After some news and reviews we get into our discussion of the current book club selection, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This seems to be a book that has divided opinions, and a few listeners found it difficult to get into, but there are a lot of interesting themes to discuss which we dive into. With feedback and comments from listeners we get into the meat of what the book is about and then announce our next book club selection.

For those who have not read The Handmaid’s Tale, but do not want it spoiled for them and want to take part in the next round of our book club, jump to time stamp 1h-18m-51s where I announce the new selection which is Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky. So towards the end of January, which gives people about seven weeks, we will be talking about the new book and Adrian has very kindly agreed to come on the show for an interview and to answer questions from our listeners. So, pick up a copy, send us your comments, questions for Adrian and join the book club.

Click here to download episode 66

After the usual news and reviews Scott and Steve settle down for a chat with Paul Cornell, writer of (amongst other things) Dr. Who, Robin Hood, Primeval and the fantastic Captain Britain. In the interview we talk about a variety of subjects including how he started out, his work on Doctor Who (both his books, audio plays and TV work) and the current attitude of mainstream writers to science-fiction and vice versa. You can find out more information on Paul Cornell at his website http://www.paulcornell.com. Extra atmosphere is provided by the bells of Paul’s local church.

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After a reminder of the forthcoming bookclub selection, a Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, we get into some news, starting with some sad news about the loss of great icon and then some TV news, with updates on Gattaca and a very exciting fan made film coming in 2010.

For our main feature we have an interview with Ben Lichius, one of the co-creators of The Black Coat, from Ape Comics. The Black Coat is America’s first superspy. Set in New York City in the days before the Revolutionary War, the Black Coat fights against the British and forces of the occult to protect the burgeoning nation.

Comic Book Outsiders Episode 64

After a long news and reviews section featuring a spoiler-free chat about the first episode of V and the possibility of a GATTACA TV show we have a relatively brief Challenge where Steve and Scott pitch two very different comics at each other. Remember our current book club choice is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. We’re going to be talking about this in episode 66 so you’ve still got plenty of time to get hold of it and join the discussion.

In this episode Scott and Steve start off with some TV talk – some good, some worrying and some very exciting. There is also some great news about a new comics news we’ve previously discussed. After that we get onto our main feature where we talk about comics and movies, and more specifically, what is the recipe for a good comic movie? We look at the elements we think will guarantee success, we look at previous winners and losers, and why some of the best comics have not been succesful on the big screen. Steve also pitches some comic properties to Scott for the small screen.

This subject is a massive one, so let us know your thoughts and why you think some comic films have been popular with the mainstream audience and why others have failed. And if you have any ideas of your own as to what would be good on the big screen, and what would work better on the small screen, get in touch and let us know.

Don’t forget, episode 66 will be our book club episode, and it will be this side of Christmas, so get a hold of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and join in the discussion.

Comic Book Outsiders Episode 62 – Direct Download

In this episode Scott and Steve start off with some 100% positive news and reviews before revamping slightly the classic Challenge Scott/Steve format with them each pitching a comic and another piece of media to the other.

Discussed in this episode:

North 40

Ramayan Gone

Baby Gone

Earth: Final Conflict

Remember that our current book club offering for episode 66 is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

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Welcome to our post British International Comics Show (BICS) episode where we start off with a review of the show, what we enjoyed and some of the familiar and new faces we met. We then get into some news and reviews about the latest comics, movie news, new TV projects from JJ Abrams and the future of Dollhouse.

After that we discuss our book club selection and the current work of fiction is Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. We discuss what we thought of the book and we also have comments from listeners who sent us their feedback on the book. We announce the next book club selection which we will discussing in Episode 66 in a couple of months time.

Comic Book Outsiders Episode 60 – Direct Download

In this episode, after some brief (not to mention bleak) news and reviews we’re joined for an extended chat by Cy Dethan, writer of (amongst other things) Cancertown and Starship Troopers. We cover Cy’s journey into comics writing, some of the ideas behind Cancertown and the critical reaction since it’s release.

Direct Download

It’s only two weeks now until the British International Comic Show at Birmingham and Scott and Steve will both be attending the event. After discussing our plans, we get into some news, with another major change at one of the biggest comic companies in the business. We also get into a discussion about motion comics and the how power and wealth can change a silly idea into something dangerous!

As promised – a link to the Dr Horrible Emmy interruption from YouTube

In our next section we discuss the works of Clint Eastwood. Inspired by The Changeling, Scott and Steve pick out some of their favourites from his extremely long career and we discuss their influence on pop culture, cinema, and our own lives.

Don’t forget about the bookclub and in episode 60 we will have a discussion about Slaughterhouse 5 and announce our next selection.

We’ll be back next week and hopefully see some of you at the Birmingham show in two weeks.

Comic Book Outsiders Episode 58 – Direct Download

In this episode Scott is back in the UK and we kick off with some news and reviews, and then look at the biggest announcement in comics, Disney purchasing Marvel for the princely sum of $4 billion dollars. Looking at Disney as a whole we look at the realistic repercussions on Marvel, make a few predictions and mention a few things we would like to see develop in the future.

After that we have a Hidden Gem and this episode we talk about the great heist show from the US, Leverage. With a great cast and a solid future, this show is continuing to go from strength to strength and we discuss it in depth without many spoilers. Episode 60 is around the corner so send us your comments on the book club selection and send in your ideas for future books.

Comic Book Outsiders Episode 57 – Direct Download