52 Pickup

Latest Episodes:

Never Stop Reading Comics Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

All-Star Gita Jackson and World’s Finest Alex Jaffe finish our show after two years of exploring the greatest comic book series you’ve ever heard of. Along the way they clean up The Blackboard, play one more round of Brat or Swiftie, and assemble a new team of 52 heroes. Thank you for listening! Show Notes: 52 Geoff Johns Grant Morrison Greg Rucka Mark Waid Keith Giffen aftermath.site/signup 1: Favorite and Least Favorite Storyline? (02:50) Super-Chief Grant Morrison AMA Batman/Deadpool E.S.Pete Pulsar, the Master of Sound Vic Sage Renee Montoya Batwoman Batgirl Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Absolute Universe Ultimate Universe Jonathan Hickman Krakoan Age DC Next Level Deathstroke (2016 series) Firestorm Zatanna Lobo Etrigan Fire & Ice: When Hell Freezes Over New Gods Green Lantern Corps Jo Mullein Green Lantern: Far Sector Dan Abnett Justice League Odyssey Jessica Cruz Cyborg Azrael Starfire Darkseid Orion Blackfire Dex-Starr Space Ranger Lady Styx Star Trek Warhammer 40,000 Jack Reacher Hawkman (2018 series) Hawkman Blackest Night Animal Man 2: Let’s give quick takes on each of the other 52 storylines (15:45) Ralph Dibny Isis Identity Crisis Infinite Crisis Black Adam Booster Gold Superboy Prime Marvel Cinematic Universe Watchmen Superman Ted Kord James Gunn Steel The Death of Superman Lex Luthor Natasha Irons Ducktales Crash Christopher Priest The Metal Men Dan DiDio Megalopolis (2024) Francis Ford Coppola John Byrne Alpha Centurion Cyborg Superman Batman 3: Who was your favorite character in 52? (34:13) Justice League Unlimited Dan Jurgens Mystery Men (1999) Kel Mitchell 4: What was your favorite scene in 52? (36:33) Rama Kushna John Constantine Hellblazer 5: The Blackboard (39:29) Douglas Wolk All of the Marvels Al Ewing 6: Where Are They Now? (43:01) The New History of the DC Universe Action Comics Ghost Machine Taylor Swift Charlie XCX DC K.O. Lana Lang Justice League Red Gail Simone Jaime Reyes The Question: All Along the Watchtower Teen Titans Cassie Sandsmark Adam Strange Jadzia Axelrod John Stewart Doctor Sivana T. O. Morrow Mori Calliope Suicide Squad Isekai Brad Meltzer 7: Brat or Swiftie? (47:55) Hades 2 Travis Kelce Rip Hunter SZA Charles Mingus Jay Z Cowboy Carter Infinity Inc. Gigi Hadid Blair Witch Will Magnus Wendy Carlos Yes Rush Genesis Jimmy Buffet Kanye West Egg Fu Doctor Tyme Veronica Cale Osiris Sobek Nightwing Red (album) 8: Crackship Crisis (01:03:20) Joker Inferior Five The Spectre Dove Hawk Kite Man The Flash T-Man Gilgamesh II Aquagirl Aquaman The Top Sgt. Rock 9: Let’s Draft a 52-Person Superhero Team (01:09:40) Ragman Deadman Batman: Gotham Nocturne Shift Metamorpho Outsiders Honest Abe Lightray Connor Hawke Mera G.I. Robot Monkey Prince Bronze Tiger Captain Atom Cassandra Cain Wild Dog Sarah Lance Legends of Tomorrow Clayface Enchantress The Hulk Helena Bertinelli Killer Frost Pandora The New 52 The Revolutionaries Suicide Squad Hardware Milestone Cynthia Reynolds Xanthe Zhou Absolute Wonder Woman Vic Sage Anima Gunfire Shade the Changing Man Shade the Changing Girl Young Animal Phantom Stranger Zatanna Dial H for Hero Freakazoid The Creeper Static Warren Ellis Global Frequency Traci 13 Danny the Street Resurrection Man Jonah Hex Freedom Beast Tawky Tawny Detective Chimp Angel and the Ape Stitch Doctor Fate Dreamer Galaxy Power Boy Tanya Spears Power Girl Secret Shining Knight Klarion the Witch Boy Bulleteer Black Orchid Vertigo Ms. Martian Brian Michael Bendis Batman: Universe 10: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (01:22:51) Dave Gibbons Superman, an Unauthorized Biography The Caped Crusade The Secret History of Wonder Woman DC Action News Aftermath After Hours J. G. Jones DC Universe Viz Ways of Seeing Understanding Comics Alan Moore Chainsaw Man M Mycroft Holmes Young Justice alexjaffe.bsky.social DC Comics Official Discord @xoxogossipgita 52 Pickup is an Aftermath production, created by Gita Jackson and Alex Jaffe, and edited by Esper Quinn, with original music by Jon Ehrens. Hosting for 52 Pickup is provided by Insert Credit. If you’d like to follow along, you can check out 52 at your local comic book store or library, or the DC Universe Infinite subscription service. The views and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the show’s personalities, and do not reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros. Please rate and review our show wherever you can, and send your questions and comments to 52mailbag@gmail.com. Never stop reading comics.

