Episode 43: The Janus Directive Parts 11 and Epilogue

Welcome back Squadmates.  Here is Episode 43: The Janus Directive Parts 11 and Epilogue

First up this month, we look at Firestorm 87.

Firestorm 87

Firestorm the Nuclear Man #87
Cover Date: July 1989
On Sale Date: May 16, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00

Editor: Dan Raspler

Title: "Freakstorm"
Writer: John Ostrander
Artist: Tom Mandrake
Letterer: Duncan Andrews
Colorist: Nansi Hoolahan
Cover Credits
Artist: Tom Mandrake

Comments: Pages 1-4 of this story occur between pages 19 and 20 of Suicide Squad #30.

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

Captain Atom 30

Captain Atom #30
Cover Date: June 1989
On Sale Date: May 2, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00

Editor: Dennis J. O'Neil

Title: "Troubles in Paradise"

Writer: Cary Bates
Writer: Greg Weisman
Penciller: Rafael Kayanan
Inker: Romeo Tanghal
Letterer: Carrie Spiegle (McCarthy)
Colorist: Gene D'Angelo
Cover Credits
Artist: Pat Broderick

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

Then finally, at thirty one minutes in to the show, I go back in time and look at The Brave and The Bold 38, to look at a couple of stories featuring the original Suicide Squad.

Writer/Editor: Robert Kanigher
Penciller: Ross Andru
Inker: Mike Esposito
10 cents for 25 pages (two stories)
Cover: Oct/Nov 61
On Sale: Aug 29, 61
Story 1: Mater of the Dinosaurs (15 pgs)

Story 2: Menace of the Mirage People (10 pg)

Commercials played this episode:

Fire and Water Podcast
Silver and Gold Podcast
G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast

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.

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 41: The Janus Directive Parts 7 and 8

Hey Squadmates.  Here we go...  I proudly present to you: Episode 41: The Janus Directive Parts 7 and 8

As per the episode name, we are continuing our look at... The Janus Directive.

First I introduce my special guest, The Irresponsible..err The Irredeemable Shag.  Shag talks about himself a little (a subject matter he loves and is an expert at) and about Firestorm's history.

During our conversation, he mentions some material that was sent out to comic shops a month before hand.  You can view that at:

http://firestormfan.com/2010/03/08/elemental-firestorm-promotional-efforts/

http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm86preview.pdf

Once I can get a word in edgewise, we actually look at the issue in question (with no Ninja counting from me).

Firestorm 86: Janus Directive 7

Firestorm (the Nuclear Man?) #86
Cover Date: June 1989
On Sale Date: April 11, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00
Title: "Home Fires Burning"

Writer: John Ostrander
Artist: Tom Mandrake
Letterer: Duncan Andrews
Colorist: Nansi Hoolahan
Editor: Dennis J. O'Neil
Cover Credits
Artist: Tom Mandrake

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

Notes on this issue:
Parasite next appears in Starman 13, which I covered in Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour 17 (From July).

He last appeared in Firestorm 82 (concluding story from Invasion), and then before that was back during the Suicide Squad/Firestorm crossover we covered back in Episode 12 (all issues covered somewhere on The Headcast Network).

Then at 1 hour and 12 minutes in, we take a look at....

Suicide Squad 29: The Janus Directive 8

Suicide Squad 29
Cover Date: 1989
On Sale Date: April 18, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00

Title: "Heavy Squad"
Writer: John Ostrander
Writer: Kim Yale
Penciller: John K. Snyder III
Inker: Pablo Marcos
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford
Editor: Robert Greenberger

Cover Credits
Artist: Karl Kesel
Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad:The Janus Directive TPB (2016)

Listen in as we discuss these two issues of the great Janus Directive crossover.

Commercials played this episode:

Fire and Water Podcast

Who's Who Podcast

From Crisis to Crisis: A Superman Podcast

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 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 next part of The Janus Directive.  Checkmate 18 and Suicide Squad 29.

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

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 39: The Janus Directive Parts 3 and 4

Hey Squadmates.  Here we go...  I proudly present to you: Episode 39: The Janus Directive Parts 3 and 4

As per the episode name, we are continuing our look at... The Janus Directive.

First up, is Checkmate 16!

