Hi, all.  Yes, I know there hasn't been a show in couple weeks.  March is looking like the busiest month ever for work, and this is also the time when I have to work out the bigger details for my unfortunate divorce.  Not a happy-go-lucky time, so please be patient.  As always, feel free to sample the past episodes if you haven't already.

Episode 85 has been recorded.  It'll be out soon, hopefully.  I hope to have 86 done also, so that you can get a double helping.  Also, hopefully, I should have the internet back in my home this week or next.  That'll make the world turn twenty times easier.

Here are the rest of February's reads:
(from 2008):
5. Brave and the Bold #9
6. Brave and the Bold #10
7. New Avengers #38
8. Fantastic Four #554
9. Booster Gold #0
10. Booster Gold #6
11. New Avengers Annual #2
12. Captain America #34
13. Captain America #35
14. Jonah Hex #28
15. Red Sonja #30
16. Hulk #2
17. The Transformers Spotlight: Arcee #1
18. Countdown: Arena #3
19. Countdown: Arena #4
(and from 2007)
20. Dan Dare #1
21. Grimm Fairy Tales: Return to Wonderland #2
22. New Avengers: Illuminati #3
(and from 2006)
23. Transformers: Infiltration #3
24. The Lone Ranger #1
(and the rest)
25. Spider-man 2099 #7 (1993)
26. Comics Greatest World: Division 13 #1 (1993)
27. Li'l Genius #28 (1960)
28. Fury of Firestorm #62 (1987)
29. Fury of Firestorm #63 (1987)
30. Premiere #2 (1996)
Beginning March's reads:
1. Mickey Mouse #120 (1969)

To finish January:
47. Countdown #15 (2008)
48. Countdown #14 (2008)
49. Cosmic Powers #2 (1994)
50. Amazing Spider-Man #545 (2008) AKA garbage!
February:
1. Daredevil #56 (1969)
2. Detective Comics #479 (1978)
3. Men of War #22 (1979)
4. Labyrinth #1 (1986)

Freedom From Religion Foundation

Something I like.  You may not.  That's okay.

 

Episode 83 of The Comic Book Attic will finally be out Saturday, as well as the zero episode of The Cinematic Attic. 

The Cinematic Attic won't be listed in iTunes yet, so you'll have to go to the page and download it.  Episode #0 is a ten minute introduction to the show, so check it out and see if it's something you may want to listen to.

34. Classic X-Men #35 (1989)
35. Classic X-Men #41 (1989)
36. (Mighty Midget Comics) Ibis the Invincible #11 (1942)
37. (Mighty Midget Comics) Mr. Scarlet and Pinky #12 (1943)
38. (Boys' and Girls') March of Comics #285 (1966)
39. Terminator 2: Judgment Day # 2 (1991)
40. Muppet Babies #9 (1986)
41. Premiere #1 (1995)
(all 2008)
42. Legion of Super-heroes #37
43. Hulk #1
44. Justice League of America #17
45. Astonishing X-Men #24
46. Countdown #16

There was a show this week... but it was accidentally completely deleted.  ...Oh, well; it won't be the first time I've had to completely re-record an episode.  I hope to get 83 to you as soon as I can redo it.

As a side note, there has been a winner to the contest in ep.82. 

Hi all.  Episode 82 will be out tomorrow.  Til then, here're some reads:
December reads:
(all 2007)
35. Zombie #3
36. Justice League of America #16
37. Countdown #19
38. Countdown #18
39. New Avengers: Illuminati #5
40. Booster Gold #4
January reads:
1. Batman and the Outsiders #2 (2007)
2. Batman and the Outsiders #3 (2008)
3. Countdown #17 (2008)
4. Fantastic Four: Isla de la Muerte  #1 (2008)
5. Thor #5 (2008)
6. Captain America #33 (2008)
7. Batman #607 (2002)
8. Wild Thing #1 (1993)
9. Clumsy (2002)
10. Dune #2 (1985)
11. Moon Knight #1 (2006)
12. Batman #655 (2006)
13. Amazing Spider-man #54 (2003)
14. Batman #610 (2003)
15. Stalkers #3 (1990)
16. Night Force #13 (1983)
17. Detective Comics #784 (2003)
18. New X-Men #146 (2003)
19. Red Tornado #1 (1985)
20. Excalibur #83 (1994)
21. Excalibur #84 (1994)
22. Excalibur #85 (1995)
23. Excalibur #86 (1995)
24. Oz Special: Freedom Fighters #1 (1995)
25. New X-Men #155 (2004)
26. Flash #213 (2004)
27. Jurassic Park #1 (1993)
28. Jurassic Park #3 (1993)
29. Hell's Angel #4 (1992)
30. The Scorpion #2 (1975)
31. Excalibur #1 (1988)
32. Marvel Premiere #48 (1979)
33. Archangels: The Saga #4 (1996)

I've been trying to get back into reading some Marvels again.  Some listeners have made some good suggestions.  I'm still hopeful that the registration act will go away.  (Recent events in Spidey's book have made me want to stop all over again.  I don't want to read about a marriage disappearing.  I've had enough of that in real life.)  I've tried to look at Marvel's books as the fictional stories they are, with the viewpoint that the Initiative/ registration act story is far from over.  ...And this is so very true with Skrulls running around the MU. 

