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”:
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, and Jimmy Palmiotti take us through the second part of a three-part Punisher storyline with “The Walking Dead.” Frank has made his way back to his firebase and has uncovered the nefarious deeds of his C.O. Will he confront him or will he perish in a firefight before he can dole out … PUNISHMENT?! Oh, stop laughing. Anyway, I cover the issue and give a very brief review (I’m saving it for the finale, I guess), cover letters and ads, and take a look at the rest of 1971.
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