Graphic Novel Explorers Club

Greetings, Explorers! The version of the podcast we've made for the past six seasons is coming to an end. Thank you for your support and listening to our podcast all these years! Dennis may bring it back in some form or another, so be on the look out for that. Much gratitude to Frankie and Aubrey for co-hosting! Be sure to check out Aubrey's podcast, Bring Your Own Popcorn. It is a wonderful, humorous, and insightful podcast where Aubrey and her guests chat about movies that made an impact in their lives. It's a been a blast! We cannot express our gratitude for giving us your time over the past six seasons of Graphic Novel Explorers Club! Take care and be kind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 94Greetings, Explorers! It’s the final episode of our sixth season! We’re closing it out with She-Hulk: Law and Disorder. Marvel published the book in 2014. Charles Soule wrote the story, with art by Javier Pulido and Ron Wimberly. Colors by Munsta Vicente, Rico Renzi, and Ron Wimberly. Lettering by VC’s Clayton Cowles.She-Hulk: Law and Disorder finds Jennifer Walters, otherwise known as She-Hulk, starting her own law firm. Her first case involves representing a widow of a villain who claims Tony Stark stole her dead husband’s invention. Next, she helps Doctor Doom’s son seek refugee status in the U.S. However, Doctor Doom isn’t too happy and will go to great lengths to stop them both. Finally, She-Hulk finds herself and several other superheroes and supervillains as a defendants in a lawsuit. The odd thing is, none of them remembers even meeting the plaintive or the incident mentioned in the case.Johnny and Dennis (Aubrey was training in the Danger Room when we recorded) kicks things off by diving into the contrasting, but beautiful, art of Javier Pulido and Ron Wimberly. Next, they ponder if the character design of Princess Fiona had any influence on this version of She-Hulk. Finally, they look at just how you get promotions if you’re the minion of a supervillain. Additional topics include Daredevil not caring about his secret identity; being revived by monkey vomit; and not pulling the lawyer card. Last of all, but not certainly not least, they look at the storytelling and art of She-Hulk: Law and Disorder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 93Greetings, Explorers! In this episode we return to the criminal world of Richard Stark’s Parker, with The Outfit. IDW published the book in 2010. The late, great Dawryn Cooke adapted and illustrated this book along with three other of the Parker novels. We reviewed the first of his adaptations, The Hunter, in Episode 11. There’s also a Catwoman story in Batman: Ego & Other Tails possibly inspired by the Parker character. We looked at that book in Episode 67.The Outfit picks up shortly after The Hunter ended, then skips ahead a year later to 1963. Parker got the money owed to him from The Outfit, the criminal organization he went toe-to-toe with in The Hunter. Parker decides to relax in Miami after a getting a new identity and a surgical operation to change his face. Unfortunately, he’s ratted out to The Outfit by one of the few people who knows his real identity. Now The Outfit is hot on his trail. However, what they don’t realize is that while they’re hunting him, he’s looking to take the organization out, from the top down.Dennis, Johnny, and Aubrey dive in by comparing the loads of misogyny and civilian deaths in The Hunter and the lack of either (or a reduction of) in The Outfit. Next, they compare Parker to The Getaway‘s Doc and Roland from The Dark Tower series. Finally, they question if Parker is in any way a “hero”, even an anti-hero. Additional topics include “conveniently good” vs “accidentally OK”; F-M-K Parker; and rather or not readers should skip The Hunter and go straight to this book. Last of all, but not certainly not least, they look at the storytelling and art of Richard Stark’s Parker – The Outfit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 92Greetings, Explorers! Yeah, see. We’re takin’ a look at The Good Asian, Vol 1. Image Comics published the comic in 2021. Yeah, see. Pornsak Pichetshote wrote the story with art by Alexandre Tefenkgi. Additional contributions as follows, ya mug: color by Lee Loughridge and lettering & design by Jeff Powell. Historical consultation by Grant Din.Set in 1936, Eddy Hark is a Chinese-American cop. Actually, he’s the first Chinese-American cop in the country. Eddy returns to San Francisco at the request of the wealthy Carroway family. He’s in town investigating the disappearance of a young woman employed by the family. The Carroways and Eddy Hark have a difficult relationship. His mother was their servant and they took him in after she was murdered. Eddy’s disliked by his fellow police and not trusted by the Asian-American community he serves. But no one hates Eddy as much he does for being a pawn in America’s anti-Chinese policies of the early 20th Century.Aubrey, Dennis, and Johnny begin things by looking back at their histories with noir and mystery novels. Next, they learn about Chang Apana, the real-life inspiration for Eddy (and Charlie Chan). Finally, they delve