When you start reading comic books decades into a character or even an entire publisher’s existence, how do you go back and find out all of the stories that got them to that point, especially when it’s 1991, you’re fourteen, and you don’t have money, a car, or the Internet at your disposal? Well, join me as I talk about how I learned about Marvel and DC’s histories through their “official” history accounts: The History of the DC Universe, Marvel Saga, The History of the Marvel Universe, and The Other History of the DC Universe. Plus: listener feedback!
Origin Story
Pop Culture Affidavit Episode 106: It was the Nineties
We came. We saw. We read Wizard. We bought what Wizard recommended. Thirty years later, we can get what Wizard recommended for a quarter.
We have regrets.
This episode, I celebrate 30 years since the dawn of the Nineties with a look at the decade of comic excess via Wizard: The Guide to Comics #29 and I confess whether or not I actually got sucked into the speculation boom’s vortex.
You can listen here:
Apple Podcasts: Pop Culture Affidavit
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
And just for fun, here’s the cover of Wizard #29
Origin Story Episode 33
This is it! The big finale!
After 14 months, I have finally reached the end of my comic book origin story, having covered the books from 1986 and 1987 that I bought, read, and enjoyed. And for this final episode, I will be taking a look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #69, which features the return of Destro in a new, gold uniform. Plus, I take the time to wrap everything up and reflect on my past and future as a geek.
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Origin Story Episode 32
It’s the penultimate episode of Origin Story! This time around, a huge storyline ends in G.I. Joe #66 and Captain America’s new look get profiled in Marvel Age #57.
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Origin Story Episode 31
When an American computer engineer seems to have gone rogue and started working with the Soviets in Southeast Asia, a select team of Joes have to go in to take care of him. It’s a kinda/sorta crossover with “In Country” in G.I. Joe Special Missions #8. Plus, I … well, I not so much reminisce as complain about the 1987 Mets and Terry F—ing Pendelton.
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Origin Story Episode 30
In this episode, we say goodbye to Spider-Man and The Transformers as I begin wrapping up this series. First, I look at Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #7, which is the honeymoon of Peter and Mary Jane. Then, I wrap up “Kraven’s Last Hunt” with Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider Man #132. Finally we head back to England for the second part of “Man of Iron” in The Transformers #34.
Origin Story Episode 29
The Joes and Cobras fight high above the Earth in G.I. Joe #65, Frank Castle takes on a cult leader in The Punisher #4 and I look at what’s going on the Marvel Universe with Marvel Age #56. Plus … MEAT LOAF!!!
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
And here are some covers and scans from these issues …
Origin Story Episode 28
I dip my toes into the independent comics waters with Robotech: The Macross Saga #21. Join me as I spend time with Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayes as they get stuck in the depths of the SDF-1 for a few hours (bottle epsidoe, anyone?). Then, I talk about teaching podcasting and past summer enrichment program experiences.
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Origin Story Episode 27
Kraven meets his end in the penultimate chapter of Kraven’s Last Hunt as I take a look at “Thunder” from The Amazing Spider-Man #294. Plus, I spend 15 minutes talking about ice cream.
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page
Oh, and as a bonus, here’s the Carvel commercial from the second half of the episode:
Origin Story Episode 26
Kraven’s Last Hunt enters its second half as Spidey crawls out of the grave (quite literally) in Web of Spider-Man #32. Plus, I talk about why G.I. Joe Yearbook #3 is so important to me as a comics reader.
Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page