Got The Runs

The Runners run out the clock on the year, the Reckless books, and the Ed Brubaker miniseries with our senses-shattering coverage of the final two volumes of Reckless! With Ethan out of town, Anna investigates the eerie goings on at her childhood idol's Hollywood home. But Ethan isn't cooling his heels - his own adventure starts as a favour to a friend, but soon finds him wrapped up in a cause of his own. Topics of discussion include issues with the OGN format, Brubaker's character work, and celebrating a very special Got the Runs milestone. Plus - our definitive Ed Brubaker rankings! (Not to be disputed!!)

Covering Reckless: The Ghost In You (2022) and Reckless: Follow Me Down (2022) by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), and Jacob Phillips (C).

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Ho, ho, ho, happy week between Christmas and New Years! It's a double feature this week as the Runners wrap up their Ed Brubaker miniseries with the Reckless series of graphic novels. Private investigator/repo man/wrecking ball (but mostly private investigator) Ethan Reckless and his trusty sidekick Anna trip their way through 70s and 80s Los Angeles on a variety of sordid cases. Topics of discussion include how reckless Ethan Reckless really is, what constitutes an old movie, and micro-MFs.

Covering Reckless (2020), Friend of the Devil (2021), and Destroy All Monsters (2021), by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), and Jacob Phillips (C).

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Brubaker and Phillips issue the ultimate "Would You Rather" with their moral thought experiment/pulpy crime thriller Kill or Be Killed, and the Runners are ready to play! (For us, it's going to be "Kill".) Depressed graduate student Dylan's life goes from bad to worse when he finds himself locked to a contract with a demon requiring him to kill one person each month or forfeit his own life, but soon finds a new sense of purpose when his unexpected calling empowers him to confront evil in ways he never imagined. Topics of discussion include the book's divisive ending, the Sean Phillips showcase in the artwork, and an investigation into whether Dr. Dre is actually a doctor.

Covering Kill or Be Killed (2016) #1-20 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), and Elizabeth Breitweiser (C).

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Famous people really are just like us – colluding with the FBI to ensure our sordid pasts never come to light! We’re digging up some graves this week in Brubaker and Phillips’ Hollynoir murder mystery, The Fade Out. Troubled screenwriter Charles Parish is relieved to have gotten away clean after waking up next to the body of his latest picture’s leading lady, but when the press begins reporting the death as a suicide, he’s driven to find out who killed her and why. Topics of discussion include a lengthy attempt to understand basic plot elements, Brubaker and Phillips’ noir subversions, and a return to the beloved Villains wiki.

Covering The Fade Out (2014) #1-12 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), Elizabeth Breitweiser (C), and more.

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What if your mild-mannered podcast had a spy episode?!? We’re giving Phillips a week off as we continue our Brubaker miniseries with his super-spy collaboration with superstar artist Steve Epting: Velvet! Velvet Templeton’s life as a secretary in an international espionage agency is upended when she’s framed for murder, forcing her to draw on long-neglected skills to find the truth and clear her name. Topics of discussion include the logistics of international spy organizations, a cry for more bureaucratic action scenes, and decrying fan-casting (conversation takes place while performing a fan-casting).

Covering Velvet (2013) #1-15 by Ed Brubaker (W), Steve Epting (A), Elizabeth Breitweiser (C), and Chris Eliopoulos (L)

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The Runners close the skin-bound book on Fatale this week as our Brubaker miniseries marches on! In the 1990s, Josephine’s missing memories wreak havoc on a Seattle band, setting events in emotion that prove pivotal as she tries to break her curse once and for all in the 2010s. Topics of discussion include the search for a feminist reading of the book, Nazi occultism, and the worst Call of Duty perk. Plus: how Chris would wield the powers of the Fatale (dementedly)!

Covering Fatale (2012) #12-24 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), Dave Stewart (C), and Elizabeth Breitweiser (C).

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Spooktober continues here on GTR as we present an especially unhinged GTR: Nights edition on Brubaker & Phillips' noir horror, Fatale! Cursed with irresistible beauty and ageless immortality, Josephine leaves a trail of broken men behind her as she seeks to escape the elder gods who desire her and their worshippers in a century of struggle. Topics of discussion include West Coast crime cities, Phillips' comparability to Mignola, and Chris' ongoing quest to convert David to a TooOldie.

Covering Fatale (2012) #1-11 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), and Dave Stewart (C).

