In this episode of Pick of the Week, the hosts discuss various comic book themes, including holiday-themed comics, their thoughts on the latest issues of Absolute Batman, Hello Darkness, and The Seasons, and delve into the storytelling and character development in series like Geiger, Absolute Superman, and Dust to Dust. They also touch on the importance of maintaining quality in ongoing series and the impact of artwork on storytelling. The conversation wraps up with a call for recommendations on...
Feb 21, 2025•59 min
In this episode, Steve discusses his recent reading experiences, including 'Cloud Atlas', 'Dead House Gates', and 'Watchmen'. He reflects on the importance of group discussions in enhancing understanding and enjoyment of complex narratives. Steve also shares his thoughts on the dark themes in 'Dead House Gates' and critiques 'Swamp Thing', expressing his personal preferences in literature. He emphasizes the value of enjoying reading at a relaxed pace rather than focusing on quantity, and invites...
Feb 16, 2025•18 min
In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricacies of the Deluxe Edition of the manga 'Berserk', focusing on the evolution of its artwork, character dynamics, and the psychological depth of the characters, particularly Griffith and Guts. They explore themes of leadership, trauma, and the impact of past experiences on present behavior, while also appreciating the artistic improvements in the series. In this conversation, the participants delve into the complexities of Guts' relatio...
Feb 16, 2025•57 min
In this episode, the hosts delve into the second book of the Malazan series, Dead House Gates, discussing its themes, characters, and the intricate world-building of Steven Erikson. They explore the significance of memory, the weight of souls, and the political dynamics at play, while also reflecting on the dark imagery presented in the prologue. The conversation highlights the complexity of relationships, particularly the friendship between Mapo and Icarium, and the historical context of the se...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 49 min
In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve delve into the world of comic book collecting, discussing the sentimental value of comics versus their monetary worth. They explore various new comic releases, highlighting the challenges of anthology series and the impact of artwork on storytelling. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Star Wars comics, innovative concepts in new releases, and the role of humor in horror comics. The episode concludes with their ...
Feb 13, 2025•54 min
In this conversation, the participants delve into Volume 3 of Berserk, exploring themes of character development, emotional depth, and the complexities of fate and desire. They discuss how their perspectives on the story have changed over time, the nuances of reading manga, and the significance of Guts' journey. The discussion also touches on the role of the God Hand and the philosophical implications of ambition and sacrifice within the narrative. In this conversation, the participants delve in...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of Weekly Polls, hosts Mike and Steve discuss their diminishing interest in upcoming comic-related movies, expressing fatigue over superhero content. They transition into reviewing various comic books, sharing their thoughts on both the successes and failures of recent titles. The conversation highlights the challenges of keeping up with expansive comic universes and the struggle to find engaging stories. They conclude with their picks of the week, celebrating standout titles ami...
Feb 06, 2025•36 min
In this conversation, Steve, Dan, and Varsha delve into the intricacies of Berserk Volume Two, exploring character development, particularly of Guts, the blend of humor and action, and the significance of demonic elements within the narrative. They discuss the complexity of the Count's character and speculate on future developments in the story, highlighting the emotional and thematic depth of the manga. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricate character dynamics and moral dil...
Feb 02, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Page Burners, the hosts delve into the intricacies of the Malazan series, focusing on character development, thematic elements, and the interplay of humor and death. They explore personal experiences with the narrative, the significance of foreshadowing, and the role of the Azath House. The discussion also touches on the nature of power, chaos, and divine manipulation, culminating in reflections on the series' complex characters and their journeys. In this conversation, the pa...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 50 min
In this episode of Panel Chewing Pick of the Week, hosts Steve and Jarrod discuss various comic book series, focusing on their reading experiences and the themes within the stories. They explore the appeal of origin stories, review specific titles like Absolute Batman and Drawing Blood, and delve into the nuances of character development and storytelling in comics. The conversation also touches on the impact of fame, the challenges of rebooting classic characters, and the unique perspectives off...
Feb 01, 2025•55 min
In this engaging conversation, TJ Klune discusses his latest book, 'The Bones Beneath My Skin,' reflecting on his journey as a writer, the significance of the 90s in his work, and the power of words. He shares personal experiences with ADHD and self-acceptance, the influence of music on his writing, and the challenges of balancing a corporate job with his passion for writing. Klune emphasizes the importance of using creativity to foster goodness in the world, while also addressing social issues ...
Jan 31, 2025•48 min
In this conversation, the participants delve into the first volume of Berserk, discussing their initial impressions, character dynamics, and the dark themes present in the narrative. They explore the art style, character motivations, and the moral complexities of Guts, the protagonist. The discussion also touches on the violence and horror elements, comparing them to other works in the genre. In this conversation, the participants delve into the intricacies of the manga 'Berserk', discussing its...
Jan 26, 2025•52 min
In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve delve into the significance of comic awards, particularly the Eisner Awards, and share their thoughts on various comic series. They discuss their personal experiences with award-winning comics, review a range of new releases, and highlight their picks of the week, providing insights into the evolving landscape of comic storytelling and artistry. Send us a message Support the show Film Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.c...
Jan 23, 2025•42 min
In this episode, the hosts discuss Volume 4 of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing, exploring its themes, artistic choices, and social commentary. They delve into the surprising elements of the volume, the crossover with Crisis on Infinite Earths, and the horror aspects intertwined with mythology. The conversation highlights character development, the significance of the Parliament of Trees, and the overall impact of the artwork. In this conversation, the participants delve into the complexities of the Swa...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this 70th episode of Page Chewing, Mike is on his own ... Yikes! He discusses his recent comic book reading over the holidays, including a variety of genres from horror to science fiction. He shares insights on specific titles, their artwork, and storytelling techniques, while also highlighting his pick of the week. The conversation reflects Mike's journey back into the world of comics, showcasing his enthusiasm and critical perspective on the medium. Send us a message Support the show Film C...
Jan 15, 2025•30 min
In this episode of Page Burners, the group discusses chapters 14-19 of Gardens of the Moon, focusing on character dynamics, the significance of the Warrens, and the themes of manipulation and immortality. The conversation delves into the tragic existence of the Tist Andii, the horrors of Dragnipur, and the emotional impact of action scenes. The group reflects on the mythology and world-building in Malazan, drawing parallels to real-world concepts and exploring the nature of identity over time. I...
Jan 11, 2025•2 hr 3 min
In this conversation, Steve, Varsha, and Jarrod discuss volume three of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing. They explore the episodic nature of the storyline and the lack of a cohesive narrative. They also discuss the unresolved plotlines, such as the nuclear man and the vampires, and speculate on whether they will be revisited in future volumes. The conversation delves into the social commentary present in the stories, including themes of toxic waste, cruelty among children, and men's attitudes towards w...
Jan 06, 2025•54 min
In this conversation, Steve and Jarrod reflect on their reading experiences in 2024, sharing their favorite books and discussing various themes and insights from their readings. They explore a range of genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, and non-fiction, while also touching on the emotional impact of literature and the importance of storytelling. In this engaging conversation, Steve and Jarrod delve into their top book recommendations of the year, exploring a variety of genres including novellas,...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Page Chewing Weekly, hosts Mike and Steve discuss various new single-issue comics, emphasizing the importance of written reviews and star ratings in the comic industry. They delve into their thoughts on several series, including Absolute Batman, Sacrifices, Dark Nights of Steel, and more, sharing insights on artwork, storytelling, and character development. The conversation highlights the significance of supporting indie comics through reviews and the impact of artwork on the ...
Dec 29, 2024•42 min
In this episode of Page Burners, the group discusses chapters 11, 12, and 13 of 'Gardens of the Moon' by Steven Erikson. They delve into character perspectives, particularly focusing on Tattersail's soul transfer and the implications of chaos magic. The conversation also explores the motivations behind character actions and the development of Whiskeyjack's character, highlighting themes of compassion and the complexity of morality in the Malazan universe. In this conversation, the participants d...
