Major Spoilers

MSP#149: Interview: Caleb Monroe

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:52:11 -0600

This issue: Caleb Monroe, the script writer behind The Remnant and Hunter's Fortune by Boom! Studios, stops by for a visit to talk writing, collaboration, and his time in the business.

A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

MSP#148: The Super Future Friends Pay a Visit

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:45:23 -0600

In this issue: Doctor Ten heads for America, but will he have his TARDIS? Doctor Horrible heads for the hills, but is it really Doogie Howser? Doctor Regulus tries to kill the Legion, but they don't die... THEY MULTIPLY! Plus: Rocky Marciano? Rocky Mariciano? Clark Kent was 257 years old when he fought Rocky Marciano... And: There's women present, so Stephen and I have to clean up the house and wear pants during the show. THEN: Three kids come back in time to tell Christopher Reeve that the underwear goes INSIDE the pants, but it's pretty clear that his resume may not be up to date. Either way, Rodrigo's at volleyball, and Dante has finally stopped vomiting, so the world is a happier place...

NEWS
Who’s excited about David Tennant getting his own American TV Show?
LINKAGE

Doctor Horrible Fan Film
LINKAGE

Men in Black 3?
LINKAGE

Smallville Year 10?

LINKAGE

Best of 2009
Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest: Meet the Winner!

REVIEWS
Superman: Secret Origin #2
Written by Geoff Johns; Art by Gary Frank and Jon Sibal; Covers by Gary Frank
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's exploration of the origin of the greatest Super Hero of all time continues! In this second issue, readers will witness young Clark Kent's initial journey into the late 30th century as Superboy and see how meeting the Legion of Super-Heroes shapes the Superman he will one day become! Plus, more on the beginnings of the young Lex Luthor!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Everyone discusses the entries for the third annual Major Spoilers Costume Contest.

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION: Legion of Three Worlds and Beyond!
Matthew, Adriana, and Kristin attempt to explain to Stephen what really happened during Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds series, and what major revelations or events are happening to the Legion in current DC continuity. Answers? Yes. More Questions? You betcha! Lot's of fun? That's a sure bet anytime the Super Future Friends make an appearance on the show.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#147: Favorite Doctor Who Episodes

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:27:08 -0500

This issue:Hosts Stephen Schleicher and Matthew Peterson read listener mail, and talk about their favorite episodes of Doctor Who. Take a listen, the answers might surprise you.

MSP#146: Parker: The Hunter, Can't Lose

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:26:39 -0500

In this issue: Rodrigo is still MIA, Stephen is still hooked on Batman, and Matthew likes the shapely form or Spider-Woman. The A-Team returns, and ReBoot gets Rebooted, but never forget Parker, the Hunter, can't lose.

NEWS
First A-Team image revealed
Linkage

ReBoot Getting a Reboot
Linkage

Best of 2009
Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest: Meet the Entrants
Linkage

REVIEWS
Matthew
Spider-Woman #2
WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: Alex Maleev
The Eisner award winning team of Bendis and Maleev (DAREDEVIL, HALO) unveil a big new chapter in the life of Jessica Drew as she heads to Madripoor to do SWORD's dirty work. Based on the ground-breaking motion comic and featuring all new material. And guest starring Spider-Man!!

Stephen
Batman Confidential #35
Written by Peter Milligan 
Art by Andy Clarke
Batman's adventures in Moscow have all been leading to this as BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL double-ships in October! With The Tsar ready to detonate a hydrogen bomb in Moscow, Batman must work with General Lukzov to stop the massacre. In order to save the day, Batman will have to gain a hand from an unlikely ally!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Matthew has it all up in his head that there is only one good writer at Marvel Comics. So we’re asking you, the Legion of Spoilerites to help answer the question. But is it an answer Matthew is prepared for?
A) Brian Michael Bendis
B) Matt Fraction

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION: PARKER
The Hunter, the first book in the Parker series, is the story of a man who hits New York head-on like a shotgun blast to the chest. Betrayed by the woman he loved and double-crossed by his partner in crime, Parker makes his way cross-country with only one thought burning in his mind – to coldly exact his revenge and reclaim what was taken from him! Richard (Donald Westlake) Stark’s groundbreaking Parker books are adapted for the first time as a series of graphic novels by Darwyn Cooke. The initial graphic novel brings to life the first Parker book, The Hunter, which introduces readers to the dangerous anti-hero’s cold and calculated world of criminals, thugs, and grifters.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MPS#145: Doctor Who is missing

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:37:49 -0500

This issue:Hosts Stephen Schleicher and Matthew Peterson discuss the early years of Doctor Who, why there are many episodes missing, and they take a trip down memory lane.

MSP#144: The Blackest Night Podcast (Part 1)

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:58:35 -0500

In this issue: we're down a man, but we still soldier on, just like the Five Doctors... (Does this mean Rodrigo is Tom Baker?) Could the foul-mouthed kid from the Bad News Bears really have a head that's sufficiently gourd-like? We need you to nerd the hell out, then send us pictures... If you don't Stephen will read some of his poetry. Plus: Is it just a coincidence that Corps is one letter from Corpse? Tim Drake wants a speckled lemonade and some bottomless steak fries! And the robot overlord decrees a change in the running order, and you MUSTOBEY ROBOT OVERLORD, or risk being marked as not one with Landru... Please lock your seatbacks and tray tables and return the stewardess to her original upright position, as the major spoilers podcast is on the air.

NEWS
Sinestro Rumor
Linkage

Who else is in the Thor movie?
Linkage

Best of 2009
Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest
Linkage

REVIEWS
Matthew
Uncanny X-Men #516
COVER BY: Greg Land
WRITER: Matt Fraction
PENCILS: Greg Land
INKS: Greg Land
COLORED BY: Justin Ponsor
LETTERED BY: VC - Joe Caramagna

THE STORY:
"NATION X” PART 1 (of 7) He returns.

Stephen
Red Robin #5 
Written by Chris Yost  
Art by Ramon Bachs  
Cover by Francis Manapul
"Council of Spiders," Part 1 of 4! Ra's al Ghul goes from hunter to hunted! What is the Council of Spiders, why have they been killing assassins, and who is the Wanderer? After the death of Red Robin last issue, the League of Assassins now must – wait, WHAT? Everything shifts into insane overdrive as the daughter of Wayne Enterprises CEO Lucius Fox completes her quest to find Red Robin, only to get caught up in one of the deadliest games on the face of the planet.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Leave it up to a fan to ask Ryan Ottley for a commission of Invincible and Superboy Prime fighting. It's a cool concept and one we are happy to life for our own nefarious deeds. So, we ask you, the Legion of Major Spoilerites, in a battle, who would win, Invincible or Superboy Prime?
Invincible
Superboy Prime

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION: Blackest Night (Part 1)
Stephen and Matthew dive into the first three issue of DC's Blackest Night series and offer up their perspectives of what is going on in the core title, as well as the 20 or so tie-in issues that flesh out the story. BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#143: Heroes are not superheroes and other myths with Dr. Peter Coogan

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:25:38 -0500

This issue:Dr. Peter Coogan returns to the program to talk about upcoming comic conferences, as well as a discussion as to why NBC's Heroes, is not a superhero show. Also, Stephen Schleicher and Dr. Coogan continue to explore the topic of superheroes as modern mythology.

MSP#142: Podcast - Fall 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:49:10 -0500

In this issue: Weasels and honkies and mice return, and the Orkin man rejoices. Asterix? I remember playing Asterix in the arcades in '82! Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar, Galactica, leads a ragtag, fugitive fleet, on a lonely quest—for a shining planet known as Earth." Then: Rodrigo thinks those cuts should heal up nicely if you stop wearing that thing. Plus: For a change of pace, Stephen reviews a bat-title. Also: Every time the Time Lords get together, one of them DIES... so, they got that going for them. Which is nice... And: Jack Lord is spinning in his grave, but his hair still looks perfect.

NEWS
50th Anniversary of Asterix this month
Linkage

New Hawaii Five-0
Linkage

Best of 2009

Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest
Linkage

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Red Sonja #49
Writer: BRIAN REED
Penciller: WALTER GEOVANI
This is it as writer Brian Reed ends his Red Sonja run with style (and bloodshed)! And it all leads into the momentous events of Queen Sonja #1 as Dynamite welcomes writer Joshua Ortega and returning artist Mel Rubi to the pages of everyone’s favorite she-devil! Be there!

Matthew
GALACTICA: 1980 #2
Writer: MARC GUGGENHEIM
Penciller/Inker: CEZAR RAZEK
One of the most controversial series in Sci Fi’s history is back! Some fans love it, some fans hate it, but one thing’s for certain, writer Marc Guggenheim is going to do Galactica 1980 the “right” way! Lives will be lost as the re-imagining of 1980 begins here and unlike anything you’ve seen before in a Galactica comic book! Featuring artist Cezar (Zorro) Razek along with a fully painted cover from Lucio Parrillo.

Stephen
Batman: Unseen #1 (of 5)
Written by Doug Moench; Art and cover by Kelley Jones 
The fan-favorite Bat-team of Doug Moench and Kelley Jones reunite to introduce the newest member of Batman's rogues gallery in this twice-monthly, 5-issue miniseries! Horrible and unexplained murders have Gotham City held captive. Bizarre deaths have been occurring throughout the city, but the perpetrator is unknown. Even when the crimes have been committed in view of witnesses, all that is seen is a glimpse of a weird, skinless "meat-man" who seems to fade away after the crimes. Gotham's only hope is their Dark Knight Detective, but how can Batman find and fight an Invisible Man?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
A while ago, we asked you, the Major Spoilers Elite to cast your vote on which actor played your favorite Doctor. Now months later, it appears as if two of those actors are caught in a tie. We don’t like giving out two first place awards around here, as someone must always be the winner, and someone must always be the loser. So we’re putting Doctor Who and Doctor Who in cage and asking you once again to cast your vote to decide who lives and who dies (only to be resurrected into the smiling face of Matt Smith).
A) Tom Baker
B) David Tennant

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION: Mouse Guard: Winter 1152
In the Winter of 1152, the Mouse Guard face a food and supply shortage threatening the lives of many mouse through a cold and icy season. Some of the Guard’s finest – Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam, and Sadie, led by Celanawe, the legendary Black Axe – traverse the snow-blanketed territories acting as diplomats to improve relations between the mouse cities and the Guard, and find themselves on a race against time to deliver crucial medicines. This is a winter not every Guard may survive…

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#141: The Surrogates Podcast

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:46:46 -0500

In this issue: Mama said you ain't gonna earn nothin' actin' the fool, but she never figured on our costume contest... The EIC takes over BATO, PDQ! The Dark Knight says NAGANOOTCH! Who's the hottest soopaguy who's a love machine for the JLI? Can you dig it? Also: Second Stage Turbo Ranger Power... It's Morphin' Time! Bad tonsorial decisions in review! Sinestro and Carol Ferris still can't agree who is more in love with Hal Jordan! And now there's a better way to pretend to be a woman than a picture of Selma Blair and typing in lowercase... Get a surrogate!

NEWS
Dan DiDio to write The Outsiders s
Linkage
Who’s the sexiest, most handsome of all the DC superheroes?
Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest
Linkage

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
KILL AUDIO #1
Written by Claudio Sanchez
Drawn by Sheldon Vella
KILL AUDIO follows the adventures of an immortal little troll who struggles to find a purpose in a land where musical and artistic creativity are controlled substances. With a growing team of misfits to keep him company on the crazy road to clarity and an aggravating nemesis setting them back at every turn, will Kill Audio ever find what he’s looking for?

Matthew
Green Lantern #46
Written by Geoff Johns; Art and cover by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy; variant cover by Andy Kubert
BLACKEST NIGHT continues! For months, Mongul has wrested control of the Sinestro Corps. Now Sinestro wants a word with him. And Hal wants a word with Sinestro. But in the midst of BLACKEST NIGHT, they'll all become the hunted as the fallen Sinestro Corps members rise. What will happen? Here's a hint: Sinestro gets some serious payback.

Stephen
Batman: Widening Gyre #2 
Written by Kevin Smith; Art by Walter Flanagan and Art Thibert; Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz; variant covers by Gene Ha
Kevin Smith's newest Batman adventure has only just begun and already the surprises are pouring in! This issue has more guest-stars, more twists, more turns and more Batman than you can handle.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Sometimes I fear what is going through the mind of SkrullBryan. He’s the one that sent along the Poll of the Week for this week, and I guess from the Skrull point of view, one might spend endless hours pondering the crazy beard look – especially if you are from a race that has more than enough reason to want to cover their chins. Regardless of the mental state of our shape shifting friend, the big question remains…
Who makes this look "look" good?
A) Dumbledore
B) Alan Moore
C) John Brown

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION: Surrogates: Flesh and Bone
In a dark, downtown alley in Central Georgia Metropolis, a juvenile prank goes too far and a homeless man is killed. When the ensuing investigation reveals that the attackers aren’t who they appeared to be, justice depends on the testimony of a single missing witness – a street snitch with a history of providing information to a cop named Harvey Greer. Harvey is placed on special assignment to track down the informant, but others have their own designs, including a wealthy socialite and an ex-con turned religious leader known to his followers as The Prophet. As days pass and anger among the anti-surrogate population grows, the city stands on a razor’s edge. Will punishment be exacted in a courtroom or on the streets? Set fifteen years prior to the events of the original Surrogates graphic novel, Flesh & Bone sheds light on the past that binds the cast together. From the streets of Central Georgia Metropolis to the boardroom of Virtual Self, Inc., Flesh & Bone takes us on a journey through a city struggling to come to grips with its present. Not only a suspenseful thriller but also a cautionary tale, this book reminds us that tomorrow will be determined by the choices we make today.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#140: Listener Feedback!

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:41:45 -0500

This issue:The Major Spoilers Crew dives deep into the mailbag to read and respond to their fans. Plus, to satisfy Matthew, yet another round of Word Association Theater.

MSP#139: Is the Man of Tomorrow, the Myth of Today?

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:08:08 -0500

In this issue: In this issue: Freddy's gonna get you, unless you can't afford a ticket. Ben Affleck and Nicholas Cage are still richer than you. And for once, your funny clothes might earn you more than a beating from the cool kids. Plus: Heroes gets company! Kara Zor-El tries to find the man what shot her paw! Bruce Campbell and Obama wonder who truly had the stronger chin. And Ripclaw is the best there is at what he does, and what he does is oddly familiar... You better stay away from him! He'll rip your lungs out Jim! But I'd like to meet his tailor.

NEWS
New Nightmare on Elm Street Trailer Reactions
Linkage
Reactions to NBC Pilot “CAPED”
Linkage
Ghost Rider and Daredevil films get sequels
Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest
Linkage

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
ARMY OF DARKNESS: ASH SAVES OBAMA #2 (OF 4)
Writer: ELLIOTT SERRANO
Penciller/Inker: ARIEL PADILLA
After surviving the Necro-Comic-Con 2009, our hero, Ashley J. Williams, wakes to (drum roll please) Dawn of the Dorks. The President has been sold a piece of the Necronomicon, so what’s a chosen one to do? Find out in the second chapter of ARMY OF DARKNESS: ASH SAVES OBAMA! You know you want to!

Matthew
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 (of 5)
(W) Mark Waid (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Rocafort, Stjepan Sejic

First blood has been drawn and the action heats up in Part 2 of Top Cow’s biggest summer event to date!

After a surprise strike by a team of Hunter-Killers on Cyberforce’s headquarters, members of both teams have been bloodied. When Ellis arrives with a surprising revelation, the two teams must decide if they can trust each other enough to take out a common foe?

Stephen
SUPERGIRL #45 
Written by Sterling Gates 
Art by Jamal Igle & Jon Sibal 
Cover by Joshua Middleton
Continuing from ACTION COMICS #881 – “The Hunt for Reactron” part 2! Can Supergirl rely on her seemingly unstable childhood friend to help her track down her father’s assassin? Or will she ultimately get burned by Flamebird?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
This week it was announced that both Ghost Rider and Daredevil would be headed back to the silver screen for sequels to their original features, which many considered a pox on humanity. There are some very good reasons to do a sequel, and while you may not go and see the followup flicks, we want to know which of the two is going to be the least horrible.
Daredevil
Ghost Rider

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Are comic book characters this generations modern myths in the way that Hercules, Zeus and the rest were to the olden age? Comic book characters do appear to fill out the role, but is it true or just a bunch of junk?

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#138: Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Reviewed

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:51:22 -0500

This issue:Superman/Batman: Public Enemies arrives on DVD and Blu-Ray on September 29, 2009. Rodrigo and Stephen had a chance to check the movie out early, and offer up a review. Plus, to satisfy Matthew, another round of the Random Thought Game.

MSP#137: Jack called, and wants his stuff back

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:40:56 -0500

In this issue: The Preacher returns, and The Bird turns out to be The Word. Jack called and he wants his stuff back, Muppets take flight, Zorro hooks up with a fox, and there's some butt=kicking going on. Plus, who you gonna call? Sure as heck better not be these guys, the Major Spoilers Podcast is on the air!

