eXaMENation

Empyre: X-Men #3, Marauders #11, X-Force #11

This week the guys discuss DC’s big downsizing, the announcement of the new big Marvel upcoming Phoenix event, and James Gunn’s ‘Big Five’ if he ever got a hold of the X-Men franchise.  Plants v. Zombies spirals out of control in the Empyre: X-Men storyline as Magik finds herself as the Queen of the Damned...again!  Katherine Pryde is laid to rest and finally phases her way back to the Marauders book.  In X-Force, Colossus is ready to retire to a life of farming, but a Russian assault on Krakoa brings him back in.  Finally, this week the Danger Room is more of a Multiple choice test than 20 Questions.

Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex #1, Empyre: X-Men #2

This week the guys discuss the news that Michael Jackson wanted to be the X-Men movies’ Professor Xavier, they set the record straight on whether Shaq is a member of the Avengers, how Alison Brie might stack up as She-Hulk, and what the future of (Marvel) movies looks like post-COVID.  In this weeks comics, Fantomex comes back to The World, time and time again, showing us decade by decade snapshot of the Marvel Universe until it ties into our current Krakoa era storyline.  In X-Men: Empyre, the Golden Girls of plantlife and War Captain Magik keep a big Plants v. Zombie joke fresh.  Finally, KELSEY takes control of the danger room.  Will he prove to be unstoppable?

This week the guys discuss their X-Men hopes and dreams for the future of X-Men comics, movies, and video games.  X-Factor Investigation gets off to a hot start with a group of underused mutants who solve a personal mystery but wind up finding their place on Krakoa.  Cable continues his fast start as quite the ladies man taking on Space Knights.  X-Men steps into the world of Empyre as we get a glimpse into who Vulcan really is.  Oh, and also margaritas.  In a shocking twist, QUINTIN heads into the Danger Room as Dane sits down at the controls.

X-Men/Fantastic 4 #4, Hellions #2, New Mutants #11, Wolverine #3, X-Men Empyre #1

This week the guys discuss finding out that Children of the Atom ISN’T dead, the New Mutants (capital letters New Mutants that is) movie is still on track for an August theater release, and which of the newly released X of Sword covers is their favorite.  FINALLY, the era of multiple X issues a week is BACK!  X-Men Fantastic Four has its problems, but boy or boy did Xavier flex on Reed Richards.  Hellions delivers some quality dark humor to match so quality action.  The New Mutants wrap up the nightmare sphere and add another mutant to their fold.  For a man not known for his plans, Wolverine hatches an elaborate one to take on the pale girl and the Russians.  Finally, we get some Plants v. Zombies action in the X-Men tie in to the Empyre event.  In the Danger Room, Man, do Dane and Kelsey have a hard time getting to the bottom of this Thing.

Giant-Size: Magneto #1

This week the guys discuss some personal celebrations, the return of regular X-comics (and the death of others), the 20 year anniversary of the X-Men movie, and an update on the rumors of Giancarlo Esposito joining the MCU.  Look at the issue, what political plans does Emma have in store?  What has the King of Atlantis been doing up until now?  Did Magneto pocket an under the sea relic and not tell Namor?  With a skeleton crew operating the Danger Room, the scenario is down to the bare bones with Kelsey facing only 5 questions.

X-Force #10

This week the guys discuss Marvel’s newest...heroes?  Predator and Alien!  Which Alien/Mutant Hybrid do you think would make the coolest character?  Can Comic-Con really exist in a digital only world?  Will Quintin ever get over Dane not going to the Patrick Stewart panel?  Looking at the issue, what do the morale quandaries of the X-Force mean for the future of the team?  Is Jean really out?  Is Colossus finally in?  Is the Wolverine and Kid Omega’s lack of relationship growth a 200 IQ set up by Hickman, or did he just not read Jason Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men?  And any theories of Jean not being exclusive to Scott are clearly confirmed.  Finally, Kelsey and Dane go down quite the path before coming to a nail biting conclusion in 20 questions.

Ultimate X-Men #1-12

This week the guys discuss the early 2000’s alternate Universe X-Men.  How much leather is too much leather?  Did your favorite X-Men make the cut for the new set of originals?  Did the Ultimate X-Men inspire the X-Films or was it the other way around?  Are the Ultimate X-Men the future of the MCU?  Finally, Dane and Kelsey face the mother of all challenges in Ultimate Marvel 20 Questions.

Excalibur #10, New Mutants #10

This week the guys discuss DC changing comic distributors, their childhood comic story memories, and the death of George Floyd, how it is affecting the country and how it relates to the comic world.  What reality is Excalibur even in?  If this gets any more in depth, we’re going to need an official chart.  How many more New Mutants can get stuck in this trippy nightmare and how exactly will Glob Herman and his vegetarian recipes save them all?

Marauders #10

This week the guys discuss the X-Men comic schedule through the summer, the New Mutants Movie (AGAIN!?), State Farm’s Marvel Battle Royale, and pray that the Spotify/Joe Rogan deal is the first step in them getting a (multi) million dollar exclusive deal (we are now accepting offers), COVID curing goo, and which stories have been affected the most by the delay in comic releases.  Has Emma been enhancing her telepathy this whole time?  How did the Hellfire Club get a UFO?  How much did an e-mail between mutants friends affect you (cause it got Dane good)?  At this point, is there anyway Xavier ISN’T affecting Kate’s resurrection problems?

Recorded April 29, 2020

For some reason this episode and one other didn’t get put up when they should have been!  Downside, you’ve been without eXaMENation Podcast content and that is on us.  We apologize.  Upside, you get a double whammy of X-Men cartoon commentary.  Buckle up!

X-Men: Evolution: Season 2, Episode 13 - Walk on the Wild Side/Season 3, Episode 11 - X23

The guys discuss the new ‘Last Dance’ documentary and what they are watching and doing during the Quarantine.  Then, boot up your Disney+ (or DVDs!) and follow along as they watch a couple of their favorite episodes of X-Men: Evolution and deliver their own thoughts and commentary.