series or the Head Games comic?
  • Decision to make this character a standard sitcom dad
• Minor Threats
  • How did you & Patton come up with the idea?
  • I always enjoy D-list villains as comic relief, like Superior Foes, but this takes it to a darker place
  • Is this ongoing or a mini?
  • How did you two come up with the various characters & powers to use
  • Playtime as the POV character
• Ending

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

• Intro
• Background
• • Gambit, Remy Etienne LeBeau, created by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee in Uncanny X-Men #266 (Aug 1990)
  • You know how we've done a lot of characters whose circumstances have come back around to "it's not his fault, but it is his problem"? Gambit's definitely a twist on that. Let's run down the list. Kidnapped as an infant and raised by a society of thieves who brought him up with a moral compass that was most certainly not in line with the rest of the world, wound up homeless, captured by an immortal mutant and sold into slavery, got roped into an arranged marriage with Belladonna to end a centuries-old blood feud between the Thieves' Guild and the Assassin's Guild and wound up killing the brother of his bride-to-be in a duel on his wedding day, was exiled from his home in New Orleans, found out he had a mutant power that grew so powerful it wouldn't let him touch anything without blowing it up, had no choice but to go to Mr. Sinister to give him brain surgery to save his life, gets a simple innocuous job to do in return, assemble some mercenaries to locate the Morlock community, has no idea the mercenaries have orders to kill all the Morlocks
  • Encounters a powerless Storm, who brings him to meet the X-men - Logan didn't trust him, so the two had a duel, which Gambit won
  • Served as a X-Man for some time, until he was captured by Magneto and Sabretooth, and Rogue's kiss revealed the memory of the Morlock Massacre - the fallout led to him being kicked off the team
  • Later rejoined the team after Rogue went searching for him
  • After a battle with Destiny, he and Rogue were depowered, so they moved to California to explore their relationship
  • Both regained the powers and joined the X-men, but when Gambit was temporarily blinded, he began lashing out at Rogue, who left him
  • Mystique joined the team undercover as another shapeshifter, and revealed herself to Gambit as a version of Rogue that he could actually touch - although Rogue was angry, Gambit never pursued it
  • He submitted himself to Apocalypse in an effort to infiltrate the team, but the transformation brainwashed him, and he became the Fourth Horseman, Death - after Apocalypse's defeat, he is returned to normal with the help of Mr. Sinister
  • Yada yada yada, he & Rogue get married after Kitty backs out of her wedding to Colossus, and Gambit proposes on the spot - they spend their honeymoon protecting the bio-engineered daughter of Charles Xavier & Lilandra, and then get teleported to the Mojoverse, where they have to fight their way out for the amusement of Mojo & his viewers

