iFanboy: Don't Miss - Comic Books Podcast

Aric of Dacia readies to meet the Vine at its very root on the planet Loam. But before taking on Planet Death, this man out of time, must defend a world far removed from his own Visigoth heritage. Aric is the first man to wield the armor of the X-O Manowar, and he’s Earth’s last line of defense against an alien invasion force who desperately want that weapon back. This week we speak to writer Robert Venditti about capturing the voice of a displaced Visigoth and leading Valiant’s vanguard into the modern day. X-O Manowar #9 Writer Robert Venditti Art by Trevor Hairsine 32 pages/Color/$3.99 Music: “Primitive Notion” New Order

The female super hero of the Marvel Universe takes to the skies for this first issue of a new story arc and a perfect jumping on point for new readers with Captain Marvel #9. Writer Kelly Sue Deconnick comes to talk about the ride with this ongoing solo character series so far, her take on the character and what readers can expect from this issue. We also get into the visual look of Captain Marvel and Kelly Sue’s thoughts on her various artistic collaborates, as well as just what is going on with her hair…you know, the important issues. Captain Marvel #9 Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick Art by Felipe Andrade Colors by Jordie Bellaire Cover by Jamie McKelvie Music: The Mother We Share CHVRCHES

Punch it, Chewie! We kick off 2013 with a big Don't Miss dedicated to a very big book. Writer Brian Wood takes us back to a time long ago in a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars #1, an all new story set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back! The Death Star is in pieces, but the Rebel Alliance is still holding itself together with duct tape. Darth Vader gets demoted! Leia hops into an X-Wing! And the family tree is still a little shady. Join us as we talk to Wood about his larger-than-life 2012, the decision to take this iconic licensed property adjectiveless, Disney's acquisition of LucasFilm, and the bounty of Wookiepedia. STAR WARS #1 Written by Brian Wood Art by Carlos D'Anda Colors by Gabe Eltaeb Cover by Alex Ross Music: "Star Wars Main Title Medley/Rebel Blockade Runner" John Williams

Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore absolutely demolished expectations with the loser-to-bruiser mini-series The Strange Talent of Luther Strode. Now they and their masked juggernaut are back for the next chapter with this week’s The Legend of Luther Strode #1. The lanky teenager we met a year ago has more than mastered the training techniques from that mail order fitness program. He bulked up and lost nearly everything he cared about in the process. Five years on, the legend of his abilities–and just how he’s putting them to violent use–has spread. Who’s taken an active interest in our troubled hero, and what is their endgame? We spoke to writer Justin Jordan about the method to the mayhem. What does he hope to say about the ubiquity of violence in comics and about power fantasies in general? What does tomorrow hold for Luther and those he loves? Hold a bag of frozen peas to your noggin and press play. The Legend of Luther Strode #1 (of 6) Written by Justin Jordan Art by Tradd Moore Color by Felipe Sobreiro Letters by FONOGRAFIKS 32 pages/Color/$3.50 Image Comics Music: “Spoilin’ for a Fight” AC/DC

Jim Shooter chronicled the psionic tug-of-war between Peter "Sting" Stanchek and the enigmatic Toyo Harada for over 40 issues in the early 90s. Nearly 20 years later, Valiant Entertainment is back, and with it, an all new interpretation of Harbinger. We spoke to series writer Joshua Dysart about his new vision for the iconic struggle between two impossibly powerful men equipped with the full range of telekinetic abilities. In each new issue of the "Renegade" arc, starting with this week's Harbinger #6, latent fans will meet Peter's allies in the war against Harada's ubiquitous corporation and its legion of psionic warriors. We'll also see the Valiant universe as its never been seen before, rendered by a new artist each chapter. And, geez, what a sensational list of artists it is. Things are about to get mental. Writer: Joshua Dysart Penciler: Phil Briones Cover Artist: Mico Suayan, Matthew Clark $3.99/32 pages ALL-NEW ARC! From out of the ashes – RENEGADES! After a crushing defeat at the hands of his would-be mentor, Peter Stanchek lies critically wounded and the only person who can save him is the person that hates him the most – his childhood love Kris Hathaway. As Harada’s Eggbreaker strike force closes in, the helpless Peter wonders if he is going to find forgiveness at Kris’s door – or unbridled vengeance. But when Faith returns as the superhero she’s always dreamed of being, the game is going to change for everyone involved… Music: "The Hive" Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Original Soundtrack) Michael McCann

Continuing the parade of new series from Image Comics, Great Pacific #1 is this week’s entry into the world of new comics that you should be checking out. Writer Joe Harris joins us to talk about the inspiration for Great Pacific, an enormous ecological phenomenon currently happening in the Pacific Ocean, which launches this tale that combines science fiction, adventure and a little political intrigue. Fans of near present sci-fi will definitely want to give Great Pacific #1 a read. Great Pacific #1 Written by Joe Harris Art by Martin Morazzo Image Comics $2.99 Music: “Between Pacific Coasts” The Promise Ring

