175: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn
Welcome to the new world of TMNT with an all-new creative team! After the cataclysmic events of “City At War,” the Turtles find New York City drastically changed—new factions and enemies are on the rise, and allies are in short supply. The Turtles discover that in order to survive, they will need to work together like never before. This pod includes the return of Sophia, and we also discuss the...
1hr 38m Aug 04, 2023
1hr 38m
174: Young Avengers (2013)
This week we read Young Avengers by Keiron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, and Matt Wilson. Joining together characters we love and others we got to learn about in the book; Wiccan, Hulkling, Hawkeye, Loki, Marvel Boy, and America Chavez. The unlikely team found themselves up against an interdimensional parasite that takes the form of their deceased parents and has their abilities. News 00:31 Young A...
1hr 22m Jul 28, 2023
1hr 22m
173: Spawn
This week we read one of the most popular characters of the 90s and Image comics, Spawn. From Eisner Hall of fame nominee Todd McFarlane, after a hit on Al Simmons is successful, he's burned to death and sent to Hell. Making a deal with the devil, Simmons agrees to become a Hellspawn and is allowed to see his wife Wanda one last time. Spawn is returned to the living realm with a severely burned...
1hr 37m Jul 21, 2023
1hr 37m
172: Black Science
This week we read the listener recommended book, Black Science by Rick Remender, Matteo Scalera, and Dean White. The main character is an ex-member of the Anarchist Order of Scientists, and his team and family are thrown through dimensions as they try to repair his dimensional device, "the Pillar", created by forbidden, unethical means. News 00:47 Black Science 04:45 Back Matter Matters 45:0...
1hr 24m Jul 14, 2023
1hr 24m
171: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
In anticipation for the upcoming anime adaptation, we review Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata. After spending years working for a soul-crushing company, Akira’s life has lost its luster. But when a zombie apocalypse ravages his town, it gives him the push he needs to live for himself. Now Akira’s on a mission to complete all 100 items on his bucket list before he.....
1hr 5m Jul 07, 2023
1hr 5m
170: Superman: Space Age
Continuing our readings of Eisner Award nominees, we review Superman: Space Age written by Mark Russell, drawn by Mike Allred, and colors by Laura Allred. Meet Clark Kent, a young reporter who just learned that the world will soon come to an end and there is nothing he can do to save it. Sounds like a job for his alter ego…Superman! After years of standing idle, the young man from Krypton defie...
1hr 52m Jun 30, 2023
1hr 52m
169: Secret Invasion
In excitement for the next Marvel show we read Secret Invasion. A subversive, long-term invasion of Earth by the Skrulls, a group of alien shapeshifters who have secretly replaced many superheroes in the Marvel Universe with impostors over a period of years. Who do you trust? Also, listen to our thoughts on Across the Spider-Verse! News 1:13 Secret Invasion 13:35 Back Matter Matters 1:00:47 ...
1hr 48m Jun 23, 2023
1hr 48m
168: Flashpoint
In anticipation for The Flash, we read a book that inspired it. Flashpoint by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert. A revisit to one of our favorite comic book events that change the timeline and created the New 52 universe.  A world in which only Barry Allen seems to be aware of significant differences between the regular timeline and the altered one, including Cyborg's place as the world's quintessent...
1hr 36m Jun 16, 2023
1hr 36m
167: Transformers: The Manga
In excitement for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, we went to the roots of the franchise in Transformers: The Manga. One of the first comics by Masumi Kaneda and Ban Magami that were released alongside the original animated series. The Autobots and the Decepticons have been locked into a brutal civil war for eons. The Autobots seek peace and coexistence, while the Decepticons seek power and co...
1hr 17m Jun 09, 2023
1hr 17m
166: Spider-Men
In excitement for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we decided to visit one of the books that inspired the story. This is the first meeting of the original marvel universe and the ultimate universe spider-men. In this Peter faces a world where Spider-Man's greatest secret is public knowledge and where being Spider-Man led to an early demise for Peter Parker; a world where the child Miles Mor...
1hr 9m Jun 07, 2023
1hr 9m
165: It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth
This week we're getting familiar with this year's Eisner Award nominees with the auto-bio-graphic-novel from Zoe Thorogood. The writer/artist records 6 months of her own life as it falls apart in a desperate attempt to put it back together again in the only way she knows how. This is an intimate metanarrative that looks into the life of a selfish artist who must create for her own survival. Rig...
