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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
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
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/
Sunday Aug 14, 2022
Sunday Aug 14, 2022
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
Sunday Aug 28, 2022
Sunday Aug 28, 2022
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
Sunday Sep 11, 2022
Sunday Sep 11, 2022
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
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
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/
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/ 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
Sunday Oct 09, 2022
Sunday Oct 09, 2022
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
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
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/
Monday Oct 31, 2022
Monday Oct 31, 2022
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!
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 06, 2022
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
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
Sunday Nov 20, 2022
Sunday Nov 20, 2022
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/
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/ 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