Comics Deserve Better
139 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -We explore the wonders of non-licensed, indie comics in Comics Deserve Better. Everything from Image to Webtoon is game in this show that discusses old favorites, the new hotness, and books that might be a little bit off the beaten path. (Logo by Winston Gambro)
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Episodes
Episode 37: The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
May 27, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis week the CDB Crew dives into the water and swims with the fantastic Graphic Novel, The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. There is so much to talk about when it comes to this story that the Crew decided not to have an additional discussion. However, don't fret, there's a lot of discussion to be had in this episode. Bottom line, The Magic Fish is a MUST read. There is a quick content warning before we discuss some tragic events, but they are marked with a quick interruption by Carrie The ho...
Episode 36: Bitter Root vol. 1 by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, Sanford Greene, Rico Renzi and Clayton Cowles with Richard Dupiton
May 20, 2021 12:00 - 2 hours - 113 MBThe CDB Crew welcome special guest Richard Dupiton to discuss the first volume of the Harlem Renaissance period demon hunting series, Bitter Root including the wonderful character designs, story telling and much more to be found in this volume. Though he was very excited to talk about the entire series, Brian did a good job to not reveal any spoilers from the next volumes to the rest of the hosts including a moment that had filled his eyes with tears of joy. The Crew then discuss what other...
Episode 35: SOUND: A Comics Anthology edited by Budjette Tan and Charis Loke
May 13, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBHi All, the CBD Crew is back and this time Darci has brought a comic anthology exploring sound through comics to the table for us to discuss. All the contributors for this anthology are from Southern and Southeast Asia so it was a great way to broaden everyone's comic horizons. They talk about each entry but each host had a primary comic they wanted to feature. Brian had The Cat who Barks by Bryan Arfiandy, Carrie had Bonus Points by Benjamin Chee and Darci chose two with Hokken for Beginner...
Episode 34: Candy Flurry (Chapters 1 + 2) by Ippon Takegushi and Santa Mitarashi with Andrew Levins
May 06, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBBrian and Carrie welcome special guest, Andrew Levins to talk about the recently released first two chapters of the sweet mayhem of Candy Flurry which can be found in Shonen Jump Magazine as well as digitally on their app. The group also discuss getting into Manga from Comics and vice-versa as well as some fun tangents into The Snyder Cut, The Beatles and a few other things. It's a fun conversation throughout that dives into many things. Other books discussed in this issue are Helm Greycast...
Episode 33: Afterlife with Archie by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Francesco Francavilla, and Jack Morelli
April 29, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 78.8 MBThe CDB Crew are back (from the grave) to talk about Riverdale and the zombie apocalypse in Afterlife with Archie. They also discuss the literary works of Neil Gaiman, bring up The Magic Fish for the third episode in a row, and the awakenings of sexuality that the salmon ladder on Arrow may have caused some viewers to have. The hosts also discuss whether or not professional comics creators should reveal and/or be judged on their pasts as a fanfic writer. Other books covered this episode ar...
Episode 32: Don't Go Without Me by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell and Homunculus by Joe Sparrow with Siobhan Coombs
April 22, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBWe are back for another jam packed episode. This week Siobhan Coombs from King's Comics and the Serious Issues Podcast joins the CDB Crew to talk about two wonderful books from Shortbox Comics: Don't Go Without Me by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell and Homunculus by Joe Sparrow. The team also talk about how Conventions are and will probably be after the Pandemic as well as how inaccessible Ulysses by James Joyce is as a piece of literature. Other Comics discussed in this episode are Joe Sea-cret ...
Episode 31: Interview with Tom Ward (Merrick: The Sensational Elephant Man) with Rebecca Hart
April 15, 2021 12:00 - 2 hours - 119 MBWe're back from vacation! This episode we introduce Carrie as our newest permanent member of the CDB Crew and also have on returning guest, Rebecca Hart! Not only this, but we also interview writer Tom Ward about his series available through Kickstarter, Merrick: The Sensational Elephant Man as well as other things like him hosting his own digital convention even before COVID made it necessary. Later, Rebecca, Carrie and Brian discuss whether or not independent comics do a better job than ...
Episode 30: Chihayafuru vol 1 and 2 by Yuki Suetsugu
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBFor both the end of Sports Month and Season Three, Brian and Darci talk about the sports manga, Chihayafuru. They also dive into the competitive card game, Karuta, what is and what is not a sport, winning an Oscar, and much more. Also both of the hosts realize that a lot of books they spoke about this season are from the same genre and look to branch out in future episodes. There is a special segment for the end of season as well as a few reveals about the show for the next round. Other book...
