Chris And Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill

In this episode, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) examine the little-known and once-used technique of "Gumping," that is to take a classic comic book (Amazing Spider-Man #47, for instance) and update it with new themes and characters like those that can be found in Deadpool #11 from 1997, written by Joe Kelly and drawn by Pete Woods! After some biographical information, it's on to the time-traveling, continuity-shattering events of the comic book to hand. Then, some wrap-up and a list of other comic book characters to break or obliterate the literary fourth wall. And finally: some listener mail! It's an episode jam-packed with silliness, so bring a happy attitude! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com BREAK: Joe Kelly promo for Free Comic Book Day 2013

Join Chris (@acecomics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) as they travel back to 1980's New York City to discuss the 1986-1987 series Angel Love by Barbara Slate.  Luckily this is they discovered their passion and... ahem, talent... for voice acting! During the summer of 1986 most DC Comics featured a most curious house-ad promising, among other things at least the passing mention of COCAINE?!!  What many comics enthusiasts may not know is this book actually DID came out later on that year!  Angel Love is a New York transplant coming from a quiet corner in Scranton, Pennsylvania hoping to strike it big as a cartoonist.  Along the way she will face drug-addicted boyfriends, a vapid (and more fun to read about) roommate, a bum who likes to sleep on her couch, and countless chatty cockroaches.  Is this what life in the big city’s all about? Find out with us as we check out Angel Love. --------------- Originally aired in segment form during Weird Science DC Comics Podcast, Episode 88 (September 11, 2016) ----------

This week, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) sift through some of the seamy world of Underground Comix and read Rip Off Inc. Presents Underground Classics Wonder Wart-Hog vol. 1 from 1986! Collecting various strips from the early days of Wonder Wart-Hog, they concentrate on the three-chapter story "Wonder Wart-Hog Meets the Mob!" But not without detailed information about Wonder Wart-Hog creator and artist Gilbert Shelton, and the writer of this specific story, Bill Killeen. After a break, our comics enthusiasts sift through the long history of comics to turn up 47 different homages to or parodies of Superman! You'll have to listen in and see if we missed any good ones! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com BREAK: The Hub City Movers, "Set Your Chickens Free" 45 RPM Flexi-Disc included with the comic book "Slip Hønsene Løs" (original title 'Set Your Chickens Free') by Gilbert Shelton issued by A/S Interp

In this re-upload from their "segment" days, Chris (@acecomics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) discuss an issue of Booster Gold in which the hero goes BACK TO THE PAST (just like the fellas do!) to try and undo the events of The Killing Joke!  After going through creator bios, our boys in the time-bubble read through the issue, and close out with a discussion on the event this issue sought to undo... which is sure to annoy some people!  Eh, who we kidding, you're gonna love it! ----------------------------- Originally Aired on October 23, 2016 as part of Weird Science DC Comics Podcast, Episode 94 ----------------------------- TAGS: Booster Gold, Cosmic Treadmill, Infinite Crisis, The Killing Joke, Barbara Gordon, Batgirl, Oracle, Joker, Batman, DC Comics, 2008, Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz, Dan Jurgens ----------------------------- Cosmic Treadmill Social Media: Twitter: @CosmicTMill Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory/ Archives: chrisandreggie.podbean.com Weekly Writings: www.weirdscienced

Greetings, disciples of Vishanti! In this episode, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) delve into the Black Arts of comic book creation and read Strange Tales #110 from 1963, paying special attention to the first appearance of Doctor Strange, "Dr. Strange Master of Black Magic!" After some biographical information about a couple of fellas named Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, they break down every comic book story in the issue, focusing on the third tale about Doctor Stephen Strange. Then they detail the publishing history of Doctor Strange, and wrap up the creator biographies, with some additional examination of Steve Ditko, the man--and the perception! By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth, I beseech thee listen to this episode! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com Check out Steve Ditko's most recent work at http://ditko.blogspot.com/ BREAK: Snippet of BBC program "In Search of Steve Ditko" by Jonathan Ross