• Issues
• • That is a lot of really bad luck for one person. But Gambit tortures and blames himself for way more of it than he should. He didn't want to fight Belladonna's brother, but was bound to by the traditions of the clans. He didn't want to leave Belladonna and New Orleans, but had to or there would be all-out war. He didn't want to get in bed with Mr. Sinister's, but he was the only person he knew that could save his life. He certainly didn't want to play any part in a genocide and tried everything he could to stop it when he was happening, but at the time, he genuinely believed the job was just to locate them. With regards to everything he did in his past, most of it is not his fault, and way less of it is his problem than the amount he tends to torture himself with. On a scale of zero to Cyclops, his moral culpability for the things he's done with his life doesn't even come close to the level of guilt he feels for it.
  • Second issue, deflection and evasiveness. Oh my goodness, Remy Labeau raises keeping people at arm's length with deflection and evasiveness to an absolute art form. And when you're a monument to male fanservice streetwise slick-talking bad boy with a mutant power that lets you kinetically excite the heart rate and neurotransmitters of other people and charm the metaphorical and often literal pants off of them, that is really not a hard thing to do. Remy is one of those people you can have a hours-long conversation with, tell all sorts of personal details, and walk away not even realizing he didn't tell you a single thing about himself. His teammates (Wolverine and Bishop in particular) are the wisest to the act and treat him with the most suspicion. But really, all of the X-Men know it to some extent. He's closer to some of them than others, everyone likes him, no one really seems to have a problem with having him on the team, but apart from Rogue, obviously, no one really implicitly trusts him, especially after the truth about his connection to Mr. Sinister and the Marauders comes out.
  • Third issue is related to the second one, Remy's own massive trust issues with other people. It's completely, 100% understandable given everything Remy went through in his childhood and teenage years that he'd be extremely wary about making himself vulnerable around anyone. It's a lot. The man didn't have the loving supportive upbringing most of us have. He's understandably a jaded cynical man who expects the worst from people until they show him otherwise. But the only person he's ever really, genuinely let into his life is Rogue, and it was a long, very rocky, and very painful road getting there. Gambit guards his heart tighter than Fort Knox, and seems very comfortable with the fact. (24:42)
• Break (32:51)
• • Plugs for Bedknobs & Broomflicks, Geek Peak, and Jeremy Whitley
• Treatment (Theme: Truth in Deception)
• • In-universe - I have to play games
  • Out of universe - Not really a stretch to find real-world equivalents to this man, I imagine most people who go to treatment can be intensely guarded and wary about sharing details about themselves. I imagine a lot of patients have things in their past they're not proud of and that they torture themselves with. I also imagine it can be like a chess match where one person is playing for a stalemate and trying to frustrate the other person into surrender when you're trying to get through to them. (37:22)
• Skit (49:02)
• • Hello Gambit, I'm Dr. Issues. - Bonjour, doc.
  • So, what can I help you with? -Nothing. *pause* haaaa, just joshin', I figured you'd like that one.
  • *playing straight* Sometimes. -I was told you were cool.
  • Not exactly the life of the party, sorry. -*pause* Something's off…*whispers* you wearing a wire or something? I can short it real quick
  • *sigh* No…no, I'll admit, you're right, but not for any nefarious reason. I was told things, too. - *wary* Nah, she told me she told you nothin'.
  • Not anything bad…this is tough. I'm being vague because lately I've been too loose in my descriptions of others, and in your case, I was told to keep quiet, but then I can't discuss a relationship if I don't talk about the other person, but THEY probably don't want me telling everything, but I know that you know so…it's complicated. -Cher? She knows better. If you tryin, I'm buyin. That's why I'm here. She clearly only told you what you needed to know. Sorry for snappin like dat.
  • I'm trying to say that I've been told you value your privacy. I should have just done my usual introduction about confidentiality, but noooo, I had to play it off like I'm some sort of mastermind interrogator. I get like this when I don't think someone will open up to me. -You got me in the door, that's more than most. You ain't comin round my parts anytime soon. I just got things on my mind.
  • Go ahead. -How do you get things out of your head without surgery?
