Podcast Episode 18: A Very Merry He-Man Christmas

Sorry Charlie Brown. Sorry Mr. Grinch. For me, it’s just not Christmas without an annual screening of He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special. This year, I recruited site members and longtime Heroic Podboys of the Universe Allen, Razz-Bel, Johnny M and Havoc for a little post-show discussion and analysis of this venerable holiday classic. Highlights include:

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Queen Marlena
After 20 years of life on Eternia, Queen Marlena suddenly remembers Christmas back home on Earth. That’s 20 years of Christmas cards she forgot to send.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Transformers
The spin-off that never was, the Manchines and the Monstroids do their best to make Christmas a little more soulless and metallic for our heroes.

O Holy Bony Night
All it takes is a puppy to transform Skeletor from Evil Lord of Destruction into that creepy uncle you only see at Christmas. He-Man should have thought of that sooner.

Hark, Hear the Bells New FBOTU Theme Song
Our very own Johnny M has composed an awesome new theme song for our podcast and for the site! A download will be available soon. For now, be sure to listen to the podcast to be the first to hear this breakaway hit! You can also hear more of Johnny M’s music on MySpace Music.

Whether you’re on Earth or Etheria or Eternia or my ass, have a very merry He-Man Christmas! Thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 17: Hot Gay Ghost Action

You know the story. Boy meets ghost. Boy loses ghost. Boy gets ghost back. Boy realizes ghost may not be the best boyfriend material after all. All holy hell breaks loose… Wait, you’re not familiar with that particular story? Well, you’re in luck. In this week’s podcast episode, I chat with Steve Berman, author of Vintage: A Ghost Story. Just in time for Halloween, Vintage tells the story of a young gay man’s relationship with the ghost of a boy long-since departed. Sweet, funny and oftentimes haunting and poignant, Vintage reminds us how first loves can be thrilling and heartbreaking all at the same time. Tune in to hear Steve’s inspiration for writing the book, his thoughts on goth fashion and why the gays love a good ghost story!

You can learn more about Steve and his work at his official website. And you can buy Vintage: A Ghost Story at your local gay bookstore, TLABooks.com, queerbooks.com or barnesandnoble.com.

Or, if you’re one of the first three to post the words “Trick or Treat” in the comments section below, you’ll win a FREE copy of Vintage. Read it under the covers with a flashlight for added spookiness!

Enjoy the podcast! Thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 16: Outside the Government, Beyond the Police, Out of the Closet

Series Two of Torchwood, the big gay sci-fi snogfest, just came out on DVD, so I gathered Doctor Who/Torchwood experts Atragon (aka Adam) and Havoc (aka Nick) to discuss the show, Series Two and all things gay and bi in the world of Captain Jack Harkness. Speaking of gay and bi, here’s Jack and his current squeeze, Ianto:

And here are a few highlights from the podcast:

I Like Men with Big Discs
Five discs for 13 episodes? Really? We try to help conserve by only talking about the ones we liked.

If You Cross Timelines and Have Sex with Yourself, Is It Incest, Masturbation or Just Gay?***(See bottom of post for details.)
Adam tries to explain the complexities of time travel to my fragile little mind. I decide to go back in time and not listen to him.

“I’m John Barrowman! You May Remember Me From Such Films as Torchwood and Never Say Dyke”
Nick explains John Barrowman’s metamorphosis into Troy McClure, while Adam blames everything on the Puritans. Damn Puritans!

Thanks for listening! Here’s one more snog just for good measure!

***Feel free to offer your answer in the comments section. The most logical, creative or funny answer will win the Torchwood Series Two DVD! Professor Stephen Hawking not eligible to play. 

Podcast Episode 15: Springfield’s Favorite Family

Believe it or not, there was a time before The Simpsons, when nothing happened of any historical relevance. Then the wacky yellow family we all know and love entered the scene, and nothing would (or will) ever be the same. The Season 11 DVD collection was just released last week, so Johnny M, Havoc and I discuss our favorite episodes and 20 years of the show in general. Here are some screaming yellow honkers...I mean, highlights:

And Then Homer Said, “Let There Be Jebus”
We discuss the hits, misses and milestones of Season 11, including the first utterance of “Jebus” in the world of The Simpsons.

“I’m Bart Simpson, Who the Hell Are You?”
Twenty years of Springfield hijinks. Where did the time go? We chat about the early days when The Simpsons either brought families together or tore them apart.

“Women and Seamen Don’t Mix”
Waylon Smithers. Patty Bouvier. Ralph Wiggum. Who are our gay role models in Springfield and what makes them tick?

Thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 14: Gaylaxicon 2008

Gaylaxicon 2008 is almost here! A convention celebrating the worlds of science fiction and fantasy from a GLBT perspective, Gaylaxicon is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! This year, the convention is in Bethesda, Maryland, October 10-13. In this episode, Co-Chair of Programming Rob Gates joins me for a quick rundown on how it all got started, what makes the gays such a bunch of geeks and what you can expect at this year’s convention! If you’re in the Bethesda/DC/Baltimore area and would like to meet up at Gaylaxicon, let me know! But whether you can make it or not, you should definitely check out the Gaylaxicon website and read about the cool events and discussion panels planned. You’re not going to see some of these at any other convention this year! Here are some highlights from the panel discussion schedule:

Pandering (The Dumbledore Issue)
Was JK Rowling pandering to a GLBT audience by announcing that she wrote Dumbledore with a gay identity background?

Is It Good Because It’s Gay
As GLBT fans, are we allowed to be critical of works that are GLBT positive?

Can We Have Gay Villains Now?
Do the GLBT characters have to be the heroes?

Queers And Comics
What is it about comic heroes and heroines that continue to draw a significant GLBT following?

Kink in Sci-Fi/Fantasy or Where is that Tentacle Going?
Do we as a GLBT community have different perceptions of what is considered “kinky”?

FBOTU Podcast: Episode 13 “True Blood Sucks”

Woohoo! The second podcast in a row about vampires! I must be iron deficient. This time yours truly bites the silver bullet (wait, that’s werewolves) and watches the first two episodes of HBO’s new vampire series True Blood. Here are a few highlights:

He Met Marmalade Down in Old New Orleans
Well, not really New Orleans. New Orleans adjacent. And not really filmed there, but in Malibu Canyon. But still, very gothic.

Let’s Get to the Bottom of This
Apparently, I’ve never seen Ryan Kwanten before this show. Thankfully, we get to see a whole lot of Ryan. What’s that old saying? “Sometimes a good ass can save a bad show.” Here’s a pic of him, by the way:

The Eye(brows) Have It
Anna Paquin is a doll, but her wildly prancing eyebrow acting reminds me of Emma Watson in the Harry Potter movies. I kept expecting Anna to shout, “Wingardium leviosa!”

Jessica Tuck is the Greatest Actress in the World
Making a cameo appearance (so far), Jessica Tuck plays the very articulate spokesperson for the vamp rights movement. Sigh. I love her so. If you listen to the podcast, I mention the name of a character she used to play. If you’re the first to post the name of that character in the comments section, I’ll send you the True Blood comic book that was distributed at Comic-Con!

Enjoy! Thanks for listening! 

Podcast Episode 12: A Look Back at Buffy

Yay! The Fanboys of the Universe podcast is back! And this time, it’s personal. Actually, this time it’s Buffy. Johnny M, Funkymono and I are joined by Long-Suffering Boyfriend Michael and our innocent friends Ben and Gary for a viewing of “Welcome to the Hellmouth,” the first episode of the beloved series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Here are some highlights:

What’s the Sitch?
We look at the turbulent decade known as the 90s and revisit the characters, the history and the vocabulary of BTVS.

Into Every Generation, A Homo Is Born
Does Buffy have a gay following? Ha! Does a vampire suck blood? Yes. The answer is yes. We discuss the appeal of a girl with a stake and why the gays want to be part of the Scooby Gang.

There’s Nothing We Can’t Face, Except for Bunnies
She’s not in this episode, but we can’t help but reminisce about our favorite vengeance demon turned venture capitalist. Oh Anya, how we miss you!

Thanks for listening! If you have suggestions for future episodes for us to review and discuss, feel free to suggest them!

Podcast: SDCC: Chatting with Joe Phillips

I still have a couple of cool interviews from Comic-Con to share with you! First up is my chat with renowned comics/erotic artist Joe Phillips! Joe and I chat about his foray back into the world of superheros with his second animated release, Stonewall & Riot. You can bring the adventures of Stonewall & Riot home from Joe’s official website or Amazon.com.

The subject matter gets a little...colorful...so this is definitely not safe for broadcasting at work or in the presence of minors. Miners, yes. Minors, no.

Enjoy! Thanks for listening! 

Podcast: SDCC Exclusive Chat with DC VP Gregory Noveck

Well, it’s exclusive in the sense that it was the only interview he gave on the final day! So I’m still calling it an exclusive! Tune in and hear me grill DC Vice President of Creative Affairs Gregory Noveck on such hot topics as:

Is there any hope for the smaller DC titles to make it to DVD?
Why is everyone afraid of a butch Wonder Woman?
Do DC executives get all the good stuff?

Thanks again to Mr. Noveck for showing extreme patience with all my blathering! And thanks to all of you for listening! Enjoy!

