ASH&amp;

This set of ugly freaks have become so special to me. Too much of everything. Unapologetically irredeemably psychopathic. Some of the best antagonists of the last couple years. #kaijunumber8

I think the avatar cycle was lost and therefore the world lost its connection to spirituality, too. The healing was more than one Avatar could do alone. The world needs its chakras cleared the way Aang cleared his own. And that last lesson was letting go. #AvatarSevenHavens

I don’t think one of them is a Dark Avatar. I think their conflict will come from opposed attitudes The seeds are there: Pavi releases where Nisha grasps, connects where she closes, heals where she harms “Will you choose them, or me?” is a recurring question #Avatarsevenhavens

Annoyed it took me this long to notice the more explicit inversion of Pavi and Nisha. She has to be upside down to meditate! #avatarsevenhavens

PEAK IS BAAAAACCK.

Kieron Gillen@kierongillen.bsky.social

Once more, we're on. Out January, THE POWER FANTASY #18. "Where we consider the big issues, like if you could travel back in time to kill baby Hitler, would you? How about if Hitler was actually a lovely-if-self-obsessed artist who killed the world by accident? Also, Jacky Magus panics."

Feedback about the first Midnight solo ep. - ppl agree Jon Hickman is a wide lens writer - ppl see midnight Spider-Man and absolute Superman parallels - ppl like the quick deep dives - People want me to fuck myself because of the creepy music 😂 open.spotify.com/episode/6td3...

Me. You. Alone. Midnight. Are Spider-Man's background scenes stronger than the art? Can comics do addiction? Will Hickman breathe life into dead X-vamp concept? You're my guest as we yell "HELLO?" down the dark corridor that is the Midnight universe. pod.fo/e/6d9c4d

pod.foASH& MIDNIGHT: One

van cartier@christopherxci.blacksky.app

Van - a second-hand inside joke name bestowed to me by @ashandpod.bsky.social aka Van the First + Cartier - boujee Creole with a thing for bling and a love for Emma Frost + Van Cartier - in honor of Dolores Van Cartier from Sister Act, specifically Sister Act II

ASH& reposted

Karen Czap

@charmgardens.com

22 Aug

I love these people

ASH&@ashandpod.bsky.social

NAIL CLUB! @alsopurp.bsky.social back with brand new guest @blackgaycomicgeek.bsky.social and we're talking Healing Factors, hated colleagues, adamantium closets, and why you never go DOWN when you're trapped in a facility with body-snatching aliens. pod.fo/e/565dfe

Doing a big re-read of Gail's Uncanny because I missed some middle issues and now Monet is in the mix fr I'd like to involve. Coming back with more comic-agnostic eyes, interested to see whether/how much post-Krakoa coloured my vision on this one.

After those very damning pages the step-change is too quick, they fall into this weird unearned deference, which is egregious after the last pages. And ofc Ransom coulda Gone Bad 🙄 the whole Rogue so HOT feels cheapest here. The X-Men are very weird to Ransom and idk why

And the fact she picks up on Horse Girl as the lazy moniker that needs correcting and not Manga Kid kinda feels like the dynamic I didn't want to engage with, that misogyny (particularly aimed at white women) would be confronted while ignoring quite obvious racial insensitivity

I need them to explain why they turn up fully costumed, lmaooo. I may be 16 in the middle of Miami, on the run and fearing for my life but I DON'T have to be chopped in these woods. Where did Jitter get the olympic bobsled gear?

This is still v bad. These pages are a playbook in justifying violence against Black men. Within 5 panels of his intro Ransom's been intimidated, mis-framed as a threat, shot, attacked most and most graphically then everyone moves on cos harming him's not important. USA indeed

This is very very sad. Another WOC, narratively condemned in a diff way. Even if you plead you're One Of The Good Ones, death comes anyway. Even when it falls on deaf ears because the appeals assume a human attacker, which clearly isn't the case. Interesting set-up + I love CLAWS

Reading this I realised how I've been warped by Discourse. I can see my tendency to read books considering the worst case read. Will a particular type of prick be able to say "see, MUTANTS kill mutants"? Yes. Does the narrative have to evade it all all times to be good. probs not

Feels intuitive, why would an evil creature not go for the lowest blows? The idea that a dragon would call you slurs is crazy, but it does make it conspicuous that Jubilee's harassment (implied to be misogyny AND sinophobia) aren't called out with similar clarity.

I'll wait until I get further in the book before I give thoughts on Warden Ellis and making the face of mutant hatred a WOC. I'd like to know why Gail chose that now, given the v right-wing moment. It joins Brand New Day in that respect and as Yaya says...optics.

