Best of the Rest

Since Best of the Rest is an independent comics podcast focusing on only the best in indie and alternative publishing, it only makes sense that the guys discuss Fortran, chili, DC and Marvel on this episode. It was supposed to be about Jazz Maynard. I promise. More actual discussion on Jazz Maynard will be occurring on the next episode of THE BEST OF THE REST!Thanks for listening!

Dennis and Jay take a look at three series from Titan Comics Hard Case Crime imprint: The Assignment, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and Normandy Gold. All three feature female protagonists (Well...OK, not at first). A lot of intrigue and steamy action. Just don't call these women "broads," that'll get you hurt.

Dennis and Jay are pleased to bring you an interview with Ben Kahn, the writer and creator of Heavenly Blues and Shaman. Ben is a personable and gregarious guy, has quite a bit of knowledge of the comic book industry and loves to share that knowledge. The conversation touches on a wide array of subjects. Find Ben at benkahncomics.com and on Twitter at @BenTheKahn.

Dennis and Jay take a detailed look at the September Previews Catalog from Diamond distribution. This months book lists titles that will be released in November 2017 and after. Have a listen and maybe you might discover something new that you just have to read!

Dennis and Jay discuss Dept. H, the mind-bending series from Matt Kindt and Dark Horse Comics. Miles below the ocean surface, in an underwater research laboratory, Mia must find out who murdered her father. But a dizzying amalgam of suspicious circumstances, intriguing characters and bizarre sea creatures make this a complex and intricately woven story. If you think you know what Kindt will do because of his other writings, you may be surprised.

In this episode Dennis and Jay discuss the new ongoing series The Damned from Oni Press. Creators Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt weave an intriguing tale that combines the paranormal with prohibition era crime noir. Demonic crime families an mob bosses fight to control bootleg liquor and the souls of their "customers." Caught up in this is a man who just can't seem to avoid getting his throat cut from time to time!

Dennis and Jay discuss Black Summer and No Hero, two series by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp, that deconstruct the Superhero genre and ask hard questions. Where does heroism end and vigilantism begin? Or is there even a separation of the two? if given a choice, would you choose to be a superhero? Really?     As a bonus, Dennis gives some advice on speculative comic book collecting.

Do you like independent/alternative comics? Do you like listening to two knuckleheads discuss them? Then we have the podcast for you! In this first episode of Best of the Rest, Dennis and Jay lay out their definitions of indie comics, discuss various publishers, tease the first books they will cover and offer suggestions for appropriate libations to accompany indie comic reading. Give it a try!