into the author’s mix of real-world events like the Chinese Exclusion Act in The Good Asian. Additional topics include Eddy’s self-loathing; the language of the times the book takes place in; noir tropes; and if America will ever stop “othering” people. Last of all, but not certainly not least, they look at the storytelling and art of The Good Asian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 91Become a Patron!Greetings, Explorers! We're traveling to Jersey City to take a look at Ms. Marvel, No Normal Vol. 1. Marvel Comics published the comic book in 2014. G. Willow Wilson wrote the story with art by Adrian Alphona. Additional contributions as follows: color by Ian Herring and lettering by Letter VC’s Joe Caramagna.Kamala Khan is a Pakistani-American high school student who is a big fan of Captain Marvel. Kamala lives in Jersey City with her older brother and parents. She struggles with finding the balance between her parents' native Pakistani heritage while also growing up as an American teenager. Kamala soon finds herself dealing with new powers that don't come with an instruction manual. Parties, rescuing classmates, studying for tests, stopping a crime ring... what's Ms. Marvel to do?Johnny, Aubrey, and Dennis begin things by fawning all over Ms. Marvel. Next, Dennis enlightens the gang about Terrigen Bombs and how one becomes an Inhuman. Finally, they look at Kamala's journey toward accepting who she is when so many push her to be an "other". Additional topics include polymorphic alloys and polymorphic humans; and pigs with wings. Last of all, but not certainly not least, they look at the storytelling and art of Ms. Marvel - No Normal, Vol 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Week in Geek – Obi-Wan Kenobi & V RisingGreetings, Explorers! This is our Week in Geek. Every other week we look back at the everything we’ve been geeking out on. That could be movies, shows, books, games, music, and anything else that got our attention. This week we look at Obi-Wan Kenobi.First up, Aubrey shares her latest TV viewing, which is the K Drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One that is currently available on Netflix (as of June 6, 2022). Aubrey is also playing V Rising and No Man’s Sky. Next, Dennis and Johnny both watched Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+. Dennis also watched Stranger Things and Young Justice. Finally, Johnny chats about re-reading of The Watchmen after about a decade since he last read it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 90Greetings, Explorers! Will you dare enter the Sanctum Sanctorum of Doctor Strange: The Oath? Marvel Comics published Doctor Strange: The Oath in 2007. Brian K. Vaughan wrote the story with art by Marcos Martin. Additional contributions as follows: Inks by Alvaro Lopez, color by Javier Rodriguez, and lettering by Willie Schubert.The story concerns Doctor Strange trying to save Wong’s life by tracking down a mysterious elixir. However, at the same time, Doctor Strange must figure who is trying to kill him (and why) while he’s searching for the cure to Wong’s illness. Finally, is it possible Doctor Strange’s past behavior and decision making are catching up with him?First, Dennis, Johnny, and Aubrey dive into the history of Wong, both in Marvel comics and the MCU. Next, the gang examines why Marvel heroes insist on calling a doctor “nurse” instead of doctor. Finally, they dive into the motivation of the protagonist(s) of this story. Additional topics include why don’t rich heroes chip in to help poor heroes; the Trolley Problem at the center of the story; when writers should know better; why you don’t recruit minions from Angie’s List; and what Joel and Doctor Strange share in common. Last of all, but not certainly not least, they look at the storytelling and art of Doctor Strange: The Omen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 89Become a Patron!Greetings, Explorers! After a short break due to our co-host Johnny being tied up with up a semester of school, we're back with some new-ish episodes (we recorded the next couple of episodes at the beginning of the year). We're kicking off the rest of our season with Batman: Zero Year. Published by DC comics the story in 2013. Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV wrote the story, with art by Greg Capullo.Set within DC's New 52 Universe, Batman: Zero Year is a new telling of the early days of Batman's career. Additionally, it wraps up Snyder and Capullo's run on Batman comics.Aubrey, Dennis, and Johnny starts things off chatting about Batman: Year Zero's connection to Batman: Last Knight on Earth, which we reviewed in Episode 81. Next, they discuss if Batman stories even need to be told at this point. Finally, they look at the Batman Eggs (Batman + Easter Eggs) in the story. Additional topics include Jim Gordon's coat; the Robin who isn't a Robin, wears a Batman symbol, but isn't a Batman either; the sexual tension between two of the characters (and it's not who you'd expect it to be); finding the time to move to Metropolis; "That rubbed me the right way"; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Batman: Year