Major Spoilers Comic Book Podcast

This issue: As part of the Major Spoilers third birthday celebration, the Major Spoilers Crew begin an epic journey playing the 4th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons. In this installment, listeners learn all about character creation as Stephen Schleicher creates Orem Rivendorn as Dungeon Master Rodrigo looks on. If you aren't familiar with the 4th edition of D&D, you might want to check out Major Spoilers Podcast #28 and Major Spoilers Podcast #89 Come back tomorrow for the next installment of this epic adventure! Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

This issue: The Major Spoilers Crew takes a look at Transformers 2: The Revenge of the Fallen movie, and give you their honest reaction to the movie. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew talk Thor, Gotham City, Grant Morrison's New X-Men volume 1, run through a Poll of the Week, and read listener e-mail. NEWS This week the readers pick the news, and voted to hear the Major Spoilers Crew talk about JMS leaving Thor LINKAGE REVIEWS Rodrigo Descendant #1 w: Michael Dolce and Marcus Perry a: Mariano Navarro In DESCENDANT Rayne Santiago, a United States counter-terrorism soldier, is forced to return to her South American homeland after years of exile due to abusing her own innate pyrokinetic abilities. There she she receives word of her brothers’ abduction by a rogue pharmaceutical conglomerate bent on using their DNA to manufacture super powers. Michael Dolce and Mariano Navarro’s experience in the small press superhero field combined with Marcus Perry’s past writing high-octane action films combines to tell a superpowered blockbuster the likes of which hasn’t been seen. Matthew 81_NEW_AVENGERS_54.jpgNEW AVENGERS #54 Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Penciled by CHRIS BACHALO A Sorcerer Supreme is chosen! Be witness to a very important chapter in Avengers history and the lore of Marvel magic! Plus, the Avengers finally have a big showdown with the Hood and not everyone walks away from it unharmed! Stephen Gotham City Sirens #1 Written by Paul Dini; Art and Cover by Guillem March; Variant Cover by JG Jones This all-new series features the bad girls of Gotham City! Catwoman, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn are tired of playing by other people's rules regardless of which side of the law they're on. These tough ladies have a new agenda that's all their own, and they'll use any means necessary to pursue it. But can they get along and work as a team? And who will get hurt along the way? MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK We're taking the battle back, back, back, waaaaaaaaaaaay back to the dawn of time, where we are pitting caveman vs. caveman. This week it's DC's Anthro taking on V.T. Hamlin's Alley Oop. Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote. VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Grant Morrison's New X-Men Volume 1 Sixteen million mutants dead - and that was just the beginning! In one bold stroke, writer Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, Batman) propelled the X-Men into the 21st century, masterminding a challenging new direction for Marvel’s mutant heroes that began with the destruction of Genosha and never let up. Regarded as the most innovative thinker of the current comic-book renaissance, Morrison proceeded to turn the mutant-hero genre on its ear. Gone were the gaudy spandex costumes - replaced by slick, black leather and an attitude to match. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

This issue: Dr. Peter Coogan of the Institute for Comics Studies joins Stephen Schleicher as the duo discuss the Comic Arts Conference schedule of panels for the 2009 San Diego Comic Con. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew goes outside their comfort zone and takes a look at The Adventures of Tintin. The poll of the week asks you to decide between your two favorite wisecracking robots, and plenty of reviews (including an exclusive advanced review). It's all in this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast! NEWS Thoughts on Ghostbusters 3 LINKAGE REVIEWS Rodrigo SWORDSMITH ASSASSIN #1 Written by Andrew Cosby and Michael Alan Nelson Drawn by Ayhan Hayrula Toshiro Ono has spent his life making the best swords that have ever been forged and selling them to the highest bidder. But when his family is killed by a blade of his own making… Toshiro will do whatever it takes to make sure none of his swords ever kill again. Andrew Cosby, creator of EUREKA, and Michael Alan Nelson, creator of HEXED, brings feudal Samurai Japan to life like no other comic has done before. Matthew MIGHTY AVENGERS #26 Written by DAN SLOTT Pencils by STEPHEN SEGOVIA Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC The Avengers/Fantastic Four slobberknocker continues! This one’s got it all true believers: from MR. FANTASTIC and HANK PYM’S battle of the brains to HERCULES and THE THING’S battle o’ the brawn! When it’s over, expect BIG changes for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes– including the team’s all-new headquarters and a very disturbing DARK REIGN alliance. Stephen Batman: Streets of Gotham #1 Written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko Art by Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs and Georges Jeanty and Karl Story Cover by Dustin Nguyen : Variant Cover by JG Jones As a new Batman rises on the streets of Gotham City, the heroes, villains and citizens take notice. How will the police feel about this new Batman, and can he control the crime in Gotham the way the old Batman did? MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK This week, we’re bringing it back ot robot on robot action by asking you to decide between the two beloved robots from Mystery Science Theater 3000. It’s kind of like asking you to choose between your two favorite children, but if you had to choose only one, would you pick Tom, or Crow? Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote. VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Tintin: Cigars of the Paraoh Tintin and his dog Snowy are on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea when they meet Dr Sarcophagus, an Egyptologist who owns a papyrus that he believes will lead him to the undiscovered tomb of the Pharaoh Kih-Oskh (a pun on kiosk, a newspaper stand). He invites Tintin to accompany him. Tintin also has an unpleasant encounter with Roberto Rastapopoulos, a wealthy businessman. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

This issue: Disney has finally come to its senses and is returning to the world of hand drawn 2D animation. This started up a discussion around stately Spoiler Manor about all sorts of animated movies. We’re taking a look at our current pick of favorite animated movies in this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: The Major Spoilers crew chat up Dark Victory, ponder the position of EIC, and give a average rating to a bunch of comics. All this, plus the Major Spoilers Poll of the Week. NEWS You're the EIC: DC Comics - Thoughts Linkage CONTEST The winner of the Major Spoilers 100th Issue Extravaganza podcast is announced during the show. You can check out the correct answers here. EMAIL A listener writes in to ask about Cthulhu and where to start reading the HP Lovecraft mythos. REVIEWS Rodrigo Witchblade/The Darkness/Angelus: Blood on the Sands (W) Philip W. Smith (A) Sheldon Mitchell, Admira Wijaya and Tom Grindberg (Cov) Stjepan Sejic Set in 13th Century Arabia, Blood on the Sands tells the tale of three different bearers of the Top Cow Universe’s Trinity. In the harsh environment of the Arabian desert a pair of sisters struggle with the burden of the Witchblade, while a Darkness lord seeks to corrupt an inexperienced bearer of the Angelus. Brought to you by newcomer Philip W. Smith (The Gelding) and the artistic talents of Sheldon Mitchell (Witchblade Annual), Admira Wijaya (Hercules) and Tom Grindberg (Teen Titans, The Outsiders). Matthew Green Lantern Corps. #37 Written by Peter J. Tomas Art and Cover by Patrick Gleason and Rebecca Buchman Variant Cover by Rodolfo Migliari The penultimate "Emerald Eclipse" chapter is upon us as the breakout on Oa leads to vast devastation and death across the planet. As the War of Light rages, do Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, Kilowog and the rest of the Corps have the willpower to quell the riot and overcome the napalm-spewing Red Lanterns and the fear-spreading Sinestro Corps? Stephen THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF H.P. LOVECRAFT #2 (of 4) story MAC CARTER art TONY SALMONS cover ADAM BYRNE Something sinister has been unleashed into the life of young pulp writer H.P. Lovecraft. His wretched dream of monsters and murder has come true! It can’t be coincidence… It can’t be merely that he’s begun a fast descent into madness… Two men are dead! Can Lovecraft stop the deadly beasts that seem to slip from his subconscious into the real world before the police discover that the trail of blood leads directly to his doorstep…. MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK Marvel dropped the pebble in the pool this week, with the announcement that Steve Rogers would be the latest hero to pass through Death’s Revolving Door and make his return in Captain America: Reborn. What do you think of Steve Rogers' return? * Super excited! * It's too soon! * Death's Revolving Door strikes again - I'll pass. * I'll believe it, when I see it! * What's a Steve Rogers? I don't read or care about Captain America Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote. VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Batman: Dark Victory The sequel to the critically acclaimed BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN, this trade paperback continues the story of an early time in Batman’s life when James Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the vigilante himself were all just beginning their roles as Gotham’s protectors. Once a town controlled by organized crime, Gotham City suddenly finds itself being run by lawless freaks, such as Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker. Witnessing his city’s dark evolution, the Dark Knight completes his transformation into the city’s greatest defender. He faces multiple threats, including the seeming return of a serial killer called Holiday. Batman’s previous investigation of Holiday’s killings revealed that more than one person was responsible for the murders. So the question remains: who is committing Holiday’s crimes this time? And how many will die before Batman learns the truth? Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show!

