In which we discuss one of the biggest surprise success stories of the 20th century and beyond! We talk about the creators of the franchise, how it got to where it did, and where those creators are today. Join us for a story that doesn't actually end up with the creators getting horribly ripped off for once! What do you think? Do you have something…

In which we discuss one of the more important indie comics of the 2000s! We talk about the writer/artist Bryan Lee O'Malley, we talk about the times the book came out in, and we even discuss the publisher a bit, Oni Press! Join us for some very important discourse! Or maybe just some rambling. Probably both! What do you think? Do you have something…

In which we discuss the other great long Kirby comic of the 60s, Thor! We begin with a Journey into Mystery and find ourselves transported across time and space to the very departure of the King of Comics! A whole other king is in the book too, but he's a cosmic jerk! Anyway, join us! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us w…

In which we discuss the very best of the Kirby/Lee collaboration on Fantastic Four! We'll follow our protagonists as they: Stave off world's end! Fight evil in Africa and Europe! Simp over characters with questionable hair! Join us for some of the best comics of the silver age and Marvel Comics in general! What do you think? Do you have something t…

In which...uh...something is killing the children! That something is monsters. Also people are monsters too or something? I don't know. Anyway, join us as we discuss a horror tale in the woods! Plus there's action! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about othe…

In which we discuss one of the largest platforms for comics in existence today. Plus we discuss one of the more popular comics to launch on the platform! Join us as we talk about the origins of the mighty Webtoons and then talk about the Remarried Empress! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current …

In which we discuss one of the great comic runs of all time! Well, part of the run! We're saving the best for next episode! Wanna know the circumstances under which the FF were born? LISTEN IN!! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell…

In which we discuss a popular manga about Japanese nerds! Join our discussion as we talk about the background of the book. Marvel as we talk about something that isn't about Marvel! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell us some swee…

In which we wrap up our discussion of the Man of Tomorrow for his 85th birthday! Here we cover important contributions to the mythos (and popular culture in general) that were outside the comic pages. I know this is a comic podcast but dammit, there's some important stuff that's not in the comics! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wa…

In which apparently the X is silent? Anyway, we discuss one of the more popular manga to hit the stands recently! We talk about the creator, his influences, and maybe what went in to the creation of this popular book! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about o…

In which we discuss an interesting manga about gender, identity, and the roles inherent with them! Join us as we talk about creator Poppy Pesuyama's memoir about life so far! It's short, but pretty good! Warning: If you're sensitive about topics concerning sexual harassment, suicidal thoughts, body dysmorphia or otherwise, perhaps this isn't the ep…

In which we discuss the origins and debut of the Man of Steel himself, Superman! Last time, we talked about how DC/National got to the verge of publishing Action Comics #1. Now we discuss how the creators of Superman (Siegel and Shuster) got there and how things went down afterwards! THERE WILL BE MORE ON THIS TOPIC! What do you think? Do you have …

In which we discuss popular manga, One Punch Man, by a guy called One and another guy called Yusuke Murata! We talk about the comic's origins and how it got to where it is today! We explore a bit of background on the creators (such as they are), and we share whatever insight we may add (such as they are)! What do you think? Do you have something to…

In which we set the stage for the first, the best, and a personal favorite super-hero, Superman! In order to properly place him within his context, we backtrack to the creation of the very first comic books. We weave in a few super-important figures in our tale and we leave it at a cliffhanger! Wanna know what happens next? Tune in next episode! Wh…

In which we stall for time and Phil gets real curmudgeonly about them newfangled characters! Anyway, we're working on stuff! You hear about some of the stuff in the episode! Go ahead and take a listen! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wan…

In which we tackle one of the big boys of recent popular comics, Demon Slayer! Su talks about the origins of the story, the background (such as it is) of the author, and even some history on the period of the piece! We're on the cutting edge this time (get it? Swords? Please get it)! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us wh…

There are probably a couple people (2 or 3 of you at least) wondering what happened. I'll tell you: Work. Su has a new job. I have the same job. I just have even less time than before because this job demands all my attention. Simply put, we've been busy with other things besides comics and research. I didn't say this was an amazing excuse, it's ju…

