Best Comics Literature Graphic Novels Manga Podcasts (2025)

1
Absolute Superman- Absolutely Sucks 1:09:57

Play Pause

3d ago1:09:57

1:09:57

In this week's episode, Ryan tried to make Jamie read issues 1-7 of the currently ongoing series, Absolute Superman. Did he succeed? Listen to find out. They also discuss the many problems with the execution of this comic, is Absolute Superman secretly anti-vax propaganda?, the Joker-fied Brainiac, and the upcoming Marvel/DC crossover with Batman a…

1
Eisner Awards 2025: Best Single Issue Nominees- Ice Cream Man, PeePee PooPoo, and Abortion Pill Zine 1:05:40

10d ago1:05:40

1:05:40

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read some of the 2025 Eisner Award nominees for Best Single Issue/One-Shot. These include Ice Cream Man issue 39, PeePee PooPoo issue 1 (or is it?), and Abortion Pill Zine: A Community Guide to Misoprostol and Mifepristone. The also go on tangents about who might win this category and why, the history of punk…

1
Ultimate Wolverine- Winter Soldier meets Weapon X 1:25:41

17d ago1:25:41

1:25:41

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the currently ongoing series, Ultimate Wolverine issues 1-5. Written by Chris Condon and art by Alessandro Cappuccio. They also go on big tangents about how the MCU will make Magneto's origin fit their universe, fantasy casting the MCU's X-Men, and the latest series of Black Mirror for some reason. Timec…

1
Redcoat- The Revolutionary Immortal of Geoff Johns' "Unnamed Universe" 1:07:35

24d ago1:07:35

1:07:35

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read a non-superhero comic to keep him sane. That comic being issues 1-7 of the currently ongoing series, Redcoat. Created by Geoff Johns and Bryan Hitch, inked by Bryan Hitch & Andrew Currie, and colurs by Brad Anderson. They also go on tangents about the wider "Unnamed" comic universe from Ghost Machine, t…

1
Sentry- The Strongest Avenger That No One Remembers 1:07:58

1M ago1:07:58

1:07:58

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2000 limited series, Sentry. Written by Paul Jenkins and art by Jae Lee. They also go on tangents about marvel characters inspired by Superman, the big twist of the Sentry story, and who exactly are The Thunderbolts? Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 05:09 - Comic Talk Starts with Comic Credits 09:17 - Starti…

1
Superman vs The Elite- The BEST Superman Story? 1:01:15

1M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read Action Comics issue #775, What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way? Written by Joe Kelly, penciled by Doug Mahnke and Lee Bermejo, and inked by Tom Nguyen, Dexter Vines, Jim Royal, Jose Marzan, Wade Von Grawbadger and Wayne Faucher. They also go on tangents about how The Authority influenc…

1
Superman: What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?- Alan Moore's Good Bye to the Silver Age Hero 1:07:35

1M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read 1986's Superman: What Ever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Written by Alan Moore and art by Curt Swan and George Pérez. They also discuss Moore's interesting relationship with Superman, the homage of the comic to the 60's/70's, and why DC needed a universal reboot with Crisis on Infinite Earths. Timeco…

1
Daredevil: The Man Without Fear- Frank Miller's Exploration Of Matt Murdock's Origins 1:10:03

2M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 1993 limited series, Daredevil: Man Without Fear. Written by Frank Miller and art by John Romita Jr. They also debate whether the art is great or terrible, the surprising lack of Catholicism in this interpretation, and what if Daredevil had a dog sidekick? Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 03:38 - Comic Talk …

1
Absolute Wonder Woman- The Heroine From Hell 55:04

2M ago55:04

55:04

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 1-5 of the ongoing series, Absolute Wonder Woman. Written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman, and colour by Jordie Bellaire. They also discuss the Greek mythology of the comic, comparing the magic of this title to Harry Potter (for some reason), and the wild and true story of Wonder Woman's …

1
Batman: The Dying City- And The PROBLEMS With Modern Superhero Comics 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read part of the currently ongoing comic series, Batman: The Dying City. Written by Chip Zdarsky and art by Jorge Jiménez. They also use this comic as an example of the problems with modern superhero comics, how the medium can restrict creativity, and why so many great writers seem to do their worst work on B…

1
Fantastic Four: The Galactus Trilogy- The First Appearance of Galactus and The Silver Surfer 1:28:27

2M ago1:28:27

1:28:27

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 48-50 of the original comic series, The Fantastic Four. Written by Stan Lee and art by Jack Kirby. They also discuss how 60's comics looked different to how we see them now, how The Fantastic Four broke the comic book conventions of the time, and why The Thing has eyebrows. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro…

1
The Nice House By The Sea- The Sequel To The Award Winning "A Nice House On The Lake" 1:14:15

3M ago1:14:15

1:14:15

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the limited series sequel to "A Nice House On The Lake", 2024's The Nice House By The Sea. Written by James Tynion IV, art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno, and colours by Jordie Bellaire. They also discuss why sequels are rarer in comic books, how sequels can sometimes be overshadowed by the original, and the …

1
Daredevil: Born Again- The Definitive Daredevil Story Arc 1:39:04

3M ago1:39:04

1:39:04

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 1986 comic story arc, Daredevil: Born Again. Written by Frank Miller and art by David Mazzucchelli. They also talk about the standard of comic books in the 80's, how censorship impacted the way comic books told mature stories, and how Daredevil as a character was used to tell more grounded stories. T…

1
The Power Fantasy- Super Powered Individuals With The Destructive Capacity Of A Nuclear Arsenal 1:42:21

3M ago1:42:21

1:42:21

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the currently ongoing Image series, The Power Fantasy. Written by Kieron Gillen and art by Caspar Wijngaard. They also discuss the real world history that inspired the comic, the current state of global politics, and comparing this comic to Alan Moore's Watchmen. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Broad Tho…

1
Absolute Batman- An Alternate Universe, Working Class Batman? 1:04:29

3M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the issues 1-5 of the currently ongoing series, Absolute Batman. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Nick Dragotta. They also discuss the differences to DC's mainline Batman, comparing this to Marvel's Ultimate Universe comics, and whether this Batman is absolutely cool or cringe? Timecodes 00:00…

1
Captain America: The Winter Soldier- The Best Captain America Story? 1:12:27

4M ago1:12:27

1:12:27

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2006 story arch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Written by Ed Brubaker and art by Steve Epting. They also go over the history of the Bucky Barnes character, and how this comic has a huge influence on the modern day Marvel Cinematic Universe. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:26 - A Brief History of Ca…

1
Chew- Food Psychic Cannibal Detective Stops Illegal Chicken (seriously) 1:17:22

4M ago1:17:22

1:17:22

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2009 comic book series, Chew. Written by John Layman and art by Rob Guillory. They also go on tangents about the similarities to alcohol prohibition, which foods they think are the sexiest, and the combination of porridge and oat milk for some reason. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:34 - Comic Talk Start…

1
Return To The Marvel Ultimate Universe!- Spider-Man, X-Men and The Ultimates 1:11:20

4M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

In this weeks episode, Ryan and Jamie return to the Marvel Ultimate Universe. Going over Ultimate Spider-Man issues 6-12, Ultimate X-Men issues 7-11, and The Ultimates issues 7 & 8. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 05:34 - The Ultimate Universe 07:17 - The Ultimates issues 7 & 8 22:12 - Ultimate Spider-Man issues 6-12 46:50 - Ultimate X-Men issues 7-11 1:04…

1
All Star Superman- Debating The "Best" Superman Comic 1:31:04

4M ago1:31:04

1:31:04

In this weeks episode, Ryan regrets making Jamie read the 2005 limited series, All Star Superman. Written by Grant Morrison, art by Frank Quitely, and inked by Jamie Grant. The also spend most of the episode debating the quality of the comic, as well as a couple of tangents about Grant Morrison's beliefs about magic and sigils. Timecodes 00:00 - In…

1
Vagabond- An Epic Martial Arts Manga Based On A Real Swordsman 1:06:36

5M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

In this week's episode, it's opposite day as Jamie makes Ryan read an ongoing (hopefully) and long running manga series, Vagabond. Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. They also get in to the back story of the series, the real person from Japanese history that it's based on, the history of the Ronin, and whether this series will be finished b…