Dec 28, 2024•1 hr 53 min
In this episode, hosts Mike and Steve dive into their top 10 comics of the year, discussing their reading experiences and the various themes present in the comics. They share their honorable mentions, highlighting the challenges of narrowing down their favorites. The conversation flows into a detailed countdown of their top picks, exploring the unique storytelling, humor, and satirical elements that make these comics stand out. They explore the influence of social media in storytelling, the arti...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 30 min
This conversation delves into the themes of Brett Easton Ellis's 'American Psycho', exploring its satirical horror elements, the critique of materialism and consumerism, and the psychological depth of its characters. The hosts discuss their differing opinions on the narrative style, the portrayal of wealth and privilege, and the implications of misogyny within the story. They also reflect on the ambiguity of reality versus imagination in the book, ultimately concluding with thoughts on the socie...
Dec 25, 2024•54 min
In this episode of Page Burners, the hosts delve into the complexities of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, focusing on Gardens of the Moon. They explore the intricate relationships between gods and their worshipers, the nature of mortality, and the moral ambiguities faced by characters. The discussion also touches on the significance of epigraphs, character dynamics, and the political intrigue within the narrative, culminating in a rich analysis of themes such as desperation, identity, and redemp...
Dec 21, 2024•2 hr 3 min
On this episode, the hosts explore a variety of light-hearted topics, including personal preferences for animals, the impact of spoilers on reading experiences, unique grocery store reading habits, favorite board games, and top music albums. The discussion is filled with humor and camaraderie, showcasing the hosts' personalities and interests. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore a variety of topics ranging from their dream biking trails to their favorite fictional characters, evolvi...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 49 min
Crossed is a violent and graphic comic book series created by Garth Ennis. It explores the breakdown of civilization and the extreme horror that ensues when humans become infected with a contagion that removes all inhibitions. The series is known for its shocking and visceral storytelling, although some runs focus more on shock value than good storytelling. The original volume is a standout, with a focus on survival horror and impactful artwork. Other notable arcs include Crossed: Family Values,...
Dec 19, 2024•25 min
In this episode, Mike and Steve discuss the future of comics, particularly the debate between single issue floppies and trade paperbacks. They explore the implications of this shift on comic book stores and independent publishers. The hosts then dive into their picks of the week, including 'In Bloom', 'The Brood', 'Minor Arcana', and 'Hello Darkness', highlighting the unique storytelling and artistic styles of each. They also touch on 'Juvenile', a comic aimed at a younger audience, and 'The Mag...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min
In this conversation, the hosts discuss Alan Moore's Swamp Thing Volume 2 issues 28 to 34. They reflect on the nostalgia of reading monthly comics in the 80s and the impact of dropping the Comics Code. They explore the cohesive storytelling and themes of identity and soul throughout the volume. They appreciate the innovative artwork and panel layouts, particularly in the annual issue. They also discuss the jarring but intriguing fill-in issues and the connections to other DC characters and futur...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In this end-of-year wrap-up episode of Spotlight Chewing, host Holly and co-host Steve reflect on their podcast journey, discuss the unique aspects of Christmas in Australia compared to the UK, and share personal highlights and literary discoveries from the past year. Guests Tim and Charlie contribute their experiences and favorite reads, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about condiments and their pairing with books. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the importance of ...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr 10 min
In this conversation, the participants delve into the Malazan series, specifically focusing on 'Gardens of the Moon' by Steven Erikson. They discuss character motivations, plot points, and thematic elements, particularly the significance of epigraphs, the role of the Toblaki, and the dynamics within the Bridge Burners. The conversation also touches on the interference of gods in the characters' lives, highlighting the complexity of the narrative and the depth of character development throughout ...
Dec 14, 2024•2 hr 3 min
In this episode of Weekly Pulls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss their latest comic book reads, reflecting on their experiences and insights gained from the medium. They explore various titles, including Superman, The Missionary, Damaged People, Dick Tracy, Dread the Halls, Hello Darkness, and Babs, sharing their thoughts on artwork, storytelling, and the emotional impact of these comics. The conversation highlights the joy of comic book reading and the nostalgia it evokes, while a...
Dec 12, 2024•43 min
