ComiCentric

Setting up a podcast can be an exciting endeavor, but for Pete and I, it turned into an unexpected ghostly occurrence. It took us a whole hour to get the podcast equipment going, with wires tangled like a spider's web. Little did we know that an ethereal presence was about to make its self-known.

As we started recording, strange noises echoed through our headphones. It was as if a ghostly presence had decided to join our conversation. “SAD, SAD, SAD”, ethereal voice said. We couldn't see anything unusual, but the chilling sounds raised hairs on our necks. A cricket's faint chirp became an eerie symphony, only audible through the headphones. We wondered if our ghostly visitor, Becky had a fondness for the invisible orchestra of nature.

Despite the unnerving occurrences, we pressed on. You host with the most declared, "I don't get scared. I will not run out," determined to conquer any ghostly unease. It was a far cry from their childhood fear of turning off the lights, now replaced by fearlessness.

Our podcast studio seemed to harbor more than just spectral guests. There was a pest plague—a motley crew of slugs, ants, spiders, rats, and squirrels—testing our patience. But we had a secret weapon I've eaten rabbits, pigeons, snakes, iguanas, and possums! Their culinary journey seemed like a remarkable tale worthy of its own podcast episode. But alas we shall save it for another time. Just saying ill anything that moves.

Meanwhile, Comic-Con was in full swing, and social media made it look epic. Yet, here we were, still talking about it. Instead of being in the thick of it. A double feature of Barbie and Oppenheimer became the unexpected topic of our conversation. Who knew we'd find interest in such an unusual combination?

But the excitement peaked when we stumbled upon the DC Previews book that included: "DC VS KING KONG VS THE JUSTICE LEAGUE!!!" Titans clashing, colossal battles, it was a five-part series packed with action and intrigue. Our enthusiasm soared, though our enthusiasm stopped short of buying 100 copies of the book. That we may to get 1 copy of one variant

As the podcast episode concluded, we realized that the ghostly visitor had become part of our adventure, infusing our recording with an otherworldly charm. From podcast equipment mishaps to comic-con marvels, this unexpected journey was a testament to the unpredictable, exhilarating nature of life—and podcasting.

XOXOXo

CRUZ

This week we sit with Nick Marino a talented and prolific comic book writer, with an impressive journey that spans over fifteen years in the comic industry. From humble beginnings on the East coast, Nick moved to the west and started getting busy creating. From webcomics and self-published minicomics, he has risen to create captivating creator-owned miniseries and contribute to renowned licensed properties like Transformers and Godzilla. His latest comic, "Godzilla Rivals: Biollante Vs. Destoroyah," published by IDW in May 2023, showcases his expertise in crafting thrilling and action-packed narratives.

Throughout his career, Marino has garnered recognition and praise for his work, with features and reviews on prominent platforms such as CBR, WWAC, ComicBook.com, Comics Alliance, Multiversity, and Graphic Policy. His dedication to his craft and the passion he pours into his projects are evident in the quality of his storytelling.

Beyond his work as a writer, Marino's creative talents extend to cartooning, with works like "Stick Cats" and "Super Haters" showcasing his versatility in visual storytelling. As a podcaster, he has contributed to the audio realm, adding his voice to the vibrant world of comics commentary and discussion through "AudioShocker." In other words, he was a head of his time.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Marino's life has been colored by unique experiences, such as his stint as a "Hot and Sexy Delivery Guy" for Pizza Hut. However, perhaps one of his most recognizable features is his wild and sexy beard, which has become a signature aspect of his persona.

While Nick Marino's accomplishments and talent are unquestionable, there's one challenge he might face—a friendly competition in the virtual fighting mat of "Marvel vs. Capcom." Quartes up! With his passion for comics and pop culture, it's no surprise that Marino enjoys engaging in gaming experiences like this, and he might even be an impressive opponent. However, as a dedicated gamer, you express confidence in your own abilities, believing that you have what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with him in the gaming arena.

Nick Marino's journey from webcomics to mainstream success is a testament to his creative spirit and determination. Through his writing, cartooning, podcasting, and undeniable charm, he has left an indelible mark on the world of comics and pop culture, captivating audiences, and inspiring fellow creators. As he continues to explore new storytelling horizons and embrace his unique passions, Nick Marino stands as a shining example of creativity and resilience in the ever-evolving world of comic books.

XoXo

CRUZ

Oh, and hes an advocate for super hero jackets, or what he dub modern day version of a super hero cape. And with that the argument is won. I might buy a second jacket. … … in the winter.

⁠Comicentric Issue 66: Spookie season in july? Why? 

In a quaint little town tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, known only to few as Saint Gabriel, the residents were no strangers to the enchantment of spooky season. However, this year was different. As the summer sun blazed in the sky, whispers spread like wildfire that the town's ghostly inhabitant, a friendly mischievous spirit known as Rebecca, had awakened from her slumber in the old Nostalgic comic shop.

Unlike other ghosts that embraced the spotlight, Rebecca was unusually shy. For years, she had observed the townspeople from a distance, her ethereal presence barely noticed. But something was different this time. As July arrived, a mysterious aura enveloped the town, and the subtle rustling of the comic pages  in the shop hinted at Rebecca's awakening.

Word quickly spread through social media, and excitement began to build as the town collectively awaited Rebecca's subtle manifestations. Those who had previously dismissed the tales of her existence now felt a tingling curiosity about the apparition hiding within the mansion's ancient walls.

Rebecca, aware of the newfound intrigue, decided to reveal herself in the most delicate way possible. She crafted artful displays, arranging flickering lights and comics flying furiously fast of the shelves. Passersby caught glimpses of her ethereal form in the moonlit nights, but she remained elusive, vanishing with every step they took closer.

The town's excitement grew as Rebecca's gentle hauntings continued. She painted her favorite super heros in soft, ghostly hues across the windows of the comic shop, captivating the townspeople with her spectral artistry. Children and adults alike marveled at the ghost's ethereal beauty, their fear transformed into fascination.

In the spirit of unity, the townsfolk decided to honor Rebecca's presence, declaring July as the official start of spooky season. They organized special events, incorporating elements of both Halloween and summer festivities. The streets adorned with pumpkins and cobwebs were a unique sight under the summer sun.

As the days passed, Rebecca's shyness slowly melted away. Encouraged by the town's warm reception, she became bolder in her manifestations, joining the celebrations in her own ethereal way.

And so, in the heart of summer, a timid ghost named Rebecca emerged from the shadows, capturing the hearts of the town's residents. Her gentle presence reminded them that spooky season was not limited to autumn nights; it could manifest in the most unexpected and delightful ways, even under the warm embrace of July. Saint Gabriel, forever changed by Rebecca's magical allure, looked forward to her return each year, knowing that the beauty of spooky season could be celebrated no matter the season or the time of year.

XOXOX

Once upon a time, in the cozy town of San Gabriel, CA friends, Pete and Cruz, found themselves engrossed in the pages of the September 2023 Diamond

On a Wednesday evening, Pete and Cruz met at their favorite Comic Shoppé, to record a podcast while they eagerly anticipated catalog. With excitement twinkling in their eyes, they flipped through the semi-glossy pages, discussing the latest releases and eagerly pointing out items of interest.

Pete, with his unruly hair and beard that goes up nose, was a die-hard superhero fan. He couldn't contain his enthusiasm as he discovered the upcoming issues featuring his beloved heroes in thrilling new adventures. Cruz, with his laid-back demeanor and perpetual grin, was drawn to the indie comics section, seeking hidden gems and quirky stories that pushed the boundaries of imagination.

Page after page, Pete and Cruz immersed themselves in the world of illustrated narratives, sharing laughter, debates, and wild speculations about plot twists. They would occasionally pause to compare their ever-growing collections, each proudly displaying their prized possessions.

As they delved deeper into the catalog, the anticipation for upcoming conventions and comic bookstore visits grew. They enthusiastically circled dates on their calendars, eagerly counting down to the moments they could bring their favorite characters and stories to life.

Hours flew by as the podcast bustled with their animated discussions. Their laughter echoed through the air, infecting those who listen to them with the sheer joy of their shared passion. In that little corner of the world, Pete and Cruz were at their happiest, bonded by their love for sequential art and the vibrant community that surrounded it.

