On November 18th 2009 the comics community lost one of it's most prolific contributors. Here Steve and Scott take just a few moments to remember Eric Martin aka The Question.

After a reminder of the forthcoming bookclub selection, a Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, we get into some news, starting with some sad news about the loss of great icon and then some TV news, with updates on Gattaca and a very exciting fan made film coming in 2010.

For our main feature we have an interview with Ben Lichius, one of the co-creators of The Black Coat, from Ape Comics. The Black Coat is America's first superspy. Set in New York City in the days before the Revolutionary War, The Black Coat fights against the British and forces of the occult to protect the burgeoning nation.

After a long news and reviews section featuring a spoiler-free chat about the first episode of V and the possibility of a GATTACA TV show we have a relatively brief Challenge where Steve and Scott pitch two very different comics at each other. Remember our current book club choice is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. We're going to be talking about this in episode 66 so you've still got plenty of time to get hold of it and join the discussion.

In this episode Scott and Steve start off with some TV talk - some good, some worrying and some very exciting. There is also some great news about a new comics news we've previously discussed. After that we get onto our main feature where we talk about comics and movies, and more specifically, what is the recipe for a good comic movie? We look at the elements we think will guarantee success, we look at previous winners and losers, and why some of the best comics have not been succesful on the big screen. Steve also pitches some comic properties to Scott for the small screen.

Don't forget, episode 66 will be our book club episode, and it will be this side of Christmas, so get a hold of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and join in the discussion.

In this episode Scott and Steve start off with some 100% positive news and reviews before revamping slightly the classic Challenge Scott/Steve format with them each pitching a comic and another piece of media to the other. Discussed in this episode: North 40 Ramayan Gone Baby Gone Earth: Final Conflict Remember that our current book club offering for episode 66 is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.

Welcome to our post British International Comics Show (BICS) episode where we start off with a review of the show, what we enjoyed and some of the familiar and new faces we met. We then get into some news and reviews about the latest comics, movie news, new TV projects from JJ Abrams and the future of Dollhouse.

After that we discuss our book club selection and the current work of fiction is Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. We discuss what we thought of the book and we also have comments from listeners who sent us their feedback on the book. We announce the next book club selection which we will discussing in Episode 66 in a couple of months time.

In this episode, after some brief (not to mention bleak) news and reviews we're joined for an extended chat by Cy Dethan, writer of (amongst other things) Cancertown and Starship Troopers. We cover Cy's journey into comics writing, some of the ideas behind Cancertown and the critical reaction since it's release.

It's only two weeks now until the British International Comic Show at Birmingham and Scott and Steve will both be attending the event. After discussing our plans, we get into some news, with another major change at one of the biggest comic companies in the business. We also get into a discussion about motion comics and the how power and wealth can change a silly idea into something dangerous!

As promised - a link to the Dr Horrible Emmy interruption from YouTube

In our next section we discuss the works of Clint Eastwood. Inspired by The Changeling, Scott and Steve pick out some of their favourites from his extremely long career and we discuss their influence on pop culture, cinema, and our own lives.

Don't forget about the bookclub and in episode 60 we will have a discussion about Slaughterhouse 5 and announce our next selection.

We'll be back next week and hopefully see some of you at the Birmingham show in two weeks.

In this episode Scott is back in the UK and we kick off with some news and reviews, and then look at the biggest announcement in comics, Disney purchasing Marvel for the princely sum of $4 billion dollars. Looking at Disney as a whole we look at the realistic repercussions on Marvel, make a few predictions and mention a few things we would like to see develop in the future.

After that we have a Hidden Gem and this episode we talk about the great heist show from the US, Leverage. With a great cast and a solid future, this show is continuing to go from strength to strength and we discuss it in depth without many spoilers. Episode 60 is around the corner so send us your comments on the book club selection and send in your ideas for future books.

In this bumper episode Steve and Scott start with some news, mostly about James Cameron's and Felicia Day's respective Avatars. Then they embark on a discussion about censorship. How has it been done in comics in the past? Is it always a bad thing, or are there times when some level of censorship is appropriate? Let us know your thoughts. Finally they discuss a Hidden Gem. The miniseries V from 1983, created by Kenneth Johnson, it's an epic story following the human resistance in the aftermath of an alien invasion. Some of the audio quality isn't great in this episode, but by episode 57 Scott will be back in England so things should be cleared up.

Scott is still overseas in Canada (slowly inching his way onto the set of Caprica, so watch for him in the background when it airs!) whilst Steve is back home protecting old Blighty from pirates.

In this episode there is the return of a couple of old favourites, but before that we kick off with some News and Reviews. Afterwards we get back to basics with Challenge Scott, where Steve pitches three new comics to Scott and tries to get him interested in at least one of them to go and pick it up.

