266 – Before Watchmen: Minutemen

Before Watchmen: Minutemen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:32 — 54.5MB)

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We continue our look at the career of the late Darwyn Cooke by reading “Before Watchmen: Minutemen,” as proof that a great creator can elevate their work beyond publisher sales gimmicks. This comic examines the career of the Minutemen, a group of heroes who represented a collective effort toward the greater good a generation before the Watchmen. We talk about the fleshing out of the cast, the grey areas of heroics, and the uselessness of capes. Plus, we talk for a long time about all the trailers that have come out in the last few weeks.

To listen to past or future shows, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show today and gain access to bonus content by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics.

Next week: “Parker: The Hunter” by Darwyn Cooke

265 – The New Frontier

The New Frontier

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:37 — 50.9MB)

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We begin our tribute to Darwyn Cooke with “The New Frontier,” the work he’s arguably most known for. In this post-war era comic, heroes have given up their mantles and stepped out of the star-spangled spotlight until a new, devastating foe forces them back into action. Actually, that’s a terrible synopsis because it’s only a hint of all the incredible stuff that happens in this graphic novel. We talk about Cooke’s astounding ability to establish pervasive mood, the role of superheroes in the world, and the incredible renditions of classic characters done with respect and love. Plus, we talk about the trailer for that new Guy Ritchie King Arthur movie.

To hear past episodes or find out what’s coming up, go to www.WelcometoComics.com. Support the show by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/welcometocomics and get access to cool perks.

Next week: “Before Watchmen: Minutemen” by Darwyn Cooke.

264 – Wuvable Oaf

Wuvable Oaf

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:55 — 33.8MB)

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We conclude our Best of 2015 Megaseries with “Wuvable Oaf” by Ed Luce. In this comic, an adorable gay ex-wrestler tries to find love. We talk about how Oaf feels out of place within his own community, the Rom-Com comic book genre, and all the reasons this comic should have gone wrong but didn’t. Plus: life with kids!

For past episodes or to see what’s coming up, go to www.WelcometoComics.com

Support the show today and gain access to bonus content by becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/WelcometoComics

Next week: “New Frontier” by Darwyn Cooke!