Indefensible Ink

You may have noticed that Ryan and Justin haven't sat down together for one of their usual discussions of (allegedly) terrible comics for a few months now. There's no cause for alarm: everybody's okay. But, like seemingly everything else in the year 2020, things just haven't been quite normal lately. Ryan checks in to say where he's been, what's going on, and what the future holds for Indefensible Ink. (Justin wanted to call this episode something purposefully inflammatory to make sure everybody saw it--something like "Watchmen - The Much Inferior Prequel to Doomsday Clock," but fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.)

Justin once more sits down with his brother, Zach, to talk about comics. In this episode, what began as a hasty text exchange at the grocery store expands to an in-depth discussion about perhaps the greatest origin story in superhero comics: that of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man. The Brothers Zyduck discuss whether Peter let the burglar go because he was lazy or because he was angry, the MCU Spider-Man's origin (or lack thereof), how to resolve the various big coincidences in the story using headcanon, why Aunt May and Uncle Ben are so old, and of course, the most controversial debate of 2002: mechanical vs. organic webshooters.  Plus, Zach has an unpopular opinion about one element of the Sam Raimi movies, and Justin reveals the one thing Mark Millar ever came up with that he really liked.

Ryan is taking August off, so Justin has invited his brother, Zach, on the show once more to discuss comics from the point of view of a slightly more casual fan. In this episode, the topic turns to Captain America. Zach has never read a single Cap solo comic, and yet he's his favorite character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is it all down to the magic of Chris Evans, or is there more to it? In addition to talking through their favorite Steve Rogers bits in the MCU, they'll try to figure out which superheroes are Dads and which ones are Older Brothers, why Earth's Mightiest Heroes might better be called the Super Friends, and the REAL difference between the metropolitan destruction sequences in The Avengers and Man of Steel. Plus: Justin renews his grudge against Mark Millar and discusses how his series The Ultimates provided a blueprint for the MCU...that Joss Whedon threw out almost immediately. SPOILERS for pretty much every MCU movie ever, but you probably could have guessed that.

In the summertime, when the weather is hot, you can download this and touch the sky; when the weather's fine, you got comics, you got comics on your mind. School's out, and with no assigned reading to do, Ryan and Justin are taking the rest of July off. But before they do, they've decided to kick back, have some soothing (non-alcoholic) island drinks, and have a low-key conversation about their personal pet peeves and "worst ofs" in comics. Along the way they'll discuss the Dark Phoenix Saga's inability to be translated to film, controversial opinions about the work of Grant Morrison, and a debate about Reed and Sue Richards that threatens to tear the podcast asunder. PLUS! The moment you've all been waiting for: the CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND of the trivia sensation that's sweeping isolated parts of the nation, Canon Fodder! Which of our hosts will be crowned the King of Correctly Guessing Which Bizarre Comic Facts Are Real and Which Are Made Up? It's anybody's game... 00:00 - Theme and Intro 03:23 - Worst Comics

In this week’s episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin continue to fight through the tangled web of ‘90s Spider-Man continuity by covering the second half of 1995’s Maximum Clonage! In these issues, Peter Parker (who thinks he’s a clone of Peter Parker) teams up with a clone of Peter Parker (who thinks he’s the real Peter Parker) in order to fight the Jackal and...more clones of Peter Parker. Confused? So are we! Your indefatigable hosts discuss these developments, along with the inconsistent motivations of our key players, Kaine being too badass to use a door (or a window latch), Jackal’s underbaked mad scientist plot, and questionable use of ‘90s internet lingo. Discussed: Spider-Man #61, Spectacular Spider-Man #227, Spider-Man: Maximum Clonage Omega #1 (1995). 00:00 - Recap of Parts One through Three 01:16 - Theme and Part Four (Spider-Man #61) 12:41 - Part Five (Spectacular Spider-Man #227) 22:56 - Part Six (Maximum Clonage: Omega) 36:40 - Analysis 47:23 - How the hell did they wrap up the Clone Sag

