Showing posts with label Carter Hall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carter Hall. Show all posts

Saturday, March 29, 2025

DC Secret Files Podcast Vol. I: Golden Age Secret Files and Origins


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The inaugural episode of our DC SECRET FILES podcast — the show that dares to tackle DC Comics’ greatest creations in encyclopedic form! Each episode, Frank will be joined by a special guest, in this case, comics writer David Gallaher, to cover characters and concepts from across DC’s history. Our discussion of the given property will be married to a piece of original art commissioned by DC to spotlight the same. This time around, we chat about 2001’s Golden Age Secret Files and Origins #1, by John Ostrander & Cliff Chiang, as well as a host of other talents on the main and supplemental stories. Plus we read YOUR feedback on the show’s promotion!

  1. D.E.O. Report [0:00:56]
  2. Adventure Heroes of the Pulps [0:05:25]
  3. “The Dawn of the Golden Age” by Ostrander & Chiang [0:13:43]
  4. Crimson Avenger Profile Page art by Michael Lark [0:22:42]
  5. The Golden Age Sandman by Matt Wagner & Gavin Wilson [0:33:33]
  6. Fantom of the Fair Profile Page art by Darrin Wiltshire & Chris Malgrain [0:43:34]
  7. Blue Beetle (Golden Age) Profile Page art by Darrin Wiltshire & Chris Malgrain [0:49:08]
  8. “Scenes from the Class Struggle at J.S.A. Mansion” by Peyer & Grau [0:58:40]
  9. Flash I (Jay Garrick) Profile Page art by John Byrne [1:01:14]
  10. “The Sentinel” by Peter Gross [1:09:27]
  11. Hawkman Profile Page art by Rags Morales [1:10:59]
  12. Johnny Thunder Profile Page art by Mark Props [1:19:30]
  13. Quicksilver (Max Mercury) Profile Page art by Chris Malgrain [1:27:01]
  14. “Show and Tell” by Hernandez-Rosenblatt & Igle [1:33:17]
  15. Justice Society of America Profile Page art by Mike Collins & Bob McLeod [1:34:56]
  16. Injustice Society of the World Profile Page art by Mike Collins & Bob McLeod [1:47:59]
  17. Confidential Communiqués [1:53:35]

Have a question or comment? Looking for more great content? Leave comments on our website: Rolled Spine Podcasts
Image from this episode on Tumblr
E-MAIL: rolledspinepodcasts@gmail.com
Tweet us @rolledspine or skeet host Diabolu Frank on BlueSky
DC Secret Files theme song by Luke Daab

JSApril – Celebrating 85 years of the world’s first and greatest superhero team!

Back in 1940, eight sensational heroes united to create the world’s very first superhero team – the Justice Society of America! Now, 85 years later, we’re gathering podcasters and bloggers from around the globe for a month-long celebration in an event we’re calling… JSApril!

Throughout April 2025, join dozens of podcasters and bloggers as they each share their own unique tributes to the original and greatest superhero team! Every participant in JSApril is doing their own thing, so whether you choose to enjoy just one entry or experience them all, there’s something special for everyone! Get ready for an all-star month of beloved characters, fascinating insights, and incredible stories!

Follow the action on social media with the hashtag #JSApril

Below is a complete list of participating podcasters, bloggers, and what they’re each covering:


Posted by Diabolu Frank at 10:13 PM 0 comments
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

1984 Hawkman Postcard by George PĂ©rez



I've had a conflicted relationship with the Hawks. I can't recall a time when I wasn't aware of their existence, and Hawkman had one of the finest action figures in the Super Powers Collection. I salivated over the house ad for The Shadow War of Hawkman, but had to settle for guest appearances and team books to get any kind of fix. Not only were the Hawks mostly exiled from the newsstand, but when Hawkman did appear, he was portrayed as a self-righteous, pushy jerk.

I don't think I got serious about the character until the early '90s, when I took a crash course in Thanagarian studies. I picked up a trade paperback of the earliest Silver Age stories from The Brave and the Bold by Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert, the Hawkworld collection "As Above, So Below" by Tim Truman, the Tony Isabella/Richard Howell mini-series and special, and even completed runs of Hawkworld and the 1992 series.

There was so much to like about the Hawks, but also much to hate. In the '60s and early '70s, Hawkman was a mild-mannered space cop-- likable enough, but too milquetoast and narrow to live up to his looks. I preferred the easygoing and clever Hawkgirl/woman, as available. Hawkworld turned Shayera Hol into Shayera Thal, a knee-jerk ballbuster. However, if you could overlook the murder and drug addiction, Katar became more introspective and reserved. Hawkman eventually began to use his medieval weapons as expected, and Hawkwoman's temper was tempered, but any personality they had kind of fell by the wayside. The Golden Age Hawks came into the mix, and the continuity became so toxic, the whole premise went on a shelf for half a decade. I tried the 2002 relaunch, but it didn't do the job. Despite lovely Rags Morales art, an off-game Geoff Johns put me off.

At this point, I have a hard time getting excited by Hawkman and Hawkwoman. Unlike most DC characters, I'm not even sure who they are. Brightest Day indicates a return to the Bronze Age characterizations, but that still leaves Katar a hyper-reactive jerk and Shayera stuck in mild-mannered peacemaker mode. Can't win for losing, I suppose. I respect the characters' history, but it's tough to claim to be a fan anymore.
Posted by Diabolu Frank at 6:00 AM 4 comments
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