Our inaugural episode! Jeff and Rick begin their podcasting journey by playing around with some recording gear, drinking some beer, and talking about the first issue of Power Pack.

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Jeff and Rick attempt to break their personal record of the number of podcasts they have produced by doubling their library…..will they succeed? Who knows!! Also, they compare Skeletor to Nixon, determine the morality of babies stealing candy from adults, and some science stuff.  And the kids get some snazzy new costumes…..Whoo hoo!

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Tone Deaf Rick and Pom Pom Jeff follow the kids as they dive to new depths, in the sewers? What, wait…that cannot be safe. And it is not. But they have to throw away their safety, sanity, and sense of smell in order to save a kitten……seriously…a kitten…they are like, so much better than me, which is a really low bar. Anyway. You should support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent so we can save more kittens from sewers. Do you want to hear us talk about a really cool book from the 70’s written by David Macaulay called Underground? Do you want to hear us talk like a copper with a bad accent? Do you want to hear Rick sing……Ok...nobody wants that, but you should listen anyway! Featured in this episode are shout outs to: Underground (https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/underground-by-david-macaulay/) and Secret Wars and Beyond podcast ( @Sean42AZ ) & ( @garaujo1). Oh…Support your local library!!!!

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

RetroFuture Clean by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4277-retrofuture-clean License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ritual by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4293-ritual License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Happy Halloween!!!! Would you believe that Mephisto showed up again? Yup...he is causing mischief...and he has a twisted idea. Apparently, he likes to watch cartoons to unwind, a choice we can support. He also wants us to review Friendship in Disguise. OK then, grab your sugary cereal and pull u[p the bean bag chair!

So what fresh hell is this. Transformers and My Little Ponies. Well, ok then. We are in a whole new level of insanity and I am here for it. I mean, this is crashing toys on a whole new level.

We should talk about how this happened, and who had the idea, and how many drugs the editors at IDW were doing, but that would be thinking too small. I mean. We are talking robots and ponies here. We need to be thinking bigger.

There is also the cute factor which could distract us. I mean....just look at those robots. Have you ever seen such lines, such design. Those are some sleek and wonderful machines, you just want to cuddle with them. Nothing makes me happier than cold hard steal against my cheek when I am sleeping at night. What...too much?

I guess the ponies are cute too....if you are into that type of thing.

We should talk about the round robin aspect where we have people on each others shows and how we get to spend time with our favorite podcasters, but whatever...we have been doing this for four years and.....wait...No Sean, but we have Tim Price....ugh...

In the end, we are being forced to read something that (spoiler) we absolutely love. Because of that, you should listen to all of the podcasts below as we talk about these books. And if you don't, we will have to send Shockwave to beat you.

Follow the entire crossover event “Mephisto vs The Podcasters” using the links below!

1. Married with Cartoons - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #1
2. Unpacking the Power of Power Pack - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #2
3. Resurrections, an Adam Warlock and Thanos Podcast - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #3
4. The Outcasters - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #4

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Pack is Back! No more minor guest stars! No more lame walk on rolls! No more multi book reviews! We are back with a Pack story, a couple of beers, and a beating stick for anyone who stands in our way!!!

Awwwww man, that was my favorite beating stick. Okay, well, I guess that we will just do what we can do....Let's start with the kids and their costumes. I mean...They have masks...MASKS MAN!!! That is a start, right!?

While there are some things that have changed, like new costumes, a change of location, skipped grades, and parents knowing about powers, there are things that are the same. Things like: there are four kids, two parents, and one blown up smartship.

Speaking of Katie, she has been surfing the Matrix and has become one with science. Or her love of Friday has really pushed her to new heights. This is all something....interesting.

Like usual though, when we are talking about Power Pack, we have to be talking about the Snarks, right? You remember the Snarks? Big, green, teethy, bureaucratic.... we all love them.

New creators new art.....and yet, a lot of the same stories. A new series has a new chance for success, if the ship is sailing the right way with the right height. What does this mean? Heck if I know, I was just trying riff on the picture.

Well, we are here to review these books. Whether good, or bad, we are here to do the dew.......or something. We will always be there, especially when Katie releases a plethora of power balls.

 

 

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2021/11/07/power-pack-v2-1-power-re-play/

 

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ The Ice Giants by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5745-the-ice-giants License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

In art, media, and life, the Sophomore attempt is seen as the moment when the world can see what the thing is really like. They have come out, made an attempt or impression on the world, shy, new....and then they come back with their real statement for the world.

This is the second issue of what will become a four issue mini series. The first had promise, with some worry. This second issue is where we are really looking for the hook, the theme that will keep all the kids coming back for it's milkshakes.

Boy howdy......this book is selling something, and it just might be a hot mess or whatever. Their is tone problems, and issues with story beat, replaying old tunes, and other audio analogies that I will forego at the moment.

This hodgepodge of stuff has left us pretty cold on this issue, and very hesitant of the rest of the series. It is difficult to compare what is happening here, in this 2000 book, with what will happen in five years with Marc Sumerak and GuriHiru. We know what this property is capable of. We know it can be better.

There could be an argument against the property turning into a teen or tween book with a focus on romance. That would be fine, if it was done well, or done with consistency. Spoiler for the next book and the rest of the series, the romance angles really get shelved. it is not a good showing of the kids actually trying to live normal lives.

While the first issue felt like an opportunity, this one just fell flat. There was a lot happening that could have set up some story lines, but a few were rehashing of old plots while the rest were just uncomfortable. And really, it just made us want to lie down for a bit.

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/power-pack-v2-2-snark-attack/

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Sweeter Vermouth by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4450-sweeter-vermouth License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Issue three of four.....we have to keep telling ourselves that.

The kids are fighting this issue. They are fighting the snarks, they are fighting each other, they are fighting logic, they are fighting the narrative. They are fighting.

They fight so much, that they ran out of pages of content. I am serious. We do not get to see the scary ships that cause them all to be in awe. We were not in awe.

You may be rolling your eye or eyes at us (depending on how you are drawn), but we are trying our best. There is good, there is bad, and there is this. We just want more from our kids.

There was some promise in this series, but as we move towards the end, we are starting to see that it is falling apart. How bad is it going.....? Well, we have one word!

Marg. That is the word. Marg. Sigh.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2021/12/05/power-pack-v2-3-split-decision/

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Quirky Dog by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4259-quirky-dog License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

And we made it to the end of this mini series, and the end of a regular all Power Pack story for a while. So, sit right back, make yourself comfortable and get ready for a tale.

Woahh there chief, not that comfortable. Remember, family show so let's keep it neat and tidy, OK! Remember, Julie is watching you and your inappropriate moves.

We are pretty sure that this series was cut short. There were a number of plots and stories that just dissipated to no where. There was a lot of "remember that" and "let's bring back this thing", and it was not....great....

What was great? Well, some of the stuff that is coming up. I mean, we should look forward to what is the good stuff. Some new stories, some new writers, some new artists. The era of this Power Pack is over.

I guess this could be seen as a new book that would give the new readers a chance to meet Power Pack, and bring in interest to the book. There are just a couple of problems with this. First, the characters as they are presented are not fun or interesting. Second, they drop the group until the alternate universe all ages book in five years later.

So as we run away from this series and towards whatever is coming up next, let's remember that we will not fight. If you liked these books more than we did, it is OK. It is alright to like something we did not like. This is our opinion only.

One last thing, we do love hearing from you, our fans. Please let us know how we are doing. We plan to keep going with our coverage of comics featuring the Power Kids, so we want to know what you think.

    You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/power-pack-v2-4-ascension/  

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Winner Winner! by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4630-winner-winner- License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

There comes a time in every podcast, where you need to talk about inconsequential cameo appearances made by the members of the team of heroes that you are podcasting about. Trust me, there is a law about that somewhere. I am sure I have read it. The point is, Power Pack has been mentioned or has done some drive-byes in a few issues that we wanted to mention. This is also a nice break before a change to what we have been doing.

Luke Cage is crazy because the demon Boogey Man has taken over his brain. Yeah, we have all been there. Interesting career move for a Power Pack villain. A strange issue with a cameo by Dakota North?

We are on Madripoor Island for some sexy swimsuit times. And because Alex headed over with the New Warriors....here we are. Can we appreciate how Alex has not been skipping bicep days? I really do not know what else to say here.

Remember that time when Power Pack wiped the floor with Mysterio? Well the pack does. And during one of Mysterios fights with Daredevil, he replays his entire life, all of the moments that made an impact on him....and then he disses the Pack. Seriously!!!

HYDRA is attacking and all the heroes are responding, including Power Pack. That is just about it. Thanks for coming folks!

And now we have a comic about C class super-villains who are bad at doing what they do, finding better uses for their "talents", and becoming better. And yet...AND YET....the losers still need to belittle the Pack. Man....give our kids some love.

OK, it is time for the kids to get some respect. The kids need to be part of the universe. They need to be part of some great teams. Unfortunately, this is the Great Lakes Avengers. Still, we will take it.

And that is what we have folks. Stay tuned for a new direction next episode.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/01/02/various-issues-cameos/

 

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Some Amount of Evil by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4388-some-amount-of-evil License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

Welcome to our slightly revamped format as we start to review some guest appearances in comics with our Power Pack members. That is right, we are doing full issue recaps of issues with our favorite kids. That means we are starting with Runaways.

 

So who are the Runaways? Well, they are the children of fine, upstanding citizens of our society who live happy lives with their wonderful parents. It is a story of a happy and kind group of children who strive to create a wonderful....ok....you know that I am lying.

