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#ToughCallTuesday 12 – Two Movies, One Remake

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This was a thought I had over the extended Thanksgiving weekend.

Two “classic” sci-fi movies that have yet to be touched by modern day Hollywood. The Last Starfighter and Flight of the Navigator. I use quotes around the word classic because I think they are only “classic” in the sense that they were made in the mid-1980s. In fact, until I mentioned them, did you even remember their names?

Let me ask another question – were you even aware of their existence?

How about some movie poster art? You know…to jog the memory…

The-Last-Starfighter flight

A quick synopsis of both movies for the uninitiated (taken from memory, not from IMDb – so you know it’s shaky at best):

The Last Starfighter is about a trailer park maintenance man (Alex) who spends his evenings ignoring his girlfriend in hopes of achieving high score on an arcade game – Starfighter. When he finally achieves the highest of the high scores, he is visited by an alien that looks like The Music Man (He’s a what? He’s a what? He’s an a-li-en). Centauri recruits Alex to join the intergalactic war raging between the Starfighters and the bad guys (I looked this one up – it’s the Ko-Dan Armada). The base is destroyed, leaving Alex and an alien named Grig, who serves as navigator and mentor. Hence, Alex is THE LAST STARFIGHTER.

Meanwhile, while Alex is in space, fake robot Alex is on Earth in his place. But fake robot Alex is a poor man’s Alex. He almost ruins things with Maggie the girlfriend. However, fake robot Alex does take a bullet, an assassination attempt.

Long story short – Alex succeeds in fending off the Armada, returning home safely to a confused Maggie and family. They leave to return to the Starfighter Corps (why not) and the galaxy is saved.

Flight of the Navigator starts in 1978. I don’t remember every detail, but here we go nonetheless. David is playing with his little brother. David falls down a hillside and hits his head. Here’s where it gets fuzzy. I almost think that David wakes up in 1986, and while the world around him has aged and progressed, he is still a kid. And his younger brother is, essentially, now older than he is. He is taken to some government (NASA, I believe) facility, because there was some connection to a spaceship.

Like I said, some parts are fuzzy.

David gets some help from future Hollywood A-lister (in her best performance ever) Sarah Jessica Parker and escapes captivity in the spaceship version of Evil T-1000.

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He and the ship (we’ll call it Mack, because that’s its name – and also voiced by Pee Wee Herman) escape authorities and travel back in time to when he fell down the hill and disappeared. Either that, or David wakes up only to realize he had the weirdest #*$@%& dream of all time.

Here’s where I’m at with these two movies. Flight of the Navigator is a Disney movie, and therefore COULD be remade. Let’s just all admit that we’re marks for what Disney is doing and move on. The animated stuff is solid (both standalone Disney Animation and the coop with Pixar). And maybe you were unaware that Disney owns Marvel and Star Wars. T+So they have that going for them. Disney is doing well. They don’t need to try to resurrect largely-forgotten titles from thirty years ago.

That’s why I say that The Last Starfighter should be remade. It has a decent story (I didn’t really do it justice). Plus, and I think this is the biggest reason – those special effects.

I mean, there’s charming and then there’s painful. Give a modern director, and more importantly a modern visual effects team, an opportunity to tell the tale with the cutting edge technology they have at their fingertips.

Hollywood has remade a slew of movies that didn’t need to be remade (looking at you, glaringly, Red Dawn). Let them have some fun with a flick that deserves a remake.

#REMAKESTARFIGHTER

If you want to submit a topic for my next #ToughCallTuesday, just leave it in the comments or email nerdsunitedpodcast@gmail.com.

And remember that the Comics for Beginners II episode is being recorded in January. Submit your questions (same as above) and win a prize! Seriously. It’s that simple!

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 11 – Two Titles, One Solution

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Let me just start this off right away by saying this:

I finally read comics. I mean in my hand, picked up booklets of paper, and READ THEM!

Much of my reading has been on my iPad, and truth be told, I haven’t read much lately. I blame the Fall TV schedule. The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl, Gotham, The Walking Dead, Doctor Who, football…it’s crazy. And when I’m not watching tv, I’m awakening my long-dormant video game skills.

So reading was nice. I honestly need to do it more often (this moment of common sense brought to you by Staples.)

It had probably been September when I last strolled into my “local” comic book store. I use air quotes because the comic book shop I patronize with my money is just over an hour from my house. It’s why I have a pull folder. By the time I get there every eight weeks, I have missed some issues. Brian, Tim, and the crew at Twilight Comics (Swansea, IL) take care of me and my pull folder is always stuffed with my selected titles.

And it looks like I’m adding to it from here on out. This week’s #ToughCallTuesday:

side by side

Grant Morrison and Dan Mora’s “Klaus” (Boom! Studios) versus Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque’s “Huck” (Image Comics).

Now I don’t pretend to know much, but I thought I had a pretty reasonable handle on the Santa Claus origin story. I mean, I’ve seen Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.

The idea struck Morrison when he was working on All Star Superman. Let’s face it – worldwide, there’s only one hero bigger than Superman. As he told Comic Book Resources:

I suddenly thought, “How come no one’s told the ‘Year One’ of Santa Claus?” It seems so obvious. Basically, this is my “All-Star Santa Claus.” [Laughs] “Santa Claus Year Zero.” It’s kind of neat approaching that character as if he was the world’s greatest superhero, and we’ve never learned the origin.

The book starts out pretty standard. A traveler, a “Wild Man,” enters a Scandinavian town that he has visited before. He has furs and meats and such to trade. He has been welcomed to the town before, but is met now with armored guards. Also, when he visits the tavern, he finds that the ale is watered down. That would make me fighting mad, too!

