Chris and Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill ep. 123 - My Hero Academia vol. 1 (2015)

You CAN Be a Hero

Hello, brave heroes! In this episode, quirkless wonders Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) look at a popular manga series, created and produced by Kōhei Horikoshi: My Hero Academia vol. 1, released in North America in 2015! After a brief look at the budding creator Horikoshi, they dive right into the first six chapters of this weekly Shonen manga, compounding their usual embarrassment by mangling every Japanese name they encounter. After an international music break, our heroic hopefuls return to look at the phenomenon that is My Hero Academia, and talk about other comic book-based schools...some which do not produce heroes as efficiently as U.A. High. Plus: correspondence with Jeremiah! The episode is sure to be Plus Ultra, don't miss it!

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week: January 9, 2019

Blame It On the Boogie

Happy New Year! I didn't get to wish that for all of you until now, because DC Comics didn't provide their covers with last week's preview pages. Or, more literally, they sent only one cover per title and no preview pages at all! So it made doing this list difficult, and you know how I feel about doing things that are difficult. Anyway, I hope you have a Happy New Year from this point forward, and I hope that your New Year hasn't sucked to this point, but if it has honestly, it's not my fault. Blame DC, they messed up on the preview pages.

Martian Manhunter #2 Review and Spoilers

Excursions Into The Past

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Riley Rossmo and Ivan Plascencia
Letters by: Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

DC's second twelve issue series in a row featuring characters whose initials are 'MM' trundles on this week. After a quite frankly bizarre first issue which mixed noirish sensibilities with an (at times very) intimate look at pre-catastrophe Martian society, will things settle down this issue or will the madness keep on coming? There's only one way to find out…

The Unexpected #8 Review and Spoilers

Let's Get (Meta) Physical…

Written by: Steve Orlando
Art by: Ronan Cliquet
Colours by: Jeromy Cox
Letters by: Carlos M Mangual with Travis Lanham
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

I like Steve Orlando. I know that may come as something of a shock given the amount of shade I tend to throw his way (and I'm writing this before I've read this week's Martian Manhunter), but, reading this final issue of one of the more confusing and ridiculous DC titles of recent years, it strikes me that, of all the DC writers out there, Orlando has a conception of what superhero comics should be about most in keeping with my own. That doesn't mean his titles are suddenly brilliant, of course, but it's worth pointing out all the same. At its heart, The Unexpected is a bona fide redemption story. That it takes place in the context of largely silly multiversal shenanigans is unfortunate, but it's still worth acknowledging what Orlando's trying to achieve. Allow me to (try to) explain…

Adventures of the Super Sons #6 Review

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Art team: Scott Godlewski, Protobunker, and Rob Leigh
Covers: Dan Mora
Release Date: 1/9/19
Cover Price: $3.99
Reviewed by: Jon Wayne

When we last left our dynamic duo, Jon and Damian went through some crazy shenanigans on the Planet of Mysteries and Secrets. They encountered a Wishing Machine-esque device known as the Wonder Machine, and through that device, they encountered future versions of themselves. While it was fun enough and I enjoyed seeing the possible future versions of our heroes, my patience is running a bit thin. We’re five issues in, and I still can’t really see the big picture of this series. Will that changes with #6? Let’s check it out!

The Green Lantern #3 Review and **SPOILERS**

I’d Gladly Pay You Tuesday

Writer: Grant Morrison 

Artist: Liam Sharp 

Colorist: Steve Oliff 

Letterer: Tom Orzechowski 

Cover: Liam Sharp & Steve Oliff 

Variant Cover: Jae Lee & June Chung 

Associate Editor: Jessica Chen 

Editor: Brian Cunningham

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: January 9, 2019

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

This is the galaxy. I work here. I carry a ring. The Green Lantern #3. Read my review. You might learn something that could save your skin.

Suicide Squad Black Files #3 Review and **SPOILERS**

In the Land of the Sword

Writers: Jai Nitz, Mike W. Barr 

Artists: Scott Eaton, Philippe Briones 

Inks: Wayne Faucher 

Colorists: Guy Major, Gabe Eltaeb 

Letterer: Dave Sharpe 

Cover Artist: Frazer Irving 

Group Editor: Jim Chadwick 

Editor: Harvey Richards 

Cover Price: $4.99 

On Sale Date: January 9, 2019

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Hey! This comic! I feel the same way seeing this show up that I do bumping into an old friend whose name I’ve forgotten. “Hey, you!” I’m not mad to see it, I’d just forgotten about this series entirely. But now that it’s here, I remember that I named this THE BEST VALUE ON THE COMICS RACKS TODAY on the podcast wherein we covered the last issue. Do I still feel that way? Find out by reading my review of Suicide Squad Black #3, and then tell the world!

Harley Quinn #57 Review and **SPOILERS**

Who Frames the Framers?

