Episode 181: Why-Men (Lesser Known X-Men; Thunderbird, Mirage, and Sage)

Continuing once again with the Lesser Known X-Men feature, we’ve reached the “aughts” or the first decade of the 2000s, where we find an Indian with a Native American codename, a Native American who gets tangled up with Norse Mythology, and a spy with a computer for a brain that wants to be a superhero.

There’s not even any bird symbology to his powers. I just don’t get it.

Mirage in one of her earliest appearances.

When she became a Valkyrie, she grew up!

An early Tessa appearance (yes, all the women in the Hellfire Club basically dressed like that).

Sage as the “Woman in the Chair” mode. (Did Jubilee say it was okay to borrow her jacket?)

Episode 180: LGBT Characters in Marvel (with JennytheGeek)

Back in Episode 89, we discussed LGBT characters in DC with JennytheGeek.  Well, after three years, she’s back to discuss LGBT characters in Marvel.  From Northstar’s coming out story to the recent “Pride” issues, we touch on some of the characters we feel the most strongly about, and what Marvel is getting right and wrong in their representation.

So…much…crosshatching! Yes, this came out in the 90s.

Ah yes, waving your arms around. The universal symbol for “You’re gay.”

Deadpool and his Valentine (no really, their name is Valentine)

No subtext allowed. (And yes, there’s a reason Nightcrawler is in a modified Spider-Man costume, but you have to read the story for that explanation…)

Episode 179: Why-Men (Lesser Known X-Men; Joseph, Cecilia Reyes, Maggott and Marrow)

Wrapping up the 90s era of “Lesser Known X-Men,” we have the clone, the doctor, the sentient slugs, and the bone-wielding Morlock all joining the team, though few of them stay on the team for too long. What happened to them after? I discuss that and many other details of their lives in this episode.

You can tell he’s not the real Magneto. Erik would never look that surprised.

Welcome to the X-Men. Hope you…ow! Ow! Stop hitting me!

He’s eating for three. Actually, two are eating for him…

A little taste of Maggott’s South African accent.

Marrow’s first appearance.

And a more recent appearance. You can tell she’s the same, right?

Episode 178: Why-Men (Lesser Known X-Men; Bishop, Kwannon & Cannonball)

The 1990s was one of the best-selling eras for the X-Men comics.  But, if you didn’t read them, you might not know who Bishop, Kwannon, or Cannonball are.  Take a listen here to find out what makes each of those characters unique and what they brought to the team.

I think you might be overstating it there…A lot will be the same, trust me.

It’s not Betsy, I swear!

Revanche is a dish best served…confusingly.

Little Sam Guthrie. Not his best look…

Good idea. Cover the forehead with goggles.

Episode 177: Non-Powered Superheroes

Inspired by a new listener question, Kurt goes through his definition of a “Non-Powered Superhero” (or Supervillain in one case), to see who qualifies in the Big 2 comic book universes.  The answer may or may not surprise you, but you’ll have to listen to find out!

Well, he definitely doesn’t count…

but what about him?

Just a bow and arrow. No powers here…right?

Well, that’s got to hurt.

Being able to fight in something that skintight has to be a superpower, doesn’t it?

Doctor Octopus’s final days (well, sort of…).

Episode 176: Why-Men (Lesser Known X-Men; Dazzler and Forge)

Continuing our focus on the “Almost Famous” members of the X-Men, we wrap up the members who joined in the 80s with the Disco Queen known as Dazzler, and the Indigenous American inventor who goes by Forge.  But, before that, an important announcement about the future of the show.

Oh yeah, and she’s an expert roller skater. Just in case she wasn’t “Disco” enough for you.

Her first (but nowhere near her last) costume change.

Forge working on some Krakoan tech, showing off his cybernetic leg.

Episode 175: Who Are The New Warriors? (Volume 4)

For the sixth anniversary of Welcome to Geektown, Kurt continues looking at the history of the New Warriors.  However, this is the only incarnation of the team that does not have his favorite superhero, Speedball, as a member. Who are these new kids, and where do they get off taking the team’s name?

