Thinking Critical Comic Book Podcast

DC Comics are making massive changes to Superman status quo. Jon Kent is replacing Clark as Earth’s Superman while his father joins The Authority on a mission to War World. Wes breaks down how DC Comics got themselves into this mess. (00:00). DC Comics are launching SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL in a 22-page story for $5. DC previously reserved this price for premiere titles with extra pages or backup stories. What does this mean for DC Comics readers and retailers? Comic book writer Aaron Sparrow joins Wes to discuss the current state of DC Comics. (17:08) Perch from ‘Comics, by Perch Podcast’ predicts Marvel and DC readers are in for a long summer as the two major comic book publishers transition their businesses this year. (42:21) Perch sticks around to discuss the recent agreement between Marvel Comics and Viz Media to adapt Marvel characters to Manga and distribute them in the North American market. (01:08:18) UNITED STATES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA is introducing multiple new characters carrying the mantle of Captain America. Eric Breen and Wes discuss the affects of watering down hero legacies. (01:26:47) Marvel debuted their latest X-Men series, WAY OF X from Simon Spurrier this week. Despite a high quality story Wes is concerned Si Spurrier is going to botch the series and ruin fan-favorite Nightcrawler. (01:45:04) X-Men Historian Dok joins the channel to discuss the horrible art in X-FORCE, the derailment of S.W.O.R.D and the potential of WAY OF X. (02:05:08) Wes and Skip review THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER Episode 6. The series not only divided viewers but reviewers as Wes and Skip came away with very different interpretations of the season finale. (02:29:18)

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Wes talks about growing malaise among Marvel Comics fans. Event fatigue is one thing, but Marvel are burning fans out with constant retreads of classic stories, This week Marvel announced Jason Aaron’s AVENGERS will introduce a World War She-Hulk story. (00:00). Big Bang Comics reported Marvel are offering more variant cover SKU’s than they have orders for HEROES REBORN #1. Comic writer Aaron Sparrow joins the show to talk about why it’s unhealthy for the industry. (12:31) Dok and Wes discuss Rod Lamberti of Rodman Comics questioning why Marvel hasn’t had a hit comic in almost 2 years. (34:21) X-Men historian Dok also talks about Marvel’s latest plan to relaunch X-MEN and move Jonathan Hickman to a secret title. (55:42) Marvel revealed the identities of the new X-Men team, spoiling one reason to read the upcoming HELLFIRE GALA event. (01:17:57) Perch and Wes examine the growing disconnect between the comic book industry and their customers. (01:36:21) They then wrap-up KING IN BLACK, the conclusion to Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman’s 3-year VENOM story. (02:02:27) Doug Ernst explains why forgoing Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaigns for his SOULFINDER: BLACK TIDE comic is drawing so much criticism. (02:22:26) Finally, Wes and Skip review episode 5 of THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER. (02:38:00)

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Joe Corallo and Eric Breen join Wes to talk about the introduction of classic Batman villain Ra’s al Ghul. Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams introduce the villainous leader of the League of Shadows in Batman #232. It as almost a full year before Batman readers see Bruce Wayne and Ra’s al Ghul face-off again in Batman #242. Ra’s isn’t the only memorable introduction, readers also meet Talia al Ghul and the infamous Lazarus Pits. There’s also a fun running joke concerning longtime Batman character Matches Malone, who appears to die early in the story but keeps reappearing. Comic book readers consider Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ Rascal Ghul Saga must read material in the annals of comic book history. 

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Aaron Sparrow, Mark Pellegini and Wes dive into creating memorable villains. Every great hero needs a formidable villain to oppose them. Comic writers have long known a standout villain is equally important to having a fantastic hero. Aaron and Markexplain their processes and theories behind developing monstrous villains using traditional character development and story-telling methods. This lesson is must-see for any writer wanting to learn the ins-and-outs of creating memorable comic book villains. 

Mark Pellegrini Bio

Mark Pellegrini is a creative consultant and writer for NINJAINK, LLC and his collaborations with Timothy Lim have been published by IDW and UDON studios. As a freelance featured writer, his articles and creative works have been published by such websites as Adventures in Poor Taste, Comics Alliance, Ain't it Cool News, and io9. You can find more of his writing at TMNT Entity.

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCl-CXprfvSb6wMblmXH-pZg

Website: deviantart.com/ninjaink

Twitter: @PelleCreepy

Aaron Sparrow Bio

Aaron Sparrow is a comic book writer and editor who got his start as a copy editor at Tokyopop. In 2009, he became the Lead Editor for Boom! Studios' new line of Disney comic books. In addition to his editorial work on these titles, Sparrow also heavily lobbied to do a Darkwing Duck comic, having been a huge fan of the cartoon. 

YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCFMFLB8b2908bhhChZhgU6A

Twitter: @Aaron_Sparrow 

YouTube Channel: youtube.com/c/ThinkingCritical

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Aaron Sparrow, Mark Pellegini and Wes dive into developing heroic characters. A strong protagonist is the backbone of most successful comic book stories. Comic writers have been blurring the lines between hero and villain for many years. Aaron and Mark are gonna help new comic writers develop defined, identifiable heroes using traditional character development and story-telling methods. This lesson is must-see for any writer wanting to learn the ins-and-puts of creating memorable comic book heroes. 

YouTube Channel: youtube.com/c/ThiningCritical

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Wes gives his perspective regarding the CAPTAIN AMERICA Red Skull Jordan Peterson Controversy on social media. People were championing and jeering writer Ta-Nehisi Coates decision to equate a longstanding Nazi character with conservative blogger Jordan Peterson. (00:00). Award-winning comic book editor Joe Corallo and Wes discuss Marvel Comics latest reboot of the X-MEN series to issue #1 for the third time in 36 months. Acclaimed writer Jonathan Hickman is also leaving the X-MEN series to helm a secret X-Men related project. (10:21). Joe and Wes then break down the second round of DC’s tournament with creative teams announced (27:36). Warner Bros. announced they are halting production of a planned NEW GODS film written by DC Comics scribe Tom King and directed by Ava DuVernay. Perch and Wes dissect the details and explain what it all means (43:42). Perch then discusses the Red Skull conservative blogger story, Marvel’s new Phoenix force host and the fallout of Donny Cates’ KING IN BLACK event (55:13). Comics Aficionados cohost Dok explains why Disney and AT&T need to look at the big picture when considering investing in DC and Marvel Comics publishing (1:08:47). Comic book super fan Eric Breen and Wes consider the comic industries decision to emasculate male superheroes to elevate their female counterparts (1:36:49). Finally, Joe Corallo returns to review THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER Episode 4. The most controversial episode of the series see new Captain America John Walker cross the line and tarnish the legacy of the shield (1:52:36).

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