Jav & Charles Talk Comics
Charles Herring & Javier Gonzalez
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Jav & Charles Talk Comics is a podcast where they discuss comic arcs they suggest to each other.
Jav makes Charles read comics he missed in the 80's and Charles lets Jav experience the blossoming of the comic book art form over the last 20 years. Charles wrote this description with no input from Jav.
Available episodes
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Nov 24, 2022
S2E15 All Star Superman and Swamp Thing
Welcome to the Season Finale of Jav & Charles Talk Comics. In this the final episode (of season 2) our heroes discuss two amazing comics from two titans of the industry (that’s right Jav there are other words to describe writers and artists other than great). First up your heroes talk about Grant Morrison’s initial entry into American Comics with his first arc on Swamp Thing and it is great (listen to find out why). Then the boys talk about All Star Superman written by Grant Morrison, their love song to Superman is beautiful, poignant, and funny, how’s that for a trifecta. Don’t forget to tune in next season when Jav & Charles promise to do a Superman arc where Superman doesn’t die.
All Star Superman Written by Gran Morrison Art by Frank Quitely
Swamp Thing Written by Alan Moore Art by Stephen Bissette and John Totleben
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Nov 11, 2022
S2E14 Batman Zero Year and Star Wars
In which our heroes jump into the way back machine and talk about their childhood (and adult) favorite Star Wars. And even though it was written in the 70’s Charles refused to betray his inner child and had nary a negative thing to say about it. Then they talk about everyone’s favorite superhero Batman Zero Year and Jav damns it with his most vicious scorn “It was good just not great”.
Star Wars Written by Roy Thomas and Archie Goodwin Art by Howard Chaykin and Carmine Infantino
Batman Zero Year Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV Art by Greg Capullo, Danny Miki, and Rafael Albuquerque
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Oct 14, 2022
S2E13 Astro City and Strange Adventures
In which our heroes shower two comics with love. Even Charles couldn’t come up with anything to dislike about Jav’s choice. The only nitpicky thing he had was about too short an arc in the beginning of Astro City.
Astro City Metrobook 1 Written by Kurt Busiek Art by Brent Anderson; Alex Ross; Will Blyberg
Strange Adventures Written by Tom King Art by Mitch Gerads; Evan ‘Doc’ Shaner
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Sep 30, 2022
S2E12 All New Wolverine and Fantastic Four
In this episode Jav & Charles jump into the wayback machine and talk about a comic that debuted over a decade before they were born but had a serious impact on their nerdy boyhoods and adulthoods. The original 10 issues of the Fantastic Four plus issues 48-50 the Galactus arc. Even for a comic of its time they both liked it a lot. They also talked about All New Wolverine, an arc where Laura Kinney takes the Wolverine mantle over Logan’s dead body (cause he died, get it?). This was a great run where we get to meet the young lady who’s going to rival Gwenpool for Charles’ favorite new character of the 2000s Gaby.
All New Wolverine Written by Tom Taylor Art by David Lopez
Fantastic Four Writer & Editor Stan Lee Artist & Co-Plotter Jack Kirby
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Sep 16, 2022
S2E11 Invincible and Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles
Patrick is finally on the pod. Longtime listeners know Charles (of Jav & Charles Talk Comics) has a brother named Patrick and he’s on this show. Charles had badgered him for years to read Invincible and he finally did (once he watched the cartoon on Prime and liked it) and now he’s on the pod to talk about it.
Patrick also got to read Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles which everyone on the pod had trouble putting into words the strong feelings that this comic's deep and beautiful prose brought out in them.
Invincible Written by Robert Kirkman Art by Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley
Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles Written by Mark Russell Art by Mike Feehan
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Sep 2, 2022
JCTC S2 Bonus Retrospective (Not a Clip Show)
In this very special episode Jav and Charles reminisce over what their favorite comics that they have read over the last two seasons. At no time will there be a clip from an old episode. Charles has no willingness to work that hard on the podcast.
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Aug 19, 2022
S2E10 Jupiter's Legacy and X-Men: Deadly Genesis
In which our heroes come right down main street to talk about Jupiter’s Legacy and X-Men: Deadly Genesis. In another X-Men arc they prove that no matter what happened previously they can always change it. And Jupiter’s Legacy is just another Oedipal story where a man kills his dad and his mom and then tries to kill his sister (I may be forgetting how Oedipus Rex goes).
