Wednesday, December 31, 2014

SS #028 - TV Talk, part 1

Shortbox Showcase #28-- TV Talk

No comic book talk this time -- just talk about many of the
TV shows that are largely based on comic books, or that have comic books associated with them. But before we get to that, we talk about the year in review for the Relatively Geeky Network, and a lit bit of talk about what we're thinking about for 2015.

SPOILER ALERT -- we talk all about the shows, the episodes that have aired, and our conjectures, predictions, and crazy theories about what may happen in the future. You have been warned.

If you want to avoid spoilers about a specific show, here are approximate start times for conversation about each show we cover in this episode:
21:45 - Doctor Who
30:00 - Castle
32:00 - Sleepy Hollow
45:00 - The Walking Dead
49:00 - Marvel's Agents of SHIELD and Agent Carter, and the Netflix shows


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Promo #1: Resurrection Revealed
Promo #2: Unofficial Marvel's 75  Greatest Podcast

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

We now have a Facebook page. Check it out and "like" us!
https://www.facebook.com/relativelygeeky

You can follow Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

SS #027 - Feedback Episode

Shortbox Showcase #27-- Feedback III

In this episode we tackle lots and lots of feedback from lots and lots of wonderful listeners. Feedbacks about canon and fandom, Superman, Batman .... and lots and lots of feedback about Identity Crisis. We knew our listeners were awesome, but this episode proved to us JUST HOW AWESOME our listeners are.

Also ... Merry Christmas from Emily and Professor Alan! We are blessed to have such a great community of listeners. We appreciate you all. 

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Promo: Tales of the JSA: Crisis on Infinite Earths

Closing Music:"O Come O Come Emmanuel," by Paeter Frandsen, host of The Spirit Blade Underground podcast.

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You can follow Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

QBP #040 - ROM #1

Quarter-Bin Podcast #40

ROM Spaceknight #1, Marvel Comics, cover-dated December 1979.

"Arrival!" written by Bill Mantlo, with art by Sal Buscema.


When a scary-looking alien robot appears in West Virginia, and start blowing away locals, reasonable questions come to mind. Is he bent on conquest? Or is he actually a man with a mission to destroy shape-shifting aliens? And especially, how could a toy develop such a compelling backstory?

These are questions that needed a guest to help answer, so Scott Gardner of Two True Freaks joined me to dig through this terrific (spoilers) first issue.

Thanks to Scott for producing and scoring the episode, as well as guesting on it. He is one multi-talented fella!

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Promo #1: Two True Freaks, Scott's home on the Internet
Promo #2: Two True Freaks: Star Trek Monthly Monday 

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You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Next Episode: Shado: Song of the Dragon, Book #2, cover-dated February 1992.

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

SS #026 - Superman and Batman, BFFs!


Shortbox Showcase #026

Emily and Professor Alan are joined by veteran podcaster Michael Bradley. Michael's podcasting efforts include a Superman solo show, a Batman solo show, and a joint Superman / Batman show. So it seemed only fitting that he join us to talk about the Man of Steel and the Caped Crusader, their friendship, their working relationship, and their fans.

Along the way we talk about the story "A Time Beyond Hope," written by Paul Levitz, with art by Renato Guedes and Jose Wilson, published in Superman Batman Annual #4, cover-dated August 2010. This story takes place in the Batman Beyond universe, and that TV show is also discussed, as well as our thoughts on how Superman and Batman might spend their retiring years.

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Promo: Mark's Mess vs Atlantis Attacks 

Link: Michael Bradley's home site, where all his podcasts dwell. 

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You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

QBP #039 - Silver Age Classics

Quarter-Bin Podcast #39

Silver Age Classics: Detective Comics 327, DC Comics, cover-dated 1992 (original issue printed in 1964).

"The Mystery of the Menacing Mask," written by John Broome, with art by Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella.

and

"Ten Miles to Nowhere," written by Gardner Fox, with art by Carmine Infantino.

