Join married couple Brad and Lisa as they explore the various dynamics of comic book relationships throughout pop culture and publishing history.
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
WandaVision is nearly here, and in preparation, we plunge into one of our all-time favorite romance comics, "The Vision" by Tom King and Gabriel H. Walta. This comic is an absolutely crushing and compulsive read, highlighting everything we adore about our android hero and his mission to claim humanity for himself. Can we ever be more than our programming?
Helping us answer that question this week is love guru Gretchen Rubin and her book "The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent A Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun."
Who is ready to hear Lisa cry? Buckle up as we champion the greatest Marvel Comics tragedy on the stands. We root for The Vision and Virginia to make it work every time, even though, like the two narrators, we know the cataclysmic ending that awaits.
Issues covered in this episode: "The Vision" Vol. 2, issues 1 - 12, written by Tom King, illustrated by Gabriel H. Walta & Michael Walsh, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by VC's Clayton Cowles.
Those looking to explore another Tom King romance, but of a very different color, should listen to our "Mister Miracle" episode from the early days of the podcast by clicking HERE.
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Happy New Year!! We're pulling out of 2020 and thrusting into 2021 by climaxing alongside "Sex Criminals" with the sixth and final volume. We began this journey over a year ago, but thankfully, Matt Fraction & Chip Zdarsky wrapped up their bizarre romantic crime saga so we can finish our conversation regarding this unique couple. We're selfish lovers.
Helping us provide insight into the relationship woes between Suzie & Jon is love guru Esther Perel. We dive into her podcast "Where Should We Begin?" and use her episode "You Can Be Right or You Can Be Married" to navigate the circular nature of arguments.
Issues covered this week: "Sex Criminals" issues 26 - 69, written by Matt Fraction and drawn by Chip Zdarsky.
Feel free to jump back in time and enjoy our past "Sex Criminals" episodes:
Volume 1 --> http://bit.ly/CBCC29
Volume 2 & 3 --> http://bit.ly/2lFF2em
Volume 4 --> http://bit.ly/2kCMqXW
Volume 5 --> http://bit.ly/31Up8x5
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Friday Dec 25, 2020
Friday Dec 25, 2020
We interrupt our regularly scheduled program to bring you a special bonus episode. Last month, we guested on the Ride the Omnibus podcast to celebrate #Noirvember by hittin' the books. Specifically, we discussed Darwyn Cooke's fabulous Richard Stark "Parker" adaptations.
The conversation was an absolute blast, and we felt compelled to share it with our listeners. In revisiting the chat the other night, we also thought it made a great little Christmas present. There's something delightfully melancholic about reveling in Parker's world while sleigh bells ring in your ears.
If you're not already, you should add Ride the Omnibus to your podcast feed and follow host Ariel Baska on Twitter @RuinMySky & @OmnibusRide.
If one chat wasn't enough delicious content, we're also dropping our spoiler-free review of "Wonder Woman 1984" in the back half of this episode. We recently unlocked this conversation on our Patreon feed, but just in case you didn't see it there, we're plopping it here as well.
Our other recent podcast guest-appearances:
- Pod Wars
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAT BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Wednesday Dec 16, 2020
Wednesday Dec 16, 2020
2020 was a wild year, to say the very least, but comic books were a saving grace. We've eagerly anticipated recording this episode as it works as an exceptional excuse to celebrate the bright outbursts of good that rattled throughout the year. What you'll find within are some returning favorite creators, but also several surprises.
Will your favorite comic appear? We hope so, but we also recognize that we're a couple of weirdos and our "Best Comics of 2020" absolutely reflects our bent nature. Selecting the winners in our eight categories was mostly harmless this year, but we struggled in a few places.
Our wish is that this episode brings a little joy to you this holiday season. Don't be shy in sharing your picks for the Best Comics of 2020. We want to hear from you, and we always crave recommendations.
The Categories + Timestamps:
Best Comic Book Movie - 9:36
Best Bootleg/Fan Comic - 18:35
Best Young Adult Graphic Novel - 24:56
Best One-Shot - 33:23
Best Ongoing Series - 43:38
Best Single Issue - 50:18
Best Collected Comic - 59:26
Best Original Graphic Novel - 1:06:27
Final Wrap-Up - 1:15:36
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner & the Epic 50th Poster art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Monday Dec 07, 2020
The unrequited romance between Miyamoto Usagi & Tomoe Ame cannot last. Our conversation centered around Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo must end. There is no better place to conclude this epic discussion than the incredible sci-fi War of the Worlds mash-up, "Senso."
Jumping fifteen to twenty years into the future, we witness the final moments between our heroes. Will the unsaid things finally be said? If so, is it too late for Usagi & Tomoe? "Senso" is the ultimate "What-If" adventure for fans of this series, allowing Stan Sakai to tie a bow on his story in a way that the main title will no doubt never let him do.
It's also time to say goodbye to our latest love guru, Lori Tsugawa Whaley, and her book, "Let the Samurai Be Your Guide: The Seven Bushido Pathways to Personal Success." Would she consider the choices made by Miyamoto & Tomoe honorable? Do we consider them honorable?
Comics covered this week: "Usagi Yojimbo: Senso" issues 1 - 6, written, illustrated, & lettered by Stan Sakai.