Zero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings, Explorers! This is our Week in Geek. Every other week we look back at the everything we’ve been geeking out on. That could be movies, shows, books, games, music, and anything else that got our attention. This week we look at The Book of Boba Fett.Dennis, Aubrey, and Johnny chat about some of things they’ve been geeking out on. First up, Dennis shares his thoughts about The Book of Boba Fett (and the culture building in the show), HBO’s Peacemaker, and Station Eleven. Next, Aubrey’s Week in Geek revolves around Talk Show the Game Show, the Korean drama I Can Hear Your Voice, the DLC for Breath of the Wild, and the book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr. Gabor Maté. Finally, Johnny’s Week in Geek involves The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window, MONK! by Youseff Dadudi, which is about Thelonious Monk and Pannonica de Koenigswarter, and musicians Angel Olsen and Julia Jacklin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 88Greetings, Explorers! Prepare yourself to become a multi-modality hyper-genius after reading Omni. Story by Devin Grayson and art by Alitha E. Martinez. HUMANOIDS published the comic in 2020.Doctor Cecelia Cobbina is a surgeon working with Doctors Without Borders. While helping patients in Africa, Doctor Cobbina suddenly becomes gifted with hyper-intelligence. However, she’s not alone. Other people are gaining powers of their own. Finally, her new metahuman abilities come in handy as tries to figure out this mystery.Frist, Johnny, Dennis, and Aubrey look at at the larger H1 Ignition Universe. Three of the series that make up the Ignition Universe are Omni, Strange Lands, and Ignited. Next, they discuss how the hero’s powers manifest themself. Finally, they talk about the flawed, smart, and dynamic character that is the hero of this series. Additional topics include co-dependent superheroes; the bedside manners of doctors; and the Hippocratic Oath of letting a garbage truck hit people. Last of all, but not certainly not least, they look at the storytelling and art of Omni. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and Artist InterviewGreetings, Explorers! We’ve got a special episode for you. Ian Rosenberg, an attorney and writer, and Mike Cavallaro, an artist with over 30 years of experience in comics and animation, stop by to chat about their new graphic novel, the Free Speech Handbook. First Second published the book in 2021.Free Speech Handbook is part of the World Citizens Handbooks series of six graphic novels. Two of the other books in the series are What Unites Us by Dan Rather and Why the People by Beka Feathers. Free Speech Handbook and the rest of the World Citizen Handbooks are available now.Ian is a media lawyer and teaches media law at Brooklyn College. Additionally, he is an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker and since 2003 has provided legal counsel for ABC News.Mike has worked in comics and animation since the early 90s. His body of work, to name just a few, includes the Eisner Award-nominated Parade (with Fireworks), The Life and Time of Savior 28, Foiled, and Curses! Foiled Again, and the Nico Bravo series, a 2019 New York Public Library Best Books for Kids selection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 87Bonjour mes Explorateurs! In this episode we look at About Betty’s Boob. Written by Véro Cazot, art by Julie Rocheleau, and published by Archaia Entertainment in 2017.About Betty’s Boob concerns a young woman named Betty waking up after her mastectomy. In addition to her surgery, she goes through a break up and losing her job. However, what seems to be the darkest time in Betty’s life may be the start of a bright new day. Above all, what could easily be a dark tale is told with humor, healing, and self-acceptance.Aubrey, Johnny, and Dennis chat the lack of dialogue in the book. Next, they discuss the anti-Capitalism themes of the book. Finally, Aubrey examines the exploratory structure of the book. Additional topics include 80085; why the artisanal fake breast shop was done dirty; “boobdazzled”; the lack of comeuppance for the “villain”; another graphic novel by a French duo; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of About Betty’s Boob.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Week in Geek - The King's Affection & Spider-Man: No Way HomeGreetings, Explorers! We're trying something new here at Graphic Novel Explorers Club. We thought started checking in every other week to see what non-comic book and non-graphic novel media that's got our attention. Things like shows, movies, books, games, and music.In the very first episode, Aubrey and Johnny chat about some of things they've been geeking out on: The King's Affection, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Mixtape, Donut County, New Teeth: Stories, and Secrets: A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 86Greetings, Explorers! We kick off our sixth season of Graphic Novel Explorers Club with Daredevil Know Fear, by writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Marco Checchetto. Marvel published the comic in 2019.Matt Murdock, better known as Daredevil, is