Matt & Brett Love Comics!

Comic Book Club co-host Justin Tyler returns and brings with him one of the legit best comics we’ve ever read on the show: Starman #0-5 (and also #11 because it’s Justin’s fave) by James Robinson, Tony Harris, and Matt Smith. While discussing this offbeat legacy hero, the trio touches on the Marvel swimsuit issue, sibling rivalries, and the interesting career of James Robinson. Death of Starman Dissing Starman Great quip Poor, poor old Mist Family reunion Lecture from dad Jack can’t catch a break Jack’s cosmic rod The JSA in action Hourman fights Shocking ending The ice cream caper Justin Tyler is one of the hosts of Comic Book Club Live, which you can listen to on the Nerdist Network or watch live every Tuesday at 7pm at Fontana’s in New York City. Justin previously appeared on episode #52, Mutant Genesis. You can purchase these issues of Starman on Amazon or Comixology. Music: “Bitter Rivals” by Sleigh Bells "Justin Tyler / St

This week on the show, Matt flies solo and reveals the Secret Origin of his love of comics. Strap yourself in: this may be the most self-indulgent episode yet! Music: “He Gets Me High” by Dum Dum Girls "The Secret Origin of Matt" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/secret-origin-of-matt.html

Nicole makes a triumphant return as we read her pick: Time Breakers #1-5 by Rachel Pollack and Chris Weston. Originally published by DC Comics' long-defunct Helix imprint, this probably-wasn’t-intended-to-be-but-ended-up-being-a mini-series is all about time travel and paradox, so get ready to be sufficiently confused! You’ll also learn the downside of being a jewel thief, and hear Matt clarify things! As Time Breakers is rather difficult to find, here are a few scans to give you an idea of the comic. You can find copies on Amazon and My Comic Shop. Angela’s origin The Hamlet paradox Well-dressed heroes This is how you die Where _did_ Angela go? The Time Breakers paradox Playing a god The big paradox Be sure to check out Dibs, the web series that Nicole directed since she last appeared on the show. Music: “Making Time” by the Creation "Nicole Drespel / Time Breakers #1-5 (1997)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/time

Matt and Brett talk about this summer’s offering of comic book movies, Spider-Man in the ‘80s, the duo’s cross-country summer travels, Brett’s job at MTV Splash Page, and the coming of the Batfleck! Next week we will be reading Time Breakers #1-5 by Rachel Pollack and Chris Weston. Nicole Drespel will be returning to discuss the most head-scratchingest time travel adventure ever! This one’s out of print, but you can find copies on Amazon and My Comic Shop. Music: “Why I Cry” by Best Coast "Ben Affleck Is In The Shadow Of Ben Affleck" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/ben-affleck.html

Hot 97 DJ and comedian Cipha Sounds is on the podcast to discuss the modern day noir comic Criminal by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. You’ll learn all about hip hop radio, Cipha’s journey into the improv world, and, now, his first steps into the comic book world! Also learn all of our… rules. You can purchase Criminal #1-5 (the “Coward” story arc) on Amazon or download on Comixology. Check out Cipha every morning on Hot 97 in New York City during The Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg Show. You can also follow him on Twitter @ciphasounds and check out TAKE IT PERSONAL: The Hip Hop Improv Show at the UCB Theatre East, Fridays at 9. Music: “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring Ray Dalton "Cipha Sounds / Criminal #1-5 (2006-2007)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/cipha-sounds-criminal.html

This week’s episode is all about Spider-Man as we talk to Mark Ginocchio, the man behind the Chasing Amazing blog and Comics Should Be Good’s Gimmick or Good? column. Mark is only four issues away from owning every single issue of Amazing Spider-Man, so we pick his brain about collecting, Spider-Man in the ‘90s, and how he started on this crazy quest in the first place. Follow Mark’s Amazing Chase on Twitter at @ChasingASMBlog and read his column, Gimmick or Good?, where he examines the foil-gatefold, holo-bagged comics of the '90s. And, of course, Gwen or Mary Jane? Next week we’ll be reading the first story arc from Criminal, “Coward” by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Find it on Amazon or Comixology. Music: “Circular Karate Chop” by They Might Be Giants "Mark Ginocchio / Four Issues Away" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/mark-ginocchio.html

Spoiler and trigger warnings abound in this oh-so-heavy discussion of Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s extremely adult Kick-Ass 2. Seriously, any worthwhile talk about this comic has to veer into some super uncomfortable territory, because lord knows the book itself doesn’t take the time to properly unpack the heinous and horrifying acts it depicts. (We promise we’ll be on to much, much lighter fare next week!) If you haven’t read Kick-Ass 2 and this episode has you curious about it, get a copy from Amazon or download it on Comixology. Music: “Finger Back” by Vampire Weekend "Kick-Ass 2 #1-7 (2010-2012)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/kick-ass-2.html

