The Comic Books of the 1980s: Two Eras in One Decade

The Comic Books of the 1980s: Two Eras in One Decade

Author: Jamie Logie | 1980s Pop Culture & Nostalgia August 20, 2025 Duration: 34:16

Even though part of it was considered the Bronze Age, the comic books of the 1980s were like a golden age for kids who grew up during that time. It was the decade that saw massive changes to how comics were distributed, but also a time that saw a significant shift in how comic book stories were told. 

The big two--Marvel and DC--were still on top, but something was changing... an independent boom was taking place, and underground and indie comic books were blazing their own trail. And there was one specific creation that would go on to become one of the biggest pop culture phenomenons of all time...

So let's go back to the decade when you could spend all day in the comic book store. A time that not only saw the end of the Bronze Age of comic books--but the introduction of a brand new, Modern Age.

Get the first look at new episodes early, and ad-free: Patreon.com/80s


Step back into a world of neon, synth-pop, and big hair with Everything 80s. Hosted by Jamie Logie, this podcast is a deep, affectionate dive into the decade that shaped modern pop culture. It’s less a formal history lesson and more like rifling through a time capsule with a friend who remembers every detail. Episodes explore the films, television, music, and toys that weren't just entertainment-they were the shared language of a generation. You’ll hear specific discussions on everything from the rise of MTV and the cinematic magic of John Hughes to the toy-box revolutions of Transformers and the fantasy realms of He-Man. The conversation naturally spans the iconic, like Michael Jackson’s Thriller era, to the foundational moments of home gaming with Nintendo. This isn't just about listing favorites; it's about understanding why these cultural artifacts from the 1980s still resonate so powerfully today. For anyone feeling a pull of nostalgia or a curiosity about the era's lasting impact, this podcast offers a consistently engaging and insightful listen. Tune in to rediscover the sounds, stories, and sensations that defined an unforgettable ten years.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Everything 80s
Podcast Episodes
10 Forgotten Saturday Morning Cartoons From the 1980s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
It's the decade that gave us some of the most beloved cartoon shows of all time. Some of those cartoons became huge franchises that continue to be a part of our modern entertainment. But not everything could be a hit. To…
The Seinfeld Chronicles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:21
"So we go into NBC, we tell them we've got an idea for a show about nothing." "Exactly" "They say what's your show about? I say nothing." "There you go" "I think you may have something here..." This is the conversation t…
Voltron: Defender of the 80s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:54
Here's an idea: 5 robot lions that turn into a super robot. Sounds pretty simple and straightforward, doesn't it? But the story of how Voltron came to be was much more complicated. It's a story that begins in Japan, invo…
The Commodore 64: The Best-Selling PC in History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:12
If you grew up in the 80s, there's a good chance that the very first computer you ever used or owned was a Commodore 64. And this is because it's the machine that changed home computing forever... Today we look back on t…
The History of Chuck E. Cheese [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:26
What do you get when you combine Pong, the Disneyland Tiki Birds, and a coyote? You get the foundations for one of the most beloved children's restaurants ever. Today, we look back on the history of Chuck E. Cheese, a re…
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beetlejuice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
With a Beetlejuice sequel finally about to hit theatres, we revisit the original 1980s classic by traveling back to 1988. It was a movie that many weren't too sure of--including some of its cast. Today we look back on th…
Rewind: New York City in the 80s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:46
"Ford to City: Drop Dead..." These are the words that appeared on the cover of The Daily News in 1975. Financially, New York was hanging by a thread and the city appealed to President Gerald Ford for some federal help. A…
10 Forgotten Video Game Systems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:56
When you think back on the video game consoles of the 80s, I'm sure Atari, Nintendo, and Sega immediately come to mind--but there are many others... The early 80s gave us an explosion of new video game consoles as many c…
Live From New York: SNL in the 80s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
As a new decade began, the late-night sketch comedy show found itself hanging in the balance. The start of the 80s represented a time of massive transition for Saturday Night Live and the show underwent some major change…
How Tim Burton's Batman Changed Movies Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:25
It seems weird to think, but there was a time when Hollywood didn't look favorably at comic book and superhero movies. The original Superman from 1978 had been successful, but for comic book films, the 80s seemed like a…