Welcome back to our read of Grant Morrison’s run on Batman! For this episode, Peter insisted we read Resurrection of Ra’s al Ghul IN FULL… and he was WRONG, y’all. If you were thinking maybe you didn’t get enough of a summary from the stunning Chris Burnham summary pages in the Grant Morrison Batman omnibus we are here so you can witness our suffer…

It’s This Week in X for 30 June, 2021 – the final week of The Hellfire Gala! Actually, there’s just one Hellfire Gala issue this week – the final issue of X-Factor (2020) #10 – plus, the penultimate chapter of Cable (2020) #11. CONTENT WARNING: This issue contains overt themes of hate crimes, racially-motived violence, and sexual assault, which we …

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison! In this episode, we (and the Morrison omnibus) continue our read to the introduction of The Black Glove in Batman (1940) #667-669. Then, we SKIP issues #669-671 to continue to the Death of Batman (but not in the way you think) in Batman (1940) #672-675. The Black Glove is a sto…

It’s This Week in X for 23 June, 2021 – the third week of The Hellfire Gala – plus EVEN MORE X-comics! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss SWORD (2021) #6 (and Guardians of the Galaxy #15), Wolverine (2020) #13, Way of X (2021) #3, X-Men Legends (2021) #4, and highlights from Marvel Voices Pride. (Wolverine technically comes first, but becaus…

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison – and, to our first episode discussing Morrison’s run that began in 2006. Content Warning: We discuss sexual assault from 27:00 to 32:45. In this episode, we discuss Morrison’s first arc with Andy Kubert – “Batman and Son” – in Batman (1940) #655-658. This story establishes some…

It’s part two of This Week in X for 16 June, 2021 – the third week of The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss New Mutants (2019) #19 and X-Corp (2021) #2. (We discussed the epic Planet-Size X-Men in the previous episode.) In New Mutants #19, we cover the highs and lows of this cast who can so easily undress each other (figurativ…

It’s part one of This Week in X for 16 June, 2021 – the third week of The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Tyler, & Harry for a planet-size discussion of Planet-Size X-Men #1 – our coverage of this week’s other two issues will follow in a separate episodes. We cover the events that lead to these cosmic fireworks, the most memorable moments of art and sto…

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison! This is the final of our three episodes of pre-reading to catch up on some of the themes, characters, and influences on Morrison’s run. Next week, Morrison begins! In this episode, we read the final 3rd of the Tales of the Demon TPB, which includes Batman’s unlikely marriage to…

It’s This Week in X for 9 June, 2021 – the second week of The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss X-Men (2019) #21, Excalibur (2019) #21, & Children of the Atom (2021) #4. (Yes, we know the books have Excalibur first; we disagree!) X-Men #21 is the finale of Hickman’s X-Men, and it is fireworks-filled but surprisingly subtle. C…

Welcome back to Crushing Comics Book Club for Batman by Grant Morrison! This is the second of three episodes of pre-reading to catch up on some of the themes, characters, and influences on Morrison’s run. In this episode, we read the first 2/3rds of the Tales of the Demon TPB, which includes the debut of Talia al Ghul and R’as al Ghul. We didn’t kn…

It’s This Week in X for 2 June, 2021 – and time for The Hellfire Gala! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Marauders (2019) #21, X-Force (2020) #20, and Hellions (2020 #12. In Marauders #21, we discuss every morsel of this opening platter of Hellfire Gala hors d’oeuvres, including welcome committees, psychic consent, Banshee’s multiple invite…

Welcome to a new season of our Crushing Comics Book Club, where we discuss a classic run of comics together as both fans and critical readers. For the next few months we’ll be reading Grant Morrison’s Batman, but before we get started we’ll be doing a few weeks of pre-reading to catch up on some of the themes and influences of the run. Harry is our…

It’s This Week in X for 26 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss X-Men (2019) #20 and New Mutants (2019) #18. We took a deep, DEEP dive into both of this week’s issues! First, on X-Men #20, we discussed the prevailing theme of lost love, Mystique’s motivations, creating terrorists (and your own worst enemies), worst weapons, interven…

We’re back for our SEASON FINALE of reading classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! This episode is an incredibly deep dive into Uncanny X-Men #137 and Jean Grey, as well as into the version that ALMOST made it to print from Phoenix: The Untold Story, as well …

It’s This Week in X for 19 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Way of X (2021) #2 and Wolverine #12. For Way of X #2, we discuss the sad state of several mutant brains, anomie, evolving societies, the middle path, psychic fingerprints, kinks in the resurrection process, and impending storm clouds for Krakoa. For Wolverine #12, we h…