Episode 29: Fence vol. 1 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad, Jim Campbell, and Joana LaFuente
March 18, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBWelcome to Week three of our sports month where Darci and Brian talk about the romance sports manga-esque series Fence, which is about, you guessed it, putting up fences. Or maybe it's about selling stolen goods, Most likely, since it's sports month, it's about the sport of fencing. Other items discussed in this episode include an article about the forgotten West African artist Ibrahim Njoya, Orphan and the Five Beasts, Cats! Purrfect Strangers and Undone by Blood or The Other Side of Eden. ...
Episode 28: 21: The Story of Roberto Clemente by Wilfred Santiago
March 11, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 62 MBSports month continues on the CDB Podcast with this week's main topic: 21: The Story of Roberto Clemente by Wilfred Santiago which dive's in the interesting life and philanthropy of the Hall of Fame Baseball Player. Darci and Brian also discuss Dead Dog's Bite #1, Virtually Yours, BRZRKR #1, The Incredible Nellie Bly, Proctor Valley Road and a lively discussion about local Cryptids at the end of the episode. Quick correction: Brian had videogames on the brain and accidentally said the name ...
Episode 27: Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
March 04, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 94.5 MBOn this week's episode. Brian and Darci cover the 2019 graphic novel, Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. They spend over an hour going over everything from basketball, to racism, to the general treatment of youth athletes. It's a great graphic novel that is packed with a lot of information, so there is a lot to talk about this week. Also, Brian breaks the rules slightly and talks about the Milestone Comics revival and Darci continues the conversation from last episode about the work of cartooni...
Episode 26: Run Wild by K.I. Zachopoulos, Vincenzo Balzano and Deron Bennett
February 25, 2021 13:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBWe're back despite the internet going down in Brian's neighborhood and forced to record a day later with the internet still being less than stellar. This week Darci and Brian discuss the beautiful graphic novel, Run Wild. They also discuss an article about forgotten comic creator Vernon Grant, We Live #5, Two Moons #1 and Mao vol. 1. Comics Deserve Better is a weekly podcast hosted by Brian and Darci which covers the world of Independent Comics. For a list of episodes, socials and emails, ...
Episode 26: Heathen by Natasha Alterici, Rachel Deering, Ashley A. Woods, and Morgan Martinez
February 18, 2021 13:00 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MBOn this episode, Brian and Darci head north to talk about the Viking Adventure Drama, Heathen. The conversation dives into Norse Mythology, clothing, mermaids, and choosing settings for stories. They also discuss further on Even Though We're Adults as well as The Last Witch #2. Plus quick discussions about Shadow Doctor #1 and The Girl without a Face vol. 1. Due to the recent storms in the Midwest, the sound quality is less than stellar, but nevertheless everything is pretty audible and list...
Episode 25: Heathen by Natasha Alterici, Rachel Deering, Ashley A. Woods, and Morgan Martinez
February 18, 2021 13:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBOn this episode, Brian and Darci head north to talk about the Viking Adventure Drama, Heathen. The conversation dives into Norse Mythology, clothing, mermaids, and choosing settings for stories. They also discuss further on Even Though We're Adults as well as The Last Witch #2. Plus quick discussions about Shadow Doctor #1 and The Girl without a Face vol. 1. Due to the recent storms in the Midwest, the sound quality is less than stellar, but nevertheless everything is pretty audible and list...
Episode 24: Paper Girls vol. 1 & 2 by Brian K Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson, and Jered K. Fletcher
February 12, 2021 04:57 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBAfter some technical difficulties, we're back! On this week episode, Darci and Brian dive into the first two volumes of Paper Girls. They also discuss Head Lopper #14, Luna #1 By the Horns #1 and The Grande Odalisque. Comics Deserve Better is a weekly podcast hosted by Brian and Darci which covers the world of Independent Comics. For a list of episodes, socials and emails, and to request a topic for a future episode please visit comicsdeservebetter.wordpress.com. (Episode Artwork by Cliff...
