Make Mine Multiversity

Our coverage of the massive, mammoth ANNIHILATION SAGA continues. We're eight episodes in, and the end is...well it's in sight but it's still a speck on the horizon! We've left the Annihilation War & the Conquest War behind us. The bugs are gone. The bots are gone too. We've even done a bit of galaxy guarding in between bouts of invasions that may or may not be a secret. Does that mean things have calmed down? Haha, oh you sweet summer child. Things are never easy in Marvel cosmic.This time, things take a turn for the royal as Vulcan & Black Bolt, the Shi'ar and the Kree, duke it out in the War of Kings! We're reading, brace yourselves, "War of Kings: Darkhawk" #1-2, "Nova" #23-25, "War of Kings" #1-3, "War of Kings: Warriors" #1-2, "War of Kings: Ascension" #1-2 and "Guardians of the Galaxy" #13 (with a sneaky "War of Kings: Savage Sword of Skaar" #1 in there too.) And if that's not enough, we even have a bespoke reading order."War of Kings: Darkhawk" #1"Nova" #23"War of Kings: Darkhawk" #2"

Our coverage of the mind bendingly epic ANNIHILATION SAGA continues. We've fought the Annihilation War, we survived the Conquest War, and now it's time for another galactic conflict, the War of Kings. That means learning who the Inhumans are and what their deal is. Aren't they the stars of a forgotten terrible corner of the MCU? I've heard that's a thing but fortunately, we're focusing on some pretty fun comics.Oh, you need to know which comics specifically? Sure, that's fair. In this episode, we cover "Guardians of the Galaxy" #7-12, "Secret Invasion: Inhumans" #1-4, and "Secret Invasion: War of Kings" #1. We also briefly touch on "X-Men: Kingbreaker," though the less said about that particular miniseries, the better.Next time though, it's all smooth sailing. We are reading "War of Kings: Darkhawk," "Nova #23-25," "War of Kings #1-3," "War of Kings Warriors #1-2," and "War of Kings: Ascension #1-2." If you want to try and jump between series, we've even got a preferred reading order for you! Try reading the

Our coverage of the massive, mammoth ANNIHILATION SAGA continues. We're six episodes in, and the end is nowhere in sight! We've left the Annihilation War & the Conquest War behind us. The bugs are gone. The bots are gone too. Seems like as good a time as any to take a actual break but with these overachievers? Never gonna happen. Especially not when they have to be dragged kicking and screaming into Marvel's big event of the year: "Secret Invasion." Don't worry, we're not reading that.Instead, strap on your jet-packs and get ready to chat with Cosmo because it's the start of the modern era for the "Guardians of the Galaxy" with their first six issues, as well as some big changes for our poor beleaguered Richard Rider over in "Nova" #13-22. Reading in trade? You can find them all in "Guardians of the Galaxy" Vol. 1: Legacy, "Nova" Vol. 3: Secret Invasion and Vol. 4: Nova Corps.Next time, the Invasion peters out but the guarding doesn't! We'll be reading, in this order, "Guardians of the Galaxy" #7-12, "Sec

The ANNIHILATION SAGA rages on! Though the war with the bugs has been fought and won, the war with the machines has just begun. Actually, that's a shorter war than the last one, and today's episode will bring us to the end of it. We are talking the second half of "Annihilation Conquest." That means discussion on "Nova" #4-12 and Annual #1, "Wraith" #1-4, and "Annihilation: Conquest" #1-6. But this is the far off galaxy in a Marvel book! This war may be wrapping up soon, but the next space war is right around the corner.Next time, peace! Sort of. We'll be reading the first six issues of "Guardians of the Galaxy" by Abnett and Lanning, and "Nova" #13-22, also by Abnett and Lanning. As far as reading orders go, it doesn't get more straightforward than this. Seriously, keep an eye on this space, reading orders are going to get complicated. But for now, enjoy the origins of everyone's favorite superhero team that features a tree and a raccoon.

