Greetings, Explorers! In this episode the gang takes a look at Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, #1. The story is by Ryan Parrott with art by Simone di Meo. Boom Studios! published the story in 2019. The story brings together the Heroes in a Half Shell and the Teenagers With Attitude. With the Green Ranger missing, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers journey from Angel Grove to New York City to find him. At the same time, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles find themselves facing a new Foot Clan member with skills equaling, or better, their own. The two teams meet with tensions running high. Could the Shredder be at the center of this troubling time for both teams?

Johnny and Dennis (Frankie is on special assignment with April O’Neil and Casey Jones) start the episode by recalling their personal histories with the two different franchises. In addition to this, they discuss how similar are the origins of the Green Ranger and Smurfette. The also discuss if the Green Ranger is eligible for the same health insurance coverage and retirement enrollment as the rest of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

The gang discusses the impact of this crossover story and if it was specifically written with Dennis in mind. Further topics include the possible future plot lines of the story; if Casey Jones and the Green Ranger would get along; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, #1.

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Greetings, Explorers! For our sixtieth episode, the gang takes a look at Wizzywig. Ed Piskor wrote and illustrated the story. Top Shelf Comics published the story in 2011. Wizzywig tells the story of phone phreak-turned-hacker Kevin “Boingthump” Phenicle. Starting as a child prodigy with a curious mind, he spends his life fascinated with finding ways to game the system. Eventually his activities draw the attention of the FBI, leading Phenicle to becoming a fugitive from the law. Finally, “Boingthump” is a blend of legendary real-life hackers Kevin Mitnick, Kevin Poulsen, and Joe Engressia.

Dennis, Johnny, and special guest Brian begin the episode by chatting about Ed Piskor’s YouTube Channel, Cartoonist Kayfabe. Furthermore, they compare how the story parallels to the lives of Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden. Also, they discuss the overall character design of Kevin “Boingthump” Phenicle by Ed Piskor compared to the other more “realistic” characters in the story. Is the character’s design made to reflect innocence, the world around him, or both?

The gang discusses the history of hacking, including its origins in phone phreaking. This would include the likes of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who sold Blue Boxes from the trunks of their cars. Further topics include if justice was actually served or not by the prosecution of Phenicle; the way “Boingthump” finally realizes the consequences of his actions; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Wizzywig.

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Greetings, Explorers! This episode takes a look at I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation. Natalie Nourigat wrote and illustrated the story and BOOM! Studios published it. Certainly the book serves as both an autobiography and a how-to book. Nourigat gives many helpful tips to anyone that wants to start a career any just about any creative field, like the application process or getting an apartment in cities where housing is in short supply. Finally, I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation guides readers through the ups and downs of the author leaving her comfortable life in Portland to follow her dream as animator.

Dennis, Johnny, and Frankie begin the episode by debating if this should have been a Buzzfeed article. Continuing, Frankie and Johnny share their experiences of applying for jobs in the creative fields to what the experiences are like in the book. Other topics include the difference between writing and copy writing, the difficulties of working in the creative realm, and who, exactly, this book is for. Thanks for listening!

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Greetings, Explorers! The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Alan Moore wrote the story and Kevin O’Neill is the artist. America’s Best Comics published the book in 1999. Set in the Victorian Era,The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen takes place near the end of the 19th Century. Mina Murray and Allan Quatermain, literary characters of the era, are recruited to stop a plot meant to destroy London. Joining them in the fight are Dr. Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde), the Invisible Man, and Captain Nemo. Consequently, while racing to stop the plot, they run into many characters from 19th century books and beyond.

Frankie, Dennis, and Johnny begin the episode by accidentally insulting 15-year-old Frances’s love for Keanu Reeves. It especially hurt as we made fun of his portrayal of Jonathan Harker. Additionally, Frankie comes up with an alternative title for the League to go by — it rhymes with basshole. The depiction of races in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is discussed. Is it a reflection of the time the books take place or not?

The gang discusses the number of Easter Eggs hidden in the story. In addition, they ask if The League is a group of superheroes or not. On a more serious note, they look at the portrayal of sexual assault in the book. Other topics include the proposed podcast “Frankie Skims”; the possible influence of G.I. Joe: The Movie on the book; why you don’t want to be in a hot air balloon with an invisible man; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

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Greetings, Explorers! We are taking a look at Marvels. Kurt Busiek wrote the story and Alex Ross illustrated painted it. The series was published by Marvel comics in 1994. Marvels spans the history of the Marvel Universe from the 1930s to the 1970s. News photographer Phil Sheldon has the luck of being in the right spot at the right time for many of Marvel’s most famous stories. He witnesses the the first battle of the many battles between Namor and The Human Tourch in the 30s to the death of Gwen Stacey in the 70s and everything in between.

Johnny, Frankie, and Dennis start the episode by getting a recap of the story by way of Frankie’s incorrect, but not far off, recollection of the book. Additionally, we learn that Doctor Strange may be a high school teacher instead a physician. The gang continues by discussing the effects the Marvels have on the marriage of Phil Sheldon and Doris Jacquet.

The gang explorers the analogy of the X-men and the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s role; the unknown life of the mutant girl; and the time Sue Storm married Lou Reed, not Reed Richards. Additional topics include the trope of Women in Refrigerators; why taking Phil Sheldon wants to take a photo with a random kid; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Marvels.

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Greetings, Explorers! The gang takes a swing at Spider-Man: Life Story. Chip Zdarsky wrote the story and Mark Bagley illustrated it. The series is published by Marvel comics. Nearly 60 years have passed since the first Spider-Man comic was published. Spider-Man: Life Story asks what would happen if Peter Parker aged over that time? The story spans Peter Parker’s life from the 1960s to the present day, with well-known Spider-Man storylines playing out differently than those familiar to readers.

