Make Mine Paperback Podcast

In eager anticipation of Saga Chapter 55, the guys discuss the beautiful Saga Chapter 25 (2015). Continuing January’s theme of Sidekicks! Steven, Alex, and Graham explore the world of Saga. What brought us to this point in the war? How do the people of Wreath and Landfall feel about it? Will Hazel’s family ever be reunited? Why isn’t Ghüs more prominently featured? The boys discuss all this and more on this week’s episode! Written by Brian K. Vaughn with art by Fiona Staples, Saga is a space odyssey of the highest order with a focus on families and relationships that gives the epic a familiar feel. Join us as we take to the stars with this unlikely family. And remember, when it comes to sagas, always, Make Mine Paperback!

The guys continue to discuss sidekicks in January by discussing arguably the most famous sidekick of all, Robin! Robin #1 (2021), written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Gleb Melnikov, tells the tale of one of the more angsty of Batman’s Robins, Damien Wayne. As the son of Batman and Talia al Guhl, Damien has a lot to live up to! Locked in a constant battle to balance his League of Assassins training with Batman's code of ethics, Robin sets out to forge his own path with a far more heavy handed technique than most heroes are comfortable with. Without the guidance of any mentor, Damien is on the warpath to avenge Alfred and prove he is able to stand on his own by competing in the League of Assassins secret fight club.Will Robin be able to battle his way through Lazarus Island? Or will his arrogance finally be kept in check? Find out in this exciting edition of Make Mine Paperback. 

The guys start the new year with a new theme, sidekicks! To start off the month, MMP discusses Flashpoint - Kid Flash Lost #1 (2011), written by Sterling Gates, with art by Oliver Nome. After a disruption to the timeline, Bart is lost and without support from the Flash. While coming to the realization that he is trapped in a simulation, Bart is able to escape the stasis he has been trapped in during this alternate reality. WIth the help of a mysterious stranger, Hot Pursuit, Bart sets out to figure out what happened to the timeline to get him into his predicament. Will Bart be able to escape Brainiac? Or will he find himself stuck without the Flash? Find out as the guys discuss this fascinating sidekick! 

The guys finish off the year by discussing another one of Steven’s favorite reads from 2021, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr. Written by Ram V, with artwork by Filipe Andrade, the story of Laila Starr takes readers on a philosophical journey while exploring humanity’s understanding of life and death. With humanity about to discover the secrets to immortality, the God of Death is no longer needed in the heavens, and is reincarnated on Earth as Laila Starr. Instead of enjoying her life as a mortal, the newly reincarnated God of Death instead tries to stop the person who will give humans immortality. Will Laila Starr be successful in defeating the inventor of immortality? Or will she be forced to endure many deaths while on Earth? Listen in to find out what makes this unique comic book one of the best to come out this year!

In lieu of the release of the new "Spider-Man No Way Home" film that released last week, Alex, Graham and Steven sit down and talk a parallel Spider-Man, a What if...? of sorts! Spider-Man keeps the symbiote suit, and turns to some hardcore vigilante justice... by killing the bad guys? J Jonah Jameson working with the Sinister Six? Where is Eddie Brock? With Aunt May dead, Chip Zdarskey takes you through the life of Peter Parker gone rogue...and let's you see a side of the not-so friendly neighborhood Spider-Man you haven't seen before!

As December continues, MMP discusses one of Graham’s favorite comic books from this year, Beta Ray Bill (2021). Written and drawn by Daniel Warren Johnson, with colors from Mike Spicer, Beta Ray Bill tells the story of a lesser-known hero. Beta Ray Bill is a Korbinite who is transformed into a powerful, horse-like cyborg to help protect his planet. As the only other being worthy of holding Mjolnir, Beta Ray Bill was gifted his own weapon from Odin, Stormbreaker. When Thor breaks Stormbreaker, Beta Ray Bill is unable to transform out of his horse-like state, and is far less powerful. When Beta Ray Bill is tasked with defending Asgard against Fin Fang Foom without Stormbreaker, his resolve is put to the test. Although not an outright enemy of Thor, Beta Ray is definitely ready to prove himself and step out of Thor’s shadow. Will Beta Ray Bill be able to fend off Fin Fang Foom? Or will he ultimately fail without his trusted weapon? Find out what makes this particular issue one of our favorites of 2021!

The second week of December means the guys dive into another book of their favorite stories from 2021 and this one is a new twist to a familiar character: Captain America! In this first issue of a five-part mini series, Steve Rogers reflects on the idea of what is truly the "American Dream", when all of a sudden things go sideways and the shield is stolen by a mysterious character dressed as... Captain America? Josh Trujillo brings you a great story to kick off this run where we see Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers team up once more! Do they recover the shield? Do they come into more danger? Be sure to snag a copy of this book so you can take a closer look as to why it made the list of favorite stories from 2021! 

As the end of the year approaches, MMP begins December by discussing some of the best comics to be released in 2021. To start off the month, the group discusses Batman: White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn #3 (2020). Katana Collins writes an excellent, crime noir thriller set in a non-canon universe. In an alternate reality, where Bruce Wayne is in prison and the Joker is dead, Harley Quinn remains the only hope for Gotham when a serial killer strikes. Paired with an FBI agent with a clear conflict of interest, and maybe an unhealthy obsession with Harley herself, it is up to Quinn to stop the Starlet before she kills again. With artwork by Matteo Scalera, and colors by Dave Stewart, find out what makes this comic one of Steven’s favorites of 2021!

To conclude November’s focus on third-party comic publishers, MMP discusses Spencer & Locke #1 (2017) from Action Lab Comics. David Prepose creates a story that expertly blends the light-hearted spirit of Calvin & Hobbes with the gritty atmosphere found in Sin City. After a traumatic childhood, Locke learns to survive by talking to his stuffed panther, Spencer. As an adult, Locke is a capable detective. All of this is tested when he becomes emotionally invested in a case after his grade-school sweetheart is found murdered. Will Spencer be able to help Locke solve this case? Or will Locke be let down by his imaginary partner? Find out as the group discusses this excellent comic!

The group continues to discuss third-party comics by diving into Brigade #1, published by Image Comics. By blending early-90s pop culture with colorful artwork, Brigade creates an easy story for comic fans looking for something different from the major comic publishers. When a terrorist organization seizes control of a building, it is up to Youngblood to stop the madness. But what happens when Youngblood doesn’t show up? Will Brigade be able to save the day? Find out more about this lesser-known team of superheroes as MMP continues to shine a light on third-party publishers! Don’t forget to pick up  Spencer & Locke #1 (2017) by David Pepose for next week.