In Country

It's time to head back to the world! That's right, it is the FINAL episode of "In Country"! And in this one, I am taking a look at the last issue of The 'Nam, which is The 'Nam #84. Written by Don Lomax with art by Alberto Saichann, "The Letter" follows several NVA and VC fighters through the jungles of North and South Vietnam and centers around a letter a little girl wrote to her father, who has been fighting int he war for years. After doing my synopsis and review, I then look at the ads and the last lettercolumn of the series, which includes an editorial farewell, and give my final thoughts on the series and this podcast.

It's time to head back to the world! That's right, it is the FINAL episode of "In Country"! And in this one, I am taking a look at the last issue of The 'Nam, which is The 'Nam #84. Written by Don Lomax with art by Alberto Saichann, "The Letter" follows several NVA and VC fighters through the jungles of North and South Vietnam and centers around a letter a little girl wrote to her father, who has been fighting int he war for years. After doing my synopsis and review, I then look at the ads and the last lettercolumn of the series, which includes an editorial farewell, and give my final thoughts on the series and this podcast.

One episode and a wake-up is left! In the penultimate episode of In Country, I take time out from comics, movies, and the Vietnam War to talk about the war's aftermath and Vietnam itself. The episode begins with the history of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. along with descriptions of two other Vietnam War memorials that I've been to on Long Island and in Charlottesville. I then talk about the postwar history of Vietnam and U.S. relations with Vietnam as well as look at the country in the present day via season 8, episode 1 of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Plus, listener feedback!

One episode and a wake-up is left! In the penultimate episode of In Country, I take time out from comics, movies, and the Vietnam War to talk about the war's aftermath and Vietnam itself. The episode begins with the history of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. along with descriptions of two other Vietnam War memorials that I've been to on Long Island and in Charlottesville. I then talk about the postwar history of Vietnam and U.S. relations with Vietnam as well as look at the country in the present day via season 8, episode 1 of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Plus, listener feedback!

Two episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, I take one last trip to Vietnam at the movies by looking at the final film in Oliver Stone's Vietnam trilogy, 1993's Heaven and Earth. I review the film and also take a look at its source material, two memoirs by Le Ly Hayslip, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War Woman of Peace.

Two episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, I take one last trip to Vietnam at the movies by looking at the final film in Oliver Stone's Vietnam trilogy, 1993's Heaven and Earth. I review the film and also take a look at its source material, two memoirs by Le Ly Hayslip, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War Woman of Peace.

Three episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, I look at The 'Nam #83, the final issue of Wayne Vansant's longtime run as artist and the last part of our look at Ed Marks' time working with Bulldog and Dai-Uy in Vietnam. I also take a look at historical context for the end of the war, describing what happens throughout all of 1974 before looking at the events of January-April 1975, with a special focus on the fall of Saigon on April 29 and 30, 1975.

Three episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, I look at The 'Nam #83, the final issue of Wayne Vansant's longtime run as artist and the last part of our look at Ed Marks' time working with Bulldog and Dai-Uy in Vietnam. I also take a look at historical context for the end of the war, describing what happens throughout all of 1974 before looking at the events of January-April 1975, with a special focus on the fall of Saigon on April 29 and 30, 1975.

Four episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, it's one final look at The Punisher and his experience in the Vietnam War. We've seen him "invade The 'Nam" three times already, but what about how it was told through one of the most acclaimed runs featuring Frank Castle? I take a look at how Garth Ennis told the story of Frank Castle in Vietnam through three connecting storylines: "Born", "Valley Forge, Valley Forge", and "The Platoon."

Four episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, it's one final look at The Punisher and his experience in the Vietnam War. We've seen him "invade The 'Nam" three times already, but what about how it was told through one of the most acclaimed runs featuring Frank Castle? I take a look at how Garth Ennis told the story of Frank Castle in Vietnam through three connecting storylines: "Born", "Valley Forge, Valley Forge", and "The Platoon."

