Wednesday Toast: A Podcast About Comic Book Stuff

Lex and Simon

Wednesday Toast is your weekly comic book podcast hosted by Lex (@WednesdayPull) and Simon (@Sime_On_Toast). From reviews and creator spotlights to comic movie breakdowns, we dive into the best (and weirdest) parts of comic culture. Formerly Wednesday Pull List. New name, same love for all things comics. New episodes every Wednesday!

  1. MAR 5

    Wednesday Toast Saves Milestone Comics!

    **Full Disclosure:** The title of this episode is a joke. We are fully aware that we are just two idiots talking about comics on a podcast. Nothing in this episode is meant to take away from the wildly talented creators, writers, artists, and editors who have carried the Milestone legacy for decades. The people working on these characters know the history, the industry, and the realities of publishing far better than we ever could. This episode is simply us speaking as fans and imagining what we might do in a completely hypothetical, make believe scenario with unlimited creative control. Our respect goes out to everyone who has helped build and continue the Milestone legacy. Episode Summary: In this episode of Wednesday Toast, Lex and Simon dive into a passionate discussion about Milestone Comics, Static Shock, and the current state of Black superheroes in the comic book industry. After the recent push from fans to support a new Milestone release, the conversation turns into a larger discussion about representation in comics, corporate influence, and the challenges Black characters face within major publishers like DC Comics. Milestone Comics has always held an important place in comic book history. Created to bring authentic representation and diverse storytelling into the superhero genre, characters like Static, Icon, Rocket, and Hardware helped shape conversations about diversity in comics. But decades later, many fans still feel these characters are not given the same long term support or marketing as other major heroes. Lex and Simon break down the complicated relationship between Milestone Comics and DC Comics, including how publishing deals, marketing strategies, and corporate decision making can impact which characters get pushed and which ones struggle to gain traction. The discussion also explores why independent and creator owned publishers like Image Comics have become an attractive alternative for many creators looking for creative control. The episode also features a hypothetical and completely fan driven conversation about what Lex and Simon might do if they had full creative control over the Milestone universe. From rethinking how Static Shock could lead a modern comic universe to exploring how independent publishing models could help these characters grow, the conversation becomes a deep dive into the future potential of Milestone Comics. Along the way, the hosts also discuss nostalgia in comics, the modern comic speculator market, and why long term storytelling is essential for building new fan favorite characters. If you are a fan of Milestone Comics, Static Shock, DC Comics, independent comics, or discussions about the future of the comic book industry, this episode is for you. Topics discussed in this episode:Milestone Comics and its legacyStatic Shock and the impact of the animated seriesBlack superheroes and representation in comicsThe relationship between Milestone Comics and DC ComicsIndependent publishing and creator owned comicsMarketing strategies in the comic book industryWhy new comic characters need time to developThe comic book speculator market Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Black comic books02:42 The state of Black representation in comics05:11 Milestone Comics and its legacy07:47 Creative control and the future of Milestone10:03 Corporate decisions and Black characters12:43 Exploring alternatives to DC's publishing model15:17 Why stories need time to breathe17:50 Supporting independent Black creators22:02 Corporate influence on comic creation25:44 The future of Milestone Comics29:33 New storytelling approaches34:18 Nostalgia and comic book market trends39:52 The comic speculator market Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions.

    49 min
  2. FEB 25

    Wednesday Pull Revisits Static for Black History Month

    Episode Summary:This week on Wednesday Toast, Lex (@wednesdaypull) continues the Black History Month rewind series by revisiting a past episode spotlighting a milestone Black comic book character and creative team. Originally released as Episode 90, this rewind features a discussion of Static Volume 1, the groundbreaking series published by Milestone Media in partnership with DC Comics. Static follows Virgil Hawkins, a teenager whose life changes after exposure to a chemical incident grants him electromagnetic powers. Rather than being born a hero, Virgil grows into one while navigating responsibility, identity, and the realities of his environment. The character was co-created by Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle, with early work by Robert L. Washington III and John Paul Leon. Static debuted in 1993 and quickly became one of Milestone’s most influential characters. Beyond the comic review, this episode captures Lex and Simon in a looser, less edited conversation as they talk collecting, toy photography, comic shop challenges, and the importance of supporting local businesses and comic creators. It is a snapshot of the show in its earlier days and a reminder of how community driven comic culture has always been. This rewind episode highlights why Static remains such an important figure in comics and why revisiting Black creators and characters continues to matter. Collects Static #1–4. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keywords Black History Month, comic books, Static, community engagement, comic creators, YouTube, podcasting,Static Shock, Milestone Media, Milestone