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew chats up Captain America, ponder who is to be the next Batgirl, take a look at olde tyme lingerie, slip back to the days when Earth fell apart, marvel at young tykes with super powers, and discuss Vertigo's Y: The Last Man Volume 1 Deluxe hardcover by Brian K. Vaughan. NEWS Isaiah Bradley as the New Captain America? Linkage EMAIL Rufus asks Matthew to sort out the star date numbering from Star Trek, and Michael writes in to let the crew know he's still listening to the show despite his recent stroke. REVIEWS Rodrigo Salem's Daughter Written by: Ralph Tedesco Artwork by: Caio Menescal Colors by: James Brown The Salem witch trials of 1692 resulted in the hangings of 19 women and men. Over the years many came to realize that the trials were perhaps done in haste with no hard evidence of witchcraft being used by any of the accused. Two hundred years later, Anna Williams, is living a regular uneventful life in Essex County, Massachusetts. But there is more to Anna than meets the eye… much more. Now Anna is beginning to discover her unique powers and knows her life will never be the same as she reluctantly decides to follow her true calling. And a hardened and bitter gunslinger named Braden Cole is the one man who can help her along the way. Matthew PS238 #29 Aaron Williams Miss Kyle's Las Vegas vacation continues to spiral out of control as she and her stowaway students are called upon to solve a mystery that even the greatest casino security team has been unable to crack. Can Miss Kyle, Poly Mer, Zodon, Julie, and the Flea figure out who is robbing the casino blind? Meanwhile, back at ps238, Tyler finds that being in stasis isn't as peaceful as one would think! All this and more in ps238 #29! Stephen Battlestar Galactica: The Final Five #3 Covers: Mel Rubi and Nigel Raynor Writer: Seamus Kevin Fahey and David Reed Penciller: Nigel Raynor Colorist: Ivan Nunes The term “Final Five” collectively describes five of the twelve Cylon humanoid models whose identity, knowledge, or existence has been deliberately or accidentally lost to the seven other humanoid Cylon models. MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK With DC switching up the who’s who in the Batman universe, the final question on many people’s minds is, “Who is the new Batgirl?” Dc has been teasing readers for weeks with publicity images, but today, we’re giving you the chance to cast your vote on who you think is under the Batgirl cowl. CHOOSE! Who is the "new" Batgirl? * Barbara Gordon * Stephanie Brown * Holly Robinson * Cassandra Cain * Charlie Gage-Radcliffe * Vicki Vale * Rose Wilson * Helena Bertinelli * Wendy Kuttler Get over to the Major Spoilers Website and vote. VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Y: The Last Man In the series, on July 17, 2002, something (referred to as a plague) simultaneously kills every mammal possessing a Y chromosome — including embryos, fertilized eggs, and even sperm. The only exceptions appear to be Yorick Brown, a young amateur escape artist, and his Capuchin monkey, Ampersand. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew reviews some comics, picks the comic they are most looking forward to this week, and ponder the use of comics in the classroom with Dr. Peter Coogan, Director of the institute for Comic Studies. NEWS There's a lot of movies coming up, and they might not all be good. Linkage The Major Spoilers website moves to a brand spankin' new server. Does it work well for you? EMAIL John I.G. the second wants to know if there will ever be any more commentary tracks for Cowboy Bebop produced by the Major Spoilers crew. REVIEWS Rodrigo Graphic Classics Volume Seventeen Visions of the Future! Science Fiction Classics presents comics adaptations of stories from the original creators of science fiction including “The War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells and “A Martian Odyssey” by Stanley G. Weinbaum. Also featured are “In the Year 2889” a rare short story by Jules Verne, and “The Disintegration Machine”, starring Arthur Conan Doyle’s Professor Challenger. Plus E.M. Forster’s only SF tale “The Machine Stops”, and shorts by Lord Dunsany and Hans Christian Anderson. Matthew Herogasm #1 Writer: Garth Ennis Penciller/Inker: John McCrea An evil so profound it threatens all mankind… the mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all… a secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable… but have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? The Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, Fantastico and every other supe on Earth team up for an annual event like no other… and where the supes go, can a certain “five complications and a dog” be far behind? Vought-American prepare to make their move, in a story that will change the world of the Boys forever: Herogasm #1. Stephen Star Trek: Crew #4 Story by John Byrne Art by John Byrne Cover by John Byrne It's a war that has raged for decades… but who are the combatants, and what is their unexpected connection to the Earth of centuries past? The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise will have only hours to find out, or die trying! MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK There are a lot of comics being released this week, and some of them might be more anticipated by readers than others. This week sees the beginning of Batman and Robin #1, the “end” of Ultimate Spider-man with issue #133, more superhero turned bad in Irredeemable #3, a gruesome tale from Image Comics in the form of Chew #1, and the antics of Atomic Robo taking on the horror from space. A) Batman and Robin #1 B) Ultimate Spider-man #133 C) Irredeemable #3 D) Chew #1 E) Atomic Robo #2 F) Other VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION This week on the Major Spoilers Podcast, the Major Spoilers Crew welcomes Dr. Peter Coogan, Director of the Institute for Comic Studies to talk about comics in the classroom. From Classics Illustrated to using comics as a gateway to additional learning (plus a wild rant or two from Stephen) are discussed in the last half of the show. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

Here it is the celebratory 100th issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast! This bonus sized edition includes live call-ins from listeners of the show and fans of the site. It was a lot of fun chatting with everyone and we really appreciate everyone around the world who stayed up way past their bedtime to join in on the fun. We gave away a lot of prizes during the show, and for those who couldn't make the live event, listen carefully after the intro and you'll find out how to win a copy of Neil Gaiman's Sandman Volume II: The Absolute Edition. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: The Major Spoilers Crew gets down to business and discuss The Pet Avengers, Archie's nuptials, Teri Hatcher, Lois Lane, Kevin Smith, the Green Hornet, answer listener e-mail, review some comics, and wrap up their discussion on Top Cow's Rising Stars. NEWS Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers LINKAGE Archie's Getting Married? LINKAGE Kevin Smith is on the Green Hornet LINKAGE EMAIL Constantine writes in asking about heroes from the past REVIEWS Rodrigo We Kill Monsters #1 (Diamond order code of MAY091014) Written: Laura Harkcom, Christopher Leone Art: Brian Churilla Colors: Ronda Pattison Letters: Jeff Powell Publication Date: 2009-07-08 Two unassuming auto repair shop owners discover that monsters are infesting the world. When they are attacked, the glowing blue juice from the monster's brain heals his arm and saves Jake's life. But this gift only begins a life-long link to the monster invasion. Matthew Top Shelf: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910 Alan Moore The third volume detailing the exploits of Miss Wilhelmina Murray and her extraordinary colleagues, Century is a 216-page epic spanning almost 100 years. Chapter one is set against the backdrop of London in 1910, 12 years after the failed Martian invasion and nine years since England put a man on the moon. With Halley's Comet passing overhead, the nation prepares for the coronation of King George V, while far away on his South Atlantic island, the science-pirate Captain Nemo is dying. Stephen The Voyages of She Buccaneer #5 (May 13, 2009) Will and Heidi Hughes The SheBuccaneer finally meets Black Ben and his fleet of Chinese pirates upon angry waves. With the help of an ancient wizard, teh Vengeance is set ablaze, and the SheBuccaneer is brought before the wicked Governor of Shanghai. MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK Last week's Major Spoilers Poll of the Week, stirred up a lot of discussion over the actresses who have portrayed Lois Lane. This brings us to this week's Poll of the Week - Who is the best Lois Lane? A) Joan Alexander