Views From The Longbox Version 2.0

The Leonard Cohen music at the beginning of this episode should be a clear indication that things are going to be a little grim this week. In this episode Michael begins a three part look at why (despite still loving the form) Michael is having some problems with comic books as they are currently being published. Not as footloose and fancy free as the usual episode, but still well worth your time, attention and hard drive space. All this and an exciting announcement as well!

Michael goes back in time again this week and takes a look at the theme song from the various animated series that Filmation (you know, the HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE people) did between 1966 and 1969. While they are not as catchy as the Marvel themes of the same time period they do have some historical significance. This was the first time that characters outside of Superman were animated. Ok, that sounds like Michael is trying to justify himself and maybe he is a little bit, but listen anyway. And sorry about some of the dodgy audio towards the middle.

Michael learns a valuable lesson from last week and manages to produce an episode that isn't as long as, say, the director's cut of JFK. This week finishes up the two part look at "The First: with Michael taking a good look at the second part. More clips and commentary. And it's under forty minutes, so you won't feel like shoving sharp objects in your ear to make the pain stop. Michael also apologizes for getting the episode up a day or two late this week, but real life intruded. Blame Tax Free Weekend in the great state of Georgia.

It runs kind of long this week, but Michael thinks you should listen to it anyway. This time out Michael gives you Part One of a two part look at his favorite episode, or rather episodes, of the INCREDIBLE HULK. Thrill as Michael tells you more tales of his misspent youth and of all the neat sound samples he made. All in the name of good, clean, comic book fun.

Yeah, Michael talks about Rob Liefeld and Youngblood in this episode. But you should listen anyway because it is rather entertaining, at least to Michael. In addition to a brief little thing on Rob there is a review of sorts for TRANSFORMERS and the blog pick of the week. All this for your entertainment, or something like that.

If Michael we're more of a dork than he already is this is where he would write that this episode is more than meets the eye. But since it isn't he won't. As the title suggests this is the Transformers episode, or at least the first of them. Listen as Michael discusses his early Transformers experiences, plays some music from the 1986 soundtrack and does a little compare and contrast on a song from TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE and ROCKY IV. All this plus some quick and dirty reviews and the video podcast pick of the week.

Michael celebrates the 4th of July by talking about his favorite patriotic hero; Captain America. Not only does Michael foist a "special" theme on you but also pulls out some fun audio clips and explains why he likes Cap, why Captain America would kill if necessary and why the character's origin only works when set during World War II. All of this in celebration of the country's birthday or something like that.

Michael spends a good part of the episode discussing the two books that are pretty much responsible for him getting into comics and, indirectly, this podcast. Also more Quick and Dirty Reviews and another Podcast Pick of the Week. All for free because God knows you wouldn't pay for it.

The Merry Marvel Marching Society Episode, where Michael plays seven theme songs from Marvel's Silver Age. Also, Michael starts up his podcast/blog/site of the week feature, so that is sure to excite you.

The Zero Episode Episode where Michael gives you a rather mediocre theme song, a brief discussion about zero issues, a rundown of what you can expect from the show and something from Michael's hard drive gets loose.