Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Evan Skolnick (Pt 1)

We’re re-running the interview episodes that have already aired in anticipation of the new interview format for the show. First up, Evan Skolnick: writer, editor, and professor of video games!

But first, an apology...

My first interview (well, for this podcast. My very first interview was with Megan Mullaly, but I don’t have those tapes)

An example of Evan’s self-deprecating humor, as he created Khaos, then sent him up the river in this roast…

A comparison of pre-computer coloring (left), and Marvel’s first computer colored book (right). Many more gradients, and that was just the start…

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 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!

Episode 32: Dungeon Crawlers (aka RPG-Style Board Games)

What if you want to kill some monsters, but don’t want to get bogged down in all that pesky role-playing?  Well, these games, past and present, may just be what you’re looking for.  Kurt covers the highlights of the history of dungeon crawler board games this episode.

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The title is written in blood so you know it’s scary!

For hours and hours and hours and hours of…fun?

Squats are an important part of any adventurer’s workout routine!

By our powers combined, we make…Boardgame Planet! (Captain Boardgame?)

Descent: Journey into tile organization (trust me, don’t just put them back in the box).

Just some of the components you get in the Gloomhaven base set. It’s a whole lot of game!

Episode 21: Getting Medieval on Fantasy

This episode, Kurt is asked about why so much of fantasy takes place in a Medieval-like setting, and discusses a few of those reasons why that is the case.  Plus more famous quotes are given their origins; this time all coming from the same source.

One of the granddaddies of fantasy literature: King Arthur.

Can’t bring up fantasy without Tolkien becoming part of the discussion, especially in this case.

A recent example of fantasy that takes place in a Medieval-like world. Have we mentioned that Winter is Coming?

A counter-example I bring up in the episode. If you find this book in bookstores, more likely it has the “serious” cover with Excalibur coming out of the lake, but this is how I found it.

Shadowrun: another counter-example, although the races still draw their inspiration from Tolkien. (Insert “The Unusual Suspects” joke here.)

Episode 20: Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons

What is Dungeons and Dragons, and how to explain its long-term popularity?  Also, is it possible to try the game out without committing a lot of time and/or money?  I take the time to answer these questions on this episode.  If you’re at all curious what all the hype is about, take a listen!

The very original printing. Good luck finding that!

Let the looting begin!

2nd Edition. Pretty cover, horrible layout inside.

3rd Edition, then 3.5. So few changes, they didn’t even bother coming up with a new font.

4th Edition. The red-headed stepchild of the D&D Franchise, although it still has its supporters, including me!

The current version, 5th Edition.

Want to get a free copy of the D&D rules, and try it yourself? Just click here!

Episode 16: Min-Maxing and Meta-Gaming in Role-Playing Games

Min-Maxing and Meta-Gaming.  If you're sitting at a table playing D&D, you likely do not want to be accused of either of these.  But, what are they exactly, and can they ever be a force for good?  Find out in this week's episode.  Bonus: Where does the opening phrase of the podcast come from?

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Perhaps a point or two more in perception would have been good.

Please, do go on…

Pretty please?