CEREBRO

Episode 026: Adam Neramani (feat. Fabian Nicieza)

March 03, 2021 01:06 - 1 hour - 102 MB

In Episode 26 of CEREBRO, Connor and 90s X-Men scribe Fabian Nicieza get their blood burning with Adam X, the X-Treme! A curiosity of the X-Men franchise, Adam Neramani was intended to be the long-lost brother of Cyclops and Havok, but wound up lost in comics limbo after Nicieza's departure from Marvel. Now, 25 years later, that story will be told in the pages of the anthology series X-Men Legends. The CEREBRO character file on Adam X begins at 54:41. (Content Advisory: Adam's story includ...

Episode 025: Kate Pryde (feat. Stephanie Burt)

February 26, 2021 19:04 - 3 hours - 194 MB

In Episode 25 of CEREBRO, Connor and Harvard Professor of English Stephanie Burt sail the high seas with Captain Kate Pryde, Red Queen of the Hellfire Trading Company! Best known as Kitty Pryde or Shadowcat, Kate is the protagonist of much of the classic Claremont run, and has endured as a fan favorite. As the first explicitly Jewish superhero at Marvel Comics, she has often been the lens through which the minority metaphor of the X-Men was most often refracted. The CEREBRO character file o...

Episode 024: Alex Summers (feat. Allison Senecal)

February 20, 2021 07:59 - 2 hours - 156 MB

In Episode 24 of CEREBRO, Connor and bookseller Allison Senecal try to explain why you should like Havok! Alex Summers, Cyclops's volatile younger brother, has never quite managed to escape his elder's long shadow. Conflicted and insecure, he's a troubled man with an uncertain future. The CEREBRO character file on Havok begins at 29:12. (Content Advisory: Alex's story includes brainwashing, slavery, and parents grieving the loss of a child. This episode also discusses another character's s...

Episode 023: Cassandra Nova (feat. Patrick Willems)

February 10, 2021 02:53 - 2 hours - 139 MB

In Episode 23 of CEREBRO, Connor and filmmaker Patrick Willems face the inner darkness, the anti-self: the mummudrai! Created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, Cassandra Nova — Professor Xavier's diabolical twin sister — is one of the few post-Claremont X-Villains to truly stand the test of time. The CEREBRO character file on Cassandra Nova begins at 1:07:06. (Content Advisory: Cassandra's story includes genocide, miscarriage, stillbirth, brainwashing, suicide, and the murder of childre...

Episode 022: Doug Ramsey (feat. Annalise Bissa)

February 03, 2021 20:23 - 2 hours - 161 MB

In Episode 22 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Office Associate Editor Annalise Bissa hack into the history of Doug Ramsey, a.k.a. Cypher! Killed off in 1988 and not brought back til 2009, the omnilingual mutant is now an integral part of the franchise. The CEREBRO character file on Cypher begins at 1:26:07. (Content Advisory: Doug's story includes traumatic mind control. This episode also discusses characters with stories involving unequal power dynamics in romantic relationships, includ...

Episode 021: Mortimer Toynbee (feat. Tim Platt)

January 27, 2021 03:24 - 2 hours - 129 MB

In Episode 21 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Tim Platt (Rude Tales of Magic) salute a classic 60s X-Men villain: Mortimer Toynbee, the sniveling Toad! Their analysis of the misfit superhenchman... somehow becomes an expansive dialogue on masculinity. Who knew! The CEREBRO character file on the Toad begins at 46:27. (Content Advisory: Mortimer's story includes abuse, a suicide attempt, sexually predatory behavior, and alcoholism.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Episode 020: Lorna Dane (feat. Cori McCreery)

January 20, 2021 01:44 - 2 hours - 145 MB

In Episode 20 of CEREBRO, Connor and Eisner Award-winning comics critic Corinne McCreery imagine a brighter future for Lorna Dane, the Mistress of Magnetism! Since her debut in 1968, Polaris has won many fans but also struggled to find her place in the franchise, even after she was revealed to be Magneto's long-lost daughter. The CEREBRO character file on Polaris begins at 44:02. (Content Advisory: Lorna's story includes struggles with bipolar disorder, disordered eating, mind control, lo...

Episode 019: Tessa (feat. Valentine Smith)

January 12, 2021 23:51 - 2 hours - 155 MB

In Episode 19 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Valentine Smith analyze the X-Men's living computer, Sage! Introduced in 1980 as Tessa, a mysterious Hellfire Club attaché, a major retcon in 2001 revealed her to be one of Xavier's original students, kept apart from the X-Men and deployed as a spy. The CEREBRO character file on Sage begins at 1:12:36. (Content Advisory: Tessa's story includes sexual violence, sex trafficking, and torture.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Episode 019: Tessa (feat. Valentine M. Smith)

January 12, 2021 23:51 - 2 hours - 155 MB

In Episode 19 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Valentine M. Smith analyze the X-Men's living computer, Sage! Introduced in 1980 as Tessa, a mysterious Hellfire Club attaché, a major retcon in 2001 revealed her to be one of Xavier's original students, kept apart from the X-Men and deployed as a spy. The CEREBRO character file on Sage begins at 1:12:36. (Content Advisory: Tessa's story includes sexual violence, sex trafficking, and torture.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Episode 018: Meggan Puceanu (feat. A.R. Moxon)

January 06, 2021 03:08 - 2 hours - 161 MB

In Episode 18 of CEREBRO, Connor and author A.R. Moxon celebrate the mystical metamorph, Meggan! Introduced in 1983 as a supporting character in Captain Britain, the part-fae mutant Meggan (lately also called Gloriana) was a founding member of Excalibur and has always been a uniquely vibrant character in the X-Men mythos. The CEREBRO character file on Meggan begins at 1:03:28. (Content Advisory: Meggan's story includes antiziganism, unequal power dynamics in a romantic relationship, a roma...

Episode 017: Anna Marie (feat. Cass Morris)

December 30, 2020 10:24 - 3 hours - 174 MB

In Episode 17 of CEREBRO, Connor and fantasy author Cass Morris (FROM UNSEEN FIRE, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT) have their psyches absorbed by the raucous Rogue! Introduced as a supervillain in 1981, the woman known only as Anna Marie has become one of the most popular members of the X-Men. The CEREBRO character file on Rogue begins at 48:25. (Content Advisory: Rogue's story involves sexual assault.) Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Episode 016: Erik Magnus Lehnsherr (feat. Spencer Ackerman)

December 19, 2020 06:44 - 2 hours - 163 MB

In Episode 16 of CEREBRO, a HANUKKAH SPECTACULAR, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman become masters of magnetism! Introduced in 1963 as the X-Men's archenemy, Erik Magnus Lehnsherr — best known as Magneto — became the most famous Jewish character in comics. Reimagined by writer Chris Claremont as a tragic hero with a haunting backstory, he has ranged from the X-Men's greatest foe to their most vital ally. The CEREBRO character file on Magneto begins at 52:35. (Content Advisory: E...

Episode 015: Jean Grey (feat. Sara Century)

December 09, 2020 01:53 - 2 hours - 153 MB

In Episode 15 of CEREBRO, Connor and comics critic Sara Century become fire and life incarnate! The only woman on the 1963 X-Men team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Jean Grey began publication as the danger-prone Marvel Girl. Under writer Chris Claremont she was reimagined as Phoenix, the most powerful superhero — and threat to the universe! — at Marvel. The CEREBRO character file on Jean Grey begins at 49:12. (Content Advisory: Jean's story includes brainwashing, rape, genocide, slav...

Episode 014: Opal Luna Saturnyne (feat. Tini Howard)

December 01, 2020 18:37 - 2 hours - 157 MB

In Episode 14 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Tini Howard bow before Her Royal Whyness, Opal Luna Saturnyne, Omniversal Majestrix! Introduced in the relaunch of Captain Britain in 1981 as an interdimensional bureaucrat, Saturnyne and her counterparts on other worlds were integral to the classic run of Excalibur. She is now more prominent than ever before, and was the centerpiece of the recent franchise-wide event X of Swords. The CEREBRO character file on Saturnyne begins at 1:08:30. ...

Episode 013: Logan (feat. Gerry Duggan)

November 25, 2020 04:30 - 2 hours - 134 MB

In Episode 13 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Gerry Duggan investigate the mystery man called Logan! Brusque and brutal, Wolverine debuted as a minor antagonist in 1974, but over the years became the most popular member of the X-Men, and one of the overall flagship characters at Marvel Comics. The CEREBRO character file on Wolverine begins at 41:21. (Content Advisory: Logan's story includes rape, suicide, child abuse, animal murder, brainwashing, non-consensual body modification, and ...

Episode 012: Brian Braddock (feat. Jordan D. White)

November 17, 2020 20:10 - 2 hours - 147 MB

In Episode 12 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Men Senior Editor Jordan D. White raise their swords to Brian Braddock! For many years the omniversal hero Captain Britain, he has now ceded that title to his twin sister Betsy and become Captain Avalon, his family's sworn protector. The CEREBRO character file on Brian Braddock begins at 1:02:15 (Content Advisory: Brian's story includes alcoholism, brainwashing, and sexual violence.) The episode cover features art of Brian Braddock by Herb T...

Episode 011: Hank McCoy (feat. Spencer Ackerman)

November 10, 2020 17:26 - 2 hours - 132 MB

In Episode 11 of CEREBRO, Connor and Pulitzer Prize-winning national security reporter Spencer Ackerman highlight the hubris of Hank McCoy, the bouncing, brilliant Beast! One of the original X-Men from 1963, Hank has never felt at ease with his mutation, and longs to assimilate. In recent years, his arrogance has led him down an ever-darker path. The CEREBRO character file on Beast begins at 27:37. (Content Advisory: Hank's story includes body dysmorphia, the suicide of another character,...

Episode 010: Raven Darkhölme (feat. Patrick Sullivan)

November 03, 2020 15:43 - 2 hours - 135 MB

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 10 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Patrick Sullivan fête the many-faced mercenary Mystique! Raven Darkhölme first appeared in 1978 as Ms. Marvel's arch-nemesis, but after that book's cancellation became one of the most iconic X-Men villains. The CEREBRO character file on Mystique begins at 41:28. (Content Advisory: Raven's story includes violence against children, parental abandonment, emotional abuse, severe mental illness, and torture.) The episode cover feature...

Episode 009: Warren Worthington III (feat. Jay Jurden)

October 28, 2020 06:40 - 2 hours - 136 MB

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 9 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Jay Jurden soar with the Angel! (Or the Archangel, depending.) Since his 1963 debut, Warren Worthington III has endured in the popular imagination through constant transformation. The CEREBRO character file on Angel begins at 1:01:32. (Content Advisory: Warren's story includes suicide, torture, gaslighting, brainwashing, and non-consensual body modification.) The episode cover features art of Angel and Archangel by Jack Kirby, Jo...

Episode 008: Bobby Drake (feat. Anthony Oliveira)

October 20, 2020 13:00 - 2 hours - 136 MB

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 8 of CEREBRO, Connor kibitzes about Iceman with academic and Marvel writer Anthony Oliveira (War of the Realms: War Scrolls, Empyre: Emperor Hulkling)! One of the original X-Men from 1963, Bobby Drake is the only classic Stan Lee/Jack Kirby creation to be later established as a gay character. The CEREBRO character file on Iceman begins at 58:55. (Content Advisory: Bobby's story includes homophobia and racism from other characters. This episode also discusses out...

Episode 007: Dani Moonstar (feat. Darcie Little Badger)

October 13, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 91.2 MB

In Episode 7 of CEREBRO, Connor and Darcie Little Badger (one of the writers of the upcoming Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices anthology) tackle the many transformations of Dani Moonstar! One of the original New Mutants, Moonstar (usually called Mirage) has been on a wild and often winged ride since her debut in 1982. The CEREBRO character file on Mirage begins at 18:27. (Content Advisory: Dani's story includes racism, animal murder, the rape of another character, and an inappropriate sex...

Episode 006: Scott Summers (feat. Jay Edidin)

October 06, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 98.6 MB

In CEREBRO's first CROSSOVER EVENT, Connor and Jay Edidin of Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men (also writer of the recent X-Men: Marvels Snapshots) have an eye-opening chat about Scott Summers, a.k.a. Cyclops! A polarizing character, "Slim" has provoked strong opinions since 1963. The CEREBRO character file on Cyclops begins at 30:04. (Content Advisory: Scott's story includes child abuse at an orphanage, eugenics, suicide of other characters, and references to enslavement and implied rape of o...

Episode 005: Ororo Munroe (feat. Rashida Renée Ward)

September 29, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 97.9 MB

In Episode 5 of CEREBRO, Connor and iconic fashion archivist Rashida Renée Ward celebrate Ororo Munroe, Beautiful Windrider, the Weather Witch, Goddess of the STORM! One of the most popular and celebrated X-Men, Storm changed the landscape of comic books forever when she debuted in 1975. The CEREBRO character file on Storm begins at 33:27. (Content Advisory: Ororo's story includes wartime atrocities and suicidal ideation. This episode also discusses racism, colorism, slavery, and the recen...

Episode 004: Piotr Rasputin (feat. Matt Lubchansky)

September 22, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 103 MB

In Episode 4 of CEREBRO, Connor and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist and editor Matt Lubchansky are undeniably horny for Piotr Rasputin, the man of steel Colossus! A kind Soviet farmboy with an artist's heart, Piotr has been a major X-Men character since his debut in 1975. The CEREBRO character file on Colossus begins at 25:25. (Content Advisory: Piotr's story includes suicide. This episode also discusses the AIDS Crisis.) The episode cover features art of Colossus by Dave Cockrum, Ma...

Episode 004: Piotr Rasputin (feat. Mattie Lubchansky)

September 22, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 102 MB

In Episode 4 of CEREBRO, Connor and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist and editor Mattie Lubchansky are undeniably horny for Piotr Rasputin, the man of steel Colossus! A kind Soviet farmboy with an artist's heart, Piotr has been a major X-Men character since his debut in 1975. The CEREBRO character file on Colossus begins at 25:25. (Content Advisory: Piotr's story includes suicide. This episode also discusses the AIDS Crisis.) The episode cover features art of Colossus by Dave Cockrum, ...

Episode 003: Emma Frost (feat. Alex Abad-Santos)

September 15, 2020 13:00 - 2 hours - 127 MB

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 3 of CEREBRO, Connor and culture writer Alex Abad-Santos swear their fealty to Emma Frost, the White Queen! An ice-cold femme fatale, Emma debuted in 1980 as a vicious villainess, but developed into a core member of the X-Men. The CEREBRO character file on Emma Frost begins at 35:36. (Content advisory: Emma's story includes involuntary institutionalization, sexual abuse, homophobic 'conversion therapy', substance abuse, survival sex work, animal murder, and genoci...

Episode 002: Kurt Wagner (feat. Daniel Kibblesmith)

September 08, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 86.4 MB

In Episode 2 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Daniel Kibblesmith (Loki, Lockjaw) celebrate the fuzzy blue elf: Kurt Wagner, best known as Nightcrawler! Since his 1975 debut, the debonair swashbuckler has been one of the most recognizable and beloved X-Men. The CEREBRO character file on Nightcrawler begins at 13:41. (Content advisory: Kurt's main love interest is his adoptive/foster sister, if that skeeves! This episode also discusses antiziganism and the Holocaust.) The episode cover ...

Episode 001: Betsy Braddock (feat. Tini Howard)

September 01, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 74.7 MB

In the inaugural episode of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Tini Howard talk Betsy Braddock: once Psylocke, now Captain Britain! Tune in for a deep dive on Betsy's wild 44-year publication history, and some exploration of Tini's work on Excalibur and the upcoming franchise-wide event X of Swords. The CEREBRO character file on Betsy Braddock begins at 15:44. (Content advisory: Betsy's story includes sexual violence, brainwashing, slavery, and non-consensual body modification. This episod...

Episodes