Best Literal Literature Podcasts (2025)

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S4 Episode 106 - Desire Under the Elms 34:17

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3d ago34:17

34:17

Is the name of the opera your host was trying to recall during this week's episode. And it's desire, is it not, that has driven Clyde Griffiths to his murderous fate? Desire for love, money, social status, desire for a new pair of spats and a fancy cravat. And now he's on the run for his very life. Desire has destroyed better people than ol' Clyde …

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Cowboy Park: Part 3 (Author Interview) 41:15

4d ago41:15

41:15

This episode, Eduardo Martinez-Leyva, author of Cowboy Park, joins us for an interview on his debut poetry collection.

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Deadpool/Batman- The First Marvel/DC Crossover In Decades! 53:52

2d ago53:52

53:52

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 Marvel/DC crossover, Deadpool/Batman #1. Written by Zeb Wells, art by Greg Capullo, and ink by Tim Townsend. They also look at the other crossovers including Captain America and Wonder Woman, Krypto the dog and Jeff the Shark, Daredevil and Green Arrow, and more. They also discuss the time Gree…

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S4 Episode 105 - An Enormous Personal Hate for the Man 38:52

10d ago38:52

38:52

Haven't we all felt hatred for The Man at some point? In Orville Mason's case, the man in question is the murderer of Roberta Alden. Is that Clyde Griffiths? It sure looks like it, and DA Mason is practically seething at the whichever rich wastrel did Ms. Alden in. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Michael on…

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Supergirl 2025- Supergirl Fights Supergirl? 51:31

9d ago51:31

51:31

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 ongoing series, Supergirl. Written and drawn by Sophie Campbell with colour by Tamra Bonvillain. They also discuss (at length) who this comic might be written for? As well as tangents about music biopics and animated characters that awoke something in today's millennials. Timecodes 00:00 - Intr…

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S4 Episode 104 - A Fabulous Time Out There on the River 37:27

17d ago37:27

37:27

The episode begins with a delightful recounting of a water adventure, which segues PERFECTLY into the horror show unfolding over there on Big Bittern. Highs and low on another cromulent episode of Obscure. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Michael on Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a…

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Daredevil:Cold Day In Hell- Old Man Matt Murdock 1:15:09

17d ago1:15:09

1:15:09

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 Marvel limited series, Daredevil:Cold Day In Hell. Written by Charles Soule and art by Steve Mcniven, They also go on tangents about whether this is the Old Man Logan universe or not, Daredevil's Catholicism, and the bad Daredevil film from 2003. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Comic Talk Start…

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S4 Episode 103 - Law & Order 36:20

24d ago36:20

36:20

As Book 3 unfolds, we're starting to transform from "The Wire" to "Law & Order." We've got the DA (portrayed by the late Jerry Orbach) and the coroner (portrayed by the late Foster Brooks). Yes, it's a perfectly cromulent episode of Obscure. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Michael on Instagram See Privacy P…

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Absolute Batman Part 2- Meeting Joker, Mr Freeze, and Bane (and Killer Croc) 1:02:59

25d ago1:02:59

1:02:59

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jame read issues 6-10 of the currently ongoing series, Absolute Batman. Written by Scott Snyder, art by Nick Dragotta, and colour by Frank Martin. Though they are mainly looking at the introductions of the the DC Absolute Universe's versions of the Joker (who doesn't laugh), Mr Freeze (who is kind of frozen), and …

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S4 Episode 102 - My Dogs are Literal Animals 35:08

1M ago35:08

35:08

Having just spent two days in the car with his pets, your host spends most of the episode complaining about the adorable Ole and Squash, who are not adorable. Things are worse, however, for Bert Alden, dead at the bottom of a lake. Thankfully, Orville Mason is on the case! Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Mi…

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Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double-Feature (Needs More Eagly) 1:04:12

1M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the limited series, Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double-Feature. Written by Tim Seeley and Rex Ogle with art by Mitch Gerads, Matteo Lolli, and John Kalisz. They also talk about the history of Peacemaker, Vigilante as a representation of autism, and the Valiant/Bloodshot comic controversy. T…

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S4 Episode 101 - Machinations! 33:02

1M ago33:02

33:02

There's been a murder (maybe) in these here parts and political machinations are afoot! The coroner, upon suspecting foul play, has some ideas in that big head of his. While murder is never welcome, when it arrives, one would be a fool not to use it to one's advantage... Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Mich…

