CEREBRO (Connor Goldsmith)

In Episode 53 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Terry Blas (Reptil) stretch themselves with Angelo Espinosa, the cynical Skin! A regular cast member in the 90s title Generation X, moody Los Angeles teen Angelo fled the world of street crime to become one of the students at the Massachusetts Academy. The least-developed of the core Gen X team, he was unceremoniously killed off after that book's cancellation in the Chuck Austen run on Uncanny X-Men, and has only returned recently in the Age of Krakoa. 

The CEREBRO character file on Skin begins at 43:07.

(Content Advisory: Skin's story includes body dysmorphia and racism.) 

In Episode 27 of CEREBRO, Connor and ComicsXF critic Zach Rabiroff tackle the ten lives of Moira X! Dr. Moira MacTaggert was believed a human martyr for mutant rights — but the revelation of her true nature has shaken the foundations of the franchise.

The CEREBRO character file on Moira MacTaggert begins at 1:19:40.

(Content Advisory: Moira's story includes spousal abuse and rape.)

The episode cover features art of Moira X by Pepe Larraz. 

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today I'm joined by beloved friend of the pod Spencer Ackerman for a very special bonus episode: a discussion of his new ongoing title Iron Man!

The first arc of this new run picks up from Gerry Duggan's finale, following Tony Stark as he struggles to recover from a catastrophic injury — while also fending off a hostile takeover by the nefarious board of directors Feilong appointed in his absence. It features stunning art by Julius Ohta and a cavalcade of glamorous supervillainesses. I loved it.

This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Iron Man #1, so please read the issue before listening.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 31 of CEREBRO, Connor and Angélique Roché (Marvels' Voices, Women of Marvel) adapt to their surroundings with Armando Muñoz, the ever-evolving Darwin! Created in the controversial retcon story Deadly Genesis, Darwin has nonetheless endured as a fan favorite.

The CEREBRO character file on Darwin begins at 1:11:50.

(Content Advisory: Armando's story includes child abuse, attempted suicide, and medical experimentation.)

Hey there, Zalagang!

You've likely noticed, but a combo of scheduling issues and personal life stuff has led to a brief production delay.

The next regular episode of CEREBRO will be Amanda Sefton feat. Dr. Anna Peppard! It should be in your ears about two weeks from now. Trish Tilby feat. Patrick Sullivan will follow later in the month.

In the meantime, there will be new bonus content releasing on Patreon — and I'm publicly releasing this past April's CEREBRO Appendix bonus episode on Gosamyr feat. Jordan Blok! It's a fun sample of the joy awaiting you for just $5 dollars a month in the House of Z.

Thanks for your patience! More soon.

An odd and brief addition to the classic New Mutants, the glamorous Gosamyr spins a wanton web of chaos. She's a very sexy baby, and this is a very silly episode.

(Content Advisory: Gosamyr's story includes slavery, xenophobia, sexual violence, and allegorical reference to child sex abuse.)

The CEREBRO Appendix is a bonus episode series spotlighting characters who do not have a full Zaladane of 12 appearances, or who never get the personal focus that would merit a full episode of CEREBRO.

In Episode 29 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Sara Century don their finest spiked leather with Rachel Summers, the second Phoenix! As Scott Summers and Jean Grey's time-displaced daughter from the dystopian timeline called the Days of Future Past, Rachel offers the X-Men a terrifying glimpse of the worst-case scenario for mutants.

The CEREBRO character file on Rachel Summers begins at 1:07:33.

(Content Advisory: Rachel's story includes genocide, brainwashing, torture, slavery, and child abuse with sexual implications.)

In Episode 91 of CEREBRO, Connor and aerospace engineer Kaetun Khlynne spotlight two related characters: Eden Fesi, the magnificent Manifold, and his mysterious mentor — the cleverman known only as Gateway!

Aboriginal teleporter Gateway was an essential part of the 80s Outback Era during Chris Claremont's X-Men run, but his opaque nature meant he was always relegated to the role of supporting character. Jonathan Hickman and Stefano Caselli's creation Manifold carries on Gateway's legacy while being a more active and narratively central character, currently appearing in Caselli and Al Ewing's X-Men Red.

The CEREBRO character file on Manifold & Gateway begins at 1:27:12.

(Content Advisory: Eden and Gateway's stories include racism, colonialism, slavery, brainwashing, and genocide. This episode candidly discusses, from a survivor's perspective, the real world genocides in Australia and Rwanda.)

You can aid in the ongoing struggle of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders by donating to ANTaR or one of the other charities described here. Kaetun also personally recommends this homeland preservation effort throughout Africa.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 118 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel/DC writer Josh Trujillo (What If? Gambit, Blue Beetle, Wiccan and Hulkling) play a game of thrones with the liberal Lilandra Neramani, Majestrix Shi'ar! Created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum as the primary love interest for Charles Xavier, alien princess (and sometime empress) Lilandra became a major player in intergalactic politics and a frequent friend — but sometimes foe — of the X-Men. Her assassination in the 2009 cosmic event War of Kings was a devastating blow to social progress in the Shi'ar Imperium, but in recent years her daughter by Charles, Xandra, has taken the throne and worked to finally realize the reforms her mother championed.

The CEREBRO character file on Lilandra begins at 51:27.

(Content Advisory: Lilandra is the ruler of an imperial state built on conquest and slavery. She tries to improve things from within, but there's a lot of rough stuff in here. This episode also discusses current events in America and — without going into detail — the sexual misconduct allegations against Neil Gaiman.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 7 of CEREBRO, Connor and Darcie Little Badger (one of the writers of the upcoming Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices anthology) tackle the many transformations of Dani Moonstar! One of the original New Mutants, Moonstar (usually called Mirage) has been on a wild and often winged ride since her debut in 1982.

The CEREBRO character file on Mirage begins at 18:27.

(Content Advisory: Dani's story includes racism, animal murder, the rape of another character, and an inappropriate sexual student-teacher relationship between two other characters. This episode also discusses genocide and colonialism.)

The episode cover features art of Mirage by Bob McLeod, Art Adams, Bret Blevins, Tony Daniel, Jim Cheung, Staz Johnson, and Rod Reis. 

In Episode 90 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Jordan Blok mourn for Melody Jacobs, the theatrical Threnody! Created by Fabian Nicieza and Richard Bennett, tragic Thren's mutation attunes her to death around the world, driving her dangerously insane. After a memorable arc in early 90s X-Men, she became Nate Grey's love interest in the ongoing series X-Man — until her cruel power dragged her into the darkness.

The CEREBRO character file on Threnody begins at 1:56:35.

(Content Advisory: Thren's story includes racism, ableism, body horror, traumatic pregnancy, and the murder of an infant.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 93 of CEREBRO, Connor and TTRPG writer/MENA scholar Khaldoun Khelil ascend to the astral plane with Amahl Farouk, the Shadow King! Introduced as the ultimate evil telepath, the Shadow King was steadily developed into the grand antagonist of the franchise until Chris Claremont's abrupt departure in 1991. After a few decades of haphazard publication, the character recently found unexpected new life in Vita Ayala and Rod Reis's run on New Mutants.

The CEREBRO character file on the Shadow King begins at 37:38.

(Content Advisory: Amahl's story includes racism, brainwashing, slavery, attempted suicide, and lots of other unpleasant things!)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 35 of CEREBRO, Connor and MODOK on Hulu co-creator Jordan Blum let down their barriers with Sally Blevins, the slippery Skids! Introduced in Louise Simonson's classic run on X-Factor, teen runaway Skids wants nothing more than a home and a family, but — overshadowed by other characters in her age group — she rarely catches a break.

The CEREBRO character file on Skids begins at 1:15:17.

(Content Advisory: Sally's story includes child abuse, domestic violence ending in murder, and brainwashing. This episode also discusses a story where an infant is murdered.)