The traveler sees children playing with a rock, and apparently that’s forbidden. Basically, the kids aren’t allowed to have any fun. Period.

A side story revolves around the rulers of the town and their seeming disinterest in keeping their citizens happy. The ruling class child is a spoiled brat who burns down the model village the people were likely forced to build him. He wants more more more.

Meantime, our traveler Klaus has been chased out of the town and returns to the woods. He and his wolf kill a deer, and then things get weird.

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Look! He’s painting with the colors of the wind!

In a trance, Klaus creates a sleigh-full of toys for the children of the village. And I bet you know what happens in Issue #2.

Mark Millar is through with superheroes.

Well, let me start over. Mark Millar, in his own words, was disappointed in the ending of Man of Steel. **SPOILER ALERT** You remember that, right? That was when Superman snapped the neck of General Zod, preventing Zod from using his heat vision to make a family extra crispy?

Three people very content with Kal-El's decision.
Three people very content with Kal-El’s decision.

Mark goes on to say that (and I’m paraphrasing here) in our darkest times, we sometimes need an uplifting hero.

Both myself and artist Rafael Albuquerque have created something we haven’t seen in a very long time with our new book and that’s a lovely, sweet, Jimmy Stewart/ Tom Hanks/ Steven Spielberg kinda good guy. It’s out this week and we called this thing HUCK.

Look – I read Huck #1 and I loved it for its sheer simplicity. A simple man from a small town. To town natives, he is special. To outsiders or new neighbors, he is “slow.” But at the heart of it, he is a good man – better than we know in this world. Huck doesn’t say much in his first issue. More a man of action, his deeds range from diving to the bottom of a watery trash site to recover a lost piece of jewelry to taking out the trash for everyone in town to rescuing the 200 school girls captured by Boko Haram.

huck Capture4

Huck is just a good guy in a world with too few good people. And the folks in his town protect his secret. So what do you think happens to Huck at the end of the first issue? Of course, someone tries to cash in on the town secret. I don’t mind spoiling that because, while it is a significant event in Huck’s life, I hope it is a drawing point to potential readers.

By that I mean, if I said “Huck is a story about a small town guy who does good deeds on every level, from helping his neighbors to saving hostages in a politically charged climate. Everyone in his town knows his secret. No one ever tells.” Well that’s boring.

But if I say “Huck is a story about a small town guy who does good deeds on every level, from helping his neighbors to saving hostages in a politically charged climate. Everyone in his town knows his secret. No one ever tells…until someone does.” Well that has my interest. I want to know what happens to Huck when he has been exposed.

Now, much like some of Millar’s recent work like Wanted, Marvel’s Civil War, Kingsman, and Kick Ass, Huck has already been picked up by a studio to be adapted for the big screen. In fact, Studio 8 grabbed the rights for Huck over a month before the first issue hit store shelves.

These are two books that I really enjoyed, that is why this week’s #ToughCallTuesday is so easy.

Pick up both Klaus and Huck.

Here’s why – both series just started in November. Both series are written by two of the top names in the industry, plus the art is great. Dan Mora has done such a good job on Klaus and I’m really enjoying Rafael Albuquerque’s work on Huck.

I’m a mark for Christmas. I don’t know why, really. But a re-imagining of the Santa Claus origin story is something I didn’t even know I wanted. As for Huck, I mean, what’s not to like about this character? He is simply a good guy with abilities (unknown at this point) who just wants people to be happy.

We could all learn from these two characters. Do good. Be nice. It’s not that hard.

These two stories began with #1 in November. These are designed to be short stories, with both having six-issue runs. It’s worth it to check them out, and I think you’ll be glad that you did.

Do what I did – go to your local comic book store. Strike up a conversation. I grabbed Klaus out of curiosity. I bought Huck based on a recommendation from Brian, the owner. I’m glad he mentioned it. I’ll buy the remainder of the run.

So go talk to the friendly people at your local comic book store. You won’t regret it.

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 10 – Supporting the Little Guy

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This week’s #ToughCallTuesday is a very special article, as I reached out to a past guest (something I look forward to doing more in the future…or you’ll get a lot of “Flintstones vs Jetsons” posts in the future).

Ten days into a month-long Kickstarter campaign, I sought out newlywed and soon-to-be father Kino Beeler (my guest in Episode 48) to tell us all about Grand Arc Designs’ “Memories of Aeldaria.”

On the day that massive mega-hit Fallout 4 was released, I implore you to consider Memories of Aeldaria as a David in an industry controlled by Goliaths.

– GM

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Like any story worth telling this one is full of passion, adventure, trials, & hope. Memories of Aeldaria is a 3D, third person, action-adventure / role-playing game being developed by our staff here at Grand Arc Designs.

All of what exists today was merely a dream two and a half years ago. Countless hours were spent pouring over statistics, building conceptual designs, developing our first Game Design Document, and searching for the right talent to join our ranks. After months planning we established Grand Arc with a goal to create games we love based on solid standards and fair principals to be a force for good in this industry.

If there is one word that could describe our project, it would be ambitious. We have lofty dreams for Aeldaria and have put a lot of time into developing our partnerships to try and set us apart from an increasingly saturated Indie market. Too far from the path have a lot of companies strayed led by greed and sacrificing meaningful content for a bottom line. At least, that’s how we perceive the state of things. We truly care about making a quality product and delivering what we promise when we promise it. We will distinguish ourselves not just by the stories we tell and the worlds that we create, but also leading by example, delivering a completely realized product at fair market prices.

