Sinopsis
Longtime comic book fan Anthony and licensed psychiatrist Dr. Issues take a not-too-serious look at the psychiatric issues and disorders displayed by comic book characters, and discuss possible treatments.
Episodios
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Issue 125 - Black Widow (with Dr. Janina Scarlet)
07/07/2021 Duración: 57minIntro Superhero Therapy - explanation by Dr. Scarlet Background (5:16) Natalia Alianovna “Natasha” Romanova created by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck in Tales of Suspense #52 (April 1964) Young Natalia was trained and raised by the Red Room, a secret Soviet facility training assassins - she was sent to America to assassinate Anton Vanko, who had defected from Russia, but was defeated by Iron Man - then she enlisted Hawkeye’s help in fighting him, but they were defeated as well - when Clint saved her, she began falling for him, and he helped her defect - she later joined the Avengers Began working for SHIELD, and then started a relationship with Daredevil while he was stationed in San Francisco Encounters Yelena Belova, another graduate of the Red Room, who wants to take Natasha out so she can inherit the Black Widow mantle - uses psychological manipulation to force Yelena to confront her own past Has a relationship with Bucky Barnes for a time, while he’s working as the Winter Soldier Serves on the
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Frank Martin - Polar Paradox
23/06/2021 Duración: 33minIntro - Frank Martin Background - other books written Polar Paradox Where did the idea for the story come from? (3:53) Characters - Greg - reminds me of Hudson from Aliens Yu - ostensible leader, but I feel like he’s usurped in that role by Linda (10:40) Linda - most level-headed one, especially in light of circumstances (13:48) Not alone down there - what happened prior to that to leave character in that mindset? Geographic tropes centuries old - what did you do to put new spin on them? Clearly leaves ending open for more story - how much mapped out? (19:44) Artwork - where did you find Antonio Mastria? What’s next? (25:53) Kickstarter plug Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: here Twitter Facebook Patreon TeePublic Discord
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The Longbox View #8 - Ariel Meets Scott
17/06/2021 Duración: 48minFor her 8th Longbox View, Ariel has a one-on-one discussion with longtime Batman writer SCOTT SNYDER! They talk about his story Batman: The Black Mirror, the rest of his tenure writing the Dark Knight, and other stories he's written for DC and other companies! You won't want to miss this!
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Issue 124 - Victor Zsasz
26/05/2021 Duración: 56minIssue 124 - Victor Zsasz Intro Erica Schultz Kickstarter Background (02:50) Victor Zsasz created by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle in Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1 (June 1992) Formerly wealthy man, scion to a business empire - when his parents died, he sank into depression, and lost everything gambling - as he was preparing to kill himself, he encountered a vagrant who tried to rob him, and Victor said he realized the man was operating as a “robot” on base emotion and desire - he killed the vagrant to “free” him, and marked his body There is no MO to his choices - although he prefers to slice the neck, he will kill however he can, and ritualistically marks his body for each kill The number of kills must match the number of marks - marked himself after stabbing Alfred, only to discover Batman saved his life, and he said his skin was “crawling” because the tally was off Regularly escapes Arkham every time he is held there Considered by Batman to be the nemesis he hates the most Although he typically
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Issue 123 - Nebula
19/05/2021 Duración: 01h03minIntro Anthony’s birthday Reminder of Erica Schultz Kickstarter - back today to get awesome rewards BetterHelp partnership - This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Is there something interfering with your happiness or preventing you from achieving your goals? BetterHelp will assess your individual needs and match you with a licensed professional therapist. You can begin communicating within 48 hours. It isn't a crisis line, it's not self-help, it is professional counseling done securely online. BetterHelp has a network of over 15-thousand counselors, with a broad range of expertise. You can log in and message your counselor anytime, and get timely and thoughtful responses. You can also schedule regular video or phone sessions, no waiting room required. BetterHelp is committed to facilitating great therapeutic matches, so they make it easy and free to change counselors if you feel you don't have a good connection. it's more affordable than traditional offline counseling, and financial aid is available. Be