In this episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin discuss the first half of one of the most reviled storylines of all time: the Spider-Man-centered Clone Saga! Specifically, they tackle 1995’s "Maximum Clonage," in which the Peter Parker fans had known and loved for approximately 20 years turned out to be (possibly) a clone created by C-list Spidey villain The Jackal, and was soon swept up into a convoluted, hopelessly grimdark storyline involving more off-brand Spider-Man knock-offs than you can shake a stick at. Is "Maximum Clonage" as awful as its reputation (and title) suggest? Or is it a misunderstood masterpiece that will be recited by bards around campfires in some distant (or not so distant) post-apocalyptic future? Ryan and Justin contemplate this, along with science textbooks of the Marvel Universe, the trustworthiness of people obsessed with “genetic perfection,” and the Punisher’s secret nerd shame. Come back June 17 for Part Two! Discussed: Spider-Man: Maximum Clonage Alpha #1, Web of Spider-M

What if you made a collector's edition that nobody cared to collect? Ryan and Justin break open a sealed polybag of Adventures of Superman #500 to find out what happened to the Man of Steel after the Death of Superman. Along the way we meet your starting lineup of the 1993 Superman Replacements. Also covered in this episode: vigilante branding issues, how a lack of positive thinking doomed the Kryptonians, tactile telekinesis, and every possible meaning you can extract from the phrase "It's the '90s." Discussed: Adventures of Superman #500 (1993).

In this special episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin trade bad comics for a reputedly bad movie: the 2000 animated adaptation of the popular '90s super-teens-with-attitude comic Gen 13! Did this direct-to-nowhere movie (featuring the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Alicia Witt, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers) get unfairly sent to its room, or was it merely misunderstood? Your hosts delve into this and more, including '90s female superhero fashion, what Gen 13 has to teach us about workstation security policies, some Academy Award-worthy sound effects, and the questionable curriculum of top-secret military academies. Discussed in this episode: Gen 13 (animated film, 2000). Contents: 00:00 - Theme and intro 01:24 - Background: Gen 13 in comics 06:46 - Background: Why was this movie buried? 08:44 - Gen 13: The Movie 52:02 - Analysis 59:40 - Canon Fodder 1:08:10 - Recommendations 1:13:55 - Closing

Taking a break from the usual format, Justin does the unthinkable and spends a podcast talking about GOOD comics. To do so, he's invited his brother, Zach, to have a laid-back conversation about Daredevil. Zach brings a different perspective with different taste in comics as a far more casual fan, and together they'll try to get to the bottom of what makes ol' Hornhead so appealing to this less-than-diehard comics reader. Plus, detours and off-topic musings aplenty, including whether Ultimate Spider-Man is any good, how Marvel and DC create new characters without actually creating new characters, and the decreased importance of the secret identity in superhero fiction. 

"Defensible Ink" strikes again! When Marvel asked Image breakaways Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee to reboot the Avengers and Fantastic Four titles in 1996, it infuriated fans and Marvel staffers alike. The Heroes Reborn publishing initiative was soon scuttled and became a notorious reminder of the grim 'n' gritty, all-style-no-substance 1990s. But revisited almost 25 years later, Lee's Fantastic Four not only comes off better than you might expect--it's possibly the best Fantastic Four movie you've never seen. Also covered in this episode: questionable casino marketing strategies, Namor's weakness for the diplomacy of hot blond(e)s, and Chekhov's quantum drive. Plus: in a very special "Canon Fodder," Justin reveals his hideously nerdy yet surprisingly accurate method for calculating Marvel Time! Discussed: Fantastic Four (vol. 2) #1-3 (1996-97) Contents: 00:00 - Theme and intro 02:41 - Background: Heroes Reborn 11:08 - Issue #1 31:57 - Issue #2 43:32 - Issue #3 1:00:17 - Analysis 1:07:36 - Canon Fodder 1:18:33 - Re

