The Penumbra Podcast is a science fiction and fantasy podcast created and written by Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Viber.[a]
It mainly consists of two parallel, unrelated storylines: Juno Steel, a detective science fiction series following the investigations of the titular protagonist, and Tales of the Second Citadel, which follows a large ensemble of characters in a magical high fantasy world, plus a few self-contained and bonus episodes; although Second Citadel made up only two of the inaugural season's eighteen episodes, its would receive focus equal to Juno Steel in subsequent seasons. Most episodes of the series make up one-half of a stand-alone chapter in each storyline.
Kaner directed and sound-designed every episode of the series; Viber acted as writer and recording engineer on every episode, with Kaner as co-writer on certain Second Citadel episodes. The series premiered February 28, 2017, with the first Juno Steel story; its fifth season was its last, concluding the Second Citadel storyline on July 2, 2024, and ending the Juno Steel storyline with the Penumbra Podcast series finale on August 20, 2024.
History
The Penumbra Podcast was created by Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert. There are two main stories within The Penumbra Podcast: The Second Citadel, which takes place inside a fantasy world where humans are battling monsters;[7] and Juno Steel; a detective noir story set in the distant future.[8][9] Juno is a handsome, trenchcoat-wearing black detective.[10]
From 2016 to 2018, The Penumbra Podcast employed artist Mikaela Buckley to make art for the characters of the podcast. In her depictions, some characters (most notably Juno Steel) were black. Some people felt that the podcast was brownwashing the characters without putting actual effort in, as the voice actors almost exclusively were white. The Penumbra Podcast issued an official apology on September 24, 2021, a few weeks after awareness about the topic was raised. Merchandise featuring Buckley's art was discontinued. The Penumbra Podcast still has her art on their website for archival purposes.[11]
Reception
The Penumbra has received positive attention for its heavy LGBTQIA+ themes. The site Book Riot labeled it one of "the best fiction podcasts you need to listen to."[12] Melissa Locker of The Guardian called the podcast "a storytelling show that gives classic tales a head-spinning twist".[13] It was ranked number 17 in Tumblr's 2019 list of top web series.[14] Mackenzie Hubbard of The Michigan Daily, said "I've listened to [the podcast] four times and I've cried each time".[15]
According to Joshua Dudley of Forbes, the podcast has won six different AudioVerse Awards.[16] The podcast won "Best New Original, Long Form, Small Cast, Ongoing Production" in 2016.[17] In 2017, "Best Actress in a Supporting role for an Ongoing, Dramatic, Production" went to Kate Jones for playing the character Rita in Penumbra, "Best Actor in a Supporting role for an Ongoing, Dramatic, Production" went to Noah Simes for playing Lord Arum, and "Best Actor in a Leading role for an Ongoing, Dramatic, Production" went to Joshua Ilon for playing Juno Steel.[18] The podcast also won best "Audio Play Production" in 2019 along with more awards for acting.[19]