Trust is missing between many consumers with the publishers they once followed to what they swore would be the end and it is a shame how many of those loyal consumers are now treated. Die-hard gamers feel betrayed investing so much of their hard-earned cash into often disappointing and unrealized potential. This has to stop and both developers and publishers really need to focus on what their consumers want, and the answer is not having to spend often nearly $100 USD for a game, a season pass, possibly unreasonably long delays with little interaction between fans and developers, far less content than promised, broken or unplayable elements on day 1, and often much more.

When we see this problem and can really open our eyes to it, hopefully then understanding why change needs to happen is so important. And this is where we come in!

The Game:

coverfinal

We are developing potentially a 30~50+ hour experience with familiar elements from classic titles that are simply meant to be polished. While we want to introduce some new ideas to the mix we feel there are enough companies trying to find new ways to re-invent the wheel. We think the wheel works just fine and we understand how the wheel works. Instead the most unique part of Aeldaria is how we intend to bring these elements together.

The Story:

The player will journey as a young heroine who has temporarily lost her memory upon being thrust through space and time to crash land in the mysterious and surreal land of Aeldaria. The world and its mysteries will unfold to the player just as it unravels to her; allowing a touching glance at the once mighty Kingdom of Aeldaria as both learn together. Powerful allies and terrifying foes will be lying in wait as decisions you make alter the intricate strings of the web, ultimately leading to your chosen fate.

Why should you care?

If all of this simply isn’t enough to convince you, let’s take a look at some awesome facts about the project, about us, and about what we can accomplish together:

  • We will be building a game with tons of content that you can essentially pre-order today for only $25.00
  • Your contributions via liking, sharing, and donating to our campaign will increase our visibility and our chances of being funded. No matter how large or small your contribution is; we will be truly grateful.
  • Your contribution will support not just this project becoming a reality, but you will also be helping to create jobs for nearly 20 individuals and their families.
  • We have worked for the last year and a half diligently on a working budget of $0.00. While development will continue to churn, it will do so at a much slower pace if we cannot obtain necessary funding to enter a full production schedule.

We are dedicated to our goals and will continue moving forward with strong resolve despite learning curves or hurdles we may encounter.

Review our campaign here. 

Review the previous SE Collective campaign here.

Our website: http://www.grandarcdesigns.com/

E3 Week trailer:

Kickstarter Trailer (developed to be more like an immersive slow-build traditional cut-scene):

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Greg here – I’m excited to see this project reach its goal. That’s why I’m backing this campaign. I urge you to do the same.

Nerds United

What We Can Learn from #ForceforDaniel

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Perhaps you have heard of Daniel Fleetwood. Daniel was a man with a terminal illness, cancer known as spindle cell sarcoma. It attacked his lungs with such ferocity that he recently had just 10% lung functionality. In other words, tumors covered the other 90% of his lungs.

On September 1, 2015, Daniel was told by his doctors that he had two months to live.

Being a lifelong Star Wars fan, Daniel’s dying wish was to see Star Wars​: The Force Awakens before he passed. This led to an enormous amount of support on social media in the #ForceforDaniel campaign. Fans around the world, media, and even some Star Wars alum got on board to see Daniel’s final wish granted.

tweeter

J. J. Abrams​, Lucasfilm​, and Disney​ made that happen last week. daniel fleetwood Today is November 10. It was on this day we learned that Daniel Fleetwood passed away. He was 32.

Now whether you have heard of the #ForceforDaniel movement or not, I truly believe Daniel’s story holds a greater purpose than just him being able to watch a movie a few weeks ahead of release. Daniel Fleetwood and his wife Ashley are, or should be, reminders that we all have it inside of us to rise up and do great things. Their story inspired a movement comprised of family, friends, and largely strangers coming together out of love.

Love is many things, and being a Catholic, I think of Saint Thomas Aquinas who said “Love is to know, to will, and to do the good of another.”

Daniel worked as a counselor to the mentally impaired. Ashley teaches the visually impaired. Both had to take significant time off of work during the progressive and late stages of Daniel’s battle. These two lived a life of love not just for each other, but for the countless families they assisted.

As their story gained worldwide attention, they taught each of us touched by their story, those of us who were cheering for them to have Daniel’s wish fulfilled, how to love.

See, friends, you don’t need some grandstanding display of love. You don’t have to record some elaborately choreographed marriage proposal.

Love can be as simple as sharing a stranger’s dying wish to see a beloved movie. Love is someone meeting with more than 500 children in the Make A Wish Foundation system (looking at you, John Cena). Love is donating time or money (or both, as long as it comes from the right place) to a community food pantry, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, animal shelter – the list goes on and on.

There are countless ways to love one another. The Fleetwoods gave us a small opportunity to lift them up in love, and when Disney, J.J. Abrams, and the extended Star Wars family took notice and granted Daniel this special screening, we all cheered in exuberance.

When you’re invited into something like this, you truly cheer with the highs and mourn at the lows. One of the last Facebook posts Ashley made before her post about Daniel’s passing, she described hearing his discomfort. I have “borrowed without permission” from her Facebook page enough, but it is heart-wrenching to hear what they had to endure in his final hours. Ashley, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry for the pain you and Daniel had to endure. And I completely agree with your sentiments. “Screw cancer. F it in the a-hole.”

If you have the means, please visit the Fleetwood’s GoFundMe page. 

Friends, this isn’t a pitch to get you to spend money. More than anything, I want your take-away from this post to be about love. Smile more often (I say these words in my head as I type them, and my wife will appreciate that I just pronounced the “t” in often, something I bemoan). Greet strangers with warmth and kindness. 

