How It All Began…
I’ve been doing a regular column for about two years for First Comic News. With the column, I try to focus on comic books, creators, and… well, anything connected to comic books that I think should get more attention. I have said we are in a “New Golden Age” of comics because there are so many comic books in once nearly extinct genres and titles out there for all ages. I believe anyone can find a comic book they can get hooked on, and that will start them reading more comic books.
Nearly four years ago, I started the Fantastic Comic Fan podcast because, with all of the comics published over the decades, there were hidden gems from comic books of all ages—from the Golden Age and Beyond that I felt were fantastic reads and weren’t getting their fair share of attention. It’s usually short form—about twenty minutes—and available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
At first, it was only me, but I decided to bring guests on because I wanted more unique perspectives on comic books. Generally, I let the guests pick what they want to talk about because if it’s something they’re really into—that enthusiasm will trickle down to old and new fans. And maybe they’ll find some new fantastic comics to read.
Last year, I retooled the Fantastic Comic Fan podcast. I felt the brand I was trying to build was getting watered down. It was covering GoFundMe Campaigns, some history, and basically whatever I felt would stick to the walls… so to speak. So, I jettisoned a lot of things I covered.
But, for—what? Maybe two years now?—I’ve been talking about a history podcast. I kept talking about doing it and making a thousand excuses not to do it. In the past year, my life has done a full circle… in some fantastic ways and admittedly… some less-than-stellar ways. There are some things I wish I could have back again, but… then again, some of the things that happened might not have brought me here to this point in life.
Despite things going on—I made up my mind to start making more of my “Dream List” a reality and Comics Fantastic History is one more thing I can check off on that list.
About every two weeks, each show dives deep into the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of comic books. We’ll explore legendary creators, iconic storylines, and pivotal industry milestones that have left an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, aspiring artist, or curious newcomer, our mission is to educate, inspire, and entertain—one panel at a time.
For the first show, I’m using the show from show 175 of the Fantastic Comic Fan Podcast. Generally, it will be a new show, but this show is fantastic. Ross and I talked about the time Carmine Infantino was the publisher of DC Comics back in the 1970s.
Ross has been on the regular show— almost all the other guests combined. We have always clicked, and he was the very first guest I had on the podcast. I always appreciate what Ross brings to the shows. He always goes the extra mile.
Since he named the show and THAT Infantino show was one of the best we did—I felt it fitting to showcase it here again. But with this first out, Ross and I are also talking about Carmine again on the regular podcast. Out now show 188 of the Fantastic Comic Fan Podcast, we talk about Carmine as a creator and his decades’ worth of art at both DC and Marvel.
The first episode of the podcast is up, but it’s not on all the various platforms. Yet, I hope you’ll check out the new show. I think fans should know more about the comic book’s past because everything from four favorite publishers to creators began decades ago.
So come on and join the fun as we look at that history– one panel at a time.