  • *pause* Say again? -I don't like talking about all of the…evil business, if you know what I mean. I just gotta get rid of it. So if Mister can't get it done *quick angry tone* an he aint tryin again yahear! *back to calm* then I figured I should go to someone…of the mind, but not REALLY of the mind like Charles, c'est tou?
  • *misunderstands* I'm not sure I say anything…in fact, I tend to listen. -Nah I mean it's simple. I need you to help me so I don't let stuff I want to forget bother me so much. Or make me forget it. Either way, I'll be happy.
  • If it were that simple, would you have gone through all of the effort to deal with it in the first place? -Touche
  • Anyway, your natural tendency seems to push things down, suppress them so much that it accomplishes the opposite effect; you don't have the memory itself in your daily conscience, but the amount of energy necessary to keep it that way with even the tiniest reminder has to go somewhere. It builds up until -*finishes the sentence* Boom.. I know. Just like my powers. It's funny how the physical and the mental come together like that. Synergy.
  • Psychosomatic -PsychoKinetic
  • *simultaneuously* PSYCHOSOMATOKINECTIC SYNERGY *both laugh*
  • *trails off with laughter, then pause* Man, I think we just added to the mental health lexicon. -Glad I could help. What else can I do for you?
  • Well work has been…wait, YOU want the help, not me. Why are you trying to make it sound like you're giving me therapy? -I'm just trying to loosen you up. You're so uptight, man. It's good to see you laugh. You should do it more.
  • You realize that for you to make progress you're not going to be able to rest on a good moment with a stranger as the ultimate win. -*pause* Worth a shot.
  • Alright, it's obvious you came to that conclusion about your powers and your psyche a long time ago, and I gave it validation. You're trying to play me like a puppet and just get along with you so I can rubber stamp your style. Don't get me wrong…your style has flair, charm, and wit. But there has to be more. -Man, and I thought you had no gator in you, tryin' a bite my head off. Look atcha! A real backbone.
  • I'm serious! *exasperated* are you always this…way? Just charming and conning your way through life? -It's only a con if I don't believe it.
  • So…you're happy anyway. Then what's the point of forgetting something that you're now acting like it doesn't bother you but then you said it's what really does…I can't play games like this… -You need a better poker face.
  • *pause* You know, I actually enjoy poker. The logic, probability, psychology, uncertainty…only way the story gets told is if at least two people are willing to see the hand through to the end. -That's deep, really philosophical. You have a sharp mind on ya, doc.
  • And so do you. That's why I know you'll let me lose a few hands to you. -*surprised* You…what, you? Me? Play? *belly laugh* COME ON, you know you don't want the smoke! You gonna lose your office, you ain't careful. I figure it's fake chips?
  • Yes. -All right, low stakes, I'm in. I hope you keep up with Omaha Hi-Lo because
  • *interrupting* Nope, you don't choose, I choose. Blind man's bluff. -So it's just face reading, one card, on the forehead each, huh? Well…let's see it.
  • *sound of card shuffle* Just to let you know, 2 rounds of betting. Each turn, you have to give me one fact about yourself. -Cool, because I'll get to know you mo
  • *interrupting* and I don't say anything. - *pause* that's not fair. For real, that's not FAIR! You can't rig a game and expect me to play.
  • The real pot isn't the chips; if you win, you can end the session, and never come back. After all, you wouldn't want to hang out with a loser like me, right? -Bet. And if I lose?
  • I give you feedback on what may actually help you, because I'll take your information as genuine. -So no matter what, if I play this the way that I want, I'll get what I want, even if I lie and it hurts? Laissez les bon temps roulez.
  • Funny how that works out. -*sound of chips* All in, no second bet. *pause* Fact for the only round is, if I didn't trust her, you would see you put the equivalent of a bomb in my hands.
  • *immediate* Call. And…I had a Queen -Jack. *annoyed grunt, pause* you would have called with anything, right? Even with a threat like that?
  • What threat? It was the truth. And yes, I would have. -*snaps fingers* see, I KNEW it. You have too many tells.
  • I guess we have a lot to learn from each other. Want to call the next game? - We really gonna make this a thing, huh?
  • Only if you're willing to be a regular at the table -Better than a couch, you can bet on that
  • *pause* Huh, I thought you'd say "I guarantee" or something -Doc, no Cajun says that. 'Cept mebbe Justin Wilson, res' his soul.
• Ending
• • Recommended reading: Mr. & Mrs. X, or any of the Rogue & Gambit minis
  • Next episodes: Mystique, Poison Ivy, Namor
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Rogue episode - Anthony (6:26)
• Colossus episode - Anthony (8:12)
• Mojo episode - Anthony (8:34)
• Frequency illusion - Anthony (14:06)
• Cast Away - Doc (26:38)