rebuilding everything after nearly passing away, both in his personal life and his vigilante life as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. His first mission back results in a criminal dying while trying to stop a crime. Consequently, NYPD is scouring Hell's Kitchen for Daredevil. His problems don’t stop there! First, Kingpin is mayor of New York. Next, the one hero no one wants on their side is trying to help him. Finally, his investigation into who really killed that criminal is not going where Daredevil is hoping it will go.Dennis and Johnny kicks things off with some updates about the podcast, including introducing our new co-host Aubrey Zevallos! Next, they look at the history of comic book villains running for office. Finally, that ask how effective are superheroes if supervillains are able to commit crimes after being caught? Additional topics include asking if Daredevil Know Fear is a What If story; “brutal with compassion”; the consequences of running that hero game; how heroes deal with the loss of their identity; the Anti-Vigilante Vigilante; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Daredevil Know Fear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 85Become a Patron!Happy Holidays, Explorers! December marks the return of our annual Holiday Special! This year we take a look at Krampus! by writer Brian Joines and artist Dean Kotz. Images Comics published the comic in 2014.The bones of Saint Nicholas have gone missing! Now the Secret Society of Santa Clauses are in mortal danger and so is Christmas! With time running out, their only option is to turn to the creature they locked up decades ago: Krampus. With the Santas in their most desperate hour, will he help his jailers or return to his ways of punishing children? However, knowing Krampus is forever on the Naughty List, the Santas go to an extreme measure to him to keep him in line. Which begs the question, what's a Krampus to do?Johnny, Dennis, and guest host Aubrey look at the similarities between the character of Krampus and private detectives like Philip Marlowe and Jeffrey Lebowski. Next, they discuss the respect the author shows in bringing different cultures’ winter lore to life in the story. Finally, they contemplate if this book will follow the lead of other loved comics that are yet to have their follow up published – looking at you Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Emil Ferris. Additional topics include taking the trope of cursing Santa; the many versions of a gift-giving deity; the possible inspiration of Escape from New York; did the kid at the end make it; Horny Christmas vs. Depressed Christmas; the Boomer State of Mind; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Krampus!.Graphic Novel Explorers Club will return with a new season (number 6!) in January 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 84Happy Halloween, Explorers! We return with our annual Halloween Special, in which three podcasters visit hell and a deal is struck. This year we dissect Daphne Byrne, by writer Laura Marks and artist Kelley Jones. The comic was published by DC’s Hill House Comics.Set in 19th-century New York, Daphne Byrne is a teenage girl grieving the death of her father. Her mother, lost in her own heartache, turns to visiting a woman who claims she can speak with the dead. Thinking Daphne’s mother is rich and easy prey, the woman is part of a larger group that sets a nefarious plan in motion. However, the group is unaware that Daphne has a long lost “brother” guiding her as she takes action to stop this group from taking advantage of her mother. However, is Daphne’s “brother” helping her or does he have his own plans? And what exactly is Daphne capable of her on?Guest host Aubrey joins Johnny and Dennis as they discuss Laura Marks’s career, primarily known as a TV writer, and her first journey into comic book writing. Next, they discuss DC’s decision to shutdown Vertigo in favor of DC’s Black Label. Finally, they try to decide heavy themes in the book. Additional topics include the perfect password; supernatural comeuppance; the Conversion of Linus; why the Devil prefers to keep it in the family; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Daphne Byrne.Graphic Novel Explorers Club will return in December with our annual Holiday Special!One last thing, we had originally planned to cover The Man Who Came Down the Attic Stairs. Given the topic of the book, we didn’t think it fit within the context of our Halloween Special. However, we do highly recommend reading it and will hopefully cover it in future episode.Check out our reading lists for previous seasons by clicking here. We would love to hear your suggestions for future episodes of Graphic Novel Explorers Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 83Greetings, most excellent Explorers! The stellar Summer Special comes to an end with Bill and Ted Are Doomed. This bodacious comic book acts as both a sequel to the first two Bill and Ted movies as well as a prequel to Bill and Ted Face the Music. One would think after a most triumphant ending to Bogus Journey, that our Wyld Stallyns saved the future. However, the future is in peril again! Only