EPISODE 68 Greetings, Explorers! Who is that gently rapping, rapping at our podcast chamber door? It appears to be our annual Halloween Special! Join the gang as they take a look at Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites. The story was written by Evan Dorkin, with art by Jill Thompson. The series was published by Dark Horse Comics. The story takes place in Burden Hill, a quaint town that happens to be the epicenter of paranormal activity. However, the town need not be afraid! A gang of heroes protects the citizens of Burden Hill from the horrors of killer frogs, zombie roadkill, a haunted (dog) house, and even a coven of witches! However, little does the town know its heroes are none other than its very own pets. This heroic group is Ace, Jack, Pugs, Whitey, Red, (all dogs) and the Orphan (a stray cat). Dennis and Johnny (Frankie was investigating some paranormal activities while we were recording) kicks things off by discussing when the Beasts of Burden meet World’s Greatest Paranormal Detective. Furthermore, they mention how the characters and story feel like the offspring of Through the Woods and We3. Finally, they ponder the possibility that Thompson’s art for the series pays tribute books like The Poky Little Puppy, publisher Little Golden Books, and The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Further topics include the wonderful animal euphemisms, like “eatin’ outta the same bowl” or “I been walked around the block a few times”; the careful balance of humor, horror, and heart throughout the series; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message

Graphic Novel Explorers Club

Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites

EPISODE 67 Greetings, Explorers! Our final episode of the Summer Special will strike fear in the hearts of criminals! The gang goes inside the Batcave to look at Batman: Ego and Other Tails. The late, great Darwyn Cooke wrote many of the stories and illustrated the collection. The series was published by DC Comics. Batman: Ego and Other Tails is a collection of Batman and Catwoman stories pulled from sources like Batman Gotham Knights (#23 and #33). Batman even teams up with The Spirit in one of the stories included in this collection. Additionally, the Catwoman story delves into a possible past for Selena Kyle and how she came to be a cat burglar. The story harkens back to Cooke’s foray into Richard Stark’s Parker series. Johnny and Dennis (Frankie was off helping Wayne Enterprises) begin the episode by paying tribute to Darwyn Cooke’s artist style and possible influences. Additionally, they discuss if Selena Kyle visited the world of Richard Stark’s Parker series or Parker visited the the world of Gotham in Batman: Ego and Other Tails. Further topics include the similarities between Bruce Wayne and Michael Jordan; how Batman beat the devil (his own personal devil); the timeless designs of Darwyn Cooke’s worlds; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Batman: Ego and Other Tails. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message

Batman: Ego and Other Tails

Episode 66 Greetings, Explorers! Our third episode of the 2020 Summer Special has risen! The gang takes a look at Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse – Issue 1: Birds, Bees, Blood & Beer by writer and artist Ben Templesmith. The series was first published in 2017 by IDW. Birds, Bees, Blood & Beer is the first volume of the Wormwood: Gentlemen Corpse series. Wormwood and his entourage are introduce in this first story. In  addition to Wormwood, there is Trotsky, a ghost cop who can’t leave  Earth until his case load is solved. Next, there is Pendulum, Wormwood’s  drinking buddy and a Rasputin look-a-like. Finally, there is Phoebe,  who has the ability to turn her tattoos into weapons. The team is pulled  together when Cthulhu-like creatures “burst” onto the scene and start  killing people. Dennis, Johnnny, and guest host Jake start off discussing if the  character of Phoebe is a Manic Pixie Dream Girl or not. Furthermore, they  discuss the possible story and art influences of H.P. Lovecraft, Sam  Raimi, and H.R. Giger. Finally, they look at possibly the worst design ever for a Batmobile. Further topics include Wormwoods possible hook up with a tentacle  beast; the appreciation for when world-building is done well; a few of  the other influences on the book; and last, but not least, the  storytelling and art of Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse – Issue 1: Birds, Bees, Blood & Beer.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message