Episode 23: A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong
February 04, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBOn this week's episode, Darci and Brian go over Sloane Leong's fantastic graphic novel: A Map to the Sun. From the story to the amazing colors, there's a lot to talk about. The recently announced GLAAD award nominees as well as the proposed Image Comics Cruise. Other books and articles discussed in this issue are Something is Killing the Children #14, Resonant #7, Even Though We’re Adults vol. 1, and "Translating British and US-American Graphic Novels into French: A Conversation with the Tra...
Episode 22: Sleepless by Sarah Vaughan, Leila del Duca, Alissa Sallah, and Deron Bennett with Jake Fortier
January 28, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBOn this week's episode, Brian and Darci are joined by Jake Fortier and we cover the modern classic, Sleepless; it's a well crafted story, has beautiful art, and some of the best costuming ever to be featured in a comic. Other things covered include Origins, To Your Eternity, Orcs!, Luna, Stake, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game Complete Edition. Check out Jake's Podcast, "Tales from the Holocron" as well as "Wine Mums" here. Jake's Twitter is @krakoanmimosa. Comics Deserve Better i...
Episode 21: Princess Jellyfish vol. 1 by Akiko Hagashimura with Carrie Stafford
January 21, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 105 MBWe're back from our Winter Sabbatical with a new episode! In fact, it's our first episode with a Manga as our main course! We are joined by Carrie Stafford this episode as we dive into the Fashionable and Otaku world of Princess Jellyfish. We also discuss the McDuffie Awards nominees and a couple book announcements. We also have a quick discussion about Gatekeeping at the end and encourage everyone to welcome anyone who is interested in this crazy hobby of ours to sit down and read an issue ...
Episode 21: Princess Jellyfish vol. 1 by Akiko Hagashimura with Carrie
January 21, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBWe're back from our Winter Sabbatical with a new episode! In fact, it's our first episode with a Manga as our main course! We are joined by Carrie this episode as we dive into the Fashionable and Otaku world of Princess Jellyfish. We also discuss the McDuffie Awards nominees and a couple book announcements. We also have a quick discussion about Gatekeeping at the end and encourage everyone to welcome anyone who is interested in this crazy hobby of ours to sit down and read an issue or two wi...
Episode 20: Klaus by Grant Morrison, Dan Mora, and Ed Dukeshire
December 24, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 86.6 MBIt's the Comics Deserve Better Season 2 finale, the last episode of 2020, and Logan's last episode as co-host/editor. Brian, Darci, and Logan get into the spirit of the holiday season and discuss Grant Morrison, Dan Mora, and Ed Dukeshire's "Santa Claus Year One" story, Klaus, its magical art, mythological themes, and how it fits into Morrison's body of work. They also chat about various news items, including a couple of indie comics Humble Bundles you can support, Fantagraphics publishing...
Episode 19: Papaya Salad by Elisa Macellari
December 17, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 89.8 MBOn the penultimate episode of Comics Deserve Better Season 2, Brian, Darci, and Logan discuss the historical fiction/biography/magical realism comic Papaya Salad by Elisa Macellari. This 2020 release is an Thai/Italian comic about Macellari's great-uncle as he goes from rural Thailand to serving in the military in Europe on the eve of World War II and gives a unique perspective on this historical conflict. Also, there's the usual news chatter including new Image comics by Guillem March and ...
Episode 18: Breaks Volume 1 by Malin Ryden and Emma Vieceli (ft. Rebecca Hart)
December 10, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 97.7 MBThe amazing Rebecca Hart joins Logan, Brian, and Darci to chat about the first volume of the queer, British YA comic Breaks by Malin Ryden and Emma Vieceli. They also break down the latest indie comics (or comics adjacent) news like Umbrella Academy's Elliot Page coming out, a new Witchblade creative team, and David Lee Roth's foray into the world of graphic novels (And VR?) Other comics mentioned on the show, include Porcelain, Legend of Zelda by Hand Drawn Games, Gunnerkrigg Court, Grind ...
Episode 17: The Book Tour by Andi Watson
December 03, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBAfter a week off for Thanksgiving, Brian, Darci, and Logan are back to talk about indie comics. They discuss the announcement of the upcoming Houghton Mifflin graphic novel The Worst Ronin, the remastering of Mike Grell's legendary Jon Sable, Freelance series. and maybe dig into yaoi manga a little bit too much. Then, they chat about Andi Watson's 2020 comic The Book Tour, the black and white saga of an author who can't sell a single copy of his book and keeps getting put up in worse and wo...
