Back Issue Bloodbath Archives - Geek Hard

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week on Bloodbath, we take a trip back to 2004 and check in on one of the greatest “Event” books DC has ever released: Identity Crisis. Written by acclaimed novelist Brad Meltzer and drawn by Rags Morales, the series begins as a murder mystery that eventually leads to revelations regarding the history of the Justice League. The murder of Sue Dibny, wife of Elongated Man, sends a shock wave through the superhero community. They come together in mourning, hold their loved ones closer, and immediately begin a worldwide search to find her killer.  But a handful of heroes think they already know who murdered Sue Dibny. Dark moments from the JLA’s past comes back to haunt them in this suspenseful “whodonit?”

Join Andrew and Sammy as they look back on this hallowed story that upon it’s release was referred to as a “Modern Day Watchmen“. Andrew’s got a soft spot for Green Arrow and Deathstroke, who both get great moments in this miniseries. There’s also some talk of Steven Sagal and DMX. How does that connect with Identity Crisis? If you want to find out, all you have to do is press play on this week’s episode and ALL will be revealed. Find out the truth behind the lies on an ALL NEW Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week on Bloodbath, we take you back to a magical place and time: The 1980s! Thanks to shows like Stranger Things and comics like Deadly Class and Paper Girls, the 80s have become quite the popular backdrop for a plethora of interesting stories. What is it about this particular decade that is inspiring certain creators’ comic book titles? Is it because this was time that these writers came of age? Is it because there needs to be a proper preservation of what that era was like? Or is it because everything was bigger in the 80s? What’s driving this 80s Nostalgia?

Join Andrew and Sammy as they try to get to the bottom of this by looking at the popularity of the aforementioned Image titles as well as the influx and amalgamation of 80s toy properties over at IDW. We leave no stone un-turned and no pair of parachute pants on the rack. (Sammy really likes to wear them!) (No he doesn’t. Stop spreading rumours.) This is an investigation that will find the answer to this query, once and for all! It’s all coming your way on another edition of Back Issue Bloodbath. We’re the name you can trust when it comes to 80s Nostalgia.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week on Bloodbath, it’s another Creator Spotlight. Who’s more deserving than a guy who’s “saved” DC Comics on a number of occasions: Geoff Johns! Whether it be his fantastic runs on Green Lantern and The Flash or his revival of Hawkman, The JSA and Aquaman, Johns’ has proven time and time again that he’s the captain over at the Distinguished Competition. His name is also synonymous with the word “Rebirth”. But hey, let’s not forget he also had a pretty interesting run on Avengers once upon a time. The guy is just a superhero-writing machine! And to think, once upon a time he was Richard Donner’s assistant on Leathal Weapon 4. Don’t blame him for that mess. His destiny was the world of comics. But the dude still rocks in the world of television and movies too.

Sit back and relax as Andrew and Sammy talk about the many comic tales that Geoff Johns has written. Whether it’s Post-Crisis, Pre-Infinite Crisis, The New 52 or the current Rebirth, we’ll be touching on most of it. Find out what books are the guys’ favourites, right here on another jam-packed edition of your favourite comic book podcast, Back Issue Bloodbath!

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week on Bloodbath, we look at a book that Sammy has been dying to talk about: Paper Girls! Written by Brian K. Vaughan with art by Cliff Chiang, this Image series is a mystery/science fiction comic set in the 1980s. A quartet of 12-year-old paper delivery girls are out in the early morning after Halloween when their small Cleveland neighbourhood is invaded by a strange force from the future. From there, the door is flung wide open as time travel expeditions and government conspiracies abound! There’s a lot to unpack as Andrew and Sammy attempt to weave through the dense and interesting plot.

Join the guys as they try to make heads or tails of the crazy events that go down in the pages of this action/adventure series that scratches that nostalgia itch but still says something new. If you’re a fan of the book, get ready for some dissection as we peel back the layers of this comic. If you’re new to Paper Girls, get ready to find out about the best title you’re not reading. It’s all in a days’ work on another exciting episode of your favourite comic book podcast, Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week we take a look back on a classic Spider-Man tale, Kraven’s Last Hunt. Written by J.M. DeMatteis and drawn by Mike Zeck, this story still stands today as one of the darker Spider-Man story and has been referred to as Spidey’s “Dark Knight Returns”. It’s a tale where Kraven the Hunter, arguably a third string villain, does the unthinkable: He kills Spider-Man. Not only that, he also takes his place and runs roughshod on the criminals of New York city. As is the case with most stories of this nature, Peter Parker isn’t really dead and returns to face off against his adversary. But the showdown is not the main focus of the story. Instead, this is a tale of proving oneself better and finding your place in the grand scheme of things. A strange tale to say the least but also a memorable one.