Full show notes at the publisher

Week 52 - A Year in the Life Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Are you ready? All-Star Gita Jackson and World’s Finest Alex Jaffe finish issue 52 of 52, and share the thesis statement of this entire podcast, the still-unknown secret of “52,” and Booster getting Ted Tedgnant.

Show Notes:

1: Let’s Talk Talent (09:59)

2: Let’s Talk About 52 #52 (14:27)

3: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (54:02)

4: Let’s Rank the 52 Storylines (55:03)

5: The Blackboard (58:49)

6: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (01:04:07)

DC Action News

52 Pickup is an Aftermath production, created by Gita Jackson and Alex Jaffe, and edited by Esper Quinn, with original music by Jon Ehrens. Hosting for 52 Pickup is provided by Insert Credit. If you’d like to follow along, you can check out 52 at your local comic book store or library, or the DC Universe Infinite subscription service. The views and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the show’s personalities, and do not reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros. Please rate and review our show wherever you can, and send your questions and comments to 52mailbag@gmail.com. Have a brain and a heart about comics, and never stop reading comics.

Week 51 - Homecoming Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Forget it baby, it’s Rann! All-Star Gita Jackson and World’s Finest Alex Jaffe cast an emerald eye on issue 51, as well as an improved Court of Owls poem, the relative strength of DC live action movies right now, and SuperBat shipping.

Show Notes:

1: Let’s Talk Talent (05:28)

2: Let’s Talk About 52 #51 (08:51)

3: The Backup (36:01)

4: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (41:18)

5: The Blackboard (XX:XX)

6: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (51:09)

World War III #1-4 Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

World’s FInest Gita Jackson and All-Star Alex Jaffe dare to read World War III, the widely despised 52 sub-event that actually has some great John Ostrander work. Also featuring a brief diversion to talk about Peacemaker season 2, and the connection between comic books and hip-hop. Show Notes: 52 Geoff Johns Grant Morrison Greg Rucka Mark Waid Keith Giffen World War III Dan DiDio 52 Pickup #0 - Forgot About Lane Infinite Crisis Lost Green Arrow Black Adam Martian Manhunter John Ostrander Suicide Squad Spectre Green Lantern The Flash Absolute Martian Manhunter Keith Champagne Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters Rick & Morty Back to the Future (1985) Superman James Gunn Wizards of Waverly Place Harry Potter Naruto One Piece Fullmetal Alchemist Nier series Studio Bones Daemons of the Shadow Realm 1: Let’s Talk Talent (14:36) J. G. Jones Ethan Van Sciver Atrocitus Final Crisis Michael Siglain Peter Tomasi Elizabeth Gehrlein Pat Olliffe Drew Geraci 2: Let’s Talk About World War III #1 (16:44) Jeremy Adams Foundation Aquaman Thor Jack Kirby Hercules: The Legendary Journeys Arrow Robot Chicken Father Time Frankenstein Black Adam (2022) Face/Off (1997) Nightwing Jason Todd Lorraine Reilly Firestorm Cyborg Hideo Kojima Doom Patrol Donna Troy Aquagirl Cassandra Cain JSA Captain Marvel ChrisCross The Real Jason Todd: A Red Hood Reading Guide 3: Let’s Talk About World War III #2 (37:20) Wonder Woman Supergirl Killer Croc Harvey Dent Deathstroke Azrael Booster Gold Ralph Dibny Andy Smith Lex Luthor Ray Snyder Viola Davis Amanda Waller Hawk Dove Power Girl 4: Let’s Talk About World War III #3 (53:12) Martian Manhunter (1998 series) Tom Derrinick Batwoman Norm Rapmund The Masquerader Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) Fantastic Four Young Frankenstein Raven Beast Boy Jonathan Hickman Batman (2025 series) Batman of Zur-En-Arrh Ram V The Batman (2022) Catwoman Sasha Bordeaux Peacemaker David Corenswet G. I. Robot Bronze Tiger Vixen Katana The Janus Directive Tom King James Bond John le Carre A Most Wanted Man Brian Michael Bendis Event Leviathan Terra Team Titans Mister Bones Kate Spencer Maritan Manhunter #0 5: Let’s Talk About World War III #4 (01:19:35) Jack Jadson Vampirella Rodney Ramos Sandman Crispus Allen Zatanna Countdown to Final Crisis Damian Wayne Renee Montoya The Crimson Chin Cyborg Superman Bart Allen Young Justice Hawkman Birds of Prey Lady Shiva Legion of Super-Heroes Blue Beetle Dark Souls 6: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (01:35:39) Hip-hop 52 Pickup is an Aftermath production, created by Gita Jackson and Alex Jaffe, and edited by Esper Quinn, with original music by Jon Ehrens. Hosting for 52 Pickup is provided by Insert Credit. If you’d like to follow along, you can check out 52 at your local comic book store or library, or the DC Universe Infinite subscription service. The views and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the show’s personalities, and do not reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros. Please rate and review our show wherever you can, and send your questions and comments to 52mailbag@gmail.com. Never stop reading comics.