NEWS
Jack Kirby estate wants its copyrights back from Marvel
Linkage

Major Spoilers Costume Contest
Linkage

Adriana Ferguson sends us one of her sketchbooks
"We Are Legion" sketch collection by Adriana Ferguson

This is a softcover, 7.5''x7.5'' square, book 66pg collection of sketches and full color art pieces, with commentary, depicting the artist's take on the Legion of Super-Heroes universe with a few other DC universe characters as well. Artwork is done in a variety of mediums ranging from pencil sketches, marker, and digital painting, with 80% of the artwork being exclusive to this collection.

There are 30 + different Legion of Superheroes depicted.

Linkage

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
MUPPET PETER PAN #1
Writen by Grace Randolph
Drawn by Amy Mebberson
The timid Kermie Pan resides in the magical realm of Neverswamp, where the pushy fairy Piggytink tries to toughen him up! One night, while searching for his shadow, Kermie Pan and Piggytink encounter the Darling children, who run away to Neverswamp and encourage Kermie Pan to battle Captain Gonzo! Features A covers by Eisner-award winning MOUSE GUARD artist David Petersen!

Matthew
KICK-ASS #7
COVER BY: John Romita JR.
WRITER: Mark Millar
PENCILS: John Romita JR.
INKS: TOM PALMER
COLORED BY: DEAN WHITE
Dave Lizewski has had better days. When he first pulled on the Super Hero suit, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Since then, he’s been banged-up, beaten, broken, bludgeoned, and all sorts of other b-words. He’s met a 9-year-old assassin and been on a super hero team-up. He’s watched people die and seen himself become an internet celebrity. But all that means nothing—compared to tonight. MARK MILLAR and JOHN ROMITA JR.’s foul-mouthed super hero saga continues!

Stephen
ZORRO #16
Writer: MATT WAGNER
Penciller/Inker: FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Covers: MATT WAGNER (75%), JOHN K. SNYDER III (25%)
Colorist: FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Artist Francesco Francavilla returns to the pages of Zorro! Under the skillful hand of Eisner nominated writer and cover artist Matt Wagner, Dynamite’s Zorro series continues with issue #16 and the explosive second chapter of our third story arc. This time, El Zorro faces a band of merciless pirates and the line continues to blur between the masked avenger and his alter-ego Diego! Covers by Wagner and Snyder!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
25 years ago, the silver screen exploded with the fluffy remains of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man. The Major Spoilers crew fell in love the Ghostbusters from the first time we saw them (some of us when the film originally debuted, one of us some time later when he was old enough). All of this has led to the discussion of which Ghostbuster was their favorite.
Dr. Peter Venkman
Dr. Egon Spengler
Dr. Raymond Stantz
Winston Zeddemore

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Preacher Volume 2
The Reverend Jesse Custer continues on his outrageous mission in the second PREACHER collection. First Jesse heads south for a brutal confrontation with the demons from his past–a trio of white trash psychos, including Jesse’s monstrous grandmother. The Jesse and company go west, only to crash a party of Babylonian proportions.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#136: Altered States

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:16:48 -0500

This issue: Do altered states lead to greater creativity? It's the question that is pondered that leads to a discussion of drugs, depression, and insomnia as gateways to increased productivity in the creative arts.

NOTE: You must be 18 years of age to listen to this podcast! Major Spoilers does not condone or endorse the use of drugs, nor do the members of the Major Spoilers crew encourage or suggest our listeners partake in recreational drugs.

This is quite a different podcast than one you might be used to, so if you have any misgivings, turn back now!

MSP#135: The Cult Podcast

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:21:20 -0500

In this issue: DC used to make bad Batman and Superman films? Let's hope DC Entertainment does a better job of helping us part with our money, Poe #3, The Incredible Amadeus Cho, and Dark Avengers: Uncanny X-Men: Exodus: The Colon Saga: Final?: Plus Batman goes wacky-in-the-wickey-woo. Yes more Bat-S-Crazy than normal.

NEWS
DC Comics becomes DC Entertainment

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Hercules #133
COVER BY: Rafael Alberquerque
WRITER: Greg Pak
Fred Van Lente
PENCILS: Rodney Buchemi
Beginning a storyarc so earth-shattering, so momentous, so, well, incredible, we just had to give it to you TWICE A MONTH! (Well, for the three months, anyway). When terrible threats rise in Svartalfheim, the land of the Dark Elves, only Mighty Thor, Son of Asgard, can hope to triumph! But what happens if the Odinson is temporarily...unavailable? It's Hammer Time for Hercules as the Lion of Olympus gets his thunder on! Meanwhile, in Incredible Hercules 133, the Secret Origin of AMADEUS CHO begins! Who really killed Amadeus' family? What is his true relation to Hercules? And, most importantly, what is the connection between him and The Twelve's MASTER MIND EXCELLO? Everyone's favorite irascible boy genius is after the answers himself -- but to get them he's going to have to go through his arch-nemesis, PYTHAGORAS DUPREE, the sixth-smartest man on Earth

Matthew
DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN: EXODUS
Written by MATT FRACTION
Penciled by MIKE DEODATO
Cover by STEVE MCNIVEN
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI
The climactic conclusion to the crossover event of 2009 is here! This is it, the final battle for the Dark Avengers and the X-Men that will change the status quo for the Marvel Universe. Emma Frost’s betrayal comes home to roost. Cyclops’ plan clicks into place, but is it too late? What can the X-Men do against the Sentry and Ares?

Stephen
POE #3
Written by J. Barton Mitchell
Drawn by Dean Kotz
SC, 24 pgs, FC, (3 of 4), SRP: $3.99
He created Horror. Find out how horror created him… In this pulse-pounding issue Poe must rescue his brother and his brother’s wife from THE RED DEATH! But when THE RED DEATH offers to bring Poe’s wife Virginia back to life in exchange, will Poe make the right choice?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Robert E. Howard created a vast number of heroes and villains whose tales still reverberate across the comic book world today. Two, Conan and Kull are very similar to one another (and for that answer, be sure to listen to Major Spoilers Podcast #30 for an in-depth discussion about Howard), but they are from different distant lands. If the Cimmerians and the Atlantians put the two in a ring to fight it out, who would emerge victorious?

Conan
Kull

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Batman - The Cult
Batman must stop the army of the homeless recruited by the mysterious Deacon Blackfire in this classic title illustrated by master horror artist Bernie Wrightson, co-creator of the “Swamp Thing”. Deacon Blackfire, charismatic shaman with roots as old as Gotham City itself, seemingly uses the city’s homeless to fight crime. But Blackfire has a hidden agenda!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#134: A Crazy Ass Stephen Discussion: Space

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 12:49:26 -0500

This issue: Stephen ponders why space travel and alien technology doesn't play a bigger role in the comic book universe building.

MSP#133: WE3

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:30:27 -0500

In this issue: We three take a look at WE3, while Angus and Die Fledermaus duke it out. Will it be girls in bikinis, Victorian detectives, or the blind that go under the microscope? How about all three in this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast.

NEWS
Guy Ritchie to direct Lobo
Favreau and Downey team for Cowboys and Aliens
Guillermo del Tor to produce Deadman Flick

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Witchblade #130 
“War of the Witchblades” Part 6 (of 6) 
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Sejic, Adriana Melo
“War of the Witchblades” concludes here! 
Will Sara Pezzini or Dani Baptiste emerge as the sole bearer of the Witchblade? Or will it be a completely new bearer? And who is the new Angelus?

Matthew
Daredevil #500
Eisner Award-winning scribe Ed Brubaker teams with a cavalcade of superstar artists, including Michael Lark, Klaus Janson, and more, to present the final chapter of his Daredevil opus! This leads directly into the shocking Dark Reign: The List- Daredevil and the game changing Daredevil #500, at Matt Murdock embarks on the path of no return—and you can’t afford to miss it! The Man Without Fear stands against his greatest challenge yet and one shocking decision will change Hell’s Kitchen forever! Don’t miss a special all-new story by Ann Nocenti & David Aja; a pin up gallery by today’s most acclaimed artists; and as special reprint of a key issue by Frank Miller! Plus, get your first look inside Dark Reign: The List—Daredevil by Andy Diggle & Billy Tan!

Stephen
SHERLOCK HOLMES #4 (OF 5)
Writer: LEAH MOORE, JOHN REPPION
Penciller/Inker: AARON CAMPBELL
The penultimate issue in Dynamite’s acclaimed Sherlock Holmes comic book event! After Watson appeals to Mycroft Holmes and Sherlock himself arrives at the scene end of last issue, can the world’s greatest detective unravel his greatest mystery?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Given 15 minutes, Batman and MacGyver can make a nuclear fusion reactor out of bubblegum and bailing wire. But given 10 minutes, who would win in building something practical to get them out of a tight fix?

LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
WE3
The story follows the journey of We3, a squad of three prototype “animal weapons,” as they flee captivity. The group consists of a dog, “Bandit” a.k.a. “1″; a cat, “Tinker” a.k.a. “2″; and a rabbit, “Pirate” a.k.a. “3″, who were all kidnapped from a nearby city and encased in robotic armor. They were also given a limited ability to speak through skull implants. Their body armor fields numerous weapons, including mine laying devices, machine guns and razor claws.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#132: Listener Feedback

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 10:12:51 -0500

This issue: The Major Spoilers Crew dive into the mailbag and read a backlog of listener email.

MSP#131: Face it Tigger, you just hit the jackpot

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:08:23 -0500

In this issue: The House of Mouse buys the House of Ideas. And that's it. Really. Nothing else happened this week. Okay, so the Major Spoilers Crew also take a quick look at some comic book reviews, and dive headfirst into Kurt Busiek's Astro City: The Dark Age Volume 1.

NEWS
The House of Mouse, buys the House of Ideas

CONTEST:
Art Appreciation Moment of the Day: Name That Theme Winner is Announced. Now if Stephen will only ship the prize before the end of the year.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
HERCULES: THE KNIVES OF KUSH #2 (2 of 5)
Writer STEVE MOORE
Artist CRIS BOLSON
Delve into the shadows of a hero as we continue this untold tale from Hercules' dark past. As the son of Zeus and his companions begin their search for the traitors in the Egyptian king’s palace, they long for the excitement of the battlefield. But when military secrets continue to leak from the palace, the Greeks are forced to consider a long shot to gain information. Can even the courage of Hercules withstand a trip to Nakhtkeru the Necromancer?

Matthew
The Flash: Rebirth #4
Written by Geoff Johns; Art and covers by Ethan Van Sciver
Barry Allen left a legacy that thrived after his death. Now his return threatens it all. What secrets does Barry hold inside him about the fate of the Flash Family? What destiny awaits Wally and his twins? What murderous force targets Bart Allen? And what does it truly mean to be a speedster?

Stephen
Batman: The Widening Gyre #1 
Written by Kevin Smith; Art by Walter Flanagan and Art Thibert; Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz 
The stakes are high as Batman encounters a new vigilante under his wing amidst what Smith describes as a "backdrop of romance, intrigue, and geek-bait guest stars galore."

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Disney bought Marvel Enterprises for $4 Billion. The virtual press conference the companies had earlier today tried to spell everything out, and I particularly like this quote “We believe in the team at Marvel, and see no need to upset the apple cart.”
Well, the apple cart is pretty much upset, as the nerd rampage continues across the Intardwebz, with some people proclaiming this to be the end of all things holy in the House of Ideas. But is it? Is it really? It’s time for you to cast your vote!

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Astro City: The Dark Age Volume 1
Today Astro City is a shining metropolis on a hill where super-heroes patrol the skies. However, things were not always as bright as they are today. In the early 1970’s, in the wake of a global catastrophe, two brothers, one good and one evil must deal with family secrets and social upheaval, involving heroes from Jack-In-the-Box to the Blue Knight and the unsettling events leading to the final fate of the mysterious Silver Agent. Find out why this era was so troubled through the eyes of two men who survived the depths of it!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#130: Something about Westerns

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:39:44 -0500

This issue: The western genre is discussed in comics, movies, and television.

MSP#129: Zorro, the fox, so cunning and free...

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:36:07 -0500

In this issue: Mister Schleicher goes to London towne... Mrs. Brown, you've got a lovely Batgirl... Now that Tom Welling is here, what does this mean for THE FUTUUUURRRRE? Also: aliens come down, an' the give me some chiclets, and give my brother this weird green ring. Out of the night, when the full moon is bright, he's bold bold with his face, and his something something called Zorro. A dead-eyed ghost dog came out of nowhere and made me crash into the hospital! Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and deader than a squirrel on a hot plate... Plus: Drunk versus Obsessive Compulsive, and both their mothers dress them funny. What we got you gotta give it to your mama, what we got you gotta give it to your papa, what we got you gotta listen to the podcast, you do a little dance and than you drink a little wodcast! The Major Spoilers podcast is on the air!

NEWS
Final Legion of Super-Heroes Hero History hits, what’s next?
Batgirl reveal thoughts
More Lantern Rings on the Way

Stephen's interview with BBC Radio
Listen to that interview here (LINKAGE)

CONTEST:
Art Appreciation Moment of the Day: Name That Theme
Linkage

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Federal vampire and zombie agency
Based off of the popular website, FVZA.org, created by Richard S. Dargan, FVZA chronicles a world where a deadly disease, representing a new threat of global terrorism, transforms innocent victims into Zombies and a long dormant government task force is called into action: The Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency.

Matthew
Blackest Night Superman #1
Written by James Robinson; Art and cover by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose; Variant cover by Shane Davis and Sandra Hope
Black Lantern Superman has unearthed Pa Kent's grave! But that's only the beginning of the horrifying things he's about to unleash on an unsuspecting Smallville.

Stephen
INVINCIBLE #65 
story ROBERT KIRKMAN 
art & cover by RYAN OTTLEY & FCO PLASCENCIA
Funeral for the fallen.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Tony Stark, wealthy beyond means, free styling and loving the ladies. But when trouble calls, he dons the red and gold power suit and goes to fight crime.
Bruce Wayne, wealthy beyond means, free styling and loving the ladies according to the tabloids. But when trouble calls he dons the cape and cowl and goes out fighting crime.

There have already been polls where Batman and Iron Man try to kick each other’s asses, so we’re doing this weeks match a little different, with this question, “Who’s the better businessman, Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne?”

There’s Rich, and then there is the Major Spoilers POOOOOLL of the Week!

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Zorro: Year One
Written by Eisner Award-Winning writer/artist Matt Wagner! With art by Francesco Francavilla and covers by Matt Wagner a nd Mike Mayhew!
The Year One Origin of Zorro by Matt Wagner and Francesco Francavilla is NOW collected in a MASSIVE TPB volume! Inspired by all of the best Zorro has been (as well as the best-selling novel by Isabel Allende), Matt Wagner has crafted an exciting tale of adventure, revenge and intrigue, all incredibly illustrated by Francavilla!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#128: Buckaroo Banzai Rocks, the Legend of the Seeker

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:34:30 -0500

This issue: Rodrigo talks up Legend of the Seeker, while Stephen celebrates the 25th annyversary of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension.

MSP#127: X-Men vs. Legion of Super-Heroes

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:36:49 -0500

In this issue: The Big Bad Black Lantern revealed! Scantily clad teenaged girls, and it's not even Stephen's birthday! What's that Watermelon doing there? Meanwhile, Yorick, 355, and Dr. Mann find their way across the midwest, proving what your faithtul podcasters already knew: ain't nothin' goin' on there. Is it Johnny? Is it Danny? Or is it Johnny and Danny? Feel Ghost Rider's heat, makin' you hot, burn with me, heaven's on fire! And the most powerful superhuman force in the universe faces down against a bunch of kids from Westchester and somebody actually wonders about the outcome. In any case, it's a show, and seeing as how we went to all the trouble of HAVING one and everything... The Major Spoilers podcast is on the air!

NEWS
Necron Rises
Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl Controversy

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Ghost Rider Heaven’s Fire #1
COVER BY: Jae Lee
WRITER: Jason Aaron
PENCILS: Roland Boschi
The acclaimed GHOST RIDER run of writer Jason Aaron reaches its fever-pitched conclusion with six more issues of insanity, all jam-packed with new villains, old allies and the same old grindhouse action that Flamehead fans have come to know and love. The renegade angel Zadkiel is out to thwart Biblical prophecy by assassinating a young boy bred by Satanists to rule the world, so if Ghost Riders Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch are going to save the world, they'll first have to save the Anti-Christ. Guest-starring Hellstorm, the Son of Satan.