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Issue 122 - Erica Schultz Deadliest Bouquet
12/05/2021 Duración: 01h15sIssue 122 - Erica Schultz (Deadliest Bouquet) Intro Reminder of Erica’s previous appearances - 12 Devils Dancing, NYCC, and Forgotten Home Questions: Impetus for story (3:32) Why Kickstarter? (12:12) What inspired setting - where in North Jersey are we? Violent Violet - very aggressive overall Responsible Rose - what made her stay with their mother? (26:30) Princess Poppy - seemingly only one with other family - how does that impact her take on this? (32:58) Jasmine - what made her make that decision? (38:30) Kickstarter bonuses (47:36) Finding the artists (49:00) Ending Link to Kickstarter Next episodes: Nebula, Victor Zsaz, Rogue Plugs for social References: PKJ episode - Anthony (8:04) Pareidolia - Erica (10:00) WandaVision episode - Anthony (17:06) Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: here Twitter Facebook Patreon TeePublic Discord
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Issue 121 - Comic book death
05/05/2021 Duración: 01h18minIntro Background (1:42) Comic book death - the Comet was the first superhero to die in the comics, in Pop Comics #17 (July 1941) - created by Jack Cole for MLJ Comics, the precursor to Archie Comics, John Dickering was a scientist who injected himself with a gas that allowed him to fly at the expense of uncontrollable rays that shot from his eyes. He was killed by henchman of a gangster he helped incarcerate. Matt’s point - the in-universe acknowledgment both Marvel & DC have introduced that death isn’t permanent, and how that’s starting to affect people Exhibit A: X-Factor. There's a 30 some-odd issue arc where Siryn flat-out refuses to acknowledge that her father Banshee was killed in a plane explosion battling Vulcan. She totally laughs it off at first, because he's an old MI-5 agent, and he's had to fake his death a couple of times before. When the rest of the team offers its condolences, she asks who's up for Chinese food. She's going to get a notice in a couple of days that he's just fine and he'
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Issue 120 - Isaiah Bradley
28/04/2021 Duración: 01h21minIntro Shoutout to Mouse & Weens - Julianne & Joelle are two sisters with very different lives, but who have a fun, conversational podcast - all manner of topics - mouseandweens.com Thanks to new patron Brittany - www.patreon.com/capesonthecouch Last call for Reviews4Good - GeekPeak - Ever wonder if your favorite comic book character needed therapy? The answer to that question is most likely yes, looking at you Batman! Capes on the Couch covers the mental health component of your favorite caped crusaders and views your favorite comics through the lens of psychology! Can’t overstate how unique and well researched this show is. There are a lot of comic book podcasts out there but none like this! Background (3:40) Isaiah Bradley created by Robert Morales, Kyle Baker, and Axel Alonso in Truth: Red, White, and Black #1 (January 2003) Story was conceived as an allegory on the Tuskegee Syphilis study Isaiah Bradley is drafted into the Army after Pearl Harbor is bombed, leaving behind his pregnant newly
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Issue 119 - John Walker
21/04/2021 Duración: 01h14minIntro Podchaser Reviews4Good - Jeanine - Capes on the Couch has literally gotten me through the trials of the last year. It's been rough all around but I know I can get a weekly dose of comics, voices, sass and puns and I look forward to it every week. There have been some truly moving conversations and I, for one, appreciate it. Keep it up, love you guys! Background (3:15) John Walker created by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary in Captain America #323 (November 1986) Began as Super Patriot - a patriotic villain who served as a foil to Steve Rogers John was former military, who received treatments that gave him superhero abilities from the Power Broker - originally worked as a wrestler, before his manager convinced him being a hero was more lucrative Used staged “attacks” to undermine credibility of Steve in an effort to replace him as the premier patriotic hero - said Steve was too old and liberal to adequately represent America When Steve resigned from serving as Captain America after clashing with the
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Issue 118 - Black Mask