Episode 16: 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank by Matthew Rosenberg, Tyler Boss, and Thomas Mauer
November 19, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 78.5 MBOn this episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian and Logan geek out about the darkly comedic, crime comic 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank by Matthew Rosenberg, Tyler Boss, and Thomas Mauer. They break down the cast of annoying, yet endearing middle school-aged characters, their favorite sequences, and the connections that this Black Mask Studios masterpiece has to other works of pop culture. Brian and Logan also discuss the latest indie comics news, including Graham Coxon's comic Superstate from Z2...
Episode 15: Dept. H, Volume 1 "Pressure" by Matt Kindt and Sharlene Kindt
November 12, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBOn this episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan take a little undersea voyage and discuss the gorgeous visuals, complex characters, and clever storytelling of Matt Kindt and Sharlene Kindt's Dept. H from Dark Horse Comics. Seriously, this is a beautiful book with one hell of a mystery plot. They also discuss this week's comics news, including Grant Morrison coming out as non-binary, the announcement of the Luther Strode and Henchgirl TV shows, the podcast Bubble becoming c...
Episode 14: Maids by Katie Skelly
November 05, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 70.6 MBTake a break from doom scrolling and listen to some chatter about great indie comics. Brian, Darci, and Logan cover their first Fantagraphics comic and get their true crime and class warfare on as they gush over Maids by Katie Skelly, which tells the story of the infamous Christine and Lea Papin murders. They also discuss Bad Idea's business strategy, the upcoming release of Archaia's Girlsplaining, Mirka Andolfo's Merciless, and cross over to the music world and preview Mitski's upcoming s...
Episode 13: These Savage Shores by Ram V, Sumit Kumar, Vittorio Astone, Aditya Bidikar
October 29, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 67.3 MBOn this week's Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan dig into These Savage Shores by Ram V, Sumit Kumar, Vittorio Astone, and Aditya Bidikar. It's historical fiction-meets-horror set in 18th century Southeast India and effectively decolonizes the vampire story while also riffing on epistolary novels and nine panel grids. They also chat about the 2020 Ringo Award winners, Copra's new publishing format, and Elsa Charretier's KickStarter. Other comics mentioned on the show include Dra...
Episode 12: Beyond the Demon, The Sea by Ben Goldsmith, Davy Broyles, and Justin Birch/Burning Tree by Nuna
October 22, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBOn this week's Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan discuss a couple of horror one-shots from Source Point Press. The comics are the maritime scarefest Beyond the Demon, The Sea by Ben Goldsmith, Davy Broyles, and Justin Birch and the almost-silent Gothic horror book Burning Tree by Nuna. They also chat about indie comics news like Heavy Metal's Magma Comix imprint, Abbott 1973, TKO's third wave of graphic novel, and Dark Horse Comics' Halloween sale. Other comics mentioned on the ...
Episode 11: Interview with Zoe Thorogood (The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott)
October 15, 2020 20:42 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBAfter a short hiatus, Comics Deserve Better is back and ready to cover your favorite indie comics! In this episode, Brian and Logan interview talented writer/artist Zoe Thorogood about her debut graphic novel, The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott. They chat about everything from color palettes and character designs to the power of art to inspire and even video games! Later, Darci joins the fun to talk about the indie comics Bang!, The Citric Arc, Getting It Together, We Live, Stillwater, ...
Episode 10: Corpus- A Comic Anthology of Bodily Ailments
September 24, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBIn the Comics Deserve Better Season 1 finale, Brian, Darci, and Logan talk about the end of Stumptown (The TV show) and Lumberjanes as well as Brian Stelfreeze's new creator owned title. They also cover selected stories from the graphic medicine masterpiece, Corpus: A Comic Anthology of Bodily Ailments and talk about their personal connections to them. The episode and season wraps up with previews of Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers, Trungles' The Magic Fish, and Steve Orlando...
Episode 9: Copra Round One by Michel Fiffe
September 17, 2020 13:22 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBIn the penultimate episode of this season of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan talk about the re-release of the Scott Pilgrim beat 'em up and the Little Bird prequel. However, the main attraction is a lively chat about Michel Fiffe's ass-kicking Silver Age-Ditko-meets-Bronze-Age-Ostrander pastiche, Copra. Other comics mentioned, include On the Stump, Klaus Hargreeves' solo comic, Slaughterhouse-Five, Flower of the Deep Sleep, and Heavy #1.
