Thor by Walt Simonson

03/23/21 • 41 min

In which we discuss the much-celebrated work of Walter Simonson on Thor during the 80s! It is still resonant today as even now, people anticipate an appearance from Beta Ray Bill in the MCU. Will he appear? I don't know, that's not our purview! We will, however, be gushing over a mutual favorite run of comics.
This is episode...6? Already? Norse gods, how time does fly. Anyway, if you're still with us after Saga, then hold your horses! I go a little harder on the creator bio this time since we're mostly talking about one person here. I do mention the contributions of others, but their bios can wait for other episodes. Next time, Sal! Anyway, please leave a rating and comment for us wherever you listen to the podcast. If you would be so kind as to hit us up on Twitter or Facebook, we should be ever so grateful.
Website: https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
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Phil here: I'm back on the research reins for this episode. And fun it was! It's one of my favorite runs from one of my favorite creators. Trust you me, there will be more work from Walt coming up! Anyway, on to references used or interesting!
Back Issue (TwoMorrows Publishing): 53, 117 (One of my favorite things to have found recently is this whole magazine dedicated to my particular area of interest in comics: the Bronze Age! These guys do good work. Yes, you'd have to pay for individual issues, but it's worth your money!)
The Comics Journal interviews Simonson for an Artist's Edition of his Thor stuff:
http://www.tcj.com/the-walter-simonson-interview/
Another interview with Simonson about Thor stuff and more (I've linked to a few interviews from this gentlemen before. Always worthwhile.)
https://www.nerdteam30.com/creator-conversations-retro/an-interview-with-walt-simonson-master-of-the-mighty-thor-friend-of-the-fourth-world
Alex Jay breaks down the timeline and process for his redesign of the Thor logo:
http://alphabettenthletter.blogspot.com/2011/09/anatomy-of-logo-mighty-thor-part-1.html
Letterer Todd Klein examines Thor logos over the years:
https://kleinletters.com/Blog/logo-study-thor-part-1/
And now the particular comics we read for this episode!
Thor (vol 1): 337-382
Balder the Brave: 1-4

Previous Episode

The Saga of Saga

In which we discuss the much-discussed Saga by Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples! We delve a teensy bit in to the backgrounds of the creators and what they've done otherwise. We also discuss what we like (or maybe don't like) about the series.
Episode V is live, baby! We're still working on how we put together the show. I think it'll depend on the topic. Shows that are run-based will likely focus more on creator bios or maybe just behind-the-scenes stuff on the run. Shows that focus on a broader character treatment will probably be lighter on that stuff with maybe a few references tossed in for a bit of spice. We're also working on diversifying our content. It won't always be Marvel/DC as you can see from this episode! Anyway, please leave a rating and comment on whichever service you downloaded your episode from. If you want to find us on Facebook or Twitter, the links are below. Feel free to get a hold of us there!
Website: https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]
Phil here: Su did the research on this episode. All I did was read the comics in question. Su says she used sources like these (along with basic info from Wikipedia and some bios on the Image and DC websites):
A New York Times bit on Fiona Staples:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/arts/the-comic-book-artist-fiona-staples-gives-archie-a-makeover.html?_r=0
A Blog post discussing Staples:
https://drawersdrawerblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/fiona-staples/
BKV Website:
https://bkvcomics.com/
Article on BKV launching Saga:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lost-brian-k-vaughan-saga-comic-damon-lindelof-300188
Interview with BKV at the launch of Saga:
https://www.cbr.com/exclusive-brian-k-vaughan-starts-his-saga/
Comics read for the purpose of this episode:
Saga: 1-54

Next Episode

Inventory Episode 1

We've gotta put something out! Anyway, today we're putting out essentially a filler episode. Sorry about that! Our podcast hosting site only allows so much uploading in terms of minutes for each month and we're up against that limit! So, here we just talk a bit about what we've been up to recently and maybe a little shop talk about the podcast itself. As always, thanks for listening and feel free to get in touch with us via the following means!
Website: https://pencilusinpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PencilUsInPodcast
Twitter: @pencilusin
email: [email protected]