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In Episode 106 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Alex Abad-Santos just want to be popular with Laurie Collins, the wilting Wallflower! Created by Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, and Keron Grant as one of the new students in the 2003 relaunch of New Mutants, which evolved into New X-Men: Academy X, Laurie is a shy and reserved teenage girl terrified of social contact because her mutant pheromones make her feel like a predator. An interesting arc takes shape as she develops more control over her powers, but sadly she's swiftly killed off when the writing team changes in 2005.

But now, thanks to Krakoa, she's back!

The CEREBRO character file on Wallflower begins at 49:15.

(Content Advisory: Laurie's story hinges on the premise of sexual violence through mind control. This episode also discusses at length the student-teacher romance plot at the core of New Mutants vol. 2.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 12 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Men Senior Editor Jordan D. White raise their swords to Brian Braddock! For many years the omniversal hero Captain Britain, he has now ceded that title to his twin sister Betsy and become Captain Avalon, his family's sworn protector.

The CEREBRO character file on Brian Braddock begins at 1:02:15

(Content Advisory: Brian's story includes alcoholism, brainwashing, and sexual violence.)

The episode cover features art of Brian Braddock by Herb Trimpe, Alan Davis, Mico Suayan, and R.B. Silva. 

In Episode 46 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Kendra James rise from the grave with Everett Thomas, the supportive Synch! Marked for leadership early in the run of the 90s title Generation X, likable power-copier Everett was tragically killed in the final arc of the book. 18 years later, he was resurrected in the Age of Krakoa by writer Jonathan Hickman, and now stars in Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz's relaunch of the X-Men flagship title.

The CEREBRO character file on Synch begins at 1:01:20.

(Content Advisory: Everett's story includes brainwashing. This episode also discusses racism, racial profiling, and police violence against Black men.)

In Episode 15 of CEREBRO, Connor and comics critic Sara Century become fire and life incarnate! The only woman on the 1963 X-Men team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Jean Grey began publication as the danger-prone Marvel Girl. Under writer Chris Claremont she was reimagined as Phoenix, the most powerful superhero — and threat to the universe! — at Marvel.

The CEREBRO character file on Jean Grey begins at 49:12.

(Content Advisory: Jean's story includes brainwashing, rape, genocide, slavery, and suicide.)

The episode cover features art of Jean Grey by Jack Kirby, Werner Roth, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, Walt Simonson, Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, and Russell Dauterman. 

In Episode 4 of CEREBRO, Connor and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist and editor Mattie Lubchansky are undeniably horny for Piotr Rasputin, the man of steel Colossus! A kind Soviet farmboy with an artist's heart, Piotr has been a major X-Men character since his debut in 1975.

The CEREBRO character file on Colossus begins at 25:25. 

(Content Advisory: Piotr's story includes suicide. This episode also discusses the AIDS Crisis.) 

The episode cover features art of Colossus by Dave Cockrum, Marc Silvestri, and one of the three pencilers of Excalibur vol. 1 #71.

In Episode 44 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Alex Segura soak up the sun with Roberto da Costa, the sensational Sunspot! An original New Mutant, biracial Brazilian babe Beto inherited his father's fortune and continued into X-Force in the 90s. After a stint as Lord Imperial of the Hellfire Club, he eventually joined the Avengers under writer Jonathan Hickman.

The CEREBRO character file on Sunspot begins at 53:42.

(Content Advisory: Beto's story includes racism and brainwashing.)

To celebrate the launch of Knights of X this coming Wednesday, I've decided to share this Patreon bonus episode with the world! This was originally published on April 1st for the House of Zaladane tier ($5/month) at patreon.com/cerebrocast

In this CEREBRO Secret File, Tini Howard chats with me about the end of Excalibur, the upcoming sequel Knights of X, her current run on Catwoman, and much much more. 

Please make sure you pick up Knights of X #1 this week, and preorder #2 at your local comic shop! We are in an unprecedented printing crisis and preorder numbers matter more than ever right now. I love this book and I think you will too.

In Episode 80 of CEREBRO, Connor and science writer Jordan Blok spin with Spiral, Mistress of the Wildways! Best known as Betsy Braddock's nemesis and Longshot's biggest hater, the wicked time-dancing sorceress was eventually revealed via retcon to be the tortured future self of a decidedly sympathetic character: Longshot's first love, the plucky human stuntwoman Ricochet Rita.

The CEREBRO character file on Spiral begins at 1:07:20.

(Content Advisory: Rita's story includes violence against animals, torture, brainwashing, pregnancy loss by another character, and lots of involuntary body modification.)

Thanks to ComiXology for sponsoring the pod! You can sign up for a free trial here.

In Episode 78 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Steph Williams (Nubia and the Amazons) scrub in for surgery with Dr. Cecilia Reyes! Created by Scott Lobdell and Carlos Pacheco, Cecilia is a young Afro-Puerto Rican resident hiding her mutant power, with no interest in being a superhero. After a brief tenure with the X-Men she's mostly been relegated to a supporting role, but recently has become the primary medical expert on Krakoa.

The CEREBRO character file on Dr. Reyes begins at 1:12:50.

(Content Advisory: Cecilia's story includes genocide and medical atrocities in a death camp, because the 2002 Weapon X series simply cannot help itself. We also discuss the suicide of another character.)

Thanks to ComiXology for sponsoring the pod! You can sign up for a free trial here.

In Episode 96 of CEREBRO, Connor and DC/Marvel writer Josh Trujillo (Blue Beetle: Graduation Day, Wiccan and Hulkling) get creative with the formidable Forge! Created by Chris Claremont and John Romita, Jr., Cheyenne shaman Forge rejected his people to use his mutant power of invention in the service of the American government. After devising a power nullifier, Forge became one of Storm's most prominent love interests — and, at times, her enemy. He's currently a regular cast member in Gerry Duggan's X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Forge begins at 1:42:17.

(Content Advisory: Forge's story includes racism and severe mental illness.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 92 of CEREBRO, Connor, journalist Eoin Higgins, and Connor's laryngitis toast to Thomas Cassidy, the bombastic Black Tom! The black sheep of Clan Cassidy and devoted partner of the Juggernaut, Tom has been a constant thorn in the side of his cousin Banshee. After decades as an antagonist, he has found new heroic purpose on Krakoa in Ben Percy's X-Force.

The CEREBRO character file on Black Tom begins at 1:09:09.

(Content Advisory: Tom's story includes implied homophobia, ableism, and ethnic prejudice. This episode discusses the Irish Troubles.)

Thanks to Backblaze for sponsoring the pod this month.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the GALAXY-SIZE Episode 108 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Jordan Blok arm up for bird season with the marvelous Mam'selle Hepzibah! Created by Dave Cockrum and Chris Claremont, Hepzibah is the femme fatale of the Starjammers, the Shi'ar galaxy's most notorious space pirates and freedom fighters. An escaped slave who dedicated her life to rebellion against her former oppressors in the Imperium, Hepzibah is also the paramour of Corsair, Christopher Summers — long-lost father to Cyclops, Havok, and another guy it later turns out.

Also, she's a skunk person. She's Cyclops's sexy skunk alien stepmother. This is Connor and Jordan's nine hour skunkstravaganza.

This is Part Two! Start with Part One, or check out Patreon for the complete Extended Skunkery Mix.

(Content Advisory: Hepzibah's story includes racism, slavery, genocide, sexual violence, torture, and a lot of other very heavy stuff.)

In Episode 37 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Steve Orlando get bad to the bone with the Morlock Sarah Rushman*, better known as Marrow! A breakout character of the late 90s, the rebellious and grisly Marrow's rising star quickly flamed out, but she's endured as a fan favorite.

The CEREBRO character file on Marrow begins at 26:58.

(Content Advisory: Sarah's story includes genocide, child abuse, sexual violence, torture, a non-consensual pregnancy termination, brainwashing, and general body horror.)

* NOTE: At the time this episode was recorded and published, Marrow's civilian surname "Rushman" had only been presented as an alias. As it's now being presented as her legal surname, and this episode had pretty bad SEO as just "Sarah", I've elected to rename it!

