Radio Free Krypton

Welcome to “Inside the Orbit of Prisoners of Gravity,” a Radio Free Krypton documentary bringing you the inside story on “Prisoners of Gravity,” the cult-classic Canadian show which ran from 1989 to 1994 and changed the way science fiction, comics and pop culture are discussed in media. In Part Four, the final chapter of our doc, we analyze PoG's legacy and ask if a show like it could air today. This episode was reported by Justin Chandler and Mitchell Thompson. It was written by Justin Chandler, Jacob Dubé and Mitchell Thompson, with audio production by Jacob Dubé. Thank you again to all the people we interviewed: Rick Green, Mark Askwith, Robert J. Sawyer, Gregg Thurlbeck, Rach Shelkey, Cory Doctorow, Ed Conroy, Charlotte Ashley, Benjamin Rivers, Robin Shantz and Sam Noir. Your time and stories are much appreciated. “Inside the Orbit” was made possible with support from our host station, Ryerson University’s CJRU 1280 AM. Watch in September for the chance to support CJRU and community radio shows like ours

Welcome to Part Three of “Inside the Orbit of Prisoners of Gravity,” a Radio Free Krypton documentary bringing you the inside story on “Prisoners of Gravity,” the cult-classic Canadian show which ran from 1989 to 1994 and changed the way science fiction, comics and pop culture are discussed in media. “Prisoners of Gravity” was the first Canadian TV show to discuss comics and sci-fi seriously. By doing so, it helped change how a generation viewed genre fiction. We talk to fans who say PoG changed their lives. This episode was reported by Justin Chandler and Mitchell Thompson. It was written by Justin Chandler and produced by Jacob Dubé. “Inside the Orbit” was made possible with support from our host station, Ryerson University’s CJRU 1280 AM.

Welcome to “Inside the Orbit of Prisoners of Gravity,” a Radio Free Krypton documentary bringing you the inside story on “Prisoners of Gravity,” the cult-classic Canadian show which ran from 1989 to 1994 and changed the way science fiction, comics and pop culture are discussed in media. Once the show started, PoG's creators realized season one just wasn’t working. In part 2, we find out what was holding the show back, and how the team brought PoG to the next level. CORRECTION: "The NewMusic" aired on Citytv, not TVO as stated in this episode. RFK regrets the error. This episode was reported by Justin Chandler and Mitchell Thompson. It was written by Justin Chandler and produced by Jacob Dubé. “Inside the Orbit” was made possible with support from our host station, Ryerson University’s CJRU 1280 AM.

Welcome to “Inside the Orbit” a four-part Radio Free Krypton documentary bringing you the inside story on “Prisoners of Gravity,” the cult-classic Canadian show which ran from 1989 to 1994 and changed the way science fiction, comics and pop culture are discussed in media. In part one, we talk to PoG’s creators and fans about how it started, what its goals were and what the media landscape was like when the program first aired. CORRECTION: "The NewMusic" aired on Citytv, not TVO as stated in this episode. RFK regrets the error. This episode was written and reported by Justin Chandler and Mitchell Thompson. It was produced by Jacob Dubé. “Inside the Orbit” was made possible with support from our host station, Ryerson University’s CJRU 1280 AM.

Ep 103 - In the eighth instalment of the Creator Series, Danny Zabbal (who makes "Life, Death & Sorcery" and "Obsolete Heroes") joins Justin and Jacob to discuss "Hawkworld," Timothy Truman's 1989 dystopia featuring Hawkman. They look at how the book took influence from "The Count of Monte Cristo" and why it appealed to young Danny. The RFK Creator Series is a book club in which people who make comics talk about the comics that inspire them. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Ep 102 - Kelvin Nyeusi Mawazo creates the Afrofuturist Black Sun Comics. He tells Justin about making a webcomic, expanding his creative team and writing a background for a fantasy series. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

Ep 101 - Host Justin Chandler and Mitchell Thompson speak with comic creator Sam Noir about his new project, Cauldron Magazine. It's a supernatural comics mag he's crowdfunding with fellow creators Shane Heron and Ricky Lima. They talk about the surreal style of the magazine and some of Sam's other works. RFK is originally broadcast on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Jacob Dubé.

