Mr. Jamaal Thomas regrets that it is impossible for him to: Read manuscripts, write articles to order, write forewords or introductions, make statements for publicity purposes, do any kind of editorial work, judge literary or artistic contests, give interviews, take part in bloggers’ conferences, answer questionnaires or any other internet meme, contribute to or take part in symposiums or “panels†of any kind, contribute articles for sales, donate copies of his work to libraries, autograph works or t-shirts for strangers, allow his name to be used on letterheads, supply personal information about himself, or supply opinions on comic books or any other subject. (All apologies to the master, Mr. Wilson)
The holidays were hectic around FBB Headquarters, as you may have inferred from our posting schedule. But we managed to record one last podcast for 2009 that takes a look at Luke Cage Noir, the latest in Marvel’s dusky crime-inspired Elseworlds series. We also tackle a frequently asked question regarding a beloved creator-owned series and [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:37 — 33.5MB)
Welcome to another round of FBB linkblogging, brought to you by your friendly Jamaal. All opinions expressed below are those of the author, and do not reflect the official position of the FBB mob.
(1) True Stories of the Core Marvel Universe , in which Chris Sims points out that the Marvel Universe is wacky! [...]
This episode, we discuss changes over at the Comics Journal and what that means for the blogosphere, plus answer your questions about love, shame, professional wrestling and enabling habits!
If you have questions or topics you’d like to see addressed in future podcasts, write us at editors AT funnybookbabylon DOT com, or take advantage of our [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:05 — 40.6MB)
This episode, we take a look at Peter Milligan’s recently started run on Hellblazer, as one of the original British Invasion writers becomes the latest in his gang to tackle one of the longest running monthly American comic books in print.
Does Milligan still have “it”? Does John Constantine? Are they both self-sabotaging, self-destructive British [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:52 — 17.2MB)
Sometimes our tough love strikes listeners as a little too tough. We’re sensitive to concerns about our negativity — and our tendency to ramble on — and so here we have a brief conversation where each of us describe a recent comic we’ve genuinely enjoyed.
Want to be spoiled? Our picks lie below!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:34 — 12.8MB)
Rock ‘n’ Roll and Superhero Comics are two uniquely American creations of the twentieth century, and they share many traits — a patchwork Genesis story, arguments about who was really first, youthful rebellion, corporate co-option, a “British Invasion” coming along and showing up their American rivals, a decades-long struggle to be taken “seriously”.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:45 — 25.3MB)
For nearly twenty years, Deadpool has been a cult favorite Marvel character, beloved on the Internet for his scan-ready quips and pop culture references. But lately — whether it’s because his increased presence in movies and video games, change in market demographics, or just some sort of Yellow Word Balloon Zeitgeist — he’s a bonafide [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:01 — 25.5MB)
This month, Dark Horse Comics released The Life and Times of Martha Washington in the Twenty-First Century, a behemoth six hundred page hardcover so balling only Pedro could fathom purchasing it.
So instead, we just read 1990’s Give Me Liberty, the four issue series that introduced Martha. This was one of the first projects Miller and [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:52 — 26.8MB)
With Dark Reign entering a new phase with the release of the first Dark Reign: The List one-shots, the gang looks at Marvel’s recent experiments with telling One Big Story, from Civil War to today. Of special interest in Norman Osborn: is he the Green Goblin, Super-Cheney, or the second coming of Hitler? Marvel’s stable [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:53 — 28.1MB)
Dark Reign: The List - Daredevil
by Andy Diggle & Billy Tan
Bad art can ruin even the best of stories, but lesser known is its ability to obscure mediocre writing. Billy Tan’s art in this issue is bad: it’s static during action sequences featuring ninjas, masked superhero gymnastics and government agents rappelling from the roof. [...]
Amazing Spider-Man #604
“Red-Headed Stranger pt. 3: The Ancient Gallery”
by Fred Van Lente & Barry Kitson
I’m one of those fans who opposed the One More Day storyline because I think that characters should always be allowed to develop and grow. In the great conflict between those who view mainstream superhero comics as a continuing narrative and [...]
As promised at the end of episode 111, we present a contentious look back at David Lapham’s Young Liars, a frequent podcast topic. In the end, did anyone change their mind? Were any of us Spiders? We may never know!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:25 — 23.7MB)
This week’s recording session unexpectedly expanded out to two podcasts, as we discuss the blockbuster announcement of Disney purchasing Marvel! Will Pluto join the Pet Avengers? Will Goofy be denied the same privilege? Will Punisher be forced to practice “Hanuka Matata”? Or will this just be another corporate merger that involves using the word [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:23 — 29.2MB)
The word of the week is “adaptation”, as we take a look at two pieces of media with roots in a different form.
First up, Marvel debuts Spider-Woman: Agent of S.W.O.R.D. #1 as a “Motion Comic” on iTunes, over a month before the plain ol’ paper version hits the stands. Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:55 — 45.3MB)
A trio of topics are explored this week, spanning the world of Fandom!
First off, the continuing battle over San Diego panels, focusing on the kerfuffle between fans of Venture Brothers and Fables!
Then, we explore our muted reaction to Captain America Reborn, despite our longstanding enjoyment of Ed Brubaker and company’s Cap run.
Finally, we sink [...]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:03 — 41.3MB)