 

They are really a group of children whose parents were super-villains. When they discovered this, they....get this....ran away. At this point, they each found out about their own special, happy fun time gifts. Does that sound like fun?

 

These kids are on their own, kicking rears, and taking names. They are making choices that are pretty special. Now that they are on their own, they are establishing their own mission statement. Save other children from other evil parents. Well, this should be fun.

 

But why are we talking about this? Sure, we like kids with superpowers, but why choose this book to cover? I have one word, Excelsior! That is right, Stan Lee.....wait....what.....?

 

No...not Stan Lee. The name is in honor of the man, but it is also the name of a support group of former child super-heroes. They meet to talk and support each other in their attempt at healing the damage done by wearing capes and tights when they were younger.

 

And one of those children who is part of this group is our favorite flier with a rainbow, Julie Power. She is hanging out in LA because she wants to be an actress, and she is networking. Sounds good...I guess. But what else should we know?

 

Oh, and don't do drugs.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/01/16/runaways-v2-1-true-believers-chapter-1/

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Steel and Seething by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4417-steel-and-seething License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

We are still running away from our original idea....I mean it is the second issue, we have not given up yet.

So let's talk about this book. OK, there are a bunch of kids who have superpowers and some of them want to stop another kid from being a villain and others want to stop the others from being supers at all. Got that?...Good.

And what about this bad guy? Who is he, and why is he so important? Why does everyone want him? Why does he become evil? When will he become evil? And why is he wearing that uniform?

Well, we do not know much of the future, but we do know now...or at least the now being 15 years after the comic, and the now of the comic, but not the future of the then that was when the comic came out. Man, I hate time travel.

I would like to be able to create a big hand with a bunch of metal. I think that it would be a great party trick. Something like, "nothing up this sleeve, nothing under my hat, now watch this!" And then, BAM! Salsa time!

To be truthful, I would just use the power for evil. And for burritos. And for a touchdown. I mean, wouldn't it be cool if you could use your powers to kick amazing touchdowns? Or am I just thinking too small?

So no to the touchdown, OK. Then I will use my unknown about super-powers to create roller skates whenever I need them. I mean, think about it, isn't that what you always wanted? There you are walking down the street and then you think, can't I be skating. Why yes, yes I can be.

I have just been given a message saying that if I do not stop it (stop coming up with, and I quote, lame powers) I will receive a boot to the head. I do not want a boot to the head. I want to go on holiday.

 

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/01/30/runaways-v2-2-true-believers-chapter-2/

 

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Divertimento K131 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3663-divertimento-k131 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

It may be an overused trope in comic books, but when heroes meet for the first time, they must fight. It is a law or a commandment, or at least a statute or a local ordinance somewhere. The point being is that it must happen. And with two teams of superheroes, that means more fighting.

So, we know what is going to happen, but what if it does not happen, what then? Well first, they take away your SAG card and you cannot work again. That would be the Superhero Awesomeness Guild card for those that are not in the know.

Even worse than that, the offending superhero also will have to pay a fine. This hurts more than the loss of the card. There are always locations that will let you work without being in the guild, but you are limited. The real problem is the fines. Do you know how little an amateur cape makes...in this economy!!!

It is a slippery slope for out of work supers. They need the good paying jobs of saving kids and disarming bombs just to afford their kit. Let's be honest, Parker may be smart and naturally gifted, but he did NOT sew that suit himself. Feeding exotic pets, servicing custom vehicles, and hospital bills for interplanetary infections, this all takes cash folks.

The long and short of it is that all superheroes need to know the requirements to remain in good standing. In order to satisfy the HOHO's (Hero On Hero Oppositions), a costumed hero needs to actively participate in at least one misunderstanding, active conflict meeting, or dispatching a rogue good guy each quarter. Failure to do so will cause a review and possible termination of your status.

Many questions are raised about non-fighting interactions. We need to be clear. These do not count. In order for the HOHO credit to be received, the heroes must be fighting. Over-complementing each other does not reflect the spirit of this rule. Throw some punches and then apologize later. For example, "I am sorry that I punched you in your pretty pretty face." See? It's easy!

One interesting situation that is often reviewed and adjudicated on a case-by-case basis is the SONIC (Super Observing and Not Interfering or Challenging). This is where a hero is watching another group of heroes fighting each other. Some consider this to be encouraging the interaction by not interfering, while others see this as having no effect on anything. It often depends on who is observing this entire scene and the impact it has. Most of the time, a decision is made that this would not count. It is always better to join in the fray and be the difference.

Please remember to always document interactions and send in your receipts when completing your paperwork. Also, remember to have fun. Being a superhero is the best activity in the world; you help people, inspire greatness, and see amazing things. While you may bruise an ego or two, and possibly a rib, during these fights, you will mostly come out the other side with a new friend, and possible team mate.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/02/13/runaways-v2-3-true-believers-chapter-3/

 

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artifact by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3382-artifact License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-licensed

You can listen to the episode by clicking: Episode 102

We are back with another exciting issue of comic books to talk about. We are also back with another random chat about the wonders and mysteries of being a resident of the Marvel Universe.

You must think that it is all sunshine and tar pits, but you would be wrong. Living in the BIG U means being ready for big things and big fights. These are the things that characters must deal with. This and a lot of cotton candy.

So if you are a group of kids..or two groups of kids, you really need to make a choice about what you want in this great big world. I mean, we know that you want the cotton candy, everybody does, but what else do these kids want. With the powers that they have, they could take the whole world.

At least the family has a home. Shelter is very important, even if that home is underground and cheap. Actually, it is better that way. No bills and no rent control. Free food would be cool. And maybe a little less evil overtones. That could be cool.

The kids have each other, they have friends. In this world, you can do anything if you have friends. They help you when you are down, laugh when the funny things happen, and they will usually answer your call when you need help burying a body. Maybe I have said too much.

I guess that what I am trying to say is that the kids do just fine without the parents. I mean, look at some of the goobers who are their parents. Especially that robot guy…you know that one who is Vic's father. I mean, that guy is a jerk.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/02/27/runaways-v2-4-true-believers-chapter-4/

 

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Psychedelic Crater by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4248-psychedelic-crater License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Our first interview!!! And it is with June Brigman!!! And it was sooooo cool!! Join us for this very special episode as we get the amazing opportunity to speak with the co-creator and first artist of Power Pack. June was kind enough to answer questions about how she got her start as an artist, her start into comics, and her start on Power Pack.  My daughter also helps us get June to open up about important questions, like what Jack’s voice sounds like, how long Julies rainbow lasts, how adorable is Katie, and the number of animals June lives with. Seriously, it is adorable. And why are we talking about cats again….this is like the second episode in a row. Well, it probably won’t continue Make sure you check out June’s gallery (http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=1321), her work on the daily comic strip Mary Worth (http://maryworthcomics.com/), and her upcoming comic book Captain Ginger (http://www.comicsahoy.com/series/captain-ginger). Also, shout outs to the people we mentioned in this episode: Ahoy Comics Ahoy Comics ( @AhoyComicMags ), Jay and Miles Xplain the X-Men ( @XPlaintheXmen ) and Nicole Chung ( @nicole_soojung ). And don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

 

We are back with another exciting issue of comic books to talk about. We are also back with another story of teen drama and angst.

To quote Jean-Paul Sartre; Hell is other people. And that is so on the nose for this episode.

There are so many people in this book that are trying to be hell to other people in this book. You have the Runaways, Excelsior, Vic and his mom, and of course the daddy issue. And all of these people are really making Vic's life a living hell.

The poor boy was dealing with acne and keeping up with the popular music, now he has his future life of being a big bad to drag him down. People are pulling him into traps, or using big guns. It ain't cool man.

OK, I will concede that the big gun is pretty dang sweet. I mean, who would not like to wield a big old cannon to shoot fools in the face. That is taking back the power and showing others what hell is. But we digress, we need to keep talking about the angst and feelings of Vic. This is his book and he is the one who has to deal with this insanity. How would you feel if your dad turned out to be an incredibly powerful villain and a robot? You would lash out, right?

Fire, violence, angry words.... these are all strong options. Angst and teenage confusion can lead to poor choices, leading us down the path to different lifestyle or living choices. Things like loving and stroking flying vehicles.

The other big issue is family. If people are hell, then family is the cherry on top. No one can rattle your cage more than the parents. They know your buttons, especially if you are a robot.

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/runaways-v2-5-true-believers-chapter-5/

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Political Action Ad by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4227-political-action-ad License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All things must come to and end...except this podcast, which will never, ever end!

As I sit here and try to quickly sum up our snapshot into the Runaways, I have to ponder my own feelings on the book, characters, concept, and execution. When I started to get back into comics a few years ago, this was one of the first series I dove into. It was such an interesting take and perspective to the 90's era I had last been really invested in.

The art and storytelling style informed me of some of the new aesthetics prevalent in the comic book medium and it introduced me to the new audience of consumers. Except for some references to the overall universe and an occasional drop in, this was a new group that was not tied to Marvel Legacy.

I like that comic books can evolve and change. Storytelling needs to adapt to include fresh information and new content. The world consumes information at a faster pace, and the demand for improvements and new things are constant. While we may have loved the creators of our youth, we know they will not be around for ever, and we do not really want them to be trying to copy or improve on older styles.

As I am writing this, I kinda feel like an old dude that is trying to justify his love of comic books, especially those that feel aimed at a much younger target audience. And I am probably correct in thinking that the only ones still reading are fellow old nerds like myself. But, I would contend that it is ok to interact with any medium (in this case comics) in any fashion you like.

I think I have lost the thread of what I was talking about, so let me try to sum it up. I like comics. I like the old and the new, I like the success and the failures. I think that the Runaways is a great book that has new characters and fresh ideas. It has a new art style and feels of the time.

If I were to get more philosophical or delve into personal introspection, I would say that I am accepting my childhood, or reliving it. I would try to juxtapose my current moods and maturity against.....

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/03/27/runaways-v2-6-true-believers-chapter-6/

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Raving Energy (faster) by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5030-raving-energy-faster- License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

New series....Continuing story.....sort of.... But let's talk about this awesome cover! I mean, I am a sucker for 80's movies, and there is no more 80's movie than a John Hughes movie....Holla if you hear me!

Oh, you are a little preocupied to answer right now. I understand. This is a little more complex than your normal comic, what with it dealing with......uhm...hey....I think I know what he was looking at in that picture.

Fine, throw a disk in my eye, see if I care. Let me get back to talking about addiction and recovery. We have some former super-hero kids that are trying to not wear the tights anymore and trying to get over their trauma of the drama of their youth. But why do we, your silly bearded boys care? Because of Julie Power.

We love our flying girl and her pink onesie and her bookish ways.....What's that? Seventeen....actress...halter tops and low ride jeans....blond hair.....Nope....Nope this is not going to do at all. Wait....that is her flying!!! BURN THE EYES!

OK. The cleansing is done. On with the goofy narrative and derivative non sequiturs. How about seamstresses? We do not appreciate the work they do or the skills they have creating the clothes we wear. Let's just take a moment to review an average Marvel character on the street and evaluate their clothing choices. How about Nekra?

Wow.....That is a choice. I mean, don't ya get cold....or ever run out of double sided tape? Just have to take a minute to stare and ponder that costume for a bit....

I am getting tired of getting hit with things or blasted with Darkhawks purple beam of purpleness. I do not have to take it, and neither do you nice people. Run away while you still can!

And that was the story of how I killed all of our listeners.

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/04/10/the-loners-v1-1-fear-of-flying/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Sheep May Safely Graze - BWV 208 by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4345-sheep-may-safely-graze---bwv-208 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

There are good days we always remember in our lives. The day you meet the love of your life, the day you take that fantastic walk where you see all of the pretty flowers, the day you pull off the perfect vending machine bingo when you get three items for the price of one, and the day you skip school with your best friends and fight crime.

You know what I am talking about. You fake the cough, you give off the vague symptoms that show something being off without a trip to the hospital. You fake out your parents, your partner, your roommates...you call into school, work, the military....you get the day off. And then....then you rock out in your underwear.

Then you reach out to those friends who are actually sick, or have the day off, or who got fired for covering for you the last time you pulled a stupid stunt like this. You convince them to get out of their pajamas (or put some on, depending on the type of day you are contemplating), and you take off to carpe the day.

Oh the hi-jinx you can pull when you are off and have no real obligations to anyone. You can party, visit museums, pretend you are the hamburger prince of Des Moines. The world is your oyster, you are the boss of you and your friends. You write the songs and sing the lyrics. You can do anything, from visiting the tallest tower, to breaking into the most broken building.

Just make sure that you take along that special someone. That person you want to spend time with, snuggle up with...smooch with. There is nothing worse than watching a school of fish swim by you at the aquarium without a partner to lock eyes and lips with.

But what if you do not have the charisma to "get away with it". What if you are more of a introvert that tries to slide by and not be noticed? What if you are more of a Rick than a Jeff? Then you need to go out and find that shining star. Don't worry, many charismatic people are looking for that perfect wing-person to make them look great. You too will find your Maverick.

If you don't take the chances to explore the world by skipping out on your responsibilities, you are missing one of life's greatest joys. You have to recharge the batteries with no responsibilities. If you don't take the time to really take that day off, then you are going to be a sad Gus, and nobody likes that.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/04/24/the-loners-v1-2-reflex-actions/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Volatile Reaction by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5014-volatile-reaction License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

Into every generation, there comes a sad sack. A person who lives to make others depressed, down, or discover that their lives are better. They live to serve as a warning to others, cautionary tales that provide guides of what not to do. Today, we will talk about these people.

The first sign that the person you hang with is the reason you are constantly down, is when you notice them talking to themselves in the mirror. While this may be a bad sign, remember that it can always get worse. The mirror could be answering them back.

Another really good sign is that the person does not like to be touched. Now, consent is everything, and no one should be touched against their will. But if you have that friend who punches butterflies when they land on their arm......Just saying. They may have a problem.

Speaking of which, we have the other side. The happy people. The sunny people. The people that will try to bring the sunshine into the grumpy pants rain cloud. This is the yin and yang, the chalk and cheese, the mortar and scotch egg.....maybe not the last one, but you get the idea.

Our dark little rain clouds really do not like people, but they really hate happy people. The brighter the smile, the more galling it is. These people have spent their lives building up walls of dark hate and misery, and then someone walks in with a can of yellow paint. That there spells trouble.

Now we do not condone violence, but we also like to give fair and proper warning to people. Do not try to go and deal with a sad sack by yourself. They are dangerous when out in the wild. They have strong feelings of mistrust and anger....or they are just lonely. Really...I am just making this all up.

Just be careful out there...ok.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/05/08/the-loners-v1-3-what-lies-beneath/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Court of the Queen by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3557-court-of-the-queen License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Rick usually does these wacky little stories or diatribes each month, but this time he is doing something different. He is just going to set up the pictures in a random order and let Jeff describe the book or tell a story....or whatever. This is a little social experiment. He is not even going to tell him about this. Let's hope Jeff edits this one.

Memories, ah yes, the sweet heady feeling we get with the nostalgia of memories. Like looking back at childhood photos and remembering things, I look back weeks ago when I saw Rick's little social experiment, laughed, made a mental note to get back to it and then moved on with my life. Then Rick text's me asking if I had done the thing yet...gulp.

Now I have to pretend to be a functioning adult and do some writing to make a deadline of our own devising. This means that I have to cosplay like Julie and Johnny and act like someone that I am not. I hope that the special effects department is a good one to hide the rainbow of deficiencies that I am bringing to the role, as I literally just got woken up to do it.

Yup, that's right. I was asleep and dreaming on the concrete of my driveway while my daughter drove big circles around me and our car in her peddle car. I was awake enough that every time she passed by me, ringing her bell at me, that I would reach out and boop her nose and play with her until she was ready to start her long slow circle again and I would drift off waiting for her return.

Now you might sit there and look down at me in judgement, but I was exhausted and the game that we were playing prior to that was putting me to sleep on my feet. The game was called red light and it entailed me pretending to be in a car at a red light. She would then drive up behind me, ring and ring and ring her bell at me while yelling at me to move. Eventually she would drive around me and through the red light, but I was stuck at it and couldn't move. Then she would cycle around and the game would begin again.

So there I was, stuck in my "car" waiting to be allowed to move into the great big exciting world around me and not ever getting that green light. Eventually it all became to much and I pulled my "car" over to the side of the "road" and stretched out.

The warmth of the day embraced me. The podcast I was listening to lulled me to my ease and the knowledge that my entertained and happy daughter was nearby let me drift off to the edges of a pleasant slumber.

Then it all came bwwaaashhhing down. I heard my daughter dump her car and go inside so that she could have a snack and hangout with her mom. Then Rick disturbs my rest with a text, and I wake up enough to realize that I now just look like a person that may have been hit by a car in a driveway that needs help instead of the tired, partially negligent parent that is both playing with his kid and kinda taking a nap in his front yard. So up I get and into the house I go.

Any ways, in this issue Julie outs her and Johnny's superpoweredness to a movie director to get an acting gig and then said director attempts to sexually assault her because yuck. Also, some other stuff happened with the other characters, but it felt really place holdery so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/05/22/the-loners-v1-4-what-you-dont-know/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Thunderhead by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4528-thunderhead License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

 

We are coming in for a landing folks, and We need know if any of these kids are going to make it. Especially when they have fights breaking out in their special place. Wow, that sounded dirty. Whatever, let's do this thing.....huh...that sounded dirty too.

So what do we have happening in this book? That is a good answer, and I can sum it up in one word, bad choices. Some may call that two words, but I would like to point out that I never learned to count, so it is not my fault. As I was saying decisions were made and the outcomes were negative. This of course means drama. Huh, drama would be a better word to sum up this issue with.

Is there drama in burgers? Sure! Especially when you call them cow sandwiches. Speaking of which, is a hotdog a sandwich or a taco? Is a taco a sandwich? Now we are talking drama, and opinions, and possibly a food fight.

And there is drama of a new person with no memory. Who is she, why is she here, what is her favorite color, how will she betray and kill us? These are the kinds of questions that lead to or from trust. Plus, she looks pretty awesome.

Then we have the drama-mama-llama-rama. This takes the cake, don't it. Goblin boy, who is off his rocker, with the power of the hawk crystal which has been ramping up Chris? This is a combo meal of doom, with a side order of DRAMA.

 

 

Buuuuuuut, I am not going to be the one to tell him that.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/06/05/the-loners-v1-5-chinks-in-the-armor/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Clenched Teeth by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3517-clenched-teeth License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

 

This is it, the end of the Loners....well, sort of. We still have a couple more appearances of this team, but this is the final issue of this crazy run, so we should reflect on what we have learned.

