Checkered Past
441 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratingsFrom February, 1966 through August, 1967, DC Comics branded all their publications with a checkerboard masthead, lovingly known as "Go-Go Checks". Because, you know, the 60s. With the help of his husband and intrepid friends, Dr. Bobb will examine each of these issues in depth and tell you what you need to know!
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Episodes
A Pretty Girl is Like a *groan* Metal-ly (Metal Men 19)
March 10, 2020 12:26 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBSissy, who wouldn't know a comic book from a giant robotic Centaur, joins us to discuss Metal Men #19, one of the craziest comics we've ever seen (and that's saying something for mid-60s Robert Kanigher!) BTW don't panic, the Centaur is only robotic on the cover, turns out it's actually just your run-of-the-mill giant Centaur.
A Pretty Girl is Like a *groan* Metal-ly (Metal Men 19)
March 10, 2020 12:26 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBSissy, who wouldn't know a comic book from a giant robotic Centaur, joins us to discuss Metal Men #19, one of the craziest comics we've ever seen (and that's saying something for mid-60s Robert Kanigher!) BTW don't panic, the Centaur is only robotic on the cover, turns out it's actually just your run-of-the-mill giant Centaur.
You can't say oriental anymore, DAD (Our Fighting Forces #100)
March 01, 2020 23:59 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBRon from my work drops by to talk about Army stuff, and get a taste of the podcasting life, COMPLETE with squeaky chairs, dog noises, and an amateurish low sound level for Dr. Husband. PLUS a story that manages to be simultaneously racist AND misogynistic, a tutorial on Vietnamese folk religion, and all about my dream date with Mayor Pete!
You can't say oriental anymore, DAD (Our Fighting Forces #100)
March 01, 2020 11:59 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBRon from my work drops by to talk about Army stuff, and get a taste of the podcasting life, COMPLETE with squeaky chairs, dog noises, and an amateurish low sound level for Dr. Husband. PLUS a story that manages to be simultaneously racist AND misogynistic, a tutorial on Vietnamese folk religion, and all about my dream date with Mayor Pete!
You can't say oriental anymore, DAD (Our Fighting Forces #100)
March 01, 2020 11:59 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBRon from my work drops by to talk about Army stuff, and get a taste of the podcasting life, COMPLETE with squeaky chairs, dog noises, and an amateurish low sound level for Dr. Husband. PLUS a story that manages to be simultaneously racist AND misogynistic, a tutorial on Vietnamese folk religion, and all about my dream date with Mayor Pete!
Holy Hot Rods! (Teen Titans #3)
February 23, 2020 23:02 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBYou'll have a Ding-Dong-Dandy Time watching our goodnik Teen Dream Team battle the scourge of DELINQUENCY...and winning! But not without a few good-natured near-escapes from a A-Ha music video along the way. It's Teen Titans #3, today on a very special episode of Checkered Past!
Holy Hot Rods! (Teen Titans #3)
February 23, 2020 23:02 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBYou'll have a Ding-Dong-Dandy Time watching our goodnik Teen Dream Team battle the scourge of DELINQUENCY...and winning! But not without a few good-natured near-escapes from a A-Ha music video along the way. It's Teen Titans #3, today on a very special episode of Checkered Past!
Reach For Happiness (Because Happiness Doesn't Have Arms to Reach For You)
February 18, 2020 12:15 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBIt's Checkered Past's second anniversary! We celebrate with a Romance-themed episode, featuring episode 3 of "Reach for Happiness", dramatized by the Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players. PLUS beauty tips from Liza Roundalot, Withers Larue, and Heidi Park-Chester - AND the return of Time Machine Mail Bag!
Reach For Happiness (Because Happiness Doesn't Have Arms to Reach For You)
February 18, 2020 12:15 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBIt's Checkered Past's second anniversary! We celebrate with a Romance-themed episode, featuring episode 3 of "Reach for Happiness", dramatized by the Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players. PLUS beauty tips from Liza Roundalot, Withers Larue, and Heidi Park-Chester - AND the return of Time Machine Mail Bag!
Reach For Happiness (Because Happiness Doesn't Have Arms to Reach For You)
February 18, 2020 12:15 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBIt's Checkered Past's second anniversary! We celebrate with a Romance-themed episode, featuring episode 3 of "Reach for Happiness", dramatized by the Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players. PLUS beauty tips from Liza Roundalot, Withers Larue, and Heidi Park-Chester - AND the return of Time Machine Mail Bag!
Goin' to the Chap-Hell (Doom Patrol 104)
February 09, 2020 23:54 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBIt's my and Dr. Husband's Anniversary, so we're celebrating with a look at two other star-crossed lovers, Elasti-Girl and Mento. Not a hoax, not a dream, they really ARE getting married, but not before their best friends try to [checks notes] trick them into NOT getting married. Not really up on straight culture these days, is that still a thing?
