Behind the Yellow Boxes

For the last two years, one graphic novel has been the source of controversy and censorship in the United States of America. Young audiences all over have been gravitating toward the deeply personal and frank discussions of self and exploration that is Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer: A Memoir.  Join Behind the Yellow Boxes as Steph and Brook explore the controversial graphic novel, return to thei...

Since 1984, one franchise has been a solid part of nearly every generation of children the world over, and it all started with a little indie comic that only published 3,000 copies!  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been an unparalleled force in multiple genres and has remained a stable in comic publishing for 40 years! So for the 50th episode of the Behind the Yellow Boxes podcast, Steph and Broo...

In preparation for a special upcoming event, Steph and Brook talk about the Man Without Fear, better known as Daredevil! Or Matt Murdock! Or Mike Murdock! Specifically, they talk about Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's 2011  run of Daredevil, and why they love it. Along the way they discuss bad secret identities, some famous people who have tackled the man from Hell's Kitchen, and Brook goes...

If one, like the cohosts of this podcast, ever wonders what the most popular comics of the day are, and happens to take a look at it by checking sales charts, one name in particular always comes up. In this episode, Brook takes Steph back down memory lane to discuss the saga of Dav Pilkey and the world of Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and Super Diaper Baby.  Along the way they discuss their respect...

Brook and Steph return to manga in order to dissect the latest international phenomenon Spy x Family. In doing so, they go into the career history of mangaka Tatsuya Endo and the general details of how manga become published by the world-famous magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. They also examine what makes the premise of this manga so special and why the first volume will leave readers hooked! Most imp...

Brook and Steph travel through the storied legal history of a fallen comics publishing giant, Fawcett Comics, during their quest to untangle the name of a popular DC comics hero. As they do so, they discuss the American legal system, international copyright, and the pitfalls of licensing intellectual property. All the while, they share their love and fascination with comic's Mightiest Mortal!...

Brook invites Steph to learn about the Marvelous World of Mutants through the lens of Storm, one of the most famous Black women in comics ever. Along the way, Steph bemoans her status as a Storm/T'Challa shipper, Brook discusses her nemesis Jim Shooter, and both of them talk about how much they love a mohawk.  This episode contains brief discussions of racism, xenophobia, and sexism.  We’re o...

Our comic reviewing duo take time to visit one of their favorite creators in this episode visiting the world of Stumptown! Following the lovably fallible private detective Dexedrine "Dex" Parios to her stomping grounds of Portland, Oregon, Brook and Steph discuss the indie comic scene as well as mystery and noir comics in general, as well as the history and strengths of one of their mutu...

Starting off the New Year just right, Brook and Steph return! This time our comic duo tackles the long, complicated, and sometimes unfortunate history of Black Adam! What sorts of influences did the the comics provide for the recent DC film, and how many tangents can they go on when it comes to the Captain Marvel Family? The answer to both is many !  This episode contains brief discussions of raci...

Modern horror returns to a standing ovation as the Comic Code Authority fades from memory and new Indie studios like BOOM! take the lead. In this October episode, Brook and Steph share their experience with the ongoing horror comic Something is Killing the Children. The thrills and chills grip them both as they explore the fannish glee of monsters, blood & guts, and fictional bureaucracies!  T...

For our latest patreon request episode, Brook sets out to explain to Steph the wild world of a crowning jewel of Shojo manga, Fruits Basket. On the way, they discuss gender, Brook's history of being not like other girls, and Steph cooes over cute animals. A lot.  This episode contains discussions of transphobia and abuse. We’re on patreon! Support us at patreon.com/yellowboxespodcast Follow u...

As the Webtoons smash sensation gears up for its third print release this October, Brook and Steph explore the fascinating world of Lore Olympus. They dive into this app that is revolutionizing the way many new fans read comics, explore the unique take on Greek mythology, and discuss how the comic provides new and interesting explorations of trauma in the modern day.  Due to sensitive material in...

To celebrate the movie that Brook has dubbed "the most important movie ever, of all time" (Superpets), Steph and Brook come together to tell the history of animals in comics, furry sidekicks, and to dub no less than four different fuzzy fictional characters "the best boy". We're on patreon! Support us at patreon.com/yellowboxespodcast Follow us on twitter @ yellowboxespod...

