The Shade's Journal Podcast

The Shade's Journal Episode 35

2009-10-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

As Stars My Destination reaches its penultimate chapters, join host Matt Kramer for The Shade’s Journal Episode 35 as Jack Knight finds himself out of the frying pan and into the fire as Jack finds himself a prisoner of the Crown Imperial. But all may not be as it seems, as Jack meets new friends, new enemies, and comes face to face with two heroes long thought dead. Issues discussed include Starman #57 and 58. Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 34

2009-08-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

In the 34th episode of the Shade’s Journal, we travel back to Opal City as the players begin to gather on the board as darkness looms over Opal City. The countdown to the Grand Guignol has begun!

Also, we get a brief story teaming Jack with Wildcat Ted Grant and we see whether or not Jack has the heart of a fighter. Issues discussed include Starman #56 and All-Star Comics 80 Page Giant #1.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 33

2009-07-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Past, present, and future unite in the 33rd episode of The Shade’s Journal, as host Matt Kramer takes us on a most unusual taxi ride in the far future. Marvel at a tale told thrice before we head back to the near future as Jack meets the new Star Spangled Kid and S.T.R.I.P.E. and we learn an untold tale of the Starman legacy.

Issues discussed include Starman #55 and Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0.

Download Here.

Enjoy!!!

The Shade's Journal Episode 32

2009-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

In the 32nd episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer as we take a trip back in time to the old west! While there, not only do we learn the origin of Jack’s space ship, but we also learn the secret origin of Brian Savage in a special Knights Past segment spotlighting Scalphunter!

Issues discussed include Starman #54 and Weird Western Tales #39.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 31

2009-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

In the 31st episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer as Jack Knight travels to Krypton and meets Jor-El, the father of Superman. See how James Robinson writes the characters of ancient Krypton eight years before he began his current run on Superman. Also in this episode, join Jack as he travels to the planet Rann and meets Adam Strange before one of the most controversial events in the series occurs. What could happen that would cause Tony Harris to stop providing covers for the series he co-created? Find out in this episode!

Issues discussed include Starman #51, 52, and 53.

Enjoy!!!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 30

2009-06-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

In the 30th episode of the Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer for a trip into the 30th Century as we meet up with Star Boy Thom Kallor of the Legion of Super-Heroes! While in the 30th Century, we learn some more clues as to what’s in store for Jack and Mikaal in the future and they also bump into a familiar face. While in the 30th Century, we also have a Knights Past segment focusing on Thom Kallor and we get a brief discussion on the Legion of Super-Heroes. Issues discussed in this episode are Starman #50 and Legion of Super-Heroes #306.

Enjoy!!!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 29

2009-06-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Shade’s Journal returns with episode 29! In this episode, Join host Matt Kramer as we officially kick off the storyline “Stars My Destination”, as Jack travels into deep space and makes an unexpected discovery. Meanwhile, Mikaal has a conversation with David in the annual “Talking With David” story. We also learn the connection the title “Stars My Destination” has with Starman’s legacy.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 28

2009-04-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

In The Shade’s Journal Episode 28, join host Matt Kramer for discussion of the Starman 80 Page Giant as we follow the legacy of a single item and how it touched the lives of the residents of Opal City between 1894 and 1999. Also, we meet the Starman of 1951 for the first time, as well as a brand new Ragdoll.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 27

2009-04-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

In the 27th episode of The Shade’s Journal, host Matt Kramer discusses what is happening in Opal City with its protector Jack Knight in space as well as what the future of the Starman legacy is as Ted Knight is paid a visit by Farris Knight, the Starman of the 853rd Century. Also in this episode, we welcome the new regular series artist Peter Snejbjerg aboard with his first issue. Issues discussed include Starman #47 and Starman #1,000,000.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 26

2009-03-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

In the 26th episode of The Shade’s Journal, we say goodbye to Tony Harris as Jack finally says goodbye to Opal City and heads to the stars. Also, in a couple Tales of Times Past, we get a glimpse of Ted’s life as he works for the FBI and see heroic roots begin to spout for Bobo Benetti. Issues discussed include Starman #45 and 46, as well as a story from JSA All-Stars #4.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 25

2009-03-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

In the milestone 25th episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer for a special Knights Past segment celebrating the life of Ted Knight and as we mourn the passing of Archie Goodwin. Also, several news topics are discussed including the status of James Robinson’s Justice League title, Sandman Mystery Theater vol. 7 “The Mist and the Phantom of the Fair”, and the Starman Omnibus vol. 2 topping the New York Times’ first ever graphic fiction bestseller list. This episode features discussion of Starman #44, Adventure Comics #61, and The Brave and the Bold #61.

Download here.

