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The Iron Age of ComicsPREVIEW: Fifth Week Bonus #9: Batman & RobinWhen was the last time you actually sat down to watch Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin? Jim had never seen it, and Justin hadn't seen it for years and years. Is it worth a second look? (Or in Jim's case, a first?) In this Patreon-exclusive episode available now, we try to keep a cool head about a movie that provoked a lot of vitriol to have a clear-eyed discussion about what works and what doesn't. Want to hear the rest? Support us at patreon.com/ironageofcomics!2025-01-2906 minThe Iron Age of ComicsFifth Week Bonus #5: MallratsAnything goes on a fifth Wednesday, so in this episode, Justin and Jim look back at a blast from their pasts — Kevin Smith's comics-reference-heavy 1995 movie Mallrats — but arrive at somewhat different assessments about how it plays today. Along the way, they discuss what it meant to name-drop Wolverine in a Hollywood motion picture back in the '90s, the comics-style shared universe Smith's films existed in, the implications of the Stan Lee cameo, Jeremy London and Jason Lee's differing approaches to performing non-naturalistic dialogue, and much more. 2024-01-3150 minThe Iron Age of ComicsWatchmen — Part OneWhat’s left to say about Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ novel Watchmen? Plenty, as it turns out! In our first of two episodes on the subject, we talk about the changes in the larger comics industry that needed to be in place for Watchmen to exist, consider the degree to which the series relies (or doesn’t) on the Charlton Action Heroes for inspiration, and finally do a deep dive on the major characters and what drives them. Jim and Justin may disagree about how well Watchmen holds up today, but several assumptions about this book will be challe...2023-12-062h 06The Iron Age of ComicsAnimal Man by Grant Morrison — Book OneRiding the wave of comics’ “British Invasion” of the 1980s, Grant Morrison made their mark on U.S. superhero comics with the unlikely reinvention of an obscure DC Comics do-gooder. In time, Morrison and penciller Chas Truog would elevate Animal Man’s consciousness to a state of awareness about his own fictional nature, but in the early part of their run, the book is mostly concerned with a middle-class family man balancing a passion for animal-rights activism with his attempts to “make it” in the superhero biz. We look at the first nine-issue arc (collected in the first Animal Man trade), an o...2023-10-041h 37The Iron Age of ComicsX-Men: The Animated Series (with Guest Cameron Kunzelman)As popular as the X-Men were in the comics industry during the Iron Age, the 1992 Saturday-morning cartoon adaptation found its way into more homes than the source material ever did, and it continues to be a nostalgic favorite for many X-fans. We invited our first-ever guest, Cameron Kunzelman (co-host of Just King Things, Shelved By Genre, and other shows on the Ranged Touch podcast network) to offer a fresh perspective. Together, we go through the first 13 episodes of the show and talk honestly about what holds up, what doesn’t, and what made this such a unique series for its ti...2023-09-202h 17The Iron Age of ComicsThunderbolts: Justice, Like LightningWith the Avengers and Fantastic Four temporarily outsourced to Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee in 1997, Marvel touted the ostensibly brand-new heroes of the Thunderbolts as the next big thing to a somewhat skeptical comics readership. The legendary twist ending to the first issue made the book into an overnight success but sometimes overshadows the work Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley did on the rest of the series, making this comic worth a re-examination. We’ll discuss the origins of the concept, the first year of the series, and how the creators refreshed Silver and Bronze Age superhero tropes while de...2023-09-061h 36The Iron Age of ComicsFifth Week Bonus #3: Spider-Man UnlimitedThe first issue of the web-slinger's quarterly fifth-week title kicked off the 1993 14-part crossover "Maximum Carnage," but Spider-Man Unlimited #1's supersized page count left room for two whole backup stories as well. We talk plenty about the main feature's giant fang monsters and unconvincing serial killers, but also dig into the very nature of the anthology superhero comic and ponder what it could be capable of.2023-08-3050 minThe Iron Age of ComicsTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesBefore they were a multimillion-dollar media and licensing franchise, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were just a funny idea that two young artists in Western Massachusetts introduced in a black-and-white book with a 3,000-copy print run. For one of your hosts, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s original series is a longtime favorite by a pair of hometown heroes; the other is coming in fresh, having only ever seen the cartoon and movie adaptations. We’ll read the three-issue arc that kicks off the series, consider the Turtles in the context of the Black-and-White Boom (and Bust), and discuss how...2023-08-161h 16The Iron Age of ComicsCaptain America: Operation RebirthAt a time in the mid-1990s when the Avengers franchise struggled for attention against the industry-defining X-Men and Image titles, Mark Waid and Ron Garney somehow pulled off one of the most celebrated Captain America runs of all time…until it was cut short to make way for Rob Liefeld’s “Heroes Reborn” revamp. We look at this creative team’s opening arc, “Operation Rebirth,” which used propulsive, slam-bang action plotting to try to maintain Cap’s relevance in the grim ‘n’ gritty ‘90s and reinvent a long-lost supporting character along the way. We’ll also touch on Waid’s broader superhero...2023-08-021h 27The Iron Age of ComicsElektra: AssassinFrank Miller and Bill Sienkiewicz, at the height of their powers and industry clout, took advantage of the creative freedom offered by Marvel’s Epic imprint to produce the highly experimental (and somewhat improvisational) eight-issue miniseries, Elektra: Assassin, a dark comedy taking aim at politics, spycraft, ninjas, and the media. We'll discuss whether its cutting-edge approach to satire in 1987 holds up today, what this series suggests about the popularity and potential of the Elektra character, and why you probably shouldn’t worry too much about how this fits into Marvel Universe continuity.