Written By: Sam Humphries 

Artist: John Timms 

Colorist: Alex Sinclair 

Letterer: Dave Sharpe 

Cover: Guillem March & Arif Prianto 

Variant Cover: Frank Cho 

Editor: Alex Antone 

Assistant Editor: Andrea Shea 

Group Editor: Brian Cunningham 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: January 9, 2019

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

You know, I don’t see why Streaky the Supercat can’t be in modern-day Supergirl comics. All the variants have Supergirl and Krypto, but it doesn’t make any sense. No dis to Amanda Conner, of course, the covers are beautiful. But it’s like Streaky gets swept under the carpet. Check out my review of Harley Quinn #57, why not?

The Dreaming #5 Review and **SPOILERS**

Be the Dream You Want to See

Written By: Simon Spurrier 

Illustrated By: Bilquis Evely and Abigail Larson 

Colors By: Mat Lopes and Quinton Winter 

Letters By: Simon Bowland 

Cover By: Jae Lee & June Chung 

Edited By: Molly Mahan 

Associate Editor: Amedeo Turturro 

Assistant Editor: Maggie Howell 

Executive Editor: Mark Doyle 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: January 9, 2019

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Boy, things sure look to be coming to a head in this book, huh? Judge Gallows is in control of The Dreaming, Lucien and Dora are hanging out in Destruction’s abandoned dimension, and then there’s that cubist sculpture, the one that cured Abel’s stutter and turned Cain into a blubbering idiot. If something doesn’t change over right quick, it’s only gonna get more wacky! And between you, me and the wall––I hope it does! Let’s see what’s what in The Dreaming #5, which I have handily reviewed, right here!

Nightwing #56 Review

Squad Goals

Written By: Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza

Art By: Davide Gianfelice, Nick Filardi, Andworld Designs

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

The further adventures of the new Nightwing Squad and Ric Grayson continues with this issue, where the Scarecrow threatens Bludhaven with his fear........ or anti fear toxin.  Yeah, it's a little odd right now with the game that Scarecrow is playing, but all you need to know is that he's come to Bludhaven for revenge against the former Robin who was the boy without fear.  Let's jump into this issue and see if Ric Grayson decides to jump back into action or if inaction is more his game now that he's renounced all things Nightwing.  Let's check it out.

Green Arrow #48 Review

Turning The World Upside Down

Written By: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing

Art By: Javier Fernandez, John Kalisz, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 9, 2019

It's time for Lanzing and Kelly to make their mark on Green Arrow with their run starting this issue and it's weird because with them being on this book and them having closed out so many series for DC Comics, I have to wonder if that means that Green Arrow is on the chopping block coming up.  While I haven't been the biggest fan of this book recently, I hope that these two writers can come together and give us a Green Arrow that finally feels like he matters in the greater world of the comics we love.  Let's jump into this issue and check it out.

Deathstroke #39 Review

Call Me Crazy........

Written By: Christopher Priest

Art By: Carlo Pagulayan, Fernando Pasarin, Jason Paz, Jordi Tarragona, Wade Von Grawbadger, Jeremy Cox, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 9, 2019

Deathstroke in Arkham sounds like a really good time....... That's what I would have said when asked before this story started because each and every issue that has come out since it did start has just been sliding down the rails on that old crazy train and even though we're jumping around to different characters, like we tend to do with this book........ It's really not coming all together in a way that I feel like I know what's going on.  Yeah, that's probably the point and Christopher Priest is most likely trying to make the reader feel as crazy as Slade Wilson does right now, but I can't say that that makes for the best storytelling.  Let's jump into this issue and see if things start to become clearer here or see if Slade is just as crazy as everyone says he is.  Let's check it out.

Justice League #15 Review

Oceans Prime

Written by: James Tynion and Scott Snyder
Art by: Jim Cheung, Stephen Segovia, Mark Morales, Tomeu Morey, Wil Quintana, and Tom
Napolitano
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

I have enjoyed this run of Justice League so far, but I feel as if I have lost grip on the overall narrative a bit.  I have been waiting for answers to so many things going on and I hope that the huge scope of things means that we will be left hanging for a while still.  This issue continues with John Stewart, Martian Manhunter and Kendra on Thanagar Prime and after last issue's crazy cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to see what happens next.  Well, here we are and away we go...

Batman: Kings of Fear #6 Review

Nothing to Fear

Written by: Scott Peterson
Art by: Kelley Jones, Michelle Madsen, and Rob Leigh
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

I started out liking this mini-series a whole lot, but with each issue that changed for the worse.  The overall story of the Scarecrow analyzing Batman seemed more originally at first and the book ended up with the same cliches that we get with Batman wondering if he's been good for Gotham and it's citizens.  So, did this final issue turn it all around and make me love it?  Let's find out...

Batman #62 Review

Bloody Hell

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mitch Gerads and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

After the big cliffhanger of issue #60, I really was hoping that we were finally going to get an explanation of the how and what of Flashpoint Thomas Wayne...or if it is even him at all.  Of course, we didn't get that last issue as we got a Master Bruce story and while I think we will have to wait a bit longer, I can always hope, right?  What we do get this issue for sure is a teamup of Tom King and Mitch Gerads, the first since they ended their Mister Miracle book.  So, how is it?  Let's find out...

Young Justice #1 Review

If It Doesn't Fit, Force It!

