Comic Geek Speak Podcast - The Best Comic Book Podcast (Comedy)

That moment when you see something in a comic book that makes a permanent impression, that changes your idea of what can be done in comics and reminds you of why you love to read them: these are the moments we're celebrating in this Top 5 episode, as we count down some of our favorite cliffhangers, turning points, splash pages, and other fleeting flashes and flourishes of narrative brilliance to grace the medium over the years. (Special CGS salutations to our good friend Ian Levenstein of Comic Timing, who not only salvaged the recording of this episode, but is also in it!) (1:56:03)

In this bite-sized block of Comic Talk, we offer a few remarks on the passing of one of comics' greatest and most enigmatic talents, Steve Ditko. Also, Pants finally weighs in on Grant Morrison's Animal Man, along with other forgotten treasures from his collection; Murd magicks up a quick impression of Mark Waid's new Dr. Strange series; Shane takes us to 'Teen Titans Go! to the Movies'; and other enticing ephemera. (47:42)

We're turning green (well, first gray, then green) with excitement to bring you this look at the beginnings of the greatest 'man vs. self' conflict dynamic in all of comics: scientist Bruce Banner... and the Incredible Hulk! It's a rampage through the first seven years of the Hulk's adventures, introducing his supporting cast, his most significant foes, his nigh-limitless might, and his increasingly fractured psyche, brought to you by comics scholar Gamma Cum Laude Chris Eberle and lowly lab tech Adam Murdough. Go Go Go HULK! (2:05:58)

Another milestone for the CGS consortium, as Chris, Murd, and Bryan Deemer engage in 75 multi-topic minutes of Comic Talk without the benefit of a net... or a studio! This all-Skype extravaganza includes a report on Heroes Con 2018 from Murd; a preview of the latest magazine from TwoMorrows Publishing, Retro Fan; a ream of reading recommendations and reviews; some TV talk (Luke Cage, Season 2; Cloak & Dagger); and even a bit of WWII history and miniature-painting discussion for good measure. Step right up and listen to the show--admission is free! (1:13:27)

Soaring from the Spice Mines of Kessel to the silver screen, it's Solo: A Star Wars Story, chronicling the early adventures of everyone's favorite spacefaring scoundrel, Han Solo! Thrill with the Geeks as they indulge in a digression-heavy discussion of the film, and how it scratched their Star Wars fan-itch in a Wookiee-sized way! (Warning: This episode is smuggling a heavy cargo of SPOILERS!) (1:23:21)

The original era of the Original Captain Marvel came to a sad end in 1953... so what DID happen to the Marvel Family? How did they survive the rise of King Kull the Beastman, the baleful influence of the horror genre, and shameless attempts at Cold War/Korean War exploitationism, only to fall victim to a fate far more subtle and insidious, and to vanish into limbo for 20 years? Murd and Chris have some answers in this Spotlight episode covering the comics of the final fling of Fawcett Publications in the Fabulous Fifties (1950-53). (2:50:03)

In this episode, Bryan digs into his newest hobby of miniature painting and model building. He speaks with professional model builder and painter Lincoln Wright. Lincoln worked as a pro for 10 years in Japan and now runs a successful YouTube channel and Patreon. Lincoln is enthusiastic and has great stories to tell, so even if model building isn't your thing, you're sure to you entertained! (1:13:16)

WAR has been declared! CGS opens a new front in its podcasting campaign, as Chris and Murd sit down at the strategy table to discuss a couple of their favorite comics in the war genre: Enemy Ace: War in Heaven, a German view of World War II brought to you by Garth Ennis; and a Vertigo-style take on the origin of DC's hero of the American Revolution, Tomahawk! War may be hell, but this new format is anything but! (1:19:29)

Been craving some bona-fide, fully-accredited CGS Comic Talk--the kind that consists mainly of discussion of actual comics?? Well, this episode's got the goods! The Geeks put their heads together to evaluate Doomsday Clock #2, and then sound off on all sorts of other things they've been reading lately, without sparing the SPOILERS! Also, Pants' report on some high-profile occurrences of that magic number, 52; a few low-spoiler reactions to the CW's Black Lightning pilot; and a most memorable Muddle the Murd! (1:37:11)