(This comic book was intended for...2023-07-191h 31The Iron Age of ComicsStatic: Trial by Fire and Milestone MediaThirty years ago, Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Derek Dingle, and Michael Davis founded Milestone Media to try to encourage diversity both on the comics page and in the talent pool. Static (minus the “Shock” at this point) was deliberately conceived of as a youthful Spider-Man figure for a new generation and went on to become the publisher’s most enduring character. We discuss the series’ balance of social issues and good-old-fashioned superheroics, the way it deliberately avoids easy answers and simplistic characterizations, and how Milestone stacks up against the other “startup” universes of the 1990s.2023-07-051h 20The Iron Age of ComicsUltimate Spider-Man and the End of the Iron AgeIf the Iron Age begins with the Crisis/Dark Knight/Watchmen trifecta, where does it end? In this episode, we propose a turning point: Ultimate Spider-Man by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. The brainchild of controversial publisher Bill Jemas, the Ultimate line sought to make longrunning superheroes more accessible for moviegoing audiences, but who could have guessed the decompressed storytelling and de-emphasis on continuity would lead to a brand new Marvel? (Or a brand NuMarvel?) We'll cap our first six months of exploring the Iron Age by discussing our thoughts on how and why the goals and aims of...2023-06-211h 35The Iron Age of ComicsMarvel Knights Daredevil: Guardian DevilIn the late '90s, Marvel was struggling through a bankruptcy and looking for innovative ways to boost sales and find a wider audience. They turned to hot artists Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti, who enlisted their pal, indie screenwriter and director Kevin Smith, to relaunch Daredevil to mainstream media coverage. The success of the Marvel Knights line led to a new era at Marvel and paved the way for more high-profile creators outside of the industry to try their hand at comics, which makes this series a crucial transition point to the post-Iron Age. But how does Smith's "...2023-06-071h 28The Iron Age of ComicsFifth Week Bonus #2: Superman: The Man of TomorrowAnother fifth week is upon us, the perfect excuse to take a quick-hit look at one of DC Comics' actual fifth-week bonuses: Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #1, first of an ongoing quarterly title designed to ensure a Superman book came out each and every week of the year. We examine this curious artifact of a publishing strategy the market will no longer bear, along with a brief overview of Superman's subplot-laden "Triangle Era" in general. This mini-episode answers the two big questions: 1.) What would George Costanza think of '90s Superman comics? and 2.) Where do your hosts fall on the "...2023-05-3129 minThe Iron Age of ComicsWonder Woman: Gods and MortalsWonder Woman is perhaps the most iconic female character in comics and one of the few superheroes to remain in continuous publication since the Golden Age, but Diana of Themyscira has had an uneven and somewhat rocky creative history. Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, George Pérez took it upon himself to radically reinvent the character with co-plotter and scripter Greg Potter, emphasizing her mythological roots and attempting to address the patriarchy and its impulse to war. We look at the first seven-issue arc, "Gods and Mortals," and how it establishes a new status quo, engages with late-Cold War nuclear f...2023-05-171h 19The Iron Age of ComicsMarvelsAt the height of the grim ‘n’ gritty superhero craze, Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross offered fans a nostalgic but innovative look at the superheroes of yesteryear with their 1994 miniseries, Marvels. Through a combination of man-on-the-street perspective and near-photorealist painting, this series brought Marvel’s Golden and Silver Ages to life like never before. Today, Marvels is rightly celebrated as an all-time classic, but we’ll take a look at how unusual this series was for its time...and the surprising role that Hellraiser creator Clive Barker played in getting Marvel to take a chance on the concept.
2023-05-031h 47The Iron Age of ComicsBatman: Year OneWe’ve seen several different tellings of Batman’s origin in comics, movies, and TV since Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s 1987 masterpiece four-issue “Year One” arc (Batman #404-407), but many fans still consider this the definitive version of who he is and how he came to be. This episode takes a look at why this story is so highly regarded, and what distinguishes it from the other post-Crisis revamps we’ve talked about so far. We also discuss the effects that Miller and Mazzuchelli’s more “realistic” and “mature” approach has had (and continues to have) on perceptions of the character.2023-04-191h 38The Iron Age of ComicsWizard: The Guide to ComicsIf you were reading comics in the ‘90s, you probably also read Wizard: a glossy magazine offering irreverent commentary along with news, interviews, and the latest up-to-date price guides. To many fans, Wizard was all the hilarity and fun of comic book culture wrapped between two covers and sealed in a polybag; to others, it was a symbol of everything wrong with the industry. We look back at our own experiences as Wizard readers, walk through some of the recurring features from its heyday, and grapple with the magazine’s complicated legacy. We’ll also try to get to the bo...2023-04-051h 31The Iron Age of ComicsFifth Week Bonus #1: Upcoming ScheduleMarch having a fifth Wednesday in it throws off our usual "every other week" release schedule, but you can't get rid of us that easily! We pop in for a quick look ahead at the next three months of episodes, plus a promise to get to reading the five-star reviews you've so graciously been leaving us. All this plus a John Byrne joke to tide you over until our next full episode.2023-03-2905 minThe Iron Age of ComicsGreen Lantern: Emerald DawnWhile many of DC’s other heavy hitters were massively revamped in the wake of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Green Lantern Hal Jordan received a comparatively modest tune-up to his origin story. But Emerald Dawn’s attempts to retrofit a Silver Age icon with personality flaws met with resistance from many diehard fans. We look at the legacy (or lack thereof) of the 1989 miniseries, what effect the behind-the-scenes shift in writers might have had on the story, and how it sometimes seems to anticipate the Marvel Cinematic Universe approach to superhero origins.2023-03-151h 10The Iron Age of ComicsPeter Parker, the Spectacular Married ManSpider-Man went through a lot of changes in the Iron Age, but not even the Clone Saga had as big an impact as getting married to Mary Jane Watson. What began as a multimedia PR stunt became a development that Marvel eventually felt it had to retcon out of existence entirely with “One More Day.” Fans and pros alike continue to argue whether marriage was a positive step in the evolution of the characters or a fundamental betrayal of the core appeal of the Spider-Man concept, and we’ll look at both perspectives.2023-03-011h 30The Iron Age of ComicsThe Man of SteelWhen DC decided its flagship character needed a top-to-bottom reboot for the post-Crisis era, they turned to superstar writer-artist John Byrne. The six-issue origin series The Man of Steel introduced a streamlined, modernized, and arguably “Marvelized” Superman, but many fans felt that it threw the baby out with the bathwater. We take a critical look at Byrne’s influences and controversial changes to the Superman legend (both good and bad) and how his take on Superman defined the character for a generation...and even seems to resist subsequent attempts to reboot!2023-02-151h 18The Iron Age of ComicsSpawn and the Image RevolutionIn 1992, Todd McFarlane and his fellow Marvel superstar creators jumped ship to found Image, creating a major independent alternative to the comics industry’s “Big Two.” In this episode, we examine how McFarlane’s most popular creation, the grim ‘n’ gritty supernatural vigilante called Spawn, became not just a sales phenomenon, but also an existential threat to the traditional way of superheroes throughout the Iron Age. We’ll also discuss McFarlane’s legacy and just what exactly went on in a given issue of the series.2023-02-011h 15The Iron Age of ComicsX-Men #1While DC was breaking new ground with the Crisis/Dark Knight/Watchmen trifecta, Marvel entered a paradigm shift of its own with the rise of superstar artists like Jim Lee. Under Lee’s creative direction, 1991’s X-Men #1 became the best-selling single comic book of all time - a record it still holds - but in the process drove away Chris Claremont, the writer who'd made the X-Men a phenomenon in the first place in his initial 17-year run. In this episode, we look at this comic and how it ushered in the X-franchise’s total dominance of the ‘90s comics i...2023-01-181h 17
Indefensible InkTHE IRON AGE OF COMICS #1: Crisis, Dark Knight, and WatchmenHey, have you heard Indefensible Ink is over and there's a NEW PODCAST in town? Subscribe to THE IRON AGE OF COMICS now on your podcasting app of choice for future updates! Follow @ironageofcomics on Twitter and Instagram!
