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Collecting Issues
Daredevil Born Again
Welcome back to Collecting Issues – the comic book book club podcast – and our first episode of the year (even if it is March, don’t @ us). This month, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic and influential superhero stories of all time: Daredevil: Born Again – collecting issues #227 to #233 from the 1986 Daredevil run, written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli.
In this extended breakdown, we take a long, winding look at the dismantling and resurrection of Matt Murdock, the defining portrayal of the Kingpin as a true menace, and the raw, uncompromising misery that Miller lathers onto every page. From gritty noir influences to intense Catholic imagery (and a nun who may or may not be Matt’s mammy), we discuss the themes, legacy, and visuals of this masterwork – all while occasionally slandering Foggy Nelson and wondering what the hell Nuke is doing here.
We also cover:
- The real golden age of Daredevil (hint: not the 1930s)
- Karen Page’s tragic arc and women in 1980s comics
- The influence of Miller’s crime storytelling and cinematic layouts
- A very sweaty Kingpin in Speedos beating up six lads
- What happens when a Daredevil comic becomes a Captain America comic
- Shared universe highs and lows
- And why Frank Miller definitely, absolutely, maybe just hates joy
Plus, we ask the big questions: Did Miller create the heavy render era or just ride the wave? Is this still the definitive Daredevil story? And why won’t Foggy just stop being the worst?
This is a bumper episode, so get comfy, roll your eyes at how miserable it all is, and join us for one of the bleakest but most brilliant stories in superhero history.
If you’ve got thoughts on Born Again or just want to shout at us for our hot takes, join the Collecting Issues Discord (link below) and let us know. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share – and stay tuned for next month’s pick: Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne!
00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues
00:38 Podcast Banter and Updates
00:56 Comic Book Discussions and Recommendations
03:34 Introduction to Daredevil: Born Again
04:35 Frank Miller's Influence on Daredevil
07:00 Daredevil's Origin and Evolution
10:26 Frank Miller's Artistic Style
16:06 Born Again: Plot and Themes
32:13 David Mazzucchelli's Art in Born Again
38:22 Frank Miller's Complex Relationship with Women
39:01 Karen Page: The Fallen Woman Archetype
39:33 MAGA Hats and Modern Politics
40:23 Catholicism in Daredevil's Narrative
44:03 The Dismantling of Matt Murdock
51:28 Kingpin's Menacing Presence
58:23 Nuke and the Military Industrial Complex
01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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18. Bone (1991) Volume 1: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
01:02:22||Season 1, Ep. 18Welcome back to Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book club! This month, Michael and Ben are stepping away from the usual superhero capers to explore an absolute titan of the indie comic world: Jeff Smith’s Bone Vol. 1: Out from Boneville (collecting issues #1-6).What starts as a seemingly harmless, 1950s Saturday-morning cartoon romp starring three weird little cousins; Fone Bone, Phoncible P. Bone, and Smiley Bone, quickly plummets off a cliff into a sweeping, Lord of the Rings-style dark fantasy epic. Is it a kids' comic? Is it an adult fantasy? We’re breaking down the incredible bait-and-switch that made this 1,300-page saga a generational masterpiece.(Warning: Major spoilers ahead! Go read the comic, hop in the Discord, and then come back and listen!)In This Episode, We Discuss:The Saturday Morning Illusion: How Jeff Smith uses influences like Peanuts, Pogo, and Harvey Comics to lull you into a false sense of security before unleashing the Rat Creatures.Character Deep-Dives: We break down Fone Bone's "Ishmael" energy, Grandma Ben's Popeye-esque tank build, the Jack Kirby-inspired Great Red Dragon, and why Phoney Bone is the absolute worst (think Scrooge McDuck with zero redeeming qualities).The Indie Publishing Miracle: The fascinating, against-all-odds publishing history of Bone. Learn how Jeff Smith refused to compromise his vision, survived the 1990s comic speculator crash, got a massive unexpected bump from Neil Gaiman, and accidentally revolutionized the collected graphic novel format before dominating the Scholastic book fair market.The Tonal Cataclysm: Analysing the exact panels where the art and story shift from goofy cartoon hijinks to sinister, high-stakes fantasy.Next