Make Mine Paperback Podcast

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.

MMP continues to highlight third party publishers by discussing Dynamite Entertainment’s The Boys #21. In a world where superheroes are created and controlled by corporations, we are reminded that humans are indeed flawed. When ordinary people are given superpowers, they do not become the upstanding heroes we normally read about. When a plane is hijacked, will the superheroes be able to save the day? Or is there more to saving the day than just having superpowers? Find out on this exciting addition to Make Mine Paperback!

The guys kick off November with a new theme. This month will be focused on third-party comic publishers to introduce listeners to titles outside of Marvel and DC. In this episode, MMP discusses I Kill Giants #2 from Image Comics. Proving that comic books do not necessarily need to include superheroes to be interesting, the group discusses Barbara Thorson’s odd, yet relatable journey through life. Is Barbara just using her adventures in killing giants to escape reality? Or is she actually preparing for a possible threat? Find out as the group discusses the power of imagination while dealing with personal struggles!

This week, Alex, Graham and Steven sit down and explore the twisted and cruel mind of the Joker in the 1988 release "The Killing Joke". The Clown Prince of Crime makes every effort to drive Jim Gordon to the brink of insanity, through a charade of vicious and vile acts! Does he break the commissioner? Does Batman stick to the book, or does he do his own thing and deliver the Joker some vigilante justice? Find out all this and more in this weeks episode, with one of DC's most famous villains!

This week’s edition of MMP continues the theme of spooky villains by discussing the self-proclaimed “Master of Fear” himself, Scarecrow. In a particularly disturbing display of evil, Scarecrow shows that he is not afraid to break all the rules to terrorize Gotham! Does Scarecrow earn the title of terrifying monster? Are Jim and Batman able to overcome their own worst fears to stop the Scarecrow? Find out as they guys discuss this classic supervillain that has been a common addition to comics for years!

Join Alex, Graham, and Steven during this spooky season as they discuss the creepy villains of comics. While discussing the brutal nature of Dr. Destiny in The Sandman #6, MMP proves that not all comics are for children! Is the Dr. one of the scariest baddies in comics? Or is he just another joke villain? Decide for yourself as the hosts talk about what happens when you give a sadistic villain ultimate power!

“The Sandman #6”

“Over the course of 24 horrific hours, Dr. Destiny unleashes impossibly dark terror on six unsuspecting people in a small-town diner. Armed with Morpheus' Dreamstone, Destiny can rearrange time and space and does so to dreadful ends in this eerie, nearly stand-alone issue.”

The guys sit down and crack open Spider-Man 298, as a battle between Spidey and Chance makes you turn the pages to have a quick glimpse at Venom! Who is the symbiote taking control of? Will he be a lover or a fighter? What does Chance have to do with Venom? Find out this and more on this week's episode!

Alex, Graham, and Steven wrap up the topic of mentor and mentee partnerships while discussing Black Cat (2021) #7. MMP dives into the complex relationship between Black Cat and Black Fox. Black Cat gets put in a tough position by her teacher, father figure, and mentor. Will Black Cat be able to use her thieving skills to save Manhattan? Or will Black Cat give into selfishness? Join us to find out as we conclude our theme for September!

Black Cat #7 (2021)

The Gilded City Conclusion

Written By: Jed MacKay

Artist: Michael Dowling

Colorist: Brain Reber