Comics Playground

After a year off, the Comics Playground is re-open! In this episode, Ryan catches everyone up to speed on the big return before talking about some movie trailers and previews of interest. After a review of Dreamwork's Megamind, Ryan is joined by his daughter for a comic book review of Toy Story and then gives his own review of Doug TenNapel's Ghostopolis. Just when you think you've had enough fun, Micah Griffin-Lundy of the Geek Brunch podcast joins the show for a conversation spotlighting (aw yeah) Tiny Titans! The boys continue on from there, talking about Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam, Young Justice, Cartoon Network Action Pack!, Jason Shiga's Meanwhile, and Guardians of Ga'Hoole, among other topics. So strap yourself in for some fun as a new chapter begins for the Comics Playground!

In this episode, the guys start off discussing some comic books and end the conversation.... two weeks later! Once the reviews are covered, Ryan shares his unique perspective on "Up" and the guys talk about Ryan's trip to Heroes Con 2009. All this, and of course some obligatory talk about "Batman: Brave and the Bold". Two weeks of content in under an hour- all for the low, low price of FREE! What a bargain!

"Ryan, would you write the show notes?"

Ryan usually writes the show notes but this time Eric will take a crack at it. Won't be nearly as clever or pun filled but hey, this episode features Chris Eliopoulos' first appearance as part time co-host. Chris is a prolific comic book letterer and writer of the Franklin Richards 1-shots and Lockjaw and The Pet Avengers from Marvel Comics. Join us as we discuss the illustrious career of Chris and then talk about some of the comics we have read. Ryan and Chris loved Amulet and Eric finally weighs in on Boom Studios' The Muppet Show and The Incredibles. We wrap up with some insight into comic book lettering.

Ryan usually writes the show notes but this time Eric will take a crack at it. Won't be nearly as clever or pun filled but hey, this episode features Chris Eliopoulos' first appearance as part time co-host. Chris is a prolific comic book letterer and writer of the Franklin Richards 1-shots and Lockjaw and The Pet Avengers from Marvel Comics. Join us as we discuss the illustrious career of Chris and then talk about some of the comics we have read. Ryan and Chris loved Amulet and Eric finally weighs in on Boom Studios' The Muppet Show and The Incredibles. We wrap up with some insight into comic book lettering.

In this episode, Ryan reveals his thoughts about two new titles from BOOM! Kids: "The Muppet Show" and "The Incredibles", Eric reveals his love for "Tellos", they both reveal their feelings about movies like "Monsters Vs. Aliens" going 3-D, Ryan reveals some upcoming Marvel toy news, and the new special guest host reveals... himself! It's the reveal that sure to break the internet in half (or at least the small section devoted to all ages comic book podcasts)

The guys cover their fair share of comic books including works by all-ages legends Baltazar, Giarrusso, and Eliopoulos before covering some recent movie releases and show-favorite Batman: Brave and the Bold. This all culminates to some toy talk covering the latest DC and Marvel figure releases

The guys are back from their long hiatus with a whole new format for Comics Playground! Topics discussed include Mouse Guard, Batman: Brave and the Bold (the cartoon and the comic), Space Raoul, the upcoming G.I. Joe movie, DC Universe figures, Hulk Vs. and much, much more all ages goodness!

The guys return from an extended break to discuss many things, including recent reads, recent purchases, and a little get-together known as Mid-Ohio Con. The format is out the window and the conversation floweth over in a very unplugged episode. This is catch up, bring your own mustard.

"Big 2"? Ryan's Independent Reading deals with not-so-big DC characters, Eric's deals with a new not-so-grown-up DC team, and it all culminates with our mildly-spoilered Required Reading review of "Mini-Marvels: Rock, Paper, Scissors" digest. Oh, and some Muppets are thrown in for taste. Bon appetit!

Here's the beef! The monthly, spoiler-iffic look at the Bone saga continues with Volume 2: The Great Cow Race (hence the title)! Friend Michael Manning joins us on the horn as we cover every little detail of this udderly fun book! This is sure to be one of the most moo-ving episodes you've ever herd. OK, now we're just milking the puns...

The guys are back to the usual all-ages formula with a Required Reading review of the much-anticipated, long-awaited "Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam!" To add to the magic, the guys share their wisdom of Solomon with reviews of two other lesser-known all-ages titles. Eric also has a webcomic to share and Ryan shares his favorite news item to come out of San Diego. SHAZAM! Required Reading Spoiler time stamp: 26:11 - 46:10

In our first ever Book Report, we spend the entire episode covering and reviewing Bone Volume One: Out from Boneville. Once a month, we will also have additional Book Reports to cover all the other volumes of the epic Bone tale. Grab your map- the journey begins here! Warning: This episode contains full spoilers!

In this epic contest of strength and skill, James Harris of the Comic Book Savant and Pop Media Savant podcasts joins us as we talk about June movie releases "Kung Fu Panda", "Incredible Hulk", and "Wall-E". In round two, James shares some Independent Reading and the guys kick it old school with a couple of Wayback Reviews. In the final round, we take on the Champion with some Hulk-Fu as we cover our Required Reading: Marvel Adventures Hulk #12. Let's get ready to ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-ru-mble! Required Reading time stamp: 58:35 - 1:08:17

The guys are back from Charlotte and share their experiences and a couple of Independent Reading reviews of things they picked up along the way. The episode ends on a high note with a nearly-forgotten Wayback Review that includes the harshest review to date! All this and some talk about giving away comics instead of candy this Halloween.

The guys are geeked about heading to Heroes Con, but still find the time to put together their shortest episode ever! The Wayback Review has got some G.I. Joe and Amelia Rules! Eric has some Independent Reading and both guys have some... DEPENDENT Reading??!? Heroes Con or bust!

For this episode, the guys keep it all in the (Comic Book Noise) family! Heath Holland and Mike Myers from Geek Brunch join in with some Wayback Reviews before the guys discuss some movies released in the month of May. "Iron Man"..."Speed Racer"... "Prince Caspian"... "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"... we got them all! So please silence your phone, refrain from talking, and enjoy our feature presentation!

This episode features a review of the "Gnome" OGN and a conversation with creator Dave Dwonch. Also, Ryan discusses his experience at the "Jeff Smith: Bone and Beyond" exhibit and we have a couple of Independent Reading reviews. If nothing else, listen just to hear Dave Dwonch on his best behavior. It may be a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Hop in your time sphere, buckle yourself into the Bug, and warm up your "BWAH-HA-HA"! After a rundown of Free Comic Book Day and Pittsburgh Comicon, we spotlight our favorite duo in comics: Blue Beetle and Booster Gold! Our enthusiasm gets the best of us as we get carried away with spoilers on just about everything. WARNING: this episode contains spoilers for Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Justice League International #24, Justice League America #34, Blue Beetle #25, and Justice League Unlimited #43.

The guys double up on the Required Reading for this episode, reviewing both Goblin Chronicles #1 and Wolverine: First Class #1. Also, our first contest is officially announced! Plus, it's a good episode for some Independent Reading. All this plus some news for the low, low cost of free! Goblin Chronicles #1 spoiler time stamp: 24:25 - 43:08 Wolverine: First Class #1 spoiler time stamp: 43:49 - 1:02:08