Friday by Ed Brubaker, Marcos Martín, and Muntsa Vicente - Collecting Issues Book Club

In this episode of Collecting Issues, we read all of 'Friday,' books 1, 2, and 3 which comprise issues 1 to 9 of the 2020 Image Comics series by Ed Brubaker, Marcos Martín, and Múnze Vicente. Our hosts dissect the comic's intricate plot, characterized by its mix of grounded young adult themes, eldritch horrors, and unexpected time travel twists. They discuss the development of characters, especially Friday and Lancelot Jones, the evolving comic's mythology, and how the thematic elements blend together. Accompanied by Guy’s thoughtful review from the Collecting Issues Discord, this deep dive blends humor, analysis, and a shared enthusiasm for the comic medium.

00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues: Friday Series Overview

00:51 The Origins and Delays of the Friday Series

04:21 Community Engagement and Discord Promotion

05:31 Elevator Pitch and Concept of Friday

07:29 Exploring Edward Gorey's Influence

09:58 Defining Young Adult Fiction

11:48 Main Characters: Lancelot Jones and Friday Fitzhugh

15:11 Setting and Time Period of the Story

17:57 Volume One: Grounded Beginnings

29:00 Gravity Falls Vibes and Influences

30:27 Book Two: On a Cold Winter's Night

31:16 Friday Fitzhugh's Investigation

33:27 The Cult and Supernatural Elements

38:46 Time Travel Twist

52:03 Final Showdown and Conclusion

54:46 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Our Janruary read is: Give us your vote!

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In this episode of Collecting Issues, join us, Mick and Ben, as we dive into the 2021 DC Black Label series 'The Nice House on the Lake' by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martínez Bueno. We take a look at the series' uniqueness and genre bending premise. The episode delves into themes like friend groups, nostalgia, and the complex character dynamics among former college friends. We unpack the enigmatic character of Walter, who may be an alien or may be a higher-dimensional being; either way, he's an emotionally damaged meddling manipulator.

We also explore the comic's meta-narrative techniques, post-apocalyptic setting, and pandemic-era reflections. The artistic strengths and narrative risks, such as resets and time jumps, are meticulously examined too.

00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues

02:18 Discussion on The Lake House Movie

03:17 Introduction to The Nice House on the Lake

04:11 Publication and Awards

05:14 DC Black Label and Vertigo

07:10 Genre and Influences

09:39 Character Dynamics and Friend Groups

14:19 Art Style and Character Design

17:51 Meta-Narrative and Plot Twists

31:31 Character Overload and Walter's Struggles

33:01 Walter's Console and Its Implications

39:59 Coping Mechanisms in the Apocalypse

42:18 Walter's Manipulative Nature

50:07 The Uncertain Reality of the Apocalypse

59:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Our November read is: Friday Books 1&2 by Ed Brubaker, Marcus Martín and Munisa Vicente

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Collecting Issues is Back! Join Mick and Ben as they work their way through 'All Star Superman' by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, and Jamie Grant.

This episode explores the 12-issue series' themes, characters, and narratives, emphasising its Silver Age influences and the humanisation of Superman. We examine introspective moments, Superman's vision quest, and his ultimate sacrifice, drawing parallels to mythological symbols while discussing Lex Luthor's transformation and moral complexity. The cultural significance of Superman and the comic’s standalone impact on modern storytelling are highlighted. Engaging with listeners, we invite feedback and recommendations and preview our next read, 'The Nice House on the Lake.' Whether a long-time fan or new to the series, discover why this remains one of Superman’s defining stories.

• [00:00] Introduction to All Star Superman
• [00:34] Comic Book Hiatus and Return
• [02:10] Monthly Comic Book Club Format
• [02:54] October's Spooky Read
• [04:34] Superman: A Modern Take
• [05:48] The All Star Initiative
• [11:57] Superman's Cultural Impact
• [19:52] Superman's Origin Story
• [26:36] Superman's Golden and Silver Ages
• [31:48] Grant Morrison's Vision
• [41:58] The Rise of Frank Quitely
• [43:33] Superman's Subtle Heroics
• [44:55] Lois Lane's Superwoman Day
• [46:13] Grant Morrison's Silver Age Tribute
• [51:58] Lex Luthor's Gospel
• [01:01:03] The Bizarro Planet Arc
• [01:10:48] Superman's Final Will and Testament
• [01:15:22] Lex Luthor's Ultimate Betrayal of Humanity
• [01:20:19] Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Our October read is: The Nice House on the Lake by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez

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The Featurette Ben Was Talking About

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss Fantastic Four Full Circle from Marvel Arts by Alex Ross, first published in 2022.

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss Lucifer, Vol. 2: The Divine Tragedy from DC by Dan Watters, first published in 2018.

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss Animal Man Vol.2 The Origin of the Species from DC by Grant Morrison, first published in 2002.

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss The Sandman: The Doll's House from Vertigo Comics by Neil Gaiman and Mike Dringenberg, first published in 1989.

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss The Sensational She-Hulk from Marvel Comics by John Byrne, first published in 1988.

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss Paper Girls 1 from Image Comics by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang, first published in 2015.

Join our Discord server and chat about this issue's comic; Collecting Issues Book Club

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Welcome to Collecting Issues. This week Mick and Ben discuss Thor, The God of Thunder Volume 1: The God Butcher from Marvel Comics by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic, first published in 2014.

Join our Discord server and chat about this issue's comic; Collecting Issues Book Club

Find us at www.seomrabeag.com/collectingissues

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