Hey Kids, Comics! #278 - Summer Fun 2018: The Diet Coke of Evil

00000000 diet coke.jpg

While "Hey Kids, Comics!" may not have an Annual, well, annually, there are a few things that this show does manage every year like clockwork (ish).  The annual Summer Fun issue is certainly one of those thing and that thing is here now for your fun during the summer!

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

Comic books, well, super-hero comic books, are chock-a-block full of the most insidious of evil and dangerous villains.  And then there are those that, as Dr. Evil would say, are the "Diet Coke of Evil".  One little calorie.  Not evil enough.  Try though they may, some folks are just not cut out for the bad guy biz. 

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

So it is that this week your hosts Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston pull no punches when it comes to exposing, exploring, and poking fun at the worst of the worst, literally, that comics over the years have had to offer.  While all super-villains have high ambitions, not all will be the next Doctor Doom!

The many uniforms of Sportsmaster!

The many uniforms of Sportsmaster!

Enjoy an hour of those who just can't and won't make the grade!  (E+ for Evil)

000000000000000000000A rp a4.jpg

With sincere apologies to both Arnim Zola and Doughboy, we simply did not manage to get either into the mix this summer!

The Rantcor Pit #74 - Off the Wall

Note:  When originally recorded this episode was mistakenly referred to as #73.

000000000000000000000A rp ant2.jpg

Posters.  The paper heralds of so many wonderful things, not the least of which is Star Wars.  Often the movie poster, or one-sheet, was the first glimpse into what was "coming soon" for the Saga.  

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

Welcome at last to the third (of four) July episodes of The Rantcor Pit as part of the annual Force of July celebration!  This outing Cole Houston and Eddie Medina take a look at some of their favorite posters of and for Star Wars over the years.  

000000000000000000000A rp a4.jpg

From theatrical one-sheets from around the world to promotional posters and fast-food giveaways, your hosts delve into their all time favorites from decades of the medium.  Enjoy this theater of the mind audio exploration of Star Wars posters!

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! Annual #3 - The Collection Assassin Returns

000000000000000000000A cc1.jpg

After far too many years without one, Hey Kids, Comics! now has an Annual for 2018!  And what better way to bring back this staple of comics than with the annual rant about San Diego Comic Con exclusives!

000thanos.jpg

For years now SDCC exclusives have been a bone of contention for Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston.  With few exceptions there are the offerings that are only available there that whet their appetite for collectibles while offering no relief.  This year featured a bumper crop of the unobtainable, so they are joined by friend of the show Michael Fraley at the empty banquet table.

000thanos222212.jpg

So without further delay, the JCU brings you the annual HKC! rant as an Annual!

000thanos222212a.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #277 - HKC! Team-Up #10: The New Mutants

000000000000000000000A rp a0a.jpg

It's team-up time again, folks!  Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston have a great one for you this time, The New Mutants!

000000000000000000000A rp a4.jpg

Premiering in 1982's Marvel Graphic Novel #4, The New Mutants were the next generation of X-Men in training.  The one-shot story would prove to be an ideal springboard for an ongoing series that ran 100 issues before becoming X-Force!

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

Your hosts are joined this week by friend of the show and long-time fan of the X-Men franchise, Steve McCauley!  With a personal history with this and other X-titles, he brings a wealth of buried memories to the fore.

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

So prepare yourself for a look at a title that generated a wealth of, well, new mutants both good and evil as it explored the life of some of Xavier's newest gifted youngsters!

000000000000000000000A rpl padawan.jpg

The Rantcor Pit #73 - Star Wars For the Holidays Part 2: That Time of Year

Note:  When originally recorded, this episode was mistakenly referred to as #72.

000000000000000000000A rp main.jpg

"The Force of July" continues with a well-timed episode that looks at the holidays between, well, July and December and associated Star Wars merchandise!

000000000000000000000A rpl padawans.jpg

Cole "JediCole" Houston and Eddie Medina pick up where they left off half way through the year exploring July 4, Halloween, and Christmas most predominantly.  With two heavy hitters at the tail end of the year, from the standpoint of collectibles and merchandise, this episode runs a little long out of necessity!

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

Join the fun as your hosts discuss and discover the myriad ways that Star Wars licensees have churned out holiday products over the last 40 years or more.  Expects some old favorites, a few surprises, and a whole lot of holiday cheer in this second of four (to five) episodes in July.  This show is going to catch up with "The Rantcor Pit Live eventually!

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg
000000000000000000000A rp a4.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #276 - Size Matters Not

000000000000000000000A rp a0a.jpg

Hey kids!  The show is back at last! 

This issue of the show Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston mimic Steve Martin in the 70s and "get small"!  But then one kind of has to when approaching the subject of Ant-Man on the big screen!  

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

You are now entering Spoiler Territory!  

The Rantcor Pit Live's intern and the JCU's resident movie buff Stephen Fett joins a lively discussion on what all three feel is one of the best movies in the ten year history of Marvel Studios.  Holding nothing back, they talk about a lot of aspects of the film that you might want to see for yourself before hearing their words.

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

Ant-Man and the Wasp provides all of the elements of an ideal super-hero film with action, over the top characters, a sprinkling of humor, plenty of things for comic fans to hang their hat on, and, in the end, a story about family.  So join the HKC! family as they look at the tiny details of a really big movie!

000000000000000000000A rp a4.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #275 - I Don't Know Much About Archie, But I Know What I Like

000000000000000000000A1244.jpg

There are, from time to time, those topics that Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston set themselves to task to tackle for this show that leave them wondering if anyone would know the difference if they never did a show on such subjects at all.  The Archie Comics-based television show "Riverdale" is one such subject.  Yet they persevered and used it as a springboard for anther HKC! milestone.

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

With a history that spans decades, retooling Archie Andrews and company for modern audiences had to have been a challenge, one accepted and met by the producers of Riverdale.  Turning everything you ever knew or heard about "America's Favorite Teenager" (and technical septuagenarian) on its ear, this show explores the hidden corners of otherwise idyllic small town life.

000000000000000000000A rpl padawan.jpg

Definitely not the life with Archie that so many Americans grew up with, Riverdale presents the iconic gang in a vastly different light that hits its notes with near perfection and avoids the all too common pitfalls of "teen angst" shows of the past.  Enjoy your hosts exploring and coming to grips with a program that invokes a comic book with which they have the most minimal of personal history.

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg
000000000000000000000A rpl padawans.jpg

The Rantcor Pit #72 - Star Wars For the Holidays Part One: Midway Through the Year

Note:  When originally recorded, this episode was mistakenly referred to as #71.

000000000000000000000A rp main.jpg

The Force of July is kicking in with the first of four weekly episodes of The Rantcor Pit!  To start off the month-long celebration of "The Star Wars", Cole Houston and Eddie Medina take a look at Saga merchandise for the holidays.  Those that fall between January and June, in the U.S., anyway.

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

From New Year's Day in January to Father's Day in June, there is (and has been over the last 40 years) a wealth of Star Wars merchandise to be discussed and remembered.  So much that what began as one episode was split into two!  Stay tuned for the July through December episode coming soon!

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #274 - Minority Report

000000000000000000000A rp a0a.jpg

Welcome to an issue of the show over 200 issues in the making.  And one of the most challenging.  This week your hosts Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston set their sights on ethnicity in comics. 

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

Ethnic minorities have been more marginalized than celebrated in over 100 years of comics, at least until more recently.  The range of good, bad, and especially stereotypical portrayals of characters is a weighty subject to tackle, but Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston set out to do so with a frank approach that looks back at an often awkward history.

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

From inflammatory, often racist images to the rise of ethnically diverse characters, the evolution of race portrayal in comics proves a fascinating journey for your hosts as they come to grips with how the medium has failed or succeeded in developing minority characters in mainstream comics.

000000000000000000000A rp a3.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #273 - Nocked Up

000000000000000000000A1245.jpg

JediCole loves a good turn of phrase!  And in the case of the latest issue of Hey Kids, Comics!, the subject matter lent itself beautifully to one such that made this one of the top titles for the series in over 250 episodes for Andrew Farmer!  What better way to launch a discussion of the various archers in comic books?

000000000000000000000A rpl padawans.jpg

From obvious long-time favorites to some of the more obscure masters of bow and arrows, this week's issue hits bulls-eye after bulls-eye as your hosts draw on decades of archery enthusiasts from various publishers. 

000000000000000000000A1a1a1.jpg

So fill your quiver and string your bow, it's time to hit the virtual range and "nock out" a lively discussion of the history of archery in comics and indeed the world!

000000000000000000000A rp a0a.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #272 - Reynolds Rap

000000000000000000000A1244.jpg

While it's been up on Podbean for a few days, this issue of the show was a bit slow arriving to The JediCole Universe due in large part to unforeseen headwinds.  Little wonder since it is the show in which Andrew "Sugar Bear" Farmer and Cole "Pretend Super-Powers" Houston talk about Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool!

000000000000000000000A rpl padawans.jpg

This week your hosts are joined by Wonder Twin Powers Activate Show co-host Aaron Prado!  With three comic and film aficionados on board, you can certainly anticipate some in-depth coverage of Reynolds' journey from the dreadful rendition in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" to the Deadpool of your dreams in two hit solo films.

000000000000000000000A1a1ae7.jpg

To call this issue "Spoiler Rich" would be an understatement, so if you haven't seen Deadpool 2 (or Deadpool for that matter), go see this movie (these movies) then return for the show!  Screening the first movie to feature Deadpool is not really a requirement of course.

000000000000000000000A1a1ae4ab.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #271 - Rogue-ish I's II: Tangled Web Part 5: Bugle Boy

000000000000000000000A1244.jpg

The time has come at last to reveal the headline-worthy mystery villain that the Rogue-ish I's II storyline has been building toward for the past four issues.  Yes, the most vile, obsessed, and untouchable nemesis of Spider-Man is none other than his alter-ego's boss, J. Jonah Jameson!

000000000000000000000A1a1ae5a.jpg

Your hosts, Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston go it alone on this extra-large edition of the show, which ran a few days late making it onto The JediCole Universe website.

000000000000000000000A1a1ae6a.jpg

Yes, the infamous Spider-hater has a long career not only blasting Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man in the press, but also been actively involved in a staggering number of attempts on the hero's life!  

000000000000000000000A rpl padawans.jpg

Discover how one man's Ahab-like obsession became the stuff of legend in the pages of Marvel Comics.  From the headlines to the tirades, to the automated death machines, old triple-J has a storied history that was too big to contain in a standard one hour issue!

000000000000000000000A1a1ae7.jpg

The Rantcor Pit #71 - When Lucas Got Hammered

Note:  When originally recorded, this episode was mistakenly referred to as #70.

000000000000000000000A rp a1.jpg

JediCole and Eddie are back again!  Bringing you their unique take on "The Star Wars", this outing they take a look at the Hammer Horror film connection to the Saga through two iconic actors.

Tarking dooku.png

The Rantcor spotlight falls on  Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee as "Your Favorite Star Wars Guys" are joined by Hammer Films fan and Grand Moff Tarkin enthusiast Eric Shirey.

0 cush.png

With tremendous insight into the shared history of Lee and Cushing as perpetual stars of England's Hammer Studios productions, this episode's guest helps illustrate the perfect casting of two of Star Wars' greatest villains. 

0 lee.png

With a strong focus on the actors and their careers, more so than the characters they portrayed, this episode proved to be lively and informative - illustrating why both Cushing and Lee were ideal choices by George Lucas when bringing his creations to life.

Frankenstein's Monster invoking comparison unintended...

0 cushing lee.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #270 - Rogue-ish I's II: Tangled Web Part 4: Animal Kingdom

000000000000000000000A1245.jpg

It's a jungle out there!  Especially if you are that Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and your personal rogues gallery consists of so many villains who sport the names of animals!

000000000000000000000A1a1ae5a.jpg

Insects, mammals, reptiles, birds!  Almost every type of animal in the catalog wound up being the namesake of a Spidey villain at some point.  This week Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston, along with special guest Eddie Medina (of The Rantcor Pit) tackle the better part of this menagerie of evil.

000000000000000000000A1a1ae7.jpg

With so many characters to cover, certain criteria had to be met.  Characters were carefully selected, leaving some seeming obvious (and even some not-so-obvious ones) out of the mix.  Expect to hear about the heaviest hitters and the more well known of the critter-themed foes with the odd honorable mention as well.

000000000000000000000A1a1af.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #269 - Rogue-ish I's II: Tangled Web Part 3: Well Armed

000000000000000000000A1243.jpg

Eight is enough...when it comes to limbs when you are Doctor Otto Octavius!  As Rogue-ish I's II continues, Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston put Dr. Octopus in the spotlight as one of the more curious and compelling of Spider-Man's arch nemeses.  

000000000000000000000A1a1ae6a.jpg

This week they are joined by The Rantcor Pit Live's infamous intern, Stephen Fett!  Lacking much foreknowledge of the character (and brought in as a guest to his surprise), Stephen does manage to get the feel for this great Spidey villain during the course of the show and brings his own unique insights in the end.

000000000000000000000A1a1ae6aa.jpg

As one of the most storied of this collection of rogues, Doc Ock proved a fascinating subject and inspired a level of passion in Andy that is rarely exhibited in an issue of the show.  Cole and Stephen get their observations in, of course, but you must be prepared for an impromptu "Defending the Ock Man" with this one!

000000000000000000000A1a1ae5.jpg

All of this and Alfred Molina's amazing cinematic outing as Doctor Octopus!   Give it a listen!

000000000000000000000A1a1ae6ab.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #268 - Rogue-ish I's II: Tangled Web - Part 2: Thinking Outside the Sandbox

000000000000000000000A1244.jpg

William Baker (a.k.a. Flint Marko) is one of the more unique Spider-Man villains.  Sometimes the tortured soul with tremendous potential for redemption, sometimes a ruthless criminal serving his own selfish ends.  The ideal character to profile as Rogue-ish I's II:  Tangled Web continues.

