Ultimate Spin: The Spider-Man podcast about Marvel Comics' Miles Morales and Spider-Gwen Stacy

(Recorded July 12, 2018)

In our final episode, Brian and Jack get to close things out with an exclusive in-depth “exit interview” (or is that exit Gwenterview?) with Spider-Gwen’s writer and co-creator Jason Latour!

In a conversation that mirrors the spirit of the book, we dig into some big ideas while simultaneously going in all kinds of directions. We talk about Spider-Gwen’s spirit of risk, the power of consequence, and how the series continually defied expectations as part of a unique and personal search for the truth. We unpack the ideas of the series finale, discuss the Spider-Verse trailer and consider where Gwen could go next. We learn more about the upcoming “Spider-Ben” story, get clues about the lost Earth-65 books (!) and hints about Jason’s next project for Marvel. There’s even time for quantum physics and of course, for corn dogs.

Be sure to stick around after the interview, as Jack and Brian offer some final thoughts, share some reflections from our listeners, and bid a fond farewell to Ultimate Spin.

THANK YOU for listening and for your support over the years! It’s been a blast!

* 0:00 – Intro

* 2:28 – In Conversation with Jason Latour: Digging into Spider-Gwen’s themes of Great Power and Great Accountability to find a different take on the Spider-Man mythos. Wearing the mask releases your inhibitions, but then you have to wrestle with the consequences of those inhibitions not being present. Letting go of the fear of failure while in pursuit of the truth. Embracing the craziness of comic books and recapturing the Saturday Morning Cartoon vibe. Considering the finale and looking to the future.

* 1:22:19 – Listener Thoughts, Thank Yous, and Farewell

You can find Jason at:

* Twitter

* Instagram

Our sincere thanks to Jason for taking the time out of his busy schedule to chat with us!

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

* Ultimate Spin at Spotify

* Ultimate Spin at Facebook

* Twitter: @theultimatespin

* Ultimate Spin at Instagram

Thanks for listening!

(Recorded July 7, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

This is it! Brian and Jack reflect on the passing of Gwen’s co-creator Steve Ditko, consider the latest casting announcement for the Spider-Verse film, and take a closer look at Spider-Gwen #34, reflecting on how the series finale ties its themes together with a layered heart-to-heart between our hero and *her* hero.

* 0:00 – Intro; Steve Ditko; Spider-Verse movie casting news

* 7:35 – Spider-Gwen #34 – After playing a marathon rock concert, Team Spider-Gwen unplugs to close the show with a thoughtful acoustic number. Miles’ finale similarities. The payoff of the long-awaited Stacy reunion. Owning your identity when life redefines it for you (and keeping yourself honest). Ideas we’d have liked to liked to have seen more of. Our personal high points (and not-as-high points) for the overall series.

* 40:22 – Our three word summaries of the series.

* 42:06 – Outro; What did *you* think of the series finale? Let us know! And coming up…what’s in store for Episode 100?

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #34

* RIP Steve Ditko

* In Search of Steve Ditko documentary

* Amazing Spider-Talk Ditko tribute episode

* Nicolas Cage joins Into The Spider-Verse as Spider-Man Noir

* Nicolas Cage loses his **** (NSFW language!)

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack! From our friends at the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast!

* Brian visits the Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast

* “NAO SWEATCH TO KRYP-TO-NAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIGHT???”

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Super 8-Bit Power Hour; Four-Colour Corner; The Sequelisers!

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

* Our “Mary Janes” style theme and recap music by Chris Postill at Sounds Like An Earful

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

*

(Recorded June 24, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

In this episode, it seems to be darkest before the dawn as Brian and Jack take a closer look at the harsh and risky penultimate chapter of the saga in Spider-Gwen #33.

* 0:00 – Intro; Catching up with recent Miles and Gwen-related news. What the movie could mean for other Spider-Heroes. New stuff to pick up and new titles on the way from the creative team!

* 15:17 – Spider-Gwen #33 – Harsh, relentless, brutal (thank goodness for the lighter bookends). A powerful cover sets the tone for the darkest chapter yet. Navigating transitions and figuring out Gwen’s plan. Speculating on how this could all end (we have no idea).

