ComicStory

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Superhero Comics are a uniquely American artform that have intertwined with US history since their inception. Hosts Hollis Thompson and Kelly Guentner explore the ways that superhero comics both mirror what’s going on in the history of their era and even influence that history. Superheroes have become our modern mythology, and the way the stories have evolved with US society is fascinating from a sociological standpoint. Hollis is an English Professor who specializes in studying stories, and Kelly is an all-around geek girl who has been fascinated with superheroes and the power of storytelli

  1. Don't Mess With the CCA!

    12/22/2025

    Don't Mess With the CCA!

    ComicStorians Kelly Guentner and Hollis Thompson conclude the Comics Code Authority saga with this discussion of the CCA itself. Who actually decided the rules of the CCA, how was it implemented, and how did it impact the comic industry? Find these answers and more within! This is our season 1 series finale, but look for more thrilling tales when we return for season 2!

    49 min
  2. The Comic Industry on Trial

    10/08/2025

    The Comic Industry on Trial

    After the 'Seduction of the Innocent' bombshell was dropped, the US Government decided to hold an exploratory hearing to determine just how much of an impact comic books really have on America's youth and what actions might need to be taken. But wait-who are the players in this drama and what are their real motivations? Join Comicstorians Kelly Guentner and Hollis C. Thompson as we explore those questions and more!

    47 min
  3. Frederic Wertham & Seduction of the Innocent

    08/26/2025

    Frederic Wertham & Seduction of the Innocent

    Frederic Wertham is often painted as the biggest villain in comics history, as his tome, Seduction of the Innocent, is responsible for the creation of the Comics Code Authority and the death of several genres of comics (horror comics particularly!) But is he actually a villain as he's painted, or is the truth more complicated? Comicstorians Kelly Guentner and Hollis Thompson dive into the true story behind the Seduction of the Innocent and the man who wrote it.

    58 min

  4. 06/28/2025

    Bonus Episode: WWII and the Comic Industry

    Bonus Episode Time: This panel is from the Multiverse FunRaiser in 2023 and predates the creation of ComicStory, but certainly helped lay the groundwork for our podcast. Comicstorians Kelly Guentner and Hollis Thompson, along with John B. Pyka, discuss the role that comic books played in World War II. Notes: WWII & the Changing Role of Women in Comics: https://rosietheriveter.net/wow-wwii-the-changing-role-of-women-in-comics/ The Political Influence of Comics During WWII: https://www.nelson.edu/thoughthub/history/the-political-influence-of-comics-in-america-during-wwii/

    1h 1m
  5. Brr! Women in Refrigerators

    06/28/2025

    Brr! Women in Refrigerators

    Comicstorians Hollis Thompson and Kelly Guentner dive into the Women in Refrigerators trope and discuss where it started, theorize about why it got so popular and why we've seen less of it in the current age of comics. Notes: Women in Refrigerators website: https://lby3.com/wir/index.html Bearing Witness to Female Trauma in Comics: An Analysis of Women in Refrigerators: https://digital.library.txst.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f6be12af-c993-41d3-8ea5-f30167ddeb03/content The F-Word Magazine: https://upennfword.com/

    47 min
  6. Kirby, Simon, and Cap Vs. Fascism

    04/30/2025

    Kirby, Simon, and Cap Vs. Fascism

    Captain America joined WWII 9 months before the US did. If you don't think comics were political back in the Golden Age, ComicStorians Hollis Thompson and Kelly Guentner are about to change your mind and show you how Captain America has always been used for political statements.

    30 min
  7. Hedy Lamarr and Catwoman

    04/01/2025

    Hedy Lamarr and Catwoman

    Hedy Lamarr was once known as 'the most beautiful woman in the world.' She was one of the greats of Hollywood's Golden Age, but most people didn't know that she also had a great scientific mind and invented several things, including the technology that became the foundation for Wi-Fi and password encryption. Many people also don't realize that she and Jean Harlow were the inspiration for Selina Kyle/Catwoman. Comicstorians Kelly Guentner and Hollis Thompson discuss Hedy and Catwoman and the connections (both intentional and unintentional) between the two. Sources: DC Villains-Catwoman: The Feline Fatale (Documentary) American Masters: Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (PBS)

    41 min
  8. Wonder Woman Meets the 1970s!

    03/17/2025

    Wonder Woman Meets the 1970s!

    Special Guest Shannon Farnon drops in to talk about voicing Wonder Woman on Hanna Barbara's Super Friends, Wonder Woman becoming the face of new wave feminism in the 1970s, and why the character has lasting importance today. Additional Reading: https://psmag.com/social-justice/ms-magazine-helped-make-wonder-woman-a-feminist-icon/

    29 min
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About

Superhero Comics are a uniquely American artform that have intertwined with US history since their inception. Hosts Hollis Thompson and Kelly Guentner explore the ways that superhero comics both mirror what’s going on in the history of their era and even influence that history. Superheroes have become our modern mythology, and the way the stories have evolved with US society is fascinating from a sociological standpoint. Hollis is an English Professor who specializes in studying stories, and Kelly is an all-around geek girl who has been fascinated with superheroes and the power of storytelli

Information

  • Creator
    Phoenix Sisters
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Phoenix Sisters
  • Show Website
    ComicStory