Best Readalong Book Club Podcasts (2024)

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Ex Machina Deluxe Volume 2 1:35:48

2h ago1:35:48

1:35:48

Send us a Text Message. "I don't know when I went from hero to villain in this town, but it sure as s*** happened fast." In this week's episode of Storied Arcs, Mike and Alex tackle Ex Machina Deluxe Volume 2 (issues #12-29 plus Specials #1-2) from Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. The guys jump right into the various storylines presented in this v…

1
It's Very Suspicious - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 22 17:59

7h ago17:59

17:59

Episode 343 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 22 Theodore is released from jail, just in time to find himself in more peril. Scott and Anita discuss the very suspicious behavior of a very suspicious suspect. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your discussi…

1
Ex Machina Deluxe Volume 01 1:35:03

2h ago1:35:03

1:35:03

Send us a Text Message. "Everyone was scared back then, and when folks are scared, they want to be surrounded by heroes. But real heroes are just a fiction we create. They don't exist outside of comic books." Welcome to the new season of Storied Arcs, where Mike and Alex are diving deep into Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris' Ex Machina, originally …

1
Adaptation Magic | Is “The Prestige” Christopher Nolan’s Best? (2006 film) 1:18:51

4h ago1:18:51

1:18:51

Christopher and Jonathan Nolan pulled off one of the greatest magic tricks in film history with their ambitious adaptation of Christopher Priest’s novel. In episode 312, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they try to crack the code, get philosophical about duplication, let Christian Bale teach them about sacrifice, marvel at Hugh Jackman’s showman…

1
A Halloween Vampire Castle - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 21 21:14

8d ago21:14

21:14

Episode 342 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 21 The girls crash a vampire funeral, and uncover some disturbing historical information. Scott wonders if the Whistler has some lofty vengeance in mind, while Anita considers if the killer's magic is contaminating some suspects. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Faceb…

1
Intro to Ex Machina & Creator Spotlight: Tony Harris, Tom Feister, Jim Clark, and JD Mettler 1:06:18

8h ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Send us a Text Message. For the new season of Storied Arcs, Mike and Alex strap on their jetpacks and soar into the sky as they get ready to discuss Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris, originally published by DC under the Wildstorm imprint beginning in 2004 before moving over to the Vertigo imprint and then eventually to the Black Label…

1
Ghost Jail - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 20 18:19

3h ago18:19

18:19

Episode 341 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 20 Theodore talks himself directly into jail. Anita and Scott discuss Cornelia's kind gesture to Mallory, and how Mallory is falling into the "waiting for the right time" trap to break some bad news. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join ou…

1
Illusion Is Shared Delusion in “The Prestige” (1995 Novel) 1:02:53

20d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Before Christopher Nolan’s film blew audiences minds with its shocking reveals, Christopher Priest’s book had already been dazzling readers for over a decade. In episode 311, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they explore the differences, enter the Pact of Acquiescent Magic, try to heal a generational rivalry, sabotage a séance, hear whispers fro…

1
Creator Interview: Lydia Sherrer 2:18:08

3h ago2:18:08

2:18:08

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to a very special bonus episode of Storied Arcs! This week, Mike and Alex are ecstatic to bring you a conversation they had with writer Lydia Sherrer, the author of the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus series aka The Lily Singer Adventures! They get into everything here, from how Lydia built and planned her book series fr…

1
Crazy High - ”The Undetectables” Perimortem III 17:05

7d ago17:05

17:05

Episode 340 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Perimortem III Another person close to the detectives gets got. Scott assures everyone he's not reading ahead, while Anita is suspicious someone is targeting Cornelia. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your discussion…

1
From the Vault: The Hobbit (1977 film) 48:48

23d ago48:48

48:48

In this former Patreon-exclusive, Luke & James see Middle Earth in a time before Peter Jackson’s films, fall in love with a cat-like Smaug, get creeped out by a frog-like Gollum, reckon with a sterner version of Gandalf, discuss the evolution of animation outside of Disney in the states, and dream about owning a piece of LOTR history. Vote on Quart…

1
Creator Interview with Erica Schultz 1:11:55

21d ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Send us a Text Message. This week, Mike and Alex are pleased to be joined by writer and letterer Erica Schultz, one of the co-creators of Bylines in Blood. They start by covering the origins of Bylines in Blood, how Erica got hooked up with both Van Jensen and Aneke to create this comic, and what the experience was like working with a co-writer in …

