Episode list

In the inaugural episode of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Tini Howard talk Betsy Braddock: once Psylocke, now Captain Britain. Tune in for a deep dive on Betsy's wild 44-year publication history, and some exploration of Tini's work on Excalibur and the upcoming franchise-wide event X of Swords.

In Episode 2 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Daniel Kibblesmith (Loki, Lockjaw) celebrate the fuzzy blue elf: Kurt Wagner, best known as Nightcrawler. Since his 1975 debut, the debonair swashbuckler has been one of the most recognizable and beloved X-Men.

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 3 of CEREBRO, Connor and culture writer Alex Abad-Santos swear their fealty to Emma Frost, the White Queen. An ice-cold femme fatale, Emma debuted in 1980 as a vicious villainess, but developed into a core member of the X-Men.

In Episode 4 of CEREBRO, Connor and Ignatz Award-winning comics artist and editor Mattie Lubchansky are undeniably horny for Piotr Rasputin, the man of steel Colossus. A kind Soviet farm boy with an artist's heart, Piotr has been a major X-Men character since his debut in 1975.

In Episode 5 of CEREBRO, Connor and iconic fashion archivist Rashida Renée Ward celebrate Ororo Munroe, Beautiful Windrider, the Weather Witch, Goddess of the STORM. One of the most popular and celebrated X-Men, Storm changed the landscape of comic books forever when she debuted in 1975.

In CEREBRO's first CROSSOVER EVENT, Connor and Jay Edidin of Jay and Miles X-Plain the X-Men (also writer of the recent X-Men: Marvels Snapshots) have an eye-opening chat about Scott Summers, a.k.a. Cyclops. A polarizing character, "Slim" has provoked strong opinions since 1963.

In Episode 7 of CEREBRO, Connor and Darcie Little Badger (one of the writers of the upcoming Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices anthology) tackle the many transformations of Dani Moonstar. One of the original New Mutants, Moonstar (usually called Mirage) has been on a wild and often winged ride since her debut in 1982.

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 8 of CEREBRO, Connor kibitzes about Iceman with academic and Marvel writer Anthony Oliveira (War of the Realms: War Scrolls, Empyre: Emperor Hulkling). One of the original X-Men from 1963, Bobby Drake is the only classic Stan Lee/Jack Kirby creation to be later established as a gay character.

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 9 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Jay Jurden soar with the Angel. (Or the Archangel, depending.) Since his 1963 debut as one of the original X-Men, Warren Worthington III has endured in the popular imagination through constant transformation.

In the GIANT-SIZE Episode 10 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Patrick Sullivan fête the many-faced mercenary Mystique. Raven Darkhölme first appeared in 1978 as Ms. Marvel's arch-nemesis, but after that book's cancellation became one of the most iconic X-Men villains.

In Episode 11 of CEREBRO, Connor and Pulitzer Prize-winning national security reporter Spencer Ackerman highlight the hubris of Hank McCoy, the bouncing, brilliant Beast. One of the original X-Men from 1963, Hank has never felt at ease with his mutation, and longs to assimilate. In recent years, his arrogance has led him down an ever-darker path.

In Episode 12 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Men Senior Editor Jordan D. White raise their swords to Brian Braddock. For many years the omniversal hero Captain Britain, he has now ceded that title to his twin sister Betsy and become Captain Avalon, his family's sworn protector.

In Episode 13 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Gerry Duggan investigate the mystery man called Logan. Brusque and brutal, Wolverine debuted as a minor antagonist in 1974, but over the years became the most popular member of the X-Men, and one of the overall flagship characters at Marvel Comics.

In Episode 14 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Tini Howard bow before Her Royal Whyness, Opal Luna Saturnyne, Omniversal Majestrix. Introduced in the relaunch of Captain Britain in 1981 as an interdimensional bureaucrat, Saturnyne and her counterparts on other worlds were integral to the classic run of Excalibur. She is now more prominent than ever before, and was the centerpiece of the recent franchise-wide event X of Swords.

