Random Acts of Comics

Darryl Banks—There's a difference between a firm handshake and a hard handshake. One is a gesture of acknowledgement and respect. The other is a cowardly attempt to assert some measure of dominance. Bullies do this. Darryl Banks' handshake is a furtive invitation to a journey of enlightenment and peace. But…will you accept…?   Become a citizen of Random Nation!    https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast 

Matt Anderson — I didn't know Matt; he's a friend of Doug's and Doug kept saying, "Ya gotta have Matt on! Ya gotta talk to Matt!" And I'll say it here; Doug was right. I did have to talk with Matt. About Doug. I get it now. Also, Matt wrote the cool comic White Picket Fences about flying saucers landing in 1950s America.    Join Our Patreon Gang!  https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Dan Jurgens — When I was s kid I was very shy and had a crush on a girl I could never ever talk to. I also read The Warlord comic by Mike Grell and would fantasize about being it's hero, Travis Morgan, trapped in the inner-Earth world of Skartaris and rescuing that cute girl with nothing but my sword and my bravery. This really has nothing to do with Dan Jurgens except, years later, Dan took over both writing and drawing that book. He did a great job. I just wanted to tell you about the girl.   This episode features a moment from "Can't Hardly Wait" by The Replacements 

Thom Zahler —Thom Zahler is the guy you want at your back when you're deep in the DMZ and you can hear Charlie all around you. He keeps it tight and dry and that's what you want when the Nam tries to punch your ticket. Thom is also a talented writer/artist with a considerable collection of graphic novels you should check out.    Join our Patreon Gang!  https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast    

Todd Nauck -  Here's something you didn't know about Todd Nauck; he's got a secret identity. True! No, I'm not gonna tell you what it is, then it wouldn't be a secret! But I will tell you this; it involves a costume. No, not a superhero costume! It's a costume from a play. No, I'm not gonna tell you what play, that would give it away! Okay, it's from 'Les Mis."   Join our Patreon gang.    https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Marc Nathan opened his Baltimore-based comics shop, Comics, Cards, and Collectibles, in 1994. Five years later, he launched the Baltimore Comic Con, one of the top fan-favorite comic book conventions in the country. In 2017 he instituted the Ringo Awards, an annual celebration of the year's best comics and the people who make them. And on top of all that, he was once the mascot for a popular major league baseball team! Now that's a resume.

Ernie Cooper is a writer that Todd connected with at HeroesCon way back at the turn of the century. The two have been friends and encouraged one another over the years and here's them talking about writing and comics and all the really random things they have in common. I mean, really...it's spooky.   *This episode includes an instrumental clip of "Everyday I Write The Book" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions 

Joe Staton has been a journeyman in his career, being the professional, dependable, go-to guy at various times for Charlton, Marvel, and DC Comics. And talented! At one time or another he has drawn every character at every company! Hilarie has made her career writing and editing various educational texts and manuals and has the unique perspective of being married to a guy who draws funny books. Let's go.    Production notes : Todd had to record the intros and outro from his office over Streamyard. This episode features an excerpt of "E-Man Boogie" by The Jimmy Castor Bunch  When Joe references, "Suffer The Children" he is talking about "Death Of The Innocents" published by DC Comics in 1996 by Dennis O'Neil, Joe Staton, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Ian Laughlin.   

Matt Wieringo is a hugely successful in advertising and occasionally draws comics in his ever-dwindling spare time. He and Todd are close comrades, comic book conspirators, and collectors of all the classics. Here they talk about all that and a little about the brother they both lost, This episode includes an excerpt of "Scrapple From The Apple" by Charlie Parker You don't want to miss the story at the end of the episode. 

Walt Curley holds the record for listening to Todd prattle on for hours. It's 7 and 2/3rds hours. Walt has been Todd's comic book soulmate for years and this is them talking about their time together on the brutal frontlines of retail comic book sales. Don't interrupt them -- just listen.   * This episode features an excerpt of "B For My Name" by Beastie Boys 

Mark Waid has been gifting us with some of the most amazing comic book stories for the past…whew!…three decades. With every title or project, he achieves a new level of wow-ness; from his run on the Flash, The Fantastic Four, Kingdom Come, Empire, World's Finest, and Teen Titans. He and Todd have been pals from the beginning and talk about some of the crazy stuff that has happened to them along the way. And What's Your Favorite Comic?   This episode features an excerpt of "Hotter Than That" by Louis Armstrong & His Hot Fives  

Ahoy, gang! By popular demand, here is another companion episode. This one is a list of all of the terms and references that were dropped in the Mark Waid issue!    This episode features an excerpt from "I'll Let You Know" by Houston Person  

John is the son of Todd's Perhapanauts partner, Craig, and an incredible specimen of what being enveloped by comic book culture your entire life can do to a kid. He is knowledgable, fascinated, insightful, curious, nonjudgemental, and unjaded. He is also one of Todd's favorite people to hang around with. Here they talk about comics and growing up surrounded by pop culture and comics.   *This episode features a moment of "Godchild" by Miles Davis  

Brad Tree is a long-time comics fan and the Guest Coordinator of the Baltimore Comic Con. His love of comics and the people who make them makes him the kinda guy you want to know. He and Todd chat about being a fan and how comics can speak to us. Also, What's Your Favorite Comic?™…

Karl Kesel Karl Kesel, writer/inker of countless Marvel and DC Comics, and co-creator of his babies, Section Zero and Impossible Jones, shares with Todd the three things he feels he contributed to the Fantastic Four. Maybe 2 and a half…

Ahoy, Gang!   Here is a leaked episode of our exclusive RAOC Bookclub series available on our Patreon. Todd is joined by John Pasquini, as they embark on a deep dive of Batman & Robin : Year One by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee.   

Ahoy, Trick or Treaters!    We have another bonus episode! This time, Todd sits down with his pal Matt Wieringo to talk horror comics over candy and iced tea!    Click here to become a citizen of RANDOM NATION. It's like Rhythm Nation but different!    Have a happy and safe Halloween! 

A few things happen in this episode. First, Doug talks about a few things he witnessed during his first Baltimore Comic Con. Secondly, Todd gives Doug permission to not hold back about the things he saw during his first Baltimore Comic Con. See if you can tell which happened first.    *includes a moment of Randy Newman's "Baltimore"  *Correction. The comic Doug is talking about is "Mermaids Guide To Picking Up Men" by Malone McDonald. Check Malone out here!   BECOME A CITIZEN OF RANDOM NATION!   

Jim Starlin popped by the studio to talk to Todd about his kickstarter campaign for Dreadstar Vs. Dreadstar.    Links :  Jim Starlin's Kickstarter Become A Citizen Of Random Nation!