Hey Kids, Comics #168 - Creator Spotlight #5: John Byrne

It's "SPOTLIGHT" Time Again!

After nearly a year it was time to shine the HKC! Spotlight on a favorite comic creator.  It has been too long.  Far too long, in fact, as the focus of this issue is an artist and writer who is long overdue for an in-depth exploration.  None other than John Byrne!

As creators go, Byrne brings far more than an average body of work to the table.  His work on Uncanny X-Men helped cement the popularity of that title after its initial revival under Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum.  From there Byrne's art and writing became a staple of Marvel comics with his influence being felt in titles such as West Coast Avengers, The Incredible Hulk, and a ground-breaking run on Fantastic Four.  

Speaking of ground-breaking, John Byrne took on the insurmountable task of resetting the 50 year history of DC Comics' flagship character, Superman.  Making the jump from Marvel to DC would see him lending his remarkable talents to the Man of Steel and Wonder Woman.  In the midst of all of this he continued to create his own original work and even wrote a novel!

Hey Kids, Comics! #167 - The Big House

The Pokey.  The Coop.  The Hole.  “Up the river”.  The Can.  The Slammer.  The Clink.  The Gulag.  Lockup.  The Hoosgow.  The Cooler.  Stir.  The Joint.   The block.  The Joint.  The Calaboose.  The Quad (Scotland only).  And, yes, the Big House. 

Call it what you will, even in Scotland, prison is just no kind of place that anyone wants to call home.  Incarceration, necessary evil that it is, tends to be what the “bad guys” try to avoid at all cost.  In comic books it is no different.  From the henchmen and minor players who do all the leg work to the greatest criminal minds the world has ever known, “Get Out of Jail” is the card that every villain, crook, or Lothario hopes to draw.

Yet thanks to those meddling kids super heroes, pretty much everybody - from the lowly Paste-Pot Petes and Magpies to the vaunted Green Goblins and Jokers – winds up behind bars at some point in their career!  So once you have the worst super-villains in history in custody, where do you put them? 

It is this question that Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston seek to explore as the discuss comics’ “other revolving door” (death being the primary one), the super-prison.  From Arkham Asylum and Blackgate Prison to The Raft and Project Pegasus, when it comes to putting away the powerful inmates, there have been some unique solutions, some more effective than others.

The Rantcor Pit Live #46 - Where's Phasma?

This episode originally streamed live from the One-Eyed Joe Studios and Deep Ellum on Air via watchonairlive.com on Sunday, January 17, 2016.

Welcome yet again to The Rantcor Pit Live.  This week Cole Houston and Eddie Medina get all Finn on Captain Phasma!

Actually, they don't threaten to blast her shiny helmet off her head, but rather explore the phenomenon that was this highly marketed and grossly underutilized character from The Force Awakens.  The sheer volume of Phasma merchandise that was on the market in the weeks before the films release, coupled with her high profile design, led many a fan to perceive her as a major player on screen. The reality was that this simply was not going to be the case.

Star Wars fans and creators of the Facebook group Everything Captain Phasma, Pete and Joanna Jones, join your hosts in the studio to talk about the mysterious First Order commander, her rather minimal screen presence, and the tonnage of toys and collectibles based on her.  All of this with a hopeful look toward the future and the promise of even more Phasma in our future!

Hey Kids, Comics! #166 - The Breakaways

Welcome comic fans and collectors to Hey Kids, Coimcs! latest issue!  While this may not prove to be a big breakaway episode, it will definitely be an exploration of breakaway characters in comics!

As we enter an era in comics where every character is created with potential marketability in mind it is easy to forget that at times some background characters used to shine beyond the original intentions and become some of the most popular within the publisher's corral.  

There was, however, a time when obscure or almost ignored characters would suddenly come back and shine beyond any expectations.  Or a bit part character that would capture the imagination of readers to the point that their popularity would soar.  While this does still occur to this day, it is rare to find a true breakaway with so many characters being engineered for success and popularity.

Join Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston as they explore the characters that realized unexpected potential in the pages of comics.

Apologies to Lockheed, we somehow forgot you!

The Rantcor Pit #46 - Not a Toy

Welcome back to The Rantcor Pit!  Hot on the heels of the live stream of The Rantcor Pit Live today, Cole Houston and Eddie Medina are happy to bring you a special edition of "The Pit".  

Special returning guest David Bunds joins the fun down in Jabba's dungeon with a show that was inspired by him pointing out an article about Gary Kurtz leaving the Star Wars franchise after The Empire Strikes Back.  Citing concerns that Lucas' artistic vision was more driven by toys and other licensing concerns, the producer determined to leave the franchise.

Explore this story as well as the aftermath that certainly had an effect on many aspects of the production of the Prequel Trilogy.  Collectibles merchandising became an over arching element in the decisions made within the production of the Saga.  In addition, a brewing "controversy" in the merchandising realm is also discussed.

Hey Kids, Comics! #165 - Star Spangled Saviors

Citizens!  Citizens!  Hey, kids.

Welcome all you loyal ladies and you patriotic men (with apologies to "Duck Soup") to the latest issue of Hey Kids, Comics!  Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston took a week away from the show but are back in business and ready to talk comics.  This time, comic book heroes who embody their nation and its iconography.

From "the captains" such as those of America and Britain to heroes who are the sole representatives of their homeland, many are the super-humans who take up the mantle of nationalism to fight crime or even larger threats.

Your hosts explore a great many angles on the concept of the super-patriot.  From awkward cookie cutter nation-themed characters like those that occurred in Contest of Champions to more developed embodiment-of-a-country characters, there were plenty of heroes to discuss.  

The Rantcor Pit Live #45 - See 3PO, R2 Too

This episode of The Rantcor Pit Live, the first of the new year, originally streamed live on Sunday, January 3, 2016 via Deep Ellum on Air from the One Eyed Joe Studios in Dallas, Texas.

Welcome back to "the Pit"!  It is a new year and a big one for Star Wars fans!  The Force Awakens is still dominating the box office, toys and collectibles galore continue to appear, and late in the year we get yet another Star Wars film!

Cole "JediCole" Houston and Eddie Medina kick off 2016 with a look at those intrepid droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.  Not since Bert and Ernie have a constantly squabbling platonic couple so captured the imagination of the public.  What better characters to profile as the Rantcor Pit draws closer to its second anniversary?

This week your hosts are joined by none other than Cole's own mother, Bonnie Roberds!  Yes, mom was in town for the holidays and took in some studio time before her return trip.  Often credited with encouraging her son to take good care of his Star Wars toys, she was an ideal choice for a guest on The Rantcor Pit Live, a show that has seen a lot of the families of both hosts join in the fun. 

So take the path less rocky and enjoy a conversation about two of the most famous robots in the history of automita.  And be sure to tune in to On Air Live on Sunday, January 18 (12 PM to 1 PM Central) for the next exciting episode streaming live with your favorite Star Wars guys!

Rantcor Pit 2016-01-03 by DeepEllumOnAir

The Rantcor Pit #45 - Wake Up Call

The Rantcor Pit awakens after far too long a hiatus.  A combination of holidays and the arrival of the much-anticipated arrival of The Force Awakens, the pre-recorded edition of this show has been out of production for a month.  But now we are back from the edge of the galaxy and ready to deliver our trademark simple tricks and nonsense. - JediCole

If there is one thing you can count on with any incarnation of The Rantcor Pit, it is that your hosts Cole Houston and Eddie Medina like the Star Wars.  Yet for a time it was a bit touch and go for Eddie after his initial screening of Episode VII.  

This episode, recorded about two weeks back, gives voice to Eddie's initial take on the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga and the contrast between his first and second screenings.  Naturally Cole also has plenty to say in this spoiler-rich (are spoiler warnings still a necessity this late in the game?) episode.

From Captain Phasma (subject of the next episode of The Rantcor Pit Live, 12 PM to 1 PM on Sunday, January 17) to the dynamic of Rey, Kylo Ren, and Finn to the lovable BB-8, Eddie and Cole had plenty to talk about.  What did they love?  What did they hate?  What was better "the second time around"?  These and other questions are raised and answered as they wake up to The Force Awakens.

Just in case...SPOILER ALERT!  This episode features lots of discussion about pretty much any and everything that appears on screen in this movie.  If for some reason you have yet to see it, you may wish to hold out listening until after you have enjoyed a screening of your own.

Hey Kids, Comics! #164 - I'm Cryin', I'm Dyin'

Happy New Year Hey Kids, Comics! style!

Ring in 2016 right with the first issue of the new year and your first exploration of upcoming super-hero movies!  

Starting in one month with Deadpool and concluding in November with Doctor Strange, a new Golden Age of Comic Book Movies is upon us!

Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston are joined in this movie-centric episode by Hunter Deusing of Midnight Movie Cowboys.  Together they talk about the big super-hero films coming up in 2016.  In that regard they explore what aspects of these movies will have them cryin' (tears of joy) or dyin' (a little inside).  

Great or terrible there are going to be a huge slate of new comic book movies in our future.  Find out some unique thoughts about what is coming soon to a theater near you!

The Rantcor Pit Live #44 - The Rantcor Pit Awakens

Originally aired live December 20, 2015.

SPOILER ALERT!  SPOILER ALERT!   SPOILER ALERT!

Fresh off of their initial screenings of The Force Awakens, Cole "JediCole" Houston and Eddie Medina begin their spoiler-rich discussions of the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga. 