Matthew
Justice League America: Cry for Justice #2
Written by James Robinson; Art and cover Mauro Cascioli
The team continues its proactive hunt for justice as the trail leads to an army of Super-Villains. But the big bad may be deadlier than all of the new team combined…

Stephen
Blackest Night: Batman #1
Written by Peter J. Tomasi; Art by Adrian Saef and John Dell; Cover by Andy Kubert; Variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
Deadman can't shut out the cries of the dead rising as he comes to the aid of the new Batman. It's just in time, too, as the duo face a circus of zombies including the Black Lantern Flying Graysons!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
We all know everyone is special - a unique snow flake that has no companion (except for the twins). The DC Universe has a bunch of teenagers from the future who use their unique talents to save the universe, while Marvel 616 has a bunch of mutants who band together to save the universe. They are in no way alike - really. Trust us, we've got an uber-nerd working on this site, and he'll tell you.
But even if they were remotely alike, and we could shape the universe to put the Legion of Super-Heroes and the X-Men on a deserted island and let them fight it out in a Battle Royale reality television series, who would come out on top? Would the X-Men win because they have Wolverine, or would it be the Legion because they have a 12th Level Intellect that can figure out the endgame before it happens? 
FIGHT!
X-MEN
Legion of Super-Heroes

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Y: The Last Man Volume 2
1. One Small Step (issues #11–17)
* In Oldenbrook, Kansas, Yorick, 355 and Dr. Mann help a Russian woman named Natalya Zamyatintwo male and one female astronauts forced to return to Earth after being trapped on the International Space Station the day the plague hit. recover
* Comedy & Tragedy has a travelling group of actresses find a wayward Ampersand, inspiring them to write a play called The Last Man (The main character’s name taken from Mary Shelley’s novel The Last Man).
2. Safeword (issues #18–23)
* Yorick and his companions travel to Allenspark, Colorado, where 355 and Dr. Mann fix up Ampersand, while retired Culper Ring agent 711 forces Yorick to confront his survivor guilt.
* In Widow’s Pass, the story moves to Queensbrook, set nine months after the One Small Step arc.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#126: The Spectacular Spider-Man Josh Keaton

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:43:49 -0500

This issue: Josh Keaton, the voice behind Peter Parker and Spider-Man in the Disney XD Spectacular Spider-Man series swings by for a visit to talk about his long career in Hollywood, video games, and music.

MSP#125: The Goon Podcast

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:35:56 -0500

In this issue: Got to get tough, Yo Joe! Michael Keaton and Ron Ely: together again for the first time! Screws fall out all the time, the world’s an imperfect place. Plus: Punisher? I hardly know ‘er! Guys in funny hats what punches people a lot. Stephen has a Mighty A! And we discuss whether Ace The Bat-hound actually is in continuity or not, and whether Krypto really is just a super-douche. Stick around for blues improvisation from Blind Melon Schleicher, backed by Mud-Funny-Bone Lopez and the King Cobra, the Major Spoiler podcast is on the air. And as always, I like pie.

NEWS
Anyone see GI Joe?
Linkage

Death of John Hughes
Linkage

Doc Savage and Batman team up in November
Linkage

Punisher Rest in Pieces

Linkage

LISTENER E-MAIL
Scott Hunter writes in to ask about the next installment of the Major Spoilers Dungeon Crawl, and Stephen answers with news of a new podcast coming your way!

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Hercules, Knives of Kush #1
Writer STEVE MOORE
Artist CRIS BOLSON
Colorist DOUG SIROIS
Letterer TODD KLEIN
Steve Moore returns to take Radical’s controversial hero into Ancient Egypt, where mysticism and intrigue awaits. Recovering from the Thracian Wars, Hercules and his suriving band of mercenaries must take on Egyptian spies, assassination and face the mystery of a death cult known as…Kush.

Matthew
Justice Society of America #29
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Art and Cover by Jesus Merino
A new era begins for the Justice Society of America as writers Bill Willingham (FABLES) and Matthew Sturges (BLUE BEETLE) take over the series with new artist Jesus Merino (SUPERMAN ANNUAL) just as two new recruits make their debut with the team! Strange happenings at the JSA Mansion are weird precursors to an all-out attack on all members of the team — all but one! And what is the strange connection that new members King Chimera and All-American Kid might have with the turmoil?

Stephen
The Mighty #7
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Keith Champagne; Art by Chris Samnee; Cover by Dave Johnson
Ring of fire! Gabriel Cole's predecessor, Taylor Rhines, continues to leave him bizarre hints about the dark secret of Section Omega. But time may have already run out for Cole to crack the code, as a terrible power has taken aim at his family!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
This week we’re putting two of Dark Horse Comics characters into the ring to see who will walk away the victor. Will it be Eric Powell’s The Goon, or Mike Mignola’s Hellboy? It’s the battle of the supernatural fighters in this week’s Major Spoilers POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL of the Week!
A) The Goon
B) Hellboy

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
The Goon
Bones will be broken and heads will roll! The Goon is a laugh-out-loud action-packed romp through the streets of a town infested with zombies. An insane priest is building himself an army of the undead, and there’s only one man who can put them is their place: the man they call Goon. Collects The Goon series and The Goon Color Special, originally published by Albatross Exploding Funny Books; presented here for the first time in full color.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#124: Dr. Peter Coogan, College Classes about Comics

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:22:56 -0500

This issue: Dr. Peter Coogan from the Institute for Comics Studies returns to the show to tell of his adventures at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, as well as offer up his yearly roundup of comic book classes being taught at colleges and universities around the world.

MSP#123: The Tank Girl Podcast

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:22:23 -0500

In this issue: Can a rabbit be invisible and pink at the same time? My name is Mot, thanks a lot! And wouldn’t it be cool if the Plutonian had a flying dog in a cape that is ALSO a mass-murderer… Plus: Billy West will still be getting a paycheck… Norman Osborn is makin’ his list, and checkin’ it twice… But is the podcast brutal enough that Stephen will stop erasing and starting over? And: Punk Rock Girl, you look so wild, punk rock girl let’s have a child, we’ll name her Minnie Pearl, just you and me, we need fudge banana swirl, you and me… Stephen’s store got Mojo Nixon, so it don’t need no fixin, the Major Spoilers Podcast is on the air.

NEWS
A wrap up of some of the big news from the Major Spoilers website.
Harvey Gets a Spielberg Remake
Linkage

The Iron Patriot End the Marvel U
Linkage

Futurama Cast is Back
Linkage

Alien Prequel
Linkage

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Incarnate #1 
Creator and Writer NICK SIMMONS 
Penciler NICK SIMMONS
Mot is a boy who cannot die.
Riddle him with bullets, burn him at the stake, douse him with napalm, hang him from the gallows…still, he will walk away. Forever haunted by a mysterious doppelganger that no one else can see, Mot has wandered the world for centuries, searching for meaning and, perhaps, an end to his endless life.

Matthew
Dethklok vs. The Goon
Following the release of the highly anticipated Dethklok vs. The Goon, Dark Horse Comics and Adult Swim announce a brand-new comics series based on the immensely popular animated show Metalocalypse. The band’s five members—Nathan Explosion, William “Murderface,” Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Toki Wartooth, and Pickles—will be featured in a full publishing program created by series co-creator Brendon Small and a collaborative team of Metalocalypse and Dark Horse artists and writers.

Stephen
IRREDEEMABLE #5
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Peter Krause

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Time to bring the smack down talk back to the Major Spoilers Experience. This week the Robot Overlords demanded we pick two of DC’s greatest female heroes and have them battle it out in the ring in a no-holds-barred right of the century. Sometimes we really hate our Robot Overlords, but it’s either pick two fictional characters or have our precious, precious, Intardwebz taken away for a week. So….
A) Power Girl
B) Wonder Woman

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Tank Girl
As the name suggests, Tank Girl drives a tank, which is also her home. She undertakes a series of missions for a nebulous organization before making a serious mistake and being declared an outlaw for her sexual inclinations and her substance abuse. The comic centers on her misadventures with her boyfriend, Booga, a mutant kangaroo. The comic’s style was heavily influenced by punk visual art, and strips were frequently deeply disorganized, anarchic, absurdist, and psychedelic. The strip features various elements with origins in surrealist techniques, fanzines, collage, cut-up technique, stream of consciousness, and metafiction, with very little regard or interest for conventional plot or committed narrative.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#122: A Conversation with Scott Johnson

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:24:14 -0500

This issue: Scott Johnson of Extra Life (www.myextralife.com) stops by to talk about making a web comic and podcast career his full time job. Scott offers up ideas, suggestions, and perspective on making a go of it full time.

MSP#121: Transmetropolitan Podcast

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:55:26 -0500

In this issue: Do YOU know the way to San Diego? Bunches of classic characters return from new companies! Tom Welling finally puts on tights! Faithful Spoilerites on a pilgrimage of geektitude! And your take on some DVD goodies! Plus: Bilateral Symmetry! Vince McMahon has a message for Bob Kirkman: He wants his swerve back. Rodrigo needs courage, Stephen needs a brain, and Matthew’s still searching for his way home… Show me the power, child, I’d like to say that I’m down on my knees today. It gives me the butterflies, gives me away, till I’m up on my feet again. I’m feelin… The Major Spoilers Podcast on the air!

NEWS
A wrap up of some of the big news from the San Diego Comic-Con. Julian talks about his trip and winning the 2009 Julian Challenge.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
The Wonderful Wizard of OZ #8
WRITER: Eric Shanower
PENCILS: SKOTTIE YOUNG
The search for Glinda, Good Witch of the South, is full of danger—a giant spider-monster that eats whole animals like a spider does flies. It’s full of strangeness—a whole village of living china statues. And it’s full of both danger and strangeness—little armless folks who shoot their heads as missiles. But Glinda remains Dorothy’s final hope to reach home, so Dorothy and her friends must brave the journey.

Matthew
GEMINI #4 (OF 5)
story JAY FAERBER, art & cover JON SOMMARIVA & FCO PLASCENCIA
Gemini’s journey of self-discovery puts him on a collision course with Dynamo 5!

Stephen
INVINCIBLE #64 
story ROBERT KIRKMAN, art & cover RYAN OTTLEY & FCO PLASCENCIA
INVINCIBLE WAR: AFTERMATH! 
The battle with CONQUEST concludes… and there is a casualty.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Stepping away from the “fighty-fighty” polls once again this week to do some digging into what DC direct to DVD movies from Warner Home Video are winners, and which one stumbled.

What's been your favorite DC Direct to DVD Animated movie released so far?
A) Justice League: New Frontier
B) Superman: Doomsday
C) Batman: Gotham Knight
D) Wonder Woman
E) Green Lantern: First Flight

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Transmetropolitan
In this first volume, Spider ventures into the dangerous Angels 8 district, home of the Transients — humans who have decided to become aliens through cosmetic surgery. But Spider’s interview with the Transients’ leader gets him a scoop he didn’t bargain for. And don’t miss Spider’s first confrontation with the President of the United States . . . in a men’s room.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#120: Star Wars Interviews with Tom Kane and Dee Bradley Baker

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:47:47 -0500

This issue: Stephen sits down to talk with Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Tom Kane (Yoda) and Dee Bradley Baker (Captain Rex) about their experiences on the show, a few tips on breaking into the business, and their joy of being voice actors.

MSP#119: The Preacher Podcast

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:02:21 -0500

In this issue: The Fastest Man Alive gets a producer! The Martians are due on Maple Street, and they’ve brought your daddy’s ass-watch! The future is upon us, but for some reason everybody sounds different! Plus: Creatures what are beautiful! Powers which are super! Heroes what are knocking boots! Sure and I’ve come to drain your wee blood, then! And finally, an internet troll who’s not a racist assclown. All this and more, as we say goodbye to 2009 and say hello to… the rest of 2009! The Major Spoilers podcast is on the air!

NEWS
This week the Major Spoilers Crew give their quick shot thoughts on the San Diego Comic Con, Green Lantern: First Flight, the voiceless Futurama, Geoff Johns and the Flash movie, and Willem Defoe as Tars Tarkas.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Beautiful Creatures #1 
Written: Kurtis Wiebe 
Pencils: Ash Jackson 
Publication Date: 2009-09-23
They say we all have a monster lurking inside of us.
Four beautiful college girls uncover their secret passengers - mythic creatures of a long dead age. The surfacing of their true nature hurls them into a hidden world of awakening magic, wonder and monsters.

Torq
THE BOYS: HEROGASM #3 (OF 6) 
Covers: DARICK ROBERTSON 
Writer: GARTH ENNIS 
Penciller/Inker: JOHN McCREA
The Occasional Death At Herogasm Isn't That Unusual, But How One Member Of Fantastico Checks Out Is Nothing Short Of Spectacular. In The Resultant Chaos The Boys Make Their Move- On A Target That May Not Be All He Seems. Hughie, Meanwhile, Runs Smack Into Black Noir In The Worst Possible Way, While Jack From Jupiter Spills A Few More Secrets To A-Train. And Speaking Of Secrets, What Does The Man From Vought-American Want With Vic The Veep...?

Stephen
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS: CHAPTER TWO #1
Writer: JIM KRUEGER
Penciller/Inker: EDGAR SALAZAR (Main Story), DOUG KLAUBA (Special Origin Story)
The Next Exciting Chapter Of Dynamite Entertainment's PROJECT SUPERPOWERS Is Here! Overseen Again By Ross, Who Plots And Art Directs The Entire PROJECT SUPERPOWERS Universe, Writer Jim Krueger Returns For Chapter Two, As The Pair Of All-Star Creators Are Joined For The Series By Edgar (DEATH DEFYING 'DEVIL) Salazar! The New Series Is Faster, More Intense, And The WORLD IS AT STAKE!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
We’re fortunate enough to have access to a plethora of comics at the Stately Spoiler Manor, but that doesn’t mean we’re loaded. Sometimes one comic is needed more than others, and a tight budget might dictate what we take home, and what stays behind. Which brings us to the Major Spoilers Poll of the Week! 
What is the absolute limit to your weekly comic book spending?

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Preacher Vol. 1
Here’s a book guaranteed to offend a bunch of people, not only because of its profuse profanity and graphic violence, but because it’s the epitome of iconoclasm. Like a brutal accident, you can’t watch but you can’t turn away. The story follows an ex-preacher man, Jesse, who has become disgusted with God’s abandoning of His responsibilities. So Jesse starts off into the wilds of Texas with his hitman girlfriend and new best friend (a vampire) to find God so that he can give Him a piece of his mind. Despite its superficial perversity, this book contains what may be the most moral character in mainstream comics. A cult hit in the making. Fans of Quentin Tarantino take note.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#118: Green Lantern First Flight Reviewed

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:43:43 -0500

This issue: Rodrigo and Stephen review the Warner Home Video release of Green Lantern: First Flight. The Major Spoilers Crew then takes a crack at Boom! Studios' take on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.

MSP#117: A Conversation with Ralph Tedesco

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:01:52 -0500

This issue: Ralph Tedesco of Zenescope Entertainment, stops by to chat up the company, Grimm Fairy Tales, upcoming series, and what's going on at San Diego Comic Con.

MSP#116: The Last Iron Fist Podcast

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:11:53 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew reflect on the week's news, offer up a few reviews, let the Iron Man and the Iron Fist battle it out, and take a peek under the cover of The Last Iron Fist Story from Marvel.

NEWS
This week the Major Spoilers Crew give their quick shot reactions to Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern, Natalie Portman as Thor's girlfriend, Victoria joining the Major Spoilers Crew, a quick look back on three years of the Major Spoilers Experience, and a few more odds and ends.

E-MAILS
A lot of people enjoyed the Major Spoilers Dungeons and Dragons podcasts, and some even took the time to send in their thoughts.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Doctor Who #1 
Tony Lee (w) • Al Davison (a) • Paul Grist, Al Davison (c)
At long last Doctor Who is an ongoing monthly series! Tony Lee (Doctor Who: The Forgotten), kicks off the time/space-faring series with the two-part “Silver Scream.” In chapter one, the Doctor travels to 1920s Hollywood where he befriends Charlie Chaplin and, of course, discovers an alien plot! Lee is joined by Al Davison (The Dreaming) on this first story arc. Covers by Paul Grist and Davison.

Matthew
The House of Mystery #15
Written by Matthew Sturges; Art by Luca Rossi and David Hahn; Cover by Esao Andrews
Harry's true identity, Fig's heritage, Rina's heartbreak, a dragon's unrequited love and the Thinking Man's Army all converge in a very small space in this shattering conclusion to "The Space Between". And somewhere in there we manage to squeeze in "Jordan's Movie Idea with the Gorillas and Sh*t," illustrated by David Hahn (BITE CLUB, FABLES).

Stephen
Will Eisner: A Spirited Life Audio Book by Bob Andelman
An audiobook narrated by author Bob Andelman, Will Eisner: A Spirited Life is the authorized biography that explores Eisner's amazing life, detailing a career that spanned 70 years. The biography features interviews with many of Eisner's contemporaries, such as Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Neil Gaiman, Denis Kitchen, Jim Warren, Dave Sim, Denny O'Neil, and Stan Lee.

Bob spent almost three years interviewing Eisner, researching his life and work, and interviewing friends, family, and the creative talents the comics master inspired throughout his career.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Who would win in a fight between Iron Man and Iron Fist? Even though Tony Stark is encased head to toe in his Iron Man armor, with ever weapon known to man, the Iron Fist has a fist of iron, that can break and snap nearly anything with his Chi energies?

A) Iron Man
B) Iron Fist

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
The Last Iron Fist Story
Many years ago, in the mystical city of Kun’ Lun, young Danny Rand stared at a suit behind glass - the garb of the “Immortal Iron Fist” - and knew that he was destined to wear it. But where did this costume come from? Why did it wait for Danny all those years like a shadow of his future? The answer to those questions will stun both him and his readers, as Danny Rand leaps from the pages of his breakout hit in Daredevil to his own history-spanning kung-fu epic that will shatter every perception of what it means to be the Immortal Iron Fist! Brought to you by top-ten writer Ed Brubaker and breakout talent Matt Fraction (Punisher War Journal), with action-packed art by David Aja (Daredevil, Giant-Size Wolverine). Collects Immortal Iron Fist #1-6.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#115: Meet Victoria

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 13:51:33 -0500

This issue: There's a new member in the Major Spoilers Family, and in this issue, listeners get to know Victoria, and talk about cosplay.

