We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Sonic the Hedgehog Vol. 1! Our host this week is Adam Samtur!

Find Adam at: tabletop-now.com

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Additional Music: "The Medieval Banquet" by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

This section outlines the key discussions and events from the meeting focusing on the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and its evolution.

• Sonic's Cultural Impact (00:00)

  • Sonic the Hedgehog was launched on June 23, 1991, and became an instant cultural icon, comparable to Mario.
  • The character represented 90s culture with themes of speed and coolness, appealing to a generation of gamers and fans.
  • Sonic's popularity led to a surge in merchandise and a broader fanbase beyond just gaming.
  • Notable events include the 1992 Thanksgiving Parade incident, where Sonic's balloon caused injuries, yet his popularity continued to rise.

• Archie Comics Licensing (01:22)

  • In fall 1992, Archie Comics secured a licensing deal with Sega to create the Sonic comic series, following the UK's initial comic.
  • The first American Sonic comic was released on November 22, 1992, coinciding with the speaker's birthday.
  • Initial comic issues had various production errors, including miscolorations and incorrect character names, due to limited information from Sega.
  • The transition to more mature themes in the comics mirrored the audience's growth, with new writers enhancing story arcs and artwork quality.

• Personal Journey with Sonic (04:05)

  • The speaker began collecting Sonic comics after receiving their first issue as a birthday gift, leading to a complete collection by 2016.
  • By that time, the Archie Sonic series became the longest-running comic based on a video game, with 290 main series issues.
  • The series was canceled in December 2016 due to legal issues and mismanagement, ending a 25-year run.

• Transition to IDW Publishing (08:15)

  • Following the cancellation, Sonic switched to IDW Publishing in April 2018, with Ian Flynn continuing as the main writer.
  • The new series has successfully created unique characters and storylines, maintaining a strong presence in the market with 125 issues published.
  • Despite past controversies, the franchise continues to thrive, showcasing adaptability to changing audience and market demands.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Zenith, Book One: Tygers! Our host this week is Jay McKiernan!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

This section provides a structured outline of the key topics discussed during the meeting.

• Introduction to Zenith (00:00)

  • Overview of Zenith as a unique superhero character created by Grant Morrison.
  • Discussion of the character's background and his role as a pop star rather than a typical superhero.
  • Establishment of the 80s superhero context and Morrison's impact.

• Character Analysis (01:19)

  • Exploration of Zenith's personality traits: apathetic, self-serving, and cowardly.
  • Introduction of supporting characters from the 60s supergroup Cloud 9, such as Voltage and Red Dragon.
  • Mention of the antagonist, the Many Angled Ones, and their threat to Earth.

• Story Structure and Phases (02:37)

  • Breakdown of the story into three phases, starting with Phase One.
  • Overview of the multiverse concept introduced by Morrison and its significance in superhero narratives.
  • Recognition of the Eagle Award for the story as a validation of its quality.

• Artistic Contributions (05:16)

  • Praise for Steve Yeowell's artwork, highlighting its expressive and detailed nature.
  • Discussion of Yeowell's limited exposure in North America compared to his work in 2000 AD.
  • Identification of future reading interests based on the podcast discussion.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Wayward! Our host this week is Keith Lehtinen!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

• Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School & Episode Overview (00:00 - 01:13)
• Keith Letzinen introduces the podcast concept where hosts discuss beloved comic book trade paperbacks.
• This talk about Wayward will be unscripted and personal.
• Introduction to Wayward and Creators (01:13 - 01:50)
• Keith introduces the comic Wayward from Image Comics.
• He shares his background as a Marvel and Vertigo reader and how this book stood out to him.
• Personal Context and Interview Experience with Jim Zub (01:50 - 02:38)
• Keith describes interviewing Jim Zub years ago.
• He was captivated by Wayward despite it not being the interview focus.
• Japanese Cultural Elements and Essay by Zach Davison (02:38 - 04:06)
• Keith praises an essay by Zach Davison included in the trade paperback.
• It aligns with Zach's expertise and passion for Japanese culture.
• Plot and Character Overview of Wayward (04:06 - 05:37)
• The story centers on Rory, a half-Irish, half-Japanese girl moving to Japan.
• Keith expresses a deep affection for Rory as a character.
• Artistic Authenticity and Personal Japan Experience (05:37 - 07:09)
• Keith appreciates how artist Stephen Cummings captured authentic Japanese scenery.
• He shares his personal trip to Japan and how this resonance deepened his connection to the comic.
• Character Introductions and Relationships (07:09 - 08:43)
• Keith highlights key characters Rory interacts with: Ayane the cat girl, Shirai the dreamy but goofy boy, Nikaido the sweet and soft boy.
• He admires character dynamics and the culturally-infused monster designs.
• Challenges in Recommending the Book & Praise for Its Impact (08:43 - 10:16)
• Keith admits he's hesitant to recommend Wayward due to his intense personal connection.
• He describes purchasing many variants and holding hope for a TV adaptation and board game.
• Encouragement to Read & Community Engagement (10:16 - 10:42)
• Keith strongly recommends Wayward (30 issues) to fans of anime and school stories.
• He invites listeners to connect with him via social media and the Certain POV Discord.
• Upcoming Shows and Call for Show Naming Suggestions (10:42 - 11:41)
• Keith and Josue discuss reviewing many new comics from various publishers.
• They express the need for a catchy, punny name for their comic review show.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Avengers Under Siege! Our host this week is Case Aiken!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

