batman

Showing posts with label batman. Show all posts

Sunday, June 3, 2018

ONE AND DONE - "HEARTBEAT"

In the latest One And Done, we welcome to the show comedian and podcaster Adam Avitable to talk about one of his favorite stand-alone stories, The Flash #163, "Heartbeat"! Join us as we cover how this issue dangles perilously between the two most ground-breaking runs on the character, how it embodied the end of an era for comics storytelling as we knew it, how it might just be the best introduction to The Flash you could ever offer a new reader, and how to defeat Batman using only a fire escape, an alarm clock, and some dirty rags.

Get back home to Linda in time for snuggles by downloading here!

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Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
The Flash Theme by Blake Neely ℗ 2015 INgrooves (on behalf of WaterTower Music); ole (Publishing), Kobalt Music Publishing, and 7 Music Rights Societies Jurrasic Park Style by MasterTracks
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

FURTHER READING
Read "Heartbeat" on Comixology here!
Follow Adam on twitter!
And check out his podcast, "Dating Kinda Sucks"!

Saturday, January 20, 2018

#27: "OF TWO WORLDS - Marvel/DC"

or "Brand Of Science, Brand Of Faith!"

In this episode, we introduce a brand new sub-series to the show: OF TWO WORLDS, where we compare and contrast two opposing concepts from the comics medium. In our first entry, we look at the twin pillars of four-color publishing, Marvel and DC, and the symbiotic way they've challenged each other, cribbed from each other, and drove each other to be better. Why does DC lend itself so well to such a diverse pool of talent? How have Marvel's founders influenced their storytelling to this day? And what is the terrible secret of Planet X... in space?!

To find out, well, you'll just have to listen!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraphicNovelism
Tumblr: http://graphicnovelismpodcast.tumblr.com/

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

FURTHER READING
This month's intro music is "DC vs Marvel Piano Battle Mashup/Medley" by Samuel Fu

Saturday, September 23, 2017

#24: "Recyclables Of The Dark Knight"

Or "The Strange Secrets Of This Bane!"

In this second and final edition of Graphic Novelism's epic retrospective of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, Big Bad Alex, James The Squid, and Mike 'The Wheezer' Napier embark on a Demon's Quest of their own through the latter half of production in the classic show to answer lingering questions that have plagued them and the fandom at large for years. And the answers they find? They're the stuff that dreams are made of. Illuminating revelations are given on everything from the production team's many clashes with Broadcast Standards and Practices, culminating into one of the most bizarre censor requests of the show's entire history, to the most perplexing redesign choices going into The Animated Series' spin-off, THE NEW BATMAN ADVENTURES. But just what did happen when the team ran out of story material for a villain they themselves redefined? Who very nearly gave the Bat-Family a fifth and perplexingly permanent member of the team? What's the story on the series spin-off that almost was? Were the actual origins behind the titular villain of the Caped Crusader's first cinematic animated outing really what we've all come to accept, or was there more to the story all along? And just what, exactly, was up with that version of the maligned villain Bane - and what hidden truths does it reveal about a key member of Batman's allies?! The Strange Secrets Of The Animated Series stand revealed at last! And as Graphic Novelism closes out this retrospective, we pay tribute to the legendary Len Wein, the man who helped give us many of The Dark Knight's greatest adventures and beyond.

To avoid being broken by Gotham's fearsome leatherboy, listen here!

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Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraphicNovelism

Music and clips used are all property of Warner Bros. Animation & DC Entertainment

FURTHER READING

'Batman' At 25: Hirings, Firings and Other Last-Minute Changes Behind the Animated Classic
Kevin Nowlan Lifts The Cowl On His 'Batman: The Animated Series' Designs
'BTAS' Turns 25: Why It's Still The Greatest Dark Knight Adaptation Of All Time
Harley Quinn's Maddening 25 Year History

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

#23: "The Strange Secrets Of Batman: The Animated Series"

Or, "I've Got Batman In My Podcast!"

