The Incomparable

The Incomparable

An award-winning weekly show about geeky cultural topics in numerous media, including books, movies, TV, comics, and games. Jason Snell talks with a rotating panel of regular guests including John Siracusa, Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Serenity Caldwell, and Scott McNulty.

The Incomparable records and broadcasts live (see the schedule).

Your Host

#55: If a Show Never Airs, Can It Be Cancelled?

September 4, 2011 at 11:00pm • 1 hour 1 minute

This podcast is cancelled! We discuss TV shows that failed to reach their proper natural lifespan. When all is said and done, you'll hear recommendations for 25 excellent series that burned bright and weren't allowed to fade away. Fantasy football drafts were never this good.

Special guests Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Scott McNulty, and Serenity Caldwell.


#54: Put on this Mask and Strut for Mama

August 30, 2011 at 3:00pm • 1 hour 5 minutes

Strap on your jet pack and locate your pet monkey! Our Comic Book Club reconvenes to discuss works by writer Brian K. Vaughan, who excels at the high-concept premise. In the spotlight: "Runaways," "Y: The Last Man," and "Ex Machina." With plenty of digressions along the way, about feminism, parenting, sexism, and (once again) how hard it is to write an ending.

Special guest Lisa Schmeiser.


#53: Let's Quilt Hitler

August 29, 2011 at 1:00am • 42 minutes

Flash podcast! A largely unedited Skype conversation after this weekend's "Doctor Who" midseason premiere, "Let's Kill Hitler."

Special guests Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Scott McNulty, and Serenity Caldwell.


#52: A Cthuluesque Vomiting of Ideas

August 21, 2011 at 11:00pm • 59 minutes

Rip off your hearing limbs and join us for the first anniversary edition of The Incomparable. As with the first podcast, the Book Club discusses a China Miéville novel: in this case, "Embassytown." Also: What are we reading? Glenn is reading a comic book. We are disappointed.

Special guests Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, and Scott McNulty.


#51: Zombie Marmaduke (Hugo Awards 2011)

August 14, 2011 at 8:00pm • 1 hour 6 minutes

We read the 2011 Hugo nominees for Best Novel. Sit back and enjoy our reviews of "Blackout/All Clear," "Cryoburn," "The Dervish House," "Feed," and "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms." Plus, we recommend a few of the nominated short stories.

Special guests Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, and Scott McNulty.


#50: We Apologize for the Extinction of the Clownfish

August 8, 2011 at 12:00am • 50 minutes

Talking "Finding Nemo," "Toy Story 2," and "Wall-E." Plus, we discuss what Pixar should do next to challenge itself, try to understand why "Cars 2" was made, and pick out our least favorite thing Pixar has ever done. Hint: Jason has a problem with rats. (Part 2 of 2.)

Special guests John Siracusa & Steve Lutz.


#49: It's Like "Working Girl" With Monsters

August 1, 2011 at 3:00pm • 59 minutes

Old men with balloons! Wisecracking monsters! Superheroes with mid-life crises! The films of Pixar are in our sights this week. Join us as we pick our favorite films and explore why Pixar's movies are better than those from other animation studios. (Part 1 of 2.)

Special guests John Siracusa & Steve Lutz.


#48: Can I Get Some Extra Dragons on That, Please?

July 11, 2011 at 4:00pm • 1 hour 12 minutes

From the Wall in the north (behind which lurk the fearsome White Walkers) to across the Narrow Sea (which is sort of dull), the first season of HBO's "Game of Thrones" has everything the George R. R. Martin book has, with perhaps more attractive naked people having sex in front of you. Also: Uncomfortable chairs.

Special guests Dan Moren, John Siracusa, Scott McNulty, Serenity Caldwell, and Monty Ashley.


#47: Death Star University

July 1, 2011 at 11:00am • 1 hour 4 minutes

Continuing our discussion of "Star Wars," the original film. We praise the jump to hyperspace, explain why TIE fighter pilots wear black, ponder how Han and Leia somehow turn up in an Aaron Sorkin scene, reveal why there is no Space OSHA, comment on Ben Kenobi's old man slippers and incomparable pseudonym, and expose the rebellion so rich it can have its own university and mint its own medals. (Part 2 of 2.)

Special guests Dan Moren, John Siracusa, Scott McNulty, and Greg Knauss.


#46: I Like My Coffee Like My Evil Sith Lords

June 25, 2011 at 2:00pm • 59 minutes

"Star Wars," the original film, is finally in our crosshairs, and if we can bulls-eye a Womp Rat we can take on this classic sci-fi film. We talk about our first memories of Star Wars, pretend the prequels didn't happen, give Cantina drink-ordering tips, and marvel at Darth Vader's coffee-drinking habits. (Part 1 of 2.)

Special guests Dan Moren, John Siracusa, Scott McNulty, and Greg Knauss.