Dennis and Johnny (sadly, no Frankie this episode) begin by discussing the many twists the book makes to established Spider-Man lore in this story. Additionally, we learn why Dennis stopped reading comic books in the 90s (hint: college-age drinking). They continue by chatting about the filter of the Vietnam War influencing the early days of Peter Parker. Furthermore, Parker is torn between his responsibilities to his home town versus protecting soldiers in harm’s way.

The gang explorers Tony Stark’s role in the the story; the similarities between the Vietnam War draft and The Hunger Games; and the hypocrisy of wealthy superheroes like Batman. Additional topics include the design of the Black Goblin; if Peter Parker has a death wish; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Spider-Man: Life Story.

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Greetings, Explorers! Today we are taking a look at Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick. Matt Fraction wrote the story and Chip Zdarsky illustrated it. The series started in 2013 and is published by Image Comics. Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick is about Suzie and Jonathan. First of all, Suzie is a librarian who just happens to be able to stop time when she has an orgasm. Sort of like Evie from Out of This World. Similarly, Jonathan shares Suzie’s abilities to stop time. However, he uses his powers to get revenge on his on his boss. With Suzie’s library facing foreclosure, Jonathan thinks they should use their powers to get the cash from the very bank he’s employed at. It’s win-win for the both of them: Save the library, get the ultimate revenge.

Johnny, Frankie, and Dennis starts things by setting straight an error about women in the opening pages of the book. Additionally, they discuss which banks are foreclosing on which libraries. They continue by looking into the “Reading Is Sexy” campaign at elementary schools. Johnny and Dennis discuss their shared fear of the Calgon commercial from early 1980s. The gang also takes a look at “The User Agreement” and “Candle In The Wind”, two made-up sexual positions mentioned in Sex Criminals. Furthermore, they chat about “Brimping” and how it became a real thing because of this comic book. Frankie also cements the reason why barbershops may have Playboys but hair salons don’t have dic picks. Additional topics include a female character written from a male point of view; Sex Cop Shaming; sex solely for the sake of orgasms instead of intimacy; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick. 

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Greetings, Explorers! Today we take a look at Wrinkles. Paco Roca wrote and illustrated the graphic novel. Originally published in 2007 by Fantagraphics, an animated film was made in 2011, both in Spanish and English languages. In Wrinkles, an elderly man named Emilio is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Emilio’s son admits him to an assisted living home after realizing he can no longer care for his father. Emilio meets Miguel in the facility. Miguel is of a sharp mind and uses it to take advantage of his surroundings and neighbors in the home. Additionally, Miguel has an acerbic outlook on life among the many loving relationships in the story. Miguel uses his wily ways to keep his new friend Emilio from being admitted to the dreaded second floor of the facility.

Dennis, Johnny, and Frankie begin the episode by comparing Wrinkles and Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Next, they discuss their impressions about elderly care in America versus Europe. They also discuss the ways Paco Roca shows Miguel’s growing love for Emilio and the sense of responsibility he has for his friend. Additional topics include why it’s good to be a “Cheater”; grifting for good; going to the Second Floor for love; the heart-wrenching finale; Johnny and Dennis’s future and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Wrinkles.

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Greetings, Explorers! Dennis, Johnny, and Frankie are going head-to-head in this steel cage, winner-take-all match of Graphic Novel Explorers Club! The gang takes a look at Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia – A Date with Destiny in this episode. OH YEAH, BROTHER! Starburns Industries Press is the publisher, with the story by Matt Entin and Ed Kuehnel, and art by Dan Schkade. Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia concerns one “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Rory Landell, a pro-wrestler in the AWF (this world’s version of the WWF) with a major chip on his shoulder. Little does “Rock ‘N’ Roll” Rory know that when he declares himself the Galactic Champion of the Universe that the citizens of Wrestletopia are listening to him. They don’t take the challenge lightly either.

Our Explorers discuss why you don’t challenge the entire universe to a wrestling match; the trauma of discovering professional wrestling is fake; contemplating the influence of WWF (not the WWE) and G.L.O.W. on the creators of Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia; a childhood full of Figure 4 Leg Locks and Camel Clutches; the misrepresentation of Ewoks by Lucasfilm in Return of the Jedi; having enough belief in yourself to have a shirt made that identifies yourself as your own number one fan; how exactly does one deal with a coworker they dislike when you are a professional wrestler; the wonderful character names in the comic book; and last but not least, the storytelling and art of Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia.

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Greetings, Explorers! Season 4 of the podcast debuts with We3. The story is by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. This series was originally published in 2004 by Vertigo Comics. In We3, three domestic pets are part of a secret experiment which turned them into living weapons for the military. The three pets decide to make the dangerous journey home after a compassionate doctor takes pity on the pets and releases them. As a result of escaping, the government determines We3 must be terminated at any cost.

Frankie, Dennis, and Johnny begin the episode wrongly guessing this comic book is about three little aliens celebrating Easter. They follow by chatting about Lenny and “Squiggy” from Of Mice and Men and if the gore in this story is as bad as some of the more realistic violence portrayed in other comics. Next, they decide if “Biorgs” is a good a name or a bad one. The consequences of Frankie reading digital comics on cell phones also comes up. Additional topics include “Donkey Hong Kong”; the terrible fate of rats in We3; Richard Adams and his novel Watership Down‘s influence on Grant Morrison; the final battle of the comic book; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of We3.

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