Nicole Drespel hasn’t been on the show since episode #48 (Gotham Central). How is she? Where has she been? What has she been reading? She and Brett play a game of catch up, including her thoughts on The Amazing Spider-Man (and his appearance at SDCC), a letter from a 1977 issue of Ms. Marvel, before moving on to today’s topic: jumping back into comics. Nicole has picked up two series and read their newest issues without going back to see what she’s missed: Wolverine & The X-Men #33 and Hawkeye #12. How easy was it to jump back in? What should she read next? Anyway, here’s what you should read next: Next week we’ll be reading Kick-Ass 2 by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. Get a copy from Amazon or download from Comixology. Music: “Right Action” by Franz Ferdinand "Jumping In Without Catching Up" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/jumping-in.html

Our guest from our first ever book-club-style episode (see #4), Jeff Rubin, returns with his College Humor colleague Pat Cassels to dive into a book that’s quite topical right now — Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s iconic Wolverine mini-series from 1982! If you’ve seen The Wolverine in theaters and want to hear more about the story that took Logan to Japan, this is your chance! Jeff Rubin and Pat Cassels both work for College Humor and host the web series Bleep Bloop together. Jeff also hosts The Jeff Rubin Jeff Rubin Show, sometimes alongside Pat. Check out a Daria movie trailer on College Humor, written by Pat. You can get your own copy of Wolverine #1-4 from Amazon or Comixology. Music: “How It Starts” by The Features "Jeff Rubin & Pat Cassels / Wolverine #1-4 (1982)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/the-wolverine.html

Barely a day after returning from a whirlwind weekend at San Diego’s Comic-Con International, Brett reminisces about his experiences to Producer Ben. Tales are told, as Brett met a lot of people that he’s excited to talk about – some of which can be seen in the pics below! If you’re a Cheers, Tick, or Joss Whedon fan, this episode is for you! Brett meets R2-D2 Brett meets John “Cliff Clavin” Ratzenberger Joss Whedon promoting Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Commissioned sketch of Stefon by Kris Anka The Tick (Townsend Coleman) addresses a crowd in San Diego Karen Gillan’s reveal Next week we will be reading Wolverine #1-4 by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, from 1982. This storyline inspired The Wolverine, which hits theaters this week. Read the book first! You can order it from Amazon or download it from Comixology. Music: “San Diego” by Starlight Mints "San Diego Comic Con International" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/

Comic book fan and all around good guy Pat Loika joins Matt and Brett to discuss a storyline that is near and dear to all of their hearts: X-Cutioner’s Song. Stryfe, Apocalypse, Mr. Sinister, the canon fodder of the Mutant Liberation Front, and the Dark Riders — this crossover has everything. This podcast also has everything, including Brett’s extremely long-winded explanation as to why X-Factor #84 is one of the most perfect comics of all time. You can follow the many adventures of Pat Loika on his great podcast, Loikamania, where Matt and Brett will also appear in just a few weeks to discuss the X-Men even more. You can also follow @patloika on Twitter. Purchase the chapters or collected editions of X-Cutioner’s Song on Comixology, My Comic Shop, and Amazon. Music: “Execution Day” by the New Pornographers "Pat Loika / X-Cutioner’s Song (1992)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/x-cutioner.html

Matt and Brett sit down with CBR writer and reviews guru Steve Sunu to review his career, his education, and his time at Wizard. Steve teaches us how to make a $1.00 gift a $20.00 gift, the hidden customer service side of writing, and what to ask Mark Millar if you ever get to hang out with him. And then, in our second segment, Brett grills Matt about someone he met in a bar. Music: “Australia” by Manic Street Preachers "Downton Wizard" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/downton-wizard.html

Producer’s note: Sorry to make you wait a week to hear this episode. To make it up to you, we’ll be releasing another episode on Wednesday. Matt and Brett hit the HeroesCon floor hard and left the show with some super fun interviews with a few of their favorite comic book creators. Just like at last year’s New York Comic Con, we asked comic creators about the comics (and other things) that they love and that inspire them. In this episode: Matt Wilson talks about everyday inspiration Eric Powell talks about Jack Davis Ming Doyle talks about classic Star Trek Dean Trippe talks about his favorite Robin Laura Martin talks about ‘60s TV shows Mitch and Bettie Breitweiser talk about internet cat fame Jason Aaron talks about New Teen Titans and '80s DC Previously, we talked about Matt Wilson’s work on Young Avengers, Eric Powell’s The Goon, Laura Martin’s work on Planetary and Jason Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men. Please check out all of our guests’ we

Matt and Brett had the honor of moderating the Comic Book Covers panel at HeroesCon 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cover artists Francesco Francavilla, Phil Noto, Dave Johnson and Joe Quinones all offered insight into their creative process as well as hearty laughs and humorous anecdotes. Yes, anecdotes! Francesco Francavilla’s work can be seen in The Black Beetle for Dark Horse Comics, as well as Hawkeye for Marvel Comics. Phil Noto currently provides covers for Astonishing X-Men and just wrapped up a run on Thunderbolts. The Reverend Dave Johnson provided iconic covers for series like 100 Bullets, Punisher MAX, and Deadpool. Joe Quinones’s work can currently be seen on the cover of Captain Marvel every month. Music: “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk "HeroesCon: Covers Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/heroescon-covers.html