Our coverage of the massive, mammoth ANNIHILATION SAGA continues. We're four episodes in, and the end is nowhere in sight! We've left the Annihilation War behind us. The bugs are gone. Kree space is pretty swiss cheesed and it's time for some well earned R&R...or at least it would be if the universe weren't instantly threatened by ANOTHER force in the pages of "Annihilation: Conquest: Prologue." Jake and Elias take a good look at that one-shot and, much like the last Annihilation conflict, dive right into a couple tangential but vital mini-series "Annihilation Conquest: Quasar" #1-4 and "Annihilation: Conquest: Starlord" #1-4. Reading in trade? All are found in the first trade, "Annihilation: Conquest: Book 1."Next time, the conquest comes to an end, but the Saga does not. We'll be reading, in this order, "Nova" #4-7, "Annihilation Conquest: Wraith" #1-4, "Annihilation: Conquest" #1 & 2, "Nova" #8-10, "Nova" Annual #1, "Annihilation: Conquest" #3-5, "Nova" #11-12, "Annihilation: Conquest" #6. If you'r

Tune in today as we continue our coverage of the ANNIHILATION SAGA. We're three episodes in, and the end is nowhere in sight! It all comes to a head this week as our heroes come together for the first time and battle the Negative Zone hordes in earnest. We are looking at "Annihilation" #1-6, as well as the all the issues from "Annihilation: Heralds of Galactus" and the first three issues of "Nova." After so much preamble, it is fun to finally be reading about wars in the stars.Thanks for listening! The space battles don't stop here though, next time we will continue this epic run with the beginnings of "Annihilation: Conquest." We will be covering the "Annihilation: Conquest Prologue #1" one shot, as well as the miniseries "Annihilation: Conquest: Starlord" #1 – #4, and "Annihilation: Conquest: Quasar" #1 – #4. Those issues can be found in the front half of the big 'ol "Annihilation: Conquest" omnibus or if you prefer trades that weigh less than a medium sized baby, you can get all those issues in the "Annihi

Today we continue our coverage of the ANNIHILATION SAGA, a project we're going to be tackling for many episodes to come! This week, we take a bit of a breather from the main action to delve into three mini series that are tangentially related to, or touched by, the Annihilation wave. "Annihilation: Silver Surfer," "Annihilation: Super Skrull," and "Annihilation: Ronan" were all wildly different from each other, but don't just take this description's word for it, go on and listen! Trade readers can find these in "Annihilation Book Two" or split between "Annihilation: The Complete Collection" Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.Also, a correction. Simon Furman wrote the back half of the original US Transformers line, many early Transformers UK issues as well as the beginning of the IDW stuff, but NOT the original miniseries. That was Bill Mantlo (#1-2) and Jim Salicrup (#3-4) followed by Bob Budiansky when it became an ongoing (#5-55).Next time, we will close out the first part of the Annihilation Saga with the main "Annihilatio

Today we begin our coverage of the ANNIHILATION SAGA. This is the comic story that eventually will lead to the beginning of the modern "Guardians of the Galaxy" comics. We've read old comics before, but we aren't satisfied just to skin the surface of this one. That's why we are going to read the run in its entirety, an endeavor that will continue on through many episodes! We hope you'll enjoy reading along. This week, we start with "Drax the Destroyer: Earthfall" #1 – #4, "Annihilation: Prologue" #1, and "Annihilation: Nova" #1–4. Trade readers can find these in "Annihilation Book One" or in "Annihilation: The Complete Collection" Vol. 1.And next time we will continue on with Annihilation: Ronan #1 – #4, Annihilation: Super-Skrull #1 – #4, Annihilation: Silver Surfer #1 – #4. This is a big exciting run and we would love to hear from you!

This month's MMM book club is 1997's "Thunderbolts" by Kurt Busiek, Mark Bagley & Vince Russell, Joe Rosas, and Comicraft's Dave Lanphear & Oscar G. (along with a whole host of others for the one-shots, annuals, and Hulk issue.) Who are the Thunderbolts you ask? Well, (spoilers) as Elias found out while reading, they're a bunch of villains pretending to be heroes! Only in Giuliani's New York could that happen.Next episode: We're beginning the ANNIHILATION SAGA with "Drax the Destroyer: Earthfall" #1 – #4, "Annihilation: Prologue" #1, & "Annihilation: Nova" #1–4. Trade readers can find these in "Annihilation Book One" or in "Annihilation: The Complete Collection" Vol. 1. 

