Episode 72: The Justice Society of America (and Thanksgiving)

With this episode being released on Thanksgiving day (in America), I wanted to touch on the heroes that I most associate with the holiday, and that is DC’s first super team: the Justice Society of America.  From the Golden Age up to today, we go over how they’ve changed over the years, while keeping true to their original vision, and touch on the two Thanksgiving stories that inspired this particular topic to come out today.

Poor Johnny Thunder gets left out of the picture, even though he’s mentioned on the cover.

They seem to be happy to see the Justice League holding hands.

Things do not go well for the team in the 80s.

Home Again…but not for long. Sorry guys, the early 90s were even less kind.

Not actual size.

This would be what we call an homage…

Feet off the table, Atom!

The New 52 Earth 2 heroes.

Episode 71: Death Becomes You - Alex DeWitt (from Green Lantern)

Continuing a recurring feature, “Death Becomes You” looks at some of the more unusual deaths in comic books.  This time, we look closer at the unfortunate demise of Alex DeWitt, a brief supporting cast member in the Green Lantern title in the 90s.  While her death hasn’t had much in the way of repercussions in the DCU, it has led to a new term in this one, and helped bring a new professional comic book writer into the fold.  How did that happen?  Take a listen and find out!

As promised in the episode, here is a link to the original Women in Refrigerators site inspired by Alex’s death, which helped lead to Gail Simone’s comic book career.

Alex’s first appearance.

And her last…(Thankfully, the colorists helped keep this from being too grotesque)

Episode 70: Vampire: The Masquerade Clan Primer

Vampire: The Masquerade is one of the most popular role-playing systems ever, outside of D&D and its clones.  However, if you’re just getting into it, there’s a lot of choices you have to make and a lot of lore to sift through.  Probably the most important option is your clan, and Kurt is here to sum them up for you to make deciding easier.

“Now that your rose is in bloom, a light hits the gloom on the grey” (They actually use this quote in the book)

The game inspired a one-season show called “Kindred: The Embraced.” It was…not great.

The namesake of the Nosferatu clan.

Lost Boys…Brujah…same difference.

The most Toreador to ever Tory a Door.

Episode 69: Video Games to Movies and Vice Versa - What Goes Wrong?

Since the early 90s, video games have been fodder for movie studios, but few of those adaptations seem to be successful.  Why is that?  Kurt goes over some of the possible reasons for that, as well as looking the other direction, and why few video games based around movies have been well-received.

I usually try to keep positive on the show, but you can’t improve until you confront your mistakes, so hopefully this can steer future video game adapters away from some of the pitfalls, and help make upcoming movies better!

Well, the costumes are on point, except for those boots…

A lesson in listening to the audience.

Ryan Reynolds just doesn’t want people to see his face anymore, does he?

Help! We’re trapped in an Uwe Boll movie, and can’t get out!

Episode 68: The Replacements - Batman

Last time we did a “Replacements” episode, we looked at the various Robins.  This time, we dive deep in on his mentor, and look at all the people who have been the official Batman in the regular DCU.  There’s a little crossover between the two, so if you haven’t listened to Episode 58, I recommend doing so first. 

The one true original Batman. (Almost) never replaceable!

The CCO of Marvel probably still gets character payments for this DC character. I’m betting someone is annoyed at that.

It was the 90s. The thigh belt was apparently mandatory then.

How did he stuff that mullet under the cowl without it bugging him?

A leaner Batman, a meaner Robin.

Nananananananana…Bunnyman! (Even Gordon himself commented on this in the comics)

Episode 67: Comics to Movies - Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four have been in three movies so far, but haven’t joined the MCU just yet.  But, a new piece of casting news points to that happening sooner rather than later, so now is a good time to see what past movies have gotten right, and what they got wrong in adapting Marvel’s First Family to the screen.

I was tempted to do this “Lost in Adaptation” style, like one of my favorite YouTubers, but didn’t want to be accused of stealing his format, so instead I go movie by movie, rather than “what was kept,” “what was changed,” and “what was left out entirely.”

Still not sure how turning invisible will help. You’re still stuck in his grasp, Sue.

Wait…Why’s Captain America on fire?

Way to read the room, Reed. “I’m just a misshapen Thing!” “Well, I’ll call myself Mister Fantastic!”

And now Killmonger’s aflame? What is it with Human Torches graduating to MCU roles, and what happened to poor Jay Underwood?

Smells like Teen Superheroes.

Episode 66: How Important is “Lore” in RPGs?

