On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Ian Springer (screenwriter of FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS) try their best to not get distracted by the gold embossing on the cover and discuss 1993's BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #50.

Does this reimagining of Batman's first encounter with the Joker hold up? (Spoiler alert: it's written by Denny O'Neil, illustrated by Bret Blevins, and has a gorgeous cover by Brian Bolland - so the answer is yes.)

Along the way Matt identifies the fatal flaw in the Matches Malone gimmick, Ian classes up the joint by quoting Eugene O'Neill (by way of THE WEST WING), and they both struggle to properly pronounce "Reipan" while trying to figure out who exactly the intended audience was for BATMAN RETURNS.

Seriously, what more can you ask for in a comic book podcast?

Support Ian by watching FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS (now streaming on Disney+ and available to purchase on DVD/Blu-ray).

Contact the show: [email protected]

Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social

Intro music from the song "Doin' What We Do" by the always amazing Mustard Plug

If it weren't for the generous help from Doug Wortel and Spillway Sound you wouldn't be listening to this podcast at all.

On this episode Matt and special guest co-host Frank Pittarese rip open the polybag and discuss 1995's JASON VS. LEATHERFACE #1 (published by Topps Comics). If you've ever wanted to see greedy land developers in Crystal Lake, Jason riding the rails like a hobo, Leatherface sleeping under a poster of Conan the Barbarian, and the shocking cliffhanger of a name written with chili, then boy oh boy, this is the comic for you! But is it for Frank and Matt? Listen to find out! Contact the show: [email protected] Follow Matt on BlueSky: @mattbegins.bsky.social