In this special edition of Graphic Novelism, Big Bad Alex, James The Squid, and Mike 'The Wheezer' Napier bare their silicon souls in an effort to transport themselves to a more innovative time in comic book animation. A time where the universe momentarily aligned, the Gods of Superheroism finally looked down upon the medium of cartoons, and uttered a single command - "Let there be vengeance." From it's surprising, often overlooked origins as a footnote on the backlot of Warner Bros. Animation Studios, to it's ascension as legendary Emmy Award-winning television, the super-scholars pay homage to the 25th anniversary of BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES by detailing the dreams behind the darkness. How did a 29-year-old storyboard artist turn an innocuous duck into one of the most iconic renditions of The Caped Crusader of all time? What secret benefactor both saved the show as we know it and helped guide the hands of fate towards a ghost most gray? And just why, oh why, did audiences get saddled with the one episode of the series that we all collectively decided never to talk about? Riddles from The Minotaur's Maze are revealed in the first part of a retrospective so epic that it just couldn't be contained in one installment!

To discover the secrets that Hugo Strange's mind machine holds, listen here!

Music and clips used are all property of Warner Bros. Animation & DC Entertainment

FURTHER READING

The Animated Series Bible By Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Mitch Brian
The World's Finest Online: 'BTAS' Section
The 'Batman: The Animated Series' Wikia
Purchase "Batman: Animated", By Paul Dini And Chip Kidd - Amazon.com
...Aswell As All Four Volumes Of The Series, Available On DVD!

Friday, July 21, 2017

GRAPHIC NOVELISM REMEMBERS... ADAM WEST (1928-2017)

On a tragic day that is long to be remembered, the world of superheroes and the world at large lost a true caped crusader - Adam West, the first actor to truly inhabit the role of Batman for entire generations of fans. Join Graphic Novelism's Alex, James, and Mike as they reminiscence about West's life and career as everything from superhero to mayor, their earliest memories of the 1966 classic that shot West to stardom, and what West's role as the cowled crimefighter did to transform the medium of comic books into what it is today.

So long, old chum. From all of us.

Click here to donate to the Adam West Memorial Fund for St. Jude's Children's Research

Header image originally created by E-SPACE-Productions

Sunday, November 27, 2016

#18: "When Shaq Met Static" (Challenge of The Supertoons Part II)

or "Slade Wilson's Carnival of Despair!"

In part two of our retrospective of animated adaptations, we look at the modern age of DC shows, from the dawn of the Timmverse to the second coming of Beast Boy. Why doesn't Static Shock get the respect it so dearly deserves? Where does Superman: The Animated Series land within the ranks of superhero television? When will fans learn to stop judging new shows by a single piece of promo art? And what is the tragic fate of the poor, disgraced Ocean Master?

FURTHER READING
The Death of Dan Turpin
Dwayne McDuffie's thoughts on Static Shock
The greatest team-up animation had seen since Superman and Aquaman
The Joker's Five-Point Cuisine
Young Justice season 3! Something not-horrible happened this year!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

#17: "TUBERMAN" (Challenge Of The Supertoons Part I)

or "The Strange Proposal of The Trevor-Darkseid Team!"

In part one of our new, six-part series on the history of animated adaptations, we get things rolling with DC's contributions to the field from 1941-1992. From the glory of the Fleischer shorts to the utter bafflement of the Superfriends, your hosts sift through one of American animation's greatest dry spells to solve the era's greatest mysteries: Why won't Superman stop moaning? What dark secret is Gleek hiding from the Wonder Twins? And how does it all tie back to the 2002 sports comedy Juwanna Mann?

FURTHER READING
This episode's intro music was "The All New Super Friends Hour Intro 1977 Remix" by Yevheniy Kutsenko
Kaptainkristian's excellent video on the artistry of the Fleischer Superman shorts
And then sigh heavily at the existence of The New Adventures of Superman
The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure! A union that would last the test of time.
The Flash vs. Bugsy Malone: The SLOWEST melee of them all!
SEIZURE WARNING: Batman With Robin The Boy Wonder (no, seriously, seizure warning)
Make out... make out...
OH GOD HE'S HUGE
The Filmations that never were
Our only look at the Wonder Woman that almost was
The dramatic origin of B'Wana Beast, who we swear is a real character
Listen to Paul Dini talk about his sad, sad time at Filmation on his episode of The Nerdist
The time Darkseid became Steve Trevor and turned Wonder Woman into a diamond
One of the only clips from Ruby-Spears Superman we could find. Tremble before El Luthor and his senoritas!
A montage from the show's Wonder Woman episode, with some particularly George Perez-influenced visuals.
An evil live-action Plastic Man with amorous intentions. Good luck sleeping tonight, True Subscribers
Beats for "Penetrate Krypton (ft. Filmation Superman)" by DJ Hipsters
And finally, let's take a fond look back at the greatest hero of them all...

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

#16: "Forgotten, But Not Gone"

or "TERROR Of The Redundant-Flash!"

The medium of comics is filled with countless characters who have stood the test of time... that doesn't mean all of them should have. On this month's episode, the Unreal Experts count down the useless, the dated, the repetitive, the heroes, villains, and supporting cast who do not deserve to be hated, but simply to be forgotten-- except Steve Trevor. Which hunter should have stayed in the jungle? What is the terrifying secret of The Composite Alfred? And which one-man franchise has earned billions of dollars and the hearts of a generation... despite having no reason to exist?

FURTHER READING
Goodbye (Na Na Na Hey Hey...) Remix by Timothe Madilo

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

#15 "Waiting For Twilight" (Dreams, Hoaxes, And Imaginary Tales Part IV)

or "A Gorilla In Lady Gotham's Court!"

In the finale of our series on the greatest comic book stories never told, we recount what may be the most influential comic event of the past thirty years... and not a single word of it was ever printed. Join The House of Mistakes as they detail what was once the most closely-guarded secret in the industry: Alan Moore's pitch for "Twilight Of The Superheroes", a company-wide crossover event that would have plunged the most unlikely hero of all into a dark future, where factions made up of DC's last remaining titans vie for control of a world passing them by. Sound familiar? You have no idea. How did this one pitch sow the seeds for Kingdom Come, Infinite Crisis, and-- somehow-- Game Of Thrones? Who was "Slipstream", and what modern form did she end up taking? Why was Alan Moore obsessed with creating "the ultimate video game"? WHAT IS WRONG WITH DOLLMAN?!

To find out, well, you'll just have to listen!

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Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
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Tumblr: http://graphicnovelismpodcast.tumblr.com/

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Pruit Igoe and Prophecies by The Philip Glass EnsembleLicensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

FURTHER READING
Alan Moore's Full Pitch For "Twilight Of The Superheroes"
"The House of Thunder" commission by Don Simpson
The Fate Of Congorilla by Steven Bissette
The time Charles Xavier woke up sexy (explained at last)
The full story of Alan Moore disowning Dave Gibbons ON HIS WEDDING DAY
For reference, this is what Alan Moore tends to look like on his wedding days

Thursday, June 23, 2016

#13: "Metropolis Restored" (Dreams, Hoaxes, And Imaginary Tales Part II)

or "IF THIS BE MY MISTRESS..."

In part two of our four-part series on the greatest comic book stories never told, we meet a caped crusader fighting for his life in The Great War, a wall-crawler in too deep with the wrong kind of lady, and a born-again 'bub with his heart in the right place (and the rest of him in ninja). Who IS The Huntsman, and how would he have been a game-changer for Image? How does The Dark Knight Returns tie into a coup d'etat that would have changed the comic book industry forever? And why on Earth won't Len Wein admit the TRUTH about Wolverine?!

To find out, well, you'll just have to listen!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Through the Night - CC by-nc-nd 4.0 - Russ Makiwicz
It Wasn't Me by Shaggy Ⓒ MCA

FURTHER READING
Aces High, Joker's Wild

Bob Layton and Paul Smith's Spider-Man
Chris Claremont on "The Huntsman"
The Dark Wolverine Saga
Wolverine's Original Origin
Metropolis
And the time Wolverine's true name was revealed by a leprechaun

Sunday, May 22, 2016

#12: "The Old Gods And The New" (Dreams, Hoaxes, And Imaginary Tales Part I)

or "The Secret Dark Side of Captain Victory!"

In the first of our four-part series on the greatest comic book stories never told, we travel from the Silver Age to the Twitter Age, from Batman '89 to Superman 2000, from Grant Morrison's brightest days to Frank Miller's blackest nights. Just how many different All-Star books were in the works before the line died? What were Jack Kirby's original plans for his legendary run on Thor? What the HELL were they going to do to Wonder Woman in 2005?! And why must we LEAVE HIMMM?!

To find out, well, you'll just have to listen!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
C'est la Vie by B*Witched Ⓒ Epic
Eobard Desiccates Wells by Black Neely Ⓒ Warner Bros.

FURTHER READING

Batman '89
Batman: Kingdom of The Mad

The All-Star that wasn't

The Wonder Woman that NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN

Superman 2000

The Bat-Hyphen-Man

Tartakovsky's CAGE

John Byrne on his own "Fantastic Four: The End"

A summary of "The Last Galactus Story"

John Byrne commission of Galactus's final moments, from the collection of William Roberge

Jack Kirby's Savage Silver Surfer, and other sources of friction

The origin of the New Gods

Kirby's original concept art for the Fourth World

Captain Victory and his hilarious quantum scooter

The only published appearance of Black Mass we could find (many, many years later, in Legenderry #5)

Sunday, March 27, 2016

#10: "Batman Hearts Superman"

or "Cry fraternity! Cry... BESTIES!"

In all the years to come, in your most private moments, we want you to remember this episode in your ears. We want you to remember the one podcast... that warmed your heart. Under the shadow of the biggest movie in DC history, the Unreal Experts take a look at the relationship between the world's finest, and how often the duo are misinterpreted as rivals. What are the real differences between these two characters, and how have they driven them apart and brought them together? Is The Dark Knight Returns a relevant portrayal of their relationship? And what is the terrible secret of the the Drive-By Batman? To find out, well, you'll just have to listen!

All and this more, in the link!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
The Lady In Red by Chris de Burgh Ⓒ A&M Records

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths Main Title by James L. Venable Ⓒ Warner Bros.

FURTHER READING

We promise you, this actually happened

Thursday, February 18, 2016

#9: "Videoman, No! The Bright Side of Superhero Games"

or "Respawn, harlequin, said the 8-Bit Man!"

Prepare yourself for a next-generation multimedia event™! In this episode, the unreal experts rock out to SNES symphonies as they look at the most high-rated entries in a low-rated genre: the comic book game. How has the arc of the superhero game mirrored the arc of the entire industry? Why did anyone ever think you'd want to play Cyclops? And which is more magical: mall arcades, or pizza arcades? To find out, well, you'll just have to listen!

EDITOR'S NOTE: We've got something special planned for March, but stay tuned for part two of this series in April, where we'll look at some of the less-impressive entries in the history of game adaptations. Oh god, how is the Hulk supposed to sneak past these guards...

All and this more, in the link!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Sunday, January 17, 2016

#8 "We MUST, Robin: The Fashionably Lame Costumes of Comics"

or "The Boob Window At The Gates Of Always!"

From fishnets to head-fins, bandoleers to face-socks, gloves that stretch to the armpits to collars that climb to the heavens, superhero costumes have seen their share of highs and lows. Join Aristocratic Alex, Jammin' James, and Maniacal Mike as they plumb the depths of four color fashion in a discussion of their favorite looks, why certain costumes have stuck around for so long, the subjectivity of a good design, and what the hell is even going on with Gambit's stupid head.

All and this more, in the link!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Costume Montage by Danny Elfman

Thursday, October 29, 2015

#5: "Born To Hate"

or "I hate you! And you hate me even more!"

In this month's limited edition of GN, the crew looks at the dichotomy of heroes and their archenemies, from the truly great rivalries, to the ones that exist for reasons one cannot begin to fathom. Can creating villains purely to be a hero's opposite ever work? And why does Mike insist on attacking Alex on his birthday each year? To find out the answers, well, you'll just have to listen!

All and this more, in the link!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Music used: Neuro Rhythm by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/neurorhythm/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Saturday, September 26, 2015

OFF THE PANEL - Batman: HUSH

In the first returning installment of the series that examines all literature involving capes, cowls, and tights, Aristocratic Alex Koch and Maniacal Mike Napier journey upon a flashback to the year 2002 as they revisit the classic comic book arc that took the genre by storm and re-launched the careers of two of the industry's top talents. It's a game of chess that involves conspiracy, murder, romance, betrayal, and the most epic confrontation between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel ever committed to page. But why does this story deserve the acclaim it once heralded, and what does it have to say about the legacy of Batman? What impact should the arc have had on DC Comics' bestselling title? And why has the story been mislabeled for years as a mystery? All this and more are discussed as the two break down Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee's 12-issue opus - BATMAN: HUSH.

Travel Off The Panel with us by clicking here!

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Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Saturday, August 15, 2015

#3: "The Identity Of Secrets"

or "MILD MANNERS OF THE MASKED!"

Hidden away from the prying eyes of the world, underneath Podcast City's most exclusive nightclub, the unreal experts don their disguises and speak in cryptic tones, as they debate their most sensitive topic yet: secrets! Does the trope of duel identities still have a purpose to serve in today's comics, or is it just a golden age hold-over that's long outlived its usefulness? To what depths will Green Arrow sink to avoid a paternity test? And just who, exactly, ARE our mysterious hosts? To find out the answers, well, you'll just have to listen!

All this and MORE, in the link!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

#2: "BIFF! BAM! POW! Superheroes on YOUR TV!"

or "WHERE WATCHES THE CHANNEL-SURFERS?!"

Lock yourself inside your Time Vault and toss that billy club into the trash, because the unreal experts are taking a look at the long, sordid history of comic books on TV. Do the early days of Saturday morning superheroes still have something to show us about these characters? What does the future hold now that shows like The Flash and Daredevil have elevated the genre beyond what anyone could have hoped for? Did somebody EVER get around to saving Tom Welling? To find out the answers, well, you'll just have to listen!

All this and MORE, in the link!

Thursday, June 11, 2015

#1: "The People v. Superman"

or "DAWN OF MISUNDERSTANDING!"

Get ready, True Subscribers, for the dynamic first episode of Graphic Novelism, the podcast where comic culture is vivisected by experts on nothing real! Join Aristocratic Alex Koch, Jammin' James Lewis, and Maniacal Mike Napier, as they tackle one of the most heated issues in comics today: Is Superman still relevant? Does he still work as both an icon and as a character? Or is he just a relic of an age that has long passed us by? To find out the answers, well, you'll just have to listen!

All this and MORE, in the link!

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraphicNovelism
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/graphic-novelism/id1005133566
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=68076&refid=stpr

Sunday, May 10, 2015

#0: "The Official Handbook To Graphic Novelism"

or "AND THE WIND CRIES... 'PODCAST'!"

Before their blockbuster debut in #1, witness the secret origins of our intrepid trinity, as they discuss their long relationship with comic book culture, the creators who inspire them, the stories that move them, and Machine Man. Seriously, Machine Man gets a lot of play in this episode.