Five episodes and a wake-up left! It's back to our regular comics coverage with The 'Nam #82. In "Hue", we see more of the Tet Offensive and the story of Dai Uy, the ARVN soldier who has been telling Ed Marks about his experience in 1968. It comes courtesy of Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. I also spend time looking at the rest of 1973, which includes events surrounding Watergate and the New York Mets.

Five episodes and a wake-up left! It's back to our regular comics coverage with The 'Nam #82. In "Hue", we see more of the Tet Offensive and the story of Dai Uy, the ARVN soldier who has been telling Ed Marks about his experience in 1968. It comes courtesy of Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. I also spend time looking at the rest of 1973, which includes events surrounding Watergate and the New York Mets.

Six episodes and a wake-up! It's time to do another tour with Frank Castle as I look at two separate Punisher storylines from the 1990s. First up is the trade paperback The Punisher in The 'Nam: Final Invasion, a post-cancellation publication of what was supposed to be issues #84, 85, and 86 of the series. In it, Frank re-ups for another assignment and takes on a mission to rescue a group of POWs from a NVA camp called "The Death Hole." The second storyline is a five-parter from Punisher: War Zone #26-30 where Ice has to rescue Frank when he is captured by a powerful gangster who runs a cartel on an island nation in Latin America.

Six episodes and a wake-up! It's time to do another tour with Frank Castle as I look at two separate Punisher storylines from the 1990s. First up is the trade paperback The Punisher in The 'Nam: Final Invasion, a post-cancellation publication of what was supposed to be issues #84, 85, and 86 of the series. In it, Frank re-ups for another assignment and takes on a mission to rescue a group of POWs from a NVA camp called "The Death Hole." The second storyline is a five-parter from Punisher: War Zone #26-30 where Ice has to rescue Frank when he is captured by a powerful gangster who runs a cartel on an island nation in Latin America.

Seven episodes and a wake-up! This time around, I take a break from my regular coverage of the comic to bring you one of the landmark films about the Vietnam War, 1978's The Deer Hunter, which stars Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep. For my look at the film, I'm joined by fellow TTF podcaster, Luke Jaconetti. We talk about Michael Cimino's Best Picture winner by looking at the plot and characters but also its symbolic/metaphorical meanings; and its reputation and resonance as a film about Vietnam, war, and America.

Seven episodes and a wake-up! This time around, I take a break from my regular coverage of the comic to bring you one of the landmark films about the Vietnam War, 1978's The Deer Hunter, which stars Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep. For my look at the film, I'm joined by fellow TTF podcaster, Luke Jaconetti. We talk about Michael Cimino's Best Picture winner by looking at the plot and characters but also its symbolic/metaphorical meanings; and its reputation and resonance as a film about Vietnam, war, and America.

Eight episodes and a wake-up! This time around, I take a look at issue #81 of the series, which is part three of the three-part Tet Offensive storyline "The Beginning of the End", plus historical context from the summer of 1973. Then, I look at five documentaries about the Vietnam War.

Eight episodes and a wake-up! This time around, I take a look at issue #81 of the series, which is part three of the three-part Tet Offensive storyline "The Beginning of the End", plus historical context from the summer of 1973. Then, I look at five documentaries about the Vietnam War.

Nine episodes and a wake-up! This time around, I take a look at part two of the three-part Tet Offensive storyline "The Beginning of the End", plus historical context from the middle of 1973. Then, I look at the career of Vietnam Veteran Principal Seymour Skinner.

Nine episodes and a wake-up! This time around, I take a look at part two of the three-part Tet Offensive storyline "The Beginning of the End", plus historical context from the middle of 1973. Then, I look at the career of Vietnam Veteran Principal Seymour Skinner.

