In the 21st century, Tony Stark (alter ego of Iron Man) has been evolving into an Elon Musk-type “futurist.” What are the reasons for this change? Has it done anything to expand the kinds of stories that can be told with the character? Has Stark ever even really worked as a sympathetic character? Emmet calls up self-described “strategy & foresight practitioner” (and comics geek) Matt Finch to discuss these points and more.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This week we take a look back at the career of Denny O’Neil, the longtime comics writer and editor who passed away June 11. Emmet discusses O’Neil’s legacy with Professor Jonathan W. Gray, author of such books as Civil Rights in the White Literary Imagination, and the founding editor of the Journal of Comics and Culture.
O’Neil was a force in the move to turn DC’s iconic but silly characters in a more serious direction — having substance, not only violence. What shaped his worldview? How much of his personal story was in evidence on the page? Was his editing a crucial component of Frank Miller’s best work? And more.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Iron Man 2 finally opened here in Japan a month after it did in the States. Having just gotten around to watching the first Iron Man movie at home (hey! He’s been busy!), Tim joins Mulele for a theater viewing of IM2.
Also, an early ’70s issue of The Invincible Iron Man drawn by Herb Trimpe, with an impressive turnaround time.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
