Pensacon is one of the best fan expos on the gulf coast. The LongBox guys are some of the most knowledgable comic book fans we know. So we highly recommend (drink) that you go their comic panels at Pensacon 2020.

Who are the Longbox Guys?

We discovered the depth of knowledge of The Longbox Guys (Tom, Mike, LT, and Josh) at Pensacon. Mike was a friend of a friend who recommended we go to the panel. We walked away a lot smarter than we were when we walked into it. In fact, we left discussing how we could incorporate what we learned into my wife’s AP Human Geography class.

I then became addicted to their show. What I truly love about the LongBox show is how in-depth they go into the character’s origins and major story arcs. I always feel like I could pick up any comic the character is in and feel prepared to read it. .

The Podcast

Too often, podcasts sound like a group of friends getting together, thinking their conversation is attractive to other people.  Well, the LongBox Podcast is that kind of podcast, but they understand the importance of having a format for a podcast. 

Each show has a structure: the main topic, a focus on a new comic, a look at an older comic series, and a tangent. Tom acts as a moderator, and even though he has the most manic energy of the group, he does a great job of keeping the show in the boundaries they have set for themselves.

This doesn’t mean the show isn’t fun. When they go around introducing themselves, they also state what they are drinking. The show is very relaxed, and they often work blue (for you young people, they say bad words). Still, no matter how close the train seems to go off the tracks, it never does.

They sometimes have special guests on their show. They often have friends that are as well versed in comics, which offers a fresh opinion to their subject. They even let me on their show once. We discussed super villains. I admit I was out of my league. They, however, never made me feel that way.

They even have had comic creators on their show. Mark Russell provided some great insight into his works. His Flinstones is a masterpiece of the form. Moreso, it is the best reason for rebooting a concept. Sometimes, it will be way better than the original.

Their Comic Panels at Pensacon 2020

This year they are doing two comic panels at Pensacon and are moderating a few more. They will be talking about civil rights and social justice in comic books on Friday. According to the Pensacon schedule, Tony Isabella will be joining him.  Mr. Isabella created Black Lightning and has worked on quite a few other comics over the years. His expertise in the field of creating comics allows for a industry insider approach to this topic. 

 On Saturday, they will be reprising their Horrible Stereotypes. I was hoping to join them on the panel, but life got in the way. However, I plan on being in the audience. 

If you love comic books, then their podcast is for you. Their comic panels at Pensacon 2020 are must see panels. 

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