We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Avengers Under Siege! Our host this week is Case Aiken!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

Introduction to Trade School & Host (00:00 - 00:30)

• Case Aiken welcomes listeners to the Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast.

• Announces discussion of the comic trade paperback Avengers: Under Siege.

• Overview of Avengers: Under Siege Story and Characters (00:30 - 02:25)

• Trade collects Avengers issues #270-271 and #273-277 from the 1980s.

• Focuses on the Masters of Evil's renewed threat to the Avengers.

Masters of Evil & Villain Roster Expansion (02:25 - 03:50)

• Led by Helmut Zemo, son of Heinrich Zemo, aiming to outsmart the Avengers.

• Villains recruited: Moonstone, Blackout, Wrecking Crew, and others.

️ Conflict Dynamics & Key Battles (03:50 - 05:30)

• Sub-Mariner temporarily absent due to Atlantis issues.

• Showcases especially powerful Goliath's fight and Hercules' near death experience.

Wasp's Leadership & Team Counterattack (05:30 - 07:10)

• Wasp gathers remaining Avengers for a counteroffensive.

• Scene depicting Captain America's grief over Zemo destroying his late mother's photo.

Significance & Influence on Marvel Lore (07:10 - 08:30)

• Story sets a turning point for the Masters of Evil.

• Direct precursor to the Thunderbolts series; many villains reinvented as Thunderbolts.

️ Availability & Format Considerations (08:30 - 08:38)

• Available on Marvel Unlimited platform.

• Trade paperback includes an insightful foreword detailing villain choices and cameos.

Character Highlights & Narrative Style (08:38 - 11:50)

• Moonstone praised as a standout villain—manipulative and complex.

• Emphasis on the Avengers being outpowered and outnumbered despite strong roster.

Personal and Storytelling Commentary (11:50 - 13:45)

• Appreciates fight sequences, especially Hercules's.

• Acknowledge story aging but still fun and important.

Host's Engagement & Call for Listener Interaction (13:45 - 15:40)

• Encourages subscribing, reviews, and listener submissions for the series.

• Promotes Certain Point of View's Patreon and Discord server for community interaction.

Upcoming Shows & Abschluss (15:40 - 16:20)

• Mentions potential new show about Superman called Men of Steel.

• Sign-off invitation for continued engagement.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about House of X / Powers of X! Our host is Derek Van Dyke from the Castle Bravo podcast!

Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

Outline

️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School and host Derek Van Dyke (00:00 - 00:30)

• Derek's credentials: editor, co-host of Godzilla series 'Castle,' and frequent collaborator with the network.

️ Background on writer Jonathan Hickman and his impact on Marvel Comics (00:30 - 01:09)

• Highlighted Hickman's notable runs on Fantastic Four (2010-2012) and Avengers up to 2016's Secret Wars.
• Compared Hickman to Brian Michael Bendis, emphasizing Hickman's bold and intricate storytelling style.

Introduction to the 'House of X' and 'Powers of X' miniseries launching the Krakoan Age (01:09 - 02:18)

• Launched late 2019, rewriting the decades-long X-Men status quo.
• Described as a timeline-dividing moment: before and after Krakoan Age.

Detailed synopsis of 'House of X' (02:18 - 03:00)

• Story of Professor X forming a mutant sovereign nation on Krakoa.
• Mutants unite as a nation with peace through trade, death dealt with differently.
• ⏳ Synopsis of 'Powers of X' (03:00 - 04:25)
• Complex narrative structured around four timeline points spanning from a universal origin to distant future epochs.
• Explores recurring extinction events of mutantkind by machine singularity, including alliances with alien Phalanx.

️ Combined impact of both series (04:25 - 05:08)

• Presents a paradoxical scenario of mutants having a utopia but also looming existential threats.
• The story provides hope along with paranoia, changing the X-Men narrative from ongoing struggle to a new phase.

Recommendation and closing thoughts (05:08 - 06:08)

• Encourages listeners to read the trade paperback for full story clarity and emotional payoff.
• Cautions against reading the out-of-order version on Marvel Unlimited.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth! Our host is Jim Fetters from the Long Live the Legion podcast!

Find him at https://www.certainpov.com/long-live-the-legion

Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US:

▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

▶ Website: https://www.certainpov.com

Outline ️

Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School & Speaker Introduction (00:00 - 00:00)

Jim Fetters introduces himself and the series, explaining the focus on discussing favorite comic book trade paperbacks. Background Story and Personal Connection to Arkham Asylum (00:00 - 01:23)

Jim shares his first encounter with Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth during college post-Batman '89 movie craze. Explaining how he invested limited funds into purchasing this landmark book and how it changed his perception of comics. Plot Overview of Arkham Asylum (01:23 - 02:39)

Explanation of the storyline where Batman must escape Arkham Asylum within an hour after inmates take over on April Fool's Day. Including the rogues' gallery of Batman villains like Joker, Two-Face, Black Mask, and others. Parallel origin story of Amadeus Arkham is introduced. Artistic and Symbolic Depth of the Book (02:39 - 05:32)

Description of Dave McKean's intricate art combining hand-drawn elements, paint, and photography. Alongside Grant Morrison's deep writing filled with symbolism, including paganism, tarot, Hebrew and Greek elements, occult references, and the significance of salt circles as binding spells. Influence of Historical Figures and Psychological Themes (05:32 - 06:57)

Appearance of characters such as Aleister Crowley and Carl Jung, emphasizing the book's psychological and occult layers. Highlights Gaspar Saladino's unique lettering for each character, enhancing the storytelling. Importance of Reading and Editions (06:57 - 08:15)

Recommendation to read the annotated edition for better comprehension of the myriad symbols and complex meanings embedded in the text and artwork. Cultural Impact and Legacy (08:15 - 09:49)

How the book influenced modern Batman writers and the narrative foundation it provided for the Rocksteady Arkham Asylum video game. Jim stresses its importance both for comic book and video game fans. Closing Remarks and Contact Info (09:49 - 11:23)

Jim invites listeners to reach out via Blue Sky or Discord to discuss the book and plugs the Long Live the Legion podcast as well.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Reckless! Our host this week is Lee Greger!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

Introduction & Context (00:00 - 01:24)

Lee Greger introduces Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast episode focused on comic book trade paperbacks.

Personal background context: Lee born in 1973, describes cultural and media influences growing up as an '80s kid.

Review of "Reckless" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (01:24 - 04:19)

Summary and analysis of Reckless by Brubaker and Phillips (started in 2020).

Main character Ethan Reckless as a private investigator with CIA past, set in Southern California near a beach.

Recommendation & Availability (04:19 - 05:43)

Lee recommends Reckless for fans of 80s noir, pulp detective novels, and similar TV shows. Notes that Image Comics produces these in 144-page hardcover trade editions, available on Amazon and retailers.

Additional Podcast Promotions & Wrap-Up (05:43 - 07:16)

Introduction of Case Aiken and Sam Alicea from "Another Pass" podcast focused on movie reviews—balancing fascination with flaws and constructive criticism. Brief announcement about the new show "We Have Issues" with hosts Keith and Josue, reviewing a wide range of new comics weekly.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about The Deviant! Our host this week is Keith Lehtinen!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School (00:00 - 00:01)

• Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School comic book review series and host Keith Lehtinen.
• Transition from early 2000s Marvel Youth Movement comics to a different theme.

Focus on 'The Deviant' (00:01 - 02:30)

• Focus on the comic book 'The Deviant' from Dark Horse Comics by James Tynan IV, with art by Joshua Hickson and lettering by Hasan Osmani Al Haou.
• Description of 'The Deviant' as a Christmas-themed murder mystery infused with queer themes and social commentary on prejudice.

Plot Overview (00:02 - 00:03)

• Plot overview without spoilers: Michael, the protagonist, investigates murders connected to a 1970s killer he admires; themes of queer identity, bigotry, love, and justice unfold.
• Praise for the masterful mystery plotting, complex and imperfect protagonist Michael, and the unpredictable tension sustained throughout the story.

Artistic Highlights (00:04 - 00:05)

• Artistic highlights including Joshua Hickson's use of shadows, colors, and realistic character expressions, and Hasan Osmani Al Haou's expert lettering that complements the horror tone.
• Strong recommendation for 'The Deviant' to fans of murder mysteries, true crime, and nuanced queer narratives, with a warning about graphic content.

Promotion and Community Engagement (05:25 - 07:03)

• Keith's promotion of his podcast 'We Have Issues' and social media presence on Bluesky, Instagram, and Certain POV network, including an invitation to join their Discord community.
• Discussion with Josue about a new weekly comic review show covering multiple publishers and brainstorming show name ideas emphasizing cleverness and pun potential.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about MoonKnight Vol. 9! Our host this week is J Kennedy!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

️ Introduction and Setting the Tone (00:00 - 01:32)

• Overview of Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast format.
• Introduction to Eight Ball, an eccentric Marvel character, and a standout line spoken by him to Moon Knight.

Positive Representation in Modern Moon Knight (01:32 - 04:41)

• The importance of reading Modern Moon Knight Volume 9 for its representation of DID and therapy.
• Mark's therapy portrayed as normal and wholesome, with emotional support from friends to maintain his sessions.

️ Visual and Artistic Merits of the Comic (04:41 - 06:13)

• Praise of the exceptional artwork in Modern Moon Knight and its sidebar in Modern Hulk.
• Exploration of moral complexity through a binary lens portrayed in the comic.

️ Thematic Exploration of Moon Knight and Khonshu (06:13 - 08:43)

• The complicated and strained relationship between Mark and Khonshu, the god figure.
• Portrayal of Khonshu as manipulative and not a positive force.

Recommendations and Conclusion (08:43 - 10:28)

• Strong recommendation to begin reading the series at Age of Khonshu and continue forward.
• Closing with a mention of another podcast—The Word From Tomorrow—which analyzes dystopian comics by Warren Ellis.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about We Stand on Guard! Our host this week is Jay McKiernan!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School Podcast and Host (00:00 - 00:30)

• Overview of podcast's theme: spotlight on comic book trade paperbacks.
• Host introduction: Jay McKiernan, also host of Long Live the Legion podcast.
• Choice of We Stand On Guard (00:30 - 01:20)
• Jay's intention to cover a non-DC, more contemporary comic.
• Book is 10 years old; appreciated as a shift from his usual subjects.
• Story and Premise Overview of We Stand On Guard (01:20 - 04:07)
• Setting: year 2124, future war between Canada and the United States.
• Catalyst incident: Drone attack on White House killing President and cabinet.

Creative Team and Artistic Merit (04:07 - 06:56)

• Writer: Brian K. Vaughan, acclaimed for series like Y: The Last Man, Runaways, Saga.
• Artist: Steve Skroci, Canadian, known for work on Matrix and V for Vendetta, compared to Jeff Darrow and Moebius.
• 🇨🇦 Cultural Significance & Canadian Perspective (06:56 - 10:06)
• Book features Canadian characters and setting, addressing the rarity of Canadian representation in comics.
• Explores Canadian-American relationship – likened to a 'little brother' relationship with the U.S.

️ Themes and Final Recommendation (10:06 - 12:47)

• Exploration of resistance against a more powerful foe.
• Ethical and existential questions around sacrifice and truth.