Episode 83Greetings, most excellent Explorers! The stellar Summer Special comes to an end with Bill and Ted Are Doomed. This bodacious comic book acts as both a sequel to the first two Bill and Ted movies as well as a prequel to Bill and Ted Face the Music. One would think after a most triumphant ending to Bogus Journey, that our Wyld Stallyns saved the future. However, the future is in peril again! Only this time it’s because they’re in debt and haven’t lived up to their promise. They decide, without any input from their wives or the rest of their band, to go on a world-wide tour to save the future and themselves. The story was written by Evan Dorkin, illustrated by Roger Langridge, and published by Dark Horse Comics.Join Dennis and Johnny as the discuss the career of Evan Dorkin. Next, they delve into the Bill and Ted Universe and where the comic fits in it. Finally, they converse about the innocence of the Bill and Ted characters. Additional topics include our love of Dorkin’s Beasts of Burden; the problematic beginning of the book; the connection between the Breakin’ movies and Bogus Journey; how to make the Crow work (spoiler: you can’t); the extinction of the Rocker Dude of the 80s; the book’s sweet and touching ending; and last, but not certainly not least,  the storytelling and art of Bill and Ted Are Doomed.We'll be back in October 2021 with our annual Halloween Special! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Graphic Novel Explorers Club

Bill and Ted Are Doomed

Episode 82Greetings, Explorers! Our Summer Special keeps on keeping on with Jack Kirby‘s The Demon. In the time of Camelot, Etrigan the Demon was called to Earth from Hell by Merlin the Wizard. Realizing he is unable to control the demon, Merlin bonds the creature to Jason Blood’s soul. From ancient times to modern Gotham City, Blood and the demon battle the likes of Morgaine le Fey, Baron von Evilstein, and Klarion the Witch Boy.Join Johnny and Dennis as guest host Anthony Siino gives them an in-depth history lesson on artist and writer Jack Kirby. Next, they look at Kirby’s history with Marvel and DC and what lead him to create The Demon. Finally, they look at DCEU’s debt to Kirby’s run with DC in the 1970s. Additional topics include modern demonologists; Kirby’s jabs at Stan Lee; the rise in the Occult in pop culture during the 1970s; Jack Kirby: The Epic Life of the King of Comics by Tom Scioli; what might have been if Kirby was able to work with Image Comics for most of his career; Delaware Valley Demonology Research, and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of The Demon.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Demon

Episode 81Greetings, Explorers! While recording our next episode of the Summer Special we saw the Omega signal in the sky! That must mean it’s time to take a look at Batman: Last Knight on Earth. Written by Scott Snyder, art by Greg Capullo, and published under DC Black Label. This story is trumpeted as the final Batman story by the duo of Snyder and Capullo.Bruce Wayne wakes up in Arkham Asylum, having never been Batman. Meanwhile, in the not-too-distant future, Batman is trying to figure out how society and the world fell apart. Joining him on his quest is the decapitated head of the Joker. As Batman’s past, present, and future collide, there is one person pulling the strings: Omega.Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Aubrey discuss the secret to Batman perpetually being a 35-year-old man. Next, they look at Snyder and Capullo’s run on Batman. Finally, the gang debates Batman’s authoritarianism. Additional topics include getting to see Batman’s thang; Joker’s Futurama future; that time G.I. Joe’s Shipwreck got tricked by Cobra; chalk line investigations; DC’s habit of cutting things short or keeping them around for too long; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Batman: Last Knight on Earth.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Batman: Last Knight on Earth

Episode 80Greetings, Explorers! We’re kicking off our 2021 Summer Special with Everyone is Tulip, published by Dark Horse Comics. Co-creators Nicole Goux and Dave Baker sit down with us to discuss their comic book, which debuted June 17 in comic book shops and June 29 in book stores. Nicole illustrated comics like Shadow of the Batgirl, Fuck Off Squad, Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions 3, and numerous covers. Dave Baker wrote Fuck Off Squad, The Action Hospital, Star Trek: Voyager – Seven’s Reckoning, Suicide Forest, and worked for 20th Century Fox Home Video, Universal, and Disney XD. Last of all, Nicole and Dave co-created Fuck Off Squad and Forest Hills Bootleg Society, which will debut at Simon and Schuster in 2022.Everyone is Tulip is the story of Becca, a young woman who moves from a small town to Los Angeles to follow her dreams of becoming a famous actress. However, instead of becoming an actress, Becca becomes a YouTube star. She must navigate fandom (some good, some toxic), compromises, modern technology, and the idea of pure art versus successful art as everything around her changes due to her sudden fame.Nicole and Dave enlighten Dennis and Johnny about the world of YouTube performance art. Next, they converse about the way cell phone technology became integral to our daily lives, for better or for worse. Finally, they dive into the personalities and motivations for the characters in the book. Additional topics include Shitty Watchmen; that time the Avengers got stuck in an elevator; Dave explains Laz’s vs. Britney’s; cleaning up the Holodeck after it’s been “used”; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Everyone is Tulip.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Everyone is Tulip