In which we discuss a foundational shojo manga, the Poe Clan! We also discuss the life and times of its creator, Moto Hagio! Get ready! This episode will suck (blood or energy or whatever it is they were draining)! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about othe…

In which we discuss the Sensational She-Hulk mostly under under the pen (and pencil!) of John Byrne! Wanna know how the whole breaking the 4th wall bit (years before Deadpool) came about? Find out here! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wa…

In which we discuss Japan's favorite space pirate, Captain Harlock! Join us as we voyage through the ether on a space battleship fighting to save the earth from space plant women and even humanity itself! We discuss the creator Leiji Matsumoto and a bunch of other stuff! Climb aboard! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us w…

In which we discuss some work by Neil Gaiman! Sandman recently hit Netflix and we decided to get a little topical! A few weeks later, but better late than never, eh? We discuss how the book came together, we talk about themes, we talk about another book that Neil Gaiman did as well called Books of Magic! This isn't a super-deep dive, but it should …

In which we discuss a recently deceased legendary artist! Neal changed the industry in several ways and we discuss a few here via reading his Batman work! Hear about how he helped change panel layouts! Hear how he expanded the color palette in comics! Marvel (tee hee) at a dude who just plain got his way! What do you think? Do you have something to…

In which we discuss the granddaddy (grandma?) of them all, Sailor Moon! Listen to our bio on Naoko Takeuchi and how she got to where she is! Understand that she's apparently capable of doing anything! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wann…

Our exploration of the Magical Girl genre continues! We talk about girls that are magical in our own hemisphere! Wanna know if She-Ra counts? QUESTION ANSWERED! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell us some sweet recipes for cookies…

That's right! We're celebrating the birthday of the ol USA with a reading of one of the best Captain America runs in existence! Join us as we talk about our incredulity over the resurrection of one of the sacred dead ones (RIP Gwen and Uncle Ben)! We'll talk about the context in which the idea was fostered and the continued resonance of the stories…

In which we discuss more history of Magical Girls including the big one: Sailor Moon! Interested in a more in-depth look at Sailor Moon? You're in luck! Stick with us and you'll get at least one episode on it! WE PROMISE! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say abo…

In which we discuss a favorite genre from Japan, the magical girl! There's a big anniversary this year and it's the 30th for Sailor Moon! What better way to celebrate than to have an overview of the genre itself?? YOU TELL US! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to sa…

In which we discuss our two diametrically opposed protagonists, the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner! We talk about their creators, their packaging company Funnies Incorporated, and even a bit of other stuff! Join us as we discuss our hottest, wettest topic yet! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our cur…

In which we discuss the origins and story behind Marvel Comics and its founder, Martin Goodman! Join us as we talk about some shady stuff! We also talk about some near disasters that somehow work out anyway! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topic…

In which we discuss one of the big boys of comics. That's right, that metal kid with the machine gun butt, Astro Boy! Listen in as we talk about his renowned creator, Osamu Tezuka! We discuss his upbringing, his experience with war, and finally how he broke out in a huge way in that war's aftermath! What do you think? Do you have something to say? …

Here's the final episode of Kung Fu Month with Shang Chi! We break down his origins and influences! We talk about some creators! We even discuss...uh...some not so great stuff! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell us some sweet rec…

In which we discuss a pretty darn obscure character! The supporting cast (maybe minus poor Ben Jr) is more famous than the main character! It's a heck of a book, though! Join us as we journey way back in to the 70s (again!) to see everyone kung fu fighting! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current…

It's the start of Kung Fu Month! To celebrate, we're bringing you the story of a boy who turns into a girl when he gets wet. It's Ranma 1/2! There's also like a Panda and and a cat and a pig and some other stuff. Get excited! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say…

Hey, it's the end of Bad Girls Month and we're ending with the Black Cat! Ripoff of our somewhat more famous female feline felon?? Maybe not! Maybe somewhat? Anyway, listen and find out! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell us some…

And Bad Girl month continues! Happy uh...bad girling? Anyway, we continue with a lady not quite as deadly as the last topic but she is somewhat less naked! I'm not sure why this is something I had to talk about! Let's talk about Catwoman! Specifically her turn-of-the-century run given to us by Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker! What do you think? Do you…