* 41:40 – Our three word summaries of the issue (and a surprising match!)

* 42:33 – Outro; What did *you* think of this issue (and the trailer)? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* The TRAILER!!!!

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #33

* Robbi Rodriguez relaunches DC Vertigo with Goddess Mode!

* Coming soon in Spider-Geddon: Spider-Ben!

* Miles in Venom #3 by Cates and Stegman

* Venom by Cullen Bunn

* Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man Omnibus

* A Silk movie?

* How big are those pythons?

* Dancing on the Ceiling

* Suicide Squad

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack! From our friends at the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast!

* Brian visits the Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Super 8-Bit Power Hour; Four-Colour Corner; The Sequelisers!

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

* Our “Mary Janes” style theme by Chris Postill at Sounds Like An Earful

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

(Recorded June 3 and June 7, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

In this episode, Brian and Jack ponder honesty vs. truth as the confrontation with the Kingpin comes to a head in the complex and stunning Spider-Gwen #32. We also catch up with Miles’ recent appearances in other titles and OHMYGODDIDYOUSEETHESPIDERVERSETRAILER?!?!?!?!?

* 0:00 – Intro; Catching up with Miles’ recent and upcoming appearances, plus…

* 7:09 – Into The Spider-Verse trailer reaction!

* 16:36 – Spider-Gwen #32 – A dense issue with a lot to unpack!  Honesty vs. Truth. Gwen Stacy and her awesome speeches. The long game for Gwen’s well-earned victory. Jack rants about one line of dialogue. Farewell to the Kingpin? What happens next?

* 51:46 – Our three word summaries of the issue.

* 52:23 – Outro; What did *you* think of this issue (and the trailer)? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* The TRAILER!!!!

* One Perfect Shot

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #32

* Spider-Man Annual #1

* Invincible Iron Man #600

* Superior Spider-Talk review of Amazing Spider-Man #800

* Secret Invasion

* Hannah Blumenreich’s Mary Janes story in Spider-Gwen #23 (and our episode discussing it)

* Sir Mix-A-Lot

* Alex Jones Mis-Info Wars

* Seppuku

* “I HAVE THE POWER!!!!”

* The Sequelisers take on Spider-Man 3

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack! From our friends at the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast!

* Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Sequelisers!

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

*

(Recorded May 6, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

In this episode, Brian and Jack  are joined by Superior Spider-Talk‘s Dan Gvozden to discuss the surprising series finale that is Spider-Man #240. We share your thoughts and reflections on Miles’ series, and we have a major announcement about the future of the podcast. All kinds of feelings in this episode!

* 0:00 – Flashback: Bendis on Miles’ first true villain.

* 1:53 – Intro; Welcome back, Dan!

* 5:32 – Spider-Man #240 – A terrifying real-life moment informs the final chapter of a nearly two decade run. But does it work in context? Looking at how Bendis cleared the decks for the next creative team (a way to potentially lose the new powers? Jefferson’s new last name?). Not the best ending, but perhaps the best one possible? Looking back on Miles’ story  and our favorite moments.

* 49:45 – Our three word summaries of the issue.

* 50:49 – Listener feedback! Your thoughts on this issue and reflections on the series.

* 57:32 – A big announcement about the Ultimate Spin podcast.

* 1:04:04 – Outro; What did *you* think of this issue and where Miles could go next? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* Bendis interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers

* Glenn Beck’s insane rambling about Miles

* Reviews for Spider-Man #240

* Peter Palmer?

* Dark Knight: A True Batman Story by Paul Dini

* The Invisibles by Grant Morrison

* The Lost finale

* All-New Ultimates

* Listener Lawrence Minor’s Spotify playlist for Miles!

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack! From our friends at the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast!

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Sequelisers!;Guesting on Kyle’s Booking on the Fly

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

* Ultimate Spin at Facebook

*

(Recorded April 29, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

In this episode, Brian and Jack try to unpack a particularly complicated chapter in Spider-Gwen #31. Plus, some major news about the series.

* 0:00 – Intro; Sad but true: The end of Spider-Gwen (for now).