Transcript

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

TikTok

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

Issue 157 - Doctor Fate

• Intro
  • Lots of good stuff coming for Patrons in the next few weeks
• Background
  • Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson, created by Gardner Fox and Howard Sherman in More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940)
  • Kent Nelson is on an archaeological dig with his father Sven when they accidentally awaken an ancient Sumerian God, Nabu the Wise- the chamber was filled with poisonous gas, which kills Sven - Nabu pities Kent and trains him in magic for 20 years before Kent returns to the US and begins operating as a superhero
  • Wearing the Helmet of Nabu, he gains incredible magic power, although it is revealed that Nabu is often in control of his body while wearing the helmet
  • He later creates a half-helmet to retain greater control, although it costs him some power
  • One of the founding members of the original Justice Society of America in 1940, he later retires and focuses on being a physician alongside his wife Inza
  • In the 1980s, Inza committed suicide, but Nabu wouldn't allow Kent to die until he found a successor, which he did (not getting into Eric Strauss and all the problems therein) - at which point Nabu granted him peace and let him die
  • Kent & Inza are resurrected into younger bodies, and Inza operates as Doctor Fate for a time, before the two battle Extant, who rapidly ages Kent & Inza to their "proper" bodies - they find Jared Stevens, who becomes the new Doctor Fate, and Kent & Inza die and enter a dimension in Jared's amulet

