Comic Book Couples Counseling Podcast

INT. CLAYFACE - DAY/NIGHT/WHATEVER. There are two wolves (desperation and artistic integrity) tearing into each other. The disgraced Basil Karlo will do anything to get his face (or someone else's face atop his face) on the screen again. Unfortunately, even after cheating and slaughtering his way to his goal, Karlo's damn creative principles threaten to ruin his bright lights, big city dreams. Batman: One Bad Day - Clayface #1 is a sensational trip into the murderous mudsliding thespian's soul. Told brilliantly and empathically by the writing duo Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, the DC Comics one-shot offers an authentic and horrific insight into the creative pursuit. Considering our own history of artistic failure and success, Kelly and Lanzing tap into something deeply personal, delivering a dreadfully relatable Hollywood saga. Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing join us this week to discuss their passion for the shapeshifting monster and how they found themselves in Clayface's agonizing artistic integrity. Their One Bad Day slides perfectly alongside the rest of the DC Comics line exploring Batman's many rogues but also stands out as something brutally additive. Their Clayface is the one many of us first encountered in Batman: The Animated Series, but speaking to the moment, the right now. Batman: One Bad Day - Clayface #1 takes on power imbalance culture and the poison that infects the eager, and the desperate. We chat about their own La La Land experiences and whether they took this opportunity as a moment of exorcism. We also dive into Xermánico's insanely rich illustrations fueling the narrative, as well as those evocative colors provided by Romulo Fajardo Jr. How could you not, right? This comic is gorgeous. Continue this conversation with Collin Kelly by following his Twitter. Track down Jackson Lanzing via his Twitter and Instagram. Most importantly, seek out Batman: One Bad Day - Clayface #1, now available wherever fine comic books are sold. Don't forget! Check out the latest episode of The B&B Show, Brad's Picks the 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023, HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

Nothing has a greater influence over your life than your thoughts; rather they are negative or positive. This is true for Superman, Lex Luthor, Brad Gullickson, Lisa Gullickson, Joshua Williamson, and Jamal Campbell. On this week's podcast, we chat with the two comic creators about Clark Kent's impact on their lives as well as his impact on the greater DC Comics universe. Their Superman #1 hits comic shops this Tuesday, and with it comes an exciting new take on the character and those that flock around him. Williamson and Campbell's narrative positions the Clark Kent/Lex Luthor relationship forward without side-stepping those other supporting roles we adore. The first issue actually opens with Pete Ross's influence on a young Clark and examines how that friendship lingers into Superman's adulthood. How these relations shape each other allows us to consider the power friends and strangers have on us, and beautifully, Williamson and Campbell were willing to go there with us. Our conversation also considers Superman's importance as a cultural icon, and we dig into the difficulty of steering such a symbol. We explore whether there is a romance between Lex Luthor and Clark Kent while teasing out some details as to where Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell are possibly pushing their caped crusader. Also, what kind of tunes does Pete Ross place on a mixtape for a young Clark Kent? Williamson has definite opinions. So do we. Keep up to date on all things Joshua Williamson by following him on Twitter, Instagram, and Substack. Follow Jamal Campbell through his Twitter, Instagram, and Website. Superman #1 from DC Comics arrives on 2/21. Other Relevant Links: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania CBCC Patreon Episode Superman: The Movie w/Shawn Eastridge Dan Jurgens on The Death of Superman Mark Waid, Nicole Maines, & Leah Williams on Lazarus Planet Don't forget! Check out the latest episode of The B&B Show, Brad's Picks the 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023, HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

