

X-Ray Vision
iHeartPodcasts
Nerd-culture podcast X-Ray Vision takes listeners on a journey through the zeitgeist-iest (patent pending) films, TV shows, and comics. Join award-winning hosts Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight for one-of-a-kin analysis, the latest news and show lore, and access to the writers, producers, directors, and stars who make your favorite pop culture shows, movies, and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2022 • 1h 13min
She-Hulk Premiere + Ask the Maester!
Send all House of the Dragon inquiries to askthemaester@gmail.com & don’t forget to send your weirdest, strangest, and funniest five star reviews to xray@crooked.com and we might read your review in the episode.On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight hit Bruce’s Beachfront Bar! First in Previously On (2:28), Jason and Rosie discuss the sale of The CW and the latest Marvel crossover event A.X.E. Then in the first XRV appearance of Jason’s classic segment Ask the Maester (20:30), he answers listener questions about House of the Dragon and Westeros. In the Airlock (39:12) they dive deep (deeep) into the premiere of the super charming She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, now available on Disney+Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it? Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaCheck out the X-Ray Vision DiscordPLUGS:Rosie’s IG, website, author archive, & Letterboxd.The Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!She-Hulk: Attorney At Law's Creative Team on Reimagining This Hero's Origin Story by Rosie Knight for NerdistImmortal X-Men (2022) by Kieron Gillen and Lucas Werneck. The latest X-Men comic series follows The Quiet Council, the rulers of Krokoa and the most powerful people on Earth, as they decide the fate of the whole planet.A.X.E.: Judgment Day (2022) by Kieron Gillen and Valerio Schiti. The next Marvel Crossover Event is here and it pits the Avengers, The X-Men, and the Eternals in an epic conflict. Skaar - Hulk’s son from the acclaimed World War Hulk (2007) story by Greg Pak and John Romita Jr., in which a rage-filled Hulk returns to Earth after being exiled to Sakaar by the Illuminati in Planet Hulk (1999) by Greg Pak and Carlo Pagulayan. She-Hulk (2004-2005) and She-Hulk (2005-2009) by Dan Slott and Juan Bobillio (iconic covers by Greg Horn, some of which have inspired posters for the show). One of the most well-known She-Hulk comic runs and a big influence on the series.She-Hulk (2014-2015) by Charles Soule and Javier Pulido. Another acclaimed run with clear influences on She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Including a Jen / Daredevil moment we might see come true in the show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 12, 2022 • 1h 16min
I Am Groot & Prey + Harley Quinn Animated Series Co-Creator Justin Halpern
Send all House of the Dragon inquiries to askthemaester@gmail.com & don’t forget to rate five stars and review the show with your weirdest, strangest, funniest take and we might read your review in the episode.On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight take a bath with Groot! First in Previously On (2:15), Jason and Rosie continue to break down the breakdown in the Warner Bros Discovery merger. In the Airlock (24:07) they dive deep (deeep) into both the delightful I Am Groot short animated series streaming now on Disney+ and the quiet, subversive thrills of Prey – the latest in the predator franchise – now streaming on Hulu in both English and Comanche. Then, in the Hive Mind (39:02) Jason and Rosie are joined by Harley Quinn c0-creator Justin Halpern to discuss the inspiration behind the series, working with writing partner Patrick Schumacker, how the two of them almost ruined Harlivy, how they squeeze so many jokes into every minute, and the incredible voice work and cast.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it? Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaCheck out the unofficial X-Ray Vision DiscordPLUGS:Rosie’s IG, website, author archive, & Letterboxd.The Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!Silly Symphonies - the Skeleton Dance is a classic 1929 Walt Disney Animation that uses non post-sync sound. It can be found here.In Rosie’s article, she commemorates Fry’s electronics and its Hollywood preservation in the movie Nope. Found here. The Mary Tyler Moore show is an American sitcom airing on CBS from 1970-77, depicting an independent woman focused on her career during the second wave of feminism. Watch here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5, 2022 • 1h 26min
Batgirl Canceled?! + Harley Quinn S3, Paper Girls, & Godzilla vs. Battra with Artist Oliver Ono
