My Marvelous Year

I’ve been listening and reading along for a few years now, and I’ve read from the beginning up to 1986. This podcast has allowed me to finally enjoy some of the early classics I’ve always heard about (Lee/ditko Spider-Man, coming of galactus, kree/skrull war) and even discover some runs/characters that I never knew of or thought I would like (panther’s rage, Shang-chi, Luke cage, search for eternity). After reading a comic that I like or love it’s always fun to get Zack’s and Dave’s (and eventually charlotte - can’t wait for her origin story) takes on the comics, including some historical context and little tidbits about the creators. Even if I hate one or more of the comics (secret wars 2 🤮) I can get some catharsis out of you guys dunking on them and making me laugh. I’ve gotten so much enjoyment out of the comics and the podcasts so thank you so much. I’ll leave you with this - my favorite run I read with you so far has got to be miller’s daredevil (thanks for including the entire run, it was well worth it); the run that surprised me the most was panthers rage, which I liked so much I was inspired to get a physical copy; and the run I disagree with you the most was Kree/skrull war, which I thoroughly enjoyed and thought it was the most interesting the avengers had ever been at that point, begins the vision/scarlet witch romance, brings ant-man back into the fray, and adds a ton of cosmic world building. I was disappointed to hear you both were bored by it but I’m so glad I got to read it. Keep up the great work! -Jason

Zack is from an alternate dimension and like can’t understand the most basic plot points. Otherwise an amazing podcast! EDIT: Zack addressed this complaint on an episode so it’s only fair I address back! That was a really good response. I genuinely don’t think about pacing when it comes to comics which explains the large different in how we read and interpret stuff. I still disagree with a lot of his takes, but I know understand where he’s coming from and it was like, a concise answer. A very good explanation of his viewpoint that I respect greatly. Raising the podcast review to five stars and my enjoyment has genuinely increased greatly now that I understand this about the host. Also Trans Rights! So that people know I’m not some weirdo right wing jerk. A friend mentioned I came off a bit reactionary so like want to clear the air on that lol. Should have sent this during pride so I could end this with “You’re arguing with a queer woman? During pride??” Thanks to all the hosts for literal years of entertainment.

This podcast has been a fantastic companion on my comic book journey. For the past year and a half, I’ve worked my way from Fantastic Four #1 through to 1989. Marvel’s universe can feel overwhelming. You can jump in anywhere across its 60+ year history and still enjoy it, but for me, having the historical context before diving into modern comics felt important. The podcast provides an approachable way to explore each year of Marvel’s history and it’s consistently entertaining. Every episode teaches me something new and makes me laugh (like out loud). I haven’t shed tears directly because of the podcast (yet), but some of the comics we’ve covered have definitely gotten me misty-eyed. Whenever I start to burn out, it’s comforting to know that Zack and Dave have done the reading for me and I can just listen to the episode. It always seems to rekindle my enthusiasm. It’s an excellent show and has truly been one of the highlights of my past 18 months.

Once again, despite the constant campaign to unfairly malign him, Zack stands at the ready to strike back against the dead eyed dogmatism that threatens to enslave the world of comics at every turn. No matter how it shocks Dave, Zack refuses to bow to the growing hordes of the comic book consensus and I will stand by his side through every battle. Charlotte’s there doin her thing too. Zack, I will always and forever ride for you. Zack did not say “teenage girlfriend to protect”, he said “teenage girl FOR HIM to protect”. End of Story. Signed, Boris the Baddie from slack.