1hr 23m Jun 02, 2023
1hr 23m
164: American Born Chinese
In excitement for the new Disney+ series, we read American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. The story of three apparently unrelated characters: Jin Wang, who moves to a new neighborhood with his family only to discover that he's the only Chinese-American student at his new school; the powerful Monkey King, subject of one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a personification ...
1hr 15m May 26, 2023
1hr 15m
163: Preacher
This week we're visiting one of all-time greats with Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. As fans of the AMC series we were excited to visit the source material. The story of Jesse Custer, a preacher in the small Texas town of Annville. Custer is accidentally possessed by the supernatural creature named Genesis, whose power might rival that of God Himself, making Jesse potentially the most...
1hr 33m May 19, 2023
1hr 33m
BONUS: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 vs Vol. 2 Debate
The long-awaited debate that we have teased is finally here. We have fleshed out the pros and cons of the first 2 volumes of Guardians of the Galaxy in the MCU directed by James Gunn. The first of potentially many bonus episodes we'll make alongside our weekly comic reviews. Linktr.ee/tradewaiters Follow Us!
50m May 18, 2023
50m
162: BirdKing
From the creators of Raiders, Daniel Freedman and CROM, comes an original dark fantasy graphic novel of epic adventure and magic. Bianca, teenage apprentice to an infamous arcane blacksmith, is forced to flee her homeland and seek out Atlas, a fabled land of light ruled by “the clean god.” She is joined by a mysterious guardian spirit known only as the “BirdKing”. Together they will have to ove...
1hr 9m May 12, 2023
1hr 9m
161: Star-Lord (2016)
In excitement for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, we read Star-Lord by Chip Zdarsky and Kris Anka. Peter Quill might have been born on Earth, but he’s been away a long time. And now that the Guardians of the Galaxy have gone and gotten themselves stranded, how does a man go from soaring through the stars as the legendary Star-Lord to living with his feet planted firmly on the ground? News 1:49...
1hr 36m May 05, 2023
1hr 36m
160: Star Wars: Legacy
With Star Wars: Jedi Survivor coming out today we decided to read a book from the Legends catalogue. Legends are series that are no longer considered canon since the Disney acquisition. Head far into the future of long ago, in a series that explores the state of the galaxy more than 100 years after Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. A new evil has arisen, shattering a resurgent Empire an...
1hr 19m Apr 28, 2023
1hr 19m
159: The Nice House on the Lake
Everyone who was invited to the house knows Walter—well, they know him a little, anyway. But nobody was going to turn down Walter's invitation to an astonishingly beautiful house in the woods, overlooking an enormous sylvan lake. Why not? All of them were at that moment in their lives when they could feel themselves pulling away from their other friends; wouldn't a chance to reconnect be…nice? ...
1hr 24m Apr 21, 2023
1hr 24m
158: The Beef
For Daniel's birthday episode, he decided to make Nathan read the weirdest comic he's ever read. The Beef is the story of Meat Men! Chuck is a mild-mannered meat factory worker who is a little in love with a strawberry picker named Mary Lynn. But everything changes when Mary Lynn falls victim to the Vodino Brothers. This book was filled with unlikely turns and was surprisingly educational. New...
1hr 11m Apr 14, 2023
1hr 11m
157: Southern Bastards
To fill the void of the football offseason, we read Southern Bastards by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour. The series revolves around the culture in a small town in the South where football is everything and crime is organized by the praised football Coach. We loved the pacing and grit of this book and could not predict how this story unfolds. News 4:17 Southern Bastards 19:06 Back Matter Matter...
1hr 16m Apr 07, 2023
1hr 16m
156: New X-Men (2001)
This week we return to one of our favorite comic duos with Grant Morrison and Frank Quitley with their run on X-Men. A story where 16 million mutants were murdered on the mutant island of Genosha and the X-Men go after the one responsible. This trade introduces new ideas about mutants and new enemies. News 0:50 New X-Men 9:06 Back Matter Matters 57:50 The Pull-List 1:00:40 Linktr.ee/tradew...
1hr 29m Mar 31, 2023
1hr 29m
155: Blue and Gold
This week we read a book about two characters that will soon have their own movies from DC! Blue and Gold is about the timeless team up between Booster Gold and Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) written by the creator of Booster Gold, Dan Jurgens with art by Ryan Sook and more. This book revisits their history as a duo as well as touches on what they're doing currently. News 3:48 Blue & Gold 18:06 Back...
1hr 45m Mar 24, 2023
1hr 45m
154: John Wick
In anticipation for the new John Wick film we read the only comic adaptation. This is a prequel comic that chronicles a young John Wick after his release from prison and his first vendetta. Learn how the legendary hitman finds his way into the international organization of assassins. News 3:07 John Wick 15:32 Back Matter Matters 45:15 The Pull-List 51:28 Linktr.ee/tradewaiters Follow Us!
1hr 17m Mar 17, 2023
1hr 17m
153: Shazam! The Monster Society of Evil
In anticipation for Shazam! Fury of the Gods we read a book by Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of BONE, who tells the story of young orphan Billy Batson who finds himself transformed into the World's Mightiest Mortal whenever he says the magic word "Shazam!" after being granted the magical powers of the gods by an ancient wizard. News 4:35 Shazam! 19:14 Back Matter Matters 55:18 The P...
1hr 17m Mar 11, 2023
1hr 17m
152: The Wedding of Deadpool
In honor of Daniel's wedding, we are reading the shortest of the wedding comic trades we could find. Deadpool is getting married! But to whom? Tune in to find out as Deadpool and his mysterious bride tie the knot! This trade also features the many times he has been married in the past, as well as a time travel story and a team up annual featuring Madcap. News 2:17 Wedding of Deadpool 12:04 B...
1hr 37m Mar 03, 2023
1hr 37m
151: Frank Miller's Sin City
This week we review a Frank Miller classic, Sin City. The crime-comic megahit features our main character Marv, and someone paid good money to frame him for murder. He works his way up the crime-ladder to find the truth in this black and white tale written and drawn by the legendary Frank Miller. News 1:13 Sin City 16:17 Back Matter Matters 50:18 The Pull-List 56:53 Linktr.ee/tradewaiters ...
1hr 26m Feb 24, 2023
1hr 26m
150: DC: The New Frontier
For our 150th episode we read a book we have pushed off long enough, DC: The New Frontier. A masterpiece by Darwyn Cooke with colors by Dave Stewart. A book about the DC universe set when Cold War paranoia outlawed the heroes of the Golden Age and the trinity continued to fight for truth and justice. But as the world hurtled toward an uncertain future, a new breed of hero would define the Ameri...
1hr 56m Feb 17, 2023
1hr 56m
149: Ant-Man (2022)
Are you excited for the new Ant-Man and the Wasp movie? Do you want to know more about the characters' history? This week we read the brand spankin' new Ant-Man trade by Al Ewing and Tom Reilly. A tale through time that brings together all the Ant-Men in history to take down their greatest foe! News 1:00 Ant-Man 20:13 Back Matter Matters 51:18 The Pull-List 56:25 Linktr.ee/tradewaiters Fo...
1hr 17m Feb 11, 2023
1hr 17m
148: Sunstone
An often-overlooked genre in comics are romance comics. They're not quite as frequent as your superhero books but hold an important place in the industry. For this year's Valentine's Day episode, we review Sunstone by Stjepan Sejic. A story about two people trying to find someone they're compatible with through online dating. Also featured in this episode is our One Panel Game which is like Wor...
1hr 21m Feb 03, 2023
1hr 21m
147: Wolverine: Old Man Logan (2009)
This week, featuring our friend Jack, we read Wolverine: Old Man Logan by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven. A post-apocalyptic tale where Logan's quiet life is interrupted by a journey across America where Wolverine will become a hero again. This is one of our favorites that we wanted to review on the podcast. News 1:54 Wolverine: Old Man Logan 7:55 Back Matter Matters 1:07:19 The Pull-List 1:...