The team being on a different page from Night Thrasher was a common theme…

Donyell. And yes, that “…with…” is doing a lot of heavy lifting there.

If you don’t know who this is, then you should definitely be writing in with questions more…

Jubilee as a vampire (it was only a phase…)

The only member of the team who felt the need to be labeled.

Stacy X. And yes, that “blown” is doing a lot of heavy lifting there…

Chamber in his mutant form, although he got his face back when he was resurrected later.

No, you’re not (at least not yet for two of you). That’s Redneck, Radian and Tattoo in positions 1, 2, and 5 going from left to right.

Episode 174: Why-Men (Lesser Known X-Men; Rachel Summers, Longshot, Psylocke)

Our fourth in a recurring series on the less famous members of the X-Men roster, we reach the 80s, with a alternate future child, a mullet-wearing alien clone, and a body swapped telepathic ninja.  Yes, the X-Men are weird.  Take a listen to find out exactly how weird it can get!

Rachel’s had a few different looks over the years, as she went from Hound to just Rachel, to Phoenix, to Marvel Girl, to Prestige to Askani. See if you can guess which costumes apply to which code name.

Business in the front, party in the back, pouches on the belt (a trendsetter both in hair and superhero costumes).

Betsy’s also gone through many looks. I’m grateful for the cover that shows them all in one image.

Episode 173: Who Are Madame Web and the Spider-Women?

Inspired by the recent Sony movie (which, while not good, is fun in its own way), we go through the comic book counterparts of the four lead women to see how they are all interconnected in multiple ways throughout their respective histories.

I never understand why blind people would wear blindfolds.

Despite them being psionic in nature, the webs still come from Julia’s hands, not her head.

Julia as Madame Web #2. You can understand how this costume, and…

…this costume made me think Dakota was playing Julia at first.

One of Mattie’s many costumes (the changing outfits became a running joke in her ongoing book)

Anya as Araña.

And in her current Spider-Girl (aka Julia’s old Spider-Woman) costume.

Episode 172: Football-playing Superheroes

In light of the Big Game that aired the day of this episode’s release, I found it only right to discuss heroes who were active in the sport at one time or another in their life.  From Superman to SuperPro, football has been a part of many comic characters lives. Find out which of your favorites is included!

Just don’t use your heat vision on them…

As long as the force doesn’t deflate the ball. Or is that okay?

In the future, helmets will have completely black faceplates. Also, the goalpost will be much shorter, apparently.

In the New Universe, all football players get a nickname.

It’s great when your voice can actually make a logo.

Episode 171: The Replacements - Green Lantern (Pt. 4; Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz)

Finally finishing up the Green Lantern “Replacements” episodes with the New 52 recruits of Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz.  But, before we get to those, one last bit of business from the Loki Season 2 Deep Dive, thanks to a listener comment.

“Hi, Loki!”

The gun was an identifying feature for a little while.

Hey, look ma! Character growth!

Jessica in her “Power Ring” costume.

And in her (much happier) Green Lantern outfit. She kept the eye tattoo, however.

Episode 170: The Replacements - Green Lantern (Pt. 3; Kyle Rayner and Jade)

After a bit of a hiatus, we continue the discussion of Green Lantern “Replacements,” getting into the 90s with one of the longest running replacements, Kyle Rayner, as well as the woman who briefly took his place, daughter of original Green Lantern Alan Scott, Jade.  (If you haven’t listened already, I suggest checking Episode 71 for discussion of Kyle’s first girlfriend, Alex DeWitt).

Ladies and gentlemen…Crab-Faced Guy!

One of Kyle’s different looks as “Ion.”

Don’t make her angry. You wouldn’t like her when she’s angry. Wait a second…

Better than your boyfriend…at least in my opinion.

Quick Announcement

In case you don’t want to listen, here is the full announcement:
Hello everyone, and welcome to a non-episode of Welcome to Geektown.