10 episodes and a wake-up are left! It's a return to the regular coverage of The 'Nam with the first of a three-part storyline that takes us back to the Tet Offensive of 1968, "The Beginning of the End." I'll take a look at issue #79 of the series and will also finish up the two-part Punisher/Iceman storyline from Punisher War Journal by looking at issue #53 of that comic. Plus, I round things out by looking at the history behind the war in January-March of 1973.

10 episodes and a wake-up are left! It's a return to the regular coverage of The 'Nam with the first of a three-part storyline that takes us back to the Tet Offensive of 1968, "The Beginning of the End." I'll take a look at issue #79 of the series and will also finish up the two-part Punisher/Iceman storyline from Punisher War Journal by looking at issue #53 of that comic. Plus, I round things out by looking at the history behind the war in January-March of 1973.

11 episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, I take a break from comic book coverage to look at another book and film about the Vietnam War, Born on the Fourth of July. I start by looking at Ron Kovic's autobiography about his time in Vietnam as well as his recovery from the injuries that paralyzed him and journey toward being an antiwar activist. Then, I take a quick look at the first movie that was inspired by Kovic's story, 1978's Coming Home, which stars Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. Finally, I look at Oliver Stone's 1989 adaptation of Born on the Fourth of July, which stars Tom Cruise.

11 episodes and a wake-up are left! This time around, I take a break from comic book coverage to look at another book and film about the Vietnam War, Born on the Fourth of July. I start by looking at Ron Kovic's autobiography about his time in Vietnam as well as his recovery from the injuries that paralyzed him and journey toward being an antiwar activist. Then, I take a quick look at the first movie that was inspired by Kovic's story, 1978's Coming Home, which stars Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern. Finally, I look at Oliver Stone's 1989 adaptation of Born on the Fourth of July, which stars Tom Cruise.

12 episodes and a wake-up are left! My coverage of Don Lomax's run on The 'Nam continues with issue #78, a story about combat in Quang Tri through the eyes of Ed Marks. Plus, we get the next chapter in the "Stateside" backup as Rob Little and Sarge try to track down Top, who may have been involved in the death of Rob's brother Eugene. Then, I look at an article about the comic in Marvel Age #122 followed by a Punisher/Ice team-up in Punisher War Journal #52. It's all this and the historical context for the fall and winter of 1972.

12 episodes and a wake-up are left! My coverage of Don Lomax's run on The 'Nam continues with issue #78, a story about combat in Quang Tri through the eyes of Ed Marks. Plus, we get the next chapter in the "Stateside" backup as Rob Little and Sarge try to track down Top, who may have been involved in the death of Rob's brother Eugene. Then, I look at an article about the comic in Marvel Age #122 followed by a Punisher/Ice team-up in Punisher War Journal #52. It's all this and the historical context for the fall and winter of 1972.

Ed Marks finds himself on an aircraft carrrier and we hear the story of a fellow soldier's bombing run, plus we go "Stateside" to see Rob Little reunite with Sarge. It's all in issue #77 of The 'Nam, which is written by Don Lomax with art by Wayne Vansant, Mike Harris, and Frank Percy. Plus, I take a look at the events of the war in the summer of 1972.

Ed Marks finds himself on an aircraft carrrier and we hear the story of a fellow soldier's bombing run, plus we go "Stateside" to see Rob Little reunite with Sarge. It's all in issue #77 of The 'Nam, which is written by Don Lomax with art by Wayne Vansant, Mike Harris, and Frank Percy. Plus, I take a look at the events of the war in the summer of 1972.

I'm back to the classic format of the show and back to some classic characters as I take a look at issue #76 of The 'Nam, a story titled "Brothers" that stars Rob Little. It's June 1972 and while standing at the grave of his brother Eugene, Rob flashes back to a story from 1967 where he and Ed Marks help a paymaster complete his job of getting back pay to GIs in the field. Plus, I take a look at the history of the war in June 1972.