From 1985 to 1987, DC released three groundbreaking series that kicked off the Iron Age and changed comics forever: Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, and Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. We’ll eventually do a deep dive on each one in turn, but our debut episode take...2023-01-051h 19The Iron Age of ComicsCrisis, Dark Knight, and WatchmenFrom 1985 to 1987, DC released three groundbreaking series that kicked off the Iron Age and changed comics forever: Crisis on Infinite Earths by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, and Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. We’ll eventually do a deep dive on each one in turn, but our debut episode takes a high-level look at these three books as a collective phenomenon and examines the impact they had on the next 15 years of comics up through to today.2023-01-041h 19The Iron Age of ComicsEpisode #0: Defining the Iron AgeHave we really been living in "The Modern Age of Comics" for over three and a half decades now? Or can we identify a distinct historical age for the first 15 years or so? This introductory episode contains an overview of the so-called ages of (American superhero) comics, a mission statement for the podcast, and a chance to get to know your hosts better. (Think of it as our own exclusive Issue #0.) Start here if you're interested in this sort of conceptual overview, but feel free to skip if you just want to dive right into the actual episodes.2023-01-0435 minIndefensible InkPREVIEW: The Iron Age of Comics – A New Podcast by Justin Zyduck and Jim CannonIndefensible Ink has ended, but retro comics enthusiast and Jim Shooter apologist Justin Zyduck is not done podcasting. Check out this preview of his new show, co-hosted by recurring Indefensible Ink guest Jim Cannon: THE IRON AGE OF COMICS, a critical re-evaluation of comic books from about 1985 to 2000… including, of course, the boom and bust of the '90s! Go beyond the chromium covers and grim 'n' gritty cliches for a deeper look at one of the most divisive periods in comics history. (This episode, minus the opening introduction and with the addition of different theme music, will be bo...2022-12-2136 minIndefensible InkFinal CrisisIt's the final episode of Indefensible Ink! And what could be a more appropriate topic to cover than something called Final Crisis? Justin discusses Grant Morrison's divisive 2008 crossover event and why its title and marketing may have led to a chilly reception from many fans.
PLUS: An introduction to a new podcast! Stay subscribed to the Indefensible Ink feed for a preview, coming soon...2022-12-0723 minIndefensible InkContinuity and Canon – Part TwoPart two of a conversation with original co-host Ryan McClure about continuity and canon in superhero comics. This episode covers cross-media adaptations and how they affect continuity, the concept of headcanon, and what should we do about this whole continuity/canon mess anyway? Also discussed in this episode: how Grant Morrison may have ended “the Marvel Universe,” the Claremont/Byrne Star-Lord and why he can't be Chris Pratt, the Big Two writer who says continuity is the devil, and scenes from Justin's protest against the term "Infinity Stones."2022-11-1639 minIndefensible InkContinuity and Canon – Part OneOriginal co-host Ryan McClure returns for the first of a two-part discussion about continuity and canon in superhero comics: the benefits, the downsides, and drilling down into what makes comics different from other longrunning narratives in other media.
Also discussed in this episode: the many Atlantises (Atlanti?) of the pre-Crisis DC Universe, the Spider-Man-to-dinosaurs pipeline, and the wonders of Marvel Saga.2022-11-0248 min
Indefensible InkNightwing: The Ric Grayson Saga – Part TwoOur look at the two-year-long “Nightwing Gets Amnesia” storyline concludes as Justin and guest Jim Cannon get to the bottom of a sinister brainwashing scheme by the Court of Owls that ultimately results in the creation of…”Dickyboy”?! Plus wrap-up and speculation on how DC might have been able to make a halfway decent story out of Dick Grayson losing his memory. Also discussed in this episode: Blüdhaven’s thematically named bar and tavern scene, which of the Legion of Substitute Nightwings is the “Kenny” of the team, and Red Condor: The Sensational Character Find of NEVER.2022-10-1940 min
Indefensible InkNightwing: The Ric Grayson Saga – Part OnePlenty of superheroes go through an amnesia storyline or two in their careers, but Dick Grayson spent around 25 entire issues of his Nightwing series from 2019-2020 with memory loss and a new identity as a cab driver named Ric. Justin taps Nightwing fan supreme Jim Cannon to explain why Dick Grayson is so beloved both in-universe and among comics fans and to discuss whether this meandering storyline had any higher purpose than trying to put an end to jokes about his first name. Also discussed in this episode: racist episodes of Star Trek, the questionable relevancy of s...2022-10-0539 min
Indefensible InkJustice League of America: The 1997 Television PilotThere were dozens of TV shows trying to replicate the success of Friends in the late '90s, but only one of them was trying to do so with superheroes. If you're wondering how they could have made a Justice League movie on a television budget at the end of last century, the answer is "very inexpensively" and "with M*A*S*H's David Ogden Stiers in green makeup." Justin discusses the failed pilot of for a Justice League of America pseudo-sitcom and why it was doomed to be what celebrated comics writer Mark Waid may or may not...2022-09-2122 min
Indefensible InkFury by Garth Ennis and Darrick RobertsonHere it is, the comic so controversial it made George Clooney drop out of playing Nick Fury in movies and got Marvel publisher Bill Jemas fired! Or at least, that's what people say about Fury, Garth Ennis and Darrick Robertson's six-issue limited series from 2001 published by Marvel's mature-readers MAX imprint. Justin takes a look at the story behind the splashy headline and why it might be wise to bring a bit of skepticism--or at least a sense of perspective--to this juicy rumor. This episode is labeled Explicit because...well, it's a Garth Ennis comic, it kind of...2022-09-0728 min
Indefensible InkWhy Doesn't Batman Kill the Joker? Part TwoIn part two of an examination of superheroes and the so-called "code against killing," Justin and Jim discuss how Hawkeye typifies a change of attitudes about lethal force in the genre, how Wolverine's natural tendency towards bezerker rage has made him the unlikely moral center of the X-Men, how the Punisher might break the Marvel Universe from a couple different angles, and how antiheroes entertain us despite being reprehensible people. All of this leads into the titular question of why Batman will never kill the Joker...and why the escalating stakes of superhero comics have forced us to consider...2022-08-1746 min
Indefensible InkWhy Doesn't Batman Kill the Joker? Part OneSuperheroes don't kill supervillains...except for the ones who do. But it's a conceit of the genre that even if some heroes cross this line, they at least acknowledge the line exists. In this episode, regular host Justin Zyduck takes a break from critiquing specific comics to discussing the trope of the "code against killing" with returning guest Jim Cannon. They discuss the origins and general reasons for this rule of thumb—both philosophical and practical—and about Superman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, and Captain America specifically. ALSO DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE: The legal ramifications of Indiana Jones' activ...2022-08-0354 min
