The Jedicole Universe

Hey Kids, Comics #42 - Heroes Come Home: Animated

One of the really exciting things about being a comic fan in this day and age is the sheer volume of super-hero movies and television shows that are either out there or in the works.  From a time when comic book based cartoons were few and far between to the veritable golden age of such we enjoy today, this issue of “Hey Kids, Comics! jumps head first into Saturday morning and after school (and beyond) to find out what happens when “Heroes Come Home”, to our televisions at least.

Cole is joined by a guest host Rick Gutierrez (of the United States of Geekdom) on this, the final episode before Andrew’s hiatus from the show comes to an end.  Rick is amply steeped in the animated form of the super-hero genre in all of its many incarnations.  From the juvenile and often campy (“Super-Friends”, “Super-Hero Squad”) to the gritty and serious (“Planet Hulk”, “Batman: Under the Red Hood”) and everything in between, the width and breadth of comics turned cartoons is discussed.

Hey Kids, Comics #41 - From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction Part 5: Not Kids Comics

Comics, they’re not just for kids!  Nothing quite underscores that fact like the output of the adult comic book industry.  From the time there were comics there were undoubtedly those that were never intended to be seen by children.  Every entertainment has its less socially acceptable side, a side that is too often kept hidden and is the bane of the rest of its medium.  As with film, literature, photography, and even art, comic books have a history peppered with everything from the naughty to the profane.

“From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction” concludes as Cole and his special guest Steve McCauley reflect on the dirty little secret of comics.  The title of this issue is explained and explored as part of a greater discussion on the many lows and occasional highs of an industry that often operated on the fringe of an otherwise all-ages medium.  Comic books that are definitely not for kids have been controversial, compelling, and even contentious for creators, publishers, and retailers alike.  If you’ve ever had to ask in whispered tones to purchase one of those books not out on the racks, then this is the “Hey Kids, Comics!” for you!

Note: While the topic of discussion is decidedly adult material, the content of the discussion is not explicit.

Hey Kids, Comics! #40 From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction Part 4:Turning Points and Changing Tastes

Where has the romance gone?  And the horror?  And the crime?  What of westerns, for that matter?  All of this is of course a collection of queries pertaining to the history of comics and genres that have largely been abandoned by creators and publishers.  How is it that Superman remains a timeless character while so many other heroes, even those who once enjoyed their own titles, have disappeared completely?  Why are there so many comics based on movies, television, literature, and even video games these days?

While all of these questions are not directly addressed in this issue of “Hey Kids, Comics!”, they do typify the issues at hand as Cole and his special guest Bobby Blakey explore how changes in the overall public consciousness put pressure on publishers to keep up with the times.  What made a great comic in your grandfather’s day might seem laughable by today’s standards.  Tune in and enjoy this latest installment of “From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction” and see how the industry and the medium have evolved throughout their joined history!

Hey Kids, Comics #39 - From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction Part 3: Comics Are Super, Man

When most people hear the term “comic book” they think “super-hero”.  If one genre can be said to have risen to be the universal representative of the medium it is the super-hero.  And it is little wonder considering how prevalent comics featuring larger than life heroes waging battle against villains and other foes within their pages.  Comic books are escapism at their and what better place to escape than in the multi-colored world of beings with the powers of the gods?

Andrew’s hiatus from “Hey Kids, Comics!” continues this week so Cole welcomes special guest Eddie Medina to the show.  On this issue you will hear compelling discussion of the history of the super-hero in comics and the impact thereof.  This is the mid-point of “From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction” so the timing seemed ideal to showcase the important role that super-heroes have played in the long and storied history of the comic book.

Hey Kids, Comics #38 - From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction Part 2: Seduction and Salvation

Welcome to a brand new issue of Hey Kids, Comics!  In this installment of  "From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction" Andrew takes a hiatus from the show and Mrs. JediCole joins in on another journey through comic book history.In this case the effect of Seduction of the Innocent on the industry, the birth of the Comics Code Authority, and how perceptions of the medium lead to troubles all around.

Hey Kids, Comics #37 - From Funny Books to Graphic Fiction Part 1: Children of the Yellow Kid

Welcome to the historic side of Hey Kids, Comics! as Andrew and Cole delve into the origins and evolution of the genre that gives this show its focus.From the earliest collections of comic strips to the modern story-arc driven, multiple demographic-seeking, four color industry there is a lot of ground to cover.  In this first issue of the latest five issue arc the long history of the medium serves as the backdrop for discussion and exploration.  Not a droll accounting of every event, major and minor, but rather a journey through the past and present of comics.  It all begins right here.

Hey Kids, Comics #36 - Bring On the Bad Guys! The Dark Side of Comics

Welcome to an evil issue of Hey Kids, Comics! Why so evil?  Because that is the subject matter of this edition.  Villains, rogues, crooks, bad guys, and everyone in between!  So often a hero is defined by his arch-nemesis and it seemed only natural to explore that dynamic and what makes the twisted or greedy minds of such foes tick.Be sure and check out What Would Comic Book Villains Do? at The JediCole Universe to explore the fun side of the dark side.

Hey Kids, Comics #35 - The Ballad of Bobby Blakey or What Do You Do With a Big Dumb Gorilla

Welcome to another fine episode of Hey Kids, Comics! In a unique turn of events Andrew and Cole interview an artist who has done a tremendous amount of work of for The JediCole Universe and has been a major part of All-Con.  We sing the praises of none other than Bobby Blakey.Discover the creator of Last Stop and Keepers of the Dawn as well as a seasoned movie reviewer, albeit in the persona of an ape.  This and more awaits within...

Hey Kids, Comics #34 - Secret Origins of

Long before there was a Hey Kids, Comics! show, in fact before even The JediCole Universe, there was an idea.  An idea to do a comic book show that evolved into a collectibles show.  That show was the Collector Sector that ran on The United States of Geekdom and (briefly) on The JediCole Universe. To give a glimpse into the processes that went into bringing you this show (and because pre and post All-Con 2013 consumed so much time and energy), Andrew has dug into the archives and retrieved the prototype that led to this weekly program.  You might recognize (or recognise) the voice of Andy's co-host for this issue, that incomparable Australian, Stuart Baulk!

Hey Kids, Comics #33 - To Kill a Robin

Welcome to the latest issue of Hey Kids, Comics! in which we explore why Robins don't have an Old Timer's Day.  With the (at the time) leaked death of Damian Wayne (a.k.a. Robin).  While it seem that every other Robin gets the ax, there is more to the story and Andrew and Cole explore this in depth.