1
The Lily Singer Adventures & The World of Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus 35:48

10d ago35:48

35:48

Send us a Text Message. And now for something completely different (that isn't actually that different at all). Back in fall of 2023 at the Cincinnati Comic Expo, Mike got to chatting with writer Lydia Sherrer, author of the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus series aka The Lily Singer Adventures. While not specifically comic-focused, Lydia has a passion …

1
The Beginning of Maturity - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 19 24:21

15d ago24:21

24:21

Episode 339 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 19 A late-night snack leads to Beckett getting kicked out. Anita is starting to see growth in Mallory, while Scott wonders if the next victim will be one of the suspects. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your…

1
A Wild Trip Through “Alice in Wonderland” (1951 film) | Book vs Movie 1:00:04

4d ago1:00:04

1:00:04

This just might be Walt Disney’s strangest adaptation, but that’s appropriate considering the source material with Lewis Carroll’s ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND & THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS. In episode 310, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they take a tumble down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, eat some body altering mushrooms, get psychedelic …

1
Bylines in Blood 1:32:17

16d ago1:32:17

1:32:17

Send us a Text Message. "Reality is, there is no truth. Everyone's got their own perspective. No one gets to be the arbiter of that. The only thing you can do is make your own truth." On this episode of Storied Arcs, Mike and Alex are ready to fight for the truth as they dive deep into Bylines in Blood by Erica Schultz, Van Jensen, and Aneke from A…

1
An Official Accusation - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 18 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

Episode 338 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 18 Mallory and Cornelia have an unusual talk with the Night Mayor. Scott officially opens up the Accusing Parlour and explains to Anita who he thinks the serial killer is. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get you…

1
A Rabbit Hole of Controversy in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” (1865 novel) 55:40

10d ago55:40

55:40

Lewis Carroll gave the world perhaps the most iconic children’s books of all time with ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND and THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, but his legacy has become shrouded by controversy by modern scholars. In episode 309, join Luke & James as they follow the White Rabbit into a magical world, play logic and word games, appreciate pun…

1
Intro to Bylines in Blood & Creator Spotlight: Erica Schultz, Van Jensen, and Aneke 1:05:29

12d ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to a new season of Storied Arcs! For this outing, Mike and Alex will be diving into their (and perhaps last, question mark?) series from AfterShock Comics, Bylines in Blood (issues #1-4) by Erica Schultz, Van Jensen, and Aneke. They start by pitching you on why they love this comic, including the way it balances mult…

1
Hotelier - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 17 24:41

1M ago24:41

24:41

Episode 337 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 17 The detectives manage to briefly corner a suspect at a funeral. Scott is getting more convinced he's identified the killer, while Anita appreciates something Mallory does for her friends. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodrea…

1
Seeing Beyond the Singularity in “3 Body Problem” (2008 novel & 2024 Show) eps. 5-8 1:21:56

1M ago1:21:56

1:21:56

It's time to finish Liu Cixin’s novel THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM & the Netflix adaptation, then discuss the biggest questions it poses. In episode 308, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they play a game of “Would You Do It?”, unfold a sophon, react to Chekov’s nanofiber, cryogenically freeze a brain, sail on bursts of radiation, and debate the ethics…

1
Creator Interview: Kyle Starks 1:11:56

2M ago1:11:56

1:11:56

Send us a Text Message. This week, Mike and Alex are super excited to be joined by Kyle Starks, the writer of their most recent discussion, Assassin Nation, along with so many other great comics. They cover a wide range of topics, including how Kyle got started working in comics (and why that might be Matt Fraction's fault) and how he was able to f…

1
Dangerous Mastermind or Harmless Idiot - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 16 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

Episode 336 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 16 Mallory gets to have a frustrating conversation with Beckett. Anita admits she's finding it hard to like our protagonist, while Scott thinks something Beckett says points to a different possible suspect. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and …

1
Who Speaks for Humanity? “3 Body Problem” (2024 TV Series) eps. 1-4 1:10:57

2M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

The first four episodes of Dan Weiss and David Benioff’s Netflix adaptation of Liu Cixin’s novel THE THREE-BODY PROBLEM show some promise, but they’ve burned us in the past so it’s hard to get too excited. In episode 307, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they propose humanity’s envoy for a first contact scenario, discuss the choice to change Wan…

1
Assassin Nation 1:13:18

26d ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Send us a Text Message. "So, what's the best way to stay safe from a hitman? Hire a bunch of better hitmen." Mike and Alex are here for another season of Storied Arcs, and this week they're discussing Kyle Starks and Erica Henderson's Assassin Nation (issues #1-5) from Image Comics. The guys jump right into things, looking at this story through the…