Month on Collecting Issues:Get your single issues ready we are returning to our superhero roots to tackle Jonathan Hickman’s triumphant return to Marvel with Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 1!Matttt's Video Essay on BoneFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube Time Stamps:00:00 Welcome and Spoiler Warning01:35 Kids Comic or Not03:02 What Is Bone04:24 Cartoon Style Influences05:56 Jeff Smith Origins08:23 How the Comic Reads11:20 Tone Shift Teased13:17 Meet the Bone Cousins14:51 Old Strip Inspirations19:00 Rat Creatures and Danger21:27 Time Jumps and Seasons23:16 Dragon and Thorn Reveal26:13 Publishing History Begins28:53 Indie Breakthrough Moment32:29 Neil Gaiman Boost34:17 90s Speculator Context35:04 Speculator Boom Memories35:46 Bone Goes Graphic Novel37:27 Wizard Magazine Feud38:42 Market Crash Fallout39:27 Scholastic Saves Bone43:40 Dark Fantasy Turn45:45 Worldbuilding And War Hints49:37 Phoney Bone Scams50:59 Star Mark Confusion53:38 Why Bone Works57:14 Favorite Moments Talk
17. Absolute Martian Manhunter (2025) by Deniz Camp & Javier Rodríguez
01:05:55||Season 1, Ep. 17Welcome back to Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book club where we assume you’ve done the reading (and we will judge you if you haven't). This week, Mick and Ben dive into the beautiful, mind-bending melange that is DC's runaway 2025 hit: Absolute Martian Manhunter Volume 1 (Issues #1-6).Written by Deniz Camp (20th Century Men) and illustrated by the masterful Javier Rodriguez (Zatana: Bring Down the House), this modern masterpiece takes everyone's favourite green shapeshifter and strips away any trace of humanity, leaning heavily into his pure, unabashed alienness.From Darkseid's hobo bindle full of malice to fourth-dimensional telepathic smoke, we are breaking down everything that makes this comic a massive, psychedelic triumph.In this episode, we discuss:The DC All-In Universe: How Darkseid separated from main continuity to create a gritty alternate universe where classic heroes are stripped of their greatest advantages.A New Take on John Jones: Exploring John as an emotionally avoidant, chain-smoking FBI stochastic agent who finds himself bonded with a bizarre, non-linear alien entity.The Mimetics of "Bad Ideas": We tackle the philosophical core of the comic: viral thoughts, "Bad Idea Zero," and whether the world can really be boiled down to just good and bad ideas.Mind-Blowing Comic Art: Javier Rodriguez puts on an absolute masterclass. We talk about synaesthesia-inspired telepathy, fourth-wall-breaking page layouts, and physical "hold-to-the-light" gimmicks that elevate the medium.Echoes of Comic Legends: How this run perfectly blends the bizarre 1955 Silver Age origins of Martian Manhunter with the abstract, conceptual mind-fights of Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles and Doom Patrol.Next Month's Book: Get ready for a trip to the Valley! We will be reading the absolute, seminal 90s classic Bone by Jeff Smith. Grab your copies and get reading!Read our Martian Manhunter essay!Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeTime Stamps:00:00 Meet Martian Manhunter00:56 Welcome to the Book Club02:36 DC All In Explained04:15 Darkseid’s Twisted Universe07:01 The New Hook for J’onn08:20 Leaning Into Alienness12:31 Big Art Energy15:21 Story Themes and Bad Ideas20:11 What Is a Meme Really22:10 Bad Idea Zero Darkseid26:21 FBI Agent as a Trope29:15 Telepathy as Smoke Visuals32:13 Ideas Over Superheroics35:00 Johnny Thunderbolt Lore35:31 Silver Age Origin Story37:28 Powers And Weakness39:01 Retcons And White Martians41:21 Psychedelic Morrison Vibes42:52 Ideas As Combat44:18 Javier Rodriguez Spotlight46:28 Mind Fights And Metaphors49:32 Comics As A Medium51:44 Family Rage Metaphor54:20 Politics And Moral Absolutes01:02:10 Best Scene Little Damascus
16. The Beauty (2015) by Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley
01:08:06||Season 1, Ep. 16The Beauty (Image Comics) vs. FX’s Adaptation: Ozempic, Body Horror, and Ryan MurphyWhat if an STD could make you the most perfect version of yourself? This week on Collecting Issues, Benjamin and Michael read The Beauty (Vol. 1, Issues #1-6), the 2016 hit by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley.We compare the original "buddy cop" police procedural comic against the new 2026 FX on Hulu adaptation produced by Ryan Murphy. From the eerily prescient social commentary on modern beauty standards (GLP-1s, Ozempic face) to the explosive consequences of the virus, we break down why this story hits harder in a post-COVID world.In This Episode We Discuss:The Elevator Pitch: Imagine a sexually