We’re coming up on a time of year where we’re supposed to be cheerful. The Christmas season wants you to smile and be friendly. Maybe I’m old, but I think Daniel’s life should remind us that we can be kindhearted all year round. We don’t need commercials and stores to tell us to be friendly. We’re the human race. We have proven time and time again that we have the power within ourselves to be decent to one another.

Make it a part of your everyday routine to be kind. Then you won’t have to try. As Jedi Master Yoda said, “Do or do not. There is no ‘try.'” Let love flow through you like The Force. Yoda also says: 

For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.

Rest in peace, Daniel. And May the Force be with You. 

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 54 – The Solo Home Show

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Nerds United Episode 54 - The Solo Home Show [ 43:25 | 0.01 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (983)

This week’s show is a home show and I explain all of that in the early minutes of the episode.

I’m talking Star Wars, Gotham, The Flash, Arrow, The Walking Dead, Man of Steel, and Supergirl.

Supergirl_1920x1080_586896_640x360

I also talk about Grant Morrison’s 18 Days (see featured image), another regrettable heroes, and a passionate plea to DC Comics!

And though I forgot to mention it in the episode, PLEASE head over to Kickstarter and help my friends from Grand Arc Designs find their independent video game, Memories of Aeldaria.

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 9 – Prehistoric vs Futuristic

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Last week’s #ToughCallTuesday had such a response that I thought I’d revisit another pair of families from the realm of classic television.

movie_MEET

 

That’s right! Flintsones versus Jetsons.

Hanna-Barbera was living right, dominating the world of animated entertainment for decades. Many of the cartoons I watched as a child were Hanna-Barbera creations. Think back. I bet you can say the same. It’s okay, I’ll wait.
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See? I was right!

These two families were two of HB’s more popular characters.

The Flintstones consisted of your every-man Fred, his wife Wilma, little girl Pebbles, and pets Dino and Baby Puss. I include Baby Puss because one of my favorite parts of the cartoon was always the ending credits when the sabretooth cat hops back in the house and puts Fred out for the night.

The Jetsons featured George as the patriarch, Jane as the mother, Judy, the firstborn, and Elroy, the inquisitive and somewhat brainy younger son. (The other way to introduce them is “Meet George Jetson. His Boy Elroy. Daughter Judy. Jane, his wife.”) The Jetsons also had a pet, a dog named Astro. And they had an in-home robot maid, Rosie.

Fred Flintstone was a quarryman, working construction. His time-rock got punched twice a day, and then he would head home to his family. Fred’s best pal, Barney Rubble, also worked at the quarry. The two were bowling buddies and members of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes. Barney had a wife, Betty, and an adopted son, Bamm-Bamm.

George Jetson worked at Spacely (Space) Sprockets, where he got blamed for a lot! His at-work companion was R.U.D.I., is a computer with a human personality. And while I recall an episode where some bad programming meant some unfortunate things for George, R.U.D.I. was primarily a human-friendly computer, unlike this program…

skynet-11

Outside of work, George didn’t have much of a life, except for the time he spent zooming around trying to keep his family safe. It just seemed that Fred had a bit more downtime to enjoy some of the finer things in life.

In all actuality, maybe these two shows were inadvertent metaphors for life with and without technology. The Flintstones seemed to have more fun, and even though they faced their share of challenges, they each had time for hobbies. The Jetsons were seemingly always getting into trouble, and George was fired from his job in an unfair amount of episodes.

In a way, I empathize with George a bit more than Fred. George seems like a tough-luck loner. Fred at least had Barney. George didn’t really have anywhere to turn when he needed to vent his frustrations.

And let’s not forget the very real fact that these two families met once.

Before I render a verdict, I do want to include quite possibly the best result of either of these two storied franchises.

You’re damn right I’m talking about sugary cereals. And ever since I was a kid, that particular commercial has stuck with me. I can practically recite it word for word, playing all three roles.

This week’s decision really comes down to a topic I mentioned above – technology and the speed of the world with it and without it.

I have essentially been raised with technology. I had a Nintendo Entertainment System and an MS-DOS computer (only one of those I’d take back). I have had many types of cell phones over the years. That’s not to brag. In fact, I have had the same phone for several years (thank you Otter Box). But for the last fifteen years, I’ve had cell phones and other mobile devices, desktop computers, laptops, etc.

I’m connected. Often, I think I’m too connected.

That’s why I’m calling this week’s #ToughCallTuesday for the Flintstones, and it’s a direct result of my own personal longing to be just a little less plugged in. It’s a difficult task, certainly, because my job requires me to maintain the business Facebook page, I have my own business page as a sales consultant, plus there’s the Jittery Monkey Podcasts and Nerds United Facebook pages and Twitter accounts.

And I’ll always have that, especially if I’m ever a business owner myself (Nerds United – The Store…it’s happening…someday).

Here’s my only question though…

We’ve seen two live action Flintstone movies. Where’s our Jetsons movie? Sci-fi is at an all-time high. And these are some iconic characters due for a big screen moment. I mean, everything else from our childhood has its own movie now, so what’s the worst that could happen?

Agree? Disagree? You know what to do. Sound off in the comments. What’s your preference? Flintstones or Jetsons? And do we deserve a Jetsons movie?

Also – your topics for #ToughCallTuesday…I WANT ‘EM!

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 8 – Freaky Families

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It’s Halloween week, so why not bring a little light-hearted spookiness to Nerds United?

This week’s #ToughCallTuesday comes our way from longtime supporter Josh, who said this week’s column should be:

munsters

The Munsters versus The Addams Family.*

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(Note – To prevent any unnecessary arguments, we’re only talking about the classic television shows. This discussion does not include the movies of the 1990’s.)