Indefensible InkSuperman's History-Changing Mission!The lead story of 1982's Superman #372 might look a little old-fashioned next to the cutting-edge superhero storytelling of Claremont's Uncanny X-Men, Miller's Daredevil, or the Wolfman-Perez New Teen Titans, but readers raved about the brain-bending plot twist in Cary Bates and Curt Swan's "Superman's History-Changing Mission!" What did comics fans see in this seemingly illogical Superman adventure? We're going back in time 40 years (and the Man of Steel is going back a bit further still) to investigate the curious charms of the Bronze Age Pre-Crisis Superman and the writer they called "Mr. Surprise"! Also covered in this e...2022-07-2031 min
Indefensible InkLJN's Uncanny X-Men for NESHas anyone ever done a podcast on...complaining about a video game? Probably not, in which case it pleases Indefensible Ink to break new ground and discuss 1989's Uncanny X-Men for the Nintendo Entertainment System, released by the notorious game publisher LJN. Regular host Justin Zyduck welcomes his brother Zach as a guest to discuss a punishingly difficult and frustrating game from their childhood that nonetheless has some pretty cool music. YouTube playthroughs seem to attest that it's possible to beat this game, but this episode reveals the unfair roadblocks the developers put in the player's way. A...2022-07-0648 min
Indefensible InkCaptain America: IceEverybody knows an accident caused Captain America to spend decades in suspended animation after World War II. What this book presupposes is…maybe the U.S. Government froze him on purpose? But if that’s the high concept behind “Ice” by Chuck Austen (with John Ney Reiber) and Jae Lee, why is the comic mostly about a guy with an alien robot hand trying to test Cap’s sense of morality? By request, host Justin uncovers the complicated history of the post-9/11 Marvel Knights Captain America run on the way to defrosting this controversial (but ultimately inconsequential) storyline. Also cov...2022-06-1538 min
Indefensible InkCaptain Marvel by Peter David and ChrisCrossIn the year 2000, the comic book Captain Marvel belonged to Genis-Vell, a novice superhero trying to to live up to his father's name and keep up the momentum gained by his appearances in the popular Avengers Forever series. But series writer Peter David may have been more interested in chronicling the sitcom antics of Genis' odd-couple partner, longtime Hulk supporting character Rick Jones. David and artist ChrisCross' Captain Marvel (vol. 4) is fondly remembered by fans as a great series cut down in its prime, but does it hold up? Genis is headed back to comic store shelves this month...2022-06-011h 06
Indefensible InkElectric Blue SupermanRemembering the New Coke of Superman storylines 25 years later, when a desperate DC Comics tried to get people excited about the Man of Steel again by giving him new powers and a '90s X-Men-style costume. But can absolute mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum counteract event fatigue, a flagging comics industry, and a morass of subplots? Indefensible Ink takes a look back at the "Triangle Era" of Superman books and offers an opinion about why depowering the character isn't the quick fix people assume it will be. Also discussed in this episode: the benefits of super-USB-drive fingers...2022-05-1835 min
Indefensible InkEXTRA: A Quick Word About George PérezWe will not see his like again.2022-05-1107 min
Indefensible InkIron Man: CrashToday, many comics artists work completely digitally, but in 1988, creating a comic book using a computer was a noteworthy novelty. Is Mike Saenz's cyberpunk thriller Iron Man: Crash--billed on its cover as "The First Computer-Generated Graphic Novel"--just a gimmick, or is there a story behind the low-rez bitmaps? And if there is a story...is it any good? Justin takes a look at what could either be described as "The Dark Knight Returns, but for Iron Man" or as "Popular Mechanics, crossed with Tales of Suspense." Along the way, this episode attempts to examine anti-Japanese xenophobia in American...2022-05-0440 min
Indefensible InkYoungblood: BloodsportComic book titles don't get much bloodier than Youngblood: Bloodsport...but there's even more types of bodily fluids to worry about in this unfinished miniseries by Mark Millar and Rob Liefeld! What happens when you let a then-up-and-coming Scottish provocateur off the leash and turn him loose on an excitable artist's flagship team? Your host Justin grimaces through some more immature and tasteless nonsense from these goofballs so you don't have to. WARNING: Some reptition of salty language and sexual content. Also discussed in this episode: supper club decorum, every generation's belief that its celebrities are the...2022-04-2031 min
Indefensible InkThe BatmanSo many podcasts have already weighed in on Matt Reeves' The Batman, but only Indefensible Ink asks the most important question of all: Is the Penguin in this film actually penguin-y enough to merit the name? Host Justin Zyduck welcomes back his recurring guest and brother, Zach, to discuss what they liked about this film and whether a lifetime of monklike dedication to the field of Batman Studies has ruined Justin's ability to enjoy it even further.2022-04-0656 min
Indefensible InkCountdown (to Final Crisis)Building a year-long weekly comic book series around an ensemble of sub-A-list superheroes might sound like a risky gamble, but DC pulled it off in the middle part of the '00s with the acclaimed 52. So why wouldn't it work a second time, especially if it led in to the company's next big Crisis event? Your humble host tries to explain Countdown to Final Crisis, with detours into looking back on Dan Didio's tenure as DC's creative head honcho, dispensing some hard truths about the New Gods, and exploring other creators' fundamental inability to get on Grant Morrison's level.2022-03-1632 min
Indefensible InkSpider-Man: Chapter OneIndefensible Ink is back in a new format, and to mark the occasion, we'll look at the time Peter Parker went through a soft-reboot of his own in Spider-Man: Chapter One. John Byrne took a swing at trying to redefine the web-spinner's origin story for the late '90s without throwing the baby out with the bathwater, so why did his carefully chosen changes leave readers either icily indifferent or hot with rage? Returning host Justin compares two nearly contemporary Spidey-origins to shine a spider-signal light on Chapter One's shortcomings. Also discussed in this episode: the Chameleon's e...2022-03-0227 min
Indefensible InkIntroducing: The All-New, All-Different Indefensible InkWell ... it might not actually be that all-new or all-different, but come listen to Justin talk about what the future holds for this podcast anyway.2022-02-1605 min
Indefensible InkBatman: The Dark Knight Strikes AgainIt's the end of an era at Indefensible Ink, and to mark the occasion, Ryan and Justin have reconvened one last time to tackle a topic they've had their eye on since the podcast began nearly three years ago: The Dark Knight Strikes Again, Frank Miller's controversial turn-of-the-century followup to his legendary Batman epic The Dark Knight Returns. Is DKSA's crass social commentary and political nihilism sincere or satirical? Does it matter? Your hosts wrestle with a very challenging comic to try to determine what, if anything, we are supposed to take from it. And Indefensible Ink will, quite literally, ne...2022-02-022h 03
Indefensible InkSecret EmpireIn this week’s Very Special Episode, Ryan and Justin discuss the controversial 2017 Marvel mega-event, Secret Empire, the crossover that spun out of the idea “What if Captain America was secretly a Hydra agent all along?” and inspired many people to understandably question whether publishing a storyline with a fascist-led America was either colossally ill-timed or in poor taste (spoilers: it was both!). If you listen to this show for goofy superhero absurdities and attempted riffing on such absurdities, this may not be the ep for you, as your hosts discuss (however uncomfortably) the actual sociopolitical climate in whi...2021-06-091h 18