I think we can say that this series is not complete, and is a little strange. It was experimental and challenging, and unexpected. And whether you like it or not, you have to appreciate the ambition of it's creators. Experiments are not always successful, but they can be interesting.

So what failed in this series. Probably some of the re-characterization of Julie. You can see some of the characterization that Weezie originally conceived, but there are some changes that are uncomfortable. She is an underage woman who has been sexualized. While I am glad that it is not more than just the eye candy view, and her response to being attacked was great, it still felt strange.

Speaking of which, there was a definite effort to make this more of a teen+ book with the more adult themes. More relationships, discussions of addiction and trauma, and sex. There is a lot of meat that the creators where sewing into the story in order to build a future story. They just did not make it.

I would not punch this series and call it bad. I would say that the series is not for everyone, and it is not complete. But I want to recognize some of the great beats the story provided, and the discussion we had. And it is always about the journey....right?

Sometimes we read some content that leaves us feeling a couple of different ways, possibly fighting feelings about how we will land on the material. That can be good. It is always helpful to challenge the status quo. We need some growth and change...and we need to see two Darkhawks beat each other up.

We are going to see these cats in a a few more issues, but this is the end of The Loners series. Bye The Loners!

 

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/06/19/the-loners-v1-6-double-identities/

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Clenched Teeth by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3517-clenched-teeth License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

Every so often we get the opportunity to talk to someone extraordinary, this is not one of those times Extraordinary is too small of a word. Chris Eliopoulos may have has simple beginnings, just a young boy who liked doodling at pizza parlors. From there, he has gone on to having a small empire.

Chris got his break in comics to be a letterer, working on thousands of books over the years. During this time, he mad friend and had some incredible opportunities, including one to set up his own digital lettering shop. Virtual Calligraphy (VC) now completes the majority of the Marvel digital lettering.

His love of drawing never diminished, and he was able to contribute to a few books before he got the opportunity to develop a series dear to our hearts, Franklin Richarrds, Son of a Genius. A truly fun and entertaining series that utilizes his great whimsy and talent to create a unique take on the child of our second favorite team of four.

But that is not all. Chris is also the co-writer and artist of the very successful I Am series of books. These children's books look at the fascinating lives of histories most important figures. Presenting them in an easy to digest format.

And then, just to cap it all off he also has his own TV show. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, which is about Xavier, his sister and their friends at the Secret Museum. They time travel to the past to interact and learn from historical heroes.

This just goes to show you that your dreams can come true, even if you only want to draw on napkins in a pizza parlor.

 

You can visit our webpage to see the pictures we talked about:

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Time to break out that holly, eggnog, and mistletoe, we need to have ourselves a merry little holiday party with The Loners.

Don't be too confused, this all makes perfect sense. See, we are releasing this July, with the sun blazing and the total lack of snow. This is the perfect time to think about all things winter, and cold, and not hot.

OK, I am stretching to make this make sense, but whatever...just go with it. You know, I do a lot for you people. I give and I give and I give....and I try to make things original. You know, sitting here writing is really hard.

Maybe I am just whining. Maybe I just want to be out and about. Maybe I am antsy to go camping but I decided to tie myself up with a couple of recordings right before I was supposed to leave. Maybe I should just kick someone in the face.

Nah, that is too mean. I should just be like Julie, happy to be hanging with my friends...and flying.

Wait a minute! I CAN'T FLY!

Happy (non) Holidays to you all.

 

Please check out some images mentioned on the show: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/07/17/marvel-holiday-special-2007-secret-santa/

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Summer Hit by WinnieTheMoog Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6036-summer-hit License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Don’t be sad, we are back with a brand new episode of Power Pack!! And, as Jeff so eloquently(?) sings, we are back in the sewers again!  On the hunt for their lost backpacks, the team of pre-teens head into the dark...and meet a mess of mutants!  That’s right, they are in the Morlock tunnels. Hopefully a couple of X-Men can get them out of this scrape. Along the way, we discuss depression and electricity….not at the same time. This episode, does not suck....but I may be biased! And if you think there are too many song parodies, blame the Irredeemable Shagg ( @onceuponageek ) for this fine mess. Additional shout outs include: Secret Wars and Beyond ( @Sean42AZ ) & ( @garaujo1), Titan up the Defense ( @ttwasteland_ ), and WMQ Comics ( @wmqcomics ). And don’t forget to grab your cat and support us on Patreon,https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

 

This is a first for us. A creator that one of us has had the opportunity to meet in person before we interviewed them. Fred Van Lente wrote three of the Power Pack all ages mini series as well as many other works, but of course we are going to ask him about Power Pack, I mean....that is the height of his career, right?

Known initially for his work on Action Philosophers with Ryan Dunlavey, Fred has developed a very good bibliography of writing credit within the comic community. He also has had the opportunity to work with other fantastic creators. Plus, he is a pretty funny guy with some interesting stories to share.

But how does someone become a writer, what is catalyst to move a person into this realm where many dare but few succeed. The first step is to find yourself in a place you want to get out of, followed by choosing a career path that you quickly realize is not for you. These were, fortunately for Fred, the exact elements that put him on the path to where he is today.

But it is not all about Zombies and big headed creations bent on evil. Sometimes Fred give back something for the kids. Like we mentioned at the top of this rant, Fred worked on some wonderful Power Pack story lines. And while he did not get the opportunity to pull out a full series, he was able to produce a set of work to be very proud of.

So sit right back and take a listen as we bother this nice man about his past and what makes him such a fascinating writer.

 

Check out some pictures online at our website: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/07/31/interview-with-fred-van-lente/

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

It is time to do the hawk....do the Darkhawk that is! You know what it is like, you want to do a dance but your only partner has a ruby stuck in his chest. We have all been there.

So this is what it is like to read a Darkhawk-centric issue in the 2000's. A lot of fire, a bit of brimstone, and some serious close-ups. This is just a lot of a lot. Of course people say that about us too.

Chris has a bit going on in his life, and for the most part, it is good. Loving mother and brothers, a good paying job, a plethora of bad guys to beat up. You could ask for a better life, but you would probably have to pay for it.

We should talk about Julie Power. She was in this issue and did not say anything......we have now talked about Julie.

Back to Chris and his mom. This seems like a pretty good relationship. Chris and his mom are talking, and they are not keeping secrets anymore. Sure, he is living back at home, which is such a drag, but he is making it work and making the change.

But what about the new guy, what is his deal? Why should we even care? Why does he have to be all....y'know..Darkhawky? Why can't he know his own dance? Betcha did not think we would circle back to that.

Boom....Mind blown...I know, right?

 

You can look at some of the artwork we talked about at the webpage for this episode at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/08/14/war-of-kings-darkhawk-1/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Old Walls by Frank Schroeter https://filmmusic.io/song/6706-old-walls License (CCTBY 4.0): https://www.facebook.com/frank.schroeter.52

We are back with the second of our two part coverage of the dual issues of Darkhawk in this pair of issues. Yee haw cowboy, let's get ready to ride!

Now, you may be asking yourself, where can I get me one of those sweet sweet Raptor gun suits. Let me tell you, we have a wild deal down here at Crazy Carl's Used Armor Emporium. We can sell you a slightly used and lovingly restored suit for the small price of your dignity and your families safety. That's right, put that family in danger, they knew what they were signing up for.

Not only will we give you this overpowered covering of glory, but we will also set you up with our one of a kind stress inducer and emotional de-stabilizer. Cause there is nothing more satisfying than blowing up at your loved ones.

And what about your friends, you want to get them in on this wonderful deal. Well, we have you covered. We will provide your friends with the greatest protection in the world...Not being your friend anymore! Win Win!

(The bonus significant other extraction tool is a complimentary add on)

The best part of this deal is the financing we offer. We have many clients that need the suit now, now, now! The rival is heading down the street as we speak and I want to knock his head into next week. Take my SANITY PLEASE. We have you covered with our use now, sanity later plan. You will love it.

So what are you waiting for! Operators are standing by! Salespeople are drinking their coffee! It is time to become the broken down hero of your dreams. Be the difference and wreck that everyone knows you can be.

Get this offer now, cause it will be gone soon!

 

Check out the artwork we talked about at this website: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/08/28/war-of-kings-darkhawk-2/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Old Walls by Frank Schroeter https://filmmusic.io/song/6706-old-walls License (CCTBY 4.0): https://www.facebook.com/frank.schroeter.52

Two stories for the price of one! Why are we doing this? Because we can do ever we want! We are not playing by your strict rules dealing with time and space! So let's bounce into it.

Let me tell you what I like about comic book conventions. At con's, people can and are allowed to let their freak flag fly. And they do. And people can find all that makes there heart sing. And they can dress themselves with as many spikey bits as they want.

Sure, at times you will see someone in a creepy cosplay, maybe too much blood or gore, maybe too much like a plastic dollar store barbie. Still, it is there look and they can enjoy themselves.

Another con specialty is all of the great panels. You do not get such great opportunities to listen to creators talk about all of the great people and and things and events that occurred while creating whatever they created. These stories are amazing and interesting, and they rarely involved bodily harm.

While at a con, you do have to dodge other people, because there are a lot of people. Some people ignore people, some run them over, others politely wait, and others juke and jive like a master snake.

And where are these people going, why they are all going to look at the toys and stuff. The con is filled with things to buy and see. This is great. But, you must be careful, if you touch these, cause if you break them you buy them.

Now let's talk about the physical strain on your body. You are walking all day and carrying your stuff. This could include wearing a backpack. Your feet and your lower back and many of your other parts are going to be hurting. The pain is real my friends.

