Shows
Truth, Beauty, ComicsThe Birth of the Newspaper Comic: The Yellow Kid, Little Nemo, and MoreYellow Kid, Little Nemo, Buster Brown – the first few decades of American newspaper comics saw a youthful cast of precocious heroes, villains and every shade in between. Subject matters ranged from the urban, practical jokes of Buster Brown to the vast, intricate dreamscapes of Little Nemo in Slumberland. In its first decades comics entered the world in a glorious explosion of art, vernacular dialogue, and whimsy. We're reading through the first chapter of the Smithsonian Collection of Newspaper Comics by Bill Blackbeard and Martin Williams.
If you're listening to this episode, we recommend viewing the video on YouTube to follow alo...
2026-02-201h 09
Truth, Beauty, ComicsBleach: Quincy Archer Hates YouIchigo Kurosaki has been acting as a soul reaper for several months now, but how much longer can his secret last? It seems inevitable that his friends will discover the truth, and, more concerningly, new enemies will too. In volumes 4, 5, and 6, Bleach’s world gets bigger, raising questions about friendship, heritage, and the balance between good and evil. We're talking about it today on the podcast.
We're reading from the Bleach 3-1 Volume 2, available on Amazon.
2026-02-051h 01
Truth, Beauty, ComicsA Christmas for Shacktown by Carl BarksIt’s the holiday season in Duckburg and money is in short supply: Donald only has five dollars to scrape together for Christmas presents but nobody has it worse than the kids of Shacktown, the place where people in Duckburg live who are down on their luck. In a burst of Christmas Spirit, the ducks decide to throw a Christmas party for Shacktown with turkeys and a toy train. But to raise the money for the party, they’ll need twenty five dollars from Uncle Scrooge and it’ll take a miracle to get him to part with it. In thi...
2025-12-2441 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsLoss and Revenge: Bleach's "Memories in the Rain"Ichigo is the quintessential steely tough-guy, never smiling, never crying. But he wasn’t always that way. In fact, before his mother was killed, he was altogether different. Today, on the anniversary of his mother’s death, old feelings and memories come back as he and his family visit her grave. But when a familiar ghost girl appears at the graveyard he’ll confront more than just memories from his past and be pushed to the limit to save his family from the same demon that took his mother.
We're discussing volume 3 from the 3-in-1 collection: Memori...
2025-12-1156 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsA Charlie Brown ThanksgivingToday, on a Very Special Episode of Truth, Beauty, Comics we switch up the format to Truth, Beauty, Holiday TV Specials and discuss the 1973 cartoon, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. (It's highly comics-adjacent so we thought we could get away with it.) It's our own Thanksgiving Special so curl up with a huge bowl of gravy and a generous helping of turkey and enjoy!
2025-11-2626 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin: King Ottokar's SceptreTintin joins Professor Alembic on a trip to the kingdom of Syldavia to study their royal seals as a guest of King Ottokar. But a mysterious group has taken a sinister interest in their trip. Tintin races across the landscape of Eastern Europe, trying to stay one step ahead of foreign agents and conspirators, so he can save the throne of Syldavia from a foreign coup.
In a story that reflects the deteriorating politics of Europe before WWII, Herge will introduce a vivid recurring character that appears in future adventures: The Kingdom Of Syldavia.
You...
2025-11-211h 01
Truth, Beauty, ComicsBleach: The Death and the StrawberryIchigo has always been able to see ghosts but after he meets Rukia, a member of the mysterious Soul Society, he is inducted into the order and becomes a Soul Reaper. Now he’s got to hunt evil spirits, called Hollows, protect his friends and family, and attend high school and keep his grades up. It’s Tite Kubo’s hit manga Bleach with over 130 million copies in circulation and we're talking about it today on the podcast.
We're discussing volumes 1 and 2 from the 3-in-1 collection: Death & Strawberry and Goodbye Parakeet, Good Night my Sista.
2025-11-041h 07
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin - The Black IslandFollowing the trail of a mysterious airplane, Tintin crosses the channel into the United Kingdom. Chased by the police and organized crime, Tintin has his hands full solving the mystery before he runs out of time. He’ll make his way up the length of the isle until finally reaching Scotland and the deadly Black Island. In a story that was drawn and redrawn three times by Herge over thirty years, is the third time the charm?
Felix and Levi discuss this classic early Tintin Adventure on today's podcast.
2025-10-131h 01
Truth, Beauty, ComicsPrince Valiant and The Siege of AndelkragValiant is no longer a boy, but he still is not a man. He’s had his first taste of love, which ended in heartbreak, and now he returns to Camelot with the hope of becoming a knight. When Saxons invade, how will Val react? And what will happen when the young man encounters a perfect kingdom with a death wish? Felix and Levi discuss it on the podcast today.
As in the previous episodes, we'll be starting with the last strips of Volume 1 of the Fantagraphics Collection which covers the years 1937-1938 of the strip and th...
2025-09-2644 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin and the Broken EarA South American idol is stolen from a local museum and Tintin is on the case. The idol itself isn’t valuable so why are so many people hunting for it? The trail leads Tintin to South America, through a revolution, into the deep jungle and finally back to Europe for the surprising conclusion. It’s Tintin and the Broken Ear, a macguffin-chasing, globe-spanning mystery that could have been written by Dashiell Hammett. Felix and Levi discuss this early adventure on today's episode.
We are reading from the Edgemont edition which can be found on Amazon.
2025-09-1152 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsPrince Valiant’s First LoveThe young Prince Valiant has left the swamps where he explored as a boy and has ventured out into the wider world. He will meet with brave knights, powerful sorcerers, and, most frightening of all, a beautiful young woman! Along the way he’ll encounter adventure and tragedy as his horizons expand across England and beyond. Levi and Felix will chat about all this on today's episode.
As in the previous episode, we'll be reading from Volume 1 of the Fantagraphics Collection which covers the years 1937-1938 of the strip.
2025-09-021h 00
Truth, Beauty, ComicsPrince Valiant with Jordan HoltUniversally acclaimed as the most stunningly gorgeous adventure comic strip of all time, Prince Valiant ran for 35 years under the virtuoso pen of its creator, Hal Foster. It tells the story of a young prince and his adventures in King Arthur's England and beyond.
Today we're joined by illustrator and author, Jordan Holt to discuss the beginnings of the medieval adventurer Val as found in Volume 1 of the Fantagraphics Collection which covers the years 1937-1938 of the strip.
2025-08-141h 10
Truth, Beauty, ComicsJeff Smith's Bone: Out from Boneville #3Today we cover the final three issues in the first volume of Jeff Smith's Bone, Out from Boneville. Our cast of characters is complete as Phoney and Fone are reunited with Smiley and we meet Lucius Down, the owner of Barralhaven Tavern--while on the borders of the forest a sinister hooded figure has taken an interest in Phoney Bone, "The One who Bears the Star".
We're reading from the One Volume, Black and White edition.
2025-08-0153 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsJeff Smith's Bone: Out from Boneville #2Today we cover the second two issues in Jeff Smith's Bone. We're introduced to Thorn, Grandma Ben, and Phoney Bone returns to be a butt-head.
We're reading from the One Volume, Black and White edition.
2025-07-1856 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsJeff Smith's Bone: Out from Boneville #1Today on the podcast we discuss a favorite: Jeff Smith's Bone. In this episode we look at the first issue of what has been called, "the best all-ages graphic novel yet published".
We're reading from the One Volume, Black and White edition.
2025-07-031h 07
Truth, Beauty, ComicsJonathan Hickman's Fantastic FourFor our last Fantastic Four podcast we jump forward fifty years to a modern run of the comic, specifically Jonathan Hickman's widely respected time with the characters. We're specifically discussing the "Solve Everything" arc, beginning in issue #570 and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham.
We're reading from Fantastic Four, the Complete Collection Vol 1 by Jonathan Hickman.
2025-06-201h 11
Truth, Beauty, ComicsFantastic Four: Galactus TrilogyToday we discuss, the comic arc hailed as "The Pinnacle of the Silver Age", The Galactus Trilogy by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, where we meet classic characters like the Silver Surfer for the first time. The Fantastic Four and Marvel Comic dip their toe into cosmic horror and make comics history. But is this comic worthy of its high reputation? Felix and Levi give the definitive answer on Truth, Beauty, Comics.
The Galactus Trilogy is available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Four-Epic-Collection-Galactus/dp/130295041X/
2025-06-061h 15
Truth, Beauty, ComicsFantastic Four: Dr. Doom and Namor by Kirby and LeeOn today's episode Felix and Levi look at the first appearance of the iconic villains: Dr. Doom and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. What makes a good antagonist and what explains the staying power of these two?
Watch the podcast on Youtube: https://youtu.be/4kkcCAEcwjA
2025-05-2358 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsFantastic Four #1 by Jack Kirby and Stan LeeFelix and Levi discuss the breakthrough 1961 Marvel comic, Fantastic Four #1 by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. It was a bestseller and a breakthrough in its day but how does it hold up?
2025-05-091h 04
Truth, Beauty, ComicsGeorge Herriman: Identity and artGeorge Herriman had a secret identity, one that could have lost him his job, his reputation, and even his home. Did Herriman plant hints about his secret, or are people just reading too much into the madcap adventures of a black cat and a white mouse? Felix and Levi discuss Herriman and his work today on the podcast.
2025-04-2555 min
Truth, Beauty, ComicsKrazy Kat by George HerrimanFelix and Levi tackle the mysterious and celebrated Krazy Kat by George Herriman, particularly the Sunday strips from 1916-1918.
We're reading from the George Herriman Library 1916-1918, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/George-Herriman-Library-Ignatz-1916-1918/dp/1683962559/
2025-04-101h 04
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin: The Blue LotusFinally we get to Herge's first masterpiece: Tintin and the Blue Lotus. On this episode Felix and Levi break down Tintin's classic adventure in China as the story that began in Cigars of the Pharaoh comes to a conclusion.