• Issues - theme is cost of magic
  • Nabu constantly controlling his body
  • Losses of Inza
  • What's really the point of magic?
• Break
  • Plugs for Talk Me Into, Ignorance Was Bliss, and Saladin Ahmed
• Treatment
  • In-universe
  • Out of universe
• Skit
  • Hello Kent, I'm Dr. Issues. -Hello, doctor.
  • So, what can I help you with? -I should be able to tell you that.
  • What does that mean? -You're aware of my…condition?
  • Ah…that name's a bit on the nose, isn't it? -You're one to talk!
  • *laughs* I've always wanted to be on the other end for once. Forgive me. -As much as it may amuse you, I'll admit I'm not one for small talk.
  • Neither am I…usually. For some reason, I'm a bit more loose than usual, and I don't even know you. *pause* that's telling. I'm not sure what. - I'm used to others obfuscating their motives for some other time, but not when they consider themselves an ally. Is there something you're looking to avoid?
  • This isn't supposed to be about me. The longer we talk about my own iss…mindset, the less time we have to address yours. So, to get back to your original point, no, I don't want to know anything about my future. - *phew* Glad I don't have to put on the helmet, then.
  • Were you purposely flipping to questions on me because you thought I'd want that? -That's what most people want. They think magic is part of a whimsical show. But the realms of gods are deadly serious. A whimsical ask for lottery numbers leads to the knowledge that their cousin will soon fall ill. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow…they all stain the face the same.
  • How morbid -Again, from what I know, you're casting stones from a glass house.
  • Gallows humor is a well known defense mechanism. I know where mine comes from. What about yours? -I never implied humor. You have your own lens to view the world. I tend towards stoicism. Face reality for what it is, and it will never harm you.
  • Then you are also aware that reality can bring wonderment, enthusiasm, passion as well? I think your helmet is your way of physically manifesting a protection from the worst, but it may also limit your best. -The civilizations that have been saved would disagree.
  • I'm sure they disagree. Do you? -*pause* What if I told you it's not me? Well, not ALL me.
  • *sigh* I have done this enough times to take a hint. Who then, if it's safe to tell? -You're going to think I'm crazy, that I have multiple personalities or someth…
  • *interrupting* NO LABELS, *ahem* Please. It's too quick to cast such judgements, and I'd never use that kind of language. Heck, I've even had sessions with someone who deals with ancient gods granting power in exchange for loyalty. -*pause* And to think, I figured this was a unique scenario
  • OH YOU GOT TO BE KID…***deep breaths, chanting***magnets draw metal because they are strong, magnets draw metal, because they are strong…sorry, I have a mantra I use to re-center myself. Every situation is a new opportunity to enhance a mystical being's…attitude? Psyche? Aura? I don't know what the proper terms are. -This may be forward, but it is clear to me that you have only been on the receiving end of magical influence. You are hindered by what is instinctually unfamiliar. I may have a way to assist your comprehension.
  • I enjoy reading new things, as long as there's a decent English translation. -The process is not done through theory alone. I may not cast spells on myself, but if I know that it will be used on another
  • Whoa whoa whoa…I've spent my career telling people to limit their use of a surrogate, and you're inviting me to jump in? Nope. Uh-uh. No way! -The best analogue I can think of is guided meditation, doctor.
  • *pause* Safe word is "screwdriver," got it? -If you say so. ***magical sound effect*** this is a facsimile of my own helmet, since you wouldn't be able to wear my own. You'll have an opportunity for just a piece of my existence.
  • ***low tonal droning sound*** Ugh, my head…it's like…a 3D game set fire to my eyes - *Nabu* that is clarity beyond typical sight. If you are not of pure mind, then your soul will be destroyed in a matter of seconds. You have bent your mortal form to the whims of Nabu for the good of the universe. This is no small sacrifice.
  • I'm…not…dying? I figured he just tricked me to knock me out or something. -*Nabu* Kent Nelson and his wife have long been sacrificial lambs for the world. You are joining esteemed company, if that is any consolation. Indeed, you appear to have an unwavering motivation to aide those around you, but you must let go of your modest approach.
  • *groan* Oh wow, I can really help here. You've been ignored for too long - That's absurd! No one has ignored a Lord of Order without consequence.
  • Oh, I think you're wro…underestimating your vulnerability. You have too often neglected kindness for weakness. Act after long delays because of impulse. I can do something that no one else has offered. I can listen. -*Nabu* I have travelled for eons, battled entities that have no name, and even at your miniscule level guided the pharoahs for centuries. What makes you any different from the countless visceral vessels I have utilized though epochs of the unknown?
  • Try me. Tell me all of the frustrations you've had since existence, and I'll be right there, with every word you say. -*pause, still as Nabu* Sometimes, I really miss Cilia. That's the home world…well, we were around well before the world, of course, but have to start somewhere, right? Anyway, the fellow Lords are way more petty than you can imagine ***clock ticking, clearly different topic*** …and that's why human ears have a tragus
  • Wow, I haven't used that term since medical school anatomy class. This is amazing! - ***genuine surprise*** I have been trying to demonstrate the futility of human history and yet you still stand there enraptured. What manner of magic are you sourcing? I have never been in the presence of such…patient warmth.
  • Told you so -I only know of scripture that describes human life lasting this long.
  • What? -You have been listening to me for…the colloquial term is a millenia.
  • WHAAAAAAT? My life, my family…I didn't mean… -***pause, then laughter*** Oh man, I can't believe you fell for that. I had a temporal spell cast.
  • Oh, so it's only been, what, felt like 2 or 3 hours, maybe? -No it was a millenia. I just protected you outside of time itself. I'll place you back into your office, in your own time, as soon as you use the helmet. *cracks his neck* ahhhh, you know, that really was worthwhile. Kent shall know of your ability to help him. For now, I shall leave you to your devices.
  • Good, because I've had enough of youuuuuuurrrrOH MY GOD -*Kent* oh good, you're back. I hope you don't mind, I called for dinner while you were…preoccupied. Thanks for saving the world, by the way.
  • I just listened to the voice of the universe and you're talking about saving the world? -Oh yeah, that's the prototype half-helmet I had a while ago. I didn't remember anything Nabu did, but he had carte blanche. On the other end though, he would yell at me and said I just complained a lot. But I guess you two got along better, eh? You even had this ominous "I am Doctor Issues" voice and cast some spells I never knew existed. You got a whole terrorist cell to surrender and do community service to boot!
  • *Pause* did I have a cool uniform? -Eh, too much of a black and blue theme. Plus you destroyed any photo or video instantaneously.
  • That…sounds like something I'd do. Anyway…I don't know how to tell you this, but I don't think I can -I have my other helmet, I'm good. Say no more. I really wanted Nabu to get the help, anyway. Maybe now he'll show more respect because you proved humanity's worth in a different way. Keep it. If he wants another session, trust me, he'll let you know. Goodbye, doctor. *door shuts*
  • *crying*I DIDN'T GET TO ASK ABOUT MEGA MILLIONS!
• Ending
  • Recommended reading: Doctor Fate Vol. 2 - although mostly about the Strauss's, Kent Nelson features heavily in many stories
  • Next episodes: Gambit, Mystique, Poison Ivy
  • Plugs for social