What makes Detective Comics #327 a "classic?" What makes this Batman a "new look" character? What does Bruce Wayne think about urban gentrification? And what if the Elongated Man backup story is almost as good as the main story featuring Batman? Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo #1: The Batcave Podcast
Promo #2: Big Screen Batman

Next Episode: ROM: Spaceknight #1, Marvel Comics, cover-dated December 1979.

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Friday, November 21, 2014

SS #025 - Crisis in the Shortbox

Shortbox Showcase #25 -- Identity Crisis, written by Brad Meltzer, with art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair.

Professor Alan and Emily tackle one of DC's more controversial titles, Identity Crisis, the seven-issue series from 2004 and 2005.

Spoilers: It's one of our favorite comics stories ever.

We talk about the story itself, the context in which the story was released, some of the major controversies surrounding the story, what we find so moving about the story, and the divisive response to the story within the world of comic book fandom.

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Link: Linkara's "15 Things That Are Wrong With Identity Crisis"
Link: Paeter Frandsen's "Top 25 Pre-52 Stories"

Promo: Superman & Batman

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

QBP #038 - Shado: Song of the Dragon, Book One

Quarter-Bin Podcast #38

Shado: Song of the Dragon, Book 1, DC Comics, cover-dated January 1992.

"Souvenirs," written by Mike Grell, with art by Michael Davis Lawrence and Gray Morrow. This is the book with the highest cover-price ($4.95) that has ever been discussed on the podcast.

How can one man's desire to return a World War II sword to it's rightful owner set off a battle between Japanese brothers? And how does the Yakuza get involved in this situation? And is that a Japanese monk? And how does Green Arrow's baby mama fit into this?  Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo #1: Waves of Tech
Promo #2: SQPN: Secrets of the Hobbit

Next Episode: Silver Age Classics, DC Comics, 1992 (but really 1964). 

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Friday, October 31, 2014

UBA #005 - In The Clutches of the Code


Uncovering the Bronze Age #005 -- Uncovering the Code

This Halloween, Emily delves into one of the most terrifying, bone-chilling topics known to comic fandom -- Seduction of the Innocent and the Comics Code Authority!

Follow her on the journey through the mind of one of the most infamous names in all of comic book history. What you find may SURPRISE, THRILL, and DISTURB you!

Intellectual analysis and academic criticism abound in this PULSE-POUNDING episode. And prepare for the SHOCKING twist ending that closes out our tale.

This is the story of Dr. Fredric Wertham ...

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Promo: In Country


Featuring the Voices of:

Noel Thingvall: Masters of CarpentrySuper Satruday Short-Lived Shortcase and Noel's blog.

Stephen Lacey: The Fantasticast and Fantastic Flame-On.

Paul Spataro: Back to the Bins.

The Irredeemable Shagg: Firestorn FanFire & Water Podcast and Ultraverse Network.

Shawn Engel: Just One of the Guys, Walking Dead WednesdayThe Vault of Startling Monster Horror Tales of Terror, and Parallel Lines.


Bibliography:

Seduction of the Innocent by Frederick Wertham, MD. Copyright Rhinehart and Co. Inc, 1954

The Comics Code: 1954, SeductionOfTheInnocent.Org

Tales from the Code, CBLDF.org

"Fredric Wertham: Anti-Comics Crusader Who Turned Advocateby Dwight Decker
(Essay about Wertham and the creation of "The World of Fanzines")


Additional reading:

"Seducing the Innocent: Frederick Wertham and the Falsifications that Helped Condemn Comics." Carol L. Tilley. Information and Culture: A Journal of History, 47 (4). 2012.

The Study of Man: Paul, the Horror comics, and Dr Wertham, Commentary Magazine (1954) (A contemporary article from a father about his son's comic reading habit) 

The Testimony of William Gaines (Transcript: April 22nd, 1954)
(Other transcripts, including Wertham's testimony, also available)



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

QBP #037 - Micronauts #8

Quarter-Bin Podcast #37

Micronauts #8, Marvel Comics, cover-dated August 1979.

"Earth Wars!" writing and art by Bill Mantlo & Michael Golden, embellished by Bob McLeod.

When did NASA get its own military force? And can they stand up to the villainous power of Baron Karza? What about Acroyear, Rann and the resot of the Micros? Can they stand up to the villainous power of Baron Karza? Who is that blue and white dude flying in on the cover? Can he stand up to the villainous power of Baron Karza? And will we get a touching father-son reunion?  Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo #1: Pop Mockers
Promo #2: Invincible Iron Cast: Classic

Next Episode: Shado: Song of the Dragon, Book One, DC Comics, 1992.

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

QBP #036 - Constantine #8

Quarter-Bin Podcast #36

Constantine #8, DC Comics New 52, cover-dated January 2014.

"American Pastimes, Part One," written by Ray Fawkes, with art by ACO.

Why is playing chess in fiction always so ominous? And why would a book that was on the shelves just one measly year ago be in the cheap bins already? And did Professor Alan purposely time this episode to coincide with the debut of the Constantine TV show? Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo #1: Fantasticast
Promo #2: Superman Podcast Network

Next Episode: Micronauts #8, Marvel Comics, cover-dated August 1979.

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Sunday, October 12, 2014

RGP 002 - ZOMBIES IN RIVERDALE!

"Afterlife with Archie," issues 1-3, Archie Comics, cover-dated December 2013 - March 2014. All stories written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa,with art and awesome coloring by Francesco Francavilla.

Professor Alan is joined by his scariest buddies in podcasting, Shawn Engel and Bill Robinson, from the Walking Dead Wednesday podcast. So what do these horror fans (and the squeamish Professor Alan) think of this groundbreaking series? Or at least the first three issues of the title.

How does it stack up against other zombie tales, such as The Walking Dead? Will Archie be able to choose between Betty & Veronica, if one of them ends up undead? Will Reggie continue to be a douche, even in the zombie apocalypse? And how did Sabrina's aunts get that ugly, that fast? And would zombie cats or zombie doge be more scary? (spoiler: cats)

Listen to the episode to find out.

 Click on the player below to listen to the episode


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Then ... go over to the Two True Freaks website to listen to the Trio of Terror talk about issues 4-6. That episode will be Walking Dead Wednesday episode #31, and should be available after October 22, 2014.

Promo #1: Earth Destruction Directive
Promo #2: X-Files Truth

Music for the episode is from the game Silent Hill:Book of Memories, soundtrack by Daniel Licht.

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Saturday, October 4, 2014

QBP #035 - Shagg's Choice!

Quarter-Bin Podcast #35

Firearm #1, Malibu Comics / Ultraverse, cover-dated September 1993.

"American Pastimes, Part One," written by James Robinson, with art by Cully Hamner and John Lowe.

What exactly was Shagg (sorry, The Irredeemable Shagg) thinking when he pulled this book out of the 25-cent box for Professor Alan? And what events conspired to give him the glorious honor of doing so? And in person, no less. And how was the barbecue? Oh, yeah. What of the comic book story itself -- so what does Professor Alan think of James Robinson's excursion into the Ultraverse? Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo: Who's Who Podcast

Next Episode: Constantine #8, DC Comics New 52, cover-dated January 2014.

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Friday, September 26, 2014

SS #024 - Canon Fodder

Shortbox Showcase #24 -- Issues in Canon and Fandom

Professor Alan and Emily talk about the concept of "canon" as it relates to fandom in general, and comic books in particular. Superman, Doctor Who, George RR Martin, Armageddon 2001, Star Wars, Supernatural and Leverage (AGAIN!) are all discussed ... in the shortbox!

They also cover tons and tons and tons of feedback from their awesome and loyal listeners.


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Promo #1: Listen to the Prophets
Promo #2: Saturday B-Movie Reel

Link: Scott Ryfun's farewell to the Star Wars EU video

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You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Thursday, September 18, 2014

QBP #034 - Marvel 2-in-1 #52

Quarter-Bin Podcast #34

Marvel Two-in-One #52, Marvel Comics, cover-dated June 1979.

"A Little Knight Music," by Steven Grant, with art by Jim Craig & Pablo Marcos.

