Happy New Year! Welcome to the brand-new podcast DC SpecialCast! For this inaugural episode, Paul Kien and Max Romero hit the diamond and discuss DC Super Stars #10 – Strange Sports Stories! Hear about the Honeymooners of comics and why Plastic Man gets the MVP award!
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“Cloud Dancer ” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Great way to kick off the new year and the new podcast, fellas! This was a joy to listen to. Also, how was Sportsmaster not in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad?!!
Congratulation on, and thanks for, the first episode of DC Special podcast, Paul. Max is always a top guest. As expected, it was a great listen, the best next step from Batman Family Reunion this side of… well, you know.
I bought this batty book when it came out, we rarely got the specials in the UK so I grabbed this instantly. As a Brit who is bored senseless by sport, it’s a tribute to the creators that I loved a comic about heroes and villains playing, basically, rounders. There’s such a terrific bunch of baddies in there; Tattooed Man is one of the all-time greats, and I love Dr Polaris – it’s just a shame the overused Joker and Luthor weren’t swapped out for, say, Sonar and Hyathis.
It’s so interesting that Huntress wanted to become one of the good guys, I shall join you in assuming that after this story she and Crusher settled down in the suburbs. Maybe they opened a petting zoo.
Much as I love the work of Rich Buckler, I disagree that the cover for the digest reprint is better than the original, the Ernie Chua/Chan illo on the original has such dynamism, with Luthor and Joker being punched in our face, where the reprint is cluttered with copy and figures – and even by the Seventies that opposing sides composition was a tad tired.
The premise of the story is a little flawed – if Huntress wants to become a good gal she could just become a good gal, she does NOT need her husband‘s permission. I do love to see them arguing so physically, you just know they’re equals and probably have some great leisure time together.
The story, despite the sport setting, was mostly great, I loved the interaction between this cadre of characters, and super stunts, but tut tut, Plastic Man, for cheating.
The art is spectacular, even by the standards of Dillin and McLaughlin – and once again we see the DC were wrong to not give Bob Rozakis a stint on JLA proper.
Mind, that text page giving the play-by-play of the game manages to be even more boring than your average Statement of Circulation. I’d rather eat an entire box of Twinkies than read this stuff.
I love the rundown on the history of Paula and Crusher Creel… sorry, Crock, they are just fabulous, especially on TV – mind the TV Huntress doesn’t have the cracking costume. Sportsmaster has always seemed oddly sexy… maybe it’s the face loincloth.
I don’t believe those were real Saturnians in the Strange Sports Stories reprint, I Mean, one of them gave his name as ‘Kanto’… obviously, they’re disguised minions of Darkseid on a training mission. And as was noted, we all know what DC Saturnians look like.
That GL story was nice looking, but dull, like an overextend Hostess Fruit Pies advert.
That house ad with the spinner rack is a wonderful concept, they should have used that as a standard page filler every month.
I can’t wait for the next episode, I have my Special eyes on you.
Martin,
Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about rounders, but I can explain the appeal of baseball. When the batter faces off against the pitcher, it is a one on one game. That’s why a game with a low score can be just as exciting as a game with a dozen home runs. The second a ball is hit, baseball becomes a game of one man vs. the whole other team. That dynamic, plus the skill and strategy involved is why I love baseball.
Thanks James! Honestly, I’ve tried watching sport, my eyes just glaze over… maybe something is missing in my brain. The tribalism of it all just doesn’t connect with me. I do enjoy swimming and the gym, I’m not anti-physical activity, honestly.
Paul and Max,
Excellent debut episode! I am so excited that the show is here.
As one of the lone fans of Young All-Stars , I have always had a love of Tigress. Watching her journey in that series and knowing the villainous outcome was fun.
I love that Amazo is one of the refs. Maybe he can steal the abilities of a real MLB ref and miss all the calls.
Also, Superman pitching sounds like a bad idea. If he tries to go inside, he might accidentally drill a hole in you.
Fun show! Can’t wait to hear more!
Congratulations on the new podcast, Paul!
This issue is actually one that I still have my original copy, albeit a little worn after two or three moves. Mr Bob Rozakis, if you’re reading this, I have 2 questions — first, how long did it take to plot out the ball game? Second, did you plot out the game before or after writing the story?
So Plastic Man tricked Sportsmaster with a fake base. I seem to remember the Twins taking out a Braves payer in the 1991 World Series with a bogus throw. Besides, wasn’t Plas a crook named Eel O’Brien?
The alien athletes story has a basis in reality. The US Olympic Committee has a training center in Colorado Springs so athletes can acclimate their bodies to thinner air at higher altitudes. That males it caster to compete at lower attitudes. Nothing could prepare them for the humidity in Atlanta in 1996 though.
Great content – lots of fun. Good choice for the kickoff – focus on fun… I too got a kick out of the $250K in cash, basically in a fishbowl. This was fun because it was still a time when the Joker busied himself trying to rob banks to get at the money – as opposed to trying to turn kill every man, woman and child on the eastern seaboard.
