Episode 45: JLMay - Suicide Squad 67 and Secret Six 17 & 18

This month we're taking a break from our usual coverage as the shadow of The Darkest Night falls upon us....

Yes, this month squadmates, we join the JLMay crossover as we look at Suicide Squad 67 and Secret Six 17 & 18 on Episode 45: JLMay - Suicide Squad 67 and Secret Six 17 & 18

Keep in mind that this is spoilers, as this issue takes place after the last issue of the Suicide Squad book we're looking at.....

But before you listen to our show, you need to listen to the first four shows of the crossover (to find out how we got here).

The Podcast of OA for issue 0.

Then go to Chris and Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill for issue 1.

Then The Idol-Head of Diabolu for issue 2.

The listen to the Fire and Water Podcast for issue three.

And then, only then can you come back here to listen to the issues we're looking at.

First up is: Suicide Squad 67

Suicide Squad 67 - Blackest Night

Suicide Squad 67

Cover Date: March 2010
On Sale Date: January 6, 2010
Cover Price: $2.99
Title: "Danse Macabre Part 1"

Writers: Gail Simone & John Ostrander
Artist: Jim Calafiore
Letterer: Steve Wands
Colorist: Jason Wright
Editor: Sean Ryan
Cover Credits
Artist: Daniel Luvisi

Reprinted In:
Secret Six: Danse Macabre TPB (2010)
Secret Six: Cat's Cradle TPB (2015)

Then at 40 minutes in, we look at Secret Six 17

Secret Six 17 - Darkest Night Part 2

Secret Six 17
Cover Date: March 2010
On Sale Date: January 13, 2010
Cover Price: $2.99
 
Title: "Danse Macabre Part 2"

Writers: Gail Simone & John Ostrander
Artist: Jim Calafiore
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Colorist: Jason Wright
Editor: Sean Ryan

Cover Credits
Artist: Daniel Luvisi

Reprinted In:
Secret Six:Danse Macabre TPB (2010)
Secret Six:Cat's Cradle TPB (2015)

Finally at one hour and five minutes in, we crack open, Secret Six 18

Secret Six 18 - Part 3

Secret Six 18
Cover Date: April 2010
On Sale Date: February 10, 2010
Cover Price: $2.99

Title: "Danse Macabre Part 3"

Writer: Gail Simone
Writer: John Ostrander
Artist: Jim Calafiore
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Colorist: Jason Wright
Editor: Sean Ryan

Cover Credits
Artist: Daniel Luvisi

Reprinted In:
Secret Six: Danse Macabre TPB (2010)
Secret Six: Cat's Cradle TPB (2015)

Promos for this episode:
The LanternCast
Waiting for Doom
Justices First Dawn
---
The Fire and Water Podcast
The Idol Head of Diablou
Coffee and Comics

---
Also, this week is The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour episode 25 (right here on the Headcast Network).

Then next week, tune in to Head Speaks, episode 47 as we look at the fourth issue of Blackest Night!

After that, look for Clinton's show, Coffee and Comics for issue 5.

Issue 6 will be in the Longbox Crusade's episode.

And finally, issues 7 and 8 will be dealt with over on The LanternCast.

Other shows involved:
Waiting For Doom - Doom Patrol issues
Justices First Dawn (Tentatively)- Justice League Issues
Coffee & Comics - Adventure Comics Issues & Untold Tales of the BN

---

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

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and further information. That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

And you can still get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

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.
Also on the fourth Tuesday of the month, I release my newest show, Bravo Team, which is a companion show to my G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast.

Then, look for Head Speaks,where I'm nearing the end of 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.... a commentary track for the Suicide Squad movie.

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 30: Double Checkmate

Again, Squadmates, I welcome you back to our newest episode! I present to you Episode 30: Double Checkmate

We finally finished our Deadshot coverage.. now on with Checkmate!

First up, I look at:

Checkmate 7

Checkmate 7
Cover Date: October 1988
On Sale Date: June 14, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25

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

Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane
Title: "Arabian Knights"


Synopsis (from DC in the 80’s):

Checkmate has tracked a ring of international arms smugglers to the rogue nation of Qurac. They covertly send three knights into the country to meet with local rebel groups. They also kidnap a Quracan minister who reveals that the supply of arms has been consolidated in a central location due to Checkmate's previous operations.

