Podfight: Which Comic Book ‘Cast is Best?
There must be a rule somewhere that says if you’re going to launch a new media studio, you have to include at least one show about comic books. That would explain how Next New Networks, Revision3 and ON Networks all feature shows about caped crusaders.
But which one is the best? Which comic book video podcast should emblazon a giant red “S” on its chest and save your day? A primer is below; cast your votes at the bottom.
PulpSecret! (Next New Networks)
Host: Three white guys
Pairs of Glasses: Two
Nerd Level: High
Release: Weekly
The Lowdown: PulpSecret! (excellent name) is a rapid-fire roundtable about the week’s latest comics, primarily focused on the superhero genre. The guys — Alex is the straight man, Justin is the cut-up and Pete is sooooooper geeky one — have some charisma, and are quite knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the show often devolves into laughing and jovial shouting, and I think they’re too close to the mic because there’s often a lot of distortion. PulpSecret! is also too short, clocking in under 10 minutes. I’d like to see more discussion — it’s a podcast, why the rush? It’s also a downer that in a sub-10 minute podcast there are TWO ads, a pre-roll and then a commercial break. Lame.
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ifanboy (Revsion3)
Host: Three white guys
Pairs of Glasses: One
Nerd Level: Moderate
Release: Weekly
The Lowdown: iFanboy (the name works on various levels) gets points for being diversified. Yes, it’s about comics, but the hosts will also delve into different genres, like Westerns. And they often take it up a notch, discussing specific indie publishers or conducting interviews with comic creators. Their knowledge is encyclopedic, but they lose points for a total lack of set design (someone’s living room?). Ron comes off as the enthusiastic ringleader, Josh is the cynic and Conor is the cool- (and bald) headed voice of reason. Each show runs about 20 minutes, which gives it some heft and makes for more of a TV experience. And because the show is so long, the commercial interruptions don’t feel too invasive. (Disclosure: Revision3 produces The GigaOm Show).
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Biff! Bam! Pow! WOW! (ON Networks)
Host: One white guy
Pairs of Glasses: One
Nerd Level: Defcon 5
Release: Irregularly
The Lowdown: The goofiest of the comic-cast hosts is Tom of Biff! Bam! Pow! WOW!, a one-man show that primarily covers super hero stuff, but will tangent into other nerd-core material like sci-fi movies and TV shows. When it comes to comic book fans, Tom definitely looks the part, more so than any of the other hosts, and he knows his stuff. But his silly antics get in the way, and the show suffers from a lack of back-and-forth with another person. He gets bonus points for combining an actual set with graphics to create a more professional (albeit slightly public access-looking) show — and as of now, there are no ads.
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It would have been nice to include A Comic Book Orange, which was part of PulpSecret!, but as Liz pointed out, they haven’t released a new episode in over a month.
For me, iFanboy’s the way to go. Even though it’s little more than three dudes hanging out in a living room, talkin’ comics, they are oddly compelling. But what do you think, true believers? Vote for your favorite in our poll! The winner will receive a “no prize” (geek check!).
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IFanboy podcast is the best. They are smart, handsome, funny, risk taking, and give the fans the info they come for.
Tom from Bif Bam Pow Wow! knows his stuff. I don’t think the show is hurt by having only one host because it stays on track without the back and forth fanboy griping. Also, it most certainly does not look Cable Access. Maybe you need to Windex your glasses.
I love watching BBPW. The topics are focused and give a lot of background. The show also has supplemental interviews with celebrities and experts. I also love that they give you an idea about pricing.
BBPW looks to be the best by far. I has a nice production flair, seems well though out, plus the host has much more charisma than your standard “lives in Mom and Dad’s basement” dork. Most comic book readers can identify the “I know more than you, and I know it” Smarks from the ture Enthusiasts, which I feel Tom is clearly of the later. I’d expect something like this to eventually make it a run at cable TV from the podcast, which I cannot say for the other two. BBPW seems to have more of a point, other than a few dorks talking about comics…which I could just go down to my comic book store if I need to see.
iFanboy is definitely the way to go. Such an amazing show, and the guys are genuinely nice.
Why does it matter what ethnicity the hosts are?
good article though – just didn’t understand the point of listing their ethnicity. it’s not funny per se, and it’s not making a point either.
