Matt and Mike Read Comics episode 14 is the final part in our Starman series. For those of you just coming to the party, Mike and I have been reading the two gigantic compendiums of James Robinson’s run on Starman. This is a run on a title that flies under the radar (I didn’t know about it until Mike introduced me to it) but HOLY SHIT. HOLY SHIT. It’s been a long time since I’ve read such a complete and engaging story with rich characters and plot threads that stretch throughout the entire narrative and resolve in the most satisfying ways. It’s just a master class in storytelling and some of the best comic work I’ve ever read. Seriously. Absolutely brilliant work by James Robinson. Let’s not forget the art. Tony Harris took up most of the penciling duties in the first compendium, but in the second compendium we are treated to a plethora of artists who all bring their unique perspectives to this sprawling story. Incredible, through and through. Top tier comic book. Everyone must read. All of it.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 14: Starman Part 3

Episode 15 of Matt and Mike Read Comics goes into one of the most legendary stories in all of comics lore - the Dark Phoenix saga as featured in Uncanny X-Men. Most people in Matt’s generation will remember first seeing this story played out in the original 90’s animated show on Fox Kids, but the original story was published in comics easily 15 years earlier. It was the first time in comics where a hero of Jean Grey’s stature and tenure was truly and entirely killed. It was a landmark moment in comics that set the stage for years to come.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 15: X-Men Dark Phoenix

Batman: Knightfall on episode 16 of Matt and Mike Read Comics. The classic story where Batman finally lost and the introduction of the truly terrifying villain known as Bane. Batman’s rogues gallery is hard to compare to, but rarely had there been a villain like Bane. Others had come close to beating Batman, but never truly succeeded. Bane’s desire to both know and beat his enemy was a new approach to villainy in the Batman world. Following Batman’s defeat, Jean Paul Valley takes up the mantle in the most 90’s way possible. We cover it all on this episode of Matt and Mike Read Comics.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 16: Batman Knightfall

On episode 17 of Matt and Mike Read Comics we read Cereal from Ahoy comics. It’s a perfectly satirical blend of What We Do In the Shadows, Monster Squad, and of course breakfast cereal. This book is hilarious in many ways while still telling a captivating and coherent story about war and love. And also cereal. Breakfast is Matt’s favorite meal of the day and Mike loves his breakfast cereal so this book was a match made in heaven. Written by Mark Russell and illustrated by Peter Snjeberg, this book is a must read.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 17: Cereal

On episode 18 of Matt and Mike Read Comics we dive into the world of Southern Bastards. Another wonderful recommendation from Mike, Southern Bastards starts off as a seemingly run-of-the-mill reluctant-loner-saves-the-day sort of story set in the deep south where football runs all, even crime. Despite it’s on-the-surface paint by numbers plot, the characters are suprisingly deep and relatable. And then just when you think it’s going to be a tale you’ve heard before, the presumtive hero gets killed. Now what? I did NOT see that twist coming and then the story really takes off. Needless to say, I am excited to read more of this series!

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 18: Southern Bastards

Episode 19 of Matt and Mike Read Comics is a special occasion because we are starting on one of my favorite comic series that I’ve read in the last decade, Locke and Key. Written by Joe Hill and illustrated by the insanely talented Gabriel Rodriguez, this comic is a fantasy horror tale that expertly weaves in a coming-of-age story for its teen and preteen protagonists. Asking the question of “what if” in a house full of magical keys, the Locke children will learn that the imagination of a child is truly that, and that it can be deadly.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 19: Locke And Key Vol 1

Episode 20 of Matt and Mike Read Comics is magical. We dive into the weird world created by Neil Gaiman in the Books of Magic. Taking place in the DC universe, The Books of Magic follows young Tim Hunter as he is approached by the Trenchcoat brigade and asked to make a decision; be involved in the world of magic or not. Tim can either become the greatest magician to ever live, or the most evil. The choice would be his and familiar faces like John Constantine and Mister E are there to help show him the possible ramifications of his decision. Very much in the voice of Nail Gaiman, and featuring some of his other classic characters, this book delivers a beautiful story about choice and the future. Special guest Melissa is back on the pod!!

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 20: Neil Gaiman's The Books Of Magic

Episode 21 of Matt and Mike (and I guess Melissa) Read Comics takes place in the world of Planetary. A byproduct of the early days of Image, and Wildstorm in particular, Planetary ranks as one of the most unique comics that we’ve ever read. Masterfully crafted storytelling by Warren Ellis and the late John Cassady with deeply flawed yet likable characters, Planetary truly takes you on a ride. You aren’t immediately certain where that ride is taking you, but as the layers eventually fall back and the story truly begins to blossom and connect, you see why this series is so well regarded. We had a lot of fun reading this one.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 21: Planetary

Episode 22 of Matt and Mike (and Melissa) Read Comics dives into Joss Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men. On the heels of Grant Morrison’s bizarre, confusing, and often downright boring run on New X-Men, the camp and straightforward superhero storytelling of Joss Whedon was a true breath of fresh air. The classic yellow-and-blue themed suits are back. A new team is formed. A new villain arrives from another planet with a cryptic message about the power of a mutant destroying their homeworld. And on top of all of that, a “cure” for mutants. And…AND in a stroke of brilliant storytelling Whedon pulls off a move that has since been so reused that it almost feels stale, but when this book came out it was a truly remarkable comic moment - the return of Colossus. A character that had been dead in comics for years makes a stunning and cinematic return in Astonishing X-Men. Whedon and the late John Cassady craft one of the best X-Men storylines in the 21st century with Astonishing X-Men and you all should be reading this.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 22: Astonishing X-Men

Episode 23 of Matt and Mike (and Melissa) Read Comics is a one-off from one of our favorite authors, Cullen Bunn. The Midnite Show. An homage to the midnight showing of horror movies of old, the story begins with legendary horror director Basil Saxon (best name ever) working on his magnum opus when a tragic fire destroys the production. The movie is, allegedly, never finished and lost to history. Until the present when what was thought to be lost footage has been found and is now being shown at a - you guessed it - midnight show! But the movie is cursed, and famed monsters of old start popping up in the real world and a group of civilians is stuck in the middle. Bodies drop EVERYWHERE. Just when you think you know who the main character, the hero, is - BOOM - fucking dead. Loved every panel of this book.

Matt and Mike Read Comics Episode 23: Midnite Show

Welcome to the Revue Podcast Network, featuring Flickin' It, Canon Fodder,  Talking Tacos, and Matt and Mike Read Comics! This is a network for podcasters and guests where we cover everything from movies, comics, pop culture, local businesses, community activity, local nightlife, hotspots, and of course...tacos. Come in and join the fun...or a podcast! 

Recorded all over NJ.

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