Indefensible InkCanon Fodder: Season One RevisitedOn every episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin painstakingly craft trivia questions on the bizarre and obscure corners of comics history to try to stump each other and provide some momentary diversion for you, the faithful listener. For the first time, the inaugural 2019 season of Canon Fodder—the trivia sensation that took the nation* by storm—has been compiled into one handy collection for your listening convenience. Feel free to play along and see if you can beat these geeks at their own game. (* Sokovia)2021-05-1951 min
Indefensible InkMarvel's Star Wars: New Planets, New Perils!Picture this: It's 1978, you're working on the insanely popular Star Wars comic book for Marvel, and you've just finished adapting the hit film. Now you've got to write a new Star Wars story, but here's the problem: at this point in history, there is zero precedent for what a "Star Wars story" looks like outside of the first movie. This is the challenge Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, and their collaborators found themselves faced with in producing some of the first post-A New Hope Star Wars material ever published, and that's what Ryan, Justin, and returning special guest...2021-05-051h 21
Indefensible InkPREVIEW: What Star Wars Means to UsHappy Star Wars Day, fellow nerds! This May the Fourth, hosts Ryan McClure, Justin Zyduck, and recurring guest Jerome Knox talk about what the Star Wars saga means to each of us, in a preview of Wednesday's regular episode of Indefensible Ink where we dig into Marvel Comics' Star Wars (vol. 1) #7-10, some of the first post-A New Hope Star Wars content ever to exist.2021-05-0403 min
Indefensible InkMarvel's Team AmericaWe’re on the highway to obscurity, as today’s episode of Indefensible Ink covers Marvel Comics’ motorcycle-based supergroup Team America (no, not the Team America with puppet sex)! When a mysterious psychic connection brings together a disowned rich kid with daddy issues, a freelance spy, and an angry loner, they do the logical thing and...form a motorcycle racing team? (Team America!) Along the way, they clash with Hydra, the world’s most generic hitman, and some vaguely circus-themed villains, with a little help from an anonymous, enigmatic rider in black, the Marauder! Is it possible that a hastil...2021-04-211h 39
Indefensible InkMasters of the Universe (DC Comics Preview)Who better to discuss a comic featuring He-Man and the Masters of the Universe than the self-proclaimed He-Men of Podcasting, Ryan and Justin? In this episode, Indefensible Ink delves into the Masters of the Universe preview that ran in DC comic books in November of 1982 and attempted to introduce the barbarian sword-and-sorcery toy line to the masses. Your hosts cover everything from He-Man’s sub-Clark Kent-level secret identity, to the surprising differences between this comic and the '80s cartoon, to Superman’s bad luck with interdimensional vortices. Discussed in this episode: “Fate is the Killer,” a Masters...2021-04-0744 min
Indefensible InkThe Champions On today's special episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin are joined by Ryan’s good friend and fellow superhero fanatic Jerome Knox to discuss C-list Marvel superteam book The Champions! Are the adventures of this 1970s grab bag of random heroes (Hercules, Iceman, Black Widow, Ghost Rider, and Angel) a good starting point for a comics noob like Jerome? Your fearless hosts discuss this, along with the clearcut star of the book, the accuracy of its depictions of Greek mythology, store-brand HYDRA, and Venus’ dubious use of the power of love. Discussed in this episode: The Champions (vol. 1) #1-4 (1975-76...2021-03-171h 40
Indefensible InkSuperman: At Earth's End On this episode of Indefensible Ink, Justin and Ryan go to the ends of the Earth to say something positive about Superman: At Earth’s End, the 1995 post-apocalyptic Elseworlds tale that poses the question, “What if Superman, but Daddy Santa Claus?” Your hosts tackle this question along with a bevy of other questionable creative decisions involving gigantic 90’s guns and superfluous pouches, the (not) surprising amount of Batman content in this ostensible Superman title, and a use of Nazi villainy that makes you long for the restraint and thoughtfulness of Quentin Tarantino. Content Warning: Brief discussi...2021-03-0358 min
Indefensible InkX-Men: Onslaught — Phase Two In this episode, Ryan and Justin continue to power through the much-maligned '90s Marvel event, X-Men: Onslaught, in which your favorite mutants (plus a bunch of other Marvel guest stars) battle a villainous mash-up of Professor X’s dark side and Magneto’s more murderous impulses, with the fate of the Marvel Universe hanging in the balance! Which heroes will live? Which heroes will die? Which heroes will later reappear drawn by Rob Liefeld for some reason? Your hosts answer these questions and discuss whose invitation to this giant crossover event was lost in the mail, Gambit’s costume change...2021-02-171h 16
Indefensible InkX-Men: Onslaught — Phase OneGet ready for some more 1990s X-cess when Justin and Ryan X-amine X-Men: Onslaught! In this first of two episodes covering the massive mutant-centric Marvel crossover, your hosts discuss the event that attempted to wrap up a years-long X-Men mystery while introducing a mysterious new villain and laying the groundwork for a reboot of then-unpopular characters like the Avengers and Fantastic Four. Does it succeed in actually telling a satisfying story? Listen and find out! Also discussed in this issue: Justin is an X-traitor truther, '90s codenames continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel, Elektra...2021-02-031h 13
Indefensible InkBatman: Three JokersEverybody knows that there aren’t three Jokers. What this book presupposes is...maybe there are? Ryan and Justin reunite to cover 2020’s Batman: Three Jokers, Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok’s critically-panned-but-bestselling story for DC’s Black Label imprint featuring 300% percent more Jokers for all your murderclown needs. We discuss the intricacies of this controversial tale, from Batman’s questionable parenting decisions to the Bat Family’s seemingly inconsistent “no killing” policies, to Johns’ attempt to pull off a Moore/Morrison-style meditation on “What does the Joker mean?” Also covered: Ryan’s Alfred/Batman fanfic, the importance of differenti...2021-01-061h 50
Indefensible InkSecret Wars II: The Complete, Very Weird EpicThis is a rerelease of Ryan and Justin's two-part look at legendarily bizarre 1980s Marvel mega-crossover Secret Wars II, now combined and condensed into a single episode for your convenience. Find out what happens when Jim Shooter trades crowd-pleasing, sprawling battles between their most popular characters for wacky fish-out-of-water hijinks, thinly veiled attacks on former employees, and gentle satire of '80s consumer culture! In this episode: The Thing's erotic adventures Spidey's power and responsibility motto apparently has its limits Organized crime seems pretty awesome The Beyonder's assessment of the Dazzler makes your hosts...2020-12-232h 41
Indefensible InkState of the Podcast 2: State HarderIn this gripping audio drama, Ryan finds out that every time he tries to get out of the podcast game, Justin pulls him back in. Here's a quick update on podcast status and a sneak peak of what Indefensible Ink has in store for the first part of 2021. (Additional voice by Liam Zyduck.)2020-12-1603 min
Indefensible InkRoger Corman's Fantastic Four: The MovieJustin and Zach review one of the crown jewels of any self-respecting comic fan's bootleg video collection: the unreleased 1994 Fantastic Four movie produced by Roger Corman for only around $1 million and subsequently buried by Marvel. The hot take going 'round the internet is that this is secretly the best Fantastic Four movie in existence. True? False? Decide for yourself, but one thing is certain: the Brothers Zyduck are now big Alex Hyde-White stans. Discussed in this episode: The Fantastic Four (unreleased, 1994).2020-11-041h 37