MSP#114: 2009 Comics and Media Conference Preview

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:25:18 -0500

This issue: Milton Griep, President of the ICv2.com website, stops by to talk with Stephen Schleicher about the upcoming Comics and Media Conference being held Wednesday, July 22, 2009 leading up to the San Diego Comic-Con.

More information about the conference can be found here.

MSP#113: Dungeons and Dragons Crawl Part V: It all come crashing down...

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:05:01 -0500

This issue: Going down the cellar door leads to trouble in a way that might bring about THE END OF THE WORLD!

If you aren't familiar with the 4th edition of D&D, you might want to check out Major Spoilers Podcast #28 and Major Spoilers Podcast #89

Part One: Dramatis Personae!
Part Two: Graduation Day!
Part Three:In the Streets of Moonhold!
Part Four:An Encounter in the Alley!

Will there be more? Only you have the power!

MSP#112: Dungeons and Dragons Crawl Part IV: An Encounter in the Alley

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:34:57 -0500

This issue: Orem, Randace, and Torq meet a band of Ne'r-do-wells in a dark Alley.

If you aren't familiar with the 4th edition of D&D, you might want to check out Major Spoilers Podcast #28 and Major Spoilers Podcast #89

Part One: Dramatis Personae!
Part Two: Graduation Day!
Part Three:In the Streets of Moonhold!

Come back tomorrow for the next installment of this MSP D&D Extravaganza!

MSP#111: Dungeons and Dragons Crawl Part III: In the Streets of Moonhold

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:20:56 -0500

This issue: Orem ventures into the world of Man, where he encounters someone and something not quite human as the Eladrin attempts to track down his missing instructor.

If you aren't familiar with the 4th edition of D&D, you might want to check out Major Spoilers Podcast #28 and Major Spoilers Podcast #89

Missed Part One? Dramatis Personae!
Missed Part Two? Graduation Day!

Come back tomorrow for the next installment of this MSP D&D Extravaganza!

MSP#110: Dungeons and Dragons Crawl Part II: Graduation Day

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:20:10 -0500

This issue: As part of the Major Spoilers third birthday celebration, the Major Spoilers Crew begin an epic journey playing the 4th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons.

In this installment, Orem faces his first challenge by taking on seven baddies at once.

If you aren't familiar with the 4th edition of D&D, you might want to check out Major Spoilers Podcast #28 and Major Spoilers Podcast #89

Come back tomorrow for the next installment of this MSP D&D Extravaganza!

MSP#109: Dungeons and Dragons Crawl Part I: Dramatis Personae

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:47:33 -0500

This issue: As part of the Major Spoilers third birthday celebration, the Major Spoilers Crew begin an epic journey playing the 4th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons.

In this installment, listeners learn all about character creation as Stephen Schleicher creates Orem Rivendorn as Dungeon Master Rodrigo looks on.

If you aren't familiar with the 4th edition of D&D, you might want to check out Major Spoilers Podcast #28 and Major Spoilers Podcast #89

Come back tomorrow for the next installment of this MSP D&D Extravaganza!

MSP#108: Transformers 2 Reviewed

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:43:07 -0500

This issue: The Major Spoilers Crew takes a look at Transformers 2: The Revenge of the Fallen movie, and give you their honest reaction to the movie.

MSP#107: The New X-Men Podcast

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:21:09 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew talk Thor, Gotham City, Grant Morrison's New X-Men volume 1, run through a Poll of the Week, and read listener e-mail.

NEWS
This week the readers pick the news, and voted to hear the Major Spoilers Crew talk about JMS leaving Thor
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Descendant #1
w: Michael Dolce and Marcus Perry
a: Mariano Navarro
In DESCENDANT Rayne Santiago, a United States counter-terrorism soldier, is forced to return to her South American homeland after years of exile due to abusing her own innate pyrokinetic abilities. There she she receives word of her brothers’ abduction by a rogue pharmaceutical conglomerate bent on using their DNA to manufacture super powers. Michael Dolce and Mariano Navarro’s experience in the small press superhero field combined with Marcus Perry’s past writing high-octane action films combines to tell a superpowered blockbuster the likes of which hasn’t been seen.

Matthew
81_NEW_AVENGERS_54.jpgNEW AVENGERS #54
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO
A Sorcerer Supreme is chosen! Be witness to a very important chapter in Avengers history and the lore of Marvel magic! Plus, the Avengers finally have a big showdown with the Hood and not everyone walks away from it unharmed!

Stephen
Gotham City Sirens #1
Written by Paul Dini; Art and Cover by Guillem March; Variant Cover by JG Jones
This all-new series features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people's rules regardless of which side of the law they're on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that's all their own, and they'll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
We're taking the battle back, back, back, waaaaaaaaaaaay back to the dawn of time, where we are pitting caveman vs. caveman. This week it's DC's Anthro taking on V.T. Hamlin's Alley Oop.

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Grant Morrison's New X-Men Volume 1
Sixteen million mutants dead - and that was just the beginning! In one bold stroke, writer Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, Batman) propelled the X-Men into the 21st century, masterminding a challenging new direction for Marvel’s mutant heroes that began with the destruction of Genosha and never let up. Regarded as the most innovative thinker of the current comic-book renaissance, Morrison proceeded to turn the mutant-hero genre on its ear. Gone were the gaudy spandex costumes - replaced by slick, black leather and an attitude to match.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#106: A look at the Comic Arts Conference 2009

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:30:59 -0500

This issue: Dr. Peter Coogan of the Institute for Comics Studies joins Stephen Schleicher as the duo discuss the Comic Arts Conference schedule of panels for the 2009 San Diego Comic Con.

MSP#105: The Cigars of the Pharaoh Podcast

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:22:32 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew goes outside their comfort zone and takes a look at The Adventures of Tintin. The poll of the week asks you to decide between your two favorite wisecracking robots, and plenty of reviews (including an exclusive advanced review). It's all in this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast!

NEWS
Thoughts on Ghostbusters 3
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
SWORDSMITH ASSASSIN #1
Written by Andrew Cosby and Michael Alan Nelson
Drawn by Ayhan Hayrula
Toshiro Ono has spent his life making the best swords that have ever been forged and selling them to the highest bidder. But when his family is killed by a blade of his own making… Toshiro will do whatever it takes to make sure none of his swords ever kill again. Andrew Cosby, creator of EUREKA, and Michael Alan Nelson, creator of HEXED, brings feudal Samurai Japan to life like no other comic has done before.

Matthew
MIGHTY AVENGERS #26
Written by DAN SLOTT
Pencils by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
The Avengers/Fantastic Four slobberknocker continues! This one’s got it all true believers: from MR. FANTASTIC and HANK PYM’S battle of the brains to HERCULES and THE THING’S battle o’ the brawn! When it’s over, expect BIG changes for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes– including the team’s all-new headquarters and a very disturbing DARK REIGN alliance.

Stephen
Batman: Streets of Gotham #1
Written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko
Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs and Georges Jeanty and Karl Story
Cover by Dustin Nguyen : Variant Cover by JG Jones
As a new Batman rises on the streets of Gotham City, the heroes, villains and citizens take notice. How will the police feel about this new Batman, and can he control the crime in Gotham the way the old Batman did?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
This week, we’re bringing it back ot robot on robot action by asking you to decide between the two beloved robots from Mystery Science Theater 3000. It’s kind of like asking you to choose between your two favorite children, but if you had to choose only one, would you pick Tom, or Crow?

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Tintin: Cigars of the Paraoh
Tintin and his dog Snowy are on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea when they meet Dr Sarcophagus, an Egyptologist who owns a papyrus that he believes will lead him to the undiscovered tomb of the Pharaoh Kih-Oskh (a pun on kiosk, a newspaper stand). He invites Tintin to accompany him. Tintin also has an unpleasant encounter with Roberto Rastapopoulos, a wealthy businessman.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#104: Our Favorite Animated Movies Podcast

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:07:33 -0500

This issue: Disney has finally come to its senses and is returning to the world of hand drawn 2D animation. This started up a discussion around stately Spoiler Manor about all sorts of animated movies. We’re taking a look at our current pick of favorite animated movies in this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast.

MSP#103: The Dark Victory Podcast

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:34:49 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers crew chat up Dark Victory, ponder the position of EIC, and give a average rating to a bunch of comics. All this, plus the Major Spoilers Poll of the Week.

NEWS
You're the EIC: DC Comics - Thoughts
Linkage

CONTEST
The winner of the Major Spoilers 100th Issue Extravaganza podcast is announced during the show. You can check out the correct answers here.

EMAIL
A listener writes in to ask about Cthulhu and where to start reading the HP Lovecraft mythos.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Witchblade/The Darkness/Angelus: Blood on the Sands 
(W) Philip W. Smith  
(A) Sheldon Mitchell, Admira Wijaya and Tom Grindberg  
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic
Set in 13th Century Arabia, Blood on the Sands tells the tale of three different bearers of the Top Cow Universe’s Trinity. In the harsh environment of the Arabian desert a pair of sisters struggle with the burden of the Witchblade, while a Darkness lord seeks to corrupt an inexperienced bearer of the Angelus. Brought to you by newcomer Philip W. Smith (The Gelding) and the artistic talents of Sheldon Mitchell (Witchblade Annual), Admira Wijaya (Hercules) and Tom Grindberg (Teen Titans, The Outsiders).

Matthew
Green Lantern Corps. #37
Written by Peter J. Tomas
Art and Cover by Patrick Gleason and Rebecca Buchman
Variant Cover by Rodolfo Migliari
The penultimate "Emerald Eclipse" chapter is upon us as the breakout on Oa leads to vast devastation and death across the planet. As the War of Light rages, do Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, Kilowog and the rest of the Corps have the willpower to quell the riot and overcome the napalm-spewing Red Lanterns and the fear-spreading Sinestro Corps?

Stephen
THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF H.P. LOVECRAFT #2 (of 4)
story MAC CARTER
art TONY SALMONS
cover ADAM BYRNE
Something sinister has been unleashed into the life of young pulp writer H.P. Lovecraft. His wretched dream of monsters and murder has come true! It can’t be coincidence… It can’t be merely that he’s begun a fast descent into madness… Two men are dead! Can Lovecraft stop the deadly beasts that seem to slip from his subconscious into the real world before the police discover that the trail of blood leads directly to his doorstep….

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Marvel dropped the pebble in the pool this week, with the announcement that Steve Rogers would be the latest hero to pass through Death’s Revolving Door and make his return in Captain America: Reborn.

While it may not have been a huge surprise, thanks to Marvel’s numerous efforts to tease the return, it did cause quite a stir among the comic book fans. Which brings us to the latest Major Spoilers Poll of the Week!

What do you think of Steve Rogers' return?
* Super excited!
* It's too soon!
* Death's Revolving Door strikes again - I'll pass.
* I'll believe it, when I see it!
* What's a Steve Rogers? I don't read or care about Captain America

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Batman: Dark Victory
The sequel to the critically acclaimed BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, this trade paperback continues the story of an early time in Batman’s life when James Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the vigilante himself were all just beginning their roles as Gotham’s protectors.

Once a town controlled by organized crime, Gotham City suddenly finds itself being run by lawless freaks, such as Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker. Witnessing his city’s dark evolution, the Dark Knight completes his transformation into the city’s greatest defender. He faces multiple threats, including the seeming return of a serial killer called Holiday. Batman’s previous investigation of Holiday’s killings revealed that more than one person was responsible for the murders. So the question remains: who is committing Holiday’s crimes this time? And how many will die before Batman learns the truth?

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#102: Y: Because We Liked It!

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:00:16 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew chats up Captain America, ponder who is to be the next Batgirl, take a look at olde tyme lingerie, slip back to the days when Earth fell apart, marvel at young tykes with super powers, and discuss Vertigo's Y: The Last Man Volume 1 Deluxe hardcover by Brian K. Vaughan.

NEWS
Isaiah Bradley as the New Captain America?
Linkage

EMAIL
Rufus asks Matthew to sort out the star date numbering from Star Trek, and Michael writes in to let the crew know he's still listening to the show despite his recent stroke.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Salem's Daughter
Written by: Ralph Tedesco
Artwork by: Caio Menescal
Colors by: James Brown
The Salem witch trials of 1692 resulted in the hangings of 19 women and men. Over the years many came to realize that the trials were perhaps done in haste with no hard evidence of witchcraft being used by any of the accused.
Two hundred years later, Anna Williams, is living a regular uneventful life in Essex County, Massachusetts. But there is more to Anna than meets the eye… much more. Now Anna is beginning to discover her unique powers and knows her life will never be the same as she reluctantly decides to follow her true calling. And a hardened and bitter gunslinger named Braden Cole is the one man who can help her along the way.

Matthew
PS238 #29
Aaron Williams
Miss Kyle's Las Vegas vacation continues to spiral out of control as she and her stowaway students are called upon to solve a mystery that even the greatest casino security team has been unable to crack. Can Miss Kyle, Poly Mer, Zodon, Julie, and the Flea figure out who is robbing the casino blind? Meanwhile, back at ps238, Tyler finds that being in stasis isn't as peaceful as one would think! All this and more in ps238 #29!

Stephen
Battlestar Galactica: The Final Five #3
Covers: Mel Rubi and Nigel Raynor
Writer: Seamus Kevin Fahey and David Reed
Penciller: Nigel Raynor
Colorist: Ivan Nunes
The term “Final Five” collectively describes five of the twelve Cylon humanoid models whose identity, knowledge, or existence has been deliberately or accidentally lost to the seven other humanoid Cylon models.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
With DC switching up the who’s who in the Batman universe, the final question on many people’s minds is, “Who is the new Batgirl?” Dc has been teasing readers for weeks with publicity images, but today, we’re giving you the chance to cast your vote on who you think is under the Batgirl cowl.
CHOOSE!

Who is the "new" Batgirl?

* Barbara Gordon
* Stephanie Brown
* Holly Robinson
* Cassandra Cain
* Charlie Gage-Radcliffe
* Vicki Vale
* Rose Wilson
* Helena Bertinelli
* Wendy Kuttler

Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote.
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Y: The Last Man
In the series, on July 17, 2002, something (referred to as a plague) simultaneously kills every mammal possessing a Y chromosome — including embryos, fertilized eggs, and even sperm. The only exceptions appear to be Yorick Brown, a young amateur escape artist, and his Capuchin monkey, Ampersand.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#101: Comics in the Classroom

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:58:18 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew reviews some comics, picks the comic they are most looking forward to this week, and ponder the use of comics in the classroom with Dr. Peter Coogan, Director of the institute for Comic Studies.

NEWS
There's a lot of movies coming up, and they might not all be good.
Linkage

The Major Spoilers website moves to a brand spankin' new server. Does it work well for you?

EMAIL
John I.G. the second wants to know if there will ever be any more commentary tracks for Cowboy Bebop produced by the Major Spoilers crew.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Graphic Classics Volume Seventeen
Visions of the Future!
Science Fiction Classics presents comics adaptations of stories from the original creators of science fiction including “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells and “A Martian Odyssey” by Stanley G. Weinbaum. Also featured are “In the Year 2889” a rare short story by Jules Verne, and “The Disintegration Machine”, starring Arthur Conan Doyle’s Professor Challenger. Plus E.M. Forster’s only SF tale “The Machine Stops”, and shorts by Lord Dunsany and Hans Christian Anderson.

Matthew
Herogasm #1
Writer: Garth Ennis
Penciller/Inker: John McCrea
An evil so profound it threatens all mankind… the mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all… a secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable… but have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? The Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, Fantastico and every other supe on Earth team up for an annual event like no other… and where the supes go, can a certain “five complications and a dog” be far behind? Vought-American prepare to make their move, in a story that will change the world of the Boys forever: Herogasm #1.

Stephen
Star Trek: Crew #4
Story by John Byrne
Art by John Byrne
Cover by John Byrne
It's a war that has raged for decades… but who are the combatants, and what is their unexpected connection to the Earth of centuries past? The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise will have only hours to find out, or die trying!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
There are a lot of comics being released this week, and some of them might be more anticipated by readers than others. This week sees the beginning of Batman and Robin #1, the “end” of Ultimate Spider-man with issue #133, more superhero turned bad in Irredeemable #3, a gruesome tale from Image Comics in the form of Chew #1, and the antics of Atomic Robo taking on the horror from space.
A) Batman and Robin #1
B) Ultimate Spider-man #133
C) Irredeemable #3
D) Chew #1
E) Atomic Robo #2
F) Other
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
This week on the Major Spoilers Podcast, the Major Spoilers Crew welcomes Dr. Peter Coogan, Director of the Institute for Comic Studies to talk about comics in the classroom. From Classics Illustrated to using comics as a gateway to additional learning (plus a wild rant or two from Stephen) are discussed in the last half of the show.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#100: Well, We Made it This Far...

Wed, 27 May 2009 02:35:37 -0500

Here it is the celebratory 100th issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast! This bonus sized edition (yup, it's a long one) includes live call-ins from listeners of the show and fans of the site. It was a lot of fun chatting with everyone and we really appreciate everyone around the world who stayed up way past their bedtime to join in on the fun.