The Munsters a group of monsters who are either oblivious to their differences or hope the rest of the community overlooks them as well. They just seem to want to fit in. The Addams Family is relatively normal from a genetic standpoint (no Frankenstein’s monster, vampire, or wolf boy) who are just…odd.

John Astin (previously mentioned in #ToughCallTuesday 4 – Batman ’66 Villains) played a witty, if not charming, Gomez Addams. There was something cool about Gomez. Maybe it was the cigars. But I always thought Astin’s Gomez was smooth, yet comical.

Morticia Addams kept it simple with that slinky black dress and minimal jewelry. Carolyn Jones made a better Morticia than her big-screen counterpart Anjelica Huston (purely opinion). I mean, if you look past her obsession with cyanide and other components used for “flavoring,” she seemed almost normal.

Wednesday and Pugsley were far more innocent and well-meaning in the show than they were in the cinematic version. Wednesday just wanted to raise her pet black widow (you can have all my “NOPE’s” right there) and decapitating dolls. Pugsley was an intelligent lad who at times even tried to “fit in.” He spent time engineering an abundance of gadgets and machines, bonded with dear old dad, and had a pet octopus.

Uncle Fester was an oddball. He likes to blow stuff up and can illuminate a light bulb just by putting it in his mouth. My clearest memories of Uncle Fester are the bed of nails and the head in a vice. Lurch was the butler and could easily be summoned when Gomez or Morticia yanked on the noose (seriously…a noose. I just learned that. I always thought it was just a fancy rope). Lurch’s famous words “You rang” are still echoed through the halls of the Casa de Mehochko, and have been for several years. And then there’s Thing – the helpful hand around the house. A longtime companion of Gomez, Thing’s skill set includes getting the mail, answering the phone, lighting cigars, and…I’m guessing other tasks one does with their hands.

thing

As for the Munsters – a smaller troupe, but unique in their own way.

Herman Munster was a blue-collar worker and the sole bread winner for his 1960’s family. He went out and tried to have a normal, suburban life. Before all that, he traversed Europe, where he met and eventually married Lily. Then he moved with Lily and her father to America, joining the US Army and fighting in World War II.

Lily (nee Dracula) is a vampire, hence the maiden name. This was one of the first shows that featured a strong matriarch and a somewhat bumbling male figure who gets “the look” from his wife. OH MAN! This might have been the show that originated “the look.” Lily also keeps an eye on her son Eddie, and pities her niece Marilyn because she was “hideous” in her normality. And being the smart woman she is, when Herman and Grandpa are fighting, she typically sits it out.

Eddie was a young werewolf boy who attended grade school, had friends, fangs, a wicked widow’s peak, pointy ears, and the worst outfit ever. But he had a sweet little stuffed werewolf. Young Eddie was quite proud of his father, even if he embellished some of Herman’s heroics.

Marilyn was the normal member of the family…which meant she was ostracized be her loved ones. Lily’s niece had nothing “wrong” with her, loved her family, and thought they were the normal ones. It was said that her father was a werewolf, but it was never confirmed what her mother was.

Grandpa “Sam Dracula” was an in-home geriatric (or beyond, seeing as he was hundreds of years old). Unlike vampires of today, there was no sparkling. Grandpa could change into a bat or a werewolf. He spent a lot of time in his cellar-based laboratory. And he often worked some schemes with Herman…to varying degrees of success. But he had a sweet car:

DRAG-U-LA
DRAG-U-LA

These shows also had incredibly memorable and lasting theme songs (*snap snap*). While I think The Addams Family theme stands out a bit more, when researching for this column, I listened to both, and I was shocked with just how memorable The Munsters’ theme song is. I mean, it absolutely fits the mid-1960’s. It is a little dated, but still, having not heard it for years, I was surprised with how quickly I jumped back in and knew the melody in my head.

The verdict:

There are reasons to love both of these shows. They are iconic and while one has been transferred to the big screen and the other had an attempted reboot for today’s television audience, these are two franchises who hit their high marks with their original content. It is for that reason that I choose……

munsters

The Munsters.

It was, by many accounts, the first show that showed a more dim-witted, oafish husband/father-figure. But Herman was that inept and still scored a gorgeous vampiress. It doesn’t take Gomez much effort to exude confidence and bring about that well-polished exterior. I just like to think that Herman had to work a little harder for it. PLUS, Herman was a WWII vet.

Furthermore, The Munsters were cancelled in 1966 and replaced with Batman the Series. And I don’t have to explain to you all of the benefits of that particular show.

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments, and if you have a topic idea like Josh did, let me know.

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 7 – Back to the Sequels

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I had to make a choice.

I mean, that’s the entire point of this series of blogs. It’s named a “tough call” for a reason.

Last night, the new Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens trailer debuted on Monday Night Football and the Internet reacted in fine fashion. Here’s the trailer in case you missed it (so I could say you were possibly entertained by at least one thing on this post):

So that happened. And tomorrow is the day that Marty McFly visits “the future” from 1985.

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Now I know what you’re thinking. “There have been 816 days in the last decade where Marty McFly was “supposed to arrive.” You saw them on social media going back to the MySpace days. But I assure you – tomorrow is the day:

So that brings me to this week’s debate: Which is better, Back to the Future II or Back to the Future III?

