BAM POW Comic Hour

The infamous Woodstock Music Festival of 1969 changed the music scene and had a significant cultural impact that shocked the system of the day. However, lurking behind the scenes an ancient evil starts to reveal its hand. Creatures of the night start to invade the summer of love causing a clash of ideals with three days of peace, music and blood. 

We sit down with creator of Woodstake, Shawn Hainsworth, to discuss the first issue of the seven part horror comic series published by SHP Comics. We cover the concept of the book, the new innovations of indie comic creative teams navigating today's scene, and different approaches of writing a story. 

From the tales of swords and sorcery, Gail Simone reinvigorates the iconic female barbarian, Red Sonja. The hardcover omnibus published by Dynamite Entertainment covers all 18 issues of Simone's 2013 comic book run. This epic female warrior may not seem like a typical hero, but she is the most caring swashbuckler the world has ever known. Illustrated by Walter Giovani and colors by Adriano Lucas along with many other artists, created a world that invests so much into character development that will captivate new readers from all walks of life. Gail Simone continues to prove that lead female characters like Red Sonja have every right to stand on their own, overcome stereotypes, and thrive in their own amazing stories that continue the warrior's journey. 

Darth Vader is one of the greatest villains of all time. He is know for his rage, mystery and the darkness within. In 2015 Marvel Comics regained the license of Star Wars comics from its previous publisher in order to establish a fresh slate for the comic universe while persevering its rich history. Then during 2017 acclaimed writer, Charles Soule who is known for his comic runs on Daredevil, Swamp Thing, Undiscovered Country and many more, took up the mantle to start his own solo series for the Sith Lord himself. He answered the question, what happens to Darth Vader after Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith? Vader is all powerful and an experienced fighter, so how do you make this infamous character interesting, while living up to the fandom surrounding the character himself? Charles Soule sets out to accomplish this by using his creativity to challenge Darth Vader, while telling a story explaining the motivations behind the character, developing a interesting supporting cast, and tying up loose ends that you will never see coming.  

Not 1 but 2 stories featuring the Sorcerer Supreme! Dr. Strange has deep roots going back to the legendary Stan Lee and Steve Ditko era. Creative teams have always found ways to take the character in new amazing directions. They shatter all expectations, while explore how magic works in the Marvel Universe. The first graphic novel is a Separate Reality by Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner. This book is a excellent crash course that examines a wide variety of themes that Steve Strange fights against to save his soul, save his master: The Ancient One, and confront death itself. Triumph and Torment is the second acclaimed graphic novel by Roger Stern with illustrations by Mike Mignola. A road trip style adventure takes Dr. Strange and teams up with the infamous villain Dr. Doom. Two characters that typically do not interact with each other find a way to work together to save Doom's mother's soul from the greatest evil in the cosmos. 

The tale of the legend of King Arthur is not always what it seems. Written by the infamous writer Kieron Gillen and illustrated by Dan Mora we review Once and Future deluxe hardcover edition published by Boom Studios. This introduces a new dark twisted modern perspective on a resurrected King Arthur with his plans to conquer Britain in todays society through fables and folklore brought to life. Its up to our heroes Duncan and his grandmother Bridgitte, to fight the King while fulfilling storybook roles that take on a character of their own. We discuss this book along with how pop culture shaped the epic mythology of King Arthur. 

We take a deep dive into the oceans trenches to investigate Aquaman Omnibus written by Geoff Johns. No he doesn't talk to fish, he fights to protect ocean life and humanity. This series is considered new reader friendly, and reintroduces the King of Atlantis in a modern setting that builds confidence in the character. The incredible world building that the creative establishes in this series explores who Aquaman is and why he is an important hero that deserves spotlight in the DC Universe. 

With the upcoming Marvel tv series on the horizon, we would like explain who is Moon Knight, and his comic book origins. This complex character not only has multiple personality disorder, but also contains a great supporting cast. Moon Knight's ongoing path of vengeance continues as we breakdown what motivates the hero and give some early insights into show. 

One of the most iconic graphic novels that has stood the test of time is Maus by Art Spiegelman. In this Pulitzer Prize winning book, the story provides a first hand insight into the author's relationship with his father, Vladek Spiegleman and his experience of how he survived the Holocaust. During this episode we discuss why this book is still important for everyone to read, and why it is still relevant today in light of recent events.  

A new beginning to the Dark Knight opens up doors and awakens an ancient evil: The Court of Owls. Written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo, everything Batman knows about Gotham City becomes questioned when a new villainous organization strikes our hero where he least expects it. Pulled in by an amazing unique perspective, we discuss the art style, motivations, and why the Court of Owls is one of the best villainous concepts that challenges Batman psyche in this captivating story.  

It doesn't get much more timeless than this iconic story: Marvels by Busiek and Ross. This book examines the the unique perceptive of photographer Phil Sheldon, as he witnesses the biggest moments in the Marvel Universe from 1939 to 1974. Across four breathtaking issues drawn by the legendary artist Alex Ross, we review how this graphic novel stands the test of time, and why these moments in Marvel history are still monumental in comics today.