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Tales of thrilling suspense and derring-do! The Runners are diving into the noir-tinged pulp world of Brubaker and Phillips' Incognito this week. His brother's death finds one-time science-villain Zack Overkill turning State's witness, surrendering his superpowers to enter witness protection after betraying his boss... until their unexpected return forces him to confront if he's still the villain of yester-year. Then, Zack's new life sends him back into the underbelly of science crime to find out if a leopard can really change his spots, or if old habits die harder than it may first appear. Topics of discussion include the mean streak of aughts comics, the cultural footprint of pulp, and a critical analysis of whether "Wazzup" ever stopped being funny.

Covering Incognito (2008) #1-6 and Incognito: Bad Influences (2010) #1-5 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), Val Staples (C), and more.

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If crime does not pay, podcasting must be the greatest crime of all! Join the Runners as they commit a capital offense against ears and taste by diving into the most recent Criminal stories by Brubaker and Phillips. Archie, Conan, Shang-Chi, and the entire comics industry are all lovingly pastiched before we learn the sordid history of the murder of Teeg Lawless over the course of one cruel summer! Topics of discussion include Cruel Summer’s successes and failures as a capstone Criminal story, the Runners’ ranking of the Criminal oeuvre, and some Mario Kart strategizing.

Covering Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #1-4, Special Edition #1, Criminal 10th Anniversary Special #1, My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies, and Criminal (2019) #1-12 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), Elizabeth Breitweiser (C), Jacob Phillips (C), and more.

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Head on down to the Undertow and pull up a stool, true believer! The Runners are casing Brubaker's classic crime comic with Sean Phillips: Criminal! Leo Patterson, Tracey Lawless, Jacob Kurtz, Gnarly Brown: their lives are very different, but they all lead to the same place: years of enmeshment with a life of crime, and those who are lucky enough to walk away from it won't do so without a few scars! Topics of discussion include Brubaker's tour through the sub-genres of crime, the heavy influence of Parker, and David's newest 100% original character, Dodney Rangerfield!

Covering Criminal (2006) #1-10, Criminal (2008) #1-7, and Criminal: The Sinners (2009) #1-15 by Ed Brubaker (W), Sean Phillips (A), Val Staples (C), and more!

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The Runners take a trip to Hand Central Station! It’s another Daredevil extravaganza as we move through the second half of Brubaker’s celebrated stint on the Man Without Fear this week. Once he deals with Mr. Fear and the fallout of his attack on all Matt Murdock holds dear, Daredevil must contend with still more threats both in the courtroom and on the streets of New York as the Hand make a bid to recruit him as their leader! Topics of discussion include the historic handling of Luke Cage, a celebration of David Aja, and a lengthy probe of how exactly Lady Bullseye’s costume is meant to work. Plus: David’s pick for your 2022 World Series Champions!

Covering Daredevil (1998) #100-119 and #500 by Ed Brubaker (W), Michael Lark (P), Stefano Gaudiano (I), David Aja (P), and many more.

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We're the best at what we do, and what we do is podcasting! The Runners conclude Ed Brubaker's work on the X-Men franchise by discussing his final issues of Uncanny X-Men, including the Messiah Complex crossover and some final Matt Fraction 'co-written' issues that Ed may or may not have actually written a word of. Topics of discussion include frustrations about comics 'events', just how bad tracing is in comics art, and some more than questionable takes from 00's Marvel staff about dating.

To me, my Runners! Your favourite Merry Mutants are in the spotlight for this week’s Got the Runs (and we talk about the X-Men, too!) as we launch a brand new miniseries on the latter works of Ed Brubaker. Startling revelations about the X-Men’s history prompt Professor X and a few of his faithful students to turn to the stars as they set out on a cosmic adventure to save an alien empire from a destruction of their making! Topics of discussion include a survey of Brubaker’s early career, Wolverine’s hockey loyalties, and the origins of “You Bastard!”-core!

Covering X-Men: Deadly Genesis (2006) and Uncanny X-Men (2006) by Ed Brubaker (W), Trevor Hairsine (P), Scott Hanna (I), Pete Woods (P/I), Billy Tan (P), Clayton Henry (P), Mark Morales (I), Danny Miki (I), and many, many more.

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Your favourite yuck-bloods are headed back the scenic coast and creeping dread of Hobtown, N.S.! Join us at the elite Knotty Pines school for some development and enrichment. Amateur Detective Club members Pauline and Brennan are sent to a winter camp for high achievers at Knotty Pines, but it soon becomes clear something is terribly wrong at the school and before they know it, the teen detectives have been enlisted by a ghost to help upend a centuries-old evil that dwells in the heart of Hobtown! Topics of discussion include Hobtown's penchant for surprise, the RPG-like elements of its growing mythos, and a show of appreciation for a very good website.