​In this episode, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) dive into the lesser known history of Charlton Comics, from 1968 until its total demise in 1992. We'll learn about new Editor-in-Chief George Wildman and his assistant Nicola Cuti, who brought many innovations and new talent to Charlton's one-stop publishing process. We'll also learn about some new characters created for Charlton by some familiar names, and the ultimate fates of Charlton Comics' stable of superhero characters! You've hit the Bullseye with this one!   weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com   SOURCES:   Back Issue #79 (April, 2015) Comic Book Artist #9 (August, 2000) Comic Book Artist #12 (March, 2001) http://www.toonopedia.com/yang.htm Don Markstein’s Toonpedia Modern Comics http://www.ramonschenk.nl/charltoncomics/moderncomics.htm Various Internet holes   FOR MORE CHARLTON, VISIT:    Charlton Spotlight www.charltonspotlight.net Charlton Arrow and Charlton Neo morttodd.com Charlton Comics: The Movie charlton-movie.net   TAGS: Char

This week Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) explore the little-known history of Charlton Comics, and explain why that information is little-known! First, they talk about the founders of Charlton, including their salacious beginnings and business philosophy. Then Chris and Reggie tell all about the working conditions at Charlton, which were infamously hysterical. Finally, we take a look at some of Charlton's most seminal creators, some of whom would have a long-lasting and profound impact on comics history! It's a great story that won't cost you anything, which is exactly how Charlton's owners would have wanted it.   SOURCES: Comic Book Artist Magazine #9, August 2000 History of Charlton Comics - Charlton the Movie ComicCon Panel: https://youtu.be/myR-flxPH6o Dick Giordano: Changing Comics One Day at a Time by Michael Eury wikipedia and usual internet spelunking   Charlton Documentary charltonmovie.com Charlton Neo morttodd.com   Tags: Charlton Comics, comic books, comics history, Dick Giordano, Jo

This week, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) check out a third debut from Image Comics in 1992, The Savage Dragon #1 by Erik Larsen! After the usual creator and character bios, they go through every page of the inaugural issue, then discuss other iterations of the character as well as some more about the series--which continues today! To wrap up, our muckraking duo look at some of the contentious statements Erik Larsen has made over the years--and their contentious responses! It's an episode full of one-liners, smack talk, and declarations, and that's not even in the comic book! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill Check out Chris' blog at chrisisoninfiniteearths.com See our weekly writings at weirdsciencedccomics.com

Reggie (@reggiereggie) and Chris (@AceComics) decided to re-release their three-part biography of prolific author and co-creator of the Doom Patrol, Arnold Drake! They'll go through his entire life: the innovation, the controversy, and ultimately his recognition as one of the most important comics creators of his generation. If you missed it, here's your chance to catch up! And if you've already listened to these segments, check 'em out all stitched together in single episode format and relive those wonderful memories from late May 2016! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.podbean.com TAGS: Arnold Drake, Doom Patrol, Bruno Premiani, DC Comics, It Rhymes With Lust, Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadman, Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, Bob Haney, Silver Age, comics, comic books, history, comics history    

Good evening! In this episode, children of the night Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) investigate a comic book about vampires--Superman vol. 2 #70 from 1992 by Dan Jurgens! After a bibliography of our man Dan, they discuss the secret and not-so-secret origins of Superman before diving into a brief run-down of the issue that preceded this, Man of Steel #14, and then digging coffin-deep in their inimitable style for Superman #70! Later, there's a history of vampires and other great Superman/Robin team-ups throughout DC Comics history. No can hear you scream, in the dark, in the night...so enjoy this episode undisturbed! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill chrisisoninfiniteearths.com Chris' written review of the issue! http://www.chrisisoninfiniteearths.com/2016/10/superman-vol2-70-1992.html BREAK: A Superman toy commercial from the 1990s...forgot the details

Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) bring you another classic episode from way back when Weird Comics History was a segment of the Weird Science DC Comics Dot Com Podcast! This combines two parts from episodes 76 and 77 of that podcast, and they're all about DC Comics' first imprints meant to appeal to independent creators: Piranha Press and Paradox Press! These are relevant to Underground Comix in that it was another venue for people to showcase their non-superhero work, and of course some of the lessons learned from these imprints would be applied to Vertigo later on. So consider this your extra credit work!    