Back to the Future II has:

  • A presented time period, in fact the ONLY time period, we were able to experience. Let’s face it, unless someone has a working temporal displacement device, no one here is going back to the Old West.
  • Alternate timelines – and let’s face it, we all love a good dystopian future. Mad Max: Fury Road, The Hunger Games, Idiocracy (which, sadly, we’re already closer to that future than we are to the 2015 presented to us in BTTF2).
  • Lea Thompson’s ginormous additions!
Seriously! If you look close enough, you can see a heart pendent.
Seriously! If you look close enough, you can see a heart pendent.
  • Hoverboards. I don’t care if they don’t work over water. I thought they were the coolest part of that movie when I was a kid watching it for the first time.
  • More classic cars from the 1950s. Think about it, In BTTF2, Marty travels from 1985 to 2015 to alternate timeline 1985 back to 1955. And the climactic scene with Marty and Biff, the convertible, the hoverboard, and the sports almanac – well that’s just some great storytelling.
  • A basic understanding of time travel.

“Great Scott! Jennifer could conceivably encounter her future self! The consequences of that could be disastrous! The encounter could create a time paradox, the results of which could cause a chain reaction that would unravel the very fabric of the space time continuum, and destroy the entire universe! Granted, that’s a worse case scenario. The destruction might in fact be very localized, limited to merely our own galaxy.”

Here are the offerings of Back to the Future III:

  • Clint Eastwood. Well…sort of. Remember that was the alias Marty gave to Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen when he was asked.
  • Clint Ea-…Marty had to wrangle (no pun intended) some Western duds in a time period where, how do I put this gently…they didn’t give a crap about historical accuracy.
It just doesn't pass the sniff test.
It just doesn’t pass the sniff test.
  • No George McFly incarnation. I mean – where was Crispin Glover? Why was Michael J Fox his own ancestor?
  • Lorraine’s gigantic knockers – What can I say? They are both fascinating and hauntingly inaccurate. That is…unless the goal was to make them not at all resemble actual breasts. Lea Thompson is a far underrated actress in my opinion. She’s a doll. I enjoy her work in just about everything I have seen. And if you’re a fan, I encourage you to listen to her conversation with Chris Hardwick on the Nerdist Podcast.
  • The time machine locomotive – that beautiful piece of wonder looked like it was taken right out of a novel by Jules Verne. And oddly enough, that was the name Doc Brown and Clara chose for their two sons.
  • The final resolution – Back to the Future III was the finale of a tremendous trilogy that didn’t need to be a trilogy. If Back to the Future ends with Marty and Jennifer going out to the lake as planned, and now with the Doc racing in at the last minute and whisking them away to the future, it’s still a wonderful movie that is likely treasured for the ages. But it didn’t, he did, and we got two more movies of time-jumping and everything else that I’ve stated above. And that’s fine. But when the train comes through and obliterates the DeLorean, that’s it. No more time travel. Well, I mean, aside from the aforementioned locomotive. But that’s too bulky for every day use. The future is set right based on the destruction of the DeLorean and Marty not giving in to Needles’ challenge.

Both of these movies have their pros and their cons. For example, Back to the Future III relied on the same (yet still hilarious) gag about Biff/Buford being driven into a wagon of manure. Still hilarious. But it is also low hanging fruit.

Meanwhile, Back to the Future II had the Chicago Cubs win the World Series. And as a St. Louis Cardinals fan, that is very difficult to ignore. It is magnified by the fact that the Cubs eliminated my beloved Cardinals from post-season play last week. However, the movie was written, filmed, and released before Major League Baseball altered the playoff structure to include the Division League Series. So while the movie Cubs win the World Series on October 20, 2015, the real life Cubs trail the New York Mets 2-0 heading into tonight’s Game 3. And I think it’s just unfair to give Cubs fans false hope like that.

Also, where are the auto-fitting jackets and auto-securing shoes? It’s true that Nike was working on the shoes, but they aren’t produced or priced to be available to mass audiences…just yet.

The verdict – as it were:

I’m going with Back to the Future II. Despite the Cubs prediction and Jaws 19, there is just a ton of story packed into this movie. And its ending is so incredible. Marty sees a floating DeLorean with Doc Brown struck by lightning. The DeLorean vanishes. A minute later, a Western Union representative delivers a letter. And, well…good times occur.

“He’s in the Old West, but he’s ALIVE!”

Plus, it gets a moment in a Family Guy parody.

Now where’s my affordable hoverboard, dammit?

As always, if there’s a topic you want me to discuss in a future feature, let me know in the comments.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 53: The Cursed Studio

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Nerds United Episode 53: The Cursed Studio [ 38:36 | 0.01 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (916)

Well, for about fifteen-and-a-half minutes, the sound quality was what I wanted it to be. And then – right into the tank. Damn. Sorry everyone.

So in Episode 53, I talk about some recommended Doctor Strange reading, Neil Gaiman’s Sandman, and Marvel 1602. And I continue my series of Regrettable Superheroes.

I also discuss some of the television shows and movies going on, like the Flash, Arrow, and Thor: Ragnarok.

Also – i just picked up the following book and am really looking forward to having time to read it.

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 6 – Title Unknown

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I admit as I write this that I don’t know which direction this post will take. But it’s Tuesday, and I’ll be dipped if I don’t bring you a new Tough Call post.

The problem is that even now, I don’t think this one is a tough call at all.

I did something this past weekend that I can’t remember doing in recent memory. I intentionally skipped a televised game of my favorite college football team. Now, I’ve missed games in the past. And I’ve recorded them and watched them later. And I did that as well this past Saturday.

The difference between this game and all of those previously is that it was completely my choice how I spent my Saturday afternoon. At other times, I had commitments that I had agreed to before I knew of the starting time. This time, I was asked to go golfing – with my dad. And I readily and enthusiastically agreed.

Here’s the thing. My dad isn’t old. I anticipate (as well as hope and pray) that I get another thirty or so years with him. I hope he gets to see his grandchildren for many years, and if fate is kind, his grandchildren’s children.

