It's time for lightning to strike four times, because... well, because it's the fourth episode of The Lightning Round? Paul and Al are back with another episode of their spinoff reread podcast covering Marvel's most wanted, the Thunderbolts - this time round, they're covering Thunderbolts #7-9 and Heroes for Hire #7.

It's been a long old time, but Paul and Al are finally back, with discussion of X-Force: Killshot, Phoenix Song: Echo, the creative changeover on Amazing Spider-Man, Human Remains at Vault, Party and Prey at Aftershock, and Jeff Lemire's upcoming pair of miniseries Mazebook and Primordial, as well as reviews of Catwoman Annual and Black Cat Annual. The Official Handbook of the Official Handbook is just going to wait here for a little while, see what happens.

Lightning never strikes twice, but luckily for us it strikes three times, because Paul and Al back with the third episode of their spinoff reread podcast covering Marvel's most wanted, the Thunderbolts - this time round, they're covering Thunderbolts #5 and 6, and Thunderbolts '97.

Al and Paul are back, with discussion of Marvel's distributor changes, John Romita Jr moving from DC back to Marvel, the new X-Men lineup, the upcoming launches of Amazing Fantasy and Moon Knight and Future State: Gotham, and the newly-broken record for sale price of a single comics issue, along with reviews of Batman: The Detective, Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk. The Official Handbook of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe has got mud on its face, a big disgrace, kicking that can all over the place.

Al Kennedy and Paul O'Brien are back with the second episode of The Lightning Round, an in-depth re-read show all about Marvel's Most Wanted, the Thunderbolts!

If you haven't read the series before, be aware that this episode does contain spoilers for the issues under discussion.

In Episode 2: Spider-Man Team-Up #7, Thunderbolts #s 3 and 4 and Thunderbolts: Distant Rumblings (aka Thunderbolts #-1)

Paul and Al are back, and this time out they're remembering Si Spencer, and talking about the Linearverse, Wonder Girl, Milestone's new creative teams, Legends of the Dark Knight, the Year of Spawn, X-Corp and The Blue Flame, as well as reviewing Stray Dogs and Nuclear Family. The Official Handbook of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe ain't a beauty, but hey, it's alright.

Paul O'Brien and Al Kennedy are pleased to present the first episode of The Lightning Round, an in-depth re-read show all about Marvel's Most Wanted, the Thunderbolts! Each episode they'll be looking at a few issues of the series, plus key tie-ins and guest appearances, checking off a few of the things to watch out for and chatting through all the twists and turns in this twistiest and turniest of series.

If you haven't read the series before, be aware that this episode does contain spoilers for the first year of the book.

In Episode 1: Incredible Hulk #449, Tales of the Marvel Universe, and Thunderbolts #s 1 and 2.

It's the Homies awards! Al and Paul look back at The Year of Big Pando in comics, and pick out winners in the many and various categories which long-term listeners will have come to know and tolerate. Where did your favourites place? Find out here! Unless you voted for something that didn't win, in which case, you won't find out here, sorry.

Also in this podcast! An important message to you from the editor -- about the NEW Astonishing!

Paul and Al are back, and are talking about the sad death of Richard Corben, DC's post-Future State plans, Marvel's Alien series, X of Swords, Rob Liefeld's latest stint at Marvel and the return of Witchblade, as well as reviewing Batman: Black & White and Home Sick Pilots. I'd like to buy the Official Handbook of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe a Coke and keep it company.

Al and Paul have hour-and-change of comics chat for you this time round, with discussion of Marie Javins' promotion to DC EIC, John Nee being let go as Marvel Publisher, and the announcements of Truth & Justice, X-Men Legends, Hollow Heart and Geiger, as well as reviews of Punchline and Hellboy and the BPRD: The Seven Wives Club. The Official Handbook of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe can be a dangerous place, but it's our last, best hope for peace.