Best J Michael Straczynski Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 147: J. Michael Straczynski returns to Marvel, plus Deadpool and Wolverine 2:02:02

3h ago2:02:02

2:02:02

Robert Downey Jr. is no man's second choice for Dr. Doom. Also, we saw Deadpool & Wolverine, and after a break to help you avoid spoilers, we talk about it! But first, Will's favorite comics writer returns to Marvel on a run of Captain America. How does it hold up? Will comics: Superior Spider-Man vol 1: Supernova, Captain America by J. Michael Str…

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Episode 146: Giant-Sized Fall of X Podcast #1 2:11:22

9d ago2:11:22

2:11:22

More like Fell of X bc this country of Krakoa is done done. Let's talk, mourn, and see what's next. Covering: X-Force vol 6 #43, Invincible Iron Man vol 5 #8-10, X-Men vol 6 #25-26, Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1-4, Astonishing Iceman #1-2, Children of the Vault #1, Immortal X-Men #14-15, Marvel’s Voices: X-Men #1, Realm of X #1.…

1
Episode 145: Nominative determinism strikes back: Emilio Helio, Balloon Man edition 1:20:22

15d ago1:20:22

1:20:22

If your name was Emilio Helio, what would be the chances that you didn't suffer a tragic accident that forced you to only breathe helium, the public ridicule of your squeaky voice leading you to a life of wrath, revenge, and villainy. Oh, 0%? Cool, gotcha. Will comics: Silver Surfer Rebirth: Legacy, Spider-Boy vol. 1: The Web-less Wonder, Guardians…

1
Episode 144: Avengers who actually avenge 1:42:12

22d ago1:42:12

1:42:12

Finally, an Avengers team who investigates wrongful deaths and actually, you know, avenges people. Plus, legendary Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano illustrates the western superheroes he loves for the first time, and a brief listener Q&A! Will comics: Daredevil by Saladin Ahmed vol 1: Hell Breaks Loose, Doctor Strange by Jed MacKay vol 2: The War-Ho…

1
Episode 143: Why doesn't the X-Mansion have wheelchair ramps? 2:02:20

29d ago2:02:20

2:02:20

Lots of Moon Knight this week, and then Will and Steve join forces to catch up on the fan-favorite reality hopping series from the 00's, Exiles! And finally, a tragic turn in a silly comic where characters are constantly dying. Will comics: Spine-Tingling Spider-Man, Moon Knight: City of the Dead, Moon Knight vol 5: The Last Days of Moon Knight, Ex…

1
Episode 142: All about Al (Ewing) 1:41:55

1M ago1:41:55

1:41:55

Al Ewing might be the writer at Marvel with the most Will-friendly storytelling interests and sensibilities. So, with two of his books up this week, we decided to take some time and go deep on him as a creator. Plus, what makes Nightcrawler tick, and who is Amazing Spider-Man for in the 21st century? Will read: Deadpool: Badder Blood, Amazing Spide…

1
Episode 141: Cable saves the world from the evening news 1:59:50

2M ago1:59:50

1:59:50

X-Corps! Goblins of all colors! Magical beanie friends! But first... what makes escape rooms so great? Will read Scarlet Witch by Steve Orlando vol 2: Magnum Opus, Captain Marvel: Dark Tempest, Red Goblin vol 2: Nature/Nurture, Blade vol 1: Mother of Evil, and Strange Academy: The Deadly Field Trip. Steve read Uncanny X-Men vol 1 #399-407 and Annua…

1
Episode 140: The origin draft, and more Morrison! Feat. Dimitrios Fragiskatos 2:13:42

2M ago2:13:42

2:13:42

Anyone Comics and Everyone Comics owner Dimitrios Fragiskatos returns for the next installment of regularly scheduled Doom Patrol and New X-Men by Grant Morrison. But first, we do our long-awaited draft of the comic book character origin series we most want to see. Reading Doom Patrol vol 2 #27-34 and New X-Men #118-126.…