Want a pretty much free SIGNED copy of Rosie and Oliver’s Godzilla one-shot from friend of the pod comic shop Secret Headquarters? Visit Secret HQ in person if you can or make your purchase online. Listen to the pod to hear how…while supplies last!On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight plant a garden with Poison Ivy! First in Previously On (8:08), Jason and Rosie discuss the insanity that is the Batgirl movie cancellation by Warner Bros. In the Airlock (32:30) they dive deep (deeep) into season 3 of the raunchy, joyful, layered series that is Harley Quinn; plus, they give an overview of the first episodes of Amazon’s adaptation of Paper Girls – exploring why you may want to check it out and how there actually is no comparison to be made between Paper Girls and Stranger Things. Then, in the Hive Mind (59:16) Jason and Rosie are joined by Rosie’s Godzilla comic collaborator Oliver Ono to discuss their creative process on the comic (out now!) and why you should put yourself out there regardless of your artistic insecurities. Finally in Nerd Out (1:27:11), CJ pitches us on the classic animated series Gargoyles.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it? Plus, send all House of the Dragon inquiries to askthemaester@gmail.com!Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaCheck out the unofficial X-Ray Vision DiscordPLUGS:Rosie’s IG, website, author archive, & Letterboxd.The Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!In the second series, the 2013 Harley Quinn has a more humorous and lighthearted demeanor while starting over in her hometown and creating a life on Coney Island, written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. Issues found here. Oliver Ono is Rosie’s collaborator on the Godzilla comic and a very talented creator, his work can be seen here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 29, 2022 • 1h 35min
SDCC 2022 + Marvel’s Multiverse Saga
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight relive the Con! First in Previously On (8:38), Jason and Rosie discuss some of the non-MCU news from SDCC, including Jason’s experience moderating the House of the Dragon panel in Hall H and Rosie seeing The Rock on Jimmy Kimmel with her Black Adam cover story, plus producer Chris hops on to discuss the latest from the world of Trek. In the Airlock (25:45) they dive deep (deeep) into the SDCC MCU announcements, offering tons of theories about what’s left of phase 4, phase 5, phase 6, and beyond, including what the comics hint at what to expect from the 18-episode Daredevil series, Namor’s role as both hero and villain, what The Thunderbolts team might look and be like, and the Kang of it all to wrap out the Multiverse Saga, plus more.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked: twitter.com/crookedmediaPLUGS:Rosie’s IG, website, author archive, & Letterboxd.The Listener’s Guide for all things X-Ray Vision!The Black Adam universe is expanding in DC, as written about by Rosie Knight. A Monster Calls is a dark fantasy drama film that follows the story of a 12 year old with a deep attachment to his chronically ill mother who exchanges stories with a haunting yew tree from his recurring nightmares, available on Netflix .Eve L Ewing is a writer and tenured professor at the University of Chicago who authored the Ironheart comic book series for Marvel in 2016.The 2009-2010 Black Panther comic book, created by Reginald Hudlin and art by Will Conrad, shows a new Black Panther taking the mantle and maintaining the legacy.Written by Jack Kirby in 1967, inked by Dan Adkins and penciled by Gene Colan, Tales of Suspense Vol. 1 #94 continues the saga of Iron Man battling Half Face and the revived Titanium Man. Daredevil Born Again is a 1986 story arc created by Frank Miller and penciled/inked by David Mazzucchelli that describes Daredevil’s spiral into insanity and poverty through the evil Kingpin’s schemes.Dark Reign is an era marked by the rise of super villains and the descent of super heroes in the aftermath of Secret Invasion originated in 2008 by Brian Michael Bendis. The first issue of this arc was written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled and inked by Alex Maleev. Created by Kurt Busiek and Alan Davis in 2001, the Kang Dynasty is a 16 part comic book storyline featuring Kang the Conqueror, a 30th century warlord, and his plan to take over the world. Avengers Vs. X-Men #1 (April, 2012) was written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by John Ramita Jr., and inked by Scott Hanna.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 22, 2022 • 2h 24min
Blade Runner & The Movies of '82 + Ms. Marvel Creator Bisha K. Ali
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight hard boil some eggs with JF Sebastian! First in Previously On (9:05), they discuss Rosie’s Den of Geek cover story on Black Adam (see below) and what to expect from Marvel Studios at Comic Con – including an extended X-Men fan cast. In the Airlock (1:01:29), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeeep) into the summer of 1982 and specifically the sci-fi flick Blade Runner – discussing the various cuts, the score, the dystopian vision, the legacy, whether Deckard is a replicant, and more with a special appearance by producer (and Blade Runner fan) Saul. In the Hive Mind (2:02:39), Rosie sits down for a charming chat with Ms. Marvel showrunner Bisha K. Ali, exploring their mutual comic book origins in London, Bisha’s approach to writing, the challenge and gratification of exploring Partition, and of course that insane finale reveal. (Note: this interview was recorded pre any and all Comic Con news.) Then, in Nerd Out (2:26:31) listener Frances pitches us on RuPaul’s Drag Race.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked Uncultured on Twitter & IGCheck out the unofficial X-Ray Vision DiscordListener’s Guide to X-Ray VisionRosie’s Den of Geek Black Adam feature.Primo – an upcoming freevee show inspired by Shea Serrano’s life in San Antonio - following a teenager balancing the responsibilities of society, college, and home with the support of his mother and five uncles. X2: X-Men United – directed by Bryan Singer in 2003, available here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 20, 2022 • 57min