The Shade's Journal Episode 24

2009-03-05T12:17:00.000-08:00

In the 24th episode of The Shade’s Journal, host Matt Kramer plays tour director as we take several trips through time and to space! First, Ted Knight gets a visit from a resident of Gotham City in a battle between science and sorcery. Then join Jack as he receives his ticket to the stars! And finally, we join the Mist as she makes an unplanned trip from Paris back to the United States. Issues discussed include Starman #42, 43 and Starman: The Mist.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 23

2009-02-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

In the 23rd episode of The Shade’s Journal, host Matt Kramer discusses the start of the next chapter in Jack Knight’s life, as he begins his quest to go to the stars. Meanwhile, Matt O’Dare’s journey to redemption begins with the help of the Shade. Also, learn the secret origins of Jack and Ted Knight, as well as the future of Opal City.

Enjoy!

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Taken by Cryptonaut from Flickr, used under a BY-NC-SA license

The Shade's Journal Episode 22

2009-02-20T04:57:00.001-08:00

In the 22nd episode of The Shade’s Journal, it’s the Power of Shazam against the Power of the Stars as Captain Marvel comes to Opal City in search of a fugitive charged with treason! Join host Matt Kramer for a discussion of the Lightning and Stars crossover contained in Starman #39 and 40 and The Power of Shazam #35 and 36.

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The Shade's Journal Episode 21

2009-02-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

In the 21st episode of The Shade’s Journal, host Matt Kramer explores the differences between heroes and villains, as Jack is given advice at a dinner party of deceased heroes and the Mist tests how far she will go in her quest for revenge as Starman issues #37 and 38 are discussed.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 20

2009-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air in the 20th episode of The Shade’s Journal as host Matt Kramer discusses Starman Annual #2, #36, and the 1st issue of the 1988 Starman title. Also, listen for the special Knights Past segment on Will Payton and learn about what one has to sacrifice in order to be a hero.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 19

2008-12-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

In the 19th Episode of The Shade’s Journal, host Matt Kramer does his best to answer some burning questions. What is the final fate of Solomon Grundy? What is the motivation behind Dr. Pip’s bombing spree? Where has the Shade been? And… what is Batman’s favorite Woody Allen movie? Seriously! That question is answered!

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 18

2008-12-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Yo ho! Yo ho! It’s a pirate’s life for The Shade’s Journal.

In Episode 18, join host Matt Kramer for a taste of the pirate’s life, as Jack learns the tragic tale of Jon Valor, the Black Pirate as a mad bomber stalks Opal City in the first half of a discussion of Infernal Devices, covering Starman #30, 31, and 32.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 17

2008-12-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

In The Shade’s Journal Episode 17, join host Matt Kramer on a journey from 1838 to 1997 for an exploration of the life and times of The Shade. From the roots of his powers and villainy to his battle across time with the Ludlows, many aspects of his life are explored.

Enjoy!

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The Hero Initiative

2008-12-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

With the holidays coming up, please take some time and think of some of the older comic creators who may not have worked in a while or are suffering from illness and donate to the Hero Initiative. Even a small donation of $3, the price of a single comic book, can help. I have added a Paypal link for the Hero Initiative on the sidebar.

If you're curious about the Hero Initiatve, here's a bit about them from their website:

In late 2000, a consortium of comic publishers came up with the idea to create a financial safety net for comic creators, much in the same fashion that exists in almost any other trade from plumbing to pottery. By March of 2001, the federal government approved The Hero Initiative as a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3).
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative (Formerly known as A.C.T.O.R., A Commitment To Our Roots) has had the good fortune to grant over $200,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

For more information, please visit the Hero Initiative's website.

Thanks!

The Shade's Journal Episode 16

2008-12-01T07:16:00.001-08:00

Join host Matt Kramer for a special Knights Past episode spotlighting Mikaal Tomas, the alien Starman! This episode will focus on 1st Issue Special 12 and Starman 28. Join me for a trip back to the year 1976, it'll be super freaky (and hopefully not back-stabber-y)!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 15

2008-11-24T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas in November on The Shade's Journal Episode 15, as host Matt Kramer discusses Starman #27 and #29, discussing Christmas in Opal City as well as April 1997, Starman Month!

Incidental music "Hooray for Santa Claus" is performed by Milton DeLugg & the Little Eskimos and is the theme song from "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians".

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Starman #27 cover:

An image by Norman Rockwell. Please note the signatures:

James Robinson signing in Chicago on 12/12/08.

2008-11-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

James Robinson will be doing a signing from 5-7 PM on Friday, December 12th, 2008 at Challengers Comics in Chicago, IL. Challengers address is:

1845 N. Western Ave. 2R
Chicago, IL 60647

For more information, check out Challengers' website.

