The AI Panels Podcast

In "Sliders Special #1: Narcotica," the Sliders crash-land into a reality where drug use is not only legal but government-mandated. They arrive in a San Francisco where vendors offer hallucinogenic mushrooms on hot dogs and cotton candy is laced with addictive substances. The group quickly discovers that an alternate version of Professor Arturo was a drug protest leader who was allegedly assassina...

Embark on a journey through the multiverse with the Sliders, but be warned, this isn't your average trip! In this podcast, we delve into the dark side of sliding, where a vengeful race of two-dimensional beings seeks to destroy Quinn Mallory and his companions. Their hatred infects the Sliders, amplifying their worst traits, turning Quinn into a cynical thief, Wade into an aggressive fighter, and...

Get ready for a wild ride through the multiverse! In this episode, we're diving deep into the chaotic world of Sliders: Ultimatum #1 and #2. Join the Sliders as they crash-land into bizarre dimensions, first facing a world dominated by oppressive clowns and then sliding into a religious dystopia ruled by fanatic believers. Witness the team's struggle to blend in, with forced clown performances and...

In this episode, the team goes full 90s nostalgia with a deep dive into the Sliders comic book series! Al and Ingrid take you on an epic journey beyond the cult-classic TV show, uncovering untold stories from parallel worlds that crank up the weirdness. From mutant ants to dimension-hopping energy vampires, this is Sliders like you’ve never seen it before. Comic Title: Sliders #1 and #2 Publisher:...

In this episode, we delve into the origins of a unique and often overlooked team in the DC Comics universe: the Creature Commandos. We explore their debut in Weird War Tales #93, a story that blended war themes with the supernatural. Discover how writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Pat Broderick introduced this team of monstrous soldiers, and how they challenge our understanding of both heroes and mo...

Dive into the thrilling world of espionage with our latest podcast episode, exploring the complex narrative of Black Widow "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" (Marvel, 1999). This three-part series plunges you into a high-stakes mission where Natasha Romanoff faces off against her ambitious rival, Yelena Belova, amidst a global bio-weapon crisis. Witness their intense confrontations across war-torn Rhapastan...

Get ready for a thrilling holiday tale with our podcast deep dive into Marvel Holiday Special #1's "A Spider-Man Carol!" This isn't your typical Christmas story; it's a chaotic holiday in New York City where Spider-Man finds himself navigating gridlocked traffic to help an ambulance. When Peter Parker's holiday assignment at a children's hospital goes sideways, he takes matters into his own hands....

Get ready for a unique superhero holiday adventure! In this episode, we dive into Marvel Holiday Special #1, where the often-overlooked Captain Ultra takes center stage. It's a cold winter night in New York City when Captain Ultra, dressed in a festive costume, aims to spread holiday cheer, only to be upstaged by a passing Thor. But the real chaos begins when Christmas trees start disappearing. En...

Journey into the unexpected with Ghost Rider's Christmas Miracle! It's Christmas Eve in New York City, and while a young blind boy named Willie dreams of Santa, he's kidnapped, thrusting him into a terrifying ordeal. As Willie stumbles through a snowy graveyard, fearing the worst, he hears the sounds of heavy boots and jingling chains. Believing it's Santa come to rescue him, Willie is instead met...

We explore a touching Christmas story from the Marvel Universe. "Precious Gifts" from Marvel Holiday Special #1 follows Captain America as he grapples with the enduring loss of his wartime partner, Bucky. While volunteering at a Christmas Eve dinner for veterans, he encounters an older woman whose story strikes a familiar chord. Discover the heartwarming connection Captain America makes and how it...

This week on the podcast, we explore a heartwarming holiday tale from the Marvel Universe! Join us as we discuss "‘Twas a Mid-Winter's Night," a story from Marvel Holiday Special #1, featuring the mighty Thor! Published in 1991, this story finds Thor and his father, Odin, facing a dire threat to Asgard in the form of a giant, troll-controlled asteroid. As the people of Asgard prepare for their Mid...

This Christmas, join us as we explore a story of unlikely hope amidst the grim streets of the Marvel Universe. In "Midknight Drear" from Marvel Holiday Special #1, we witness The Punisher's brutal brand of justice collide with the festive spirit of the season. As Frank Castle stalks a group of criminals led by the ruthless Trinidad, their paths cross with a desperate crowd seeking shelter from the...

A Holiday Special with the Fantastic Four This Christmas, join us for a special episode exploring the heartwarming tale, "A Christmas Coda," from Marvel Holiday Special #1. We'll follow young Franklin Richards as he navigates the bustling streets of New York City on Christmas Eve, encountering a mysterious old man burdened by chains in a dark alley. Franklin's journey leads him to make a selfless...

Join us for a special episode exploring the 1991 Marvel Holiday Special story, "X-Men: A Miracle a Few Blocks Down from 34th Street!" This unique story sees our favorite mutants, including Storm, Banshee, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Wolverine, facing off against the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in the heart of New York City. As the two groups clash amidst the holiday crowds, an unexpected figure in...

This heartwarming holiday story from "Spider-Man: Holiday Special 1995" centers on an unlikely friendship between Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, and Ben Reilly, the current Spider-Man.  When Johnny's attempt to continue his annual Christmas tradition with Spider-Man is met by Ben Reilly instead of Peter Parker, the two heroes share a moment of vulnerability and connection as they discuss the diffi...

In this episode of The AI Panels Podcast, we take a heartfelt look at "Companions" from the 1995 Spider-Man Holiday Special. This quietly powerful story shifts the spotlight to Willie Lumpkin, Spider-Man’s friendly neighborhood mailman, as he navigates loss and loneliness during the holidays. A chance encounter at Aunt May’s gravesite leads to an unexpected connection with a fellow mourner, highli...

In this holiday-themed episode of The AI Panels Podcast, we unwrap the chaotic and unexpectedly heartfelt tale of "The Venom Claus" from the 1995 Spider-Man Holiday Special. Follow Eddie Brock as he dons a Santa suit and takes justice into his own (symbiotic) hands to confront a gang terrorizing the neighborhood. With themes of redemption, restraint, and the surprising impact of the holiday spirit...

In this festive episode of The AI Panels Podcast, we dive into "The Cat Who Stole Christmas" from the 1995 Spider-Man Holiday Special. Featuring the ever-enigmatic Black Cat, this story blends holiday cheer with moral complexity as Felicia Hardy scales rooftops and defies the odds to steal back toys stolen from an orphanage. With themes of redemption, blurred morality, and the spirit of giving, th...

In this episode of The AI Panels Podcast , we dive into the first story from the 1995 Spider-Man Holiday Special titled "A Matter of Faith".  Set against a snowy New York City backdrop, the story captures Spider-Man at his most human as he navigates loneliness, compassion, and heroism on Christmas Eve. We explore how the comic tackles themes of hope and resilience through the emotional journey of...

This episode takes a look at Amazing Spider-Man #314, a classic story from the late 1980s that features the iconic creative team of writer David Michelinie and artist Todd McFarlane. The episode explores how this issue, set against the backdrop of Christmas Eve, highlights Spider-Man's struggles with balancing his superhero responsibilities with his personal life. Listeners will hear about how the...

Step back in time to the golden age of comics as we unwrap Superman’s Christmas Adventure from 1940! This holiday-themed classic is a fascinating blend of vintage storytelling, bold artistry, and timeless themes of generosity and hope. Join us as we explore how Superman, Lois Lane, and even Santa Claus take on the mischievously named villains, Dr. Grouch and Mr. Meanie, who are hell-bent on ruinin...