Chris And Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill

Hey Everybody, today Chris (@acecomics) checks in on the "Electric Blue" era for the Man of Steel, while catching up with some 1st Issue Special alumni (in both the Dingbats on Danger Street and the Green Team) and sharing an overlong personal story of his own teen-age preciosity.  If you're just interested in the comics content and not the rambling idiot telling you about his inability to cope with a cross-country move... you're fast-forward finger is in for quite the workout! -- Original Discussion: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2017/08/adventures-of-superman-549-1997.html -- HOT-TAKE: Letters Page from Superman (vol.2) #128 (October, 1997) Re: Reader thoughts on the new-look Superman! -- weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill @reggiereggie weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Blessings and Riches, my friends... for today is a day like no other.  Ladies and Gentlemen, it's Vartox Week! Today Chris (@acecomics) shares the story of how a hairy-chested mustachioed alien stranger saved his blog from terminal burn-out!  It's a discussion about the frustrations associated with the creation of content, getting into one's own head, and attempts at side-stepping writer's block. All that and a Bronze-Age issue of Superman to boot! Celebrate Vartox Week responsibly... and remember, this is the one week a year where we're all Valerians! -- Original Discussion: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2018/08/superman-281-1974.html -- Vartox Week Page: http://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/p/vartox-week.html -- Cosmic Treadmill, Episode #111 (Deep-Dive on Vartox) https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-2482v-9c3fd5 -- Cosmic Treadmill Classic: Weird Comics History, the Comics Code Authority https://www.chrisandreggie.com/2018/03/chris-and-reggie-box-set-volume-1.html -- HOT-TAKE: Letters

Greetings fellow comic-hunters!  Today Chris (@acecomics) will take you on a collector's journey when he shares the story of a white whale that had eluded him for over a decade!  It's the story of the hunt for... Lady Cop! After giving the low-down on just what "1st Issue Special" was, and the very titled resonated with a man who grew up during the comics speculator craze, he prescribes his own Curmudgeonly Collect-mandments... which might just (though, hopefully won't) ruffle a feather or two.  It's the story of a babbling Luddite... you won't wanna miss it! Oh yeah, we also actually read the thing... and, learn all about inner-city crime, first-aid, venereal disease, and answer the question of: What's stronger, a live grenade... or a garbage can? -- Cosmic Treadmill Classic: Godzilla vs. Barkley #1 (1993) Dark Horse Comics https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-8z3gn-92ab97 -- Original Discussion: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2018/04/1st-issue-special-4-1975.html -- HOT-TAKE: A Usenetter's take on

Hello Conventioneers!  This time out your paragon of curmudgeon-ing Chris (@acecomics) shares his experiences attending and even volunteering at various comic book conventions during his fandom-career.  From humble beginnings rifling through bins at the Sun-Vet Mall, to getting the opportunity to wear a Media badge, interviewing Kurt Busiek and having a picture taken with Dan Jurgens... it's a story of anxiety, agoraphobia, preciosity and heat-exhaustion.  Also, we take a look at Justice League of America #224 (March, 1984) by the aforementioned Mr. Busiek - With an audio clip of my 2016 interview with him where we discuss this very issue! -- Original Discussion: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2016/06/justice-league-of-america-224-1984.html -- Complete DC in the 80's Interview with Kurt Busiek: http://www.dcinthe80s.com/2016/07/chris-sheehan-interviews-kurt-busiek-at.html -- HOT TAKE: The Letters Page of Justice League of America #227 (June, 1984), taking the temperature of folks who'd just re

Greetings Fellow Butterfly-Effect Victims! Today we're going to take a look at the first-issue of the Universe-Altering DC Comics event, Flashpoint... without too much complaining about what came afterwards!  This book hit the stands on the very day the direction of my own life was unexpectedly and profoundly altered... for the better... and you'll hear probably wayyy too much about that once you hit PLAY!  (Please hit PLAY anyway). -- HOT TAKE: Letters Page from Doom Patrol (vol.2) #23 (June, 1989) to coordinate with an appearance I'll be making on The Source Material Podcast this coming week talking all about the Doom Patrol! -- Original Discussion Piece: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2017/12/flashpoint-1-2011.html -- weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill @reggiereggie weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