I LOVE the way Jubilee's powers are being developed visually, and the moment she's having generally atm (if you're not reading her solo, do, it's one of the highlights of this era). Between 97, this and her solo it's really her season, and I love her position with new gens.

There's a constant hum of misogyny: Warden Ellis not being titled, Jubilee heckled, Uva (the mutant in the cafe) attacked for her looks. Then the dragon, who calls the men Dog and Thief (relevant) but generates multiple sexual insults for Rogue.

This is a beautiful little exchange about apologia, and about how assimilation isn't a neutral thing. It's shouldering contempt, and it's harder for some than others.

10 Aug

Akasha listening to that white man blame her for everything

ASH& reposted

6 Aug

New bonus! 👾 Giving our thoughts on all the Summer 2026 Nerd (and blerd) news and media with @ashandpod - Vixen! Static! - Marvel’s DC’s Absolute Midnight - Children of Yellow and Bone - No Blade/Wonder Man REFERENTIAL available everywhere you get your pods!

1 Aug

24hrs later and I love it still. Never dropped below an 8/10. Managed to have a LOT of elements and balanced them perfectly.

26 July

My god. New black Panther, Static, vixen, midnight fantastic four, Maximum X-Men, Absolute Cyborg, Ghost Rider, Midnight sons! The fall of Akira Yoshida!

ASH& reposted

25 July

First ep of the ‘97 sessions is up ❌ With Eisner nominated comic writer @jacksonlanzing.bsky.social (NYX, Kang the Conquerer, Star Trek!) & @ashandpod.bsky.social ! Covering #XMen97 S2 EPs 1, 2 & 3! - ‘Daniel.’ - Charles Xavier is the worst - Justice for Nur podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

22 July

This is the funniest thing I’ve seen today. Robots do NOT want to work hunny, I imagine a future where the refusal of robots to engage is constant labour inspires humans to do the same. A revolution of people falling to their back! Enough!

Rav BOO!dram 🎃👻@rvbdrm.com

Quick thinking having a tablecloth handy. I didn’t even notice the twitching from that dead robot.

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.com(PREVIEW) X-Men '97 S2 EP1/2/3 (With NYX & KANG writer Jackson Lanzing and Ash Alleyne!)Podcast Episode · Referential · 21 July · Bonus · 15min

21 July

Preview of our #XMen97 discussion of S2 EP 1/2/3 with @ashandpod.bsky.social & @jacksonlanzing.bsky.social up now everywhere you get your pods! (Full ep with you imminently 👀 !) podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

ASH& reposted

14 July

Cooking 🍳 @ashandpod.bsky.social Joining us on the return of the 97 Sessions to deep dive into episodes 1, 2 & 3 of #XMen97 is 1/2 of the Hivemind and Eisner nominated comic writer @jacksonlanzing.bsky.social! (NYX, Star Trek, Kang!) With you soon ❌ podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

youtu.beASH& KEITH TALK DIE: Episode 1It's been as lot of prep to this launch. I've been wanting more continuity, and so here's episode 1 of a series that's more in-depth and holistic than anything I've done before. We're talking one of…

11 July

WE'RE LIVE! First ep. of the first ASH& ongoing where a guest and I lock in and talk on one book. It's all about continuity, so join @keitsune.bsky.social and I as we crack open the DnD love letter that is DIE. DO. NOT. MISS youtu.be/CL0rDywHXoU

11 July

I’m putting together a team 🥚

11 July

If I send you this I did it anyway. #xmen97

ASH& reposted

2 July

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

Follow REFERENTIAL & ASH& everywhere you get your podcasts! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r... podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a...

2 July

WE HAVE A LOOK. #97sessions has coalesced from the ether into a proper pod! Come celebrate by catching up on all the episodes and we’ll be with you soon 😉😉

dr. Khaliden Nas@alsopurp.bsky.social

The ‘97 Sessions with @ashandpod.bsky.social will be back next week to cover #XMen97 with some of your favourite nerds across the web! Tune in for the expert, political, Black, queer and ridiculous take on the #XMen you won’t find anywhere else ❌ podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

ASH& reposted

youtu.beX-MEN ‘97 RECAP: Everything to Know Before SEASON 2!YouTube video by Referential

Need the first season of of #XMen97 recapped before Season 2 drops tmrw? We got you covered @ashandpod.bsky.social X-MEN ‘97 S1 RECAP: Everything to Know Before SEASON 2! youtu.be/CTUF7Fgn8QY?...

