#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

#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)

#11: "Videoman, why?! The Dark Side of Superhero Games"

or "I Have No Face But I Must Quip!"

In part two of the Videoman Saga, the 8-Bit Experts tackle the less-glamorous side of video game adaptations. How do adaptations with the best of intentions so often end so badly? How close did we come to battling Heath Ledger's Joker on the Xbox? Who decided to put stealth levels in a Hulk game? Why is Aquaman's hair so breathtaking? Where did those bats come from? WHO STOLE SUPERMAN'S FACE?!

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/)
20xx by Evan King http://evanking.bandcamp.com/album/20xx
Face It, Tiger by Married With Sea Monsters https://marriedwithseamonsters.bandcamp.com/

FURTHER READING

Interview with the producer of Superman 64
See the rings. Live the rings.
The sad tale of the Dark Knight that wasn't
Justice League Heroes: Not McDuffie's greatest work, but we forgive him
And then there was the time Eric Bana battled The Leader
Aquaman's glorious sentient hair in 780p
The 100% real, I-swear-we-didn't-exaggerate-this-one-iota Batman Returns for the Saga Genesis
And finally, experience the Spider-Man 3 game the only way you should

#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

Off The Panel CLASSIC - Daredevil: The Man Without Fear

In this reprint of a classic episode from the fondly remembered Off-Panel Podcast, the men who would one day form Graphic Novelism meet to discuss the origin story that defined one of Marvel’s most underrated superheroes. Listen as three podcasters without fear discuss Frank Miller’s last great superhero story, how cinematic fiction can be achieved in the pages of a comic, and most importantly, the lengths a blind man will go to in order to eventually beat up Stilt-Man. This is Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.’s Daredevil: The Man Without Fear.

Travel Off The Panel with us by clicking here!



Music used: Morning Cruise by Jens Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/morning-cruise/
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

FURTHER READING
Listen to the original episode here!
"Revisiting The Man Without Fear" by Augie De Blieck, Jr.
John Romita, Jr. talks Daredevil
Buy The Man Without Fear on Comixology
Or on Amazon

#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/)

#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

#7: "Spawn of Image, Part Two: Kirkman's Dream"

or "BLOODFIST II: NO MORE MR. NICE GUY"

In part two of our look at the storied, sordid history of Image comics, we visit the cocaine-fueled fall and zombie-plagued return of the once-and-future king of creator-owned publishers. Why would Rob Liefeld lend his car to Badrock? What was the straw that broke Frank Miller's back and/or sanity? And how did a nerdy kid from Kentucky turn an industry punchline into one of the most critically-acclaimed entertainment companies in the world?

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 

These two episodes couldn't have been possible without research from:
Sequart's excellent documentary, The Image Revolution
Sean Howe's indispensable Marvel Comics: The Untold Story 

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

#6: "Spawn of Image, Part One: McFarlane Just Wants To Draw"

or "BLOODFIST: Omega Genesis!"

In part one of our look at the rise, fall, and rebirth of perhaps the most controversial and influential publisher in comic book history, the Unreal Experts chart the rise of the Super-Artists: Todd "Hulk Hogan" McFarlane, Jim "Captain America" Lee, and Rob "David Hasslehoff" Liefeld. How did Jim Shooter unintentionally pave the way for Image Comics? Which account of the company's creation actually holds water? And why does it all come back to Cable?! 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/
Vangelis Sound-Alike by Filmmusic Group
Licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

ONE AND DONE - "The Anatomy Lesson"

Grab 'er before she leaves the newsstands, True Subscribers, it's another debut from your friends at the House of Mistakes! Introducing "One and Done", a new mini-show that examines the greatest single issues the medium has ever produced! And for our first installment, what better than perhaps the most famous self-contained story of this, our modern age? It's the Alan Moore and Steve Bissette masterpiece "The Anatomy Lesson", the issue that turned Swamp Thing-- and the comic book industry-- upside down.

Let the deconstruction begin by clicking here!



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

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!



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

#4: "It's Still Unreal To Me!"

or "On wings of kevlar, did childe Icarus soar!"

Have you ever wondered how many fibers are in Mike's t-shirt? Or if Alex organizes his comic collection alphabetically or numerically? Do you lie awake at night, pondering the backstory of James's vocal fry? Well, you won't find out any of that in this episode, but you will discover how the unreal experts feel about the concept of "realism" in the superhero genre. Is it possible to keep your feet on the ground, with characters born to soar above it? And exactly how long until Harvey Dent dies of staph infection? 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

#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!

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

#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!

#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

#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.

All this and MORE, in the link!