We gave away a lot of prizes during the show, and for those who couldn't make the live event, listen carefully after the intro and you'll find out how to win a copy of Neil Gaiman's Sandman Volume II: The Absolute Edition.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#99: The One Before 100

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:16:52 -0500

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew gets down to business and discuss The Pet Avengers, Archie's nuptials, Teri Hatcher, Lois Lane, Kevin Smith, the Green Hornet, answer listener e-mail, review some comics, and wrap up their discussion on Top Cow's Rising Stars.

NEWS
Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers
LINKAGE

Archie's Getting Married?
LINKAGE

Kevin Smith is on the Green Hornet
LINKAGE

EMAIL
Constantine writes in asking about heroes from the past

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
We Kill Monsters #1 (Diamond order code of MAY091014)
Written: Laura Harkcom, Christopher Leone
Art: Brian Churilla
Colors: Ronda Pattison
Letters: Jeff Powell
Publication Date: 2009-07-08 
Two unassuming auto repair shop owners discover that monsters are infesting the world. When they are attacked, the glowing blue juice from the monster's brain heals his arm and saves Jake's life. But this gift only begins a life-long link to the monster invasion.

Matthew
Top Shelf: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910
Alan Moore
The third volume detailing the exploits of Miss Wilhelmina Murray and her extraordinary colleagues, Century is a 216-page epic spanning almost 100 years. Chapter one is set against the backdrop of London in 1910, 12 years after the failed Martian invasion and nine years since England put a man on the moon. With Halley's Comet passing overhead, the nation prepares for the coronation of King George V, while far away on his South Atlantic island, the science-pirate Captain Nemo is dying.

Stephen
The Voyages of She Buccaneer #5 (May 13, 2009)
Will and Heidi Hughes
The SheBuccaneer finally meets Black Ben and his fleet of Chinese pirates upon angry waves. With the help of an ancient wizard, teh Vengeance is set ablaze, and the SheBuccaneer is brought before the wicked Governor of Shanghai.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Last week's Major Spoilers Poll of the Week, stirred up a lot of discussion over the actresses who have portrayed Lois Lane. This brings us to this week's Poll of the Week - Who is the best Lois Lane?
A) Joan Alexander
B) Noel Neill
C) Philis Coates
D) Patricia Marand
E) Lesley Ann Warren
F) Margot Kidder
G) Terry Hatcher
H) Dana Delaney
I) Erica Durance
J) Kate Bosworth
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Rising Stars is a 24-issue comic book limited series by J. Michael Straczynski about 113 people (called "Specials") born with special abilities following the appearance of a mysterious light in the sky above Pederson, Illinois. The series explores how society may react to the advent of superpowers, and how those who are Specials may react towards society and each other. Rising Stars was one of the first comics produced under Straczynski's own Joe's Comics imprint for Top Cow Productions.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#98: Major Spoilers Live!

Sun, 17 May 2009 14:43:06 -0500

Building up to the 100th episode of the Major Spoilers Podcast, the crew took the time to test out their systems, to see what works, and what doesn't work. Last week, the trio of Matthew, Rodrigo, and Stephen took recorded an episode that went up on Ustream, the Major Spoilers site, and much more. For those of you who missed it, here is the result.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#97: Let's do the time warp podcast

Wed, 13 May 2009 21:35:54 -0500

In this issue: The Merc With A Mouth Becomes The Merc With A Movie... Mysteries, Wrapped In Enigmas, Within Quandaries, surrounded by bacon and deep-fried for Tempura... Men In Jodhpurs and Men In Masks, Working Together for a Better Tomorrow. Plus! The redhead wasn't thrown off a bridge throws down with the the brunette who didn't turn into a giant bug! Wolverine and Ripclaw: If They Touch, Will The Universes Collapse? And The Return of Tainted Rice...

NEWS
Doc Savage and The Spirit?
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Fusion #1 (of 3)
Starring Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer/Avengers/Thunderbolts
(W) Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (A) Tyler Kirkham (Cov) Mike Choi & Sonia Oback
When a rapid and unregistered Ripclaw starts tearing through a small Northeast town, the Mighty Avengers move in to stop him. When the feral hero escapes, they’re drawn into an inevitable conflict with Cyberforce. A crossover event too massive to be contained in a single issue brought to you by the writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova) and Top Cow favorite artist Tyler Kirkham (Ultimate Fantastic Four, Broken Trinity: Aftermath).

Matthew
MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #15 (RES)
story MICHAEL ALLRED
art & cover MICHAEL ALLRED
“MISTER GRINNING SOUL!”
A crazed cel phone salesman is being compelled to kill by some unseen force. Frank “Madman” Einstein and his groovy pals, the Atomics, receive “the call” to stop the horror.

Stephen
Unknown #1
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Minck Oosterveer
She has solved every mystery known to man. But there is one mystery that remains… UNKNOWN! Revered as the smartest person alive, Catherine Allingham is the world’s most famous private investigator. Follow her adventures as she sets out to solve the one mystery she’s never been able to crack! A new original mini-series from Mark (KINGDOM COME) Waid in the vein of RUSE with international superstar Minck Oosterveer.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Superman and Spider-Man have each had their share of love interests over the years, but two have captured their hearts. This week, we toss Lois Lane and Mary Jane Watson into the ring and have them fight for the love and affection of their big beaus. Of course this would be pre-One More Day for Mary Jane and pre-New Krypton for Lois, but you get the idea...

FIGHT!
A) Lois Lane
B) Mary Jane Watson
VOTE

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#96: The Bonus Podcast

Sun, 10 May 2009 11:55:33 -0500

In this issue: TOM WELLING PRIME PUNCH!! More meatloaf, more meatloaf, more meatloaf! Hot chicks in armored bikinis! Plus: A podcast where apes evolved from men? The Mayor is back in harness, but where's Michael J. Fox? And two guys from the sixties fight it out to see who's hairpiece is supreme... Come with me, and you'll be in our world of pure imagination, where the snozzberries taste like snozzberries, no wangdoodles come to scoop you up and eat you, and you can't go backwards... got to go forwards to go back. Better to press on...

NEWS
Connor Kent Returns
LINKAGE

Meet the New Thor and Batgirl
LINKAGE and LINKAGE

E-MAIL BAG
Mark Smith, creator of the New Brighton Archeological Society writes in.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Witchblade Annual 2009
(W) Jay Faerber, Joshua Cozine, Joe Henderson (A) Eric Basaldua, Sheldon Mitchell (Cov) Eric Basaldua, Sami Basri
Presenting the first ever Witchblade Annual issue, complete with a new, original self-contained story by writer Jay Faerber and artist Eric Basaluda. Includes a second bonus story! Beautiful women all over the city are killing men they don't even know, and then claiming they don't even remember the events. When Sara and partner Gleason are assigned to investigate the case, they're thrown head-first into the dangerous and deadly world of... plastic surgery?
Plus an additional story featuring Ian Nottingham by newcomers Joshua Cozine & Joe Henderson, and artist Sheldon Mitchell (Freshmen Summer Special).

Matthew
Ex Machina #41
Written by Brian K. Vaughan; Art by Tony Harris and Jim Clark; Cover by Tony Harris
It's the beginning of a new storyline – one that will finally reveal the true source of the Great Machine's strange powers! As New Year's Eve approaches, Mayor Mitchell Hundred makes a shocking announcement while the retired Super Hero's past returns to haunt Times Square.

Stephen
The Literals #1 (of 3)
Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges ; Art by Mark Buckingham and Andrew Pepoy ; Cover by Mark Buckingham
Part 3 of "The Great Fables Crossover"! If you're a reader of JACK OF FABLES, then you're familiar with The Literals – an extended family of characters who literally embody literary notions. It's also very possible that one of The Literals may have created all of the Fables plus the universe in which they reside, unbeknownst to our beloved Fables.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Television Icons square off in this installment of the Major Spoilers Poooooolllll of the Week! Offered up by loyal Major Spoilerite Lifeisaglitch, this week we send into the ring two classic and beloved actors; Adam West, best known for his role as Batman in the 1960’s television series, and William Shatner, who has already been the target of our poll in the past (yeah, get your mind out of the gutter). Two will enter, one will leave. Who will it be?

FIGHT!
A) Adam West
B) William Shatner
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Skye Asks:
I think it could be interesting to have a discussion about comic book subscriptions. I can see several facets:
The different ways you can get a subscriptions - pull lists, direct subscriptions, dcbs and other online services.
The ways the various publishers offer subscriptions.
The effect on comic shops.
How popular are they?
How timely are they - I sometimes get issues 3-4 weeks after they have been officially released from Marvel but usually 1-2 weeks after release. DC (although I think DC subscriptions are a third party) is always about 4 weeks after release.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#95: Atomic Robo 3.1 Cover to Cover with Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:53:26 -0500

This issue: The Major Spoilers Crew welcome Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener to the show to to a cover to cover discussion of Atomic Robo volume 3, number 1.

Depicting the adventures of the eponymous fictional character created by 8-Bit Theater writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener, Atomic Robo began as a six issue mini-series published by Red 5 Comics starting in October 2007. It was nominated in the “Best Limited Series” category of the 2008 Eisner Awards. The first six issues of the series have been collected as Atomic Robo Volume 1: Atomic Robo and the Fightin’ Scientists of Tesladyne. Atomic Robo Volume 2: Atomic Robo and the Dogs of War was released as a trade paperback in February 18, 2009. The third series Atomic Robo Volume 3: Atomic Robo and the Shadow From Beyond Time, is out now.

MSP#94: The Word Association Game Podcast

Sat, 02 May 2009 14:56:55 -0500

This issue: Oh, Dear God! What Have We Done!? Matthew thinks it is a good idea for the MSP Crew to play a word association game. Yes, that's right, you, Dear Listener, are going to dive into the messed up minds of the hosts of this show.

How does it work?
1) Matthew must win
2) Calvinball

Connect the two, in this bonus Major Spoilers Podcast.

MSP#93: The League of Extra Ordinary Podcasters

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:26:34 -0500

Featuring, in this issue: Everything from merchandise to chicken fills you up this issue, and for dessert, a sampling of one Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

NEWS
Marvel Teams with Walgreens
LINKAGE

E-MAIL BAG
The Major Spoilers Crew featured in a RPG Maker 2000 Game, and James wants the crew to talk about darkness in comics. That's darkness, not THE Darkness. Also, James wants Matthew to record a wrestling episode or two, to which Stephen responds with a challenge.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Sword of My Mouth #1
Jim Munroe (w)
Shannon Gerard (a)
If Ella didn't have her baby, she'd go crazy from the loneliness. But she might still go crazy from the guilt, because the baby isn't quite right. The world was simpler before the righteous floated away into the sky, and magic started working. An all-new, six-issue story continuing on from the acclaimed graphic novel Therefore Repent!

Matthew
Mighty Avengers #24
COVER BY: KHOI PHAM
WRITER: DAN SLOTT
PENCILS: RAFA SANDOVAL
INKS: DANNY MIKI
COLORED BY: DEAN WHITE
LETTERED BY: DAVE LANPHEAR
CHASING GHOSTS"
The SCARLET WITCH is back and her brother wants answers! Join QUICKSILVER as he races around the globe, hunting down the MIGHTY AVENGERS! Plus, what's HANK PYM'S problem with MR. FANTASTIC? And what does NORMAN OSBORN have in store for Earth's Mightiest Heroes?
Guest starring QUICKSILVER, and featuring appearances by the YOUNG AVENGERS and the FANTASTIC FOUR.
Rated A …$2.99

Stephen
Jack of Fables #33
Written by Matthew Sturges and Bill Willingham; Art by Russ Braun and Jose Marzan Jr.; Cover by Brian Bolland
Part 2 of "The Great Fables Crossover"! This is the opening salvo in what will come to be known around the world as "The Great Fables Crossover" (except for that one issue of FABLES that comes out the previous week that actually starts it, but who gives a crap?). You know, everyone is always saying, "Hey, we want to see Jack get his ass kicked." And since this is a crossover, there could be all kinds of people who might be kicking Jack's ass. But it'll probably only involve the one person you're thinking would do something like that.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Yeah, we’re being a little weird this week. Why would we have a Major Spoilers Poll of the Week about fried chicken? Everyone knows you don’t read comics and eat fried chicken at the same time… duh…

It’s all in good fun, and just might help us in marketing Major Spoilers.

(but really, it’s all about the fun)

So, which is it Major Spoiler Legion? KFC or Popeye’s?

A) KFC
B) Popeye's
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
From the Wiki

According to Moore, the initial concept behind the series was initially a “Justice League of Victorian England” but quickly grew into an opportunity to merge all works of fiction into one world. Says Moore: “The planet of the imagination is as old as we are. It has been humanity’s constant companion with all of its fictional locations, like Mount Olympus and the gods, and since we first came down from the trees, basically. It seems very important, otherwise, we wouldn’t have it.”[1] Moore and O’Neill have revealed that they plan to map out many different eras in the League series with Allan Quatermain and Mina Murray being the two constants.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#92: The GCPcast (That's the Gotham City Podcast to You Citizen)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:01:23 -0500

Featuring, in this issue: Beauties and Beasties and Big Bad Wolves! Faceless Fellows Furiously Fighting! Someone's Son Seems Superhuman! Plus: Kidnappings, Outings, and Crime, oh my! Half-sister Christian, oh, the time has come! Comfortable surfaces for your pet rodent! SKAAR... IS COMING. And: LOBSTER STICKS TO MAGNET!! KOWA KOWA!! You don't drink, you don't smoke, what do you do? Subtle innuendo follows, there must be something inside... Settle in, grab a frosty beverage to wash down your hamburger (the CORNERSTONE of every nutritious breakfast) and get ready for the good, the bald, and the wonderful personality. We're gonna totally blow your mind, duuuude...

NEWS
SKAAR IS COMING!
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Runaways #7
COVER BY: HUMBERTO RAMOS
WRITER: TERRY MOORE
PENCILS: TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
INKS: TAKESHI MIYAZAWA
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA
The spookiest Runaways tale ever starts here! The Val Rhymin subplot has been brewing since issue one and peeks here! Chase’s boss is not what he seems! Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) welcomes former RUNAWAYS artist Takeshi Miyazawa aboard for this creepy tale of magic and mayhem!
Rated T+ …$2.99

Matthew
DYNAMO 5 #21
story JAY FAERBER, art MAHMUD A. ASRAR, YILDIRAY CINAR, & RON RILEY, cover MAHMUD A. ASRAR & RON RILEY
32 PAGES, FC, $3.50
Visionary’s going on his first date! And it’s with that cute Firebird, too. But you know what happens when two super-heroes try to take a night off, don’t you…? The answer may surprise you!

Stephen
Fables #83 Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Art by Mark Buckingham and Andrew Pepoy ; Cover by Joao Ruas
Part 1 of "The Great Fables Crossover"! Thrill! To the adventures of your favorite Fables as they fight for their very existence in the greatest Fables epic yet! Shudder! To the danger as all of existence is about to be wiped out with the stroke of a pen! Featuring Brazilian newcomer Joao Ruas, who brings his exquisite style and elegance as our new cover artist!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Watching the Watchmen and Their Counterparts
We’re almost done with the battle between the Watchmen and the characters that inspired them. This week it’s a battle of the faceless ones as The Question takes on Rorschach.

A) The Question
B) Rorschach
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
Gotham Central
From Amazon
The first ten issues of the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning series is collected in hardcover for the first time! Written by Ed Brubaker (Captain America) and Greg Rucka (Detective Comics, 52), this series pitted the detectives of Gotham City’s Special Crimes Unit against the city’s greatest villains – in the shadow of Batman himself.

This volume collects two cases of the Gotham Special Crimes Unit. In the first, a cop is killed by Mister Freeze, and the squad is in a race against time to bring him in without the help of the Dark Knight. In the second story–the acclaimed, award-winning “Half a Life”–Detective Renee Montoya is outed as a lesbian and finds her work environment and personal life turned upside down. Things only become more complicated when she’s kidnapped by Two-Face. This debut volume features an introduction by acclaimed mystery author Lawrence Block.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#91: Magic the Gathering Podcast

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:26:31 -0500

This issue: Rodrigo talks all about Magic the Gathering, and gets Stephen hooked on the card game that has been around for over 15 years.

Magic: The Gathering (colloquially "Magic", "MTG", or "Magic Cards") is a collectible card game created by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast. Magic is the first example of the modern collectible card game genre and still thrives today, with an estimated six million players in over seventy countries.[3] Magic can be played by two or more players each using a deck of printed cards or a deck of virtual cards through the Internet-based Magic: The Gathering Online or third-party programs.

MSP#90: After the Weasel War of 1149 Podcast

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:11:02 -0500

In this week's issue: Could Benton's boy be on his way to the screen? Have YOU ever heard a sound like the Rubber Band Man? And, does anybody REALLY want to know what goes in inside Matthew's big rubbery head? Plus: WHY not to wait for the trade! HOW to cover your pectoral regions and look good doin' it! WHERE can I get a painting that does my aging for me? WHO let that rhinocerous on this bus? All this, and Mrs. Frisby slaps down an injunction, as episode ninety leaps off the starting line, burns rubber through the chicane, leaps across the median, and into your hearts and minds... El podcast de los Alerones Principal está en el aire!

