And we’re back…almost. After a long, unplanned hiatus The Collected Edition will be back with brand new episodes starting in July 2024. This is just a brief announcement episode to explain where we’ve been and what will be coming. Thanks, everyone for your patience while we’ve been gone and I hope you will join us again for new and exciting convers…

“One of my favorites among the multitude of Xmas stories!” It’s that festive time of the year and what’s a better way to celebrate than with a rolicking adventure from the legendary Darwyn Cooke? It’s got everything: The Fantastic Four, Inhumans, mind control, lost children, shopping a Macy’s, and a tender J. Jonah Jamison. Oh, and Spider-Man saves…

“Tank Girl simply is.” Today on the program we discuss the anarchic insanity that is Tank Girl. A punk rock fever dream created by artist Jamie Hewlett and writer Alan Martin in 1988, it was a frenetic cacophony of a comic book that didn’t so much cross the line of decency and good taste, as it erased that line completely and said, “Line? What line…

“…a noble piece of work in the ongoing evaluation of the comics medium.” Today on the program we discuss the radical parody/satire that is Ambush Bug! The 1985 crazy meta masterpiece (?) from the legendary Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming. It’s only 4 issues…but man is it something. In addition, we talk about the second season of Loki and lowe…

“Nostalgia writ large” Today on the program we discuss the retro adventure-chic masterpiece that is The Rocketeer by Dave Stevens. It’s cool, it’s beautiful, it ended too soon. In addition, we talk about the passing of Keith Giffen, a true legend in comics. As always, thanks for listening. WE STILL WANT YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS! SEND ‘EM HERE: REQUEST …

“Conflict in narrative is fun!” The premise of the show is to talk about the famous and infamous runs in comics, and this comic falls perfectly into both categories. Probably one of the most acclaimed and controversial runs in comics, Neal Adams and Denny O’Neil‘s Green Lantern Green Arrow arguably changed comics forever. But is it any good? Does i…

“…it prioritizes intelligence and romanticism over violence and cynicism.” Today on the program we talk about the greatest thing in the history of the world…Doctor Who! In particular, the stories The Star Beast and the City of the Damned, both classic comics featuring the 4th Doctor Tom Baker. These comics were originally published in the late 70s …

“…dynamic and fast-paced action rendered with cyber-punk aesthetics mixed with epic Kurosawa-esc samurai visuals.” Listener Request! Neither Brian nor I are TMNT fans – or at least we were not familiar with the franchise to claim to be one. But listener Emily requested The Last Ronin for us to read and we did so with a little trepidation…but man, w…

“Much of this is highly entertaining, goofy four-color fun.” Episode 100! Woo Hoo! And for this momentous occasion, we delve deep into the history of comics and discuss the very first (?) superhero team – the Justice Society of America! Full of Golden Age wackiness and wartime propaganda, All-Star Comics is an interesting and fascinating look into …

“And it can be a lot of fun for the sheer goofiness of its premise and the audacity for even attempting it.” Today on the program we discuss a weird one – the Creature Commandos! It’s about soldiers during WW2 who get transformed into movie monsters in order to scare the enemy. Seriously. The premise is bonkers and the tone is all over the place. A…

“A great intro to the laughing magician, and a harrowing series of events. Strewth!” One of the longest-running Vertigo titles and one of the best. Along its run, Hellblazer featured a long list of some of the more talented and acclaimed creators in comics. On this episode, we discuss where it all began (sort of) with Jamie Delano and John Ridgway’…

“…just strap in and let yourself take the ride and you will not be disappointed.” Are you interested in a comic that covers the entire history of Marvel comics from its beginnings through the 70s and 80s and into a hypothetical future? Well, this is the comic for you! Today on the program we will be discussing Avengers Forever, the comic that attem…

“I don’t know if this is a “good” comic, but it is a hugely entertaining one.” Today on the program…it’s a weird one! It’s the super violent and super bizarre The Shadow by Andy Helfer with art by Kyle Baker and Bill Sienkiewicz. This is some bat-shit crazy stuff people! A comic that manages to satirize and parody all the excesses of the 80s while …

“It is a veritable ‘Where’s Waldo’ of gothic and Victorian novels.” Today on the program we will be discussing The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a troubled classic by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill. This is a creative tour de force, an overflowing toy chest full of rich ideas, mixing multiple copyright-free characters in a story full to the brim…

“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” Today on the program…you just got lucky! We will be discussing Longshot – the 80s comic Ann Nocenti and illustrated by a young Art Adams. And this is as 80s as 80s get. Interdimensional amneasia, mullets, and pouches! Nocenti does some spectacular writing at its purplest, and Adams creates art tha…

“The point is just to have fun, to embrace the joy and wackiness of the season.” Today on the program we discuss Superman’s Christmas Adventure from 1940. Written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Jack Burnley this is a 16-page dose of Golden Age goodness. This is a madcap story; a romp with loads of silliness wrapped up in colorful paper and tied with …

“What is history but a fable agreed upon?” Today on the program we discuss Fables, the Bill Willingham written and Mark Buckingham illustrated classic in the comic book pantheon. Does it hold up? Does it deserve its place in the history of great comics? Is it political (spoiler: yes)? Listen and find out! In addition, we discuss the legacy of Kevin…