1
Episode 139: Giant-Sized Hellfire Gala — Fall of X Podcast! 1:49:40

2M ago1:49:40

1:49:40

The Hellfire Gala traditionally has been the big party for mutantkind and the nation of Krakoa to show off their power and innovations for the world. This year, Orchis takes over the agenda. We read X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023, Free Comic Book Day 2023: Avengers/X-Men, X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #100-105, and Invincible Iron Man vol 5 #8-9.…

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The Finale 1:52:46

2M ago1:52:46

1:52:46

The boys bid us all a fond farewell... for now. Faith manages, etc. In the meantime follow us in our various other projects! Ben's twitch stream: https://www.twitch.tv/ps_garak Ben & Steve's comic: https://www.instagram.com/philcomic/ Sean's comic: https://www.redring-nation.com/ Sean's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hornets-nes…

1
Episode 138: Is Wolverine a better character without an origin story? 2:02:16

2M ago2:02:16

2:02:16

2001's Origin told the definitive story of Wolverine's childhood, growing up as sickly rich boy James Howlett. But... were we better off without it? Will reads Spider-Man by Tom Taylor, Clobberin' Time, Fantastic Four by Ryan North vol 2: Four Stories About Hope, Avengers: Beyond, Avengers by Jed Mackay vol 1: The Impossible City. Steve reads Origi…

1
115/120 Grail and Babylon Squared 1:49:36

2M ago1:49:36

1:49:36

Our final stop on the first season rewatches, we revisit our old friends Jinxo and Zathras. Maybe more frenemies? We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in town!…

1
Episode 137: Is he man or is he monster? 1:28:58

3M ago1:28:58

1:28:58

In a huge week of reading, Will starts a brand new run on the Incredible Hulk that's a return to its roots, meditating on rage and self-sabotage, and we're both super in for it. Will read: Ghost Rider vol 3: Dragged Out of Hell, Ghost Rider/Wolverine: Weapons of Vengeance, Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider - Blood and Vengeance, Black Panther by Eve L. Ewin…

1
113/114 Signs and Portents and TKO 1:45:28

3M ago1:45:28

1:45:28

The boys revisit two old favorites, the long beloved Signs and Portents where a mysterious handsome stranger visits our friends on Babylon 5 and TKO where TWO handsome strangers visit our B5 friends!!!!! GET EMAILS IN BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE! WE'RE RECORDING A FINAL SHOW ON 6/2! LastBestB5 (at) Gmail!! We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/la…

1
Episode 136: Giant-Sized X-Men: Before the Fall Podcast #2 1:48:50

3M ago1:48:50

1:48:50

It's Fall in Krakoa, and double entendres abound. See, because it means Autumn, and it also means descent. Okay, but do you get it, though? Covering X-Men vol 6 #22-24, Before the Fall: Mutant First Strike #1, Before the Fall: Four Sinisters #1, and Immortal X-Men #12-13.By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

1
101/102 Midnight on the Firing Line and Soul Hunter 1:32:08

3M ago1:32:08

1:32:08

Before we hang things up, we're dropping in one last time on some of our favorite season one episodes. GET EMAILS IN BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE! WE'RE RECORDING A FINAL SHOW ON 6/2! LastBestB5 (at) Gmail!! We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: L…

1
Episode 135: Giant-Sized X-Men: Before the Fall Podcast #1 1:46:17

3M ago1:46:17

1:46:17

Krakoa is about to fall, and the story starts out with the return of Apocalypse, who's a good guy now, and his horsemen. I mean kids. And his wife, who's not wearing a hat anymore, but she's carrying a staff, which is almost as bad. Listen, it's great — just listen, alright? Covering Immortal X-Men #11, Before the Fall: Sons of X #1, X-Men Red vol …

1
Episode 134: Giant-Sized Sins of Sinister Podcast! 1:52:42

3M ago1:52:42

1:52:42

Crossover time! Nathaniel Essex, aka Mr. Sinister, aka the undisputed #1 pick in the comedic villain draft, sure did sin a lot. There's a lot to like here and a lot that... didn't quite land. Which makes the whole thing even more fascinating to pick apart, so let's go! Covering Sins of Sinister #1, Immoral X-Men #1-3, Storm & The Brotherhood of Mut…

