For about five years (or more) now, I have been writing comic book reviews and podcasting over at TheBatmanUniverse.net. It was a gradual development, starting at first with a review or two, then moving up to editing duties and finally podcasting/interviewing duties. Today, I review anywhere from 2-3 titles per month, host the bi-weekly podcast, and edit a majority of the reviews and content that hits the site. To say it keeps me busy is an understatement.

In the course of getting a feel for the writing of comic book reviews and “chiseling upward” on my podcasting duties, I realized how much of a thrill it is to host a show. Seriously. It’s grown into a creative outlet that’s energizing. Before recording every other week, I get a hit of fear, adrenaline, and excitement all at once. That feeling is tenfold whenever I’ve had the opportunity to interview creators and Bat-fans.

If I’m being honest though, I never set out to be a guy who hosts a podcast. If you asked me several years ago if it was something I ever thought about, I would have told you no. The same can be said for the interviews. Never in my lifetime would I imagine that I’d be emailing comic book creators, Batsuit doubles, movie producers, and more for a chance to talk to them for 45 minutes.

But now that that door has been open, I feel the need to continue my journey and take on a new fear – putting my face in front of the camera.

That led me to Chronicle Chamber, an Australian-based fansite and comprehensive archive devoted to The Phantom. For those unfamiliar with the character, though he was created as American newspaper comic strip character in 1936, he’s seen much larger popularity across the globe than in the United States. An opportunity presented itself to review a State-side revival of the character, and I leaped at the chance.

My first review is attached at the end of the video below. Watch the Youtube clip, or head over to ChronicleChamber.com to see it.

Bear with me as I work the kinks out. As I keep trying out this whole video review thing, I will continue chisel upward. For the second video I just filmed, I already added a ring light tripod to my equipment.