14/04/2021 Duración: 52minIntro Podchaser - Reviews4Good - NUEXGUY - “CAPES ON THE COUCH is one of my favorite podcasts for the unique perspective and insight they bring to the superhero genre. I haven't heard another podcast go so deep into the psychological arguments around these characters. One of the most informative and entertaining podcasts around. Did I mention there are skits as well?” Background (3:16) Black Mask (Roman Sionis) created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake in Batman #386 (August 1985) Roman Sionis born to wealthy parents who didn’t care for him - they dropped him on his head early, possibly causing mental damage Hated Thomas & Martha Wayne, who his parents were always sucking up to - this led to a fascination with masks, because he believed his parents were phony Once he came of age and became VP of his father’s cosmetic company, he burned down the family estate, killing his parents, and took over everything After running the company into the ground, it was rescued by Wayne Enterprises, but he was fired
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Issue 117 - Elastigirl
07/04/2021 Duración: 54minIssue 117 - Elastigirl Intro Shoutout to Down to Folk - Chad & Ariel give you folk tales with a twist - dtfstories.com Background (01:54) Elastigirl (Helen Parr) created by Brad Bird in The Incredibles (November 2004) Helen Parr has the power of flexibility Married to Mr. Incredible, Bob Parr - have 3 children - Violet, Dash, and Jack Forced into retirement after a man trying to commit suicide got saved by Bob, but was injured in the process - superheroes then banned for approximately 15 years Bob goes off and begins surreptitiously superheroing in private - Helen discovers what he’s doing, and has to go rescue him The whole family then battles Syndrome, a former fan of Bob’s who’s going to use technology to give everyone superpowers, thus making supers useless They defeat Syndrome, and come together as a family In the sequel, two wealthy businesspeople - Winston & Evelyn Deavor - use Helen as a public face for their company to get people to trust heroes again This leaves Bob at home with th
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Issue 116 - Batman in Therapy
31/03/2021 Duración: 35minIntro Thanks to new Mayor patron Ben! Skit (5:02) Ending (27:11) Next episodes: Elastigirl, Black Mask, John Walker Plugs for social References: Anthony’s AIPT Column Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: here Twitter Facebook Patreon TeePublic Discord
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Issue 115 - Batman Commentary
24/03/2021 Duración: 02h08minIn lieu of show notes, I'll just say how refreshing and interesting it was to watch a 32 year old movie I hadn't seen in 31 years. Doc and I had a TON of fun discussing this, with a lot of reminiscing and flashbacks. Hope you enjoy it! - Anthony Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: here Twitter Facebook Patreon TeePublic Discord
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Issue 114 - Batman by the Fans
17/03/2021 Duración: 53minIntro Background Jeanine (3:20) Ken & Pad from ODPH (08:40) Ryan from NUEXGuy (15:00) Jay West from We Get Dubbed (21:14) Rey from ITK (27:00) Ruby (28:12) Chris from GeekPeak Podcast (32:21) Seth from Geekville Radio (38:54) Ariel (41:57) Ending Recommended reading: Batman & Psychology Next episodes: Batman film commentary, Batman skit, Elastigirl Plugs for social References: Bane episode - Anthony (14:45) Carmen Sandiego - Anthony (21:00) Batman/Catwoman Arkham swap - Anthony (24:50) Batman scars by Alex Ross - Doc (46:32) Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: here Twitter Facebook Patreon TeePublic Discord
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Issue 113 - Batman Roundtable
10/03/2021 Duración: 01h25minIntro Background for each panelist Ben Stover Dr. Travis Langley Background First memories of Batman What makes Batman such a compelling character? (10:18) How realistic is his response to the trauma? (17:16) Family dynamics (from kids to mentors) (29:00) “Unheralded” Gotham character (36:00) Should someone kill the Joker and get it over with? (42:02) What does his rogues gallery say about him? (50:03) What does it say that we’ve been conditioned to root for a trust fund baby to solve the world’s problems? (57:57) Why do people still live in Gotham? (68:27) Ruby’s fan theory about Clark & Bruce Ideal Batman story (74:40) Ending Recommended reading: Batman & Psychology Next episodes: Batman by the fans, Batman film commentary, Batman skit Plugs for social References: Elie Wiesel - Dr. Langley (22:22) Candace Lightner - Dr. Langley (22:42) Apple Podcasts: here Google Play: here Stitcher: here TuneIn: here iHeartRadio: here Spotify: here Twitter Facebook Patreon
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Issue 112 - Batman's Relationships
03/03/2021 Duración: 01h03minIntro 3rd Anniversary - first episode came out March 7, 2018 First episode of BatMarch - more exciting episodes to come Background Batman & Commissioner Gordon (6:54) Gordon gives Batman cover in GCPD - Batman is Jim’s work spouse Both men provide the other with an honest ear (14:30) Batman & Barbara Gordon (18:51) ...it’s complicated Barbara as Oracle - reminder of his failure (25:26) Batman & Lucius Fox (32:49) Blending professional and personal lives Batman & Superman (40:16) VERY different views of how to accomplish the same goals, yet willing to still work together Batman & Joker (48:56) Nature of their relationship? Ending Next episodes: Professional roundtable, Batman by the fans Plugs for social References: 112 - “Peaches & Cream” - Anthony (0:38) Venom episode - Anthony (1:02) 100th episode - Anthony (1:38) Joker episode - Anthony (49:44) Batman & Dracula: Red Rain - Doc (52:20) Mick Foley - “testicular fortitude” - Anthony (56:03) Gonad
