“Fine. I’ll Do It Myself.” Byrne’s Bootleg X-Men Era.

Every industry has a Game-Changer, an individual who’s impact goes way beyond the biz, affecting the entire culture. I’ve settled on the biggest Free Agent move in comic books the last 50 years, a change-up that shifted the fortunes for an entire company and set them on a course that carries them to this day. 

Just What The Hell Is Going On?? Bundles! Party Packs! Deep discounts, phony numbers, empty release windows! We examine the crazed current state of comics and movies! 

Stan Lee endured a tumultuous final chapter and the truth is now coming to light from documentarian Jon Bollerjack. Over several years I was witness to the chaos that ensued, I participated in the film and share much of that on today’s episode. Also, as my oldest son  gets married I look at a more light hearted view of comic book weddings and why they rarely work. 

Do other studios even want to make comic book films, especially super heroes? Marvel’s recent slide isn’t helping matters! We also discuss Ryan Coogler’s latest, creative control and how it’s affecting the future of movies! Convention economy and more! 

Ratio variants, Discount Incentives, Final Order Cut Off! A look back over 25 years of maximizing market manipulation by the big publishers! There’s at least one initiative that should be embraced all over again! 

It’s all Marvel Madness as we track the path towards Marvel’s present day chaos. The Rise & Fall of the Creative Committee, removing the guardrails! Those pesky Marvel Leaks!! The art of changing the conversation and so much more!

An episode packed with Hot Topics burning up the comic book culture! Silver Surfer! Daredevil! Superman! Fantastic Four! Comics, movies and streaming, we got you covered! 

With 40 million players in its first two months of release, Marvel has a gigantic hit with their Marvel Rivals game. What’s the source of its enormous impact and what lies ahead as it draws new attention to comic books and stores! 

Did you hear the one about the X-Men GOAT who took control of his X-Men legacy, producing 32 issues of brand new X-Men adventures? For FREE! From 2019 thru 2022, John Byrne did just that. We talk all about it. 

We examine the current state of diminished returns on the recent slate of Marvel films. Poor CinemaScores and a disconnect with general audiences have tarnished a brand once regarded as the gold standard of cinematic comic book storytelling. Studio Chief, Kevin Feige is struggling to find his fastball, can the former “Ace” regain his championship form or is it time to retire him to the bullpen?