Unable to contain themselves, your hosts spoke freely of pretty much anything and everything about the movie, so if you have not yet had an opportunity to see this film, you may want to wait to watch this episode another day.  Personal thoughts and observations are shared, there is a special announcement from Supreme Commander Snoke, and pre-release myths and theories are post-release busted!

Initially intended as a discussion between Cole and Eddie, the Rantcorps really jumped on this one and for the first time in the history of the live show, the phone was ringing off the hook!  Expect further commentary and insight from various callers, plus Eddie gets a Christmas surprise!


the rantcor pit 2015-12-20 by DeepEllumOnAir

Hey Kids, Comics! #163 - Super Secret Santas

Christmas morning has arrived and with it a special gift from the JediCole Universe and Hey Kids, Comics!

Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston wish everyone a merry Christmas with the ultimate holiday episode.  Special guest Catherine "Mrs. JediCole" Houston not only joins the fun but sets the stage for an exploration of what exactly do you get super-heroes and villains as Christmas presents?

Superman, Daredevil, Hulk, Batman, Iron Man Swamp Thing, and myriad other heroes and villains have their ideal gift choices examined.  If you think your family is hard to shop for at the holidays is tough, imagine trying to come up with an ideal present for the Joker!  Should you be called upon to be the secret Santa for an Avenger or JLA member, you will thank HKC! for this special Christmas issue!

Remember, pets do not usually make good Christmas gifts.

Hey Kids, Comics! #162 - Ctrl H Kenny Loggins: Supercomicsportsballs II

Well it was a very long time coming!  The long awaited sequel to "Play Ball!" (HKC! #48, over 100 issues ago) has arrived!

Way back in June of 2013 Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston welcomed Eddie Medina to talk about baseball games played out between members of various super-hero teams.  Other sports naturally wound up in the mix.  From the end of that recording all involved knew that this was a topic in need of further exploration.

Now it has happened!  Cole, Andrew, and Eddie are joined this time by Jason Adams for a romp in unfamiliar territory (for them), sports!  From sports as depicted in comics to sports-related comic book ads and beyond.  NFL Super Pro naturally gets tremendous coverage as well.

The Rantcor Pit Live #43 - Star Wars Generations

The Rantcor Pit Live was originally aired on Sunday, December 6, 2015.

As the release of "The Force Awakens" was still approaching, Cole Houston and Eddie Medina explore the generations that have enjoyed Star Wars over the course of nearly four decades.

From those who stood in line in the 70s and 80s for the original trilogy to those who discovered the Saga on VHS tapes to the Special Edition generation, the prequel trilogy generation and beyond, there are so many jumping off points for Star Wars fans of every age.  To examine this your hosts are joined by father and son Skip and Dean Howard.

At the youthful age of eight, Dean brings an amazing perspective to "the Star Wars".  With insights, stories, and jokes, the live show's youngest guest ever really held his own.  Everyone had a blast talking up their favorite LucasFilm offerings and anticipate the arrival of the latest chapter in the Saga!



rantcor pit 2015-12-06 by DeepEllumOnAir

Hey Kids, Comics! #161 - Under the Tree

Hey Kids, Christmas!

Yes!  It is Christmas wishlist time again!  The comic fan in your life may be hard to shop for, but Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston are here to help.

Hard pressed to figure out what to buy?  Need some tips and pointers?  A guide to what you will find in local comic shops?  

Hey Kids, Comics! presents our annual guide to some great comic book related toys, trade paperbacks, and other gifts.  

So check out the suggestions today to make a very Merry Christmas for the fan in your life.  And be the hero of gift giving this year!

Hey Kids, Comics! #160 - Toylandia: WTF (Weird Toy Forum)

You Are Now Leaving Toylandia

Welcome to the final chapter of the Toylandia story arc!  What an arc it has been!  Mego toys, Marvel and DC action figure lines, and the storied history of Superman as the "Man of Plastic"!  

This week it is time to get down and funky with the strangest, most bizarre comic book themed toys you will ever find.  Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston are joined this week by special guest Jordan Waag.  Join this intrepid trio as they brave the Aisle of Misfit Toys yet again.

Beyond the awful big-ass Marvel figures of yesteryear are some crazy choices when it comes to marketing toys that persist to this very day!  Naturally in addition to the mainstream, Hey Kids Comics will "Bring on the Bootlegs!" with a variety of knockoff and unlicensed toys in the mix.

As an added bonus, Jordan offers an introduction of the technology of the home 3D printer with modeling tips and buying suggestions for those keen on conjuring up their own creations!  All of this leading in to next week's big Christmas wish list issue!

The Rantcor Pit #44 - The First Time Ever I Saw Star Wars Part 1: A Long Time Ago

Welcome back to "the Pit"!  After a hiatus for the holidays, Cole Houston and Eddie Medina are back in action and ready to talk some Star Wars!

This outing it is all about the how fans got their introduction to the Star Wars Saga.  For some it was in the theater back in 1977, for others their entree into that Galaxy Far, Far Away was in the form of VHS tapes.  Generations have now shared in the experience in vastly different ways.

Cole and Eddie are joined this week by two fellow fans who had vastly differing origins for their introductions to Star Wars.  David Bunds, a high school friend of Cole's recalls many a vivid memory from the late 70s forward.  Midnight Movie Cowboys co-host Hunter Duesing brings his unique false start to the table as he conjures up quite a tale of discovering a love for the Saga.

This episode is a prelude to the 45th edition of this show which will feature a variety of guests of all ages exploring this same topic.  Every generation has a story.  We hope to share as many as possible.

Bonus:  Hearken back to 1977 with these great Star Wars television commercials! 

Hey Kids, Comics! #159 - Toylandia: Rise of the Indys

Welcome to the penultimate issue of the latest story arc, "Toylandia"!  After tackling everything from Superman to Marvel/DC toy rivalry to Mego's amazing toys, this arc has taken your hosts a lot of different places.  And now they will go where no toy was ever expected to go, the independent comic book!

In the 90s something unique happened.  Independent comic book characters became commercially viable beyond the pages of their requisite books.  Obvious choices like Spawn would be joined on the toy and comic shop pegs by toys based on such titles as Usagi Yojimbo, Strangers in Paradise, and Scud, The Disposable Assassin over the last few decades.  

The success of cartoons based on once obscure indys, most notably Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, opened the door for a broader interest in comic book characters that were not world famous.  What began solely in the direct market would grow to expand into the mainstream toy store market.  This week Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston discuss the steady evolution of the indy comic toy from the "hot chick" title characters to fully realized versions of characters from dozens of small press publishers.

Hey Kids, Comics! #158 - Toylandia: JLA/Avengers and Company

I would like to apologize to our listeners for this episode running five days late.  The holidays have already begun to exert themselves and all things JCU are moving at a slower than normal pace as a result.  With that said, I am proud to bring you the middle issue of the latest story arc of Hey Kids, Comics! - JediCole

Toylandia awaits!  Yes, your hosts Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston again return to the toy aisles of yesteryear with even more discussions on comic book related toys.

This time it is all about the favorite toys from over the years that were based on the comics of DC and Marvel.  From the long-running Marvel Legends to the amazing Kenner Super Powers lines to the more obscure and often laughable toys that have seen the light of day, there was plenty to cover and not nearly enough time.

What action figures are the most innovative?  Which captured the characters the best?  Which had ridiculous gimmicks that thankfully went by the way side?  These and other unasked questions will be answered in the latest issue of this toybox of a story arc!

The Rantcor Pit Live #42 - A Star War on Christmas

Welcome to the second annual Star Wars Christmas Wish List episode of The Rantcor Pit Live!  On this episode (which went live on Sunday, November 15, 2015) Cole Houston and Eddie Medina help you with your holiday wish-list for the Star Wars fan in your life.

Even more so than last year, 2015 will be chock full of choices, so narrowing the field to a few to cover in one hour was more challenging.  A total of ten top choices are covered on the show, so if you missed it on Sunday, here is your chance to catch up on some top choices from your hosts.

May the Force be with you with the great gift ideas you will find here...


The Rantcor Pit Live 11-15-15 by DeepEllumOnAir

And for the Eddi-fication of my clueless co-host, an animated classic...

Hey Kids, Comics! #157 - Toylandia: I Go Mego

Welcome to Toylandia!

Andrew Farmer and Cole Houston cordially invite you to join them as they explore another aspect of comic book-themed toys as the latest story arc continues.

As the title implies, this week your hosts delve into the history of Mego and the unprecedented Official World's Greatest Super-Heroes line.  Batman vs. Captain America was a reality easily within reach of kids when this line hit the stores.  Even Conan the Barbarian could join the fun!

Beginning in 1972, Mego brought a wide variety of heroes and villains to toy stores that were derived from popular Marvel and DC Comics titles.  For nearly ten years this line joined the company's Star Trek and Planet of the Apes lines (among others) as an alternative to the more expensive G.I. Joe Action Team figures of the day.  Alas the arrival of the 3.75" scale figure, pioneered by Kenner, would bring the series to its end.

Discover how Mego went from Action Jackson to one of the most successful toy lines in history.  What influence did one retail chain have on both the production of their toys and the industry in general?  What happens when Mego fans and collectors gather to celebrate their passion for these plastic and cloth toys?  What secret from Mego's past likely put the final nail in the coffin of the company?  These and other questions will be answered.

With such a storied history and an amazing line up of super-hero toys, it is little wonder that Mego rated its own issue of this arc.