References:

• Scott Steiner - Anthony (2:20)
  • Steiner Math
• David Copperfield & the Statue of Liberty - Anthony (39:36)

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

TikTok

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

• Intro
  • Kickstarter campaign for Issue 1 - Sept 20
• Jasen
  • How did you get started in comics?
  • How did you meet up with Allen & Will?
  • How does colorist get involved in creative process?
  • What inspiration do you use when coloring?
• Allen/Will
  • How did you differentiate this story from other slashers?
  • How do you foreshadow within the story?
  • How many issues is this?
  • Kickstarter bonuses
  • When's the next Pocus Hocus story?

Transcript

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

• Intro
  • More full recap in the catch-up episode
  • Long & short - dropped BetterHelp, joined GonnaGeek, started a TikTok
  • New Patrons - Mayors Allison & Birju, and Humble Citizen Joshua
• Background
  • Invisible Woman (Susan Storm) created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby in The Fantastic Four #1 (Nov 1961)
  • Sue Storm is a founding member of the Fantastic Four - hit by cosmic rays during a space flight, and gained the power to turn invisible
  • She and her brother Johnny grew up on Long Island - after their mother accidentally died in a car accident, their father became an alcoholic who went to prison for accidentally killing a loan shark
  • Sue met her future husband Reed Richards when she was a young girl - when she got older, she met Reed again and they connected, eventually dating prior to the spaceflight
  • As a member of the FF, Sue is originally meek and withdrawn, her invisibility only coming in handy to help the team when stealth is needed - she goes by the codename Invisible Girl
  • She later discovers she can project invisible force fields, and with this new power comes a new self-confidence
  • She and Reed get married, and she becomes pregnant with a child, Franklin - she leaves the team, and Johnny's girlfriend (the Inhuman Crystal) joins the team in her place
  • The other team members travel to the Negative Zone to acquire the Cosmic Control Rod to help with Sue's pregnancy, since her irradiated body makes carrying a child difficult - after Franklin's birth, Annilhilus releases Franklin's full powerset - to protect the world, Reed shuts down Franklin's mind, causing Sue to leave him #BecauseComics
  • They later reconcile with the help of Namor the Sub-Mariner, a romantic foil for Sue
  • Sue's second pregnancy is stillborn, and her ensuing depression leads Psycho-Man to manipulate her into becoming Malice, Mistress of Hate - after Reed manipulates her into hating him legitimately, Psycho-Man's control is broken, and Sue puts him into a coma - the situation has a lasting impact on Sue, who changes her name to Invisible Woman, as the innocence within her died
  • Sue takes over the FF during Reed's apparent death - he was time-displaced, and Sue's love for him never wavered despite entreaties from Namor
  • The team encounters Valeria Von Doom, a being from an alternate future who is the child of Sue & Dr. Doom - Franklin later admits that after Sue's stillbirth, he created an alternate world where the child survived - Valeria is recreated as a baby in Sue's womb, and Dr. Doom assists in the childbirth - she is named Valeria after Victor's first true love #BecauseComics
  • During Secret Invasion, she is kidnapped and taken out by Lyja, Johnny's ex-wife, who then posed as Sue to infiltrate the Baxter Building - Sue was rescued after the Invasion was turned back
  • Secret Wars - On a ship trying to escape the Incursion, Sue and the entire FF minus Reed were killed when the ship was ripped apart - when Reed gained the Beyonders' ability after God Emperor Doom was defeated, he resurrected everyone who was killed, including his family
  • Current runs