Wormwood Gentleman Corpse

Episode 65 Greetings, Explorers! Our second episode of the 2020 Summer Special is here! The gang takes a look at Scooby Apocalypse, Vol. 1 by writers Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis.  This Scooby story is part of DC Comics’ Hannah-Barbera Beyond. We  previously covered The Flintstones story that is part of the  Hanna-Barbera Beyond series in Episode 40. Scooby Apocalypse, Vol. 1 is an Scooby Gang origin story set  in a post-apocalyptic world. In the story, Fred and Daphne are a  hard-hitting two-person news team. Daphne is the on-camera personality  and Fred is her loyal cameraman (who is desperately in love with  Daphne). Wilma is part of a secret science team whose experiments with  nanotechnology may bring out about the end of the world. And what about  Scooby and Shaggy? Scooby is part of a secret experiment at Wilma’s lab  and Shaggy is a friendly dog trainer hired by the lab where Wilma works. Johnny and Dennis (Frankie is off getting Scooby Snacks) chat about  by chatting about Dennis’s love of all things Scooby. Secondly, they  discuss the connection between Scrappy Doo, Snarf, Orko, and Poochie. Lastly, they discuss the differences between wonderfully complex and witty The Flintstones and the lighthearted Scooby Apocalypse. Further topics include the difference between Shaggy’s and Velma’s  relationships with their coworkers; the moral dilemma of killing zombies  and monster that were once human beings;  the connection between this  comic, Sideshow Bob, and Jean Valjean; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Scooby Apocalypse, Vol. 1. A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, Audio Book Club, Book Club, Comic Book, comic book podcast, Comic Books, Daphne, DC, Dennis Supachana, Frances Preziosi, Frankie, Fred, GNEC, Graphic Novel, Graphic Novel Book Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club Podcast, Graphic Novel Podcast, Graphic Novels, Hanna-Barbera, Hanna-Barbera Beyond, J. M. DeMatteis, Johnny Flores, Keith Giffen, Mystery Machine, podcast, Scooby Doo, Scrappy Doo, Shaggy, Wilma --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message

Scooby Apocalypse, Vol. 1

EPISODE 64 Greetings, Explorers! We’re back to take a look at Obscura for our 2020 Summer Special. Luke Cartwright is the author and Lukasz Wnuczek is the artist. Obscura takes place in Van Diemen’s Land (now known as Tasmania) in the late 19th Century. The story concerns one William Morier, the son of a mortician. Wiliam’s wife, Catherine, is diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, so they decide to raise the money they need to help her by running a scam on the rich. The scam? To photograph the spirits of the recently deceased with their families. However, this ruse is not the first one that Catherine has committed. As their grift grows, they draw the attention of a local constable who bullied William when they were children. Finally, as William and Catherine’s plans start to unravel, so does Wiliam’s sanity. Dennis, Johnny, and guest host Jake begin by chatting about the bullying and isolation William suffered as child and how it may have effected him as an adult. Secondly, Johnny finds a possible connection between this story and the Simpson franchise that could put them in the same fictional universe. Finally, they discuss the wonderful showdown between William and the town constable. Further topics include guessing what currency is used in Tasmania (one theory: pizza parlor coins); the legality of Spiritual Law and Ghost Rules; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Obscura. Audio Book Club, Book Club, Comic Book, comic book podcast, Comic Books, Dennis Supachana, Frances Preziosi, Frankie, GNEC, Graphic Novel, Graphic Novel Book Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club Podcast, Graphic Novel Podcast, Graphic Novels, Illustration, Johnny Flores, Lukasz Wnuczek, Luke Cartwright, podcast, Tasmania, Van Diemen's Land --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphicnovelexplorersclub/message

Obscura

EPISODE 63 Greetings, Explorers! Lend me your ear for our season 4 finale and we’ll review you a graphic novel called Fab4 Mania. The story was written and illustrated by Carol Tyler. Fantagraphics Books published the story in 2018. The story is a recreation of Tyler’s childhood diary and her love, -nay, obsession- with The Beatles as a 13-year-old girl in 1965. Her dream throughout the book is to see The Beatles live. Frankie, Dennis, and Johnny start by discussing the similarities (and differences) between My Favorite Thing Is Monsters to Fab4 Mania. For instance, both stories were published by Fantagraphics Books and share perspectives of being told by children. Secondly, Frankie tells tales about the legendary Chef-Boyardee Pizza Pie Kit from the 1960s. Finally, they discuss how Splendor in the Grass did for pizza what 9 1/2 Weeks did for ice cubes. Further topics include the difference between parenting in the 60s versus the 21st Century; the parallels between The Wonder Years, Stand By Me, and Fab4 Mania; if Frankie and Johnny’s love of Paula Abdul compares to Tyler’s love of The Beatles; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Fab4 Mania. Audio Book Club, Book Club, Carol Tyler, Comic Book, comic book podcast, Comic Books, Dennis Supachana, Fantagraphics Books, Frances Preziosi, Frankie, George Harrison, GNEC, Graphic Novel, Graphic Novel Book Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club Podcast, Graphic Novel Podcast, Graphic Novels, Illustration, John Lennon, Johnny Flores, Paul McCartney, podcast, Ringo Starr, The Beatles, The Fab Four --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Fab4 Mania

EPISODE 62 Greetings, Explorers! Join the gang as they take a look at Deadpool: Dead Presidents, Vol 1. The story was written by Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn, with art by Tony Moore. Marvel published the story in 2013. Deadpool: Dead Presidents gets started with all hell breaking loose when a rogue S.H.I.E.L.D agents decides it is time to bring back dead Presidents of the United States to end the division amongst the citizens of the United States. S.H.I.E.L.D. knows the fallout from “killing” dead presidents is a no-win situation in the eye of the public. Therefore, they decide to recruit Deadpool to deal with the mess, which goes about as well as you would expect. Johnny and Dennis (Frankie is on a secret mission with X-Men) kick things off discussing the large number of jokes, parodies, and cringe-humor throughout the book. Secondly, they discuss the caricatures of comedians littered throughout the book, like Patton Oswalt and Scott Aukerman. Finally, they discuss the influences of Ghostbusters, Aliens, the Rampage video game, and other pop culture references on the story. Further topics include the time Benjamin Franklin slept with Doctor Strange’s girlfriend; the tons of jokes that assault your brain in this story; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Deadpool: Dead Presidents. Audio Book Club, Book Club, Brian Posehn, Comic Book, comic book podcast, Comic Books, Deadpool, Dennis Supachana, Frances Preziosi, Frankie, Gerry Duggan, GNEC, Graphic Novel, Graphic Novel Book Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club, Graphic Novel Explorers Club Podcast, Graphic Novel Podcast, Graphic Novels, Illustration, Johnny Flores, podcast, Tony Moore --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Deadpool: Dead Presidents

EPISODE 61 Greetings, Explorers! In this episode the gang takes a look at Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, #1. The story is by Ryan Parrott with art by Simone di Meo. Boom Studios! published the story in 2019. The story brings together the Heroes in a Half Shell and the Teenagers With Attitude. With the Green Ranger missing, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers journey from Angel Grove to New York City to find him. At the same time, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles find themselves facing a new Foot Clan member with skills equaling, or better, their own. The two teams meet with tensions running high. Could the Shredder be at the center of this troubling time for both teams? Johnny and Dennis (Frankie is on special assignment with April O’Neil and Casey Jones) start the episode by recalling their personal histories with the two different franchises. In addition to this, they discuss how similar are the origins of the Green Ranger and Smurfette. The also discuss if the Green Ranger is eligible for the same health insurance coverage and retirement enrollment as the rest of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The gang discusses the impact of this crossover story and if it was specifically written with Dennis in mind. Further topics include the possible future plot lines of the story; if Casey Jones and the Green Ranger would get along; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, #1. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles, #1

EPISODE 60 Greetings, Explorers! For our sixtieth episode, the gang takes a look at Wizzywig. Ed Piskor wrote and illustrated the story. Top Shelf Comics published the story in 2011. Wizzywig tells the story of phone phreak-turned-hacker Kevin “Boingthump” Phenicle. Starting as a child prodigy with a curious mind, he spends his life fascinated with finding ways to game the system. Eventually his activities draw the attention of the FBI, leading Phenicle to becoming a fugitive from the law.  Finally, “Boingthump” is a blend of legendary real-life hackers Kevin Mitnick, Kevin Poulsen, and Joe Engressia. Dennis, Johnny, and special guest Brian begin the episode by chatting about Ed Piskor’s YouTube Channel, Cartoonist Kayfabe. Furthermore, they compare how the story parallels to the lives of Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden. Also, they discuss the overall character design of Kevin “Boingthump” Phenicle by Ed Piskor compared to the other more “realistic” characters in the story. Is the character’s design made to reflect innocence, the world around him, or both? The gang discusses the history of hacking, including its origins in phone phreaking. This would include the likes of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who sold Blue Boxes from the trunks of their cars. Further topics include if justice was actually served or not by the prosecution of Phenicle; the way “Boingthump” finally realizes the consequences of his actions; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Wizzywig. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Wizzywig

EPISODE 59 Greetings, Explorers! This episode takes a look at I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation. Natalie Nourigat wrote and illustrated the story and BOOM! Studios published it. Certainly the book serves as both an autobiography and a how-to book. Nourigat gives many helpful tips to anyone that wants to start a career any just about any creative field, like the application process or getting an apartment in cities where housing is in short supply. Finally, I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation guides readers through the ups and downs of the author leaving her comfortable life in Portland to follow her dream as animator. Dennis, Johnny, and Frankie begin the episode by debating if this should have been a Buzzfeed article. Continuing, Frankie and Johnny share their experiences of applying for jobs in the creative fields to what the experiences are like in the book. Other topics include the difference between writing and copy writing, the difficulties of working in the creative realm, and who, exactly, this book is for. Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation

EPISODE 58 Greetings, Explorers! The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Alan Moore wrote the story and Kevin O’Neill is the artist. America’s Best Comics published the book in 1999. Set in the Victorian Era,The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen takes place near the end of the 19th Century. Mina Murray and Allan Quatermain, literary characters of the era, are recruited to stop a plot meant to destroy London. Joining them in the fight are Dr. Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde), the Invisible Man, and Captain Nemo. Consequently, while racing to stop the plot, they run into many characters from 19th century books and beyond. Frankie, Dennis, and Johnny begin the episode by accidentally insulting 15-year-old Frances’s love for Keanu Reeves. It especially hurt as we made fun of his portrayal of Jonathan Harker. Additionally, Frankie comes up with an alternative title for the League to go by — it rhymes with basshole. The depiction of races in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is discussed. Is it a reflection of the time the books take place or not? The gang discusses the number of Easter Eggs hidden in the story. In addition, they ask if The League is a group of superheroes or not. On a more serious note, they look at the portrayal of sexual assault in the book. Other topics include the proposed podcast “Frankie Skims”; the possible influence of G.I. Joe: The Movie on the book; why you don’t want to be in a hot air balloon with an invisible man; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

EPISODE 57 Greetings, Explorers! We are taking a look at Marvels. Kurt Busiek wrote the story and Alex Ross illustrated painted it. The series was published by Marvel comics in 1994. Marvels spans the history of the Marvel Universe from the 1930s to the 1970s. News photographer Phil Sheldon has the luck of being in the right spot at the right time for many of Marvel’s most famous stories. He witnesses the the first battle of the many battles between Namor and The Human Tourch in the 30s to the death of Gwen Stacey in the 70s and everything in between. Johnny, Frankie, and Dennis start the episode by getting a recap of the story by way of Frankie’s incorrect, but not far off, recollection of the book. Additionally, we learn that Doctor Strange may be a high school teacher instead a physician. The gang continues by discussing the effects the Marvels have on the marriage of Phil Sheldon and Doris Jacquet. The gang explorers the analogy of the X-men and the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s role; the unknown life of the mutant girl; and the time Sue Storm married Lou Reed, not Reed Richards. Additional topics include the trope of Women in Refrigerators; why taking Phil Sheldon wants to take a photo with a random kid; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Marvels. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Marvels

Episode 56 Greetings, Explorers! Today the gang takes a swing at Spider-Man: Life Story. Chip Zdarsky wrote the story and Mark Bagley illustrated it. The series is published by Marvel comics. Nearly 60 years have passed since the first Spider-Man comic was published. Spider-Man: Life Story asks what would happen if Peter Parker aged over that time? The story spans Peter Parker’s life from the 1960s to the present day, with well-known Spider-Man storylines playing out differently than those familiar to readers. Dennis and Johnny (sadly, no Frankie this episode) begin by discussing the many twists the book makes to established Spider-Man lore in this story. Additionally, we learn why Dennis stopped reading comic books in the 90s (hint: college-age drinking). They continue by chatting about the filter of the Vietnam War influencing the early days of Peter Parker. Furthermore, Parker is torn between his responsibilities to his home town versus protecting soldiers in harm’s way. The gang explorers Tony Stark’s role in the the story; the similarities between the Vietnam War draft and The Hunger Games; and the hypocrisy of wealthy superheroes like Batman. Additional topics include the design of the Black Goblin; if Peter Parker has a death wish; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Spider-Man: Life Story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Spider-Man: Life Story

EPISODE 55 Greetings, Explorers! Today we are taking a look at Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick. Matt Fraction wrote the story and Chip Zdarsky illustrated it. The series started in 2013 and is published by Image Comics. Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick is about Suzie and Jonathan. First of all, Suzie is a librarian who just happens to be able to stop time when she has an orgasm. Sort of like Evie from Out of This World. Similarly, Jonathan shares Suzie’s abilities to stop time. However, he uses his powers to get revenge on his on his boss. With Suzie’s library facing foreclosure, Jonathan thinks they should use their powers to get the cash from the very bank he’s employed at. It’s win-win for the both of them: Save the library, get the ultimate revenge. Johnny, Frankie, and Dennis starts things by setting straight an error about women in the opening pages of the book. Additionally, they discuss which banks are foreclosing on which libraries. They continue by looking into the “Reading Is Sexy” campaign at elementary schools. Johnny and Dennis discuss their shared fear of the Calgon commercial from early 1980s. The gang also takes a look at “The User Agreement” and “Candle In The Wind”, two made-up sexual positions mentioned in Sex Criminals. Furthermore, they chat about “Brimping” and how it became a real thing because of this comic book. Frankie also cements the reason why barbershops may have Playboys but hair salons don’t have dic picks. Additional topics include a female character written from a male point of view; Sex Cop Shaming; sex solely for the sake of orgasms instead of intimacy; and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Sex Criminals: One Weird Trick

Episode 54 Greetings, Explorers! Today we take a look at Wrinkles. Paco Roca wrote and illustrated the graphic novel. Originally published in 2007 by Fantagraphics, an animated film was made in 2011, both in Spanish and English languages. In Wrinkles, an elderly man named Emilio is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Emilio’s son admits him to an assisted living home after realizing he can no longer care for his father. Emilio meets Miguel in the facility. Miguel is of a sharp mind and uses it to take advantage of his surroundings and neighbors in the home. Additionally, Miguel has an acerbic outlook on life among the many loving relationships in the story. Miguel uses his wily ways to keep his new friend Emilio from being admitted to the dreaded second floor of the facility. Dennis, Johnny, and Frankie begin the episode by comparing Wrinkles and Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Next, they discuss their impressions about elderly care in America versus Europe. They also discuss the ways Paco Roca shows Miguel’s growing love for Emilio and the sense of responsibility he has for his friend. Additional topics include why it’s good to be a “Cheater”; grifting for good; going to the Second Floor for love; the heart-wrenching finale; Johnny and Dennis’s future and last, but not least, the storytelling and art of Wrinkles. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/graphic-novel-explorers-club/message

Wrinkles

Graphic Novel Explorers Club is an audible book club for fans of graphic novels and comic books. The show is cohosted by Frankie, Johnny, and Dennis. They take a humorous and in-depth look at the storytelling and art of graphic novels. A new episode every other Tuesday.

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Graphic Novel Explorers Club

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