23. World's Finest Comics #155 (1966)
24. Virgin Comics #0 (2006)
25. The Walking Dead vol.2: Miles Behind Us
from 2007:
26. Action Comics #859
27. New Avengers #37
28. Mighty Avengers #1
29. Countdown #20
30. Green Lantern #25
31. Countdown: Arena #1
32. Countdown: Arena #2
33. Sensational Spider-Man #41
34. Fantastic Four #552

November reads:
5. Tales of the Sinestro Corps.: Superman-Prime #1 (2007)
6. The Spirit #1 (2007)
7. Thunderbolt Jaxon #1 (2006)
8. Legion of the Super-Heroes Annual #3 (1984)
9. Starman #2 (1988)
10. Kingdom Hearts vol.1
December reads:
(all 2007)
1. Countdown #24
2. Countdown #23
3. Countdown #22
4. Countdown #21
5. Annhilation: Conquest-Starlord #2
6. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man #24
7. New Avengers #36
8. Captain America #32
9. Incredible Hulk #110
10. Incredible Hulk #111
11. World War Hulk #5
12. Batman and the Outsiders #1
13. The Brave and the Bold #8
14. Thor #4
15. Justice League of America #6
16. Justice League of America #7
17. Justice League of America #13
18. Justice League of America #14
19. Justice League of America #15
20. Green Lantern #24
21. Astonishing X-Men #23
22. Action Comics #858

Finishing October reads:
74. Alias #2 (2001)
75. Shanna the She-Devil #3 (1973)

November reads:
1. Birds of Prey #98 (2006)
2. Action Comics #841 (2006)
3. Countdown #26 (2007)
4. Countdown #25 (2007)

I wanted to make you all aware that the show is going on a break due to some very serious personal issues.  Please know that nothing short of such issues would keep me from doing the show.  I hope to return soon, or at least give you a short show when I'm able...

Everyone's on YouTube these days... Even I have ended up there without trying.  If you have any inclination at all, you can hear me narrate a super-short nonsense clip starring JJ... Just follow this link:

For those of you hoping to see my words matched with my own moving face... sorry.  Maybe next time...

More October reads.  I went way over my 30 goal.
(from 2007):
21.Wonder Man #3
22. Captain Carrot and the Final Ark #1
23. Justice League of America #12
24. Countdown #30
25. Countdown #29
26. Countdown #28
27. Countdown #27
28. Zombie #4
29. New Avengers #35
30. Monster Mash
31. Uncle Scrooge (promo)
32. Little Archie, The House that Wouldn't Move 2007
33. Marvel Halloween Ashcan 2007
34. Giant-Size Marvel Adventures The Avengers #1
35. Suicide Squad: Raise the Flag #1
36. Captain America #31
37. Brave & the Bold #7
38. Cable & Deadpool #35
39. Action Comics Annual #10
40. Transformers Movie Prequel (DVD promo)
41. Grimm Fairy Tales: Return to Wonderland #1
(from 2006):
42. Zombie #1
43. Zombie #2
44. Doc Samson #1
45. Doc Samson #3
46. Sentinel #2
47. Friday the 13th Fearbook #1
48. JLA Classified #22
49. Invincible #29
(other):
50. Batman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told trade
51. Superman vs. Flash trade
52. Cosmic Powers #6 (1994)
53. Blue Devil #18 (1985)
54. Terra Obscura vol.2 #1 (2004)
55. Brat Pack #1 (1990)
56. Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages #6 (2004)
57. Squadron Supreme: New World Order #1 (1998)
58. DC Special: The Return of Donna Troy #4 (2005)
59. Champions #15 (1977)
60. Hitman #15 (1997)
61. Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #106 (1970)
62. Son of Ambush Bug #3 (1986)
63. Supernatural Thrillers #12 (1975)
64. Avengers: Celestial Quest #5 (2002)
65. The Scorpion #1 (1975)
66. Avengers: Infinity #3 (2000)
67. Freedom Fighters #14 (1978)
68. Laser Eraser and Pressbutton #2 (1985)
69. Tom Strong's Terrific Tales #10 (2004)
70. Stormbreaker: The Saga of Beta Ray Bill #6 (2005)
71. Howard the Duck vol.2 #1 (2002)
72. Howard the Duck vol.2 #5 (2002)
73. Tom Strong #27 (2004)

Not being able to post the podcast whenever I feel like it has thrown it off schedule-- as you may have noticed.  For those who'd like to know, episode 73 and 74 (and possibly 75) will (hopefully) appear Oct. 13th.  I will try to get something out before then, but I know that day will place me in a computerized place.  Rural life is a pain sometimes... okay, a lot of the time.  The bright side is that when I do get to post, you'll get 2 or 3 episodes at once, and you can use the delay until the next batch to catch up with those.  It equals out...
To give you a hint of what's to come, episode 73 will feature guest JJ with a back issue review plus a new segment by JJ, episode 74 will feature the typical back issue review and other bits, and 75 will feature my first comic creator guest co-host/interviewee.  That shall be a surprise.  Episode 76 will feature a special bit on some instances of comic censorship and controversy throughout the last 20 years.  All this is subject to reshuffling, but it will all get out there regardless.
(And for those of you who may be wondering how I can be posting this blog piece and not a show-- this computer at work, for whatever reason, can't upload the files.  I think there is some type of security against it...  But, perhaps I can keep you all entertained with blog posts until the 13th...)

Accompanying this post is rejected CBA iTunes artwork.  You can, of course, see what I actually use by visiting iTunes (or by paging back through the blog where I introduce it).

5. Avengers: Infinity #2 (2002)
6. Super Patriot: War on Terror #1 (2004)
7. Troubleman #2 (1996)
8. Countdown #32 (2007)
9. Countdown #31 (2007)
10. Avengers: Celestial Quest #2 (2001)
11. Avengers: Celestial Quest #3 (2002)
12. Avengers: Celestial Quest #4 (2002)
13. Supernatural Thrillers #10 (1974)
14. Marvel Comics Presents #1 (2007)
15. World War Hulk #4 (2007)
16. The Sandman Presents: Thessaly: Witch for Hire #1 (2004)
17. The Walking Dead vol.1: Days Gone Bye
18. Jungle Girl #0 (2007)
19. Captain America #30 (2007)
20. Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #8 (1973)

More reads for September:
(new books)
17. New Avengers #31
18. New Avengers #32
19. New Avengers #33
20. New Avengers #34
21. Thor #3
22. Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #1
23. Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America #5
24. X-Factor #20
25. Countdown #33
(older books)
26. Worlds Collide #1 (1994)
27. Challengers of the Unknown #85 (1978)
28. Challengers of the Unknown #86 (1978)
29. Challengers of the Unknown #87 (1978)
30. Manhunter #1 (2004)

October reads-- starting early:
1. Forever People #8 (1972)
2. Daredevil #100 (2007)
3. Justice Society of America #9 (2007)
4. Justice League of America #11 (2007)

 

Oh, the continued perils of being internet-less.  I have attempted to post episode 70 with another person's computer, which obviously couldn't handle it because the episode is not up.  So, if you got an episode 70 that contained nothing, I apologize.  The real thing is on the way.  Someday soon... just consider me on vacation while I resolve this...