1hr 44m Jan 27, 2023
1hr 44m
146: Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery
This week we read one of the first collaborations by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Flex Mentallo, the Man of Muscle Mystery, investigates the sinister dealings of his former comrade. This fast-paced tale twists super-hero tropes, introducing one mind-boggling concept after another. News 3:02 Flex Mentallo 14:14 Back Matter Matters 47:39 The Pull-List 51:40 Linktr.ee/tradewaiters Follo...
1hr 12m Jan 20, 2023
1hr 12m
145: The Many Deaths of Laila Starr
This week we review our first book from writer Ram V and artist Filipe Andrade, The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, published by Boom Studios. The avatar of Death is cast down to Earth to live a mortal life in Mumbai in the body of Laila Starr. This Eisner-nominated book left us craving more from these creators. News 1:22 The Many Deaths of Laila Starr 6:18 Back Matter Matters 42:58 The Pull-Li...
1hr 9m Jan 13, 2023
1hr 9m
144: Thanos Wins (2016)
Our first trade of the year will be the Trade Waiter gift Daniel received two episodes ago. Thanos Wins is the last trade of the Thanos run from the 2016 run when Donny Cates comes aboard. The first Marvel comic by Donny is one that unintentionally sets up his future projects with the company. It’s a fantastic introduction to the writer we know and love exploring crazy ideas about Thanos' last ...
1hr 40m Jan 06, 2023
1hr 40m
143: One-Star Squadron
Happy New Year! Our last trade of the year will be the Trade Waiter gift Nathan received last episode. One-Star Squadron is a hero book unlike any other exploring characters we have never seen. It entails themes like getting by as a low-profile hero, whether it's worth being a hero, and if these characters are doing any good in the world. Written by pod favorite Mark Russel and artwork by Steve...
1hr 29m Dec 31, 2022
1hr 29m
142: Naughty List
For our Christmas episode this year, we read the 2022 book Naughty List written by well-known tv writer Nick Santora and art by Lee Ferguson. A gritty and realistic version of the Santa Claus story and where he is in the modern day. This episode also includes trivia about Santa's many appearances in comic history, our annual trade gift exchange, and our review of Violent Night featuring David H...
1hr 8m Dec 24, 2022
1hr 8m
141: The Punisher: Very Special Holidays
Making up for missing the holiday episode last year, we decided to double up this year on Christmas books. This week we review the holiday special featuring the jolliest Marvel character, The Punisher. Crime doesn’t take the holidays off and neither does the Punisher in this story featuring a hired assassin, the mob, and a kidnapping. Written and drawn by various talent collected in a trade per...
1hr 5m Dec 16, 2022
1hr 5m
140: The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman
For Nathan's birthday episode he had us read a rebirth mini-series, The Brave and The Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman. A recent iteration of the classic DC anthology series that consist of many different team-ups. This story is a murder mystery on another world that our heroes are tasked to solve. Written and drawn by best-selling artist Liam Sharp. News 1:23 The Brave and The Bold: Batman and ...
1hr 20m Dec 09, 2022
1hr 20m
139: Kick-Ass (2008)
This week we reviewed Kick-Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. We have seen the film adaptations but have never read the source material. This was a great change of pace from the back-to-back light-hearted Marvel books we've been reading. This is the first trade following vigilante, Dave Lizewski. We constantly compare this to the movies and talk about good changes and what we would've kept ...
1hr 17m Dec 02, 2022
1hr 17m
138: Guardians of the Galaxy (2008)
In excitement for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special, we read the only run of this team that Daniel knew about written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning with pencils by Paul Pelletier. This was a very exciting arc where our heroes are actually saving the galaxy by closing universe-ending rips in space. This trade also includes a tie-in to Secret Invasion that felt like a natural addition...
1hr 35m Nov 24, 2022
1hr 35m
137: FF: Fantastic Four (2011)
For the first annual thanksgiving episode we read about Marvel's first family, the Fantastic Four.  Our first book of many from writer Jonathan Hickman with artwork by Steve Epting and Barry Kitson. FF is the story about a grieving family trying to move forward and fixing their past mistakes. Including new members, new uniforms, and new problems. News 1:26 FF 13:53 Back Matter Matters 55:41 ...
