Episodes

Black Zack and his 7 year old android daughter Charlotte continue our six part series on the works of Osamu Tezuka. Comics covered in this episode: – Black Jack Topics discussed: – Is Black Jack more successful as a long-term series of individual stories than Astro Boy? – Who’s Euthanasia Guy? – How much can Zack neglect his podcast duties before Charlotte finally snaps (and demands a raise)? Next up, we’re concluding our six month series covering the work of Osumu Tezuka: 6. Message To Ad...

Zackoko (lives in crate) and One-Eyed Charlo (locked Zack in crate) continue our six part series on the works of Osamu Tezuka. Comics covered in this episode: – Ayako & Buddha Topics discussed: – Is Buddha the most representational of both of Tezuka’s styles in its balance of maturity and silliness? – Do we really understand the allegory behind Ayoko? – How does Buddha work as a historical text? Next up, we’re continuing our six month series covering the work of Osumu Tezuka: 5. Black Jac...

A sentient sperm, a human dog, and the sexiest podcaster alive (Dave, Charlotte, and Zack, not necessarily in that order) continue our six part series on the works of Osamu Tezuka. CW: These comics contain very graphic depictions of sexual violence. Comics covered in this episode: – Swallowing the Earth, Apollo’s Song, Ode to Kirihito, The Book of Human Insects & MW Topics discussed: – Zack makes the most insane comparison to a modern comic writer (but is correct). – Do we prefer Tezuka’s v...

HyZackimaru , who only has one real body part (wink), and his feisty sidekick DorCharlotte continue our six part series on the works of Osamu Tezuka. Comics covered in this episode: – Kimba the White Lion, Princess Knight, & Dororo Topics discussed: – What new techniques do we see Tezuka employ as his career progressed? – Is Princess Knight feminist? Sexist? Both? Neither?! – Does Tezuka work well in a serialized style or would self-contained works suit him better? Next up, we’re continuin...

TeZacka, the godfather of comic book podcasts, and Astro Charlotte begin six two part series on the works of Osamu Tezuka. Comics covered in this episode: – Metropolis & Astro Boy Topics discussed: – What formal aspects of Astro Boy do we see trickle into manga today, 60 years later? – Is Astro the least interesting part of his own comic? – Will Astro ever make a friend who won’t die a horrific death? Next up, we’re doing a six month series covering the work of Osuma Tezuka: 2. Kimba the Wh...

Zack, the monster above all monsters, and underwater grouch Charlotte wrap up our two part series on the works of Juni Ba. On this episode we cover the latest works by Ba. Comics covered in this episode: -Robin: Boy Wonder, The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber, & Mobilis Topics discussed: – What themes emerge as artistic preoccupations of Ba’s after having read all his work? – Does focusing on similar themes with each comic strengthen each or produce diminishing returns? – Where does Ba’...

Charlotte, the royal podcaster, and the last prince of podcasting, Manzack begin our two part series on the works of Juni Ba. On this episode we cover the first two major works by Ba. Comics covered in this episode: – Djeliya – Monkey Meat Topics discussed: – Do all the influences Ba brings together in these comics equal more than the sum of their parts? – Is Ba successful as an “ambassador” bringing West African folklore to non-African readers? – Why even ask these questions when the answ...

Charlotte Funhomo and The Secret to Superhuman Zack conclude our two part series on the works of Alison Bechdel. On this episode we cover Bechdel’s three major memoirs. Comics covered in this episode: – Fun Home -Are You My Mother -The Secret to Superhuman Strength Topics discussed: – How can we talk about a work that is so closely tied with its author without casting judgement on the human being? – Would you smoke a blunt with Alison? – How do these books examine (without explicitly doin...

Charlotte (WATCH OUT!) and Zack (WATCH OUT! (but for different reasons)) begin our two part series on the works of Alison Bechdel. On this episode we cover her long-running comic strip, Dykes to Watch Out For. Comics covered in this episode: – The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For Topics discussed: – How does intersectionality come into play, and how does each character’s privilege play a role in it? – Would you smoke a blunt with Mo? – How does Bechdel evoke the changing attitudes towards t...

Charlotte (sinner) and Zack (sinner) are joined by Stephen Adkison aka Spike Stonehand (pure) as we wrap up our six part series on Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman and a selection of its spin-off titles. On this episode we cover the second half of Mike Carey’s 75 issue run of Lucifer. Comics covered in this episode (all available on DC Universe Infinite Ultra): – Lucifer Omnibus Vol. 2: Lucifer #36-75 & House of Mystery Halloween Annual #2: Infernal Bargains: Just Say No! Topics discussed: – What is...

Charlotte (devil) and Zack (angel) are joined by Dave Buesing (centrist) as we continue our six part series on Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman and a selection of its spin-off titles. On this episode we cover the first half of Mike Carey’s much-lauded 75 issue run of Lucifer. Oh you mean the show about a police consultant who has demon face? No! Well… kind of. Not really. Comics covered in this episode: – Lucifer Omnibus Vol. 1: Sandman Presents: Lucifer #1–3 & Lucifer #1-35 & Lucifer: Nirvana #1 Top...

Zack (CARDBOARD BOX FORM) and the Charlotte (Terrifying little girl form) continue our six part series on Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman and a selection of its spin-off titles. The Sandman is one of the most respected and enduring comics of the 90s, if not of all time, but does it live up to its lofty reputation? Join us as we delve into the land of dreams! Comics covered in this episode: – Seasons of Mist, A Game of You, and Fables and Reflections: Sandman # 21-40, 50 & The Sandman Special #1 Top...

The Zackinthian and The Charless begin our six part series on Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman and a selection of its spin-off titles. The Sandman is one of the most respected and enduring comics of the 90s, if not of all time, but does it live up to its lofty reputation? Join us as we delve into the land of dreams! Comics covered in this episode: – Preludes & Nocturnes, The Doll’s House, and Dream Country: Sandman #1-20 Topics discussed: – Is Neil Gaiman creating a modern mythology in The Sandman?...

Zack Brad Larry and Charasl end our two part series on Jeff Smith, one of the most famous and important figures in independent comics publishing. This week, we cover the work that comes after one of the biggest successes in comics, an interesting but flawed experience. Comics covered in this episode: – RASL Topics discussed: – How much of Bone can you see in RASL? – What happens when you remove the comedy from Bone? – If you’re a Teslacel, is this comic a better experience? Our next minis...

Zack Creature and Charbone start our two part series on Jeff Smith, one of the most famous and important figures in independent comics publishing. This week, we cover perhaps the most checked out comic book from the kid’s section of the library ever: Bone. Comics covered in this episode: – Bone (issues 1-55) Topics discussed: – Is Bone truly the best all-ages hand-to-anyone universal comic recommendation? – Does Bone balance its comedy and drama all the way through? – Does Bone fulfill the ...

Zack the King of the Eggs and Nosferatu Charlotte finish our two part series on Kentaro Miura’s seminal dark fantasy manga series Berserk. This episode covers volumes 4-14. Comics covered in this episode: – Berserk Vol. 4-13 Topics discussed: – Does this arc retroactively elevate The Black Swordsman arc? – What exactly works (or doesn’t work) about the way Miura portrays sexual violence? – Was Charlotte named after a 90s manga character? Our next miniseries will be on Jeff Smith: Ep 1: B...

Zuck the Fairy and Charlotte “Iron Slab” Fierro begin our two part series on Kentaro Miura’s seminal dark fantasy manga series Berserk. This episode covers the first 3 volumes, and the next episode will cover volumes 4-14. The manga series continues after that but 14 concludes the first big portion and provides a satisfying conclusion if committing to 42 (and counting) volumes seems intimidating. Comics covered in this episode: – Berserk Vol. 1-3 Topics discussed: – Do these opening volumes “...

Charlotte “Booba” Costigan, Tonantzack, and special guest Sara Century wrap up the series covering the renowned comic book publisher Fantagraphics. This is the secondof two episodes covering Love and Rockets, focused on the work of Gilbert Hernandez. Our first episode, five months ago, covered Jaime Hernandez’ work. Comics covered in this episode: – Love and Rockets Library Editions: – Heartbreak Soup – Human Diastrophism – Beyond Palomar Topics discussed: – These comics can be unapproach...

A sexually transmitted Zack-sease and De-Charlotte 21 are covering two Fantagraphics releases graphic novels: – Black Hole (1995) by Charles Burn – Dementia 21 (2018) by Shintaro Kago Topics discussed: – Does the “bug” mean much as a metaphor in Black Hole? Is reading the comic looking for one a mistake? – Is it possible to talk about a comedy comic without just listing our favorite bits? Upcoming episodes in our Fantagraphics miniseries: – Love & Rockets (Gilbert Hernandez) – Love and Ro...

Zackula, Charlacabra, and Tiffany “Blah!”-bb are covering two monstrous graphic novels: – My Favorite Thing is Monsters (2017) by Emil Ferris – Monsters (2021) by Barry Windsor Smith Topics discussed: – How much does the authorial vs. character voice matter to the success of My Favorite Thing is Monsters? – Is Monsters a genre work or literary work? Both? Neither? – What do both these books have in common besides their titles? More than you think! Upcoming episodes in our Fantagraphics min...

The Undigestible Zackum and Millenium Charlotte are covering three separate “stoner comics”: – Dungeon Quest (available on Comixology, vol. 1-4) – Prison Pit (available as a complete collection on Hoopla) – Megg, Mogg, and Owl (read Megahex or Megg & Mogg in Amsterdam to start, then read your fill of other volumes) Topics discussed: – Is there a unifying theme to these comics or did Zack pull it out of thin air? – Why does Prison Pit’s edginess work when so many other comics don’t? – Is Meg...

Zackdick the Comic-Fucker and Charlotte Coleslaw are joined this month by Dave Puesing, founder and CEO of Comic Book Herald. On this episode, we’re covering the seminal Eightball by Daniel Clowes. We’re talking issues #1-18 (what’s included in The Complete Eightball collection). Topics discussed: – Can the comic succeed simply by expressing the inner mind of its author, warts and all? If so, for how long? – Is Dan Pussey the most brutal take-down of comics out there? – Is bugfucking the hei...

Charlotte “Horny Redhead” Costigan, Zackie the Man-chanic, and special guest Sara Century begin a new series covering the renowned comic book publisher Fantagraphics. This is the first of two episodes covering Love and Rockets, focused on the work of Jaime Hernandez. Our second episode, coming in five months, will cover Gilbert Hernandez’ work. Comics covered in this episode: Love and Rockets Library Editions: – Maggie the Mechanic – The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. – Perla La Loca Topics disc...

Dungeon Zack and Shattered Charlotte wrap up our discussion on the work on Lee Knox Ostertag, covering three stand-alone graphic novels. Comics covered in this episode: – Girl From the Sea – Shattered Warrior – Dungeon & Dragons: Dungeon Club Vol. 1 Topics discussed: – Does LKO’s artistic style suit the material of Shattered Warrior? – What if a comic dared to ask “What if someone was horny for Ponyo?” – Does Charlotte really just see me a cube with glasses? Upcoming episodes in our Fan...