Nine episodes and a wake-up!
This time around, I take a look at part two of the three-part Tet Offensive storyline “The Beginning of the End”, plus historical context from the middle of 1973. Then, I look at the career of Vietnam Veteran Principal Seymour Skinner.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 91 direct link
Here’s a playlist of the Principal Skinner clips that I used in this episode:
10 episodes and a wake-up are left!
It’s a return to the regular coverage of The ‘Nam with the first of a three-part storyline that takes us back to the Tet Offensive of 1968, “The Beginning of the End.” I’ll take a look at issue #79 of the series and will also finish up the two-part Punisher/Iceman storyline from Punisher War Journal by looking at issue #53 of that comic. Plus, I round things out by looking at the history behind the war in January-March of 1973.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 90 direct link
As mentioned in the episode, here is the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph “Burst of Joy,” which depicts a POW returning home to see his family:
You can read more about this on the photo’s Wikipedia page.
And here are the covers for our issues.
11 episodes and a wake-up are left!
This time around, I take a break from comic book coverage to look at another book and film about the Vietnam War, Born on the Fourth of July. I start by looking at Ron Kovic’s autobiography about his time in Vietnam as well as his recovery from the injuries that paralyzed him and journey toward being an antiwar activist. Then, I take a quick look at the first movie that was inspired by Kovic’s story, 1978’s Coming Home, which stars Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. Finally, I look at Oliver Stone’s 1989 adaptation of Born on the Fourth of July, which stars Tom Cruise.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 89 direct link
Here are some extras for you …
The trailer for Coming Home:
The trailer for Born on the Fourth of July:
John Williams’ theme to Born on the Fourth of July:
The Bruce Springsteen song, “Shut Out the Light”:
12 episodes and a wake-up are left!
My coverage of Don Lomax’s run on The ‘Nam continues with issue #78, a story about combat in Quang Tri through the eyes of Ed Marks. Plus, we get the next chapter in the “Stateside” backup as Rob Little and Sarge try to track down Top, who may have been involved in the death of Rob’s brother Eugene. Then, I look at an article about the comic in Marvel Age #122 followed by a Punisher/Ice team-up in Punisher War Journal #52. It’s all this and the historical context for the fall and winter of 1972.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
Ed Marks finds himself on an aircraft carrrier and we hear the story of a fellow soldier’s bombing run, plus we go “Stateside” to see Rob Little reunite with Sarge. It’s all in issue #77 of The ‘Nam, which is written by Don Lomax with art by Wayne Vansant, Mike Harris, and Frank Percy.
Plus, I take a look at the events of the war in the summer of 1972.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In what is now an annual Pop Culture Affidavit tradition, it’s time for us to celebrate Festivus, the holiday that is for the rest of us! This year, I’m joined for the airing of grievances and the feats of strength by The Irredeemable Shag. We complain about fandom and other things that irritate us and then follow that up by looking at War Dancer #4, which was published in 1994 by Defiant Comics.
You can listen here:
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
After the cut, a few extras from this episode …
I’m back to the classic format of the show and back to some classic characters as I take a look at issue #76 of The ‘Nam, a story titled “Brothers” that stars Rob Little. It’s June 1972 and while standing at the grave of his brother Eugene, Rob flashes back to a story from 1967 where he and Ed Marks help a paymaster complete his job of getting back pay to GIs in the field.
Plus, I take a look at the history of the war in June 1972.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 86 direct link
Some extras:
During this episode, I talk about Nick Ut’s famous photograph of Phan Thi Kim Phuc running naked down a street burned from a napalm attack. Here are some resources if you would like to learn more:
“The Long Road to Forgiveness”, which is her contribution to NPR’s long-running “This I Believe” series.
The Kim Foundation, her foundation dedicated to helping children who have been injured as a result of war.
Wikipedia’s page on Phan Thi Kim Phuc, which is extensive and was an excellent resource.
With the new Titans show availble through DC’s streaming service, it’s time to take a look at some of my all-time favorite issues of The New Teen Titans! Join me as I cash in on this brand new show and look at issues #28, 29, 30, and 31 of the original Wolfman-Perez series. You’ll hear me talk about my Titans fandom, my opinions on the relationship of Donna Troy and Terry Long, and how this all ties into “The Judas Conntract.” Plus, I have listener feedback and the most ’80s-tastic soundtrack that anyone could ask for!
You can listen here:
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
And here’s a link to Professor Alan’s Dr. Doom Sketchbook: Relatively Geeky Network
It’s that time of year again! I go back to Baltimore for the 2018 Baltimore Comic-Con. And this time, I’m not alone! Join me and Brett as we meet Tom Grummett, Karl Kesel, Mike Zeck, and Terry Moore. Plus, we get to talk with author Andrea Rose Washington, author and artist Javier Cruz Winnik, artist Luke Daab, and spend the day with fellow comics podcasters Gene Hendricks, Stella, and the Irredeemable Shagg! It’s one of the most jam-packed convention episodes yet and it’s here just for you!
You can listen here:
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Here’s some links for the people I talked to at the show …
Andrea Rose Washington, sci-fi/fantasy author:
Luke Daab, artist:
Thom Zahler, writer and artist:
Javier Cruz Winnik, writer and artist:
It is an extra-sized episode and an extra-sized issue as The ‘Nam hits issue #75. In four different stories that take us in country and back again, we look at events and perspectives surrounding the My Lai massacre. Creators in this one include original ‘Nam writer Doug Murray, Scott Lobdell, Don Lomax, Mike Harris, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Herb Trimpe.
Plus, I also take a long look at the final season of China Beach with expanded coverage of the events of the season and its final three episodes.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 84 direct link
Pop Culture Affidavit 