In celebration of the 80th anniversary of Batman and the 30th anniversary of the release of Tim Burton’s first Batman film, I am taking a look at my own Bat-fandom, focusing specifically on Mark Cotta Vaz’s 1989 book Tales of the Dark Knight: Batman’s First Fifty Years, 1939-1989. I cover what’s in the book as well as talk about my Batman origin story and why this book was so important to my fandom.
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Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Eight episodes and a wake-up!
This time around, I take a look at issue #81 of the series, which is part three of the three-part Tet Offensive storyline “The Beginning of the End”, plus historical context from the summer of 1973. Then, I look at five documentaries about the Vietnam War.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 92 direct link
Here are links and clips regarding the documentaries I talked about:
The Fog of War trailer
On Two Fronts: Latinos & Vietnam. Watch the full episode here.
Last Days in Vietnam: PBS’ website, information and clips can be found here.
Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam: Purchase DVD from Amazon here.
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s The Vienam War: PBS’ website, information, and clips as well as how you can watch it can be found here.
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
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
“Siege at An Loc” concludes as Ed Marks continues to experience the 1972 Easter Offensive in a story by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, we continue to go “Stateside,” this time catching up with Sgt. Poklow from the original run of the series. I also have a look at season 3 of China Beach.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 84 direct link
It’s the second of a two-part look at police story comics of the late 1980s and early 1990s! This time around, I look at the Marvel comics series Cops: The Job by Larry Hama, Joe Jusko, Mike Harris, and Jimmy Palmiotti from 1992.
You can listen here:
Pop Culture Affidavit 