Indefensible InkBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Part TwoIn this particularly dispiriting episode of Indefensible Ink, Justin and Zach cover the second half of the supposedly "Ultimate Edition" of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. You might actually prefer drinking a big heaping jar of Granny's peach tea to sitting down with this metaphorical crawl over broken glass to get to the end of the film, but if you're a glutton for punishment (which your hosts evidently are), join the Zyduck Bros. as they struggle and fail to understand the intended plot of this film at even a fundamental level. Discussed: The final 90 minutes or s...2020-10-211h 06
Indefensible InkBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Part OneBefore this episode, Justin had never seen Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before. Zach decided to do something about it. Join the Brothers Zyduck as they dive into the THREE-HOUR "Ultimate Edition" of Zack (no relation) Snyder's dark, divisive superhero team-up film. Along the way, they'll discuss highly unintuitive ways to frame Kryptonians for murder, the nihilism of Perry White, and Alfred the butler's grandmotherly sense of disapproval. But mostly, Justin and Zach complain about the plot not making a lot of sense even in extended cut format. It's a movie so big (Did...2020-10-071h 21
Indefensible InkState of the Podcast - Updates and Future PlansYou may have noticed that Ryan and Justin haven't sat down together for one of their usual discussions of (allegedly) terrible comics for a few months now. There's no cause for alarm: everybody's okay. But, like seemingly everything else in the year 2020, things just haven't been quite normal lately. Ryan checks in to say where he's been, what's going on, and what the future holds for Indefensible Ink. (Justin wanted to call this episode something purposefully inflammatory to make sure everybody saw it--something like "Watchmen - The Much Inferior Prequel to Doomsday Clock," but fortunately, cooler heads...2020-09-0205 min
Indefensible InkBrother from Another Podcast #3: Spider-Man Origins and TheoriesJustin once more sits down with his brother, Zach, to talk about comics. In this episode, what began as a hasty text exchange at the grocery store expands to an in-depth discussion about perhaps the greatest origin story in superhero comics: that of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man. The Brothers Zyduck discuss whether Peter let the burglar go because he was lazy or because he was angry, the MCU Spider-Man's origin (or lack thereof), how to resolve the various big coincidences in the story using headcanon, why Aunt May and Uncle Ben are so old, and of c...2020-08-191h 13
Indefensible InkBrother from Another Podcast #2: Let's Rap About Cap!Ryan is taking August off, so Justin has invited his brother, Zach, on the show once more to discuss comics from the point of view of a slightly more casual fan. In this episode, the topic turns to Captain America. Zach has never read a single Cap solo comic, and yet he's his favorite character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is it all down to the magic of Chris Evans, or is there more to it? In addition to talking through their favorite Steve Rogers bits in the MCU, they'll try to figure out which superheroes are...2020-08-051h 30
Indefensible InkSummer Beach Party 2020!In the summertime, when the weather is hot, you can download this and touch the sky; when the weather's fine, you got comics, you got comics on your mind. School's out, and with no assigned reading to do, Ryan and Justin are taking the rest of July off. But before they do, they've decided to kick back, have some soothing (non-alcoholic) island drinks, and have a low-key conversation about their personal pet peeves and "worst ofs" in comics. Along the way they'll discuss the Dark Phoenix Saga's inability to be translated to film, controversial opinions about the...2020-07-011h 29
Indefensible InkSpider-Man: Maximum Clonage (Part 2 of 2)In this week’s episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin continue to fight through the tangled web of ‘90s Spider-Man continuity by covering the second half of 1995’s Maximum Clonage! In these issues, Peter Parker (who thinks he’s a clone of Peter Parker) teams up with a clone of Peter Parker (who thinks he’s the real Peter Parker) in order to fight the Jackal and...more clones of Peter Parker. Confused? So are we! Your indefatigable hosts discuss these developments, along with the inconsistent motivations of our key players, Kaine being too badass to use a door...2020-06-171h 04
Indefensible InkSpider-Man: Maximum Clonage (Part 1 of 2)In this episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin discuss the first half of one of the most reviled storylines of all time: the Spider-Man-centered Clone Saga! Specifically, they tackle 1995’s "Maximum Clonage," in which the Peter Parker fans had known and loved for approximately 20 years turned out to be (possibly) a clone created by C-list Spidey villain The Jackal, and was soon swept up into a convoluted, hopelessly grimdark storyline involving more off-brand Spider-Man knock-offs than you can shake a stick at. Is "Maximum Clonage" as awful as its reputation (and title) suggest? Or is it a...2020-06-0352 min
Indefensible InkAdventures of Superman #500What if you made a collector's edition that nobody cared to collect? Ryan and Justin break open a sealed polybag of Adventures of Superman #500 to find out what happened to the Man of Steel after the Death of Superman. Along the way we meet your starting lineup of the 1993 Superman Replacements. Also covered in this episode: vigilante branding issues, how a lack of positive thinking doomed the Kryptonians, tactile telekinesis, and every possible meaning you can extract from the phrase "It's the '90s." Discussed: Adventures of Superman #500 (1993).2020-05-201h 00
Indefensible InkGen 13: The MovieIn this special episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin trade bad comics for a reputedly bad movie: the 2000 animated adaptation of the popular '90s super-teens-with-attitude comic Gen 13! Did this direct-to-nowhere movie (featuring the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Alicia Witt, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers) get unfairly sent to its room, or was it merely misunderstood? Your hosts delve into this and more, including '90s female superhero fashion, what Gen 13 has to teach us about workstation security policies, some Academy Award-worthy sound effects, and the questionable curriculum of top-secret military academies. ...2020-05-061h 14
Indefensible InkBrother from Another Podcast #1: Daredevil, the Man Without PeerTaking a break from the usual format, Justin does the unthinkable and spends a podcast talking about GOOD comics. To do so, he's invited his brother, Zach, to have a laid-back conversation about Daredevil. Zach brings a different perspective with different taste in comics as a far more casual fan, and together they'll try to get to the bottom of what makes ol' Hornhead so appealing to this less-than-diehard comics reader. Plus, detours and off-topic musings aplenty, including whether Ultimate Spider-Man is any good, how Marvel and DC create new characters without actually creating new characters, and the decreased...2020-04-151h 01
Indefensible InkFantastic Four: Heroes Reborn"Defensible Ink" strikes again! When Marvel asked Image breakaways Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee to reboot the Avengers and Fantastic Four titles in 1996, it infuriated fans and Marvel staffers alike. The Heroes Reborn publishing initiative was soon scuttled and became a notorious reminder of the grim 'n' gritty, all-style-no-substance 1990s. But revisited almost 25 years later, Lee's Fantastic Four not only comes off better than you might expect--it's possibly the best Fantastic Four movie you've never seen. Also covered in this episode: questionable casino marketing strategies, Namor's weakness for the diplomacy of hot blond(e)s, and Chekhov's q...2020-04-011h 23
