Make Mine Paperback Podcast

Welcome back to the Silver Age of Comics! This week, MMP focuses on The Fantastic Four #1, from the legendary duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The introduction of the Comics Code Authority in 1954 did little to slow down the production of comic books. Instead, writers like Stan Lee were forced to take a different approach to their craft, which resulted in the superhero story archetype we know and love today. Equally impressive is Jack Kirby’s skill with drawing panels that show superhero action on a level that was unmatched at the time. The dynamic duo is able to deliver a story that introduces not one, but four new characters all at once! Although this book is far from perfect, it still served to blaze a trail in an era where comic books started to deviate from the Golden Age forebearers. Fantastic Four #1, like many of the works by the incredible team of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, served as inspiration for countless new comic book creators. Listen in, as MMP discusses a classic book that all modern comic fans should give a look at!

Welcome back to another exciting edition of Make Mine Paperback! Moving on from Golden Age comics, the next logical step is to discuss the Silver Age. Serving as the bridge between the two eras is Showcase #4 (1956), written by Bob Kanigher and John Broome with art by Carmine Infantino and colors by Joe Kubert. Often regarded as the comic that heralded in the Silver Age, Bary Allen takes on the mantle of The Flash while giving a nod to his Golden Age counterpart, Jay Gerrick. Although the company that would become DC had plenty of existing material and characters to work with, The Flash was born out of the Comics Code Authority. Showcase #4 is able to follow the restrictive Comic Code in a creative fashion that results in a fresh take on the comic book genre. In their bid to avoid controversy, the writers effectively created the template for Silver Age comics, which resulted in some of the most influential and well-known characters being developed that are still popular today. Listen in to the discussion of the comic book that created The Flash we know and love today as well as the story that served to advance the comic book genre to a new era.

Welcome back to the final discussion of Golden Age comics! Join MMP as they discuss one of the most controversial comic books of the era, Tales from the Crypt #23. This particular issue collects four short stories, each written and drawn by a different person: Reflections of Death (Al Feldstein), Last Respects (Graham Ingels), Seance (Jack Davis), and Voodoo Death (Johnny Craig). Widely regarded as one of the most influential horror anthologies of all time, Tales from the Crypt has paved the way for many of the other well-known horror collections we love today. Although this series seems cheesy by today’s standards, it caused chaos at the time of its release to the point it was almost solely responsible for the adoption of the Comics Code Authority. Listen in as we go in-depth to each of the four stories to find out what we like and the things we would change. Hopefully, you will be able to sleep after reading such a terrifying comic with some spooky artwork! 

Welcome back to another lively discussion of Golden Age comics! This week, MMP looks at Startling Comics #49, written by Charles S. Strong with art from Alex Schomburg, Hal Sherman, and Ken Battefield. This particular comic is extra special since it contains four, unrelated stories. From Tygra the amazon woman to the classic, All-American Jefferson Jones, this issue offers something for everyone! Assuming you can interpret the ultra-hip slang. Startling Comics proves that not all comics need to have superheroes and lengthy back stories to be swell. Instead, focusing on fun, simple comics can be a breath of fresh air. The discussion of Golden Age Comics continues as the gang discusses the iconic comics that laid the groundwork for the modern comics we love today. Which story was the most interesting? Find out if we agree on this week's episode of MMP! 

Listen in as MMP discusses another legendary golden age comic, Captain America #1-5 (1941), written and drawn by Joe Simon & Jack Kirby. The art and story were truly ahead of their time in this comic book. Even though it was drawn decades before computer generation, this comic proves it can match modern comics in quality of line work and action sequences. The story is equally impressive. At the time of publication, the U.S. was not involved in WW2, which makes it even more impressive that the comic was advocating for the U.S to enter the war. Will Captain America be able to stop the Nazis and Red Skull? Give this episode a listen in to find out what makes Captain America one of the most popular superheroes today! 

Welcome back to another high-quality episode of Make Mine Paperback! It’s a new month, which means it is also a new theme! This month the focus is on the Golden Age of comics, which refers to the glut of American comics that were released between the years 1938-1956. Many heroes and villains that are still popular today were introduced during this time, including the iconic Superman! This episode will focus on the Superman portions of Action Comics #1 & 2 (1938) written by Jerry Siegel with art by Joe Shuster. Although Superman needs no introduction, this episode will analyze the roots of the character to see what makes him so enduring. What makes Superman so popular among the masses? Will he still be popular in another 80 years? Well, we cannot predict the future, but listen in as the gang discusses the Man of Steel!

Welcome back to the world’s foremost experts on all things comics, and now Manga. Just kidding, but tune in this week as MMP brings in a special guest, David Fresh! The final discussion for Manga month will focus on Berserk, written and drawn by Kentaro Miura. This series is not for the faint of heart! Brutal violence and uncomfortable topics drive home the message that war is hell, especially in medieval Europe. With a “fresh” perspective on Manga, Fresh is able to expand the discussion on Manga by bringing years of experience on the topic. Does guts have what it takes to survive? Or will the horrors of war (and literal horrors) be too much? Find out on this extra special episode! 

Welcome to the high seas! This week’s manga selection, One Piece, takes the reader on a tour of pirate life. Written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece has become one of the most well-known manga series in the world. With its deep themes of family and friendship, while also showcasing child-like wonder it is easy to see why the series is as popular as it is. Follow along as we find out if Luffy has what it takes to become the Pirate King! Will Luffy find all the long-lost treasure? Or will he discover a true lesson on what real treasure is? Find out in this exciting new episode!

The month of Manga continues with a lively discussion of Fullmetal Alchemist chapters 1 & 2, written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa. Arakawa creates a beautiful, steampunk setting to create a world where alchemy is a widely practiced science. This particular Manga may feel a little more familiar to American audiences, due in part to the successful anime series that were based on the books. Fullmetal Alchemist explores concepts well-known by Western cultures, such as the Catholic Religion, and follows a structure more similar to that of mainstream American comics, which allows this series to be an easy starting point for those looking to get into Manga. Will the Elrich Brothers get the philosopher's stone? Or are they doomed to live with their mistakes? Listen in and find out!

Welcome back to the show! Listen in as MMP starts off a new month with a new theme: manga! Taking a break from American comics, the focus this week is on Detective Conan Volume 1 File #1 and #2 written and illustrated by Gosho Aoyama. As the title suggests, the story revolves around a young detective as he solves case files. Besides exploring the comic itself, the gang also discusses the ways manga comics contrast with American comics. Listen in and see if you agree with the hosts' assessments.  Don’t forget to read from right to left!