NEWS
Do You Want to See a Jonny Quest Movie?
LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listeners write in to ask about Major Spoilers Comic Books, and what the Major Spoilers Crew thinks of "waiting for the trade".

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
UNCANNY X-MEN ANNUAL # 2
The Story: Emma Frost has never been a simple person, nor has
she had a simple past. The Hellfire Club. The Hellions.
Generation X. Genosha. But you haven’t seen it all. Did you know about her history with Namor? With Tony Stark? With Norman Osborn? The X-Men have often operated on the outside of the Marvel Universe; that stops now and in this annual. Do not Rated T+ …$3.99

Matthew
Green Lantern #39
Written by Geoff Johns; Art by Philip Tan and Jonathan Glapion; Cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert; Variant cover by Rodolfo Migliari
"Agent Orange" Part 1 and featuring an "Origins and Omens" backup tale! As the orange light of avarice erupts in violence within the Vega System, the secrets of the Guardians' pact with the criminals of the universe that has kept the Vega System off limits is revealed. Hal Jordan comes face to face with the mysterious and immensely powerful Agent Orange in a bizarre confrontation.

Stephen
Grimm Fairy Tales #37
Writer: Dan Wickline
Pencils: Alex Machain
Who really wants to live forever? In the twisted style you've come to expect, Grimm Fairy Tales present Dorian Gray. Rockstar Don and his beautiful wife Stephanie seemed to have everything, success, love and…immortality. Like Dorian Gray years before him, Don’s life is forever young thanks to a mysterious portrait that hangs over his fireplace. But immortality is not the gift you might think as grief grips Don as those around him pass away over time. Again, the mysterious Belinda works her warped magic, sharing the secrets of the strange painting with Don and sending the story spiraling toward its heartbreakingly deadly conclusion.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Back by popular demand, it’s the battle of the stretchy people. Last time it was Ralph Dibny vs. Reed Richards, this week we pit Plastic Man with the crazy, mind warping, girl loving Elastic Lad!

A) Plastic Man
B) Elastic Lad
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152
Story and Art by David Petersen
From the Wiki
The story focuses on a colony of intelligent mice, who live in a medieval era, paralleling the same age in human history, though in their world there are no humans.

“The mice struggle to live safely and prosper among all of the world’s harsh conditions and predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed. After persevering against a weasel warlord in the winter war of 1149, the territories are no longer as troubled. True, the day to day dangers exist, but no longer are the Guard soldiers, instead they are escorts, pathfinders, weather watchers, scouts and body guards for the mice who live among the territories. Many skills are necessary for the guard to keep the borders safe. They must find new safeways and paths from village to village, lead shipments of goods from one town to another and, in case of attack, guard against all evil and harm to their territories.” They are not simply soldiers that fight off intruders; rather, they are guides for the common mice looking to journey without confrontation from one hidden mouse village to another. The Guard patrols borders, finds safeways and paths through dangerous territories and treacherous terrain, watches weather patterns, and keeps the mouse territories free of predators. They do so with fearless dedication so that they might not just exist, but truly live.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#89: Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook 2

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:18:22 -0500

This issue: Rodrigo has the latest Player's Handbook for the fourth version of Dungeons and Dragons, and explains all the new additions to the game.

New classes, races, and other options for your D&D(R) game.

This book builds on the array of classes and races presented in the first Player's Handbook(R), adding both old favorites and new, never-before-seen options to the game.

The book adds a new power source for 4th Edition D&D; classes using the new primal power source include the barbarian and the druid.

Player's Handbook 2 expands the range of options available to D&D players with new classes, races, powers, and other material.

MSP#88: We're Having an Identity Crisis Podcast

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:43:20 -0500

This issue: There's a new nightmare in town, but at least he didn't kill Kitty Genovese. Logan suffers from a premature release. The Bartons ain't the Bartons anymore. Plus: A League with in a League? Controversy among the Spoilerites? Dogs playing poker? Also, two guys get a restraining order from one 'Eel O'Brien' on this, the 88th consecutive string of running jokes and pop culture detritus (Ancient Chinese Secret, huh?) The Major Spoilers Podcast is on the air!!

NEWS
Controversial DCU Cover

LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listener Hermit wants to know what the Major Spoilers Crew thinks of the leaked Wolverine movie.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Astonishing Tales #3
COVER BY: KENNETH ROCAFORT
WRITER: C. B. CEBULSKI
DANIEL MERLIN GOODBREY
JONATHON GREEN
JONATHAN HICKMAN
PENCILS: KENNETH ROCAFORT
LOU KANG
NICHOLAS PITARRA
FIONA STAPLES
COLORED BY: IRO BOT
LETTERED BY: TROY PETERI

Marvel’s premiere all-new anthology continues as
WOLVERINE & PUNISHER go toe-to-toe with the deadly Viper on the streets of Madripoor! Meanwhile, in the future, IRON MAN 2020 has problems of his own as his new energy-efficient air transport gets blasted by the mysterious Commodore Q! SUNSPOT and CANNONBALL continue their moviemaking mayhem in MOJOWORLD! And Jonathan Green (Anita Blake: The First Death) and the incredible Fiona Staples give us an untold tale of Spider-Woman’s past…and some of California’s most horrible vampires!
Rated T+ …$3.99

Matthew
New Avengers: The Reunion #2
The Story: Written by JIM MCCANN
Penciled by DAVID LOPEZ
Cover by JO CHEN
Ronin & Mockingbird have found each other again, but they might be wishing they hadn't! There's a ticking time bomb out there and these two are going to have to either set aside their issues or duke it out before an entire city goes "BOOM!" Odds are there'll be a fight! Plus, what secret has Bobbi been carrying with her since BEFORE the Skrulls abducted her? Find out here as THE REUNION continues!
Rated A …$3.99

Stephen
The Mighty #3
Written by Peter J. Tomasi and Keith Champagne; Art by Peter Snejbjerg; Cover by Dave Johnson
Alpha One may be the most powerful being on the face of the planet, but emotionally, he's vulnerable – and he needs a friend he can trust. His ally Gabriel Cole, who has just officially taken command of Section Omega, is becoming that friend. But neither man knows the danger they tempt by inviting each other into their homes. And what amazing secrets are hidden in Alpha One's underground headquarters?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Stretch ‘em out and they’ll always return to their natural shape, that is unless you stretch the stuff too far thus breaking its point of elasticity. This week, we return to the battle of the big two, this time with Mr. Fantastic from the Fantastic Four, taking on the Elongated Man from the Justice League. Who wins the battle of the stretch, and who winds up a puddle of goo in the middle of the ring?

A) Mr. Fantastic
B) Elongated Man
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
Identity Crisis
Written by Brad Meltzer; Art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair; Covers by Morales and Bair and Michael Turner
When the spouse of a JLA member is brutally murdered, the entire super-hero community searches for the killer, fearing their own loved ones may be the next targets! But before the mystery is fully solved, a number of long-buried secrets rise to the surface, threatening to tear apart and divide the heroes before they can bring the mysterious killer to justice.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#87: JM DeMatteis Interview and Listener Feedback Special

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:28:04 -0500

This issue: The Major Spoilers Crew dives into the Major Spoilers Mailbag to respond to listener e-mail, and hop on the Major Spoilers Hotline to answer some of the many messages they've received. Then Stephen chats with writer JM DeMatteis about his new work, The Life and Times of Saviour 28, being the Editor in Chief of Ardden Entertainment, and writing Batman: The Brave and the Bold cartoon series for Cartoon Network. Following that, the crew returns to give their spoiler filled review the Life and Times of Savior 28.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#86: The Boldly Going Where No One Has Gone Before Podcast

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:28:26 -0500

This issue: Planet ComiCon, hot girls in wheelchairs, Batman or clones, or possibly both. Plus: Ye can't mix Life and Anti-Life...And also Comics: The Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Spoilerprise, it's two year and counting mission, to review strange new comics, to seek out new stories and new takes on old stories. To boldly split infinitives that no man has split before! And Scott Johnson...

NEWS
Star Wars the Clone Wars and Batman: The Brave and the Bold Return for Another Season

LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listener Greg wants to know if the Major Spoilers Crew made it to the Kansas City Planet ComiCon or not.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Cars: The Rookie #1
Written by Alan J. Porter
Drawn by Albert Carreres
SC, 24 pgs, FC, (1 of 4), SRP: $2.99
Diamond Code: JAN094067

Cars fans, start your engines! Before the big Dinoco 400 race, rookie sensation Lightning McQueen is interviewed by Darrel Cartrip. Full of braggadocio, McQueen reveals his scrappy origins as “Bulldozer” McQueen–a local short track racer who dreams of the big time…and recklessly plows his way through the competition to get there!

Matthew
Nova #23
COVER BY: DANIEL ACUNA
WRITER: DAN ABNETT
ANDY LANNING
PENCILS: WELLINTON ALVES
INKS: SCOTT HANNA
COLORED BY: GURU-EFX
LETTERED BY: VC - CORY PETIT

War of Kings brings a new status quo...and a new penciler Andrea DiVito (Annihilation)! Who is the new Protector of the Universe? Stripped of his Nova powers and facing death, Rich Rider must stop the Worldmind’s plans before it’s too late. But he needs power to do it, which may come from a source that will change his very identity! It’s another unpredictable episode of the comic Ain’t It Cool News calls “awesomely jaw-droppingly cool stuff.”
Rated T+ …$2.99

Stephen
Oracle: The Cure #1
Written by Kevin VanHook; Art by Don Kramer and Jay Leisten; Cover by Guillem March
Part 1 of 3-part story that will change the life of Oracle forever! Barbara Gordon, after disbanding the Birds of Prey, returns to Gotham City as a recluse only to lose herself to her Oracle identity entirely. But when the evil Calculator seeks the remnants of the Anti-Life Equation to save the life of his daughter, Oracle will be caught in the crossfire, and Barbara Gordon will pay the ultimate price!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Short and simple, Star Wars or Star Trek?
A) Star Trek
B) Star Wars
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Star Trek
Scott Johnson from ExtraLife (www.myextralife.com) joins the Major Spoilers Crew this week to discuss all things Star Trek. In light of the upcoming movie franchise reboot, and Nerdtacular III, the panel waxes poetically about the best and the worst Star Trek has to offer, while Stephen loses all Trek-cred he has by saying he liked Enterprise over all the other series. It only gets better from there, in this lively discussion.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#85: Comic Book Marketing 101

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:48:07 -0500

In this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast, Stephen sits down with Chip Mosher, Marketing and Sales Director of Boom! Studios, and Shannon Wheeler, creator of Too Much Coffee Man, to discuss marketing small and independent comic books. Anyone who yearns to become a successful publisher or creator of a popular comic series needs to listen to Comic Book Marketing 101.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#84: The New Brighton Archeological Society Podcast

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:00:11 -0500

The Wheel of Morality will turn,turn,turn, and we'll think of something funny to say about wherever it stops... theoretically, anyway. Johnny's got his gun, and he's lookin' for Keanu. Bulletproof girls still like to play headgames. Plus: Is it #1 or #401? The Lion, the Witch, and the pyramids at Giza! And Rodrigo says It's time to get things started... (Why won't you get things started?) on the most sensational, inspirationational, spoiletational, majorational...

NEWS
Green Lantern Begins Shooting in September

LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listener Gaumer wants to know what the MSP Crew thinks of comic book renumbering, which leads to Stephen ranting about the guy behind the counter at the local comic book shop.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Muppet Show #1
Written by Roger Langridge
Drawn by Roger Langridge
SC, 24 pgs, FC, SRP: $2.99
The incomparable Roger Langridge (FRED THE CLOWN) brings his absurdist humor to THE MUPPET SHOW stage! Longing for the swamp, Kermit forlornly plucks his banjo, while Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and the entire gang tries to jolly him out of his funk. Packed full of madcap skits and gags, THE MUPPET SHOW is sure to please old and new fans alike.

Matthew
Hellblazer #253
Written by Peter Milligan; Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini; Cover by Lee Bermejo
Confronting the demons of one's past should be familiar ground for John Constantine. But some vicious memories are so horrible and buried so deep that digging them up could leave no one to pick up the pieces.

Stephen
Supergirl #39
Written by Sterling Gates; Art by Jamal Igle and Keith Champagne; Cover by Joshua Middleton
"Who is Superwoman?" part 3! Supergirl continues her manhunt for Reactron, determined to bring him to justice for the heinous crimes he committed in "New Krypton"!
Meanwhile, Lois Lane and Inspector Mike Henderson investigate the appearance of a dead body in Metropolis Harbor. Whose body is it and what could it have to do with the new Woman of Steel? Find out as the big mystery of 2009 continues!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
This week it is a battle of the three apple high creatures that constantly foil their full sized foe. Who will win the battle between the blue Peyo creations, the Smurfs, and the Belgian knock-offs the Snorks?
A) Smurfs
B) Snorks
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
New Brighton Archeological Society
Out of the ashes of misfortune will rise the next generation of great adventurers! After their parents are lost on an archeological expedition, four children begin to unlock the secrets of their parents’ mysterious lives, discovering a hidden world of mystical artifacts, mythical creatures, and arcane knowledge. Soon they find themselves drawn into a conflict over a great library that has kept two kingdoms at war for centuries, the children must save an enchanted forest, the birthplace of magic itself. Join us as these children become the latest members of the fabled New Brighton Archeological Society, and take their first steps towards their true destiny!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#83: The Adaptation Podcast

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:19:52 -0500

In this issue, Peter Coogan returns, and we tackle adaptations... Super Bat and Man-Man make their way to the screen... Felicity and her friends deflect bullets with their wrists... Plus: What went wrong with Denny Colt? Big eyed robots slay each other for your love. And the DEAD LIVE!!! All this and much, much less, with a side of fries, and free cheese log with every fill up...

NEWS
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Next DC Animated Movie
LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listener Bruce writes in to let listeners know of an upcoming Dark Crystal showing in Denver.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo and Stephen
Wonder Woman Animated Movie
Warner Home Video
On the mystical island of Themyscira, a proud strong warrior race of Amazon Women live in a utopian civilization shielded from the corrupt world of man. But a betrayal within the Amazon sisterhood leads to the escape of Ares, the God of War, and Amazon Princess Diana must capture him before he unleashes global chaos and destruction. With the aid of cocky fighter pilot Steve Trevor, Diana tracks Ares to the United States for a battle unlike any humankind has ever faced.

Matthew
HOTWIRE: REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD #2
Created by STEVE PUGH and WARREN ELLIS
Based on a story by WARREN ELLIS
Writer and Illustrator STEVE PUGH
Letterer STEVE PUGH

Alice wakes with a broken nose and a surly house guest. As more city blocks fall to the rioters, a murdered man staggers into Police City Central and discovers his death was only the start of the worst day of his life.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Robot Wars Returns! This time we place lovable robot sidekicks in the ring to see who kicks ass, and who gets a big “awwww...wook how cute dat widdle wobot is” from the audience.
A) R2D2 - Star Wars
B) Bubo - Clash of the Titans
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Adaptations
This week on the Major Spoilers Podcast, the Major Spoilers Crew welcomes Dr. Peter Coogan, Director of the Institute for Comic Studies to talk about adaptations in all their forms. From Watchmen to Classics Illustrated and even adaptations from film to comics, what works and what doesn’t, is up for grabs during the show.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#82: The Dark Crystal Podcast

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:38:18 -0500

In this issue: Muppets, muppets, muppets! Zombies, zombies, zombies! Stephen says "Holy crap!" Rodrigo says "Why is this alien illeterate?" and Matthew just hums Paul McCartney tunes under his breath. Plus: pink pleather bikinis! The buying habits of of the North American comics fan! And two crazy mofos with big guns vy for your affections, and a teenage mutant ninja secretary is in the house, and she ain't bringing you your coffee, bucky.

When single shines the triple sun,
What was sundered and undone
The line between them was never so real,
So have some beans at every meal.
The Major Spoiler Podcast is on the air.

NEWS
Any Initial Watchmen Reactions?
LINKAGE

Saturn Girl Hero History
LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listener David. writes in to tell us why comic companies should die.

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
SUPER ZOMBIES #1
Writer: Marc Guggenheim and Vince Gonzales
Penciller: Mel Rubi
In a world filled with super-heroes, one man stands apart, Neuron, once known as Bernard Jaeger, the man responsible for saving the world, most particularly from the KHR SYNDROME. But it was this very plague which began to change the world forever, filling its population of super heroes with a deadly new hunger - a hunger for human flesh!

Matthew
Dynamo 5 #20
story JAY FAERBER, art & cover MAHMUD A. ASRAR & RON RILEY
CHANGE IS COMING!
It’s Valentine’s Day, but the members of Dynamo 5 don’t have time to deal with their own love lives. Instead, they have to stop a feuding super-villain couple from destroying Tower City!

