Episode 60: Castlevania the Animated Series

Episode 60: Castlevania the Animated Series
Produced by Relevant to Our Interests
Hosts: John R. Belliston and Frank Shaw
Scripting by: John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell and Frank Shaw
Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

John and I have a lot to say about this four episode series (so far). I liked it. John had some major issues, and he's complaints are not unfounded. The series, written by Warren Ellis has a tone of anti-religion to it, and that's not surprising given Warren Ellis' personal philosophy (which is heavily Humanist). I think the biggest sticking point for John is the mistreatment of the source material. The series is heavily based off Castlevania 3, and the series ignores some of the established lore of that game. 

One way to make the series more approachable, and make more logical sense for the narrative is to treat the first episode like a flashback episode and postpone it till last, or between episode 3 and 4. This helps the narrative flow, and puts less emphasis on Dracula, who is the focal point of that first episode. It's a recommendation, and one of the reasons I liked the series so much can likely be attributed to watching it in this manner.

That said, how do you feel about the series? Did you like series? Or did you feel like it was too ignorant of the source material. Let us know, we'd love your thoughts.

Episode 54: Duck Tales! woo hoo!

Episode 54: Duck Tales! woo hoo!
Produced by Relevant to Our Interests
Scripting by Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Morning Activities by F.G. Shaw

So the conversation is all about the new Duck Tales this episode. I didn't know much going into it, other than it existed. I watched it (thanks to John) over the weekend of my birthday, and had an enjoyable time viewing it with my lady.

It's enjoyable, and if you have any nostalgia for the original there's a very real chance you might enjoy it. There's also a very real chance you may have a few of the same criticisms we did (Launch Pad, we're looking at you here). 

One big note I want to make is thanks to listener meg-elizabeth who gave us a little bit of the background on Tony Anselmo becoming Donald Duck. John has some heavy criticisms for Donald, and meg-elizabeth shared links than Mr. Anselmo did with Leonard Maltin detailing how he ended up becoming the voice of Donald after the original voice-actor, Clarence Nash, passed away. It's a sweet interview and if you have any interest in Disney, film history, or voice actors it's worth a watch. I'd like to thank meg-elizabeth for the conversation in the comments on the Soundcloud site, which you can click on the speech bubble on the track above to see. 

Part 1.


And of course Part 2:


We don't dislike Mr. Anselmo, John just dislikes the voice of Donald Duck. We actually talk about it more in the episode that follows this one. But until then listen to the catchiest t.v. theme song ever written put to the video of All the Single Ladies by Beyonce!

Episode 26: Steven Universe and Nostalgia part 2

Episode 26: Steven Universe and Nostalgia pt. 2
Hosts: Frank Shaw and John Belliston
Produced by Hobos in the Back Row
Scripting by Frank Shaw
Edited by: Frank Shaw
Graphic Design by: Nathan Newell
Intro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 1 by F.G. Shaw
Outro Music: Piano Sonata mvnt 3 by F.G. Shaw

There aren't a lot of show notes for this episode. Just a couple of links to some articles that we felt were quite relevant to the topic. Steven Universe is something that John absolutely loves (and if you've listened to the podcast that's quite apparent) and it's something that Frank enjoys as well. So this is a cartoon we'll revisit, probably next fall.

This first link is an article addressing nostalgia from the perspective of "queer kids" that grew up in the 90's. Neither John, nor Frank can fully identify with this perspective, but we can empathize and sympathize with this perspective. Homosexuality is something that society has become more comfortable and accepting of. The cautiousness of the 90's has given way to Steven Universe, a cartoon that openly shows same sex relationships, but in such a way that it never comes across as preachy. The genius of the show is how it embraces the idea of love and family and friendship. Those are the real themes of the cartoon, and ultimately it helps trigger those warm longing feelings of nostalgia that we seem to seek as we grow older.

The second article is an in depth commentary of the nostalgia of Steven Universe. This is the article where the quote from Mad Men is used that I quoted in the episode. It touches on some of the same stuff we did, but is worth a read, just for the author's enthusiasm for the series.

Nostalgia is subjective. John and Frank get that. They understand that that what triggers those wonderful feels in one person won't necessarily be the same for the next. We heavily criticized Stranger Things (despite enjoying the series) for forcing the nostalgia. Some people might be inclined to do the same with Steven Universe. Nostalgia will have a part 3 on the podcast, probably sooner than later.