Hang on! Dan Slott joins Comic Book Couples Counseling for an epic, in-depth conversation about his Silver Surfer run, which he did in collaboration with Mike Allred and Laura Allred. No other comic has had as profound an impact on our relationship as this one, especially when you consider that Dawn Greenwood and Norrin Radd were the inspiration for the podcast. In many ways, we've spent our entire time on this show preparing for the deep-dive chat you're about to hear. In creator corner conversations, we usually do our best to avoid spoilers. However, this is an intensive exploration of the Slott/Allred Silver Surfer run. We encourage you to read the entire thing before venturing within as we start with the end and work our way backward. We promise you that Dan Slott has never discussed this series in this much detail or from this particular angle.  Slott offers a second opinion on the Dawn & Norrin romance. We throw at him the lessons we learned throughout our five previous Silver Surfer episodes, and he reflects a few ideas and rejects some others. He walks us through his emotions while creating the series, and his dreams for what more he could have said if given a few extra issues. Yes, we discuss several deleted scenes. A new printing of the Silver Surfer omnibus from Marvel Comics arrives on March 7th. Make some space on your bookshelf, because you don't want to miss out on this one like you did the first one. Make sure to follow Dan Slott via Twitter and Instagram. Previous CBCC Silver Surfer Episodes: Episode 1 - A New Dawn Bonus Episode - Norrin, Dawn, & Groot Episode 2 - Worlds Apart Episode 3 - Last Days Episode 4 - A Power Greater Than Cosmic Other Relevant Links: Brad Talkin' The Last of Us on A Bite Of CBCC on The Short Box Podcast Brad Talkin' the DCU on The Oblivion Bar Brad Talkin' 2023's Most Anticipated Movies on The Oblivion Bar Subscribe to The Comics Collective for More Norrin & Dawn Ride the Omnibus Lisa Writes About Dawn Greenwood for Comics Bookcase Don't forget! Check out the latest episode of The B&B Show, Brad's Picks the 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2023, HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

We bring our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series to a close with the final Turtle story as envisioned thirty years ago by the original TMNT creators, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. In The Last Ronin, we find the last living Ninja Turtle marching into a Foot Clan-occupied New York City, determined to end the fight that consumed his family. He's beaten, bruised, and maybe a little deluded. After all, the spirits of his three dead brothers haunt his waking world. As discussed in our Martian Manhunter episode, grief builds a monument in our hearts. His brothers are gone, but their lives still influence the remaining turtle's path. For better and for worse. The Last Ronin exposes a darkness fueling the family's mission and allows us to discuss aspects of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that our previous episodes denied. Helping us understand the TMNT familial dynamics is Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., and her book "The Sibling Survival Guide: Surefire Ways to Solve Conflicts, Reduce Rivalry, and Have More Fun with Your Brothers and Sisters, illustrated by Kara McHale. Comic issues covered in this episode: The Last Ronin 1 - 5, produced by IDW Publishing from October 2020 to April 2022. It's based on a story by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Tom Waltz, with scripts written by Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz. The comic is illustrated by Esau Escorza, Isaac Escorza, Ben Bishop, and Kevin Eastman. Layouts by Kevin Eastman. Colors by Luis Antonio Delgado with color assists by Samuel Plata and Ronda Pattison. Letters and design by Shawn Lee. Previous CBCC TMNT Episodes: CBCC Interviews Kevin Eastman CBCC on TMNT: The Movie w/Bryan Young CBCC on TMNT: The Mirage Studios Years CBCC on TMNT: The Archie Years Other Relevant Links: 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Lone Wolf and Cub at the Alamo Drafthouse Howard the Duck Patreon Episode Chip Zdarsky Howard the Duck Intro If Books Could Kill: The Game The Last Ronin Patreon Episode The Last Ronin Oral History on Inverse Lisa talkin' Twilight on Comics Collective Brad talkin' The Last of Us on A Bite Of Don't forget! Check out the latest episode of The B&B Show, Brad's Picks the 10 Best Movies of 2022, HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

The latest DC Comics event is here - Lazarus Planet! Spearheaded by Mark Waid and Gene Luen Yang and carried forth by writers like Nicole Maines and Leah Williams, the crossover radically alters DC's science-based and magic-based heroes. Chaos rains, and chaos reigns. Heroes transformed. Secrets revealed. Powers unleashed. As seen in Batman vs. Robin #4, Lazarus Island has exploded. Dangerous, magical chemicals spread across the globe, catastrophically changing the atmosphere and the heroes who fight below it. The DC Comics Universe will never be the same again. And you will absolutely become a fan of Monkey Prince, Dreamer, and Power Girl if you're not already. On this week's episode, we're extremely excited (and we do mean extremely) to have Mark Waid back on the show, this time talking about our favorite father/son caped crusaders, Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne. We break down where various DC characters fall on the magic/science spectrum and where Mark Waid falls too. We're also thrilled to have Nicole Maines and Leah Williams on the podcast, discussing their contributions to the Lazarus Planet: Assualt on Krypton one-shot. The book establishes a new world order for their characters, Dreamer and Power Girl. Folks who will become increasingly essential in the wake of the Lazarus Island eruption. Maines and Williams also consider their relationship with science and magic and how it informs their roles as creators. Maines obviously has a unique bond with Dreamer, having performed as her on the CW's Supergirl. We chat about that responsibility and why it's important for her to be the character's caretaker in the comics. Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton is Leah Williams' introduction to DC Comics work. She's positively giddy about pushing Power Girl through the wringer in the upcoming issues of Action Comics, and she assures us that the Kryptonian's journey begins right here with the Lazarus Island fallout. The changes experienced in the one-shot forever mutate our understanding of Power Girl; she's not just a fringe universe Supergirl.  Both Lazarus Planet: Alpha and Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton are currently available wherever fine comics are sold. Make sure to follow Mark Waid on Twitter and through his Website. Follow Nicole Maines on Twitter and Instagram. And follow Leah Williams on Twitter and Instagram. Listen to our previous Mark Waid conversation HERE. Check out the latest episode of The B&B Show, Brad's Picks for the 10 Best Movies of 2022, HERE. Don't forget! We're screening Howard the Duck on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Done in collaboration with the Four Color Fantasies comic book shop. Get your tickets HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