So why does nine holes of golf seem so important?

Long story short? I didn’t spend as much time with him as I could or should have growing up. Am I playing catch-up, or trying to make up for lost time? Probably.

I’m not going to say I was a perfect kid. I wasn’t. I was a smart ass. Some days, I was a dumb ass. And I was lazy. I would rather sit on the couch and watch movies or play video games than pretty much anything. I could have learned so much, but I was too busy doing nothing at all.

So when my dad asked if I wanted to go golfing, there was only one answer for me. Nothing beat nine holes with him, drinking a few beers, smoking a cigar, talking about the current events in sports, family, etc. It was something I never knew I was missing until I took advantage of the opportunity to be a participant. It’s not that we didn’t have anything in common, it’s that I didn’t really know how to talk to him when I was younger, a teen. He was always the authoritative figure. Having grown, I am now able to see him on more equal terms (not completely, the man is still my hero and everything I aspire to be in a father).

As the day draws closer to my being a father, well, I don’t think I have a better role model than my own dad. He let me make my own choices as far as hobbies and interests. He was my coach as well as my dad. And I got to play catch with him, shoot hoops, etc.

I don’t write any of this to brag. I know not everyone had similar experiences. Rather, I write this as a reminder to myself to be that same kind of father to my children.

I will let my child(ren) choose between Marvel and DC, between Star Wars and Star Trek. Even let them choose their own favorite Doctor. But I hope they learn from the mistakes I made as a youngster.

I hope they choose to spend some time with their old man.

So this week’s #ToughCallTuesday isn’t tough at all.

I’ll always choose family. I’ll always put my kids first. They won’t always get everything they want. But they will never be in need. And “like my father before me,” they’ll get a dad who comes home from work and says “let’s play catch” or “let’s read a book.”

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 5 – The Better Doctor

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The 11th Doctor, the 9th Doctor…Tom Baker?

NAY!

This post is not to choose between Doctors Who. Rather (and probably easier), this week’s post is about Doctor Strange versus Doctor Fate.

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Doctor Steven Strange, one-time renowned neurosurgeon, now the Supreme Sorcerer. He serves as Earth’s protector against threats both magical and mystical. Created in 1963 by legendary artist Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange was a member of the Avengers, the Order, the Defenders, and the Midnight Sons. He was trained in the mystical arts by the Ancient One, and harnessesing the powers of numerous artifacts, most recognizably being the Eye of Agamotto, the Cloak of Levitation, and the Book of Vishanti. Doctor Strange has been called the most powerful “humanoid” by the Marvel Universe. Literally. “Eternity,” the sentience of the Marvel Universe said so.

strange

Strange’s powers include, but are not limited to energy projection and manipulation, matter transformation, animation of inanimate objects, teleportation, illusion-casting, mesmerism, thought projection (DEEP BREATH), astral projection, dimensional travel, time travel and mental possession.

Doctor Strange has appeared in several cartoons and video games, like the 1990’s Spider-Man and X-Men cartoons. He was in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance video game. He had a straight to video animated movie made about him. There was a movie in 1978…

And, of course, we will see Benedict Cumberbatch star in a Marvel Studios production of Doctor Strange in November 2016. They are set to begin production next month.

Doctor Fate has been around longer. Created in 1940 by Gardner Fox, Doctor Fate would eventually join several other Fox creations in the Justice Society of America. Fox also created or co-created the Jay Garrick Flash, Hawkman, Starman, and Sandman (Wesley Dodds). Fate draws his power from the Amulet of Anubis, the Cloak of Destiny, and the Helm of Fate, naturally.

Many have claimed the name of Doctor Fate since 1940. The powers of Doctor Fate lie primarily in the Helm of Nabu, which contains the soul of the Lord of Order, bonding it to the wearer and taking over the body. The benefit of powers being relatively transitive is that as stories, times, or characters change, others can take up the mantle. Long before there was a female Thor, there was a female Doctor Fate. There have been other diverse characters to don the Helmet of Fate, including  Khalid Ben-Hassin and Khalid Nassour.

Fate’s powers include spellcasting, flight, super-strength, invulnerability, telekinesis, telepathy, fire manipulation and lightning manipulation. A downside to Doctor Fate’s abilities are that he is unable to counteract a spell against him once it has been cast.

Doctor Fate has also been seen on television, in animation, and video games. He is a playable character in DC Universe Online and Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham. And he makes a cameo in Injustice: Gods Among Us. There were a few episodes of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited that required the talents of Nabu. Doctor Fate was also on the Young Justice series, as well as a two-part episode of Smallville, titled “Absolute Justice.”

There was even a glimpse at the Helmet of Fate in the pilot episode of NBC’s short-lived Constantine series.

fate-helmet-constantine

This is certainly another Tough Call. But I think there are a few points that tilt the decision towards our winner this week, which is:

strange

Doctor Strange is one man who was trained to protect the Earth and beyond. He was not merely bestowed with magical artifacts. He conditioned himself into a living weapon, the Supreme Sorcerer. From his home at 177A Bleecker St in Greenwich Village (the Sanctum Sanctorum), Strange continues to use his gifts to defend the world from unbelievable, if not outright impossible, evils.

Of course, maybe the greatest of the all is Doctor StrangeFate…

Doctor_Strangefate_001

But that’s a story for another day.

**I apologize for the delay in not getting this published yesterday. As always, if you agree or disagree, sound off in the comments. And if there’s a tough call you want me to tackle, let me know in the comments as well.

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 4 – Batman ’66 Villains

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Batman ’66…the colorful, campy version that pre-dated the Dark Knight.