EPISODE 79Greetings, Explorers! In our final episode of season 5, the gang takes a look at Pride of Baghdad.  It’s a fictional tale based on the true story of four lions that escaped the Baghdad Zoo after the U.S. military bombed Baghdad in 2003. Written by Brian K. Vaughan and artwork by Niko Henrichon.The story concerns a small pride of four lions living inside the Baghdad Zoo. First, there are Zill and Safa, older lions brought to the zoo after being captured in the wild. Next, there is Noor, who was born in the wild, but has spent nearly all of her life inside the zoo. Finally, her cub Ali was born in the zoo. Noor is idealistic about life in the wild and sees the zoo and the zookeepers as her jailers. However, Zill and Safa know the beauty and horrors of life in the wild. They see the zoo as a sanctuary and the zookeepers as their attendants, whereas Noor believes the zookeepers to be their jailers. Finally, their differing views on life and freedom will be questioned and tested as they try to survive in the war-torn streets of Baghdad.Dennis and Johnny discuss a problematic scene in the Pride of Baghdad that could have been dealt with differently. Next, they converse about the freedom the lions had or didn’t have in captivity. Finally, they look at the tragic ending and the responsibility us humans have towards animals. Additional topics include the nationwide search for a new GNEC co-host; bear vs. lion: FIGHT!; at what point will DC fold these lions into the main DC Universe; Ali’s first and final sunset; Dennis’s dislike of talking animal stories; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Pride of Baghdad.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pride of Baghdad

Episode 78May the Force be with you, Explorers! In this episode, Duel of the Fates the gang reads (read in your best Yoda voice). The script, originally planned to close out the Skywalker saga, was written Colin Trevorrow (who was also hired as the director). However, due to creative differences and/or other claims, Disney scrapped the script, Colin Trevorrow either left the project or got fired, and we ended up with Rise of Skywalker as Episode IX. Around the beginning of 202, Trevorrow’s script and concept art from the abandoned movie began popping up online. Artist Andrew Winegarner, Ph.D. adapted Trevorrow’s script (and some of the concept art) into a web comic, which you can read by clicking here. Finally, Winegarner is a painter, educator, and a creator of comic books.Johnny, Dennis, and guest host Jake discuss why the gang can look past the illustrations in some book but not in others. Next, they ask if it is worth putting interesting characters and story development in comics and novels to help with those sales? Finally, they look at the differences and similarities of Duel of the Fates and The Rise of Skywalker. Additional topics include the Knights of Ren; Mace Windu’s lightsaber; the unexpected romance in the comic; Rey’s parents; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Duel of the Fates.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Duel of the Fates

EPISODE 77Greetings, Explorers! The gang heads into the den of Something is Killing the Children, Vol 1.  The children of Archer’s Peak are not safe. One child survives an attack that leaves the rest of his friends dead. No one believes his story about a monster killing his friends. However, the new stranger in town believes him. Her name is Erica Slaughter and she’s been killing monsters for years. Story by James Tynion IV. Art by Werther Dell’edera. Published by Boom! Studios.Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Jake chat about the balancing act of horror, gore, and humanity that Tynion masterfully pulls off in Something is Killing the Children, Vol 1. Next, they discuss the cinematic feel of the book’s illustrations. Last, they discuss how the characters and story tiptoes up to tropes without becoming one. Additional topics include if Tynion and Dell’edera are characters from Game of Thrones or Borderlands; Metal Gear Solid: Exposition; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Something is Killing the Children, Vol 1.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 1