Meantime, I have been busy reading comics, and here are the remaining August reads:
9. Rook #2 (1995)
10. Defenders #37 (1976)
11. Lost Girls (2006)
12. The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005 (2005)
13. Amazing Spider-Man #540 (2007)
14. Amazing Spider-Man #541 (2007)
15. Amazing Spider-Man #542 (2007)
16. The Brave and the Bold #6 (2007)
17. Astonishing X-Men #22 (2007)
18. Detective Comics #577 (1987)
19. Captain America #28 (2007)
20. Batman #188 (1966)
21. Countdown #36 (2007)
22. World War Hulk #2 (2007)
23. Spider-Man Family #4 (2007)
24. Thor #82 (2004)
25. Thor #83 (2004)
26. Thor #84 (2004)
27. Thor #85 (2004)
28. The Legion of Super-Heroes #308 (1984)
29. X-Factor #19 (2007)
30. New Avengers #30 (2007)

September reads:
1. Amazing Spider-Man #543 (2007)
2. Amazing Spider-Man #544 (2007)
3. Thor #2 (2007)
4. The Clockwork Girl #0 (2007)
5. Captain America #29 (2007)
6. Countdown #35 (2007)
7. Countdown #34 (2007)
8. World War Hulk #3 (2007)
9. Defenders Annual #1 (1976)
10. The Henbanes Chapter 1 (2007)
11. March of Comics #188 (1958)
12. March of Comics #209 (1960)
13. March of Comics #230 (1962)
14. Students of the Unusual: Giant-Sized Extra Credit Special #1 (2006)
15. Supergirl #68 (2002)
16. Harley Quinn #27 (2003)

As you can tell from some of the reads, I have been trying to go get back into buying a few more newer comics along with my older ones.  I have been going back and buying recent Marvels that I missed because of my unhappiness with Marvel.  I'm still not happy with them, but... more on that in episode #-2. 

As you may have noticed, I did not post a new episode this past week.  I won't be posting one this week either.  I have to focus my attention right now on helping my wife move to Boston.  Soon after September 1st, I will be back.  The drawback is that I won't have a computer with internet access at my home (my wife is taking it).  So, episodes may appear sporadically instead of on a regular schedule.  More about that in show 70.

Yet another comic creator has passed away.  Mike Wieringo died this past week, and he died far too young at 44.
While it seems that a lot of creators died during the first year of this podcast, I have to wonder if it just seems that way because I have been keeping account here on the blog, whereas I did not before.  Regardless, it's never a happy thing to ponder.

August reads continued:
2. Justice Society of America #8 (2007)
3. The Incredible Hulk #109 (2007)
4. Countdown #38 (2007)
5. Countdown #37 (2007)
6. Mystic Arcana #1 (2007)
7. Going Home (Cerebus vol.13)
8. Marvel Two-in-One Annual #3 (1978)

Somewhat behind my 30-read goal this month (I'm back to 30 comics as my monthly goal).  This is a terribly busy month at work, plus I'm helping my wife prepare for the move to Boston.  Oh, and the above Cerebus volume took a looooong time to get through because I MUST always read the extensive notes in the back of the volume...

Indeed!  The attic...The Comic Book Attic...
(From Superboy #189.)

Just a quick note: July's count of comics read was 85.  Here's the last few:
82. Countdown #40 (2007)
83. George Foster (giveaway) (1982)
84. The Legion of Super-Heroes #307 (1983)
85. Batman #421 (1988)

And the first read of August:
1. Countdown #39 (2007)

As long time listeners may know, before I actually began posting this podcast years ago on libsyn, I recorded 20something episodes of material.  These unposted episodes were cannibalized into "lost episodes" and "lost episode segments" for the current podcast.  Otherwise, these unposted "practice" episodes were never heard... except one: the first episode. 
I actually recorded the first episode (I believe) three times, with the 3rd time being the official libsyn-posted first episode.  This 3rd recording actually used 2/3 of the recording from the 2nd try because the 2nd try had been good-- it just needed updated and polished for libsyn.
Longer story short, I had originally intended to post the podcast with Our Media/ the Internet Archive, and I had tried to upload the 2nd try of episode one.  As far as I could tell, the process was too difficult, and I didn't think it worked, so I abandoned Our Media and the 2nd try of the first episode. 
Recently, I found that the old 2nd try of my first episode did indeed post to Our Media, and it's been there all along.  Several people even downloaded it.  So, I have what amounts to an alternate take of episode one out there on the net.
If you'd like to hear the alternate take of episode one, here's the link: http://www.ourmedia.org/node/307135
If you don't care to go to the site, I plan to include this alternate take in its entirety in my -1 episode.  Normally, I wouldn't try to include previous takes of shows, but since this one is actually out there and available, I want to collect it as a rarity here. 
If you've heard the official episode one on this site, then you will recognize much of the same material, but with a different introduction segment and no edits or splices that were used to integrate the material later on.  Seeing as how the show's 1st anniversary is coming up, this find is appropriate...

