blakemp's Blog

In one short week, friends, comic fans will flood the movie theaters to see Edward Norton as The Incredible Hulk! This week, the Showcase boys dish on the history of the Hulk, their all-time favorite Hulk stories, and the current state of the books in the Hulk "Family." In the picks this week, Chase is happy to see She-Hulk #29 making a comeback, while Blake trumpets the virtues of How to Make Webcomics. E-mail us with your comments, "Ask Chase Anything" questions, or anything else at Showcase@comixtreme.com!

http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/EP.72_the_Hulk.mp3

Sounds awesome already, Doc. Can't wait.

How else could we follow up the longest Showcase podcast ever? With the second longest Showcase podcast ever! Last week, Chase and Blake took apart every Marvel Comics movie to date, and this week, they do the same for DC. Everything from Superman and the Mole Men and the Adam West Batman to looks ahead at The Dark Knight and Watchmen is part of this giant-size episode. In the picks this week, Chase cheers for Franklin Richards: Not-So-Secret Invasion #1, while Blake is stunned at how Supergirl has become a must-read comic. Next week, a normal-sized episode (we hope!) about our favorite Valiant Comics, followed by our long-awaited spotlight on The Incredible Hulk! E-mail us with your comments, "Ask Chase Anything" questions, or anything else at Showcase@comixtreme.com!

http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._70_DCMovies.mp3

Prepare yourself for the biggest 2 in 1 Showcase ever! With no less than five comic book movies coming out this summer and more planned for the fall, the Showcase boys decided to do a two-part episode talking about all the Marvel and DC movies to date. What neither of them expected was that both parts would be gargantuan. In this double-sized episode, the guys break down all of the Marvel films by franchise, debate the merits, and give their own rating of each and every one -- and the discussion lasts longer than some of the movies! In this week's picks, Blake loves the new Guardians of the Galaxy, while the conclusion of "Last Son of Krypton" makes Action Comics Annual Chase's choice. Next week, the guys tackle the DC movies, in another giant podcast! E-mail us with your comments, "Ask Chase Anything" questions, or anything else at Showcase@comixtreme.com!

http://www.media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._69_MarvelMovies.mp3

Our big May spectacular continues as Blake and Chase (along with back-up geeks Mike and Kenny) delve into the world's first superhero team, and one of the best monthly comics currently on the stands: Justice Society of America. The guys pick their favorite JSA stories, talk about the past, present and future of the team, discuss the strength of Legacy heroes, and show their excitement over the upcoming Power Girl series! Next, the guys update their Final Crisis discussion from Episode 64, and in the picks this week, Blake loves Noble Causes and Perhapanauts, while Chase goes for Star Trek: Year Four. (Mike enjoys Batman Confidential and Green Lantern Corps.) Next week, the guys begin their two-week debate on the greatest and worst comic book movies ever made, and in three weeks, the long-awaited Valiant Comics episode! E-mail us with your thoughts on these topics, this episode, "Ask Chase Anything" questions, or anything else at Showcase@comixtreme.com!

http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._68_JSA.mp3

It's part two of our Free Comic Book Day coverage! Chase and Blake return to the floor at BSI Comics where they talk to Marcus DiGesu and Anthony Figaro, the creators behind Lightning Age Studios' upcoming Justice City Chronicles graphic novel and the Leonidas: Rise of the King miniseries. After chatting with the customers and making their picks of the week (including DC Universe #0 from BSI's Jason, Wolverine: First Class #2 from Chase and Action Comics #864 from Blake), we talk with Doug Raymond and Monty from Welcome to Border City. Kathleen Ledet and Jen Suran tell us about their documentary film Weeding By Example, and Robby Musso -- artist of multiple IDW TransFormers comics and Speed Racer: Chronicles of the Racer, sits down for a long-awaited interview. Oh -- and because it's us, we go out talking about Lost. We hope you enjoyed this two-parter as much as we enjoyed making it! Come back on Saturday for our Justice Society of America episode, and e-mail us at Showcase@comixtreme.com!