We turn now to old Eternia in the wake of bloody civil war. Who is the cloaked terror who stalks the kingdom, hellbent on reclaiming the throne of his birthright, thirsty for righteous vengeance against his own kin? How did he earn his gruesome death’s mask? What sinister motivations roil within the grim skull of Skeletor? Just in time for Halloween, we sit down with Joshua Hale Fialkov to unveil the secret history of your toy chest’s most twisted despot. Why is Frank Langella so angry? What does it all have to do with Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries? The answers just might rock your skull. Masters of the Universe: The Origin of Skeletor #1 Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov Art by Frazer Irving Cover by Frazer Irving Color/32 pages/$2.99 DC Comics Music: “The Veil of Isis” The Sword

GSend in the Clown Prince of Crime! A year after losing face in the pages of Detective Comics #1, the Joker returns to Gotham with grim new purpose in Batman #13. Writer Scott Snyder drops by to psychoanalyze Arkham’s favorite son, delving deep into the Joker’s twisted relationship with the Dark Knight. What stories inspired Snyder and artist Greg Capullo’s vision of the iconic villain? What is Joker’s true endgame as he plots the “Death of the Family?” Crank up the nitrous oxide, kick back, and listen to the madness. Batman #13 Written by Scott Snyder Art by Greg Capullo, Janathan Glapion, FCO Backup story by James Tynion IV DC Comics – $3.99 Music: “Send in the Clowns” Barbara Streisand

Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko have been showing readers new sides of the Planet of the Apes for quite a few issues now. In Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #2, an ongoing series, they get to really explore the Ape society in depth and it feels like they're just starting to scratch the surface of this property, which hasn't even begun to wear out. You don't need to have read that which came before, or even seen the movies to dig this story of strife among the apes, and what can only be some kind of forthcoming... cataclysm. Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #2 Written by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko Art by Damien Couceiro BOOM! Studios - $3.99 Music: Main Title - Planet of the Apes Original Soundtrack Jerry Goldsmith

One of 2012′s most anticipated comics, Happy! #1, combines the writing of Grant Morrison with the art of Darick Robertson to bring us a modern Christmas story in a way that only Morrison and Robertson could dream up. Meet Nick Sax, a down on his luck ex-cop who, after a hit goes wrong, finds out his fate is tied in with a flying blue horse named Happy! If that isn’t enough to get you on board, than I don’t know what you’d need. We chat with Grant Morrison about the origins of Happy! and what his thoughts on creator owned work and Christmas movies. Happy! #1 Written by Grant Morrison Art by Darick Robertson Image Comics – $2.99 Music: “Happy” Ned’s Atomic Dustbin

Geronimo! Paul thumbs a ride on the TARDIS with Andy Diggle, lead writer of IDW's all new Doctor Who ongoing! With which of the time lord's many incarnations did Diggle first venture into the vast reaches of time and space? What does he think about the 11th and current Doctor portrayed on television by Matt Smith? Will the timey be wibbly-wobbly? Hold on to your fez and find out in the latest Don't Miss podcast! DOCTOR WHO #1 Written by Andy Diggle Art and Cover by Mark Buckingham The Doctor is back! Welcome to a new, exciting era for everyone’s favorite Time Lord, as New York Times bestselling writer Andy Diggle (The Losers) pilots the TARDIS as the ongoing series architect. Joining him for this first arc is Eisner Award-winning artist Mark Buckingham (Fables), who also will provide covers for the series. Geronimo! FC • 32 pages • $3.99 IDW Publishing Music: "Doctor Who XI" "I am the Doctor" Murray Gold and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Walter Simonson is an actual living and working legend in comics, and the good news is that he doesn’t seem like he’s close to done. The man draws and writes this original graphic novel, The Judas Coin, which works a bit like an anthology that spans distant corners of the DC Universe, following the cursed payment for the betrayal of Christ, but also featuring Batman. Simonson is still very much pushing and challenging himself with comics at a point in his career where many would just sit back and put it on cruise control, and it’s incredibly inspiring. The Judas Coin HC Written and Drawn by Walter Simonson Color/96 Pages/$22.99 DC Comics Music: Boy With a Coin Iron and Wine

IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mythos has grown incredibly rich and inventive over a very short amount of time. With their recent Micro Series of dedicated character studies, that depth has increased exponentially. But with the turtles, Master Splinter, Casey Jones and April O'Neil all accounted for, who's next in line? This week, writer Paul Allor introduces the tragic and adorable rogue robot Fugitoid into the mix for his IDW debut. Whose mind resides within the complex matrices of that android chassis, and why is he constantly on the run? Grab a slice and settle in for one radical ride! Music: "Ninja Rap" Vanilla Ice

DC Comics’ line of one-shots re-imagining some of its more obscure heroes for modern readers continues this week with National Comics: Looker #1. Paul sits down with writer Ian Edginton to discuss Emily Briggs, an undead supermodel who puts the “vamp” in vampire. Eternal youth might seem like a major boon for a glamourous pinup, but what if that gift also comes with the inability to cast a reflection or show up in photographs? How does the stunning Ms. Briggs explain her sudden reluctance to prance and pose on the catwalk? And will she ultimately use her newfound powers for good or ill? Music: “The Girl Can’t Help it” Little Richard

The Marvel MAX iteration of Frank Castle may have met his maker earlier this year, but a guy like that is bound to leave behind a lockbox or two, right? This week faithful readers inherit a lost case file from our dearly departed Punisher. Untold Tales of Punisher MAX #3 is a one-and-done story from crime writer Megan Abbott and artist Matteo Baffagni. Paul talks to the author about making the jump to comics and coaxing Frank Castle’s long shadow to the tranquil suburbs. What film noir masterworks inspired Abbott’s vision, and what other seedy comic locales would she like to visit in the future? All this, plus Abbott’s woefully unpublished debut for the defunct Vertigo Crime line and the prospect of Punisher vs….high school cheerleaders? And don’t miss Megan Abbott’s new prose novel Dare Me, in stores now. Music: “Is That Clear” Nick Waterhouse

As if the story of Daredevil from Marvel Comics couldn’t get any better, editor Steve Wacker blows everyone away with just one artist. After bringing Mark Waid on to write the relaunched title, and pairing him with artistic talents such as Marcos Martin, Paolo Rivera, and Chris Samnee. And now with Daredevil #17, the king of pop comics art, Mike Allred joins the fray. We catch up with the artist to hear how a simple letter lead to bringing him not only to Daredevil, but to return back to Marvel with ongoing work. Music: Dare The Wedding Present

Tom King didn’t write a comic book. He wrote a book. But it’s not a book about comic books. It’s a book that’s about what a lot of comic books are about: superheroes. In that book, he does have comics, drawn by none other than Tom Fowler, one of the resident geniuses in comics. Before being an author, King held the following positions: intern for Vertigo Comics, assistant to Chris Claremont, CIA counterterrorism officer. Yes, those are all true. And yet now, he’s written the story of a world where the superheroes have all given up their powers, and become less magnificent, and more mundane. Clearly the skies are no longer crowded. It’s a novel unlike any you’ve ever read before, but it’s not just a comic book story converted to prose. It’s also a much more beautiful package than a lot of novels you’ll see on the shelves. A Once Crowded Sky Written by Tom King Art by Tom Fowler 326 pages/$26.00 Touchstone/Simon and Shuster Music: The Sky is Falling Queens of the Stone Age

What started as a cool concept for a T-Shirt evolved into a web comics sensation, and is now hitting the bookshelves in it’s first collected edition. Battlepug creator Mike Norton walks us through the brief history of his epic “Pet Project” and let’s us know what to expect in this extras packed print edition. Battlepug Vol 1 By Mike Norton $14.99 – Dark Horse Music: Jonny Quest / Stop That Pigeon Reverend Horton Heat

Anthony Bourdain is well known in the food world, first for his years a chef in New York City, then as an author of books like Kitchen Confidential, and then as a TV host on the show No Reservations, but now Bourdain joins Joel Rose in writing the graphic novel Get Jiro! with art by Langdon Foss. Set in the near future in Los Angeles, the world has we know it is shot to hell. Everything is broken down, save for one thing: Food. The new economy and celebrity is built around food and warring factions of corporate dining vs. vegans wage war while a sole hero and sushi chef stands in the middle. We chat with co-writer Joel Rose about the origins of the graphic novel and what it was like to bring it all together as Bourdain and Rose craft an amazing world that comes to life thanks to Langdon Foss. It will have you forever questioning ordering that California Roll. Get Jiro! Written by Anthony Bourdain and Joel Rose Art by Langdon Foss 160 pages/$24.99 Vertigo/DC Comics Music: “With or Without U2″ Jawbreaker

This week we’re looking at a science-fiction double feature with two new #1 issues set on some very dangerous planets! First up, Paul Montgomery catches up with writer and artist Ken Garing, whose Graphicly exclusive Planetoid #1 is about to relaunch in print at Image Comics. Who is Silas and how did he end up on an inhospitable rock lorded over by giant mechanical despots? What new perils await the rugged space pirate on the mysterious Planetoid? Planetoid #1 Written by Ken Garing Art by Ken Garing 32 pages/$2.50 Image Comics Later, Paul hits the high seas of the near future with writer Brian Wood. In a “post-war, post-crash, post-disaster, post-everything world” only Callum Israel and his intrepid Ninth Wave crew of eco adventurers can track and rescue their missing sister ship The Massive. How steeped in reality is this spiritual successor to Wood’s DMZ? Where will their search take the Kapital and her crew in this strange new dystopia? The Massive #1 Writer: Brian Wood Artist: Kristian Donaldson Colorist: Dave Stewart Cover Artist: Brian Wood, Kristian Donaldson 32 pages/$3.50 Dark Horse Comics Music: “DLZ” TV on the Radio