Stephen
Executive Assistant: Iris #0 (Aspen Comics)
Created by David Wohl, Brad Foxhoven & Michael Turner
Written by David Wohl
Art by Eduardo Francisco
Colors by John Starr
Cover by Talent Caldwell
Secretary. Bodyguard. Assassin. The Executive Assistant is all of the above rolled into one. She's meticulous, ruthlessly efficient and completely loyal to her employer. But... In the high-stakes web of corporate wealth and power, one young woman, Iris, must decide between her duty -- and her conscience. When Iris' employer, Mr. Ching, decides to settle a dispute between himself and a deceitful Russian businessman--out of the pleasantries of the conference room, she is given the order to 'force' a compromise. However, when the deadly realities of her obligations remind her of the tragic horrors of her past, Iris begins to question everything around her!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Who killed Edward Blake? It just might be Peacemaker, the character that inspired the Alan Moore Watchmen character. Let's throw them both in the ring and see who emerges victorious.
A) Peacemaker
B) The Comedian

VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
The Dark Crystal
The Dark Crystal is a cult 1982 fantasy film directed by puppeteers Jim Henson and Frank Oz, creators of The Muppet Show. Although still marketed as a family film, it was notably darker than previous material created by them. Characters for which they are famous do not appear, but some of the same performers are used. The animatronics used in the film were considered groundbreaking at the time. The primary concept artist was the fantasy illustrator Brian Froud, famous for his distinctive faeriedwarf designs. Froud also cooberated with Jim Henson and Frank Oz for their next project, the 1986 film Labyrinth which was notably more light-hearted than The Dark Crystal.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#81: The Watchmen Podcast

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:34:10 -0600

In this issue: The Man of Steel on the auction block! The Commander In Chief takes over the industry! Wee Hughie oversteps his bounds! Plus: Deadshot's in your house, shootin' up your targets! I can has Silk Spectre? Chiana has invisible space blasters! And, Stephen Ignatius Schleicher is a rotten ol' somepin somepin, and all sorts o' mean nasty stuff, with 25 8 by 10 color glossy photographs with the circles and the arrows and the paragraph on the back describin' each one! So, when the chorus comes around, everybody sing together... with feelin'...

NEWS
Action Comics #1 Unrestored 6.0 up for auction
LINKAGE

Barack Obama on the cover of almost all comic books these days

Suicide Squad: The Movie
LINKAGE

EMAILS
Listener Thomas, CA. writes in to tell us he's become a comic nerd. ONEOFUS!ONEOFUS!ONEOFUS!

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
FARSCAPE #3 (Boom! Studios)
Written by Rockne S. O’Bannon, Keith DeCandido
Drawn by Tommy Patterson
TV’s science fiction masterpiece FARSCAPE returns! Farscape creator Rockne S. O’Bannon continues his creation in comic-book form right where the PEACEKEEPER WARS left off! Things aren’t looking good for the crew of Moya as Crichton and Aeryn are imprisoned on Hyneria. But don’t worry! Their last, best hope is… Rygel?!

Matthew
Justice League of America #30
Written by Dwayne McDuffie; Art and Cover by Ed Benes
Featuring an "Origins and Omens" backup story! Can the entire combined might of the Justice League of Amercia and Dr. Light stand up to the cosmic entity known as Starbreaker as he continues consuming the sun? Could this be another Final Night for the DC Universe?

Stephen
The Boys #28 (Dynamite Entertainment)
Covers: Darick Robertson and Dave Gibbons
Writer: Garth Ennis
Penciller/Inker: Darick Robertson/John Higgins
Colorist: Tony Avila
Butcher has warned Hughie to quit his undercover activities, so what's he doing at Silver Kincaid's memorial service? Godolkin oversteps the mark, MM stumbles onto something dreadful, and- much to her delight- the Female gets to follow Frenchie into action. And one of the G-Wiz kids gets an offer he can't refuse, as the stage is set for a face-off of cataclysmic proportions- in WE GOTTA GO NOW, part six.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Once again, it’s all about Matthew. This week were pitting Matthew’s two favorite comic book characters of all time against one another in an arena of death. On the Marvel side we have Mimic, once a member of the X-Men, he has the ability to copy peoples skills at will. On the DC side we present Blok, the stoic stone hero from the Legion of Super-Heroes.

FIGHT! A) Mimic
B) Blok
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Watchmen
Moore used the story as a means to reflect contemporary anxieties and to deconstruct the superhero concept. Watchmen takes place in an alternate history United States where the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, freelance costumed vigilantes have been outlawed and most costumed superheroes are in retirement or working for the government. The story focuses on the personal development and struggles of the protagonists as an investigation into the murder of a government sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement and eventually leads them to confront a plot by one of their own to stave off nuclear war by killing millions of innocent people.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#80: The Fan Film

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:01:52 -0600

In this week's issue, we do what we do what we do... Rodrigo doesn't see the point in voting for a lesser evil... Steve knows what evil lurks in the heart's of fanboys (but not much else...) Matthew is smitten times two, but will they kiss? Plus: Doctor Peter Coogan returns for an analysis of why the other geeks are all better than you (and by you, I mean Stephen) and why they do that voodoo that they do so very well. Also, we wanna hear what you wanna hear! plus: matthew delves into poetry.

NEWS
Major Spoilers Podcast One Year Old!
What do you want to hear in 2009?
Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
CTHULHU TALES #12 (BOOM! Studios)
Written by Jeff Lester, William Messner-Loebs
Drawn by Jeremy Rock, Chee
The NECRONOMICON team of William Messner-Loebs and Andrew Ritchie return for Arkham SVU! That’s Spectral Victims Unit, in case you didn’t know. Cover artist Shane Oakley writes up a story of the sea and one strange child in Whistle For the Deep!

Matthew
New Exiles #18
COVER BY: TIM SEELEY
WRITER: CHRIS CLAREMONT
PENCILS: TIM SEELEY
INKS: TIM SEELEY
COLORED BY: WIL QUINTANA
LETTERED BY: TOM ORZECHOWSKI
THE STORY:
FINAL ISSUE!
They WERE the New Exiles…but after last issue’s shocking ending and a loss that will tear them apart, how can our heroes possibly continue? The answers await you here, true believers, along with clues as to what the future holds for our favorite dimension jumpers! Join X-Maestro
Chris Claremont for a bittersweet chapter we can only call “BEGIN ANEW”!

Stephen
Tangent: Superman's Reign #12
Written by Dan Jurgens
Art by Carlos Magno and Julio Ferreira
Cover by Dan Jurgens and Will Conrad
The duel universe-spanning epic concludes as the Justice League of America attempts to rally against Tangent Superman. It all comes down to one last-ditch effort as all hope remains with one lone individual. Who's this being, and what's their relationship to the Man of Telekinesis? And what will become of the Tangent Universe?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Everyone knows it’s all about Matthew, as listeners and readers hang on to his every word. In two recent MSP episodes, Matthew proclaimed his love for Romona Flowers from the Scott Pilgrim series and Monique from the web comic Sinfest. As there can only be one - who is going to win? It’s a cartoon cat-fight in this week’s Major Spoilers Poll of the Week!

FIGHT! A) Ramona Flowers
B) Monique
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Fan Films
Who would swing off a six-story building for a homemade Spider-Man movie? Why would newlyweds spend $20,000 on a Star Wars film from which they can never profit? How did three nobodies blow Steven Spielberg’s mind with an Indiana Jones flick they made as teens in the Eighties?

They’re all part of the Fan Film revolution–an underground movement where backyard filmmakers are breaking the law to create unauthorized movies starring Batman, James Bond, Captain Kirk, Harry Potter and other classic characters. Regular people are making movies that the fans want to see–and which copyrights and common sense would never allow.

Joining in the discussion this week is Dr. Peter Coogan and Clive Young.
Dr. Peter M. Coogan writes about comics, is the director of the Institute for Comics Studies and co-founder and co-chair of the Comic Arts Conference, which runs during the San Diego Comic-Con International and San Francisco WonderCon.

Clive Young is the senior editor of Pro Sound News, and is a regular contributor to MTV to Go, Videography magazine, VH1.com, iPodlounge.com and many more. His latest book, Homemade Hollywood: Fans Behind the Camera hit bookstores in November 2008, and he joins us on the show this week, welcome to the show Clive Young.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#79: Yaaaay! Scott Pilgrim Saves the Podcast

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:55:51 -0600

In this issue, the last son of Gallifrey gets animated, British superheroes cross the Atlantic, there can be only one! My love for you is like a truck... BERZERKER! Plus: Ragnarok and roll is here to stay, the goddamn Riddler's got to go, two ladies in tiny costume go head to head...Plus: McLovin WINS! And evil exes doesn't always mean boyfriends, jadies and lentilmen. Remember to keep your head and arms inside the mixer at all times, put on your safety goggles and PREPARE to REPAIR... The Major Spoilers podcast is air

NEWS
Anime Doctor Who reactions
LINKAGE

goddamn Riddler
LINKAGE

No Heroics Comes to ABC
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Berserker #0 (Top Cow) (W) Rick Loverd (A) Jeremy Haun (Cov) Dale Keown
Jump on board the new comic series produced by “Heroes” star Milo Ventimiglia and his DiVide Pictures partner, Russ Cundiff. Created by screenwriter Rick Loverd, Berserker combines elements of superheroes with Norse mythology and weaves in the very human themes of self-worth, courage and determination. Throw in some bone-crushing violence and punch-in-the-mouth action and you’ve got a recipe for a great Top Cow book!

Matthew
Avengers: The Initiative #21
COVER BY: HUMBERTO RAMOS
WRITER: CHRISTOS GAGE
PENCILS: HUMBERTO RAMOS
COLORED BY: STUDIO F - EDGAR DELGADO
LETTERED BY: VC - JOE CARAMAGNA
THE INITIATIVE DISASSEMBLED begins here! The Fifty State Initiative stands revealed as a Skrull plot. Key personnel have left Camp Hammond, never to return. And that's the least of the shocking fallout from Secret Invasion. Is there a future for our heroes? It could be a moot question when the mad clone of Thor, last seen in CIVIL WAR, is revived and turned loose on Stamford! This is no idle hype, True Believer--after this story, the Initiative will never be the same!

Stephen
HIGHLANDER ORIGINS: KURGAN #2 (OF 2) (Dynamite Entertainment)
Writer: Brandon Jerwa
Penciller: Carlos Rafael
Covers: Carlos Rafael(50%) and Carlos Rafael (50%)
Colorist: Carlos Lopez
Highlander mastermind Brand Jerwa returns to the mythos with a special 2 issue mini-series event telling the origin of the barbaric Kurgan for the first time ever!

Joined by artist Carlos Rafael - who also provides two incredible covers -- Highlander ORIGINS: KURGAN #2 (OF 2) is the definitive tale of the immortal Kurgan, Connor MacLeod's most deadly foe!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
This week, we return to the battle between the characters from Alan Moore's Watchmen series, and the original characters that inspired them. This week, it's the battle of the ladies, as Silk Spectre wrestles with... well, there is no direct Charlton character that inspired Silk Spectre, but Alan Moore did say she is a cross between Phantom Lady and Black Canary. So, let's go with Phantom Lady.

FIGHT!
A) Phantom Lady
B) Silk Spectre

VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Scott Pilgrim Volumes 1 - 5
The series is about 24-year-old Canadian Scott Pilgrim, a slacker, hero, wannabe-rockstar, who is living in Toronto and playing bass in the band "Sex Bob-Omb." He falls in love with American delivery girl Ramona V. Flowers, but must defeat her seven "evil ex-boyfriends" in order to date her.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#78: It's a Sinfest Podcast

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:08:05 -0600

In this issue: It's a cartoon wonderland, as we seek out braveness, boldity, heroism, and truthiness! Wolverine leads the X-Men (hopefully they don't go into battle in a giant koala pouch!) New York Comicon! The Devil made Slick do it, at least as far as you know. And the Legion of Super-Heroes goes quietly into that good night... Again.

NEWS
New York Comic Con 2009 Thoughts and Reactions
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Wolverine and the X-Men Cartoon
The story starts when the mansion explodes, apparently due to an attack targeted at telepaths, Professor Charles Xavier and Jean Grey are missing. The X-Men disband and Cyclops begins to suffer from depression. One year later, the MRD (Mutant Response Division) is starting to detain mutants causing Wolverine and Beast to get the X-Men back together.

Matthew
Legion of Super-Heroes #50
Written by Jim Shooter; Art and cover by Francis Manapul and Livesay
It's the final issue! The climactic conclusion of the Universal Annihilation War is here and every Legionnaire, every reservist and even the United Planets' Young Heroes battle to save existence. Also featuring the return of Cosmic Boy, the death of a longtime Legionaire and a gorgeous wraparound cover!

Stephen
Batman: The Brave and The Bold
Each episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold features main character Batman teaming up with other characters from the DC Universe to thwart characters or solve crimes. Beginning usually with a small introduction (in which Batman teams up with one or more heroes different than that of the main story), the show is split into two parts: A small adventure right before the theme song, and the main adventure right after that. The show has no overarching story, instead having most episodes stand alone

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
The New York Comic Con kicked off the 2009 comic book convention season, and was a big success selling out most of the days of the show. With many more conventions ahead of us, this week we as the all important question about you and the con.

Will You Attend Any Comic Book Conventions in 2009?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Depends on the Economy.

VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Sinfest (www.sinfest.net)
The subject matter of Sinfest is often human nature, with particular attention paid to sexuality and religion. Less frequently, the strip will parody popular culture or indulge in political commentary. There are some recurring types of strip, such as “You Had to Be There” (where the reader is not told what the characters are discussing), “Japanese Calligraphy” (where one of the characters transforms over four panels into a kanji ideograph, usually related to the strip in some way.), “Porn Script Readings” (where Monique and Slick read porn star dialogue in deadpan style, except for once where they used flash cards for a Silent Film reading) and “Ninja Theatre” (where the characters take on the roles of heroes and villains in a martial arts movie). Though there is little in the way of overarching story or continuity in Sinfest, the central characters do undergo some development.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#77: Sex in Comics

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:36:53 -0600

In this issue: $3.99! Too much to pay for a comic... or FAR too much to pay for a comic? The mysterious troubadour revealed! Two men will enter, one man will leave, but both men will make more money than all three of us put together. Also on tap: News you can use, reviews to he'p you choose, the pop culture blues, Deadpool's dancing shoes, ain't go no Tom Cruise, and the dreaded Ess- Ee-Ecks gets dragged out of the backseat of the Yaris and into the light, as we look as Super Happy Adult Fun Time Activities in comic terms.

NEWS
Are comic prices causing readers to cull their pull lists?

Any upcoming comic book/pop culture movies that we’ve mentioned on the site strike your fancy?

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
DEADPOOL #5
COVER BY: JASON PEARSON
WRITER: DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: CARLO BARBERI
“HORROR BIZNESS,” Part 2 (of 2)
This is what Deadpool has to resort to, only days after single-handedly saving the entire planet from Skrulls? Oh, that’s right—nobody knows about that…Deadpool didn’t even want this job. But here he is anyway, in some dank corner of Eastern Europe, going toe-to-toe with an undead plastic surgeon and his flesh-eating clientele, contracted by the head of a greasy paramilitary unit to avenge the zombification of the guy’s young, ex-model trophy wife -- and all because Wade’s dead broke.
Parental Advisory …$2.99

Matthew
Wonder Woman #28
Written by Gail Simone; Art by Aaron Lopresti and Matt Ryan; Cover by Aaron Lopresti
"Rise of the Olympian"part 3 and a "Faces of Evil"issue! The Olympians are on Earth, and they're making their presence felt across the world! The JLA joins forces with Wonder Woman to stop Genocide, but even their combined might isn't enough! And the mysterious power behind The Society is at last revealed!

Stephen
Batman #685
Written by Paul Dini; Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs ; Cover by Alex Ross
A "Faces of Evil"issue starring Catwoman! Continuing from this month's DETECTIVE COMICS #852, Selina Kyle's path of vengeance against Hush knows no bounds! After confronting the man responsible for nearly destroying her life, Selina's wrath propels her into a downward spiral. With Tommy Elliot almost certain to suffer dire consequences, could Catwoman's humanity be next to perish?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
You know what would increase attendance at comic book conventions around the country? Cage matches. Not cage matches with the GLOW or those Octagon fighters, but epic battles between the Editor-in-Chiefs of the comic book publishing world.

Since the New York Comic Con is taking place this weekend, and since NYC is the supposed center of the universe, why not kick off these EIC Cage Match Battles with the head honchos from DC and Marvel.

A) Joe Quesada
B) Dan Didio

VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
SEX IN COMICS
This week on the Major Spoilers Podcast, the crew tackles the subject of Sex in Comics - not sex on comics, because, well, we keep falling off (ba-dum-bum).

What do you think of the portrayal of sex in the funny books? What should be allowed, what shouldn’t? How far is too far? What comics feature the best and the worst on the subject? It’s a topic that is deep, and one we’ll attempt to tackle.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#76: Final Crisis Crisis

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:22:44 -0600

The Major Spoilers Crew breaks down the last issue of DC's Final Crisis in a page by page commentary.

Final Crisis #7
Written by Grant Morrison; Art by Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy; Covers by J.G. Jones and Doug Mahnke
The dramatic finale to the epic, seven-part saga of the DC multiverse concludes with an apocalyptic battle for the soul of humanity that must be seen to be believed! Can the heroes of 52 Earths save the multiverse? And is the only way to save it, to change it forever?

