“INVINCIBLE” – Episode One Review

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(Review by Erik Slader)

“Invincible” is… hard to describe to the uninitiated. First starting in 2003, this Image comic series by Robert Kirkman (of ‘Walking Dead’ fame) follows a young man, Mark Grayson, who just so happens to be the son of the world’s greatest superhero, but when his own powers kick in, everything changes forever. And that summary doesn’t do it justice, but honestly it’s really hard to go into further detail without spoiling the $#!÷ out of it! 

Long story short, I’ve read the *entire* run of this comic (all 144 issues!), I have the first printings of the first few issues sealed and graded on my shelf, I have several of the graphic novels, and I even have an Invincible t-shirt that I used to wear to comic cons that doesn’t quite fit the way it used to. Suffice it to say, I’m a fan. 

It’s an incredible comic that feels like reading an entire universe of stories told through one title. It’s got everything I’ve ever wanted from a comic book: cool visual storytelling, crazy sci-fi shenanigans, insane superhero brawls, great characters, drama, humor, and gorgeous color-popping panels by artist Ryan Ottley and Kirman’s co-creator, Cory Walker (issues #1-7, 127-132). It’s also has some of the most disturbing moments in comic book history – you guys, it gets dark fast! I mean, Nerdist even called this series “The Game of Thrones of Comics” and I can’t say I disagree.

However, I think one of the most endearing things about this title is that it genuinely feels like an epic saga.

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Comic Zombie Podcast #6: Nerdy Secret Origins

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Issue 6: Nerdy Secret Origins (New to Comics? Start Here!)

Chris and Erik return from the dead to bring you their own personal secret origins into comic fandom *and* how they first met! They also discuss what they’ve been reading recently, including Tom King’s “Mister Miracle”, Donny Cates, Garth Ennis, and “Spider-man: Life Story” by Chip Zdarsky, as well as some recommended starting points for those new to the world of comic books and highlight a couple of their all time favorite Batman graphic novels. 

Segments on this episode:

  • New Comics
  • WTF Moments
  • Essential Reads: Batman

(Episode edited by Erik Slader)

For more random shenanigans, check out our blog at ComicZombie.net! *Also listen to us on Podcasters Assemble!

Network Info

This podcast is a production of the We Can Make This Work (Probably) Network. Follow us below to keep up with this show and discover our many other podcasts! The place for those with questionable taste!

Twitter | Facebook| Instagram: @probablyworkwww.probablywork.comEmail: ProbablyWorkPod@gmail.com

—This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Podcasters Assemble: KONG-ZILLA-THON!

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“KONG-ZILLA-THON!”

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This is it, the battle of the century: It’s King vs God, Zilla vs Kong – as a Fire-Breathing Lizard takes on one Giant Angry Ape – in this no-holds barred clash between the King of the Monsters and the Titan of Skull Island! Who will come out on top? Why are they fighting? How that monkey get so big? Will we survive to find out? Find out on the latest season of Podcasters Assemble (probably)…

  1. KING KONG (1933)
  2. GOJIRA / GODZILLA (1954)
  3. GODZILLA (1998)
  4. KING KONG (2005)
  5. GODZILLA (2014)
  6. KONG: SKULL ISLAND (2017)
  7. GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019)
  8. KING KONG vs GODZILLA (1962)
  9. GODZILLA vs KONG! (2021)
  10. The Best / Worst of Godzilla (and Kong)!
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Comic Zombie Podcast #5: Disney+ / Marvel / Star Wars / DC Announcements!

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Marvel, Star Wars, and DC – Oh my!

(Recorded in December, 2020)

The Comic Zombie Podcast, now on Anchor.FM!

After the worst year of the century (so far), Chris and Erik resurrect the podcast to talk about Disney’s insane deluge of nerd-worthy announcements from Marvel Studios and Lucas Film, as well as HBO Max’s ridiculous 2021 slate of WB / DC movies!

Be warned, this podcast may contain discussions, potential spoilers, or references to: the MCU, the Mandalorian, the Star Wars prequels, the Clone Wars, Wonder Woman 1984, Mortal Kombat, Kong vs Godzilla, Boba Fett, the Bad Batch, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, Thor Love and Thunder, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Suicide Squad, James Gunn, Taika Waititi, Fantastic Four, Hawkeye, Baby Groot, Rogue Squadron, Patty Jenkins, Wandavision, She Hulk, Ms Marvel, the Batman, Black Widow, Blade, Secret Invasion, Skrulls, Andor, Moon Knight, The Eternals, Shang Chi, Armor Wars, Black Panther II, Iron Heart, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Star Wars Visions, Lando, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and What If?!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!

5 Coolest Moments From… Rise of the Midnight Sons

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Ah, Marvel Comics in the early 90’s. What a time to be alive!

In 1990 Marvel struck gold almost accidentally with the revamp of Ghost Rider into the version most people are familiar with today (at least visually). About two years later when the speculator market was humming along and everyone was going to be filthy rich forever, they decided to go one further: revamp the majority of the horror comics from the 1970’s. So we got updated versions of Morbius, the Living Vampire, Blade, Frank Drake and Hannibal King, and even the original (well, at least original flaming head version) Ghost Rider himself, Johhny Blaze, joined in on the action.