After that it's the return of a Guilty Pleasure, where once again one of us steps into the confessional and asks the listeners and their co-host for understanding and forgiveness. This time it's Scott's turn to try and convince Steve about a film that he likes but perhaps, shouldn't. We'll be discussing Slaughterhouse 5 in Episode 60, so if you've read it already, send us your comments via email, or post them on the forum and we'll try to include them in the show.

Steve is keeping England safe whilst Scott is touring planet Caprica, but they triumph over the timezone differences to re-unite for episode 54. After some news and reviews the rest of the episode focuses on the CBO book club where we talk about 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman. Part philosophy, part supernatural thriller and part love-letter to smalltown America. At the end of the episode we reveal our new book club title, a classic from the 1960s.

In the second of our special episodes, Scott is still off globetrotting so I'm joined by Dr Karl, the host of the Science Friction podcast. We start with some News and Reviews and then for the main part of the show I talk comics in general with Karl and find out what he is reading and enjoying at the moment, we talk about comics on the fringe of Marvel, some of our favourite writers, a one in a million real life mutant and big comic companies visiting the UK.

Next week we'll be back and with some luck, Scott will be back for our Book Club episode where we will be discussing American Gods by Neil Gaiman. So please send us in your comments and thoughts on the book and we'll try to mention them in the show. We will also be announcing the next book and if you have any suggestions for the book club you can email us or post them on the forum.

In this special episode, Scott is away on his international travels, so I'm joined by returning a co-host Pete Rogers. We start with a bit of News and Reviews and then for the main part of the show I pick Pete's brains about what he is reading at the moment, what he's enjoying, and what he's looking forward to. We get into an interesting discussion about gateway comics, our new amazon stores, comic conventions, event comics, creators and pulp comics.

We'll be back in two weeks with another guest co-host, and after that Scott will be back for Episode 54 and it will be our Book Club episode where we will be discussing American Gods by Neil Gaiman. If you have any suggestions for the book club you can email us or post them on the forum and we will announce the next book club selection at the end of episode 54.

In this episode we have a few news snippets, including a discussion of Virtuality, Ronald D. Moore's unsuccessful pilot for a new FOX sci-fi show. Following this Steve and Scott chat about some comics they've recently got hold of including some picks from Bristol and finally they're joined by Marcus Almand, creator of Razor Kid to talk about his work as a creator and Razor Kid itself.

Welcome to the first inaugral Comic Book Outsiders awards ceremony! To commemorate reaching 50 episodes Steve and Scott look back at some of the very best examples of comics excellence that they have covered over the last two years. Categories include: Best Writer Best Artist Best Miniseries Best Ongoing Series Best Graphic Novel and the Lifetime Achievement Award Thanks to all our listeners new and old for listening to these first 50 episodes.

Bringing you the very best hidden gems from the worlds of independent comics, movies and TV. In this episode we start off with some news and reviews and then our main feature is an interview with Robert Venditti, the creator and writer of The Surrogates. We talk about the original 5 issue mini series and the collected first trade, the upcoming movie starring Bruce Willis and the forthcoming prequel graphic novel, Flesh and Bone, which is due out in July.

There is also still plenty of time to pick up American Gods by Neil Gaiman for our Book Club. Send us your comments, opinions and thoughts on the book and post your suggestions for future book club selections on the CBO forum.

Welcome to Episode 48. In this episode we discuss some of the latest news in the genre world before settling down to a discussion about the Buffy Season 8 Trade Paperbacks. After that we discuss our hidden gem for the episode, Constantine. Based (loosely) on John Constantine from the Hellblazer comics and in the movie played by Keanu Reeves. A reminder to everyone that you've still got plenty of time to pick up American Gods by Neil Gaiman for the CBO book club.

Bringing you the very best hidden gems from the worlds of independent comics, movies and TV.

This episode we start with an extended news and reviews where we look at all the TV that's come to an end, what's been renewed for another season, and what new TV shows interest us. There is a lot of new cop, medical and legal dramas starting up, none of which we talk about as they don't interest us! We focus on the interesting genre stuff and sift the wheat from the chaff.

After that it's our second book club selection and this episode we're talking about Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, a significant sci-fi book published in the 1950s. We talk about its relevance today, how eerily accurate it is, and why we think it is such an important book. We also have feedback and input from listeners and then we announce what the next Book Club selection will be.

Bringing you some of the very best hidden gems from the worlds of independent comics movies and TV. Welcome to the Bristol convention special! After some news and reviews we get down to the main business of the show which is talking about one of the big events in the UK comics calendar, the Bristol International Comic Expo, which this year joined forces with the Small Press Expo in a nearby hotel. After the chat is a great roundtable discussion featuring Orangutan Comics, Monkeys with Machine Guns , Geek Syndicate and 1/2 of Comic Book Outsiders. This is a long one folks, so make yourself a cup of tea! However if you're not interested in convention talk then rest assured we'll be back to normal next episode. You've got a couple of weeks left to read Fahrenheit 451 for the book club and we'll look forward to receiving your feedback.