1
Best of The Comic Literate Podcast 2024 1:49:23

5M ago1:49:23

1:49:23

It's the best bits of The Comic Literate Podcast 2024! Specifically from June to December for reasons that are explained in the intro (laziness). They've been loosely grouped into sections which are time coded below. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Bits about the Podcast 07:48 - Superhero Shenanigans 33:45 - Moore Moore Moore (the Alan Moore sectio…

1
The Best Comics Of 2024 (that we read) 1:43:10

5M ago1:43:10

1:43:10

In this weeks episode, Ryan and Jamie go over the comics that were released in 2024, that they read, to determine which were the best of the year. Categories include Best Corporate Synergy, Best Horror Comic, Best Panel Layout, Best Art, Best Writing, and of course, Best Superhero and Non Superhero comics. Timecodes 02:01 - Best of the Year talk st…

1
Saga- Our Favourite Comic Ever!- 100th Episode Special! 1:21:32

5M ago1:21:32

1:21:32

In this week's episode, Ryan and Jamie celebrate their 100th episode with the long running, comic book series, Saga. Written by Brian K. Vaughan and art by Fiona Staples. They also thank their Spotify listeners, debate what they would ask Brian K. Vaughan if they ever met him, and discuss the near future of the podcast. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:2…

1
Batman - Santa Claus: Silent Knight- BONUS CHRISTMAS DAY EPISODE 1:06:13

5M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

In this special Christmas Day Episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2023 limited series, Batman - Santa Claus: Silent Knight. Written by Jeff Parker, art by Michele Bandini and colour by Alex Sinclair. They also go on tangents like Jamie's brief history of Santa Claus, Superman's Dad, Ryan trying to remember The Flash, and which AI superhero companion…

1
The Deviant- A Christmas Story......About A Serial Killer 1:13:53

5M ago1:13:53

1:13:53

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2023-2024 limited series, The Deviant. Written by James Tynion IV, art by Joshua Hixson, and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. They also discuss the themes of the comic relating to homophobia and the Aids Crisis, as well as tangents about human memory and therapy speak. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:…

1
Spider-Man: Kraven's Last Hunt- Better Than The Kraven Film? (probably) 1:16:15

6M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read 1987's, Spider-Man: Kraven's Last Hunt. Written by J.M. DeMatteis, pencils by Mike Zeck, ink by Bob McLeod with colours by Ian Tetrault. The also go over a brief history of the Black Suit Spider-Man, comic book censorship in the 70's and 80's, is Kraven the modern Dostoevsky?, and how attractive a hobby …

1
DOOM 2024- Who Is Doctor Doom? 1:00:25

6M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read DOOM 2024. Written by Jonathan Hickman, art by Sanford Greene with colours by Rachelle Rosenburg. They also go over the history of the character and his place within the Marvel Universe. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:07 - The History of Doom 23:16 - Ryan Reynolds/Russo Brothers tangents 27:30 - Comic Talk S…

1
The Ultimates 2024- Continuing The Greatness Of The Marvel Ultimate Universe 1:20:52

6M ago1:20:52

1:20:52

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2024 ongoing series, The Ultimates. Written by Deniz Camp, art by Juan Frigeri, and colour art by Frederico Blee. They also go over each issue individually, as well as tangents about whether this Steve Rogers wants to make America great again?, and Jamie comparing this title to Shakespeare. Timecodes…

1
Houses of the Unholy- Titanic Satanic Panic (and possibly organic) 1:18:28

6M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read Houses of the Unholy. Created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, with colours by Jacob Phillips. They also go on tangents about the actual Satanic Panic that swept the United States in the 1980's, conspiracy theories, and the connection between fast food and the White House. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:06 …

1
DC's Absolute Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman- Introducing The New Trinity 1:23:03

7M ago1:23:03

1:23:03

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the first issues of DC's Absolute Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, to look at how this alternate universe is starting out. They also go on tangents about comparing this to the current Marvel Ultimate universe, Superman's new class warfare themes, and what people name their WiFi routers. Timecodes 00:0…