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: Patrick Gleason, Alejandro Sanchez, DC Lettering

Cover Price: $4.99

Release Date: January 9, 2019

It's finally here, the imprint and the book that is going to get some of fans' favorite young heroes back together again for the first time since....... Well since the New 52 happened.  Will it all make sense and will it be something that can bring some of the hope, legacy and optimism back to DC Comics?  Well, there's only one way to find out.  Let's jump into this issue and see what Brian Michael Bendis has in store for us with his Wonder Comics Imprint.  Let's check it out.

PREVIEW: The Green Lantern #3

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Liam Sharp
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 9, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

When the Earth goes up for sale on the alien black market, it's up to the Green Lantern Corps to bust up "The Slave Lords of the Stars" in the latest space saga from Grant Morrison (MULTIVERSITY) and Liam Sharp (WONDER WOMAN)! With the Justice League frozen by Gamma Gong tech, Earth ends up on the auction block, and Volgar Zo hosts a menagerie of the universe's deadliest despots and criminals: Steppenwolf, Queen Bee, the Dominators and much, much worse. Hal Jordan leads a squad of Lanterns into the fray-and someone's going to pay the ultimate price before this case gets closed.

PREVIEW: The Unexpected #8

Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Ronan Cliquet
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 9, 2019
Cover Price: $2.99

In defusing the Nth metal isotope, the Unexpected have accidentally given the Bad Samaritan what he's always wanted: a doorway to the Dark Multiverse and Mandrakk! But Monitor World isn't just a doorway, it's a trapdoor. With the Multiverse on life support, opening it might just be the kill-shot everyone's feared.

PREVIEW: Martian Manhunter #2

Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Riley Rossmo
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 9, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

Return to Mars in the days before its doom to see the love affair of J'onn and M'yri'ah...and a Martian coming-of-age ritual you'll NEVER forget! All of these painful memories J'onn carries with him to his new life on Earth...but first he's gotta survive the pain of a car crash, being set on fire and accidentally revealing his true form to his detective partner! Did we mention she's heavily armed?

PREVIEW: Justice League #15

Writer: James Tynion IV, Scott Snyder
Artist: Jim Cheung
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 9, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

Hawk fight! Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl clash with Shayera Hol (also a Hawkgirl) when the League trio tries to break into a secret vault deep within Thanagar Prime-and the feathers are gonna fly! Speaking of secrets, M.M. learns one about himself and Lex Luthor, as related to him by the Martian Keep, guardian of all Martian wisdom and history. Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman must stop Starman from going nova.

PREVIEW: Batman: Kings of Fear #6

Writer: Scott Peterson
Artist: Kelley Jones
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 9, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

The epic finale! Batman must battle Scarecrow and his own mind to save Gotham City. If he doesn't, Scarecrow will turn Gotham and everything else Batman believes in into a nightmarish hellscape!

PREVIEW: Batman #62

Writer: Tom KingArtist: Mitch GeradsPublisher: DC ComicsRelease Date: January 9, 2019Cover Price: $3.99
Now features the Story solicited for #61 written by Tom King with art by Mitch Gerads. The Eisner-winning creative team behind MISTER MIRACLE is back together as artist Mitch Gerads rejoins the Bat team for a special issue! Professor Pyg is loose in Gotham, and you know that means things are going to get weird... and bloody!

PREVIEW: Adventures of the Super Sons #6

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Scott Godlewski
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 9, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

The Super Sons are lost in time and space! On the run from the Gang and trapped on the Planet of Secrets and Mystery, Superboy and Robin have lost everything and gotten a glimpse of how their tomorrows may end. When the planet's mysterious creator returns for his broken creation, the boys find out that tomorrow sucks as much as yesterday!

PREVIEW: Nightwing #56

Written By: Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza

Art By: Davide Gianfelice, Nick Filardi, Andworld Designs

Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: January 9, 2019

The Nightwings have been picking up the slack Dick Grayson left behind, making a dent in petty crime and cleaning up the streets of Blüdhaven. But as Scarecrow’s plan comes to fruition, it looks like they may have bitten off more than they can chew…putting Grayson in a position he was not prepared for. One where he may be forced to become a hero once more…

PREVIEW: Green Arrow #48

Written By: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing

Art By: Javier Fernandez, John Kalisz, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 9, 2019

Count Vertigo stages a jailbreak and turns Seattle into a surrealist maelstrom that threatens to consume the entire city. But when Ollie learns Vertigo’s true motivations, the Emerald Archer’s fragile psyche will be ripped to shreds. Is Ollie throwing himself into the hero game because of a death wish? Not if Black Canary has anything to sing about it.

PREVIEW: Deathstroke #39

Written By: Christopher Priest

Art By: Carlo Pagulayan, Fernando Pasarin, Jason Paz, Jordi Tarragona, Wade Von Grawbadger, Jeremy Cox, Deron Bennett

Cover Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 9, 2019

Slade is back in Arkham after his Zeta Beam jaunt to the planet Pulor…but did he ever actually leave? Is the alien invasion just a delusion? And who is this faux Deathstroke running around? A deep dive into Slade’s psyche, just in time to watch him lose his mind!