In Episode 15 of CEREBRO, Connor and comics critic Sara Century become fire and life incarnate. The only woman on the 1963 X-Men team created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Jean Grey began publication as the danger-prone Marvel Girl. Under writer Chris Claremont she was reimagined as Phoenix, the most powerful superhero - and threat to the universe. - at Marvel.

In Episode 16 of CEREBRO, a HANUKKAH SPECTACULAR, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman become masters of magnetism. Introduced in 1963 as the X-Men's archenemy, Erik Magnus Lehnsherr - best known as Magneto - became the most famous Jewish character in comics. Reimagined by writer Chris Claremont as a tragic hero with a haunting backstory, he has ranged from the X-Men's greatest foe to their most vital ally.

In Episode 17 of CEREBRO, Connor and fantasy author Cass Morris (FROM UNSEEN FIRE, GIVE WAY TO NIGHT) have their psyches absorbed by the raucous Rogue. Introduced as a supervillain in 1981, the woman known only as Anna Marie has become one of the most popular members of the X-Men.

In Episode 18 of CEREBRO, Connor and author A.R. Moxon celebrate the mystical metamorph, Meggan. Introduced in 1983 as a supporting character in Captain Britain, the part-fae mutant Meggan (lately also called Gloriana) was a founding member of Excalibur and has always been a uniquely vibrant character in the X-Men mythos.

In Episode 19 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Valentine M. Smith analyze the X-Men's living computer, Sage. Introduced in 1980 as Tessa, a mysterious Hellfire Club attaché, a major retcon in 2001 revealed her to be one of Xavier's original students, kept apart from the X-Men and deployed as a spy.

In Episode 20 of CEREBRO, Connor and Eisner Award-winning comics critic Corinne McCreery imagine a brighter future for Lorna Dane, the Mistress of Magnetism. Since her debut in 1968, Polaris has won many fans but also struggled to find her place in the franchise, even after she was revealed to be Magneto's long-lost daughter.

In Episode 21 of CEREBRO, Connor and comedian Tim Platt (Rude Tales of Magic) salute a classic 60s X-Men villain: Mortimer Toynbee, the sniveling Toad. Their analysis of the misfit superhenchman - somehow becomes an expansive dialogue on masculinity. Who knew.

In Episode 22 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's X-Office Associate Editor Annalise Bissa hack into the history of Doug Ramsey, a.k.a. Cypher. Killed off in 1988 and not brought back til 2009, the omnilingual mutant is now an integral part of the franchise.

In Episode 23 of CEREBRO, Connor and filmmaker Patrick Willems face the inner darkness, the anti-self: the mummudrai. Created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, Cassandra Nova - Professor Xavier's diabolical twin sister - is one of the few post-Claremont X-Villains to truly stand the test of time.

In Episode 24 of CEREBRO, Connor and bookseller Allison Senecal try to explain why you should like Havok. Alex Summers, Cyclops's volatile younger brother, has never quite managed to escape his elder's long shadow. Conflicted and insecure, he's a troubled man with an uncertain future.

In Episode 25 of CEREBRO, Connor and Harvard Professor of English Stephanie Burt sail the high seas with Captain Kate Pryde, Red Queen of the Hellfire Trading Company. Best known as Kitty Pryde or Shadowcat, Kate is the protagonist of much of the classic Claremont run, and has endured as a fan favorite. As the first explicitly Jewish superhero at Marvel Comics, she has often been the lens through which the minority metaphor of the X-Men was most often refracted.

In Episode 26 of CEREBRO, Connor and 90s X-Men scribe Fabian Nicieza get their blood burning with Adam X, the X-Treme. A curiosity of the X-Men franchise, Adam Neramani was intended to be the long-lost brother of Cyclops and Havok, but wound up lost in comics limbo after Nicieza's departure from Marvel. Now, 25 years later, that story will be told in the pages of the anthology series X-Men Legends.

In Episode 27 of CEREBRO, Connor and ComicsXF critic Zach Rabiroff tackle the ten lives of Moira X. Dr. Moira MacTaggert was believed a human martyr for mutant rights - but the revelation of her true nature has shaken the foundations of the franchise.