Wave the flag and write your congressman, because Pants is back from a sabbatical in the U.S. capital! Hear about his appointment to view a national treasure of comics fandom at the Library of Congress, and the good times he had at the first-of-its-kind, free-to-the-public, comics-and-culture promo event known as 'DC in D.C. 2018'! Includes full-length fireside chats with a few of our favorite writers, Tom King and the Benson Sisters! (1:17:16)

Do you hear what I hear? It's Comic Talk and post-holiday decompression, together in perfect harmony! In this festive episode we open a few Christmas presents, look ahead to the 'DC in D.C.' event later this month, unload a sleighful of trivia and TV talk (Some Spoilers May Apply!), and drink in the conviviality like a fine eggnog. Post-Holiday Mishmosh will always be--just as long as we have we! (1:20:49)

As Peter and Adam resume their riotous rundown of Crisis with issue #4, time is running out for Earth-1 and Earth-2, and it's already run out for Earth-6! Firestorm and Killer Frost face chaos in Camelot, Supergirl and Red Tornado make their grand entrances into the story destined to change them forever, and the heroes of Earth-1 witness the illuminating introduction of the new Doctor Light! (2:43:43)

Going somewhere for Labor Day weekend? Here's some Comic Talk for the road! Pants shares some stories and souvenirs of his tour of duty in Artists' Alley at London Super Comic Convention 2017, including his discovery of a little-known missing link between comics and stamp collecting! Plus reading recommendations, TV talk (including early thoughts on Marvel's The Defenders), mailbag, Muddle the Murd, and more. (57:24)

Kirby Is Here!!! We're 'Krackling' with excitement to present Part One of our two-part tribute to the King of Comics, in celebration of his centennial year. Kirby Konnoisseur Chris Eberle walks us through Jack's early life, his marriage, his service in World War II, his storied creative partnerships with Joe Simon and Stan Lee, and the triumphs and trials of his career in comics from the early Golden Age to his exit from Marvel in 1970. (3:08:47)

Comic Talk, Comic Talk, does whatever a podcast episode can! As we weave our tangled web of geeky gab, we salute that recently departed stenographic stalwart of the early days of Marvel Comics, 'Fabulous Flo' Steinberg; bandy about our favorite bits of news from SDCC 2017; catch up with an old friend, artist Martheus Wade; and share a few of our thoughts and concerns on Spider-Man: Homecoming. LOOK OUT--here comes some Comic Talk!! (1:47:52)

We're burning through our backlog of Off the Racks reviews double-time, bringing you six (count 'em: SIX!) semi-seasonable single-issue synopses and size-ups in one fell swoop! From a galaxy far, far away (Marvel's Darth Maul #1) to a WildStorm Universe that's far, far from the one you remember (DC's The Wild Storm #1); from soft-hearted alien assassins (Dark Horse's The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed #1) to hard-headed space cops (Green Lantern/Space Ghost Special #1); from the birth of a nation (Rebels: These Free and Independent States #1) to the rebirth of the X-Men titles (X-Men Prime #1), this episode covers twice the comics in only 130% the time! But first, a Bat-elegy for the dearly departed Adam West. (1:51:54)

WONDER WOMAN!! All the world's been waiting for this: a big-budget superhero movie with an iconic female star AND a female director! Spark up your Magic Spheres and listen as the Geeks react, with enthusiasm that glows as bright as the Lasso of Truth, to DC's latest and greatest feature film. We focus on its twists and turns, its talented leads, its historical setting, its stunning visuals... and maybe even a potential flaw or two. (1:15:45)

Presenting a CGS sit-down with veteran creator Karl Kesel: Inker, Inditer, and Impresario of the Impossible!! Flush with victory after the successful funding of a Kickstarter campaign to revive his and Tom Grummett's creator-owned comic SECTION ZERO, the celebrated Mr. K joins us to discuss the second life of that series; several of his fan-favorite past projects; and any other topic we throw at 'im. Good clean fun with a true gentleman of the comics profession! (1:07:20)

Pop open the tape decks on your iPods and slip in this Awesome Mix of fun topics! Included in the playlist for this episode are fond reflections on the fun and frolics found on Free Comic Book Day 2017; thoughts on the current run of Blue Beetle from Shane and Wonder Woman: Earth One from Murd; and, taking up the entirety of Side B, our SPOILER-saturated salute to Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2! Plus bonus tracks! (1:35:55)

Just in TIME for Easter, the Time Bubble comes hippety-hopping down the timestream with a big basket of back-issue reviews, from Murd to you! Among the plastic grass and marshmallow chicks, you'll find reminiscences and ruminations on Harley Quinn in wartime, the origin of Wolverine, a cosmic adventure of the Avengers, an off-brand incarnation of the Suicide Squad, and the debut of Jessica Jones, among other goodies. (2:18:51)

Something old (the retro vibe of Wonder Woman '77 Meets the Bionic Woman #1), something new (the youthful protagonists of Nova #1 and Supergirl: Being Super #1), something borrowed (Murd's copy of Scooby-Doo Team-Up #23), and something blue (Blue Rider, the Led Zeppelin wannabes seen in Rockstars #1): a perfect marriage of elements for a great Off the Racks episode! And join us afterwards at the reception for some TV talk on Iron Fist and Legion. (1:16:37)

Holey Moley! The World's Mightiest Spotlight Series is finally back for one more look at the adventures of Captain Marvel & Family in the superhero heyday of the Forties (1946-49). Appearing on the Historama are the official incorporation of the Marvel Family as a team; the debut of new friends like Freckles Marvel and Mr. Tawny the talking tiger, and baddies like Black Adam, the Sivana Family, Mr. Atom and >shudder< Aunt Minerva; Captain Marvel's second (and last) multi-part 'serial' of the Golden Age, 'The Cult of the Curse'; and plenty of miscellaneous quirky-but-wholesome 1940s fun... plus a couple of spankings. (3:30:09)

Be vewy, vewy quiet--we're talking comics! Popping out of the rabbit-hole in this episode are a salute to the late Richard 'Apollo Adama' Hatch; a spirited discussion of The Lego Batman Movie and the Legion TV series; a recap of Pants' trip to Gallifrey One; reading recommendations from Chris; a touch of toy talk with Shane; and a teaser of the upcoming DC/Looney Tunes crossover one-shots. Th-th-th-that's all, folks! (1:06:06)

Out of the seething crucible of excellence in comics production that was 2016, there must now emerge those elite few comics, concepts, characters and creators that deserve to be known as... 'The Best'!! In this episode, part of a time-honored Comic Geek Speak tradition, we the Geeks--and YOU, the listeners!--put forth our nominations for prospective recipients of the coveted CGS 'Best of 2016' Awards. Listen to learn who and what made the cut, then prepare to cast your votes for the ultimate winners! (2:10:46)

Face front, ye star-sailors and psychonauts! Make room in your minds and iPods for a three-hour tour through the cosmic corner of the Marvel Universe, as our spirit-guide Chris Eberle introduces us at length to three of Marvel's most sensationally sidereal spacefaring stalwarts: Adam Warlock, Captain Mar-Vell, and the Silver Surfer! Learn the fundamental facts about these sentinels of the spaceways: their creative provenance, their cosmic powers, their awe-inspiring origins, and the most significant chapters in their star-spanning sagas. Download now and embrace infinity!!! (3:32:24)

'Tis the week before Christmas, and though we're half-dead, there's some great, Geeky things that we can't leave unsaid! We summon the energy to share some shop talk with Chris, enthuse about the Spider-Man: Homecoming trailers, present a very special installment of Muddle the Murd, and lift each other's spirits with talk of the season and hopes for the new year to come (comics-related and otherwise). Now bring us some figgy pudding! (1:00:41)

It's a week after Thanksgiving, and the Geeks are feasting on leftovers--leftover Off the Racks picks, that is! The six main ingredients in our comics conversation casserole are Batman Beyond #1 and Doom Patrol #1 (DC), Dr. Strange Annual #1 and Jessica Jones #1 (Marvel), M.A.S.K.: Revolution #1 (IDW), and Moonshine #1 (Image). Plus, CGS founder Bryan Deemer serves up some gaming talk as a tasty side-dish! Scoop yourself a plateful, and don't skimp on the gravy! (1:59:18)

Ian Levenstein of the Comic Timing podcast sticks with us for a second session this week, this time just to shoot the breeze in one of our any-old-topic-you-like Comic Talk discussions. Included: scary tales of Halloween Comic-Fest 2016 at Wildpig Comics; a critical look at mass-media celebrity signings at comic conventions; spoiler-free early thoughts on the Dr. Strange movie and the Cage Netflix series; and a salute to the late Steve Dillon. Plus TV talk, reading recommendations, and general merriment. Remember, you can't spell 'levity' without several of the letters found in 'Levenstein'! (1:26:09)