Comic Book Club MAY’14: Guardians of the Galaxy

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It’s time for some space-faring, cosmic superhero adventure in the May 2014 edition of the  The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Book Club – where each month we take an in-depth look at one comic selection. This month the spotlight is on:

Guardians of the Galaxy (Marvel, 2008)
by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning  with Paul Pelletier (p) Rick Magyar (i) and Nathan Fairbairn (c)

With their big screen debut, just a month away, we take a look at the Guardians of the Galaxy, as introduced by Abnett & Lanning on the heels of Annihilation: Conquest. We break down some of the far-out characters and concepts, sing the praises of Paul Pelletier and delve into tangents on bronze age creators and the wonders of Marvel Cosmic. Then it’s back to earth with a look ahead to the upcoming summer blockbuster, set to hit theaters on August 1.

Music in this episode by: War, Beastie Boys

Comic Book Club is dedicated to: The Bill Mantlo Support Fund
This month, we depart for our usual Hero Initiative plug to call attention to a specific creator in need. Writer Bill Mantlo gave us some amazing creations during his all-too-brief career, including  ROM, Micronauts and most-notably Rocket Racoon – who will make his film debut in this summer’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In 1992, Bill was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left incapacitated. Members of the comics community are answering the call and we hope you’ll join us in rallying support for Bill’s ongoing care.
Donate to the Bill Mantlo Support Fund at: http://bit.ly/1fCitYF

Comic Book Club MAR’14: I Kill Giants

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Ben, Lucas, and Dan are back with another edition of the The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Book Club – where each month we take an in-depth look at one comic selection. This month the spotlight is on:

I Kill Giants (Image, 2008)
by Joe Kelly  and J. M. Ken Niimura (a)

I Kill Giants is a 6 issue slice-of-life series that follows Barbara Thorson, a quirky fifth grader, who creates an elaborate fantasy world as an escape from the very real troubles in her life.  Kelly and Niimura collaborate seamlessly to blur the lines between what is real and what is imagined. The result is a story that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. Listen as we peel back the layers of this seemingly simple story to reveal something truly giant.

Music in this episode by: Assembly of Dust, They Might Be Giants

Comic Book Club is dedicated to: The Bill Mantlo Support Fund
This month, we depart for our usual Hero Initiative plug to call attention to a specific creator in need. Writer Bill Mantlo gave us some amazing creations during his all-too-brief career, including  ROM, Micronauts and most-notably Rocket Racoon – who will make his film debut in this summer’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In 1992, Bill was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left incapacitated. Members of the comics community are answering the call and we hope you’ll join us in rallying support for Bill’s ongoing care.
Donate to the Bill Mantlo Support Fund at: http://bit.ly/1fCitYF

Comic Book Club FEB’14: Invincible

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Coming to you a little late but made with love, it’s the February 2014 edition of The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Book Club! Ben, Dan, and Lucas are back in da club with this month’s selection:

Invincible (Image) Ultimate Collection Vol. 1. by Robert Kirkman (w), Cory Walker & Ryan Ottley (a) and Bill Crabtree (c).

In 2003, a young whippersnapper by the name of Robert Kirkman started writing two independent titles at Image Comics. One, a black & white zombie epic that would give life to one of the most commercially successful shows in the history of cable television. The other, a modern take on capes & tights that, in light of the recent reboots, is now one of the longest-running superhero titles in comics – and quite possibly the best.

Listen as we return to the beginning of what has become a great operatic series. See the creative spark as some of comics’ best creators embark upon their landmark work. Discover (or re-discover) a story that builds and matures right along with its young protagonist. If you love superhero comics, this is a book you need to be reading.

Music in this episode by: OK Go, Ween

Comic Book Club is dedicated to:
The Hero Initiative
Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. 
Donate to the Hero Initiative at: razoo.com/nearmint

Episode 059 • Comic Book Club JAN’14

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It’s the start of 2014 and we’re partying like it’s the end of the world with another edition of The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Book Club! Ben, Dan, and Lucas are back with another monthly roundtable spotlighting one book. This month’s selection: East of West (Image) Vol. 1. by Jonathan Hickman (w), Nick Dragotta (a) and Frank Martin (c).

East of West is (as Dan describes it) a supernatural, alternate history, future science fiction apocalyptic western that pits Death against the remaining 3 horsemen of the apocalypse as humanity hangs in the balance – a humanity whose history diverges from our own when cataclysmic events take place near the conclusion of the American Civil War. Hickman and Dragotta transport us to an almost unrecognizable America with rich world-building and a story with more layers than we can hope to explore in an hour and 20 minutes. We do out best though and if you’ve done your reading assignment and read volume 1 you’ll enjoy our fumbling attempt to peel back the onion and explore this complex and intriguing world.

Music in this episode by: Michael Franti & Spearhead, R.E.M.

Comic Book Club is dedicated to: The Hero Initiative
Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. 
Donate to the Hero Initiative at: razoo.com/nearmint

Episode 058 • Comic Book Club DEC’13

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Happy Holidays, listeners! As trumpeted in our last episode, we’ve brought back an old favorite, re-tooled and wrapped-up with a shiny bow for 2013. It’s The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Show Comic Book Club! Ben Peirce, Dan Bertwell and Lucas Ewing take the reigns as hosts for a monthly roundtable on one spotlighted book. This month’s selection: American Vampire (DC, Vertigo) Vol. 1. by Scott Snyder (w), Stephen King (w), Rafael Albuquerque (a) and Dave McCaig (c).

After some introductory how-do-you-dos, we sink our teeth into the 2010 series that propelled writer, Scott Snyder to become one of the biggest names in comics. With an interwoven origin story by horror icon, Stephen King, and beautiful, multi-dimensional art by Rafael Albuquerque and Dave McCaig, American Vampire Vol. 1 introduces us to vampire/outlaw, Skinner Sweet and his unlikely progeny Pearl Jones, an aspiring actress in Old Hollywood of the 1920’s. Pull up a stool, pour yourself a drink, and join our conversation about one of the most beloved creator-owned titles in comics.

Music in this episode by: 2-Unlimited, Phish

Comic Book Club is dedicated to: The Hero Initiative
Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. 
Donate to the Hero Initiative at: razoo.com/nearmint

Episode 035 • Comic Book Club MAR’11

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April Fools! It’s our March edition of the Near Midnight Comic Book Club. This month, we’re joined at Double Midnight Comics by the newly-married Scott Proulx and Pat “The Covenator” Covey.

Pat gets things started by gushing over the first 8 issues of (adjectiveless) X-Men. Scott brings back the Top Cow love with some talk on Echoes and Artifacts. Then Ben sings the praises of B.B. Wolf and the Three LPs.

This month’s book club selection is Morning Glories by Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma from Image Comics. We recap the highlights and lowlights of of the first trade paperback and look ahead to what to expect from the series and from white-hot-writer-of-the-moment, Nick Spencer.

Music in this episode by: Eric Clapton & B.B. King, Guster, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tyler Hilton, B.B. Wolf & the Howlers, Pinetop Perkins, Oasis, Pink Floyd, The Muffs, Thievery Corporation

Episode 033 • Comic Book Club FEB’11

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Coming just in time to fulfill our promise of 2 episodes in the month of Februray, the Near Mint Comic Show is back with a second installment of Comic Book Club – our monthly roundtable recorded on location at Double Midnight Comics & Collectibles.

This month, Ben is joined by Dan Larson, Chris Proulx and Justin Defosses for some great comic reviews including Magus from 12 Guage Comics, Return of the Dapper Men by Near Mint favorite, Jim McCann, Marvel’s Ultimate Comics: New Ultimates featuring Dan’s new artistic crush, Frank Cho, Echoes from Top Cow/Minotaur, D.C.’s T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents and Vertigo’s Sweet Tooth by past Near Mint Comic Show guest, Jeff Lemire.

The February Book Club selection was The Sixth Gun from Oni Press – a gunslinging supernatural adventure set in the post-civil war south, by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt (the Damned).

If you’re in the area and want to be a part of Comic Book Club, send us an email or stop by Double Midnight Comics, located at 245 Maple St. Manchester, NH 03103 on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  Next month’s book club selection will be Morning Glories, Vol. 1, from Image Comics

Music in this episode by: Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Beck, Pink Floyd, The Whatnot, Gwen Stefani, Guns N’ Roses, Guster, Sneaker Pimps

Facebook Winner Announced: Congratulations to Gary Brantner of Riverside, Utah for winning our Episode 33 Facebook giveaway.  Gary won himself a copy of Sweet Tooth #1 signed by Jeff Lemire.  If you want to win cool prizes like Gary, like our Facebook Page.  We’ll be giving away something to a Facebook fan every episode from here on out!

Episode 031 • Comic Book Club JAN’11

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The newest addition to the Near Mint Comic Show family of podcasts is finally here!  This week, we brought the show on the road to Double Midnight Comics & Collectibles and sat down with Stickman artist, Dan Larson and DM minion, Pat Covey in the first installment of our monthly Comic Book Club.

January's Book Club selection: Hellboy Double Feature of Evil

Comic Book Club brings you a second podcast each month, where a rotating panel of guests talk about one book they read and one book we’ve all read.  It will be recorded live on location at Double Midnight on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.  This month Dan Larson introduces us to Paul Grist’s Jack Staff: Everything Used to be Black & White, Pat Covey gives an epic endorsement of Invincible and Ben Peirce dabbles in some Fantastic Four with the countdown to “Three”.  Our book club selection this month was Dark Horse’s Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil by Mike Mignola with art by Richard Corben.

If you’re in the area and want to be a part of Comic Book Club, send us an email or stop by Double Midnight Comics, located at 245 Maple St. Manchester, NH 03103 on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.  Next month’s book club selection will be announced here and on our Facebook page in the coming weeks.

Music in this episode by: Gorillaz, Michael Jackson, Eiffel 65, Coolio, Beastie Boys, Radiohead

Near Mint Comic Show Announces New Podcast: The Comic Book Club

Josh and Ben at GraniteCon 2010

So the fans have spoken with downloads, emails, letters and even skywriters.

A monthly podcast isn’t enough, so the minds behind the Near Mint Comic Show have added a new free agent to their roster: The Comic Book Club at Double Midnight Comics.

What is it?

CBC will be a monthly audio show with a rotating panel of guests, recorded live and in person at our friendly neighborhood comic shop: Double Midnight Comics in Manchester, NH. The guys have been great to work with so far and we’re happy to have them along for the ride.

The format is very simple. A rotating roundtable of comic experts and creators will discuss one thing they individually read (old or new, single issue or trade) and one thing that everyone will read – both in separate segments. Each show is expected to run about an hour, perfect for a drive into work, the gym or shopping in your favorite comic book store.

As always, reader suggestions are encouraged for what the group should check out next and you never know…you could be asked to join the group to discuss it as part of a future roundtable!

Does this mean the NMCS is going away?

Don’t be sad, Petey. The mighty Near Mint Comic Show isn’t going anywhere and will still be recorded every 4-6 weeks.

So when’s the first show?

The first edition of CBC will be recorded this week with a release expected shortly after that. Listen to the first show and let us know what you think!

Because of your support (and honestly, Ben’s drive), the addition of a second show is possible. Thank you for your love of the NMCS in 2010 and expect more in 2011!

And for the love of Peter Parker, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, will ya?