Capes On The Couch - Where Comics Need Counseling

Our first ever President-picked episode - LEGION! Anthony & Dr. Issues go inside David Haller's shattered mind to revisit dissociation, talk about what it's like being the son of the most famous mutant in the world, and the most auditorally challenging couch visit yet! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Response to comments (3:06) Background (9:55) David Charles Haller - Created by Chris Claremont & Bill Sienkiewicz - New Mutants #25 (Mar. 1985) Son of Charles Xavier & Gabrielle Haller - they had an affair, but Charles didn't know of his existence for many years Sole survivor of terror attack - absorbed the mind of terrorist leader into his own mind Kept under observation by Dr. Moira McTaggert on Muir Island for many years Determined that he split his personality, with each one able to control a different ability Early personalities included Jack Wayne, who was telekinetic, and Cyndi, who was pryokinetic After emerging from catatonia, he was possessed by the Shadow King, who used him to kill Destiny A

This week's patient is Scott Summers, aka Cyclops of the X-Men! Anthony & Dr. Issues try to delicately untangle the Summers family tree and look at his many romantic relationships. What happens when a black man and a mutant discuss who's been more oppressed? Listen now to find out! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background Scott Summers - created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby - X-Men #1 (Sept. 1963) Mutant who can fire energy beam from his eyes - forced to wear ruby quartz visor to keep his blasts contained One of the original students of Charles Xavier, eventually became the leader of the X-Men in Xavier's absence Later learned his father was Christopher Summers, aka Corsair of the Starjammers Brother Alex became Havok Becomes romantically involved with Jean Grey Trains new group of X-Men after the original team defeated by Krakoa Quits the X-Men after Jean Grey dies Marries Madelyne Pryor, a Jean Grey look-alike - have a child, Nathan (aka Cable) Jean returns - Scott leaves family to be with her, but returns

Anthony & Dr. Issues chill out while talking about Batman's coolest nemesis, Mr. Freeze! Plus dueling song references - Foreigner vs. Omarion, and yet another South Park reference... SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (06:33) Created by Dave Wood & Sheldon Moldoff in Batman 121 (Feb. 1959) as Mr. Zero - rogue scientist who spilled cryogenic chemicals on himself Renamed Mr. Freeze in 1960s TV series (real name was Dr. Art Schivel) - generic mad scientist "Heart of Ice", Batman: The Animated Series episode from September 1992 revamped character and gave him tragic backstory (and redesign by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola) Victor Fries was scientist working for GothCorp and invented a cryogenic chamber to preserve his terminally ill wife Nora until she could be cured - got chemicals spilled on him, and now needs a sub-zero suit to keep him alive Comics adopted the animated backstory for their use Teams with Nyssa al Ghul to use Lazarus Pit to revive Nora - but she comes back as Lazara and leaves him

It's the Greatest Hero You've Never Heard Of, Booster Gold! Anthony & Dr. Issues tackle the underachieving egomaniac, how the RZA could help make him a better hero, and for the first time ever, a hero actually learns something on Doc's couch! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (3:03) Created by Dan Jurgens (Feb. 1986) - Time traveler named Michael Jon Carter Disgraced quarterback working as security guard in 25th century museum Steals tech with the help of robot sidekick Skeets to go back in time to fight crimes he can predict Football nickname was Booster, but planned superhero name was Goldstar - he screwed up the intro, so Ronald Reagan called him Booster Gold and the nickname stuck Lower level member of the Justice League, eventually pairs with Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) and they become good friends Forms the Conglomerate (sponsored superhero team), but the team has issues and they break up Coins the name Doomsday for the alien who kills Superman - is nearly killed by it and loses an arm Discovers Maxw

Anthony sings the Bee Gees, Dr. Issues channels Madeline Kahn, and the Patreon is announced. Oh, and they also talk about the Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Announcement of new Patreon! (02:34) Deadpool background Created by Rob Liefeld & Fabian Nicieza in New Mutants 98 (Feb. 1991) Began as villain attacking Cable & New Mutants Later joins X-Force, begins making appearances in other books Gets own miniseries in 1994 Joe Kelly series in 1997 is where character comes into his own - introduces Blind Al & Weasel, along with 4th wall breaking Gail Simone introduces little yellow boxes Deadpool could interact with Joins Cable in "buddy cop" series, firmly established as comic relief character 2010 - joins Uncanny X-Force, more moralized version of character 2010s sees Deadpool become the new Wolverine - appears in numerous series and side miniseries In solo series, gets cured of healing factor and loses scarred face New series by Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan - gets married

