Unspoken Issues #124.5 - Spider-Boy, Iron Lantern, Lobo the Duck

This episode of Unspoken Issues dives into the world of 90s comics with a special focus on Amalgam Comics, celebrating their upcoming reprint in the "DC Versus Marvel: The Amalgam Age Omnibus". Hosted by Jesse, Chris Armstrong, and Evan Bevins, the trio shares their nostalgia for this unique crossover between Marvel and DC, revisiting iconic mashups like Spider-Boy, Iron Lantern, and Lobo the Duck.Chris leads off the discussion by revealing the exciting news behind Marvel and DC’s decision to reprint their legendary crossovers, sparking a dive into Amalgam’s origins. The hosts each pick an Amalgam title to review, starting with Spider-Boy. Evan, who has blogged extensively about the Amalgam series, gives a detailed breakdown of the quirky yet thrilling mix of Spider-Man and Superboy. The team reflects on the fun elements like the fusion of supporting characters, unexpected Easter eggs, and the overall playful vibe of these titles.Next up, they explore Iron Lantern, where Iron Man meets Green Lantern in a Bronze Age-inspired tale packed with cosmic battles and technological innovations. Despite being one of the more structured stories, the hosts reflect on the cliffhanger ending and the unique character combinations like Mandarinestro and Madam Sapphire.To close, the gang reviews the chaotic and darkly humorous Lobo the Duck, a combination of Howard the Duck and Lobo. While Evan appreciates the mix of absurdity and parody, he highlights how this issue leans more into Lobo’s tone than Howard’s, missing some of the emotional depth typical of the original Howard the Duck comics. Still, the explosive action and outlandish plot make for a memorable discussion.Listeners will enjoy the hosts' knowledge of comic history and their passion for dissecting these unusual crossovers. Whether you're a diehard Amalgam fan or new to the concept, this episode is full of nostalgia, humor, and a celebration of comic creativity.