In Episode 28 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Evan Narcisse dance the night away with Alison Blaire, the Disco Dazzler. Born from Marvel's failed first attempt at taking Hollywood by storm, Ali has struggled to find her spotlight in the years since.

In Episode 29 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Sara Century don their finest spiked leather with Rachel Summers, the second Phoenix. As Scott Summers and Jean Grey's time-displaced daughter from the dystopian timeline called the Days of Future Past, Rachel offers the X-Men a terrifying glimpse of the worst-case scenario for mutants.

In Episode 30 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Anthony Oliveira swish about with STRYFE, the CHAOS-BRINGER. A delightfully fruity megalomaniac in a cape, Stryfe - Cable's evil twin, sort of - is an iconic X-Villain of the 90s. He's very pointy.

In Episode 31 of CEREBRO, Connor and Angélique Roché (Marvels' Voices, Women of Marvel) adapt to their surroundings with Armando Muñoz, the ever-evolving Darwin. Created in the controversial retcon story Deadly Genesis, Darwin has nonetheless endured as a fan favorite.

In Episode 32 of CEREBRO, Connor and legendary Marvel writer and editor Ann Nocenti chase a ratings spike with her creation Mojo, ruler of the Wildways. Created for the 1985 miniseries Longshot, Mojo became one of the X-Men's strangest recurring foes: the alien despot of a world built on television. As biting meta-commentary on fandom itself, he has become an engine for social satire in X-Men comics.

In Episode 33 of CEREBRO, Connor and returning guest Alex Abad-Santos shatter the illusions of Regan Wyngarde and her sister Martinique, the ludicrous Ladies Mastermind. Born from an editorial mistake, Regan would rise to prominence in Mike Carey's celebrated run - but wherever these manipulative siblings go, trouble follows.

In Episode 34 of CEREBRO, Connor and artist Josh Cornillon keep it tidy with Megan Gwynn, the polarizing Pixie. The secret half-faerie daughter of the villain Mastermind (no, really!), after exposure to black magic Pixie became the primary student character of the Decimation period. She now stars alongside her mentor Nightcrawler in Way Of X by Si Spurrier and Bob Quinn.

In Episode 35 of CEREBRO, Connor and MODOK on Hulu co-creator Jordan Blum let down their barriers with Sally Blevins, the slippery Skids. Introduced in Louise Simonson's classic run on X-Factor, teen runaway Skids wants nothing more than a home and a family, but - overshadowed by other characters in her age group - she rarely catches a break.

In the PLANET-SIZE Episode 36 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel's Tini Howard praise the perfection of Monet St. Croix. The unlikely breakout of the Generation X class, marvelous mean girl Monet transcended her intended story function to become a leading lady, star of the new book X-Corp. Writer Kendra James also joins Connor to talk about Monet's historical importance as a unique character in the X-Men franchise.

In Episode 37 of CEREBRO, Connor and Marvel writer Steve Orlando get bad to the bone with the Morlock Sarah, better known as Marrow. A breakout character of the late 90s, the rebellious and grisly Marrow's rising star quickly flamed out, but she's endured as a fan favorite.

In Episode 38 of CEREBRO, Connor and celebrated writer Mike Carey (X-Men Legacy, Lucifer, The Unwritten, The Girl With All The Gifts) praise the power of Joanna Cargill, a.k.a. Frenzy. A longtime enemy of the X-Men, Cargill decided to change her ways during Carey's beloved time writing the franchise, and is now a fan favorite antihero. PLUS: Tempo. The Children of the Vault. Lady Mastermind.

In Episode 39 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer and critic Sara Century (Bitches on Comics) are possessed by the power of Xi'an Coy Manh, the courageous Karma. The first confirmed lesbian character in the X-Men franchise, Xi'an was the original leader of the New Mutants, but has never received as much care and attention on the page as her classmates. She is a protagonist of the new run of New Mutants by Vita Ayala and Rod Reis.