When the time is right, the order is given and the rebel groups begin a campaign of chaos throughout the capital city of Al Kuwait. Checkmate's knights then enter the compound where the weapons are stored and plant explosives. An assassin who has tangled with Checkmate on two other occasions awaits them. He wounds Winston O'Donnell just as he activates the bomb's timer. A female Knight named Beth then kills the assassin. Beth is forced to leave Winston behind to die in the explosion which destroys the weapons.

By the following morning, the Quracan troops have restored order. The rebel uprising fails to unseat President Marlo. However, Checkmate primary mission to destroy the weapons was successful, though it cost them the life of one of their own.

Then we take a look at....

Checkmate 8

Checkmate 8
Cover Date: November 1988
On Sale Date: July 12, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Title: "A Thorn in Her Side"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Albert Tobias De Guzman
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter

Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane

As you can see by the cover, this issue spotlights Black Thorn. Also, as seen on the cover, she's going up against Amanda Waller, so you know I'm going to love this one.

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

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and further information. That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

And you can still get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

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

The following week, look for Head Speaks where I start my Armageddon 2001 coverage!

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Suicide Squad and Checkmate.

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 20: Checkmate 2 and Suicide Squad 10

Welcome back once again, Squadmates!

This month, I bring you... Episode 20: Checkmate 2 and Suicide Squad 10

First up I cover Checkmate number 2.  This is the second part of our White Supremacy arc.

Checkmate issue 2

Checkmate #2:  "A House Divided"
Cover Date: May 1988
On Sale Date: January 12, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter

Cover Artist: Gil Kane

During the show I mention I page I like...  here is that page:

Something about this page is fantastic in my opinion.  What do you guys think?

After I talk about this issue, we then do a Character Profile on Mr. 104.

Mr. 104's Who Who picture

At the 43 minute mark of our show, we then move over to Suicide Squad number 10.

"Up Against the Wall"
Cover Date: February 1988
On Sale Date: November 3, 1987
Cover Price: $0.75
Editor: Robert Greenberger

Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: Luke McDonnell
Inker: Robert Lewis
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter
Cover Artist: Jerry Bingham

Suicide Squad 10

Tell me that isn't a great image, let alone a great cover.  Classic Amanda "The Wall" Waller making The Bat back down.  I love it!

Our final Character Profile: Ben "Bronze Tiger" Turner
A Suicide Squad mainstay, a great hero and fantastic character (which they should be using in the Suicide Squad movie.. but nooooooo....)

Ben "The Bronze Tiger" Turner

Bronze Tiger with his mask on.

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

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.

Other news for the Headcast family...

Coming next week, The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman and Mark Shaw Manhunter comics.  You may be familiar with Shaw from the last couple of issues of Suicide Squad.  Here are his continuing adventures.

Also out now, The Headcast Network where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Then, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the first week of the month, where Ryan, Kyle, returning guest host, Jif Fishman, and myself look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issue 8 and the first episode of the second cartoon series.

The following week, look for Head Speaks episode 21 where I'll be talking about something.... Probably more cartoon theme songs....

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Checkmate issue 3 and Suicide Squad issue 11.

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 19: Suicide Squad trailer and Paul Kupperberg!

Welcome back once again, Squadmates!

I bring to you... Episode 19: Suicide Squad trailer and Paul Kupperberg!

This episode, we don't have a comic book review, but me and my guest Ryan Daly (from The Secret Origins Podcast and G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast) talk about the newest Suicide Squad trailer.

Then I spend the next hour and a half or so, talking with the great Paul Kupperberg.  Good times.

Come join the fun.

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.

You can get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

Other news for the Headcast family...

Coming next week, The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman and Mark Shaw Manhunter comics.  You may be familiar with Shaw from the last couple of issues of Suicide Squad.  Here are his continuing adventures.

Also now available, The Headcast Network where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Then, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the first week of the month, where Ryan, Kyle, returning guest host, Jif Fishman, and myself look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issue 7 and the fifth episode of the cartoon.

The following week, look for Head Speaks episode 21 where I'll be talking about something....

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Checkmate issue 2 and Suicide Squad issue 10.

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 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!