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.comX-Men ‘97 (S2 Prep) S1 EP10 ‘Tolerance is Extinction - Part 3’ (with Brett Mannes, Evil Jeff & Ash Alleyne!)Podcast Episode · Referential · 29 June · 1hr 1min

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

S1 E10 “Bastion threw the first brick at stonewall” Prepare for X-Men ‘97 S2 by listening to my recaps with @ashandpod.bsky.social Joined by the OG LGBTQ+ comic podcast @comicbookqueers.bsky.social for the S1 finale! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.comX-Men ‘97 S1 Wrap-Up/Mailbag (with Stephanie Williams, Connor Goldsmith, Ash Alleyne & More!)Podcast Episode · Referential · 29 June · 1hr 17min

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

Bonus X-Men ‘97 season 1 wrap up With @ashandpod.bsky.social , @stephwilliams.bsky.social , @levin.bsky.social and more! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

youtu.beX-MEN ‘97 RECAP: Everything to Know Before SEASON 2!YouTube video by Referential

We’’re gearing you up for the return of the 97 sessions with a day by day recap of season one. Get into it if you haven’t heard it yet, or even if you miss your favourite warring nerd sister-cousins!

dr. Khaliden Nas@alsopurp.bsky.social

Need the first season of of #XMen97 recapped before Season 2 drops tmrw? We got you covered @ashandpod.bsky.social X-MEN ‘97 S1 RECAP: Everything to Know Before SEASON 2! youtu.be/CTUF7Fgn8QY?...

Despite initial apathy I'm really taking to Bailey Briggs. That's a funny little kid (Spider-versity).

lareviewofbooks.orgA Better World Is Not Possible | Los Angeles Review of BooksDid the Weather Underground have a point?

29 June

READ THIS. TODAY. RIGHT NOW.

Tressie McMillan Cottom@tressiemcphd.bsky.social

My dear lord. lareviewofbooks.org/article/dang...

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.comX-Men ‘97 (S2 Prep) S1 EP7 ‘Bright Eyes’ (with Valentine Smith, Miss Sundi & Ash Alleyne!)Podcast Episode · Referential · 28 June · 1hr 13min

28 June

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

S1 E7 “Rogue was right” Prepare for X-Men ‘97 S2 by listening to my recaps with @ashandpod.bsky.social ! Joining on 3rd and 4th chair is @valentinemsmith.bsky.social & Miss Sundi! podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.comReferentialTV & Film Podcast · Updated fortnightly · Referential is hosted by Dr. Khaliden Nas to have serious conversations about frivolous topics! Each episode takes you on an academically informed deep dive ...

27 June

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

S1 E6 “Xavier + Lilandra = r*ceplay”! Prepare for X-Men ‘97 S2 by listening to my recaps with @ashandpod.bsky.social @tiffiestarchild.bsky.social comes back to explain why Storm is everything but Xavier ain’t shi ⚡️ podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.comX-Men ‘97 (S2 Prep) S1 EP5 ‘Remember it’ (with Ash Alleyne & Matthew Bordenave)Podcast Episode · Referential · 26 June · 1hr 9min

26 June

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

S1 E5 “Jean the human world is a mess”! Prepare for X-Men ‘97 S2 by listening to my recaps with @ashandpod.bsky.social Sat with the X-Men 97’s assistant director Matthew Bordenave to ask WHY did he have to do that to Gambit?! 🃏 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

ASH& reposted

Kieron Gillen

@kierongillen.bsky.social

26 June

I start the day answering the final questions in this epic. If you need something to tide you over until we come back later in the year, this should give you much to chew. The Power Fantasy Love You.

reddit.comFrom the thePowerFantasy community on Reddit: The Power Fantasy AMA: Kieron GillenExplore this post and more from the thePowerFantasy community

ASH& reposted

podcasts.apple.comX-Men ‘97 (S2 Prep) S1 EP4 ‘Motendo / Lifedeath – Part 1’(with Ash Alleyne & Victor Alexander)Podcast Episode · Referential · 25 June · 50min

25 June

Replying to @alsopurp.bsky.social

S1 E4 “Mojo’s Drag Race”! Prepare for X-Men ‘97 S2 by listening to my recaps with @ashandpod.bsky.social And on 3rd chair is Victor to explain why Mojo = RuPaul! 🎇 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

Raising the petition to make it permanent brb

Jamie Kelsey 🏳️‍🌈🔺️🎃@jkelsey6892.bsky.social

Animalia is cool! This is the 2nd comic where she has this tiger form

I think she should to do it, personally.

Jamie Kelsey 🏳️‍🌈🔺️🎃@jkelsey6892.bsky.social

Animalia is cool! This is the 2nd comic where she has this tiger form

So Ultimate Endgame was kiiiiinda Sins of Sinister. ✅ Create your own universe/timeline ✅ Corrupt the heroes to serve your ends ✅ taunt your biggest threat as a vision ✅ attempt to escape space and time ✅ get defeated by the totality of all heroes