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We journey through each issue of the most underrated Marvel series of the 80’s while drinking beer. Please join us in rediscovering the joy of the Power Pack comic.
Episodes
Friday Oct 29, 2021
Friday Oct 29, 2021
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!
- Married with Cartoons - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #1
- Unpacking the Power of Power Pack - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #2
- Resurrections, an Adam Warlock and Thanos Podcast - My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise #3
- 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/
Sunday Nov 07, 2021
Sunday Nov 07, 2021
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
Sunday Nov 21, 2021
Sunday Nov 21, 2021
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
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
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
Sunday Dec 19, 2021
Sunday Dec 19, 2021
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.
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
Sunday Jan 02, 2022
Sunday Jan 02, 2022
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
Sunday Jan 16, 2022
Sunday Jan 16, 2022
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
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
Sunday Jan 30, 2022
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
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
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
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
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