Checkmate 16

Checkmate #16
Cover Date: May 1989
On Sale Date: March 28, 1989
Cover Price: $1.50

Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Title: "Shadow Knights"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Rick Hoberg
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Gaspar Saladino
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter
Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane

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

Then at 30 minutes in, we take a look at....

Suicide Squad 28 - Part 4

Suicide Squad #28
Cover Date: 1989
On Sale Date: April 4, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00

Editor: Robert Greenberger
 
Title: "Death Game"

Writer: Kim Yale
Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: John K. Snyder III
Inker: Karl Kesel
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford
Cover Credits
Artist: Karl Kesel

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

Listen in as we discuss these two issues of the great Janus Directive crossover.

Commercials played this episode:

DC OCD: Where Mike and Paul take a look at all of the DC Crossover events.

Done In One Wonder Show: Xum Yukinori's great show.

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 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.

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Suicide Squad and Checkmate.  And coming next month.... The next part of The Janus Directive.  Checkmate 17 and Manhunter 14.

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 27: Checkmate 6 and Suicide Squad 19

Welcome back once again, Squadmates!

I bring to you our amazing... Episode 27: Checkmate 6 and Suicide Squad 19

Still a little delayed due to home life, but we're back...  the 27th episode of Task Force X.  Also due to trying to get this episode out, there may be a bit more pauses and some background noise than I like, again, I apologize.

First up, I look at and talk about Checkmate number 6 which again has two stories.

Checkmate 6... HEAT

Checkmate #6
Cover Date: September 1988
On Sale Date: May 10, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25
Editor: Jonathan Peterson
Cover Credits
Artist: Art Thibert

Title: "Heat"
Pages: 16

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

Second story
Title: "Knight Game"
Pages: 8

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: James W. Fry
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Albert Tobias De Guzman
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter

This story concludes Reed's journey on becoming a Knight...

Then at about 26 minutes in, we look at the 19th issue of Suicide Squad....

Suicide Squad 19- Personal Files... Amanda Waller

Suicide Squad Vol. 1 #19 (November 1988): "Personal Files - Amanda Waller"
Comic Title: Suicide Squad #19
Cover Date: November 1988
On Sale Date: August 2, 1988
Cover Price: $1.00
Editor: Robert Greenberger

Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: Luke McDonnell
Inker: Robert Lewis
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford
Cover Credits
Penciller: Joe J. Brozowski
Inker: Karl Kesel

This story takes place before/around the same time as the annual from last episode.
At the 10K foot level (as The Irredeemable Shag is fond of saying), this is a day in the life of Amanda Waller.

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.  The Invasion is among us.... listen to find out more!

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 episode 28, where I'll be talking about the Atom plus whatever else crosses my fancy.... 

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk more about the Deadshot miniseries.

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 25 : The Movie Review Plus Suicide Squad 17 and Checkmate 4!

Welcome back once again, Squadmates!

I bring to you our amazing... Episode 25 : The Movie Review Plus Suicide Squad 17 and Checkmate 4!

A little delayed due to sickness and home life, but we're back...  the 25th episode of Task Force X.

First up we review the Suicide Squad movie.... Did I like it?  Did I hate it?  Listen and find out!

Then at about an hour and a half in, we look at the 17th issue of Suicide Squad....

Suicide Squad issue 17.  The return of the Jihad!

Suicide Squad #17
Title: "Battleground Manhattan"
Cover Date: September 1988
On Sale Date: June 7, 1988

Cover Price: $1.00

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

Cover Credits
Penciller: Joe J. Brozowski
Inker: Karl Kesel

Then at about the two hour mark, I look at Checkmate 4 (with two stories this month).

Checkmate #4
Cover Date: July 1988
On Sale Date: March 15, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Title: "One Knight in Venice..."
Pages: 16

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Gaspar Saladino
Colorist: Thomas J. Ziuko

Title: "Moves"

Pages: 8

Writer: Paul Kupperberg

Penciller: Don Heck

Inker: Al Vey

Letterer: Gaspar Saladino

Colorist: Thomas J. Ziuko

Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane

Finally I wrap things up with Suicide Notes.

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.

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.  Currently I'm only looking at the Manhunter comics,as Invasion! is coming.

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 issue 13 and the first episode of the regular series.

The following week, look for Head Speaks episode 26, where I'll be talking about The Killing Joke animated movie and The Sword of the Atom issue 3.... 

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 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!