Episode 8: Fearscape by Ryan O'Sullivan, Andrea Mutti, Vladmir Popov, and Andworld Design
September 10, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MBBrian, Darci, and Logan court controversy yet again by discussing the news about the Keanu Reeves/BOOM! Studios KickStarter BRZKR as well as the announcement of the 4 Kids Walk Into the Bank film and the 2020 Ignatz Awards. But the main event of the episode is a discussion of Ryan O'Sullivan and Andrea Mutti's Vault Comics fantasy series Fearscape. Two of our hosts liked this book, but one was definitely drinking the haterade. You'll have to listen to the episode to find out who's who. Final...
Episode 7: Suffrajitsu: Mrs. Pankhurst’s Amazons by Tony Wolf, Joao Vieira, Josan Gonzales, and Ed Dukeshire
September 03, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 73.1 MBIn this episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan remember the life and work of actor Chadwick Boseman, discuss the racist behavior of cartoonist Noelle Stevenson on a She-Ra livestream, and preview the Harvey Awards. Then, they chat about the super fun alternate history comic Suffrajitsu: Mrs. Pankhurst's Amazons by Tony Wolf and Joao Vieira. Other comics mentioned on the show include Ghosted in LA, Winter Parting, Inkblot, Lonely Receiver, We Only Find Them When We're Dead,...
Episode 6: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell
August 26, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBIn a jam packed episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan discuss the latest indie comics news, including Valiant's move to L.A., Peter Milligan's new comic for Ahoy, and comics used as tools of democratic activism in Thailand. But the main topic of the podcast is the YA LGBTQ+ comic masterpiece Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, and some of us get a little personal in chatting about this beautiful story of friendship, romance, growing up, and toxic relationships. Other co...
Episode 5: Folklords by Matt Kindt, Matt Smith, Chris O’Halloran, Jim Campbell
August 20, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBIn this episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan discuss cartoonist Kate Leth's pattern of racism, transphobia, and fatphobia. Logan shares some of his personal experiences with Leth, and this is very much editorial and not news reporting. Next, they talk about some great indie comics like Undone by Blood, Helena Rose, "Checking Out" from Medium, and the Manga Classics series as well as upcoming titles like Black Mask Studios' The Last Song #3 and The Impending Blindness of ...
Episode 4: Descender #1-7 by Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen, and Steve Wands
August 13, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBIn this episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan gush over the first arc of Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen's 2015 space opera comic, Descender. Stay tuned for chatter about small robots, big robots, and great watercolor art. Other comics mentioned on the show, include Robert Kirkman and Chris Samnee's blockbuster Fire Power, self-published darlings Post and Stella vs. the Tinder Box, Tom Taylor and Daniele Di Nicuolo's Seven Secrets, Evan Dahm's Harrowing of Hell, and more. ...
Episode 3: Daytripper by Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá, Dave Stewart, and Sean Konot
August 06, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBIn this week's Comic Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan discuss Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá', and Dave Stewart's life and death masterpiece, Daytripper, and get emotional and occasionally personal while breaking down the craft of this great title. They also chat about a plethora of recent indie releases ranging from Singaporean newspaper comics about Covid-19 and self-published comics about going to movie theaters (Remember those!) to Vault Comics' Finger Guns, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips'...
Episode 2: The Old Guard by Greg Rucka, Leandro Fernandez, Daniela Miwa, Jodi Wynne
July 29, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBIn the second episode of Comics Deserve Better, Brian, Darci, and Logan react to the 2020 Eisners and discuss the 2017 Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez comic, The Old Guard. Or what Logan likes to call "Blackwater, but queer". Other books talked about on the show include the webcomics Fangs by Sarah Andersen, Gunnerkrigg Court by Tom Siddell, and Clover and Nugget by Phil Sheldon as well as Scout Comics' Yasmeen #1 and Tales from the Pandemic by Mario Candelaria and a bunch of awesome arti...
Episode 1: The American Dream? by Shing Yin Khor
July 24, 2020 02:26 - 1 hour - 108 MBIn the inaugural episode of Comics Deserve Better, indie comics fans Brian, Logan (Graphic Policy), and Darci (Books and Serial) introduce themselves and discuss the graphic memoir The American Dream?: A Journey on Route 66 Discovering Dinosaur Statues, Muffler Men, and the Perfect Breakfast Burrito by Shing Yin Khor. It's a surprisingly optimistic story about a non-binary Malaysian-American cartoonist and their dog Bug's journey down Route 66 from California to Chicago. As well as this com...