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

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

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 Implications

  Memorable 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