It's a New Day... Yes it is! Join Chris (@acecomics) for the return of the Chris is on Infinite Earths program when he discusses the book that launched the crossovent that finally made him take notice of DC Comics after an extended bout of unemployment... Brightest Day #0!  He'll also tell you far more than you'd ever care to know about how that bout of unemployment began!  I, er... He apologizes for that ahead of time. -- Original Discussion: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2018/05/brightest-day-0-2010.html -- weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill @reggiereggie weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Hello Everybody, Today we bring to you the long-awaited (?) sixth installment of our Sandman Universe Gatherum.  It's been a minute, and we appreciate everyone's support!  Thank you all so much for sticking by us! -- Today's discussions originally aired in segment form during the following episodes of the Weird Science DC Comics Podcast: Episode 216 (02.24.2019) - Lucifer (vol.3) #5 Episode 217 (03.03.2019) - Books of Magic (vol.3) #5 Episode 214 (02.10.2019) - The Dreaming (vol.2) #7, House of Whispers #7, Lucifer (vol.3) #6 -- patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Just a quick update on Reggie's recovery, and a huge thanks for the outpouring of support from all of our friends!

An update

Hello, comics enthusiasts! In this episode, tekheads Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) dive into the world of the future...which would actually be somewhat close to the present, when we read William Shatner's TekWorld #1 by Ron Goulart and Lee Sullivan, published by Marvel Comics, through their Epic imprint, in 1992! After some biographical information about Goulart, Sullivan, and Shatner, the voice androids read every futuristic page of the issue. Then, they talk about what happened with the rest of the TekWar property, including the desktop video game and trading cards that came with it. The episode wraps up with a look at William Shatner's music career, and how he learned to embrace his fans! It's a Shatner-filled episode, you don't wanna miss it! Thanks to Mark Jager for suggesting the comic book! patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Shade and Sweet Water, Everybody!  This time out Chris (@acecomics) shares his extended comic book "secret origin", which started with a peek at two particular pages of the ElfQuest Gatherum!  This will be an especially "Christory-heavy" installment, with stories of my time with ElfQuest, my first visit to a comic book specialty store and subsequent first trip to the back-issue bins... also: the revelation that trade paperbacks were very expensive! Had a great time reliving "The memories that made a Fan out of Chris"!  I hope you'll enjoy hearing all about 'em! -- Original Discussion Piece: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2016/02/elfquest-25th-anniversary-special-2003.html -- Read ElfQuest (for free!) Here: http://elfquest.com/read/digitalEQ.html -- HOT TAKE: The Letters Page of Action Comics Weekly #613 (1988), with thoughts on ACW #601-602... featuring an appearance by The Mad Maple! -- patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill @reggieregg

Hello, Rebel scum! In this episode, Jedi-curious Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) dive back into the world of Star Wars comic books when they read Dark Empire #1 by Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy, published by Dark Horse Comics in 1991! After the biographical information, our tie-fighter pilots look at the hand-off of licensing from Marvel to Dark Horse, and set the stage for the book to follow. After the issue, our soothsayers tell the rest of the story, and detail all the Star Wars comics ever published by Dark Horse! It's a long list, so may the force...of caffeine be with you! patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Hey folks! In this episode, Reggie (@reggiereggie) looks at an article from Comic Book Artist #7, compiled by Chris Knowles titled "The Great Marvel Exodus." Normally, the number of creators that left in the late 1970s is attributed to Jim Shooter's promotion to Editor-in-Chief, but after reading these recollections by the actual creators in question, we see that things are not so cut-and-dry. It's another unsolicited promotion for TwoMorrows Publishing, so be sure to head over to twomorrows.com and check 'em out! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com patreon.com/chrisandreggie @cosmictmill @AceComics chrisandreggie.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Hello, living comics enthusiasts! In this episode, as part of this year's #JLMay event, Black Lanterns Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) take a look at the first issue of Geoff Johns' and Ivan Reis' Blackest Night series, published in 2009 by DC Comics! After some biographical information, the heart-eating pair describe how the Green Lanterns title got to this point, then they jump right into every acrid, viscous page of the comic in question! After a break, they talk about the other shows involved in the #JLMay event, and read a little bit of listener mail! This may be the last podcast you ever listen to, you don't want to miss it! Check out these other fine shows as part of the #JLMay event! The Podcast of Oa - Blackest Night #0 and Green Lantern #43 blogofoa.com/the-podcast-of-oa The Idol-Head of Diablou - Blackest Night #2 and Green Lantern (vol.4) #44 idol-head.blogspot.com The Fire & Water Podcast - Blackest Night #3 fireandwaterpodcast.com Head Speaks - Blackest Night #4 head.he