In this episode we start with some news and reviews and there is time even time for the regular Fringe whinge, only this episode we're staying upbeat and Steve thinks he's worked something out.

The first part of our show is a discussion about the the newly reimagined BattleStar Galactica in broad terms of the themes, history and its place in science fiction. We look at what came before, the journey of the characters and what we expect to come after in the guise of Caprica but also TV in general.

This episode Scott interviewed Matt Maxwell, the creator and writer of Strangeways and they discuss Murder Moon the first graphic novel in the series and the new graphic novel, Strangeways: The Thirsty.

After the usual news and reviews we introduce two more comics publishers and then get to our main discussion of the Pulitzer Prize winning graphic novel, Maus by Art Spiegelman.

Then, on a lighter note, we discuss the show Red Dwarf, a British comedy classic which enjoyed a recent resurrection.

Remember to get reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury for our book club in episode 47!

In this episode we start with some news and reviews and then begin the first part of our discussion about comic book companies. With over thirty comic companies it is sometimes very difficult to know where to start for new readers. There are no obvious labels about what genres of comics different publishers produce, so in an attempt to make it a bit easier for new readers, or those interested in a particular genre, we start with a guide to some of them. This episode we talk about Top Shelf Productions, Icon, Dark Horse, Vertigo and Red 5 comics. And of course during the episode I completely forgot to mention Rex Mundi or Star Wars comics when talking about Dark Horse comics.

We then get into a lengthy discussion about remakes. Are they a good thing or not? With the end of TV shows such as BattleStar Galactica, and news on the horizon of other remakes and reimagings, we look at what has come before and what is planned for the future. As always we appreciate your feedback and comments on this show and the topics we discuss.

After the usual news and reviews we get down to discussing some of the new US TV shows that have recently come out - or are due out soon.  The shows include Nathan Fillion's new show 'Castle' and a modern retelling of a biblical epic in 'Kings'.

Then it's Steve's turn to reveal a sci-fi guilty pleasure, how guilty is it?  Tune in to find out!

In this episode we start with some news and reviews, talking over some recent comics and the end of one of our favourite shows, BattleStar Galactica. It's a spoiler free review as I hadn't seen it at the time.

 

Our main feature is an interview with Chris Staros the Publisher of Top Shelf Productions, and until recently the President of the Comic Book Legal Defence Fund. We talk about some of the great graphic novels Top Shelf have put out in the past, what he has coming up this year including the third graphic novel in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series - Century, his convention schedule, working for the CBLDF, and working with Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie on Lost Girls.

 

Finally, one episode late, we finish off with our first Book Club selection - The Winter King. Scott and Steve talk in depth about the story, the characters, the mythology and history of the book and how the author Bernard Cornwell weaves fact and fiction together. We have feedback from members of our forum and at the end of our discussion an audio review from Heath Holland, a friend and co-host of Geek Brunch. We also announce what our next selection will be for the Book Club.

 

This episode is a big one, but we'll be back next week as usual with another one.

 

After first apologising because our 'Winter King' spectacular has had to be postponed we get into some news and reviews where we talk about Gran Torino, Watchmen and the status that Heroes seems to have with us. Then we chat about two recently released graphic novels. The second trade in the Hawaiian Dick series by B. Clay Moore and the independently published Risers. Finally it's the return of an old favourite section as Scott reveals a guilty pleasure to Steve. Will Steve let him get away with it or will it just be far too shameful. Keep listening right to the very very end of the episode for a bonus feature - how does Steve react when watching Scott's guilty pleasure of the episode for the first time?

Bringing you some of the very best hidden gems from the world of independent comics, movies and TV.

This episode we start with some news and reviews about recent comic conventions and new projects from Oni.

Our Main Feature is a discussion about how to introduce a non-comics reader to comics. Getting into comics is not easy, as many people don't know where to start, and are not familiar with the medium and all that it has to offer. Scott and I have both put together a list of very different comics that might interest people who want to get into comics.

We cover a number of genres but the lists are just the tip of the iceberg. So if we've not mentioned a genre you are interested in and would like some recommendations, get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

Our Hidden Gem this episode is the TV series Burn Notice. We talk about our love of the show and its main characters, and the roots of show and how it owes a lot to some of our favourites from the 1980s and 1990s.

After some news and reviews the episode kicks off with a brief discussion of Dollhouse - the new Joss Whedon show that premiered recently.  We've only seen one episode so far but we share some of our initial impressions.

