Best Lesser Poet Podcasts (2025)

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The Most Influential Superhero You've Never Heard Of | Milligan & McCarthy's PARADAX! 1:32:06

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3d ago1:32:06

1:32:06

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxONuw60a0sJXul6nw7-lmlyjgB-lkn5C&si=KOQWYJLqYpDi04O2 In this solo episode, Steven excavates the tomb of the ‘80s most obscure proto-influencer/superhero, the weirdo wonder himself, that achingly irreverent NYC hipster super dude… PARADAX! (STRANGE DAYS #1 - 3, Eclipse Comics, 1984). COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a de…

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E81 - Julie Ward on the No To Hassockfield campaign 18:58

2M ago18:58

18:58

In this episode, Julie Ward, former MEP with a background in activism, talks about the Durham-based 'No To Hassockfield' campaign. Hassockfield is the site of an Immigration Removal Centre and the campaign was fighting for its closure, uses creative arts as a powerful tool to raise awareness of the harms caused by asylum detention and the need to p…

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ALIEN LEGION (Epic Comics, 1984) Footsloggers, Soldiers Of Fortune, Priests, Poets, Killers And Cads 4:03:11

2M ago4:03:11

4:03:11

COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwriters Chris Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) and Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN GUN) discuss their favorite books, runs, and creators from the Bronze Age of comics. Steven and Chris enlist in Epic Comics' ALIEN LEGION (1984), created by …

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E80 - Good News by David Gramling 42:25

2M ago42:25

42:25

This episode is a recording of the opening keynote address Prof David Gramling delivered at the UNESCO RIELA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. Here is the abstract:Good NewsBernice Johnson Reagon once sang for us a corrective teaching, along the lines that: “It’s ‘good news’ when you reject things as they are. […] A…

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LOST FORGOTTEN What’s The Deal With Frank Miller’s First Solo ELEKTRA Story 46:34

2M ago46:34

46:34

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxONuw60a0sJXul6nw7-lmlyjgB-lkn5C&si=KOQWYJLqYpDi04O2 In a solo episode, Chris looks at Frank Miller's first published Elektra solo adventure, working for an on-the-run Nazi, in a story called "Cobra" that appeared in BIZARRE ADVENTURES #28 (Marvel Comics, 1981), a black-and-white anthology comics magazine. COMICS…

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REJECTED By The Comics Code! Alan Moore & Kevin O’Neil’s Infamous GREEN LANTERN 40:41

2M ago40:41

40:41

In a solo episode, Steven descends into a “corpse world” in the furthest reaches of the galaxy to examine the infamous GREEN LANTERN CORP story, “Tygers” (GREEN LANTERN CORP Annual #2, DC Comics, 1986), otherwise known as “The Last Temptation of Abin Sur.” Brace yourself for a disturbing ride! COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics …

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E79 - ESOL, linguistic landscapes and translanguaging pedagogy with Daniel and Mohammad 37:12

4M ago37:12

37:12

In this episode, Elder in Residence Mike Gonzalez interviews Mohammad Alkhatib and Daniel Calvert about teaching languages, inclusion, second language acquisition, ESOL, linguistic landscapes and translanguaging pedagogy. Please visit our website for the shownotes, including their biographies: https://bit.ly/thesoundsofintegration…

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Aliens Transplant MAN’S BRAIN Into MONSTER'S BODY! 4:10:11

4M ago4:10:11

4:10:11

Steven & Chris explore the rocky emotional terrain winding through the first four issues of Paul Chadwick’s imposingly granite-bodied softie, the brooding giant who is CONCRETE (Dark Horse Comics, 1987). COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwriters Steven Bagatourian (…

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Bonus - Spring School impressions 1:54

5M ago1:54

1:54

In this little bonus clip, you'll hear from a number of participants about their experiences at the UNESCO RIELA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating. The music is by Soloway Choir, a choir made up of Ukrainian women, currently living in Glasgow.By UNESCO RIELA

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CRYB! Interview: LADRÖNN (Final Incal, Sons of El Topo, Metal Hurlant, Cable, The Inhumans) 2:18:04

5M ago2:18:04

2:18:04

Steven and Chris sit down with legendary Mexican comic book artist, Jose Ladrönn, for a lively discussion about his influences, his work with Alejandro Jodorosky on the FINAL INCAL and SONS OF EL TOPO, plus a whole host of indispensable advice. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly po…

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The Greatest Comic of the 00s? - Lewis and Leon's Masterpiece 1:46:58