Full show notes at the publisher

Week 50 - World War III Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Tcatnoc! All-Star Alex Jaffe and World’s Finest Gita Jackson declare war on issue 50 of 52, featuring Black Adam against the world, the acronym F. I. B., and all the answers you’ve been waiting for regarding One Year Later. Show Notes: 52 Geoff Johns Grant Morrison Greg Rucka Mark Waid Keith Giffen Irredeemable Incorruptable Superman Superman: Red Son Injustice George Newbern Weird Al Yankovic Black Adam World War III Catwoman 1: Let’s Talk Talent (05:07) Walden Wong Infinite Crisis Salvation Run George R. R. Martin Justiniano Norm Macdonald J. G. Jones Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Star Wars 2: Let’s Talk About 52 #50 (10:36) JSA Marvel Family Donna Troy Steel Natasha Irons Green Lantern Super Smash Bros Ultimate Frasier Niles Doomsday Alex Sinclair King Kong (1933) Thomas the Tank Engine The Great Ten Atom Smasher Paul Lovitz Doctor Fate G. Willow Wilson Ms. Marvel 24 Wu-Tang Clan Kiriko Shaolin Soccer (2001) G. I. Robot Civil War Secret Invasion Captain America Isis Doomsday Clock The Chicks Zatanna Identity Crisis Doctor Light Batman Booster Gold The Flash Donna Troy Wonder Woman Infinity Inc Lex Luthor Osiris Dwayne Johnson Benny Safdie The Smashing Machine The Wrestler (2008) Pain and Gain (2013) Uncut Gems (2019) T. O. Morrow Red Tornado Rip Hunter 3: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (38:07) Peter Tomasi Black Adam: The Dark Age Judd Winick Trials of Shazam Freddy Freeman Bill Willingham Justice League Dark Detective Chimp Shadowpact Lilah Sturges Fables 4: The Blackboard (40:54) DC One Million All-Star Superman Final Fantasy X-2 World War V Hideo Kojima Amanda Waller Jack Bauer Suicide Squad #34 Granny Goodness Suicide Squad The Dark Phoenix Saga John Economos Steve Agee James Gunn Man of Tomorrow Thunderbolts (2025) Deadman ForgetMeNot 5: What are you reading? (47:43) Deniz Camp Absolute Martian Manhunter Ultimates Ultimate Universe Thor Jane Foster Earth One The Batman (2022) Superman (2025) Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? Mort Weisinger 6: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (52:36) Marvel Unlimited The Person Saving The Media You Love Is You Shonen Jump GlobalComix Insert Credit Show Aaron Langstrom Man-Bat Robin Cassie Sandsmark The Penny Plunderer Two-Face 52 Pickup is an Aftermath production, created by Gita Jackson and Alex Jaffe, and edited by Esper Quinn, with original music by Jon Ehrens. Hosting for 52 Pickup is provided by Insert Credit. If you’d like to follow along, you can check out 52 at your local comic book store or library, or the DC Universe Infinite subscription service. The views and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the show’s personalities, and do not reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros. Please rate and review our show wherever you can, and send your questions and comments to 52mailbag@gmail.com. Never stop reading comics.

Full show notes at the publisher

Week 49 - Eve of Destruction Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

I choose you, hollow point! World’s Finest Gita Jackson and All-Star Alex Jaffe clinically examine issue #49, as well as diagnosing the Oolong Island scientists, assigning Muppets to each of the series writers, and determining the exact number of Evil Kryptonians.

