My Journey into Digital Comics

I know, I know, it’s been a long time since I posted a review to ESO. New, apathetic, and forgetful readers likely have no idea who I am. Allow me to reintroduce myself, I’m the author of the hugely popular (in my mind) and severely lapsed (in reality) Web Pick series. So why haven’t I been posting? I’ve been busy. It seems everytime I get near a computer I have the urge to delve into a new series or explore a new character…you see, my name is Grundy and I’m a digitalcomicsoholic.

It all started when I picked up a dead-tree issue with the the trojan horse of an included digital copy. Being unwilling or unable to turn down free stuff, I promptly downloaded said copy before reading its paper counterpart. I then had to run and left both my computer and comic behind. One greasy beef burrito later, I found myself on the john remembering that I had coveted reading material on my cell. I sat and I read. The experience wasn’t ideal. There will always be something missing when viewing frames one at a time on a small screen. I later reread the comic as God, or at least my comic shop, had intended–at home. By reread I should say that I skimmed. The story was consumed on the toliet, I really just came back to admire the art.

comics-by-comixologyFrom then on I dabbled in digital comics. Full analog price for digital goods was never platable to me, especially when I could often get the paper comic and the digital comic at the same price or a dollar more than the digital comic by itself. At $3.99 I was faced with the iTunes opportunity cost of a comic that would provide entertainment for 10 to 20 minutes compared to a movie rental that would keep me occupied for at least a couple hours–not to mention the occasional four dollar game with daily replay value. I said to myself, “Self, I’ll only pay what digital comics are worth: $.99.” Continue reading

Next on Earth Station One ….

Next on ESO..The Earth Station One boldly goes back to the theater for a review of the new summer blockbuster, Star Trek Into Darkness. That’s right, ESO suits up for another adventure with Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the USS Enterprise crew. Quick, make sure no one’s wearing a red shirt.

As always, ESO wants to hear from you. What did you think of star Trek Into Darkness? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the latest from director J.J. Abrams. Drop us a line at www.esopodcast.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. We just might read yours on the show.

Movie review: ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’ an adrenalin rush and a love letter to fans

861406 KS_New_trekAlthough the special effects are now somewhat dated, the “Star Trek” original series has always occupied a special place in my geeky heart. What the show may have lacked in budget, it more than made up for with great characters and good storytelling. Captain Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Dr. McCoy, Scotty and the rest of the original Enterprise crew have become some of science fiction’s most beloved characters. Though we never got to see the end of their five-year mission, they’ve never completely faded from pop culture.

However, back in early 2009, the “Star Trek” franchise as a whole wasn’t faring too well. The most recent film “Star Trek: Nemesis” wasn’t a huge hit, and the most recent TV show “Star Trek: Enterprise” was canceled in 2005 due to low ratings. The franchise was in need of a shot of adrenalin — and it received a major one, thanks to J.J. Abrams’ explosive and exciting 2009 reboot, titled simply “Star Trek.” Continue reading

Earth Station Who Ep 38 – Nightmare in Silver

Earth Station Who Ep 38Resistance may be futile, but this episode has been met with more than its share of it. Mike, Mike, Phantom Troublemaker, the award-winning author Bobby Nash, and Beth Vandusen match wits with Neil Gaiman, Steven Moffat, and Mr. Clever and try to make sense of the penultimate episode of series seven. Perhaps the ESW crew just needs to be upgraded.

Links
The American Red Cross to help w/ the Victims of Hurricane Sandy
Earth Station Who Amazon.com E-store
ESW on iTunes
ESW on Stitcher
TARDISTOPIA

Continue reading

Earth Station One Episode 163 – Everyone Loves a Mystery

Earth Station One Ep 163Who dunnit? That’s what the ESO crew investigates this week. Mike, Mike, the award-winning author Bobby Nash, new co-host Jennifer, and Van Allen Plexico seek help from some of their favorite detectives. If only ESO had a butler! Also, friends of the station Anthony Taylor and award-winning artist Mark Maddox join us to honor Ray Harryhausen, Steve Charleson previews the upcoming Alabama Phoenix festival, and our new co-host finds herself in The Geek Seat! All this, plus the usual Rants, Raves, Khan Report and Shout Outs!

Join us for yet another episode of The Earth Station One Podcast we like to call: Everyone Loves a Mystery
Continue reading

White Rocket 022: The Book Cave Guys Interview Van!

Sentinels_Metalgod_Cover_PromoWhite Rocket 022: The Book Cave Guys Interview Van!

This week, the tables are turned as Van himself is interviewed by Dr Art Sippo, Ric Croxton and Bruce Rosenberger of the Book Cave Podcast.  This episode presents excerpts from that interview, discussing Van’s latest SENTINELS novel, METALGOD, as well as his new Military SF novel series, “The Shattering.”

The White Rocket episode is available via iTunes (subscribe and don’t miss an episode!) or you can visit the podcast site here:  http://whiterocket.podbean.com/

The White Rocket Books page:  http://www.whiterocketbooks.com/

The Book Cave can be found at http://thebookcave.libsyn.com

Many thanks to Art, Ric, and Bruce for making this audio available to White Rocket.

Earth Station Who Episode 37 – The Crimson Horror

Earth Station Who Ep 37Mike, Mike, Phantom Troublemaker, the award winning author Bobby Nash, and Jennifer Hartshorn enter the room from which no one returns to review the 100th episode of Doctor Who since its revival. In addition to taking a tour of Sweetville, the ESW crew also discuss some of the recent negative comments regarding the series as it seems they are building up along with all other excitement regarding the 50th anniversary. Internet trolls will not be preserved to survive the apocalypse. So says Mr Sweet.

Links
The American Red Cross to help w/ the Victims of Hurricane Sandy
Earth Station Who Amazon.com E-store
ESW on iTunes
ESW on Stitcher
TARDISTOPIA

Continue reading

Earth Station One Episode 162 – The Third Time’s the Charm with Iron Man 3

Earth Station One Episode 162 - Iron Man 3This week, the ESO crew begins reviewing the summer movies with one of the most anticipated films of the season, Iron Man 3. Mike, Mike, the award-winning author Bobby Nash, Tara Lynn, and Jennifer Hartshorn form a think-tank of their own and discuss the movie in detail. They also talk about the other geek-related events of the weekend, particularly the phenomenon known as Free Comic Book Day. Also, writers Charles and Beverley Connor take turns in The Geek Seat and Nikki Rau-Baker reports on C2E2. Plus, the usual Rants, Raves, and Shout Outs!

Join us for yet another episode of The Earth Station One Podcast we like to call: The Third Time’s the Charm with Iron Man 3
Continue reading

Movie review: ‘Iron Man 3′ a fun start to the summer movie season

By Ashley Bergner
Box Office Buzz

853540 KS_New_ironman“Big man in a suit of armor — take that off, what are you?”

That’s a question Captain America asks Tony Stark/Iron Man during “The Avengers” movie. Of course Stark fires back one of his trademark snarky replies — “Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” — but he’s not forced to seriously consider that question until “Iron Man 3.” The first two “Iron Man” films were all about Tony creating the suit and coming to grips with his new identity, but the third is about his search for the answer to Captain America’s question — without the suit, is he still a hero? Continue reading

Next On Earth Station One….

Earth Station One Takes on Iron-Man 3The Earth Station One crew and friends head back to the theater for a look at one of the summers most highly anticipated movies. That’s right. It’s Iron Man 3! ESO will take a look at the film, the franchise, and the comic books that started it all. Plus, as if that wasn’t enough, ESO takes a look back at this year’s Free Comic Book Day celebration.

ESO wants to hear from you. Tell us what you thought about Iron Man 3. Did you love it? Did you hate it? Are you ready for Tony Stark’s next adventure? We want to know your thoughts regarding Marvel’s Armored Avenger. Plus, ESO wants to know how you celebrated Free Comic Book Day. We’d love to hear reports from you about your comic shop.

Drop us a line at www.esopodcast.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. We just might read yours on the show.