5M ago1:46:58

1:46:58

Steven and Chris vividly discuss John-Paul Leon and Brett Lewis' post-Cold War crime magnum opus, THE WINTER MEN (Image Comics, 2005). COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwriters Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN GUN) and Christopher Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) discuss the…

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Cloak and Dagger Marvel Comics' Most Underrated Art Team of the 1980s - Rick Leonardi & Terry Austin 3:20:29

6M ago3:20:29

3:20:29

Steven and Chris discuss Marvel's brooding teen superheroes — CLOAK AND DAGGER — from the 1985 on-going series; they go over the first four issues written by Bill Mantlo with art by the wildy incredible and overllooked but influential art team of Rick Leonardi and Terry Austin. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few nota…

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When The Wind Blows 1:17:53

6M ago1:17:53

1:17:53

Chris and Steven discuss Raymond Briggs's nuclear war nightmare WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, published by Penguin Books in 1982. Drop us a line! Support the show + Check out our YouTube channel to get a look at some of the fantastic art featured in our episodes. Visit ComicsRotYourBrain.com to sign up for our newsletter, Letter Column. You can also find us…

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E78 - Jo Beall on her debut novel Meadowlands Dawn 47:27

6M ago47:27

47:27

In this episode, Dr Tawona Sitholé speaks with academic and author Jo Beall (FAcSS) about her debut novel, Meadowlands Dawn, set in apartheid South Africa during the 1980s. Their conversation explores Jo’s personal connection to the story, how she switched from academic to creative writing, and the important distinction between love and infatuation…

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A Poetic Exploration of Fate, Power, and Cycles of Violence 26:39

7M ago26:39

26:39

n this CRYB! SPOTLIGHT, Chris and Steven discuss DC Comics' batshit-crazy SKREEMER (1988). This proto-Vertigo classic blends noir, cyberpunk, and family tragedy in a retro gangster apocalyptic fable created by Peter Milligan, Brett Ewins, and Steve Dillion. A science fiction comic that makes A CLOCKWORK ORANGE look G-rated. This clip was taken from…

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The Ultimate SciFi War Story/Space Opera - "Humanity" Explored in Thought Balloons 12:03

7M ago12:03

12:03

This week is a CRYB Spotlight episode on Marvel/Epic Comics' ALIEN LEGION, published in 1984, created by Carl Potts, Alan Zelenetz, and Frank Cirocco. This clip is taken from our epic (so to speak) deep dive into ALIEN LEGION (see earlier episodes). COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this week…

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Art Deco Retro-Futurism SciFi Mystery Noir and Flying Cars... Welcome to the World of Mister X 1:43:01

8M ago1:43:01

1:43:01

Steven and Chris discuss acclaimed graphic designer Dean Motter's science fiction opus, MISTER X (Vortex Comics, 1984); the first four issues were written & drawn by Los Bros Hernandez (Mario, Gilbert, and Jamie) of LOVE & ROCKETS fame and colored by Paul Rivoche. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions…

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Moebius, Druillet, and... Alex Nino - this Visionary Filipino Genius Is One of the Greatest Comic Book Artist of All Time! 1:24:55

8M ago1:24:55

1:24:55

In this solo episode, Steven takes a wild trip into the breathtaking visual world of legendary and visionary Filipino artist, Alex Niño, as seen in the unfortunately named graphic novel, SPACE CLUSTERS (DC Comics, 1986). Comics Rot Your Brain! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few noteworthy exceptions). Screenwriters Chris Derrick (STAR TREK…

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Marvel Comics' Lost Space Bounty Hunter by Howard Chaykin 45:01

8M ago45:01

45:01

Chris discusses Howard Chaykin's MONARK STARSTALKER single-issue scifi story from the ultra-cool try-out book, Marvel Premiere. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwriters Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN GUN) and Chris Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) discuss their favorite b…

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Our Secret Origins 2:24:22

9M ago2:24:22

2:24:22

In the final episode of Season One, Steven and Chris reveal their own secret origins on how and why they came to discover the world of comics in their youth... way back in the '80s! Drop us a line! Support the show + Check out our YouTube channel to get a look at some of the fantastic art featured in our episodes. Visit ComicsRotYourBrain.com to si…

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Bonus - Christmas message 2024 1:22

9M ago1:22

1:22

A wee bonus message for you all. Full show notes, including the names of the speakers and the languages: bit.ly/thesoundsofintegrationBy UNESCO RIELA

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Jack Kirby + Osamu Tezuka = Scott McCloud's Insanely Fun SciFi Comics Book Classic 5:42:34

9M ago5:42:34

5:42:34

Chris and Steven put on their jet-packs and blast into issues one thru 10 of the wondrous sci-fi idea-bomb that is Scott McCloud’s ZOT! (Eclipse Comics, 1984), a slam-bang collision between the widescreen imaginations of Osamu Tezuka and Jack Kirby. Prepare yourself for iconic heroes and villains, heady philosophy, and rich humanism… Much like ZOT!…

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E77 - Ngano yaPeredhunje by TafBob Mutumbi 14:10

10M ago14:10

14:10

This week we have an episode in a different language for you. Listen to TafBob Mutumbi, telling us a story in Shona, one of the languages spoken in Zimbabwe by around 9 million people.Tafadzwa Bob Mutumbi is an actor, Director and Theatre maker from Harare, Zimbabwe.TafBob strives to create, perform and direct provocative ritual theatre pieces that…

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The O.G. Video Game system Births a Classic Interstellar SciFi Adventure Comic 1:23:29

10M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

In this episode, Chris -- in his first one-shot solo episode -- discusses the fan favorite scifi adventure comic ATARI FORCE (1984), written by Gerry Conway and drawn by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. A special projects DC Comics' series took inspiration for the legendary Atari 2600 video game console. + We appreciate your support of the show via Patreon:…

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E76 - Exploring the Drawing Together project (pt2) 52:13

10M ago52:13

52:13

In this second episode about the Drawing Together project, Alison Phipps interviews Ravi Kohli, Kate MacKinnon, Sharon McGregor and Christine Uwase about their experiences working on the project. Please refer to part 1 for the full background of the project. For the show notes, including biographies of the speakers and links to the project, please …

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DC Comics’ Absolutely Psychedelic SUPERMAN & BATMAN As Drawn By TREVOR VON EEDEN Will Blow Your Mind 53:02

10M ago53:02

53:02

In this “one-shot” episode, Steven offers a solo examination of Trevor Von Eeden's mind-expanding artwork from issues 305 & 307 of DC’s long-running Superman and Batman team-up series, WORLD'S FINEST COMICS. Drop us a line! Support the show + Check out our YouTube channel to get a look at some of the fantastic art featured in our episodes. Visit Co…

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E75 - Exploring the Drawing Together project (pt1) 43:34

11M ago43:34

43:34

In this episode, Alison Phipps interviews Ravi Kohli, Sharon McGregor and Christine Uwase about the Drawing Together project, a project that looked at the relational wellbeing in the lives of young refugees in Scotland, Finland and Norway. For the full show notes, including biographies of the speakers and links to the project, please visit: bit.ly/…

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E74 - Poetry by the keynote poets of the Spring School 2024 17:01

11M ago17:01

17:01

This episode is a collection of 4 poems, written by the 4 keynote listeners Erdem Avşar, Adrianne Kalfopoulou, Herbert Cea and Heidi Perez-Cordero, who each summarised a day of the UNESCO RIELA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating 2024, a large conference which takes place every year in May in Glasgow. For more information about the event, please…

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We Have Met The Enemy... And He Is Us! Archie Goodwin & Pepe Moreno's Lost Sci-Fi Classic 3:31:45

11M ago3:31:45

3:31:45

In this episode, Steve and Chris discuss the serialized story, GENERATION ZERO, from Marvel Comics' defunct Epic Comics flagship book, Epic Illustrated. A sci-fi story written by long-time comic industry luminary Archie Goodwin with painted art by the famed Spanish cartoonist, Pepe Moreno. Check out more of Pepe Moreno's art at https://pepemorenost…

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E73 - Molly Gilmour on cross-cultural research collaboration in Lebanon 45:19

12M ago45:19

45:19

This episode is a recording of a session entitled 'Exploring creative, cross-cultural research collaborations: A case study of an MSF run thalassemia clinic in Lebanon', which was meant to take place at the UNESCO RIELA Spring School 2023, but which was cancelled because of the situation in Lebanon at the time. Dr Molly Gilmour has now kindly share…

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E72 - "The Language of the Law" with Pinar Aksu 24:51

1y ago24:51

24:51

In this episode, UNESCO RIELA PhD researcher Pinar Aksu discusses her workshop at the RIELA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating 2024 (Word Springs). Pinar's PhD research looks at the connection between art and law in the context of migration and how arts practices can be part of creating social change, as well as access to justice within the imm…