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Absolute Martian Manhunter- The Psychedelic Side of this DC Comics Universe 1:19:42

1M ago1:19:42

1:19:42

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 1-5 of the currently ongoing series Absolute Martian Manhunter. Written by Deniz Camp, and art by Javier Rodriguez. They also go on wild tangents about the original Martian Manhunter, eccentric English Professors, global economic terms, and tipping culture in America. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:4…

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S4 Episode 100 - Beautiful Mount Airy Lodge 34:11

1M ago34:11

34:11

Reporting this episode from the former honeymoon capital of the world (not Niagra Falls), the Poconos Mountains which is an ideal location to commit a lake drowning. A lake drowning has, in fact, occurred. Clyde, our poor benighted Clyde, has gone and done it. And now, we shall see what consequences await. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack F…

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Ultimate Spider Man (Part 3!)- Introducing Ultimate Mysterio, Sandman, and Venom! 56:28

2M ago56:28

56:28

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 13-19 of the ongoing series, Ultimate Spider-Man. Written by Jonathan Hickman and art by Marco Checchetto and David Messina. They also discuss the Ultimate Universe versions of Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, Sandman, and Venom, as well as the future of this title and the whole Marvel Ultimate Unive…

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S4 Episode 99 - Dithering and Dickering 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

Perhaps we are at the moment of no return. Hard to say, of course, and lo we have had the rug pulled from under our feet so many times over these last almost 100 episodes. Clyde Griffiths is possessed now, a demon steadying his hand as the deadly moment has now arrived. Or has it??? Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter…

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review- Is The MCU Back? (Again) 1:34:26

2M ago1:34:26

1:34:26

In this week's episode, Ryan made Jame watch 2025's The Fantastic Four: First Steps so we're reviewing a comic book film instead of a comic this week. They also discuss the possible new directions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, what the post credits scene means, the real meaning of the word fantastic, and which Avengers do they want the Fantasti…

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S4 Episode 98 - What a lousy Independence Day but a fine day for a MURDER 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

An airport adventure begins this week's episode but your host is happy to assure you that, while his family's was waylaid in NYC attempting to return home to the Deep South. An overnight stay at JFK ensued, with a detour to Minneapolis, before heading, finally to Savannah. And yet... AND YET! Our trip was still better than Roberta Alden's elopement…

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Fantastic Four: The Trial of Reed Richards- And The Birth of Galactus! 1:05:32

2M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read Fantastic Four issue 262, "The Trial of Reed Richards". Written and art by John Byrne with colours by Glynis Wein. They also discuss the legal system of the Marvel Intergalactic Universe, does The Watcher ever actually just watch, and how did Galactus produce a daughter? Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 05:00 - C…

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S4 Episode 97 - We Don't Have Swiss Cheese, We're Waffle House 34:20

2M ago34:20

34:20

Some thoughts on Waffle House and some heavy breathing kick off this week's episode. Meanwhile, all kinds of trouble await poor Robert Alden as she decamps for what she believes to be her elopement. But, of course, you and I know no such elopement is forthcoming. The only event Roberta has to look forward to is... MURDER!!! Support Obscure! Read Mi…

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The Weirdest Superman Stories- Rainbow Finger Beams, Boxing Ali, And Almost Making A Sex Tape 51:53

2M ago51:53

51:53

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read some of the weirdest Superman Stories from the 60's and 70's. They also talk about the power creep problem with Superman, some of the history of Muhammad Ali, the new James Gunn Superman film, and whether or not Superman did blackface. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Superman's New Power 15:22 - Superman…

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S4 Episode 96 - Crucial Days Indeed 32:38

2M ago32:38

32:38

Some comparing and contrasting on the natures and characters of our respective heroines, Bob and Sondy F from the perspective of our hero, the cad. Can a hero also be a cad? Sure. What was Han Solo if not both? Meanwhile, your host rhapsodizes on his new homeland, the sap. Can a hero also be a sap? Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Mi…

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Superman: Up In The Sky- Tom King's Take On The Man Of Steel 56:46

2M ago56:46

56:46

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2020 comic series, Superman: Up In The Sky. Written by Tom King with art by Andy Kubert. They also go on tangents the origins of the comic from Walmart, Aquaman's "trident", British Prime Ministers fighting crime, and the confirmation of the age old question "Does Captain America cry during sex?" Ti…

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Animal Pound- Comic Book Podcast Gets POLITICAL!? 1:22:14