This month, Jake and Elias look at characters who have gotten the big push, and whether things worked out for them. That means looking at marketing, how the films inform the comics, and discussing the ephemeral x-factor that makes a new character stick. And also we'll literally talk about "X-Factor" along with all the other X-books!Next month's book club: We're heading back to the 90s with "THUNDERBOLTS" by Kurt Busiek, with art primarily by Mark Bagley. We'll be reading "Thunderbolts Classic, Vol. 1" which contains - wait for it - "Thunderbolts" (1997) #1-5; "Thunderbolts: Distant Rumblings" #-1; "Thunderbolts Annual" '97; "Incredible Hulk" #449; "Spider-Man Team-Up" #7; and material from "Tales of the Marvel Universe" #1.

This month's MMM book club is 2014's "Moon Knight" by Jeff Lemire, Greg Smallwood, Jordie Bellaire, and Cory Petit as well as a bunch of other artists and colorists who get their time in the MMM sun. Egypt, alters, one giant asshole of a moon god, and space werewolves??? You best believe this series has it all and Jake & Elias are here to gush over it and introduce you to your new favorite Marvel hero: Mr. Knight. Fuck that tux is stylish.Next month's book club: We're heading back to the 90s with "THUNDERBOLTS" by Kurt Busiek, with art primarily by Mark Bagley. We'll be reading "Thunderbolts Classic, Vol. 1" which contains - wait for it - "Thunderbolts" (1997) #1-5; "Thunderbolts: Distant Rumblings" #-1; "Thunderbolts Annual" '97; "Incredible Hulk" #449; "Spider-Man Team-Up" #7; and material from "Tales of the Marvel Universe" #1.

So what’s this all about? Well, Jake and Elias gazed into their crystal balls and came up with ten things that they are certain will happen at Marvel in the year 2021. Some things may happen in the story, or to the creators, or in the movies or cartoons. Plus, Jake and Elias were so confident in their predictions, they decided to raise the stakes with a high risk bet! Check in with them throughout the year to see who is winning, and who is doomed.Next month’s book club: We’re taking a glance beneath the shifting sands of “Moon Knight” by Jeff Lemire, Greg Smallwood, Jordie Bellaire, Cory Petit and many others.

What's that in the darkness? Who's that in the sky? Do you know the Quiet Math and the Odd Sentences? If not, don't you worry because by the end of this month's book club, focusing on Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver's "S.H.I.E.L.D.," you'll still have no idea but at least you'll have had fun trying to figure it all out. Plus, we welcome guest of the Pod and host of the "ARGonauts" podcast,Marn! Also, don't worry, Jake was just in 1956 trying to figure out why Howard & Nathaniel are such garbage dads.Next month's book club: We're taking a trip into the mind of a Spector with the fourteen issue run of "Moon Knight" by Jeff Lemire, Greg Smallwood, Jordie Bellaire, Cory Petit and many others.

Face front merry marchers! 2020 was a doozy of a thing huh? But there were lots of great comics we loved. Some of them were even published by Marvel! That's what we're talking. It's not exactly a "best of" list, but you'll find out our favorite creators and characters, our biggest disappointments, most pleasant surprises, and lots more! If you're anything like us, you probably need some comic book closure. That's what your fine hosts are hoping to provide you with!Next month's book club: The book that obviously time-traveled back a month and then went back to it's proper time, messing with our minds, "S.H.I.E.L.D." by Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver. 13 issues. Two series, 6 issues each, and a one shot. Reading order: Vol. 1 #1-6, collected as Architects of Forever, "S.H.I.E.L.D.: Infinity" (can be read in trade order at end too,) and "S.H.I.E.L.D" Vol. 2 #1-6, collected as The Human Machine.