Jupiter’s Legacy Written by Marc Millar Art by Frank Quietly
X-Men: Deadly Genesis Written by Ed Brubaker Trevor Hairsine
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Aug 5, 2022
S2E9 Runaways and Fantastic Four v X-Men and
In this episode Charles curses a lot. Enough that while editing he texted Jav that he was cursing a lot and Jav berated him about having a foul mouth and said that was the only reason they had to put an explicit rating on the pod. Charles pretended to be contrite but is planning to curse even more on the next pod. Charles also started the pod rambling. Oh yeah Jav and Charles talked about three separate comic books. Runaways, Fantastic Four v X-Men and X-Men v The Avengers and Charles liked two of them.
Runaways Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Adrian Alphona
Fantastic Four v X-Men Written by Chris Claremont Art by Jon Bogdanove and Terry Austin
X-Men v The Avengers Written by Roger Stern Art by Marc Silvestri
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Jul 8, 2022
JCTC S2 Bonus Spider-Man Dr. Strange and Other Movies
Bonus Episode
In which our hero’s
Discuss movies with a guest
Ceasar Alcala
Ceasar joins the pod once again to discuss Marvel Movies with Jav and Charles. They talk about the four movies that have come out since the last bonus pod: Shang Chi, Eternals, Spider-Man No Way Home, and Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness
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Jun 24, 2022
JCTC S2E8 Batgirl and X-Factor
Jav won this round, not by knockout but on the points. On this episode we talk about two great comics Batgirl, with Cassandra Cain as Batgirl and X-Factor that starts with a Madrox mini-series. They are both great and we enthuse over both. Jav punishes Charles for liking X-Factor by suggesting something from the 80s for the next episode.
Batgirl Written by Kelley Puckett, Scott Peterson Art by Damion Scott
X-Factor written by Peter David Art by Dennis Calero, Ryan Sook
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Jun 10, 2022
JCTC S2E7 Ultimate Spider-Man and Nextwave
In which our heroes discuss Ultimate Spider-Man and Nextwave. Although a large part of the pod is taken up with a discussion of how to separate art from the artist.
Ultimate Spider-Man Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Mark Bagley
Nextwave Written by Warren Ellis Art by Stuart Immonen
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May 27, 2022
JCTC S2E6 Preacher and Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen
In which Charles admits Patton Oswalt sends secret messages for him to decipher via twitter. And they discuss Charles selection Preacher, about a small-town minister in TX, that’s imbued with the love child of an angel and a demon and then goes on an epic road trip. Then they discuss Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen which cannot be summed up within a couple of lines in a podcast description. It is however awesomely frenetic and insane.
Preacher Written by Garth Ennis Art by Steve Dillon
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen Written by Matt Fraction Art by Steve Leiber
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May 12, 2022
JCTC S2E5 Spider-Men and Wonder Woman
In which our heroes discuss the mythology and action in a beautifully written and drawn Wonder Woman reimagining by George Perez. They also discuss Spider-Men by Brian Michael Bendis which is a wonderful team up of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Charles also takes the time to apologize for something the unpaid intern did on Twitter and also gives almost no real explanation for why the pod was two weeks late.
Spider-Men Vol 1 & 2 Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Sara Pichelli
Wonder Woman Written and Drawn by George Perez
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Apr 15, 2022
JCTC S2E4 The Old Guard and Starman
In which our heroes discuss family dynamics in a very good and not very extreme (except for the jackets) Starman updating from the 90s. Then they talk about a much more recent comic The Old Guard and get to talk about the pure poetry that sometimes flows from the pens of comic book writers.
The Old Guard Book One: Opening Fire Written by Greg Rucka Art by Leandro Fernandez
Starman Vol 1: Sins of the Father Written by James Robinson Art by Tony Harris
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Apr 1, 2022
JCTC S2E3 She-Hulk and Avengers: The Kree/Skrull War
In which Jav lists Neal Adams covers while hating on Neal Adams. And they also talk about the Kree/Skrull War and She-Hulk. Start listening for the Kree/Skrull Avenger arc and then hang around as we digress into discussing how to structure a legal settlement in a comic book.
