Comics Playground Episode 24: A Burning Question

"Ryan, would you write the show notes?"

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Comics Playground Episode 23: Insert Witty Title Here

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

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Comics Playground Episode 22 - Revelations!

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

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Comics Playground Episode 21- Fully Articulated

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

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Comics Playground 20 - Grand Re-Opening!

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

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Review: The Wind Raider #1

The Wind Raider #1 of 3
Ape Entertainment
$3.50 cover price
Created & Written by: Richard Finney and Dean Loftis
Art by: Gabriel Hardman
Colors by: Micah Farritor
Lettering & Design by: David Hedgecock

"When you control the Wind …you control the future."

In this post-apocalyptic world, where people known as Ki Warriors can bend the winds to their will, a young boy named Joshua finds himself in trouble with a murderous group of bandits. There are hints of a greater darkness and a rising force for good.

I am a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre of storytelling. Sure this book offers somewhat familiar situations to viewers of The Road Warrior and other movies like that. But I have to say I really enjoyed the style of this book. A lot of the story is told in artwork reminiscent of Joe Kubert or Francesco Frankavilla, done mostly in brown tones to nicely give off the effect of a harsh desert-dwelling life.

The world of The Wind Raider is a harsh and violent world but this story isn't terribly graphic in the violence. The book is labeled as suitable for teen and up, and I would agree with that assessment and say 13 and up. This is a great change of pace from the usual capes and tights comics and has enough originality and excitement to interest young and old alike.There are also backup pages with extensive character history and information about the world they inhabit so you can tell the creative team has worked hard to develop this story.

You can find a trailer on YouTube as well as more information about the book at the website: http://www.thewindraider.com or the publisher website at http://apecomics.com/

This 48 page first issue hits shelves in January 2009.

Happy Birthday Ryan King

Host of Comics Playground, The Trip podcast and all around nice guy.