Such a great idea for a show, and a fantastic issue to kick off the series!
Paul, you and Max did a wonderful job talking about one of my favorite stories!
I can’t wait to listen each month!
FAME !!!!
Manbat
Had to put those
To bad there is now Harvey comics Richie rich sports special
Typo should be no not now .
Welcome, DC SpecialCast to my rotation. What a fun issue. I had this back in 1976, so reliving it in audio was a step back in time.
Happy New Year!
Great episode! Strange Sports Stories is possibly the best choice to kick off the new podcast. It’s a great example of just how eclectic the DC Specials could be. It’s a crazy concept, but it’s even crazier to think they were able to make a few issues out of it, let alone one! It’s a shame Marvel and DC never coproduced a Super Bowl tie in putting the JLA and JSA against NFL Superpro and Kickers Inc…. wait… no… no it’s probably better that they didn’t.
This promises to be a fun podcast with something yo appeal to a wide audience. Can’t wait until Earth Shattering Disasters.
Great new show .
Here’s what I think the dc special location looks like . Cause with the Batman reunion you had Wayne gardens . Think building like the old abc tv studio mixed dc comic and for some where unknown in the building you here a funky base line and there is a disco ball hanging in the lobby .
Also as you enter your clothes are magically changed to what ever the theme .
Im now wearing a poker themed bowling shirt and bowling gear , my brother is soccer gear , and Martian grey is classic cricket gear . And Shawn m has on a fame inspired baseball gear don’t ask me how manged that . This my idea it’s up to host if wants to make this a thing .
Happy New Year!
GREAT first episode!!! What a wonderful way to start the new year with the first episode of a new must listen to podcast.
I love the idea of a podcast that features completely different characters and genres each month. That’s the beauty of comics, there is such an amazing variety.
The first story sounded wonderful! It has the dream art team of Dillin & McLaughlin. Plus, it was written by Batman Family All-Star Bob Rozakis.
The thing that made this story sound so great is that it is the type of story that is unique to DC Comics. I cannot imagine Doctor Doom, Ultron, The Red Skull, Thanos and Kang playing baseball against the Avengers. It would never happen. But, this story is an absolute delight because it is exactly the type of story that only DC Comics told in the Silver and Bronze Ages.
Can’t wait for the next episode!
It SHOULD happen, we had the X-Men and Avengers facing off on the baseball diamond (is that right?) only last month!
‘Slide, Charlie Xavier, slide!’
why would Joker team up with Matter master? Here….
Joker “you’re really powerful! How does HAWKMAN BEAT you?
MM “He controls birds and has a mace. Have you ever tried to Dodge a mace with bird poop everywhere?
Joker Uh Batman MUST have hit me with a mace at some point but look would’nt it be nice to be beaten by a hero with a shirt?
MM “im IN!
As everyone has said already, great start, Paul! Next episode will be a bit of a come down, but that’s podcasting!
I wonder how these sports-themed comics sold. Did the mix turn most of us nerds off or did the superheroes close the deal?
And for my money, I love the Sportsmaster–that little mask is so cool. Great to know there’s multiple-Earth versions of him!
Great first episode Paul! Great guest to lead of with Max of course!
I have always wanted to read this comic, so I appreciate the coverage. The digest version has haunted me for years since I saw an ad for it (maybe a Daily Planet page?). The closest I got was in animated form in Batman: The Brave and the Bold’s brief cold-open adaptation in the episode “Triumvirate of Terror”.
I did meet Sportsmaster and Huntress via the JSA issue of Best of DC digest, so I’ve always had a soft spot for them. Maybe the Earth-One versions DID settle down and go straight, had a kid, and that’s who Aquaman saw on vacation in B&B’s “Aquaman’s Outrageous Adventure”?
Can’t wait to hear what you have next. This is a great subject for a podcast, and your passion and professionalism will make it no doubt one of the best shows on our network!
Great idea for a show, and nicely done first episode. Though I was disappointed that you didn’t mention Julie Schwartz’s editor’s note about Tattooed Man and Dr. Polaris reverting back to their older costumes, and the promise to reveal the reasons why in a later story. It’s hilarious that Julie presume readers would be “puzzled”—they knew what kind of nit-picking nerds they were dealing with. (Was that ever indeed addressed? I doubt it.)
Here’s a vote for you to cover DC Special Series #6, from 1977, featuring the Secret Society of Super-Villains. Great, bonkers story, featuring truly terrifying versions of Grodd and Bizarro (drawn by the underrated Arvell Jones). One of my earliest comics memories, and it imprinted on me hardcore.
Impressive podcast most impressive. Ah y’all are talking about the sports-ket- ball. Yeaaah I. Know nothing about sports other than Wrestling, MMA or archery. Sometimes I’ll watch Soccer (wonder how many people say no it’s call Football ya bloody American.lol) so no clue, but sounds like a fun comic wait how much did they rase for bowling? I lie bowling sometimes I can bowl a turkey here and there or at least two strikes back to back.