We like big worlds, and we cannot lie. We like them, even more, when they come packed in extra thick premiere issues. Black Cloak #1 from creators Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren is the first event comic of 2023. It presents a massive, fantastical world jammed with magic, mystery, and mermaids. One part procedural, one part political intrigue, all parts pointedly compelling and weird as hell. After devouring the first three issues, we came away from Black Cloak wickedly captivated and brimming with curiosity. And yes, we had plenty of questions too. Thankfully, Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren agreed to come on the show and break them down with us. In this week's episode, we chat with Thompson and McClaren about the bottled anxiety they've created in their powder keg city, Kiros. We discuss why they structured the book the way they did, why McClaren is as in the dark about the city's future as we are, and why confusion is a mighty weapon in winning over your audience. Also, we consider whether or not Black Cloak's comparisons to Saga are fair or accurate. Relevant Links to this Week's Discussion: Watch The B & B Show via PGCTV Listen to our previous Rogue & Gambit episode Listen to our previous Mr. & Mrs. X episode Black Cloak #1 is currently available from Image Comics. Keep up to date with everything going on in Kiros via Kelly Thompson's Substack. Follow Kely Thompson via Twitter and Instagram. Follow Meredith McClaren on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.  Don't forget! We're screening Howard the Duck on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Done in collaboration with the Four Color Fantasies comic book shop. Get your tickets HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

We can't quit vampires. Just when you think you've seen every mythological iteration, a creator comes along with a new take on the bloodsuckers. Blood Oath by Alex Segura, Rob Hart, and Joe Eisma arrived before our eyeballs at the perfect moment. The vicious vampire twist that plops our favorite fanged beasts amongst the gangs puppeteering the Prohibition era was the most delightful way for Lisa to extend her current undead obsession, ignited mostly by her recent Twilight re-read. She will not accept any comments on that sparkly infatuation at this time, although we do get into it during this week's opening banter. The ComiXology original Blood Oath joyfully adds a new element to the seemingly tired monster mash concept. We chat with Alex Segura about what he hoped to accomplish with his take on the creatures. We also discuss why our culture, and most other cultures, can't shake these particular monsters either. Also, how do you like your damnation? With or without God involved? Of course, Segura is an incredibly busy writer these days, and 2022 proved to be a stupendously successful year for him as well. In addition to Blood Oath, we talk about his vigilante/journalism thriller The Black Ghost and his award-winning new novel, Secret Identity. Look no further if your hustle needs some inspiration. Blood Oath and The Black Ghost are available from ComiXology, and The Black Ghost's first two trade paperbacks are available from Dark Horse Comics. Keep track of all those mighty fine Alex Segura stories via his Twitter, Instagram, and Website. Don't forget! We're screening Howard the Duck on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Done in collaboration with the Four Color Fantasies comic book shop. Get your tickets HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

