Category Archives: Classic Comic Review
History of Moon Knight – a Just in Time overview
It’s the night I’ve been waiting for, seemingly forever. Moon Knight debuts on Disney+ today, and we’re talking about Moon Knight through the decades in comics. Who is Moon Knight, what are his origins, powers, and secrets? We discuss all of this and more on the latest Casual Comics Cast.
I’ll be back this weekend to post a full update – for those who prefer to read the details, but in this episode, we focus on the core of the character.
What really makes Moon Knight, well… “Moon Knight”? By the end of this show, we’ve got a pretty good top-5 list of the things that are so central to the character that any show failing to touch on those elements isn’t really an accurate representation.
But, the exciting thing we discovered in reading these books is just how flexible the character is and how different writers have emphasized different facets of Moon Knight to create compelling stories that are completely different in tone and style.
Whether you haven’t watched the show yet and are looking for some background, or you’ve already started in on the series and want to explore further, this is the episode of the Casual Comics Cast you’re looking for!
Books we discuss are:
- Werewolf by Night #32 (1975) – First Appearance of Moon Knight
- Moon Knight #1 (1980) – First solo/standalone title, written by Doug Moench
- West Coast Avengers #21 (1987) – Moon Knight joins the team, written by Steve Englehart
- Moon Knight #1 (2014) – Modern interpretation of Moon Knight, written by Warren Ellis
- Moon Knight #1 (2021) – Currently running Moon Knight title, written by Jed Mackay
And if that player’s not working (I’m new at embedding – let me know if you like it), the direct link is here:
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2022-03-29T15_52_01-07_00
Cheers!
- CCG
WandaVision – Origins
I cannot believe how excited I am for the premiere of WandaVision on Disney+. So excited that it’s awakened my passion to update this blog with podcast news.
In our latest episode, we cover some key comics that are sure to tie into the TV show, and serve as a beginner’s guide to Vision and the Scarlet Witch. Listen in, and you’ll hear why this Synthozoid and Mutant couple moving to the suburbs of Jersey made me a stark-raving Marvel fan and colored my view of comics for decades to come.
If the trailers are any indication, the Marvel mini-series from the 80s will serve as a guide for this TV series, and I could not be happier. Listen in as we discuss:
X-men 4 – The Origin of the Scarlet Witch
Vision and the Scarlet Witch (1982) #1-4 – The couple takes leave from the Avengers to live in wedded bliss… but with some family complications, ending in a big comics reveal on the true family tree of the Scarlet Witch!
Join us on the Casual Comics Cast, won’t you?
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2021-01-13T15_22_38-08_00
Cheers!
- CCG
Casual Comics Cast – Giant Size X-Men Edition
We’re back with another podcast and a discussion of everyone’s favorite mutant squad: The X-Men
On this episode, we discuss our favorite X-Men characters and review:
Giant Size X-Men #1 (1975) – the introduction of the “new” X-Men that we all know and love.
Astonishing X-Men vol. 1 (1995) by Joss Whedon – a more modern take on the X-Men from the fan favorite creator.
Plus, we talk about which of our X-Men are our favorites and play an X-Men version of “Date, Marry, Kill”.
We hope you’ll join us from your favorite podcast platform or at the link below.
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2020-09-28T17_22_50-07_00
Cheers!
- CCG
The Flash! – Casual Comics Cast Episode 227
Wow – that SDCC at Home hangover lasted longer than I expected. Not to worry faithful fans. We’re back and stronger than ever with a new podcast exploring the world of DC’s Scarlet Speedster – The FLASH!
We’re seeking the answer to the age-old question – who is faster, Superman or The Flash.
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2020-08-29T14_02_16-07_00
Plus, we’ve got a discussion of the most famous villains in Flash’s Rogues Gallery.
Classic comics that we read this week are:
Superman #199, “Superman’s Race with The Flash”
And, The Flash #175, “The Race to the End of the Universe”
Join us for this race across the globe (and beyond)!
And, there’s plenty of the general silliness you’ve come to know and love.
Cheers!
- CCG
Casual Comics Cast 219 – Secret Wars Wrap-up
Hoo-boy! I can’t believe we made it. Marvel’s Secret Wars was a seminal mini-series in the 80s that shaped comics (and comic book culture) for years to come. In this episode, we finish up our coverage of the comic with a review of issues #10-12 of the classic story.
With a double-sized final issue and a recap of “Who’s Who”, “What’s Next”, and the series MVP (including a fantasy football-style draft of our own Secret Wars lineups), this episode is jam-packed with Marvel Comics goodness.
So sit back, and we hope you’ll enjoy our final recap of SECRET WARS!
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2020-06-07T14_13_14-07_00
- CCG
Casual Comics Cast – Teen Titans
I’ve got to say, this was one of the more fun assignments we have taken on. The Teen Titans have undergone so many transformations across so much different media, that it was cool to share that with some comics rookies, like Pat and Michael. (And – yes – for you Pat fans, he’s back for this episode)
This episode, we’re hitting on:
Titans, Episode 1 – The deadly serious, all grown up version of the super team – available on the DC app and Amazon Streaming
New Teen Titans #1 – The “new” team (which is much closer to the team you know) introduced in November 1980, by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Published by DC Comics
Teen Titans Go!, season 1, episode 1 – The silly, super-immature version of the team from Cartoon Network.
You can listen to the whole show at the link, which is right here:
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2020-05-25T13_00_05-07_00
I want to pause for a minute and thank our listeners. It’s been a weird world lately, and this hobby has kept us sane throughout an odd time. We’re looking forward to recording in the same room again, someday soon.
But, until then, CHEERS comics people!
- CCG
Casual Comics Cast 216 – More Secret Wars, plus Web of Spiderman and a Classic Wonder Woman / Cheetah comic
In our continuing quest to bring you some comics to catch up on while you’re in quarantine and waiting for new comics, we’re continuing our discussion of Marvel’s Secret Wars.
On this episode, we chat about issues #7-9 – including the introduction of a new Spider-Woman and Spiderman’s now famous “black suit”.
As part of the “Joe’s Got Issues” series, we’ve got Web of Spiderman #1 – continuing the alien symbiote saga from Marvel’s Secret Wars.
Plus, Wonder Woman vol. 2, #7 – Featuring the first appearance of Barbara Minerva – the Cheetah from the upcoming DC blockbuster “Wonder Woman 84”.
All of these are available digitally, from Comixology / Amazon, so we hope you’ll read along and enjoy!
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/casualcomicsguy/episodes/2020-05-08T09_19_05-07_00
Cheers!
- CCG
Casual Comics Guy 