THIS IS THE WAY!

There's a new a Star Wars movie out now so of course Bill Z and Steve take a break from comic books to bring back our good friends podcast veteran Craig Lantz and The Reel Gay Movie's Mike Lovins to discuss The Mandalorian and Grogu!! The movie was directed by Jon Favreau, who co-wrote the film with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor. Based on the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian, the film finds Pedro Pascal returning to star as Din Djarin/The Mandalorian alongside Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, Martin Scorsese, and Sigourney Weaver. Set after the fall of the Galactic Empire and the end of the Manadalorian series, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic as bounty hunters to track down former Imperials. A new mission involving the rescue of Jabba the Hut's son does not go as planned and we find Mando and Grogu trying to set things right. So hit play to hear Bill, Steve, Craig and Mike talk about this latest tale set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away!!

Writer/Artist Steve Bryant has appeared on our podcast more times than any other guest, and we are thrilled to bring him back for another appearance! This time around Steve returns to discuss his best known work, Athena Voltaire! Athena is a globetrotting aviatrix who takes on Nazis, secret societies, mythical beasts, and unspeakable occult creatures in the 1930s! Launched online in 2001, the series has earned an Eisner Award nomination, a Russ Manning Award nomination, and three Harvey Award nominations. Athena's exploits have previously been published by Speakeasy Comics, Ape Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics, and Action Lab Entertainment. Athena Voltaire is now 100% back in Steve's hands and he has an active Kickstarter campaign to fund Athena Voltaire:The Complete Adventures Volume 1! This collection will compile and remaster the Athena stories The Brotherhood of Shamballa, The Feathered Serpent, The Isle of the Dead, The Vampire Queen, and The Immortal Power in a 256-page deluxe oversized (7.5" x 11") hardcover. Steve gives us the lowdown on all things Athena and links to the Kickstarter and to Steve's website are on our social media accounts and below!

But there's more to this episode! Steve, Caleb and Bill Z also chat about other books in the back half! Absolute Green Arrow #1 (DC), Action Comics #1097 (also DC), Nate Powell's graphic novel Fall Through (Abrams ComicsArts) and Sina Grace's remarkably touching Life On Paws are talked about during our roundtable! So hit play and, like Ms. Voltaire, let us help you fly away for a bit!

It's the end of another month and that means we have new Comic Book Bears Podcast audio episodes for you to enjoy! Earlier in the month it was the 24th annual Free Comic Book Day (and the first-ever Comics Giveaway Day - don't worry, we explain the distinction) and CBB boys Bill Z and Steve give a rundown of the free books that were available from retailers. After that it's onto this episode's funnybook round-up with a great bunch of recent first issues up for discussion - Zatanna (DC Comics), the long delayed (like, 37 years) Swamp Thing 89 (DC Black Label). Murder Hobo (Midnight Factory) and Nectar (Vault Comics)! Hit that play button and we will provide for you one hour and forty-five minutes of hairy heavy homo comic book chatter!