So those are the thoughts on comic book cons, probably because Rick is currently at the Rose City Comic Con and is writing this at the last minute. If you have a problem with this, you can fight him.

 

Please check out the art from this episode at our website: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/09/11/new-warriors-annual-1-wolverine-37/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Open Sea (Epic) by Frank Schroeter Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9447-open-sea-epic License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frank.schroeter.52

 

PARTY PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE!!!! Shakka Lakka BOOM baby! We are starting the Fantastic Four/Future Foundation/ Hickman RUN! Hold onto your seats, it is about to get HOT in here!

OK, what do we need to know before we start this run. We probably need to know some basic fundamentals about this book, so pay attention. We are only going to do this one time.

First, this is a comic book, which means that you will be expect to find and interpret a combination of picture and words that together form a cohesive story told in some semblance of a linear fashion. Of course, there are a variety of ways to convey thoughts and ideas, but this is the traditional method we are used to.

Because we are consulting a known periodical variety, this physical copy will be made of paper and have on average two staples holding multiple pages together. Do not be alarmed, this medium is perfectly safe and the gross number of deaths from paper cuts or rusty staples has dramatically fallen over the years.

I have just been informed that my helpful information is apparently too "basic" for what we are presenting. Apparently I was supposed to provide information on the Marvel super-hero team known as the "Fantastic Four" in order to prepare our listeners for this next run of comics.

Well, this is a heck of a problem. I had an entire thesis prepared on the the development of the modern comic story line juxtaposed with the decadence of the west and cultural influences from Japan. I guess putting time and effort into redefining comic book ages is just not something the masses are ready for. You all just want to sit around and eat cake.

Whatever. The Fantastic Four are a group of super-heroes in the Marvel Universe and they are known by a lot of people. The end.

Oh, you need more. OK. They know Power Pack too.

My feelings are hurt and I did not prepare for this. I just am done. What do you people want from me? Get off my back.

 

If you want to check out our website, please visit: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/09/25/fantastic-four-574-days-of-future-franklin/

 

 

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Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Joy In Your Bright Face by MusicLFiles https://filmmusic.io/song/7538-joy-in-your-bright-face License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles

 

I don't care if Monday's blue Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too Thursday I don't care about you It's Friday I'm in love

                              What are you doing?

 

 

Monday you can fall apart Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart Or Thursday doesn't even start It's Friday I'm in love

                              This makes no sense to anyone.

Saturday wait Sunday always comes too late But Friday never hesitate

                              No preamble, no segue-way.

 

 

I don't care if Monday's black Tuesday, Wednesday heart attack Thursday never looking back It's Friday I'm in love

                              You are setting up our podcast for failure.

 

 

Monday, you can hold your head Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed Or Thursday watch the walls instead It's Friday I'm in love

                              You are not even listening to me.

 

 

Saturday wait And Sunday always comes too late But Friday never hesitate

                              Can you at least inform people that this is a bit?

 

 

Dressed up to the eyes It's a wonderful surprise To see your shoes and your spirits rise Throw out your frown And just smile at the sound And as sleek as a sheikh Spinning round round round Always take a big bite It's such a gorgeous sight To see you in, in the middle of the night You can never get enough Enough of this stuff It's Friday I'm in love

                              Can you at least recognize that I am talking?

 

 

I don't care if Monday's blue Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too Thursday I don't care about you It's Friday I'm in love

                              We are doing the whole song, aren't we?

 

 

Monday you can fall apart Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart Thursday doesn't even start It's Friday I'm in love

                              I hope you are proud of yourself.

 

Be sure to check out our website at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/10/09/fantastic-four-579-the-future-foundation/

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ The Zone by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/270-the-zone License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://www.sascha-ende.de

 

This episode features our favorite toe-headed kid, his best friend, and a guy made of fire, invading a toy store owned by a guy with a bow tie and featuring an alien who pops. In honor of that, I would like to review some of the excellent offerings in this years Amazon Holiday Kids Gift Book: Share the Adventure.

I was surprised to get a toy catalog in the mail this year. It moved me back to my childhood at the same time as shocking me to see something so analog in the digital age. But my cynical nature took a back seat when I turned to page 49 and I saw a transforming Lego version of Optimus Prime. I mean, c'mon folks. This book is the dreams of my childhood today!

Actually, if we want to move a page prior to the last one, we have even more Lego sets. One flavor for every child. You have sets that cover fantasy, history, magic...and popular franchises that ask us to buy everything associated with it. But I digress into negativity as I review this trove of treasures.

Let us turn to page 42. Since that is the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything, I would expect to find some truly inspiring toys, and I was not mistaken. Batman takes this page, and a bit of the next with He-Man and other. What we are given is a treat of awesome action. Not only can you fulfill your desire to explore a Bat-Cave, but you can also carry a Lego Havoc staff that stands 40.5 inches tall. One moment, I need to add something to my wish list.

Sometimes you have to think about more than just the kids in the world, sometimes we need to think about the adults, especially the really cranky ones, like Maestro. In those cases, I would suggest page 51. There is an amazing selection of plushys from teeturtle. I mean, who would say no to and Octopus plushy. And there is also the Care Bears....THE CARE BEARS. Caring is in their name!

Everyone loves to play a game. And this catalog has some ideas for you. On page 65, they dare to ask the question, what Monopoly variations have we not done? My question back to Hasbro, where is my Power Pack Monopoly game? Checkmate!

No Love for the Human Torch in this book, it is all about the wall-crawler on page 37. Spidey and his Amazing friends (not featuring Iceman or Firestar, cowards!) have an entire page to entice the kids. you have these cute little characters and vehicles, and of course more Lego. There is always room for more Lego.

There is so much more in this book that we can talk about, but I really do not have time. I kinda chose this as a framing device because I thought it would make writing this page go faster, but instead I am looking up pages that I find interesting and not getting this podcast out. Besides, you stopped reading a while ago.

We need to just sit back and thank Amazon for giving us a catalog. As children, we used these as a gateway to imagine all of the wonderful things we wanted, and then to have the crushing weight of reality destroy us as we opened presents. We should pass on that tradition to our children.

 

If you want to see some images, check out our webpage for this episode at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/10/23/fantastic-four-580-the-frank-tastic-four/

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Tides Of Iron by Alexander Nakarada Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8382-tides-of-iron License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/

Happy Halloween!!!! Would you believe that Mephisto showed up again? Unfortunately we were all way too lazy to provide him with any sport this year. So, instead, we got the gang together and had a fun round table where we talked about spoooky media that we enjoy. We hope you enjoy our annual break from all things Power Pack!

Please visit our partners in crime at their podcasts!

1. Married with Cartoons
2. Resurrections, an Adam Warlock and Thanos Podcast
3. The Outcasters

Don’t forget to support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent.  We have started to release monthly episodes for our Energizer and greater tiers. We are covering the alternate versions mini-series that started in 2005.

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

 

You can listen to the episode by clicking: Episode 120

 

A tale as old as time. Man becomes a monster. Man lives as a monster. Man wishes not to be a monster. Man drinks potion made by kids to not be a monster. Yes, this is the story we all know like the back of our scarred and deformed hands.

 

Beer and book

 

So what are we talking about folks. My take is that it is nothing more than a retelling of Frankenstein. I mean look, you have the mad scientist with questionable social skills (looking at you Reed) trying to capture the fire of the gods and creating a monster. Hang on, I think that we are actually reading into this allegory beyond the normal childish prattle.

 

Oh, You Again

 

In this retelling of the classic story, the monster is always wishing to be human and the creator always fails. Luckily the creator has decided to get some kids to help out. Which means that there is a chance that the monster can be human again, for a short while. Now if we put that idea on the original story, would that mean that the Monster of Frankenstein would rip apart and each element would become human again.

 

You Should Moisturize

 

Now that you all have that terrafying vision in your head, let's think about the happy things you would do if you were not a monster. I mean, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have a sweet ride. Get a friend with a nice car or just steal one. It is OK, you will become a monster again in a short while and grand theft auto will not be pressed to hard.

 

Heroes Playing Poker

 

Now you are out on the town, living it up, enjoying yourself. Nobody is pointing at you or mocking you. You are not frightening small children or little old ladies. And you certainly not throwing children into rivers for fun and profit....ok, maybe you are, but just for the profit. You are out and enjoying the awesomeness of the world with people, and you are having fun. But maybe you are still hurting inside. That might be because monsters have better metabolism and you should not eat the triple decker burrito with jalapeno sauce.

 

Creeper

 

Oh...and do not forget to work on forging your connection with another human....if you know what I mean...Nuff Said!

 

Don't Look Up My Skirt

 

Keep in mind, this offer is not for everyone. Some people will not have the ability to not be a monster, or they just do not want to be a human. Either way, this is special just for the monster that takes it or wants it. And if it is only for a short time, they need to seize the moment. Not unlike seizing a planet, but on a smaller scale.

 

I Mean...Look at Him!

 

Oh...and Namor is in this book, so if you want to look at something, check him out and not Ben.

 

 

If you want to see some images, check out our webpage for this episode at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/11/06/fantastic-four-584-congratulations-mister-grimm-youre-handsome-again/

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Dark Universe by Frank Schroeter Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9338-dark-universe License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frank.schroeter.52

 

 

You can listen to the episode by clicking: Episode 121

 

In honor of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we are bringing you this special issue of Fantastic Four with Namor on the cover. It has nothing to do with random chance and luck that we just happened to have this cover out at the same time as that movie. Completely planned......yup.