Well, here's another nice mess we've gotten ourselves into! This time out, Chris (@acecomics) discusses a strange little offering from DC Comics in the early-70's... the one-and-only issue of (Larry Harmon's) LAUREL & HARDY.  Before getting into the comic itself, I share with you my affection for the old comedy team, how I first "met" them, and my many (mostly failed) attempts to record as many of their shorts and films as possible during my youth.  "The Boys" have always been important to me, and despite the issue being a bit "ehh", I'm so pleased to get the opportunity to chat about this topic. -- HOT TAKE: The (overly... almost suspiciously, positive) letters page of Action Comics Weekly #612 (1988), reflecting on more thoughts on the Weekly-Rebranding of the long-running title. -- Original Discussion Piece: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2018/07/laurel-and-hardy-1-1972.html The Artful Antics of Laurel & Hardy: http://www.lulu.com/shop/antony-mitchell-waite-and-joanne-mitchell-waite/

'Ello, Limeys! In this episode, Anglophiles Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) look at a comic book so nasty, it was banned in the United Kingdom: Action #37, published by IPC in 1976! After some information about the people who made this comic and just what the heck it is about, graduates of the Winona Ryder Acting Society go through every brutal story in this crazy weekly comic book, doing their best to provide some color to the commentary. After a break, they talk about what happened to the folks from Action, and look at some movies made illegal in the United Kingdom and labeled "video nasties" in the early days of the VCR. This episode is more dire than an encounter with Hook Jaw, you don't want to miss it! patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Hello Dreamers! After a couple of weeks away (we're catching up to the "now" too quickly!), the Sandman Universe Gatherum returns with all of it's spectacular sleepiness.  This time out, we (assume) we're wrapping up the first arcs for House of Whispers and the flagship of the imprint, The Dreaming.  Lucifer and Tim Hunter join in on the fun too! -- Today's discussions originally aired in segment form during the following episodes of the Weird Science DC Comics Podcast: Episode 212 (01.27.2019) - Lucifer (vol.3) #4 Episode 213 (02.03.2019) - Books of Magic (vol.3) #4 (originally a Patreon-Only Segment!) Episode 214 (02.10.2019) - The Dreaming #6 Episode 215 (02.17.2019) - House of Whispers #6 -- patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Hey, comicskateers! In this episode, the fershlugginer Reggie (@reggieregge) reads the beginning of an article written by Roy Thomas for Alter Ego magazine #95 (July 2010), all about the origins of Marvel Comics' self-parody series, "Not" Brand Echh! There's lots of theretofore-untold information about this humor comic book, as well as Reggie's lamentations that the industry doesn't seem to be having as much fun anymore. Who says a podcast has to be good? patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill chrisisoninfiniteearths.com And check out the rest of the article by purchasing the issue from twomorrows.com!

Greetings, comics enthusastniks! In this episode, urban poets Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) check out the rhythms and meter of truth when they read Michael Redmond and Junko Hosizawa's Street Poet Ray #1, published by Marvel Comics in 1990! After revealing what scant biographical information could be found on the creators, the folksy duo read every "rap-haiku" in the issue, and talk about the subjects therein. Then, they give a brief history of the Beat Generation, their influences and outcomes--one of which would be this very comic book! Grok that, hipsters! patreon.com/chrisandreggie weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.com @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com

Hello Heroes! This time out we discuss The Man of Steel #1... the first, The Man of Steel #1, that is... written and drawn by John Byrne.  Before getting into the book itself, we take a quick peek into that strange time where Superman, and many of DC's top books, were very nearly published by... Marvel Comics?! From there, we jump into the book... and compare the finished product (of the first issue) to what's known about John Byrne's original "Marvel Comics' Superman" pitch.  Is what we wound up getting: better, worse, or exactly the same?  Gonna have to listen to find out! Sticking with the Byrne-Superman theme, this week's HOT TAKE Segment will feature a USENET post from October, 1985... right around the time that Byrne's pending arrival at DC Comics was no longer a rumor!  It's a fun time as always, if ya got a minute (or 40), give it a listen! -- Original Discussion Piece: https://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2016/04/man-of-steel-1-1986.html Jim Shooter's "SUPERMAN - First Marvel Issue" blog po