Covering Hobtown Mystery Stories vol 2: The Cursed Hermit by Kris Bertin (W) and Alexander Forbes (A).

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Visit the Hobtown website here: https://www.hobtown.com/

It's the comic book sequel to the beloved video game spin-off the beloved comic book! The Runners are getting bit by the Clementine bug as they wrap up their Tillie Walden miniseries. Clementine is trying to find a way to be happy in a world lost to a zombie apocalypse - and thinks she may have found it when she joins her new friend Amos on a trip to spend the winter building a homestead in the snowy mountain peaks of Vermont. Topics of discussion include the surprising corporate interlude in Walden's career, Walking Dead-mania, and what reddit thinks about Clementine. Plus, the Runners (almost) call an audible before an announcing their next miniseries and give their definitive Tillie Walden rankings!

Covering Clementine: Book One (2022) by Tillie Walden (W/A), Cliff Rathburn (C), and more.

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Grab the ambient discordant cover of your favourite road trip album and join the Runners in the depths of weird America as we dive into Tillie Walden's Are You Listening? Runaway teenager Bea and directionless twenty-something Lou are drawn together by a quest to reunite a lost cat with its family and bound together by the hurts and hopes they explore together along the way, all the while trying to stay a step ahead from the sinister government agents that want the cat for themselves. Topics of discussion include the book's rich symbolism, Walden's continuing growth with each project, and a brief recap of '90s anime icon Cybersix.

Covering Are You Listening? (2019) by Tillie Walden (W/A) and more.

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In space, no one can hear you... discover yourself and find the family you never you needed?? The Runners are taking on Tillie Walden's science fantasy epic/intimate romantic drama On A Sunbeam this week. During her years at a ritzy boarding school, Mia finds young love with mysterious loner Grace, but loses the opportunity to say goodbye when she's unexpectedly taken away. Working on a restoration and construction team years later, Mia finds the opportunity to finally get the closure she has been missing... or die trying! Topics of discussion include Walden's levelling up from her earlier work, her status as "the future of comics", and the Runners appetite for a Sunbeam sequel!

Covering On A Sunbeam (2018) by Tillie Walden (W/A). Read the book for free here: https://www.onasunbeam.com/

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The Runners are lacing them up to skate into Tillie Walden's name-making work, Spinning! Resident ice skating expert and sister of the pod Bethany is on hand to help navigate Walden's memoir of her adolescent years as seen through the lens of her time as a competitive figure skater. Topics of discussion include the difference between figure skating and ice dance, the intersection of form and feeling, and the extended Runner family's relationship with Canadian skating greats. Plus: Ben & Jen - are they built to last??

Covering Spinning (2017) by Tillie Walden (W/A)

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The Runners are breaking off a fresh miniseries! Join them at the start of indie sensation Tillie Walden's career with a sampling of her earliest work. In The End of Summer, sickly Lars and his royal family must endure the mental and emotional strain of weathering a three year long winter. In I Love This Part, two girls learn about love and heartbreak together. And in A City Inside, the whole span of a woman's life is laid out in lyrical imagery. Topics of discussion include Walden's influences and early grasp of storytelling, recurring themes and interests across her early work, and the requirements for enlisting in the Fail Army.

Covering The End of Summer (2015), I Love This Part (2015), A City Inside (2016) and material from Alone in Space (2022) by Tillie Walden (W/A).

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Who listens to the listen people? The Runners are putting the capstone on their Darwyn Cooke miniseries with his entries to DC Comics' embattled Before Watchmen line, Minutemen and Silk Spectre. The sparkly veneer of Golden Age superheroics is pulled back with Minutemen's meditation of the cost of doing good. Then, Silk Spectre takes on the San Fransisco of the Swinging Sixties as she finds her independence and stamps out an insidious drug kingpin along the way. Topics of discussion include the pitfalls of trying to build on Watchmen, Silk Spectre's "Solo: A Star Wars Story" syndrome, and the various applications of a big MFin' flamethrower. Plus, the Runners' definitive Cooke rankings and the next miniseries!

Covering Before Watchmen: Minutemen (2012) #1-6 and Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre (2012) #1-4 by Darwyn Cooke (W/A), Amanda Conner (W/A), Phil Noto (C), Paul Mounts (C), Jared K. Fletcher (L), Charlie Mangual (L), and more.