EPISODE 76Greetings, Explorers! The gang gets its rocks off with Money Shot, Vol. 1.  In the near future, science and space travel is mostly ignored much of the world. As a result,  Dr. Christine Ocampo and her team of scientists crowdfund their experiments and space travel by also shooting porn. With their followers’ donations funding the team’s scientific experiments, they journey across the universe to film their sexual escapades with each other and the aliens they meet. Story by Sarah Beattie and Tim Seeley. Art by Rebekah Isaacs. Published by Vault Comics.Johnny, Dennis, and guest host Jake about the parallel between Money Shot, Vol. 1 and the early days of the Kinsey Institute. Next, they discuss how this series compares to a similar story, like Sex Criminals, or one more graphic in nature, like Ripple. Last, they find out what happens when you have a spaceship full of Kirks, Rikers, and Vulcans in full pon farr. Additional topics include “this book is horny”; the repercussions of posting childhoods on social media; the variety of body types found in the comic; Dick-fu; sex positivity; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of Money Shot, Vol. 1.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Money Shot, Vo1. 1

Episode 75Cowabunga, Explorers! The gang are heading back to the sewers with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #1. Story by Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird, and Tom Waltz. Art by Kevin Eastman, Isaac Escorza, and Esau Escorza. Set in a dystopian NYC, the last remaining Ninja Turtle is on a mission to avenge his fallen brothers and Master Splinter. Additionally, this series marks the return of original creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird after they had a falling out a few decades ago.Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Jake (Frankie was off fighting the Foot Clan) chat about the influence of Old Man Logan, Escape from New York, and The Dark Knight Returns on TMNT: The Last Ronin. Next, they discuss if this series is a continuation of the cartoon series or Eastman and Laird’s original comic book. Last, they ask if the series will check your “turtle boxes”. Additional topics include the shopping cart security systems on cars of the future; when will DC make a The Dark Knight Returns for Batman ’66; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of TMNT: The Last Ronin.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin

EPISODE 74Greetings, Explorers! The gang takes a look at The Incal: Classic Collection in this episode. Story by Alejandro Jodorowsky and art by Mæbius. Set in a dystopian world, a detective named John DiFool finds his life in constant peril after discovering “The Incal”. Self-centered and incompetent, DiFool not only must save his own skin, he must face the fact that the survival of the entire universe rests on his shoulders.Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Jake (Frankie needed a new Multipass) chat about the influence The Incal: Classic Collection had on Sci-Fi and pop culture. Next, they discuss the comic’s origins with Jodorowsky’s abandoned Dune movie. Last, they ask if Ralph Bakshi or Rankin/Bass would have benefited from turning the series into an animated movie. Additional topics include what the possibleoffspring of  Æon Flux and Tintin; a call back to Episode 35;  Jodoworsky’s tarot deck collection; the unofficial trailer; and last, but not certainly not least, the storytelling and art of The Incal: Classic Collection.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Incal: Classic Collection

Episode 73Greetings, Explorers! The gang activates its powers by reading Wonder Twins: Activate!. Shape of: story by writer Mark Russell! Form of: art by Stephen Byrne! This ain’t your old Saturday Morning Cartoon version of The Wonder Twins. Exiled to Earth, Jayna and Zan are learning how to navigate life as high school students while at the same time serve as “interns” at the Hall of Justice. Whether they’re going on bad dates or taking on the League of Annoyance, it’s just a regular day in the life of teenage alien superheroes!Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Jake (Frankie took Gleek to a veterinarian visit the day we recorded) as they chat about the social commentary delicately woven throughout the story. Next, they ponder if Lex Luthor's dream of world domination prevents him from being a racist. Zan's unwavering positivity. Last, they discuss a favorite character in the book, Baron Nightblood, AKA Drunkula. Additional topics include Superman's excellent summary of going through the trials and tribulations of being a teenager; ; a call back to Episode 40; "Total Refreshment"; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Wonder Twins: Activate!--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wonder Twins, Vol. 1: Activate!