1
Ultimate Black Panther- A Successful Re-imagining Of The King Of Wakanda? 1:32:23

7M ago1:32:23

1:32:23

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2024 ongoing series, Ultimate Black Panther. Written by Bryan Hill, art by Stefano Casselli, and colour by David Curiel. They also go on tangents about Black Panther's history as a marvel character, if world leaders had to fist fight for their positions, how African hair styles influenced ancient his…

1
Marvel's Ultimate Invasion- The Birth of The New Ultimate Universe 1:28:07

7M ago1:28:07

1:28:07

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2023 limited series, Ultimate Invasion. Written by Jonathan Hickman, drawn by Bryan Hitch, inked by Andrew Currie, and colored by Alex Sinclair. They also go on tangents about how this title could be considered fictional administration, physique creep in comic book movie actors, and Alan Moore's rec…

1
Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives- Is the Aquaman of the Universal Monsters 1:18:28

7M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2024 limited series, Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! Written by Dan Watters & Ram V, art by Matthew Roberts, and colour by Dave Stewart. They also go on tangents about the history of the Creature, why they haven't had as much of a cultural impact as the other Universal Monst…

1
Universal Monsters: Dracula- Why Are Vampires Considered So Sexy? (not by us) 1:27:24

8M ago1:27:24

1:27:24

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the Image limited series, Universal Monsters: Dracula. Written by James Tynion IV, art by Martin Simmonds and lettering by Rus Wooton. They also go on tangents about comparing it to the original Bram Stoker novel, Dracula as a metaphor for old euroscepticism, why vampires are considered so sexy (again, n…

1
Uzumaki- The Scariest Horror Manga We've Ever Covered (and the first) 1:26:06

8M ago1:26:06

1:26:06

In this weeks episode, Ryan and Jamie continue spooky season with the 1998 horror manga series, Uzumaki. Written and drawn by Junji Ito. They also go on tangents about the Fibonacci sequence, Ito's Lovecraftian influences, why his protagonists faces are less detailed, and, of course, Joker 2 bombing at the box office. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 07:53 …

1
Batman: The Killing Joke- The Origin of the Joker (if it's actually canon) 1:25:00

8M ago1:25:00

1:25:00

In this weeks episode, Spooky Season kicks of with Ryan making Jamie read Batman: The Killing Joke (because homicidal clowns are kinda Halloween-ish). Written by Alan Moore, art by Brian Bolland and colours by John Higgins (or not, depending on the version). They also go over the different colourings of the different versions of the comic, Alan Moo…

1
Hellboy: The Crooked Man- He's Half Demon, But He's Also A Fully Chilled Dude 1:19:34

8M ago1:19:34

1:19:34

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2008 limited series, Hellboy: The Crooked Man. Written by Mike Mignola and art by Richard Corben. They also go on a few witch based tangents like how they are depicted in media, the role they played in the world war 2, why they are associated with cats, and just how Hellboy is such a chill dude. Time…

1
James Bond: 007 by Garth Ennis- An Even More Violent Bond? 1:27:40

8M ago1:27:40

1:27:40

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2024 limited series, James Bond: 007. Written by Garth Ennis, art by Rapha Lobosco and colours by Jorge Sutil. They also go on tangents about how this comic and the films compare to the original Bond novels, Operation Paperclip, and Jamie teaches us about the Cambridge 5 spy ring and Russian maps of…

1
Ultimate X-Men & Remembering John Cassaday 1:05:11

9M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 1-6 of the currently ongoing series, Ultimate X-Men. Written and art by Peach Momoko. They also discuss the wider Marvel Ultimate Universe as well as why some comic readers do not like the work of Tom King (not Ryan, he's a big fan) TW: Some discussion of suicide Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 05:20 - Co…

1
The Penguin by Tom King- And The Use of Censored Swearing in Comic Books 1:11:33

9M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read DC's 2023 limited series, The Penguin. Written by Tom King, art by Rafael de Latorre and colours by Marcelo Maiolo. They also have a surprisingly measured discussion on the use of censored swearing in comic books. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:57 - Comic Credits 04:24 - Overall Thoughts- Non spoiler 15:20 -…