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The Runners are set up a string to take on the back half of Cooke's adaptations of the mean-talking, hard-hitting Parker novels. Despite his misgivings, Parker is drawn in by a plan for 12 men to rob an entire town in one night. Then, after a job goes sour, Parker finds himself trapped in a shut-down amusement park with only one way out: straight through the local syndicate and law enforcement! Topics of discussion include Amazon's forthcoming Parker media, Cooke's plans for future Parker, and whether or not Atlantis: The Lost Empire is good.

Covering Richard Stark's Parker: The Score (2012) and Richard Stark's Parker: Slayground (2013) by Darwyn Cooke (W/A), Scott Dunbier (E), and more.

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When Darwyn Cooke realized his dream of adapting Richard Stark's Parker novels into comics, the Runners podcasted about it. We move on to Cooke's loving translations of these crime classics to the graphic medium with the first two of his four adaptations, The Hunter and The Outfit. When professional thief Parker is double-crossed by his wife and partners and left for dead, everyone thinks he's gone for good... until he returns to New York to embark on a murderous quest for revenge and remuneration that will put him at odds with both his betrayers and New York's organized crime scene! Then, when the vendetta from the Outfit refuses to go away, Parker and some trusted colleagues undertake to show them just how dangerous a man who's not afraid to be a no-good rotten crook can be. Topics of discussion include the nature and influence of the Parker character, Scott Dunbier's unique niche in the comics industry, and what exactly Wolverine's catchphrase is.

Covering Richard Stark's Parker: The Hunter (2008) and Richard Stark's Parker: The Outfit (2009) by Darwyn Cooke (W/A), Scott Dunbier (E), and more.

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Let not your ears deceive you, dear listener - this is NOT a Snotgirl episode! The Runners are pushing through sickness to bring you Darwyn Cooke's take on Will Eisner's classic proto-superhero, The Spirit! Denny Colt came back from the dead as the Spirit and must now confront an old foe who has returned as something much darker – while taking time to foil a few plots and woo a few women with his signature panache along the way. Topics of discussion include Cooke’s political legacy, the timeless appeal of the Spirit, and the names of fictional Middle Eastern countries. Plus, the Runners consider the hobbies of a few noteworthy villains!

Covering Batman/The Spirit #1 and The Spirit (2007) #1-6 and #8-12 by Darwyn Cooke (W/P), J. Bone (I), Dave Stewart (C), Jared K. Fletcher (L), Jeph Loeb (W), and many more.

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The Runners are kicking it old school, going back to the days of space exploration, Cold War, and looming nuclear apocalypse with Cooke's signature work, DC: The New Frontier! Cooke reimagines DC's classic Silver Age debuting in the historical moments that aligned with their first appearances on the page and rallying together to oppose a sinister threat to all human life. Topics of discussion include test pilots as hero figures, the book's surprising lack of superheroes, and whether Ted Grant could beat Muhammed Ali. Plus, special guest appearances by Quentin Tarantino and JFK!

Covering DC: The New Frontier #1-6 and JLA: The New Frontier Special #1 by Darwyn Cooke (W/A), Dave Stewart (C), Jared K. Fletcher (L), and J. Bone (AA).

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The Runners launch a brand new miniseries this week as they roll up their sleeves to check off another Canadian icon the list: Darwyn Cooke! First on the docket are two of Cooke's early graphic novels in the Batman and Batman-adjacent world with a moody character study and a sleek heist thriller. Topics of discussion include Cooke's unorthodox path into comics, impressive handle on some of the most well-worn themes in Batman, and legacy and legend in the industry.

Covering Batman: Ego (2000) and Catwoman: Selina's Big Score (2003) by Darwyn Cooke (W/A), Jonathan Babcock (L), Matt Hollingsworth (C), and more.

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No need to search for the podcast that loves you like Lottie loves Caroline - you're already reading the description of one of its episodes! And what better way to prove our love than by closing down our Bryan Lee O'Malley miniseries with his first ongoing title, Snotgirl with Leslie Hung. Fashion blogger and influencer Lottie Person's seemingly perfect life threatens to fold like the house of cards it really is when she becomes entangled with her charismatic, capricious, and mysterious fellow blogger, Caroline. Topics of discussion include stories about charming, despicable people, the many targets of Snotgirl's satire, and David's Black Swan viewing experience. Plus, the Runners give their definitive and inarguable Bryan Lee O'Malley and announce the next miniseries!