Take a listen as Sammy and Andrew dissect this dark take on Spidey and discuss why it still holds up today as grand work of comic brilliance. And yes, there are the usual puns and goofs as always because it wouldn’t be our show without them. It’s all waiting for you in the latest episode of Back Issue Bloodbath!

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week is a special treat for Bloodbath fans as we bring you an in depth interview with a fantastic comic creator: Marjorie Liu! This past May, Andrew got the chance to chat with Marjorie at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF). Listen as they discuss Monstress, her current comic for Image that features art by Sana Takeda, as well as her Eisner nominated mini series Star Wars: Han Solo. Marjorie also lets us in on her writing process. Here’s a quick bio on Marjorie:

New York Times bestselling and award-winning writer Marjorie Liu is best known for her fiction and comic books. She teaches comic book writing at MIT, and she leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) workshop.

Ms. Liu is a highly celebrated comic book writer. Her extensive work with Marvel includes the bestselling Dark Wolverine series, NYX: No Way Home, X-23, and Black Widow: The Name of the Rose. She received national media attention for Astonishing X-Men, which featured the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and was subsequently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for outstanding media images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Be sure to listen to our exclusive interview.

But that’s not all as Andrew and Sammy also give their thoughts on the Monstress series. Take a listen as your favourite comic book podcast breaks down graphic storytelling like nobody’s business! It’s all in a day’s work for Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

Sometimes you want to go / Where Everybody knows your name / and they’re always glad you came.

For years it’s been a part of the comic fan’s life. The Comic Shop. A place where great adventure is just a purchase away. But over the past decade, the role of the comic shop has changed. In order to be a successful store, a comic retailer has to offer more. A comic shop cannot just be a place to buy comics. It needs to be a communal environment that welcomes all types of comic fan and engages them to find out their interests. A place where you can take a break from the “real world.” Whether it be combining the shop with another business (a cafe, a comedy club, etc), providing events and activities for your patrons, or carrying a variety of diverse products, the comic shop needs to be versatile in their approach.

Join Andrew and Sammy as they talk about their own experiences in various comic stores and what they feel makes for a great “comic shop experience”. We talk about some of the more famous stores in the States and some of the local fare in Toronto. It’s all coming you way on another Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

It’s time once again for another creator spotlight. This episode, we take a look at the career of John Romita Jr. Born into the business, J.R. Jr. started working in comics in the 70s. Over 4 decades, he made his mark at Marvel, having successful runs on Iron Man, Daredevil, X-Men and Spider-Man. The man is especially synonymous with Spidey, having drawn a number of iconic adventures. A master of what he’s called “The Deadline Style”, John has been the go-to guy for fast paced action for years. More recently, he made the jump over to DC Comics and has had the opportunity to leave his mark on both Superman and Batman. It’s safe to say the guy has had a legendary career.

But there are some that criticize the man’s art style. Like George Perez and other old school workhorses, Romita Jr.’s work has been called outdated by some. Others see his work to be just as relevant as it’s always been.  Join Andrew and Sammy as they take a look back on the works of John Romita Jr. and highlight some of his greatest comic series. It’s all coming your way on a brand new Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

When it comes to the Avengers, there isn’t a character more regal and majestic than Black Panther. The leader and protector of the African nation of Wakanda, The Panther has had a rough go in the comics as of late. His country’s been attacked many times over, leaving it in a state of disarray. In the current Black Panther series, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Brian Stelfreeze, T’Challa has returned to run his country which is on the brink of a radical uprising. He’s a man divided who would rather be a scientist and “superhero” than a king. Focusing on both the Panther’s internal struggle and the conflict that’s plaguing his country, the comic series does a great job of commenting on many problems currently affecting a number of African nations.

While Andrew found this book to be an intriguing and exciting read with great characterization, Sammy is not really a fan. Much like T’Challa himself, Sammy would rather watch the Panther fighting alongside the Avengers than dealing with problems in Wakanda. Take a listen as these two debate the merits of this series. It’s all coming your way on an ALL NEW Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

 

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week, we take a short trip back to 2014 to give our thoughts on The Valiant, a miniseries written by Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt and drawn by Paolo Rivera. The focus of the story is a centuries old mission where the Eternal Warrior must protect the Geomancer (who has the power to give life and take humanity to new heights) from the Immortal Enemy, a being hellbent on bringing disorder and darkness to the world. The easiest way for the Enemy to do this is to kill off the Geomancer and set the Earth into another dark age. For 10,000 years, the Warrior and Enemy have battled and each time, the Geomancer has been killed. But this time, things will be different as The Valiant have come together to fight the good fight. But will it be enough?

This is the first Valiant series that both Andrew and Sammy have read. Since then, each have sought out more titles from the publisher, which says something about their first experience. Join the boys as they dissect this comic and talk about the many strengths it has going for it. It’s all waiting for you on an ALL NEW Back Issue Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!