    1h 6m
  3. FEB 18

    Wednesday Pull Revisits Killadelphia for Black History Month

    Episode Summary: This week on Wednesday Toast, Lex (@wednesdaypull) is revisiting the archives for Black History Month with a rewind episode. Originally released as Episode 87, this episode features a full review and discussion of Killadelphia, the horror noir series written by Rodney Barnes with art by Jason Shawn Alexander. The story follows Jimmy Sangster, a small town beat cop who returns to Philadelphia to bury his murdered father, a respected city detective. What begins as a personal loss quickly unravels into something far more disturbing as Jimmy uncovers a city overrun by corruption, violence, and vampires. Philadelphia, once a symbol of liberty, has fallen into decay. As the mystery deepens, Jimmy discovers the source of the outbreak is none other than John Adams, secretly alive and building an undead army to ignite a new and bloodier American revolution. This rewind episode is a reminder of why Killadelphia stands out as a bold, socially charged horror series and why revisiting Black creators and their work matters, especially during Black History Month. Collects Killadelphia issues #1–6. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keywords Black History Month, comic books, Killadelphia, community engagement, comic creators, YouTube, podcasting

    1h 6m
  4. FEB 14

    Wednesday Pull Revisits Bitter Root for Black History Month

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Wednesday Toast, WednesdayPull reflects on Black History Month and shares experiences from a recent meet and greet with Comic Drake. The conversation transitions into a discussion about the comic 'Bitter Root', its significance, and the host's plans to create YouTube content. The episode revisits an old review of the first volume of Bitter Root. "Bitter Root Volume 1: Family Business." Once known as the greatest monster hunters of all time, the Sangerye family specialized in curing the souls of those infected by hate. But those days are fading. A terrible tragedy has claimed most of the family, leaving the surviving cousins divided between by the desire to cure monsters or to kill them. Now, though, there’s a new breed of monster loose on the streets of Harlem, and the Sangerye family must either come together or watch the human race fall to untold evil. Created by DAVID F. WALKER and SANFORD GREENE, the creative team of Power Man and Iron Fist, along with indie veteran CHUCK BROWN (Trench Coats, Cigarettes and Shotguns). Collects BITTER ROOT #1-5 Takeaways This month is dedicated to celebrating Black creators in comics. Meet and greets can be surprisingly impactful experiences. Engaging with fans can inspire new creative endeavors. 'Bitter Root' is a significant comic worth revisiting. The host plans to explore YouTube as a new platform. Community interactions can lead to deeper discussions about comics. Reflecting on past reviews can provide new insights. The podcast aims to connect listeners with comic culture. Future episodes will continue to explore important comic themes. Feedback from listeners is encouraged for future content. Sound Bites "I am your Black History host." "Meet and greets always are weird to me." "It was such a surreal experience." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Black History Month and Comic Culture 02:06 Reflections on Comic Dre and Community Engagement 03:13 Exploring 'Bitter Root' and Its Significance CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keywords Black History Month, comic books, Bitter Root, Comic Drake, community engagement, comic creators, YouTube, podcasting