B) Noel Neill C) Philis Coates D) Patricia Marand E) Lesley Ann Warren F) Margot Kidder G) Terry Hatcher H) Dana Delaney I) Erica Durance J) Kate Bosworth VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Rising Stars is a 24-issue comic book limited series by J. Michael Straczynski about 113 people (called "Specials") born with special abilities following the appearance of a mysterious light in the sky above Pederson, Illinois. The series explores how society may react to the advent of superpowers, and how those who are Specials may react towards society and each other. Rising Stars was one of the first comics produced under Straczynski's own Joe's Comics imprint for Top Cow Productions. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

Building up to the 100th episode of the Major Spoilers Podcast, the crew took the time to test out their systems, to see what works, and what doesn't work. Last week, the trio of Matthew, Rodrigo, and Stephen took recorded an episode that went up on Ustream, the Major Spoilers site, and much more. For those of you who missed it, here is the result. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: The Merc With A Mouth Becomes The Merc With A Movie... Mysteries, Wrapped In Enigmas, Within Quandaries, surrounded by bacon and deep-fried for Tempura... Men In Jodhpurs and Men In Masks, Working Together for a Better Tomorrow. Plus! The redhead wasn't thrown off a bridge throws down with the the brunette who didn't turn into a giant bug! Wolverine and Ripclaw: If They Touch, Will The Universes Collapse? And The Return of Tainted Rice... NEWS Doc Savage and The Spirit? LINKAGE REVIEWS Rodrigo Fusion #1 (of 3) Starring Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer/Avengers/Thunderbolts (W) Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (A) Tyler Kirkham (Cov) Mike Choi & Sonia Oback When a rapid and unregistered Ripclaw starts tearing through a small Northeast town, the Mighty Avengers move in to stop him. When the feral hero escapes, they’re drawn into an inevitable conflict with Cyberforce. A crossover event too massive to be contained in a single issue brought to you by the writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova) and Top Cow favorite artist Tyler Kirkham (Ultimate Fantastic Four, Broken Trinity: Aftermath). Matthew MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #15 (RES) story MICHAEL ALLRED art & cover MICHAEL ALLRED “MISTER GRINNING SOUL!” A crazed cel phone salesman is being compelled to kill by some unseen force. Frank “Madman” Einstein and his groovy pals, the Atomics, receive “the call” to stop the horror. Stephen Unknown #1 Written by Mark Waid Drawn by Minck Oosterveer She has solved every mystery known to man. But there is one mystery that remains… UNKNOWN! Revered as the smartest person alive, Catherine Allingham is the world’s most famous private investigator. Follow her adventures as she sets out to solve the one mystery she’s never been able to crack! A new original mini-series from Mark (KINGDOM COME) Waid in the vein of RUSE with international superstar Minck Oosterveer. MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK Superman and Spider-Man have each had their share of love interests over the years, but two have captured their hearts. This week, we toss Lois Lane and Mary Jane Watson into the ring and have them fight for the love and affection of their big beaus. Of course this would be pre-One More Day for Mary Jane and pre-New Krypton for Lois, but you get the idea... FIGHT! A) Lois Lane B) Mary Jane Watson VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Rising Stars is a 24-issue comic book limited series by J. Michael Straczynski about 113 people (called "Specials") born with special abilities following the appearance of a mysterious light in the sky above Pederson, Illinois. The series explores how society may react to the advent of superpowers, and how those who are Specials may react towards society and each other. Rising Stars was one of the first comics produced under Straczynski's own Joe's Comics imprint for Top Cow Productions. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