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Before DARK KNIGHT and WATCHMEN, DC Comics Published the Most Devilishly FUN Character of the 1980s! 2:29:49

1y ago2:29:49

2:29:49

Chris and Steven dive into the first five issues of BLUE DEVIL (DC Comics, 1984), a comic book scientifically proven to be the most outrageously fun title of the 1980s; the madcap insanity of it all was written by Dan Mishkin & Gary Cohn, penciled by Paris Cullins, and inked by Pablo Marcos and Gary Martin. Join us, flashback party people… Circuits…

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After Writing BLACK PANTHER, This MARVELous Scribe Co-Created the FIRST AMERICAN GRAPHIC NOVEL! 1:55:52

1y ago1:55:52

1:55:52

Chris and Steven explore the first few issues of Don McGregor and Paul Gulacy's groundbreaking series, SABRE — a surreal, post-apocalyptic spectacle. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwriters Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN GUN) and Chris Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) di…

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E71 - Michael Quinn: The Land Owns Us 22:14

1y ago22:14

22:14

This episode was recorded at the UNESCO RILA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating 2024 (Word Springs). In it, Michael Quinn argues for the inclusion of stories in teaching, to add a philosophical dimension to traditional fact-based teaching methods. For the full show notes, please visit bit.ly/thesoundsofintegration…

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E70 - Gaelic and the refugee experience 20:14

1y ago20:14

20:14

This episode was recorded at the UNESCO RILA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating 2024. In it, Gillebrìde Mac'IlleMhaoil / Gilbert MacMillan shares stories from South Uist and surrounding islands, as well as some Gaelic songs. For the full show notes, please visit bit.ly/thesoundsofintegrationBy UNESCO RIELA

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Frank Miller's 1st Choice to Draw BATMAN: YEAR ONE? Meet This Unsung GENIUS ARTIST of '80s Comics! 4:06:56

1y ago4:06:56

4:06:56

Steven and Chris embark on the paradigm-shattering psychedelic trip that is the first seven issues of THRILLER — published by DC Comics in 1983 — and find themselves awestruck in its wake. One thing is certain: Trevor Von Eeden is a goddamn genius. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekl…

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E69 - Reimagining the Refugee Condition 34:55

1y ago34:55

34:55

Margot Leys Johnston interviews Dr Hyab Yohannes from the UNESCO RILA team about his research into the 'refugee condition'. For the full show notes, including short biographies, please visit bit.ly/thesoundsofintegrationBy UNESCO RIELA

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The MOST DANGEROUS Comic Book Ever Published 1:30:32

1+ y ago1:30:32

1:30:32

In this episode, Chris and Steven confront highly disturbing revelations about the CIA and American global politics, courtesy of the explosive whistleblower comic, BROUGHT TO LIGHT (Eclipse Comics, 1988), written by Alan Moore and drawn by Bill Sienkiewicz. Buckle up, folks. This is a wild one. BROUGHT TO LIGHT really is the most dangerous comic bo…

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“DIRTY COMMIES!” DC Comics’ OG Superheroes Laid Low by The Red Scare & Rise Again in THE GOLDEN AGE! 2:31:44

1+ y ago2:31:44

2:31:44

Chris and Steven testify before you all, spilling their guts on how DC Comics’ OG Superheroes were laid low by the spectre of McCarthyism in “The Red Scare” era of post-WWII USA. This is their battle to rise again in THE GOLDEN AGE (1993), written by James Robinson, drawn by Paul Smith, colored by Richard Ory, and lettered by John Costanza. Will ou…

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E68 - Who Are We Now? An exploration of modern Highland identity 56:45

1+ y ago56:45

56:45

This episode is a rerecording of a session we hosted at the UNESCO RILA Spring School: The Arts of Integrating 2023, hosted by By Nadine Malcolm (Due North Studio), Lee McNeish (University of Edinburgh) and Cáit O'Neill McCullagh (independent artist). "Who Are We Now?" explores the destruction, and subsequent emergence, of culture in the northern H…

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Q: Who Was the Inspiration for RORSCHACH in DC Comics' WATCHMEN? A: This FACELESS Urban Vigilante! 3:54:01

1+ y ago3:54:01

3:54:01

Steven and Chris take a roadtrip back in time, eventually arriving on the pothole-riddled streets of Hub City, and man do they have a lot to say -- almost 4 hours' worth of comic book chatter! Steve Ditko's urban vigilante, The Question, is boldly re-imagined by Denny O'Neil and Denys Cowan as a Zen crimefighter for the ages. Check it out; here we …