Goin' to the Chap-Hell (Doom Patrol 104)
February 09, 2020 11:54 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBIt's my and Dr. Husband's Anniversary, so we're celebrating with a look at two other star-crossed lovers, Elasti-Girl and Mento. Not a hoax, not a dream, they really ARE getting married, but not before their best friends try to [checks notes] trick them into NOT getting married. Not really up on straight culture these days, is that still a thing?
Goin' to the Chap-Hell (Doom Patrol 104)
February 09, 2020 11:54 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBIt's my and Dr. Husband's Anniversary, so we're celebrating with a look at two other star-crossed lovers, Elasti-Girl and Mento. Not a hoax, not a dream, they really ARE getting married, but not before their best friends try to [checks notes] trick them into NOT getting married. Not really up on straight culture these days, is that still a thing?
Drag Queen, Gigolo Little Bo Peep (Action Comics #337)
February 03, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBSuperman brings much-needed attention to the dual scourges of wealth inequality and cultural appropriation! Supergirl tests out spaceworthy feminine hygiene products, and then uses science to escape a scientifically-impossible world! All this, plus Lois Lane sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong!
Drag Queen, Gigolo Little Bo Peep (Action Comics #337)
February 03, 2020 11:35 - 1 hour - 50.4 MBSuperman brings much-needed attention to the dual scourges of wealth inequality and cultural appropriation! Supergirl tests out spaceworthy feminine hygiene products, and then uses science to escape a scientifically-impossible world! All this, plus Lois Lane sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong!
I Got The Low-Down Sacre Blues (Metamorpho #6)
January 27, 2020 00:43 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBWe didn't mean to take a 2 week break - just like Metamorpho didn't mean to (checks notes) turn the Eiffel Tower into acid and haul it away in a milk truck. But them's the breaks, kid. PLUS I reveal my secret weakness for shirtless industrialists with bushy eyebrows!
I Got The Low-Down Sacre Blues (Metamorpho #6)
January 27, 2020 00:43 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBWe didn't mean to take a 2 week break - just like Metamorpho didn't mean to (checks notes) turn the Eiffel Tower into acid and haul it away in a milk truck. But them's the breaks, kid. PLUS I reveal my secret weakness for shirtless industrialists with bushy eyebrows!
What Happens in Prison, Stays in Prison (Adventure Comics 344-345)
January 05, 2020 18:32 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBBlockade Boy! Plant Lad! Fake Superboy! Just a few of the heroic names you shouldn't get too used to in the classic Legion of Super-Heroes tale "Super-Stalag of Space". It's got action, it's got drama, plus all the mid-century misogyny you've come to know and love. Join us!
What Happens in Prison, Stays in Prison (Adventure Comics 344-345)
January 05, 2020 18:32 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBBlockade Boy! Plant Lad! Fake Superboy! Just a few of the heroic names you shouldn't get too used to in the classic Legion of Super-Heroes tale "Super-Stalag of Space". It's got action, it's got drama, plus all the mid-century misogyny you've come to know and love. Join us!
Jinkies! G-G-G-Ghosts! (Superman #186)
December 29, 2019 22:03 - 58 minutes - 40.6 MBSuperman's dead! But that won't stop him from taking some time out to cruelly play on Lois and Lana's emotions! PLUS a new radio drama by The Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players!
Jinkies! G-G-G-Ghosts! (Superman #186)
December 29, 2019 22:03 - 58 minutes - 40.6 MBSuperman's dead! But that won't stop him from taking some time out to cruelly play on Lois and Lana's emotions! PLUS a new radio drama by The Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players!
Clueless (Detective Comics #351)
December 17, 2019 00:21 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBCluemaster makes his debut, Aunt Harriet crosses wits with Dick and Bruce, and Elongated Man loses his old costume. PLUS the debut of my all-new, all-different ELONGATED MAN SONG. As E-M himself would say, "Talk is cheap! It's action that counts!"
Clueless (Detective Comics #351)
December 17, 2019 00:21 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBCluemaster makes his debut, Aunt Harriet crosses wits with Dick and Bruce, and Elongated Man loses his old costume. PLUS the debut of my all-new, all-different ELONGATED MAN SONG. As E-M himself would say, "Talk is cheap! It's action that counts!"