transmitted disease that guarantees physical perfection for two years—before you spontaneously combust.Comic vs. TV: How the comic functions as a tight "90-minute action movie" versus the sprawling, body-horror-heavy miniseries.Cultural Prescience: Reading a 2016 comic in 2026; how The Beauty predicted the toxic positivity and division of modern weight-loss culture.The Ryan Murphy Treatment: A look at the FX adaptation’s star-studded cast (Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall) and the controversial decision to use "recasting" as a plot device.Character Deep Dive: Why Detectives Vaughn and Foster work as grounded leads, and why the villainous Carves feels like a comic book archetype dropped into a gritty drama.Coming Up Next:We are reading Absolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1 by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodriguez. Join us as we explore this dark, conspiratorial reimagining of J'onn J'onzz in the new DC "All In" universe.Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps more than you know!Time Stamps:00:00 Welcome to Collecting Issues + why we're covering The Beauty (and the FX show)01:53 Spoiler warning & how to follow along (read Vol. 1, watch eps 1–2)03:04 The elevator pitch: an STD that makes you beautiful04:37 Worldbuilding: 800 days, stigma, and the ‘burn from the inside’ twist09:26 Who made this? Jeremy Haun & Jason A. Hurley origin story11:16 Publishing & rights: Image, Ignition Press, and the FX tie-in reprint14:07 Why Vol. 1 feels like a tight ‘movie’ + anthology series after issue #617:41 Pre-COVID vs post-COVID reading: stigma, Ozempic parallels, and ‘earned’ beauty28:54 Meet the cast: Vaughn & Foster, the Beauty Task Force, and the conspiracy setup30:55 Stock characters done well? Buddy-cop structure, Caris the hitman, and what works/doesn’t34:59 Caris the Masked Henchman: Grounded World vs Over-the-Top Villainy36:24 Best Scenes & Twists: The Celebrity Spokesperson Hit and Foster’s Mirror Reveal38:49 Consequences Escalate: Collateral Damage and the Air-Traffic Controller Disaster39:19 Art That Serves the Story: Same-Face Syndrome, Visual Clarity, and Comic Fundamentals40:43 Covers, Character Design & Horror: Mannequin Imagery and ‘Non-Beauty’ Markers43:48 The Cure Ending: Body Horror, Consent, and the Ethics of Forcing a ‘Solution’48:26 Cathartic Payoff: Vaughn Takes Down Caris (and Why Characters Act Smart)50:37 Netflix/FX Adaptation Talk: Ryan Murphy, Casting, and How the Show Changes the Premise01:04:36 Final Verdict & Wrap-Up: Comic vs Series, Where to Comment, and Next Book Club Pick
15. 100 Bullets Vol 1 (1999) by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso
01:03:25||Ep. 15"It was a different time." That seems to be the motto for this month’s episode of Collecting Issues.Join Michael and Benjamin as they crack open the briefcase on 100 Bullets: First Shot, Last Call. Published in 1999 by Vertigo Comics, this multi-Eisner and Harvey Award-winning series by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso was hailed as a gritty crime revolution. But does it hold up in 2026?We dive deep into the first two story arcs, discussing the intriguing "John Wick-style" premise: If you were given a gun, 100 untraceable bullets, and proof of who ruined your life, would you take revenge?In this episode, we discuss:The Premise: Agent Graves and his devil’s bargain.The Art of Eduardo Risso: Noir shadows, distinct silhouettes, and the "Risso Grin."A Product of the 90s: Why the dialogue, racial depictions, and female anatomy feel like a time capsule of "grim and gritty" 90s media (comparisons to Sin City and Pulp Fiction included).The Story Arcs: Dizzy Cordova’s return to the streets and the Black Mirror-esque tragedy of Lee Dolan.The Verdict: Is the overarching conspiracy enough to keep us reading despite the "cringe" factor?Next Month’s Read: We are cleansing the palette with Absolute Martian Manhunter Vol. 1 by Deniz Camp & Javier Rodríguez and diving into the source material for Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty.Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps more than you know!Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Jim Steranko's Influence00:54 Welcome to Collecting Issues01:47 Trigger Warnings and Spoilers Ahead03:01 The Eisner Awards and 100 Bullets03:58 Personal Context and 90s Comic Culture07:37 The Neo-Noir Influence13:10 Exploring the Anthology Format19:53 Eduardo Risso's Distinctive Art Style28:54 The Intriguing Premise of 100 Bullets32:18 Exploring Narrative Tropes in '100 Bullets'32:49 Dizzy Cordova's Tragic Story34:35 Agent Graves and the Devil's Bargain35:28 Critique of Eduardo Rizzo's Art and Dialogue36:33 Dizzy's Return and Family Dynamics37:11 Setting and Cultural Depictions43:38 Moral Dilemmas and Storytelling Mechanics46:00 Introduction to Meghan Dietrich48:09 Lee Dolan's Downfall57:22 Comparisons to Sin City59:00 Final Thoughts and Future Reads