    1 hr
  5. FEB 5

    Black History Month Spotlight: The Creators Who Changed Comics

    Episode Summary: Happy Black History Month! This week, Lex flies solo (while fighting off the flu) to kick off a series spotlighting Black creators who have shaped, are shaping, and will continue to redefine the comic book industry. From the revolutionary foundation of Milestone Media to the modern mastery of "Bitter Root" and the rising reign of Stephanie Williams, we’re looking at why new perspectives are the only way the industry truly evolves. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: THE FOUNDATION: Dwayne McDuffie & Milestone Media Why Milestone wasn't just another indie label—it was a revolution. Moving beyond "sidekick" status to fully realized, lived-in heroes. The legacy of Virgil Hawkins and why "Static Shock" still resonates today. THE BLOOM: David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, & Sanford Green Why "Bitter Root" is Lex’s "required reading" for every comic fan. The concept of "healing the hate" vs. just hunting monsters. Sanford Green’s expressive art style and its impact on modern storytelling. THE FUTURE: Stephanie Williams Taking overlooked IPs and giving them undeniable weight. How her run on "Nubia" turned a footnote into a Queen. Why her work on "Street Sharks" and "Shuri" feels personal, not like an assignment. NOTABLE STATISTICS & CONTEXT: MILESTONE'S IMPACT: Founded in 1993, Milestone Media was a pioneer in Black-owned comic ventures. Before this, industry representation was significantly lower; historical data shows that for decades, Black characters appeared in less than 5% of mainstream lead roles. THE BITTER ROOT SUCCESS: "Bitter Root" is a critical powerhouse. The series won the Eisner Award (the "Oscars of Comics") for Best Continuing Series in both 2020 and 2022, proving that creator-owned, culturally rich stories can dominate the industry's highest honors. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS' ASCENT: A writer who has quickly become a cornerstone of modern DC and Marvel. Her work on "Nubia" successfully revitalized a character that had been largely sidelined for nearly 50 years, turning her into a lead Queen of the DC Universe. RESOURCES & RECOMMENDATIONS: Read: "Static" (Milestone Media/DC) Read: "Bitter Root" (Image Comics) — Lex’s #1 Recommendation! Read: "Nubia: Queen of the Amazons" by Stephanie Williams Check Out: "The Dakota Incident" (New History of the DC Universe) CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:Check out @WednesdayPull on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts for deep dives all month long. Find Lex on Threads or Blue Sky to share your favorite Black creators! Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    19 min
  6. JAN 29

    Wonder Man: The MCU Series I Didn't Know I Needed

    Episode Summary: @WednesdayPull navigates a personal slump and the weight of current events before pivoting to a deep dive into Marvel’s latest experiment: Wonder Man. The episode examines how the series uses Hollywood satire and character-driven storytelling to breathe new life into a post-Endgame MCU. Takeaways: Production Context: The host opted for a solo session after a brief hiatus; the series dropped as an eight-episode binge. The "Post-Endgame" Shift: Discussion on how Marvel's evolution has altered viewer expectations. Meta-Commentary: The show shines as a satire of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Strengths: Refreshing, natural humor and standout character development for a lesser-known hero. Critiques: Notable pacing issues, particularly regarding the series finale.The Big Picture: Why Marvel should continue taking risks and the role of entertainment as a necessary distraction.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Host's Reflections 05:18 – Wonder Man Release & Initial Thoughts 09:18 – Character Development & Standout Performances 12:41 – Meta Commentary & Industry Themes 17:23 – Pacing, Structure, and the Finale 22:16 – Final Thoughts & Broader ImplicationsMemorable Quotes: "I lost it at some point.""I really enjoyed it.""Marvel can take risks." How to Connect: Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keywords: Wonder Man, Marvel, MCU, comic books, character development, current events, podcast, entertainment, storytelling, Hollywood satire