In Episode 40 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer and editor Steve Foxe (Spider-Ham, Cheater Code, Razorblades, The Department of Truth) fly into the fairy kingdom of Alfheim with Jean-Paul Beaubier, the nimble Northstar. The first confirmed gay superhero at Marvel Comics, Jean-Paul originated as a member of Alpha Flight, but became an X-Men mainstay under writer Chuck Austen. His 2012 same-sex wedding made headlines, but in the time since, this shining star has struggled to find his light. He is the co-lead of X-Factor volume 4 by Leah Williams and David Baldeón.

In Episode 41 of CEREBRO, Connor and his friend Louis dig the good vibrations of the seismic stunner Rictor. Introduced in the classic run of X-Factor by Louise and Walt Simonson, Julio Richter became a 90s breakout in X-Force before starring in Peter David's X-Factor Investigations. After a lengthy period as one of the biggest characters to suffer from the Decimation, he was eventually repowered. He now stars in Excalibur by Tini Howard and Marcus To, where he has become the face of mutant magic.

In Episode 42 of CEREBRO, Connor and his friend Luke Ruddick (Danger Rooms and Dragons) swing a bevy of blades with Gaveedra Seven, the sensational Shatterstar. A breakout star of the 90s run of X-Force, interdimensional alien/mutant gladiator 'Star is an escaped slave devoted to the liberation of his people. He has become one of Marvel's most prominent bisexual characters.

In Episode 43 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Steph Williams hype up Roxy Washington, the brilliant Bling. While she's a somewhat minor character, lesbian teen Roxy has a unique role in her generation. Plus: Steph's newly-announced DC Comics book NUBIA AND THE AMAZONS. Plus her thoughts on Monica Rambeau, Storm, and whatever else occurred to us to chat about.

In Episode 44 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Alex Segura soak up the sun with Roberto da Costa, the sensational Sunspot. An original New Mutant, biracial Brazilian babe Beto inherited his father's fortune and continued into X-Force in the 90s. After a stint as Lord Imperial of the Hellfire Club, he eventually joined the Avengers under writer Jonathan Hickman.

In Episode 45 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Zoe Tunnell are nigh-invulnerable when they're castin' with Sam Guthrie, the caring Cannonball. An original New Mutant, Kentucky coal country kid Sam went on to lead X-Force before graduating to the big leagues. After some time as an official member of the X-Men, he eventually joined the Avengers under writer Jonathan Hickman.

In Episode 46 of CEREBRO, Connor and writer Kendra James rise from the grave with Everett Thomas, the supportive Synch. Marked for leadership early in the run of the 90s title Generation X, likable power-copier Everett was tragically killed in the final arc of the book. 18 years later, he was resurrected in the Age of Krakoa by writer Jonathan Hickman, and now stars in Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz's relaunch of the X-Men flagship title.

In Episode 47 of CEREBRO, Connor and critic Elana Levin fall to pieces with Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man. A longtime X-Men supporting character, Madrox rose to prominence in the 21st century as the protagonist of the long-running X-Factor, written by Peter David. After a number of astoundingly complicated stories, he is now part of Krakoa's X-Corp.

In Episode 48 of CEREBRO, Connor and critic and cartoonist Karen Charm get more than skin deep with Paige Guthrie, the heroic Husk. Younger sister to classic character Cannonball, Paige was a protagonist of the 90s book Generation X. Later stories would write the character into some odd positions, and she's struggled to find a stable place in the franchise since.

In Episode 49 of CEREBRO, Connor and former Marvel editor Chris Robinson play the hand they're dealt with the gregarious Gambit. Introduced as Chris Claremont's last addition to the X-Men in his sixteen-year run, Remy would become an iconic part of the X-Men franchise as a breakout star of the 90s, the focus of several solo titles. In recent years his star has somewhat dimmed, with most of his stories revolving around his relationship with longtime love interest Rogue.

In Episode 50 of CEREBRO, the SEASON 1 FINALE, Connor and returning guest Spencer Ackerman survey the schemes of Charles Xavier, the persuasive Professor X. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the X-Men's wise teacher and mentor slowly became a much darker and more foreboding character, a father figure gone wrong.