Excelsior, true believers! It's time to dig into the book that catapulted Marvel to the tops of the Manhattan skyline: "Amazing Spider-Man" by Lee & Ditko. That's right, after a bit of a mix up last episode thanks to ol' Excited Elias and Jovial Jake, we're discussing the web-slinging, rooftop swinging, definitely-not-murder-plotting Spider-Man and the many, MANY villains in the first 12 issues of his solo series, his debut in "Amazing Fantasy" #15, and his very first Annual.Next month's book club: The book that obviously time-traveled back a month and then went back to it's proper time, messing with our minds, "S.H.I.E.L.D." by Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver. 13 issues. Two series, 6 issues each, and a one shot. Reading order: Vol. 1 #1-6, collected as Architects of Forever, "S.H.I.E.L.D.: Infinity" (can be read in trade order at end too,) and "S.H.I.E.L.D" Vol. 2 #1-6, collected as The Human Machine.

This month, we decided to stop beating around the bush. We're talking all Jonathan Hickman all the time. First half of the episode! It's all about "X-Men" stuff, and Hickman is the so-called Head of X! Second half of the episode! We're really getting into Hickman's Marvel career, starting with his humble beginnings and working through his biggest ongoings. You want to hear about his Marvel deep cuts? We got that covered too. Will we ever talk about Hickman's work again after this episode? Uh... yeah. All the time. We still love "X-Men."Next month's book club: Face front, because we're reading "Amazing Spider-Man:" The Early issues by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko. We're reading the first fourteen issues- that starts with Spidey's debut in Amazing Fantasy #15 and continuing on with "Amazing Spider-Man" #1-12 and finishes in "Amazing Spider-Man" Annual #1.

This month's book club was so massive, so big that we needed to bring in a special guest to help us out. No, it's not John Cassady, though that would be sweet. No, it's not Joss Whedon because, uh, how to put this delicately? Well, here's a Rundown with some details, and we get into it in the episode. It's fellow site contributor Joe Skonce! He's here to talk about all 25 issues of "Astonishing X-Men," make bad jokes with Jake and Elias, and talk about that big metal man who punch good: Colossus.Oh, and a quick note. This was recorded prior to Grant Morrison's announcement in this interview that they use they/them pronouns now that language has begun to catch up to how they experience themselves and the world. And as with Morrison, it's always a fun read.When we make the jump to a non-Roman-alphabet-based emoji language for purposes of radio telepathic communication, things will change once more.Next month's book club: Get ready for a blast from the past, true believers, because we're reading "Amazing Spider-

In this episode, we are talking about long comic book runs. How exactly do we define a "long run?" You'll have to listen to find out! And we get into why we prefer stories that span years, or just a few months, and list off a few of our favorites, and a couple of classics. I told you there'd be lists! We'll also talk about what we've been reading, and you better believe that includes some X-Men.A book club episode is coming up! If you are reading along, you better finish up the entire 25 issue run of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's "Astonishing X-Men." That's a run that was long in terms of years, but less so in terms of issues. We'll get into it next time! You won't want to miss it.

In this episode, the Make Mine Multiversity book club is back, ready to transport you to Earth-70105, where things are the same, things are different, and one shift ripples out into the world. What If Iron Man wasn't Tony Stank? What IF WWII had a different hero? What If Spider-Man was as creepy as the name sounded? Find out, dear readers, if YOU DARE. Or if you like listening to Jake and Elias make absolute fools of themselves.Next month's book club: twenty-five, count 'em, 25(!) issues of the 2004-2008 "Astonishing X-Men" run by Joss Wheadon & John Cassaday. That's a lot of quips, a lot of X-drama and a whole lot of early 2000s to be wary of.

In this episode, we talk about X-Men. I know, we talk about X-Men a lot on this show, but this time is different. This time you'll hear two Jewish comic book fans discussing how Judaism has been portrayed in the last few years of Marvel's merry mutants. There has been a lot of menorahs. But there's also been some deeper cuts, and we are excited to talk about them! Plus we'll talk about the repercussions from the "Empyre" event, and do a round up of our favorite ongoing books.