With the Night drawing to a close, they reluctantly closed the catalog, knowing that their adventures would continue in the pages yet to

Pete and Cruz, fueled by their shared excitement, left the shoppé with hearts full of anticipation, ready to embark on new journeys inspired by the worlds within the September 2023 Diamond Previews catalog. Their friendship and love for comics would forever bind them together, as they eagerly awaited the next chapter of their geeky escapades.

And so, with dreams and comics in hand, Pete and Rick set off, knowing that with each turn of the page, their bond would grow stronger, and their passion for the art of storytelling would forever ignite their spirits.

Lé Fin

XoXoXO

Once upon a time, on a distant Skrull outpost planet, there lived a Skrull named Kwaku. Unlike most of his kind, Kwaku possessed an insatiable curiosity

With meticulous attention to detail, Kwaku assumed the form of a young human named Kyle and landed on Earth. He purchased a ticket, donned a stylish outfit, and joined the queue outside the theater, heart pounding with anticipation. As the lights dimmed and the movie began, Kwaku’s eyes widened with wonder. The vibrant colors, breathtaking action sequences, and the captivating performance of the actors drew him into the story. For those brief moments, he forgot he was an alien, immersed in the magic of cinema.

Throughout the film, Kwaku marveled at the human fascination with superheroes. He witnessed the collective gasps, laughter, and cheers that echoed through the theater, a shared experience that transcended species and brought people together. Kwaku realized that despite their differences, humans and Skrulls shared a common love for storytelling, imagination, and the joy of cinematic experiences. He returned to his home planet with a newfound appreciation for the universality of emotions and the power of shared experiences. 

Inspired by his journey, Kwaku became an advocate for interstellar cultural exchange. He encouraged Skrulls to explore other worlds, immerse themselves in different art forms, and embrace the beauty of diversity. And so, the Skrull named Kawke, forever changed by his encounter with the Flash movie, became a bridge between worlds, reminding everyone that stories have the extraordinary ability to connect us all, regardless of where we come from.

XOXOOX

CRUZ

Thank Kirby Children!

Ok kids story time. Once upon a time in a small town, there lived a young girl named Lily. Lily had a special bond with her cat, Whiskers. They were inseparable and shared a deep understanding of each other's emotions.

One day, Lily's favorite podcast announced a mysterious episode titled, "The Tears of Whiskers." The host warned, "If you don't listen to this episode, you will make the cat cry." Intrigued and concerned, Lily decided to give it a listen.

As she plugged in her headphones, a magical voice filled her ears. The episode revealed an ancient legend about a cat named Luna who possessed the power to see into the hearts of humans. It was said that if people ignored the signs of their pets' distress, the cat's tears would flow, reflecting the sorrow of neglected animals.

Lily realized that she had been taking Whiskers for granted lately. She hadn't noticed his longing for playtime or the way he purred when she stroked his soft fur. Guilt washed over her as she understood that her negligence could make Whiskers cry.

Determined to make amends, Lily embarked on a mission to shower Whiskers with love and attention. She played with him, cuddled him, and made sure he felt cherished. Whiskers responded with purrs of contentment and playful antics that brought a smile to Lily's face.

Word of Lily's transformation spread throughout the town, inspiring others to pay closer attention to their own pets. The town became filled with happy wagging tails and joyful purrs. The animals sensed the change in their owners and reciprocated with unconditional love.

The podcast host, delighted by the positive impact of the episode, dedicated future shows to raising awareness about animal welfare. People from far and wide tuned in to learn how to better understand and care for their furry companions.

Lily and Whiskers became local heroes, their story serving as a reminder of the importance of listening to the needs of animals. From that day forward, Lily vowed never to ignore Whiskers or any other creature's well-being.

And so, with a little podcast episode, the town learned a valuable lesson about empathy, compassion, and the profound bond between humans and their beloved pets. Whiskers remained a happy, contented cat, secure in the knowledge that Lily would always be there to listen.

LE FIN~!

XOXOXO

CRUZ

ComiCentric Issue 62: The Schlub-a-dubs that you know and love.

SCHLUB:

noun

DEROGATORY•INFORMAL

"the poor dumb shlub just didn't get it"

Welcome back folks to your favorite weekly comicentric connection. With your two favorite schlubs in comics. What’s a schlub you ask? Well let me tell you I

XOXO

CRUZ

Think im gonna change the podcast name to SCHLUB-centric?

ComiCentric Issue 61: Second verse same as the first a little bit spider and a little bit verse

In this comic renaissance we are often blurring the line of true comic fanand pop culture flavor of the month. Comic movies tend to lend truth to the pages that they come from.  But some heroes have so many versions. No real way to keep it loyal to all. Unless they all exist, and we can just choose which ones we want to venture into. This is the power of comics. And with Spider-man’s Across the Spider-verse we are given so much and a little bit more. I’m looking at you spider horse. (I mean, it had webbing shoot from its hooves.)

Across the Spider-vers expands the mythos of the Marvels Cinematic Universe multiverse. Making it so that each character has their own branches. And while they all have different stories, they all share pivotal points that drive them to become who they are meant to be. Understanding that the core of the character is important and branching off to make different versions has always been a thing in comics. Now seeing it on the big screen makes me realize how far we have come. No longer to wait for an issue of ‘what if…?’ to drop on newsstands to take a peek at what is going on in Marvels Elseworld.

While Into the Spider-vers showed us that anyone can be Spider-man. Across the Spider-vers informs us that it’s only the beginning. Not only one can anyone be Spiderman, cause everyone already is. Who’s to say that the version of Spider-man you drew in 4th grade isn’t in the spider-verse? Go back and watch that chase scene. I think I saw him there.

While talk a little about it on the podcast, I just want to take a second to thank Nathaniel Eyedraugh Osollo and Nostalgic Comics and everyone that participated and came out this past Saturday. Where we hosted a Spider-man art show. In which a bunch of spider-man fans got to share in the spider-nerdom and have their artwork hosted at nostalgic comics. So now through the end of the month you can see the pillars lined with different iterations of Spider-man at nostalgic comics.

The multiverse is open kids. and your Spider-man can be anything you want it to be. Get on and get in and get going ‘True Believer’ cause you know what they say… “with great power comes… yada yada ok.. ok ill shut up now. Go on what does your Spiderman look like?

XOXOX

CRUZ

There is a place in reality where everything breaks, and the lines of the surreal take hold. A place where you can sit in front of the tube with a bowl of cereal and live between the commercials. Formulaic adventures of good vs evil where we would have to come back week to week for a resolution that would never come. But we would migrate every week to the same rhythmic position. In tune with the cosmic channels. A multitude of varieties of worlds all just a channel or two away. And in one such world lived the Muppets.

We all know the Muppets, every so often they tend to pop back up into mainstream continuity. Bringing back the same old faces in new updated circumstances. Whether it was a variety show with a cavalcade of actors that showcased numbers that helped best understand what a Muppet and man can do.  To pandemic driven content to help the masses heal and help us know that

No matter what iteration there was always a house band. “Originating” from New Orleans, Louisiana. The Electric Mayhem has always been the band we cut to when we need that break. But not just a house band they were often found in skits and always looming in the background. While prominent in several of The Muppet’s albums, The Electric Mayhem has been more of a cover band and have never released a solo album.

Hard to believe this imaginary make-believe band has never made a single solo album. Nothing under ‘The Electric Mayhem’ banner. In a world where our pop stars are holographic and British cartoon bands are selling out stadiums. There has to be a spot for the Electric Mayhem?

Why not a puppet band? Most bands already are.

XoXo

CRUZ

PS. I got the album. My review: While they weren’t Presbyterians but they sure know how to party. It’s fooking tits!!

ComiCentric Issue 59: "Like the old west but with aliens "

Meanwhile in the cities of the metropolice police metro a certain flatfoot is getting his first commendation. It won’t be much time before the metro man polices his way to the metropolis manor where many flatfoots just only dream about. here is this flatfoot falling for falsities fabricated from fornicating filters for flatfoots feastation.

Oh, hey you are still here. Oh shit. That is what I wrote. not much in the grammar or the spelling or the anything in there. WoW. WtF. What the hell is a casnovacowboy? Just wanted to see if anybody is still reading these? Drop me a line and let me know.  Anyway, another episode of several musing from movies in the 90s and the uprising of AI. Artificial Intelligence is gunning for your job. Take it from your two favorite comic clerks who are here to entertain you with quips about comics, movies, Muppets and what not of the internet. So, join us for an hour, or two if you play it twice, and Thanks for listening.

on and we talk about my T V crush towards the end. 

XOXOXo

CRUZ