Podcast: SDCC: The Boys from FBOTU

I was very happy to see and meet a few members from our site here at the convention this week. GayComicGeek and his partner Steve were there (pictured above). Then I met LeeMajors6Mil (the member, not the 6-Million-Dollar guy) today and got to chat a little. So I put together a couple of clips of us talking about the Con, cosplay, art and toys. Just so you can put a voice with a screen name. Enjoy! And thanks for talking to me, guys! I had a blast.

Podcast: So Super Duper

Whew! Today was a big day. Panels and mixers and blatant self-promotion abounded. My henchmen and I passed out t-shirts and postcards and talked up the site to anyone who would listen. I told people all about you guys and how cool you all are. The new people are going to love you!

Speaking of new people and love, I met and chatted with Brian Andersen, the adorable author of So Super Duper, an irreverent and touching comic book about a new superhero finding his identity as both a hero and a homo. To find out more about Brian and So Super Duper, tune in to the attached podcast! And be sure to buy his books at Prism Comics or through the various options listed on his website!

Tomorrow is the final day, but I still have a couple of surprises in store, so stay tuned!

Thanks for listening!

Podcast: SDCC Day One

Busy, busy day! The crowds were overwhelming and I missed out on King Grayskull again, but a fun time is being had by all. Tune in to the latest podcast and eavesdrop on my friend Chris and I as we recap our day for you while in transit to and from the Dexter/Marc Ecko party. Here are some highlights:

Flash...AhAhhhh...Savior of the Universe
I chat up Sam Jones at the Entertainment Earth booth and make him sign my Flash Gordon action figure. I can now cross that off my list of lifelong dreams come true. Will definitely bring my Sam Jones issue of Playgirl next year.

Michael C. Hall or C. Michael Hall?
Either way, we met him at the Dexter/Marc Ecko party, along with Marc Ecko himself and gay icon Kevin Smith. Have a Skyy Passion Fruit and 7-Up on me. Hear all the juicy party gossip and dish.

The Fandom Menace
What’s more prevalent at Comic-Con this year? Dexter? Hamlet 2? Or pedicabs? We dodge the peddling marauders as we discuss Anne Frank, Jabba the Hutt and how to deal with Comic-Con security guards.

Tune in tomorrow for more fun and excitement, including interviews with Pride High author Tommy Roddy and that guy we met tonight, the one with the pretty eyes.

Enjoy! Thanks for listening!

Podcast: SDCC Preview Night (Unedited/Uncensored)

If Preview Night is any indication, the rest of Comic-Con is going to be a nightmare! Open only to press and people who bought 4-day passes, it was packed! But that didn’t stop me and my friend Chris from going, pushing our way through the crowds and generally running amok. Luckily, we recorded a recap. Highlights include:

How to Steal Things at Comic-Con
How to Bed Cute Guys at Comic-Con
Where to Get Gay Underwear in San Diego

Plus, some stuff about exclusives and comics and costumes. All I know is that the evening started with me in line at the Mattel booth and ended with Chris making the sign of the cross on my forehead with vodka at the Hard Rock hotel bar.

Check out some preliminary photos in the Gallery and stay tuned tomorrow for more Comic-Con news and misadventures!

Podcast Episode 11: Hold Me, Batboy

Oh, that crazy Batman with his bat gadgets and batcycles and bat nipples. Wait, no bat nipples this time? Damn you, Christopher Nolan! In this week’s podcast, Allen, Johnny and I examine The Dark Knight and try to figure out what makes him tick. I think the Joker said it best: “Why so serious?” But we do our best to take a fun, lighthearted look at the darkest, most depressing film ever made. Here are a few bat highlights:

Bat Dance
Fanboys of the world (not universe; we’re special) are in a bat frenzy over the new movie. Why now? Why this movie? Why doesn’t Christian Bale take his clothes off more often?

Karl Rove Film School Presents...
Should we leave fighting terrorism to rich white guys and their corporate friends? I say no. Allen says please pass the wiretap.

In Memory of Joel Schumacher
Bat gloss? Gay. Batman’s crush on Harvey Dent? Gay. Nestor Carbonell’s eyelashes? Gay. Gary Oldman’s refusal to be sexy? Not so gay.

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 10.5: Thor 101 Part Two: THORGASM

‘Tis a good day to be a God of Thunder! We are pleased to bring you Part 2 of our Thor 101 podcast series. This is a very special episode, too! In addition to our fun and lively discussion of the big beautiful blonde boy himself, you’ll also hear the Fanboys of the Universe Players perform The Mighty Thor Battles the Lava Man! Trust me, you don’t want to miss that! Here are a couple of other highlights:

“Myth! Myth!” “Yes?”
Get up to speed and learn all you need to know to jump right in and join the Big Gay Thor Corps.

New Thor: Too Much Armor! Take It Off!
The new book by J. Michael Straczynski has Thor fanboys enjoying multiple Thorgasms around the world! Get the scoop!