 

 

Can we be real for a moment here? Let's be honest about the Fantastic Four. On the whole, their stories hit a plateau a while ago. But like the Fast and the Furious movies, they keep coming back to talk about family. So why do we keep coming back to talk about them? Is it the science, the people, the villains....the cars?....Okay, it may be the cars.

 

 

I think that it may be the guests they have on....or at least certain guests. Be honest, how many times have you seen Paste Pot Pete on the cover and said, "Yes...I shall speculate."? No, we are talking about good guests. Guys who make their presence felt...guys that stand tall and then stand taller. Guys like Galactus.

 

 

Let us spend a moment to gaze upon the Kirby wonder that is Galactus. The planet eater himself. A man that can TRULY wear purple and blue in a non ironic way. He is a force in the universe, and he wears the dorkiest hat of all times. He is da man.

 

 

Fashion wise, the giant being does make choices. I personally reserve my kilt wearing for special occasions, but maybe everyday is a special occasion for him. Every morning he wakes up and determines if it is pancakes or planets.

 

 

Galactus is fun. He is a cosmic entity that always brings the wacky to the Fantastic Four comic. Once you go big, you never go back. At least that is what my mom always said. Huh, I wonder what she meant by that?....Hmmmm, now that I've had time to think about it, this is awkward.

 

 

Now let us talk about Namor....Mr. Speedo Pants....the Abs of Abslantis....The Prince of Pearls....The Feathered Feet.....The Arrogant and Bossy....The True Hero of the Deep.....etc...etc...etc.

 

 

You have to like Namor...If you don't, he will probably kill you. He is Namor, for fish's sake. He is the king and chosen ruler of the underwater kingdom. Not just one small patch of land...but the...UNDERWATER. All of it!! You are nothing compared to him. And he knows it.

 

 

And when this guy shows up in the Fantastic Four....fuggetboutit! No other man stands a chance. Just look at that chiseled and smooth body. He does not smell like Old Spice, he is Old Spice. Excuse me...I need a moment.

 

If you want to see our website, check us out at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/11/20/fantastic-four-585-the-kings-of-atlantis/

 

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We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Robot Rebellion by WinnieTheMoog Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/9774-robot-rebellion License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://linktr.ee/taigasoundprod

 

Crossover Time! X-cellent! Jeff and Rick sit down with an X-pensive beer and X-amine an X-cellent X-Men X-travaganza. That’s right, Power Pack is hiding behind a weird teal covered book. The Power Kids embark on their darkest adventure yet...yeah, this ain’t no kiddy book. Make sure you check out Jay and Miles Xplain the X-Men, Episode 41 “Hated and Feared” (https://www.xplainthexmen.com/2015/01/41-hated-and-feared/) for their take on this issue of X-Men. Featured in this episode are shout outs to: Jay & Miles XPlain the X-Men( @XPlaintheXmen ), Smash Fiction (@SmashFicPodcast ) and a BIG SHOUT OUT to Hub at Titan Up the Defense for his contribution ( @ttwasteland_ )

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Can we talk about about robots please....Are we pro or anti sentient machines sent to kill us. Or are we just hoping that they will help us in case our home is attacked by something worse. I am going to go with the later in order to sleep better at night.

According to Wikipedia, an Infestation is "the state of being invaded or overrun by pests or parasites. It can also refer to the actual organisms living on or within a host. I bring this up because we will be looking at three different infestations in this book, and I find that doing a minimal internet search is a way to start.

I guess we could start with humans. Many bugs and lesser animals find humans to be the pest that they just cannot get rid of. They have their planet evolving just the way they want it and then bam! Farming and cars and bureaucracy and locksmiths. It is just never ending with these humans. And then they use deodorant....I just cant with the human race.

Maybe we should step back and look at the bug infestation that we sometimes get when we leave out a pack of donuts for a week. Sure, I may have been told to put them away, but I do not recognize your RULES, MAN. Besides, the ants looked hungry.

Let us move on from the why, let's talk about the how do we handle the mysterious problem. Now, I think that we can use many of the same techniques for a lot of different types of infestations, but I prefer to move past the least invasive and head straight for the nuclear option. I mean, why mess around, am I right. We have developed the tools to salt the earth, let's get to pickling!

Oooh...when choosing this option, be sure and not to read any instruction. It adds spontaneity and unpredictable results to an already annoying situation. It also allows you to plead ignorance when government agencies like the EPA or non-profits like PETA start to ask questions. And trust me...the like to ask questions.

As we alluded to earlier, there are three types of infestations in this book, bugs, humans, and fish people. I will be honest, I have no clue how to deal with fish people. I have read a lot of Lovecraft, but I really do not think just curling up in a ball while your mind melts is helpful to anyone, so...nuke option it is.

Big picture, find a path and own it. You are the master of your own story, and no mamby pamby lawyer is going to get in between you, your target, and your illegal propane blowtorch. I may suggest some gloves, but that is just because you should have a drink afterwards, and that is hard when you your fingers are smoking.

 

 

If you want to see our website, check us out at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/fantastic-four-586-world-eater/\

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Video Dungeon Crawl by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4584-video-dungeon-crawl License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://incompetech.com

Don't you wish you could go back in time and experience something for the first time. That you could now what it was like to feel the terror of aliens attacking when War of the Worlds was playing. That you could watch the crackling image of a man walking on the moon. That you could laugh at the insanity of Groundhogs Day....Yeah....this book and run would have been fun to experience first hand.

Well, hindsight is 20/20, or something like that. We cannot go back in time, or relive things. We can just live in the now, not the yesterday. We strive for tomorrow while we reminisce on what we previously did. We try to remember what we planned to do, but end up just faking it.

Maybe it would be cool to just reset your mind so you are always experiencing new emotions and feelings. It would be very interesting to shake up the mundane with a new experience. It would be like looking at a blank piece of paper each day and saying, what am I going to pontificate on today.

You do know that I could just be rambling about these existential questions in an attempt to fill in space. I really should be working on editing the next episode since I have slipped behind a little bit. I also need to go and buy more beer this weekend. And I have scripts to do....sigh.

Ok, back to the topic at hand; what do you all think about Hickman on this run? Are we happy, did he lay out good stories and arc? Did he develop the characters well? Spoilers, we think he did a good job. We liked the way this story has unfolded so far.

You really need to go big or go home with a book like this. You cannot just lie down and hope that it will figure itself out. That is not cool man. Not cool at all. You need to develop the ideas and lay out some long term plot points. You can't just go randomly eating planets.....well you could...but, you know.

And then....then we have to talk about the end of this book. About what is a hero, and what is a sacrifice.

And we need to talk about sorrow and morning.

Yeah, I wish I read the series when it came out.

 

Check out the mentioned artwork at our website:  https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2022/12/18/fantastic-four-587-the-last-stand/

 

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Car On Dark Road by Brian Holtz Music Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7628-car-on-dark-road License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://brianholtzmusic.com

 

In honor of the loss of a hero, the silent nature of this comic book, and the fact that I am lazy, we will present this artwork with no pretext, comments, or silliness. And so....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see some artwork at this website: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/01/01/episode-124-fantastic-four-588-month-of-morning/

 

 

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

 

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Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://incompetech.com

 

A new book, a new number one, a new member on the team. Let's all give a big hello to the worlds favorite humanoid arachnid. It is an honor to be chosen to fill in the ranks on this legendary team. Let's hope he does not screw this up like he does everything else in his life.

Oh to be young and starting a new job. New opportunities, new mistakes, new highs and lows. When you are a superhero of Spidey's caliber, you have seem and been a lot of places. And there have been some amazing opportunities. The best opportunity is to take over from your dead friend.

And new colleges and friends and places to go. It must be pretty cool to get to go to such wonderful locations and kick booty with new peeps....especially when one of the coworkers wears size rocky gravel kickers.

I have heard a rumor that new employers provide fantastic meals to their new victims...I mean team members.

We cannot forget a new roster of clients. You get a new job and you start to talk to new people. Remember, customers can be internal as well as external. Sometimes they are both. And sometimes they are evil.

What happens if your new work is in a rock band. It can happen, do not be such a naysayer. You could get that magical dream offer you have always wanted, lead singer, and then the rock and roll life style.

Things are looking up for the old web head. You never know what life is going to throw at you, so make sure to duck.

 

If you want to see some images from the issue, check out the webpage at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/01/15/episode-125-ff-1-the-club/

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Dead Lights by Keith Wolk Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/10189-dead-lights License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

You can listen to the episode by clicking: Episode 126

 

Great news folks! We have an actual expert on the show! You know, someone who actually reads comic books, studies them, and has written a few books! It's true, we actually got a real life author and he wanted to come on to our little show to talk about Spider-Man and his Fantastic Friends. So put your paws together and welcome Douglas Wolk, author of the Eisner award winning All of the Marvels!

And what are All of the Marvels, well it is a book. As we know, books are made with paper, the same type of material used to make comic books and bills. So, why am I telling you this? Why to waste your time of course.

But in all seriousness, All of the Marvels is one mans journey through the complex and twisted world of all of the stories published by Marvel Comics. That is right, this guy read all the comics.....at least the ones published by Marvel. So, that is pretty cool....right. Yeah....that is pretty cool.

Now, what has this to do with Spider-Man you may ask. First, thank you for asking, and second...well, Spider-Man is one of the main dudes in the Marvel bullpen. He is the guy, the web-head, the poster boy. He is the lynch pin. He is the world. Everybody wants to meet him.