1hr 20m Nov 18, 2022
1hr 20m
136: Black Panther (2016)
In anticipation for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we read the first comic written by Ta-Nehisi Coates with art by Brian Stelfreeze. This was a very intricately written story that is a great addition to the character. Following the events of Secret Wars, T'Challa is struggling to keep the nation on his side when a revolution is trying to overthrow his rule. News 00:59 Black Panther 19:08 Ba...
1hr 20m Nov 13, 2022
1hr 20m
135: My Friend Dahmer
After watching the successful Netflix show we were reminded that there was actually a comic book about Jeffrey Dahmer. Written and illustrated by his old classmate Derf Backderf is an inside look on Dahmer first hand. You learn the patterns and behaviors of the serial killer prior to his killings. News 34:26 My Friend Dahmer 16:48 Back Matter Matters 54:39 The Pull-List 1:04:18 Black Adam ...
1hr 43m Nov 05, 2022
1hr 43m
134: KISS: Zombies
On the last week of our horror book month, we read the comic that piqued our interest the most. KISS Zombies is exactly what you think it is and more. A very accurate depiction of how KISS would handle being in a zombie apocalypse while celebrating what makes them iconic. Brilliantly written by Ethan Sacks and stunning artwork by Rodney Buchemi. Please excuse the audio difficulties, Daniel did ...
1hr 33m Oct 31, 2022
1hr 33m
133: Infidel
On the last week of October Horror book we read Infidel with returning guest Serena. Another book by Pornsak Pichetshote with art by Aaron Campbell, which is a haunted house story for the 21st century. Selected for NPR's 100 favorite horror stories of all time and it did not disappoint. News 02:29 Infidel 11:54 Back Matter Matters 50:44 The Pull-List 58:21 Linktr.ee/tradewaiters Follow Us!
1hr 37m Oct 25, 2022
1hr 37m
132: Night of the Ghoul
 Continuing our month of reading horror comics, we read Night of the Ghoul by acclaimed Batman writer Scott Snyder and one of our favorites Francesco Francavilla. This was a great self-contained single trade story from just last year that is currently coming out in print. The Comixology original was one of many from Scott released last year. News 01:09 Night of the Ghoul 09:40 Back Matter Ma...
1hr 5m Oct 18, 2022
1hr 5m
131: Werewolf by Night (MAX)
To kick off our October of just reviewing horror comics, we reviewed Werewolf by Night in anticipation for the upcoming Disney+ movie. Coming from the Marvel MAX imprint it’s a violent and gory tale about Jack Russel and his struggles with his condition. Written by writer Duane Swierczynski and art by Mico Suayan. To fill up time we also did Superhero Trivia, and some superhero team drafts. Tr...
1hr 8m Oct 07, 2022
1hr 8m
130: Justice Society of America (2007)
This week we dive into the team that will be making an appearance in the upcoming Black Adam film, the JSA. With our buddy Brandon we try to figure out who the fuck all these people are in a story by one of our favorites, Geoff Johns with an artist new to us Dale Eaglesham. This was a delightful surprise for us that gave us the feeling of wonder for characters we knew nothing about. News 02:08...
1hr 17m Oct 01, 2022
1hr 17m
129: Doctor Aphra (2016)
In excitement for a Star Wars thing, we read a Star Wars thing. There's not really any Andor comics but there's plenty of Star Wars comics we've been curious about. We read a book about a character that was created in Star Wars comics by Kieron Gillen with art by Kev Walker! Doctor Aphra is like the Indiana Jones of the Star Wars universe. Just before this story she had worked for Darth Vader a...
1hr 21m Sep 27, 2022
1hr 21m
128: The Good Asian
The next book of this year's Eisner winners, we reviewed The Good Asian by Pornsak Pichetshote and Alexandre Tefenkgi. This book won for Best Limited Series, and it was well earned. We had high expectations due to the hype and this definitely lived up to it. Set in the 1930s, this is a crime noir murder mystery set around historically accurate events and places. While firing on all cylinders in...
1hr 11m Sep 21, 2022
1hr 11m
127: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl
After years of seeing her around comic shops, we decided to read about another character we knew nothing about. The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North and Erica Henderson was a definitive run on a character that hasn’t been followed up on. Surprisingly created by Spiderman co-creator, Steve Ditko, the characters spirit has continued on in one of the most unique books we've reviewed to date....
1hr 11m Sep 09, 2022
1hr 11m