Surprise!

After some technical difficulties last year, last weekend for the third annual CEREBRO live show at FlameCon we did manage to pull the audio from the sound board. There are a few little hiccups, but overall I am really happy with the sound quality.

Here is a quick six-minute teaser of the full live episode, which has a runtime of 1:16:26 and is now available on the CEREBRO Patreon at the House of Zaladane tier ($5/month).

This year I was joined by friend of the pod Anthony Oliviera to talk about his new Marvel digital comic Avengers Academy, featuring the mutant character Escapade... and then generally tangent into other things, exactly as one might expect from me and Anthony Oliviera sitting on a stage together. At the halfway mark we pivot to a very fun Q&A segment.

This performance was recorded on August 17th, 2024 at the Sheraton Times Square in Manhattan.

Thanks to Tony for being my guest, to FlameCon for being my absolute favorite regional convention, and to everyone who attended the show. I wish the audience was more audible on the track! You were amazing.

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today I'm joined by Marvel writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing to discuss their new title NYX, which debuts today as part of the From the Ashes relaunch!

This new volume of NYX follows a cast of young mutants, including Kamala Khan, Sophie of the Stepford Cuckoos, David Alleyne, Victor Borkowski, and Laura Kinney, as they come to terms with the traumatic loss of Krakoa and try to find a new way forward in New York City. It's a lot of fun despite the heavy themes, and I really dug this first issue.

This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for NYX #1, so please read the issue before listening.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Happy New Year, Zalagang!

Today, for a special interview, Director Rand Hoppe and President Tom Kraft of the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center join the show to talk about their new crowdfunding project at Zoop: a hardcover collection of Jack Kirby and Wally Wood's full-color Sunday strips for Sky Masters of the Space Force (with writer Dave Wood).

A syndicated newspaper strip that launched in 1958, shortly after Sputnik 1 launched the space race in earnest, Sky Masters imagines the near future of the American space program.

Regular CEREBRO programming will resume soon. In the meanwhile, you can support the podcast on Patreon!

In Episode 29 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Sara Century don their finest spiked leather with Rachel Summers, the second Phoenix! As Scott Summers and Jean Grey's time-displaced daughter from the dystopian timeline called the Days of Future Past, Rachel offers the X-Men a terrifying glimpse of the worst-case scenario for mutants.

The CEREBRO character file on Rachel Summers begins at 1:07:33.

(Content Advisory: Rachel's story includes genocide, brainwashing, torture, slavery, and child abuse with sexual implications.)

In Episode 28 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Evan Narcisse dance the night away with Alison Blaire, the Disco Dazzler! Born from Marvel's failed first attempt at taking Hollywood by storm, Ali has struggled to find her spotlight in the years since.

The CEREBRO character file on Dazzler begins at 1:06:40.

(Content Advisory: Ali's story includes domestic violence, spousal abuse, drug addiction, miscarriage, and suicidal ideation.)

You can now support CEREBRO on Patreon at www.patreon.com/cerebrocast!

In Episode 27 of CEREBRO, Connor and ComicsXF critic Zach Rabiroff tackle the ten lives of Moira X! Dr. Moira MacTaggert was believed a human martyr for mutant rights — but the revelation of her true nature has shaken the foundations of the franchise.

The CEREBRO character file on Moira MacTaggert begins at 1:19:40.

(Content Advisory: Moira's story includes spousal abuse and rape.)

The episode cover features art of Moira X by Pepe Larraz. 

In Episode 26 of CEREBRO, Connor and 90s X-Men scribe Fabian Nicieza get their blood burning with Adam X, the X-Treme! A curiosity of the X-Men franchise, Adam Neramani was intended to be the long-lost brother of Cyclops and Havok, but wound up lost in comics limbo after Nicieza's departure. Now, 25 years later, that story will be told in the pages of the anthology series X-Men Legends.

The CEREBRO character file on Adam X begins at 54:41.

(Content Advisory: Adam's story includes brainwashing. This episode discusses plot points involving rape and enslavement.)

In Episode 25 of CEREBRO, Connor and Harvard Professor of English Stephanie Burt sail the high seas with Captain Kate Pryde, Red Queen of the Hellfire Trading Company! Best known as Shadowcat or Kitty, Pryde is the protagonist of much of the classic Claremont run, and has endured as a fan favorite. As the first explicitly Jewish superhero at Marvel Comics, she has often been the lens through which the minority metaphor of the X-Men was most refracted.