this time it’s because they’re in debt and haven’t lived up to their promise. They decide, without any input from their wives or the rest of their band, to go on a world-wide tour to save the future and themselves. The story was written by Evan Dorkin, illustrated by Roger Langridge, and published by Dark Horse Comics.Join Dennis and Johnny as the discuss the career of Evan Dorkin. Next, they delve into the Bill and Ted Universe and where the comic fits in it. Finally, they converse about the innocence of the Bill and Ted characters. Additional topics include our love of Dorkin’s Beasts of Burden; the problematic beginning of the book; the connection between the Breakin’ movies and Bogus Journey; how to make the Crow work (spoiler: you can’t); the extinction of the Rocker Dude of the 80s; the book’s sweet and touching ending; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Bill and Ted Are Doomed.We'll be back in October 2021 with our annual Halloween Special!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 82Greetings, Explorers! Our Summer Special keeps on keeping on with Jack Kirby‘s The Demon. In the time of Camelot, Etrigan the Demon was called to Earth from Hell by Merlin the Wizard. Realizing he is unable to control the demon, Merlin bonds the creature to Jason Blood’s soul. From ancient times to modern Gotham City, Blood and the demon battle the likes of Morgaine le Fey, Baron von Evilstein, and Klarion the Witch Boy.Join Johnny and Dennis as guest host Anthony Siino gives them an in-depth history lesson on artist and writer Jack Kirby. Next, they look at Kirby’s history with Marvel and DC and what lead him to create The Demon. Finally, they look at DCEU’s debt to Kirby’s run with DC in the 1970s. Additional topics include modern demonologists; Kirby’s jabs at Stan Lee; the rise in the Occult in pop culture during the 1970s; Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics by Tom Scioli; what might have been if Kirby was able to work with Image Comics for most of his career; Delaware Valley Demonology Research, and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of The Demon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 81Greetings, Explorers! While recording our next episode of the Summer Special we saw the Omega signal in the sky! That must mean it’s time to take a look at Batman: Last Knight on Earth. Written by Scott Snyder, art by Greg Capullo, and published under DC Black Label. This story is trumpeted as the final Batman story by the duo of Snyder and Capullo.Bruce Wayne wakes up in Arkham Asylum, having never been Batman. Meanwhile, in the not-too-distant future, Batman is trying to figure out how society and the world fell apart. Joining him on his quest is the decapitated head of the Joker. As Batman’s past, present, and future collide, there is one person pulling the strings: Omega.Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Aubrey discuss the secret to Batman perpetually being a 35-year-old man. Next, they look at Snyder and Capullo’s run on Batman. Finally, the gang debates Batman’s authoritarianism. Additional topics include getting to see Batman’s thang; Joker’s Futurama future; that time G.I. Joe’s Shipwreck got tricked by Cobra; chalk line investigations; DC’s habit of cutting things short or keeping them around for too long; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Batman: Last Knight on Earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 80Greetings, Explorers! We’re kicking off our 2021 Summer Special with Everyone is Tulip, published by Dark Horse Comics. Co-creators Nicole Goux and Dave Baker sit down with us to discuss their comic book, which debuted June 17 in comic book shops and June 29 in book stores. Nicole illustrated comics like Shadow of the Batgirl, Fuck Off Squad, Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions 3, and numerous covers. Dave Baker wrote Fuck Off Squad, The Action Hospital, Star Trek: Voyager – Seven’s Reckoning, Suicide Forest, and worked for 20th Century Fox Home Video, Universal, and Disney XD. Last of all, Nicole and Dave co-created Fuck Off Squad and Forest Hills Bootleg Society, which will debut at Simon and Schuster in 2022.Everyone is Tulip is the story of Becca, a young woman who moves from a small town to Los Angeles to follow her dreams of becoming a famous actress. However, instead of becoming an actress, Becca becomes a YouTube star. She must navigate fandom (some good, some toxic), compromises, modern technology, and the idea of pure art versus successful art as everything around her changes due to her sudden fame.Nicole and Dave enlighten Dennis and Johnny about the world of YouTube performance art. Next, they converse about the way cell phone technology became integral to our daily lives, for better or for worse. Finally, they dive into the personalities and motivations for the characters in the book. Additional topics include Shitty Watchmen; that time the Avengers got stuck in an elevator; Dave explains Laz’s vs. Britney’s; cleaning up the Holodeck after it’s been “used”; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Everyone is Tulip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.