Comics on Consoles

Back-up Feature | Marvel's Iron Man VR Demo Impressions

In this edition of the Comics on Consoles: Back-up Feature, host Chris Clow takes a look at the development of Sony IE and Camouflaj’s Iron Man VR, which was announced in 2019 before enduring developmental delays including a roadblock presented by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Now with a firm release date of July 3rd locked into place, a full-featured demo of the game has been released and Chris can’t wait to tell you about it! Plus, in the discussion portion, Chris is joined by his Batman-On-Film colleague, Super Mario Bros. Movie Archive webmaster and a game developer from Deep Silver Volition, Ryan Hoss!

Comics on Consoles theme, "A Hero Rises," by Chris "Kiku" Kubiak. Audio captured by UploadVR.

Back-up Feature | Marvel's Spider-Man Review and Discussion

For this edition of the Comics on Consoles: Back-up Feature, host Chris Clow shares his review and impressions of the seminal 2018 release Marvel’s Spider-Man, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment exclusively for the PlayStation 4.

With the exodus of Batman and Rocksteady Studios from the comics-based gaming landscape, the characters of Marvel and a new philosophy on gaming have stepped up to the plate to fill the void. How successful is it, though? Then in the discussion portion, Chris is joined by longtime podcasting collaborator and co-host of The Comic Binge podcast, the one and only Spidey super-fan Paul Hermann!

Comics on Consoles theme, "A Hero Rises," by Chris "Kiku" Kubiak. Audio captured on PS4 Pro.

Back-up Feature | 2020 Show Update

Comics on Consoles host Chris Clow checks in with the listeners of the show to explain the long absence that the show has had, as well as a change to the in-development Issue #12. Plus, Chris announces the availability of Comics on Consoles Back-up Features, the new smaller-scale episodes that will help to bridge the gap to issue #12!

Welcome back to Comics on Consoles!

Issue #11.1: Discussion for Spider-Man (2000)

Coinciding with the release of Insomniac Games' new project MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN and on the heels of ISSUE #11, COMICS ON CONSOLES is back with an all-new discussion revolving around SPIDER-MAN, developed by Neversoft Games and published by Activision in the year 2000!

Joining Chris to talk about the Spider-Man character, his history in gaming, and the legacy of the 2000 game are three very special guests: comics gaming historian and Marvel Games alum CHRIS BAKER (Superhero.VG, WRONG! Retro Games, You Messed Up Our Comic Book Heroes), ComicGamersAssemble.com webmaster and author BLAIR FARRELL, and PANELS TO PIXELS YouTube host JOSH SUTTON all assemble to talk about a momentous character and video game ahead of the latest adventure from Insomniac!

Plus, Chris announces the subject of ISSUE #12! If you haven't already, be sure to listen to ISSUE #11, which features the the main informational portion for the subject!

Comics on Consoles theme, "A Hero Rises," by Chris "Kiku" Kubiak. Spider-Man video game score by Tommy Tallarico.

Issue #11: Spider-Man (2000)

Coinciding with the release of Insomniac Games' new project MARVEL'S SPIDER-MAN, COMICS ON CONSOLES returns as host CHRIS CLOW takes a look back at one of the most important comic book video games ever created: SPIDER-MAN, developed by Neversoft Games and published by Activision in the year 2000!

Perhaps Marvel Comics' most singular icon, Chris also explores the creation of Spider-Man at the hands of comics creators STAN LEE, STEVE DITKO, and JACK KIRBY, while also delving into the climate of (pretty bad) 3D superhero games that were quickly saved by the Webslinger just in the nick of time.

Plus, Chris announces the subject of ISSUE #12! When you're finished, be sure to listen to ISSUE #11.1, which features the returning discussion portion for this issue's subject game!

Comics on Consoles theme, "A Hero Rises," by Chris "Kiku" Kubiak. Spider-Man video game score by Tommy Tallarico. For a full list of information sources used in this issue, visit this episode's page at ComicsOnConsoles.com.

==Creator's Note==

This issue of Comics on Consoles makes reference to the integral role played by DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz in shaping the editorial priorities at the publisher in the 1950s and 60s, leading to the creation of the Justice League of America. Just prior to this issue's publication, substantive allegations of habitual sexual misconduct on Schwartz's part were brought to wider public prominence, which is when I became aware of them. The episode makes no mention of this element of Schwartz's history because I was unaware of it.

I encourage anyone looking for full context surrounding these allegations to read the initial blog post that brought them to greater prominence, and to understand that my effort here was not in an attempt to sweep these allegations and their implications under the rug. I believe in hearing, listening to and believing survivors, and am adding this additional context after the fact in the interest of full disclosure.

Issue #10: Iron Man (2008)

Timed to coincide with the theatrical release of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR and in celebration of the MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE's 10th anniversary, COMICS ON CONSOLES returns after a long absence to tell the story of the MCU hero who started it all: IRON MAN. In this issue, host CHRIS CLOW guides you through his journey towards superhero stardom, the development of the first MCU film, and the major video game that accompanied it developed by Secret Level and published by Sega!

Discover the Armored Avenger's full journey to his first major solo console video game, from comic book creation, to cinematic development hell, his early video game history, and of course how our subject game all came together. Plus, Chris announces the subject of ISSUE #11!

Comics on Consoles theme, "A Hero Rises," by Chris "Kiku" Kubiak. Iron Man movie score by Ramin Djawadi. "Iron Man" performed by Black Sabbath. Iron Man video game score by D.E. Levison. Original Iron Man game promotional film by Victor Lucas of EPNdotTV. For a full list of information sources used in this issue, visit this episode's page at ComicsOnConsoles.com.

Issue #9: Watchmen: The End is Nigh (2009)

Comics on Consoles returns for its first new issue of 2017!

In this issue, we inch the doomsday clock ever closer to midnight by profiling 2009's WATCHMEN: THE END IS NIGH. As the sole dedicated console game ever created out of the legendary limited series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, THE END IS NIGH aims to tell a story worthy of the characters and setting...even though the game itself may not be a great fit for such a legendary, engaging and subversive work.

Listen as host CHRIS CLOW tells the story of what led to the creation of this WATCHMEN gaming experience, and stick around for the discussion portion for an in-depth chat with this issue's special co-host PETER APERLO: an author and screenwriter who was charged, along with the WATCHMEN film director ZACK SNYDER, with creating much of what appears in the final game.

So, download the show, crack open a can of your favorite beans, and listen to the latest issue of COMICS ON CONSOLES!

Theme music by BenSound.com. "Desolation Row" written by Bob Dylan and performed by My Chemical Romance from Watchmen: Music from the Motion Picture.

March 2017 Update

I KNOW! Chris explains what's ahead for the future of Comics on Consoles, as well as what's been up with the delay in issue #9. Plus, details on how you can support the show and potentially be on it!

Issue #8: Superman Returns (2006)

In our delayed 8th issue (sorry!), Comics on Consoles returns to tackle a game featuring the original and undisputed superheroic icon. While Superman hasn't produced as many games as other comics-based properties, his games have certainly managed to make an impression on the public...just not a very positive one.

2006 was a year that saw Warner Bros. and DC Comics aim to change the general status of their flagship hero by bringing him back to the silver screen for the first time in 19 years, as well as by bringing him back to consoles in a game many fans hoped would redeem the awful memories gamers still had about a Superman game that is, arguably, one of the worst games ever made. How did they do?

Host Chris Clow dives into the environment, development, and reception of November 2006's Superman Returns, and in this issue's discussion portion, independent comics creator, novelist, and former Superman Homepage writer Neal Bailey joins Chris to talk about his unique experiences with the game, as well as the overall state and public perception of the Man of Steel at-large. It's all waiting to fly to your ears faster than a speeding bullet!

Theme music by BenSound.com. Superman Returns film theme composed by John Ottman, based on original material by John Williams.

Issue #7: X-Men Legends (2004)

Comics on Consoles returns for issue #7, where the show takes its very first journey to the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters by diving into the hit 2004 action RPG X-Men Legends.

By giving listeners a concise and comprehensive history lesson in regards to the X-Men in comics, film, and video games, host Chris Clow then dives head-on into one of the most highly-regarded comics-based games of the entire sixth generation of consoles. Why is it so well-regarded, though? Does it represent the X-Men well? Is the gameplay memorable? Find out in issue #7 by listening now!

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #8, as well as a release window for issue #9!

Music by BenSound.com. X-Men film theme composed by John Ottman.