518: Cool as Catman (and other April Fools)

518: Cool as Catman (and other April Fools)

From Zero Issues Comic Podcast by Bry Kotyk, Kyle Lees & Merk

April 1, 2026

About this episode

The episode discusses foolish comic-book characters and reflects on the impact of Sam Kieth's work in the comic industry.

It’s April Fool’s Day, and that means it’s time to both discuss and pity fools, in that order! There are many foolish comic-book characters, from the deliberately silly gag heroes and villains (such as Lady Stilt-Man, the Fabulous Frog-Man, and Dracula’s progeny Hell Cow) to the accidentally absurd golden-age and silver-age characters who seem to get more bonkers with every passing day (Turner D. Century, Asbestos Lady and Madam Fatal, anyone?) And what about when comics’ fools get serious, like Michelangelo in “The Last Ronin” or Snagglepuss in “Exit Stage Left”? And let’s not forget weird licensing creations like NFL Superpro and good ol’ US-1! But first we respond to the passing of comics legend and innovator Sam Kieth, creator of The Maxx and so much more, and reflect on the impact his work had on us as fans and creators. Direct Download: MP3

People in this episode

Hosts: Bry Kotyk, Kyle Lees, Merk

Topics covered

  • April Fool's Day
  • comic-book characters
  • silly heroes and villains
  • comic book history
  • impact of creators
  • reflection on comics

Keywords

  • April Fool's
  • comic characters
  • Sam Kieth
  • The Maxx
  • silly heroes
  • comic history
  • comic reflection

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Maxx, The Last Ronin, Exit Stage Left, NFL Superpro, US-1

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