Matt & Brett Love Comics!

The movie Matt never thought he’d see has arrived! An assassin, a scoundrel, a destroyer, a raccoon, and a tree have all come together to form the heart of what just might be the best movie of the summer. Get ready for some PRAISE. And spoilers, lots of spoilers if you haven’t seen Guardians of the Galaxy yet! Joining Matt and Brett are frequent guest Kevin Hines, as well as first time guests Nate Kushner and Lacroix Scott. Get out there and see Guardians of the Galaxy ASAP! Music: “Cherry Bomb” by the Runaways, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone "Movie Recap: Guardians of the Galaxy" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/guardians-of-the-galaxy.html

While at HeroesCon, Matt and Brett moderated the Image Artists panel featuring Ryan Browne (“God Hates Astronauts”), Jason Latour (“Southern Bastards”), Paul Azaceta (“Outcast”), and Paul Maybury (“Sovereign”). Music: “Artists Only” by Talking Heads "HeroesCon 2014: Image Artists Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/heroescon-image-artists-panel.html

Matt and Brett had the pleasure of moderating the Image Writers panel at HeroesCon 2014, which features Matt Fraction (“Sex Criminals”), Kelly Sue DeConnick (“Pretty Deadly”), Bryan JL Glass (“Mice Templar”), and Justin Jordan (“Spread”). Music: “Virginia Plain” by Roxy Music "HeroesCon 2014: Image Writers Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/heroescon-image-writers-panel.html

Matt and Brett have returned from their trip to Charlotte, North Carolina’s HeroesCon with a lot of new memories, a few new buddies, and a double quartet of interviews! Yes, double quartet. Octet? Probably. Anyway, while wandering the expansive Artist Alley at the comic-focused show, Matt and Brett spoke with: Mitch Gerads (artist on Punisher) Jake Wyatt (upcoming artist on Ms. Marvel) Joe Quinones (artist on Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell) Jordan Boyd (colorist on Star Wars: Legacy) Dean Trippe (writer and artist of Something Terrible) Kevin Wada (cover artist for She-Hulk) Matt Wilson (colorist for The Wicked + The Divine) Maris Wicks (artist for Primates and All-New X-Men) Music: “Easy” by Real Estate "HeroesCon 2014" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/heroescon.html

The summer con season is in full swing and this year – for the first time ever – includes another show in New York City. This was the inaugural Special Edition NYC con held in Manhattan’s Javits Center, and unlike the big ol’ New York Comic Con, this con was strictly comics. Brett hit the show floor and grabbed some interviews, catching up with old friends and making new ones. Will Sliney (Fearless Defenders) on Spider-Man 2099 Marguerite Bennett (Joker’s Daughter) on writing Firestar in Amazing X-Men Annual #1 Mike Norton (Battle Pug) on his hot hot Con Bowler meme Rachelle Rosenberg on coloring Superior Foes of Spider-Man and Star Wars: Legacy Maki Naro (Sufficiently Remarkable) on his time on StripSearch Annie Wu (Hawkeye) on the NYC improv comedy scene and her team Villain; cameo appearance by Kris Anka! Music: “Editions of You” by Roxy Music "Special Edition NYC 2014" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/special-edition-nyc.html

This week on Matt & Brett Love Frozen Yogurt, things take a slight detour towards comic books and ‘80s cartoons! But really, there’s a lot of froyo talk up top before we stroll down memory lane, reminiscing our teenage years discovering TV shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Space Ghost Coast to Coast. Also, Matt’s been reading some comics on the Marvel Unlimited app! This is the first talk episode in a little while, so there’s some catching up to do. Stuff we mentioned: Rachel & Miles X-Plain the X-Men X-Men (original animated series) G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (original animated series) “We just heard Duke’s going to be all right!” Transformers: “Call of the Primitives” Transformers: The Headmasters (series) Batman: The Brave and The Bold (series) Ultimate Spider-Man (series) Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series) Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (series) Space Ghost Coast to Coast (series) Craig Rowin’s It’s That Episode 40 with Space Ghost writer Dave Willis One-time Space Ghost guest (episode 30) Flip Orley Marvel RPG X-Files List of Mythology Episodes X-Files: “Small Potatoes” (written by Vince Gilligan) X-Files: “The Post-Modern Prometheus” (B&W episode) X-Files: “Bad Blood” (Rashomon-style pizza delivery vampire episode) The Punisher (Greg Rucka run) Brett’s six-inch Marvel Legends Black Widow figure Podcast episode with T.J. Dietsch where Brett talks about his X-Men toy conspiracy theory Podtoons: Batman is a Terrible Liar Podtoons: Spider-Man Goes Suburban Left Handed Radio: Tales from the Longbox Staten Island Clown Hey! Are you going to HeroesCon in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 20-22? We are! Let us know on Twitter (@brettwhite and @themattlittle) or on our Facebook page! Music: “Who Makes Your Money” by Spoon "That Feeling When You First Find A Thing" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/when-you-first-find-a-thing.html