Ep 100! - In "The Unquotable Trump," cartoonist Robert Sikoryak matches famous comics covers to choice lines from the President's speeches. In "Terms and Conditions," he takes readers on a journey through the best of American comics and the entire iTunes user agreement. Robert tells Justin what it's like to draw in so many different styles using such unconventional texts. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Ep 99 - Mitchell and Justin unpack "American Flagg!" and the comic book philosophy of the controversial Howard Chaykin. This episode features an interview Mitchell did with Chaykin at Toronto ComiCon in March 2018. Where on the political spectrum does Chaykin fit and what does his work have to say about America? Correction: A previous version of this podcast references the murder of a lead character in issue 1 of “Divided States of Hysteria.” That character is attacked but not killed. We apologize for this error. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

Ep 98 - For the RFK Creator Series, Toronto artist and writer Shawn Daley joins hosts Justin and Jacob to discuss Louis Riel, Chester Brown's biographical comic on the Métis leader. They also discuss the wonderful feeling of sorrow and emptiness a good book can leave you with. Riel has been regarded as a rebel and a hero. Brown's well-researched book explores the man's character with great nuance. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Ep 97 - Hosts Justin and Mitchell join Toronto rapper More or Les for a talk on Matt Fraction's take on everyone's sixth or seventh favourite Avenger, Hawkeye. Listen in for insight on the private life of the arrow-slinging superhero as well as some info on More or Les' upcoming musical works. #RFK is originally broadcast on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Jacob Dubé.

Ep 96 - She's one of the world's most popular superheroes and she's always changing. Justin and Jacob join journalist and podcaster Michael D'Alimonte to discuss his deep-dive podcast into the history of Wonder Woman, Comics 401. Hear how Michael read every issue of Wonder Woman. Every. Issue. Fun fact: Michael worked at The Eyeopener with Justin and Jacob, where he hosted The Ear-opener podcast. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

Ep 95 - Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's epic Planetary is a genre-hopping love letter to comics and sci-fi. It's also a masterclass example of serialized storytelling. Writer and artist Shane Heron (Morris and Black Hole Hunters Club) joins Justin, Jacob and Mitchell to discuss the comic. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

Ep 94 - In this episode, we put our (apparently limited) trivia knowledge of Doctor Who, Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the test. The Radio Free Fanfics, composed of co-host Jacob Dubé and nerd goddess Christine Chua, face off against The Red Lightsabers, commanded by co-host Mitchell Thompson and Emperor of Cosplay Iris Robin, in a battle of low stakes and possible employment issues. Co-host Justin Chandler moderates and tries to maintain order over our ramblings. It doesn't work. RFK is originally broadcast on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Jacob Dubé.

Ep 93 - It seems that for most people, Deadpool 2 hit the mark, but we're not so sure. Justin and friend of the show Ally Enrile discuss what they liked and what they didn't. Then Justin and Mitchell ask what makes a good Deadpool story. When does parody and camp go too far? RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Mitchell Thompson.

Ep 92 - Justin takes you to the floor of TCAF—the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, where he talks to writers and artists exhibiting there. This episode features interviews with (in the order they appear) comic creators Jonny Rotsztain, Dave Coverly, Tatiana Goldberg, Ricky Lima, Wes Craig, Myisha Haynes, Regina Ying, Steve Manale, and Joseph Nguyen. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler. Here's the sketch Steve Manale drew of Justin.

Ep 91 - In honour of Mothers' Day, RFK sits down with two writers/artists who take inspiration from their moms: Emmanuelle Chateauneuf and Danny Zabbal. Hear how their mothers influence their children's' storytelling and what they think of their kids' comics. Danny writes "Life Death and Sorcery" and Emmanuelle wrote "Queen Street" for Chapterhouse Comics. To their mothers' chagrin, neither is a mediocre sitcom star nor in a family band. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler. PS: Jacob and Mitchell came in partway through the recording, which is why they aren't in the intro. Justin didn't forget them. PPS: Special thanks to RFK's Number 1 Fan: Justin's mom! The love and support are appreciated. Thanks for listening even though you don't really like comics.

Ep 90 - THIS SHOW IS FULL OF SPOILERS FOR THE MOVIE. You have been warned. In terms of scale, Avengers: Infinity War is the biggest comic book movie ever. With 10 years and 18 films to build it up, does it live up to expectation? As your regular hosts lay broken at the feet of Thanos, three heroes—Ally Enrile, Iris Robin and Nathaniel Crouch—step in to save the day and break down the movie. Then, Mitchell and Justin (prior to their defeat) discuss Infinity Gauntlet, the strange comics event that started it all. RFK airs first on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. This episode was produced by Justin Chandler.

Ep 89 - In the Creator Series, people who make comics talk about the books that inspire them. In this chapter, editor and treasured recurring guest Allison O'Toole brings Mike Mignola's Hellboy series to the table. Listen as she joins hosts Justin, Jacob and Mitchell to talk about Hellboy's antics, demeanor and unique art style. Plus Jacob goes through a scary flashback of an old Arthur episode. Allison works for Chapterhouse and TO Comix Press. RFK is originally broadcast on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. Produced by Jacob Dubé.

Ep 88 - In the latest instalment of our Creator Series—where writers and artists talk to us about the work that inspires them—hosts Justin and Jacob talk to Pitiful Human Lizard creator Jason Loo about Adrian Tomine's Killing and Dying, a book of short comics that features not a single explosion, but a lot of heart. RFK is originally broadcast on CJRU 1280 AM in Toronto. Produced by Jacob Dubé.