Yes, Minister (Wonder Woman 162)
December 09, 2019 00:29 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBListen, I like mid-century misogyny as much as the next guy, but I can't remember when a comic has enraged me as much as this issue of Wonder Woman. Not even Ross Andru's imitative art can save it. C'Mon, men, WE CAN BE BETTER THAN THIS
Yes, Minister (Wonder Woman 162)
December 09, 2019 00:29 - 1 hour - 41.4 MBListen, I like mid-century misogyny as much as the next guy, but I can't remember when a comic has enraged me as much as this issue of Wonder Woman. Not even Ross Andru's imitative art can save it. C'Mon, men, WE CAN BE BETTER THAN THIS
Inferiority Complex (Showcase 62, 63, & 65)
November 26, 2019 01:16 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBThe Inferior Five make their Checkered Past debut! Dr. Bobb does a deep nerd dive into the brilliance of E. Nelson Bridwell, and Dr. Husband bemoans the continued existence of Nazis. All while enjoying the MAD-infused adventures of our new favorite underdogs!
Inferiority Complex (Showcase 62, 63, & 65)
November 26, 2019 01:16 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBThe Inferior Five make their Checkered Past debut! Dr. Bobb does a deep nerd dive into the brilliance of E. Nelson Bridwell, and Dr. Husband bemoans the continued existence of Nazis. All while enjoying the MAD-infused adventures of our new favorite underdogs!
Brotherly Love (Superboy #129)
November 19, 2019 11:05 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBGreat Scott! A b-boy...flying! With Super-Powers *gulp* j-just like Superboy's! Well, don't panic, folks, just a little goodf-natured teenage tomfoolery and/or aliens visiting from other worlds POSSIBLY the long dead planet Krypton! Join as we meet a couple of Superboy's would-be brothers in Superboy #129, PLUS the debut of the fully orchestrated 80-Page Giant song!
Brotherly Love (Superboy #129)
November 19, 2019 11:05 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBGreat Scott! A b-boy...flying! With Super-Powers *gulp* j-just like Superboy's! Well, don't panic, folks, just a little goodf-natured teenage tomfoolery and/or aliens visiting from other worlds POSSIBLY the long dead planet Krypton! Join as we meet a couple of Superboy's would-be brothers in Superboy #129, PLUS the debut of the fully orchestrated 80-Page Giant song!
Back to the Future! (New Frontier #1 and 2)
November 11, 2019 17:25 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBSomething different this week - I give Dr. Husband a modern-ish comic or two to read, influenced by Silver Age themes and characters. First up - Darwyn Cooke's monumental and much-beloved New Frontier! What did Dr. Husband, well-known hater of cartoony art, think? You'll just have to listen to find out!
Back to the Future! (New Frontier #1 and 2)
November 11, 2019 17:25 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBSomething different this week - I give Dr. Husband a modern-ish comic or two to read, influenced by Silver Age themes and characters. First up - Darwyn Cooke's monumental and much-beloved New Frontier! What did Dr. Husband, well-known hater of cartoony art, think? You'll just have to listen to find out!
Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink (Sea Devils #29
October 27, 2019 20:18 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBLost Civilizations! Giant Robots! Sea Monsters! Sounds exciting, don't it? Well get ready to lower your expectations as we take a look at Sea Devils #29!
Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink (Sea Devils #29
October 27, 2019 20:18 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBLost Civilizations! Giant Robots! Sea Monsters! Sounds exciting, don't it? Well get ready to lower your expectations as we take a look at Sea Devils #29!
Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink (Sea Devils #29)
October 27, 2019 08:18 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBLost Civilizations! Giant Robots! Sea Monsters! Sounds exciting, don't it? Well get ready to lower your expectations as we take a look at Sea Devils #29!
Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink (Sea Devils #29)
October 27, 2019 08:18 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBLost Civilizations! Giant Robots! Sea Monsters! Sounds exciting, don't it? Well get ready to lower your expectations as we take a look at Sea Devils #29!
Kids are the WURST, m'iright? (World's Finest #157)
October 20, 2019 23:21 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBSuperman and Batman have a couple of big problems - THEIR SONS. What do you do with a misbehaving youth when said youth has super-powers, short of locking him in a room with deadly radiation? (Or, you know, you could make that your plan A like Superman does) Join us for a discussion of World's Finest #157!
Kids are the WURST, m'iright? (World's Finest #157)
October 20, 2019 11:21 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBSuperman and Batman have a couple of big problems - THEIR SONS. What do you do with a misbehaving youth when said youth has super-powers, short of locking him in a room with deadly radiation? (Or, you know, you could make that your plan A like Superman does) Join us for a discussion of World's Finest #157!
Kids are the WURST, m'iright? (World's Finest #157)
October 20, 2019 11:21 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBSuperman and Batman have a couple of big problems - THEIR SONS. What do you do with a misbehaving youth when said youth has super-powers, short of locking him in a room with deadly radiation? (Or, you know, you could make that your plan A like Superman does) Join us for a discussion of World's Finest #157!