Determining the Best Comics of 2022 requires more space than the usual Comic Book Couples Counseling conversation. More space and several more voices! In Part Two of our epic year-end celebration, we invite another cool cadre of guests on the show to name their favorite books from the previous year. Several titles you may expect, but a whole bunch of others should come as a surprise. We're not NPR, we're not IGN. We're the CBCC Podcast! If you missed last week's selection of great books, click HERE to catch up. With those goodies firmly locked in your brain, let's move to the biggest categories featuring the year's biggest winners. Somewhere below, you'll find the real-deal Best Comic of 2022. Any guesses? You're probably right. Part Two Timestamps: Writer of the Year - 12:24 Artist of the Year - 21:58 Best Superhero Comic - 29:51 Scariest Comic - 44:47 Best Digital Release - 53:31 Best Ongoing Series - 1:01:22 Best Original Graphic Novel - 1:12:06 Best Limited Series - 1:23:19 Celebrity Guest Stars: Dallas (@dallas_comics), Anne (@AnneComics), and Lexi (@lexilou_comics) from The Comics Collective Jessika (@jessikawitha) and Mike (@vansau) from Ten Cent Takes Dan Gvozden (@SupSpiderTalk) from Amazing Spider-Talk Guido (GuiAlexSan) and Rob (@robertribar) from Dear Watchers Vactor (@Vactor) from Comic Book Kaiju Adam Reck (@arthurstacy) from Battle of the Atom and ComicsXF David Brooke (@nosocialize) from AIPT Kat Calamia (@ComicUno) from Comic Uno Aaron (@betteractions) and Chris (@chacker41) from The Oblivion Bar Don't forget! We're screening Howard the Duck on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Done in collaboration with the Four Color Fantasies comic book shop. Get your tickets HERE. Also, find your nearest Little Free Library HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

HAP...PY NEW YEAR! We close out December doing what we love most: rambling about comic books! And this year, we're joined by a bevy of guests who help us recognize the Best Comics of 2022. We've scurried and scrambled during the last several weeks, racing to read and re-read as many comic books as possible. 2022 was a banner year for the industry, certainly in terms of quality. Narrowing our two-part end-of-the-year extravaganza down to a few handfuls of books proved nearly impossible. Thankfully, our celebrity callers, springing from the best podcasts and websites, were eager to jump in and champion the comics we missed out on. In Part One of our Best Comics of 2022 episode, we finally decided on a moniker for our Comic Book Couples Counseling awards. We won't spoil it here, but we hope you're as happy with it as we are. We kick off the festivities commemorating the year's best cat comic before diving into some brilliant nonfiction work, then some single-issue celebration, and finally closing out our show with the best All-Ages and Young Adult graphic novels. Part One Category Timestamps: Best Cat Comic - 8:07 Best Memoir - 17:10  Best First Issue - 27:03 Best Single Issue - 36:12 Best All-Ages Comic - 44:41 Best Young Adult Comic - 56:34 Celebrity Guest Stars: Nathan Simmons (@whatastorynate) from AIPT Badr Milligan (@TheShortBoxJax) from The Short Box: A Comic Talk Show Chris and Lance (@CBKast) from The Comic Book Keepers Zack Quaintance (@ComicsBookcase) from The Beat Christian Holub (@cmholub) from Entertainment Weekly Jamie Garner (@jamiegeeksout) from For Everyone Media Remember, this episode is only Part One of our Best Comics of 2022. Return next for Part Two, featuring an even weirder and wilder collection of comics. Plus, more celebrity appearances! Don't forget! We're screening Howard the Duck on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Done in collaboration with the Four Color Fantasies comic book shop. Get your tickets HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.

Close your eyes. Picture the longest strand of regret dangling in your memory. Want to clip it? What would your life be like if you could go back in time and fix that one annoying problem? In G.I.L.T. (the Guild of Independent Lady Temporalists), writer Alisa Kwitney proposes the possibility for at least one woman to repair her calamitous history and, in the process, drop an unwitting sidekick into the tricky solution as well. The acerbic science fiction adventure from Ahoy Comics is one of the most delightful books of the year. G.I.L.T. triggers passionate conversation between us, and we were honored to have Kwitney on the show to break down our feelings regarding her characters and our own wobbly past. As always, we get vulnerable. Just in time for New Year's! Done in collaboration with the artist Mauricet, G.I.L.T. challenges societal notions of shame, guilt, and happily ever after. Kwitney tells us how her heroines, Hildy and Trista, allowed her to look backward and inward. The sci-fi engine operates as a cathartic excavation, offering relief to her and a willing reader. Do we also talk The Sandman? Well, we couldn't have a former Sandman assistant editor on the show and not dish a little about our pal Morpheus. Make sure you stick to the end for that giddy bit of FMK. Most importantly, seek out G.I.L.T. from Ahoy Comics, available wherever the finest graphic novels are sold. Follow Alisa Kwitney via her Twitter and Website. Don't forget! We're screening Howard the Duck on the big screen at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Done in collaboration with the Four Color Fantasies comic book shop. Get your tickets HERE. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.