Greetings, mallrats and skate betties! This week, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) dive into a trio of comic books from 1996, all with the same issue number. It's Gen13 issues #13a, #13b and #13c by Jim Lee, Brandon Choi and J. Scott Campbell! After the usual creator bios and background information, they delve into and provide voices for each of these issues, detailing the origins of all featured characters as well as other "valuable" information about their first appearances. After a break, the two wrap up the Gen13 series and other relevant creator info, then talk about some of their favorite gimmick covers from that period in comics history known as the Chromium Age! You're going to want two copies of this episode--one for listening to and the other for bagging and filing away! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com BREAK: Trailer from the Gen13 animated movie by Paramount Pictures and WildStorm

This week Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) talk about one of the truly weirdest publishing gimmicks in comic book history, Marvel Comics' "U-Decide" stunt from 2002! Beginning with a discussion about the changing of Marvel's executive board and the conditions that caused this bizarre three-way wager, we'll learn about the three personalities involved in the U-Decide comics, what those comic books contained, and list the actual sales figures to determine the outcome of this bet. It all happened in the Internet Age, so this episode is sure contain some classic online bickering!   weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com   SOME SOURCES:  Open Letter and blow-by-blow coverage: PeterDavid.com Hype: Cbr.com Sales Data: Comichron.com   Anecdotes: https://zacksmithwriter.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/original-essay-the-history-of-marvel-comics-ultimate-adventures-with-special-guest-duncan-fegredo/   TAGS: Marvel, comic books, comic book history, U-Decide, Captain Marvel, Genis-Vell, Marville, Ultimate Adventu

In this episode, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) delve into the seedy side of late 1970s New York City, when they read Daredevil #161 by Roger McKenzie and Frank Miller! After dispensing with the usual biographical information, the two discuss the history of two Daredevils, then set the stage before reading the issue in question. Then, after detailing the history of Daredevil after #161, they give some historical background for this issue's location, Coney Island, then wrap up by naming some more handicapped superheroes. It's almost as fun as an amusement park, so don't miss it! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill chrisisoninfiniteearths.com Thanks to Deron Murphree for the suggestion! BREAK: Snippet of Frank Miller interview from the Masters of Comic Book Art, 1987 https://youtu.be/N9DsltLuEM4

Welcome to the reupload of our first episode unhitched from the main Weird Science DC Comics Podcast, which will run every other Sunday until every single comic book in the world is read! This week Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) detail Fantastic Four #293 (August 1986), requested by listener Toby Reid, and talk about the following two issues to complete the story arc. There's also creator bios, and an explanation as to why one creator started this arc, but another creative team completed it! It's sure to be...Fantastic! Four!   weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.podbean.com weirdsciencedccomics.com chrisisoninfiniteearths.com TAGS: Cosmic Treadmill, comics history, Fantastic Four, Marvel Comics, John Byrne, Roger Stern, Jerry Ordway, Superman, Jim Shooter, She-Hulk

NO MAN ESCAPES THE COSMIC TREADMILL! In this meticulous episode, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) pore over DC Comics' 1988 event Millennium, orchestrated by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton--and including the 29 tie-in issues supplementing this bizarre story! After a look at the conditions that (arguably) necessitated this crossover, our duo break down all 37 issues of Millennium. Complete with backgrounds on the pertinent characters and some personal musings on the event, this is sure to be the most comprehensive coverage of DC Comics' Millennium anywhere on the internet! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill chrisisoninfiniteearths.com Chris' whole series on Millennium here BREAK 1: Promo for 2017's #BestEventEver #EclipsoTDW25 BREAK 2: Burger King 1988 Super Powers Cup Holder Commercial https://youtu.be/zHpAoT7LEcQ