What no bat girl ? That means no one will be dressed like they were drunk at the time. Where is the fun in that Canary was just fine in this one. Oh wait look. What are the goons is wearing green pants with an orange shirt. Yay the return of the tacky. Now I have something to make fun of.
Happy days are here again. This would actually be the second time the hunt just became a hero since in Golden age she had become one of the good guys before her boyfriend died, and she either went to or went back to the sportsman.
Oh wait I stand corrected. As shocking as it is and I’m so glad Sean isn’t here to hear me say this, but, Bruce Wayne seems to be the man committing the fashion crime here a brown jacket with a yellow Ascot. it’s clear to me. Bruce Wayne has spent way too much time with Barbara Gordon. He’s now developing her bad taste sorry Stella
Just why yellow and brown. This is a new level of tacky. Bruce Wayne should have to pay everyone who saw him in that for pain and suffering for the pain he has done to their eyeballs with his horrendous outfit. Moving right along
To be honest. my favorite version of Lex Luther costumes was the green battle suit. I didn’t read the story from the world war Luther was a hero too much later in life when I was a kid I saw the issue after that where Alex came back to earth and thought it was cool. I didn’t have the superpower action figure of him in that outfit, but it was great.
So sportsman wasn’t smart enough to look down? What a brilliant villain he is they’re cheating left right in center but at no point did he decide to look down before landing on the base? We are truly dealing with a criminal mastermind here folks. It is so sad that they decided to give up a life of crime for heroism. Forgive me as my eyes roll. The other stories are kind of cool as well.
No, I don’t have much to say about the aliens playing baseball but it’s there. Though the wrestler being OK with being busted by Green Lantern, even though he’s wearing his ring, the whole time is a bit perplexing. Though if the guy dressed like Hulk Hogan, he probably would’ve won sensitive and all in yellow well save the red but still, though I kind of wish that guy came back and knocked Hal out any later issue I will not make any sexual jokes at Robin’s expense are at Black Canaries in this issue.
Though they are definitely there. Sweet innocent angel me would never say anything so on civilized why is everyone laughing cool podcast can’t wait to hear the next one. Love y’all’s marvel team up, but will be cool When Shawn is back. Though Max is pretty awesome and like y’all’s banter. Just not the same with out the singing.
Great start to this podcast and great story.
As a comic fan and a baseball fan, I love this ! I have a million questions about the hero’s manager. Who bats Superman 9th??
Given how indepth the details of the game are, I wonder if Rozakis had some sort of randomizer to say who did what (obviously ending with the heroes winning).
For a stats guy like me, it is nutty. Black Canary, batting 8th, with a slugging percentage of 1.600 and an OPS of 2.200! She better have won the MVP of the game!
Anyways, looking forward to listening to this show!
Great show, Paul and Max. I love the new show, Paul. And wow, what a great logo! I remember seeing the ads for this Justice League sports story as a kid and always being fascinated by it. But, I never actually read the story until now! It’s a lot of fun, but your friend Rozakis is way off on his lineup. Why on earth would you put Superman at the 9 spot? You always want your best hitters at the 1 thru 4 positions. Here’s how the positions and batting order should have been.
1. Kid Flash (Shortstop) – Your leadoff guy should be able to steal and nobody has Kid Flash’s speed. I do like him a shortstop, though.
2. Batman (Catcher) – I do like Batman at catcher so he can call the game and be the field leader. I put him at 2 to bunt and move along the leadoff hitter.
3. Wonder Woman (Left Field) – You don’t waste the speed of Hermes at second base! Plus, her power makes her a great 3 spot.
4. Superman (Center Field) – Here’s your clean-up hitter. He can knock the ball to the moon, and easily cover center field with speed and flying ability.
5. Green Arrow (Pitcher) – He’s got pinpoint accuracy and can paint the corners. Plus, he’d love shaking off signs from batman. His reflexes and skill makes him the perfect guy to get on base after Superman just cleared them.
6. Plastic Man (Right Field) – You gotta use that range in the outfield!
7. Black Canary (First Base) – She’s in shouting distance to keep Green Arrow in line and the flexibility to stretch for the errant throw to first.
8. Robin (Third Base) – Robin’s athleticism, reflexes, and acrobatics make him a perfect fit for the hot corner.
9. Huntress (Second Base) – Alway put your worst player at second and hitting 9th.
Now, that’s a line-up! Eat it, villains!
I know I’m late, but I just finished the first episode today and had to drop a line telling you how much I enjoyed it. But… sports?? My ONE weakness. Despite my aversion to sports ball, I have always enjoyed this story and its wacky lineup. And I have a deep rooted love for Dick Dillin’s artwork. But do I catalogue this as a JLA story with guest stars? Or just a random grouping of heroes. How to spreadsheet…. how to spreadsheet.
Loved the show and looking forward to more.