Checkered Past

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A brand new series of short stories by best-selling mystery master Don Bruns, Checkered Past follows the Spider Lady and her customers -- whose purchases at her gypsy junk shop always bring more than they bargained for.

Don Bruns


    • Oct 4, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 59m AVG DURATION
    • 435 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Checkered Past

    Opposites Attract (World's Finest 159)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 69:05


    Anti-Superman and Anti-Batman, on the loose! Superman and his chum Batman are stumped, who could these dastardly criminals be? I could tell you, but then you wouldn't listen in! Join us for World's Finest #159!

    My Bonnie Lies Over the Sofa (Mystery in Space 109)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2021 52:06


    7-11 Hot Dogs! Witchy neighbors! Broken toes! Picking up dog poop! All of these, and many more, are subjects we apparently prefer to discuss instead of the penultimate appearance of Ultra, the Multi-Alien...but you should listen in anyway. It'll be fun, I promise!

    Never Trust a Brunette (Challengers of the Unknown 51)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2021 54:38


    Pity poor Miklos, turned into a sponge creature and then hounded to the ends of the earth - er, I mean the depths of the sea. Don't fret, the Sea Devils are here to help the Challs get to he bottom of things, along with the triumphant return of Neptimus!

    Caught With Your Pants Down (Blackhawk 223)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2021 44:54


    The Blackhawks stumble their way through defeating Mr. Quick-Change, who manages to conceal his true identity through the clever use of *checks notes* a goattee. Join the fun, won't you?

    You Want Flies With That? (The Atom 26)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 51:44


    Despite having attained cult goofy villain status, the Bug-Eyed Bandit isn't even referred to by that name in-story, and doesn't appear in costume until the last 2 pages! Gardner Fox wrote it, Gil Kane drew it, Dr. Husband loved it, and oh yes, Ray and Jean get engaged!

    Runnin' Up That Hill (Our Army at War 170)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 47:08


    Easy Co. doesn't have it so easy THIS time - not only are the Krauts on their tle, but a kooky old brain-addled WWI vet to boot! Thank God for the famed hospitality of French maidens! Join us for Our Army at War 170!

    For the Love of Ivy (Batman 183)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 53:54


    Batman, a no-good layabout? Say it ain't so! But if it's between being a layabout and falling into the clutches of that floozie Poison Ivy, I bet I know what Robin's vote would be!

    Best of Both Worlds (Justice League of America #46-47)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2021 70:40


    This episode has it all - The Justice League, the Justice Society, Lulu, good Sekowsky art, the approval of a teenager, AND Jennifer DeRoss!

    A My Name is Abra (Flash 163)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 60:32


    Flash has his dissipating hands full when the whole of Central City forgets he ever existed! PLUS, Abra-Kadabra switches minds with a 64th-Century fashion icon and takes a trip to the Magic Castle!

    HoneyDOOM, m'iright? (Doom Patrol 105-106)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 74:51


    Elasti-Girl and Mento are newleyweds and ready to settle into domestic bliss - if only Mento could convince her to give up her pesky independence! PLUS the menace of Mr. 103 and the emotional abuse of Beast Boy!

    Stormy Weather (Detective Comics 353)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 69:05


    Batman vs Weather Wizard in a fight to the finish! Robin sidelined due to poor basketball technique! Elongated Man led astray by gypsy tea leaves! PLUS the forgotten art of Art Frahm!

    "A" is for Afterlife (Strange Adventures 190)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 67:40


    Two Strange Adventures stalwarts make their costumed debuts this week (if you consider a newly-reincarnated adult body a "costume") as Animal Man and Immortal Man fight off threats worldly and under-wordly! We discuss a lost opportunity for a Krypto team-up PLUS the jarring ramifiactions of falling in love with someone who dies every three days!

    "A" is for Afterlife (Strange Adventures 190)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 67:40


    Two Strange Adventures stalwarts make their costumed debuts this week (if you consider a newly-reincarnated adult body a "costume") as Animal Man and Immortal Man fight off threats worldly and under-wordly! We discuss a lost opportunity for a Krypto team-up PLUS the jarring ramifiactions of falling in love with someone who dies every three days!

