This Comic COOKS

X2 might be more important to Avengers: Doomsday than you think.

For our second episode of Before Doomsday, Vactor and Tim Costello revisit X2: X-Men United — one of the most beloved superhero sequels ever made — and look at why this movie still matters more than 20 years later.

X2 took everything the first X-Men established and made it bigger. The world expanded, the action became more ambitious, and characters like Nightcrawler, Magneto, Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey and Mystique all got major moments.

We also talk about:

• Why Nightcrawler's opening sequence still holds up
• Ian McKellen's incredible performance as Magneto
• The legendary Magneto prison-break scene
• Why X2 and X-Men (2000) feel like one big story
• The Weapon X storyline and Wolverine's growing popularity
• How X2 helped prove superhero team movies could become massive events
• The way superhero movies were becoming mainstream in the early 2000s
• Why X2 feels like a natural predecessor to the massive team-ups we're getting today
• Alan Cumming returning as Nightcrawler for Avengers: Doomsday after 23 years
• The return of the original Fox X-Men cast
• Why Avengers: Doomsday could be a love letter to the original X-Men universe
• And the surprising connection between X2's team-up and the massive crossover coming in Doomsday

In X2, the X-Men join forces with former enemies Magneto and Mystique to stop a threat bigger than all of them.

In Avengers: Doomsday, it looks like the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and X-Men will have to do the same thing against Doctor Doom.

That's one hell of an escalation.

Next up: Captain America: The First Avenger.

Welcome to Before Doomsday, a This Comic Cooks series where we watch Marvel's essential movies (and a TV show) leading into Avengers: Doomsday, one film at a time.

#X2 #XMen #AvengersDoomsday #Marvel #BeforeDoomsday

Before the MCU, there was X-Men.

Released in 2000, X-Men helped prove that comic book movies could be taken seriously—and its impact can still be felt 26 years later. In this episode of Before Doomsday, Vactor and DoomsTim revisit the movie that introduced audiences to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, Patrick Stewart's Professor X, Ian McKellen's Magneto, and an entire generation of X-Men characters.

We talk about why Marvel chose X-Men as the starting point for its Essential Viewing list before Avengers: Doomsday, how the movie helped launch the modern superhero movie era, why Wolverine became the center of the franchise, and why Cyclops deserved more to do.

We also look at what makes the movie's grounded approach work, its practical effects, the importance of the X-Men's mutant allegory, the first modern Stan Lee cameo tradition, and how much comic book filmmaking has changed since 2000.

And there's one huge reason to revisit X-Men now:

Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, and Rebecca Romijn are all returning for Avengers: Doomsday.

So 26 years after X-Men changed superhero movies, its stars are heading back to the big screen.

This is Before Doomsday, where we're watching Marvel's Essential Viewing movies one film at a time as we count down to Avengers: Doomsday (And Loki).

Next up: X2: X-Men United.

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Is the MCU finally recapturing that 2019 Avengers: Endgame magic? In this episode of This Comic Cooks, Vactor is joined by Tim Costello to break down the latest buzz, footage clues, and rising anticipation for Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

We dissect what the TVA’s involvement means after the collapse of the multiverse, Doctor Doom’s strategy of neutralizing Earth’s greatest threats, and why a Doctor Doom and Bruce Banner dynamic creates the ultimate "Inverse Science Bros." Plus, we discuss the comic parallels between Doom and Tony Stark, fresh cast confirmations, and tease an upcoming special project: 12 Weeks to Doomsday.

• The Multiverse Collapses: What the TVA’s updated role reveals about the massive stakes in Doomsday.
• Inverse Science Bros: Comparing Tony Stark & Bruce Banner to Doctor Doom & Bruce Banner.
• Doom vs. Iron Man: Comic book inspirations and how the MCU connects the two icons.
• Loki & TVA Connections: Alternate endings and multiversal fallout.
• Is MCU Hype Back to 2019 Levels? Shaking off the post-Endgame slump with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Doomsday.
• Announcement: A sneak peek at the upcoming 12 Weeks to Doomsday countdown!

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

• The Multiverse Collapses: What the TVA’s updated role reveals about the massive stakes in Doomsday.
• Inverse Science Bros: Comparing Tony Stark & Bruce Banner to Doctor Doom & Bruce Banner.
• Doom vs. Iron Man: Comic book inspirations and how the MCU connects the two icons.
• Loki & TVA Connections: Alternate endings and multiversal fallout.
• Is MCU Hype Back to 2019 Levels? Shaking off the post-Endgame slump with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Doomsday.
• Announcement: A sneak peek at the upcoming 12 Weeks to Doomsday countdown!