In which we discuss everyone's favorite often-naked assassin, Lady Snowblood! We talk about the history of the creators and then maybe a little about the book itself! Interested?? FIND OUT BY LISTENING!! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? W…

In which we discuss the upcoming month... and some other things. We don't ask for certain things, and yet we still get them. Why is that?? What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell us some sweet recipes for cookies (please)? Let us know…

In which we discuss a cult favorite! Join us as we discuss the life and times one Terry Moore and his most well-known creation: Strangers in Paradise! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other topics? Wanna tell us some sweet recipes for cookies (please)?…

Welcome to yet another Inventory Episode of Pencil Us In! We do these once a month to give ourselves a little breathing space! Wanna know what we're currently up to? We talk about it here! Stick around for the concluding episode of Love Month next week when we discuss some Strangers to you and me! P.S. Sorry we're late! The upcoming episode will be…

It's still Love Month! Get the chocolate! Get in to a stable, loving, supportive relationship! That's right, the Elongated Man and the love of his life, Sue Dibny get the feature in this week's Love Month episode! What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Have other things to say about other…

It's Love Month! We're gonna cover stuff about love! Well, mostly just couples or romances that we think are noteworthy. We begin the month with Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!) I'm pretty sure all those exclamation points are totally necessary. What do you think? Do you have something to say? Wanna tell us what you think of our current topic? Ha…

In which we discuss, I think, the most important book(s) of George Pérez's lengthy career. You're not getting just one book, either! You're getting two! Which ones? Well, that's actually kinda obvious. We're talking about the 1998 Avengers relaunch. You know, that one that said "HEROES RETURN"? We're also talking about the logical followup in terms…

In which we discuss our big topic of George Pérez! It's Wonder Woman! It's still George Pérez month! We're gonna take the next logical step and cover the next long project of the illustrious artist's career. We of course speak of Wonder Woman (spoiler??). So, join us as we discuss one of the most important chapters of the Amazonian's decades-long c…

It's George Pérez Month! We're gonna talk about the biggest and longest-lasting hit of George's career, the New Teen Titans! That's right, we're here to talk about a big one that's still affecting pop culture to this day. Multiple cartoons, tv shows, and even movies have spawned from this enterprise. Here we'll talk about this famous work alongside…

In which we uh...introduce our topic for the month and talk about why we're doing it. We also get sidetracked like usual. What do you think of George Pérez? We state our adoration for him in the episode of course. I can't think of anybody that doesn't like him. Are you one of them? I guess let us know what you think? We has the social medias. We ha…

In which we uh..talk about 2021...or something. We look a little ahead to 2022 as well since...uh...well what else can we do? Wanna hear my opinion about MCU Hawkeye? Tune in! Wanna hear about other, unrelated things? Tune in! Wanna listen to something else? TUNE IN ANYWAY! Wanna tell us something? Got a burning question? Maybe douse it with water …

In which we discuss some holiday-oriented stories in comics! We also go off on a longer than expected rant on Superman. Also: When a Space Cat loves a useless man! Happy Holidays everyone! Website: https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast Twitter: @pencilusin Instagram: https://www.instagram…

Well, the episode was on time, but not the episode description! SHOCKING. Sorry about that! Anyway, we're discussing everyone's favorite Japanese merch juggernaut, Pokemon! Well, it's probably everyone's favorite. Most of the time. It's mine, anyway! So what do you think of Merch Month? Having fun? Awash in nostalgia? Do you have some toy or someth…

In which we discuss one of the other enormous phenomenons of the 80s, the Masters of the Universe line from Mattel! We're specifically talking about the mini comics that came with each action figure. Are you old enough to remember these bad boys? I owned 'em, but I don't remember most of 'em! What do you think? Did you have a favorite Masters figur…

In which we talk about one of the biggest comics of the 80s, GI Joe! We landed on the idea for doing a merch month so this one immediately came to mind. We couldn't pass it up! And it's actually good! What do you think? Did you have a favorite GI Joe? Do you have any comments on the show in general? You should tell us! We has the medias of social! …