She-Hulk Vol. 1: Law and Disorder Written by Charles Soule Art by Javier Pulido and Ron Wimberley
Avengers: Kree/Skrull War Written by Roy Thomas Art by Neil Adams, Sal Buscema and John Buscema
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Mar 18, 2022
JCTC S2E2 Spider-Woman and Cosmic Odyssey
In which our heroes talk too long about Cosmic Odyssey, that Jav suggested and then talk for a shorter time about Spider-Woman a delightful arc that welcomes Jessica Drew’s new child to the world. Oh yeah and she also beats the hell out of some Skrulls both right before and right after giving birth.
Spider-Woman Vol 1: Baby Talk Written by Dennis Hopeless Art by Javier Rodriguez
Cosmic Odyssey Written by Jim Starlin Art by Mike Mignola
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Mar 4, 2022
JCTC S2E1 Powers and Battle Pope
In which our heroes start season two in the year 2000. Two great comic writers in early runs with Kirkman’s Battle Pope and Bendis’ Powers.
Powers Who Killed Retro Girl Written by Brian Michael Bendis Art by Michael Avon Oeming
Battle Pope Written by Robert Kirkman Art by Tony Moore
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Nov 26, 2021
JCTC Episode 14 Marvels and Avengers Forever
In which our heroes finish off Season One with a Busiek fest. Hear their outpouring of love for Marvels and their confusion about Avengers Forever. And on a personal note, we would like to thank everyone that listened to Season One and invite you back to listen to Season Two in 2022 when we talk about Powers Who Killed Retro Girl and Battle Pope in Episode 1.
Marvels Written by Kurt Busiek Art by Alex Ross
Avengers Forever by Kurt Busiek Art by Carlos Pacheko
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Nov 12, 2021
JCTC Episode 13 1602 and Mouse Guard
In which our Hero’s travel back in time to 1602 to see the Marvel age start way too early. And then travel further back in time to see a complete Mouse civilization in the 1100’s in Mouse Guard the most adorable swashbuckling adventure they’ve ever read.
1602 Written by Neil Gaiman Art by Andy Kubert
Mouse Guard Written and Drawn by David Peterson
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Oct 29, 2021
JCTC Episode 12 Old Man Logan and Justice League: The Nail
In which our heroes discuss another Justice League (without bad haircuts) in The Nail and Charles protests too much that he doesn’t dislike Jack “The King” Kirby. They also talk about Old Man Logan
Wolverine #66-72 & Wolverine Giant-Size Old Man Logan Written by Mark Millar Art by Steve McNiven
Justice League: The Nail Written and Drawn by Alan Davis
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Oct 29, 2021
Charles Talks Comics Test
In which our hero goes to battle alone and attempts to do a solo podcast. He soon comes to the realization that although he might not like it, he’s more of a group book hero.
Ep 12 of Jav & Charles Talk Comics briefly touch on the test pods that Charles did when he thought he could be a solo act. This is the start of one of those test pods. It’s only 5 minutes but it’s also not good, Jav wouldn't even listen to the whole 5 minutes. Although that might have something to do with him not being on it.
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Oct 15, 2021
JCTC Episode 11 Gwenpool and Batman 10 Nights of the Beast
In which our hero’s break the fourth wall in their discussion of Gwenpool. They also talk a about a very political Batman arc and Charles and Jav both decide that maybe comics shouldn’t be political. Or at least not so blatantly nationalist.
The Unbelievable Gwenpool Written by Christopher Hastings Art by Gurihiru
Batman 10 Nights of the Beast Written by Jim Starlin Art by Jim Aparo
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Oct 1, 2021
JCTC Episode 10 Spider Island and Saga
In which Charles rambles on about Spider-Man for an hour Jav talks some too. First they discuss Spider Island which Charles suggested (of course, the little fanboy) and then they discuss Saga: star crossed lovers have a child, interstellar war, battle for the baby. And a raucous good time was had by all.
Spider Island Written by Dan Slott Art by Humberto Ramos
Sage Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Fiona Staples
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Sep 17, 2021
JCTC Episode 9 Y: The Last Man and Doom Patrol
In which the nerdery runs rampant. Star Wars is finally addressed as well as Star Trek. Oh yeah and they talk about the beginning of Grant Morrisons run on Doom Patrol and the first volume of Y: The Last Man. And Charles really had some strong notes for something he says he loved.
