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Our Death and Return of Superman series lands in emo territory this week with "Funeral for a Friend." In the wake of Superman's death, the entire world is trying to find meaning while Supergirl and Lex investigate the disappearance of Superman's body. We talk about the mourning hero community, the dynamic between Lex & Supergirl, and Mitch. There's no bonus content here since pretty much all we did was talk post-election politics, and nobody wants to hear that.

To hear past episodes or see what we're reading next, go to www.WelcometoComics.com.

Support the show by becoming a patron today at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: "Reign of the Supermen"

We start our Death and Return of Superman series in a logical place: The Death of Superman! This 10-issue megaseries spanning four Superman titles depicts the epic battle between Doomsday and Superman. We talk about how Doomsday works as a villain, Superman's status as an icon within the world of the comic itself, and the event that was the Death of the First Superhero. Plus, Andy's started a rewatch of Stargate.

Go to www.WelcometoComics.com to see what we're reading next or peruse all of our catalog of previous episodes.

Support the show by becoming a patron today at www.Patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: "Funeral for a Friend"

Our Netflix Source series wraps up as we read "Defenders: Indefensible" by J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen, and Kevin Maguire. This comic has nothing to do with the Netflix shows coming out this fall, but it does bring the laughs as Dr. Strange, the Hulk, and Namor battle against Dormammu and Umar! We talk about the incredibly good art, the Hulk getting laid, and all the bits that made us laugh. Plus: Clambakes are gross.

To hear previous episodes or see what we're reading next, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show by becoming a patron today at www.Patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: "The Death of Superman" by Dan Jurgens et al.

Our Netflix prep series rolls on with "Luke Cage: Power Man" essentials. We read issues 48-53, where Luke Cage meets Iron Fist for the first time. We talk about all the surprisingly complex themes that come up: what makes vigilantes righteous, the importance of Harlem as a setting, Misty Knight's murderous intent, and more. Plus: we talk about dirndl shopping and boobs.

For past episodes, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. To support the show, become a patron today at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: "Shadowland" by Andy Diggle.

Hey everybody! With the new time difference between David/Andy and Jen, we had a tough time getting a regular episode out this week. To make amends, I'm putting the first Patreon bonus episode into the feed here for you. This first one is only about six minutes, but the last few have been over a half an hour. If you like what you hear and you want to listen to this bonus content every month, become a patron over at patreon.com/WelcometoComics. Every level of patron gets these shows, even if you only give a penny.

See you all next week, when we talk about Luke Cage!

For more info, go to www.WelcometoComics.com!

We start off our peek at the comic book sources for Netflix's new Marvel shows by reading "The Immortal IKron Fist: The Last Iron Fist Story" by Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction. This comic adds another layer to the backstory of Iron Fist Danny Rand through the character Orson Randall. Punches and chi guns follow as Danny fights Hydra and Davos to keep his company and his role in the world alive. We spend a good chunk of time talking about cultural heritage, appropriation, and the role of race in character. Plus, we talk about meeting creators and Jen's move to Germany.

To check out past episodes, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. To support the show, become a patron today at www.Patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next Week: "Essential Luke Cake, Power Man: Vol. 2" by, well, a bunch of different people.

We conclude our tribute to Darwyn Cooke by reading "Batman: Ego." In this tightly-written book, we see Batman returning to the cave after a long fight and a jarring encounter with a low-level thug only to be confronted with hallucinations of self-questioning. We talk about the Batman/Bruce balancing act, the depth of the Batman character, and the sacrifices of Bruce Wayne.

Plus: Warcraft expansion spoilers! The Ego talk begins at about 10 minutes in.

For more info on past or future shows, visit www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show by becoming a patron today at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics

Next week: "The Immortal Iron Fist: The Last Iron Fist Story" by Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker.

This week we read "Parker: The Hunter" as part of our Darwyn Cooke tribute series. An adaptation of a classic crime novel, "Parker" tackles the noir genre as its titular protagonist goes on a tear for revenge after being betrayed after a heist. We talk about Parker the character, the misogyny and tropes of the genre, and how this surprisingly light art style works perfectly for noir. Plus, we thank a listener for his incredible gift.

To hear past episodes or see what we're reading next, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show by becoming a patron today at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: "Batman: Ego" by Darwyn Cooke.

We continue our look at the career of the late Darwyn Cooke by reading "Before Watchmen: Minutemen," as proof that a great creator can elevate their work beyond publisher sales gimmicks. This comic examines the career of the Minutemen, a group of heroes who represented a collective effort toward the greater good a generation before the Watchmen. We talk about the fleshing out of the cast, the grey areas of heroics, and the uselessness of capes. Plus, we talk for a long time about all the trailers that have come out in the last few weeks.

To listen to past or future shows, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show today and gain access to bonus content by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: "Parker: The Hunter" by Darwyn Cooke

We begin our tribute to Darwyn Cooke with "The New Frontier," the work he's arguably most known for. In this post-war era comic, heroes have given up their mantles and stepped out of the star-spangled spotlight until a new, devastating foe forces them back into action. Actually, that's a terrible synopsis because it's only a hint of all the incredible stuff that happens in this graphic novel. We talk about Cooke's astounding ability to establish pervasive mood, the role of superheroes in the world, and the incredible renditions of classic characters done with respect and love. Plus, we talk about the trailer for that new Guy Ritchie King Arthur movie.

To hear past episodes or find out what's coming up, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/welcometocomics and get access to cool perks.

Next week: "Before Watchmen: Minutemen" by Darwyn Cooke.