“…his panels don’t so much seek to terrify, but rather they haunt you. It is disturbing and beautiful.” Today on the program we discuss the horror comic Rachel Rising by Terry Moore. This is a stark, scary, disturbing, and strangely funny comic. If you’ve never read Terry Moore’s work…you should. He is a singular creator, one whose voice and vision…

“This series broke with convention, it broke with tradition, and the broke the fourth wall.” Today on the program we discuss the Sensational She-Hulk. The classic, genre-defying series by John Byrne. The series poked fun at the tropes and clichés of comic books, the publishers, the creators, and the fandom. It was a satire, a parody, a deconstructi…

“Not everything in life is golden or satisfying.” Today on the program we take a look at Aztek: The Ultimate Man written by Grant Morrison & Mark Millar with art by Stephen Harris. It is a 90s extravaganza fill with excess, grittiness, and questionable costume choices. It’s the book that caused a rift between Morrison and Millar that, let’s face it…

Flintstones, read the Flintstones. You’ll have a gay old time. Today on the program we talk about the 2016 12-issue mini-series The Flintstones written by Mark Russell and art by Steve Pugh. This reimagining was more realistic – in that, the character designs were less stylized and given more human proportions – and its situations and attitudes ref…

“Maybe even better than eating quiche.” Today on the program we talk about the classic, brilliant, iconic, beautiful, glorious, and wonderful comic BONE. We like this one, can you tell? This is a comic that is a vaudevillian comedy, a Disneyesque cartoon, and an epic fantasy all at once. Jeff Smith created something special here. Also, Brian gets w…

“This being the 90s Crimes and Judgments falls into the excesses that decade could bring.” In this episode, we discuss The Spectre: Crimes and Judgments by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake from 1992. This is a gritty, noir, horror thriller with 90s excess…we have opinions. This is a story full of contradictions, missed opportunities, and confused me…

“It’s fan service above and beyond the call of duty.” Today on the program we discuss the absolute gloriousness that is the Marvel/DC crossover epic JLA Avengers written by Kurt Busiek, and art by the mighty George Pérez. It is a bonanza of comic book wonder, a masterclass by Pérez, and a pretty good story overall. You want easter eggs? This comic …

“…a well-told, layered story with complex ideas and themes about a guy in a mini-skirt who fights robots.” Today on the program we discuss the flagship title that launched Valiant Comics – Magnus Robot Fighter. This is the story of a man named Magnus …that fights robots …in a mini-skirt …which to be fair was the style at the time. Written by Jim Sh…

“In 1985, with the publication of Beauty and the Beast, history officially died. ” Today on the program we wade into the infamous end of the pool. Beauty and the Beast by Ann Nocenti and “art” by Don Perlin. It tells the story of the love affair between Hank Mccoy’s Beast and – the disco-inspired mutant Dazzler. Is it good? Well, no. But does it ha…

“…in Black Monday Murders Hickman actually out Hickman’s himself.” Today on the program we discuss The Black Monday Murders by Johnathan Hickman and Tom Coker – which should be a breeze. It’s…complicated. We have an interesting time trying to explain what is actually happening. Because the Black Monday Murders can be a bit daunting for first-time r…

“A hero’s journey writ small… with cosmic implications. ” Today on the program we discuss the classic run on Starman written by James Robinson and art by Tony Harris. This is a beloved run on the character (and deservedly so) with lots of phallic imagery. Also, Paul and Brian have differing ideas on the true nature of Jack Knight – is he a jerk or …

“A good horror story makes you feel more than just afraid. It should unsettle you, it should make you confront ideas you’d rather not think about. ” Today on the program we talk horror. The 2014 6-issue story written by Scott Snyder and beautifully illustrated Jock about scary creatures in the woods and the town that might not be as innocent as it …

“Even the great Neil Gaiman it seems cannot make the Eternals interesting.” Today on the program we discuss the 2007 reboot(ish) of the Eternals by the great Neil Gaiman and John Romita Jr. Can they revitalize and reinvigorate the sprawling cosmic epic that Jack Kirby created in the 70s? They try. They really, really try. In addition, we talk about…

“…excellent fight choreography desperately in need of a purpose.” Today on the program we discuss the…difficult comic that is Master of Kung Fu. This is the early 70s attempt to cash in on the Kung Fu craze that introduces the Marvel universe to Shang Chi, written and drawn by a bunch of people but primarily Steve Englehart, Doug Moench, Paul Gulac…

“…forged something far beyond Hasbro and Marvel’s wettest dreams.” On this episode, we discuss the 1980s classic GI Joe: A Real American Hero comics by writer Larry Hama and artist Herb Trimpe. This comic was essentially a toy commercial but Hamma went far beyond his mandate and wrote something entertaining and even depth. Who knew? In addition, we…

“…delivering an exciting action espionage drama with a badass heroine as its lead.” Today on the program we discuss the retro action espionage thriller run on Black Widow by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee. This 12-issue run consisting of two storylines – SHIELD’s Most Wanted and No More Secrets – follows Natasha as she is forced to deceive SHEILD, seem…