Matt and Brett keep the X-Fun rolling as they read the two-part classic Uncanny X-Men story that inspired this summer’s big hit film, X-Men: Days of Future Past. This story by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Terry Austin, Tom Orzechowski, and Glynis Wein is considered to be one of the greatest X-Men stories of all time, and it’s definitely one of Brett’s favorites. Will everyone else share his strong feelings?! Joining them is comedian, writer, fashion designer, and director Ellena Chmielewski! Thrill as she breaks down Destiny’s elaborate — and totally rockin’ — bad guy garments. You can follow Ellena’s internet adventures on Twitter and Instagram. To find out what all the hype is about, you can pick up a copy of Days of Future Past on Amazon as either a paperback or hardcover and digitally on Comixology. Music: “Decent Days and Nights” by The Futureheads "Ellena Chmielewski / Uncanny X-Men #141-142 (1981)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/days-of-future-past.html

Matt, Brett, and the movie crew are back again, except this time they’re more united in their praise for a film than ever before! One could say they’re X2: X-Men United? Get ready for spoilers because there’s a LOT to spoil — and a lot to get excited about — in this new film. How did Brett keep from telling everyone about it after seeing it two weeks ago at a press screening? Find out! You can hear Sebastian Deken in our Amazing Spider-Man movie episode; Jon Gutierrez on our Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie episode; Katey Healy-Wurzburg on our Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie episode; and Meghan O’Keefe appeared on “My Neighborhood on Tumblr”. Tell use what you think about this movie! There’s a lot to discuss. If you’re interested in reading the source material, you can find Days of Future Past on Amazon. Music: “The Future - Main Titles” by John Ottman, Jeffrey Schindler, American Federation of Musicians & Jasper Randall Choir "Movie Recap: X-Men: Days of Future Past" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/x-men-movie-recap.html

TRIGGER WARNING! Matt and Brett and special guest Jordan D. White are diving into easily the heaviest comic book that’s ever been read on this show. Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows’ polarizing, controversial ode to H.P. Lovecraft is discussed, and things get serious. So, in all seriousness, here’s a legit trigger warning for sexual abuse and violence, because it’s impossible to discuss this heavy work of horror without addressing those topics head-on. Brett even read up on criticism of Neonomicon and Alan Moore’s general handling of sexual violence in his work. Here’s what he read, just in case you want more information and context. Basebenzi, On Alan Moore comicbookGRRRL, Comic Review: Neonomicon by Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows Gail Simone, SOMEONE ASKED… Rich Johnston, Rape, He Wrote Klint Finley, On Race and Sexual Violence in the Works of Alan Moore Tim Callahan, The Great Alan Moore Reread: Neonomicon Also… Ninja Turtle Update! Remember in episode #112 when Brett claimed that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles once appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show? Brett uploaded his old VHS recording to YouTube and you can watch it in its entirety right now! Jordan D. White is an editor for Marvel Comics, specifically the Deadpool titles. You can follow him on Twitter @cracksh0t and check out his own ode to Lovecraft, Scapie Stories, on his website, wax-work.com! You can purchase Neonomicon on Amazon or Comixology. Music: “We Exist” by Arcade Fire "Jordan D. White / Neonomicon #1-4 (2010-2011)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/neonomicon.html

Matt and Brett dive into ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! in this episode, as they read three all-new number one issues from three all-new ongoing series. From lawyers to space pirates, anti-heroes to super heroes, these three issues show off just how diverse Marvel’s current offerings are. You can pick all three series up on Comixology: She-Hulk #1 by Charles Soule and Javier Pulido Magneto #1 by Cullen Bunn and Gabriel Hernandez Walta Cyclops #1 by Greg Rucka and Russell Dauterman You can even plan ahead and pre-purchase the first volumes of She-Hulk, Magneto, and Cyclops on Amazon. Music: “She’s Got Everything” by the Kinks "She-Hulk v3 #1, Magneto v4 #1, Cyclops v3 #1 (2014)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/all-new-marvel-now.html

Matt, Brett, and two friends of the podcast watched “Amazing Spider-Man 2” on Thursday night and man oh man did they all have thoughts about it! In between a lot of soul-searching, the gang does come up with some things they liked about the film, and then just had a good old time discussing some of the film’s more interesting choices. You can hear Katey Healy-Wurzburg on previous episodes where we discussed Spider-Man’s many origin stories, as well as our “The Amazing Spider-Man” street review. You can hear Kevin Hines again on our 100th episode, as well as on our Amazing Spider-Panel (which actually ties in quite nicely to this episode). You can also check out surprise podcast guest Mike Lawrence @TheMikeLawrence on Twitter and on his own podcast, Nerd of Mouth. Music: “My Hero” by Foo Fighters "Movie Recap: The Amazing Spider-Man 2" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/amazing-spider-man-2-recap.html

This week’s chat episode guest is our dear ol’ buddy Dave Bluvband. You may recognize Mr. Bluvband from his work on public access sensation The Chris Gethard Show, where he appears as The Human Fish. In this free-flowing talk-a-palooza, we discuss Dave’s love of Silver Age Marvel, his comic shop habits when traveling across the country, and some of his comic-book based comedy exploits. You can follow @Bluvband on Twitter, and be sure to check him out on The Chris Gethard Show! Music: “Hegira Émigré” by of Montreal "Dave Bluvband / You Can't Always Go To Steve Ditko" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/david-bluvband.html

Producer Ben fills in for Matt this week as the podcast heads both underground and into an intergalactic wrestling circuit. Brett and Ben’s childhood — and adulthood — Turtle fandom shines through in this dissection of the comics based on and inspired by the 1987 cartoon series. Would these comics have given Brett and Ben’s kid selves their desperately needed Turtle Fix? Man-Ray wields a harpoon “Now for some real work…” “I want a pizza! Like now!” NYC in a nut shell PPA-TOOIE! Wrestlers posing A Zardoz moment Splinter: caught in the act Wingnut and Screwloose origin story Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Adventures #5-8 was written by Ryan Brown and Dean Clarrain, with art by Ken Mitchroney and Jim Lawson. You can purchase the comics on Comixology or from Amazon as a nicely bound trade paperback or a digital download for your Kindle. Be sure to check out Raise Some Shell by Richard Rosenbaum (also on the iBooks Store), Tubin’ from the Coming Out Of Their Shells album, and if you can find a decent copy of the Turtles’ appearance on Oprah, let us know. It looks like Brett might have the only copy! Music: “Turtle Power” by Partners In Kryme "Ben Ragheb / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #5-8 (1989-1990)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/tmnt-adventures.html

Spring has arrived! Matt and Brett got up super early to record this one — so early, Brett’s eating cereal! The dudes talk about Flash Gordon, The WDVE Morning Show, the role of editors, Andrew Wildman’s tenure on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Peter David’s Incredible Hulk, Marvel Unlimited, John Romita Jr. on Superman, action figures, and much, much more, all before their morning coffee! Or at least Matt’s morning coffee. Brett doesn’t drink coffee. For further listening, why not check out our Captain America: The Winter Soldier reaction/discussion episode, our episode reading Falcon with Mike Quackenbush, or when we read Winter Soldier #1-5 with Kris Anka and Dafna Pleban. Music: “Ignition (1901 Remix)” by The Hood Internet, with R. Kelly and Phoenix "Eight In The Morning Drinking Bottles Of Wine" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/8am-drinking-wine.html

To celebrate the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Matt and Brett have joined with Chikara wrestling guru Mike Quackenbush to read the first ever limited series starring the Marvel sequel’s breakout star: The Falcon! What other Marvel characters does Mike have an affinity for? What’s it like eating lunch with Larry Hama? Just how good of friends was Mike with Marvel editor legend Mark Gruenwald? Find out in this episode! Falcon #1-4, written by Christopher Priest with art by Paul Smith and Mark Bright, can be found in the new Avengers: Falcon trade paperback, which collects the mini-series for the first time ever! Check out Chikara’s website for more information about their upcoming return. You can also follow @MikeQuackenbush on Twitter. And, if you missed it, listen to our Captain America Movie Recap. Music: “New York Groove” by Ace Frehley "Mike Quackenbush / Falcon #1-4 (1983-1984)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/falcon.html