14. Tuatha (2025) by Gavin Fullerton
01:03:40||Season 2, Ep. 14Welcome back to Collecting Issues, your monthly comic book club! To close out 2025, we are wading deep into the bog of Irish Myth to discuss Tuatha, the stunning one-shot from Irish creator Gavin Fullerton, published by IDW Comics.If Samurai Jack and Hellboy had a baby and sent it on a grim quest across a war-torn ancient Ireland, it would look like this.In this episode, Michael and Benjamin break down this largely silent visual masterpiece. We explore how Fullerton strips away the "Leprechaun Museum" version of folklore to reveal the gritty, bloody roots of Celtic legend.Join us as we decode the hidden mythological references scattered throughout the book; from the Brown Bull of Cooley to the Dagda, and discuss why this might be the best visual storytelling of the year.In this episode, we cover:Visual Storytelling: How Gavin Fullerton uses silent narrative and cinematic paneling to tell a story of grief and duty.Mythology Decoded: We identify the cameos from Irish Legend, including Queen Maeve, Cú Chulainn (maybe?), The Dagda, and Balor of the Evil Eye.The Vibe: Why this feels like "Dark Souls" meets an apocalyptic end to the Age of Myth.That Dog: Emotional damage and the fate of the protagonist's wolfhound.2026 Reading Schedule: We’ve announced our lineup for the first half of 2026! Get your copies ready:Jan: 100 Bullets, Vol. 1 by Brian Azzarello & Eduardo RissoFeb: Absolute Martian Manhunter, Vol. 1 by Deniz Camp & Javier RodríguezMar: Bone, Vol. 1 by Jeff SmithApr: Ultimate Spider-Man by Jonathan HickmanMay: Assorted Crisis Events by Deniz CamJun: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King & Bilquis EverlyJoin the Club: We want to hear your thoughts on Tuatha! Did you spot the references to the Red Hand of Ulster? Did you catch the flashback?Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It helps more than you know!Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Irish Mythology00:37 Comic Book Club Overview02:24 Engage with Us: Join the Discussion05:22 Deep Dive into Tuatha Comic07:49 Exploring Irish Mythological References12:35 The Protagonist's Grim Mission16:04 Mythical Encounters and Symbolism29:34 The River Bandits and the Giant Deer35:04 Irish Mythology and the Gay Bullock36:09 Action-Packed Battle Scene37:11 Encounter with WWE Superstar Finn Balor38:04 The Forgotten God DDA39:36 A Journey Through Irish Mythology41:56 The Tragic Death of the Loyal Hound44:37 A Vigil and a Journey Continues50:15 Blood Magic and Mythical Struggles55:48 The Island and the Final Resting Place57:28 Reflections on Grief and Myth01:00:25 Upcoming Comic Book Club Reads
13. Local Man (2023) by Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley
01:12:55||Season 2, Ep. 13Welcome back to Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book book club! This week, Michael and Benjamin are heading to the Midwest to tackle a modern critical darling: Local Man (Issues #1-13 & #25).Published by Image Comics, Local Man is the 2023 creation of Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Grayson) and Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs). It’s a genre-bending mix of rural noir and 90s superhero pastiche that asks the question: What happens when an "Extreme" era hero gets cancelled and has to move back into his parents' basement? (Spoiler: His parents are very disappointed).Join us as we determine if this book is a deconstruction of the industry or just a chaotic ride. Ben realises "Local Man" is actually a derogatory term for someone who parks on a curb, while Michael tries to figure out if Crossjack is the Hawkeye of the Midwest or just an absolute arsehole.We discuss:Why the first arc feels like The Boys meets Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye—if Hawkeye was a glory-hound who slept with everyone’s wives.The Dual Art Styles: Breaking down the genius flip-flop between Tony Fleecs’ grounded, photo-referenced reality and Tim Seeley’s Rob Liefeld-esque 90s flashbacks (no feet allowed!).The "Image" History Lesson: How the book serves as a love letter (and a tombstone) to the 1992 founding of Image Comics, referencing WildC.A.T.s, Gen13, and the "pouch era."The Inga Problem: The twisty villain arc that left us asking: Is she a Lex Luthor mastermind or just a messy ex?The Verdict: Why we believe Volume 1 is a masterpiece that belongs on your shelf, but why the "cosmic shenanigans" of Arcs 2 & 3 gave the lads "comic book blue balls."Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues00:28 Comic Book Confusion and Local Legends03:16 Elevator Pitch and Creative Team05:16 Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs' Background16:28 Image Comics and the 90s Influence20:43 Cross Jack's Return and Character Dynamics28:44 Villains and Plot Twists37:26 Inga's Character and Comic's Weaknesses38:01 Corporate Superheroes and Inga's Role38:26 Tim Sealey's Influence and Comic Tropes38:58 Second Arc: Horror and Cult Elements39:22 Cross Jack's Powers and Fourth Wall Breaking40:28 Inga's Villainy and Characterisation Issues43:01 Third Arc: Fetishes and Dream Narratives43:46 Neon's Confrontation with Inga45:36 Seascape's Mythical Origins47:44 Faceless Hoard and Comic Book Tropes52:33 Comic's Rushed Conclusion and Missed Opportunities54:08 Tim Sealey's Style and Comic's Inconsistencies01:02:46 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsNext Comic: Tuatha, a new digital release from IDW involving Irish myth and horror by Gavin Fullerton.
12. Come Find Me: An Autumnal Offering (2024) Curated by Becky Cloonan
01:12:21||Season 2, Ep. 12Happy Halloween, listeners! This month on Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book book club, Michael and Benjamin skirt the rules to cover an anthology: Come Find Me: An Autumnal Offering.This 2024 one-shot is published by the new, creator-owned DSTLRY Comics. It's an... interesting business model of limited digital runs and resellable digital rights. (Wait, did we just buy an NFT? Is this the blockchain?)Curated by horror maestro Becky Cloonan, Come Find Me is a collection of six chilling mini-stories steeped in folk and medieval horror. Join us as we apply "useful frameworks" (much to Michael's disgust) to break down every tale in this unnerving collection from a lineup of incredible female and non-binary creators.We discuss:"Devil's Trill" (Hamlet Machine): A sexy, weird, and wordless Faustian pact that sets a spectacular gothic tone."Portorium" (Becky Cloonan): A classic tale of grave robbery, Roman gods (hello, Orcus), and why you should never steal from the dead."Down by the Water" (Molly Mendoza): A beautiful, abstract, and unsettling story of gossip, grief, and... frog spawn?"Coal &Clover" (Vanessa R. Del Rey): A straightforward folk horror revenge story set in a brutal American company town. Don't make deals with the Fae!"La Chéta" (Celine Loup): The one that left us scratching our heads. A sketchy, Alpine tale of a sexy widow and... well, we're still not sure."Warmth of the Hunt" (E.M. Carroll): An absolute banger to finish the anthology. A stunning, timeless depiction of the Wild Hunt with tattoo-worthy art.Which stories gave us "oozing dread" and which one was less fright and more...?Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeNext Comic:Local Man, a deconstruction of the Big Guns and Pouch era of 90's comics by Tim Seeley and Tony FleecsTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 'Come Find Me'01:33 Overview of DSTLRY Comics04:01 Exploring the Anthology's Themes04:53 Spotlight on Becky Cloonan09:03 Diving into 'Devil's Trill'21:32 Analysis of 'Portorium'32:04 Molly Mendoza's 'Down by the Water'36:20 Unraveling the Mystery of the Drowned Lover38:33 The Grim Trysts and Henry's Dark Secrets39:54 The Frog Spawn Mystery and Henry's Duality44:17 Medieval Horror and the Tale of Coal & Clover44:37 The Dark Art of Vanessa Del Ray48:57 The Folkloric Influence in Horror Comics01:04:17 The Wild Hunt and the Art of EM Carroll01:10:32 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Reads
11. Zatanna: Bring Down The House (2025) by Mariko Tamaki & Javier Rodríguez
01:03:26||Season 2, Ep. 11Welcome back to Collecting Issues, the comic book book club where this month we're pulling a rabbit out of a hat and diving into Zatanna: Bring Down the House! Join us as we review issues #1-5 of the 2025 DC Black Label series by the incredible team of Mariko Tamaki, Javier Rodriguez, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.Is this spooky, Halloween-adjacent tale a true horror comic or more "spider decoration spooky"? We break down this visually stunning "Year One" style origin story for DC's premier magician. From its unique narrative approach to its mastery of the female gaze, we explore how this comic redefines Zatanna for a new generation. Plus, we have to talk about that impossibly clean, muscular, and croissant-eating John Constantine.Tune in for a breezy, fun, and pop-art-infused discussion that's part comic review, part art appreciation, and part therapy session for our hosts' confused sexualities.