Tintin and the Blue Lotus is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Lotus-Adventures-Tintin/dp/0316358568
Patreon notes:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/tintin-and-blue-125373183?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-03-271h 13
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin: Cigars of the PharaohFinally we get to one of the good Tintin Adventures by Herge: Cigars of the Pharaoh. Felix and Levi discuss this first classic Tintin adventure.
You can find Cigars of the Pharaoh on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tintin-Cigars-Pharaoh-Herge/dp/1405206152
Patreon notes:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/tintin-and-of-125372646?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-03-131h 02
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin in The Congo and AmericaFelix and Levi tackle some of the more controversial Tintin adventures, Tintin in the Congo and Tintin in America. Are the stories nothing but racism or are their redeeming qualities.
You can find these stories on Amazon:
- Tintin in the Congo: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Tintin-vol-Soviets-Congo/dp/1405228946/
- Tintin in America: https://www.amazon.com/Tintin-America-Adventures-Herge/dp/1405206144/
Patreon notes:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/tintin-in-congo-125371596?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-02-271h 07
Truth, Beauty, ComicsTintin in the Land of The Soviets by HergeFelix and Levi discuss Herge's very first Tintin adventure: Tintin in the Land of the Soviets.
We are reading the English translation, available on Amazon.
Patreon notes:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/tintin-in-land-125371373?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-02-131h 06
Truth, Beauty, ComicsUncle Scrooge by Carl Barks #3In this episode, Felix and Levi discuss the classic Uncle Scrooge Stories, Back to the Klondike and Tralla La.
These stories can be found in the Complete Works of Carl Barks, available on Amazon:
Only a Poor Old Man
Patreon notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/uncle-scrooge-3-125371139?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-01-301h 22
Truth, Beauty, ComicsUncle Scrooge by Carl Barks: #2In this episode, Felix and Levi delve into two iconic Carl Barks stories: The Old Castle's Secret and Only a Poor Old Man.
These stories can be found in the Complete Works of Carl Barks, available on Amazon:
Only a Poor Old Man
The Old Castle's Secret
Patreon notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/uncle-scrooge-2-125370155?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-01-171h 17
Truth, Beauty, ComicsUncle Scrooge by Carl Barks #1On this episode we discuss the first two Uncle Scrooge stories by Carl Barks: Christmas on Bear Mountain.
These stories can be found in the Complete Works of Carl Barks, available on Amazon.
Patreon notes:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/uncle-scrooge-1-125370005?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
2025-01-031h 10
Truth, Beauty, ComicsAstro Boy #2On this episode we discuss the Astro Boy stories: Plant People and The Greatest Robot on Earth.
We're reading out of the Astro Boy Omnibus by Dark Horse Press, which you can find on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Boy-Omnibus-Osamu-Tezuka/dp/1616558601/
2024-12-191h 25
Truth, Beauty, ComicsAstro Boy: #1On this episode Felix and Levi discuss the Astro Boy manga by Osamu Tezuka. We specifically cover the origin story and The Hot Dog Corps.
We're reading out of the Astro Boy Omnibus by Dark Horse Press, which you can find on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Astro-Boy-Omnibus-Osamu-Tezuka/dp/1616558601/
2024-12-051h 11
Truth, Beauty, ComicsUnderstanding Comics, Part 2Felix and Levi cover the second half of Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics.
Patreon show notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/understanding-2-116456505
For those interested in reading this book, we recommend the following edition:
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
Many public libraries also have access to this book through Hoopla or on the shelves.
2024-11-211h 09
Truth, Beauty, ComicsUnderstanding Comics: Part 1In this episode, Felix and Levi discuss the classic work of comic analysis by Scott McCloud: Understanding Comics. This episode covers the introduction and the first three chapters.
Patreon show notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-4-comics-116008188
For those interested in reading this book, we recommend the following edition: Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
Many public libraries also have access to this book through Hoopla or on the shelves.
2024-11-141h 09
Truth, Beauty, ComicsAll Star Superman #2Felix and Levi discuss the second half of All Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.
For those interested in reading the comics, we recommend the following two editions:
Full size: https://www.amazon.com/All-Star-Superman-Grant-Morrison/dp/1779513445
Budget edition ($10): All-Star Superman: 9781779527257
Many public libraries also have access to these comics through Hoopla, which we also highly recommend.
2024-11-071h 12
Truth, Beauty, ComicsAll Star Superman #1Felix and Levi discuss the first half of All Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.
Patreon show notes here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-2-all-1-115108887?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
For those interested in reading the comics, we recommend the following two editions:
Full size: https://www.amazon.com/All-Star-Superman-Grant-Morrison/dp/1779513445
Budget edition ($10): All-Star Superman: 9781779527257
Many public libraries also have access to these comics through Hoopla, which we also highly recommend.
2024-10-311h 16
Truth, Beauty, ComicsSuperman: Action Comics #1 and other golden age storiesIn the first episode of Truth, Beauty, Comics Felix & Levi look at one of comic's greatest characters: Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and look at his first appearance in Action Comics #1 and a few other early adventures.
Full show notes here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-1-notes-114560835
2024-10-211h 10