Y: The Last Man Volume 1 Written by Brian K. Vaughan Art by Pia Guerra
Doom Patrol Written by Grant Morrison Art by Richard Case
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Sep 3, 2021
JCTC Episode 8 Ms. Marvel and Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?
In which our heroes close out the Silver Age Superman with Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow and usher in a new era with Ms. Marvel. Also Jav swoons over Swan and Charles proclaims he’s more interested in character than art.
Ms. Marvel Volume One No Normal Collects Issues 1-5 2014 Written by G. Willow Wilson Art by Adrian Alphona
Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Written by Alan Moore Art by Curt Swan
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Aug 19, 2021
JCTC Episode 7 Alias: Jessica Jones and The Golden Age
In which our heroes get back to basics with two more comics. Alias: Jessica Jones another noirish suggestion from Charles about a damaged former super hero turned private eye. And a The Golden Age a very non-political comic book about how golden age character would have reacted after the end of World War 2. They also talk about how awesome Ted Lasso is and make plans to convert this to a Ted Lasso appreciation pod.
Alias: Jessica Jones 2001 Written by Brian Michael Bendis with Art by Michael Gaydos
The Golden Age 1993 Written by James Robinson with Art by Paul Smith
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Aug 5, 2021
JCTC Bonus Episode Black Widow
In which our friend Ceasar Alcala joins Jav & Charles to talk about Black Widow the first movie they have seen together since Endgame (stupid covid). Where Ceasar asks the most important question, who makes their suits? Check our twitter feed for the answer @JandCtalkcomics.
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Jul 23, 2021
JCTC Episode 6 Bitter Root and WE3
In which our heroes discuss how racism turns people into monsters and also discuss Bitter Root a comic with those themes. They also talk about WE3 a sweet comic about a dog, cat, and bunny just trying to find their way home and the friends they meet along their way.
Bitter Root Volume 1 November 2018 Written by Chuck Brown and David F. Walker with Art by Sandford Green
WE3 2004 Written by Grant Morrison with Art by Frank Quietly
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Jul 9, 2021
JCTC Episode 5 Flintstonse and The Eternals
In which our heroes meet the Flintstones and learn the best part of life is people and not things. And in The Eternals they learn that the world was inseminated by the Celestials who created three races… well you’ll learn more when you listen. Also, Charles and Jav continue to promote The Public Library. It’s free, Yo.
The Flintstones Volume 1 2016 written by Mark Russell, art by Steve Pugh
The Eternals Volume 1 1976 written, drawn and edited by Jack Kirby
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Jun 25, 2021
JCTC Episode 4 Hawkeye and Mutant Massacre
Hey bro! It’s episode 4 bro our heroes are talking about Hawkeye and how much fun Russian gangsters in track suits can be and also, about Mutant Massacre, with an awfully alliterative title. Good arc though, bro.
Hawkeye 2012 Issues 1-5 first issue Aug 2012
Mutant Massacre 1986 Mutant crossover event written by Chris Claremont, Louise Simonson, Walter Simonson
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Jun 11, 2021
JCTC Episode 3 Stumptown and Justice League 1987
Episode 3
In which our heroes branch out from superhero comics and read Stumptown a detective story set in Portland with all the gritty noir you could want, but also stay with the tried and true with Justice League from 1987 giving our heroes the opportunity to discuss Guy Gardner’s haircut.
Stumptown Volume One 2009 written by Greg Rucka with art by Justice Greenwood
Justice League Issue 1-6 starting in May 1987 written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatis with art by Kevin Maguire
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May 28, 2021
JCTC Episode 2 Black Hammer and Squadron Supreme
Episode 2
In which our heroes discuss more Black Hammer and Marvel’s answer to the Justice League, Squadron Supreme. Listen to hear Charles constantly call Squadron Supreme, Suicide Squad and learn here that he tried to type Suicide Squad in this description instead of Squadron Supreme.
Squadron Supreme Marvel Comics 12 issue miniseries September 1985 – August 1986 written by Mark Gruenwald
Black Hammer a Dark Horse Comic by Writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dean Ormston July 2016
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May 14, 2021
JCTC Episode 1 Black Hammer and Under Seige
In which our heroes partake in their first ever podcast with a wide-ranging comics discussion primarily focused on the comics they read for the episode.
Under Siege an Avengers arc written by Roger Stern and John Buscema August 1986
Black Hammer a Dark Horse Comic by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dean Ormston July 2016
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