000000000000000000000A1a1am1A.jpg

Your hosts Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston dig into Sandman and his curious history as villain and hero in this week's issue of the show.   Joining them in this discussion is comic historian and gentleman scholar Weldon Adams, an popular occasional guest of the show.

000000000000000000000A1ab.jpg

Expect some interesting observations and insights into Marvel character who often goes overlooked by fans in general.  With the kind of history he brings to bear, Sandman should really enjoy the level of notoriety shared by the likes of Venom, Green Goblin, and Kingpin.

000000000000000000000A1a1am1B.jpg

And with a cinematic pedigree, the big screen incarnation is also explored.

000000000000000000000A1a1am1.jpg

The Rantcor Pit #70 - Solo Career

Note:  When originally recorded, this episode was mistakenly referred to as #69.

000000000000000000000A1a1ag.jpg

It's the second Sunday of May and something that has not happened in a great long time is back again!  The Rantcor Pit is back on The JediCole Universe after yet another creative hiatus.  Recorded on the night of the world premiere of Disney's new Star Wars Anthology film, "Solo", JediCole Houston and Eddie Medina have made it back to the show that started it all...the audio version!

chef.png

With the U.S. premiere still nearly two weeks out, Your Favorite Star Wars Guys talk up their anticipation for the movie and all that it may reveal about the history of everyone's favorite scoundrel.

000 a1.jpg

From casting choices to the battles with directors behind the scenes, there was plenty to discuss about this exciting new chapter in the Star Wars franchise.  And now you can find out what Cole and Eddie have to say before the release with the promise of more afterwards here or on the live show!

000 a1c.jpg

 Non-Spoiler Alert - This being all speculation and general pre-release public knowledge, there are pretty much no spoilers in this episode!

000 a1b.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! Quarterly #1 - Podcast's Finest

HKCWTPA.jpg

Welcome to the latest addition to the HKC! universe,  Hey Kids, Comics! Quarterly.  This special edition of the show will publish a mere four issues per year, but each will be colossal in both time and content.

000 a1a.jpg

Could there be a better way to launch a new project than in the company of friends?  Certainly not as Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston happily join forces with DeNae Cortez and Aaron Prado of the Wonder Twin Powers Activate Show!  Together these two geeky podcasts seek to tackle the massive topic of ten years of Marvel Studios movies!

000 a1b.jpg

Coming from various backgrounds in regard to comic books, as well as the Marvel movies, the conversations are all over the map in this special issue.  Love, hate, and various levels of "meh" are leveled at the bulk of the Marvel cinematic catalog.  Even the top four movies in the opinion of your hosts and their guests are also included in the mix!

000 a1a.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #267 - Rogue-ish I's II: Tangled Web- Part 1: Goblin Up

000000000000000000000A1243.jpg

Welcome to the latest story arc to hit Hey Kids, Comics!, Rogue-ish I's II:  Tangled Web!  Your hosts Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston kick off an in-depth exploration of some of the most iconic villains to ever challenge Spider-Man in his long career.

000 a1.jpg

Heading up the arc is none other than perhaps the best known nemesis of Ol' Web Head, the Green Goblin.  The rich history of this antagonist makes him the ideal jumping off point to examine the villains who have kept Spidey busy for over 50 years!

000 a1c.jpg

Delving into the origins, history, and psychology of such a troubled character is not a task entered into lightly, so your hosts are joined this week by PJ (Vegabomber) Dunn!  Bringing his own unique insights and wisdom to the fore, many a realization was made about the dynamic shared by Norman Osborne and his twisted alter ego.

000 a1a.jpg

Even the cinematic incarnations are given their due as Rougeish I's II begins a five issue exploration of evil.

000 a1b.jpg

Hey Kids, Comics! #266 - Legends in Their Own Toys

000000000000000000000A2.jpg

A bit overdue, but worth it, the latest issue of Hey Kids, Comics! has arrived and it is "Legendary!"

000000000000000000000A1a1af.jpg

Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston are no strangers to Hasbro's Marvel Legends line, a spin-off years ago from a Toy Biz Spider-Man figure series.  They have spoken at length about the line here, on Aisle of Toys, and elsewhere.  Simply put, they love Marvel Legends!  With that in mind it is little wonder they have returned to the topic yet again!

000000000000000000000A1a1ag3.jpg

This time, however, they are joined by The Rantcor Pit's own Eddie Medina, a recent convert to this action packed series of action figures!  Eddie brings his own take (and tales of incredible luck on "the hunt" to the table as three collectors share their favorite figures, tales, and want list gems!

000000000000000000000A1a1ag.jpg

Discover the toy line that changed the game for collectors and retailers alike on this special issue of HKC!

000000000000000000000A1a1af.jpg