More July reads:
72. Countdown #42 (2007)
73. Countdown #41 (2007)
74. Blade: Nightstalking (DVD promo) (2005)
75. Thor #1 (2007)
76. The New Avengers/Transformers #1 (2007)
77. Justice Society of America #7 (2007)
78. Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #13 (2007)
79. All Flash #1 (2007)
80. The Brave and the Bold #5 (2007)
81. Ms. Marvel #19 (1978)

I have returned from OK.  I got back late Saturday.  I've been recovering and playing catch-up at work.  A new show will appear sometime this week...
Meantime, check out The Comic Podcast Crossover #14 on the Komicskast podcast page for a segment by me on a superhero movie I'd like to see.
Due to the long vacation, I got to read a crapload of comics.  So, for July, here's what I've read so far (now with years added for better clarification!):
1. Captain America (2007) #27
2. Justice League of America (2007) #10
3. Countdown (2007) #45
4. The Untold Origin of Ms. Victory (1989) #1
5. Iron Man (1969) #12
6. The New Teen Titans (1980) #4
7. The Brave and the Bold (2007) #4
8. Z (1994) #1
9. Z (1995) #2
10. Z (1995) #3
11. Life With Archie (1980) #218
12. The Ferret (1993) #1
13. Supreme: The Story of the Year (trade, 2002)
14. Who's Who in The Legion of Super-Heroes (1988) #1
15. Archie's Jokebook Magazine (1973) #190
16. Life With Archie (1983) #237
17. Transformers: Movie Prequel Free Comic Book Day Edition 
       (2007) #1
18. The Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century (Free Comic
       Book Day Edition) (2007) #1
19. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1983) #306
20. Tales From Riverdale Digest (2007) #18
21. Tigra (2002) #4
22. JSA Strange Adventures (2004) #1
23. JSA Strange Adventures (2004) #2
24. Helmet of Fate: Detective Chimp (2007) #1
25. Free Comic Book Day (2007, Dark Horse)
26. Avengers Icons: The Vision (2002) #3
27. Karate Kid (1976) #4
28. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1977) #233
29. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1977) #235
30. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1977) #237
31. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1978) #244
32. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1978) #245
33. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1978) #246
34. Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes (1978) #251
35. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1981) #282
36. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1981) #283
37. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1981) #285
38. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1982) #287
39. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1982) #291
40. The Legion of Super-Heroes (1982) #294
41. The Spirit (1974) #6
42. Captain America (2003) #13
43. Captain America (2003) #14
44. Captain America (2003) #16
45. Last Blood (Free Comic Book Day Edition) (2007) #1
46. Whiteout (Free Comic Book Day Edition) (2007) #1
47. Vigilante: City Lights, Prairie Justice (1995) #2
48. Rose and Thorn (2004) #2
49. Batman/The Spirit (2007) #1
50. Rip Hunter... Time Master (1964) #20
51. Weird Wonder Tales (1975) #10
52. Captain Marvel (1975) #36
53. Comic Genesis (Free Comic Book Day Edition) (2007)
54. Captain America (1996) #449
55. Thor (1996) #496
56. JLA-Z (2004) #3
57. Free Comic Book Day (Spider-Man) (2007) #1
58. Free Comic Book Day (Marvel Adventures) (2007) #AA
59. Justice League America (1995) #104
60. Magnus Robot Fighter (1995) #56
61. Avengers: Timeslide (1996) #1
62. The Mighty Crusaders: Origin of a Super-Team (trade, 2003)
63. Adventures of Big Boy (1980) #278
64. Adventures of Big Boy (1980) #281
65. Adventures of Big Boy (1980) #282
66. Adventures of Big Boy (1981) #286
67. Adventures of Big Boy (1981) #292
68. Legion of Super-Heroes (1994) #61
69. Kid Colt Outlaw (1977) #220
70. Countdown (2007) #44
71. Countdown (2007) #43

Wow.  This month, I think I'm going for 100 comics as a reading goal.

Rather than go into this on an episode, I'll use my underused blog.  What is my updated pull list?  For those of you who care, there are currently only 4 books on it-- soon to be 3.
Last time I updated you on my pull list (in an podcast episode), I was hanging on to the AC Comics book Men of Mystery.  As much as I am willing to pay $9.95 per issue for great golden age reprints, I can't.  There are so many other books I can get for ten bucks.  Heck, at the one used comic shop (the "happy magic" one I talk of), I can get a real golden age comic for ten bucks.  I know AC probably doesn't have the funding to offer a lower price, and that's why I'm willing to pay it.  However... I can't do it when I'm trying (key word "trying") to stay somewhere within a budget...
As I stated the last time I revealed my pull list, Marvels were being sacrificed.  It's no secret that since the end of Civil War, I have been displeased with Marvel's direction.  I find it difficult to like or identify with many of the heroes anymore.  The only regular Marvel title that I've been still picking up even though I said I wouldn't is Captain America out of morbid curiosity of what will happen next.  But I don't have Captain America on my pull list anymore; the only Marvel title still on the list is Astonishing X-Men, which is ending soon anyway (at least with Joss writing).
So the other three that are currently on my list are all DC books: Countdown, Justice Society of America, and The Brave and the Bold.  I must exclaim that for the first time in my life-- in almost 30 years of comic reading-- DC is my read of choice.  I've always loved and read DC, but I was a Marvel kid growing up.  So, this is an interesting place to be.
I have been trying to sample new Marvel books again, though.  I picked up World War Hulk #1.  It was very exciting, and I may continue that one...
However, this past year has seen me shift to buying almost all older comics.  So, all the different shops and stores that sell me comics can't complain 'cause they still get my money...more than should be spent, usually...
So that's my pull list.  Pretty meager.  I'm usually digging through the bins and boxes instead.  Always looking for the great finds that have been rescued from someone's comic book attic...

Hi, all.  As I have mentioned in the show, I'll be going to Oklahoma for 2 weeks.  We'll be leaving next week.  My plan is to keep all you die-hards stocked up with shows.  I've already posted (not long after 58 & 59) episodes 0 and 60.  Before I go, I hope to post 61 & 62.  All told, there probably won't be another show for almost 3 weeks.  Hopefully, you'll stock up with these.  ...Or sample some older shows.
Episodes 61 and 62 will probably be 20-25 minutes, with 61 finishing up the Transformers feature and 62 being whatever it will be. 

More June reads:
32. World War III #1
33. World War III #2
34. World War III #3
35. World War III #4  (I know, technically these four issues had subtitles in the indicias, but I thought that was silly, so I'm going to ignore them.)
36. Showcase #102
37. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #3
38. The Star Brand #12
39. R.E.B.E.L. '95 #11
40. World War Hulk #1
June's 40 is achieved...