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E67 - Власними словами | In Our Own Words: Multilingual Translation Workshops 35:34

1+ y ago35:34

35:34

In this episode, James Rann and Katherine Mackinnon from the University of Glasgow introduce their project 'Власними словами | In Our Own Words', which is a project that brings Ukrainians in Glasgow together with other Glaswegians and uses creative writing and multilingual translation to build confidence, community and mutual understanding. For mor…

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The All-Time Wildest Most PSYCHEDELIC Brain-Exploding SciFi Time-Travel COMIC BOOK in Existence 1:53:22

1+ y ago1:53:22

1:53:22

Steven and Chris take a psychedelic voyage through time via the crackerjack indie comics team of Doug Moench, Mike Hernandez, Dan Day, and Nestor Redondo in AZTEC ACE (published by Eclipse Comics in 1984). The hallucinatory hijinx and trippy time-travel scifi-of-it-all leave their heads spinning! COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comi…

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That time DC Comics gave HAWKMAN his own BATMAN: YEAR ONE… Katar Hol’s “Dark Knight” of the soul 1:55:48

1+ y ago1:55:48

1:55:48

Chris and Steven swoop in to the Downside of Thanagar to squawk about Tim Truman’s bold and impassioned re-imagining of Hawkman's origin story in HAWKWORLD (DC Comics, 1989). Is this Katar Hol’s BATMAN: YEAR ONE? …Or his DARK KNIGHT RETURNS? …Or both? COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comic books (plus a few notable exceptions) in a w…

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GRENDEL Comic Origins: Who wore the mask of the fiend in “Devil’s Legacy”? …SHE did! 2:06:42

1+ y ago2:06:42

2:06:42

Steven and Chris obsess over issues one through seven of Comico’s ongoing GRENDEL series (1986), the “Devil’s Legacy” story arc, pondering the lasting resonance of Matt Wagner’s extraordinary exploration of evil. SHOW NOTES: 00:32 - Intro to GRENDEL. Move over, Batman! The Dark Knight isn’t the only violent vigilante in town! Cue a valiant attempt …

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What is DC Comics’ most BRUTAL GANGSTER noir dystopian scifi comic book of all time, you ask? 2:28:35

1+ y ago2:28:35

2:28:35

Chris and Steven descend into the futuristic cesspool of gangsterism and “a little of the old ultraviolence” that is SKREEMER (DC Comics, 1989), a noir-styled postapocalyptic science fiction comic that makes A CLOCKWORK ORANGE look G-rated*. An explosive precursor to Vertigo Comics, this series was created by Peter Milligan, Brett Ewins, and Steve …

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E66 - Sawsan Abdelghany on ESOL and the New Scots Refugee Strategy 39:29

1+ y ago39:29

39:29

This is the second of a two part conversation between Dr Dan Fisher, and researchers Sawsan Abdelghany, and Adam Williamson on their work on ESOL in the asylum system. In this episode, Dan and Adam are interviewing Sawsan.Sawsan Abdelghany is a postgraduate researcher at the University of Glasgow, and a heritage language tutor. She graduated from t…

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NEXUS (Capital Comics, 1981 & First Comics, 1983) 1:52:30

1+ y ago1:52:30

1:52:30

Steven and Chris tackle the mind-bending "superhero" space opera, NEXUS (1981, 1983), created by Mike Baron and Steve "The Dude" Rude. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions) in a weekly podcast. Screenwriters Chris Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) & Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN GUN) discuss their favorite …

1
Murderous Madman Merrily Massacres Merciless Monsters 2:05:40

1+ y ago2:05:40

2:05:40

In this episode, Steven and Chris venture into the bizarre and harrowing — yet entirely compelling — world of Michael T. Gilbert's legendary monster hunter, MR. MONSTER (1988). Comics Rot Your Brain! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few noteworthy exceptions). Screenwriters Chris Derrick (STAR TREK: PICARD) and Steven Bagatourian (AMERICAN G…

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ALIEN LEGION (Epic Comics, 1984) Part Two 2:10:20

1+ y ago2:10:20

2:10:20

In this week's episode, Steven and Chris continue their wide-ranging discussion of Epic Comics' ALIEN LEGION series (Also check out Part One, which went live last week). Carl Potts, Alan Zelenetz, Frank Cirocco, Larry Stroman. COMICS ROT YOUR BRAIN! is a deep dive into ‘80s comics (plus a few notable exceptions). In this weekly podcast, screenwrite…