In Episode 24 of CEREBRO, Connor and bookseller Allison Senecal try to explain why you should like Havok! Alex Summers, Cyclops's volatile younger brother, has never quite managed to escape his elder's long shadow. Conflicted and insecure, he's a troubled man with an uncertain future.

The CEREBRO character file on Havok begins at 29:12.

(Content Advisory: Alex's story includes brainwashing, slavery, and parents grieving the loss of a child. This episode also discusses another character's suicidal ideation.)

In Episode 50 of CEREBRO, the SEASON 1 FINALE, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman survey the schemes of Charles Xavier, the persuasive Professor X! Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the X-Men's wise teacher and mentor slowly became a much darker and more foreboding character, a father figure gone wrong.

The CEREBRO character file on Professor X begins at 50:12.

(Content Advisory: Charles's story includes ableism, child abuse, stillbirth, genocide including the Holocaust, brainwashing, and an inappropriate romantic relationship between a doctor and a patient.)

In Episode 73 of CEREBRO, Connor and cosplayer Caroline Bird (CarolineCosplay) choose mercy with Kwannon, the stoic Psylocke! Once trapped in Betsy Braddock's body, top assassin Kwannon joined the X-Men as Revanche before her tragic death from the Legacy Virus. Decades later she has returned from the grave, herself once more, and become a major player on Krakoa.

The CEREBRO character file on Kwannon begins at 36:04.

(Content Advisory: Kwannon's story includes child abuse, brainwashing, torture, the loss of a child, non-consensual body modification, and sexual violence toward another character.)

In Episode 2 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Daniel Kibblesmith (Loki, Lockjaw) celebrate the fuzzy blue elf: Kurt Wagner, best known as Nightcrawler! Since his 1975 debut, the debonair swashbuckler has been one of the most recognizable and beloved X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Nightcrawler begins at 13:41.

(Content advisory: Kurt's main love interest is his adoptive/foster sister, if that skeeves! This episode also discusses antiziganism and the Holocaust.)

The episode cover features art of Nightcrawler by Ed McGuinness.

In Episode 11 of CEREBRO, Connor and Pulitzer Prize-winning national security reporter Spencer Ackerman highlight the hubris of Hank McCoy, the bouncing, brilliant Beast! One of the original X-Men from 1963, Hank has never felt at ease with his mutation, and longs to assimilate. In recent years, his arrogance has led him down an ever-darker path. 

The CEREBRO character file on Beast begins at 27:37.

(Content Advisory: Hank's story includes body dysmorphia, the suicide of another character, war crimes, and genocide. This episode also features frank discussion of American and Israeli foreign policy.)

The episode cover features art of Beast by Jack Kirby, Kerry Gammill, Frank Quitely, and Janeth Bazaldua.

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today, for a special interview, Vice President and Creative Executive at Marvel Ryan Penagos joins the show to talk about the new fitness app Marvel Move, a collaboration between Marvel and Zombies, Run! developers Six To Start.

Ryan was a major creative coordinator for this immersive game, which features an X-Men scenario, "Age of Orchis", written by friend of the pod Tini Howard.

Regular episodes of CEREBRO will return soon!

I'm in the middle of editing Amanda Sefton feat. Anna Peppard. It's a lengthy edit, because we went for... a while... but so far I'm very happy with it. Stay tuned!

In the meanwhile: you can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 72 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Charles Pulliam-Moore merge their minds with Sophie, Phoebe, Irma, Celeste, and Esme: the startling Stepford Cuckoos! Created by Grant Morrison, the crème de la crème of Emma Frost's telepathy class is a psychic gestalt of five identical girls with a terrible secret.

The CEREBRO character file on the Five-In-One begins at 1:40:12.

(Content Advisory: The Cuckoos' story includes brainwashing, violation of reproductive autonomy, grooming by a teacher, substance abuse, genocide, and suicide. Reference is made to child sex abuse of another character.)

In Episode 13 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Gerry Duggan investigate the mystery man called Logan! Brusque and brutal, Wolverine debuted as a minor antagonist in 1974, but over the years became the most popular member of the X-Men, and one of the overall flagship characters at Marvel Comics.

The CEREBRO character file on Wolverine begins at 41:21.

(Content Advisory: Logan's story includes rape, suicide, child abuse, animal murder, brainwashing, non-consensual body modification, and torture.)

The episode cover features art of Wolverine by Dave Cockrum, John Byrne, and Barry Windsor-Smith.

In Episode 21 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Tim Platt (Rude Tales of Magic) salute a classic 60s X-Men villain: Mortimer Toynbee, the sniveling Toad! Their analysis of the misfit superhenchman... somehow becomes an expansive dialogue on masculinity. Who knew! 

The CEREBRO character file on the Toad begins at 46:27.

(Content Advisory: Mortimer's story includes abuse, a suicide attempt, sexually predatory behavior, and alcoholism.)

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 3 of 5.

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 2 of 5.

Hi everyone!

Some scheduling issues with the recording of Episode 99 will be delaying it a little while longer, so I wanted to provide a little extra content this week while I get that sorted.

First published on June 16th, 2022, this is the first episode of the CEREBRO Claremont Marathon, a readalong series I do on the Patreon. I read each issue aloud with my best funny voices and provide commentary when I think something is of interest.

This episode is a prelude: 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1, which technically isn't a Claremont story, but features some of his plot input and begins the sixteen-year run! This issue was written by Len Wein, drawn by Dave Cockrum, colored by Glynis Wein (née Oliver), and lettered by John Costanza.

If you like what you hear, please check out the rest of this series at for $5/month at patreon.com/cerebrocast! We're into the initial Phoenix Saga now.

I do feel the need to preemptively apologize to German listeners; I have been practicing my Nightcrawler voice a lot since this first recording and I am told it is much improved!!

In Episode 113 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Kieron Gillen meet their maker with the mutant messiah, Hope Summers! Created as an infant by Mike Carey and Chris Bachalo, then developed extensively by writer Duane Swierczynski, baby Hope was the first mutant somehow born after the Decimation eradicated the future potential of the x-gene, and her prophesied birth made her a target from her first breaths. Quickly orphaned in a massacre and spirited away to the future by her adoptive father Cable, Hope had a number of false starts on her long messianic journey, but finally achieved her cosmic purpose on Krakoa.

This is also the afterparty for Kieron's remarkable second tenure on X-Men, and a salute to the First Krakoan Age.

Kieron's new creator-owned book The Power Fantasy is coming soon from Image Comics, and the final order cutoff date for issue #1 is today, July 15th! Call your local comic shop and ask for it by name.

The CEREBRO character file on Hope begins at 43:19.

(Content Advisory: Hope's story includes genocide, suicide, and the mass murder of infants. You know. Messiah stuff.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 3 of CEREBRO, Connor and culture writer Alex Abad-Santos swear their fealty to Emma Frost, the White Queen! An ice-cold femme fatale, Emma debuted in 1980 as a vicious villainess, but developed into a core member of the X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Emma Frost begins at 35:36.

(Content advisory: Emma's story includes involuntary institutionalization, sexual abuse, homophobic 'conversion therapy', substance abuse, survival sex work, animal murder, and genocide.)

The episode cover features art of the White Queen by John Byrne, Chris Bachalo, Phil Jimenez, Terry Dodson, and Russell Dauterman.

In the PHALANX-SIZE Episode 52 of CEREBRO, Connor and Sara Century make a case for Candy Southern! One of the X-Men franchise's most tragic characters, Candy was introduced in 1967 as a love interest for Warren Worthington III. She was a reliable supporting character for decades, eventually becoming a hero in her own right as the leader of the Defenders before her brutal murder at the hands of Cameron Hodge.

The CEREBRO character file on Candy Southern begins at 1:31:03.

(Content Advisory: Candy's story includes torture, self-harm, and suicide after a fashion. This episode also features frank overall discussion of misogynist violence in superhero comics.) 

Hi everyone! This morning, in a publicly-released CEREBRO Secret File, X-Men and Invincible Iron Man writer Gerry Duggan joins Connor for a postmortem on the cataclysmic events of this year's Hellfire Gala.

This episode contains SPOILERS for the giant-size one-shot released today, as well as for the epilogue in Invincible Iron Man #8, so please read both issues before listening.

(Content Advisory: A lot of upsetting stuff happens in this comic.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 45 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Zoe Tunnell are nigh-invulnerable when they're castin' with Sam Guthrie, the caring Cannonball! An original New Mutant, Kentucky coal country kid Sam went on to lead X-Force ⁠before graduating to the big leagues. After some time as an official member of the X-Men, he eventually joined the Avengers under writer Jonathan Hickman.

The CEREBRO character file on Cannonball begins at 49:29.

(Content Advisory: Sam's story includes sexual violence.)

In Episode 89 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Leah Williams (X-Factor, X-Men: The Trial of Magneto, X-Terminators) toast to Tabitha Smith, the bodacious Boom-Boom! Created by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom, explosive street kid Tabby quickly became a mainstay of the X-Men franchise, most notably with a long run on X-Force in the 90s.

The CEREBRO character file on Boom-Boom begins at 1:32:45.

(Content Advisory: Tabitha's story includes child abuse, domestic violence, survival sex work, suicidal ideation, threats of sexual violence, and substance abuse.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 60 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Patrick Sullivan debate policy with mutantkind's ultimate frenemy, Dr. Valerie Cooper! Introduced in the Claremont era as an antagonist, government bureaucrat Val developed over time into the X-Men's most powerful human ally... most of the time.

The CEREBRO character file on Val Cooper begins at 1:38:58.

(Content Advisory: Val's story includes a miscarriage.)

In Episode 16 of CEREBRO, a HANUKKAH SPECTACULAR, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman become masters of magnetism! Introduced in 1963 as the X-Men's archenemy, Erik Magnus Lehnsherr — best known as Magneto — became the most famously Jewish character in comics. Reimagined by writer Chris Claremont as a tragic hero with a haunting backstory, he has ranged from the X-Men's greatest foe to their most vital ally. 

The CEREBRO character file on Magneto begins at 52:35.

(Content Advisory: Erik's story revolves around genocide. This episode includes frank discussion of the Holocaust, antisemitism, and Israel-Palestine.)

The episode cover features art of Magneto by Jack Kirby, John Romita, Jr., Phil Jimenez, and Pepe Larraz.

Happy Pride, Zalagang!

As a special treat for the season, I'm publicly releasing last year's most popular CEREBRO Secret File — a deep dive with CEREBRO's Official Lesbian Correspondent Sara Century on Marvel's first lesbian hero, Dr. Vicki Montesi of the Darkhold Redeemers. Hope you love!

Created by writer Chris Cooper and introduced in 1992 as the protagonist of Darkhold: Pages from the Book of Sins, Vicki leads a group informally known as the Darkhold Redeemers, part of the early 90s Marvel Magic franchise called The Midnight Sons. She's an Italian doctor apparently born into the Montesi family, a mysterious and ancient lineage of holy protectors tied to the Vatican... but her true nature threatens to end all reality.

Features tangents about Witches (starring Jennifer Kale, Topaz, and Satana Hellstrom), Mary Jane Watson, and whatever else came up mid-conversation.

(Content Advisory: Vicki's story includes homophobia, ableism, and involuntary pregnancy. Darkhold is a horror book and has lots of upsetting stuff in it in general.)

This episode was originally published at patreon.com/cerebrocast on August 23, 2021.

Happy New Year, Zalagang!

Today, for a special interview, Director Rand Hoppe and President Tom Kraft of the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center join the show to talk about their new crowdfunding project at Zoop: a hardcover collection of Jack Kirby and Wally Wood's full-color Sunday strips for Sky Masters of the Space Force (with writer Dave Wood).

A syndicated newspaper strip that launched in 1958, shortly after Sputnik 1 launched the space race in earnest, Sky Masters imagines the near future of the American space program.

Regular CEREBRO programming will resume soon. In the meanwhile, you can support the podcast on Patreon!

In Episode 116 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest comedian Jay Jurden refuse to blend in with Victor Borkowski, the aggravating Anole! Created by Nunzio DeFillipis, Christina Weir, and Keron Grant, Victor is one of the more enduring characters from the Academy X generation. Devised for an 'issue story' about gay teen suicide that was ultimately nixed by Marvel editorial, in the decades since — like many in his age cohort — he has struggled to find a consistent role in the franchise. Things are looking up for the character, however, with his new gig as a regular cast member in NYX, written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly as part of the From the Ashes linewide relaunch.

The CEREBRO character file on Anole begins at 46:33.

(Content Advisory: Victor's story includes homophobia. This episode also discusses a storyline about suicide that was planned but never published.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 66 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman (Reign of Terror) sharpen their knives with the cunning Callisto! Leader of the Morlocks, a society of non-passing mutants living in poverty in the maintenance tunnels beneath Manhattan, Callisto debuts as an eager rival to Storm. In time she becomes one of the X-Men's staunchest allies, and in the Krakoan Age, she serves as White Knight of the Hellfire Trading Company. 

The CEREBRO character file on Callisto begins at 1:06:30.

(Content Advisory: Callisto's story includes genocide, the murder of children, sexual violence, attempted suicide, brainwashing, and non-consensual body modification.)

In Episode 38 of CEREBRO, Connor and celebrated writer Mike Carey (X-Men Legacy, Lucifer, The Unwritten, The Girl With All The Gifts) praise the power of Joanna Cargill, a.k.a. Frenzy! A longtime enemy of the X-Men, Cargill decided to change her ways during Carey's beloved time writing the franchise, and is now a fan favorite antihero. PLUS: Tempo! The Children of the Vault! Lady Mastermind!

The CEREBRO character file on Frenzy begins at 1:16:08.

(Content Advisory: Joanna's story includes child abuse, eugenics, ableism, brainwashing, and genocide.)

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today, returning guest Steve Foxe and I dig into his new title Dark X-Men, which debuted last week as part of the Fall of X event!

This episode contains SPOILERS for Dark X-Men #1, so please read the issue before listening.

This summer con season has been crazy, and I knew I wanted to have some bonus content to hold you all over between regular installments of the pod. I hope you enjoyed the episode with Gerry, and will enjoy this one with Steve — I'd love to incorporate more interviews like this into the world of CEREBRO as the show goes on.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 86 of CEREBRO, Connor and Sam Guido roar into battle with the courageous Kylun, Hero of the People! Created by Alan Davis, little Colin McKay was a mutant child on the run when he was transported to the mystical world of Ee'rath. After growing into the warrior Kylun, he returned home and joined Excalibur. Most recently, he was a regular cast member in Tini Howard and Bob Quinn's Knights of X.

The CEREBRO character file on Kylun begins at 1:06:05.

(Content Advisory: Colin's story is... honestly pretty wholesome, actually.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Grateful to SkillShare for sponsoring the podcast this month. Visit skillshare.com/CEREBRO today to get your first month FREE! 

In Episode 25 of CEREBRO, Connor and Harvard Professor of English Stephanie Burt sail the high seas with Captain Kate Pryde, Red Queen of the Hellfire Trading Company! Best known as Shadowcat or Kitty, Pryde is the protagonist of much of the classic Claremont run, and has endured as a fan favorite. As the first explicitly Jewish superhero at Marvel Comics, she has often been the lens through which the minority metaphor of the X-Men was most refracted.

The CEREBRO character file on Kitty Pryde begins at 1:01:48.

(Content Advisory: Kitty's story includes grooming of a minor, suicide, torture, antisemitism, rape of another character, a weird alien pregnancy plot, and genocides including the Holocaust.) 

In Episode 39 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer and critic Sara Century (Bitches on Comics) are possessed by the power of Xi'an Coy Manh*, the courageous Karma! The first confirmed lesbian character in the X-Men franchise, Xi'an was the original leader of the New Mutants, but has never received as much care and attention on the page as her classmates. She is a protagonist of the new run of New Mutants by Vita Ayala and Rod Reis.

The CEREBRO character file on Karma begins at 1:56:11.

