Episode 13: Suicide Squad 5 The Flight of the Firebird

Welcome back Squadmates!

Well here it is... Episode 13: Suicide Squad 5 The Flight of the Firebird

This episode we talk about...  yeah, you guessed it.. Issue 5 of Suicide Squad.

Suicide Squad number 5

Cover Date: September 1987
On Sale Date: June 23, 1987
Cover Price: $0.75

Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: Luke McDonnell
Inker: Robert Lewis
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford

And like an idiot, I forgot to mention on the show:
THE COVER CREDITS:
Penciller: Luke McDonnell
Inker: Robert Lewis

Editor: Robert Greenberger
Title: "The Flight of the Firebird"
Pages: 22

Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad:Trial by Fire TPB (2011)

This issue our team has to break in to a Russian prison to extract a political prisoner!

Also, we have a Character Profile from last month's guest villain, CHRONOS!

Chronos!

Chronos fight The Atom!

And once again a little self pimping....
Not only can you find me on Task Force X and Head Speaks, but as I said last month, I am on the latest episode of Comic Book Fight Club podcast, where we pit The Suicide Squad against The A-Team.

Also coming up in about 2 weeks or so, I will be appearing on Secret Origins episode 14 where me and Ryan discuss the Secret Origin of... The Suicide Squad.
Though, you should be listening to that show anyways (after mine of course) as Ryan is doing a great job covering this fantastic series!

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and updates on the Suicide Squad movie.  That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

As you might have noticed, you can now get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.  You can still go to http://headspeaks.com and click on Headcasts to get to the embedded Stitcher player.

Other news for the Headcast family...

Myself, previous guest Ryan Daly and Kyle Benning have teamed up and have started a new HEADCAST!  Well, technically I started it and Ryan and Kyle are my mostly normal guest hosts...   Anyways...  the new Headcast is entitled: G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast.

The 0 episode has been released where I give an overview of the show, talk about the cartoon, the comics, the toys and so on.
Then next month, me and my guest hosts will return where we cover the first issue of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
Then join us monthly as we cover an issue an month.
We'll also be covering the Special Missions, Yearbooks, Order of Battle, etc.
It can be found on the website, iTunes, and Stitcher Radio!

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

Be sure to return next month and listen as we talk about Suicide Squad number 6 and the exciting conclusion of this storyline!

Again, thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us.  Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics.  Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Episode 12: The Special, One Year Anniversary of TASK FORCE X!

Welcome back Squadmates!  And Welcome to our new listeners!  Glad to have you on board.

Well here it is... Episode 12: The Special One Year Anniversary Episode of TASK FORCE X!!

This episode we welcome an irredeemable guest host as The Irredeemable Shag from Firestorm Fan and The Fire and Water podcast joins us to talk about Firestorm #64 and Annual number 5...

What?  Is this an April Fool's episode?  Did we change podcasts without an alert?

No True Believers, we look at these two issues as our favorite Suicide Squad guest stars in these issues to take out public enemy number 1... FIRESTORM!!!!!!!!

Firestorm 64 vs The Suicide Squad

Firestorm Annual 5 and the conclusion to the Suicide Squad appearance.

Listen to this episode to find out what's going on!

Also, I review issue 4 of our regular Suicide Squad book.  It's entitled: William Hell's Overture, written as usual by John Ostrander and art by Luke McDonnell & Robert Lewis.

Suicide Squad issue 4

Then after that our friend Ryan Daly (of Dead Bothan Spies and the Secret Origins podcasts) joins us to talk about the recently released Suicide Squad trailer.

Listen in for our thoughts on what has been released.....

Also, everyone at Task Force X sends our regards to Paul Kupperberg (whom you'll hear more about in up coming months when we start reviewing Checkmate).  It appears that Mr. Kupperberg lost his brother Alan to thymus cancer on June 16.
You have our condolences Mr. Kupperberg and send you our best.

And in Suicide Notes:

Facebook likes:

• Julio Alonso Carlos
• Greg Araujo
• Dave Chaffin
• Ryan Daly
• Firestorm Fan
• Jack Flowers
• Joey Groce
• Gene Hendricks
• Chris Ivey
• Jim Remolde

Thanks to everyone that liked the Facebook page and commented.

Also, I want to give extra special thanks to our newest squadmate, Willie Yarbrough, for his e-mail and iTunes review.  Welcome aboard Willie!  Please continue e-mailing us and let us know your thoughts.

And finally a little self pimping....
Not only can you find me on Task Force X and Head Speaks, but I am on the current, just released episode of Comic Book Fight Club podcast, where we pit The Suicide Squad against The A-Team. Who will win?
Who is the better group?

Take a listen and find out.

Also coming up in the next month or so, I will be appearing on Secret Origins episode 14 where me and Ryan discuss the Secret Origin of... The Suicide Squad.
Though, you should be listening to that show anyways (after mine of course) as Ryan is doing a great job covering this fantastic series!

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and updates on the Suicide Squad movie.  That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

Thank you for listening.

