Something About the Beatles

One doesn't immediately connect The Beatles with the world of comic books but there's plenty there. Besides musical references to Captain Marvel and "Magneto and Titanium Man," the group themselves have been regularly represented in the pages of comic books, beginning in 1964; sometimes as plot figures. Then we also have graphic novels and latter-day accounts of their history.To lead *me* in a discussion, SATB welcomes two award-winners from the world of comics, both of whom once worked for Marvel. Emmy-winning cartoonist Stephen DeStefano has been connected with works ranging from Popeye to Cuphead as well as his own 'Mazing Man and Hero Hotline. He also hosts a conversation show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@S.DeStefano Glenn Greenberg (a previous guest) is a writer associated with Spider Man, Silver Surfer and Hulk, among others. He has also penned works for the Star Trek book series. He also has written several Beatles-related bookazines, with a new one about to be published. Together, they make the case for the affinity for this art form the Beatles demonstrably had, as well as how well (or not) they have been represented in works ranging from Marvel's 1978 The Beatles' Story to the more recent Fifth Beatle and Fab4Mania.   
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This month George Harrison would've turned 83. The "quiet Beatle" holds the record for THE most streamed Beatles song, his 1969 composition, "Here Comes The Sun," but to the general public (and not the hardcores), he may remain in the shadow of Lennon and McCartney, despite his key contributions to songs bearing their names. Musician/podcaster Sam Popkin (Gear, There and Everywhere) joins the conversation for an examination/appreciation of what George brought to The Beatles, as well as his singular solo work. Sam also details the guitars and gear that facilitated George's evolution from a young rockabilly to a pioneer of world music and unique slide guitarist. This episode is brought to you by DistroKid and Magical Mystery Camp. 
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The Beatles' Olympiad series of shows is nearing its end point, with Gary Wenstrup and myself assessing their final group project for Olympic honors. Where will the bronze, silver and gold land among the 17 tracks? You'll have to tune in to find out (and discover some unexpected developments).
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If you don't know the name then you certainly know his work: writer/director Oliver Murray was responsible for giving us that twelve-minute making of "Now and Then" video in 2023 that got everyone up to speed (and teary) about the "last" Beatles song. In 2025, he wrote and directed the 9th episode of the re-launched Beatles Anthology documentary series, quickly followed by the short film, "Free As A Bird" - A Song Reborn.

But Oliver has also directed a number of other music videos and documentaries you may have seen, among them The Quiet One (2019), Ronnie's (2020), They All Came Out To Montreux (2023), and The Story of Band Aid (2024).

I was privileged to have a talk with an insider to discuss the presenting of The Beatles' story and the delicate balancing act between educating new fans while satisfying the old ones.

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Returning to the show today is the RPM School trio: Walter Everett (The Beatles As Musicians book series) - Cameron Greider - Jack Petruzzelli. They run the Beatles-centric online school which will be launching the winter 2026 semester with a deep dive into The Beatles' fifth long player, released in the summer of 1965.

In this conversation, we focus on some of the innovations, influences and production techniques representing the group's evolving artistry as a studio band and as songwriters.

Visit rpm-school.com for details on the upcoming class and magicalmysterycamp.com for information on this year's event in the Catskills.
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