(Content Advisory: Xi'an's story includes rape, disordered eating, fatphobia, ableism, homophobia, suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, brainwashing, human trafficking, slavery, and limb amputation. Her origin is closely tied to the real world Vietnamese boat refugee crisis.)

* NOTE: At the time this episode was recorded and published, Karma’s civilian name had been rendered since her first appearance as “Xi’an Coy Manh”, which is not proper Vietnamese. In 2023, writer/artist Trung Le Nguyen adjusted Karma’s name in the story “Karma in Love”, and established “Xi’an” as a mispronunciation. This episode discusses the controversy around Xuân’s name, but refers to her as Xi’an throughout. I have opted to retitle the episode to acknowledge this exciting change in the time since.

In Episode 74 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer/musician Thom Dunn scream to the skies with Sean Cassidy, the belting Banshee! First appearing in the 60s as an unwilling supervillain, Irish spy Sean was recruited to the iconic Giant-Size X-Men team in 1975, fell in love with Moira MacTaggert, and eventually became mentor to Generation X.

The CEREBRO character file on Banshee begins at 1:09:30.

(Content Advisory: Sean's story includes alcohol abuse. This episode also discusses the Irish Troubles.)

In Episode 62 of CEREBRO, Connor and X of Words host Ash Alleyne expand their minds with David Alleyne (no relation), the perceptive Prodigy! One of the rare Academy X students to transcend his cohort, David was the most prominent depowered character after the Decimation, especially after a memorable turn in Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie's Young Avengers. More recently he starred in Leah Williams and David Baldeón's X-Factor, where he employed his restored mutant power in the service of the mutant nation Krakoa. 

The CEREBRO character file on Prodigy begins at 56:59.

(Content Advisory: David's story includes racism and sexual violence. This episode discusses real world violence against Black queer men.)

In Episode 107 of CEREBRO, Connor and Kat Driscoll offer up their tithes to the capricious Candra! Created by Howard Mackie and Lee Weeks, Candra of the Floating Spires is one of the Externals, part of a secret coterie of immortal mutants who have shaped world politics for hundreds of years. As the Benefactress of the Thieves' and Assassins' Guilds of New Orleans, Candra has been a notable foe to Gambit and Storm in particular.

She's fun! She lives in a jewel.

The CEREBRO character file on Candra begins at 1:52:05.

(Content Advisory: Candra's story includes child abuse, and features the general bad vibes one might expect of a centuries-old French imperialist.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 110 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Patrick Sullivan get the scoop with the tenacious Trish Tilby! Created by Louise Simonson and Butch Guice, hard-nosed news anchor Trish debuted in the 80s run of X-Factor as Hank McCoy's love interest. While that relationship didn't survive the turn of the millennium, Trish and her broadcasts have remained a fixture of the broader Marvel universe.

In an unplanned and unexpected coup for this episode's timing, she recently had a memorable turn in the animated series X-Men '97.

The CEREBRO character file on Trish Tilby begins at 1:55:16.

(Content Advisory: Trish and her stories serve to represent the news media's treatment of marginalized people, which is discussed generally in this episode.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 95 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer/artist Jason Loo ring in the New Year with the jocular Jubilation Lee! Created by Chris Claremont and Marc Silvestri, teenage orphan Jubilee used her firework powers to become Wolverine's sidekick, a member of the X-Men, and then the anchor of the book Generation X. Wildly popular with younger readers in the 90s, the character has struggled to maintain her place in the franchise since her heyday, but her iconic status has prevented her from disappearing.

The CEREBRO character file on Jubilee begins at 1:23:30.

(Content Advisory: Jubilee's story includes racism, torture, and brainwashing.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 58 of CEREBRO, Connor and Harvard Professor of English Stephanie Burt twist into new shapes with the whimsical Warlock! An iconic element of the Claremont/Sienkiewicz New Mutants, techno-organic alien Warlock became the ultimate fish out of water, learning humanity through his bond with Doug Ramsey, his selfsoulfriend.

The CEREBRO character file on Warlock begins at 1:03:16.

(Content Advisory: Warlock's story includes parent-child violence. This episode discusses the AIDS Crisis, homophobia, and ableism.)

In Episode 117 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Jordan Blok go under the knife with Yuriko Oyama, the diabolical Lady Deathstrike! Created by Denny O'Neill and William Johnson as a brief love interest for Daredevil, the character was heavily reimagined by later writers as the ultimate woman of war, a key nemesis of the X-Man Wolverine and leader of the vicious cyborgs called the Reavers. A fan favorite character despite her evil history, in recent years Deathstrike has been portrayed as more of an antihero than a pure villain.

This is Part Two of Two. Go back to Part One if you haven't heard it yet! Patreon subscribers now have exclusive access to the combined 9-hour Extended Mrs. Claws Mix.

Jordan's curated Lady Deathstrike playlist, FINGERCRIMES, is available now on Spotify as a complement to this episode.

(Content Advisory: Yuriko's story includes suicide, racism, child abuse, threatened sexual violence, torture, and genocide.)

In Episode 117 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Jordan Blok go under the knife with Yuriko Oyama, the diabolical Lady Deathstrike! Created by Denny O'Neil and William Johnson as a brief love interest for Daredevil, the character was heavily reimagined by other writers (particularly Chris Claremont) as the ultimate woman of war, a key nemesis of the X-Man Wolverine and leader of the vicious cyborgs called the Reavers. A fan favorite character despite her evil history, in recent years Deathstrike has been portrayed as more of an antihero than a pure villain.

The CEREBRO character file on Lady Deathstrike begins at 1:10:00.

This is Part One of Two. The second half is coming soon! When it drops, Patreon subscribers will also get exclusive access to the combined Extended Mrs. Claws Mix.

Jordan's curated Lady Deathstrike playlist, FINGERCRIMES, is available now on Spotify as a complement to this episode.

(Content Advisory: Yuriko's story includes suicide, racism, child abuse, sexual violence, torture, and genocide.)

As the Inferno burns, CEREBRO returns! In Episode 51, the SEASON TWO PREMIERE, Connor and critic Vishal Gullapalli fight for the future with Nathan Christopher Summers, the commanding Cable! Created by Rob Liefeld and Louise Simonson and introduced as a proactive new leader for the New Mutants (later X-Force), Cable was later revealed via retcon to be Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor's time-displaced son, raised in a dystopian future. A marquee character of the 90s, he has become a breakout star of the X-Men franchise.

The CEREBRO character file on Cable begins at 49:20.

(Content Advisory: Nathan's story includes child abuse, suicide, torture, brainwashing, genocide, and the loss of a child.)

In Episode 54 of CEREBRO, the first in a three-part HALLOWE'EN SPOOKTACULAR, Connor and artist Valentine M. Smith shriek it out with Theresa Rourke Cassidy, the spirited Siryn! The long-lost daughter of X-Man Banshee, Terry was raised by his wicked cousin Black Tom. After some time as a supporting character in the Claremont period, she became a star of X-Force and later X-Factor Investigations until she ascended as the new host of the Irish death goddess The Morrígan.

The CEREBRO character file on Siryn begins at 1:33:18.

(Content Advisory: Terry's story includes alcoholism, suicide, the Irish Troubles, and the loss of a child. This episode discusses miscarriage and stillbirth.)

In Episode 67 of CEREBRO, Connor and two-time Eisner Award-winning editor Nola Pfau (EIC of Women Writing About Comics) assess the auguries with Irene Adler, the divinatory Destiny! A wise mutant oracle, the precognitive Destiny was Mystique's lover and partner in crime until her tragic death in 1989. She has finally returned, triumphant (for now!) over her enemy Moira X, in the pages of Jonathan Hickman's Inferno, and is set to play a major role in the new era Destiny of X. 

(And yes, she is the character from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.)

The CEREBRO character file on Destiny begins at 53:09.

(Content Advisory: Irene's story includes homophobia, ableism, eugenics, and genocide. This episode also discusses the Holocaust.)

