Contentiousness and strife hold The Stack in their steely grips this week as we thrash with the Vertigo classic TRANSMETROPOLITAN, by Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson. Wow, that is a series of really tortured metaphors. Anyway, we have for you this week the usual course of disagreements and digressions, sprinkled with the occasional moment where all three of us think something is pretty nice.

Join us as we break down recurring Amazon warrior women, Warren Ellis' repeated attempts at futurism, and what Star Trek would have been like with makers instead of replicators.

All are welcome at our little internet radio shebang, whether you support the Beast or the Smiler. Come on in, we're all just the New Scum anyway.

Ah, the ever popular episode 4. A quintessential episode in any ongoing story, to be sure. But of course you already know that.

Our Episode 4 takes on the subject of comic book movies, a topic so fraught with intellectual peril that at first we have to spend a decent chunk of time determining just what the hell we're calling a comic book movie anyway. Then we shamefully disclose that none of us can count to five. Yes, it's another banner week here at The Stack.

All the same, join us as we we talk about the best (and worst) comic book movies, how we're looking forward to the two biggest comic book movies ever this summer, and Howard the Duck. Yes, Howard the Duck. We share your revulsion and shame.

Three shows in and we've already reached our first Very Special Episode. No, it's not about the dangers of huffing, it's an interview with author extraordinaire Greg Rucka, writer of (among a zillion other things) the Punisher, Lady Sabre, Atticus Kodiak, Wonder Woman, Queen and Country, and the upcoming thriller Alpha.

Join us as we talk about hard men with literary names, why you shouldn't let your daughters near Indiana Jones, and what it's like to be a soccer fan in America. Plus as much information about writing novels, comics, and games as could be crammed into one interview. This is a man who drops serious knowledge, folks; heed him well.

Also please note that The Stack reminds you that huffing is very, very bad for you. Don't huff. Read Greg Rucka, and listen to The Stack.

This week we cast our baleful eye on the BBC show "Sherlock," by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. In case it isn't obvious from the first 2 or 3 minutes of the podcast, this is a show we like a lot. A LOT. And we go on to rave about it until the cows come home. At one point, literally, we complain that we cannot find things wrong with it.

Join us as we talk about the perils and pleasures of adaptation, the importance of a short friend and a good coat, and the fall of Rome. Yes, Rome.

This week also sees the debut of our new recommendations segment, the name of which will not be spoiled here. Chris came up with it, and it's just about the greatest thing you'll ever hear. And, as ever, spoilers abound.

The game is on!

In the inaugural episode of The Stack, we get down and dirty with the Vertigo classic THE SANDMAN, by Neil Gaiman and a host of artistic luminaries. We'll drill deep into the art of lettering, unlikable protagonists, weird families, and the very nature of the comics medium itself. Actually, we lead off with that. Seriously. The first five minutes of our first ever podcast deal with "what are comics?" And from there it only goes... well, there's a hill, but it's tough to tell what direction we're heading on it.

We start big, we finish strong, and we hit some pretty unbelievable signposts along the way. Good to have you along for the ride.

Please note that this show (and, indeed, all episodes of The Stack) is INCREDIBLY spoiler-filled. Filled to the very brim with spoilers. Also please note that "explicit" tag isn't there for the hell of it either. Fair warning.