Marvel Comics

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 20

IC 20 CoverIn this special episode, I take a break from my regular coverage of The ‘Nam to present the first film in an occasional series of Vietnam War movies, Platoon.  Directed by Oliver Stone and winner of Best Picture for 1986, Platoon tells the story of Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) as he endures his tour in Vietnam.  I give some backstory on the film, a summary, and review.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 20 direct link

 

 

Here is the trailer for the film (as featured in the episode):

 

 

Here’s the full poster:

platoon

And here is a picture of the poster that Scott Gardner of Two True Freaks sent my way (Thanks again, Scott!!!):

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In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 18

IC 18 CoverAnother issue, another month, another story. “Back in the Boonies,” issue #17 of The ‘Nam introduces us to two new characters and continues the growing tension between the men of the 23rd and Lieutenant Alarnick. Brought to you by Doug Murray, Wayne Vansant, and Geof Isherwood. As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue Ill be talking about the storys historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

Two True Freaks Presents: In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 18 direct link

In Country: Marvel Comics “The ‘Nam” Episode 8

Nam 8Let’s head into the tunnels with “In the Underground” from The ‘Nam #8, an issue that also reprints one of Doug Murray and Michael Golden’s “5th of the First” stories from Savage Tales. It’s two stories about tunnel rats for the price of one! As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue I’ll be talking about the story’s historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 8 direct link

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” Episode 6

Nam 6Only happy when it rains? You’re the exception to the rule, especially in “The ‘Nam” as Ed Marks and the boys deal with the constant downpours of monsoon season in a story that can only be called “Monsoon.” It’s issue #6 of “The ‘Nam.” As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue I’ll be talking about the story’s historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 6 direct link

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” Episode 4

Nam 4Episode 4 of “In Country” is breaking news for the folks at home, or at least that’s what the guys in the 23rd think when they have a camera crew tag along with them on what should be a routine day. However, things don’t go as they think it will. “Six O’Clock News” is written by Doug Murray, penciled by Michael Golden, inked by Pepe Moreno and features events from May of 1966. As always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue I’ll be talking about the story’s historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 4 direct link

Also, below is the Life Magazine photo “Reaching Out,” which I mention during the episode.

You can read about the history of this photo here:  LIFE Behind the Picture: Larry Burrows’ Reaching Out

“Reaching Out” by Larry Burrows, published in 1966 by Life Magazine.

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam,” Episode 2

Nam 2An issue-by-issue recap of The ‘Nam continues with issue #2 of the Marvel Comics series.  We continue to follow the tour of duty of Ed Marks in “Dustoff,” written by Doug Murray, pencilled by Michael Golden, and inked by Armando Gil, which takes place in March of 1966.  And as always, in addition to the summary and review of the issue I’ll be talking about the story’s historical context as well as taking a look at the letters, ‘Nam Notes, and ads.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 2 direct link

This time around, in addition to all of the usual podcast features and show notes, I’ve got the video clip that I talk about toward the end of the episode, which Jim Shooter discussed in that month’s Bullpen Bulletins.  Below is the 20/20 report about Marvel’s 25th Anniversary, courtesy of YouTube, which rarely lets you down.

 

Part One:

Part Two:

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam,” Episode 1

Nam 1Introducing a brand-new podcast about “The ‘Nam,” Marvel Comics’ Vietnam War comic book that ran from 1986-1993. Over the course of the next 100 episodes, I will cover every single issue of the series as well as some unpublished stories and other pop culture featuring the Vietnam War.

This episode features issue #1 of “The ‘Nam,” where Doug Murray and Michael Golden introduce us to Ed Marks, a newly drafted G.I. who is about to start serving in the Vietnam War in 1966. I’ll take you through the issue’s events, give my opinion/critique and will also provide some historical and cultural context for the month when the story takes place (in this case, February 1966). I’ll also cover the issue’s lettercolumn as well as ads. So join me as I take my first step into … The ‘Nam.

You can download the episode via iTunes or listen directly at the Two True Freaks website

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 1 direct link