Be sure to return next month and listen as we talk about Suicide Squad number 5!

Thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us.  Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics.  Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Comic Book Fight Club!!!

In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team...

John "Hannibal" Smith vs Rick Flag
Templeton "Face(man)" Peck  vs Plastique
Bosco Albert "B.A." Baracus vs Deadshot
Howling Mad Murdock vs Captain Boomerang

What am I talking about????

If you like The A-Team or The Suicide Squad you definitely want to check check this out...

Look for and listen to Comic Book Fight Club for the answers.  Available soon!

https://www.facebook.com/comicbookfightclub?fref=ts

Episode 11: Convergence: Suicide Squad #2

Welcome back Squadmates!  And Welcome to our new listeners!  Glad to have you on board.

Well here is the newest episode of Episode 11: Convergence: Suicide Squad #2

Here is our third month of Special Coverages....  Two months ago, we talked about Convergence and The Suicide Squad tie in.  Last month we had our special Conway Corner Crossover episode....  NOW, the second part of the Convergence crossover!

Credits for this issue are:

Writer: Frank Tieri

Art: Tom Mandrake

Colors: Sian Mandraks

Lettering: Dave Sharpe

Cover by: John Paul Leon

Editor: Marie Javins

This issue cost: $3.99

Was on sale: May 13, 2015

Title: When Kingdom Falls Part 2

Convergence Suicide Squad 1

Convergence Suicide Squad 2

Issue summary:

The Suicide Squad battles the Kingdom Come Earthers for the sake of their worlds.
One team survives only to be betrayed TWICE.
One Squadmate makes the ultimate sacrifice to save their world.
And we find out the answer to Head's burning question... Why is Digger bald?

Join us to get all of the answers!

And in Suicide Notes:

Facebook likes:

• Anthony Nixon
• Babos John
• Daniel Kalban
• David Sopko
• Firestorm Fan
• Gabriel Leal
• Gene Hendricks
• Ryan Daly
• Scott Stockton
• Tim Wallace

Thanks to everyone that liked the Facebook page and commented.

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and updates on the Suicide Squad movie.  That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

Thank you for listening.

Also be sure to join us this at Head Speaks for our 1 year anniversary episode.


Then next month come back and listen as Task Force X celebrates 1 year of Headcasting with our 12th episode, with a very special, irresponsible, irrational, and irredeemable guest host!

Thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us.  Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics.  Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Episode 10: The Conway's Corner Podcast Crossover Pt 2: The Task Force X Edition!

Welcome back Squadmates!

Well here is the newest episode of Episode 10: The Conway's Corner Podcast Crossover Pt 2: The Task Force X Edition!

This month, Task Force X, is joining in a wide line crossover of massive proportions!

In honor of a recent Tumblr post by the great Gerry Conway talking about creator equity and DC Comics, we have decided to use May as a Gerry Conway appreciation month!

On Task Force X, we look a little at Gerry's recent comments, take a look at Neal Adam's comments on the problem and do a Character Profile on Vixen.

Vixen will show up in the Squad around issue 11 (so this profile is a little early).

And since the great Mr. Conway didn't write any Suicide Squad issues, we use this month to look back at Action Comics 521, Vixen's first appearance.

Gerry Conway's original post on the creator equity issue is located here:

http://gerryconway.tumblr.com/post/117619743363/who-created-caitlin-snow-on-theflash-according

Mr. Adam's response to is can be located at:

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/05/03/neal-adams-talks-gerry-conway/

I recommend reading both of these posts, and also following Mr. Conway's follow up posts.

What does Brother Head think of this issue... well, it's a bit complicated, so listen to this episode to hear for yourself.

Character Profile:

Vixen as she appears in Action Comics 521

 

 

Vixen in the Detroit Justice League

Modern Vixen

First appearance: Action Comics #521 (July 1981)

Created by: Gerry Conway (writer) & Bob Oksner (artist)

Alter ego: Mari Jiwe McCabe

Team affiliations: Justice League, Suicide Squad, Checkmate, Ultramarine Corps

Abilities: Mimics the abilities of any animal that has ever lived on Earth, healing factor

Listen to this episode for further information on the beautiful Mari McCabe.

 

As far as Action Comics 521:

Cover Date: July 1981

On Sale Date: April 20, 1981

Cover Price: $0.50

Page Count: 32

Title: "The Deadly Rampage of the Lady Fox"

Writer: Gerry Conway

Penciller: Curt Swan

Inker: Frank Chiaramonte

Letterer: John Costanza

Colorist: Gene D'Angelo

Editor: Julius Schwartz

Cover Credits

Penciller: Ross Andru

Inker: Dick Giordano

Action Comics 521, first appearance of VIXEN!