I’ve decided to take a brief break from the show, and I wanted to let you know that quickly.  I will be taking December off, and return in January with brand new episodes.  Patreon members will not be charged for the month of December, since I am not putting out any new content.  Speaking of Patreon, I would like to take the opportunity to thank them for this month.  Mike Sterling, Justin Bailey, Lily Breen, Jesse Clark, Riki Garvin, Rob Garrison, Erynn Woodward, Aaron Borst, Carla Hoffman, Julio Herrera, and Matthew Saint.  Thank you again for your support.

In the meantime, I’d love to have a collection of questions to come back to when I return, so please email any and all suggestions to welcometogeektown@gmail.com or visit the website and click the “Submit a Question” link for the option to remain anonymous.  Also, subscribing and giving a five-star review on Apple Podcasts is the best way to help new people find the show, so we can all tell them, “Welcome to Geektown.  Population: Us.”

Episode 169: Loki - A Deep Dive (Season 2, Episode 6)

Loki Season 2 comes to a climax as one of the most complex and well-performed characters gets a very fitting ending (it appears), and my guest Anne and I get into every detail along the way, as we discuss the writing, direction, costuming, and other choices made and how they impact the story as a whole.

The branches get much more literal.

Episode 168: Loki - A Deep Dive (Season 2, Episode 5)

It’s the penultimate episode of Loki Season 2, and Anne and I have quite a bit to discuss, from the gorgeous camerawork to the rise of the God of Stories.  Take a listen, and let us know what you think!

I have a feeling we’ll be hearing this line from Tom Hiddleston’s mouth soon.

Episode 167: Loki - A Deep Dive (Season 2, Episode 4)

Continuing our Deep Dive on the second season of Loki, we’ve reached Episode 4. But with that ending, is it the last episode?  No, but we’ll discuss our theories on what happens this episode, see where theories went right or wrong from past episodes, and what happens next.

In the episode, we discuss some Soviet-era mosaics and specifically mention a website to view some of them. Said website can be found here.

One particularly appropriate example, in case you don’t have time to click the link above…

Episode 166: Loki - A Deep Dive (Season 2, Episode 3)

The Deep Dive of Season 2 of Loki continues with Guest Anne Valliant.  There is much costume discussion, as well as World’s Fair history, as we look at the episode that takes place almost entirely in the year that it’s named after…1893.

The production team did a great job recreating the Ferris Wheel (actual photo seen here)

Did we get an appearance from Turner D. Century? (Maybe, but probably not…)

Episode 165: Loki - A Deep Dive (Season 2, Episode 2)

Continuing our Deep Dive of Season 2 of Loki.  Guest Anne Valliant returns from Season 1 to join me for this episode as we discuss the little easter eggs, the production design, the costumes, and of course, the plot and character development. The hair flip counter continues, and we learn…Who is The Phone Ranger?

Anne’s reaction is…well, pretty much what you’d expect.

The “Zaniac” as seen in the Marvel Comic Books…

and the movie poster seen early in the episode. Pretty spot on…

Yes kids, McDonald’s used to actually look like that.

Episode 164: Loki - A Deep Dive (Season 2, Episode 1)

We’re starting a new Deep Dive, but it’s our first continuation, as we discuss Season 2 of Loki.  Guest Dennis Riddle joins me for this episode as we discuss the new characters, the new situations, and of course, any comic book connections.  Plus, how many hair flips does Loki do?

Let’s go!

Episode 162: The Replacements - Green Lantern (Pt. 2; John Stewart)

Continuing the Green Lantern “Replacements” from last episode, we move on to the one that actually replaced Hal first, despite appearing after Guy Gardner.  The Lantern so well loved, he was actually chosen over Hal for the Justice League cartoon in the DCAU, it’s John Stewart!

This is one of many cases where the cover image does not at all happen in the story.

Believe it or not…it gets worse.

Can you tell this costume was created in the 1990s?

After the show aired, the comics adapted John to fit this version even more.

Yes we can.