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:
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”:
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
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
Ed Marks goes deep into the Easter Offensive of April 1972 in part one of the two-part “Siege at An Loc” storyline by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, a backup story called “Stateside” begins as we take a look at what happened to the boys from the fifth batallion (from all the way back at the beginning of the series) as they live their lives back home. And I also continue my look at China Beach with season 2.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 83 direct link
Here’s a triptych of what I describe in the “Stateside” segment. On the left is the panel from Girls’ Romances #78, the middle is the Roy Lichtenstein painting, and the right is the panel from our comic. It’s not an exact match (and probably a bit of stretch), but I like to think that perhaps Mike Harris and Jimmy Palmiotti were channeling pop art here …
Here’s the opening and closing credits to season 2 of China Beach:
The cover to The ‘Nam #73 …
Will Ed Marks be able to get justice for the guys trying to defend their firebase from an onslaught of NVA and VC? Find out when “Operation Chicken Lips” comes to an end in The ‘Nam #72. It’s “Didi” by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant.
Plus, I begin my four-part look at the 1980s television series China Beach by going over season 1.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 82 direct link
Here’s the opening and closing credits to season 1 of China Beach:
“Operation Chicken Lips” continues in issue #71 of The ‘Nam as journalist Ed Marks tries to help out the firebase he escaped in the previous issue. It’s “Return to Brass Hat” by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, I take a look at April 1972 and also review Lynda Van Devanter’s memoir Home Before Morning.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 81 direct link
Here’s a link to Van Devanter’s obituary in the New York Times: “Lynda Van Devanter, Nurse Who Chronicler of Her Wartime Pain, Dies at 55”
A link to buy Van Devanter’s book on Amazon (note: in the episode, I say that a Kindle edition is not available … it has recently become available, as has an audio CD): Home Before Morning
Don Lomax begins his tenure as the regular writer on The ‘Nam with part one of a three-part story called “Operation: Chicken Lips.” This also sees the return of Ed Marks as one of our key characters and puts us in March 1972, which is the subject of our historical context section. Plus, I have a clip of my conversation with Michael Golden, original ‘Nam artist, from the 2017 Baltimore Comic-Con.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 80 direct link
In Country is back and about to head into its last 20 episodes with a look at yet another Vietnam War-themed movie. This time around, it is the Robin Williams classic Good Morning Vietnam, which tells the story of Army discjockey Adrian Cronauer. I summarize and review the film as well as take a look at the real-life Adrian Cronauer.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
The finale of the second three-part “Punisher Invades The ‘Nam” and Chuck Dixon’s last issue of the series takes us through the end of Iceman’s story about Frank Castle’s time in country, with plenty of action, as Frank defends a firebase and confronts the colonel who may or may not know about the shady things that have led to his fellow soldiers’ deaths. It’s “Down to the Ground” by Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, adn Jimmy Palmiotti in The ‘Nam #69.
I take a look at the issue and reflect on the overall Punisher storyline and also look at the historical background for January and February of 1972.
You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website
In Country Episode 78 direct link
As an added bonus, here is a scan of my copy of The ‘Nam #69, which is signed by Jimmy Palmiotti.
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