Episode 67.5: Free Comic Book Day 2008 Part Two: http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._67.5_FCBD2008-2.mp3

Blake and Chase spent this year's Free Comic Book Day hanging out with the staff, guests and customers of BSI Comics, and with the microphone rolling all day they got so much good stuff that they can't pack it all into one episode! So in part one of our two-part Free Comic Book Day special, the guys chat with the customers and staff about the free books on the table, recent books like DC Universe #0, and the movie that's on everyone's mind, the smash hit Iron Man. Then, the guys talk to members of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion and with Vernon Smith, creator of the all-ages graphic novel series The Adventures of Dexter Breakfast. Come back on Wednesday for part two of this double-length episode, with interviews with the guys from Lightning Age Studios, the webcomic Welcome to Border City, the creators of the documentary film Weeding By Example and with TransFormers and Speed Racer artist Robby Musso! While you're waiting, you can e-mail us at Showcase@comixtreme.com!

2 in 1 Showcase Episode 67: Free Comic Book Day 2008 Part One
http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._67_FCBD08-1.mp3

BONUS TIMES TWO! Saturday, May 3, is Free Comic Book Day 2008, and in this mini-episode -- for the second year in a row -- the Showcase boys give you a rundown of all the goodies that may be available in your local shop -- after Chase explains why he doesn't like FCBD and Blake explains why it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. (Remember Sliced Bread #42, when ol' Yeasty fought the diabolical Dr. Mold? Ahem. Anyway...) If you're in the New Orleans area, visit the guys at BSI Comics at noon! If you're not, go to http://www.FreeComicBookDay.com to find the participating comic shop nearest you!

http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._66.6_FCBD2008.mp3
Episode 66.9: Free Comic Book Day 2008 Sneak Preview

Darn it -- posted the wrong link. Here's the right one:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._66.5_Iron_Man_Movie.mp3

BONUS! The Showcase crew caught a sneak preview of the new Iron Man movie courtesy of their good friends at BSI Comics! How do Chase and Blake think it stacks up next to the other Marvel Movies? Find out now in this SPOILER-FREE review!

Episode 66.5: Iron Man Movie Review:
http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._66_Iron_Man.mp3

Did I miss #49?

With a new movie in the works, Blake and Chase are giving up this week to Marvel's armored Avenger, the Invincible Iron Man! What are their favorite stories? Why does Chase dislike the character? How long can Blake rant about why he hated Civil War? And will the movie be any good? Stick around for the picks (Iron Man: Legacy of Doom and X-O Manowar: Birth), listener e-mails and Ask Chase Anything, and find out how YOU can make May 2008 the biggest month in Showcase history! E-mail us at Showcase@comiXtreme.com, and join us on May 3 at BSI Comics in Metairie, Louisiana for Free Comic Book Day 2008!

Episode 66: Iron Man:
http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._66_Iron_Man.mp3

Talk about the episode here:
http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40527

We'll no doubt do a full-blown Secret Invasion retrospective episode when the story ends (our preferred method of doing things), but it's more than likely that we'll wind up discussing it in some form or another nearly every episode from now until then. The big stuff, things like that and Final Crisis, have a way of working their way in even when they aren't the topic at hand. :)

Blake can't make it to the microphone this week, so Chase is flying solo to bring you his thoughts on the fast-approaching summer movie season. From the opening weekend of Iron Man to the final bell of The Mummy III, Chase talks about all the comic, sci-fi and fantasy films coming to your local cineplex. And just to satisfy your comic fix, Chase goes over two comics he wasn't a fan of, and three picks of the week! Next week the guys will be together again for the highly-anticipated Iron Man episode, so make sure you send your picks for your favorite stories (and any other comments) to Showcase@ComiXtreme.com!

Download: http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep.65_SUmmer_Movie_Blowout.mp3 Discuss: http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40430

Another important point is that the Frankenstein Monster's condition isn't communicable. Nobody can become another monster by being bitten, and there's no danger of a Frankenstein outbreak.