We dive into another aspect of Tabletop Role-Playing Games this episode, and discuss the importance of world lore.  How much should a player know before they start playing in that world, and how do they go about learning those details?  Take a listen and find out!

But first, a correction from last episode, then a memorial for a fallen actor.

How the Captain became a Commander, despite their being no such rank in his branch of the military.

Chadwick Boseman: 1976-2020. Rest in Power.

“Short and Stout?” Is this a dwarf or a teapot?

Episode 65: Comic Captains and a COVID Conundrum

Two questions are being answered this episode.  First, is Wolverine a spreader of disease?  Then, we look at various comic book Captains, Majors, Generals, and other characters named for military ranks to see who has earned those honors.

He got better! Seriously, his healing factor took him from this to perfectly fine in minutes.

#humblebrag

As someone who had to have gravel removed from a large abrasion, I can definitely say…”Ouch.”

So, is he a Captain pretending to be a Private, or is a Private who calls himself Captain? Either way, seems like some part of the Army is being lied to.

The two bars mean Captain!

Major is better than Captain, but Captain Marvel’s better than most!

You know you’re pinning a medal to his skin, right?

Episode 64: Heroes on the Clock - Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man’s Day Jobs)

High school student, college student, photojournalist, teacher? Peter Parker, aka the Amazing Spider-Man has actually held a number of different jobs over the years.  Going in chronological order, we look at the various career paths Peter has taken, starting all the way back at his first appearance to today.

He may be “hard at work,” but he’s not actually working yet.

His photography job was so iconic, they put it in the opening credits of his cartoon.

Well, that went about as well as one could expect (also “give her a whirl for her money”? Yeesh.)

This is not when scholarships are announced.

Spoilers: The answer to that question is always “Yes.”

Peter’s first real non-photography based job. Although, shining your signal on the chalkboard isn’t going to help with the “secret identity” thing.

Peter’s brief tenure with Stark Industries.

You talk about Peter Parker long enough, it’s bound to get around to this story…unfortunately.

If you’re going to add a number, always make it 42.

If only he hired someone to work for him named Magnum, so they could say “Magnum, P.I.”

I can explain…well, no I can’t explain, without telling you all I’m Spider-Man. Never mind…

Episode 63: Original Sin (What Happened to Nick Fury Sr?)

Following up on Episode 51, where we found out how Nick Fury started looking like Samuel L. Jackson in the comics, we discuss the miniseries Original Sin, and how that led to a whole new status quo for the original Nick Fury.  Warning: If you don’t like eyeballs by themselves, do not scroll down.

I shot the Watcher…But I did not shoot the Deputy.

That is not a mask. His head is actually one giant eye. How he sleeps without an eyelid is anybody’s guess.

Nick and the Decoys. Live on the Moon.

We learn later he only said three words, even though it looks like a lot more in that caption.

Episode 62: Board Game Rules - How Strict Should They Be?

Board games are a more popular pastime than ever, but different people have grown up with their own house rules, and may want to go back and “redo” their turn from time to time.  A listener asks how important it is to follow the exact rules and stick to player decisions, and Kurt (with decades of board game playing under his belt) gives his opinion on the subject.

The example game we use for much of the discussion. If you’re not familiar, you need to stay in more.

One of the most commonly ignored rules (see the second paragraph).

One of the most well-known cooperative games available. And topical!

RODE Microphones Contest Episode - Comic Book "Doctors"

For a little more “normal” content, enjoy this short mini-sode written as an entry to a contest sponsored by RODE Microphones, about comic book characters who use “Doctor” in their superhero/villain name, and whether or not they have earned that title.

Episode 61: Serious Issues in the Comic Book Industry

It has been a rough few weeks for the comic book industry, with news of abusers and other bad actors coming into (or back into) the light.  I want to stand with and support those who were brave enough to come forward, and so this episode is a statement on that subject, as well as the ongoing issue of minority representation in comics, and its relation to Black Lives Matter.

If you are a minority or female creator, or have one in mind you’d like interviewed or spotlighted, please let me know. I hope to expand my own knowledge in this area, and spread that knowledge to my other listeners as well.

Episode 60: D&D On-Screen - Community’s “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” Episode

Dungeons and Dragons has been seen played in many TV shows and movies.  But, what did they get right, and what was totally wrong?  A curious listener wants to know specifically about the “Advanced Dungeons and Dragons” episode of Community, and Kurt obligingly breaks it down for her.

