Make Mine Paperback Podcast

The gang wraps up the cringy month of September with All Star Batman and Robin: The Boy Wonder (2005) #1 & 2 by Frank Miller with art by Jim Lee. Although this series comes from two heavyweights in the world of comics, not all stories can be great. In a twist on the traditional Batman and Dick Grayson relationship, the reader gets to experience a what if… scenario where Batman is no longer an angsty superhero. This Bruce Wayne is more of an antihero than outright hero. Regularly breaking his code of ethics leads this non-canon Batman to put others at risk of death and shockingly the kidnapping of Dick Grayson. Was this a sincere attempt to tell a Batman story? Or did Frank Miller come up with the ultimate parody to make us appreciate the classic Batman? Find out, as MMP discusses one final cringetastic comic!

After a brief week hiatus, the podcast ups the ante on cringeworthy comics, or cringe-tastic if you prefer, with this week’s entry. Marville is truly a sight to behold. In a spectacularly poorly written comic, the president of Marvel, at the time Bill Jemas, attempts to take on the creative team at his own company. Jemas constructs an experiment to see if he can outsell Peter David and Ron Zimmerman by writing his own comic. Although the comic is billed as a parody of the industry, it is so poorly written that any humor is lost in an incomprehensible mess. Who will win the UDecide at Marvel? Well, you already know the answer to that, but listen in as MMP discusses Marville!

The start of a new month means the start of a new theme for MMP. Departing from some of their favorite stories read during the summer, the hosts are going to talk about some truly cringeworthy comics! Up first is The Amazing Spider-Man - Sins Past by J. Michael Straczynski. In a story arc that can best be described as needlessly dramatic and shocking, these issues deserve their status as cringe-worthy due to the wild take on Spiderman and Gwen Stacy. In an inexplicable twist of past events, Gwen Stacy is somehow seduced by the Green Goblin, Norman Osborn. Now, in the present, Peter finds himself hunted down by Gwen and Norman’s kids. Does Mary Jane have what it takes to be a star actress? Will Peter ever forgive Gwen for her infidelity? Find the answers to these questions, and maybe learn more about a comic that tries too hard to be edgy, in this week's episode! 

Join us this week as MMP finishes recapping some of the great comics the hosts have read during their summer vacation. Steven is up again this month with his selection, Mullet Cop: Rise of the Buffet Warrior (2021), written and illustrated by Tom Lintern. This offbeat comic about a mall security guard turned RoboCop with a mullet is indeed off the rails. Set in the apocalyptic future, where the only structures left are malls, we see our hero, Fred, try to rid the megamall of its gangs. Filled with humor and parodies of 80’s culture, this comic from the ultra-indie publisher Scout Comics has all the dry humor akin to a Tim and Eric style comedy. Will Fred ever learn to love his mullet? Will the all-you-can-eat buffet be able to restore peace to the mall? Find out this week as the hosts wrap up August with a good laugh!

Welcome back to the world’s foremost Podcast on all things genie related! The fearless leaders of Make Mine Paperback continue to discuss the interesting comics they read over the summer. This week is Graham’s pick, Eight BIllion Genies #1-4 (2022), from the mind of Charles Soule. This fascinating comic illustrates a possible, although apocalyptic, scenario of what could happen to life on Earth if every human received a genie that granted only one wish. All people, from infant to elderly, get a wish that actually reflects the intention of their desire, without tricks or unintended consequences. What will happen to the population of the Earth? Has anyone figured out the “best way” to make a wish? Find out as the genie experts get into the topic! 

MMP continues to discuss the comics the hosts read while on summer vacation. This week, the discussion is on Alex’s pick, Captain America: Truth (2022). This incredible story by Robert Morales does not shy away from uncomfortable truths in American history. Although the story is fictional, the backdrop is real. The concept of the U.S army experimenting with eugenics on minority soldiers may be tough to believe, although it was a reality that is often swept under the rug. The cartoon style of artwork by Kyle Baker does well to soften the tone of an otherwise serious story. As society tends to look fondly on the past with nostalgia it is important to remember that it was not always pretty back in time. This is an excellent example of how a comic can be both informative while maintaining the reader’s interest

Welcome back listeners! After taking a few weeks to enjoy summer, MMP is back and ready to talk about what the hosts read during the hiatus! Starting off is Steven’s selection, Ice Cream Man! In this horror, oftentimes comedic, anthology series we get introduced to the mysterious, extraterrestrial ice cream man named Rick. In issue #11, MMP talks about Rick trapping the main character on reality TV. Although not plot heavy, the humor and deeper meanings present make this a fun read. Issue #13 is set up differently from most, if not all, comic books in existence. In an issue that reads like a palindrome, the reader gets to see the narrator of the issue deal with grief in a way that takes him forward, all the way back to where he started from. In issue #19, the comic reads like an instruction manual that challenges the reader to think about how they want to live life, not necessarily the way society wants us to live. We hope you enjoy these loosely connected stories that are not afraid to take creative liberties! 

In the exciting conclusion to Pride Month, the gang talks about Cosmoknights by Hannah Templer. Set outside the Milky Way, in a galaxy where knights compete in battle to win the hand of princesses, the reader is taken on a high-fantasy space adventure through the experiences of Pan. Although the story appears to be simple, MMP reads between the lines to reveal the complex undertones that some may have missed. What appears to be a simple story about saving princesses from being forced into marriage is actually a critique of the current economic and political situation in the United States. Will Pan be able to dismantle the system? Or will she find other ways to help out? Find out before the guys take a month vacation! 

The fellas dive into The Prettiest Star and bring you a story about the strength to live as your true self and one alien princess disguised as a human boy is about to test her power. A vibrant story about gender identity, romance, and shining as bright as the stars.

Taylor Barzelay has the perfect life... or do they? Find out as Taylor is faced with challenges, is introduced to a vibrant cast of characters who help her to discover WHO she really is. Jadzia Axelrod is fantastic, and with stunningly colorful artwork by Jess Taylor, they bring you the story of a girl in hiding who must face her fears to see herself as others see her: the prettiest star.

MMP discusses America Chavez: Made in the USA #1-5 to continue the theme of powerful pride. Kalinda Vazquez takes the reader on a journey of self discovery while introducing us to America Chavez, an intriguing and relatively new character from Marvel. Although America has a lot of baggage, that does not make her any less relatable! Even those who do not have a lot in common with America will surely find something interesting about her. Instead of centering on a big baddie, the series focuses on America as she learns who she is and what she is looking for. As a bonus, the podcast talks about authorial intent! Why was the character named America? Was the name important or is it up to the reader to decide what’s important? We can’t answer these questions, so listen in and find out!