Also, here's the link to Jess Nevins's site on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen footnotes, as mentioned in episode 0.

http://www.defconamerica.org

I was listening to directly downloaded episodes from the site, and I noticed that the last 3-4 seconds are cut off the ends of the episodes.  That wouldn't be such a big deal if not for the fact that I put "hidden" bits at the end of many episodes.  Does anyone else notice this?  Does this happen from iTunes also?  Other podcatchers?  Let me know.

More June reads:
30. Countdown #46
31. Alias #1

Next episode will actually be episode #0!  Before I do the 60th episode feature on Transformers, I will be making a 0 episode.  Consider it a B-sides and rarities episode.  Nothing special, but anytime I have a non-traditional show or a show that compiles random and extraneous stuff, I will be going backward into negative numbers.  That side of the number line is sadly unappreciated...

Stay tuned for 2 new shows this week... Work and various responsibilities have kept me from the mic for longer than I like... 
I am updating my personal monthly reading commitment to 40 comics a month because 30 is just too easy.  So, for this month of June, I shall begin this updated goal.  Here's how it goes so far...
23. Countdown #49
24. Countdown #48
25. Countdown #47
26. Justice Society of America(current) #6
27. Captain America(current) #26 (I had planned to quit this one after #25, but morbid curiosity drove me to get it...)
28. Death, Jr. Halloween Special
29. Amazing Spider-man #268

Nothing more than a few more links that I will mention in the next episode...so I don't forget them...
Podcasts:
Indie Spinner Rack
Fanboy Radio
Garage Rock Radio
State of Mynd

More June reads:
20. Batman: Gotham Knights #6
21. Captain Universe/Silver Surfer #1
22. Journey into Mystery(1970s) #17

Upcoming podcasts: another big Mighty Crusaders episode, a Transformers episode, and hopefully more What's That About?!

In CBA #57, I will be mentioning more comic-related links for you to check out.  I'm getting a jump on the work of posting the links to these puppies:
Silver Age Comics blog
Dial B for Blog blog
Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine blog

For old record enthusiasts like me, there's 60's garage rock at Garage Hangover and odd/rare recordings at WFMU's Beware of the Blog.
For Pearl Jam fans (like me), there's a podcast for you: Given to Cast.
Finally, as you probably already know, IMDB is essential for any movie viewer.

Also, here are more June reads way ahead of time...
4. G.I. Combat #250
5. Countdown #51
6. Countdown #50
7. Justice League of America('06) #9
8. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #2
9. American Virgin #1
10. American Virgin #13
11. American Virgin #14
12. Breach #7
13. Civil War: The Confession #1 (I might add: I got this for 35cents)
14. Laughing Boy Comics Special- Free Comic Book Day
15. The Ultimates 2 #2
16. The Ultimates 2 #6
17. JLA #102
18. JLA #103
19. Action Comics #823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I began reading the Crisis on Multiple Earths: The Team-ups trade, and in the very first DC multiverse crossover story, when the two Flashes meet, we see that Barry Allen visits Jay Garrick at his home address: 5252 78th Street!  We can even see the 5252 on the door.  I find it funny and too crazy of a coincidence that not only was Jay's address "52" but "5252" !!!! Make of it what you will.  Am I the only one to discover this?  Anyone else see this before now?

Any listeners from NYC?  I just wanted to let all 3 1/2 people who might be interested know that I will be in New York City at Midtown Comics (Times Square) on Saturday, May 19, sometime during the day.  (I really can't predict the time, sorry).  So, if you'd like to say "hi," don't be shy!  I'll just be milling about looking for stuff to buy.  I'll probably be there for an hour or two.  Don't know what I look like?  Scroll down the page.  I'm the weird lookin' fella (and the only one in the picture). 

More June reads:
2. Batman and the Outsiders #17
3. Batman and the Outsiders #18

I had mentioned this in the last show as the paperback book in which I first read the original first 6 Spider-man issues as a kid.  (There was apparently a follow-up book with next half-dozen issues also.) Thought you folks might want to see what I was talking about... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm ahead in the pledged reading for the month, but it hasn't been causing my number of unread comics to go down any... for every 5 I read, I buy 10 more cheap comics... Oh, well.  It's fun to try.  Most of the first 20-something comics read this month were newer comics languishing in my boxes.  I was trying not to backlog the amount of older comics I review.  Stay tuned for an announcement on that in the podcast for June... the tweaking of the podcast never ends...
Anyway, here are the final reads for May... I'll work on some trades for the rest of the month...
23. Exiles #29
24. Free Comic Book Day Family Guy / Hack/Slash
25. Archie's Mysteries #30
26. Batman #616
27. Dutchy Digest Free Comic Book Day 2007
28. Wonder Book of Rubber('64?)
29. Hawkman('02) #19
30. The Plain Janes
...And here's the first one for June:
1. Black Knight: Exodus #1

And here's another pic of me so that you can put a face to the voice.  I always think that's fun-- and 9 times out of 10, the face doesn't match the mental picture... Photo manipulation by JJ... I call it Karate LSD Boogaloo.

9. Captain America(v.4) #8

10. Captain America(v.4) #15

11. Captain America(v.4) #18

12. The Flash(Wally) #199

13. The Flash(Wally) #205

14. The Flash(Wally) #217

15. The Ultimates #13

16. Uncanny X-Men #439

17. Uncanny X-Men #442

18. Uncanny X-Men #443

19. Justice League of America('06) #8

20. 52 #52

21. Astonishing X-Men #21

22. The Outsiders('85) #1

I'm also posting with this the pic of myself that's on my comicspace page... it's 3 years old...  I hope to post a few more pics of me so that you may recognize me and shower me with presents... (please?)