On this week’s episode of Indefensible Ink, it’s the first-ever edition of "Defensible Ink," whereby one of your hosts tries to defend a comic that’s been ignored or dismissed and make the case that it’s actually good. In this episode, Ryan and Justin explore a boyhood favorite of Ryan’s, Image Comics’ WildC.A.T.s from 1992: a series that, like many of its Image Comics brethren, was seen as flashy art slapped on a mediocre story and characters. Does the Jim Lee-drawn miniseries and its tales of superheroes and secret alien invasions still hold up? Or did pretty art and nostalgia mask a real C.A.T.-astrophe? (We’re pretty sure no one has used this pun in the last six months to describe a pop culture work.) Also covered in this episode: Justin and Ryan try to figure out the Vice President’s enumerated powers, Ryan reveals his potential stripper name, questionable ’90s ponytails, and a simpler time when your political career could be ended by misspelling “potato.” Discussed in this issue: WildC.A.T.s: Covert Act

In today’s episode of Indefensible Ink, your hosts discuss Marvel’s 2003 failed attempt to revive romance comics and/or troll Spider-Man fans: Trouble, or, The Fantabulous Sexual Emancipation of One Aunt May. Was having a thirtysomething Scottish guy write a story ostensibly aimed at American teen girls an amazing idea or merely a spectacular idea? Is Trouble the canonical origin of Peter Parker? Can Justin and Ryan contain their seething contempt for this storyline and give it a fair shake? Also in this episode: the strange origin of Mary Jane’s famous catchphrase, way too much information about Uncle Ben and Aunt May’s sex lives, and proper disposal of your issues of Trouble. Discussed: Trouble #1-5 (2003-04). Contents: 00:00 - Content warning 00:55 - Theme and intro 02:40 - Background: A Troubled history 07:14 - Issue #1 19:12 - Issue #2 27:57 - Issue #3 34:28 - Issue #4 41:06 - Issue #5 47:49 - Analysis 1:01:15 - Canon Fodder 1:09:30 - Recommendations 1:17:35 - Closing

POW! ZAP! SNOOGANS! Filmmaker Kevin Smith has written a Batman comic, and he's enlisted Walt "Tell 'Em, Steve-Dave!" Flanagan to draw it and the sound-effects-spouting assassin known as Onomatopoeia to play the villain. In this episode, Ryan and Justin check out Batman: Cacophony while also reflecting on Kevin Smith's career and what his films have meant to them. Also in this episode, your hosts come to grips with the ethics of allowing the Joker to die, the problematic villainy of Maxie Zeus, owning one's own prudishness, and Batman's ill-advised attempt to turn a Hebrew blessing into a catchphrase.  Discussed: Batman: Cacophony #1-3 (2008-2009) Contents: 0:00 - Personal history with Kevin Smith (I) 1:45 - Theme and intro 2:37 - Kevin Smith overview 8:33 - Issue #1 22:41 - Issue #2 33:58 - Issue #3 45:24 - Analysis and reflections on Kevin Smith 1:02:57 - Canon Fodder 1:10:43 - Personal history with Kevin Smith (II) 1:13:28 - Recommendations 1:19:20 - Conclusion

In today’s episode, Ryan and Justin explore the ambitious male-warrior-reincarnated-in-a-female-superhero-body series, 1993’s Mantra. Does the series live up to the promise of its intriguing premise? Does it subvert the "tough guy" and “bad girl” stereotypes of ’90s comics or wallow in them? Your hosts attempt to get to the bottom of these questions as they discuss these topics and more, including the Malibu Comics Ultraverse, questionably lavish magic shop galas, the challenge of living up to your supervillain nickname, evil hippies, groomzillas, and baffling in-universe pornography. Discussed in this episode: Mantra, #1-5 (1993). Contents: 0:00 - Theme and intro 1:30 - What was the Ultraverse? 6:37 - Issue #1 30:17 - Issue #2 46:30 - Issue #3 58:40 - Issue #4 1:12:32 - Issue #5 1:28:39 - Analysis 1:39:52 - Canon Fodder 1:49:16 - Recommendations 1:54:32 - Closing

As 2019 draws to a close, Ryan and Justin reflect on just how much time they've wasted reading and talking about bad comics. And to commemorate the occasion, they waste another 86 minutes on the highs and lows (but mostly lows) of Indefensible Ink's first year.  This episode's agenda: Dubious awards given out in fields such as "Most Wasted Potential" and "Least Bad Comic." What will Ryan and Justin single out as the Worst Comic they read in 2019? A high-level discussion about offensively bad comics vs. merely boring ones, art and how it can elevate the worst stories, and which creator's brain we'd most like to pick in an interview. A double-length round of Canon Fodder to determine the winner of 2019's trivia sensation.

Hey, remember that time Nightcrawler's dad showed up and claimed to be the Biblical Satan? And this dude Azazel claimed that Nightcrawler is descended from a line of demon-like mutants and the Angel is descended from a line of angelic ones? In this episode, Ryan and Justin lead you through "The Draco," a six-issue Uncanny X-Men arc by Chuck Austen, Philip Tan, et al.  Also covered in this episode: a game of "Fill in Your Own X-Jet," how to distinguish the difference between anti-mutant bigotry and a sensible fear of men with terrifying metal skull masks, Alpha Flight's absolute garbage armor, super-social scientists, and the complications of categorizing the various demons and devils of the Marvel Universe. Discussed: Uncanny X-Men (vol. 1) #429-434 (2003)

Hope you're in the mood for some hard-boiled tough-guy nonsense, because in this episode, Ryan and Justin discuss Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane's Spawn-Batman from 1994. With only the barest of plots to get in the way of killer cyborgs and back-alley brawling, prepare to hear the story of how a very special friendship began as your hosts attempt to answer the question: how seriously is Miller taking any of this? Also covered in this episode: Spawn and Batman's 16-bit trash talk, more on the allure of green slime to the children of the '90s, a proposal for the manufacture of bootleg dolls of the cutest li'l Batman you ever saw, and how to make Spawn's mask vanish. (HINT: hit him in the kidneys.) Discussed: Spawn-Batman (1994)

On this week’s episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin get belatedly spooky by discussing the horror comic featuring the band KISS, KISS: Psycho Circus! Enter a world where the founding members of the classic rock act are otherworldly, supernatural beings of vengeance traveling with the titular sinister carnival, meting out questionably ironic punishments and spelling trouble for abusers, murderers, and those who only want to rock and roll part of the night. Covered in this episode: Ryan is easily impressed by big words, the real horror is a world without KISS, someone decided to use all the fonts, the rare "Reverse-Seal," and a polite request for more depictions of animal cruelty. Content Warning: The comics discussed in this episode contain scenes of domestic abuse of a teenager. Discussed: KISS: Psycho Circus, #1-3 (1997).

In today’s episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin join forces to cover a 1970s issue of Marvel Team-Up starring none other than Spidey and Captain America! In this special “minisode,” your hosts recount a would-be rollicking adventure in which ole Webhead and Cap take on the forces of AIM and second-rate villain the Grey Gargoyle, while Nick Fury occasionally berates someone. Also: chemistry is apparently rocket science, Justin feels some Midwestern pride, and possibly the most half-assed “heroes escape from a deathtrap” scene in comics history. Plus: the debut of a new segment on bizarre and goofy comics trivia, Canon Fodder! Discussed in this issue: Marvel Team-Up Volume 1, #13 (1973).

In this episode, Ryan and Justin discuss The Kingdom, the mostly forgotten sequel (or "sequel") to DC Comics' universally acclaimed miniseries Kingdom Come. Was this storyline unjustly dismissed due to the daunting challenge of living up to its predecessor? Or was there good reason it was cast into the bargain bins of history? Find out! Also covered: Ryan missed some crucial science lessons in school, why you shouldn't chat with Batman while your wife is giving birth, and Justin proposes a controversial political platform. Discussed in this episode: The Kingdom #1, The Kingdom: Planet Krypton #1, The Kingdom #2 (1998).