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Movie: The Gathering (original) 1:32:11

3M ago1:32:11

1:32:11

We return to The Gathering, the original version with the different music, privacy mode, no list of acceptable partners, and more tiny differences. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a Ne…

1
Episode 133: Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends with Benefits 1:28:18

3M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

We go deep today on Spider-Man's deep, deep supporting cast, including some regrettable romances. Then, Steve reads an old X-Men series with the tagline, "Revolution, not evolution." Sounds like it should be exactly up his ally. Isn't. Will comics: Amazing Spider-Man by Zeb Wells vol 7: Armed and Dangerous, Spider-Man vol 2: Who Is Spider-Boy?, Sil…

1
Episode 132: Madripoor Madness tournament bracketology tips (bet on Patch) 1:45:25

3M ago1:45:25

1:45:25

Chip Zdarsky's Daredevil saga reaches its thrilling end and the horrifying Weapon X program returns! Will comics: Daredevil & Elektra by Chip Zdarsky vol 3: The Red Fist Saga Part 3, Warlock: Rebirth, Edge of Spider-Verse, and Guardians of the Galaxy vol 1: Grootfall. Steve comics: Wolverine vol 2 #162-169 and Annual 2001, Deadpool vol 3 #54-60.…

1
Movie: The Lost Tales 1:27:19

3M ago1:27:19

1:27:19

You wanted more Lochley?? Well how about a weird short story about her dealing with a guy who smells bad because he's possessed by a demon. Is that what you wanted??? We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your fr…

1
Episode 131: The legend of the Two-Banana Kid 1:24:55

4M ago1:24:55

1:24:55

Finally, answers about Spider-Man's disastrous time gap! But first, bananas. Will reads Amazing Spider-Man by Wells and Romita Jr. vol 6: Dead Language Part 2, Hallows' Eve, She-Hulk by Rainbow Rowell vol 3: Girl Can't Help It, Captain America: Cold War Aftermath, and Hellcat: Devil on My Shoulder. Steve finishes his volume of X-Force: New Beginnin…

1
Movie: The Legend of the Rangers 1:41:07

4M ago1:41:07

1:41:07

So it's come to this: we're watching the movie with that hilarious scene where fireballs shoot out of a screaming woman's hands. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 p…

1
Episode 130: Jean and Logan sitting in a tree... 2:11:41

4M ago2:11:41

2:11:41

KAY EYE ESS ESS EYE EN GEE! Another excellent week for comics as Will reads Carnage Reigns, Thor by Donny Cates vol 6: Blood of the Fathers, Doctor Strange by Jed MacKay vol 1: The Life of Doctor Strange, and Extreme Venomverse. Steve reads two very different intersections of mutants and celebrity culture with Uncanny X-Men: Poptopia (#394-398) and…

1
Episode 129: Going X-TREME!!! ft. The Claremont Run 2:02:38

4M ago2:02:38

2:02:38

Ready for the most 2001 comic title of all time? Chris Claremont goes back to the well for X-Treme X-Men! As with all things Chris, we invited back The Claremont Run, aka Dr. J Andrew Deman, to help us figure out what the heck is going on here — both in the original 2001 volume (issues #1-9) and the 2023 revival miniseries. Then, Will adds in Spide…

1
Crusade Conclusion: The Cruise Reaches The End 1:28:57

4M ago1:28:57

1:28:57

Nowadays one 13 episode season and a movie would be considered huge. Peter David's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-david-fund We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Bab…

1
Episode 128: Grant Morrison's New X-Men and Doom Patrol, ft. Dimitrios Fragiskatos 2:43:58

4M ago2:43:58

2:43:58

In 1989, Grant Morrison took over Doom Patrol with a mission: to break the genre of superhero team books out of the ironclad grasp established by Chris Claremont's Uncanny X-Men. 12 years later, he took over those same X-Men. We invited our bud Dimitrios Fragiskatos — owner of Anyone Comics and Everyone Comics in NYC — back to the show to talk abou…