Indefensible InkJim Lee's WildC.A.T.sOn this week’s episode of Indefensible Ink, it’s the first-ever edition of "Defensible Ink," whereby one of your hosts tries to defend a comic that’s been ignored or dismissed and make the case that it’s actually good. In this episode, Ryan and Justin explore a boyhood favorite of Ryan’s, Image Comics’ WildC.A.T.s from 1992: a series that, like many of its Image Comics brethren, was seen as flashy art slapped on a mediocre story and characters. Does the Jim Lee-drawn miniseries and its tales of superheroes and secret alien invasions still hold up? Or did p...2020-03-181h 28
Indefensible InkTroubleIn today’s episode of Indefensible Ink, your hosts discuss Marvel’s 2003 failed attempt to revive romance comics and/or troll Spider-Man fans: Trouble, or, The Fantabulous Sexual Emancipation of One Aunt May. Was having a thirtysomething Scottish guy write a story ostensibly aimed at American teen girls an amazing idea or merely a spectacular idea? Is Trouble the canonical origin of Peter Parker? Can Justin and Ryan contain their seething contempt for this storyline and give it a fair shake? Also in this episode: the strange origin of Mary Jane’s famous catchphrase, way too much inform...2020-03-041h 18
Indefensible InkBatman: CacophonyPOW! ZAP! SNOOGANS! Filmmaker Kevin Smith has written a Batman comic, and he's enlisted Walt "Tell 'Em, Steve-Dave!" Flanagan to draw it and the sound-effects-spouting assassin known as Onomatopoeia to play the villain. In this episode, Ryan and Justin check out Batman: Cacophony while also reflecting on Kevin Smith's career and what his films have meant to them. Also in this episode, your hosts come to grips with the ethics of allowing the Joker to die, the problematic villainy of Maxie Zeus, owning one's own prudishness, and Batman's ill-advised attempt to turn a Hebrew blessing into a c...2020-02-191h 20
Indefensible InkMantraIn today’s episode, Ryan and Justin explore the ambitious male-warrior-reincarnated-in-a-female-superhero-body series, 1993’s Mantra. Does the series live up to the promise of its intriguing premise? Does it subvert the "tough guy" and “bad girl” stereotypes of ’90s comics or wallow in them? Your hosts attempt to get to the bottom of these questions as they discuss these topics and more, including the Malibu Comics Ultraverse, questionably lavish magic shop galas, the challenge of living up to your supervillain nickname, evil hippies, groomzillas, and baffling in-universe pornography. Discussed in this episode: Mantra, #1-5 (1993). Contents:2020-02-051h 55
Indefensible Ink2019 Year in ReviewAs 2019 draws to a close, Ryan and Justin reflect on just how much time they've wasted reading and talking about bad comics. And to commemorate the occasion, they waste another 86 minutes on the highs and lows (but mostly lows) of Indefensible Ink's first year. This episode's agenda: Dubious awards given out in fields such as "Most Wasted Potential" and "Least Bad Comic." What will Ryan and Justin single out as the Worst Comic they read in 2019? A high-level discussion about offensively bad comics vs. merely boring ones, art and how it can elevate the worst stories, a...2019-12-181h 26
Indefensible InkUncanny X-Men: The DracoHey, remember that time Nightcrawler's dad showed up and claimed to be the Biblical Satan? And this dude Azazel claimed that Nightcrawler is descended from a line of demon-like mutants and the Angel is descended from a line of angelic ones? In this episode, Ryan and Justin lead you through "The Draco," a six-issue Uncanny X-Men arc by Chuck Austen, Philip Tan, et al. Also covered in this episode: a game of "Fill in Your Own X-Jet," how to distinguish the difference between anti-mutant bigotry and a sensible fear of men with terrifying metal skull masks, Alpha F...2019-12-041h 33
Indefensible InkSpawn-BatmanHope you're in the mood for some hard-boiled tough-guy nonsense, because in this episode, Ryan and Justin discuss Frank Miller and Todd McFarlane's Spawn-Batman from 1994. With only the barest of plots to get in the way of killer cyborgs and back-alley brawling, prepare to hear the story of how a very special friendship began as your hosts attempt to answer the question: how seriously is Miller taking any of this? Also covered in this episode: Spawn and Batman's 16-bit trash talk, more on the allure of green slime to the children of the '90s, a proposal...2019-11-2058 min
Indefensible InkKISS: Psycho CircusOn this week’s episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin get belatedly spooky by discussing the horror comic featuring the band KISS, KISS: Psycho Circus! Enter a world where the founding members of the classic rock act are otherworldly, supernatural beings of vengeance traveling with the titular sinister carnival, meting out questionably ironic punishments and spelling trouble for abusers, murderers, and those who only want to rock and roll part of the night. Covered in this episode: Ryan is easily impressed by big words, the real horror is a world without KISS, someone decided to use al...2019-11-061h 11
Indefensible InkMarvel Team-Up (vol. 1) #13In today’s episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin join forces to cover a 1970s issue of Marvel Team-Up starring none other than Spidey and Captain America! In this special “minisode,” your hosts recount a would-be rollicking adventure in which ole Webhead and Cap take on the forces of AIM and second-rate villain the Grey Gargoyle, while Nick Fury occasionally berates someone. Also: chemistry is apparently rocket science, Justin feels some Midwestern pride, and possibly the most half-assed “heroes escape from a deathtrap” scene in comics history. Plus: the debut of a new segment on bizarre and goofy...2019-10-1647 min
Indefensible InkThe Kingdom (DC Comics)In this episode, Ryan and Justin discuss The Kingdom, the mostly forgotten sequel (or "sequel") to DC Comics' universally acclaimed miniseries Kingdom Come. Was this storyline unjustly dismissed due to the daunting challenge of living up to its predecessor? Or was there good reason it was cast into the bargain bins of history? Find out! Also covered: Ryan missed some crucial science lessons in school, why you shouldn't chat with Batman while your wife is giving birth, and Justin proposes a controversial political platform. Discussed in this episode: The Kingdom #1, The Kingdom: Planet Krypton #1, The Kingd...2019-10-021h 20
Indefensible InkSecret Wars II, Part TwoOn today's episode, Ryan and Justin conclude their discussion of one of Marvel's most misguided crossover epics, Secret Wars II. Prepare yourself for lots of space-god brooding, a dash of dorm-room philosophy, and more awkwardly shoehorned-in cameos than a latter-day Simpsons episode! Also covered in loving detail: Justin accidentally pitches a DC crossover event, Molecule Man's DIY psychotherapy, Daredevil gets left out of yet another Marvel storyline, and Captain America defends your right to die in a tidal wave. Discussed in this episode: Secret Wars II #5-9 (1985).2019-09-181h 31
Indefensible InkSecret Wars II, Part OneRyan and Justin cover the first four issues of legendary 1980s Marvel mega-crossover Secret Wars II! Find out what happens when Marvel trades crowd-pleasing, sprawling battles between their most popular characters for wacky fish-out-of-water hijinks, thinly veiled attacks on former employees, and gentle satire of '80s consumer culture! Also in this episode: The Thing's erotic adventures, Spidey's power and responsibility motto apparently has its limits, organized crime seems pretty awesome, and the Beyonder's assessment of the Dazzler makes your hosts question his all-knowingness. Discussed in this episode: Secret Wars II #1-4 (1985).2019-09-041h 29
Indefensible InkWarriors of PlasmOn this episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin cover 1993's obscure (and bizarre) sci-fi superhero saga, Warriors of Plasm, a series that tried (and failed) to launch a superhero universe. They'll discuss one of comics' most divisive figures--former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter--as well as the role of slime in the cultural zeitgeist of the 1990s, why the protagonist of Warriors is The Worst, and some art choices that would make Georgia O'Keeffe blush. Also covered: Earth's laziest cops, poorly conceived nicknames, why Splatterball players should keep out of politics, and carnivorous floors. Discussed: Plasm #0, Warr...2019-08-211h 40
Indefensible InkJustice League: Cry for JusticeIn this episode of Indefensible Ink, Ryan and Justin are reunited and ready to discuss 2009's little-loved DC miniseries Justice League: Cry for Justice. Will this grittier, "rogue" version of the Justice League leave your hosts crying for mercy? Or will JL:CfJ deliver the superhero goods? Ryan and Justin examine why the most compelling character in this series is a big-game-hunter-turned-talking-gorilla, alleged superhero threesomes, and the ethics of shrunken superheroes expanding inside villains' sinuses. Also discussed: DC's comparatively mundane names for its super-powerful artifacts, Justin makes a startling self-discovery, and the ways in which the main bad...2019-08-071h 42
Indefensible InkThe World Series of Zombies (Summer Hiatus Episode #2)With Ryan away, Justin must enlist his own son as fill-in co-host to discuss The World Series of Zombies, a poker-themed horror comic that's quite possibly inappropriate for a boy his age. Beat the rake, take the pot, fold those...aces? Look, nobody here understands poker terminology, but maybe you'll enjoy this mini-episode anyway. Indefensible Ink is taking July off and will be back with regular episodes again in August. In the meantime, however, Ryan and Justin will be dropping some bonus content to see you through the mid-summer.2019-07-1716 min
Indefensible InkMission Statement and Introductions (Summer Hiatus Episode #1)An introduction to the podcast and your hosts, Ryan and Justin. If you want to know more about what Indefensible Ink is trying to accomplish and what kind of madmen or fools would volunteer to read such regrettable comic books, check out this excerpt from the first episode, now handily available in standalone form. Indefensible Ink is taking July off and will be back with regular episodes again in August. In the meantime, however, Ryan and Justin will be dropping some bonus content to see you through the mid-summer.2019-07-0312 min
Indefensible InkUltimatumIn this episode, Ryan and Justin take a look at Marvel's Ultimatum, the major crossover event that changed the Ultimate Universe forever...because it alienated readers and rendered the Ultimate Universe no longer commercially viable. Listen as the tanking of a formerly successful publishing line unfolds before your very ears! Plus: How to avoid drawing the tidal wave that destroys Manhattan; cannibalism and its applications towards mutant supremacy; various instances of massive head trauma; and the woefully inadequate defenses of medieval Latverian castles. Discussed: Ultimatum #1-5 (2009).2019-06-191h 35
Indefensible InkLady Death: The ReckoningIn this episode, the '90s comic series Lady Death strikes a dubious blow for equality by showing that women are equally capable of starring in bad comics! But just how bad? And will the series leave us longing for (Lady) Death or just plain ol' death? Also in this episode: Lady Death’s real superpower is her incredible memory, Steven Hughes’ art would look perfect on the side of your sweet van, and Hell has seen better days. Discussed: Lady Death #1-3, #1/2, Swimsuit Special (1994).2019-06-051h 13
Indefensible InkLobo: The New 52In this episode, Ryan and Justin cover DC’s 2014 poorly received reboot of the popular '90s anti-hero, Lobo! Was the backlash to the newly sleek and svelte Lobo simply fan resistance to change? Or was "Sexy Lobo" justly dismissed? Your hosts contemplate these questions and other matters, including DC’s half-assed approach to reboots, faux-tough guy narration, the mechanics of interdimensional Porta Potties, and why you don’t want to be on the receiving end of Lobo’s Twitter snark. Also covered: DC reboots Canadian geography, Lobo is the ten-millionth "killer with a code," and somebody’s been ste...2019-05-161h 32
Indefensible InkNFL SuperProThis week, Ryan and Justin trade in their inhalers and pocket protectors for free weights and jockstraps as they cover Marvel’s football-themed superhero, NFL SuperPro! Witness the amazing origin of gridiron-star-turned-superpowered-vigilante Phil Grayson as he “tackles” (better get used to football puns!) hard-hitting issues such as steroid abuse and not-quite-classic villains including Instant Replay, Quick Kick, and Sanction. Was this ignored and/or despised series a secret touchdown, or a real fumble (ha ha, sports!)? Also discussed: more tortured football metaphors, a time-traveling ninja assassin who seems out of SuperPro’s league, a half-assed team-up appearance from Spi...2019-05-011h 42
Indefensible InkRob Liefeld's YoungbloodThis week, Ryan and Justin explore what was once the best selling independent comic of all time: Rob Liefeld’s Youngblood, published by a young Image Comics! In today’s episode, your intrepid hosts are just talkin' 'bout their man Shaft and his team of government-sponsored, pouch-manufacturer-subsidized superfolk as they fight underwhelming villains including the (adjectiveless) Four and the dollar-store Darkseid known as Darkthorne. Also covered: the team is surprisingly casual about “urgent” crises, that awkward moment when your super-team leader may be dating your mom, and why there's very little Youngblood in the second issue of Youngblood. PLUS: Spine-br...2019-04-171h 38
Indefensible InkBatman: Odyssey, Vol. 2In this episode, Ryan and Justin examine Volume 2 of Batman: Odyssey, in which we learn the safest place to stand in an explosion, Ra’s al Ghul is not a sportsball fan, Neal Adams believes some interesting stuff, and coping with traumatic news on the back of a giant bat is not optimal. Also, Justin wonders about IP law in the DC Universe, the podcast gets tough on (Ra’s al Ghul-related) crime, and Batman gets the subterranean telepathic cyclops blues. Discussed: Batman: Odyssey, Volume 2, #1-7 (2011-2012).2019-04-031h 39
Indefensible InkBatman: Odyssey, Vol. 1Is Batman: Odyssey, Volume 1 the most successful adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey since O Brother, Where Art Thou? Or is it a rightfully reviled trainwreck? Ryan and Justin discuss this and an actual trainwreck, take controversial stances on superheroes shooting pistols into a train car of civilians and 19th-century pseudoscience, and establish that Gotham City is in Pennsylvania. Also, writing for the Riddler is hard, Batman is an angry Bill Nye the Science Guy, Bruce Wayne has some tough talk for Alfred, and it’s raining manta rays (Hallelujah!). Discussed: Batman: Odyssey, Volume 1, #1-6 (2010-2011)2019-03-201h 50
Indefensible InkSpider-Man: TormentIn this inaugural episode, hosts Ryan McClure and Justin Zyduck discuss one of the best-selling comics of all time, Spider-Man (1990) #1, which kicks off the critically panned "Torment" storyarc featuring the Lizard. Is superstar artist Todd McFarlane's first full-fledged attempt at writing unfairly maligned? Or does it live up to its title? Also in this episode: how the '90s collectors boom made us all millionaires, promoting your new Spider-Man comic by drastically lowering expectations, and why writing like Alan Moore is not as easy as it looks. Discussed: Spider-Man #1-5 (1990)2019-03-061h 39