    "A" is for Afterlife (Strange Adventures 190)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 67:40


    Two Strange Adventures stalwarts make their costumed debuts this week (if you consider a newly-reincarnated adult body a "costume") as Animal Man and Immortal Man fight off threats worldly and under-wordly! We discuss a lost opportunity for a Krypto team-up PLUS the jarring ramifiactions of falling in love with someone who dies every three days!

    They Shoot Tiger Beetles, Don't They? (Jimmy Olsen #94)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 69:58


    Jimmy and Superman, on the outs! Supergirl, dressed like a bug! PLUS lots of neighborhood reporting, and a display of our utter ignorance on basic facts of insect gender roles!

    They Shoot Tiger Beetles, Don't They? (Jimmy Olsen #94)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 69:58


    Jimmy and Superman, on the outs! Supergirl, dressed like a bug! PLUS lots of neighborhood reporting, and a display of our utter ignorance on basic facts of insect gender roles!

    They Shoot Tiger Beetles, Don't They? (Jimmy Olsen #94)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 69:58


    Jimmy and Superman, on the outs! Supergirl, dressed like a bug! PLUS lots of neighborhood reporting, and a display of our utter ignorance on basic facts of insect gender roles!

    I Got Ssssssteam Heat (Metamorpho #7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 57:24


    Metamorpho is in a pickle - Simon Stagg AND the world's top 12 of 13 volcanologists have gone missing, the ocean is being sucked into the core of the Earth, AND Rex has been turned into a formless puddle of goo! Plus we discuss Dr. Husband's emergency room visit, cicadas, and the possibly former Nazi, Louisa!

    I Got Ssssssteam Heat (Metamorpho #7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 57:24


    Metamorpho is in a pickle - Simon Stagg AND the world's top 12 of 13 volcanologists have gone missing, the ocean is being sucked into the core of the Earth, AND Rex has been turned into a formless puddle of goo! Plus we discuss Dr. Husband's emergency room visit, cicadas, and the possibly former Nazi, Louisa!

    The Green Green Grass of Home (Green Lantern 46 & 47)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 63:22


    Green Lantern, DEAD! The people of the far future, RED! And poor Katma Tui, beside herself with grief! PLUS Dr. Bobb benefits from the kindness of strangers and Dr. Husband waxes poetic about Gil Kane!

    The Green Green Grass of Home (Green Lantern 46 & 47)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 63:22


    Green Lantern, DEAD! The people of the far future, RED! And poor Katma Tui, beside herself with grief! PLUS Dr. Bobb benefits from the kindness of strangers and Dr. Husband waxes poetic about Gil Kane!

    Here's Lookin' at You, Kids (Adventure Comics 346-347)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 70:26


    Uh-oh, looks like one of these new Legion kids is a nogoodnik, and right on the eve of an alien invasion to boot! It's the beginning of a legendary era in Legion history and Dr. Husband is on board!

    Here's Lookin' at You, Kids (Adventure Comics 346-347)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 70:26


    Uh-oh, looks like one of these new Legion kids is a nogoodnik, and right on the eve of an alien invasion to boot! It's the beginning of a legendary era in Legion history and Dr. Husband is on board!

    Here's Lookin' at You, Kids (Adventure Comics 346-347)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 70:26


    Uh-oh, looks like one of these new Legion kids is a nogoodnik, and right on the eve of an alien invasion to boot! It's the beginning of a legendary era in Legion history and Dr. Husband is on board!

    Is That a Missile in Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy to See Me? (House of Mystery 160)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 58:27


    Sockamagee! Robby gets sweet with Suzy AND re-introduces an unsuspecting world to the golden age great, Plastic Man! PLUS a whole new status quo for the Martian Manhunter! All this plus 1920's family scandal!

    Is That a Missile in Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy to See Me? (House of Mystery 160)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 58:27


    Sockamagee! Robby gets sweet with Suzy AND re-introduces an unsuspecting world to the golden age great, Plastic Man! PLUS a whole new status quo for the Martian Manhunter! All this plus 1920's family scandal!

    I'll Sail Upon the Dog Star (Superboy 131)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 54:25


    While Superboy deals with the mild annoyance of young Lex Luthor with the powers of a 5th-dimensional imp, Krypto has the most exciting day of his life and introduces us the the most exciting character finds of 1966, the Space Canine Patrol Agents!