Show Notes:

1: Let’s Talk Talent (04:27)

2: Let’s Talk About 52 #49 (09:11)

3: The Backup (35:58)

4: The Blackboard (39:26)

5: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (44:32)

6: Let’s Talk About Other Comics (46:45)

7: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (51:10)

Week 48 - Asked and Answered Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Get me a McChicken from the Value Menu for a dollah! All-Star Gita Jackson and World’s Finest Alex Jaffe hunt down #48 of 52, and share Superman comic recommendations, final thoughts on the Religion of Crime, and the simple joy of kicking a rat man. Show Notes: 52 Geoff Johns Grant Morrison Greg Rucka Mark Waid Keith Giffen Labubu Beanie Babies Rejection Letters From Xavier’s School Of Exceptional Youth Orlando Bloom 1: Let’s Talk Talent and the Cover (02:30) J. G. Jones Renee Montoya Darick Robertson The Boys Hellblazer Tom Taylor DC Universe Infinite 2: Let’s Talk About 52 #48 (05:16) Nightwing Batwoman Batman Tim Drake Watchmen Rorschach Nite Owl Jack Kirby Dan Turpin Hereditary (2018) Midsommar (2019) Eddington (2025) Ari Aster Whisper A’Daire League of Assassins Ra’s al Ghul Final Crisis The Filth Bone Bruno Manheim Lady Styx Vic Sage The Question Michael Siglain Hammer Film Productions Countdown to Final Crisis Superman Johnny Appleseed Angelica Jade Bastién Tom King Wonder Woman True Grit Supergirl From Hell Succession Doctor Sivana Black Adam Professor Farnsworth All-Star Superman Superman For All Seasons What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way? Zack Snyder Lois Lane Superman (2023 series) Superman: the Animated Series My Adventures with Superman Superman Smashes the Klan Superman vs. Muhammad Ali Scott McCloud Understanding Comics Action Comics Jerry Siegel Joe Shuster 3: The Backup (35:17) Birds of Prey Nicola Scott Cheetal & Cheshire Rob the Justice League Huntress Big Barda Black Canary Lady Blackhawk Manhunter Jim Cheung Oracle The Batman Chronicles Batman: The Killing Joke Lady Shiva Power Girl Nico Robin Pearl Birds of Prey (2023) Colossus Wolverine Cassandra Cain Mister Miracle Ava DuVernay Darkseid Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) Barda Orion The New Gods 4: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (42:51) 5: The Blackboard (44:49) Intergang Cover of Batgirl Jaffe mentions Stephanie Brown Jeremiah Hatch Crime Bible: the Five Lessons of Blood 6: Let’s Talk About Comics (50:27) Marvel Cinematic Universe Jonathan Hickman New Avengers Miles Morales Absolute Wonder Woman Kevin Feige Iron Man Secret Wars Fantastic Four Illuminati Planet Hulk Secret Invasion Crisis on Infinite Earths Reed Richards T. O. Morrow Brian Michael Bendis Ultimate Spider-Man New 52 X-Men Jim Balent Catwoman James Tynion IV Something Is Killing the Children The Woods 52 Pickup is an Aftermath production, created by Gita Jackson and Alex Jaffe, and edited by Esper Quinn, with original music by Jon Ehrens. Hosting for 52 Pickup is provided by Insert Credit. If you’d like to follow along, you can check out 52 at your local comic book store or library, or the DC Universe Infinite subscription service. The views and opinions expressed on this show are solely those of the show’s personalities, and do not reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros. Please rate and review our show wherever you can, and send your questions and comments to 52mailbag@gmail.com. Never stop reading comics.

Full show notes at the publisher

Week 47 - Revelations Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Waiting for Bruce and thinkin’ bout goose! All-Star Alex Jaffe and World’s Finest Gita Jackson scramble around issue 47, tying up loose ends around the universe, finding early signs of Batman of Zur-En-Arrh, and considering why Batwoman leaves out a menorah even though it’s at least Februrary by now.

Show Notes:

1: Let’s Talk Talent and the Cover (02:39)

2: Let’s Talk About 52 #47 (10:43)

3: The Backup (33:09)

4: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (33:27)

5: The Blackboard (38:10)

6: Let’s Talk About Comics (45:41)

Week 46 - Mad Science Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

1A, 1A, 1A! World’s Finest Gita Jackson and All-Star Alex Jaffe cackle hysterically at issue 46, featuring high intensity eBay bidding, dealing with loving work by horrible people, and the origin story of some guy named Batman.

Show Notes:

1: Let’s Talk Talent and the Cover(02:07)

2: Let’s Talk About 52 #46 (03:36)

3: The Backup (21:59)

4: What’s your favorite part of the issue? (28:36)

5: The Blackboard (37:25)

6: Asking The Questions at 52mailbag@gmail.com (43:31)

Week 45 - Every Hour Wounds, The Last Kills Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Powersitting! All-Star Alex Jaffe and World’s Finest Gita Jackson rage for days against issue 45, including the Justice Society as Chuck Schumer, drafting the official 52 Pickup Suicide Squad, and exactly how this comic cover broke The Rock’s brain.

Show Notes: