Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Harris - Part 1

Just in time for election season, Phillip and Eric kick off the first part of their retrospective on the DC/Wildstorm political superhero series, Ex Machina by Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Harris. They talk about the comic as a time capsule of post-9/11 New York, its approach of a former superhero becoming mayor of New York and putting out political fires, and The Omnibus gives its official endorsement for 2024 US presidential race!

In this episode, Phillip and Eric return to the shonen action manga Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Now that Eric is finally caught up, they discuss their reactions to Denji's character development, the differences between Part 1 and Part 2, and Eric tells Phillip on what he's learned from rewatch binge of Law and Order: SVU.

In this episode, Phillip and Eric discuss the Image horror graphic novel Houses of the Unholy by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. They break down this legendary duo's stretching their usual noir stories by adding a horror twist, the use of satanic ritual abuse hysteria as a storytelling device, and Eric accuses Phillip of worshipping the devil.

In this episode, Phillip and Eric talk the Image superhero comic Local Man by Tim Seely and Tony Fleecs. They break down how it approaches the '90s superhero genre with affectionate mockery, its use of two (and later three) distinctly different art styles to establish an unique visual language that pays homage to the eras of Image Comics, and Phillip educates Eric on the obscure '90s action show, Vanishing Point.

Phillip and Eric conclude their retrospective on Grant Morrison's epic Batman run with the final part of BATMAN INCORPORATED with Chris Burnham, featuring the death of Damien Wayne and the final showdown with Talia Al'Ghul. They also discuss Eric's new fascination with cat manga, Phillip failing to materialize Damson Idris into the MCU, and how Phillip still hasn't seen On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

In this episode, Phillip and Eric continue their breakdown of Grant Morrison's epic Batman run with the second part of the Batman Incorporated arc debuting during the New 52 with artists Chris Burnham, Frazier Irving, and more! They discuss Morrison's deep dive into the backstory of Talia al Ghul, Chris Burnham's rough and tumble art style, and reveal the global expansion of The Omnibus Incorporated!

In this episode, Phillip and Eric talk the first part of the third act of Grant Morrison's epic run on Batman with Batman Incorporated, featuring art by Yanick Paquette, Chris Burnham, and more. They talk about Morrison's reinvention of Batman as a global crimefighting organization, the reintroduction of the Golden Age Batwoman and the extended Bat family, and figuring out who's in charge of the all the spy agencies in the DC universe.

In this episode, Phillip and Eric discuss the conclusion of the second act of Grant Morrison's Batman epic with The Return of Bruce Wayne and the final part of Batman and Robin with Frazier Irving. They break down Frazier Irving's surreal, moody art, discuss the philosophy of "vibes, not plot", and weigh in on the stupid Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud.

In this episode, Phillip and Eric go over the first part Grant Morrison's Batman and Robin featuring the debut of Dick Grayson as Batman and Damien Wayne as Robin, with art by Frank Quitely, Phillip Tan, Chris Burnham, and more. They discuss the new dynamic of the new Dynamic Duo, the meta-commentary of the return of Jason Todd on post-Watchmen superheroes, and Phillip reacts to a clip from Titans to juice the algorithm!

In this episode, Phillip and Eric are continuing their breakdown of Grant Morrison's run on Batman with the big epic DC event, Final Crisis and Superman Beyond with art by J.G. Jones, Doug Mahnke, et al. They discuss this tangential yet essential tie-in to the death of Bruce Wayne story arc, debate on the quality of the story choices Morrison makes within Final Crisis, and Eric asks Phillip if it's racist to exclude Martian Manhunter from the Justice League.