The CEREBRO character file on Kitty Pryde begins at 1:01:48.

(Content Advisory: Kitty's story includes grooming of a minor, suicide, torture, antisemitism, rape of another character, a weird alien pregnancy plot, and genocides including the Holocaust.) 

In Episode 24 of CEREBRO, Connor and bookseller Allison Senecal try to explain why you should like Havok! Alex Summers, Cyclops's volatile younger brother, has never quite managed to escape his elder's long shadow. Conflicted and insecure, he's a troubled man with an uncertain future.

The CEREBRO character file on Havok begins at 29:12.

(Content Advisory: Alex's story includes brainwashing, slavery, and parents grieving the loss of a child. This episode also discusses another character's suicidal ideation.)

In Episode 23 of CEREBRO, Connor and filmmaker Patrick Willems face the inner darkness, the anti-self: the mummudrai! Created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, Cassandra Nova — Professor Xavier's diabolical twin sister — is one of the few post-Claremont X-Villains to truly stand the test of time.

The CEREBRO character file on Cassandra Nova begins at 1:07:06.

(Content Advisory: Cassandra's story includes genocide, miscarriage, stillbirth, brainwashing, suicide, and the murder of children. This episode also refers to the Holocaust, 9/11, and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.)

The episode cover includes art of Cassandra Nova, Ernst, and No-Girl by Frank Quitely, Marc Silvestri, Carmen Carnero, and Phil Jimenez. 

Subscribe to Patrick Willems on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF1fG3gT44nGTPU2sVLoFWg

Here's our video from 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVb1utdCNy0

And the X-TENDED CUT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIAKWrPWYcc

Here's our video from 2020: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5lQw1X60eE

And the X-TENDED CUT of that one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWQomA2QtDs

In Episode 22 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Office Associate Editor Annalise Bissa hack into the history of Doug Ramsey, a.k.a. Cypher! Killed off in 1988 and not brought back til 2009, the omnilingual mutant is now an integral part of the franchise.

The CEREBRO character file on Cypher begins at 1:26:07.

(Content Advisory: Doug's story includes traumatic mind control. This episode also discusses characters with stories involving unequal power dynamics in romantic relationships, including relationships in which one party is underage, as well as the topic of child sexual abuse.)

In Episode 21 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Tim Platt (Rude Tales of Magic) salute a classic 60s X-Men villain: Mortimer Toynbee, the sniveling Toad! Their analysis of the misfit superhenchman... somehow becomes an expansive dialogue on masculinity. Who knew! 

The CEREBRO character file on the Toad begins at 46:27.

(Content Advisory: Mortimer's story includes abuse, a suicide attempt, sexually predatory behavior, and alcoholism.)

In Episode 20 of CEREBRO, Connor and Eisner Award-winning comics critic Corinne McCreery imagine a brighter future for Lorna Dane, the Mistress of Magnetism! Since her debut in 1968, Polaris has won many fans but also struggled to find her place in the franchise, even after she was revealed to be Magneto's long-lost daughter. 

The CEREBRO character file on Polaris begins at 44:02.

(Content Advisory: Lorna's story includes struggles with bipolar disorder, disordered eating, mind control, long-term possession, genocide, and a suicide attempt.)

In Episode 106 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Alex Abad-Santos just want to be popular with Laurie Collins, the wilting Wallflower! Created by Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, and Keron Grant as one of the new students in the 2003 relaunch of New Mutants, which evolved into New X-Men: Academy X, Laurie is a shy and reserved teenage girl terrified of social contact because her mutant pheromones make her feel like a predator. An interesting arc takes shape as she develops more control over her powers, but sadly she's swiftly killed off when the writing team changes in 2005.

But now, thanks to Krakoa, she's back!

The CEREBRO character file on Wallflower begins at 49:15.

(Content Advisory: Laurie's story hinges on the premise of sexual violence through mind control. This episode also discusses at length the student-teacher romance plot at the core of New Mutants vol. 2.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 19 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Valentine M. Smith analyze the X-Men's living computer, Sage! Introduced in 1980 as Tessa, a mysterious Hellfire Club attaché, a major retcon in 2001 revealed her to be one of Xavier's original students, kept apart from the X-Men and deployed as a spy.

The CEREBRO character file on Sage begins at 1:12:36.

(Content Advisory: Tessa's story includes sexual violence, sex trafficking, and torture.)