In this issue: TOM WELLING PRIME PUNCH!! More meatloaf, more meatloaf, more meatloaf! Hot chicks in armored bikinis! Plus: A podcast where apes evolved from men? The Mayor is back in harness, but where's Michael J. Fox? And two guys from the sixties fight it out to see who's hairpiece is supreme... Come with me, and you'll be in our world of pure imagination, where the snozzberries taste like snozzberries, no wangdoodles come to scoop you up and eat you, and you can't go backwards... got to go forwards to go back. Better to press on... NEWS Connor Kent Returns LINKAGE Meet the New Thor and Batgirl LINKAGE and LINKAGE E-MAIL BAG Mark Smith, creator of the New Brighton Archeological Society writes in. REVIEWS Rodrigo Witchblade Annual 2009 (W) Jay Faerber, Joshua Cozine, Joe Henderson        (A) Eric Basaldua, Sheldon Mitchell      (Cov) Eric Basaldua, Sami Basri Presenting the first ever Witchblade Annual issue, complete with a new, original self-contained story by writer Jay Faerber and artist Eric Basaluda. Includes a second bonus story! Beautiful women all over the city are killing men they don't even know, and then claiming they don't even remember the events. When Sara and partner Gleason are assigned to investigate the case, they're thrown head-first into the dangerous and deadly world of... plastic surgery? Plus an additional story featuring Ian Nottingham by newcomers Joshua Cozine & Joe Henderson, and artist Sheldon Mitchell (Freshmen Summer Special). Matthew Ex Machina #41 Written by Brian K. Vaughan; Art by Tony Harris and Jim Clark; Cover by Tony Harris It's the beginning of a new storyline – one that will finally reveal the true source of the Great Machine's strange powers! As New Year's Eve approaches, Mayor Mitchell Hundred makes a shocking announcement while the retired Super Hero's past returns to haunt Times Square. Stephen The Literals #1 (of 3) Written by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges ; Art by Mark Buckingham and Andrew Pepoy ; Cover by Mark Buckingham Part 3 of "The Great Fables Crossover"! If you're a reader of JACK OF FABLES, then you're familiar with The Literals – an extended family of characters who literally embody literary notions. It's also very possible that one of The Literals may have created all of the Fables plus the universe in which they reside, unbeknownst to our beloved Fables. MAJOR SPOILERS POLL OF THE WEEK Television Icons square off in this installment of the Major Spoilers Poooooolllll of the Week! Offered up by loyal Major Spoilerite Lifeisaglitch, this week we send into the ring two classic and beloved actors; Adam West, best known for his role as Batman in the 1960’s television series, and William Shatner, who has already been the target of our poll in the past (yeah, get your mind out of the gutter). Two will enter, one will leave. Who will it be? FIGHT! A) Adam West B) William Shatner VOTE MAJOR SPOILERS DISCUSSION Skye Asks: I think it could be interesting to have a discussion about comic book subscriptions. I can see several facets: The different ways you can get a subscriptions - pull lists, direct subscriptions, dcbs and other online services. The ways the various publishers offer subscriptions. The effect on comic shops. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com Music from this episode comes from Armin Brewer (intro) and James Kennison (closing) from the Nobody's Listening Podcast. A big thanks to both of these guys for creating kick-ass music for the show! A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.

This issue: The Major Spoilers Crew welcome Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener to the show to to a cover to cover discussion of Atomic Robo volume 3, number 1. Depicting the adventures of the eponymous fictional character created by 8-Bit Theater writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener, Atomic Robo began as a six issue mini-series published by Red 5 Comics starting in October 2007. It was nominated in the “Best Limited Series” category of the 2008 Eisner Awards. The first six issues of the series have been collected as Atomic Robo Volume 1: Atomic Robo and the Fightin’ Scientists of Tesladyne. Atomic Robo Volume 2: Atomic Robo and the Dogs of War was released as a trade paperback in February 18, 2009. The third series Atomic Robo Volume 3: Atomic Robo and the Shadow From Beyond Time, is out now. Contact us at podcast@majorspoilers.com A big Thank You goes out to everyone who downloads, subscribes, listens, and supports this show. We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to our ramblings each week. Tell your friends about the podcast, get them to subscribe and, be sure to visit the Major Spoilers site and forums.