    22 min
  7. JAN 21

    Midlife Crisis or Creative Renaissance? From Scripts to Substack

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Wednesday Toast, Lex reflects on the recent finale of My Hero Academia and the mixed reception of Stranger Things. He discusses the culture of critique in media, emphasizing the importance of constructive criticism while also acknowledging the joy that fandom can bring. Lex shares his personal creative journey, detailing his plans to write scripts, collaborate with other creators, and engage with his audience through Substack and YouTube. He expresses excitement for upcoming projects and the importance of supporting various creative endeavors. Takeaways The importance of maintaining a consistent podcast schedule. Fandom can bring joy and whimsy, even in critique. Constructive criticism is essential for creative growth. Engaging with the audience through various platforms is key. Personal creative journeys can be fulfilling and rewarding. Collaboration with other creators can enhance projects. Substack is a useful tool for organizing content and updates. YouTube can serve as a platform for sharing insights and experiences. It's important to support different facets of creativity. Finding joy in the creative process is paramount. Sound bites "I just didn't want to miss a week." "I thought it was a lot of fun." "I want to take it slow and do it right." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wednesday Toast 00:16 Reflections on My Hero Academia and Stranger Things 01:45 The Joy of Fan Theories 03:58 Criticism in Creative Works 08:02 Personal Creative Journey and Projects 12:24 Upcoming Comic Book Ventures 17:17 Substack and New Content Initiatives 19:38 The TMNT Fan Club and Future Plans 28:59 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors How to Connect: Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Simon (@Sime_On_Toast) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keywords comic books, Stranger Things, My Hero Academia, critique culture, creative journey, Substack, YouTube, podcasting, TMNT, storytelling

    33 min
  8. JAN 15

    The End of an Era: My Hero Academia Finale Deep Dive

    Episode Summary:After years of following the journey from UA High to the front lines of a superhuman war, the guys finally sit down to process the emotional conclusion of My Hero Academia. We explore how the show evolved from a "peppy" school-life anime into a tragic exploration of how society creates its own monsters. We also compare the "academic" hero journey of Deku to the "blue-collar" hero workforce of One Punch Man, discuss the heartbreaking parallels between the series' greatest heroes and villains, and share why characters like Eraser Head and Lemillion stole the show. IN THIS EPISODE: The Evolution of MHA: How the show transitioned from lighthearted classroom antics to a high-stakes, emotional war. Shigaraki vs. Deku: A deep look at "Nature vs. Nurture" and the tragic backstories that define the final arc. The "Workforce" Perspective: Why One Punch Man feels like the logical "adulthood" progression from the school-focused world of MHA. Heroism & Sacrifice: Discussing the "gut-punch" moments involving Eri, Lemillion, and the relentless Eraser Head. The Manga Gateway: How to use high-quality storytelling to get the next generation of "smooth brains" (aka our kids) into reading. TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro and the "Token Tax" tangent.05:15 - Why it was finally time to talk the My Hero Academia finale.08:15 - THE HERO COMPARISON: School days (MHA) vs. the workforce (One Punch Man).12:00 - Using Manga to trick your kids into reading.18:00 - THE MHA DEEP DIVE: Sime’s journey to being emotionally wrecked on an elliptical.24:30 - THE TRAGEDY OF THE VILLAIN: Analyzing Shigaraki’s trauma.29:00 - Why Eraser Head is the "Batman" of the MHA universe. MHA vs. ONE PUNCH MAN: THE QUICK TAKE My Hero Academia: Focuses on growth, legacy, and the education of a hero. It’s the journey of becoming an adult. One Punch Man: Focuses on the workforce. Heroes are government employees dealing with bureaucracy, paychecks, and boredom. How to Connect: Follow us on all social platforms for podcast updates. Visit our Patreon for additional content and episodes. Subscribe to "Wednesday Toast" on all platforms for future reviews and discussions. How to Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your podcast platform and share feedback. Spread the word about "Wednesday Toast" to fellow nerds! Consider supporting us on Patreon! Credits: Hosts: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Simon (@Sime_On_Toast) Producer: Lex (@wednesdaypull) Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/pollypocketmusic⁠⁠⁠ Keywords My Hero Academia Finale, MHA Ending, My Hero Academia Review, One Punch Man, One Punch Man Season 3, Anime Podcast, Shigaraki Backstory, Deku vs Shigaraki, Eraser Head, Lemillion, Solo Leveling, Manga vs Anime, Superhero Society, Shonen Jump, The Wednesday Toast, Wednesday Pull, Sime on Toast, Anime Analysis, Hero Association, UA High

    1h 26m
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Wednesday Toast is your weekly comic book podcast hosted by Lex (@WednesdayPull) and Simon (@Sime_On_Toast). From reviews and creator spotlights to comic movie breakdowns, we dive into the best (and weirdest) parts of comic culture. Formerly Wednesday Pull List. New name, same love for all things comics. New episodes every Wednesday!