Introduction to Trade School & Host (00:00 - 00:30)

• Case Aiken welcomes listeners to the Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast.

• Announces discussion of the comic trade paperback Avengers: Under Siege.

• Overview of Avengers: Under Siege Story and Characters (00:30 - 02:25)

• Trade collects Avengers issues #270-271 and #273-277 from the 1980s.

• Focuses on the Masters of Evil's renewed threat to the Avengers.

Masters of Evil & Villain Roster Expansion (02:25 - 03:50)

• Led by Helmut Zemo, son of Heinrich Zemo, aiming to outsmart the Avengers.

• Villains recruited: Moonstone, Blackout, Wrecking Crew, and others.

️ Conflict Dynamics & Key Battles (03:50 - 05:30)

• Sub-Mariner temporarily absent due to Atlantis issues.

• Showcases especially powerful Goliath's fight and Hercules' near death experience.

Wasp's Leadership & Team Counterattack (05:30 - 07:10)

• Wasp gathers remaining Avengers for a counteroffensive.

• Scene depicting Captain America's grief over Zemo destroying his late mother's photo.

Significance & Influence on Marvel Lore (07:10 - 08:30)

• Story sets a turning point for the Masters of Evil.

• Direct precursor to the Thunderbolts series; many villains reinvented as Thunderbolts.

️ Availability & Format Considerations (08:30 - 08:38)

• Available on Marvel Unlimited platform.

• Trade paperback includes an insightful foreword detailing villain choices and cameos.

Character Highlights & Narrative Style (08:38 - 11:50)

• Moonstone praised as a standout villain—manipulative and complex.

• Emphasis on the Avengers being outpowered and outnumbered despite strong roster.

Personal and Storytelling Commentary (11:50 - 13:45)

• Appreciates fight sequences, especially Hercules's.

• Acknowledge story aging but still fun and important.

Host's Engagement & Call for Listener Interaction (13:45 - 15:40)

• Encourages subscribing, reviews, and listener submissions for the series.

• Promotes Certain Point of View's Patreon and Discord server for community interaction.

Upcoming Shows & Abschluss (15:40 - 16:20)

• Mentions potential new show about Superman called Men of Steel.

• Sign-off invitation for continued engagement.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about House of X / Powers of X! Our host is Derek Van Dyke from the Castle Bravo podcast!

Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

Outline

️ Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School and host Derek Van Dyke (00:00 - 00:30)

• Derek's credentials: editor, co-host of Godzilla series 'Castle,' and frequent collaborator with the network.

️ Background on writer Jonathan Hickman and his impact on Marvel Comics (00:30 - 01:09)

• Highlighted Hickman's notable runs on Fantastic Four (2010-2012) and Avengers up to 2016's Secret Wars.
• Compared Hickman to Brian Michael Bendis, emphasizing Hickman's bold and intricate storytelling style.

Introduction to the 'House of X' and 'Powers of X' miniseries launching the Krakoan Age (01:09 - 02:18)

• Launched late 2019, rewriting the decades-long X-Men status quo.
• Described as a timeline-dividing moment: before and after Krakoan Age.

Detailed synopsis of 'House of X' (02:18 - 03:00)

• Story of Professor X forming a mutant sovereign nation on Krakoa.
• Mutants unite as a nation with peace through trade, death dealt with differently.
• ⏳ Synopsis of 'Powers of X' (03:00 - 04:25)
• Complex narrative structured around four timeline points spanning from a universal origin to distant future epochs.
• Explores recurring extinction events of mutantkind by machine singularity, including alliances with alien Phalanx.

️ Combined impact of both series (04:25 - 05:08)

• Presents a paradoxical scenario of mutants having a utopia but also looming existential threats.
• The story provides hope along with paranoia, changing the X-Men narrative from ongoing struggle to a new phase.

Recommendation and closing thoughts (05:08 - 06:08)

• Encourages listeners to read the trade paperback for full story clarity and emotional payoff.
• Cautions against reading the out-of-order version on Marvel Unlimited.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth! Our host is Jim Fetters from the Long Live the Legion podcast!