Everyone said Jubilee was the X-Men’s “fireworks girl.”
But what if that was never the real story?Behind the bright flashes was one of Marvel’s most overlooked powerhouses — a character with untapped omega-level potential, brutal losses, and a choice to hold herself back.This is why Jubilee deserves way more respect.
Not the joke.
Not the sidekick.
The hero.#Jubilee #XMen #MarvelComics #XMen97 #MarvelRivals #ComicsTok #ComicBookTok #MarvelFans #MutantPower #OmegaLevel

What were the best Superman comics in January 2026?In this episode of This Month in Superman, we break down Absolute Superman #15, Superman #34, Superman Unlimited #9, and the latest DC KO tie-ins — and pick the best Superman book of the month.We discuss:• Absolute Superman #15 (Jason Aaron)• Superman #34• Superman Unlimited #9 (Dan Slott)• DC KO #3 and DC KO Boss Battle• Supergirl movie 2026 hype & trailer reactionsIs Absolute Superman becoming the definitive version of Clark Kent? Has Dan Slott found his footing on Superman Unlimited? And what does DC KO mean for the future of the DC Universe?If you're looking for the best Superman comic to read this month, this episode is your guide.Subscribe for monthly Superman comic breakdowns and reviews.

In this in-depth conversation, Ben Mauro — legendary concept artist behind Halo, Elysium, and Chappie — joins This Comic Cooks to talk about the creation of HUXLEY, his deeply personal sci-fi graphic novel universe.

We explore why Mauro chose comics over film, how HUXLEY grew from a solo passion project into a global bookstore release, and what it means to create something physical in an increasingly digital world.

We are talking:

• How HUXLEY was built one page at a time

• Why physical books still matter in 2026

• The role of AI in modern science fiction

• Mauro’s influences (Akira, Moebius, Dune)

• How HUXLEY: The Oracle expands the universe

• What makes meaningful sci-fi timeless

If you love science fiction, graphic novels, worldbuilding, or thoughtful conversations about creativity and craft, this episode is for you.

📘 HUXLEY - https://amzn.to/3NhDu7a

HUXLEY: The Oracle - https://amzn.to/4pWyEdj are available worldwide in bookstores and online.

🔔 Subscribe to This Comic Cooks for more creator interviews and reader-first comic recommendations.

Honorable mentions:Supergirl #8Justice League Unlimited #14Justice League Red #5The Bat-Man: Second Knight #2Welcome back to This Month in Superman — the show where we celebrate the best Superman comics we read each month.This episode is our December 2025 Superman wrap-up (and the final episode of 2025!), featuring special guests Tim Tangent and Frank Ramblings from Beer with Geeks. We break down the standout reads of the month, why Mark Waid continues to write elite Superman, and which books you can hand to someone as the perfect “this is what Superman is” recommendation.📚 In this episode we cover:Action Comics and the young Clark / Smallville-era morality angleSuperman: The Kryptonite Spectrum and why it feels like an all-timerBatman/Superman: World’s Finest (The “Merger” arc, Joker/Lex madness, and pure Silver Age fun)Why Superman stories hit harder when you’re thinking about fatherhood, morality, and doing the right thingHonorable mentions + what we’re excited for in January 2026 and beyondIf you love Superman, Mark Waid, DC Comics, or just want a monthly reading guide from real fans — you’re in the right place.🎧 Follow / Subscribe for monthly Superman picks, deep dives, and reader-first recommendations.#Superman #DCComics #ThisMonthInSuperman #MarkWaid #WorldsFinest #ActionComics #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #BeerWithGeeks

In this episode, Vactor, Frank, and Tim break down every major Superman-related issue this month — from Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #4 to DC KO #2, World’s Finest #45, Superman #32, Book of El, Absolute Superman, and more.Whether you read every issue or haven’t picked up a comic yet, this episode is designed to help you understand what’s worth reading — and why these stories matter for Superman’s ongoing mythology.We also dive into:🟦 Why Kryptonite Spectrum #4 might be the best Superman issue of the year🟩 The case for why Superman might have become President (according to Snyder & Williamson)🟥 Superboy-Prime breaking the fourth wall🟧 Lex Luthor’s surprising role in DC KO #2🟪 The joy of Silver Age chaos in the Fifth Dimension🟨 How World’s Finest #45 brings back classic Joker/Luthor chemistry🟫 Why Superman #32 is the perfect companion issue to KOHonorable mentions:Justice League Red #4Batman and Robin #27Supergirl #7Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #5If you want to know which Superman comic you should read this month — we’ve got you covered.

Because that’s the way the Superman crumbles. Welcome back to This Month in Superman—the show where we break down the best Superman comics on the stands and tell you what actually cooks.This episode: • Superman #31 (Joshua Williamson, art by Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira) — a DCKO tie-in that adds character and lore (Apokolips “heart,” Superboy-Prime’s meta sting, strong Lois Lane beats at the Fortress). • Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3 (DC Black Label, by the Ice Cream Man team W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo, Chris O’Halloran) — Superman de-aged, Shazam team-up, Toyman & Doctor Sivana hijinks, big Batman/Superman trust moment, Silver-Age whimsy with modern heart. • DC K.O. #1 (Scott Snyder & co.) — a surprise: hopeful Superman thrown into a tournament built to crown King Alpha against Darkseid’s King Omega. Wild roster choices, Booster Gold revelations, and the question: Who can actually beat Darkseid?We also talk the James Gunn Superman DNA quietly seeping into current books, Lois & Clark as the ultimate co-op, and why Spectrum reads like “All-Star energy meets Black Label weirdness.”Chapters:00:00 Cold Open – Why these 3 issues cook00:42 Frank’s Pick: Superman #31 (DCKO tie-in that matters)05:28 Lois at the Fortress — reporting vs. Jor-El’s program07:53 Tim’s Pick: Kryptonite Spectrum #3 (kid Clark, Shazam, Toyman/Sivana)10:18 Batman’s “my best guess” — trust/tactics12:45 Black Label primer & Ice Cream Man shout14:33 Vactor’s Pick: DC K.O. #1 (hope vs. King Omega Darkseid)18:35 Can anyone out-scale Darkseid’s power?22:30 Roster talk: Super-Family, Jaro/Starro, Barda, Lobo, Swamp Thing28:03 Booster Gold twist & where this could go31:20 Scott Snyder’s craft pod/Substack (behind-the-scenes)33:50 Beer With Geeks plug + Frank’s Beatles TikTok35:26 Wrap — October’s must-reads & what’s nextListen next / support• ‪@BeerwithGeeks‬ (Tim & Frank): great geek talk on Trek, Star Wars, LOTR, more.• Frank on TikTok —   / frankramblings   elite Beatles micro-docs.• Subscribe for monthly Superman breakdowns + Super-Family highlights.New Comic Book Releases:Oct 1 -Absolute Superman #12Adventures of Superman – The Book of El #2

Oct 8 -SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #3DC K.O. #1

Oct 15 - BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #44

Oct 22 - SUPERMAN #31SUPERMAN UNLIMITED #6 JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #12

Oct 29 -ACTION COMICS #1091Superman Red & Blue 2025 Special #1Honorable mentions:SUPERGIRL #6KRYPTO: THE LAST DOG OF KRYPTON #5JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG 2 #5BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT – A LEAGUE FOR JUSTICE #4JUSTICE LEAGUE RED #3NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE #4Titans #28Flash #26

Welcome back to This Month in Superman, your monthly breakdown of the best Superman comics on the stands!Vactor, Tim Tangent, and Super Frank dive deep into every Super-title hitting shelves — from Superman #30 to The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 and Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 — analyzing storylines, art, and what they mean for the Man of Steel’s legacy.🦸‍♂️ In This Episode: • Frank’s Pick: Superman #30 — Booster Gold, Superboy Prime, and multiversal chaos collide! • Tim’s Pick: Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 — Philip Kennedy Johnson brings cosmic scope and emotional depth. • Vactor’s Pick: Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 — A psychedelic, Silver Age-inspired masterpiece exploring what new shades of Kryptonite can do. • Bonus Talk: Doomsday as the Time Trapper?! Meta humor, continuity chaos, and where Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman might go next.🧩 Topics Covered • Superboy Prime’s fourth-wall humor and Crisis references • Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Superman family storytelling • The creative brilliance behind Kryptonite Spectrum (W. Maxwell Prince & Martín Morazzo) • Silver Age influences, Alice in Wonderland parallels, and why Superman still inspires us today • Predictions for DC KO #1 and Superman Red & Blue (2025 Special)📚 Honorable Mentions • Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #4 • Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4 • Supergirl #5 • Justice League Red (Power Girl spotlight)⸻

🔗 Links:

🎧 Listen to Beer With Geeks (Frank & Tim’s podcast): beerwithgeeks.com

🐦 Follow Vactor: @vactor

📱 Watch Frank’s Beatles TikToks: @FrankRamblings

📘 Read more comics talk: This Comic Cooks Substack