Pencil Us In

Another Inventory Epsisode!  Sorry about that.  It turns out some of our episodes from the past month went way long so we kinda ran out of space to upload.  Hence this week's shorty of an episode.

Anyway, in our second inventory episode, we talk about some recent comic-adjacent material!  Actually, it's all Disney!  The Mandalorian!  WandVision!  Falcon and Winter Soldier!  Not the Snyder cut!  We don't have HBO+!  So there!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send 'em our way!  Our social media and contacts are as follows:

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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Phil here:  Why are you still reading this?

In which we discuss our other favorite (or more favorite?) swampy man, Man-Thing!  We'll talk about the general history of boggy boys as well as the background of how Manny came to be.  We'll also talk about the weirdly suspicious timing of the release of Manny and Swamp Thing.  We'll discuss other details too, like how Steve Gerber almost got himself fired!

Here it is, Episode 9!  We're almost at double digits!  I mean, unless you count the inventory episode.  Then we're there.  I wasn't counting it.  You can if you want.  Anyway, let us know how you're feeling!  Please leave a comment and rating if you're listening via a service like Apple Podcasts or Spotify or Stitcher or what have you.  If you want to get at us more directly, there's always the Facebook, Twitter, and email.  I'm also thinking about setting up an Instagram just to post a bunch of cool comics covers as I come across them.  Anyway, talk to us!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil here:  As per usual, much of the research came via TwoMorrows publishing's Back Issue magazine.  I'll tell you which ones below.

Back Issue: 6, 31, 124

As for links that might otherwise be interesting, it's a bit difficult with this one.  Gerber is so associated with Howard that most interviews focus on that with basically Man-Thing as a lead-up.  I did, however, find some interviews from before Howard's own book launched:

Steve Gerber is interviewed by Scott Edelman back in 1975:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU4-R2nIoYo

Another Gerber interview, this time by Walt Jaschek for the University of Missouri St. Louis newspaper:
https://waltnow.com/portfolio/steve-gerber-is-smoking-comics-hottest-writer-takes-it-all-in/

The specific comics that we read are as listed:

Savage Tales: 1
Astonishing Tales: 12, 13
Fear: 10-19
Man-Thing: 1-22
Giant-Size Man-Thing(Insert snickering here): 1-5

In which we discuss the first of our Boggy Boys: the Swamp Thing!  He's warm moist and most definitely wild!  Hear us discuss his origin!  Hear us discuss his creators!  Hear us make plant jokes!

In our eighth (8th!) episode, we get up to no good!  Hopefully, as the format keeps evolving, you can follow the information flow well enough.  Our various topics seem to always present a new way to uh...present the information.  Anyway, hope you like!  If you have any questions, problems, recommendations, thoughts on life in general, please send 'em our way!  Links are below!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil Here:  For research on books from the 70s-90s, Back Issue continues to be the way to go.  I could spend hours looking around the internet for stuff when I could just purchase an issue or two of Back Issue instead.  Here's the issue I used:

Back Issue #6 (TwoMorrows Publishing):  This particular issue has a nice Pro2Pro interview with Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson.  Interview conducted by Dan Johnson.

And now the obligatory list of links that I think provide some good info too:

Len Wein interviewed by the always cool Nerd Team 30:
https://www.nerdteam30.com/creator-conversations-retro/an-interview-with-len-wein-co-creator-of-swamp-thing-and-wolverine

An interview from The Comics Journal from 1979:
http://www.tcj.com/the-len-wein-interview/

An interview conducted at WonderCon back in 2014:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bveIEopGyoQ

Marv Wolfman interviews his childhood friend:
http://www.marvwolfman.com/marv/Speaking_With_Len_Wein_Part_One.html

Len is interviewed at home:
http://www.blastoffcomics.com/2012/07/the-blastoff-video-interview-len-wein/

Here's what we read comic-wise for this topic:

House of Secrets: 92
Swamp Thing: 1-24

We return with an extra-long episode after our short episode last week!  This time, we discuss collecting comics!  We talk about the history of that collecting and then we discuss tips on what to do if you're interested in doing it yourself.  We discuss how the market has gone up and down through the years and how collectors have affected it.  We also give our thoughts on speculation and the speculators themselves (hint: the thoughts are not nice).

With our 7th episode we change things up a little bit.  We had a request from a friend to discuss this topic and here it is.  As always, please let us know what you think of it!  Hit us up on the social medias or maybe email!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil here:  Usually I would give you a rundown of references, but the history here is all just straight up wikipedia.  I didn't really think the history was all that exciting to begin with so I didn't dive in too much.  As for our thoughts on today's market, that required no such research and I refuse to give you links to speculators!  If you've already watched the videos from these guys, you know who they are.  They just keep multiplying.