I'm back to the classic format of the show and back to some classic characters as I take a look at issue #76 of The 'Nam, a story titled "Brothers" that stars Rob Little. It's June 1972 and while standing at the grave of his brother Eugene, Rob flashes back to a story from 1967 where he and Ed Marks help a paymaster complete his job of getting back pay to GIs in the field. Plus, I take a look at the history of the war in June 1972.

It is an extra-sized episode and an extra-sized issue as The 'Nam hits issue #75. In four different stories that take us in country and back again, we look at events and perspectives surrounding the My Lai massacre. Creators in this one include original 'Nam writer Doug Murray, Scott Lobdell, Don Lomax, Mike Harris, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Herb Trimpe. Plus, I also take a long look at the final season of China Beach with expanded coverage of the events of the season and its final three episodes.

It is an extra-sized episode and an extra-sized issue as The 'Nam hits issue #75. In four different stories that take us in country and back again, we look at events and perspectives surrounding the My Lai massacre. Creators in this one include original 'Nam writer Doug Murray, Scott Lobdell, Don Lomax, Mike Harris, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Herb Trimpe. Plus, I also take a long look at the final season of China Beach with expanded coverage of the events of the season and its final three episodes.

"Siege at An Loc" concludes as Ed Marks continues to experience the 1972 Easter Offensive in a story by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, we continue to go "Stateside," this time catching up with Sgt. Poklow from the original run of the series. I also have a look at season 3 of China Beach.

"Siege at An Loc" concludes as Ed Marks continues to experience the 1972 Easter Offensive in a story by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, we continue to go "Stateside," this time catching up with Sgt. Poklow from the original run of the series. I also have a look at season 3 of China Beach.

Ed Marks goes deep into the Easter Offensive of April 1972 in part one of the two-part "Siege at An Loc" storyline by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, a backup story called "Stateside" begins as we take a look at what happened to the boys from the fifth batallion (from all the way back at the beginning of the series) as they live their lives back home. And I also continue my look at China Beach with season 2.

Ed Marks goes deep into the Easter Offensive of April 1972 in part one of the two-part "Siege at An Loc" storyline by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, a backup story called "Stateside" begins as we take a look at what happened to the boys from the fifth batallion (from all the way back at the beginning of the series) as they live their lives back home. And I also continue my look at China Beach with season 2.

Will Ed Marks be able to get justice for the guys trying to defend their firebase from an onslaught of NVA and VC? Find out when "Operation Chicken Lips" comes to an end in The 'Nam #72. It's "Didi" by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, I begin my four-part look at the 1980s television series China Beach by going over season 1.

Will Ed Marks be able to get justice for the guys trying to defend their firebase from an onslaught of NVA and VC? Find out when "Operation Chicken Lips" comes to an end in The 'Nam #72. It's "Didi" by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, I begin my four-part look at the 1980s television series China Beach by going over season 1.

"Operation Chicken Lips" continues in issue #71 of The 'Nam as journalist Ed Marks tries to help out the firebase he escaped in the previous issue. It's "Return to Brass Hat" by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, I take a look at April 1972 and also review Linda Van Devanter's memoir Home Before Morning.

"Operation Chicken Lips" continues in issue #71 of The 'Nam as journalist Ed Marks tries to help out the firebase he escaped in the previous issue. It's "Return to Brass Hat" by Don Lomax and Wayne Vansant. Plus, I take a look at April 1972 and also review Linda Van Devanter's memoir Home Before Morning.

Don Lomax begins his tenure as the regular writer on The 'Nam with part one of a three-part story called "Operation: Chicken Lips." This also sees the return of Ed Marks as one of our key characters and puts us in March 1972, which is the subject of our historical context section. Plus, I have a clip of my conversation with Michael Golden, original 'Nam artist, from the 2017 Baltimore Comic-Con.

Don Lomax begins his tenure as the regular writer on The 'Nam with part one of a three-part story called "Operation: Chicken Lips." This also sees the return of Ed Marks as one of our key characters and puts us in March 1972, which is the subject of our historical context section. Plus, I have a clip of my conversation with Michael Golden, original 'Nam artist, from the 2017 Baltimore Comic-Con.

In Country is back and about to head into its last 20 episodes with a look at yet another Vietnam War-themed movie. This time around, it is the Robin Williams classic Good Morning Vietnam, which tells the story of Army discjockey Adrian Cronauer. I summarize and review the film as well as take a look at the real-life Adrian Cronauer.

In Country is back and about to head into its last 20 episodes with a look at yet another Vietnam War-themed movie. This time around, it is the Robin Williams classic Good Morning Vietnam, which tells the story of Army discjockey Adrian Cronauer. I summarize and review the film as well as take a look at the real-life Adrian Cronauer.

The finale of the second three-part "Punisher Invades The 'Nam" and Chuck Dixon's last issue of the series takes us through the end of Iceman's story about Frank Castle's time in country, with plenty of action, as Frank defends a firebase and confronts the colonel who may or may not know about the shady things that have led to his fellow soldiers' deaths. It's "Down to the Ground" by Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, adn Jimmy Palmiotti in The 'Nam #69. I take a look at the issue and reflect on the overall Punisher storyline and also look at the historical background for January and February of 1972.

The finale of the second three-part "Punisher Invades The 'Nam" and Chuck Dixon's last issue of the series takes us through the end of Iceman's story about Frank Castle's time in country, with plenty of action, as Frank defends a firebase and confronts the colonel who may or may not know about the shady things that have led to his fellow soldiers' deaths. It's "Down to the Ground" by Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, adn Jimmy Palmiotti in The 'Nam #69. I take a look at the issue and reflect on the overall Punisher storyline and also look at the historical background for January and February of 1972.

Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, and Jimmy Palmiotti take us through the second part of a three-part Punisher storyline with "The Walking Dead." Frank has made his way back to his firebase and has uncovered the nefarious deeds of his C.O. Will he confront him or will he perish in a firefight before he can dole out ... PUNISHMENT?! Oh, stop laughing. Anyway, I cover the issue and give a very brief review (I'm saving it for the finale, I guess), cover letters and ads, and take a look at the rest of 1971.

Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, and Jimmy Palmiotti take us through the second part of a three-part Punisher storyline with "The Walking Dead." Frank has made his way back to his firebase and has uncovered the nefarious deeds of his C.O. Will he confront him or will he perish in a firefight before he can dole out ... PUNISHMENT?! Oh, stop laughing. Anyway, I cover the issue and give a very brief review (I'm saving it for the finale, I guess), cover letters and ads, and take a look at the rest of 1971.

Frank Castle is back in the second "Punisher in 'The 'Nam'" storyline! This time around, I take a look at The 'Nam #67, the first of a three-parter starring the Marvel vigilante who was so popular in the early 1990s that he got a book about his weapons. But at this point, he's not The Punisher yet, although he does ... punish. It's brought to you by Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, and Jimmy Palmiotti. In addition to the issue, I'll also be covering the historical context for the summer of 1971.

Frank Castle is back in the second "Punisher in 'The 'Nam'" storyline! This time around, I take a look at The 'Nam #67, the first of a three-parter starring the Marvel vigilante who was so popular in the early 1990s that he got a book about his weapons. But at this point, he's not The Punisher yet, although he does ... punish. It's brought to you by Chuck Dixon, Kevin Kobasic, and Jimmy Palmiotti. In addition to the issue, I'll also be covering the historical context for the summer of 1971.

It's our 75th episode and that means it's time for another look at another movie about the Vietnam War. This time around, I'm joined by fellow TTF podcaster Luke Jaconetti (Earth Destruction Directive) to talk about the 1982 Sylvester Stallone movie First Blood as well as its 1985 sequel, Rambo: First Blood Part II. We talk about each movie's plot and characters as well as the novel First Blood by David Morell, and then talk about the pop culture phenomenon that was Rambo in the mid-1980s. CONTENT WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE.