Cosmic Treadmill ep. 138 - Action #37 (1976)

'Ello, Limeys! In this episode, Anglophiles Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) look at a comic book so nasty, it was banned in the United Kingdom: Action #37, published by IPC in 1976! After some information about the people who made this comic and just what the heck it is about, graduates of the Winona Ryder Acting Society go through every brutal story in this crazy weekly comic book, doing their best to provide some color to the commentary. After a break, they talk about what happened to the folks from Action, and look at some movies made illegal in the United Kingdom and labeled "video nasties" in the early days of the VCR. This episode is more dire than an encounter with Hook Jaw, you don't want to miss it!

Sandman Universe Gatherum, Episode 5

Hello Dreamers!

After a couple of weeks away (we're catching up to the "now" too quickly!), the Sandman Universe Gatherum returns with all of it's spectacular sleepiness.  This time out, we (assume) we're wrapping up the first arcs for House of Whispers and the flagship of the imprint, The Dreaming.  Lucifer and Tim Hunter join in on the fun too!

Reggie's Comics Stories ep. 13 - Not Brand Echh!

Hey, comicskateers! In this episode, the fershlugginer Reggie (@reggieregge) reads the beginning of an article written by Roy Thomas for Alter Ego magazine #95 (July 2010), all about the origins of Marvel Comics' self-parody series, "Not" Brand Echh! There's lots of theretofore-untold information about this humor comic book, as well as Reggie's lamentations that the industry doesn't seem to be having as much fun anymore. Who says a podcast has to be good?

Cosmic Treadmill ep. 137 - Street Poet Ray #1 (1990)

Greetings, comics enthusastniks! In this episode, urban poets Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) check out the rhythms and meter of truth when they read Michael Redmond and Junko Hosizawa's Street Poet Ray #1, published by Marvel Comics in 1990! After revealing what scant biographical information could be found on the creators, the folksy duo read every "rap-haiku" in the issue, and talk about the subjects therein. Then, they give a brief history of the Beat Generation, their influences and outcomes--one of which would be this very comic book! Grok that, hipsters!

Chris is on Infinite Earths, Episode 15: The Man of Steel #1 (1986)

Hello Heroes!

This time out we discuss The Man of Steel #1... the first, The Man of Steel #1, that is... written and drawn by John Byrne.  Before getting into the book itself, we take a quick peek into that strange time where Superman, and many of DC's top books, were very nearly published by... Marvel Comics?!

From there, we jump into the book... and compare the finished product (of the first issue) to what's known about John Byrne's original "Marvel Comics' Superman" pitch.  Is what we wound up getting: better, worse, or exactly the same?  Gonna have to listen to find out!

Sticking with the Byrne-Superman theme, this week's HOT TAKE Segment will feature a USENET post from October, 1985... right around the time that Byrne's pending arrival at DC Comics was no longer a rumor!  It's a fun time as always, if ya got a minute (or 40), give it a listen!

Cosmic Treadmill ep. 136 - Teen Titans #12 (1967)

Hello, Podcast Pursuers! In this episode, gear duo Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) get a case of the Haneys when they read Teen Titans #12 by Bob Haney and Irv Novick, published by DC Comics in 1967! After dispensing the usual biographical information, the fab fellas dive right into every page of this way-out comic book, lending their voices and a little bit of cynicism to the otherwise silly occurrences. Then they look at a history of satellites, and how they might have shaped this comic's attitudes toward space exploration in general. This episode will put you in orbit, you don't want to miss it!

Reggie's Comics Stories ep. 13 - Comic Book Implosion

Hey everyone! In this less-raspy, less-echo-filled episode, Reggie talks at you about the DC Comics Explosion/Implosion, which happened in 1978, and reads some excerpts from Comic Book Implosion, compiled by Keith Dallas and John Wallace for TwoMorrows Publishing. This book provides a unique look at DC Comics' period of change, as well as what the rest of the comics industry was up to at the time, and comes with the highest recommendation. Just a few tidbits to wet your whistle, then it's off to the library or bookstore with you!

Cosmic Treadmill ep. 135 - Hip-Hop Family Tree #1 (2015)

Greeting, b-boys and b-girls! In this episode, culture vultures Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) explore the earliest days of hip-hop music and culture when they read Ed Piskor's Hip-Hop Family Tree #1, published by Fantagraphics in 2015! After talking about Ed Piskor's rising career, our music historians go through every page of this issue, lending their improbable voice talent to these actual persons. After a short break, they come back to talk a little bit about New York, to help situate the uninitiated listener and explain some of the reasons why hip-hop developed where and when it did. This episode is sure to have you doing windmills into a backspin, you don't want to miss it!

Sandman Universe Gatherum, Episode 4

Welcome to the fourth installment of the Sandman Universe Gatherum... where (in at least two of our titles) the decompression really starts to set in.

Chris is on Infinite Earths, Episode 14: DC Comics Presents #85 (1985)

Good Day, Fellow Professors of Extra-Dimensional Studies!  This time out, Chris is joined by his good pal, Dave Schultz (@SellingOutShow) to discuss a very special issue of DC Comics Presents featuring a team-up (of sorts) between Superman and Swamp Thing!

From there, Dave shares his comics "Secret Origin" and gives Chris a guided tour of his Swamp Thing fandom!  It's quite the education for your humble host!

HOT TAKE: A Reaction to "The Anatomy Lesson" from a November, 1983 USENET post (as discussed at DCinthe80s.com