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Mystery in Space 107/Strange Adventures 188)
October 14, 2019 16:32 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBUltra the Multi-Alien...Ultra the MULTIPLE Aliens is more like it, as Ultra finds himself scattered to the four winds! Can even pretty Bonnie Blake help him now? Find out as we discuss Mystery in Space #107! PLUS - from Strange Adventures #188, an all-new audio drama brought to you by The My Greatest Strange Mystery Tale Adventure Players!
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (Mystery in Space 107/Strange Adventures 188)
October 14, 2019 16:32 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBUltra the Multi-Alien...Ultra the MULTIPLE Aliens is more like it, as Ultra finds himself scattered to the four winds! Can even pretty Bonnie Blake help him now? Find out as we discuss Mystery in Space #107! PLUS - from Strange Adventures #188, an all-new audio drama brought to you by The My Greatest Strange Mystery Tale Adventure Players!
Just a Little Wet Behind the Ears (Aquaman 27)
October 06, 2019 23:18 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBAqualad flounders (haha see what I did there?), Mera kicks ass, and Aquaman? Well say hello to the mothra forking Justice League of AQUAMAN, BEEYOTCHES. Work friend Chuck stops by to discuss all things Aqua!
Just a Little Wet Behind the Ears (Aquaman 27)
October 06, 2019 23:18 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBAqualad flounders (haha see what I did there?), Mera kicks ass, and Aquaman? Well say hello to the mothra forking Justice League of AQUAMAN, BEEYOTCHES. Work friend Chuck stops by to discuss all things Aqua!
My, What Big Heroes You Have! (Justice League of America #44)
September 29, 2019 15:13 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBHalf the Justice League has doubled in size and halved in power, and the other half don't understand the difference between powers and accesories! PLUS the aurora borealis has - um - become sentient, I guess, and is menacing the eastern seaboard? Legendary writer Gardner Fox takes a cue from Bob Haney this week as we look at JLA #44!
My, What Big Heroes You Have! (Justice League of America #44)
September 29, 2019 15:13 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBHalf the Justice League has doubled in size and halved in power, and the other half don't understand the difference between powers and accesories! PLUS the aurora borealis has - um - become sentient, I guess, and is menacing the eastern seaboard? Legendary writer Gardner Fox takes a cue from Bob Haney this week as we look at JLA #44!
Stormy Weather (Capt. Storm #13)
September 22, 2019 13:32 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBLaverne and Shirley, detecting chimps, good dogs, and peg-legged PT Boat skippers all come under our steely gaze as we look at Capt. Storm #13. Cap's origin story is featured, PLUS a fore-shadow of his soon-to-be change in status quo!
Stormy Weather (Capt. Storm #13)
September 22, 2019 13:32 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBLaverne and Shirley, detecting chimps, good dogs, and peg-legged PT Boat skippers all come under our steely gaze as we look at Capt. Storm #13. Cap's origin story is featured, PLUS a fore-shadow of his soon-to-be change in status quo!
Satisfaction guaranteed, or double your mummy (Jerry Lewis #94)
September 02, 2019 23:40 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBBrew Boss Shawn from Cinema Chop Shop joins us for a dispirited look at The Adventures of Jerry Lewis #94, where Jerry fights not only an ancient curse but his own household. How many of us haven't been there ourselves?
Satisfaction guaranteed, or double your mummy (Jerry Lewis #94)
September 02, 2019 23:40 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBBrew Boss Shawn from Cinema Chop Shop joins us for a dispirited look at The Adventures of Jerry Lewis #94, where Jerry fights not only an ancient curse but his own household. How many of us haven't been there ourselves?
Hawk-aa! Blackhawks Assem...oh wait (Blackhawk #220)
August 26, 2019 23:11 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBA short and sweet change of pace as we give you our rendition of "The Song Of The Blackhawks", plus a dramatic presentation by The Bachelor Dandies, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia's ONLY Audio Theatrical Troupe for Single Gentlemen! PLUS, from Falling in Love #83, fashion dos and don'ts from Mary Ruth and Cyndi Lee! HAWK-AA!!
Hawk-aa! Blackhawks Assem...oh wait (Blackhawk #220)
August 26, 2019 23:11 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBA short and sweet change of pace as we give you our rendition of "The Song Of The Blackhawks", plus a dramatic presentation by The Bachelor Dandies, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia's ONLY Audio Theatrical Troupe for Single Gentlemen! PLUS, from Falling in Love #83, fashion dos and don'ts from Mary Ruth and Cyndi Lee! HAWK-AA!!