The line was (re)launched starting in the pages of Ghost Rider, and spinning out to launch a number of new titles for the line. Each title had varying degrees of success, lasting from anywhere from 16 to nearly 40 issues.

So, behold, Marvel horror comics that were not mature-rated but still featured plenty of messed up stuff, all with just the right amount of 90’s angst, gritted teeth, and smoking in situations in which it’s not only nearly impossible practically, but not worth the trouble, such as: while riding motorcycles, while arguing with a flaming skeleton riding a motorcycle, while fleeing the police, while battling demons, etc, etc! It’s great!

While some of the threads that make it a crossover are pretty thin at times, things come together in the end and Marvel had a new toy box for their creators to get weird in! So, without further ado, here are the 5 coolest moments from RISE OF THE MIDNIGHT SONS.

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Podcasters Assemble! (Star Wars / 007)

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While Chris and Erik are hard at work on an all new season of the Comic Zombie podcast (now on Anchor.Fm!), be sure to check out their work on the last couple seasons of Podcasters Assemble!

Although they initially missed out on the first season (covering the Marvel Cinematic Universe films), they both eagerly jumped on board with the Star Wars saga for Season 2 (after skipping the prequels) and have since been working on Season 3 where they’ve been covering *ALL 25 Bond movies* in a countdown to the latest film in the franchise, “No Time to Die”! (See below for links to episodes.)

Podcasters Assemble: Seasons 1-3

Season 2 – Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

The Star Wars Skywalker Saga
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Top 100 Heroes: 40-31

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The age old questions of comic fans: Batman or Superman? Spider-Man or Wolverine? The debates about the best heroes are endless. We tried to make a top 10 list, but that was just too hard. So we tried a top 25, but that quickly became a top 50… you get the idea. So we were able to ‘narrow’ it down to an even 100. Odds are you will vehemently disagree with who did or did not make the list, or just the order that we placed them. But, hey, it’s our list.

(Honorable mentions to Beta Ray Bill, USAgent, Martian Manhunter, Kid Flash, Hercules, The Frenchman and the Female (the Boys), Abe Sapien, Spider-Man 2099, Static Shock, Nite Owl, Guy Gardner, Booster Gold, Spawn, Atom Eve, Mary Marvel, and a hell of a lot more. So many more we could- and may- do another whole 100 list!)

We will release these in installments of 10 so that you don’t have the longest list ever to read through. Agree with the placement or who made the list? Disagree with the burning power of a thousand suns? Let us know! Enjoy!

(Click here for Part One!)

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5 Coolest Moments From… X-Men: Age of Apocalypse

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We’ve covered the awesome X-Men event that is Age of Apocalypse more than a few times, most notably here and here, and on the podcast here. Top to bottom one of the coolest events in Marvel’s history, it’s nearly impossible to select just a few moments from the list. Each of the titles had something going for them, and all had at least a handful of fanboy moments, awesome action, great character moments, or just something you’d never seen before in an X book.

It’s likely we will revisit this one with another 5 coolest moments, because there certainly aren’t any shortages. But, for now, the 5 coolest moments from the Age of Apocalypse are…

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Top 100 Heroes: 50-41

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greatest-superheroes2

The age old questions of comic fans: Batman or Superman? Spider-Man or Wolverine? The debates about the best heroes are endless. We tried to make a top 10 list, but that was just too hard. So we tried a top 25, but that quickly became a top 50… you get the idea. So we were able to ‘narrow’ it down to an even 100. Odds are you will vehemently disagree with who did or did not make the list, or just the order that we placed them. But, hey, it’s our list.

(Honorable mentions to Beta Ray Bill, USAgent, Martian Manhunter, Kid Flash, Hercules, The Frenchman and the Female (the Boys), Abe Sapien, Spider-Man 2099, Static Shock, Nite Owl, Guy Gardner, Booster Gold, Spawn, Atom Eve, Mary Marvel, and a hell of a lot more. So many more we could- and may- do another whole 100 list!)

We will release these in installments of 10 so that you don’t have the longest list ever to read through. Agree with the placement or who made the list? Disagree with the burning power of a thousand suns? Let us know! Enjoy!

(Click here for Part One!)

 

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Top 10 Worst Costume Redesigns

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Superheroes and their costumes. A great costume design can go a long, long way towards character success. An iconic, visually striking look is really important. You ideally want a suit that sticks around for years and years, to the point that it becomes iconic (ie Superman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Captain America). What you don’t want is to do what a whooooole lot of creators have done over the years, and that is to ‘fix’ what isn’t  broken.

Nobody is immune. Spider-Man, the Flash, Green Lantern, Iron Man… at some point they’ve all had a look that could be kindly described as ‘head scratching’.

While it works out for the better sometimes (and we’ll get to that list at some point), many times the results are… cringe-worthy. In fact, there are so many bad ones that this list could go on for a long, long time, but for now we’ll stick with the top (bottom) 10…

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