The Incomparable with After Dark Post-Shows

After Dark 376: After The Incomparable #141

Dan Benjamin — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:15:00 GMT

Jason, Scott, Lisa, and guest Guy English after The Incomparable's "Iron Man 3" episode.

The Incomparable 141: Tony Stark Wants the Credit

Jason Snell — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

Put on your high-tech suit of armor and join us for our discussion of "Iron Man 3." We talk about Tony's post-traumatic stress, his problematic relationship with technology, and his questionable choice to use remote armor to give a present to his girlfriend. We also discuss the pros and cons of the first two Iron Man movies, analyze how this film fits in as a post-"Avengers" story, and appreciate Tony's MacGyver moment.

After Dark 372: No More Merlins: Cut From The Incomparable #140

Dan Benjamin — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:30:00 GMT

Plenty of comics nerdery from The Incomparable's "House of M" episode.

The Incomparable 140: The Sublime Magicks of Exposition

Jason Snell — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

No more mutants! We discuss the 2005 Marvel Comics miniseries "House of M," in which writer Brian Michael Bendis gets to show off his love of meetings, Doctor Strange, and meetings chaired by Doctor Strange! Also, there's a crazy "What If?" style parallel universe, approximately a billion spin-offs, and in the cruelest twist, Peter Parker is briefly allowed to be happy. And finally there's a shocking finale that set the tone for mutant storylines up to the present day. Listen before the Scarlet Witch wishes this podcast out of existence!

Links for this episode:

"House of M" on Amazon

"House of M" on Comixology

Marvel Wiki: House of M

Wikipedia: House of M

After Dark 369: After The Incomparable #139

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 04 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Jason, Lisa, Ren, and guest David J. Loehr during and after The Incomparable #139. This may suffice as our "Star Trek V" episode.

The Incomparable 139: Flying Horse Angel People

Jason Snell — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:45:00 GMT

We delve into the children's literary classic "A Wrinkle In Time," by Madeline L'Engle, as well as its recent graphic-novel adaptation by Hope Larson. Why is there a brain on that table? What are the pros and cons of cooking dinner on a Bunsen burner for the average Super-Cool Science Family? Come for the Cold War allegories about communism, stay to talk religion with a bunch of nerds!

Links for this episode:

"A Wrinkle in Time" (the original novel)

"A Wrinkle in Time" (Hope Larsen graphic novel)

"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Published in 2010, this book is heavily influenced by "A Wrinkle in Time" and also won the Newberry.

Time Quartet (Wikipedia)

Video: "A Wrinkle in Time" in 90 seconds

Profiles: The Storyteller (The New Yorker)

A lengthy profile of L'Engle from 2004.

The Power and the Allegory

A Bookforum essay on L'Engle and "A Wrinkle in Time."

This episode brought to you by libraries.

The Incomparable 138: All Hail the Lion! (D&D part 2)

Jason Snell — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Bonus episode! Here's the (warning: UNEDITED) result of our second Dungeons and Dragons session. After some dithering in the local vicinity, we venture out into the desert to meet glass spiders and some really unpleasant green guys.

Links for this episode:

YouTube video version of this episode

Incomparable #135: Part one of our D&D game

Image: Initial encounter

Image: The Spiders Attack

Image: More Spiders

Image: Shattered Spiders

Image: Second Encounter

Image: Carlos leaps into the fray

After Dark 365: A Thing That Farted (The Incomparable #136-137)

Dan Benjamin — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:00:00 GMT

The Incomparable Gang before, during, and after our discussion of "The Phantom Menace."

The Incomparable 137: Go Wash a Droid

Jason Snell — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:45:00 GMT

We conclude our discussion of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." We discuss the merits of podracing, debate who the Jedi's version of Fonzie is, and grapple with tricky euphemisms. Plus, is the final lightsaber duel cool or just over-choreographed? And why is there a hall full of forcefields, next to a room with no guard rails? Party on, Darth! (Part 2 of 2.)

Links for this episode:

The Incomparable #136 - We Waited 16 Years For This?

They said it couldn't be done! They said it shouldn't be done! But here we are, talking about "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." Why are the Jedi such jerks? A little Jedi goes a long way. Also, the biggest letdown of John Siracusa's life to date, stupid droids, good actors being boring, text versus subtext, the merits of prequels in general, and why this is a movie that makes us dream... of a better movie. Exqueeze me?

The Incomparable 136: We Waited 16 Years For This?

Jason Snell — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:15:00 GMT

They said it couldn't be done! They said it shouldn't be done! But here we are, talking about "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." Why are the Jedi such jerks? A little Jedi goes a long way. Also, the biggest letdown of John Siracusa's life to date, stupid droids, good actors being boring, text versus subtext, the merits of prequels in general, and why this is a movie that makes us dream... of a better movie. Exqueeze me? (Part 1 of 2.)

Links for this episode:

Episode #46: I Like My Coffee Like My Evil Sith Lords

"Star Wars," the original film, is finally in our crosshairs, and if we can bulls-eye a Womp Rat we can take on this classic sci-fi film. We talk about our first memories of Star Wars, pretend the prequels didn't happen, give Cantina drink-ordering tips, and marvel at Darth Vader's coffee-drinking habits.

Episode #47: Death Star University

Continuing our discussion of "Star Wars," the original film. We praise the jump to hyperspace, explain why TIE fighter pilots wear black, ponder how Han and Leia somehow turn up in an Aaron Sorkin scene, reveal why there is no Space OSHA, comment on Ben Kenobi's old man slippers and incomparable pseudonym, and expose the rebellion so rich it can have its own university and mint its own medals.

Episode #67: Darth Vader's Office is Really Weird

Launch your probe droids and cut open your tauntaun! It's time for part one of our two-part discussion of "The Empire Strikes Back." Does Han Solo just want to be loved? Is Chewie sabotaging the Falcon on purpose? Why is snowy Hoth the setting? Why is Ben Kenobi a man of few words? Who's scruffy-lookin'? And what is the purpose for Darth Vader's clamshell office, anyway?

Episode #68: Jedi Weekend

Gather some bounty hunters and warm up the carbon freezer! It's time for the conclusion of our epic discussion of "The Empire Strikes Back." We dissect the evolution of the Han-Leia relationship, the truly playful nature of Yoda and the importance of Dagobah, Vader's agenda and his crunchy gloves, and Luke's continuing adventures with garbage.

Episode #88: Skywalker's Eleven

We tackle the last of the classic "Star Wars" trilogy, "Return of the Jedi." Why does Jabba the Hutt enjoy avant-garde wall hangings and '80s dance moves? Isn't it sad how Boba Fett goes out with a whimper? Are the alien languages in "Star Wars" too fake-sounding? And what's up with Leia's metal bikini?

Episode #89: Also Known as Endor

We wrap up our six-part series on the classic "Star Wars" movies with the climactic final half of "Return of the Jedi." We discuss how the Empire is ahead of the rebels every step of the way, question Luke's choice of forest camouflage, and explain why Ewoks are better unsubtitled. Also, how is Luke's journey to being a Jedi not like what you see in most action movies? Who is more heroic in the end, Luke or Vader? Why does the Emperor wait so long to show us his lightning fingers? Why are rebel ships equipped with fireworks? And is Endor the name of the moon, or the name of the planet the moon is orbiting, or both?

Episode #114: When You Wish Upon a Star Wars

Were we pranked, or did Disney really just buy Lucasfilm and announce a new Star Wars trilogy? We decided to just assume it's happening and record a live flash podcast about this unexpected turn of events.

The Incomparable 135: Total Party Kill

Jason Snell — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:30:00 GMT

Get out your 20-sided dice and join us in a game of Dungeons and Dragons. Scott McNulty is our DM. Jason, Ren, Dan, Steve, and Tony are our party. Things don't go well.

Links for this episode:

The Incomparable Plays D&D (Video)

The undedited Google Hangout version of our episode.

A map of our dungeon

After Dark 364: After The Incomparable #135

Dan Benjamin — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 04:45:00 GMT

Scott explains himself to Jason, Dan, Ren, Tony, and Steve.

After Dark 363: After The Incomparable #134: Apocalypse Edition

Dan Benjamin — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Jason, Lex, John, and Scott discuss apocalypse plans, plus there's a long outtake about the Hugo Awards.

The Incomparable 134: Obligatory Cannibalism

Jason Snell — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:15:00 GMT

Load your shotgun and gather your platonic apocalypse friends around you! It's time for us to discuss two books about the end of the world, Peter Heller's "The Dog Stars" and Cormac McCarthy's "The Road." Do names matter when the world has ended? We also revisit John Siracusa's doomsday plans (a moat is involved), Lex offers a depressing death plan, Jason extolls the virtue of dirty apocalypses, and Scott laughs it up from his apartment full of canned food.

Links for this episode:

"The Dog Stars" by Peter Heller

"The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

The Incomparable #82: Apocalypse Book Club

Our previous apocalyptic book club.

The Flop House podcast

Accidentally brought to you by Food in Jars, for all your doomsday food-preparation needs.

After Dark 362: Bonus Track: The Incomparable Radio Drama

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 04:45:00 GMT

Jason Snell, David J. Loehr, Serenity Caldwell, Glenn Fleishman, Steve Lutz, and Dan Moren discuss The Incomparable's radioplay special. Plus outtakes and the original read-through of "The Fog."

Links for this episode:

The Intergalactic Nemesis

Born in Austin, Texas, the world's first live graphic novel for the stage, produced radio-style with live sound effects and projections of drawing illustrating the story. A dizzy blend of Indiana Jones, the X-Files and Flash Gordon, it's got three episodes and it's on tour...

The Thrilling Adventure Hour

A staged, live radio production on stage at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles, with occasional trips to NYC and the Sketchfest in San Francisco. Great fun, part of the Nerdist Podcast Network. Check out the cast & special guest lists--you know these people. The show was created and is written by Ben Acker & Ben Blacker, who Dan might know from their years writing Supernatural. (But only Dan will know this.)

CMD-SPACE 036 - Creating a Radio Drama, with Jason Snell

This week Myke is joined by Jason Snell to discuss a recent episode of his podcast – The Incomparable – that took a step back in time, to the world of radio dramas.

The Fog! Fan art

Jumpin' Jupiter! text tone

The Incomparable 133: Incomparable Radio Theater of the Air

Jason Snell — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

How much do we love old-time radio dramas and full-cast audioplays? This much.

Links for this episode:

Our beloved author

Enhanced AAC podcast version

Get "DVD bonus track" commentary in the After Dark

The Incomparable 132: Kind of Like a Dinosaur

Jason Snell — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:45:00 GMT

Don't make us angry... you wouldn't like us when we're angry. Our Comic Book Club talks all things Hulk. We begin with a discussion of two She-Hulk series, by John Byrne and Dan Slott, and then move to talk about Proper Hulk, Gray Hulk, Red Hulk, Planet Hulk, Ruffalo Hulk, and more! Plus: What are we reading? (Jason gets really excited about "Hawkeye," who is not a Hulk.) And, other than being green, how is the Hulk like parsley? Channel your inner rage and listen to this episode.

Links for this episode:

Sensational She-Hulk (Byrne)

She-Hulk: Single Green Female

Planet Hulk

Hawkeye Vol. 1: My Life as a Weapon

Avengers: Avengers World Vol. 1

Ultimate Comics Ultimates Vol. 1

After Dark 359: Anime 101 Extra Credit

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:15:00 GMT

Jason, John, Tony, and Lisa before, during, and after The Incomparable 131.

The Incomparable 131: Professor Siracusa's Anime 101

Jason Snell — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT

John Siracusa assigns us two animated films from director Satoshi Kon, "Perfect Blue" and "Millennium Actress." Then we watch them! Featuring: What to look for in Anime tropes, blurring of reality and fantasy, when animation is better than live action, and the lovingly rendered start-up sequence of a Macintosh Performa.

Links for this episode:

"Perfect Blue" DVD

"Perfect Blue" (IMDB)

"Perfect Blue" (Wikipedia)

"Millennium Actress" DVD

"Millennium Actress" (IMDB)

"Millennium Actress" (Wikipedia)

Satoshi Kon (Wikipedia)

After Dark 355: After The Incomparable #130

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMT

A Tribble is not a Space Loofah! With Jason, Scott, Steve, and Tony.

Links for this episode:

"Jason of Star Command"

The Incomparable 130: And the Children Shall Lead (Star Trek TOS, part 2)

Jason Snell — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 17:45:00 GMT

Disconnect the intelligent computer that runs your entire planetary society, because it's time for the second half of our discussion of the original "Star Trek." What do today's kids think of this nearly 50-year-old show? We ponder the gender politics of splitting Captain Kirk (and a little dog in a weird costume) into good and evil halves. And what about the low standards of the Enterprise's Engineering department? Please listen: It will only take 71 of your Earth minutes! (Part 2 of 2.)

Links for this episode:

Star Trek: TOS Blu-Rays on Amazon

Nichelle Nichols and Barack Obama

John Hodgman at Washington Correspondents Dinner

After Dark 350: Before The Incomparable #129

Dan Benjamin — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:00:00 GMT

Jason, Scott, Steve, and Tony prepare to talk "Star Trek."

This podcast is brought to you by soda!

The Incomparable 129: Prescription Salad (Star Trek TOS, part 1)

Jason Snell — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:30:00 GMT

Lay in a course and set your phaser to stun! We discuss our favorite (and least favorite) episodes of the original "Star Trek" series. Was Dr. McCoy promoting vegetarianism? Why did Spock have such a lovely collection of hats? What does Bob Barker have to do with the Guardian of Forever? Join us as we boldly go where so many have gone before. (Part 1 of 2.)

Links for this episode:

Mission Log - Episode-by-episode Star Trek podcast

Star Trek: TOS blu-rays on Amazon

After Dark 347: Everything's Episodic! After The Incomparable #128

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:15:00 GMT

Jason, Dan, and Scott before and after The Incomparable #128.

The Incomparable 128: Bureaucracy Is Her Superpower

Jason Snell — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Cut off your thumb and send it to a friend just to see what grows! In this episode of our Book Club, we talk about Daniel O'Malley's modern supernatural fantasy novel, "The Rook." (We liked it a lot!) It's sort of about a supernatural version of Britain's MI-5, written by an American-educated Australian civil servant. Also: What are Scott, Dan, and Jason reading?

Links for this episode:

"The Rook" by Daniel O'Malley

"The Hall of Nearly Great"

"The Dog Stars" by Peter Heller

"Shadow Ops: Fortress Frontier" by Myke Cole

The Incomparable 127: Walking and Talking

Jason Snell — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 17:30:00 GMT

We convened on the Macworld Live stage at Macworld/iWorld 2013 to discuss the works of Aaron Sorkin. From "The West Wing" to "Sports Night," "The American President" to "The Social Network," it's all here.

After Dark 341: After The Incomparable #126

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 16:15:00 GMT

Jason S, Lisa, Jason B, and Moisés before and after The Incomparable #126.

The Incomparable 126: A Dark, Dark Narnia

Jason Snell — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Get out your magical key ring and prepare for our discussion of "Locke and Key" by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. It's a dark fantasy/horror comic with some touches of Stephen King, fitting since Joe Hill is Stephen King's kid! It's also really good. We drop some mild spoilers for Vol. 1, "Welcome to Lovecraft," which you should go buy right now. Plus: What comics are we reading?

Links for this episode:

Locke and Key, Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft (Amazon)

After Dark 337: Elf Hoverboard Incident (After the Incomparable #125)

Dan Benjamin — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:15:00 GMT

The Fellowship of the Incomparable has a few more things to say after recording more than two hours of stuff about "Lord of the Rings." They're punchy.

The Incomparable 125: Kiss the Elf

Jason Snell — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Our fellowship is sundered, as we wrap up our look at the "Lord of the Rings" movies with a discussion of our favorite (and some least-favorite) performances. Also, is Yoda better than Gollum? Who likes Orcs, anyway? Why does Liv Tyler make Jason want to go to the bathroom? And there are many, many endings. (Part 2 of 2.)