Covering Snotgirl (2016) #1-15 by Bryan Lee O'Malley (W), Leslie Hung (A), Mickey Quinn (C), Rachel Cohen (C), Maré Odomo (L), and many more.

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The Runners are on to O'Malley's post-Pilgrim follow-up, the original graphic novel Seconds! Chef/nervous wreck Katie thinks she's found the solution to all of her problems and existential crises when a spirit gifts her a magic mushroom that allows her undo past mistakes. Topics of discussion include O'Malley's use of the nega-self motif, the freedom of doing the book after "The Book", and an inventory of forthcoming Marc Platt projects. Plus, Chris debuts a new impression!

Covering Seconds (2016) by Bryan Lee O'Malley (W/A), Jason Fischer (AA), Nathan Fairbairn (C), and Dustin Harbin (L).

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The Runners close the book on Scott Pilgrim with... a movie?! We tackle the cult classic film adaptation of the cult classic comic book series following Scott's quest to defeat Ramona's seven evil exes. Topics of discussion the film's potential alternate endings, actors who seem Canadian, and Bryan Lee O'Malley's role in the adaptation. Plus: how Top Gun: Maverick couldn't possibly be bad!

Covering Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010) by Edgar Wright (W/D), Michael Bacall (W), and many, many more.

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The Runners polish off O'Malley's forever-iconic opus with the last two volumes of Scott Pilgrim! Our Hero(tm) confronts his greatest enemies: Self-Absorption! Self-Loathing! A pretty popular music-producer-cum-club-promoter! Topics of discussion include the series' coalescing themes, underwritten exes, and the Runners sharing memories of their first cell phones.

Covering Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe (2009) and Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour (2010) by Bryan Lee O'Malley (W/A), Nathan Fairbairn (C), John Kantz (AA), and Aaron Ancheta (AA).

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The Runners continue their Pilgrimage with the middle two volumes of O'Malley's signature work, Scott Pilgrim! Scott and Ramona's relationship continues to prevail against the odds. Live shows, excruciating recordings, old friends, new jobs, hot summers, chilly dispositions, and of course, evil exes - these books have it all! Topics of discussion include inspirations for the Clash at Demonhead, whether or not the exes are actually killed when defeated, and which Toronto university is most likely to be Scott's alma mater.

Covering Scott Pilgrim and the Infinite Sadness (2006) and Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together (2007) by Bryan Lee O'Malley (W/A) and Nathan Fairbairn (C).

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Ring the Bonus Bell, it's time for a bonus ep! With David on the sidelines, Chris goes movie mode with returning guest Emilio Diaz and his cohost Cullen Atchley from the Cannes I Kick It podcast! The Honorary Runners close out the discussion of Marjane Satrapi with a discussion on her 2019 film Radioactive, adapted from Lauren Redniss's graphic novel of the same name. Topics of discussion include the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, National Hockey League mascots (okay, just one mascot), and what to make of Satrapi's directorial oeuvre.

Covering Radioactive (2019) by Marjane Satrapi (D), Jack Thorne (W), and many more.

The Runners are capping off their Marjane Satrapi miniseries with a combination discussion of her final comics work and sophomore film, Chicken With Plums! This is consistent! It makes sense! When Nasser Ali's prized tar/violin is broken and he is unable to find its equal, he resolves to die and spends the next 8 days reflecting on his family, loves, and art as he waits for death. Topics of discussion include Satrapi's transition from comics to film, the comparative strengths and weaknesses of the two mediums, and the story of the first time David saw Steve McQueen's Hunger. Plus, the Runners give their definitive Satrapi rankings and announce the next miniseries!

Covering Chicken With Plums (2004) by Marjane Satrapi (W/A) and Anjali Singh (T) and Chicken With Plums (2011) by Marjane Satrapi (D/W), Vincent Paronnaud (D/W) and many more.

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Got The Runs? More like Got The Reels! The Runners take their first ever leap to the silver screen to discuss Marjane Satrapi's directorial debut and adaptation of her graphic novel, Persepolis. Topics of discussion include the merits of Tubi, the artistic and narrative difficulties of adapting Persepolis as a film, and a troubling amount of Family Guy talk.

Covering Persepolis (2007), directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud.

"To speak behind others' backs is the ventilator of the heart." And so, in that grand tradition, the Runners continue speaking behind Marjane Satrapi's back with her second comics work, Embroideries! Embroideries sees Marji sitting down with family and close friends to exchange stories and share wisdom over warm cups of tea. Topics of discussion include the book's status as an overlooked classic, dick pic tips, and the ".5" entries of the Jackass series.