3M ago1:22:14

1:22:14

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 limited series, Animal Pound. Written by Tom King, illustrated by Peter Gross, colour by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettering by Clayton Cowles. They also go on big tangents about comparing this to the original Animal Farm by George Orwell, the political events that inspired this adaptation, and a l…

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S4 Episode 95 - Fits and Starts 29:48

3M ago29:48

29:48

A remembrance of a summer past begins today's episode as your host recalls a trip to his grandmother's apartment, a trip which involved watching the rock star Prince have more sex than was comfortable. Meanwhile, our resident Hamlet, Master Clyde Griffiths, continues to inch closer and closer to his ultimate destination. One of... MURDER!!! Support…

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Cowboy Park: Part 2 53:39

3M ago53:39

53:39

This episode, we wrap up our platica on the winner of the 2024 Felix Pollak Prize in Poetry, Cowboy Park, covering parts 2 and 3 of the poetry collection by Eduardo Martinez-Leyva. What did you think of the book? Stay tuned for our interview with Eduardo!

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Batman/Elmer Fudd- The Titans Of DC Comics And Looney Tunes Finally Meet 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2017 two part special, Batman/Elmer Fudd, Written by Tom King and art by Lee Weeks and Byron Vaughns. They also discuss the DC/Looney Tunes crossover, whether speech impediments exist in internal thoughts, the complex moral alignments of the Looney Tunes characters, and Jamie's geese story. Timecodes…

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S4 Episode 94 - Long Live the State; Not So Much Bob 34:19

3M ago34:19

34:19

Your host begins with tales of glamor and intrigue and film festivals, but such tales are short-lived, are they not? And, truth be told, very little intrigue at hand and almost as little glamor. Meanwhile, intrigue builds in the fetid little brain of our troubled teen, Clyde Griffiths. Will such intrigue lead to... MURDER?!? Support Obscure! Read M…

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Cowboy Park : Part 1 58:16

3M ago58:16

58:16

Join us as we begin Part 1 of Cowboy Park, the debut poetry collection from Eduardo Martinez-Leyva. Have you picked up a copy? Drop a comment and let us know what you think about it!

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Fantastic Four- Examining Jonathan Hickman's ICONIC run 1:07:57

3M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 583-587 of 2010's Fantastic Four series. Written by Jonathan Hickman, pencils by Steve Epting, and colours by Paul Mounts. They also go on tangents about why Doctor Doom is has always been such a multi-dimensional character, is Namor just a big ol' simp, how Robert Downey Jr will portray Doom in …

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S4 Episode 93 - The Desolate, Impenetrable Forests 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

An honest-to-goodness "Price is Right" challenge! Plus, tales of Las Vegas decadence and Lycurgus debauchery! In addition, a comedic definition of the word "Myrtle." All this and more on today's scintillating episode of "Obscure"!!! Oh, and we read the book a little, too. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Mic…

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Ultimate X-Men 2024- The Wolverine Character Finally Revealed 1:08:36

3M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie continue reading the currently ongoing series, Ultimate X-Men. Written and art by Peach Momoko. They also go on tangents about general Wolverine stuff, what happened in the Shadow Realm, and the effects that the success of Manga have had on the western comic book industry. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 03:53 - Com…

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S4 Episode 92 - I Didn't Come to Las Vegas to Be Bored! 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

Your host has created for himself a little working vay-cay out in the wilds of the Nevada desert for a debauched week of poker-playing and podcast recording. Most of the episode is devoted to Bert's whinging about this, that, and the other. Is it boring? It is. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Michael on Ins…

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The Ultimates 2024- Meeting This Universe's Luke Cage, Nick Fury and Red Skull 1:16:20

4M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie continue to read the currently ongoing series, The Ultimates, as well as the One Year In one-shot. Written by Deniz Camp, art by Juan Frigeri, and guest art by Chris Allen and Jonas Scharf. The also go on tangents about the 616 and Netflix versions of Luke Cage, the lesser known Human Torch, the references t…

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S4 Episode 91 - Taking the Low Road 34:07

4M ago34:07

34:07

While Ol' Bert suffers in Biltz, Clyde and Sondra are canoodling over at Twelfth Lake, their kisses turning into warm embraces in the moonlight. And yes, there's baby talk. I'm so sorry. Support Obscure! Read Michael's substack Follow Michael on Twitter Follow Michael on Instagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva…