Tales From The Long Box

Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longboxstudiosTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@longboxstudiosMarshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?

Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longboxstudiosTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@longboxstudiosMarshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?

Captain America: White by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale revisits Steve Rogers at the very beginning, before the icon fully forms, before the shield means what it will come to mean. In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we examine how memory, loss, and myth shape Captain America more than strength or patriotism ever could.We break down how Captain America: White functions less as an origin story and more as a reflection, focusing on Steve’s relationship with Bucky Barnes, the emotional weight of World War II, and the quiet spaces between action. Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longboxstudiosTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@longboxstudiosMarshall https://www.instagram.com/MParish_Arthttps://x.com/MParish_Arthttps://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artMichaelhttps://www.instagram.com/michael_kloppCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?

Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longboxstudiosTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@longboxstudiosMarshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Hulk: Gray by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale revisits the earliest days of Bruce Banner through memory, trauma, and emotional isolation. In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we break down Marvel’s third “Color Book,” exploring Hulk’s tragic origins, his relationship with Betty Ross, the psychology of Bruce vs. the Hulk, and Tim Sale’s haunting visual language.We discuss how Hulk: Gray differs from Daredevil: Yellow and Spider-Man: Blue, how it plays with continuity, why the Hulk starts out gray, and what this story reveals about anger, repression, and identity. Along the way, we examine Thunderbolt Ross, early Iron Man, Matt Hollingsworth’s colors, and how this book fits into the larger Hulk mythos.

Klaus by Grant Morrison and Dan Mora reimagines the Santa Claus myth as an epic story of hope, rebellion, and timeless heroism. In this episode, we break down the origins of Klaus, explore its mythic themes, examine Dan Mora’s career-defining artwork, and discuss why this comic has become a modern Christmas classic for comic readersLinks:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longboxstudiosTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@longboxstudiosMarshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?

Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longboxstudiosTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@longboxstudiosMarshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Spider-Man: Blue isn’t just another superhero comic — it’s one of the most emotional stories Marvel has ever published. In this episode of Tales From the Long Box, we dive into Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s nostalgic, heartbreaking look at Peter Parker reflecting on his time with Gwen Stacy.We explore how Blue reframes the classic Romita-era years, why its tone stands apart from Loeb & Sale’s other Color books, how the art pays tribute to 1960s Marvel, and what makes the Peter/Gwen/MJ dynamic so enduring. If you love Spider-Man, comic book history, or stories that hit you right in the feelings, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Tales From the Long Box, we dive into Daredevil: Yellow by Jeph Loeb and Tim SaleWe explore how the book reinterprets Daredevil’s early days through a nostalgic, Silver Age lens, why it deliberately bends continuity from Frank Miller’s The Man Without Fear, and how Matt Murdock’s reflections on Karen Page shape the emotional core of the story.Along the way, we talk about the Marvel Knights era, the state of the comics industry in the early 2000s, the influence of Stan Lee and Gene Colan/John Romita Sr., and how Daredevil: Yellow stands apart as a romantic, melancholy, and deeply personal superhero story.

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Welcome back to Tales From the Long Box! In this special 100 Subscriber Celebration, we answer your questions about comics, art, writing, manga, and more!

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Welcome back to Tales From the Long Box! In this special 100 Subscriber Celebration, we answer your questions about comics, art, writing, manga, and more! Come hang out, celebrate with us, and get ready for Part 2 next week!00:00 Intro02:55 What will you bring to comics as future creators?09:22 What Famous Artist Have You Surpassed?16:17 Favorite Non-Superhero Comics17:23 Manga Picks & European Comics19:19 What makes comics different?25:20 Dream comics creative team40:07 Part 2 Preview

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?When Marvel and DC finally united for JLA/Avengers, it became the most ambitious superhero crossover ever made. In this episode, we break down how, after decades of false starts, corporate tension, and creative chaos, Kurt Busiek and George Pérez brought it to life.We explore the story’s wild history, Pérez’s unmatched art, and why this four-issue epic remains a love letter to superhero comics. Plus, we celebrate 100 subscribers and announce our upcoming Q&A!

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Welcome to Tales from the Spooky Box! In this Halloween special, Marshall and Michael dive deep into one of Batman’s greatest mysteries — The Long Halloween by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.We explore the origins of the book, its noir atmosphere, and how it bridges Batman: Year One to the modern mythos. From the creative chemistry of Loeb and Sale to the evolution of Gotham’s gangsters into supervillains, this episode unpacks the art, color, story, and legacy that made The Long Halloween a cornerstone of Batman’s history.🕒 Chapters00:00 — Welcome to Tales from the Spooky Box00:48 — Creative Team: Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, and collaborators01:31 — Plot setup: The Holiday Killer and Gotham’s mob families03:07 — The early Halloween specials and their connection to Long Halloween05:21 — Crafting a mystery that holds up09:17 — The Year One-era continuity and art callbacks10:02 — Visual style and noir influences12:15 — How color shapes tone and emotion in comics15:00 — Comparing to the earlier Halloween specials

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Batman: Dark Victory, the haunting sequel to The Long Halloween, brings us back to Gotham’s underworld, where the hangman killer strikes and alliances crumble. In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we dive deep into Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s noir masterpiece: how it expands Batman’s mythos, the rise of Robin, and why this story might be the most underrated entry in the Loeb/Sale trilogy.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Intro05:12 – Introduction of Robin and his role in the story06:12 – Comparing Dark Victory to The Long Halloween09:03 – The Hangman killings and mystery plot analysis12:00 – Portrayal of Batman villains: insanity vs. clear motivations (Mr. Freeze focus)14:02 – Bruce Wayne’s withdrawal and grief; impact of Robin on his recovery15:14 – Chapter 9 “Orphans”: Dick Grayson’s parents and parallels with Bruce18:57 - Analysis of visual storytelling and Tim Sale’s shadow-heavy style20:31 – Dick Grayson as Robin and the mentor-surrogate father dynamic25:09 – Legacy, heroism, and Batman’s humanity

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Batman: The Cult (1988) is one of the darkest, most underrated Batman stories ever told. Written by Jim Starlin (Death in the Family) and painted by horror legend Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), this four-issue nightmare strips the Dark Knight of everything—his faith, control, and sanity.In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we break down how The Cult pushed Batman past his limits and reshaped modern interpretations of the character.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Intro: Why The Cult matters01:10 – Meet the creators: Jim Starlin & Bernie Wrightson04:00 – The rise of darker comics07:30 – Who is Deacon Blackfire?10:20 – Batman’s brainwashing and moral collapse13:45 – The art that made The Cult unforgettable17:00 – Themes of faith, control, and redemption25:00 – The ending and Batman’s recovery29:20 – Legacy and influence on modern Batman33:00 – Final thoughts & outro

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Alan Moore’s landmark Swamp Thing run changed comics forever. In this episode, we dive into Saga of the Swamp Thing #20–#64 era—how Moore, Stephen Bissette, Rick Veitch, and more reinvented Alec Holland, shattered the Comics Code Authority, and laid the groundwork for Vertigo. We unpack the existential twist (“Swamp Thing isn’t Alec Holland”), the book’s mix of cosmic horror, ecology, and spirituality, and why it reads like Shelley, Kafka, and classic Universal/Hammer horror all at once. We also talk about John Constantine’s first appearance, Abby Cable, Arcane, The Phantom Stranger, Etrigan, and how these stories flow into Sandman and DC’s modern supernatural corner. If you love heady horror, literary vibes, and era-defining comics craft, this one’s for you.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Intro00:00:30 – The Creative Team00:01:38 – Why this run mattered: influence alongside DKR/’80s revolution00:06:46 – Swamp Thing’s origin00:11:17 – Identity, memory, and existential themes00:13:40 – Literary DNA: Shelley, Kafka, cosmic horror vibes00:15:30 – John Constantine arrives fully formed00:25:19 – Why it still surprises: pulp ideas, elevated execution00:36:54 – Final thoughts: legacy, recommendations, next reads00:41:12 – Outro

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Dive into the dark origins of Spawn and the incredible rise of Todd McFarlane — from rejected artist to comic book revolutionary. In this episode of Tales From the Long Box, we break down how McFarlane turned frustration at Marvel into one of the biggest creator revolts in comics history, founding Image Comics and giving birth to Spawn — the gritty, chain-covered anti-hero that defined the 1990s. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of indie comics, this deep dive captures the chaos, creativity, and controversy that changed comics forever.#TalesFromTheLongBox #Spawn #ToddMcFarlane #ImageComics #ComicBookHistory🕒 Chapters00:00 – Intro03:02 – Who Is Spawn?05:48 – Todd McFarlane’s Early Life & Inspiration08:29 – From DC to Marvel: Todd’s Big Break with Hulk and Spider-Man10:55 – The Speculator Boom: When Comics Became Investments14:31 – Todd Leaves Marvel & Forms Image Comics17:19 – Launching Spawn and Image’s First Wave31:04 – The Art of Spawn: Capes, Chaos, and Color Theory42:04 – Guest Writers: Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore & Others48:29 – Legacy of Spawn & Image Comics

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Junji Ito’s Uzumaki is one of the most disturbing and influential horror manga ever created. In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we explore why spirals became a symbol of cosmic terror, break down Ito’s unique art style, and look at how Uzumaki builds suspense, dread, and unforgettable body horror. Perfect for fans of manga, horror, and anyone who wants to understand why Uzumaki is considered a modern masterpiece of the genre.🕒 Chapters0:00 – Intro1:52 – Why Uzumaki was chosen for spooky season3:10 – Junji Ito’s background and style5:25 – Story setup: Kiri, Shuichi, and the father’s spiral obsession18:05 – Art style: simple faces vs hyper-detailed grotesque reveals20:10 – Panel pacing and page-turn “jump scares”

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Dive into the origins of Marvel Zombies and how Robert Kirkman turned a throwaway Ultimate Fantastic Four storyline into one of Marvel’s most shocking horror comics. We explore the grisly art, disturbing themes, and why the early volumes worked so well—plus whether Marvel’s upcoming animated series can capture the same unsettling magic. Perfect for fans of horror comics, Marvel history, and anyone curious about how beloved heroes became flesh-eating monsters.0:00 – Intro: Why we’re talking Marvel Zombies00:02:15 – The origins in Ultimate Fantastic Four00:05:40 – Robert Kirkman takes over & the first mini-series00:40:20 – Concerns about the Disney+ animated series00:45:00 – Final thoughts & legacy of Marvel Zombies

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers (with colors by Mike Spicer and later art by Jorge Corona) reinvents the Autobots and Decepticons for a brutal, heartfelt reboot — and it’s one of the best modern takes on the property. In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we break down Johnson’s art & writing process, how the book was announced, the emotional core (Optimus ↔ Spike’s dad), and why the series lands so well as both mecha spectacle and human drama. If you like big robots, big feelings, Gundam vibes, and comics that punch you in the heart, this is for you.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro01:46 – How the new Image / Hasbro rollout surprised readers05:27 – Who are the Transformers?08:52 – Daniel Warren Johnson’s influences (Gundam The Origin, manga, wrestling)11:36 – How Johnson builds pages14:05 – Values vs. color18:52 – Spike, Sparky, and the human arc that surprised us21:28 – Key emotional scene: Optimus comforts a child; Sparky’s redemption arc26:19 – If-you-liked-this...

Links:Marshall - Mparish_ArtMichael - michael_kloppMarshall's Prints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparish_artCheck out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, returned after 30 years with a brand-new book: The Mysteries, created with artist John Kascht. In this episode of Tales from the Long Box, we dive into this strange and fascinating fable for adults, unpacking its surreal art style, deeper themes, and how it compares to Calvin and Hobbes. We explore what makes this book so different, why it’s divisive, and why it’s worth your attention.If you’re a fan of comics, Bill Watterson, or unique storytelling, this episode is for you.⏱️ Chapters0:00 – Intro0:20 – What is The Mysteries?7:20 – What is The Mysteries really about?9:00 – Who is John Kascht?13:20 – Final reflections on the story’s meaning15:00 – Wrap up & next week’s episode

Check out Tales From the Long Box every Wednesday to hear us talk about comics we think are great and what makes them greatThanks for stopping by⏱️ Timestamps:00:00:00 - IntroLinks:Marshall:Socials - Mparish_ArtPrints - https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mparis...Michael:Check out Klopp's Poetry - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFCNK8BN?