Look out: spoilers! Matt and Brett are joined by past guests as they discuss Captain America: The Winter Soldier mere minutes after leaving the theater. How practical is Falcon’s wing pack? Was Hayley Atwell wearing make-up or was her face done in weird CGI? How threatening are the French? Will our comments about Garry Shandling get back to him? You can hear each of our guests on past episodes of the show: Lauren Hunter talks about Superman in #66; Jon Gutierrez talks about Wizard Magazine in #47; Katey Healy-Wurzburg talks about Spider-Man in #24; and Ben Ragheb talks about the Star Trek/X-Men crossover in #68. To hear our discussion of the comics from whence this movie plot came, check out Kris Anka & Dafna Pleban / Winter Solder #1-5 (2012). Go see Captain America: The Winter Soldier in theatres then tell us what you thought in the comments. "Movie Recap: Captain America: The Winter Soldier" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/captain-america-movie.html

This week Brett is joined by fellow podcaster Jim Viscardi, host of the new and incredibly insightful interview podcast, Let’s Talk Comics. Join us as we discuss Jim’s origins at Marvel Comics, his move to Nashville, the identity of his nemesis, and his new podcast endeavor. Be sure to visit Let’s Talk Comics on Tumblr and @letstalkcomics on Twitter for more about Jim’s show, including his interview with Sam Humphries. Next week, we will be celebrating the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier by reading Falcon #1-4 by Christopher Priest, Paul Smith, and Marc Bright. Purchase the comic in a new trade paperback on Amazon. Music: “You Talk Way Too Much” by The Strokes "Jim Viscardi / Like the King of Croatia" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/jim-viscardi.html

The Brain Eaters cometh! Halle Kiefer and Mary Lordes return to the show to discuss Image Comics’ Rat Queens by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch, as well as fantasy vs. sci-fi, dinosaur based sexual orientations, celebrity crushses, and dragon shaped pleasure toys. Also, do YOU know the difference between Tyrese Gibson, Taye Diggs, and Tyson Beckford? How about Nick Nolte and Gary Busey? Does Kurtis Wiebe make Brett’s list of Crushes of 2014? Related links: An interview with Kurtis J. Wiebe and several other creators about body image in comics Swamp Thing and Man-Thing talk about girls Know Your Meme: Dragon Dildos Check out Halle and Mary’s web series, Brain Eaters — dubbed “gross ‘Cosmos’” on this very podcast. You can follow @hallekiefer and @marylordes on Twitter, too! If you haven’t already read Rat Queens, download an issue on Comixology or buy yourself a nice printed copy from Amazon. Music: “Rats” by The Kinks "Halle Kiefer & Mary Lordes / Rat Queens #1-5 (2013)" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/rat-queens.html

Matt and Brett are joined by two Spider-Man aficionados — Kevin Hines (UCB) and Mark Ginocchio (Chasing Amazing) — to discuss a question that comedian Glenn Boozan has about the nature of heroism: is vulnerability really a hero’s greatest strength? This Amazing Spider-Panel dives deep into some of Spider-Man’s biggest themes in order to answer that multi-layered query. Glenn Boozan is a comedian at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. Her show, This Is Going To Hurt is running right now! Kevin Hines can be seen weekly with his improv team The Curfew. He also appeared on our 100th episode. Mark Ginocchio is a comic book journalist who writes “Gimmick or Good” for CBR. You can follow his quest to own every issue of Amazing Spider-Man at Chasing Amazing, and listen to his podcast, Superior Spider-Talk. Next week on the show, we will be reading Rat Queens #1-5 from Image Comics by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch. You can purchase the series digitally on Comixology. Music: “Crime” by Real Estate "Glenn Boozan, Mark Ginocchio, Kevin Hines / The Amazing Spider-Panel" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/amazing-spider-panel.html

Bonus time! Brett had to show Matt the X-Men fanmade movie that blew his mind, and since the video is totally silent, the guys decided to just talk over it. So check out the article over on io9, which sums up the (no sarcasm here) masterpiece and includes a few GIFs, and then hit play on the video right when we do for a totally new M&BLC experience! This jam is worth watching. When you’re done with this, you should check out the episode where we read the “X-Cutioner’s Song” storyline with Pat Loika! Music: “To Be With You” by Mr. Big "BONUS: X-Men Movie Xcutioners Song Commentary Track" originally appeared at http://mattandbrettlovecomics.com/podcast/2014/xmen-movie-xcutioners-song.html