podcast

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 21

This time around, I take another break from regular coverage of The ‘Nam for an extra-sized episode where I talk to Wayne Vansant, who was the penciller on The ‘Nam for more than 50 issues and has a long career writing and penciling comics and graphic novels of his own. We discuss his career, his work on The ‘Nam, and his most recent work, Katusha, Girl Soldier of the Patriotic War, a story about the war between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany during World War II.

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

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 21 direct link

Here’s the official Tumblr page for Katusha: Katusha, Girl Soldier of the Great Patriotic War

The page also has links to digital and print editions, which I recommend picking up. Books one and two are available now, and book three will be coming soon. Thanks again to Mr. Vansant for the interview!

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

In 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:

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

Pop Culture Affidavit Episode 25 — Thirty Years of Neo Maxi Zoom Dweebies

“Dear Mr. Vernon …” On March 24, 1984, five students sat through detention in the Shermer High School library. Now, I take a look at my favorite movie of all time, The Breakfast Club. I break down the movie’s plot and give my review, sharing what makes it so special.

You can listen here:

iTunes: Pop Culture Affidavit

Direct Download

Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page

In the episode, I mention a piece I wrote and posted last year about my changing feelings about Mr. Vernon. Here it is: Sympathy for Richard Vernon

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam”– Episode 19

IC 19 Cover The storyline involving Lt. Alarnick comes to an explosive end in “The Bombs Bursting …,” a story that sees bad times ahead for Rob and a crucial decision made by Clark. 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 19 direct link

Pop Culture Affidavit Episode 23 — The Album That Changed My Life

Do you have the time to listen to me whine? No? Well, do you have the time to listen to me talk about Green Day’s Dookie, which was released twenty years ago and is one of the most important albums I ever purchased? You do? Great! I’ll give some history on the album, go through it track by track and then explain exactly why, when I was 17 years old, this punk classic changed my life.

You can listen here:

iTunes: Pop Culture Affidavit

Direct Download

Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page

As a bonus, here is the CD cover …

Here is the orignal version of the CD’s back cover …

And here are links to articles and books mentioned the episode …

“Young, Loud, and Snotty” (1994 Spin article)

Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azzerad (Amazon.com)

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 15

After taking a look at The Things They Carried, it’s time to return to The ‘Nam with issue #14, “Fatigue Duty.” We spend our first issue after Ed Marks’s departure getting to know some of the other boys of the 23rd courtesy of Doug Murray and Wayne VanSant. 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 15 direct link

Also, here is a link to The History Place, which is one of the resources I have been using for some of the historical notes in this episode: The History Place

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 14

After a year in The ‘Nam, I take a break to review and discuss Tim O’Brien’s 1990 novel, The Things They Carried, which is a seminal work in Vietnam War literature.

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

In Country iTunes feed

In Country Episode 14 direct link

Furthermore, here is a link to the New York Times article I reference at one point: “A Storyteller for the War That Won’t End”

And here is the YouTube video that I referenced in the episode, which is part of a series of interviews with O’Brien …

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 13

Ed Marks’ tour in Vietnam ends in this issue as does Michael Golden’s tenure as the book’s penciller. Join me as I take a look at “… And a Wakeup,” the end of the first year of “The ‘Nam” courtesy of Doug Murray, Michael Golden, and Bob Camp. 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 13 direct link

Pop Culture Affidavit Episode 21 — A Child’s Christmas in Wales

This time out, I present to you Dylan Thomas’s “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” a literary selection appropriate to the season.

You can listen here:

iTunes: Pop Culture Affidavit

Direct Download

Pop Culture Affidavit podcast page

And for your convenience, I have included the raw audio of Dylan Thomas’s reading: “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”

Merry Christmas!

In Country: Marvel Comics’ “The ‘Nam” — Episode 12

John Severin does a fill-in issue on art and Doug Murray gives us a letter home from Ed Marks as the boys of the 23rd take part in Operation: Cedar Falls. It’s “From Cedar Falls, With Love” in “The ‘Nam” #12. Plus: Meatloaf, Humongous Rock Star of the Universe!

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 12 direct link