One other note:  You hear me throw out a couple numbers in terms of value for some books.  If you're up on the market, those values have probably changed since this recording took place in...December I think.  The market is in a really weird place right now and that bubble just keeps inflating.  Good times!

We've gotta put something out!  Anyway, today we're putting out essentially a filler episode.  Sorry about that!  Our podcast hosting site only allows so much uploading in terms of minutes for each month and we're up against that limit!  So, here we just talk a bit about what we've been up to recently and maybe a little shop talk about the podcast itself.  As always, thanks for listening and feel free to get in touch with us via the following means!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

In which we discuss the much-celebrated work of Walter Simonson on Thor during the 80s!  It is still resonant today as even now, people anticipate an appearance from Beta Ray Bill in the MCU.  Will he appear?  I don't know, that's not our purview!  We will, however, be gushing over a mutual favorite run of comics.

This is episode...6?  Already?  Norse gods, how time does fly.  Anyway, if you're still with us after Saga, then hold your horses!  I go a little harder on the creator bio this time since we're mostly talking about one person here.  I do mention the contributions of others, but their bios can wait for other episodes.  Next time, Sal!  Anyway, please leave a rating and comment for us wherever you listen to the podcast.  If you would be so kind as to hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, we should be ever so grateful.

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil here:  I'm back on the research reins for this episode.  And fun it was!  It's one of my favorite runs from one of my favorite creators.  Trust you me, there will be more work from Walt coming up!  Anyway, on to references used or interesting!

Back Issue (TwoMorrows Publishing): 53, 117 (One of my favorite things to have found recently is this whole magazine dedicated to my particular area of interest in comics: the Bronze Age!  These guys do good work.  Yes, you'd have to pay for individual issues, but it's worth your money!)

The Comics Journal interviews Simonson for an Artist's Edition of his Thor stuff:
http://www.tcj.com/the-walter-simonson-interview/

Another interview with Simonson about Thor stuff and more (I've linked to a few interviews from this gentlemen before.  Always worthwhile.)
https://www.nerdteam30.com/creator-conversations-retro/an-interview-with-walt-simonson-master-of-the-mighty-thor-friend-of-the-fourth-world

Alex Jay breaks down the timeline and process for his redesign of the Thor logo:
http://alphabettenthletter.blogspot.com/2011/09/anatomy-of-logo-mighty-thor-part-1.html

Letterer Todd Klein examines Thor logos over the years:
https://kleinletters.com/Blog/logo-study-thor-part-1/


And now the particular comics we read for this episode!

Thor (vol 1): 337-382
Balder the Brave: 1-4

In which we discuss the much-discussed Saga by Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples!  We delve a teensy bit in to the backgrounds of the creators and what they've done otherwise.  We also discuss what we like (or maybe don't like) about the series.

Episode V is live, baby!  We're still working on how we put together the show.  I think it'll depend on the topic.  Shows that are run-based will likely focus more on creator bios or maybe just behind-the-scenes stuff on the run.  Shows that focus on a broader character treatment will probably be lighter on that stuff with maybe a few references tossed in for a bit of spice.  We're also working on diversifying our content.  It won't always be Marvel/DC as you can see from this episode!  Anyway, please leave a rating and comment on whichever service you downloaded your episode from.  If you want to find us on Facebook or Twitter, the links are below.  Feel free to get a hold of us there!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil here:  Su did the research on this episode.  All I did was read the comics in question.  Su says she used sources like these (along with basic info from Wikipedia and some bios on the Image and DC websites):

A New York Times bit on Fiona Staples:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/arts/the-comic-book-artist-fiona-staples-gives-archie-a-makeover.html?_r=0

A Blog post discussing Staples:
https://drawersdrawerblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/fiona-staples/

BKV Website:
https://bkvcomics.com/

Article on BKV launching Saga:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lost-brian-k-vaughan-saga-comic-damon-lindelof-300188

Interview with BKV at the launch of Saga:
https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-brian-k-vaughan-starts-his-saga/

Comics read for the purpose of this episode:

Saga: 1-54

In which we talk about Dracula's living space!  We discuss what he sleeps with, where he sleeps, his favorite furniture and more!  Oh, and somewhere we discuss a comic that happens to be named after his dwelling.  Check it out!

This is our fourth episode??  How did we make so many??  I'm almost out of fingers to count on??  Anyway, should you have anything to say, feel free to hit us up on Facebook or Twitter!  You can also leave comments and rate us wherever you download the podcast!  It helps out a bunch!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil Here:  With this issue, I started reading Back Issue magazine from TwoMorrows publishing.  It's fantastic!  If you're at all interested in the stuff that we talk about, you should check it out.  It covers the time period of around 1970 to about 2000 or so.  It features interviews, pictures, old artwork, and lots of research in to the various topics covered.  I've found as I've continued doing recording that this is an invaluable resource for me.  Also, check out the Roy Thomas edited Alter Ego or potentially any of their other pop-culture focused books.  Good stuff!