Anthony and Dr. Issues dissect the God of Mischief, Loki! They also talk sibling rivalries, gender fluidity, and sing the Odd Couple theme. It's a good one, we promise. SHOW NOTES: Introduction Infinity War discussion - SPOILER FREE (01:25) Background on Loki (03:55) First appeared in Timely Comics Venus #6 in 1949 as an exiled Olympian God Familiar appearance debuted in Journey Into Mystery #85, October 1962, as Thor's enemy Son of Laufey, felled ruler of the Frost Giants, adopted by Odin of Asgard Raised alongside Odin's son Thor, but jealous because he's treated differently Repeatedly tries to overthrow Asgard and/or defeat Thor Instrumental in founding the Avengers as an enemy (08:25) During "Acts of Vengeance" story, convinces other villains to attack heroes they're not typically associated with Loki manipulates his spirit to control Lady Sif and becomes a woman Torn apart by the Void and resurrected Kid Loki becomes a street hustler Joins Young Avengers, regains power and age through Wiccan's spell Ag

Since the original recording of the Loki episode featured corrupted audio, we thought we'd release the skit (which somehow was undamaged) as an apology to the fans. So enjoy this little skit :)

The Avengers: Infinity War special - THANOS! Anthony compares Infinity Gauntlet to Beauty & the Beast, Dr. Issues talks God's Debris, and the most far out couch skit yet! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (07:48) Created by Jim Starlin in Iron Man #53 (1973), originally an Iron Man villain Moved on to become adversary of Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell) Killed by Adam Warlock, but resurrected by Mistress Death Thanos Quest - On the search for Soul Gems (later renamed Infinity Gems) to please Death, who is his obsession (12:18) Infinity Gauntlet - Acquisition of ultimate power over all facets of reality, defeated by own hubris and Nebula Infinity Gauntlet = Beauty and the Beast (17:15) Infinity War - Allies with Warlock and Avengers against Magus and his own doppleganger Infinity Crusade - Once again allies with Warlock, this time against Goddess Infinity Abyss - Created five clones/experiments, but they attack him and he is forced to destroy them Annihilation - Allies with Annihilus until he realizes Annihil

Anthony and Dr. Issues tackle Watchmen's absolutist protagonist, Rorschach! Listen as they discuss whether someone who's totally unwilling to compromise could function in the real world. Anthony also gets hung up on Sucker Punch, Doc reexamines his global outlook after meeting with Rorschach, and Anthony threatens Doc with Celine Dion. (It makes sense in context. Sort of.) Show notes: (NOW WITH TIMESTAMPS! YAY!) Introduction Character background (04:26) Walter Kovacs - son of prostitute and unknown father, raised in foster home "Inspired" by rape/murder of Kitty Genovese, becomes crimefighter Teams with Nite Owl II, Dr. Manhattan, Comedian, and others Becomes absolutist after Gerald Grice kidnaps and murders young girl Refuses to register with Keene Act, becomes vigilante Begins investigating murders of caped heroes Arrested after being framed for murder of Moloch Instigates prison riot, broken out by Nite Owl and Silk Spectre Discovers Ozymandias responsible for murders, goes to Antarctica to confront him

Anthony and Dr. Issues take on the reluctant superheroine-turned-private-investigator, Jessica Jones! Alcoholism and PTSD make for a dangerous combination, but our hosts are up to the task... Dr. Issues's office, notsomuch... Show notes: Introduction Background Introduced in Alias, as part of Marvel MAX imprint Born Jessica Campbell, classmate of Peter Parker Car collides with truck carrying radioactive chemicals, rest of family dies and she's in a coma Adopted by Jones family, discovers she has super strength Becomes Jewel, no-name superhero Mind controlled by Purple Man, almost kills Daredevil, rescued by Carol Danvers Dates Scott Lang, then Luke Cage Joins Daily Bugle as superhero correspondent Has Cage's baby (Danielle), and then marries him Initially sides with Captain America during Civil War Attacked by the Hood, and joins the pro-reg side to protect Danielle Rejoins Avengers (New Avengers), but quits once again to protect Danielle Joins Defenders during Secret Empire Helps Maria Hill evade SHIELD

Anthony and Dr. Issues tackle the Clown Princess of Crime, Harley Quinn, her thoughs on Mistah J and Ivy, and how she could function in society. And as usual, Doc has a major repair bill by the end of it. Show notes: Introduction Background on Harley Quinn Introduced in Batman: The Animated Series, originally intended as a one-off Batman Adventures: Mad Love expands background as Joker's psychologist Came from dysfunctional family, studied psychology as a way to understand her situation Once she left the Joker's side, joined Poison Ivy Ends up back in Arkham, convinces Bruce Wayne to help with parole Gotham City Sirens - joins Catwoman & Ivy, but betrays them to help break Joker out New 52 - Becomes part of Suicide Squad, uses resources to get Joker's face back Conner/Palmiotti series - works at Coney Island, now antihero Rebirth - Inmate at Belle Reve, leader of new Suicide Squad Primary issues Obsession with Joker - co-dependent relationship Dysfunctional family background Relationship with Ivy - n

Anthony goes totally fanboy over his favorite character, while Dr. Issues tries to keep things on track. It's a miracle this episode was only an hour... SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background on Moon Knight Marc Spector - Boxer, then Marine, then mercenary Left to die in desert by Bushman, resurrected by Khonshu Creates multiple identities - Steven Grant (millionaire) and Jake Lockley (cab driver) Loses moon-based powers, joins West Coast Avengers Battles brother Randall aka Shadow Knight Dies after building explodes because of computerized Zero Hour program Resurrected by Khonshu yet again "The Bottom" - return of Moon Knight Doesn't take a side in Civil War, goes to Mexico, fights luchadors Vengeance of Moon Knight - Return to NYC, no-kill policy in effect Bendis run - Personalities become Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America Ellis run - introduces suited Mr. Knight Lemire run - reconciles issues with identities Bemis run - introduces daughter Primary issues Dissociative identity disorder Loss of powers

Dr. Issues learns we don't have the licensing budget for good music, and Anthony discovers he's like Iron Man, but not in the cool, mechanized suit-wearing kinda way. Show notes: Introduction Background on Tony Stark Starts off as Howard Hughes analogue - pro-war industrialist 1969 - Artificial heart Demon in a Bottle - Grapples with alcoholism Loses company, becomes homeless - Rhodey takes over suit Armor Wars - Takes out armored heroes/villains, battles Edwin Cord Creates War Machine armor, but becomes paralyzed and loses Rhodey The Crossing - kills several people (later retconned) Heroes Reborn - comes back healthy and with new look Secretary of Defense - leads to Avengers Disassembled First time Stark Tower used as Avengers base Civil War - Superhuman Registration Act Dark Reign - Brain "rebooted" Heroic Age - Bleeding Edge armor/Stark Resilient Comics Tony turns into a clone of RDJ Secret Wars II - Incursions, end of Ultimate Universe Civil War II - Tony vs. Carol Marvel NOW - Tony is in coma, brain

Anthony and Dr. Issues discuss the Clown Prince of Crime, and Doc gets a buzz out of his new patient. Literally. Show notes: Introduction Background on Joker Arch-nemesis of Batman Introduced early on in Batman's history Multiple backstories Evolution of character from serial killer to prankster Denny O'Neil/Neal Adams run returned him to a maniac 1980s - Dark Knight Returns, Killing Joke, Arkham: Serious House on Serious Earth Animated series introduces Harley Quinn as lover/sidekick Modern era: Death of the Family/Endgame - Face removed and surgically reattached Primary issues Obsession with Batman Psychopath No sense of logic How to address issues through treatment ??? Joker on the couch

Our debut episode, where Anthony & Dr. Issues introduce themselves, discuss Eddie Brock, and discover that psychiatrists are underwear salesmen. Sort of. It's a metaphor. Show notes: Introduction Background on Eddie Brock Journalist ruined by Spider-Man Temporary truce to battle Carnage Anti-hero influenced by Spider-Man's generosity "Separation Anxiety" - Battles spawns Return to villainy "The Hunger" - Cancer "New Ways to Die" - Anti-Venom Brief stint as Toxin Re-bonded to Venom Primary issues Mother died during birth, distant father Jealousy of Spider-Man Projection How to address issues Separate symbiote Realize that Parker/Spider-Man doesn't control life Focus on positives and self