Casting Pods - Florida Supercast

I like podcasts, but I'm a little bit picky about comic book and "geek culture" podcasts. Here's what I don't want: I don't want stereotypes. I don't want tons of irrelevant chatter and inside jokes that only the hosts understand. I don't want excessive snark. I don't want fanboy whining. I don't want hipsters posing as "geeks." As a result, I really only listen to one podcast on comics and that's iFanboy. But I'm always on the lookout for something new. So, when I heard that my friends over at Florida Supercon were putting out something they were calling Florida Supercast, I had to check it out. Although this was a local production and I kind of know some of the players, I didn't know what to expect. Well, spoiler alert, after one episode, this is now in my podcast rotation.

The first episode focused mainly on upcoming comic book movies, a topic that can often bore me to tears because you usually get a lot of whining about how they need to make it exactly like the books and all that. What these three did was not that, in any way. For starters, they all had clearly thought out opinions and enough awareness to know the difference between an opinion and a fact. Basically, I was never yelling at them to shut up or turning the show off in anger. So, the first test was passed with flying colors. Also, they didn't just go over a bunch of details you can just look up online. They had actual discussions about the movies and the source material. It was thought provoking and entertaining.

As I hinted at earlier, I know a couple of the hosts (thought not that well). Simply knowing them is not enough to get me to first listen to what they have to say and then to actually like it and keep listening, though. But, Ben and Jenni used to work at Florida Supercomics and there were several times that I bought books based on their recommendations. I trust their opinions is what I'm saying. (I also respect Ben's art and Jenni's awesome ink.) I'm looking forward to hearing them discuss some books on the show. I don't know Tom, but all three of them come off as professional and yet relaxed enough that their natural chemistry comes through. That's the formula for a successful show, really. It's what I like about iFanboy and I see it here as well.

I guess my only "complaint" would be the distribution of the show. It's currently being put out on Livestream, so you can watch it live, on a computer, on Thursday nights. That's actually great. However, for me, it's not really possible to see it live, and I rely mainly on mobile devices on which Livestream doesn't work. I was able to watch/listen to the first episode on Youtube, which is fine, but I wish the episodes were available for me a bit sooner. This is a minor issue, as I'm sure this is all being worked out. They just started doing this. Anyway, I highly recommend checking them out for a fresh, fun take "geek" culture.

Note: I keep putting "geek" in quotes because I'm a little tired of the word. I welcome recommendations on what to call this thing of ours.

Must Read: Return of the Dapper Men

Janet sketching my daughter.

I'd been meaning to read Return of the Dapper Men for a while now, and I'm glad I finally did. For months I've been reading about it online and I've leafed through it in awe of Janet Lee's amazing art. So, when I heard she was going to be at Florida Supercon this weekend, I said to myself I'd read it before then and have her sign a copy. Well, one thing lead to another and I never found the time. But I walked by her table at Supercon and was again mesmerized by her art. She uses a technique called decoupage, in which she first draws her work, then cuts it out and glues it on to wood panels. It really needs to be seen to be appreciated, and she had the actual wood panels for the sequel on her table! So, it turned into a different event for me as I decided to purchase my first commission from an artist. I guess I could have asked for anything, as later on in the weekend she did some great pieces she tweeted, but for me, I wanted something more personal, so I had her sketch my daughter. I was so floored by the result, that I'm now excited for the next opportunity to get a commission from an artist, but I'm even happier that my first one was such a distinct artist. There's no mistaking who's art this is. And when I showed it to my daughter that night she said, delightedly, "Shayera flying!!"

After I got the sketch, I wanted even more to read the book, so I had my wife get it for me and read it the next morning. I love reading to my daughter, particularly Dr. Seuss. This is not necessarily that, but it is a book I can see reading with my daughter when she gets a little older (she's only 2). It's a story that comes with questions and requires interpretation: a fantastic riddle of a book in a way. But more than that, what Jim McCann and Janet K. Lee have created here is a modern fable that speaks to us all, young and old. Combining elements of Lewis Carroll, Dr. Seuss and other great surreal children's authors, the book gives us the story of a land where time has stopped. There are only children and robots. Our heroes Ayden and Zoe, a human boy and robot girl take us on a journey of discovery as they fix their world with the help of one dapper gentlemen with a hat, umbrella and maybe more questions than answers. By the end, what we have are not so much lessons as they are moments of clarity. The moral of this story is open to interpretation which is what makes it so special. But, as expressed in Janet's beautiful dedication when she signed the book to my daughter, there is one overarching message in the book.

I'm looking forward to the sequel, Time of the Dapper Men. Judging from the art Janet had on her table, it promises to be just as good. I also look forward to seeing more from Janet, maybe some straightforward superhero books in her style. In any case, next time I see her, I'm definitely getting another sketch.