Comic book shows are so limited to the fan boys who follow them. It’s such a niche market that you’re basically preaching to the choir. It’s nice to see so many shows out there on the topic as there is a lot to say. BBPW is the only one that a total comic nerd and a regular Joe can both follow and appreciate.
Hi John,
The ethnicity is a little tongue-in-cheek, but it does reinforce the sameness with which all three networks are taking in the production of their shows.
iFanboy is consistently an informative show. My wallet is emptier but my trade bookcase is heavier because of their recommendations. I think they are VERY newbie friendly and generally entertaining.
The kind of guys you can invite over for a BBQ and beer to talk about anything. They also have the double punch of an audio podcast that talks about current books, that’s an hour and a half a week of iFanboy. It’s amazing that they’ve never missed a week.
“BBPW is the only one that a total comic nerd and a regular Joe can both follow and appreciate.”
Why is that?
I’ve looked at all three (four if you count Comic Book Orange) and I’d put my money on Bif Bam Pow!
Only a 2 “Comic Book Guy” rating for Bif Bam Pow?!! What’s up w/ that? That dude’s the real deal – I’ve been in his shop! (It’s on Clark in Chicago, just south of The Wiener’s Circle!) Now if only we could hook him up with the chick from Comic Book Orange, THAT would be a show!
What’s up with all the anger? All 3 are great shows that cater 3 different niches in a hobby subculture. Kudos to all 3 for their efforts and love of the medium.
the Tiki
I find all of these really annoying. They all go on for way too long and go on tangents that no one cares about.
I suggest you all go out and listen to the Alter Ego podcast. It’s a weekly look at news, review, previews and, most of the time, interviews with great creators. The best thing is that it’s funny but is not bogged down in annoying back and forth banter. They keep it at half an hour every week.
iFanboy hands down!
I agree with Freaky Tiki. Lots of the comic podcasters hang out with each other. I listen to Alter Ego too and like their energy. Wordballoon with John Siuntres is a fantastic cast that just does interviews, interviews with the biggest names in comics. Comic Geek Speak is seven or eight guys inviting you into their secret clubhouse with no worries of off topic ramblings. Comic News Insider, the home of the master name droppers, puts on a show have fan raves and complaints and half stand up comedy. And of course, Scott Hinze, possibly the first comic podcaster, blazed the trail with his over the top enthusiasm and great line up of guests.
They’re all fans and they listen to each others shows.
But I think this article was focusing on video comiccasts.
iFanboy is great!
I have to go with Tom from “Biff, Bam, Pow!” This guy is the ultimate comic book guru because he obviously know his stuff. And he’s so animated!
PulpSecret seemed more interested in the camera than talking about the books. ifanboy was in it for the ads. Both were bogged down in annoying back and forth banter. Biff! Bam! Pow! WOW! was about the books. It didn’t get caught up in arguments and it was understandable. It IS number ONE!!
Ifanboy is the best comic book podcast. The show works on as many levels as the name.
ifanboy’s video and audio podcasts are wicked awesome!!!!
BBPW has the production value and delivery that make it well suited for the short attention-span/demographically mixed audience. I’m by no means a real comic addict, but I could really follow and appreciate the info-packed show.
Biff, Bam, Pow, Wow! Has to be the best out of the three! Too many opposing opinions from too many cooks!
Tom is one-on-one! No distractions!
I like that format!
I would have to throw the N3RDCAST (www.neenerneener.net) into the mix. The guys are so passionate about comics that it often sounds like their rants could lead to a stroke! They have some great creators on (Gail Simone, Jonnie Alan, DJ Coffman) and at least one of the guys is self-publishing his own book, so they really come at the industry from all angles. Plus the got picked up by http://www.cringehumor.net so you can listen live to the show and call in. Also, they’re a bit crazy, so it’s fun to watch the cars come off the tracks every now and again. Definitely worth checking out!
ForeverMarvelFan (still a zombie after all these years)
I would also like to mention Pete’s Basement. A wide range of topics from a fun group.
http://www.topcomicbooks.com
Ign comic smash is the best comic podcast period. where else could you get the zac efron doomsday report.
I would have to say Exploring The Multiverse video podcast is far greater. The hosts aren’t fake “LOOK AT ME! I’M HOSTING A SHOW!” kind of guys. It’s comic readers talking comics but on video.