The ever-loving blue-eyed Thing and the ever-sorely under-rated Moon Knight team up to take on the brand new villain Crossfire. How does Moon Knight know this man? Can he figure out how to use this knowledge from his past to bring him to his knees? And does Moon Knight really share one of his secret identities with the author of the story? What are the odds of that anyway? Listen to the episode and find out!


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Promo #1: Alibi Jones
Promo #2: Super Mates

Next Episode: SHAGG'S CHOICE!!!!!

Link: Christopher Ouilette's review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose

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You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

QBP #033 - Mystery in Space (2004)

Quarter-Bin Podcast #33

DC Comcs Presents: Mystery in Space, DC Comics,  cover-dated September 2004.

"Man of Two Worlds," by Elliot S! Maggin, with art by JH Williams III.

and

"Two Worlds," by Grant Morrison, with art by Jerry Ordway & Mark McKenna.

It's two, two, two stories in one! Professor Alan takes on a tribute comic featuring a return of Quarter-Bin veteran Adam Strange and his buddies the Dibnys. And then he faces down Grant Morrison for the first-time ever in the whole history of the podcast? Will he be able to handle the storytelling whiplash? Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo #1: Comic Book Time Machine
Promo #2: No Agenda

Next Episode: Marvel Two-in-One #1, Marvel Comics,cover-dated June 1979.

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

SS #023 - Super-Hero Prose

Shortbox Showcase #023

Super-Hero Novels & Short Stories

Professor Alan and Emily have talked more than once about comic books that don't feature superheroes. This time they talk about non-comic books that do feature superheroes. It's book report time, as the topic for this conversation is "super-hero prose." We talk about novelizations and adaptations, novels featuring DC & Marvel characters, novels featuring original characters, short stories, and even some fan-fiction.


Click on the player below to listen to the episode:


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Here is a partial list of the stories and novels we mentioned, which you should purchase through the Amazon link at Two True Freaks:

Playing for Keeps, by Mur Lafferty
Sable, by Mike Grell
Shadow Legion: New Roads to Hell, by Thomas Deja,, reviewed by Professor Alan here.
Leaper, by Geoffrey Wood, reviewed by Professor Alan here.
Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Austin Grossman, reviewed by Professor Alan here.
Mary Jane & Mary Jane 2, by Judith O'Brien
The She-Hulk Diaries, by Marta Acosta, reviewed by Professor Alan here.
Escape Pod sci-fi short story podcast

Promo:  New Roads to Hell 

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You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

QBP #032 - Batman: Shadow of the Bat #6

Quarter-Bin Podcast #32

Batman: Shadow of the Bat #6, DC Comics, cover-dated November 1992.

"The Ugly American," by Alan Grant, with art by Dan Jurgens and Dick Giordano.

So who exactly is that big steroided-up dude on the cover? What does he have to do with the CIA? And why does the CIA just not show Batman the proper respect? And how exactly am I going to work in a discussion on the current state of the auto industry in the US? Listen to the episode and find out!


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Promo: Mark's Mess Podcasts

Next Episode: DC Comics Presents: Mystery in Space #1, DC Comics,cover-dated September 2004

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed. 

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Mister Hero: the bound version

As we discussed in episode 22 of the Shortbox Showcase, Emily and I had the 18 issues of Mr. Hero: The Newmatic Man bound last year. We chose that title partially because of the Steampunk style of the story and partially because it had mostly sentimental value, in case the issues were lost or ruined. Fortunately, they were not. Here are some pictures of the finished product: 



We used Houchen Bindery, and were very pleased with the results.  They offered a wide array of options for customization. We were able to reorder some pages (all the covers and letters pages are collected at the end) and send in paper for custom end pages, along with our own printed table of contents. The gold lines on the binding cost a few extra bucks, as did the printing on the cover. The process was easy -- the hardest part was removing the staples from the books and separating / cutting the pages down the middle.

We hope this gives you an idea of what a bound book of comic books look like. We are debating the next titles that we should send in. Maybe a collection of 4-issue mini-series, or a 12-issue limited series.


SS #022 - Under-read Comics


Shortbox Showcase #22  - The Best Comics You've Probably Never Heard Of!

Professor Alan and Emily talk about their favorite under-read comic books. They discuss the difference between under-rated and under-read, and then talk about some comics that should be read by more people, like Evangeline, Demon Knights, Baker Street, and Sword of the Atom.

Do you have your own favorite "ignored" books? Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com and let us know your choices. 

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Promo #1: Pop Culture Affidavit
Promo #2: Superman in the Bronze Age

Link: Professor Alan's blog post on Baker Street 1-5. And issues 6-10.

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You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Friday, August 8, 2014

QBP #031 - Dr. Strange #33

Quarter-Bin Podcast #31

Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #33, Marvel Comics, cover-dated September 1991.

"The Alexandria Quatrain," by Roy & Dann Thomas, with art by Chris Marrinan and McKenna & Friends.

and

"The Book of the Vishanti: A Gathering of Fear, Part III," by Roy Thomas & Jean-Marc Lofficier, with art by Larry Alexander and Tim Dzon.

How does Doctor Strange spend his day when he's not in a trance battling Thanos? And which historical city of the past does he land in when Thanos interrupts his trance? And who is the guy with the big pink circle on his forehead? Listen to the episode and find out!

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Promo #1: Trentus Magnus Punches Reality
Promo #2: Nutty Bites

Next Episode: Batman: Shadow of the Bat #6, DC Comics,cover-dated November 1992.

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

SS #021 - Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

One year ago today, our very first Shortbox Showcase episode debuted. Yes, the other shows in the network had gone live the week before, but since this has become our flagship show, we consider 7/30/13 as our official network starting date.

After covering some feedback, and talking about how awesome our listeners are and all that, we decided to celebrate our first year with a terrific Annual issue. And since both Professor Alan and Emily LURV the Legion, this seemed like a fitting issue to cover on this momentous episode! Wedding bells, time travel, and fashion advice abounds!

Legion of Super-Heroes Annual #2, 1983. "Whatever Gods There Be," by Paul Levitz, Keith Giffen, and Dave Gibbons.

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Promo #1: Flash Pulp 
Promo #2: Parallel Lines: The Tangent Comics Podcast

Next Episode: Our favorite "under-read" comics 

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com 

You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

UBA #004 - Zany Haney!

Uncovering the Bronze Age #4 -- Welcome to Planet Bob

Following up on a story she covered a few months back with Michael Bradley over on the Superman & Batman podcast, Emily looks at the second story featuring the "Super Sons," Batman Jr. and Superman Jr. Of course it's an imaginary story -- it was written by Bob Haney.

Emily talks about the importance of pacing and character in a mystery story, as well as what Haney has to say about dealing with strangers and aliens. She also does some compare-and-contrast analysis with last episode's Jack Kirby epic. Her conclusions may surprise you.

World's Finest #216, "Little Town with a Big Secret," by Bob Haney, with art by Dick Dillin and Murphy Anderson, DC Comics, cover-dated March, 1973.

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The music in the episode includes Mark Snow's "UNKLE" variation on his X-Files theme song, from the X-files: I Want to Believe original soundtrack.

Promo #1: Just One of the Guys
Promo #2: X-Files Truth

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

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Monday, July 14, 2014

RGP #001 -- The Steinman Cast

Relatively Geeky Presents

When we were talking with Michael Bailey a few weeks ago, for what eventually became Shortbox Showcase episode 18, Views From the Longbox episode 185, a Shortbox Showcase episode 19, a few offhand comments were made about the music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf. And then a few more comments were made.

But when we all realized that we were all huge fans of Steinman, with and without Meat Loaf, the conversation went that direction, and the offhand comments became a legitimate conversation.
 
With a lot of editing, and lots of Steinman's music, we've managed to take that casual, unplanned, and unrehearsed conversation and tried to make a podcast episode out of it. 

Turn it up loud ... and ENJOY!

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Saturday, July 5, 2014

QBP #030 - Malibu, Rune & Writing Comics in the 90s

Quarter-Bin Podcast #30 -- Interview with Paul O'Connor

NOTE: There are a few slight audio issues in the first 15 minutes of this episode, but the Skype connection cleared up quickly, and I hope the issues are not too distracting.



For the first time ever in the long and illustrious history of the Quarter-Bin Podcast, we actually talk with the scripter of one of our comics ... two of our comics, actually. Our last two comics, as a matter of fact. I had a great chat with Paul O'Connor, who wrote Rune 4 & Rune 5, the books we covered in episodes 28 & 29.


We talk about those comics, of course, but we also talk about being in the comic book industry in the wacky 1990s, and about his excellent comic book blog, The Longbox Graveyard.

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Promo: Under the Dome Radio

Link: The scripts for the issues discussed, from Paul's Longbox Graveyard site.

Next Episode: Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #33, Marvel Comics,cover-dated September 1991.

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed. 

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Thursday, June 26, 2014

SS #020 -- A First Appearance

Shortbox Showcase #20

After going through some awesome feedback (including some from a special guest feedbacker), Emily & Professor Alan talk about their upcoming Relatively Geeky plans. And then they dig into some Golden Age goodness, covering the debut appearance of one of their favorites characters, ever.

"   <<    title   redacted    >>  " by Don Cameron, with art by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson (and maybe George Roussos, as well). From Batman #16, April/May 1943.

We know that this is not technically a Tintin story, but why does it feel so much like it could be one?  Listen to the episode and find out!


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Promo #1: The Who's Who Podcast
Promo #2: The Hammer Strikes

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

QBP #029 - Rune #5

Quarter-Bin Podcast #29

Rune #5, Malibu Comics / Ultraverse, cover-dated February 1996. This is part 2 of the 2-part story we started last episode.

"Resurrection," written by Paul O'Connor and Len Kaminski, with art by Patrick Rolo, Terry Pallot, and Jeff Whiting.

In the era of the Black Death, a village once ruled by the vampiric despot Rune is faced with the return of the plague, even infecting someone we came to know last issue. The leadership of the pure and valiant Crusader just does not seems as effective as that of the tyrannical Rune. As the medeival powerhouses embark on a final, senses-shattering showdown, who will emerge victorious? And whose victory would better serve the small village? Listen to the episode and find out!


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Promo #1: Earth Destruction Directive
Promo #2: Earth Station One

Link: Longbox Graveyard
Link: Paul O'Connor's appearance on the Book Guys Show

Next Episode: It's a secret. It's an interview. That's all my lawyers will allow me to say at this juncture.

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed. 

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan


Thursday, June 12, 2014

QBP #028 - Rune #4

Quarter-Bin Podcast #28

Rune #4, Malibu Comics / Ultraverse, over-dated January 1996.

"The Damned," written by Paul O'Connor and Len Kaminski, with art by Tony Akins, Gabriel Hardman, Jason Moore, Jeff Whiting, and Patrick Rolo.

In the era of the Black Plague, the immortal vampire-like creature Rune keeps the peace in the village he rules with ruthless efficiency. But when a super-powered knight named Crusader feels tasked to drive the evil from Rune's land, and from Rune's soul, only one warrior can survive. Who will that survivor be? And who exactly are we supposed to be rooting for, anyway? Listen to the episode and find out!


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Promo #1: Mouse Castle Lounge
Promo #2: Dave's Daredevil Podcast

Next Episode: Rune #5, Malibu Comics / Ultraverse, cover-dated February 1996.

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Friday, June 6, 2014

SS #019 - Kents Crossover #3

Shortbox Showcase #19: To The Stars By Hard Ways, with Michael Bailey: The Kents #9-12.

We finish up our long look at John Ostrander's 12-issue epic from 1997, all about Truth, Justice, and the American West. This episode is part 3 of our epic 3-part crossover with podcasting legend Michael Bailey.

Part One of the crossover can be found here.
Part Two of the crossover can be found here. 

The Kents, Issues #9-12, DC Comics, cover-dated April to July, 1998. In the years following the Civil War, brothers Nate & Jeb Kent are struggling to put their lives together. Can they manage to find happiness in love and family and friends? And which brother will deliver the necessary consequences to the other? And how long can an end-of-show sequence be, anyway? Listen to the episode and find out.

Click on the player below to listen to the episode:


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Music: Indian Wars, Bruce Cockburn, Nothing But A Burning Light, 1991.
Link: The Fortress of Bailey's 'tude,, Mike's home site.
Link: We Still Live Here, the documentary that Emily mentioned.
Link: Batman Unmasked, the book that Mike mentioned.

Promo #1: Tales of the JSA
Promo #2: Vassals of Kingsgrave

You can follow Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.
 

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

SS #018 - Kents Crossover #1

Shortbox Showcase #18: Bleeding Kansas, with Michael Bailey: The Kents #1-4.

We begin a long look at a 12-issue epic from 1997, all about Truth, Justice, and the American West. Because this could vaguely be considered part of the Superman family of comics, we couldn't do it by ourselves.

No, really. The Laws of Podcasting legally require us to have Michael Bailey as a guest for this episode. Fortunately, he is a great guy, and we had a blast chatting with him. Check out episode #185 of Views From the Longbox, for part 2 (issue 5-8) of our discussion on the series. We will cover issues 9-12 back here at Shortbox Showcase, in our next episode. It's a podcast crossover!

The Kents Issues #1-4, DC Comics, cover-dated August to November, 1997. In the years before the Civil War, Silas Kent moves from Boston to Kansas, with his two eldest sons (Nate & Jeb) in tow. And then things go bad for the country, for the state, and for the family.

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Right-click to download episode directly


Promo #1: Views From The Longbox
Promo #2: Superman / Batman

Link: The Fortress of Bailey's 'tude

You can follow Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You may also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or the RSS Feed.
 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

QBP #027 -- Green Arrow #60

Quarter-Bin Podcast #27

Green Arrow #60, DC Comics, over-dated early May, 1992.

"Predator, Part 2," written by Mike Grell, with art by Rick Hoberg & John Nyberg.

A child-abusing killer has served his time and is out of prison. Can Green Arrow and Black Canary stop him before he strikes again? And if they capture him, what exactly will they do to him? Listen to the episode to find out!

Promo #1: Mike's Amazing World of DC History
Promo #2: No Agenda

Next Episode: Rune #4, Malibu Comics, cover-dated January 1996. 

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Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Monday, May 12, 2014

QBP #026 -- Free Comic Book Day!

Quarter-Bin Podcast #026 

After taking on some hard-hitting feedback from hard-hitting listeners, Professor Alan talks about the free comic books that he (actually it was Emily) picked up at Free Comics Book Day!

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow me on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Next Episode: Green Arrow #60, DC Comics, cover-dated Early May 1992.

Promo #1: Radical Geek Video Show 
Promo #2: Garage Sale Gloat

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Thursday, May 8, 2014

Promo for Shortbox Showcase

Click on the player below to listen to the promo for Shortbox Showcase, which appeared at the end of episode 017.



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To our podcasting colleagues: feel free to play it on your podcast -- if you do, shoot us an email (relativelygeeky@gmail.com) to let us know.Thanks!

Monday, May 5, 2014

SS #017 - Feedback and Shooting the Breeze

Shortbox Showcase #017 -- Feedback 2: Electric Boogaloo

Emily and Professor Alan go through the feedback they've received recently from their kind and thoughtful listeners.There is a lot of responses to the recent sidekick episode, but many other topics are covered, as well.

They also talk about Free Comic Book Day, and about their upcoming opportunity to indulge in some cheap comic-book purchasing.

Send e-mail feedback to relativelygeeky@gmail.com

You can follow Professor Alan on twitter @ProfessorAlan

Link: I Hate / Love Remakes

Promo #1: Dinner 4 Geeks
Promo #2: Shortbox Showcase (very meta!) 

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Right-click to download episode directly

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