If I Had a Hammer
After too much champagne, I start offering listeners fabulous Thor prizes. Tune in and find out what tricks I’m forcing you to perform for my amusement now!

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening! And whatever you do, don’t click here.

Podcast Episode 10: Thor 101 Part One

By Odin’s beard! Here’s the first installment in our Thor 101 series! It’s also the first time I’ve taken the show on the road! On location at my local comic book store, I interrogate Chris, my hunky new comic book retailer. Listen closely as I try to butch it up to match Chris’s deep, sexy voice. You’ll forgive me for forgetting what the hell we’re talking about from time to time. If you’re a casual Thor fan or have no clue who or what he is, here’s where to begin! Highlights include:

I’m Too Sexy for My Hammer
Who’s buying Thor? Can you pick a Thor fan out in a crowd? You can if they’re wearing a helmet and carrying a big-ass hammer.

46 Years? That’s like 2,000 in Gay Years
Old Thor versus new Thor. What are fans saying? What do you need to know to jump right in?

I See Your True Colors Shining Through
Rainbow bridge? Check. Big, blonde muscle boy? Check. Gigantic phallic symbol swinging all over the place? Check.

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 9: Muppetational!

It’s the Muppets‘ world; we just live in it. In a brand new, super-sized podcast, Nick, Adam, Johnny M, Razz-Bel and I bring you up to date on all things Muppet. Whether you’re a diehard fan or have strayed from the felt fold, you’re gonna love hearing us all geek out on the Muppets. Here are a few highlights:

Why Don’t You Get Things Started?
The guys discuss The Muppet Show Season Three DVD that’s in stores now. You’ll be surprised to learn Liberace was not the gayest thing about this season!

Muppet News Flash
We rip off the latest Muppet headlines straight from MuppetNewsFlash.com, and Adam continues his quest to destroy all that is good in the world by starting World War III with me over Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas.

Tinseltown: The Best Gay Muppet Comedy About Pig/Bull Love You’ll See All Day
If you haven’t seen Tinseltown, go to Logo and check it out. You won’t be sorry. Be sure to give it a good rating, so we can get some more! Nipples!

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 8: “He’s Here, He’s Green, Get Used to It!”

Sorry this is so late! I went to the True Colors 2008 concert last night instead of doing my podcast homework. And tomorrow...we have a big announcement...which is taking up a little bit of time in prep work. But never fear! The podcast is here! Nick and I go mano-a-mano on the latest FBOTU news and gossip. Here are a few highlights:

It’s Not Easy Being Green
Nick and I discuss the most important plot points of the new Incredible Hulk movie, including Edward Norton’s toenails and William Hurt’s hair. And I tell about my special movie date with myself. And yes, I got lucky at the end of the night!

Horton Hears a Doctor Who
Nick gives us the scoop on the new wave of Doctor Who figures coming out, as well as all the inside queer references in the TV series. Meanwhile, I get morning (Torch)wood over the idea of a new Captain Jack figure.

A Super Tranny Mess
If you haven’t picked up Justin Hall’s comic book Glamazonia: The Uncanny Super Tranny, you are missing out! Strap on your heels, grab your wig and go get it!

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 7: “A Skrull Is a Guy That Thinks He’s Fly”

The comics mis-education of your moderator continues! Allen and Adam do their best to bring yours truly up to speed on what’s hot and what’s new in the world of comics. Tune in to hear all the latest news and, of course, my stupid questions. Beware, spoilers abound! Here are a few highlights:

Madrox Gets a Lot Done in a Day
Adam gives us the lowdown on the downlow Mutants who are apparently restoring a beautiful turn-of-the-century brownstone in Hell’s Kitchen.

Thor’s Hammer Hangs to the Left
Allen and Thor compare mighty hammers. Allen wins.

No Skrulls
I don’t want no Skrull
A Skrull is a guy that can’t get no love from me
Hanging out the passenger side
Of his best friend’s ride
Trying to holler at me

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening!

Podcast Episode 6: He-Man and the Podboys of the Universe

Season One, Volume Two of the Mike Young Productions series of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe hit stores last week, so the Podboys of the Universe crack it open and go over every episode and feature in full fanboy detail!  Here are a few highlights:

I Am Adam...Um...Something?
Allen and Johnny take a stab at reciting the classic intro that should have been burned into all of our memories forever. Never send a He-Boy to do a He-Man’s job.

Orko’s Package
Two words you never thought you’d see together. Well, here they are. And there it is. Tune in and find out where to see it!

Man-at-Arms is a Power Bottom
Johnny explains the secret code and function of Duncan’s manly ponytail.

Enjoy! As always, thanks for listening!

P.S. Be sure to keep listening after the music outro on the podcast for a quick outtake.