Not too long ago Sidekick favourite Iz McAuliffe invited me to join her as a Rackette on her and Stacey Frost's awesome podcast; Comic Racks. Stacey was unable to make it so basically I got promoted from guest to guest host...and there was booze...a lot of booze...big mistake. It's like a comic book podcast super-team-up on acid. That's my description of Comic Racks episode #55 and I'm sticking to it. However, if you'd prefer a more accurate and eloquent description you need look no further than just below. I've not actually listened to it myself yet so please let me know what you think

Download Here or listen to it through our player on this site.

Late, long and with only one Rack – Iz is joined by a new Rackette - Sidekickcast’s Gavin Jones. We originally intended this episode to be a brief Q&A about Gav’s life, loves and all things X-Men; as well as the usual format of a Racks podcast. Unfortunately because we are very good buddies in ‘real’ life this episode takes on a life of its own, with us waxing lyrical about anything and everything (but we do keep it nerdy...mostly). It should be noted that A LOT of booze was consumed during this epic adventure and boy does it show...we had a great time though!!

After a HUGE ramble about Torchwood, X Men, how lovely Paul Cornell and Mike Carey are, and many many many other nerd topics, we manage a very brief review section where we discuss Crossed Family Values #2 (SPOILERS), and Alan Moore’s Top 10. In keeping with the rest of the episode this section gets a bit de-railed with us nearly coming to blows over Moore, with me sticking the boot into Ellis while I'm at it.

Instead of a News section I invited Gav to bring along the patented Sidekickcast Secrets and Lies - where 5 items of news are presented, one of which is false. I enlist the help of ECBT2000AD co-host (and the other half) Rich to try and suss out the Lie.

A quick and very inebriated Rack Music section rounds off episode 55 - hopefully order will be restored for the next ep when Stacey returns to keep me on track...maybe :/

So Atomic Robo is back in town and he's been sorely missed let me tell ya. I was first introduce to Atomic Robo by fellow podcaster (of the Comic Racks) and sometimes blogger on this very site Iz McAuliffe as a Dig This! choice for the Sidekickcast. I devoured Volume 1 and have subsequently been making my through the following volumes but couldn't wait until I reached this one in trade format so I'm cracking on with volume 4 in single issues.

I have to say this book held very few surprises, it's a story we've all seen before; an unassuming character ends up saving the day whilst the more suitable candidate buys the farm very early on but there's a charm in this book both in the way it's written and drawn that goes beyond the average everyday stuff. The main bonus of any Atomic Robo story is that they know how to tell fun stories that don't drag on and on, this is very much a done in one with minimal exposition and it's all better for it.

If you want some pulp fun with lasers, vampires and robots (and let's be honest who doesn't?) then this is the book for you. If you don't want that, get a life. 4 Stars (out of 5)

Link: http://welshbluemeanie.blogspot.com

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More inspired work from the brilliant mind of the original comic book satirist Bluemeanie AKA Rich McAuliffe. I like how he's managed for the last two posts to include Ponty's very own Superhero (and his own adoring wife) Iz. You can hear Iz (sounding very girlie and feminine) waxing lyrical on all things comics related on the most excellent comic book podcast The Comic Racks, sometimes you can even hear Rich grumbling and mumbling in the background. Of course if you didn't want to listen to the Comic Racks you could always have a go with The Sidekickcast our very own podcast and if you check out this weeks Watchmen Special you can still hear Iz and Rich as they leave a kind message for the Sidekicks.

Rich's comic project with Flint Lockjaw; The Caretakers Uncannily Nasty Tales is now available to pick up from indyplanet. Expect a review on the cast and the site soon.