Follow the Leader Episode 139: Quotable Quotations...

Redartz:  Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday's here; let's all give a rousing cheer! For all our friends from far and near, now set a topic without peer!

Pardon the hyperbolic prose, if you will. Life , the universe, and everything else (apologies to Douglass Adams) sometimes frazzle the mind. You know how it goes, don't you? Aaaaaaanyway, as I type this evening, the dog wants to play ball, and she's mighty persistent. She dearly loves her "small ball", a humble rubber ball about 1 1/2 " in diameter. More specifically, she loves to catch it on the fly. Which means, of course, that someone must throw it. That being me; and she doesn't seem concerned that I'm trying to set the stage for some bountiful banter. Therefore, I (and "Dynah") thank you for stepping up and offering a topic for the week. Oh, and if you're a dog parent too, give your 'fur baby' a pat for me...

Follow the Leader Episode 138: "Everything Archie", and Definitive Artists!

Redartz: Greetings to one and all!  Today I'm using my role as host to hijack the "Follow the Leader" (not to worry, it's a friendly hijacking). For some reason, this week I've been on an Archie kick, and so it seemed natural to throw a bone to all the other fans of the residents of Riverdale. But in the spirit of "Follow the Leader", let's keep it open- anything Archie-related is fair game. So, the tv cartoons, the comics, old or new; toys, music, whatever. And to set the tone, here's an array of some Archie Comics covers from all eras. Hope you enjoy...

Follow the Leader Episode 137: Summer: The Best and Worst of It!

Redartz:  Greetings, gang! Another Tuesday means it's time to grab a spot at the BitBA roundtable and fire up some fine discussion. The subject is open; and the stage is yours!

On my end, it's been a pretty typical week. Working, sometimes not working, and continuing the gradual selloff of comics. It's a slow process, especially as I continue to pick up the occasional book or stack here and there. Nonetheless, the general trend is towards a reduction in the total (with, admittedly, a corresponding increase in tpb's), I'll probably never part with all those old newsprint treasures, but plan to get it down to a modest, manageable number. 

Sooo, that's about my story for now. What's up with you, and what's up for discussion?

Follow the Leader Episode 136: The Black Widow ( and Other Spies as Well)

Redartz: Ah, the first "Leader" of August. The year just keeps rolling along, doesn't it? 

Well, hope you don't mind if I lead off with a comment or two about what's been up on this end. Since I was down recuperating, my wife and I have been binging on espionage-themed entertainment. From streaming "Jack Ryan" to watching an old "Cool McCool" cartoon on YouTube, we've been indulging in the spies. And, we're still working our way through all the James Bond films, in order (currently up to "The Man With the Golden Gun".  That said, you can probably guess what's coming. 

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: in addition to thinking up a topic for the week, you all can ponder upon your favorite spies in tv, film and comics. This blog, hopefully, will Not self-destruct in five seconds...

Follow the Leader Episode 135: "Car Tunes"...

Redartz:  Hi gang! Hope you've had a good week, and are ready for another go at "Follow the Leader". I've been a bit 'under the weather' this week, so I'll be brief today. Big, bronze age Thanks to whoever (whomever?) our first commenter with a topic turns out to be. Carry on!

Follow the Leader Episode 134: Musical Memories and Clever Cover Versions...

Redartz:  Ah, hello again! We have  made it once again to Tuesday, which means we reset the discuss-o-meter and start the chat anew. The BitBA crowd assembled awaits the brave soul who steps forward and reveals the subject! Will you be the one?

And what has your humble host been up to?  It's been a fairly ordinary week, actually. Just a couple minor thoughts:

Sunday my wife and I were out running some errands, and had Sirius XM on the radio. Specifically, the "70's at 7" channel. They were running a broadcast of Casey Kasem's "American Top 40", for the week of July 20 1974. I was reminded why that particular year has always been a favorite for me (in comics, as well as musically). Gordon Lightfoot, Elton John, Anne Murray, Blue Magic, Golden Earring, and so many more- that week was an avalanche of classic pop music. No wonder young Redartz was glued to the radio during those weekly countdowns...

Then yesterday, I scanned another comic onto the tablet (ahead of a planned ebay sale). Detective Comics 388, with a rather odd Joker / moon cover. But the highlight was the Batgirl backup story with some nice art by Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson. Anderson's inks were quite flattering to Gil's pencilwork. A nice little visual treat.

Well, now you have the weekly update. So what's on your minds?

Follow the Leader Episode 133: Covering Covers...

Redartz: Greetings, gang! Here we are, halfway through another month. And, being Tuesday, it's time for a Follow the Leader. As always, the first commenter popping in gets the prize of naming the subject! And once again, I've got an extra topic to add to the mix.

Granted, it's a topic we've covered before, but it's always a fun one. Over the weekend I've been scanning some more favorite comic covers onto my tablet. You know, sometimes you don't feel like reading a whole book- you just want to feast your eyes upon some fine comics design. So, I am assembling a 'hall of fame' gallery of favorites to look over anytime, anywhere. And so, as you probably guessed, the topic added to the discussion this week is Favorite Covers! From any time, any company, any genre. Just covers you can admire time and time again. As a Tuesday treat, here's some of the favorites I added in last night. May they inspire you to think of your choices; and don't forget to name a topic for all the Leader's Followers. After all, I don't want to hog the discussion!

Extra bonus: Three gorgeous gems from the past. True works of art, each  one...