Comic pros Maris Wicks and Joe Quinones stopped by the M&BLC hotel room at HeroesCon in Charlotte, NC to talk about one of this year’s hottest books: Young Avengers. Find out which of us was most like Kid Loki as a kid, and how many of us claim Miss America as our favorite cast member! Joe Quinones is an artist for Marvel Comics, currently providing covers for Captain Marvel and interior work on FF. See more of his art at Joe Quinones' interweb-log or follow him on Twitter @Joe_Quinones. Maris Wicks is the illustrator of the nonfiction graphic novel Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. You can see more of her work on her blog, dots for eyes, or follow her on Twitter @mariswicks. Both artists' work can be seen in the upcoming anthology limited series, Batman: Black and White. You can purchase Young Avengers Volume 2 by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie and Mike Norton from Amazon, MyComicShop.com, or Comixology. Music: “Stay Useless&rd

Matt and Brett had the honor of moderating the Stumptown panel at HeroesCon 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Writer Greg Rucka, artist Matthew Southworth, and colorist Rico Renzi all talk about the creation of and issues within the excellent limited series published by Oni Press. Want to know more about that awesome car chase? Or the seedier sides of the Portland? Or which ‘70s private eye shows inspired the series? This panel answers all of those questions and more! You can purchase Stumptown on Amazon, MyComicShop.com, or Comixology. On the next book club episode, we’ll be reading Young Avengers Volume 2 #1-5 by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Mike Norton, and Matt Wilson. You can purchase Young Avengers Volume 2 on Amazon, MyComicShop.com, or Comixology. Music: “Varsity” by Smith Westerns "HeroesCon: Stumptown Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/heroescon-stumptown.html

We’re going to HeroesCon! If you’re going to be in Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend, come find us and say hello! Your beloved hosts will be moderating some panels and wandering around the con all weekend. This week Brett (X-Men devotee) and Ben (self-described Trekkie) join forces to read two of the strangest crossover stories in comic book history: Star Trek/X-Men #1 (1996) by Scott Lobdell (with art provided by pretty much everyone that ever worked at Top Cow) and Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men: Second Contact #1 (1998) by Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton and Cary Nord. Spoiler: these books are actually pretty good, crazy as they may be. Topics discussed include: the Top Cow hip hop crew; are the X-Men helping out Star Trek, or vice versa?; Gary Mitchell and other villain names; the relative sizes of things in outer space; the late ‘90s multimedia craze; and how to induce sentimentality with judicious use of time travel and alternate realities. Where’s

Matt, Brett, and producer Ben sneak away from a big Memorial Day picnic in order to talk about the latest Star Trek film, why it’s so divisive, and how long-term exposure to comic book continuity has influenced Matt and Brett’s take on the film. Also: how important is Peter Parker’s financial situation to the Spider-Man mythos? Matthew Yglesias on Star Trek in movies versus on television Next week we will be reading Star Trek/X-Men #1 (1996) by Scott Lobdell with art provided by pretty much everyone that ever worked at Top Cow, and Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men: Second Contact #1 (1998) by Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton and Cary Nord. Ben’s a super Star Trek fan and Brett’s a super X-Men fan. Who will be more let down?! Click the links above to purchase these issues on MyComicShop.com. Music: “Star Trek Main Theme” by Michael Giacchino "Star Trek Into Darkness" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2013/star

Improv comedian and professional theatre appreciator Lauren Hunter joins us to talk about Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark, theatre nerds versus comic book nerds, Hugh Jackman’s universal appeal, a history of The Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wonder Woman, and the classic Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Superman story, “For the Man Who Has Everything…” Kal-El’s glasses Kryptonian headbands Political rally Mongul arrives Death Star sorta Introductions Wonder Woman punch Go to hell Wonder Woman defeated Robin to the rescue Batman’s fantasy Superman’s angry Easy on the eardrums Burn He is content Superman, murderer Superman hides a present Super kiss You can find “For the Man Who Has Everything…” in the DC Universe by Alan Moore collection on Amazon, or you can download the single issue on Comixology. Lauren Hunter performs on Friday nights at The Queen’s Secret Improv Club with the team Sister Sex Wolf. Yo

Matt and Brett discuss The Internet with two Internet-experts, Rebecca Eisenberg (Upworthy) and Meghan O'Keefe (VH1). Come along with us as these two guide Matt and Brett through Tumblr’s underbelly, fan and slash fiction, who is which ninja turtle, speculation about Star Trek Into Darkness, and the wide world of online fandom. Bunny Stark Twitter account The Autobiography of Magneto X Rebecca’s work can be found on Upworthy as well as the Tumblr site I Spy A Famous Face. She is ryeisenberg on Tumblr and @ryeisenberg on Twitter. Meghan blogs for VH1 and is also the mastermind behind My Mom Watches Game of Thrones. She is megsokay on Tumblr and @megsokay on Twitter. Next week’s book club pick, from Superman Annual #11 by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, is the classic story “For the Man Who Has Everything…” You can find the issue in the DC Universe by Alan Moore collection on Amazon, or you can find the single issue on Comixology. Music: “Diane Young”