I guess all that really goes to prove is that being a reanimated corpse is not, in and of itself, enough of a criteria to make one a zombie. After all, by that definition, vampires and mummies would count too.

Just finished listening to this week's show -- thanks for all the kind words, Doc! Chase and I had a blast. I'm sure we can do it again some time. :)

Sweet. Too bad it's copyrighted, I'd love to print some out and hand out.

Agreed -- hospitals would be the worst place in an outbreak. I wouldn't concern myself too much with cemeteries, for the same reasons mentioned. I'll bet it would be pretty loud and freaky walking through one, though...

Ah yes, lawyer wranglin'. They're so damn hard to hog-tie, too.

Great logo, Doc!

It's time for a new feature on the Showcase -- 2 in 1 Retrospectives! With a Final Crisis brewing for the DC Universe, Blake and Chase dive into DC's past to discuss the history of, high points from and ultimate ramifications of one of the greatest crossovers ever, the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. The guys talk about everything that led into the first Crisis, everything that happened to the story, and how its effects are still felt in the DCU's stories today. In the picks, Chase pulls Sub-Mariner #6 from his pile of recent releases, while Blake finds himself a fan of the Young X-Men. We will soon record our Iron Man episode, so send your comments on these or any other episode to Showcase@ComiXtreme.com!
Download: http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._64_Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths.mp3
Discuss: http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40288

Finally talked to Chase, Doc -- expect an MP3 from us in the next two weeks or so, after we get together to record again. ;)

I've heard of it, but I have NO idea what it's about.

What's it about?

Unable to meet with Chase to record this week, Blake recruits his girlfriend Erin to sit in on the second Showcase Tangent! Blake and Erin update you on their Buffy the Vampire Slayer watching and answer your questions! Chase does manage to chime in, however, giving his thoughts on Wildstorm Comics and The Authority. In this week's picks, Chase throws support to Amazing Spider-Man, Erin is excited to be reading Strangers in Paradise Vol. 1, and Blake was taken by surprise by the coolness of Batman and the Outsiders #5. Upcoming topics will include Crisis on Infinite Earths, What If?, Iron Man and Webcomics, so send your comments on these or any other episode to Showcase@ComiXtreme.com!
Download the episode: http://media.libsyn.com/media/twoinone/Ep._62_Tangent_II.mp3
Discuss the episode: http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40023

Awesome, Doc! I can't wait to hear it!

In the meantime, here's this week's show:
It's spring, the time a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of love -- and a friend of the Showcase is walking down the aisle this weekend! Chase and Blake prepare for the Bachelor Party by talking about their favorite comic book wedding stories, which superheroes work married and which ones don't, and discuss love, families and everything that comes with taking the big plunge. In the picks, Blake digs Jeff Smith's RASL and Chase says farewell to Cable and Deadpool. Upcoming topics will include Crisis on Infinite Earths, What If? and Webcomics, send your comments on these or any other episode to Showcase@ComiXtreme.com!

Episode 61: Wedding Stories-http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39902

After an inexplicable five-minute tangent about Lost, the guys get around to their second annual St. Patrick's Day Green Tribute: Green Arrow. The guys talk about their favorite stories with the emerald archer, the different versions of the character, and how his transformation began the transformation of the entire DC Universe. In the picks this week, Chase loves the cover to Black Panther #34, while Blake tells us how Action Comics #862 is one comic that lives up to its name.

Check it out here: http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39765

The first time I read "The Stand" was when I was in high school. The TV miniseries was about to come out, and my uncle insisted I read the book first. I'm so glad he did.

I'm going to have to put a note on my computer wallpaper telling me, "GO POST AT LIBRARY OF THE LIVING DEAD!" :D

Threw in my two cents' worth, Doc!

My goodness, Doc, what a gargantuan undertaking! Congratulations! As for if it's ever been done before, I know the Lost Podcasting Network is actually planning to host a 24-hour podcast full of new material in a week or two, but that'll be different hosts from the network taking turns for a few hours each. Doc is the only one man enough to do it solo.