BONUS - Thor: Love and Thunder Mailbag + Thor Comics Writer Jason Aaron
On this bonus episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight talk to Jason Aaron! First (1:51), they answer a few listener submitted questions about Thor: Love and Thunder, including fan-casting a possible future MCU villain. Then, in the Hive Mind (24:28) Thor comics writer Jason Aaron speaks with Jason and Rosie about his career in comics, his iconic run on Thor, and working with Marvel Studios on Thor: Love and Thunder. Note: This interview was recorded before Thor: Love and Thunder was released.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked Uncultured on Twitter & IG___With our constitutionally protected right to abortion under attack, abortion funds are working nonstop to make sure people can still access (and afford) abortion.Visit votesaveamerica.com/roe to learn more, donate, and take action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 15, 2022 • 1h 51min
Ms. Marvel and The Boys Finales + Stranger Things Season 4
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight take turns practicing guitar licks in Hawkins, take on supes with The Boys, and take down Damage Control in Jersey City! First in Previously On (2:10), they discuss all things season 4 of Stranger Things. In the Airlock (26:30), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeeep) into the season finales of The Boys season 3 and Ms. Marvel (1:10:45) — recapping both shows' final episodes, discussing cycles of abuse and fighting power with power in The Boys and offering a plethora of lore-backed theories for where the MCU is headed next (especially in light of that insane Ms. Marvel stinger). Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked Uncultured on Twitter & IGCheck out the unofficial X-Ray Vision DiscordListener’s Guide to X-Ray VisionWill Graham / Red Dragon – A novel by Thomas Harris.Rosie’s Ms. Marvel stinger piece for IGN___With our constitutionally protected right to abortion under attack, abortion funds are working nonstop to make sure people can still access (and afford) abortion.Visit votesaveamerica.com/roe to learn more, donate, and take action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 8, 2022 • 1h 53min
Thor: Love and Thunder + Ms. Marvel Eps 4 & 5
Seen Thor: Love and Thunder? Have questions? Drop us a line at xray@crooked.com.On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight workout with Surtur’s chains! First in Previously On (2:59), Jason and Rosie discuss the upcoming Paper Girls adaptation on Amazon Prime as well as the Duffer Brothers new production company and expanding the Stranger Things-verse. Then they lightning recap episodes 4 & 5 of Ms. Marvel, exploring the messiness of time travel narratives and pondering whether Damage Control will inevitably lead to the Sentinels and the X-Men (because it’s not X-Ray Vision without talking about X-Men!). In the Airlock (1:05:09), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeeep) into the shadow realm to discuss Thor: Love and Thunder (in theaters now), recapping the film, giving their reactions on Christian Bale’s performance, Taika’s magical, manic energy, as well as background and lore on some new and familiar ideas and characters in the MCU. Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked Uncultured on Twitter & IGPre-order Godzilla vs. Battra now!Listener’s Guide to X-Ray VisionPaper Girls – Available at Image comics; by Brian K. Vaughan & Cliff Chiang.Ms. Marvel creator Bisha K. Ali’s Reading List on Partition available here.Rachel Paige’s official Marvel recap on Ms. Marvel episode 5.Rosie’s Esquire article on the Endgame timeline.Maryam Ahmad’s Nerdist article on Djinn & Ms. Marvel.Strange Tales #138 – written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, pencils by Jack Kirby and John Severin, inks by Severin, colors by Stan Goldberg, letters by Sam Rosen.Venom #4 — Depicts the symbiote origins of the Necrosword; written by Donny Cates, pencils by Ryan Stegman, inks by JP Mayer, colors by Frank Martin Jr, letters by Clayton Cowles.___With our constitutionally protected right to abortion under attack, abortion funds are working nonstop to make sure people can still access (and afford) abortion.Visit votesaveamerica.com/roe to learn more, donate, and take action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 24, 2022 • 1h 47min