1
Watchmen Part 2- One Of The Best Endings in Comics & The Adaptations 1:40:01

9M ago1:40:01

1:40:01

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie continue reading issues 7-12 of the 1986, critically acclaimed limited series, Watchmen. Written by Alan Moore, art by Dave Gibbons, and colour by John Higgins. They also talk about the 2009 live action film, the recently released animated adaptation, the HBO TV show and it's comic book sequels. Timecodes 00:…

1
Watchmen part 1- How It Was Made and Why Moore Hates The Adaptations 1:29:17

9M ago1:29:17

1:29:17

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie re-read the 1986, critically acclaimed limited series, Watchmen. Written by Alan Moore, art by Dave Gibbons, and colour by John Higgins. They also go on tangents about why Alan Moore stopped writing comics, The Charlton Comics characters that inspired the story, the potential plot hole of the story, and if Ro…

1
Alien 2024- Does It Hold Up To The Films? (Specifically The Good Ones) 1:10:08

10M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2024 limited comic book series, Alien. Written by Declan Shalvey, with art by Andrea Broccardo & Declan Shalvey, and colour by Ruth Redmond & Declan Shalvey. They also go on tangents like Ryan badly explaining the Alien franchise, when The Simpsons was good, how good Hamilton is, debating the best St…

1
The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite- The Best Comic For Adapting To TV? 1:14:14

10M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2007 limited series, The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite. Written by Gerard Way, art by Gabriel Bá, and colours by Dave Stewart. They also go on tangents about comparing it to it's television adaptation, Jamie attempts to explain Jungian Psychology, and their brief experiences with My Chemical Rom…

1
John Constantine: Dead In America- Plus Eisner Awards 2024 and Robert Downey Jr. Casting 1:14:57

10M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read 2024's John Constantine: Hellblazer: Dead In America. Written by Si Spurrier, art by Aaron Campbell and colour by Jordie Bellaire. They also go over some of the Eisner Award 2024 winners from SDCC as well as an in depth discussion on the Robert Downey Jr. casting and future of the larger Marvel Cinematic…

1
Deadpool 2024- Plus Deadpool & Wolverine Review to end Merc with a Mouth Month! 1:50:35

10M ago1:50:35

1:50:35

In this week's episode, Ryan and Jamie cap off Merc with a Mouth Month with both a comic and film review. The comic is this year's Deadpool series, written by Cody Ziglar, art by Roge Antonio, and colours by Guru-eFX. They also go on tangents on the meme rise of fame for Deadpool, how meta humour is like MSG, a game of "Name the Marvel Character",a…

1
Deadpool (2012)- The Best Deadpool Comic Series? (Featuring Wolverine and Captain America) 1:19:06

11M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 15-19 of his favourite Deadpool comic run from 2012. Written by Gerry Duggan & Brian Posehn, art by Declan Shalvey, and colour by Jordie Bellaire. They also go on brief tangents about Deadpool's sexual orientation, Jamie attempting to recall Wolverine and Captain America's origins, how Hugh Jackma…

1
Cable and Deadpool- Continuing Merc with a Mouth Month to the 00s 1:05:58

11M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2004 comic series, Cable and Deadpool. Written by Fabian Nicieza and art by Mark Brooks and Patrick Zircher. They also go on tangents like Jamie briefly explains Deadpool's origin, Ryan badly explains the history and origin of Cable, why Arrested Development was so good, and which heroes have the mor…

1
Deadpool 1997- Starting Merc With a Mouth Month With His First Ongoing Series 1:17:31

11M ago1:17:31

1:17:31

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read Deadpool's first ongoing series from 1997. Written by Joe Kelly, pencils by Ed McGuinness and inks by Nathan Massengill. They also go on tangents about MCU fantasy booking, Jamie's comparison of Deadpool to Shakespeare, Jamie's disdain for this specific portrayal of the Irish accent, and an attempt at a …

1
DC's Shazam! (2023)- A Great Comic Staring Captain [REDACTED] 1:10:24

11M ago1:10:24

1:10:24

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2023 ongoing series, Shazam!. By storytellers Mark Waid and Dan Mora with colours by Alejandro Sánchez. They also go on tangents about why heatwaves feel worse in England, why they still claim to not be Star Wars fans, how all gods are real...sort of, and their favorite kids TV shows. Timecodes 00:00…