1
Rich Girl Naive - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 15 20:44

1M ago20:44

20:44

Episode 335 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 15 We finally meet Detective Inspector O'Sullivan, and the girls start pondering motives. Scott thinks there's a possible suspect the girls aren't considering, while Anita worries that Cornelia's extreme wealth has impeded her common sense. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagra…

1
Just Getting Started With “The Three-Body Problem” (2008 novel) 59:53

2M ago59:53

59:53

The first installment of Cixin Liu’s epic trilogy “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” takes its name from a famously unsolvable problem in orbital mechanics and that sets the tone for the heady, complex, hard science fiction of what’s to come. In episode 306, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they are just beginning their journey into this series with …

1
Intro to Assassin Nation & Creator Spotlight: Kyle Starks and Erica Henderson 1:01:38

2M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Send us a Text Message. For this season of Storied Arcs, Mike and Alex are diving head first into the crazy world of assassins and hitmen with Kyle Starks and Erica Henderson's Assassin Nation from Image Comics. They guys discuss a little about what drew them to this book and then give some background on both Starks and Henderson and the other comi…

1
Creepy Questions - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 14 19:35

2M ago19:35

19:35

Episode 334 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 14 Asking creepy questions at the Observatory leads to some chilling answers. Anita comes up with a better cover story for the team, while Scott considers the suspects with the new clues. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads …

1
Casino Royale (2006) is the Best Possible James Bond Adaptation | Book vs Film 1:09:18

1M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Daniel Craig’s run as the legendary tuxedo-wearing spy, James Bond, kicked off with what might be the best adaptation possible for Ian Fleming’s debut novel. In episode 305, Join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they explore Martin Campbell’s career, react to the notorious free-running parkour opening sequence, get lost on a runway, react to Eva Gree…

1
Creator Interview: Justin Madson 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Send us a Text Message. In this special episode, Mike and Alex were fortunate to chat with cartoonist Justin Madson, the creative force behind Breathers. They discuss Justin's origin in comics, and how and why he began writing and drawing his own stories. Then they dive into Breathers, from its initial conception back in 2007 to its eerie prescienc…

1
Magical Science - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 13 16:47

2M ago16:47

16:47

Episode 333 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 13 Mallory puts her foot in her mouth, then makes an incredible breakthrough in magical forensics. Anita wishes Mallory would be more open with her friends, while Scott considers what her findings might indicate. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong…

1
From the Vault: “The Sandman” Dream of a Thousand Cats; Calliope (S1:E11) 39:28

3M ago39:28

39:28

In this former Patreon-exclusive Luke & James react to the two-part episode of THE SANDMAN that Netflix released as a coda for its first season, covering the issues “Dream of a Thousand Cats & Calliope.” They discuss what was faithfully adapted and what was cut to modernize. Also, at the end Luke & James discuss the first episode of HOUSE OF THE DR…

1
Breathers Part 2 1:14:02

2M ago1:14:02

1:14:02

Send us a Text Message. "Nothing's really all that different, is it? I mean, sure, we don't have to wear our breathers anymore, but we still have our scars. No amount of vaccines is ever gonna change that." Mike and Alex are back in the world of Justin Madson's Breathers with Part 2 of the extra-long discussion. As they being to wrap things up, the…

1
A Small but Roguish Gallery - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 12 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

Episode 332 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 12 The detectives put together a list of initial suspects. Anita and Scott discuss an irresponsible and hairbrained idea about the killer. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your discussion on! You can also fol…

1
Searching for Humanity in “Casino Royale” (1953 novel) 59:52

2M ago59:52

59:52

James Bond has a long history in film, but before the suave, debonair spy came to the screen he got started in Ian Fleming’s novel in a much different form. In episode 304, Join Luke & James as they try to find something to like in a more sexist version of Bond, get lost in the rules of baccarat, and speculate about what future books in this series…

1
Breathers Part 1 58:04

3M ago58:04

58:04

Send us a Text Message. "Show me an idea that's not a little bit dangerous, and I'll show you a bad idea." Welcome to Part 1 of our discussion of Breathers from cartoonist Justin Madson! In the first part of this extra-long deep dive, Mike and Alex start by taking a look at Madson's storytelling approach and style, touching on the short story cycle…

1
Emergency Mode - ”The Undetectables” Chapter 11 15:07

3M ago15:07

15:07

Episode 331 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter 11 The Undetectables are first on the scene of the crime. Anita thinks at least one suspect is almost *too* suspicious, while Scott has questions about the Night Mayor. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your d…