    I'll Sail Upon the Dog Star (Superboy 131)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 54:25


    While Superboy deals with the mild annoyance of young Lex Luthor with the powers of a 5th-dimensional imp, Krypto has the most exciting day of his life and introduces us the the most exciting character finds of 1966, the Space Canine Patrol Agents!

    I'll Sail Upon the Dog Star (Superboy 131)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 54:25


    While Superboy deals with the mild annoyance of young Lex Luthor with the powers of a 5th-dimensional imp, Krypto has the most exciting day of his life and introduces us the the most exciting character finds of 1966, the Space Canine Patrol Agents!

    NOT brought to you by Little Caesar's ™ (Sea Devils 30)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 58:46


    A giant amphibious talking gorilla! A man who transforms into monstrous sea creatures! An ambulatory underwater golden robot headquarters! AND THAT'S ALL BY PAGE 3. Join me and special guest Chuck for a look at the bat$h@t crazy Sea Devils #30!

    NOT brought to you by Little Caesar's ™ (Sea Devils 30)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 58:46


    A giant amphibious talking gorilla! A man who transforms into monstrous sea creatures! An ambulatory underwater golden robot headquarters! AND THAT'S ALL BY PAGE 3. Join me and special guest Chuck for a look at the bat$h@t crazy Sea Devils #30!

    NOT brought to you by Little Caesar's ™ (Sea Devils 30)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 58:46


    A giant amphibious talking gorilla! A man who transforms into monstrous sea creatures! An ambulatory underwater golden robot headquarters! AND THAT'S ALL BY PAGE 3. Join me and special guest Chuck for a look at the bat$h@t crazy Sea Devils #30!

    Pride Goeth Before a Fall (Batman #182)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 83:02


    It's an 80-PAGE GIANT! Batman gives us a glimpse of his weirdest adventures! Featuring Robin, the Man Wonder! Rubber-Face Batman! And Fire Island Batman! DON'T MISS IT!

    Pride Goeth Before a Fall (Batman #182)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 83:02


    It's an 80-PAGE GIANT! Batman gives us a glimpse of his weirdest adventures! Featuring Robin, the Man Wonder! Rubber-Face Batman! And Fire Island Batman! DON'T MISS IT!

    Those Balloons Ain't Gonna Bust Themselves (All-American Men of War 116/Jerry Lewis 95)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 72:26


    Lt. Steve Savage, Balloon Buster, has a whole lotta balloons ta bust - if he can only conquer his crippling negative self-talk! PLUS the role of "Piggy" in tonight'ss performance of "Lord of the Flies" will be played by Jerry Lewis!

    Those Balloons Ain't Gonna Bust Themselves (All-American Men of War 116/Jerry Lewis 95)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 72:26


    Lt. Steve Savage, Balloon Buster, has a whole lotta balloons ta bust - if he can only conquer his crippling negative self-talk! PLUS the role of "Piggy" in tonight'ss performance of "Lord of the Flies" will be played by Jerry Lewis!

    Those Balloons Ain't Gonna Bust Themselves (All-American Men of War 116/Jerry Lewis 95)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 72:26


    Lt. Steve Savage, Balloon Buster, has a whole lotta balloons ta bust - if he can only conquer his crippling negative self-talk! PLUS the role of "Piggy" in tonight's performance of "Lord of the Flies" will be played by Jerry Lewis!

    But...No One Ever Actually Calls Her The Cat (Lois Lane #66)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 72:12


    Great grazing goats! When someone gets flown into the interior of the sun by page 3 of a 15-page story, you know it's going to be swell! Marvelous Martin Gray joins us to talk about Cliff Richard, Little House on the Prairie, and I guess a little about Lois Lane too.

    But...No One Ever Actually Calls Her The Cat (Lois Lane #66)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 72:12


    Great grazing goats! When someone gets flown into the interior of the sun by page 3 of a 15-page story, you know it's going to be swell! Marvelous Martin Gray joins us to talk about Cliff Richard, Little House on the Prairie, and I guess a little about Lois Lane too.

    What's the Rent Like on a Theory of Relativity (Blackhawk #222)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 52:59


    Second time's a charm I guess because the first time we recorded this episode the audio disappeared, PROBABLY the result of a strange visitor from a place that is not actually a place one can be from! Not to worry, Blackhawk et al are on the job, bravely (checks notes) ditching their powerless armed jets over a populated area. Tune in, won't you?