Hope to see you there!!!

The Shade's Journal Episode 14

2008-11-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

In the 14th episode of The Shade's Journal, join host Matt Kramer for a special announcement and a brief lesson in art history. Then, we journey To Hell and Back discussing Starman issues 24, 25, and 26. Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 13

2008-10-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

In the 13th episode of The Shade's Journal, join host Matt Kramer for not one, not two, but three crossovers in one as we discuss Starman #20-23, as Jack travels to New York City to get the help of Wesley Dodds, the Golden Age Sandman in the story arc "Sand and Stars".

http://www.kafraco.com/podcasts/26_ShadesJournal13.mp3

Incidental music provided by The Red Hot Valentines, http://www.last.fm/music/The+Red+Hot+Valentines

http://www.windycitycomicon.com

The Shade's Journal, Episode 12

2008-09-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

In the 12th episode of The Shade's Journal, join host Matt Kramer for discussion of Starman #19, featuring pirates and character actors, as well as Starman Annual #1, featuring a dead Earth, a dead Prince, and a tale of science vs. sorcery in a tale of Times Past.

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The Windy City Comicon

2008-09-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Shade's Journal is proud to be a part of the Windy City ComiCon. Join us on October 25th from 10 am to 6 pm at the Center on Halsted, just two blocks from Wrigley Field in the heart of Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood. This one day event will bring together the best comic book retailers, publishers and creators in the midwest.

The area's top retailers will be offering great deals on new issues, collected editions, statues, games, toys, apparel and tons, literally tons of back issues.

Meet some of the midwest's best talent including Gene Ha, Don Kramer, Mike Norton, Chris Burnham, Will Pfeifer, Bill Reinhold, Doug Klauba, Rich Koslowski, Jeffery Brown, Tim Seeley and many many more.
Book your plans now to attend the Windy City Comicon on Oct 25th. For a full list of Exhibitors, guests, gaming schedules and programming go to http://www.windycitycomicon.com.

The Windy City ComiCon. Chicago's ONLY comic book convention.

The Shade's Journal Episode 11

2008-08-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

In the 11th Episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer for discussion on Starman #11, as well as a special Knights Past segment focusing on the original Golden Age Mist focusing on Adventure Comics #67 and a brief discussion of Sandman Mystery Theater #37 - 40.

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The Shade's Journal Episode 10

2008-08-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

In the 10th episode of The Shade's Journal, join host Matt Kramer as we finally travel Beyond Sins. On the way, we get a brief lesson in tarot and then learn what Jack has in store for him. Then, we take a trip into the past and learn a bit more about the Shade's mysterious origins. This episode focuses on Starman #17 and Showcase '96 #4 and #5.

Ancillary music "Angeline" provided compliments of Will Branch.

Enjoy!

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The Shade's Journal Episode 9!

2008-07-23T19:52:00.001-07:00

In the 9th Episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer for discussions of Starman issues 14, 15, and 16, finally concluding the story arc "Sins of the Child". Also, learn how to get Jack Knight made into an action figure and listen do Damian Smith of the Kryptographik and Welcome to Heavenside podcasts make a plea for a creator in need. This episode we are also trying something new, with some music thrown in between segments. Enjoy!

Incidental music "Wabash Blues" and "Baltimore Fire" provided courtesy of Will Branch.

Download here!

An appeal for Josh Medors

2008-07-23T19:51:00.001-07:00

Josh Medors, a comic artist fighting cancer without the benefit of medical insurance. He’s worked on titles such as 30 Days of Night Annual, Dial M For Monster a Cal Macdonald mystery, Horrorcide and Runes of Ragnan.

BOOM! Studios is donating ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of their new PULP TALES anthology to Josh Medors and his family.

Cover art and preview pages here: http://boom-studios.net/pulp-tales-benefit-book-all-proceeds-will-go-to-help-josh-medors-amp-family.html

If your email program breaks long links, use this one: http://tinyurl.com/6ly38b

PULP TALES is a "two-fisted one-shot featuring all-new, action-packed stories by horror master Steve Niles, P.U.N.K.S' Josh Fialkov and Kody Chamberlain, '76's B. Clay Moore & Seth Peck, Capote in Kansas' Chris Samnee, In My Lifetime's Tony Fleecs, and more! Featuring a cover by Ben Templesmith!"

24pgs / Full Color / $3.99

Like most independent comics, if the pre-orders aren't there, this book will be horribly under-ordered.

Rather than another memorial/charity for a comic creator who's passed on, why not try and help a creator (and his family) while he's still here?

I have created a little bumper for everyone if you could please add it to one of your shows to try and drum up some support for Josh.

Lets try and make a difference for someone who is still here with us!