We’re back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode, we discuss Uncanny X-Men #135-136. The Dark Phoenix has taken over Jean Grey’s body and mind, and she’s HUNGRY – but, can the X-Men stop her when she makes a brief return to Earth to say …

It’s This Week in X for 12 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss Children of the Atom (2021) #3 and X-Factor (2020) #9 – for X-Corp #1, check out our previous episode. Children of the Atom #3 continues to split our panel in new and different ways. We discussed sudden space ships, self-imposed responsibilities, sour dinner part…

It’s a special single-issue episode of This Week in X, the first of two episodes for the week of 12 May 2021. Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we dig into X-Corp (2021) #1. We had a mega-sized discussion for this giant-size debut, tackling each of the board members of this uncanny new corporation: Monet, Madrox, Trinary, & Angel. Plus, we get …

We’re back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode, we discuss Uncanny X-Men #132-134. The X-Men bring conflict to the door of The Hellfire Club and learn they are outmatched by their inner circle – and it has dire consequences for Jean Gr…

It’s This Week in X for 5 May, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Marauders (2019) #20, Hellions (2020 #11, and X-Men – Curse of the Man-Thing (2021). Marauders #20 was Storm’s issue, but we were fascinated by Emma’s parts of it. We tackle our favorite Storm memories, but also dive deeply into what makes Emma tick and her (at first beg…

We’re back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode, we dissect Uncanny X-Men #129-131 – the debut of Kitty Pryde, Dazzler, Emma Frost, Sebastian Shaw, and the Hellfire Club! In addition to being the origin of Kitty’s tense relationship wit…

It’s This Week in X for 28 April, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, & Tyler as we discuss Cable (2020) #10, New Mutants (2019) #17, and X-Men Legends (2021) #3. In Cable #10, we discuss father/son disconnects, Auntie Emma, Arrakans on the move, and some interesting developments on The Old Guy. For New Mutants #17, we discuss Rahne’s weakness, adventures in…

We’re back for more classic X-Men! Llisten in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! This is the episode that inspired us to start this show! This is our in-depth discussion of The Proteus Saga in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #125​-128, as well as related stories in Classic X-Men (1986) #24,…

It’s This Week in X for 21 April, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss SWORD (2021) #5 and X-Force (2020) #19 – for Way of X #1, check out our previous episode. For SWORD #5, we discuss the issues theme of “murder” and how that plays out across two interwoven plots. We cover the rainbow of data that opened the issue, body language…

It’s a special single-issue episode of This Week in X, the first of two episodes for the week of 21 April 2021. Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we go deep on Way of X (2021) #1. This book seemed like it would focus on Kurt establishing a mutant religion, but this debut issue proved to be so much me. We discuss Kurt’s doubts, cheap death, fail…

Listen in as Tyler and I re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Marvel Team-Up (1972) #89, a Nightcrawler solo story by Claremont with just a dash of Spider-Man as we learn more about Kurt’s past in the circus and if he can keep his tail to himself. Then, in (Uncanny) X-Men Annu…

It’s This Week in X for 14 April, 2021! Join Peter, Fariha, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss Children of the Atom (2021) #2 and Wolverine (2020) #11. For Children of the Atom #2 we went incredibly deep, as this series once again divided our panel like no other! We discussed Avengers vs. X-Men diplomacy, Gabe being more than meets the eye, how countries…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #122-124. The X-Men enjoy a brief respite back in New York, with Storm visiting her childhood apartment only to find it has turned into a drug den. Their downtime is interrupted by Arcade, h…

It’s This Week in X for 7 April, 2021! CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Join Peter, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Marauders (2019) #19 and Excalibur (2019) #20, plus the breaking news of new X-titles debuting in July, August, and September 2021! Marauders #19 has a lot to say beyond its basic plo…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #120-121. The X-Men attempt to return to New York from Japan, but Vindicator’s Alpha Flight diverts them to land in Canada to try once again to reclaim Logan. A two issue throw down ensues, …

It’s This Week in X for 31 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss X-Men (2019) #19 and X-Men Legends (2021) #2. X-Men #19 stunned our entire panel – even noted Hickman-skeptic Peter! Our discussion includes a breakdown of every data page, the meaning of “time debt,” the step-change of evolution, defining “love,” Doctor Who pa…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #118-119. The X-Men arrive in Japan hoping to phone home, but they walk into an ecological disaster caused by Moses Magnum. They immediately get sucked into saving the country and the world …

It’s This Week in X for 24 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, & Fariha as we discuss Cable (2020) #9 and Excalibur (2019) #19. Cable #9 struck us as “wistful” as Teen Cable’s “Find Stryfe” world tour felt like a farewell to this baby-faced version of the character. Have we caught feelings for Table?! Would he rather throw himself into the ocean than b…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #116-117 and back-up stories that fit during after #116 in Classic X-Men (1986) #22-23 (but NOT a contemporaneous story from #24, which we’re saving until later). The X-Men agree to assist K…

It’s This Week in X for 17 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss SWORD (2021) #4 and X-Force (2020) #18. In SWORD #4 we dug into the kinetic Portal-style fight scene, Frenzy’s cutting mid-battle quip, the dynamics of Brand and The Five, and clues to Magneto’s new proposal for the Quiet Council. Will Krakoa fall to Knull’s sy…

It’s This Week in X for 10 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss X-Factor (2020) #8, Children of the Atom (2021) #1, and Wolverine: Black White & Blood (2021) #4. No recent issue has divided the four of us quite as much as Children of the Atom #1! Are these characters the next generation of X-Men? We talk about cultural appr…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #114-115 and a back-up that fits between these issues in Classic X-Men (1986) #21. We also briefly comment on Mystique’s debut in Ms. Marvel (1977) #16-18 so that we can discuss a late…

It’s This Week in X for 3 March, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Hellions (2020) #10. Plus, Tyler and Fariha pitch Peter on Peach Momoko’s Demon Days: X-Men #1! Hellions #10 was all about sweet dreams and worst nightmares, and we dug into what that meant for Psylocke & Havok. Plus, was a tortured Sinister as satisfying as we …

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read Uncanny X-Men (1963) #112-113 and corresponding back-up stories from Classic X-Men (1986) #18-19. In UXM #112-113, Magneto has the X-Men cornered, first in his magical magnetic flying wagon, and then in hi…

It’s This Week in X for 24 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Wolverine (2020) #10, New Mutants (2019) #16, and X-Men (2019) #18. New Mutants #16 was packed with plot, but not everyone on our panel was in love with that density We talked about a surprising return Otherworld, body-swapping gone bad, a certain mutant’s l…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we read a series of non-Uncanny issues that lead up to the in medias res start to Uncanny X-Men (1963) #111. First, we see what Magneto has been up to after his encounter with the team in UXM 104 in his Jack Kirby…

It’s This Week in X for 17 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Cable (2020 #8, Marauders (2019) #18, and X-Men Legends (2021) #1! In Cable #8, the clones on clones on clones plot didn’t only confuse Teen Cable – it took some discussion for us to unravel who was a clone of whom. Plus, we discussed time hijinks and Domino…

It’s This Week in X for 10 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss SWORD (2021) #3, Excalibur (2019) #18!, X-Force (2020) #17, and Wolverine: Black White & Blood #3. In SWORD #3, we follow Manifold through three conversations as it redefines his powers and discuss each one – with him as terrestrial family man in the Austral…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss a pair of down-time issues in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #109-110. Issue #109 finds a lovely lake-side picnic interrupted by a certain maple-leaf-wearing visitor hot on Wolverine’s proverbial tail. Issue #110…

It’s This Week in X for 3 February, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Hellions (2020) #9, X-Factor (2020) #7, & King in Black: Marauders (2021). In Hellions #9, we wonder who is betraying whom and when the deception really starts. In King in Black: Marauders, we have a lot to say about Kate’s compassion, Bishop’s role, and Krak…

Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont X-Men material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss the major developments that come from the X-Men’s journey into the M’Kraan crystal in Uncanny X-Men (1963) #107-108 – including a major creative development with the arrival of John Byrne! We also check…

It’s This Week in X for 27 January, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, Fariha, & Harry as we discuss Excalibur (2019) #17, Wolverine (2020) #9, New Mutants #15, & X-Men #17 – a massive week of X-Men comics! In Excalibur #17, why must Betsy escape her better life? And, has this book been about dual identities all along? In Wolverine, does the issue elevate it…

We’re back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss a Chris Claremont & Bill Mantlo fill-in issue on Uncanny X-Men (1963) #106 that doesn’t give us too much to dig into other than which X-Man we’d prefer to date. That leaves …

It’s This Week in X for 20 January, 2021! Join Peter, Tyler, & Harry as we discuss X-Force (2020) #16 and Cable (2020) #7. X-Force #16 finds the X-Force team investigating the aggressive infection expelled by Krakoa last issue. Is it a cancer? A parasite? Whatever it is, now it has settled into a deep trench under the waves, and it’s up to Wolverin…

We’re back for more classic X-Men! Listen in as Tyler and Peter re-explore the classic Claremont material, with Fariha reading it FOR THE FIRST TIME! In this episode we discuss Chris Claremont’s first use of Magneto and his escalation of Phoenix to the realm of cosmic power from Uncanny X-Men (1963) #104-105, as well as a pair of stories he inserts…