In Episode 18 of CEREBRO, Connor and author A.R. Moxon celebrate the mystical metamorph, Meggan! Introduced in 1983 as a supporting character in Captain Britain, the part-fae mutant Meggan (lately also called Gloriana) was a founding member of Excalibur and has always been a uniquely vibrant character in the X-Men mythos.

The CEREBRO character file on Meggan begins at 1:03:28.

(Content Advisory: Meggan's story includes antiziganism, unequal power dynamics in a romantic relationship, a romantic partner's alcoholism, and the rape of another character.)

The episode cover features art of Meggan by Alan Davis, Casey Jones, Mike Collins, and Marcus To.

In Episode 17 of CEREBRO, Connor and fantasy author Cass Morris (FROM UNSEEN FIRE, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT) have their psyches absorbed by the raucous Rogue! Introduced as a supervillain in 1981, the woman known only as Anna Marie has become one of the most popular members of the X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Rogue begins at 48:25.

(Content Advisory: Rogue's story involves sexual assault.)

In Episode 16 of CEREBRO, a HANUKKAH SPECTACULAR, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman become masters of magnetism! Introduced in 1963 as the X-Men's archenemy, Erik Magnus Lehnsherr — best known as Magneto — became the most famously Jewish character in comics. Reimagined by writer Chris Claremont as a tragic hero with a haunting backstory, he has ranged from the X-Men's greatest foe to their most vital ally. 

The CEREBRO character file on Magneto begins at 52:35.

(Content Advisory: Erik's story revolves around genocide. This episode includes frank discussion of the Holocaust, antisemitism, and Israel-Palestine.)

The episode cover features art of Magneto by Jack Kirby, John Romita, Jr., Phil Jimenez, and Pepe Larraz.

In Episode 15 of CEREBRO, Connor and comics critic Sara Century become fire and life incarnate! The only woman on the 1963 X-Men team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Jean Grey began publication as the danger-prone Marvel Girl. Under writer Chris Claremont she was reimagined as Phoenix, the most powerful superhero — and threat to the universe! — at Marvel.

The CEREBRO character file on Jean Grey begins at 49:12.

(Content Advisory: Jean's story includes brainwashing, rape, genocide, slavery, and suicide.)

The episode cover features art of Jean Grey by Jack Kirby, Werner Roth, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, Walt Simonson, Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, and Russell Dauterman. 

In Episode 14 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Tini Howard bow before Her Royal Whyness, Opal Luna Saturnyne, Omniversal Majestrix! Introduced in the relaunch of Captain Britain in 1981 as an interdimensional bureaucrat, Saturnyne and her counterparts on other worlds were integral to the classic run of Excalibur. She is now more prominent than ever before, and was the centerpiece of the recent franchise-wide event X of Swords.

The CEREBRO character file on Saturnyne begins at 1:08:30.

(Content Advisory: The story of Opal Luna Saturnyne, Courtney Ross, and Opul Lun Sat-Yr-9 includes genocide, sexual violence, gaslighting, brainwashing, and the grooming of a teenager.)

The episode cover features art of Saturnyne by Alan Davis and Pepe Larraz.

In Episode 13 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Gerry Duggan investigate the mystery man called Logan! Brusque and brutal, Wolverine debuted as a minor antagonist in 1974, but over the years became the most popular member of the X-Men, and one of the overall flagship characters at Marvel Comics.

The CEREBRO character file on Wolverine begins at 41:21.

(Content Advisory: Logan's story includes rape, suicide, child abuse, animal murder, brainwashing, non-consensual body modification, and torture.)

The episode cover features art of Wolverine by Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, and Barry Windsor-Smith.

In Episode 12 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Men Senior Editor Jordan D. White raise their swords to Brian Braddock! For many years the omniversal hero Captain Britain, he has now ceded that title to his twin sister Betsy and become Captain Avalon, his family's sworn protector.

The CEREBRO character file on Brian Braddock begins at 1:02:15

(Content Advisory: Brian's story includes alcoholism, brainwashing, and sexual violence.)

The episode cover features art of Brian Braddock by Herb Trimpe, Alan Davis, Mico Suayan, and R.B. Silva. 

In Episode 11 of CEREBRO, Connor and Pulitzer Prize-winning national security reporter Spencer Ackerman highlight the hubris of Hank McCoy, the bouncing, brilliant Beast! One of the original X-Men from 1963, Hank has never felt at ease with his mutation, and longs to assimilate. In recent years, his arrogance has led him down an ever-darker path. 

The CEREBRO character file on Beast begins at 27:37.

(Content Advisory: Hank's story includes body dysmorphia, the suicide of another character, war crimes, and genocide. This episode also features frank discussion of American and Israeli foreign policy.)

The episode cover features art of Beast by Jack Kirby, Kerry Gammill, Frank Quitely, and Janeth Bazaldua.

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 10 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Patrick Sullivan fête the many-faced mercenary Mystique! Raven Darkhölme first appeared in 1978 as Ms. Marvel's arch-nemesis, but after that book's cancellation became one of the most iconic X-Men villains.

The CEREBRO character file on Mystique begins at 41:28.

(Content Advisory: Raven's story includes violence against children, parental abandonment, emotional abuse, severe mental illness, and torture.) 

The episode cover features art of Mystique by John Byrne, Marc Silvestri, Steve Epting, Sean Phillips, Gus Vazquez, and R.B. Silva.

In Episode 105 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Anthony Oliveira become huge and unstoppable with Cain Marko, the jealous Juggernaut! Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Cain is the elder stepbrother of Charles Xavier, empowered by an ancient occult artifact and bent on destruction. One of the most famous X-Men villains, over time Cain became a fairly reliable ally, particularly under the character's signature writer Fabian Nicieza. He won the fan vote for this year's X-Men roster before the tragedy at the Hellfire Gala that launched Fall of X.

Cain is often teamed up with Black Tom Cassidy, whom many readers — and some writers, including Nicieza — have interpreted as his romantic partner, but to date this remains subtextual.

This episode is very long, very silly, a little spicy, and features a weirdly lengthy tangent about Broadway legend Julie Taymor.

The CEREBRO character file on Juggernaut begins at 3:22:45. (¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

(Content Advisory: Cain's story includes child abuse, including potential implications of sexual abuse.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 9 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Jay Jurden soar with the Angel! (Or the Archangel, depending.) Since his 1963 debut, Warren Worthington III has endured in the popular imagination through constant transformation.

The CEREBRO character file on Angel begins at 1:01:32.

(Content Advisory: Warren's story includes suicide, torture, gaslighting, brainwashing, and non-consensual body modification.)

The episode cover features art of Angel and Archangel by Jack Kirby, John Byrne, and Jim Lee. 

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 8 of CEREBRO, Connor kibitzes about Iceman with academic and Marvel writer Anthony Oliveira (War of the Realms: War Scrolls, Empyre: Emperor Hulkling)! One of the original X-Men from 1963, Bobby Drake is the only classic Stan Lee/Jack Kirby creation to be later established as a gay character. 

The CEREBRO character file on Iceman begins at 58:55. 

(Content Advisory: Bobby's story includes homophobia and racism from other characters. This episode also discusses outing and intra-LGBT tensions.) 

The episode cover features art of Iceman by Jack Kirby, Walt Simonson, Whilce Portacio, and Matteo Lolli. 

In Episode 7 of CEREBRO, Connor and Darcie Little Badger (one of the writers of the upcoming Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices anthology) tackle the many transformations of Dani Moonstar! One of the original New Mutants, Moonstar (usually called Mirage) has been on a wild and often winged ride since her debut in 1982.

The CEREBRO character file on Mirage begins at 18:27.

(Content Advisory: Dani's story includes racism, animal murder, the rape of another character, and an inappropriate sexual student-teacher relationship between two other characters. This episode also discusses genocide and colonialism.)

The episode cover features art of Mirage by Bob McLeod, Art Adams, Bret Blevins, Tony Daniel, Jim Cheung, Staz Johnson, and Rod Reis. 

In CEREBRO's first CROSSOVER EVENT, Connor and Jay Edidin of Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men (also writer of the recent X-Men: Marvels Snapshots) have an eye-opening chat about Scott Summers, a.k.a. Cyclops! A polarizing character, "Slim" has provoked strong opinions since 1963.

The CEREBRO character file on Cyclops begins at 30:04.

(Content Advisory: Scott's story includes child abuse at an orphanage, eugenics, suicide of other characters, and references to enslavement and implied rape of other characters. This episode also discusses disability politics.)

The episode cover features art of Cyclops by Jack Kirby, Dave Cockrum, Walt Simonson, Jim Lee, Frank Quitely, Chris Bachalo, and Leinil Francis Yu.

Some links to work mentioned by Jay on this week's episode:

The Essential Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men

Episode 287: Welcome to the Age of Apocalypse, designed as a jumping-on point for newbies to Jay & Miles.

Ruby Quartz Panic Room, a fanzine about Cyclops and neurodivergence.

In Episode 5 of CEREBRO, Connor and iconic fashion archivist Rashida Renée Ward celebrate Ororo Munroe, Beautiful Windrider, the Weather Witch, Goddess of the STORM! One of the most popular and celebrated X-Men, Storm changed the landscape of comic books forever when she debuted in 1975.

The CEREBRO character file on Storm begins at 33:27.

(Content Advisory: Ororo's story includes wartime atrocities and suicidal ideation. This episode also discusses racism, colorism, slavery, and the recent death of actor Chadwick Boseman.)

The episode cover features art of Storm by Dave Cockrum, Paul Smith, Jim Lee, Salvador Larocca, Alan Davis, Ron Garney, and Lucas Werneck.

In Episode 4 of CEREBRO, Connor and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist and editor Mattie Lubchansky are undeniably horny for Piotr Rasputin, the man of steel Colossus! A kind Soviet farmboy with an artist's heart, Piotr has been a major X-Men character since his debut in 1975.

The CEREBRO character file on Colossus begins at 25:25. 

(Content Advisory: Piotr's story includes suicide. This episode also discusses the AIDS Crisis.) 

The episode cover features art of Colossus by Dave Cockrum, Marc Silvestri, and one of the three pencilers of Excalibur vol. 1 #71.

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 3 of CEREBRO, Connor and culture writer Alex Abad-Santos swear their fealty to Emma Frost, the White Queen! An ice-cold femme fatale, Emma debuted in 1980 as a vicious villainess, but developed into a core member of the X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Emma Frost begins at 35:36.

(Content advisory: Emma's story includes involuntary institutionalization, sexual abuse, homophobic 'conversion therapy', substance abuse, survival sex work, animal murder, and genocide.)

The episode cover features art of the White Queen by John Byrne, Chris Bachalo, Phil Jimenez, Terry Dodson, and Russell Dauterman.

In Episode 2 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Daniel Kibblesmith (Loki, Lockjaw) celebrate the fuzzy blue elf: Kurt Wagner, best known as Nightcrawler! Since his 1975 debut, the debonair swashbuckler has been one of the most recognizable and beloved X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Nightcrawler begins at 13:41.

(Content advisory: Kurt's main love interest is his adoptive/foster sister, if that skeeves! This episode also discusses antiziganism and the Holocaust.)

The episode cover features art of Nightcrawler by Ed McGuinness.

In the inaugural episode of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Tini Howard talk Betsy Braddock: once Psylocke, now Captain Britain! Tune in for a deep dive on Betsy's wild 44-year publication history, and some exploration of Tini's work on Excalibur and the upcoming franchise-wide event X of Swords.

The CEREBRO character file on Betsy Braddock begins at 15:44. 

(Content advisory: Betsy's story includes sexual violence, brainwashing, slavery, and non-consensual body modification. This episode also features some discussion of racism and eating disorders.)

The episode cover features art of Betsy Braddock by Alan Davis, Marc Silvestri, Jim Lee, Kris Anka, Terry Dodson, and Marcus To. 

In Episode 104 of CEREBRO, Connor and Oh Gosh, Oh Golly, Oh Wow! co-host Dr. Anna Peppard (Supersex: Sexuality, Fantasy, and the Superhero) walk the Winding Way with Amanda Sefton, the devil-may-care Daytripper! Created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum in 1976 as a love interest for Nightcrawler, flight attendant Amanda was later revealed in a retcon to be a disguised figure from Kurt's past: his first love Jimaine, daughter and disciple of his foster mother, the powerful Romani sorceress Margali Szardos.

Despite a lot of interest from Claremont, some time as a member of Excalibur in the 90s, and a moment in the spotlight as the second Magik following the death of Illyana Rasputina, winsome witch Amanda has never managed to stick around as a consistent starring player.

Here is the longest conversation anyone has probably ever had about this character, in which Anna and Connor argue she should be a big deal.

The CEREBRO character file on Daytripper begins at 2:48:53. (I know. I know.)

(Content Advisory: Amanda's story includes racism and antiziganism, abusive parenting, torture, and a complex romantic relationship between foster siblings — which we get some people are just gonna find too weird!)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today, for a special interview, Vice President and Creative Executive at Marvel Ryan Penagos joins the show to talk about the new fitness app Marvel Move, a collaboration between Marvel and Zombies, Run! developers Six To Start.

Ryan was a major creative coordinator for this immersive game, which features an X-Men scenario, "Age of Orchis", written by friend of the pod Tini Howard.

Regular episodes of CEREBRO will return soon!

I'm in the middle of editing Amanda Sefton feat. Anna Peppard. It's a lengthy edit, because we went for... a while... but so far I'm very happy with it. Stay tuned!

In the meanwhile: you can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Hey there, Zalagang!

You've likely noticed, but a combo of scheduling issues and personal life stuff has led to a brief production delay.

The next regular episode of CEREBRO will be Amanda Sefton feat. Dr. Anna Peppard! It should be in your ears about two weeks from now. Trish Tilby feat. Patrick Sullivan will follow later in the month.

In the meantime, there will be new bonus content releasing on Patreon — and I'm publicly releasing this past April's CEREBRO Appendix bonus episode on Gosamyr feat. Jordan Blok! It's a fun sample of the joy awaiting you for just $5 dollars a month in the House of Z.

Thanks for your patience! More soon.

An odd and brief addition to the classic New Mutants, the glamorous Gosamyr spins a wanton web of chaos. She's a very sexy baby, and this is a very silly episode.

(Content Advisory: Gosamyr's story includes slavery, xenophobia, sexual violence, and allegorical reference to child sex abuse.)

The CEREBRO Appendix is a bonus episode series spotlighting characters who do not have a full Zaladane of 12 appearances, or who never get the personal focus that would merit a full episode of CEREBRO.

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today, returning guest Steve Foxe and I dig into his new title Dark X-Men, which debuted last week as part of the Fall of X event!

This episode contains SPOILERS for Dark X-Men #1, so please read the issue before listening.

This summer con season has been crazy, and I knew I wanted to have some bonus content to hold you all over between regular installments of the pod. I hope you enjoyed the episode with Gerry, and will enjoy this one with Steve — I'd love to incorporate more interviews like this into the world of CEREBRO as the show goes on.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Hi everyone! This morning, in a publicly-released CEREBRO Secret File, X-Men and Invincible Iron Man writer Gerry Duggan joins Connor for a postmortem on the cataclysmic events of this year's Hellfire Gala.

This episode contains SPOILERS for the giant-size one-shot released today, as well as for the epilogue in Invincible Iron Man #8, so please read both issues before listening.

(Content Advisory: A lot of upsetting stuff happens in this comic.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 103 of CEREBRO, Connor and Graymalkin Lane host Chad Anderson get lost in the woods with Calvin Rankin, the mercurial Mimic! Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby as an antagonist, arrogant power copier Cal briefly joined the X-Men in the 60s under writer Roy Thomas, but ultimately couldn't mesh with his classmates. Over the decades he's struggled to find a consistent role in the franchise, but his popularity was boosted a great deal by writer Judd Winick when the alternate Mimic of Earth-12 starred in the popular 2001 ongoing Exiles. In the years since, a few attempts have been made to bring Earth-616's Mimic to similar prominence, but none of them have really stuck. 

The CEREBRO character file on Mimic begins at 1:17:42.

(Content Advisory: Cal's story includes suicidal ideation, ableism, and substance abuse.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 102 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Jordan Blok pay homage to Nekra, Priestess of Hate! Created by Steve Gerber and Ross Andru as a nemesis for jungle heroine Shanna the She-Devil, mutant radical Nekra Sinclair instead became a recurring threat to the broader Marvel Universe. After moving to the X-Men franchise during Matt Fraction's 21st century tenure, she has found new prominence (and new dignity) in the Krakoa Era as one of the protagonists of Victor LaValle and Leonard Kirk's Sabretooth and its sequel Sabretooth and the Exiles.

The CEREBRO character file on Nekra begins at 1:53:10.

(Content Advisory: This episode discusses some very racist stories. Nekra's story also includes sexual violence, brainwashing, and slavery.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 113 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Kieron Gillen meet their maker with the mutant messiah, Hope Summers! Created as an infant by Mike Carey and Chris Bachalo, then developed extensively by writer Duane Swierczynski, baby Hope was the first mutant somehow born after the Decimation eradicated the future potential of the x-gene, and her prophesied birth made her a target from her first breaths. Quickly orphaned in a massacre and spirited away to the future by her adoptive father Cable, Hope had a number of false starts on her long messianic journey, but finally achieved her cosmic purpose on Krakoa.

This is also the afterparty for Kieron's remarkable second tenure on X-Men, and a salute to the First Krakoan Age.

Kieron's new creator-owned book The Power Fantasy is coming soon from Image Comics, and the final order cutoff date for issue #1 is today, July 15th! Call your local comic shop and ask for it by name.

The CEREBRO character file on Hope begins at 43:19.

(Content Advisory: Hope's story includes genocide, suicide, and the mass murder of infants. You know. Messiah stuff.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 101 of CEREBRO, the SEASON 4 PREMIERE, Connor and Head of X emeritus Jonathan Hickman extend a cautious hand to En Sabah Nur, the atrocious Apocalypse! Created by Louise Simonson, Walt Simonson, and Butch Guice as the central antagonist of 1986's X-Factor, the ancient immortal Apocalypse spent millennia worshiped by many names, secretly cultivating the mutant race.

After decades of publication in which the heroes fought his seemingly inevitable ascent to power — particularly when he took on the role of franchise big bad in the 90s — the Krakoan Age changed everything, with the character revolutionized by Hickman and his collaborator Tini Howard.

The CEREBRO character file on Apocalypse begins at 54:56.

(Content Advisory: Apocalypse's story includes slavery, genocide, suicide, torture, brainwashing, and involuntary body modification.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 5 of 5.

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 4 of 5.

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 3 of 5.

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 2 of 5.

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

A talented and iron-willed pilot bearing an eerie resemblance to the late Jean, Maddie proves herself as a dynamic individual in her own right and becomes Cyclops's first wife, the mother of his son Nathan Christopher — only to be abandoned once Jean returns. Attacked by the Marauders, who steal her baby and leave her for dead, she becomes a loyal ally to Storm's team of X-Men, even sacrificing her life alongside them in Fall of the Mutants to become the Outback Era team's tech-savvy Girl Friday. Sadly, still wounded by Scott's betrayal, she proves susceptible to demonic influence and becomes the twisted Goblin Queen, avatar of Limbo, whose quest to reclaim her child sends all New York spiraling into a fiery Inferno.

After her triumphant return in the Krakoan era in Hellions by Zeb Wells and Stephen Segovia, Maddie is set to star in Dark X-Men by Steve Foxe and Jonas Scharf, part of the upcoming event Fall of X.

The CEREBRO character file on Madelyne Pryor begins at 2:28:58.

(Content Advisory: Maddie's story includes torture, attempted infanticide, self-harm, suicide, and weird vibes with an alternate universe nephew. This episode discusses storylines featuring racism, slavery, and sexual violence.)

In Episode 99 of CEREBRO, Connor and living legend Chuck Austen (She-Ra, Steven Universe, The Draco) practice their bedside manner with the audacious Annie Ghazikhanian! The signature point-of-view character of the Austen run on Uncanny X-Men, Nurse Annie is prejudiced against mutants due to past trauma, but becomes the school nurse at Xavier's to help her mutant son Carter... and to follow her patient, Alex Summers, with whom she's unexpectedly fallen in love.

The CEREBRO character file on Nurse Annie begins at 50:03.

(Content Advisory: Annie's story includes domestic violence and an inadvisable nurse-patient romance. This episode also candidly discusses the Armenian genocide and the immediate aftermath of 9/11.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Hi everyone!

Some scheduling issues with the recording of Episode 99 will be delaying it a little while longer, so I wanted to provide a little extra content this week while I get that sorted.

First published on June 16th, 2022, this is the first episode of the CEREBRO Claremont Marathon, a readalong series I do on the Patreon. I read each issue aloud with my best funny voices and provide commentary when I think something is of interest.

This episode is a prelude: 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1, which technically isn't a Claremont story, but features some of his plot input and begins the sixteen-year run! This issue was written by Len Wein, drawn by Dave Cockrum, colored by Glynis Wein (née Oliver), and lettered by John Costanza.

If you like what you hear, please check out the rest of this series at for $5/month at patreon.com/cerebrocast! We're into the initial Phoenix Saga now.

I do feel the need to preemptively apologize to German listeners; I have been practicing my Nightcrawler voice a lot since this first recording and I am told it is much improved!!