Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Episode 42: The Janus Directive Parts 9 and 10

Welcome back Squadmates.  Here is Episode 42: The Janus Directive Parts 9 and 10

First up this month, we crack open Checkmate 18....

Checkmate 18

Checkmate #18

Cover Date: June 1989
On Sale Date: April 25, 1989
Cover Price: $1.50
Title: "Knight Fight"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Gaspar Saladino
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane

Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad: The Janus Directive TPB (2016)

Synopsis:
After learning that Kobra has pitted several government agencies against one another, the leaders of each agency join forces to oppose the cult leader. The President appoints Sarge Steel to take charge of the operation. Steel divides the resources, consisting of the Checkmate, the Suicide Squad, Firestorm, Captain Atom, Major Force, and Peacemaker into three units. First Firestorm and Captain Atom force Kobra spaceark from orbit, then a second unit consisting of Checkmate and Suicide Squad members board the ship. From inside, Manhunter works to free the hostages held by Kobra, including Dr. Megala. During the attack, Kobra is angered and decides to utilize his microwave weapon to defeat his foes.

Then at thirty minutes in, we take a look at....


Suicide Squad 30

Suicide Squad #30
Cover Date: 1989
On Sale Date: May 2, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00

Title: "Endgame"
Writer: John Ostrander
Writer: Kim Yale
Penciller: John K. Snyder III
Inker: Karl Kesel
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford
Editor: Robert Greenberger


Cover Credits
Artist: Karl Kesel

Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad: The Janus Directive TPB (2016)

Synopsis:
The combined forces of Checkmate, the Suicide Squad, Project Atom, and several other heroes assault the space ark of Kobra. Inside, the teams find Manhunter who had infiltrated Kobra's ninja army. During the battle Silent Majority and Lady Liberty are both killed. Kobra tries to escape, but Manhunter stops him.

Fearing that the ark will crash into a populated area, Sarge Steel orders a nuclear strike which will kill all those still on board. Firestorm and Captain Atom destroy the missile before it can harm anyone
In the aftermath, the President reorganizes the intelligence community. Sarge Steel, head of the CBI, is appointed as an overseers. Wade Eiling, head of Project Atom, now reports directly to Steel. Harry Stein retains control of Checkmate which is now independent of Task Force X which has been resolved. Peacemaker is assigned to Checkmate. Major Victory is assigned to the Suicide Squad which continues under Amanda Waller's leadership.


Commercials played this episode:
Silver and Gold Podcast

Thank you once again for listening to this episode of Task Force X.

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Other news for the Headcast family.

As usual, The Headcast Network is where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Over on The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman and Mark Shaw Manhunter comics.

Then, look for Head Speaks,where In February, I've started my multi-episode look at Armageddon 2001 where I have guests from the internet and podcasting world join me every episode.

 The following week, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the second week of the month, where we look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic from Marvel.

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Suicide Squad and Checkmate.  And coming next month.... The conclusion of The Janus Directive.

And coming soon, A Tale of Two Worlds: A Heroes Unlimited Podcast...

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