In this episode, Curt and Kevin discuss the graphic novel that inspired one of Curt's favorite movies of the year: The Death of Stalin, by Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin, published by Titan Comics!

In this satirical account based on actual events, Joseph Stalin, head of the Soviet Union, collapses from a severe stroke in February of 1953, setting off a chain of events that threatens to throw the socialist state into chaos as the members of the Soviet Central Committee bicker about what course of action to take. In the wake of Stalin's death (spoiler alert!), innocents are hauled off to prison or executed, and hundreds of mourners die as they march on Moscow to pay their respects.

Can Nikita Khrushchev and his allies prevent noxious Lavrentiy Beria, head of the Secret Police, from seizing power? And can this gripping tale of political perfidy and bureaucratic back-stabbing make it over the Iron Curtain into that capital of comic-book democracy known as … The Comics Canon?

Things Discussed in This Episode:

• Content warning
• Liberties taken with the historical record
• Curt's top 10 films of 2018
• The Techmeme Ride Home podcast
• Aquacorn Cove
• The A.V. Club's best comics of the year
• Superman: Red Son

Join us in two weeks as we switch gears to discuss the recently revitalized comic strip Nancy and the webcomic xkcd!

Until then, don't forget our snazzy Comics Canon merchandise and the Benoda! series of typefaces by our friends at Category 4!

Last but not least, don't forget to rate us on iTunes, send us an email, or hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, and we may read your comments in an upcoming episode. And as always, thanks for listening!