As mentioned in the episode, be sure to check Twitter for #comicwriterschallenge for a bunch of great stuff being auctioned off to support Black Lives Matter.

The Caverns of Draconis. Yes, the Dragon is named Draconis. Abed’s not the only one bad at coming up with names.

No Chang. Just…no.

This is cheating. If you are not the DM, DO NOT LOOK at the module you are currently playing in.

Episode 59: What to Expect When You’re at the D&D Table (or any other RPG game)

Let’s talk D&D Conventions!  Well, not Conventions, but conventions, aka the social expectations one is likely to find when they first sit down at a table to play D&D, or other role-playing games.  A new listener is afraid to start playing, and Kurt is here to assuage those fears, and let her (and you) know how you should behave at your first (and subsequent) session.

This is pretty close to what my first D&D table looked like (without the costume; I don’t recommend that). And honestly, other than the players being much older, that’s not too far from the current table.

And something to aspire to…when I get rich.

Yeah, but can I find anyone to play with?

One of the Virtual Tabletop options (VTTs) out there. Roll20. Not a sponsor, but I’m open to it…

Episode 58: The Replacements - Robin

In this recurring feature, we look at the various heroes that have replaced the original, and what happens to them after their tenure is over.  Maybe it’s because he’s a sidekick and not (usually) a solo hero, but Robin is one of the few cases where the original never actually came back.  Instead, we’ve had a parade of Robins, which we’ll discuss in this episode.

Some of you Dark Knight Returns fans may ask where Carrie Kelly is. However, with these “Replacements” episodes, I only stick to what is in mainstream continuity, and Carrie has never been Robin in the main DC Universe, which is why she is not included, and Stephanie gets the “first female Robin” title.

Hope it doesn’t get too cold in Gotham…

Pretty soon, Dick will have spent more publishing time in this costume than he did as Robin.

Spoilers: The answer is “No.” (But later, “Yes.”)

Jason back on team Bat…sort of.

Featuring a new innovation for Robins…pants!

Jason Todd also wore this costume verrrrry briefly, but it’s most associated with Tim in this continuity.

Stephanie is also the only Robin to have a previous vigilante codename…Spoiler.

…then became Robin…

…and then Batgirl…

…and then forgotten. (Sorry Steph, you apparently didn’t make the cut for the Robin family photo.)

The scariest of the Robins.

Episode 57: Interview with Evan Skolnick, Part 4 (Finale)

The Mona Lisa smile.

A smattering of the dialogue Evan wrote for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2…

…bringing his comic book writer past together with his game writer present.

Episode 56: Interview with Evan Skolnick, Part 3

In part three of this multi-episode interview, Kurt continues his talk with comic book writer/game writer and producer/college professor Evan Skolnick, getting into his video game work, after briefly discussing his time at Acclaim Comics and the comic boom and bust of the 90s.

That faaaaaace…

Just a few of the titles Evan has worked on. Check his portfolio for a full list.

Evan spoke for many a New Warriors fan when he wrote this dialogue about the “reality show” version of the team, in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2.

Episode 55: Interview with Evan Skolnick, Part 2

In part two of this multi-episode interview, Kurt continues his talk with comic book writer/game writer and producer/college professor Evan Skolnick, this time focusing on the comic book writing portion, with special emphasis on his two-year stint on The New Warriors, but we also talk about writing licensed books and running the company softball team.

The interview subject

Careful. You’ll poke his eye out!

Evan’s first issue on the series.

New Warriors joins the Spider-Man titles…I guess they had to go somewhere.

Some of the characters created by Evan added to the New Warriors include Timeslip…

Helix…

and Turbos, both Mike (R.I.P)…

and Mickey.

All Good Things…

Episode 54: Interview with Evan Skolnick, Part 1

In the first part of this multi-episode interview, Kurt talks to comic book writer/game writer and producer/college professor Evan Skolnick about the earliest part of his career, up to his editorial stint at Marvel Comics.

Stay tuned next week for Part 2! While this interview is running, Welcome to Geektown will be on a weekly release schedule instead of every other week. Enjoy the extra content, and if you have an extra $1.00 or so, why not join the Patreon for even more material!

The subject of these interviews. Check out his website for a brief rundown of some of his credits.

Evan shows his sense of humor by poking fun at some of the Marvel 1993 Annual creations, including his own contribution…Khaos!

Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #60 (on right) was Marvel’s first computer-colored book. By way of comparison, a similar panel from issue #59 is on the left. Lots more gradients and colors available!