Find him at https://www.certainpov.com/long-live-the-legion

Support us on Patreon! patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US:

▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

▶ Website: https://www.certainpov.com

Outline ️

Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School & Speaker Introduction (00:00 - 00:00)

Jim Fetters introduces himself and the series, explaining the focus on discussing favorite comic book trade paperbacks. Background Story and Personal Connection to Arkham Asylum (00:00 - 01:23)

Jim shares his first encounter with Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth during college post-Batman '89 movie craze. Explaining how he invested limited funds into purchasing this landmark book and how it changed his perception of comics. Plot Overview of Arkham Asylum (01:23 - 02:39)

Explanation of the storyline where Batman must escape Arkham Asylum within an hour after inmates take over on April Fool's Day. Including the rogues' gallery of Batman villains like Joker, Two-Face, Black Mask, and others. Parallel origin story of Amadeus Arkham is introduced. Artistic and Symbolic Depth of the Book (02:39 - 05:32)

Description of Dave McKean's intricate art combining hand-drawn elements, paint, and photography. Alongside Grant Morrison's deep writing filled with symbolism, including paganism, tarot, Hebrew and Greek elements, occult references, and the significance of salt circles as binding spells. Influence of Historical Figures and Psychological Themes (05:32 - 06:57)

Appearance of characters such as Aleister Crowley and Carl Jung, emphasizing the book's psychological and occult layers. Highlights Gaspar Saladino's unique lettering for each character, enhancing the storytelling. Importance of Reading and Editions (06:57 - 08:15)

Recommendation to read the annotated edition for better comprehension of the myriad symbols and complex meanings embedded in the text and artwork. Cultural Impact and Legacy (08:15 - 09:49)

How the book influenced modern Batman writers and the narrative foundation it provided for the Rocksteady Arkham Asylum video game. Jim stresses its importance both for comic book and video game fans. Closing Remarks and Contact Info (09:49 - 11:23)

Jim invites listeners to reach out via Blue Sky or Discord to discuss the book and plugs the Long Live the Legion podcast as well.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about Reckless! Our host this week is Lee Greger!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

Introduction & Context (00:00 - 01:24)

Lee Greger introduces Certain Point of View's Trade School podcast episode focused on comic book trade paperbacks.

Personal background context: Lee born in 1973, describes cultural and media influences growing up as an '80s kid.

Review of "Reckless" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (01:24 - 04:19)

Summary and analysis of Reckless by Brubaker and Phillips (started in 2020).

Main character Ethan Reckless as a private investigator with CIA past, set in Southern California near a beach.

Recommendation & Availability (04:19 - 05:43)

Lee recommends Reckless for fans of 80s noir, pulp detective novels, and similar TV shows. Notes that Image Comics produces these in 144-page hardcover trade editions, available on Amazon and retailers.

Additional Podcast Promotions & Wrap-Up (05:43 - 07:16)

Introduction of Case Aiken and Sam Alicea from "Another Pass" podcast focused on movie reviews—balancing fascination with flaws and constructive criticism. Brief announcement about the new show "We Have Issues" with hosts Keith and Josue, reviewing a wide range of new comics weekly.

We're back with another episode of Trade School! This time, we're talking about The Deviant! Our host this week is Keith Lehtinen!

Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia

Edited by Case Aiken

Scored by Bret Eagleston

Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4

FOLLOW US: ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia

Outline

Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School (00:00 - 00:01)

• Introduction to Certain Point of View's Trade School comic book review series and host Keith Lehtinen.
• Transition from early 2000s Marvel Youth Movement comics to a different theme.

Focus on 'The Deviant' (00:01 - 02:30)

• Focus on the comic book 'The Deviant' from Dark Horse Comics by James Tynan IV, with art by Joshua Hickson and lettering by Hasan Osmani Al Haou.
• Description of 'The Deviant' as a Christmas-themed murder mystery infused with queer themes and social commentary on prejudice.

Plot Overview (00:02 - 00:03)

• Plot overview without spoilers: Michael, the protagonist, investigates murders connected to a 1970s killer he admires; themes of queer identity, bigotry, love, and justice unfold.
• Praise for the masterful mystery plotting, complex and imperfect protagonist Michael, and the unpredictable tension sustained throughout the story.

Artistic Highlights (00:04 - 00:05)

• Artistic highlights including Joshua Hickson's use of shadows, colors, and realistic character expressions, and Hasan Osmani Al Haou's expert lettering that complements the horror tone.
• Strong recommendation for 'The Deviant' to fans of murder mysteries, true crime, and nuanced queer narratives, with a warning about graphic content.

Promotion and Community Engagement (05:25 - 07:03)

• Keith's promotion of his podcast 'We Have Issues' and social media presence on Bluesky, Instagram, and Certain POV network, including an invitation to join their Discord community.
• Discussion with Josue about a new weekly comic review show covering multiple publishers and brainstorming show name ideas emphasizing cleverness and pun potential.