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Art of Magic: A deep dive into Javier Rodriguez's spectacular, psychedelic, and masterful visuals. We explore his innovative panel layouts, mastery of colour (including that CMYK flashback style!), and pin-up aesthetic.A Millennial Magician: How Mariko Tamaki's writing transforms Zatanna into a relatable millennial hero grappling with imposter syndrome, parental legacy, and finding her own power.Narrative Tropes & Themes: We tackle the "Chosen One" narrative, the mystery of Zatara's dark past, and whether the story holds up to the incredible artwork.For the Female Gaze?: An exploration of how the comic flips the script on Zatanna's traditionally fetishised character design, creating a powerful and sexy story from a distinctly female perspective.That Constantine Cameo: Was John Constantine's appearance necessary, or did he just show up to ruin a perfectly good lesbian romance? We have thoughts.Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeNext Comic:Get ready for Spooktober! We're reading "Come Find Me," an all-female descent into folk horror curated by Becky Cloonan, from the new publisher DSTLLRY.Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues00:51 Halloween Vibes and Spooky Stories02:46 Zatanna's Origin and Elevator Pitch06:51 The Creative Team Behind Zatanna08:38 Art and Visuals of Zatanna17:38 Narrative Tropes and Themes32:27 Zatara's Journey and Characterisation33:08 Millennial Themes and Imposter Syndrome33:42 Favourite Sequences and Dialogue35:20 Zatanna's Struggles and Power Fantasy37:49 The Phantom Stranger and Magic Councils42:31 Art Style and Visual Storytelling51:04 Magic Battles and Demon Designs58:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
10. 20th Century Men (2023) by Deniz Camp and Stipan Morian
01:10:27||Season 2, Ep. 10This week on Collecting Issues, we're diving headfirst into the dense, brutal, and brilliant world of 20th Century Men, the six-issue epic from Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, and Image Comics. It’s an alternate history where the Cold War got much, much hotter, fought with super-soldiers, giant mechs, and broken ideals in the mountains of Afghanistan.WARNING: This is a full-spoiler discussion! We highly recommend you read 20th Century Men #1-6 before listening. Go on, get out of here! Scram! Taste the wilderness... and then come back for the listens.Join us as we unpack this "impenetrable but so worth it" modern classic. We dissect Deniz Camp’s complex, non-linear narrative that jumps through time and perspectives, comparing his style to legends like Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, and Grant Morrison. We also explore Stipan Morian's stunningly varied—and sometimes jarring—artwork, from Frank Frazetta-esque battle scenes to surreal, Bill Plympton-inspired visuals.Is this the best comic of 2025? Is it a spiritual successor to Watchmen? And after all the propaganda, war crimes, and failed utopias, we ask the eternal question: War, huh? What is it good for?Tune in to hear our thoughts on:The Unholy Trinity: A deep dive into the core characters: the crumbling Soviet ideal of The Iron Star, the brutal American imperialism of President Goode, and the human cost embodied by Azra.Artistic Chaos: Why Stipan Morian's shifting art styles are both the comic's greatest strength and its most challenging feature.Deconstructing History: How the comic uses superheroes to explore the real-world horrors and myth-making of the Soviet-Afghan War.Legendary Influences: We discuss the heavy shades of Planetary, The Authority, and Watchmen that run through this series.The Best and Worst of Humanity: From the terrifying super-soldier Six Bill to the tragic journalist Kyril, we break down the unforgettable supporting cast.If you love politically charged, artistically ambitious comics that challenge you at every turn, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 20th Century Men00:49 Comic Book Spoilers Ahead!02:46 The Complexity of War in Comics12:07 Art and Storytelling in 20th Century Men16:32 Character Analysis: Heroes and Anti-Heroes27:37 The Symbolism of the Collected Man33:56 Side Stories and Paradise34:10 Azra's Practical Paradise34:56 John Rambo's Disruption35:04 Thomas Goode's American Supremacy36:09 Time Jumps and Narrative Techniques39:13 Art and Visuals in Comics43:15 Character Perspectives and Artistic Styles50:54 The Human Toll of War55:41 Modern Political Crises and Myth Making01:07:54 Spooky Season RecommendationsFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube