If you’re a comic book fan in search of a podcast that will offer you something new on the topic, The Runs is the show for you. Ryan Alexander-Tanner is a working cartoonist and educator who brings a practical perspective to discussions of highly regarded, as well as often overlooked, runs of comic books by a wide variety of creators. The guests pick the run – Byrne’s FF, Kirby’s 4th World, Hama & Wagner’s Nth Man – and, as often as not, find they are introducing the series to Alexander-Tanner. From there, the discussion ranges from nostalgic memories to analyses of how well the artists conveyed the narrative, with a range of topics in between. I really appreciate the fair but critical eye that Alexander-Tanner brings to the discussions, without it feeling dismissive, while also being open to the idea of changing his mind in response to points made by his guests. These conversations feel more true than some of the fawning hyperbole I get in other comic book podcasts, which is something I more than welcome. Plus, he’s discussed many favorites of mine, such as the Fourth World, Sandman (by Gaiman), and Nth Man. And who doesn’t need more Nth Man in their life?
