We Like Comics... Because They Have no Bones (Boneless Comics Podcast)

Vampires, and demons, and witches, oh my! Join us as we "splainy" the first trade of Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 series, following the official canon continuation of the beloved TV show. In this episode, we’ll discuss: the context you need to dive into this series, entertainment made just for fans, and Whedon's writing—the good and the bad! Whether you're a diehard Scooby Gang...

Following Brad Meltzer’s successful Identity Crisis event, he became the regular writer for DC’s *Justice League of America*, alongside penciler Ed Benes. In this episode, we dive into The Tornado’s Path (JLA #1–7) to explore the backstory of Red Tornado, familiar sci-fi tropes in comics, and the challenges of transitioning from novelist to comic book writer. Also: Are the DC Trinity a bunch of el...

With the passing of the legendary storyteller and artist Akira Toriyama, Joe and Mike delve into one of his most loved creations: Dragon Ball Z ! While the anime was a smash hit in the States, the guys discuss the interesting relationship it had with censorship, the impact of limited access to Japanese media in the '90s, and the genius of its world-building and character work. Plus, we shine a spe...

Originally published in Japan in . hack//the magazine , . hack//XXXX (pronounced "X-Fourth") by Hiroshi Matsuyama and Megane Kikuya explores the trials and tribulations of players in the online game "The World." Hard science fiction meets existential crises as we ponder the question: Who has more of a right to exist—man or AI? And is this streamlined retelling of the .hack tetralogy worthy of your...

After a long run with Sonic the Hedgehog at Archie Comics, writer Ian Flynn takes the Blue Blur to new heights in IDW’s Sonic the Hedgehog series. These first 12 issues (Fallout, The Fate of Dr. Eggman, and Battle for Angel Island) explore deep lore, a vast array of characters, and high-speed adventures that are sure to thrill fans of the Sega franchise. Join us as we break down this third license...

The New Warriors have faced their fair share of challenges at Marvel Comics, from falling out of favor in the 90s to being blamed for Civil War. But can these characters find their place in the modern era? Join us as we delve into Christopher Yost’s 2013 run on The New Warriors, featuring pencils by Marcus To, Nick Roche, and Tana Ford. In this episode, we’ll explore themes of identity, genetic en...

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on our  3rd season  of the podcast! In this episode, we recap the highlights (and lowlights) of the year, share our surprise at which episode resonated most with our audience, and give you an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming in 2024! Join us for a look back at the season and what’s to come. 📺 Catch all our 2023 videos here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/p...

Joe and Mike head to the seedy underbelly of the Marvel Universe with Jessica Jones! Popularized by the Netflix (now Disney+) show, Jessica Jones debuted in the pages of *Alias*, created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. In this episode, we’ll discuss: making comics more like movies, why subtext makes a good character, and why even the letterer has an impact on good storytelling. 💬 Shar...

Joe and Mike dive into Jaime Reyes' introduction to Prime Earth in his debut New 52 adventure by Tony Bedard and Ig Guara! In this episode, we’ll discuss: the phenomenon of superhero fatigue, the challenge of balancing good world-building with character development, and the essential elements that make Blue Beetle stand out as his own character. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—what do you t...

An examination of Yoko Taro's darkly hopeful prequel to NieR Automata, this is Joe and Mike's first foray into manga! In this episode, we’ll discuss: the differences between Eastern and Western comics, the visual language of manga, and the dense world-building of NieR Automata's unique universe. What begins as a discussion solely about NieR transforms into a broader exploration of science fiction...

Things get all wibbly-wobbly and timey-wimey as Joe and Mike explore Titan Comics' Doctor Who series! This episode dives into The Weeping Angels of Mons , written by Robbie Morrison and penciled by Daniel Indro, featuring David Tennant's Tenth Doctor. In this episode, we’ll discuss: the plot mechanics of time travel, the challenges of translating the Weeping Angels to comic book form, and the impo...

Flash fact: If you're a fan of the Scarlet Speedster, you'll really enjoy this episode! Joe and Mike go back to the 90s to discuss Wally West's legacy, the writing of Mark Waid, and why Eobard Thawne is the most twisted supervillain in comic books. In this episode, we’ll discuss: the writing of Mark Waid, the story's standout penciler, and whether the "dark age" of the 90s could still deliver time...

Cast adrift in a long hiatus, Joe and Mike return to tackle the Sentinel of Liberty's adventures in Dimension Z! Join us for an examination of Rick Remender and John Romita Jr's bizarre sci-fi epic featuring Steve Rogers, Arnim Zola, and more than a few references to the New Gods! In this episode, we’ll discuss: Cap's impact on the people around him, half-baked sci-fi concepts, and how to follow o...