1
Manufacturing a Messiah in “Dune: Part Two” (2024 film) ft. Fonda Lee 1:41:20

2M ago1:41:20

1:41:20

Award-winning author Fonda Lee returns to discuss Denis Villeneuve’s epic sequel that finishes his Dune adaptation where the Bene Gesserit’s plan to engineer a savior comes into center frame. In episode 303, Luke, James, and Fonda discuss what Frank Herbert regretted after the initial release of his landmark novel, the many significant changes to t…

1
Intro to Breathers & Creator Spotlight: Justin Madson 58:34

3M ago58:34

58:34

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to another season of Storied Arc! For this installment, Mike and Alex are going about as indie comic as they can get as they get ready to discuss Breathers by Justin Madson. They guys get you familiar with cartoonist Justin Madson, someone they understand is probably not that well known, if at all, by most comic read…

1
Unfortunately Good - ”The Undetectables” Perimortem II 13:47

3M ago13:47

13:47

Episode 330 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Perimortem II Thinking about a refreshing drink of water turns deadly. Scott thinks suspicion will easily turn to some shady characters, while Anita agrees this is good for the case. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get …

1
Men Telling a Woman’s Story? "Poor Things" (2023 film) ft. Laura of Why the Book Wins 1:20:03

3M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

Yorgos Lanthimos adapted the book into a surreal visual feast, but the result is still a man telling a woman’s story of empowerment. Does it still work? In episode 302, Laura from the “Why the Book Wins” YouTube channel joins Luke & James to talk about the changes from Alasdair Gray’s book, Emma Stone’s Oscar-worthy performance, and how altering th…

1
Creator Interview: Sarah Gailey 1:30:06

3M ago1:30:06

1:30:06

Send us a Text Message. In a special bonus episode, Mike and Alex jump back one season and revisit their discussion of Eat The Rich and Know Your Station because they had the privilege of chatting with the writer and co-creator of those comics, Sarah Gailey! They start as usual with Sarah's introduction to comics and discuss how they made the move …

1
A Post-Modern Prometheus? “Poor Things” (1992 novel) 1:07:21

3M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Before Yorgos Lanthimos & Emma Stone’s adaptation, Alasdair Gray wrote a post-modern take on Frankenstein in a structure-breaking, convention-flaunting novel—but should you read it? In episode 301, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they make the case, weigh the pros & cons of presenting the narrative in layers, ask if McCandless and Godwin Baxter…

1
The King of Bad First Impressions - ”The Undetectables” Chapter Ten 18:06

3M ago18:06

18:06

Episode 329 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter Ten Mallory and Diana meet Cornelia's new friend, and it does not go well. Anita talks about how the stalled investigation doesn't feel like filler, while Scott talks about a few suspicious characters. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join …

1
Velvet Volume 03: The Man Who Stole The World 1:13:47

3M ago1:13:47

1:13:47

Send us a Text Message. "And if I learned anything from Damian Lake's betrayal, it's that every move I make from now on has to be two moves. So I'm not just sneaking back to the U.S.; I'm lighting a signal fire." The adventures of Velvet Templeton come to a close in Velvet Volume 2 The Man Who Stole The World (issues #11-15) and Mike and Alex are h…

1
Introducing the "Adaptation Hall of Fame" 2024 Class | 300th Episode! 1:40:35

4M ago1:40:35

1:40:35

Introducing the Ink to Film “Adaptation Hall of Fame!” To celebrate Ink to Film’s 300th episode, Luke & James induct the first ever class representing excellence in adaptation—true exemplars that all other filmmakers should look to for inspiration. The nominees are “The Godfather,” “Blade Runner,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The…

1
Crime Projects - ”The Undetectables” Chapter Nine 18:52

4M ago18:52

18:52

Episode 328 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter Nine The investigation hits a dead end. Anita is suspicious of Jacob, while Scott theorizes about what will happen next. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get your discussion on! You can also follow Scott @scottyb…

1
Velvet Volume 02 The Secret Lives of Dead Men 1:16:06

4M ago1:16:06

1:16:06

Send us a Text Message. "All these weeks on the run, I've just been angry... self-righteous. And it's so stupid... I know... but I'd actually forgotten to be afraid." Mike and Alex are back on the hunt for the most dangerous woman in the world as they jump into Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting's Velvet Volume 2 The Secret Lives of Dead Men (issues #6-1…

1
The Triforce of Occulture - ”The Undetectables” Chapter Eight 24:06

4M ago24:06

24:06

Episode 327 "The Undetectables" by Courtney Smyth, Chapter Eight Correlating clues and learning about the science of magic. Anita has some early suspicions about the case, while Scott theorizes how the Sprinter could help Mallory. You can follow The Read-Along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @thereadalong, and join our Goodreads Group to get you…

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