• Issues - Theme is Being noticed
  • Jeanine - Being a strong woman in a male-dominated field & family
  • Jeanine - Working with significant other & brother
  • Philosophy/Psychology behind invisibility
• Break
  • Plugs for Play Comics, Popcorn Psychology, and Howard Mackie
• Treatment
  • In-universe - Give someone else power of invisibility, so Sue can see what it's like to be on the other side
  • Out of universe -
• Skit (feat. Lauren from Legends of SHIELD)
  • DOC: Hello Sue, I'm Dr. Issues.
  • SUE: Hello, doctor, thanks for taking the time to speak with me.
  • DOC: So, what can I do for you today?
  • SUE: Anything that you consider important would be a big help to me.
  • DOC: That's rather flattering, but I don't typically take the lead in a session unless it's absolutely necessary.
  • SUE: That's a change for me. I usually have to pick and choose my spots depending on what's going on by the hour.
  • DOC: Don't we all. I don't discriminate amongst topics, but the most common are relationships, work, family…feel free to interject
  • SUE: I could write a book on all of those at this point. But, for the sake of simplicity, let's start with my husband. *sigh*
  • DOC: Was that a sigh of how much you love him, or being exasperated with him?
  • SUE: *half statement/half question* Both…? Reed is…well, I do my homework, so I know you've met Reed…of a kind.
  • DOC: Yessss, yes. He was…eccentric
  • SUE: You're being kind for no reason. He's a narcissist. You can say it.
  • DOC: But that Reed was trying to take over the universe
  • SUE: And mine is always trying to save it. Doesn't change the personality traits. *pause* And still, I know he loves me. He doesn't stray, he doesn't look to complain, and he's brilliant. Who am I to argue?
  • DOC: Based on your description, you may be placing your emotional responses secondary to the idealistic view of your bond. That's difficult.
  • SUE: It's harder now because I handle things differently. I used to acquiesce to his whims, but I don't need to do that anymore. I'm not subservient. I can hold my own. But…sometimes it gets one-sided. I can find ways to make him the center of my world, but he doesn't do the same. That's not fair.
  • DOC: Indeed. I won't disagree with that. Do you have some way to cope with something that's gone on this long, or are you actually looking to change along with him? Maybe a couples sess
  • SUE: *interrupting* NO. No…look, no offense, but I think any couples session you would try with both of us would end up looking at things from his view because that's just how things work.
  • DOC: Fair enough.
  • SUE: If only he could…nevermind, that's dangerous.
  • DOC: What?
  • SUE: See…I've had a perspective about my love with him that's unbreakable at this point. I'm not saying it to boast, but we've been tested repeatedly. I'm not going to waste my breath…ugh, why am I waffling about this?
  • DOC: I dunno, if it's about wanderlust
  • SUE: Namor.
  • DOC: *pause* Huh. Well, then. This is a rare time that I must acknowledge I have no personal knowledge of that person, but
  • SUE: *interrupting* I'm sure at this point he'd be considered a stalker in every sense of the word, and I don't think restraining orders are effective against a guy like that. But he won't DO anything if I don't allow it…have you ever heard of "what-if?" He burns that into anyone's soul he comes across.
  • DOC: So I should delete this unsolicited email that says "URGENT MATTER RE: SAVING SUE FROM A MUNDANE LIFE PLEASE OPEN IMMEDIATELY FOR THE GOOD OF THE WORLD" ?
  • SUE: That sounds on brand. Any opportunity to woo me, even if it's meant to be a confidential situation.
  • DOC: You seem unphased by that. I'm legitimately concerned for the wellbeing of you and the ones you love!
  • SUE: Ugh, you too? Please. A word of advice from the one considered the client: I've done this for a long time. You don't have to protect me. I'm sure it comes from a place of decency, but I'd rather have a sense of respect.
  • DOC: Point taken. I concede that you must be an expert negotiator and clearly not a hostage. I think there's something underlying that.
  • SUE: Plenty of practice. Love and loss, doctor. Love and loss…and war.