Then we join up with the creators of Smuggling Spirits - a great new graphic novel that is due to appear soon to chat about their background as comic book fans, the development of Smuggling Spirits and get some insights into the story and future work.

Remember, if you want to be a part of the CBO Book Club, go out and pick up 'The Winter King' by Bernard Cornwell.

Bringing you some of the very best hidden gems from the world of independent comics, movies and TV.

In this episode we start with some news and reviews about the recenty New York Comic Con and some of the news that is more off the beaten path, comic news from smaller publishers, we talk new TV, and a new MMO.

Then it's time for a trip to Bizarro world, as we have Challenge Steve where Scott pitches two comics to me to see if he can sell them enough so that I'll pick up one or both. We start with a discussion about a previous recommendation from a Challenge Scott, Echo by Terry Moore, and Moon Lake, the first trade paperback which collects issues 1 through 5 of this new ongoing series.

We wrap up the episode with a discussion of Smuggling Spirits, a new horror/ noir graphic novel that we were sent recently. We talk in depth about the story and its concepts but we don't give away too many spoilers. Smuggling Spirits takes place in a nightmarish Prohibition-era America, where humans live in fear of blood-thirsty creatures called "darklings."  A bootlegger and his young ward find themselves on the run when they stumble upon the key to destroying these deadly monstrosities.  As the beasts close in to take back what’s theirs, the two make their final stand in a blend of horror, drama, action, and suspense.

Bringing you some of the very best hidden gems from the world of independent comics, movies and TV.

We introduce a future new segment 'The CBO Bookclub'.  In episode 40 we're going to be talking about 'The Winter King' by Bernard Cornwell, so we'd encourage everyone to go out and read the book (if you haven't already) and then come and take part in the discussion by getting in touch with us.

After some news detailing the latest happenings in the genre world we commence with the Rourkefest!

In part one we discuss the life and works of Mickey Rourke from boxer to hearthrob to boxer to Oscar nominee.  We recap some of the highlights of his career and discuss what might have been when we discover some of the famous roles he's turned down.

In part two we get on with an in depth (but mostly spoiler free) review of 'The Wrestler'.  Directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Mickey Rourke, this truly is a masterpiece of film-making.

In the second episode of 2009, Scott and Steve start with some news and reviews and recently there have been a couple of tragic losses.

In our Main Feature we move on to more positive stories as awards season is upon us and we look at the Oscars and who we think is likely to win, but, What If, we could choose and the person who actually won the golden statue was the most deserving?

In our Hidden Gem we talk about The Guild, a great internet based tv comedy which stars and was written by Felicia Day, of Buffy and Dr Horrible fame. Listen right to the end to hear an audio sample of the first episode of The Guild, Season 1, Episode 1.

In the first episode of 2009 we commence with some news including the latest on what's happening with the Watchmen movie, the start of 24 and who has the best Golden Globes.

In the main feature we discuss plays that have been turned into movies.  This is a big topic, but we pick out some choice examples - and hopefully some will surprise you.

Then in the first Challenge Scott of 2009 we take a look at the first trades of 'Rex Mundi' and 'Northlanders'.

Happy new year all!

In the final episode of 2008 Scott and Steve conclude their review of the year by talking about their favourite TV shows and movies - and what a year it's been!

After recapping some of their favourite highlights (and lowlights) they go on to talk about some of the exciting things coming our way next year - and it looks like 2009 is going to be another epic 12 months in genre entertainment.

Thanks everyone for listening to us in 2008, have a great holiday, a triumphant new year and we'll be back to tell you about some more of the very best hidden gems from independent comics, movies and TV very soon!

Bringing you some of the very best hidden gems from the world of independent comics, movies and TV.

In this episode we start with some News and Reviews.

Then we focus on a lookback over the last twelve months and look at some of our favourite comic reads from 2008. These are not comics that have necessarily come out this year, but comics we have read in the last 12 months.

We both come up with a top 5 and some honourable mentions.

Whilst Steve was winding up the elastic band that powers his computer, Scott took the opportunity to have a chat with Nick Jones, creator of Tiny Life - the first volume of which was publish on December 3rd 2008.

You can check out tiny life at http://www.sliverltd.com

Steve and Scott will be back with a new episode soon!

Bringing you some of the very best hidden gems from the world of independent comics, movies and TV.

In our 31st episode, Steve returns to the 21st century and we begin with some news and talk about some stories in the world of comics, TV and film that have caught our eye.

After that we move onto our "What if....?" segment and this episode we talk about Death in Comics and how it has become a revolving door. We look at some of the reasons why this happens but then look at the implausible idea of "what if death in comics was permanent?" Where would mainstream comics go? How would they develop?

Rounding off this episode is our Hidden Gem where we talk about The Shield, a unique cop TV drama that has just completed its seven year run.