1
C113 The Rules of the Game 1:51:04

4M ago1:51:04

1:51:04

A tough boy threatens Max's ex-wife in an extremely season 1/5 Babylon 5 episode that also takes place on Babylon 5. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in to…

1
Episode 127: Giant-Sized Destiny of X Podcast #8 2:01:52

4M ago2:01:52

2:01:52

The Krakoa era is churning along to its inevitable conclusion — here's the last episode of the mini-era, Destiny of X! Also, Steve got a new cat! Books covered: Wolverine vol 7 #30-32, X-Force vol 6 #39, Immortal X-Men #9-10, X-Men Red vol 2 #10, Legion of X #8-10, Deadpool vol 9 #6-9, and Rogue and Gambit vol 2 #4-5.…

1
C112 The Well for Forever 1:45:36

4M ago1:45:36

1:45:36

Galen tricks Gideon into meeting some randy octopi on the way to a space graveyard. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in town!! They'll love you forever for…

1
Episode 126: So many white canines 1:45:47

4M ago1:45:47

1:45:47

One is actually a fox. Will read Hulk: Joe Fixit, Captain America: Cold War, Tiger Division, Monica Rambeau: Photon, and Moon Knight Vol 4: Road to Ruin. Steve read... nothing!By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

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Episode 125: Dreamqueen eats the trauma burrito 2:40:57

5M ago2:40:57

2:40:57

It's the end of the long '90s for Steve, as his reading finally closes out the 3rd era of X-Men comics, while Will tackles a gigantic backlog from winter break. Also, one of those rare graphic novels that makes you remember why you love comics! Will comics: Spider-Man 2099: Dark Genesis, Miles Morales: Spider-Man by Cody Ziglar vol 1: Trial by Spid…

1
C111 Patterns of the Soul 1:29:36

5M ago1:29:36

1:29:36

The Excalibur Gang is called to deal with the villain from Kamp Krusty. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in town!! They'll love you forever for it! The Las…

1
Episode 124: Giant-Sized Destiny of X Podcast #7 2:20:42

5M ago2:20:42

2:20:42

Working through some side-stories from Destiny of X as we got to record together in person! Covering X-Terminators vol 2 #4-5, Marauders vol 2 #11-12, New Mutants: Lethal Legion, Bishop: War College, and Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain.By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

1
Episode 123: Mommy 2:17:56

5M ago2:17:56

2:17:56

Oh Emma. Emma, Emma, Emma... Will books: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Menace on Wheels, Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty vol 2: The Invader, Amazing Spider-Man by Zeb Wells vol 5: Dead Language Part 1, and Avengers Assemble (2023). Steve books: X-Men: The Hidden Years #14-22, Blink, and Excalibur: Sword of Power.…

1
C110 Each Night I Dream of Home 1:52:12

5M ago1:52:12

1:52:12

Two big guest stars this week, including one who is in the opening credits! We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in town!! They'll love you forever for it! The…

1
Episode 122: Someone who actually understands Reed Richards's powers 1:56:58

5M ago1:56:58

1:56:58

Ryan North is on Fantastic Four and Steve is excited! Except he didn't read it. In fact, he didn't read anything. Will took up the slack though, with Fantastic Four, Daredevil and Elektra, Hulk, and Strange Academy Finals.By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

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Episode 121: Will made it to 1k already, pack it in 2:16:45

5M ago2:16:45

2:16:45

Will and Steve made a bet, and Will won. Will's comics: Captain America - Symbol of Truth, Spider-man Lost Hunt, Wasp, Unforgiven, Thor. Steve's comics: Wolverine, Cable vol 2 #88-95, Gambit & Bishop: Sons of the Atom Alpha & #1-6.By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

1
Episode 120: The Fake Deaths of Moira X 2:08:16

5M ago2:08:16

2:08:16

Long before Moira MacTaggert made dying cool in House of X, she died in the comics — OH! but I guess it was fake. Anyway, let's read that story. Will comics: Planet Hulk, Murderworld, Secret Invasion, Spider-Man. Steve comics: Dream's End (Uncanny X-Men #388, Cable vol 2 #87, Bishop: The Last X-Man #16, X-Men vol 2 #108), X-Men Unlimited vol 1 #30,…