Vote to see Jack Knight made into an action figure!

2008-07-19T07:58:00.001-07:00

Wizard Universe is running a poll to see what character should be made into a figure in Mattel's DCU Classics toy line. One of these figures just happens to be Jack Knight, so please head over to the site and vote!

Vote Here!

The Shade's Journal Episode 8

2008-07-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

In this episode of the Shade’s Journal, host Matt Kramer apologizes for his lengthy absence before discussing Starman #13, Sins of the Child, Part 2: Ted’s Day. Also in this episode, a brief history lesson on Dr. Phosphorous and a little information about where else you can hear Matt talk about Starman lately! (Hint: Look below this!)

http://media.libsyn.com/media/aroundcomics/AroundComics_Ep191.mp3

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The Shade's Journal Episode 7

2008-07-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

In the 7th episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer for discussion of Starman #12, Sins of the Child part 1. But first, as an addendum to episode 6 there is another brief discussion regarding DC continuity and a message about the format of the next few episodes.

Enjoy!

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Episode 6 is now available!

2008-06-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

In the 6th episode of The Shade’s Journal, join host Matt Kramer for discussions of Starman 9-11, as well as the Shade story from Showcase ’95 #12. We also get a little taste of why continuity in the DC Universe is a mixed blessing.

Enjoy!

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Contest info!

2008-06-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

The first contest to win a copy of the first Starman TPB "Sins of the Father" will end on June 29th, 2008. Please have all entries in by midnight on that day!

The Shade's Journal Episode 5

2008-06-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

In Episode 5 of the Shade’s Journal, let’s spend a (K)Night at the circus, as host Matt Kramer discusses issues 7 and 8 of Starman. So join in for meetings with a blue skinned alien geek, an octopus woman, and an incubus as Jack takes his first steps to becoming an honest hero. Also, we discuss how to enter the first contest to win a copy of the first volume of Starman, "Sins of the Father".

Enjoy!

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Maurin Quina by Leonetto Capiello, c. 1906

2008-06-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

In episode 7 of The Shade's Journal, I made a comparison between the visual of Bliss and this image. If anyone would like to purchase a copy of this image, check out art.com or follow this link: http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/pd--10027889/sp--A/Maurin_Quina_c1906.htm

The Shade's Journal Episode 4

2008-06-06T20:16:00.001-07:00

Episode 4 of The Shade's Journal is now available!

In this episode, join your host Matt Kramer for a discussion of Starman #6, the first tale of Times Past. Find out how the Shade got his own little piece of Opal City, as well as what literary characters he was the basis for. Matt also tells a story, Hans Christian Anderson’s "The Shadow".

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The Shade's Journal Episode 3

2008-05-18T12:55:00.001-07:00

In this episode of The Shade's Journal, host Matt Kramer discusses Starman (1994) issue #5 as well as a special Knights Past segment focusing on David Knight, covering David's first appearances in Starman (1988) #26 and #27.

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Episode 3 is recorded!

2008-05-15T06:13:00.001-07:00

Episode 3 has been recorded and should be up sometime within the next couple days. Stay tuned!

Starman Omnibus vol. 1

2008-05-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

If anyone is interested, don't forget that the Starman Omnibus vol. 1 is scheduled to be released on May 28th. Look for it at your local comic book shop, or at other retailers like Borders or Amazon.com. Starman Omnibus vol. 1 carries a price of $49.99 and contains issues #0-16.

Episode 02 - Sins of the Father & A Day in the Opal

2008-05-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

In this episode of The Shade's Journal, we cover Starman issues #0-4, covering the storyline Sins of the Father and the standalone A Day in the Opal.

Direct Download!

Discuss on the forum

Quick update regarding Episode 2

2008-04-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update regarding episode 2. I have Starman (1994) #0-4 read and notes taken, and I hope to get a chance to record shortly. You can expect episode 2 to be out hopefully by Saturday, April 26th. If anyone has any feedback or comments on issues 0-4, please shoot me an email to theshadesjournal AT gmail DOT com and I'll read them on the show!

The Shade's Journal - Episode 01 - ZERO HOUR

2008-04-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

In this first episode of The Shade's Journal, your host Matt gives a brief history of the character Starman (including a list of all known Starmen) and reviews a single page from Zero Hour #1.

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Welcome to The Shade's Journal

2008-04-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to The Shade's Journal, the podcast dedicated to the DC Comics series Starman co-created by James Robinson and Tony Harris published between 1994 and 2002.

This podcast will feature reviews and discussions of all 82 issues of the Starman series, plus one-shots, crossovers, and special Spotlight episodes.

Please send all questions and feedback to:

TheShadesJournal at Gmail dot com

Enjoy!