In Episode 28 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Evan Narcisse dance the night away with Alison Blaire, the Disco Dazzler! Born from Marvel's failed first attempt at taking Hollywood by storm, Ali has struggled to find her spotlight in the years since.

The CEREBRO character file on Dazzler begins at 1:06:40.

(Content Advisory: Ali's story includes domestic violence, spousal abuse, drug addiction, miscarriage, and suicidal ideation.)

You can now support CEREBRO on Patreon at www.patreon.com/cerebrocast!

Hey there, Zalagang!

Some scheduling issues have delayed the next episode of CEREBRO, but it should be in your ears for the holidays. Since it's been a minute — and a mysterious shadow early in the current run of Jed McKay's X-Men certainly looked like this beautiful weirdo — I've decided to release a CEREBRO Appendix episode publicly.

This episode was originally released as a Patreon exclusive on August 9th, 2023. It's a fun sample of the joy awaiting you for just $5 dollars a month in the House of Z — especially as Holly will soon be my co-host for Krakoa Revisited, a Patreon series analyzing the five-year Krakoan arcs of every character already covered on CEREBRO.

Thanks for your patience! More soon.

In the latest installment of the CEREBRO Appendix, Dr. Holly Raymond of Temple University returns to the pod to talk about Astra, an extremely strange character. Created by Alan Davis, Fabian Nicieza, and Leinil Francis Yu, Astra is a retconned-in founding member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. 

She loves cloning Magneto, for reasons.

(Content Advisory: Astra's story includes torture, brainwashing, and Oedipal vibes.)

The CEREBRO Appendix is a bonus episode series spotlighting characters who do not have a full Zaladane of 12 appearances, or who never get the personal focus that would merit a full episode of CEREBRO.

In Episode 48 of CEREBRO, Connor and critic and cartoonist Karen Charm get more than skin deep with Paige Guthrie, the heroic Husk! Younger sister to classic character Cannonball, Paige was a protagonist of the 90s book Generation X. Later stories would write the character into some odd positions, and she's struggled to find a stable place in the franchise since. 

The CEREBRO character file on Husk begins at 59:42.

(Content Advisory: Paige's story includes classism and ableism. This episode also discusses self-harm, gender dysphoria, disordered eating, and fatphobia.)

In Episode 17 of CEREBRO, Connor and fantasy author Cass Morris (FROM UNSEEN FIRE, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT) have their psyches absorbed by the raucous Rogue! Introduced as a supervillain in 1981, the woman known only as Anna Marie has become one of the most popular members of the X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Rogue begins at 48:25.

(Content Advisory: Rogue's story involves sexual assault.)

In Episode 18 of CEREBRO, Connor and author A.R. Moxon celebrate the mystical metamorph, Meggan! Introduced in 1983 as a supporting character in Captain Britain, the part-fae mutant Meggan (lately also called Gloriana) was a founding member of Excalibur and has always been a uniquely vibrant character in the X-Men mythos.

The CEREBRO character file on Meggan begins at 1:03:28.

(Content Advisory: Meggan's story includes antiziganism, unequal power dynamics in a romantic relationship, a romantic partner's alcoholism, and the rape of another character.)

The episode cover features art of Meggan by Alan Davis, Casey Jones, Mike Collins, and Marcus To.

In Episode 84 of CEREBRO, Connor and cartoonist Darryl Ayo sharpen their claws with Maria Callasantos, the feisty Feral! Created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza as one of the founding members of X-Force, Maria is an antagonist within the team, the problem child who has friction with her teammates. Nicieza quickly wrote the character out by making her a villain, and she's been something of a footnote ever since.

The CEREBRO character file on Feral begins at 1:16:12.

(Content Advisory: Maria's story includes child sex abuse, other sexual violence, domestic violence, child death, animal death, and substance abuse.)

Thanks for your patience in the month of August as I prepared and performed the first CEREBRO live show! Audio from that should be up on the Patreon soon, and we are back on a regular schedule now.

Grateful to SkillShare for sponsoring the podcast this month. Visit skillshare.com/CEREBRO today to get your first month FREE! 

In Episode 76 of CEREBRO, the SEASON 3 PREMIERE, Connor and contemporary comics legend Kieron Gillen map the machinations of Nathaniel Essex, Mr. Sinister! Created by Chris Claremont and Marc Silvestri, but reimagined almost entirely in the 21st century by Gillen, this amoral geneticist became one of the most iconic X-Men villains.

The CEREBRO character file on Mr. Sinister begins at 53:27.

(Content Advisory: Nathaniel's story includes eugenics, racism, child abuse, brainwashing, child loss, stillbirth, the Holocaust, and lots of other really terrible stuff.)

This episode has spoilers for Immortal X-Men #2 and Duggan's X-Men #11! You are forewarned.

Here's a link to the Immortal X-Men playlist Kieron made, which we discuss in the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1slXJJdxhqg2CxDKQHepog

In Episode 115 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning fan favorite guest Sara Century double their fun(?) with Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, the audacious Aurora! Created by John Byrne and Chris Claremont, but primarily developed by Byrne, Aurora is the twin sister of her Alpha Flight teammate Northstar, from whom she was separated at birth. Unfortunately, her abusive upbringing in a cruel orphanage left her with a very soap opera-style split personality — and the endless struggle to integrate cold, prudish Jeanne-Marie and arrogant, irrepressible Aurora into a stable whole has dominated the character's stories over her long, often frustrating publication history.

The CEREBRO character file on Aurora begins at 1:00:47.

(Content Advisory: Jeanne-Marie's story includes child abuse including child sex abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, attempted suicide, torture, and extreme ableism. This episode features frank discussion of exploitation cinema, including the rape-revenge horror/action subgenre. Aurora has a very distressing history. Please take care.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

Despite the titles (which are a nod to Inferno), this is Part 4 of 5.

In Episode 61 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Anthony Oliveira hark the Acolytes' herald angel, the elusive Exodus! A striking new villain of the 90s, 12th century crusader Bennet du Paris was changed forever by an encounter with the immortal mutant Apocalypse. Revived in modern times, he became Magneto's most zealous disciple. Now he sits on the Quiet Council of Krakoa, set to star in the new series Immortal X-Men.

The CEREBRO character file on Exodus begins at 1:11:38.

(Content Advisory: Bennet's story includes racism, violence against children, and the literal Crusades.)

In Episode 34 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Josh Cornillon keep it tidy with Megan Gwynn, the polarizing Pixie! The secret half-faerie daughter of the villain Mastermind (no, really!), after exposure to black magic Pixie became the primary student character of the Decimation period. She now stars alongside her mentor Nightcrawler in Way Of X by Si Spurrier and Bob Quinn.

The CEREBRO character file on Pixie begins at 1:27:08.

(Content Advisory: Megan's story includes hate crimes and substance abuse. The plot of Way Of X involves suicide.)

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 10 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Patrick Sullivan fête the many-faced mercenary Mystique! Raven Darkhölme first appeared in 1978 as Ms. Marvel's arch-nemesis, but after that book's cancellation became one of the most iconic X-Men villains.

The CEREBRO character file on Mystique begins at 41:28.

(Content Advisory: Raven's story includes violence against children, parental abandonment, emotional abuse, severe mental illness, and torture.) 

The episode cover features art of Mystique by John Byrne, Marc Silvestri, Steve Epting, Sean Phillips, Gus Vazquez, and R.B. Silva.

In Episode 79 of CEREBRO, Connor and contemporary comics legend Al Ewing (X-Men Red, S.W.O.R.D., Immortal Hulk) survey the schemes of Abigail Brand! The mysterious director of S.W.O.R.D., charged with protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats, half-alien and half-mutant Brand has always been a prickly ally to the X-Men at best. Now she has secretly betrayed mutantkind entirely, becoming one of the leaders of Orchis.

The CEREBRO character file on Brand begins at 1:31:00.

(Content Advisory: Abigail's story includes war crimes, torture, and war crimes involving torture.)

Thanks to ComiXology for sponsoring the pod! You can sign up for a free trial here.

In Episode 19 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Valentine M. Smith analyze the X-Men's living computer, Sage! Introduced in 1980 as Tessa, a mysterious Hellfire Club attaché, a major retcon in 2001 revealed her to be one of Xavier's original students, kept apart from the X-Men and deployed as a spy.

The CEREBRO character file on Sage begins at 1:12:36.

(Content Advisory: Tessa's story includes sexual violence, sex trafficking, and torture.)

In Episode 40 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer and editor Steve Foxe (Spider-Ham, Cheater Code, Razorblades, The Department of Truth) fly into the fairy kingdom of Alfheim with Jean-Paul Beaubier, the nimble Northstar! The first confirmed gay superhero at Marvel Comics, Jean-Paul originated as a member of Alpha Flight, but became an X-Men mainstay under writer Chuck Austen. His 2012 same-sex wedding made headlines, but in the time since, this shining star has struggled to find his light. He is the co-lead of X-Factor volume 4 by Leah Williams and David Baldeón.

The CEREBRO character file on Northstar begins at 1:42:46.

(Content Advisory: Jean-Paul's story includes homophobia, ableism against his sister, a suicide attempt by another character, mind control, and brainwashing. His backstory is tied to the violent Quebecois separatist movement of the 1970s.) 

In Episode 57 of CEREBRO, Connor and Middle East researcher Dr. Khaliden Nas celebrate Sooraya Qadir, the devoted Dust! Introduced in Grant Morrison's New X-Men, Afghan refugee Sooraya became a fan favorite, a breakout of the Academy X student class, and recently played a memorable role in Si Spurrier and Bob Quinn's Way of X.

The CEREBRO character file on Dust begins at 1:02:43.

(Content Advisory: Sooraya's story includes racism, Islamophobia, and attempted sex trafficking. This episode also discusses the aftermath of 9/11 and the 21st century wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.)

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today I'm joined by Marvel writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing to discuss their new title NYX, which debuts today as part of the From the Ashes relaunch!

This new volume of NYX follows a cast of young mutants, including Kamala Khan, Sophie of the Stepford Cuckoos, David Alleyne, Victor Borkowski, and Laura Kinney, as they come to terms with the traumatic loss of Krakoa and try to find a new way forward in New York City. It's a lot of fun despite the heavy themes, and I really dug this first issue.

This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for NYX #1, so please read the issue before listening.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 70 of CEREBRO, Connor and celebrated author Victor LaValle catalogue the crimes of Victor Creed, the sickening Sabretooth! As Wolverine's longest-running arch-nemesis, serial killer Sabretooth has been a major part of the X-Men franchise. But with no place for him in the new mutant society of Krakoa, he's been absent from the current era... until now, in LaValle's critically-acclaimed new Sabretooth miniseries.

The CEREBRO character file on Sabretooth begins at 52:01.

(Content Advisory: Victor's story includes sexual violence, child abuse, domestic violence, genocide, racism, violence against sex workers, torture, brainwashing, and other potentially distressing topics.)

In Episode 56 of CEREBRO, concluding the three-part HALLOWE'EN SPOOKTACULAR, Connor and Marvel's Leah Williams (X-Factor, X-Men: The Trial of Magneto) seize the throne of Limbo with Illyana Rasputina, the magnificent Magik! Introduced as Colossus's kid sister, Illyana became a star of the original New Mutants in the 80s when she fell into a Hell dimension and survived to conquer it. After spending a number of years killed off, she is now one of the X-Men franchise's most recognizable stars.

The CEREBRO character file on Magik begins at 57:01.

(Content Advisory: Illyana's story includes child abuse including child sex abuse, sexual violence, involuntary body modification, suicide, and the death of a child from illness.)

In Episode 82 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Alex Abad-Santos try to fix Amara Aquilla, the mediocre Magma! The most aggressively mid of the classic New Mutants, Selene's flop granddaughter has a great, iconic design... and that's about it. We promise the episode is funny.

The CEREBRO character file on Magma begins at 1:15:53.

(Content Advisory: Amara's story includes racism, slavery, and brainwashing.)

Thanks to ComiXology for sponsoring the pod! You can sign up for a free trial here.

In Episode 111 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Karen Charm (a.k.a Karen Czap) jump through the timestream with Eva Bell, the tragic Tempus! Created by Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen, and Chris Bachalo, Eva is one of the signature characters of the Bendis era of X-Men. After some time away from the spotlight, the character found new purpose on Krakoa as part of The Five, the mutant circuit responsible for enabling resurrection.

The CEREBRO character file on Tempus begins at 48:31.

(Content Advisory: Eva's story includes the loss of a child.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the DOMINION-SIZE Episode 100 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Sara Century paint the town red with Madelyne Pryor, the glorious Goblin Queen! Created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, Maddie was introduced in 1983 as a new love interest for Scott Summers following the death of Jean Grey in 1980's The Dark Phoenix Saga. Intended by Claremont to facilitate Scott's happy ending and retirement from the X-Men, Maddie went in a dramatically different direction after editorial demanded Scott and Jean be reunited in 1986's X-Factor.

A talented and iron-willed pilot bearing an eerie resemblance to the late Jean, Maddie proves herself as a dynamic individual in her own right and becomes Cyclops's first wife, the mother of his son Nathan Christopher — only to be abandoned once Jean returns. Attacked by the Marauders, who steal her baby and leave her for dead, she becomes a loyal ally to Storm's team of X-Men, even sacrificing her life alongside them in Fall of the Mutants to become the Outback Era team's tech-savvy Girl Friday. Sadly, still wounded by Scott's betrayal, she proves susceptible to demonic influence and becomes the twisted Goblin Queen, avatar of Limbo, whose quest to reclaim her child sends all New York spiraling into a fiery Inferno.

After her triumphant return in the Krakoan era in Hellions by Zeb Wells and Stephen Segovia, Maddie is set to star in Dark X-Men by Steve Foxe and Jonas Scharf, part of the upcoming event Fall of X.

The CEREBRO character file on Madelyne Pryor begins at 2:28:58.

(Content Advisory: Maddie's story includes torture, attempted infanticide, self-harm, suicide, and weird vibes with an alternate universe nephew. This episode discusses storylines featuring racism, slavery, and sexual violence.)

In Episode 102 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Jordan Blok pay homage to Nekra, Priestess of Hate! Created by Steve Gerber and Ross Andru as a nemesis for jungle heroine Shanna the She-Devil, mutant radical Nekra Sinclair instead became a recurring threat to the broader Marvel Universe. After moving to the X-Men franchise during Matt Fraction's 21st century tenure, she has found new prominence (and new dignity) in the Krakoa Era as one of the protagonists of Victor LaValle and Leonard Kirk's Sabretooth and its sequel Sabretooth and the Exiles.

The CEREBRO character file on Nekra begins at 1:53:10.

(Content Advisory: This episode discusses some very racist stories. Nekra's story also includes sexual violence, brainwashing, and slavery.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 105 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Anthony Oliveira become huge and unstoppable with Cain Marko, the jealous Juggernaut! Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Cain is the elder stepbrother of Charles Xavier, empowered by an ancient occult artifact and bent on destruction. One of the most famous X-Men villains, over time Cain became a fairly reliable ally, particularly under the character's signature writer Fabian Nicieza. He won the fan vote for this year's X-Men roster before the tragedy at the Hellfire Gala that launched Fall of X.

Cain is often teamed up with Black Tom Cassidy, whom many readers — and some writers, including Nicieza — have interpreted as his romantic partner, but to date this remains subtextual.

This episode is very long, very silly, a little spicy, and features a weirdly lengthy tangent about Broadway legend Julie Taymor.

The CEREBRO character file on Juggernaut begins at 3:22:45. (¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

(Content Advisory: Cain's story includes child abuse, including potential implications of sexual abuse.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Hey there, Zalagang!

Today I'm joined by Marvel writer Murewa Ayodele (I Am Iron Man) to discuss his new title Storm, which debuts today as part of the From the Ashes relaunch!

