Comics on Consoles

Issue #6: The Punisher (2005)

It's not vengeance. No, not vengeance...punishment.

In issue #6 of Comics on Consoles, we examine perhaps one of the most shocking and violent comics-based games ever made in the form of 2005's The Punisher, developed by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ. Find out how the Punisher rode a roller coaster of popularity and decline before arriving at this unique entry in the entire Punisher franchise, since it fits in as many things simultaneously: a semi-sequel to the 2004 film, an adaptation of one of the character's most influential comic book stories, as well as a companion to the guy we all know and love in the Marvel Comics Universe. Also, listen as host Chris Clow recounts why it's okay to enjoy the Punisher with a "clear conscience," as explained in the words of one of the character's best writers: the incomparable Garth Ennis.

Then, in the discussion portion, Chris' Batman-On-Film colleague and Flickering Myth writer Ricky Church joins the fray to talk about the game's legacy, and just what continues to make it such a memorable experience over ten years after it was first released.

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #7!

Music by BenSound.com. Game music composed by Christopher Lennertz and Timothy Michael Wynn.

Issue #5: Batman: Dark Tomorrow (With Special Guest Scott Peterson)

In our fifth issue, Comics on Consoles heads into grim territory by examining one of the most infamously reviled examples of comics-based video games: 2003’s Batman: Dark Tomorrow! While the game itself is appropriately remembered as nearly unplayable due to terrible controls and awful camera angles, there is an exceptional element to its story: the idea that, as host Chris Clow tells it, the story, score, cinematic presentation, and tone were all very much ahead of their time, and exemplary considering the era in which the game was released. Listen as Chris tries to reconcile the idea of how an excellent pre-Nolan, non-comics Batman story is buried by shoddy gameplay and frustrating missions.

Then, in the discussion portion, the special co-host is SCOTT PETERSON, a former DC Comics editor and successful comics and prose writer who penned the great story featured in Dark Tomorrow. How did he get the job in the first place? What motivated him? Did he see the disastrous critical reception coming? How does he feel about the game now? All these and more await you in Comics on Consoles issue #5!

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #6!

Music by BenSound.com. Game music samples composed by Tot Taylor and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Issue #4: Deadpool (2013)

NSFW WARNING: This issue of Comics on Consoles contains audio clips from a game rated M for Mature by the ESRB, which includes foul language.

It's February of 2016, which means that Marvel's Merc With a Mouth has burst onto the scene in movie theaters across the world. So, Comics on Consoles is celebrating by exploring his only solo video game adventure from 2013, High Moon Studios' Deadpool!

Released in 2013, Deadpool unleashed Wade Wilson into an uncensored adventure outside of the comics first, and is just as raunchy and vulgar as you've likely come to expect from the foul-mouthed mutate. Still, it likely has one of the most memorable and quirky personalities of any comics-based video game, which it earned through its script (written by longtime Deadpool comics writer Daniel Way), and its lead actor (Nolan North of Uncharted fame). Is personality enough to save a game that may not have gameplay mechanics to match its solid wit? Host Chris Clow explores the character, his comics, and the game from development to release (to re-release) in order to try and find an answer.

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #5...and it's going to be a doozy.

Music by BenSound.com.

Issue #3: Hulk (2003)

Comics on Consoles returns for the first new issue of 2016!

The summer of 2003 saw the release of one of the single most polarizing comic book movies ever created in the form of director Ang Lee's Hulk. How exactly do you turn a film like that into a licensed superhero video game?

The task fell on Vancouver-based Radical Entertainment, who came up with a great plan on paper: half the game would be played using the mind of Bruce Banner in a stealth experience, while the other half would unleash Marvel's iconic green behemoth into a world of destructible environments, and skirmishes with entire armies. Which one do you think fared better with gamers and comics fans? Still, Hulk would ultimately lead to the character's best console game ever, and host Chris Clow walks you through this very important first step in issue #3 of Comics on Consoles.

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #4!

Music by BenSound.com. "Set Me Free" by Velvet Revolver available for purchase from Amazon and iTunes.

Issue #2.1: Daredevil - The Canceled Video Game

In this special "Point One" issue, host Chris Clow delves into the history for a comic book video game that came close to being released, but never ended up making it to store shelves: Encore and 5000ft Games' Daredevil, for the Xbox, PS2, and GameCube. Although it made it far enough along in production to get a great E3 2002 trailer and printed ads across Marvel's entire active publication line, this ambitious-looking third-person action game's cancellation ultimately never allowed gamers to don the horned, crimson mask of Marvel's "Man Without Fear."

 

What could it have been like, though? Would it have been something memorable that we still happily play today? Or, would it have joined the likes of Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis and Superman 64 and found a home at the bottom of a bargain bin? Listen in to see where this game may have ended up going, and learn what ultimately stopped it from being released.

 

Plus, Chris gives an update on issue #3!

 

Music by BenSound.com and Gabriel Yeong.

Issue #2: Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis (2003)

In a (hopefully) infrequent occurrence without a discussion co-host, Comics on Consoles returns for its second issue to tackle perhaps one of the most reviled comic book video games ever made: 2003's Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis. Join host Chris Clow as he dives into the troubled production of the mediocre game, and discovers that the final product may have been more costly than its simple and cheap $19.99 price tag.

What series of decisions ultimately led to such a poorly received and regarded video game? What damage did the game do to its subject character, who already has enough trouble appealing to the public at-large? And -- perhaps more importantly than all of these questions -- what toll did the game take on the people who actually made it? The answers to these and more will likely surprise you, so be sure to listen in!

 

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #3!

 

Theme usic by BenSound.com. "Aquaman" performed by Grandpa Griffith, available on iTunes and Amazon.

Issue #1: Batman Begins (2005)

It begins here! In the premiere issue of Comics on Consoles, host Chris Clow explores the history, critical reception, and overlooked impact of Eurocom and EA's comic book movie-based video game, Batman Begins! Find out what the game's combat system, focus on instilling fear in enemies, and overall presentation would mean for the Dark Knight's interactive adventures going forward, including what these elements would add to the critically-acclaimed Batman games we enjoy on current generation consoles.

Then, Chris' longtime podcast cohort and Modern Myth Media founder Sean Gerber joins the discussion to break it down further by exploring the game's recognized impact -- or lack thereof -- over the past decade, as well as what this game specifically meant for a much more well-regarded experience that would be released four years later.

Plus, Chris announces the subject of issue #2!

Music by BenSound.com.

Issue #0: Secret Origin

In this special #0 issue, host Chris Clow describes what Comics on Consoles is, how it came to be, and how you can help to get the first issue released! Learn about the idea that sparked the formation of the show, and what Chris hopes to bring to a topic that just doesn't seem to get a lot of conversation: comics-based video games!

Music by BenSound.com.