The Law of Equivalent Exchange: “Fullmetal Alchemist” chapter 1

Fullmetal Alchemist ch 001

This week we present the first installment in a proposed new podcast series: The Law of Equivalent Exchange, a chapter-by-chapter discussion of the manga Fullmetal Alchemist. Tim and Patrick discuss what alchemy was in the real world, and the manga’s creator Hiromu Arakawa, then walk through the first chapter of the story.

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Critiquing Comics #178: “Terminal Velocity”

Terminal Velocity

Terminal Velocity is a comic by Barry Corbett in which he reminisces about his life, centering around extreme sports and a family tragedy. While there is an overall story, the book can seem a bit disjointed. Tim and Mulele discuss the pros and cons of the book; then Mulele challenges himself and his friends: Let’s actually make some paper comics again!

Critiquing Comics #177: “Genius Animals?”

Back in the early days of the podcast, artist Jun-Pierre Shiozawa was one of our first interviewees. He recently resurfaced as artist on a comic written by sitcom writer and producer Vali Chandrasekaran called Genius Animals?, a comedy story about conspiracy theories. In this episode, Tim talks to the two of them about how they met and the origins of the script, and then Tim and Mulele critique the comic.

#668 Baron and McNamara: Writing and Crowdfunding Comics in the “Corona” Era

"Florida Man" and "Nocturnal Commissions"

A couple of past guests return to the show with new material! Mike Baron, best known as writer of the Nexus series, talks about his comedy graphic novel (with artist Todd Mulrooney) Florida Man, and Jason McNamara has reunited with artist Greg Hinkle for a slightly creepy comedy series, Nocturnal Commissions. Both writers share with Tim their thoughts about crowdfunding (which was the publishing mechanism for both comics), story writing, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fiction writing.

Critiquing Comics #171 “Mythic Creature Trainer” #1

Mythic Creature Trainer

Last year we discussed Rene Pfitzner‘s comics Sneaky Goblins. Now Rene is back with Mythic Creature Trainer, a new series that he’s currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. In this episode, Tim and Mulele discuss the new comic, and Mulele talks about his other podcast.

Critiquing Comics #168: David Dye interview

In our December 25 episode, we reviewed two more comics from David Dye. While we’ve generally been very positive about his work, there was one bit that Mulele called “Racist AF” and Tim was also uncomfortable with (see below). David’s email in response to the episode made clear to us that the intent wasn’t racist… but then, what was it?

To find out, we invited David on our show, and he joins us from his home in Australia to discuss where his portrayal of space-terrorists went sideways, and to talk about his comics career so far.

#647 Tom Spurgeon Remembered

Tom Spurgeon remembered

Tom Spurgeon, a comics advocate, historian, and journalist, passed away on November 13, 2019. Tom was a frequent guest on this podcast, and had a huge impact on comics in general. In this episode, Tim and Kumar discuss his effect on the comics industry and his appearances on DCP. Then, Tim talks to three people who knew him well:

New York memorial for Tom on January 24

Comics Journal obit for Tom

Sequential Tart‘s interview with Tom and Dan from 2001

Tom’s appearances on our show:

Critiquing Comics #167: Amazing Tales 2 & 3

Amazing Tales #2

David Dye’s first issue of Amazing Tales caught our eyes a couple of months ago, so David sent along the next two issues. While they’re artistically good, an aspect of one story made us very uncomfortable…

Also, Tim has a question about the course of Mulele’s comics career, and Mulele has some thoughts about the Watchmen TV show.

#641 A Manga “At the Mountains of Madness”

At the Mountains of Madness

Horror writer H.P. Lovecraft understood that it was more upsetting to let the reader imagine the horrific thing, than to actually show it. So, can one really do Lovecraft in comics effectively?

In volume 1 of his comics adaptation of Lovecraft’s H.P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness Volume 1 (Manga), Gou Tanabe (so far) hasn’t spoiled the reveal in the way some other comics creators have, in other Lovecraft-based comics. Emmet and Kumar discuss.

Plugs

Kumar’s novel: Tanuja Ramachandran: Hunter-Seeker

Emmet’s short comics story: Something Wicked 2019

Critiquing Comics #161: “Dog vs. Ultra-Dog” and “Chad in Amsterdam #3”

Dog vs Ultra-Dog + Chad in Amsterdam #3

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Dog vs. Ultra-Dog, by Troy Wilson and Clayton Hanmer. Where does it come down on the children’s book – children’s comic continuum?
  • Chad in Amsterdam #3 by Chad Bilyeu. The latest issue from one of our favorites.

Plus, some creepy movie CGI in “cute” films.