With only 3 years between the comic and the film adaptation, The Mask represents perhaps the fastest comic-to-movie turnaround. John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke may not have created the character, but they popularized the tone and many of the scenes we associate with Big Head today! In this episode, we’ll discuss: the bloody violence of the 90s comic, the influence of 1950s jazz crooners, and the lasti...

Three years of podcasting, and for the third annual time, we're covering Star Trek! This time, however, we examine a series that has no connection to actual filmed production with IDW's Star Trek Year Five! Our discussion takes us from Hesperides to Sigma Iotia III, all with a young Tholian aboard! In this episode, we’ll discuss: the collaborative effort behind Star Trek Year Five, the significanc...

Join us for the backstory of a character introduced in Star Wars Rebels: Kanan Jarrus! Greg Weisman and Pepe Larraz give us a coming-of-age story with divided loyalties, betrayal, and hard lessons. We’ll unpack the history surrounding this comic and discuss how we were both "late bloomers" when it came to enjoying Star Wars. May the Force be with you! In this episode, we’ll discuss: Kanan's transf...

Keanu Reeves’ freshman effort in comics teams him up with industry veterans Matt Kindt and Ron Garney in this bloody tale of an immortal half-man, half-god, compelled to violence but not enamored with it. Join us as we discuss the hyper-violence of BRZRKR, sci-fi genre tropes, and how good execution can make a seemingly rote concept shine. We’ll also take a look at what makes this the most success...

An event tie-in is the beginning of Daniel Way's controversial retooling of Wade Wilson, the mercenary known as Deadpool! Joe and Mike discuss the Marvel event Secret Invasion, focusing on Deadpool's tie-in issues, which caused a stir with fans at the time. Enjoy these Madcap adventures as the guys talk to each other and the voices in their head! Guest-starring Blooper of the Atlanta Braves! In th...

Eoj dna Ekim enimaxe eht lacigam edis fo eht Ecotsuj Eugael! (Joe and Mike examine the magical side of the Justice League!) Join us as we dive into  Justice League Dark: The Great Wickedness , the recent arc by Ram V and Xermanico. What happens when one of DC’s most fascinating teams is relegated to backup stories in the main  Justice League  title? We discuss the impact on storytelling, Ram V’s m...

In the mid-70s, Gold Key was home to a number of licensed comics, including The Addams Family ! Fresh from watching Netflix's Wednesday , Joe and Mike examine this fascinating piece of history from a long-gone publisher. But is it spooky and kooky, or should it have stayed in the grave? In this episode, we’ll discuss: the Gold Key Addams Family comic, how it compares to Netflix's Wednesday , and t...

Carol Danvers and Rogue have a long-standing rivalry in the Marvel Universe, but where did it all begin? Joe and Mike dive headfirst into the world of Chris Claremont's *X-Men*, discovering new, and sometimes disturbing, aspects of both characters' histories. Discover along with us how the darkest chapter in Carol Danvers' history was redeemed. In this episode, we’ll discuss: the origins of the Ca...

Dan Abnett and Stjepan Šejić's collaboration is one of the few modern Aquaman stories to get a Deluxe Hardcover edition, but is it deserving of this honor? The guys talk about coherent world-building, the importance of art that communicates emotion, and discuss the controversy in the Justice League tie-in to this arc. Plus! An endless string of water-based puns may spell dangerous waters for our l...

Joe and Mike sink their teeth into the supernatural side of Marvel with Marc Guggenheim and Howard Chaykin's *Blade* series! This "re-vamp" (pun intended) was meant to capitalize on the success of the film trilogy while making Blade relevant to the Marvel Universe again after a long absence. The guys discuss whether or not vampires have souls, whether suspenders are needed to fight the undead, and...

Our annual year-end extravaganza! Join us for a guided tour of the last year, exploring our regrets, biggest successes, and how the podcast production has changed over the last season! Plus, we speculate on what characters we want to tackle in 2023, as well as continuing the age-old debate of how to pronounce "lawyer!" In this episode, we’ll discuss: our highlights and lessons from Season 2, our p...

Rob Liefeld's first professional work in comics was Hawk and Dove, where he co-created Dawn Granger with Barbara and Karl Kesel. Joe and Mike talk about having the ending spoiled before you begin, the political meaning behind Steve Ditko's early work, and even a surprising link between this story and a 90s sci-fi classic! Don't miss our last full review of season 2!