Episode 14: Who is Carol Danvers (aka Captain Marvel)?

In anticipation of the upcoming movie, we look at the history of Carol Danvers, and touch on the other Captain Marvels in the Marvel Universe.

Don’t forget to check out the Radiopublic app. Listening to Welcome to Geektown there helps support the podcast directly, which helps keep the podcast and the website running!

Captain Mar-Vell, aka the original (Marvel Universe) Captain Marvel.

Monica Rambeau. The only Captain Marvel with no Kree connection.

Phyla-Vell (left) and Genis-Vell (right), with Rick Jones (center). Yes, that is a taxonomy pun. Thank Peter David for that!

Carol’s first Ms. Marvel costume. Apparently, her neck is cold, but her torso is warm.

Carol’s first appearance as Binary. Note the two stars on the uniform to represent her codename.

Carol used this costume under the codenames of Warbird and Ms. Marvel (the second time she went by that name)

Finally, Carol in her Captain Marvel costume. So much more practical than her previous outfits.

Carol sometimes wears this “Mohawk helmet” in battle, and yes, we will see it in the movie!

As mentioned in the episode, the essay an in-depth look at Avengers #200 and the horrible disservice done to Ms. Marvel and the rest of the Avengers is available at Carol A. Strickland’s website in a piece titled “The Rape of Ms. Marvel.”

Episode 12: Wakandan Econ

In order to answer a listener's question about the economics of Wakanda, home of the Black Panther, Kurt talks to economics professor Dr. Matt Dobra about how the economics of Wakanda would (or would not) work in the real world.  Learn about Dutch Disease, the Resource Curse, and more, through the lens of pop culture!

Long live the King!

Pretty close to where I said in the episode, just a little farther east.

In the movies, this shield is made of pure vibranium. In the comics...that's a little more complicated. Ask me about it sometime!

Episode 7: The Replacements - Captain America

Thanks to the question from listener Justin B. (No, it's not Bieber), this is the first in a recurring feature we'll come back to every now and then, each time focusing on a different heroic identity.  We'll look at the people who have taken the place of the original, and what happened to them once the primogenitor returns.

Who wants to help Cap punch ole' Hitler in the jaw?

This is a better question than "Spider-Man: Threat or Menace?"

"No capes!" Steve should have listened to Edna, as he tripped on this cape more than once.

Steve is the one on the left, although John Walker will wear the black costume as "U.S. Agent" down the road.

Turn around Bucky, and help Black Widow find her contact lens!

You will believe a Cap can fly!

The infamous "Cap was Hydra all along" storyline. Sam and Bucky play important roles.

Isaiah Bradley, aka "The Black Captain America." Urban myth or forgotten hero? (Hint, it's the second one.)

Episode 6: Marvel vs. DC - A History

The listener question this time is about the rivalry of Marvel vs. DC; the differences between the two companies, the history of their feuds and collaborations, and other causes for the rift in the fan community.  

One of these fights is fairly even. The other two, not so much...

In true 90s fashion, votes for this were either mailed in, or you could vote on an America Online page.

Some of these mash-ups made more sense than others, but they were all fun.

That cover alone made this worth getting. Unfortunately, the trade is out of print, so good luck getting it at a reasonable price.

Episode 4: Why Are Mutants Hated?

Mutants are "hated and feared" by many humans in the Marvel Universe, but listener Aaron L. wants to know why they're treated so differently from the other super-powered beings.  Kurt tackles this question, as well as announcing a contest! (See below for more details)

How exactly does Iceman see? Perhaps that's why he missed.

No, of course I wasn't the first to make that joke.

16 million dead, and that's the opening chapter. The story's called "E for Extinction" for a reason.

What's wrong with Wanda?

I accidentally refer to this storyline as "Mutant Messiah" in the episode. I was close...

Contest announcement!  Go to the Welcome to Geektown Facebook page, and share any post there for an entry into the contest.  Get two more entries into the contest by leaving a five-star review on iTunes (this also gets you in the Geektown City Council).  One winner, picked at random, will win their own copy of Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1 Trade Paperback, where Peter Parker's origin is retold in a more modern format.  A great jumping-on point!

With great something, comes great something else...

Episode 3: A Thanos Primer

In anticipation of Avengers: Infinity War, listener Joel L. asks about its villain, Thanos, and why he's so scary.

The Blood Brothers would be completely forgotten were it not for their being in this issue.

I see five characters here you'll actually see in the movie. Maybe six.

A lot of characters die in this book. Most are back now.

The defining Thanos story to date, and the major inspiration for the film.

Infinity Crusade: Yes, religion gets brought up. No, not well.

We've apparently run out of nouns to go with "Infinity."

Don't forget to stay past the credits!

For the cosplayer in your life.

Episode 2 - Where to Start: The Marvel Edition

Where should one begin reading when they take their first foray into the Marvel Universe?  That's the question asked today by listener Justin B., and Kurt offers a few different options with pros and cons for each.

She's already caught. How will turning invisible help?

The DIY option for the budding young colorist.

Power and Responsibility. Prepare to read those words a lot.

No more what now?