iFanboy: Don't Miss - Comic Books Podcast

Aric of Dacia readies to meet the Vine at its very root on the planet Loam. But before taking on Planet Death, this man out of time, must defend a world far removed from his own Visigoth heritage. Aric is the first man to wield the armor of the X-O Manowar, and he’s Earth’s last line of defense against an alien invasion force who desperately want that weapon back. This week we speak to writer Robert Venditti about capturing the voice of a displaced Visigoth and leading Valiant’s vanguard into the modern day. X-O Manowar #9 Writer Robert Venditti Art by Trevor Hairsine 32 pages/Color/$3.99 Music: “Primitive Notion” New Order

The female super hero of the Marvel Universe takes to the skies for this first issue of a new story arc and a perfect jumping on point for new readers with Captain Marvel #9. Writer Kelly Sue Deconnick comes to talk about the ride with this ongoing solo character series so far, her take on the character and what readers can expect from this issue. We also get into the visual look of Captain Marvel and Kelly Sue’s thoughts on her various artistic collaborates, as well as just what is going on with her hair…you know, the important issues. Captain Marvel #9 Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick Art by Felipe Andrade Colors by Jordie Bellaire Cover by Jamie McKelvie Music: The Mother We Share CHVRCHES

Punch it, Chewie! We kick off 2013 with a big Don't Miss dedicated to a very big book. Writer Brian Wood takes us back to a time long ago in a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars #1, an all new story set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back! The Death Star is in pieces, but the Rebel Alliance is still holding itself together with duct tape. Darth Vader gets demoted! Leia hops into an X-Wing! And the family tree is still a little shady. Join us as we talk to Wood about his larger-than-life 2012, the decision to take this iconic licensed property adjectiveless, Disney's acquisition of LucasFilm, and the bounty of Wookiepedia. STAR WARS #1 Written by Brian Wood Art by Carlos D'Anda Colors by Gabe Eltaeb Cover by Alex Ross Music: "Star Wars Main Title Medley/Rebel Blockade Runner" John Williams

Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore absolutely demolished expectations with the loser-to-bruiser mini-series The Strange Talent of Luther Strode. Now they and their masked juggernaut are back for the next chapter with this week’s The Legend of Luther Strode #1. The lanky teenager we met a year ago has more than mastered the training techniques from that mail order fitness program. He bulked up and lost nearly everything he cared about in the process. Five years on, the legend of his abilities–and just how he’s putting them to violent use–has spread. Who’s taken an active interest in our troubled hero, and what is their endgame? We spoke to writer Justin Jordan about the method to the mayhem. What does he hope to say about the ubiquity of violence in comics and about power fantasies in general? What does tomorrow hold for Luther and those he loves? Hold a bag of frozen peas to your noggin and press play. The Legend of Luther Strode #1 (of 6) Written by Justin Jordan Art by Tradd Moore Color by Felipe Sobreiro Letters by FONOGRAFIKS 32 pages/Color/$3.50 Image Comics Music: “Spoilin’ for a Fight” AC/DC

Jim Shooter chronicled the psionic tug-of-war between Peter "Sting" Stanchek and the enigmatic Toyo Harada for over 40 issues in the early 90s. Nearly 20 years later, Valiant Entertainment is back, and with it, an all new interpretation of Harbinger. We spoke to series writer Joshua Dysart about his new vision for the iconic struggle between two impossibly powerful men equipped with the full range of telekinetic abilities. In each new issue of the "Renegade" arc, starting with this week's Harbinger #6, latent fans will meet Peter's allies in the war against Harada's ubiquitous corporation and its legion of psionic warriors. We'll also see the Valiant universe as its never been seen before, rendered by a new artist each chapter. And, geez, what a sensational list of artists it is. Things are about to get mental. Writer: Joshua Dysart Penciler: Phil Briones Cover Artist: Mico Suayan, Matthew Clark $3.99/32 pages ALL-NEW ARC! From out of the ashes – RENEGADES! After a crushing defeat at the hands of his would-be mentor, Peter Stanchek lies critically wounded and the only person who can save him is the person that hates him the most – his childhood love Kris Hathaway. As Harada’s Eggbreaker strike force closes in, the helpless Peter wonders if he is going to find forgiveness at Kris’s door – or unbridled vengeance. But when Faith returns as the superhero she’s always dreamed of being, the game is going to change for everyone involved… Music: "The Hive" Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Original Soundtrack) Michael McCann

Continuing the parade of new series from Image Comics, Great Pacific #1 is this week’s entry into the world of new comics that you should be checking out. Writer Joe Harris joins us to talk about the inspiration for Great Pacific, an enormous ecological phenomenon currently happening in the Pacific Ocean, which launches this tale that combines science fiction, adventure and a little political intrigue. Fans of near present sci-fi will definitely want to give Great Pacific #1 a read. Great Pacific #1 Written by Joe Harris Art by Martin Morazzo Image Comics $2.99 Music: “Between Pacific Coasts” The Promise Ring

We turn now to old Eternia in the wake of bloody civil war. Who is the cloaked terror who stalks the kingdom, hellbent on reclaiming the throne of his birthright, thirsty for righteous vengeance against his own kin? How did he earn his gruesome death’s mask? What sinister motivations roil within the grim skull of Skeletor? Just in time for Halloween, we sit down with Joshua Hale Fialkov to unveil the secret history of your toy chest’s most twisted despot. Why is Frank Langella so angry? What does it all have to do with Ingmar Bergman’s Wild Strawberries? The answers just might rock your skull. Masters of the Universe: The Origin of Skeletor #1 Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov Art by Frazer Irving Cover by Frazer Irving Color/32 pages/$2.99 DC Comics Music: “The Veil of Isis” The Sword

GSend in the Clown Prince of Crime! A year after losing face in the pages of Detective Comics #1, the Joker returns to Gotham with grim new purpose in Batman #13. Writer Scott Snyder drops by to psychoanalyze Arkham’s favorite son, delving deep into the Joker’s twisted relationship with the Dark Knight. What stories inspired Snyder and artist Greg Capullo’s vision of the iconic villain? What is Joker’s true endgame as he plots the “Death of the Family?” Crank up the nitrous oxide, kick back, and listen to the madness. Batman #13 Written by Scott Snyder Art by Greg Capullo, Janathan Glapion, FCO Backup story by James Tynion IV DC Comics – $3.99 Music: “Send in the Clowns” Barbara Streisand

Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko have been showing readers new sides of the Planet of the Apes for quite a few issues now. In Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #2, an ongoing series, they get to really explore the Ape society in depth and it feels like they're just starting to scratch the surface of this property, which hasn't even begun to wear out. You don't need to have read that which came before, or even seen the movies to dig this story of strife among the apes, and what can only be some kind of forthcoming... cataclysm. Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #2 Written by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko Art by Damien Couceiro BOOM! Studios - $3.99 Music: Main Title - Planet of the Apes Original Soundtrack Jerry Goldsmith

One of 2012′s most anticipated comics, Happy! #1, combines the writing of Grant Morrison with the art of Darick Robertson to bring us a modern Christmas story in a way that only Morrison and Robertson could dream up. Meet Nick Sax, a down on his luck ex-cop who, after a hit goes wrong, finds out his fate is tied in with a flying blue horse named Happy! If that isn’t enough to get you on board, than I don’t know what you’d need. We chat with Grant Morrison about the origins of Happy! and what his thoughts on creator owned work and Christmas movies. Happy! #1 Written by Grant Morrison Art by Darick Robertson Image Comics – $2.99 Music: “Happy” Ned’s Atomic Dustbin