    What's the Rent Like on a Theory of Relativity (Blackhawk #222)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 52:59


    Second time's a charm I guess because the first time we recorded this episode the audio disappeared, PROBABLY the result of a strange visitor from a place that is not actually a place one can be from! Not to worry, Blackhawk et al are on the job, bravely (checks notes) ditching their powerless armed jets over a populated area. Tune in, won't you?

    What's the Rent Like on a Theory of Relativity (Blackhawk #222)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 52:59


    Second time's a charm I guess because the first time we recorded this episode the audio disappeared, PROBABLY the result of a strange visitor from a place that is not actually a place one can be from! Not to worry, Blackhawk et al are on the job, bravely (checks notes) ditching their powerless armed jets over a populated area. Tune in, won't you?

    Gorilla My Dreams (Wonder Woman 163)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 72:23


    The only thing this Woman should be Wondering is why all the gals in town go ga-ga over STEVE TREVOR of all people. Not one, but TWO love triangles this issue, as Steve fends off the advances of a Gorilla Girl AND a Nazi war criminal who MIGHT be a man in drag. All this PLUS plenty of neighborhood gossip from Mrs. Twitchycurtains aka Dr. Husband!

    Gorilla My Dreams (Wonder Woman 163)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 72:23


    The only thing this Woman should be Wondering is why all the gals in town go ga-ga over STEVE TREVOR of all people. Not one, but TWO love triangles this issue, as Steve fends off the advances of a Gorilla Girl AND a Nazi war criminal who MIGHT be a man in drag. All this PLUS plenty of neighborhood gossip from Mrs. Twitchycurtains aka Dr. Husband!

    Ain't Love Grand? (Valentine's Day Special!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 41:44


    The real Saint Valentine came to a bloody end, but you can avoid all unpleasantness with our Valentine's Day Special! From Secret Hearts #113 comes Chapter 4 of "Reach for Happiness", dramatized for you by the Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players! PLUS the return of Time Machine Mailbag, beauty tips from Liza Roundalot and Withers LaRue, and so much more!

    Ain't Love Grand? (Valentine's Day Special!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 41:44


    The real Saint Valentine came to a bloody end, but you can avoid all unpleasantness with our Valentine's Day Special! From Secret Hearts #113 comes Chapter 4 of "Reach for Happiness", dramatized for you by the Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players! PLUS the return of Time Machine Mailbag, beauty tips from Liza Roundalot and Withers LaRue, and so much more!

    Ain't Love Grand? (Valentine's Day Special!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 41:44


    The real Saint Valentine came to a bloody end, but you can avoid all unpleasantness with our Valentine's Day Special! From Secret Hearts #113 comes Chapter 4 of "Reach for Happiness", dramatized for you by the Girls' Young Romance True Love Story Players! PLUS the return of Time Machine Mailbag, beauty tips from Liza Roundalot and Withers LaRue, and so much more!

    'A' for Effort (Superman 188)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 69:27


    Can it be? Superman choke DEAD?!? We may never know, because the super-scientific civilzation that killed him him neglected to back up their data. ROOKIE MISTAKE, SUPER-SCIENTIFIC CIVILIZATION. All this plus the super-dinnerware of Krypton, and even a shoutout to famed game-show panelist Dorothy Killgallen!

    'A' for Effort (Superman 188)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 69:27


    Can it be? Superman *choke* DEAD?!? We may never know, because the super-scientific civilzation that killed him him neglected to back up their data. ROOKIE MISTAKE, SUPER-SCIENTIFIC CIVILIZATION. All this plus the super-dinnerware of Krypton, and even a shoutout to famed game-show panelist Dorothy Killgallen!

    'A' for Effort (Superman 188)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 69:27


    Can it be? Superman choke DEAD?!? We may never know, because the super-scientific civilzation that killed him him neglected to back up their data. ROOKIE MISTAKE, SUPER-SCIENTIFIC CIVILIZATION. All this plus the super-dinnerware of Krypton, and even a shoutout to famed game-show panelist Dorothy Killgallen!

    I'm a Leg Man (Capt. Storm 14/ Our Fighting Forces 101)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 52:03


    Capt. Storm is a reg'lar MacGuyver (if MacGuyver had an easily-detachible prosthetic leg and a thirst for vengeance) but the real news is the metaphysical sub-text of Capt. Hunter - could his entire Vietnam saga be happening inside his own head?

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