Greetings from the dark side of the moon! In this episode, Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) pore through a segment of DC Comics' 1992 event "The Darkness Within" in conjunction with #BestEventEver! They're specifically dealing with the four-issue sub-miniseries "Star Shadows" from Starman, and even more specifically detailing the second issue of that sub-miniseries, Starman #43, by Len Strazewski and Vince Giarrano! After some crreator bios--including those of regular Starman artist John Calimee and Eclipso creator Bob Haney, they break down all four issues in this miniseries, paying special vocal attention to #43. Then they talk some more about Eclipso and other comic book events that took place in Annual issues. It's going to get dark, bring a flashlight for this one! weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com facebook.com/cosmictmillhistory @cosmictmill chrisisoninfiniteearths.com And please be sure to check out further Eclipso: TDW coverage at these fine sites: I'm the Gun Relatively Geeky Podcast N

Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) conclude their history of Underground Comix, by now arguably not underground at all! We talk about the histories of Marvel's Epic imprint and DC's Vertigo imprint, and then go on to talk about the final frontier of underground comics today: the internet. We also describe minicomics and ashcans, give a nod to Steve Ditko, and talk about dirty comic books from the back of the shop! It's sure to be a mixed bag of leftover information that didn't quite fit anywhere else in the series. Enjoy!   weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com chrisandreggie.podbean.com Break snipped: Levi's 501 "Button Your Fly" commercial from 1990, directed by Spike Lee, starring Rob Liefeld TAGS: comic book history, underground comix, Epic Comics, Vertigo, webcomics, minicomics, ashcans, Steve Ditko, Cherry Poptart, Omaha the Cat Dancer, Doujinshi, lolicon, manga

Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) take you through the post-Underground years of Underground Comix, when things got even weirder! We follow the trajectories of Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Harvey Pekar, with some brief detours for Peter Bagge, Wendy and Richard Pini, and others! After some philosophizing about what "Underground Comix" means, our weird historians dive into some seminal black & white comic books, including a particular one about anthropomorphic turtles that changed the comics industry forever. All this...and David Letterman?   chrisandreggie.podbean.com weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com BREAK CLIP: Harvey Pekar on Late Night with David Letterman 7/31/87 https://youtu.be/D0akXKxbflM SOURCES: The Aline Kominsky-Crumb Interview, The Comics Journal #139 (December 1990) http://www.tcj.com/the-aline-kominsky-crumb-interview/ "I Felt Like I Didn't Have a Baby But at Least I'd Have a Book": A Diane Noomin Interview, The Comics Journal http://www.tcj.com/i-felt-like-i-didn%E2%80%99t-have-a-

This week Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) fire up their lava lamps and visit the 1960s and 70s in part two of a history of Underground Comix! This biography-heavy episode details the careers and impact of such Comix luminaries as Robert Crumb, art spiegelman, and Trina Robbins--and many more! We also trace the rise and fall of the scene and talk about a particular Underground Comic that was published by Marvel! Join us as we journey to a work of plasticine porters and looking-glass ties--and really weird comic books! chrisandreggie.podbean.com weirdcomicshistory@gmail.com   SOURCES AND LINKS:   A History of Underground Comix by James Estren, Ronin Publishing, 1974 Comic Book Creator #5, Spring 2014, "The Comix Book Life of Denis Kitchen" pg. 34-79     The Best of Comix Book by James Vance and Denis Kitchen, Kitchen Sink Books, 2013 Amazing Underground Comix Resource http://comixjoint.com/ BREAK CLIP Excerpt from Arena: The Confessions of Robert Crumb, British Broadcasting Co