Ok, he is one of many super-heroes in the Marvel Universe. Just like the former Fantastic Four. And together they make a wonderful team that goes wherever the story tells them to go. That is so cool. I wish I could go anywhere.

If I could go anywhere, it would be to the Marvel Universe. And I am not just saying that because it is on brand. No, I mean it. What an exciting place full of stories, and characters, and monsters, and horrifying death and destruction. Hang on....wait a minute...this may just be a horrible idea.

But what about this concept of all of the stories being part of one continuous saga that has not and will not end. That is pretty neat, having the legacy of characters and situations to weave multiple narratives throughout time. And to be able to say that you have read all of the books and developed a thesis on how it all works and fits...well that is just a mind bender itself.

I guess, in closing, we should remember one important thing. Comic books are fun, they are entertaining, they are influential and insightful. Like any art, they are subjective and reactionary. However you decide to incorporate them into your lives, that will probably be the best answer. I am not sure what question I am answering, but it is a statement that I have just made.

And so, until next time, have a good day, and check out Douglas Wolk's book, All of the Marvels.

 

Be sure to check out our website at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/01/29/episode-126-amazing-spider-man-658-the-fantastic-spider-man/

 

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Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

 

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Heroes Of A Thousand Battles by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/8099-heroes-of-a-thousand-battles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

So what are we possibly going to talk about with this issue? I don't know...kinda out of ideas...hang on, these three boys want to have a word. Hip-hoppin', body rockin', doin' the do Beer drinking, breath stinking, sniffing glue Belly fillin', always illin', bustin' caps My name's Mike D, and I write my own snaps I'm a-peep-show seeking on the Forty-Deuce

With Adrock, MCA and me, Mike D I had a little horse named Paul Revere Just me and my horsy and a quart of beer Riding across the land, kicking up sand

Don't step out of this house if that's the clothes you're gonna wear I'll kick you out of my home if you don't cut that hair Your mom busted in and said, what's that noise? Aw, mom you're just jealous it's the Beastie Boys

Grabbing at your sis 'cause I can't resist I start to dive, pummel her rumble fish When I got through, next thing she knew On her thighs was a Beastie tattoo Your sister's def

You sold a few records but don't get slick 'Cause you used a corked bat to get those hits You've been in the game, your career is long But when you break it down you've only got 2 songs

Playin' beats on my box, making music for the many Know a lot of def girls that are doing their thing A lot of parents like to think I'm a villain I'm just chillin', like Bob Dylan

Check my rear view mirror check the gold tooth display Check out the odometer and I was on my way Cause I'm a high plains drifter the best that you can get A strapped shoplifter a pirate on cassette

Professor, what's another word for pirate treasure? Well, I think it's booty, booty, booty, that's what it is

 

To check out some art, visit our webpage:  https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/02/12/episode-127-amazing-spider-man-659-fantastic-voyage-part-i/

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

ighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ The Sign by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/277-the-sign License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

We are back with more pirates, more sinister, more foundation, but less Beastie. Hope you stick around anyway, because we do have almost an inappropriate placed tattoo.

We are going to talk movies this time. I am not really sure who reads these, so it kind of does not matter if it has to be about the book. If you want to hear about listen to the episode. For now, I am going to look at the pictures we chose and talk about the movies they remind me of and if I have showed them to my daughter. Keep up.

First up, The Karate Kid. Love this movie. A right of passage for a child of the '80's. Influential, quotable, and fun. Simple premise with a decent cast. And yes, I have showed my daughter all three original films. Also check out the Cobra Kai series....it is good.

Let's talk about the Tom Hanks classic Big. Coming of age story that comes on really fast, thanks to just a little bit of magic granting a boy to become a man overnight. Hey, it happens. Classic scenes that do tend to stand the test of time. And Tom Hanks....am I right? This is just a little too much for my daughter yet.

Do you all remember Dragonheart? Well I do. I also remember Dragonslayer. I could not decide which I was going to talk about, so I will mention both. One is from the early 80's and one features Sean Connery. I am not going to tell you which is which. But both movies have dragons....which is awesome. Huh...I have not shown my daughter either, but I am putting them on my list right now.

Hey, you know what is a great movie? The Incredibles....That is a great movie. A wonderful family film that is a pretty easy read on the Fantastic Four...minus the Human Torch. A family that has powers and fights bad guys. That might just make a good comic.

Another classic movie from my childhood that I have showed my daughter is the Explorers. Young Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, and Jason Presson tap into an aliens signal and build themselves a ship to explore the galaxy. Love it. You bet I showed this to my daughter.

The number one adventure movie of all time, Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Also, Last Crusade. I mean, you have to just love that theme, that man, and those adventures. I love this. It is fantastic and wonderful. And, I did show it to my daughter, with a couple of hands over the eyes at certain points.

This may be an easy pitch over the plate, but I am going to say Into the Spider-Verse is a pretty darn good flick. You have to love the film...the story...the just everything. What else could we possibly say.

 

Want to see the pretty pictures we talked about, visit our webpage: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/02/26/episode-128-amazing-spider-man-660-fantastic-voyage-part-ii/

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Thunder Dreams by Kevin MacLeod https://filmmusic.io/song/4526-thunder-dreams License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Class...class....it is time for you all to pay attention. Now, I know you all were expecting Rick to be writing this post relating to this comic book...podcast...thing, but he could not be bothered to do that. So, I am here in his place.

According to these notes, you were supposed to be discussing how to engage in battle. I would be shocked to discover that you were all this advanced. Doubt that you have the knowledge or experience to deal with this much sophistication, but I will try to impart some knowledge to you.

Dress for the occasion. Do not be some down on their luck, nobody who thinks a paper bag on their head is an acceptable look. Be serious. Be bold. And do not break any trademark laws.

The most important factor in engagement is to look your opening in the eyes. You must know what they are, where there intentions lie, if they are wearing glasses. That is more important than anything else. Hitting some one with glasses on is illegal in many counties, and the fines are very prohibitive.

If you plan on getting physical with your opponent, be sure that you do so in a civilized and proper manner. Introductions may seem passe, but they are required. You need to follow the rules of form and etiquette or we will all end up like animals.

Some educated "scholars" would have you believe that a fallen foe should be treated with respect. You should not do this. Once you have them subdued, take the opportunity to really put them in their place with a stern word and a heavy glance. A well placed jibe would be acceptable in these situations.

We should cover names and how you address yourselves. According to your normal teacher's notes, you have been instructed to be subdued in your approach to identifying yourself. This is incorrect. Your name is your calling card, your shield. Make it a weapon to control your enemies.

Speaking of enemies, know that your friends are temporary and should be treated as such. Use them only as far as you can trust them. They will probably turn on you so you should not trust them. At least with villains, you know where they stand.

And this is the end of class. I would like a 12 page essay from each of you detailing the best ways to remove blood stains and bribe officials. We have a lot of work to make you true heroes.

 

Want to see the pretty pictures we talked about, visit our webpage: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/02/26/episode-129-amazing-spider-man-661-the-substitute-part-one/

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Car On Dark Road by Brian Holtz Music Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/7628-car-on-dark-road License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dr. Doom is hosting a field trip to Latveria, and Rick is going to be posting this from Korea. So lets see if we can't get global with our particular brand of nonsense.

According to Wikipedia, the national alcoholic drink of Germany is beer. German beer consumption per person stands at 110 liters (24 imp gal; 29 US gal) in 2013 and remains among the highest in the world. German beer purity regulations date back to the 16th century. Wine has become popular in many parts of the country, especially close to German wine regions. In 2019, Germany was the ninth-largest wine producer in the world.

According to Wikipedia, the Luxembourg education system is trilingual: the first years of primary school are in Luxembourgish, before changing to German; while in secondary school, the language of instruction changes to French. Proficiency in all three languages is required for graduation from secondary school, but half the students leave school without a certified qualification, with the children of immigrants being particularly disadvantaged.

According to Wikipedia, in Iceland, the only native land mammal when humans arrived was the Arctic fox, which came to the island at the end of the ice age, walking over the frozen sea. On rare occasions, bats have been carried to the island with the winds, but they are not able to breed there. No native or free-living reptiles or amphibians are on the island.

As stated in Wikipedia, according to academics, in order to limit climate change in China to 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) electricity generation from coal in China without carbon capture must be phased out by 2045. Official government statistics about Chinese agricultural productivity are considered unreliable, due to exaggeration of production at subsidiary government levels. Much of China has a climate very suitable for agriculture and the country has been the world's largest producer of rice, wheat, tomatoes, eggplant, grapes, watermelon, spinach, and many other crops.

According to Wikipedia, Japan is substantially prone to earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has the 17th highest natural disaster risk as measured in the 2016 World Risk Index. Japan has 111 active volcanoes. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunami, occur several times each century; the 1923 Tokyo earthquake killed over 140,000 people. More recent major quakes are the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, which triggered a large tsunami.

According to Wikipedia, In the early days of colonization, many European settlers experienced food shortages, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans, such as in King Philip's War. Native Americans were also often fighting neighboring tribes and European settlers. In many cases the natives and settlers came to depend on each other. Settlers traded for food and animal pelts; natives for guns, tools and other European goods.

Thank you all for allowing me to really be lazy and plagiarize from Wikipedia.

 

Want to see the pretty pictures we talked about, visit our webpage: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/02/26/episode-130-ff-2-doom-nation/

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

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Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Total Happy Up And Sunny by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/555-total-happy-up-and-sunny License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

Reed is reed...in a world of Reeds, you should probably not be a Reed, but maybe be Reed. If you know Reed, you know Reed....ya know? But I may be just talking a bunch of Reed, who knows?

Reed is an American-style pale lager, part of Belgian company RE edRIch. Introduced in 1876 by Nathaniel, Reed has become a large selling beer company in the United States.

Reed (from Arabic: al-kīmiyā; from Ancient Greek: χυμεία, khumeía) is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscientific tradition that was historically practiced in China, India, the Muslim world, and Europe. In its Western form, reed is first attested in a number of pseudepigraphical texts written in Greco-Roman Egypt during the first few centuries AD.

A reed (sometimes simply called a shake) is a sweet beverage made by blending milk, ice cream, and flavorings or sweeteners such as butterscotch, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, fruit syrup, or whole fruit into a thick, sweet, cold mixture. It may also be made using a base made from non-dairy products, including plant milks such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.

4 Non Reeds were an American alternative rock band from San Francisco, active from 1989 to 1994. Their only album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, spent 59 weeks on the Billboard 200 and sold 1.5 million copies between 1992 and 1994. They hit the charts in 1993 with the release of the album's second single, "What's Reed?".

Shoo Reed, Don't Bother Me or Shew! Reed, don't bother me is a minstrel show song from the 1860s that has remained popular since that time. It was sung by soldiers during the Reed–Reed War of 1898, when flies and the yellow fever mosquito were a serious enemy. Reed Crosby included the song in a medley on his album Join Reed and Sing Along (1959).

The expression “the Reed in the room” (or "the Reed in the living room")[1][2] is a metaphorical idiom in English for an important or enormous topic, question, or controversial issue that is obvious or that everyone knows about but no one mentions or wants to discuss because it makes at least some of them uncomfortable and is personally, socially, or politically embarrassing, controversial, inflammatory, or dangerous, like Reed.

The Wonderful Reed of Oz is a 1900 children's novel written by author L. Reed Baum and illustrated by W. W. Reed. It is the first novel in the Oz series of books. A Kansas farm girl named Reed ends up in the magical Land of Oz after she and her pet dog Reed are swept away from their home by a tornado. Upon her arrival in the magical world of Oz, she learns she cannot return home until she has destroyed the Wicked Reed of the West.

Wow, that sure is a lot of Reeds!

 

Please check out our website at:  https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/04/08/episode-131-ff-3-whatever-happened-to-all-those-reeds/(opens in a new tab)

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Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

 

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Energy 2013 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/211-energy-2013 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

There comes a time, in every podcast’s life, where a guest host appears…..this is that time! Jeff and Rick are joined by one of the rowdy boys of the Secret Wars and Beyond podcast. Sean joins the dysfunctional duo to down some drinks and discuss some dugouts as Power Pack goes to Shea Stadium. They are out at the ballpark to take in a professional baseball game with their granpa….what trouble could they possibly get into…….I am being handed a note….this says that they could get into a lot of trouble. But never fear…with three hosts and a ton of silliness...and a slightly longer episode....you get the enjoyment of a grand slam home run. Thanks once again to Sean from Secret Wars and Beyond ( @Sean42AZ ) for joining us on this episode. Be sure to check out his wonderful podcasts. http://secretwars.libsyn.com/ And don’t forget support us on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/JeffandRickPresent

 

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Spacial Winds by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3883-spacial-winds License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Overworld by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4189-overworld License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

So Reed has a big plan that he has developed with his less than trustworthy father, his over-intelligent and under-age daughter, and his mortal enemy. And he has invited his teams evilest villains into his house. What could possibly go wrong?

Let us talk about all of the things that go wrong. The first thing is food. You always think you have enough food in the house before guests arrive, and then you realize that you forgot to make head-cheese. It is even worse when villains are involved. If you do not have their favorite brand of knock off soda, they will probably threaten to invade a small nation.

The next is music. You need to have something on in the background, otherwise it just gets awkward. If you do not have some sweet sounds drifting behind the din (or lack of din) of conversation, there is the possibility that fighting will break out. This is a fact, music prevents bad guys from being bad. So, hook up that Wi-Fi set and play some funky music.

As far as the guest list goes, you do need to be selective. You want to make sure you are inviting the respectable villains, not just your garden variety goombahs. Do not let the hairy hordes of Helena just rampage on your carpet. Be sure you know what evil you are letting in your front door. Oh, and for your information, Google Dictionary does not like the word 'goombah'.

And if you do invite the wrong kind of people, or if you think you may have party crashers, you may want to hire bouncers. This can help regulate the level's of evil in your sitting room, not to mention your bathrooms. Of course, you will need to find some good bouncers. Check your local Angie's list for suggestions.

If you do have a party with your enemies, be ready to face a little resentment from your friends. They may feel hurt or betrayed by your actions. This is normal and should be met with ignorance or shunning on your part. I mean...you obviously are smarter than they are and can make much better decisions. You know who your true friends are....they are your enemies. Jeez...read some Sun Tzu.

Above all else, make your enemies happy. Make sure they are comfortable, that they feel at ease. Allow them into your home and your heart. Make it an evening they will never forget. Make them a key to your front door. Allow them to wear their shoes inside. Give them their choice of all your bedrooms. You might as well....they are probably going to kill you anyway.

 

Check out the artwork we talk about over at our website:

https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/04/22/episode-132-ff-4-the-beating-of-drums/(opens in a new tab)

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Energy 2013 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/211-energy-2013 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

We are in the party zone now. We have a bunch of Reeds and a bunch of villains and a bunch of kids.....and don't forget the mistakes and regrets. What else can POSSIBLY go wrong.

First of all, we probably should talk about underestimating the problem. You make plans and you estimate the size of the opposition and then you head out to fight. Now, what could be the worse that can happen during this step...well, bad intelligence and low balling the threat. You can end up out there all alone. One little man against a mob.

That brings us to fire power. Do you have the right weapons for the job? Do you have competent people to operate the weapons? Do the weapons work? Honestly, it is amazing that we are able to be successful at all with the number of moving pieces in the world. Sometimes we just need suction cup guns to even the playing field.

If you have the correct response and the appropriate weapons, do you have a good visual on your enemies? This is a good question to ask when you are attacking or about to be attacked, or if you have fallen into a deep dark hole, or if you have been hit in the face with webs....or something.

OK, so now you are in trouble. You have failed and have been caught....maybe by a net, or just by a bad decision.....or by a crustacean. Whatever happened, here are some things you should do . First, don't panic. Second, get some Bactine, that looks nasty and could get infected.

What about villains? Yeah, you got them, and you should be worried about it. They usually come with big plans, big guns, big lackeys, and big egos. So what are you gonna do? Well hotshot?

Oh, you are going to shoot them with a gun. Nice. Way to go hotshot. Now you have really made a mess of things. I don't even know what we are doing. No really...I don't....I am watching a movie while I am writing this so I really do not know what is happening.

Well, I just hope that you have accomplished what you wanted to. I hope that you are sitting in the chair that you so richly deserve. I hope that you have destroyed your enemies and made the world see how awesome you are. If not...I hope that you had fun.

 

Check out the pictures we talked about by clicking on this link:  https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/04/28/episode-133-ff-5-the-sound-of-war/

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

You can also subscribe and listen to us on YouTube! 

Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Energy 2013 by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/211-energy-2013 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

It is Spidey time!!! We have a costumed crusader, we have an island, and we have a LOT of spiders....They are everywhere. So let's take some time and talk about spider stuff.

The Spider Flip is apparently part of a course redesign in an American Ninja Warrior show. It was an obstacle that was used, but was incredibly tough. They should have had Agent Venom do it. Boom. All done.

Spider Kick is a gym that emphasizes health And well being. They use martial arts philosophy and training to accomplish this. I do not know if they inject their patrons with spider juice so they can do split kicks.

Here are the ingredients for Spider Punch. For the instructions, ask Shanghai Chi.

• Thin black licorice ropes
• Black sanding sugar (optional)
• Corn syrup (for the rim of glass, optional)
• Grenadine syrup
• Ice
• Orange juice
• Straws

Lets talk about spider science. No one teaches spiders how to make their webs; they just seem to know. This stumps scientists a bit, but this fact is an excellent example of how even the tiniest insects somehow know how to keep themselves alive.

Do you know that you can make bets on spider fights. I mean, you can bet on anything, and I am sure that there are some people that would say that there are no victims in a spider fight. But I would say, we all are victims.

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Spidey Swing is a fun-addicting Spider-man rope swing game that you can play online and for free on Silvergames.com. Control the Peter Parker rag doll in his spidey costume through all stages using his well-known spider web. Try to jump from one spot to another swinging, letting go and shooting your powerful spider web again. Avoid hitting the walls and other obstacles too hard or the poor, masked superhero will suffer serious injuries, like losing a leg or an arm… or his precious spidey life. Earn up to 3 stars on every level and show you have what it takes to be a hero.

I hope you all learned something. I learned d how to search for things on the internet.

 

Check out the lovely pictures that go with these strange prose at: https://jeffandrickpresent.wordpress.com/2023/04/28/episode-134-amazing-spider-man-v1-666-spider-island-prologue-the-one-and-only/(opens in a new tab)

 

We also have some merchandise over at Redbubble. We have a couple of nifty shirts for sale. https://www.redbubble.com/people/jeffrickpresent/?asc=u

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Our show supports the Hero Initiative, Helping Comic Creators in Need.  http://www.heroinitiative.org/

Eighties Action by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3703-eighties-action License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ The Road Home [2023] by Alexander Nakarada https://filmmusic.io/song/10745-the-road-home-2023 License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license