  • DOC: Loss and war? Ouch. What's that about?
  • SUE: If you don't mind, the loss part…let's not go there right now.
  • DOC: OK, what about war?
  • SUE: I've hinted that I can deal with men fighting as the lone woman in the room. Well, it's easier when it's over me. The challenge is when everyone else is picking their own battles and I'm expected to choose sides.
  • DOC: My bias is to pick my own side, but I know that doesn't work for everyone. Who are you referencing?
  • SUE: You know more than you think. You met Ben, right?
  • DOC: Nice guy. Really smart. Self deprecating
  • SUE: Ahhhh, so you were willing to cut to the heart of who he is but not Reed? Anyway, he tends to get into it with my brother. A Lot.
  • DOC: I'm sure it's just
  • SUE: HE CRUMPLED JOHNNY'S CAR INTO A BALL AFTER JOHNNY SHOT A FIREBALL INTO HIS FACE.
  • DOC: That….yeah, that's intense. And you all work together? If I may
  • SUE: *rapid-fire, as though she's run through this list numerous times* If you ask about splitting up, keeping distance, having a mediator, finding methods to nullify powers, go into other planes of existence, seek some sort of magical conduit to channel a better life, or fight to the death (I'd WIN, by the way) then you are barking up the wrong tree.
  • DOC: You came up with all of that much quicker than I would have anticipated. I don't know if that's due to imaginative emotional catharsis or…uh…I'll just stick with that.
  • SUE: Thank you. The point is, it's a challenge to deal with. And don't get me started on parenting. It seems like I'm the only one that considers the details, but everyone else wants to just look at the big picture.
  • DOC: They get the highlights, you get the unedited blooper reel. Got it.
  • SUE: Spot on! So…what do I do about it? All of it?
  • DOC: Please take this with the kind nature that I'm relaying…with all due respect…in the nicest way...all things considered…
  • SUE: Spill it
  • DOC: I HAVE NO CLUE! You have just told me an incredibly complex dynamic of lifetime egos looking to coexist while leaning on you for servicing their physical and spiritual needs at the highest level, and you've not only survived, but in some way THRIVED despite all of this. I can be your vent man. I can look for blind spots, or should I say invis
  • SUE: You're on a roll, don't ruin it
  • DOC: Sorry. The point is, I can offer an outside perspective that coaches you towards self-actualization rather than a pill pusher that is trying to find problems. Maybe you needed to hear that. I don't know.
  • SUE: *pause* You're serious about that?
  • DOC: Yes!
  • SUE: Just do me a favor then.
  • DOC: What's that?
  • SUE: *sound of phone notification* Here's a separate email address to forward any of Namor's…nonsense. Trust me. It's better to have a log so I don't have to repeat myself. This stuff happens in real time.
  • DOC: *shudders*
• Ending (64:16)
  • Recommended reading: Any FF run, or the Invisible Woman miniseries by Mark Waid
  • Next episodes: Gambit, Mystique, Poison Ivy
  • Review read: Lizardprince222 - Found this show at the beginning of the pandemic. It quickly became my Wednesday morning ritual. Not only is this podcast entertaining and comics focused. It is also a fun opportunity for introspective moments. Anthony & Doc Issues put in so much time and dedication into this podcast and it shows with every episode. 100/10 would recommend.
  • Plugs for social

Episode Transcript

Apple Podcasts: here

Google Play: here

Stitcher: here

TuneIn: here

iHeartRadio: here

Twitter

Facebook

TikTok

Patreon

TeePublic

Discord

Before next week's Season 8 premiere, Anthony & Doc reveal some changes coming to the episodes moving forward! If you want to get the inside scoop on how things will look & sound, listen now!

In conjunction with a giveaway by SmartCrutchUSA, we talk to the hilarious Tee Franklin, writer of Harley Quinn: The Animated Series comic book, and the upcoming Edge of the Spider-Verse #4!

Details on the giveaway can be found here!

In the interest of getting this out quickly to make sure we meet the deadline for the giveaway, this episode has minimal editing - forgive us for the raw sound, but we wanted to get this in your ears before it's too late!