Episode 139: Who is John Constantine (aka The Hellblazer)?

November 27, 2022 by Kurt Onstad

One of our listeners just discovered the character of John Constantine, and wants to learn more about him before diving in on his own. So, we look at a bit of the history behind this DC/Vertigo staple, and answer some important questions, like “How do you pronounce Constantine?”

You say Tine, I say Teen. Let’s call the whole thing off…

One of my personal favorite renditions of the character, by artist Darick Robertson.

One live-action adaptation of the character…

…and another. One slightly more comic accurate than the other. At least they both got the drinking right.

He’s crazy, but he’s not that crazy…

Episode 121: The Green, The Red, and The Rest (Colors in the DCU Pt. 1)

June 05, 2022 by Kurt Onstad

While many superheroes and villains have colors in their name (Green Arrow, Scarlet Witch, Blue Beetle, etc.), in the DC Universe there are two ways that colors influence some characters powers, and vice versa. This episode, we discuss the elemental forces that are associated with a few different colors in the first of this two part look.

Well, that covers The Red, The Black, and The Green (despite his costume, Animal Man doesn’t represent The Blue)

Swamp Thing travels through The Grey. When he works at it, he can be a real Fungi!

Aquaman communes with his dead adopted dolphin mother. And this is the least weird story involving these forces.

Episode 102: Horror Comics (and the Comics Code)

October 28, 2021 by Kurt Onstad

With Halloween just days away, it seemed like the perfect time to answer a question about the history of Horror comics. From the very first, all the way up to a current favorite, we discuss the ups and downs this particular genre has experienced, especially as it was affected by the Comics Code Authority.