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Issue 111 - Mojo
24/02/2021 Duración: 51minIntro Last chance for Batman voice clips - email capesonthecouch@gmail.com by 2/28 Background (2:05) Mojo created by Ann Nocenti and Arthur Adams in Longshot #3 (Nov. 1985) Residents of what became the Mojoverse were driven mad by energy waves from our world - turned out to be our TV transmissions A race of spineless beings used technology to avoid having to do any manual labor, and instead forced slaves to do their bidding Mojo used television to gain a measure of control over the world, and used it to dominate the world and the slave trade Longshot, a stunt performer in Mojoverse, escaped to Earth 616, where he befriended Dr. Strange and several heroes - went back to free the remaining slaves, but was captured Mojo then captured Psylocke and implanted cameras in her eyes to broadcast what she saw to his TV audience - although he was defeated by the X-Men, the battles created high ratings, so he remained popular Longshot did eventually free the slaves, and Mojo was replaced with a humanoid clone
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Issue 110 - Superman: Red Son
17/02/2021 Duración: 01h12minIntro Email us voice recordings of your thoughts on Batman & what he means to you for upcoming episode - capesonthecouch@gmail.com Background (1:13) Superman: Red Son, written by Mark Millar with artwork by Dave Johnson, Andrew Robinson, Walden Wong, Killian Plunkett, colors by Paul Mounts - released June 2003 Elseworlds tale that asks: What if Superman landed in the Soviet Union? - takes both familiar DC characters and real-world people and combines them into an interesting story In 1953, the Soviets reveal Superman to the world, leading CIA agent James Olsen to ask Lex Luthor to create a metahuman for the USA Pyotr Roslov, head of the KGB and Stalin’s illegitimate son, resents Superman for disrupting his plans to take over the country - after Stalin’s death, Superman takes over the USSR By 1978, only the US and Chile are not part of the Warsaw Pact, and all communist nations are under the heel of Superman - any dissidents are turned into robots with mind-control technology Luthor works with
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Issue 109 - Levana Blackburn
10/02/2021 Duración: 48minIntro Shoutout to Ms. Yarbrough’s class - listened to episode on Xavier/Magneto Email us voice recordings of your thoughts on Batman & what he means to you for upcoming episode - capesonthecouch@gmail.com Background (4:54) Levana Blackburn created by Marissa Meyer, introduced in Cinder, published July 2012 Antagonist of the Lunar Chronicles, particularly the first book Cinder Based on the Evil Queen from fairy tales Levana is queen of Luna, a colony of Earth set in a future where cyborgs and magic are real Had an older sister who was mercilessly cruel to her as a child, and pushed her into a fire, scarring half her face and most of her body She spends all of her time using a “glamour” - magic that allows Lunars to alter their appearance At 15, her parents are killed, and her sister ascends to the throne, but is more interested in promiscuity and cruelty Levana has a crush on a palace guard at least 10 years older than her, Evret Hayle After Evret’s wife dies in childbirth, Levana changes her gla
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Issue 108 - Phillip Kennedy Johnson
03/02/2021 Duración: 01h12minIntro Reminder to email voice clips to capesonthecouch@gmail.com for Batman episode Background How PKJ got started in writing Last Sons of America What was impetus for story Commentary on white America Jackie & Julian - Jackie ever the “older brother”, Julian the “smarter” one (13:00) Harper Rowe - double agent of sorts playing the long game (18:55) Kill a Man (22:00) Commentary on hypermasculinity of MMA world Duality of title - not just death of DJ Bellyi, but of James’ secret Xavier Mayne - difficulty of living with what he did, plus the stigma (38:43) How the ending was crafted (41:07) Discussion of the artwork (46:00) The Last God (47:38) Where did you come up with the idea of parallel timelines for the story? How much work was put into world building for additional stories? (53:07) Superman & Alien (58:46) What can we expect from the Superman run? How much of the existing Alien mythology is going to be in the book? (65:04) Ending Next episodes: Levana Blackburn (Lunar Chr