1
C109 Visitors From Down The Street 1:38:53

5M ago1:38:53

1:38:53

Two kooky aliens drop in to do a hilarious x-files parody. Meanwhile, a poop pipe is loose - and yes we talk a lot about the poop pipe. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Baby…

1
Episode 119: Is it a good idea to humanize the Punisher? 2:20:27

5M ago2:20:27

2:20:27

Will's comics: Savage Avengers Vol 2, She-Hulk Vol 2, Punisher War Journal, Black Panther Vol 3. Steve's comics: X-Force vol 1 #110-115, X-Man #71-75, Generation X vol 1 #71-75By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

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Episode 118: The comedic villain draft! Oh, and the rest of Dark Web 2:47:44

5M ago2:47:44

2:47:44

We drafted our favorite comedic villains, a gauntlet Steve laid down in last week's episode. And.... there was a clear winner. But THEN! We talked about comic books. Finishing off Dark Web with Dark Web - Ms Marvel, Mary Jane/Black Cat, and Gold Goblin, then Will also covered Deadly Neighborhood Spider-Man and Carnage Vol 2, while Steve read X-Men …

1
C108 The Memory of War 1:24:07

5M ago1:24:07

1:24:07

The mysterious box tells them to go to another haunted house planet. Don't worry folks: Mathieson stays on the ship. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in to…

1
Episode 117: Giant-Sized Dark Web Podcast 2:20:46

5M ago2:20:46

2:20:46

Spider-Man! X-Men! Lots of dang clones! For some reason we got a crossover to the 1989 crossover Inferno? Let's jump right in to Dark Web. Covering DARK WEB #1, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2022) #15-18, VENOM (2021) #14-15, DARK WEB: X-MEN #1-3, and DARK WEB FINALE #1.By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

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C107 The Needs of Earth 1:50:08

5M ago1:50:08

1:50:08

Science fiction is an incredible genre - and its foundation is the premise of "what if." Today we are exploring the wild "what if" scenario of "what if Crusade was good?" We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell you…

1
Episode 116: Giant-Sized Destiny of X Podcast #6 2:35:38

6M ago2:35:38

2:35:38

The Krakoa-era X-Men return with stories about prison privatization and cool-ass cosmic drama. Covering X-Men vol 6 #19-21, Sabretooth and the Exiles #1-5, Wolverine vol 7 #29, Legion of X #7-8, Immortal X-Men #8, X-Men Red vol 2 #9.By Will Freeland and Steve Stormoen

1
Episode 115: So Counter-Earth is still just kinda floating around out there? 2:24:52

6M ago2:24:52

2:24:52

Once upon a time somebody put a whole other Earth out there in corresponding orbit to ours and then everyone left but it just kinda stayed out there. Will read Midnight Suns, All Out Avengers, Namor the Sub Mariner, and Strange Vol 2. Steve finished off the parts of Maximum Security left over from last episode, then read the end of Gambit (#20-25) …

1
C106 Racing the Night 1:47:10

6M ago1:47:10

1:47:10

Galen creates a CGI monstrosity in the first episode we all agree that we enjoyed. We're on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lastbestb5/ We gave Twitter less than five stars, so therefore it went in the toilet. We're on email: LastBestB5 (at) Gmail! Tell your friends: there's a New (old) Babylon 5 podcast in town!! They'll love you forever for …

1
Episode 114: Galactus has a failson 2:31:17

6M ago2:31:17

2:31:17

I (Steve) really really apologize for the pun. It was covid's fault. Covid makes me make horrible puns. I wouldn't say such things otherwise. Please know this about me. Will read Moon Knight: Black White and Blood, Ghost Rider Vol 2, Wakanda, Shang Chi and the Ten Rings, and Damage Control. Steve read most of the Maximum Security crossover, except …

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