“There are heavy ideas going on in this comic, but also this is a noir detective comic. and that’s pretty cool. ” This time we talk about the grand epic, neo-noir detective comic about hybrid animal-human people, Elephanmen: Wounded Animals written by Richard Starkings and drawn beautifully by Moritat. Set in a world post-pandemic (yikes) this stor…

“…immerses the reader in nostalgia. A nostalgia for something that never happened. Or did it?” The year 2000 mini-series that introduced the very first and most important hero in the Marvel universe that you never heard of, or maybe did hear of but can’t remember. That’s right, it’s The Sentry. The dark tale of false memory, and forgotten heroes. W…

“High space adventure awaits!” Journey back with us to the far-away time of the 1980swhere a new imprint – Epic – was being launched with the flagship title: Dreadstar! Written and drawn by the legendary Jim Starlin this tells the tale of Vance Dreadstar and his merry band of rogues. They battle despots, space armies, Darth Vader analogs, and “two-…

“It is harmless fun that seems as if the creators were having fun creating it. And sometimes that’s all that matters. ” Today on the program we will be discussing the absolutely bonkers series from Marvel back in the late 70s Godzilla: King of the Monsters written by Doug Moench with art (for the most part) by Herb Trimpe. How bonkers? Well, Godzil…

“…a profoundly severe case of daddy issues comes roaring to the forefront with tragic consequences.” Today on the program we will be discussing Invincible – the inspirational story of a plucky bartender that gets to live his dream of playing football for the Philadelphia Eagles. Oh wait, that’s not right. We will of course be talking about the comi…

“…a tight storyline of espionage, politics, corporate dealings, and betrayal all shrouded in mystery.” Today on the program Captain America: Winter Soldier the epic story written by Ed Brubaker and drawn by Steve Epting. The story arc consists of a complicated plot led by a Russian oligarch, armed with a mystical cosmic weapon, and aided by a myste…

“…part soap opera, part cosmic adventure, part horror story, and part existential crisis.” Today on the program we discuss Black Hammer: Secret Origins the introductory collection of the ongoing series from Dark Horse that is some of the best comics being produced today. Beautifully written by Jeff Lemire and drawn magnificently by Dean Ormston thi…

“…a fun romp that borders on the ridiculous but also had surprising consequences for the Marvel universe still being felt today” Today on the program we discuss the 1985 12-issue mini-series The Vision and the Scarlet Witch. Written by Steve Englehart with art by Richard Howell the series sees the titular characters resign from the Avengers to sett…

“He opens up a brand new world of possibility, juxtaposing his own creations within a larger context…” Today on the program we discuss the 1989/1990 four-issue mini-series, The Books of Magic by Neil Gaiman with art by John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess, and Paul Johnson. This is a project that started as simply a travelogue of magical charac…

“The narration is formed not simply as a recounting of events but as a kind of confession and at times almost as a form of prayer.” Today on the program we discuss the 1993 on-shot Aliens: Salvation by Dave Gibbons with art by Mike Mignola. In the long, long history of the Alien franchise, Salvation is lauded as not only one of the great comics but…

“Hate stands as a very singular piece of independent work. That is both deeply personal and excessively caricatured. ” Today on the program we discuss Hate. Peter Bagge’s early 90s independent comic featuring the trial and tribulations of Buddy Bradly. Please note: the themes and content of this comic are for mature audiences. While we are going to…

“…a noir style murder mystery. It tells an epic story on a street-level scale ” A special Halloween edition! Today on the program Batman: The Long Halloween – the classic story written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. There have been many iconic and influential stories in the history of Batman. It seems that every decade we get a new definitive t…

“New life breathed into old clay. Wonder Woman was wonderful again.” Today on the program we will be discussing the 2008 four issue Wonder Woman arc – The Circle. Written by Gail Simone with art by Terry and Rachel Dodson. In 2008, coming off her acclaimed run on Birds of Prey, Gail Simone was given the chance to write for Wonder Woman – a characte…

Listener Request Episode “Archie’s spirit is remains simple and sincere. And that’s just kinda nice.” Archie Comics is a mainstay of the comic book industry. It’s been plugging away for decades telling simple stories of the joys of youth and the teenage experience through a colorful cast of characters that have become infused into the cultural land…

“The ethereal vs the gritty… the common vs the fantastic.” On this episode we discuss the first volume of Kurt Busiek‘s magnum opus – Astro City: Life in the Big City. In these six issues we get to know the titular city, it’s super powered inhabitants, and the regular folk who have to deal with the day-to-day life of living with super villain shena…

Hello everyone and welcome to the Collected Edition. This is just a quick news episode to give everyone an update on what has been happening with the show. We haven’t released episodes in a while and that is going to change real soon – next week in fact. But in the meantime we put together a couple quick outtakes from previous episodes that got cut…

Today on the program we’re going to do a quick, short episode to talk about a sad topic – and that is the recent death of comic book icon – Denny O’Neil. Denny O’Neil passed away recently at the age of 81. His contributions to comics are immense – and that is not an understatement. Denny O’Neil started writing for comics in the 1960s and continued …