Episode 72Greetings, Explorers! We take a dive into the Marvel Universe with Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History. Story by Nick Giovannetti and Paul Scheer, art by Todd Nauck, Gerardo Sandoval, and Nate Stockman. Marvel published the book in 2019. After Frank Castle became Cosmic Ghost Rider, he traveled back in time to kill Thanos in his infancy. But wouldn’t you know, it just made things worse for everyone. So now he’s going to wait a few million years so he can stop his family from being murdered. However, in doing so, he may end up destroying the entire Marvel universe.Johnny, Dennis, and guest host Jake (Frankie was touring the Baxter Building the day we recorded) as they chat about the way Frank Castle manipulates the Marvel’s heroes. Next, they praise the decision to include an index of the Marvel history referenced in the book. Finally, they discuss how well Giovannetti and Scheer wove this story through the history of the Marvel Universe. Additional topics include the differences between Cosmic Ghost Rider and Ghost Rider; being a “simple cosmic spirit of vengeance”; that time Deadpool felt Cosmic Ghost Rider was stepping on his schtick; if Giovannetti and Scheer birthed the novel idea of how to kill Thanos; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History

EPISODE 71Greetings, Explorers! We return to Gotham to take a look at Batman: Three Jokers. Story by Geoff Johns, art by Jason Fabok. DC Comics published the book in 2020. Three different murders happened on the same night at the same time in Gotham. Therefore, with all signs pointing to the Joker, Batman deduces that there are not one, but three Jokers. Red Hood and Batgirl, both dealing with trauma they suffered as the Joker’s victims, join Batman in solving this mystery.Dennis and Johnny (Frankie was at a Wayne Enterprises’ party) discuss what makes someone a good recruit to be a Joker. Next, they ponder why it’s OK to kill henchmen but not Supervillians. Finally, the look at how this book ties into the Batman: The Killing Joke and Batman: A Death in the Family. Additional topics include the similar plot twists shared by Metal Gear Solid V and Batman: Three Jokers; if this story qualifies as elevated fan fiction; Gaggy; if Jason Fabok is a Vulcan; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Batman: Three Jokers.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Batman: Three Jokers

EPISODE 70Greetings, Explorers! We kick off the fifth season of the podcast with The Golden Age, Book 1. Story by Roxanne Moreil and Cyril Pedrosa, art by Cyril Pedrosa. First Second published the book in the U.S. in 2020.Set in a medieval time, the kingdom of Antrevers is perfect in every way — for the ruling class. After her father, King Ronan, passes, Princess Tilda wants to give her subjects a better life. Before she can, her younger brother and the ruling class perform a coup that puts her on the run. Joining Princess Tilda are Tankred and Bertil, a knight and squire loyal to her and her father. As the common people begin to revolt and throw off the shackles of oppression, Princess Tilda learns of the legendary “Golden Age”, when all people lived free.Dennis and Johnny (Frankie was off fighting in the Antrevers Revolution) begin the episode by reading some listener comments. Next, they delve into the world and history of The Golden Age, Book 1. Finally, they discuss the way Pedrosa uses character movement to propel the story across the pages of the book.Additional topics include gateway drugs for Dungeons and Dragons; character designs; the possible influence of the legend of Joan of Arc; the “magic box” and Tilda’s mother’s machinations; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of The Golden Age, Book 1.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Golden Age, Book 1

EPISODE 69Happy Holidays, Explorers! Join the gang as they take a look at The Authority/Lobo: Holiday Hell. Keith Giffen, Alan Grant, Tom Peyer, and Will Pfeifer wrote the stories. Art by Simon Bisley, Scott Iwahashi, and Cary Nord. DC Comics published the book in 2018.The stories that make up the two parts of the book are The Lobo Paramilitary Christams Special and The Authority Vs. Lobo — Jingle Hell. In the first story, a rival of Santa Claus contracts Lobo to take him out. In the second story, Jenny, a little girl, discovers what Lobo did to Santa. She enlists The Authority to get revenge on Lobo for Santa’s demise.Dennis and Johnny (Frankie was up at the North Pole) kick things off by discussing why it’s so much fun when the North Pole is portrayed as a paramilitary operation; if Santa, Saddam Hussein, and Tony Montana all hired the same decorator; and if the art reflects how Lobo sees existence. Furthermore, they look into the time DC tried to make a My Chemical Romance Lobo instead of a White Zombie Lobo.Further topics include the fight between Lobo and Santa; Wildstorm comics; the overall fun of this holiday book; the joy of Elseworld stories, the fun warning at the beginning of the book; DC’s successes and missteps; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of The Authority/Lobo: Holiday Hell.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Authority/Lobo: Holiday Hell

Graphic Novel Explorers Club is an audible book club for fans of graphic novels and comic books. The show is cohosted by Frankie, Johnny, and Dennis. They take a humorous and in-depth look at the storytelling and art of graphic novels. A new episode every other Tuesday.