In celebration of the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel, Brook and Steph cover the history behind the superhero title of "Ms. Marvel" and then dive right into the titular superheroine herself, Kmala Khan. Along with all the MS.adventures behind the scene of creating Kamala herself, Brook and Steph talk about the Inhumans, the reason that Mutants and Inhumans have been pitted against each other,...

Starting off June, Brook and Steph go over the 2006 graphic memoir by an outspoken artist and advocate, Alison Bechdel. The duo give a brief history of Bechdel's history, contribution to media criticism, and the autobiographical bend found in her comics. There is also some discussion about the dubious banning of books and whether or not that actually makes them cooler.  We're on patreon!...

As Doctor Strange continues his multiversal journey through theaters, Brook sits Steph down to regale her with a classic tale of Strange's dimension-jumping adventures: Brian K. Vaugh and Marcos Martin’s  The Oath .  Other topics include the Problem of Wong, the issue of artist credit in cinematic language, and how gay marriage could have solved many a story telling error. We're on patre...

Brook and Steph bring on special guest Alix to reflect on the history and characters of the Fantastic Four. Topics include the eternal Kirby vs. Lee retellings of early Marvel, what led to the landmark success of the first Marvel Team, and lots of fannish feelings over the characters that build the Fantastic Four. We're on patreon! Support us at patreon.com/yellowboxespodcast Follow us on twi...

Brook and Steph sit down to talk about the story of Maus, and for once, do their best to stay completely on topic as they talk about censorship, the importance of first hand narratives of the Holocaust, and the role that Maus played in bringing attention to comics as an artistic medium. We're on patreon! Support us at patreon.com/yellowboxespodcast Follow us on twitter @ yellowboxespod , emai...

Steph and Brook discuss the infamous collect call that decided the fate of a fan-favorite character in this episode of Behind the Yellow Boxes. How exactly was the fate of Jason Todd decided behind the scenes? The answer may be more ridiculous than you'd think! Join the podcast to hear all the details behind the scene including Jim Starlin's documented history of having beef with a ficti...

Brook sits Steph down to tell her about the history of the one and only Black Lightning, and the way that this character inspired generations in and out of universe. Other topics of note include why so many Black characters have electricity based powers, the character who Black Lightning barely edged out as DC's first headlining African American character, and President Lex Luthor. We're...

For Black History month, Steph and Brook explore the history of Milestone Comics and the contributions to comics that have shown lasting power to this very day. Our hosts provide a look at the initial four comics that launched the company, discuss some of the creators pushing for Milestone, and even where the characters can be found today! There is also some light roasting between friends, but whe...

Steph produces a French history textbook in order to explain to Brook the history of the comic strip, in all of its glory. Other topics of note include The Dreaded Calvin and Hobbes decal, whether or not Scooby Doo and Marmaduke are cousins, and Wizard of Oz completionism. We're on patreon! Support us at patreon.com/yellowboxespodcast Follow us on twitter @ yellowboxespod , email us at yellow...

After an eventful break, Brook and Steph talk about the highly controversial Spider-Man comic One More Day. Brook sinks deeper into her inner Spider-Nerd as she retells the events leading up to One More Day to Steph. Rants include the Mary Jane Watson conundrum, Marvel editorial offices, and whether or not divorce is more relatable than selling a marriage to the devil! Due to recent events, Brook...

In Neil Gaiman's work, he revitalized a lesser-known work of Jack Kirby, and created a breathtaking story with stunning visuals and clever storytelling that created a beloved classic of comics everywhere. And then he did the Eternals. Which is also a retread of a lesser-known Kirby project... but it doesn't quite hit the same notes as Sandman. Brook and Steph also share their thoughts ab...

Brook takes advantage of the month of October to get Steph to read one of her spooky favorites, Junji Ito's Fragments of Horror. Conversations involve Steph's rant about nudity in horror movies, Brook trying not to make jokes about wood, and why Steph could never go to medical school.  We're on patreon! Support us at patreon.com/yellowboxespodcast Follow us on twitter @ yellowboxesp...