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner & the Epic 50th Poster art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
Thursday Nov 26, 2020
When it comes to Miyamoto Usagi & Tomoe Ame, there are things that are hidden. These unsaid feelings strike at the very core of their relationship, and in many ways, "Tomoe's Story" is Stan Sakai's final statement regarding their romance...even though we still have one more episode after this one to explore their undeniable chemistry.
Usagi Yojimbo: Book 22 operates in a very different manner than the previous storylines we've covered. There is no singular plot driving the narrative. Instead, it's a series of short stories that add up to a bittersweet send-off for the couple. Did we love it? No doubt, but with that love comes pain as well.
We attempt to navigate our feelings using Lori Tsugawa Whaley's "Let the Samurai Be Your Guide: The Seven Bushido Pathways to Personal Success." This week, it's all about integrity. How do you get it, and what do you do when you have it?
If you're looking to do a little extracurricular reading for this week's episode, we recommend delving into Mark Turetsky's excellent essay, "There Are Things That Are Hidden: Usagi Yojimbo #93" via Shelfdust.
Comics covered this week: "Usagi Yojimbo" Volume 3, issues 90 - 93, and "Usagi Yojimbo Color Special" issues 1 - 3, written, illustrated, & lettered by Stan Sakai.
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner & the Epic 50th Poster art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
Thursday Nov 12, 2020
Back to back, Miyamoto Usagi & Tomoe Ame must battle the Blood Princess and rescue an enslaved village in "The Mother of Mountains." The two Samurai warriors reveal the courageous core of their character time and time again within the pages of Usagi Yojimbo, and this storyline showcases how such a code is infectious to those around them, including the reader.
This week, we continue to apply Lori Tsugawa Whaley's "Let the Samurai Be Your Guide: The Seven Bushido Pathways to Personal Success" to the unrequited romance between Miyamoto & Tomoe, as well as our own relationship. How can we exemplify the Way of the Samurai in our daily lives? We attempt to figure it out.
Comics covered this week: "Usagi Yojimbo" Volume 3, issues 83 - 89, written, illustrated, & lettered by Stan Sakai.
Don't forget to watch "The Sword and The Pen" documentary short film explaining the origins of Stan Sakai on Vimeo.
You can also read Mark Turetsky's "There Are Things That Are Hidden: Usagi Yojimbo #93" via Shelfdust.
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner & the Epic 50th Poster art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Friday Oct 30, 2020
Friday Oct 30, 2020
Brea Grant will not let 2020 stand in her way. In addition to writing two films, directing one, and starring in several others, Grant also recently launched a new graphic novel from Six Foot Press. "Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter" is a beautiful genre celebration purposefully linked to an extremely relatable coming-of-age saga.
We cannot think of a better way to celebrate Halloween than hanging out with Grant in the Creator Corner and discussing her compulsion to explore the legacy of a literary icon. Plus, there is some serious chatter regarding the pros and cons of Sexy vs. Stitchy Frankenstein monsters. Can you guess where Lisa falls on this matter? It's a trick question.
After listening to this episode, you'll want to continue your Brea Grant obsession by diving into her podcast, Reading Glasses. You can also check out her other Mary Shelley-related interview over at People I Think Are Cool and hear an interview earlier this year, where Grant discusses her film "Lucky" on the ITMODChatCast.
Other important links mentioned in this episode: Liz Reed of Cuddles & Rage is currently co-curating the art exhibition "Draw Me Like One of Your Final Girls" at the Spoke Art gallery. Hear Brad's interview with Grant's Reading Glasses co-host, Mallory O'Meara, on the ITMODChatCast.
Don't forget; you should follow Reading Glasses on Twitter @ReadingGPodcast.
And, hey, if you want the answers to those last two Bonus Questions, you gotta join our Patreon Community.
Be sure to also follow our podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Saturday Oct 24, 2020
Saturday Oct 24, 2020
Stan Sakai's "Usagi Yojimbo" is one of the great comic book series. Few compare, none top it. We begin our journey discussing the unrequited romance of Miyamoto Usagi and the Lady Tomoe Ame with the epic "Grasscutter" saga. Neither character meets on the page, but here is where we see them in their purest form. To see them alone is to know them together.
To help us in our quest to understand our heroes, we consult "Let the Samurai Be Your Guide: The Seven Bushido Pathways to Personal Success" by Lori Tsugawa Whaley. As we discuss in this episode, winning the internal war determines the outcome of any external challenge. Stay true to yourself, and the path will clear before you.
Comics covered this week: "Usagi Yojimbo" Volume 3, issues 13 - 22, written, illustrated, & lettered by Stan Sakai.
Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY JOINING OUR PATREON COMMUNITY.
Podcast logo by Aaron Prescott @acoolhandfluke, podcast banner & the Epic 50th Poster art by @Karen_XmenFan.
Sunday Oct 11, 2020
Sunday Oct 11, 2020
Surprise! Since our last episode, we launched a Patreon Page! It's been up a week, and we've been having a ton of fun with those that have already joined. However, if you don't follow us on Twitter & Instagram, we wanted to make you aware of what's been going down.
We've raised the paywall on our first episode, and dropped it into this feed, so you can give a listen to what we're doing over there. We hope you join us in this next venture in Comic Book Couples Counseling. It's an investment on your part to make sure this show keeps on chugging.