* 3:55 – Spider-Gwen #31 – Unpacking the pieces of a complex puzzle. Owning your destiny and the true link between Gwen 617 and Gwen 65. Change can be scary, but it can also be worthwhile. Commentary on the state of comics and the sun literally setting on one of our favorite series.

* 30:23 – Our three word summaries of the issue.

* 32:28 – Outro; What did *you* think of this issue? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #31

* It’s official: Spider-Gwen is ending!

* Council of Reeds (Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman)

* Council of Ricks (Rick and Morty)

* Norm MacDonald as Burt Reynolds

* Brian’s review of Radioactive Spider-Gwen #3

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack! From our friends at the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast!

* Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Sequelisers!;Guesting on Kyle’s Booking on the Fly

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

* Ultimate Spin at Facebook

* Twitter: @theultimatespin

* Ultimate Spin at Instagram

Thank you for listening! We’d love to hear from you: Send us your comments at [email protected]!

 

 

(Recorded April 7, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

In this episode, Brian and Jack take a closer look at the chaotic penultimate issue of Bendis’ run in Spider-Man #239. Plus, we discuss the news that the Ultimate Universe is returning!

* 0:00 – Intro; Wait, the Ultimate Universe is really coming back? How things could be different this time.

* 5:24 – Spider-Man #239 – Mask on, Mask off. Dialogue disaster. Squandered Sandman. So many strands of this web…but does anything connect? Surprises at the end…but why? How (Can?) this all be pulled together for the finale? Looking at other reviews.

* 28:36 – Our three word summaries of the issue.

* 30:05 – Outro; What did *you* think of this issue? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* Reviews for Spider-Man #239

* Marvel has plans for a new Ultimate Universe

* Lucia Von Bardas

* Ceres’ fate: Invincible Iron Man #598

* Hey, it’s The Champions!

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack! From our friends at the Amazing Spider-Talk podcast!

* Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Sequelisers!;Guesting on Kyle’s Booking on the Fly

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

* Ultimate Spin at Facebook

* Twitter: @theultimatespin

* Ultimate Spin at Instagram

Thank you for listening! We’d love to hear from you: Send us your comments at [email protected]!

 

 

(Recorded March 24, 2018)

Haven’t read it yet? Pick up this issue today at Comixology!

In this episode, Brian and Jack address the latest rumors about Miles’ future and then take a closer look at Spider-Gwen #30, which kicks off a new arc called “The Life of Gwen Stacy”!

* 0:00 – Intro. Miles isn’t going anywhere, don’t worry.

* 5:03 – Spider-Gwen #30 – The Life of Gwen Stacy. The beginning of the end? Robbi’s Romita and having fun with the past. A different kind of team-up. A story worth (re)-reading. Quantum Mechanics With Jack (Is this whole thing really The Watchers’ fault?). The shock ending!

* 30:22 – Our three word summaries of the issue.

* 31:25 – Outro; What did *you* think of these issues? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #30

* Source of John Romita cameo!

* Amazing Spider-Man #1 (March 1963)

* Schrödinger’s Cat

* CBR: No, Miles has not been canceled.

* Amazing Spider-Talk Season 2, Episode 1: “I’m So Pretty”

* Join the Amazing Spider-Slack!

* Introducing the Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast!

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Super 8-Bit Power Hour; Four-Colour Corner; The Sequelisers!; Guesting on Kyle’s podcast Booking on the Fly

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

* Ultimate Spin at Facebook

* Twitter: @theultimatespin

* Ultimate Spin at Instagram

Thank you for listening! We’d love to hear from you: Send us your comments at [email protected]!

(Recorded March 11, 2018)

Haven’t read them yet? Pick up these issues today at Comixology!

Spider-Gwen #29 and Spider-Man #238

In this episode, Brian and Jack take a closer look as all hell breaks loose for Gwen and her arch-enemy in Spider-Gwen #29! Then the Sinister Six *FINALLY* puts their plan into action in Spider-Man #238!

* 0:00 – Intro. Spider-Man colorist Justin Ponsor needs our help!