Obi-Wan Kenobi Finale + Ms. Marvel Ep 3
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight visit the Lars’ moisture farm (AKA Casa Wet)! First in Previously On (2:05), Jason and Rosie pay tribute to comics artist Tim Sale, who tragically passed away on June 16th; then they discuss Kevin Feige’s recent comments about the future of the MCU and the early development of both a Wonder Man series for the MCU and a Jon Snow sequel series for HBO. In the Airlock (27:53), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeeep) into the third episode of Ms. Marvel – recapping, providing lore background on the mysterious ClanDestine (see our Listener’s Guide below for more details), detailing the possibilities of the Artifact Era of the MCU, and theorizing on what might come next; then they dive deep (deeeeep) into the Dune Sea to recap and discuss the finale of Obi-Wan Kenobi (1:07:07) – giving final thoughts on the series, elaborating on the role of power in the Star Wars mythos, and discussing what they hope to see from Star Wars content in the future.Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked Uncultured on Twitter & IGPre-order Godzilla vs. Battra now!Listener’s Guide to X-Ray VisionTIM SALE TRIBUTEBatman: The Long Halloween (1996-97) – written by Jeph Loeb, illustrated by Sale.Daredevil: Yellow (2001) – written by Jeph Loeb; illustrated by Sale.Hulk: Gray (2003-2004) – written by Jeph Loeb; illustrated by Sale.Plus Two More Sale comics we love:Catwoman: When in Rome (2004) – with Jeph Loeb.Superman For All Seasons (1998) – with Jeph Loeb.Eric Diaz’s Wonder Man article for Nerdist.MS MARVELMarvel Comics Presents #158 (1994) – written by Alan Davis, penciled by Davis, inked by Mark Farmer, colored by Sophie Heath, and lettered by Pat Prentice.ClanDestine #1 (1994) – written by Alan Davis, penciled by Davis, inked by Mark Farmer, colored by Sophie Heath, and lettered by Pat Prentice.If you want to learn more about ClanDestine without reading some questionable comics, check out Rosie’s Nerdist piece.We Can Be Heroes (2020) – Written and directed by Robert Rodriguez; mastermind of such gems as Sharkboy and Lavagirl and the Spy Kids trilogy; on netflix.___This year Crooked Media’s Pride fund is supporting three incredible organizations that provide community building, gender affirming, and life saving resources to the queer and transgender community. Visit https://crooked.com/pridefund to learn more, donate, and take action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 17, 2022 • 2h 30min
DC Pride 2022 #1 with Dani Fernandez + Ms. Marvel Ep 2 & Obi-Wan Kenobi Ep 5
On this episode of X-Ray Vision, Jason Concepcion and Rosie Knight do a song and dance with the Joker, meet a cute boy with a questionable Porsche, hone their Rebel Alliance strategies, and celebrate Pride! First in Previously On (4:51), Jason and Rosie discuss the Across the Spider-Verse villain announcement and the fact that Todd Phillips’ Joker 2 may be a musical co-starring Lady Gaga. In the Airlock (19:05), Jason and Rosie dive deep (deeeep) into the second episode of Ms. Marvel – recapping as well as theorizing the origins of Kamala’s bangle and powers as well as the mystery of her visions; then they dive deep (deeeeep) to recap and discuss Part 5 of Obi-Wan Kenobi (43:26) – exploring character choices as well as the depictions of power across the Star Wars universe. In the Hive Mind (1:47:16) X-Ray Vision welcomes Dani Fernandez to discuss her Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy story in DC’s Pride 2022 comic as well as Pride in the year 2022, which superhero Dani would like to play, and more. Finally, in Nerd Out (2:30:00) Micah pitches us on the Toy Story franchise in anticipation of Pixar’s Lightyear. Tune in every Friday and don’t forget to Hulk Smash the Follow button!Nerd Out Submission Instructions!Send a short pitch and 2-3 minute voice memo recording to xray@crooked.com that answers the following questions: 1) How did you get into/discover your ‘Nerd Out?’ (2) Why should we get into it too? (3) What’s coming soon in this world that we can look forward to or where can we find it?Follow Jason: twitter.com/netw3rkFollow Crooked Uncultured on Twitter & IGListener’s Guide to X-Ray VisionGreen Lantern: Legacy - Written by Minh Lê and illustrated by Andie Tong; available here.Dragon Ball – Written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama and spawning a multimedia franchise that continues to this day; available here. Batman & Robin (1997) – Directed by Joel Schumacher, starring George Clooney as titular Bat (replacing Val Kilmer) and Chris O’Donnell returning as Robin; available on HBOMax.DC Pride 2022 – With work by numerous, including Kevin Conroy and Dani Fernandez.___This year Crooked Media’s Pride fund is supporting three incredible organizations that provide community building, gender affirming, and life saving resources to the queer and transgender community. Visit https://crooked.com/pridefund to learn more, donate, and take action. For a transcript of this episode, go to crooked.com/xrayvision See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.