Covering Embroideries (2005) by Marjane Satrapi (W/A) with Anjali Singh (translation).

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Buckle up and hunker down for a new miniseries! The Runners are talking French-Iranian cartoonist and filmmaker Marjane Satrapi, and friend of the show Erik Stiller joins them to discuss Satrapi's seminal work, Persepolis! Topics of discussion include the thorny nature of Iran's political history, the state of the graphic memoir, and Erik's proclivity (or lack thereof) towards rock legend Steve Vai. 

Covering Persepolis Books 1 & 2 by Marjane Satrapi (W/A), Eve Deluze (L), Céline Merrien (L), Mattias Ripa (translation), and Blake Ferris (translation).

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The Runners take a breather between miniseries to get into Weird Archie mainstay (and childhood favourite) Jughead's Time Police! Riverdale's loveable layabout is conscripted into the Time Police to protect the fabric of time and space with Marshall January McAndrews. Topics of discussion include the essential elements of Jughead's character, the gamble of erecting statues to "truly great men", and how much peanut butter you could eat in a competition setting.

Covering material from Archie Giant Series # 590 & 602, Jughead (1988)#14 & 18, Jughead's Time Police (1990) #1-6, and Jughead (2015) #2 by Rich Margopolous (W), Nate Butler (W/I), Chip Zdarsky (W), Gene Colan (P), Doug Crane (P), Rex Lindsey (P), Erica Henderson (P), Jon D'Agostino (I/L), Barry Grossman (C), Bill Yoshida (L), and many more.

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The Runners conclude their Brian K. Vaughan miniseries with the final issues of BKV and Cliff Chiang's Paper Girls! Topics of discussion include the more portentious aspects of the Vaughnian Portentious Dream, the Runners' lingering unanswered questions, and Flowers in the Attic vs. Flowers for Algernon. Plus: the Runners' definitive BKV rankings and introduction of our next miniseries!

Covering Paper Girls #21-30 by Brian K. Vaughan (W), Cliff Chiang (A), Matt Wilson (C), and Jared K. Fletcher (L/D).

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2020s got you down? Take a trip back to the halcyon days of, uh, 11,706 BCE with the Runners as our BKV miniseries marches onward through Paper Girls! Topics of discussion include Apple, the books surprising plotiness, and the Beanematic Winkerverse.

Covering Paper Girls #11-20 by Brian K. Vaughan (W), Cliff Chiang (A), Matt Wilson (C), and Jared K. Fletcher (L/D).

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The Runners cap off their journey into BKV and Fiona Staples’ era-defining indie darling, Saga, with issues 37-54. Contentious takes abound, reader surveys are answered, and Ghus is fawned over. Topics of discussion include the balance between shock and emotion in character deaths, DC’s handling of the Watchmen characters, and an instantly outdated discussion of Saga’s three-year hiatus.

Covering Saga #37-54 by Brian K. Vaughan (W), Fiona Staples (A), and Fonografiks (L/D).

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The Runners unpack the second chunk of issues from Vaughan and Staples' mega-hit series. Topics of discussion include the hits and misses of Vaughan's comedic stylings, wrestling with how to do representation well, and the fine art of translating Gungan.

Covering Saga #19-36 by Brian K. Vaughan (W), Fiona Staples (A), and Fonografiks (L/D).

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The Runners are turning their gaze toward THE defining comic of the 2010s, BKV and Fiona Staples' imitable Saga! Join us for a very special After Dark(tm) episode as we cover the first third (so far) of one of the most popular comics ever. Topics of discussion include BKV's worldbuilding, Staples' non-traditional artistic approach, and Fard.

Covering Saga #1-18 by Brian K. Vaughan (W), Fiona Staples (A), and Fonografiks (L).

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The Runners' final episode on Ex Machina is here! Will their conclusion be as divisive as the book's? Listen and learn! Topics of discussion include the delicate art of the villainous turn, the dichotomous nature of the "To Hell With Hitler" guy, and Mitchell Hundred's closest real-world analogue.

Covering Ex Machina #35-50 and Ex Machina Special #3-4 by Brian K. Vaughan (W), Tony Harris (P/I), John Paul Leon (P/I), Jim Clark (I), J.D. Mettler (C), Jared K. Fletcher (L), and as always, many more.

We talk at you - talk back at us! Tweet at us @gottherunspod or email us at gottherunspod@gmail.com!