And as the skies bleed, as the walls between universes crumble and fall, the ultimate threat to life makes its presence felt as an evil beyond imagining arrives to claim its prize. Mandrakk the Dark Monitor is coming and the DC Multiverse will never be the same again!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#75: The Marvelous Podcast

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:41:00 -0600

This week in Spoilers: Black Lanterns revealed, and people ain't happy... Sexy, sexy, lizard girls on parade... Phil Sheldon loses an eye, but the fun and games ain't over yet... Plus: Is a Robot Hottie a Robottie? Does sleeping with your alternate universe's girlfriend count as cheating? And what WAS the name of the cartoon cat with the garbage can on his head? All this and more, from the elegant Spoilers ballroom, adjacent to the lovely Pump Room, high above Chicago.

NEWS
Reactions to Martian Manhunter and Kal-L (Earth-2 Superman) outed as two of the Black Lanterns?
LINKAGE

Tom and Jerry back to the Big Screen
LINKAGE

ABC to Resurrect V

LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Hero Squared: Love & Death #1 (Jan 28, 2009, Boom! Studios)
It’s the return of Captain Valor, his parallel-world alter-ego, Milo, and at least one homicidal ex-girlfriend! DeMatteis’ and Giffen’s geeeenius super-hero series Hero Squared is back for a three-issue finale that will leave you gobsmacked! Interested in checking out Hero Squared but never had the chance?

Matthew
Kick Ass #5 (released Jan 2, Marvel)
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: JOHN ROMITA JR.
Since he put on the green wetsuit and became Kick-Ass, Dave Lizewski has broken both legs, shattered his back; been run over by a Mercedes, smashed by garbage cans, and clobbered by gangsters; become a YouTube phenomenon and inspired a wave of costumed vigilantes…but none of that can compare to what’s going to happen now that John Genovese knows who he is. The super hero sensation of 2008 continues, courtesy of Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

Stephen
Black Lightning: Year One #2 (Jan 21,2009, DC)
Written by Jen Van Meter; Art and cover by Cully Hamner
Jefferson Pierce returns to his old stomping grounds – the infamous Suicide Slum of Metropolis – in order to bring some hope to the residents of his downtrodden former neighborhood. He'll quickly learn, though, that a lawless place sometimes requires a lawless vigilante to drag it into the light. Acclaimed writer Jen Van Meter (CINNAMON, OUTSIDERS) and kinetic artist Cully Hamner (BLUE BEETLE, RED) combine forces to retell the electrifying origin of DC's most honorable hero, the bold and brave Justice Leaguer known as Black Lightning!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
This week, the Major Spoilers Poll is taking the Robot Wars to a whole new level by pitting robots who look like real women against one another. In the far corner, it's Jamie Sommers (a.k.a. The Bionic Woman)! She's not all robot, but has the power where it counts. In the near corner, and attractive Fembot that is designed to lure Austin Powers to his death!

A) Jamie Sommmers
B) Fembots
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
Marvels (Marvel)
Marvel Comics brings back Busiek and Ross’s fully painted retelling of key moments in the birth of the Marvel Universe, as seen through the eyes of an innocent bystander.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#74: HUSH

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:29:18 -0600

Wax on! Wax off! Who watches the Watchmen? All of us! Hush! Hush! Thought I heard it callin’ my name, yeah… The Commander In Chief is the Commander Out of Stock! Fan Feedback! Teen Titans! Nightwing Nocturnal! Witches Without Wardrobe! And this time, it’s personal!

NEWS
Amazing Spider-Man Barack Obama Cover Sells Out

Karate Kid Remake?
LINKAGE

Watchmen Details Emerge
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
Witchblade #123
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Stjepan Sejic
NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini wields half of the powerful ancient artifact known as the Witchblade. But now she faces a foe that predates even the mystical gauntlet, confronting a deadly horror that has descended upon Brooklyn’s Ultra Orthodox Jewish community. Could the biblical Angel of Death truly have been unleashed?

Meanwhile, the bearer of the other half of the Witchblade, Dani Baptiste, goes to the aid of one of her dance students, but is she being reckless with her power?

Matthew
Teen Titans #66
Written by Sean McKeever; Art and Cover by Eddy Barrows and Ruy Jose
Teen guest stars galore! With only four members left, it's time for the Teen Titans to hold a recruitment drive! Who will make the cut, and who will be sent packing? Who will refuse to even show up, and who will bring a boatload of trouble with them?

Stephen
Nightwing #152
Written by Peter J. Tomasi; Art by Don Kramer and Jay Liesten; Cover by Brian Stelfreeze
A "Faces of Evil"issue! In this epilogue to "Batman R.I.P."and "The Great Leap,"both Nightwing and Dick Grayson are forced to deal with startling and tragic recent events, and things will never ever be the same – especially with Ra's al Ghul involved!

EMAIL!
The Major Spoilers Crew read and respond to listener e-mail.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
With the news H’wood is going to remake the original Karate Kid movie, with Jackie Chan as Mr. Miyagi, it causes the crew at Major Spoilers to wax poetic about the multi-movie franchise. What flavor of The Karate Kid do you prefer?
FIGHT!
A) Morita Miyagi
B) Chan Miyagi
C) Don't care, as long as Hillary Swank is in it
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
Hush
(DC Comics)
The complete 12-part saga written by Jeph Loeb (SUPERMAN/BATMAN, Smallville) with art by fan-favorites Jim Lee & Scott Williams (SUPERMAN, Uncanny X-Men) collected together for the first time in the oversized Absolute format!

This slipcased edition includes BATMAN #608-619 as well as the the 2-page origin of Batman (originally seen only on dccomics.com) and the special story from Wizard: The Comics Magazine. The year-long “Hush” — an epic tale of friendship, trust, and betrayal that spans a lifetime — reinvigorated the Dark Knight, pitting him against the deadliest members of his Rogue’s Gallery and introducing his newest foe!

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#73: Final Crisis #6 Blow by Blow

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:16:30 -0600

The Major Spoilers Crew breaks down the latest issue of DC's Final Crisis in a page by page commentary.

Final Crisis #6
Written by Grant Morrison; Art and covers by J.G. Jones and Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino
As the entire world turns against them, the last of Earth's Super Heroes must face the unstoppable power of the Gods of Apokolips for the final time. Supergirl vs. Mary Marvel! Superman vs. Darkseid! The fate of the Flash! And the incredible return of the New Gods! The End of Days has come and the ultimate war between good and evil will at last be decided on the battlefield of a broken world!

Music from this episode comes from Ookla the Mok. You can visit them on the web at www.ooklathemok.com and purchase their music at the iTunes Music Store.

MSP#72: The Hybrid Podcast

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:52:38 -0600

We’ve said goodbye to 2008,and we’re ready to kick off 2009,with good news for Mark Millar fans,bad news for Wizard,the hunt gets wild,a trinity gets broken,and worlds collide,the dead walk,vampires among us, dogs and cats, living together… TOTAL CHAOS! Plus: Who will voice Hal Jordan? Which metallic naked guy is better? What evil lurks on the high seas?

NEWS
Fantastic Force Returns in April
LINKAGE

Two Wizard World Shows Crash and Burn
LINKAGE

Green Lantern Next Warner Home Video Animated Movie
LINKAGE

Two Atomic Robo Series Planned for 2009
LINKAGE

REVIEWS
Rodrigo
BROKEN TRINITY : Angelus
(W) Ron Marz (A) Brian Stelfreeze (Cov) Brian Stelfreeze, Jeffrey Spokes

A BROKEN TRINITY tie-in! In First Born, The Angelus power chose the troubled young woman Celestine as its host. Now, Celestine's split personality struggles with The Angelus force for ultimate control, even as a rogue contingent of Angelus warriors plot their leader's overthrow. This is the second of three tie-in stand-alone issues to Broken Trinity, featuring the heavenly art of Brian Stelfreeze (Batman: Shadow of the Bat, X-Men: Unlimited) and the second of three alternate covers by Jeffrey Spokes (Sadhu: The Silent Ones). Other tie-in issues feature Witchblade and The Darkness.

Matthew
Marvel Zombies 3 #4
COVER BY: GREG LAND
WRITER: FRED VAN LENTE
PENCILS: KEV WALKER

The horror hit reaches its blood-curdling, skin-eating,
gore-caked climax! Machine Man trapped in the Zombie-verse! A.R.M.O.R. overrun by the walking dead! The Marvel Universe mere seconds away from being completely
consumed by cannibalistic superhumans! All this, plus - straight from the pages of AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE - the hottie robot Jocosta! Be there for the finale of the series that IGN.com says "breathes new life" into the horror dynasty!

Stephen
Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #2
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Duncan Fegredo, Guy Davis
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Cover Artist: Mike Mignola

Hellboy contends with treacherous huntsmen, mystic visions, newly awakened bands of vicious giants, and a talking bird as he continues his journey across the rolling hills of England. Things far stranger await, should Hellboy's enemies succeed in resurrecting the Queen of Blood . . .

EMAIL!
The Major Spoilers Crew read and respond to listener e-mail.

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
As the battle for the fate of the Watchmen movie plays out in the courtroom, we’re pitting the Watchmen characters against the Charlton characters that inspired them. This week’s battle features Doctor Manhattan taking on Captain Atom.
FIGHT!
A) Doctor Manhattan
B) Captain Atom

VOTE!

MAJOR SPOILERS Trade Paperback Review
Hybrid
(Studio-407)
When four friends decide to rent a schooner for the day, everything is smooth sailing until they encounter a derelict ship adrift in the ocean - a massive trawler that looks as if it had been dragged from the bottom of the sea. When they spot a frightened little girl waving at them from the bow, they have no choice but to investigate. As they get closer to the ship, they discover that the girl is not alone, and that a terrifying creature born from environmental abuse is also stalking the ship.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#71: Goats and Gods of 2008

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:01:42 -0600

Now entering the ring, at a combined weight of 745 pounds… The Best of the Year 2008! And their opponents… The reigning tag team champions of the world! Standing 7 foot 2 inches tall, from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania… The WORST of 2008! This match with be five falls with a 1 hour 30 minute time limit, and Stephen will certainly interrupt me any time I drift near a point… For the three schmucks in attendance, and the thousands listening at home... THE MAJOR SPOILERS PODCAST BRINGS YOU THE GOATS AND GODS OF 2008!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
It’s a theme we just can’t stop talking about at Major Spoilers; which robot would win when pitted against another robot foe. This week we take two cuties and put them in the Robot Arena of Death to see who will live and who will join the junk heap. In one corner, the cute and loveable Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century television series, while in the other corner, is that cute, loveable robot from Disney’s Wall-E.
A) Twiki
B) Wall-E
VOTE

The best and the worst of 2008 as it pertains to all things pop culture are discussed in this week's show.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#70: We Are Legion!

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:52:27 -0600

When three teens from the future show up to screw with your head, what do you do? What do you do? Set the time cube for the year 3008, put on your safety goggles to protect against bouncing boys, and make sure that you wear your Bat-Timber Wolf repellent, because we’re piercing the timestream in the hopes that we too can make the cut. But, if nothing else, I’m sure the Legion of Substitute Heroes Auxiliary can use the services of Spoiler Lad and Meteor Attractor Boy, who can telekinetically attract meteors, but only to his head.

This is an all Legion of Super-Heroes episode, and joining Matthew and Stephen (I didn't know they were coming apart?) are Kristen and Adriana from the Super Future Friends Podcast, a show all about the Legion from start to finish.

NEWS
Who’s excited about the new Adventure Comics?
Thoughts on the upcoming Smallville Legion Episode
Anyone interested in REBELS by Tony Bedard?

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
Since we're talking \about the Legion of Super-Heroes with Adriana and Kristen, it makes sense that the Major Spoilers Poll of the Week feature something to do with the founding members. Who’s your favorite and why?
A) Cosmic Boy
B) Lightning Lad
C) Saturn Girl
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Legion of Super-Heroes
We're all over the place in our discussion about LoSH. From why the teenagers are such pricks, to what we like and don't like about the Legion in all its incarnations (including the recent animated series), to our favorite moments and story lines.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#68: F' Continuity! Part II

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:19:21 -0600

In this bonus episode, the Major Spoilers Crew continue their discussion on messed up continuity, and why the industry might want to consider rebooting every 15 years.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#68: X-Men Envy II

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:49:31 -0600

In this bonus episode, Rodrigo and Stephen continue their discussion on Heroes, X-Men, and what constitutes a rip-off vs. an homage.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#67: Session 02: Stray Dog Strut

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:50:38 -0600

Get your Cowboy Bebop DVD cued up and watch along with the Major Spoilers Crew as they provide audio commentary for the episode, Stray Dog Strut.

Stray Dog Strut
Spike and Jet's next target is a serial pet thief who has stolen an apparently worthless dog from a research facility..
TRIVIA: This movie makes several references to Bruce Lee's Game of Death. Abdul Hakim appearance and name being modeled after NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabar.

MSP#66: Session 01: Asteroid Blues

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:23:46 -0600

Get your Cowboy Bebop DVD cued up and watch along with the Major Spoilers Crew as they provide audio commentary for the episode, Asteroid Blues.

Asteroid Blues (4/23/98)
Fellow bounty hunters Spike Spiegel and Jet Black tracks down Asimov Solensan and his girlfriend, both of whom are looking for buyers for the "Red Eye drug".
TRIVIA: This episode makes a homage to Desperado, with Asimov resembling very much like Antonio Banderas's mariachi character.

MSP#65: Web Comics Bonanza

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:58:42 -0600

In this special episode (recorded December 16, 2008), the Major Spoilers Crew of Matthew, Rodrigo, and Stephen discuss Buckaroo Banzai, Doctor Who's Daughter, and the web comics each are reading.

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#64: The Annotated Final Crisis #5

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:55:16 -0600

In this special episode (recorded December 15, 2008), Matthew and Stephen break down the latest issue of DC's Final Crisis in a page by page commentary.

Final Crisis #5
Written by Grant Morrison; Art and covers by J.G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino
Humanity enslaved! Time shattered and bleeding! Anti-Life triumphant! Can Earth's demoralized, beaten heroes rally their scattered forces for the ultimate super-battle against the nightmare armies of Apokolips when the forces of good meet the forces of evil on the bridge to Blüdhaven? As Darkseid's presence causes reality itself to sicken and the lights to go out across the universe, as even the Guardians fall, the true power of the evil gods finally reveals itself, and a major character returns for a shocking conclusion.

Does the secret of humankind's salvation lie in a mysterious cave painting and a bolt of lightning? Or has the Last Day come for us all?

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

MSP#63: Major Spoilers Holiday Special 2008

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:57:35 -0600

All work and no Rodrigo makes Jack a dull boy. The Doctor is in, but we can’t make our copay. The Late, Great Bird of the Galaxy is a little less lonely. Plus: You’ll not have that for that much longer! Santa Claus with a cape? Won’t you come and join the party dressed to kill? The Major Spoilers podcast is on the air!

NEWS
Doctor Who Christmas Special

RIP: Majel Barrett Roddenberry
Linkage

Who is the new Black Panther?
Linkage

REVIEWS
Matthew and Stephen take a look at the DC and Marvel Comics Holiday Specials.
DCU Holiday Special 2008
Written by Alan Burnett, Franco Aureliani and Art Baltazar, Dan DiDio and others; Art by Rodolfo Migliari, Kevin Maguire, Ian Churchill, Tim Levins, Yishan Li and others; Cover by Frank Quitely
Celebrate the holiday as the Justice League of America host a surprise party guest! Dr. Light aids with the Festival of Lights and Nightwing delivers a special gift to Robin. Plus the super-secret origin of Santa Claus!
DC Focus | 80pg. | Color | $5.99 US

Marvel Digital Holiday Special
The Story: MARVEL DIGITAL COMICS EXCLUSIVE Ho Ho Ho! It’s Holiday fun in the Merry Marvel Manner, as the house of ideas hangs the stockings by the Chimney with care in hopes that Galactus won’t soon be there. The X-Men celebrate their first holiday in their new home of San Francisco – and their first without Kitty Pryde among them in X-MEN: Blue Christmas by Jim McCann and Todd Nauck. Meanwhile, in the days before Secret Invasion, one family finds even the most humble of Holiday celebrations can be infiltrated by the Skrulls in a tale of Holiday Horror by Ryan Penagos and Juan Doe. And hey, what’re the holidays like for Jack Russell – Werewolf by Night? Find out in “WEREWOLF BY EVE!” by Marvel.com’s own Ben Morse and Stephanie Buscema. All of this, and…Santa Claus vs. The Illuminati?! Tis the season, and Brian Reed& Val Semeiks will bring it to ya! So stop on by for some Egg Nogg, Driedel spinning and probably a fist fight or two with your favorite Marvel heroes and villains in the Marvel Digital Comics Holiday Spectacular!

MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK
We're spinning the fight out to the future where robots will be our supreme overlords. Instead of having us meatbags fight for their pleasure, the future will be filled with Robot Wars. In the latest round, we’re pitting Bender from Futurama, against Kryten from the BBC comedy Red Dwarf.
A) Bender
B) Kryten
VOTE

MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION
Favorite Holiday Comicsk
(from the Wiki)
Stephen and Matthew take a moment to take a look back at some of their favorite holiday moments in comics and television. Stephen asks the question, are holiday comics worth it?

Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!