I have gotten started on May's 30 comics reads.  Here they are so far:

1. The Brave and the Bold ('07) #3

2. X-Factor ('06) #18

3. The Avengers (v.3) #64

4. The Ray #13

5. Justice Society of America ('06) #5

6. 52 #51

7. Marvel's Greatest Comics: Fantastic Four #52 (2006 reprint special)

8. X-Men Annual ('93) #2

Here's my remaining reads to reach 30 for this month:

25. 52 #49

26. The New Avengers #29

27. The Avengers(v.3) #57

28. The Avengers(v.3) #67

29. The Avengers(v.3) #68

30. 52 #50

...And I went through with reducing my pull list by dropping 3 Marvels: New Avengers, X-Factor, and Captain America.  These are just a few of the comics I have quit over the last few months-- partially due to financial reasons and partially due to disgust over Civil War.  I really hated to quit X-Factor; that was more of an economic cut. 

I will tell you some good Marvel reading, however: I picked up Essential Amazing Spider-man vol.1.  I have read many of the stories within this book, but there are still plenty of great stories I haven't read.  Ditko does some fine work, of course, but I was really digging the short Spidey story that Jack Kirby draws at the end of one of the issues. 

Check out Comics Podcast Crossover #13, "The Other Ten Percent."  I make a contribution about The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Link to the show:  http://comicspodcastcrossover.libsyn.com/

I am back from N.C. Expect show #50 in a few days.  I'll report on the trip in that episode; meanwhile, I read a lot of comics while there.  Let's add them to April, shall we:

6. Painkiller Jane (V.2) #0

7. Plastic Farm #10

8. Plastic Farm #11

9. Plastic Farm #12

10. 52 #48

11. Captain America Annual #5

12. All-Star Squadron #1

13. Stylish Vittles book 2

14. The Flash(Wally) #204

15. The Flash(Wally) #206

16. The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Teams 2005

17. The Amazing Spider-Man #539

18. Life with Archie #50

19. The Adventures of Jerry Lewis #109

and a few other non-beach reads:

20. Marvel Premiere #58

21. Justice Society of America(1991) #4

22. New X-Men #152

23. Donald Duck (2006 Halloween giveaway)

24. The Brave and the Bold('07) #2

Here's the first 5 reads of April:

1. The Silver Surfer(3rd) #44

2. X-Factor(current) #17

3. 52 #47

4. Justice Society of America(current) #4

5. Superman Family #167

And speaking of Superman Family #167, here's an oddball scene from a Lois Lane story in which she must be in contact with liquid every hour or she dies... All I can say is ewwwwwww.... (more pics forthcoming...)

I'm sure you've all heard by now that Arnold Drake, of Doom Patrol fame, and Marshall Rogers, noted for Batman and many more, have died.  Quite a few comics creators have passed away in the last 6 months.  Each time I hear of another, I tend to feel more sadness about them than a thousand Anna Nicoles.

March's 30 comics have been read.  It has been terribly easy... Here's the final 10:

21. Silver Surfer(3rd) #37

22. Silver Surfer(3rd) #38

23. New Avengers #28

24. American Virgin #12

25. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight #1

26. Ultimate X-Men (Free Comic Book Day Edition) #1

27. Free Comic Book Day 2006 (X-Men/Runaways)

28. Birds of Prey #61

29. 52 #46

30. The Mod Squad #3

Wow, I'm really knocking down the comics for March.  30 this month will be no prob-o.  Here's another 10:

11. Silver Surfer(3rd) #34

12. Pep #283

13. Spidey Super Stories #2

14. Spidey Super Stories #5

15. Ghost Manor #22

16. All-Star Comics #68

17. (New) Invaders #1

18. Silver Surfer(3rd) #35

19. Silver Surfer(3rd) #36

20. 52 #45

And the little pic attached to this post should be the "album art" for the show on iTunes if I set it up right.  It's simple, but better than zilcho.

The 30 comics-a-month challenge!  Here's the first 10 books I read:

1. Eternals('06) #7

2. 1963 Book 3: Tales of the Uncanny

3. Ballistic Imagery #1

4. Wildstorm Chamber of Horrors #1

5. Golden Comics Digest #34

6. Plastic Farm #7

7. Conan Annual #11

8. Wonder Woman(1st) #211

9. Plastic Farm #8

10. Plastic Farm #9

Having technical difficulties with a new recording program on a new computer.  I can't seem to get the same quality sound...  Have no fear, there will be a new episode soon.  All my notes are ready, but the 'puter's not.  =sigh=

Alert:  rant to follow.  I mean to offend no one.  I didn't want to waste my podcast time going on about this... but I had to write this somewhere.  ...In fact, you know what, don't even read this.  Go walk in the sun.  Go read a novel.  Go watch a black and white movie. 

Okay.  Apparently, you'd rather not walk in the sun... I warned you.  I have gone on about Civil War many times... I have tried to leave it alone.  But it has occurred to me that I could dream that Marvel is trying to make a statement about the tyrannical nonsense of the Bush administration.  Except they don't have the guts to admit anything definite, and they leave it ambiguous.  They let us watch the happy fascist Iron Man (defense contractor businessman buddy of the doofy fascist president) win the Civil War, and they let Captain America die.  If this was indeed a shot at (and a symbolic comment on) the current political conservative bullfeces, then I could live with it.  But is Marvel too afraid to tick off the rightwingers?  Or worse: do they actually believe in the Iron Man era of "heroism?"  I can't conceive of such a mindset.  Captain America and his crew were the only folks fighting for freedom here.  To me, the civilians who tackled Cap in Civil War #7 were no heroes, despite being portrayed as firefighters and policemen(well, I don't usually consider popos heroes anyway...). If I were a costumed fellow in the Marvel Universe, I would be standing proudly beside Cap, eager to kick Iron Man's teeth in...assuming, of course, I had adamantium feet or something... Look, I am no patriotic man.  I do not blindly follow any ideal.  I'd be the first to tell Cap that being draped in the flag is a little much.  However, he was the only one advocating the freedoms of those with powers and/or costumes.  Iron Man and most of the hero population were willing to give up freedoms and answer to the government.  Hello?!  BAD THING THERE!!!  And we watched Iron Man pull all sorts of rotten politician moves, even cashing in on the situation.  The end of Civil War was a lame, disappointing, anticlimactic mess.  Cap wimps out, looks around, cries, and drops his shield.  The reasons he gives are oblique in intention and motivation, and noble in all the wrong places.  Even if there's some message to be had here, it left me angry.  If I ever wanted to rip a comic in half, I felt like it here.

Bottom line, Cap's death was just a dumb idea.  Brubaker wrote a good story, but it was completely unneccesary.  Of course, Cap will come back in some form... what worries me is WHAT form that will be.  I'm waiting for someone to fix the MU, beat down Iron Hitler, and wake up the population of the MU America.  Meanwhile, I've given up on Marvel.  They make me tired.

To accompany the last show, here's a nice batch of western comics owned by Rod.

Hi, all!  Yes, there is indeed a V-day episode ready to go.  However, you will have to wait until next week because I haven't enough space to post it til then... unless someone out there would like to give me money to pay for more space on libsyn.  Well?  How about it?  ........no?  =sigh= Very well.  Next week it is.  But hey, the wife guests, so it is garunteed fun. 

Here's one villain who believes in equal treatment for humans and animals-- as evidenced by the dog with the bound front paws... From Nation-Wide's Captain Atom #2.

My wife's stuffed Owly was kidnapped and held for ransom. We received this scan of poor Owly, obviously looking scared and distressed.  Please send us lots of money and help us free Owly... or, send us cake.  We like cake.  If you send us cake,  we don't need Owly... 

Here's an advertisement for the short-lived Nation-Wide comics line of mini comics in 1951.  I will be featuring a Captain Atom issue in a near-future review.  These four titles only lasted 7 issues each.

Pre-order this now.  Your eyes will thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi all. First, I want to say that even though I mentioned that I'd be doing a Cinematic Attic blog...I won't.  I know I will not have time.  Hopefully, someday I will be able to do a movie podcast.  I even have the theme music thought up...

Second, I have a few links I am adding simply for my own convenience for when I am on this page. (It happens a lot somehow...)

 Marvel: http://www.marvel.com

DC: http://www.dccomics.com/

And hey, why don't you try these comic blogs.  Read The Comic Treadmill at http://www.comictreadmill.com/ or Dave's Longbox at http://daveslongbox.blogspot.com/

I also have FINALLY purchased my own scanner.  I know, I know, I'm way behind the times.  My first scanned and posted image was the last blog's Pom Pom pic.  I can now post entertaining images from all the oddball comics I read... 

Which brings me to my latest passing focus in my ongoing comic education.  Last, it was The Mighty Crusaders.  Now, it is corny romance comics.  Yes, romance comics.  They are a RIOT!  They also contain art from all the greats, and due to the fact that they are romance comics, few folks are familiar with those eras of their artwork.  For example, I just read a DC romance comic drawn by Gene Colon.  Great art... ALSO, those postmodern art pieces that mimic the covers of those old romance comics mimic some really nice covers.  I am going to be doing a show on romance comics soon. 

Here's the cover of one of the comics I will be discussing (Super DC Giant #S-21).  The cover is FANTASTIC!!!  Just for the record, this comic is scarce (20-100 copies known to exist) and I got it for under a dollar in a box of random books a dealer was trying to get rid of.  My guess is that he saw it was just another 1970s romance comic, so he tossed it in this box.  This scarce book lists in Overstreet for $475 NM.  To, me it's a beautiful looking comic that is incredibly scarce and quite a treasure.  Any cover images are copyright their respective copyright holders.

Here is a pic of the Bringing Up Father dog I mentioned in ep. 32.  I tried to scan in a full strip, but I had difficulty.  So, I give you instead a pic of the creepiest/coolest pet ever.

Here's a couple more links I am adding mainly to make my page-jumping easier.  If it helps you too, all the better.

myspace: http://www.myspace.com

comicspace: http://www.comicspace.com

Yes, I am on comicspace.  I have been since its first week or so.  Come visit.

Episode 32 should feature a review of a platinum age issue!  Also, I should be talking about some wacked-out ads from some 1980s Charlton comics.  Stay tuned for that.

Did anyone else see the podcast homepage images on Captain America's viewscreen in Civil War #6?  There were images of Comic Geek Speak's page, plus a Golden Eagle Comics logo.  Also visible was the Bullpen Bulletins podcast page (naturally!).  Here's a link to that podcast:

http://bullpenbulletinspodcast.com/

And that reminds me of the Distinguished Competition's podcasts, which can be found at http://www.dccomics.com/downloads/

Also, check out this comic blog: http://heroictimes.wordpress.com/

And finally, as I state at the end of my shows now, please do your part to educate folks and stop global warming.  We're in denial to the severe threat we face.  Visit http://www.climatecrisis.net/

The Comic Book Attic now has its own email account because I don't want to unintentionally delete any of your mails that could get delivered into the massive spam folder at the desolationbliss account.  The desolationbliss account was an old account that I was using for the show; however, The Comic Book Attic deserves its own address!  Here it is:

comicbookattic@yahoo.com

Simpler, right?

As the holidays will most surely keep me busy, in case I don't have time to say so later, Happy Holidays from The Comic Book Attic.

Besides my normal new books, I got a stack of back issues during an all day comic shopping excursion with JJ.  Some of the booty:

The Mighty Crusaders (1980s) #3,4; Cerebus Jam #1; a pile of Superboy and the Legion of Super-heroes issues; a pile of old Justice League of America issues; The Comet #1,2; Marvel Superheroes #20; The Phantom (from King Comics) #20; and lots more than I want to type in-- about 30-35 comics in all. 

I was buying JJ comics as his Christmas gift, and I helped him pick out a few.  He got about 20-25 comics.  We drove to a comics shop we had never been to, and boy, did they have back issues... then we drove to a nearby antique/flea building to buy more comics.  Add a happy lunch at Friendlys, and you have one good day.  I also found a few X-mas gifts for the wife... which is good; I am woefully not prepared for the holiday...

Nearly all the books I'm about to mention are superhero titles, which is not indicitive of my overall reading tastes.  I like everything from the most unheard of indie comics to Uncle Scrooge.  My heart just grew up with superheroes... and you may be able to tell that I grew up Marvel... but I did read an indie trade in the past couple weeks that I enjoyed: the first volume of Stylish Vittles.

Currently on my pull list: Justice League of America, Justice Society of America, X-Factor, Captain America, Fantastic Four, New Avengers, & Astonishing X-Men.  Limited series on my list: 52, Civil War, Civil War: Front Line, Agents of Atlas, All New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z, and Nextwave: Agents of HATE.

I recently dropped Thunderbolts and She-Hulk in order to add Comics Revue magazine, which reprints old newspaper strips.  I predict another drop or two as I want to buy more back issues from the golden and (mainly) silver age...

Comics I am currently buying off the stands for a short time only for various reasons: Amazing Spider-man (for Civil War), Eternals (limited series), Fables (I'm going to get trades instead), and Newuniversal (I just want to see what Ellis does with it-- especially Spitfire, my favorite of the old New Universe).

I've also picked up some random reads, like the Marvel Milestones: Ultimate Spider-man, Ultimate X-Men, Microman, & Mantor special (mainly for the 2 golden age reprints) and The Official Handbook of the Invincible Universe.  Also, I got Annihilation: Nova #4 because I heard it contains the death of Quasar, who I like.  Yes, it does contain that, much to my chagrin and dislike.

I regularly get Wizard and Comics Buyer's Guide.

Back issues I read recently: Legion of Superheroes #280 & 281 (from 1981). 

Currently in the middle of these books:  the second volume of Stylish Vittles, a stack of Plastic Farm issues, and the huge Incredible Hulk #100 (present series).

I am still forgetting a lot, but it's late. 

As Christmas nears, the radio has been invaded by Christmas music, and as the notes of "We Three Kings" fill the air, I am thinking of three kings of the comic industry who have passed away over the past weeks.  Jerry Bails, herald of comic fandom.  Dave Cockrum, artist whose contributions to the X-Men were integral.  Martin Nodell, golden age artist and creator of the original Green Lantern.  The heirs to these three kings owe them much.

This is a new feature for the blog page to try to give it some original written content.  I will be running down my comics purchases for the day/week whenever I feel like sharing.  These are not reviews, but there may be notes of interest. 

On Wednesday, I stopped at Borders and bought Amazing Spider-man #536.  Somehow JJ (sometime guest of the show) had this comic days before it was out at my local comic shop.  Either my shop got a late shipment or whatever gas station/grocery store/bookstore he bought it from has good connections...  I also decided to sample the new Richard Donner co-written Action Comics #845.  I will review this on the show because new Attic correspondent Pat has sent me an audio review of the previous issue.

Today, I got my new books: The Official Handbook to the Invincible Universe #1, Newuniversal #1, Agents of Atlas #5, 52#31, and Justice Society of America #1.

I also drove to my favorite back issue store and picked up The Mighty Crusaders (the outrageous 1960s series) #3, Marvel Two-in-One #35 (Skull the Slayer! I've been looking for this one), and (insert drum roll) Detective Comics #359-- the first appearance of the Barbara Gordon Batgirl!  I got that in a tattered, but otherwise decent condition for $6.50.  That is why I love this store...

Any cover images are copyright their respective copyright holders.

Still having trouble with episode 25.  I'm going to re-edit it; the problem may be in the larger file size.  I never claimed I was good with computers.  I just like talking about comics...

So, the show won't be an hour.  I will try to still make it as long as I can.  Bits that were edited out will appear in episode 26.  Stay tuned over the next 2 days.  I'd edit it now, but it's 2AM.  It's happy-sleepy time for this little narrowcaster...

By the way, interested in Archie Comics superheroes?  Look no further than http://www.mightycrusaders.net  It's a great site for fans of The Mighty Crusaders, including Who's Who/Marvel handbook style profiles, which I enjoy.  Episode 27 will tentatively feature a review of an old 1960s Mighty Crusaders comic. 

Episode 25 has experienced some trouble uploading, but it should be up soon.  Meanwhile, here's some of the links for podcasts mentioned in #25 and in previous episodes:

Around Comics: http://www.aroundcomics.com/

Meanwhile: http://www.ironhorsecomics.com/meanwhilepod/

Marvel podcasts: http://www.marvel.com/news

Quiet! Panelologists At Work: http://podcast.panelologists.com/

Comic News Insider: http://cni.libsyn.com/

Comics Pipeline: http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=24

The Quarter Bin: http://indigofire2525.libsyn.com/

By request, here's a cover image of the Jerry Lewis/Superman crossover mentioned in a recent episode.  One of the first comics I owned.  Any cover images are copyright their respective copyright holders.

Here's a cover pic of the first comic I ever owned (assuming that my memory isn't lying to me).  Any cover images are copyright their respective copyright holders.

Just when it started to look like Saturday was the normal upload day for The Comic Book Attic, I have to switch things up.  Beware of me; I'm unpredictable...Actually, in a few days I will have my internet restored at home, and you will get an episode whenever I get one done (providing I have space on my account, of course).  That still means a (usually) weekly show, just no set day. 

Right now my computer is dissassembled, much like the Avengers (or currently, New Avengers) due to the arrival of new carpeting to our home.  So, I can't record a new episode until I reassemble the machine.  Even if I had a new one recorded, we're going to NYC Saturday.  I plan to visit Midtown Comics for the first time.  It oughta be an experience--oh, and the museums will be nice too. I will be sure to report on the trip in the show.

Episode 21 will be a lost episode.  Episode 22 will be new.  I'm working up to #25, which will, I hope, be a special event.  More on that in the show...

Check out all the new cover images with each podcast post.  I tried to make each cover fit with something I was talking about.  As a rule, I have chosen covers of comics I actually own for podcast entries.  For blog entries, anything goes.  All cover images are from the Grand Comics Database at http://www.comics.org

And for those of you who want to see the feedback email address in print just to make sure you get it right, here it is: desolationbliss@yahoo.com

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