This new solo series follows Ororo Munroe as she attempts to establish herself as a local superheroine in Atlanta, Georgia, while juggling her obligations to both mutantkind and the Avengers. At the same time, she must assert herself responsibly as a global political figure after her time as Regent of Arakko.

This episode contains FULL SPOILERS for Storm #1, so please read the issue before listening.

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In the GALAXY-SIZE Episode 108 of CEREBRO, Connor and fan favorite guest Jordan Blok arm up for bird season with the marvelous Mam'selle Hepzibah! Created by Dave Cockrum and Chris Claremont, Hepzibah is the femme fatale of the Starjammers, the Shi'ar galaxy's most notorious space pirates and freedom fighters. An escaped slave who dedicated her life to rebellion against her former oppressors in the Imperium, Hepzibah is also the paramour of Corsair, Christopher Summers — long-lost father to Cyclops, Havok, and another guy it later turns out.

Also, she's a skunk person. She's Cyclops's sexy skunk alien stepmother. This is Connor and Jordan's nine hour skunkstravaganza.

The CEREBRO character file on Hepzibah begins at 1:36:46.

This is Part One of Two. You can check out Patreon for the complete Extended Skunkery Mix.

(Content Advisory: Hepzibah's story includes racism, slavery, genocide, sexual violence, torture, and a lot of other very heavy stuff.)

In Episode 81 of CEREBRO, Connor and fantasy scholar Rebecca Gault howl at the moon with Rahne Sinclair, the wailing Wolfsbane! Introduced as the ingénue of the classic New Mutants, repressed religious Rahne would go on to become one of the X-Men franchise's absolute messiest characters.

The CEREBRO character file on Wolfsbane begins at 1:14:18.

(Content Advisory: Rahne's story includes child abuse, brainwashing, slavery, involuntary body modification, an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and a student, suicide, cannibalism, mystical pregnancy, homophobia, the loss of a child, and allegorical transphobic violence.)

Thanks to ComiXology for sponsoring the pod! You can sign up for a free trial here.

In Episode 98 of CEREBRO, Connor and Dr. Holly Raymond (Professor of English at Temple University) have their strings pulled by Jamie Braddock, the mercurial Monarch! Created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe, Jamie is the famous racecar driver brother of aristocratic superhero twins Brian and Betsy. Originally a helpful supporting character in Captain Britain, Jamie shifted over time into an insane, reality-warping supervillain in Excalibur. After several failed attempts at rehabilitation over the years, the character became more prominent than ever before in the Krakoa era as the first mutant King of Avalon.

The CEREBRO character file on Monarch begins at 1:47:44.

(Content Advisory: Jamie's story includes human trafficking, sexual violence, slavery, classism, racism, ableism, torture, brainwashing, and involuntary body modification.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

In Episode 104 of CEREBRO, Connor and Oh Gosh, Oh Golly, Oh Wow! co-host Dr. Anna Peppard (Supersex: Sexuality, Fantasy, and the Superhero) walk the Winding Way with Amanda Sefton, the devil-may-care Daytripper! Created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum in 1976 as a love interest for Nightcrawler, flight attendant Amanda was later revealed in a retcon to be a disguised figure from Kurt's past: his first love Jimaine, daughter and disciple of his foster mother, the powerful Romani sorceress Margali Szardos.

Despite a lot of interest from Claremont, some time as a member of Excalibur in the 90s, and a moment in the spotlight as the second Magik following the death of Illyana Rasputina, winsome witch Amanda has never managed to stick around as a consistent starring player.

Here is the longest conversation anyone has probably ever had about this character, in which Anna and Connor argue she should be a big deal.

The CEREBRO character file on Daytripper begins at 2:48:53. (I know. I know.)

(Content Advisory: Amanda's story includes racism and antiziganism, abusive parenting, torture, and a complex romantic relationship between foster siblings — which we get some people are just gonna find too weird!)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Surprise!

After some technical difficulties last year, last weekend for the third annual CEREBRO live show at FlameCon we did manage to pull the audio from the sound board. There are a few little hiccups, but overall I am really happy with the sound quality.

Here is a quick six-minute teaser of the full live episode, which has a runtime of 1:16:26 and is now available on the CEREBRO Patreon at the House of Zaladane tier ($5/month).

This year I was joined by friend of the pod Anthony Oliviera to talk about his new Marvel digital comic Avengers Academy, featuring the mutant character Escapade... and then generally tangent into other things, exactly as one might expect from me and Anthony Oliviera sitting on a stage together. At the halfway mark we pivot to a very fun Q&A segment.

This performance was recorded on August 17th, 2024 at the Sheraton Times Square in Manhattan.

Thanks to Tony for being my guest, to FlameCon for being my absolute favorite regional convention, and to everyone who attended the show. I wish the audience was more audible on the track! You were amazing.

In Episode 87 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Luke Ruddick approach lightspeed with Pietro Maximoff, the questionable Quicksilver! Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Pietro and his twin sister Wanda were founding members of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants but went on to become Avengers, rarely appearing in X-Men titles despite the discovery they were Magneto's long-lost biological children. In the 90s Pietro returned to the world of the X-Men as a member of the government X-Factor team, and continued to appear on-and-off in X-Factor titles until a 2015 retcon establishing Pietro and Wanda weren't Magneto's children after all. 

The CEREBRO character file on Quicksilver begins at 47:36.

(Content Advisory: Pietro's story includes racism and antiziganism, the Holocaust/Porajmos, eugenics, brainwashing, child abuse, and substance abuse.)

You can support CEREBRO on Patreon!

Grateful to SkillShare for sponsoring the podcast this month. Visit skillshare.com/CEREBRO today to get your first month FREE! 

In Episode 43 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Steph Williams hype up Roxy Washington, the brilliant Bling! While she's a somewhat minor character, lesbian teen Roxy has a unique role in her generation. Plus: Steph's newly-announced DC Comics book NUBIA AND THE AMAZONS! Plus her thoughts on Monica Rambeau, Storm, and whatever else occurred to us to chat about.

The CEREBRO character file on Bling! begins at 56:26.

(Content Advisory: Roxy's story includes homophobic violence. This episode discusses racism and homophobia. When we talk about The Trial of Magneto, I mention the recent murder of a Romani man named Stanislav Tomáš by Czech police. To help the Tomáš family, you can visit their official fundraiser: https://www.betterplace.me/gerechtigkeit-fuer-stanislav-tomas63)

In Episode 32 of CEREBRO, Connor and legendary Marvel writer and editor Ann Nocenti chase a ratings spike with her creation Mojo, ruler of the Wildways! Created for the 1985 miniseries Longshot, Mojo became one of the X-Men's strangest recurring foes: the alien despot of a world built on television. As biting meta-commentary on fandom itself, he has become an engine for social satire in X-Men comics.

The CEREBRO character file on Mojo begins at 48:43.

(Content Advisory: Mojo's story includes slavery, brainwashing, torture, suicide, and metaphors for addiction.)

The episode cover features art of Mojo by Art Adams.

In Episode 42 of CEREBRO, Connor and his friend Luke Ruddick (Danger Rooms and Dragons) swing a bevy of blades with Gaveedra Seven, the sensational Shatterstar! A breakout star of the 90s run of X-Force, interdimensional alien/mutant gladiator 'Star is an escaped slave devoted to the liberation of his people. He has become one of Marvel's most prominent bisexual characters. 

The CEREBRO character file on Shatterstar begins at 1:06:16.

(Content Advisory: Gaveedra Seven's story includes slavery, brainwashing, self-harm and homophobia. This episode discusses childhood abuse and negative stereotypes of bisexual people.)

In Episode 64 of CEREBRO, Connor and X-Office writer Ben Percy (X-Force, Wolverine) synthesize carbonadium with Arkady Rossovich, the ruthless Omega Red! Plus: X Lives and X Deaths of Wolverine! Beast versus Sage! The crimes of Colossus! All this and more as Ben discusses his work in the Age of Krakoa.

The CEREBRO character file on Omega Red begins at 52:43.

(Content Advisory: Arkady's story includes torture, brainwashing, and the serial killing of children, with implied child sex abuse.)