Also, be sure to check out all the other great podcasts joining in on Conway's Corner Podcast Crossover:

1. Superman & Batman Podcast - Michael Bradley (organizer of this entire event!) w/guest Aaron Moss - Superman/Batman teamup from World's Finest #269, plus the Conway-written Red Tornado story from the same issue.
   http://www.greatkrypton.com/…/22/superman-batman-episode-32/
2. Fire & Water Podcast (Rob Kelly and Irredeemable Shag)
   Episode 125 - Gerry Conway Interview on Creator Equity
   http://fireandwaterpodcast.blogspot.com/…/125-gerry-conway.…
3. Flowers & Fishnets (Ryan Daly) - Episode 11 covering Black Canary and Green Arrow stories from World’s Finest #245. http://blackcanaryfan.blogspot.com
   http://blackcanaryfan.blogspot.com/…/episode-11-conways-cor…
4. SuperMates - (Chris & Cindy Franklin) - w/ Kyle Benning, Superman Family 186-187
   http://supermatescomic.blogspot.com/…/super-mates-episode-3…
   Released: May 17, 2015
5. From Kid to Flash (Mythmaking ETC) (Chris Ivey) - Planning on making episode 18 of my Wally West series my #ConwayXover contribution. Moving up Secret Society of Supervillains #8 and #9 (1977) in the schedule to tie in with the event. http://mythmakingetc.blogspot.com/…/from-kid-to-flash-18-co…
6. The Hammer Podcasts! (Gene Hendricks) - Episode 12 covering Thor 224,
   (Podcast Page: http://twotruefreaks.com/shows.php?show=35) Episode Link: http://twotruefreaks.com/…/TheHamme…/mp3/THP-Episode012.mp3l
7. Between The Pages Blog (Karen Williams) - The Sweet Superhero Stories of Gerry Conway will focus on his work on Amazing Spider-Man and the Justice League of America. The stories I plan to touch upon are the Death of Gwen Stacy, the original clone saga, 1st appearance of the Punisher, Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man, The JLA / JSA / New Gods, the JLA / JSA /Secret Society of Supervillains, JLA 200, and Justice League Detroit.
   http://betweenthepagesblog.typepad.com/…/the-sweet-superher…
8. Quarter Bin Podcast (Alan Middleton) - JLA #188
   http://relativelygeekypodcast.blogspot.com/…/qbp-052-justic…
9. LanternCast (Chad Bokelman and Mark Marble)
   Episode #220 - The Collaborative Conway Crossover Caper!
   Content for Review: Brave and the Bold #174 & Super Team Family #12
   http://www.lanterncast.com/lanterncast-episode-220-the-col…/
10. King-Size Comics Giant-Size Fun (Kyle Benning) - http://kingsizecomicsgiantsizefun.blogspot.com
    w/ Rob Kelly, DC Special Series #1, a Dollar Comics Issue that features a Conway penned Aquaman story.
    http://kingsizecomicsgiantsizefun.blogspot.com/…/king-size-…
11. Vault Of Startling Monster Horror Tales Of Terror (Shawn Engel) - Tomb of Dracula - The regular gang of idiots (Chris Honeywell, Luke Jaconetti, Chris “Hair-Metal Hero” Tyler, newcomer Jason Jaconetti, and myself) will synopsize and discuss the first issue of Tomb of Dracula on episode 48 of the show. We’ll also discuss the relevance of horror comics returning to mainstream comics and touch on the whole situation with Mr. Conway. Forewarned, the show does tend to have limited filters at times, so an adult content warning might be advised.
    http://twotruefreaks.com/…/podc…/vaulthorror/mp3/Vault48.mp3
    http://twotruefreaks.com/shows.php?show=26
12. Pop Culture Affidavit (Tom Panarese) -- Cinder and Ashe #1-4; more than likely week of May 17 as part of “80 Years of DC Comics” series.
    http://twotruefreaks.com/…/80YearsofDCComicsPartSix--CrimeD…
13. Task Force X (Aaron “Head” Moss) - Episode 10 - Action Comics #521
    Available at http://headspeaks.com
14. Head Speaks (Aaron “Head” Moss) - Episode 11 - Covering Firestorm #1-2
    Available at http://headspeaks.com
    Normally Head Speaks often uses language not suited for the entire family. Younger viewers are normally discouraged. This episode he’ll try to contain his potty mouth.
15. Back to the Bins (Paul and Crew) -
    http://twotruefreaks.com/shows.php?show=1
16. Comic Book Time Machine (Ben Avery, Matt Anderson) - Episode 49, covering Superman Vs. The Amazing Spider-man from 1976.
    http://comicbooktimemachine.com/supermanspiderman
17. Hey Kids, Comics! (Andy and Micheal Leyland) We are in the middle of a bunch of bandwagon jumping shows about comics characters about to get TV shows. In the Luke Cage episode (released on 28/5/15) we’ll be covering AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #128.
18. Superman Forever Radio (Bob Fisher) - something Superman

As you can see from the first podcast on this list, I was also a guest host on Mike Bradley's Superman and Batman podcast.  Be sure to check them all out.

Join us next month (June) over at Head Speaks for our 1 year anniversary episode, then back here the same month for Convergence Suicide Squad issue 2.
Then the following month (July) listen as Task Force X celebrates 1 year of podcasting with our 12th episode, hopefully with a very special guest host!

Thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us.  Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics.  Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!