* 4:47 – Spider-Gwen #29 – Two guys discuss a story about two guys discussing a story about Spider-Gwen. An extended fight sequence that packs as many emotional punches as it does physical ones. Considering a conversation all the way back in issue 3 and wondering what the future might hold for The Life of Gwen Stacy.

* 20:11 – Our three word summaries of the issue.

* 20:34 – Spider-Man #238 – The Sinister Six (Seven) finally have their moment! Sandman as moral compass. Spidey saves the day (sort of). The non-drama of Barbara’s discovery. An underwhelming arc, but trying to appreciate the bigger picture. Feeling fatigued with playing it safe.

* 38:37 – Our three word summaries of the issue and Listener Feedback.

* 43:45 – Outro; What did *you* think of these issues? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* GOFUNDME DRIVE FOR JUSTIN PONSOR – PLEASE READ!

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #29

* Reviews for Spider-Man #238

* Brian’s review of Radioactive Spider-Gwen #3 at Superior Spider-Talk

* Superior Spider-Talk Lost Gems: “Keemia’s Castle”

* Introducing the Untold Talks of Spider-Man podcast!

Soundtrack for Spider-Man #238 (suggestions from listener Lawrence Minor II):

“Ruthless” – Amon Tobin

“Fools Rhythm” – Two Fingers

“Four Ton Mantis” – Amon Tobin (you’ll have to find this one on your own!)

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Super 8-Bit Power Hour; Four-Colour Corner; The Sequelisers!; Guesting on Kyle’s podcast Booking on the Fly

* Brian’s Twitter/Instagram/Podcasts/assorted nonsense

Links:

* Ultimate Spin at iTunes

* Ultimate Spin at Stitcher

* Ultimate Spin at Google Play

*

(Recorded February 10, 2018)

Haven’t read them yet? Pick up these issues today at Comixology!

Spider-Gwen #28 and Spider-Man #237

We’re back! In this bumper episode, Brian and Jack get into all kinds of truth as we discover the origin of our favorite villain The Kingpin in Spider-Gwen #28! Then it’s a family affair as things get complicated for Miles in Spider-Man #237. We’ll also share some of your listener feedback and check in with the news about what’s next for Miles’ *other* series, Champions!

* 0:00 – Intro

* 2:32 – Spider-Gwen #28 – A story about two sides of the same coin…and being punched in the face by the truth. Matt and Gwen: Kylo and Rey? Considering three of the most powerful panels in the entire series. Uncle Ben-65’s take on Power and Responsibility. Jack’s head is ready to explode.

* 18:39 – Our three word summaries of the issue and Listener Feedback.

* 21:37 – All change for the Champions: Maybe something we’ll check out? Plus a brief ASMR confession.

* 26:24 – Spider-Man #237 – Pancakes! A successful arc for Rio. The Bombshells drama takes an uncomfortable turn. An out-of-place (out-of order?) moment with Hobgoblin. Jefferson vs. Aaron and how that could lead to Miles becoming Spy-D.

* 47:35 – Our three word summaries of the issue and Listener Feedback.

* 52:24 – Outro; What did *you* think of these issues? Let us know! And coming up…

Stuff that we mentioned in this episode:

* Reviews for Spider-Gwen #28

* Jim Zub taking over Champions with issue #19 (April 2018)

* Jim’s thoughts on maintaining continuity with Miles’ and other characters’ solo books

* Reviews for Spider-Man #237

* Did Uncle Aaron learn about post-battle pancakes from Prince?

* Abner Jenkins is Mach VII

* Dick Grayson is…Grayson!

* All-New Amazing Spider-Talk Season 2 premiere – featuring Gerry Conway

Soundtrack for Spider-Man #237 (suggestions from listener Lawrence Minor II):

For Aaron Davis, his misdeeds means he only…

“Human” – Rag’n’Bone Man

Good to know that despite the trials and tribulations in their relationship, Rio and Jefferson will…

“Rise Up” – Andra Day

This is what the trials of life does at times Lana, just stay strong I’m sure help is on the way…

“Bring Me Down (Edited)” – Kanye West (feat. Brandy)

Also check out:

* Jack’s website;  Podcasts: The Super 8-Bit Power Hour; Four-Colour Corner;