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PODCAST

Comics in Context

Comics in Context is hosted by Marc and Derek, two history teachers with history degrees who also love comic books. In our show we will examine comics in the context of the time period in which they were written. Along the way, we"ll have some great reads and maybe even find some references hidden in the panels.

arts visual arts

All Episodes

01:07:15

Amazing Spider-Man (1967) - Tabloids Gone Wild!

Comics in Context ·

2026/09/29

This iconic issue not only introduces us to Kingpin, but unpacks a lot of late 1960's cultural norms and thoughts. We take a look at the birth of tabloid news, how the Vietnam War influenced comics, and a culture of masculinity. We also try and get to the bottom of what "The Real McCoy" means!

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01:15:27

Blade Runner 2019 (2019) - Do Androids Have Souls?

Comics in Context ·

2026/09/22

In this episode we are joined by computer tech and Blade Runner aficionado as we explore Titan Comic's "Blade Runner 2019" (2019). As we discuss all twelve issues the topics of AI, what it means to be human, and why future LA is dominated by Japanese culture. Join us as we dive into "AI's of Future Past".

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00:51:03

9/11 Show - ASM 36 (2001) and Superman 596 (2001)

Comics in Context ·

2026/09/16

On the 25th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, we wanted to highlight two comics from that time that both got reader attention. First, the unfortunate Superman 596 which was released the day after with an image of two smoking towers. Second, Amazing Spider-Man 36 which was written in direct response to the event.Join us as we examine both issues for their context and how the companies chose to address the attacks. We talk about the bravery of average citizens, how ASM called for unity,

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01:00:05

New Teen Titans 1 (1980) vs Teen Titans 1 (2026): The...

Comics in Context ·

2026/09/08

Teenagers have always been an important part of the comics landscape, yet go sorely underrepresented in comics themselves. Enter the Teen Titans. In this episode we compare New Teen Titans 1 (1980) with Teen Titans 1 (2026) and explore topics such as why both time periods need teenage representation, how similar down economies gave rise to larger teenage voices, and generational change. This side-by-side comparison reveals a lot about the times in which both books were created.

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01:03:46

Absolute Green Arrow 1-3 (2026) - Are We OK With Murder?

Comics in Context ·

2026/09/01

Few series have been as controversial in recent memory than Absolute Green Arrow. Pulling plot lines straight from the headlines, we analyze this issue for how it portrays the wealthy, how it shines a light on conversations around assassinations, and for how it brings into question healthcare in the United States. Also, Marc learns what the grape emoji means and Derek learns about the Michael Myers mask from the Halloween movies. Join us for a great conversation where we really try and tackle some

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00:23:06

OMAC #1 (1974) - Exploding Sexbots!?!

Comics in Context ·

2026/08/25

Witness the birth of Buddy Blank as OMAC and enter one of Jack Kirby's weirdest heros of all time.When Buddy learns that the company he works for is sending out killer "companion" robots, the AI satellite Brother Eye turns him in to OMAC in order to stop the insanity. In this issue we talk about pleasure robots, sentient AI, what it meant to Jack Kirby to be an office worker, and muse on Kirby's warnings for the future.

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00:26:30

Wonder Woman # 1 (1942) - Body Shaming, Stereotyping,...

Comics in Context ·

2026/08/18

Wonder Woman #1 is iconic for giving a female superhero lead her first solo titled comic book. The issue itself is filled with racist tropes of Asians and Mexicans, German stereotypes, overt body shaming, some good old WWII US propaganda, and more. Join us as we put this comic in context and reveal how it was very much a product of its time.Fun Fact: the creator of Wonder Woman also invented the polygraph (lie detector) and totally embedded a sales pitch for it in this issue. Fun stuff.

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00:40:22

The Mount Rushmore Episode

Comics in Context ·

2026/08/11

We join in the "Mount Rushmore of Comics" fad and give our personal lists, with reasons, in 10 different categories. Personal faves, Origin of Buying Comics, Marvel, DC and so much more.

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00:25:09

Green Lantern #87 (1971/72) - Protecting A Bigot?

Comics in Context ·

2026/08/04

This historic issue sees the first African-American Green Lantern don the ring. Join us as we look how the topics of racism, social injustice, and freedom of speech take center stage in John Stewart's debut.

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00:21:15

Savage She-Hulk 9 and 10 (1980) - She-Hulk Joins a Cult!

Comics in Context ·

2026/07/28

This week we follow She-Hulk as she finds herself caught up with a cult. In 1980 the nation was riveted by stories of religious cults from Manson to Jonestown. Join us as we take a look at this fascination as it shows through this unusual two-issue arc. In addition, we identifying some fun little nuggets like Raggedy Ann and a Sears delivery van.

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00:29:22

Batman: A Death in the Family (1988) - Is Joker a...

Comics in Context ·

2026/07/12

Is Joker a racist? In this episode we examine the infamous "A Death in the Family" arc from 1988 by DC comics (Batman 426-429) wherein Joker kills Jason Todd and his estranged mother. Classism, Islamophobia, and racism are all the table as we dive deep into the historical context of this very polarizing story.

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