Seriously though, a lot of my information comes from Back Issue #6 specifically.  For other sources, I obviously checked up on Wikipedia for basic things like birthdays and dates of things.  Other stuff to look at:

An Interview with Gene Colan:
https://www.nerdteam30.com/creator-conversations-retro/an-interview-with-gene-colan-drawing-the-horrors-of-dracula-and-howard-the-duck

An Interview by the Same Gentleman with Marv Wolfman:
https://www.nerdteam30.com/creator-conversations-retro/an-interview-with-marv-wolfman-creator-of-blade-bullseye-and-the-new-teen-titans

A list of the comics read for this:

Tomb of Dracula: 1-70
Giant-Size Chillers: 1
Giant-Size Spider-Man: 1
Giant-Size Dracula: 1-5
Werewolf by Night: 15
Doctor Strange(vol 2): 14

Other books with Drac (or Drac-adjacent) from the 70s and maybe early 80s that you may like:

Dracula Lives!: 1-13 (One of Marvel's Black and White magazines.  There's some weirdness with the numbering in there.)
Vampire Tales: 1-11
Marvel Preview: 3 (Blade solo story!)
Tomb of Dracula(vol 2): 1-6
Defenders: 95
Uncanny X-Men: 159
Uncanny X-Men Annual: 6 (Bill Sienkiewicz art on this and #159 of the regular series!)

In which we discuss America's favorite problem solver, the Question!  We talk about his creation, his influences, his stories and where the character has ended up over the years.  We primarily focus on the classic late 80s run from O'Neil and Cowan.  It's good stuff!  As an aside, we just got our hands on a collection of the Deaths of Vic Sage.  Time to dig in!

This is our third (3rd) episode of Pencil Us In!  The format continues to evolve over time!  We thought it would be cool to give some creator bios along with the usual discussion of the character.  We think this sort of thing will stick around because part of the purpose of the podcast is to give a little history along with story discussion.  What do you think?  Leave comments wherever you're listening, tweet us, head to our Facebook!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil here:  This episode I've started doing some short creator biographies.  This obviously requires a bit of research.  For the most basic elements, I just use Wikipedia.  Yeah, I know what it is, but I figure for things like birth dates and other basic facts it's useful.  I of course searched for some interviews and other such things.  Here's a few links!

An Interview with Denny O'Neil:
https://www.nerdteam30.com/creator-conversations-retro/an-interview-with-denny-oneil-the-author-behind-dcs-socially-conscious-70s

Interview with Denys Cowan:
https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/denys-cowan-question-milestone-comics-return

Another Interview with Cowan:
https://www.thecomiclounge.com/post/2018/11/11/denys-cowan-legendary-artist-and-cofounder-of-milestone-media

Another Another Interview with Cowan:
https://www.cbr.com/denys-cowan-redefining-question-denny-oneil/

Another Another Interview with O'Neil:
https://www.gamesradar.com/revisiting-the-question-by-denny-oneil-and-denys-cowan/


And now for a list of what we read for this episode comic-wise:

The Question (1987): 1-36
Blue Beetle vol 5 (Charlton): 1,2
Blue Beetle vol 6 (DC): 4-6

In which we discuss everybody's favorite mutant redhead!  Nobody hates Jean!  Especially not Su!  We talk about her origins, her various costumes, her ups and downs, and her many lives!

Our second episode!  If you like what you hear, let us know!  If you don't, I guess let us know!  If you have feeling otherwise, let us know!  Put out dem comments!

Website:  https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]

Phil here:  I didn't do a lot of deep digging in this episode.  I drop a few tidbits on the behind-the-scenes stuff, but not too many.  I mostly just gave a debut-to-present rundown of important moments for the character.  This means I didn't do a ton of research other than checking out some comic covers and other light check-ups to cover my bases.  I will drop a few interesting links I found, though.

An article discussing Wein and Cockrum's original plans for Jean:
https://www.cbr.com/x-men-phoenix-jean-grey-len-wein-dave-cockrum/

An article about Cockrum's original model for Jean in his redesign:
https://www.cbr.com/x-men-phoenix-dave-cockrum-original-model/

Here's one with Claremont talking about Jean and the Phoenix more specifically:
https://crimereads.com/graphic-content-chris-claremont-and-the-making-of-an-x-men-icon/

An article about Claremont's disapproval of Jean's resurrection:
https://screenrant.com/x-men-claremont-replace-jean-grey-sara-phoenix/

Comics pertinent to the topic that I read!
Uncanny X-Men vol 1: 1-400ish
X-Factor: 1-70
X-Men vol 1 (or 2?): 1-158 or so
Several other random titles that tie in with various crossovers are not included because whatever.  If you're interested in the crossover as it appears, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out what to  read.