Batman was on twice a week when it aired originally, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Now I won’t pretend that I watched it when it aired originally. Obviously, I wasn’t even born yet. But I did watch a lot of this show in syndication years later.

The Bill Dozier/Adam West Batman was my first introduction to Batman, as I’m certain it was for many in my generation. I didn’t actually watch the 1989 Michael Keaton Batman movie until a few years later, watching it at my friend Andy’s house on video cassette (kids, you can learn more about the ancient technology known as the VHS here).

There are a few things I remember vividly about the show. First and foremost, I think, is the legendary Batmobile.

 

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Second is the bust of William Shakespeare that, when you pop the top and push the red button, you Bat Cave. It was something that the designers of the last Rocksteady installment of the Batman series, “Arkham Knight,” borrowed for their own purposes.

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There was the plethora of Bat-gadgets. My favorite was the ever-popular Bat-Shark-Repellent.

But there were villains. SO MANY VILLAINS! In 120 episodes, there were 34 different villains. Villains who were smart, cunning, or alluring. And villains who were goofy and wouldn’t be taken seriously in today’s hyper-realistic, overly serious television programming. And yet, these villains were portrayed by some of the biggest names of the day. Vincent Price as Egghead, Milton Berle as Louie the Lilac, Art Carney (of The Honeymooners fame) as the Archer, and Zsa Zsa Gabor as Minerva. Also, and this is true…you can tell people that Liberace was a Batman villain.

But for the sake of time, let’s just stick with some of the more familiar characters.

The Joker – Cesar Romero was already well-known in Hollywood when producer Bill Dozier called him to the studio to play the Crown Prince of Crime. The Joker debuted and was as riotous as always, with his boisterous laugh, his gag weapons, and his dim-witted henchmen.

Romero’s Joker only appeared in nineteen of the 120 episodes of the series.

Burgess Meredith was the infamous villain known as The Penguin, a tuxedo he donned just nineteen times himself. The long-stemmed cigarette, the top hat. The Penguin had the iconic look. While this was a decade before Rocky, Burgess had been an actor since the mid-1930s, just another testament to the fearless aspirations of Dozier and Co. They weren’t going after small potatoes to fill roles on some goofy television show for kids. They took this seriously. Well, as seriously as they could for the late 1960s.

Catwoman was played by three actresses. Julie Newmar suited up the most times, playing the feline twelve times. Eartha Kitt portrayed Catwoman three times, and Lee Meriwether twice. In fact, finding the number of times Meriwether appeared as Catwoman meant a lot of scrolling down on the IMDb page, with the total cast of 630. Yvonne Craig, who played Batgirl/Barbara Gordon, was my first tv crush before I knew what that even meant. But right behind her was the lovely Newmar, who exuded appeal. Eartha Kitt brought a whole new element to the character, as I believe she was the only one of the three to actually purr. I’d never be so bold as to tell Eartha Kitt to do something different. She rocked it as Catwoman, though Newmar is still my preferred Catwoman.

image

Frank Gorshin’s Riddler character only appeared in ten episodes, but left an indelible mark on my memory. He had that “smarter-than-you” cackle and over-animated jumping and kicking. Plus, the way he chose to attack Batman’s brain power rather than his physical strength meant that The Riddler could have been anyone, not necessarily someone in top physical shape. In fact, in Season 2, The Riddler was played by Gomez Addams, John Astin. But Gorshin’s my guy.

Of course, I guess that could be said about any of Batman’s rogue gallery mentioned here.

Then again, it was the 60’s, and in a time when Batman’s own physique wasn’t well-defined, and Robin wore hot pants, anything was possible. It truly was the golden age of television.

But this is called #ToughCallTuesday for a reason, meaning I have to play favorites. And wouldn’t you know – it is perhaps my toughest call to date. All have their merits, and they were all played by actors or actresses who seemed to thoroughly enjoy their time on this hero show.

BATMAN, Frank Gorshin, 1966. TM and Copyright ©20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved, Courtesy: Everett Collection
BATMAN, Frank Gorshin, 1966. TM and Copyright ©20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved, Courtesy: Everett Collection

Plus, one of my favorite sayings is “Riddle me this, Batman.”

Thanks, Frank Gorshin’s Riddler, for being me favorite Batman ’66 villain.

Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments. And leave a suggestion for next week’s #ToughCallTuesday!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 52: Porking Reddit

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Nerds United Episode 52: Porking Reddit [ 1:03:49 | 43.83 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (813)

I don’t even know what that means. But I laughed. It may be the medication.

It’s Episode 52 and I’m joined by a comic book fan, creator, follower of all things nerdy, and Moderator of /r/comicbookcollabs, Ryan Burst.

Ryan and I talk about his gig as reddit moderator, writer on Stache Publishing’s Aporkalypse Anthology (see video), father, movie connoisseur, and all-around nerd.

What a great chat with a new guest who WILL be back.

Also – HI REDDIT! Be kind!

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 3 – Jedi Master Edition

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Quite the brazen title, if I do say so myself. And it’s my blog, so I do say so.

This week’s #ToughCallTuesday in the Nerd Dome explores the Jedi Masters we have seen (or will see) on the big screen as mentors for up-and-coming Jedi in training.

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Choose wisely, young padawan.

These are the five candidates chosen for these proceedings. Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker. Let’s begin.

Qui-Gon Jinn was seen in Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. It really is unfortunate that we got him for only one movie yet we got Jar Jar Binks for three (and possibly a fourth, for the wily-eyed viewer). Qui-Gon was knowledgeable and patient, a well-trained swordsman and user of the Force. He was trained by Count Dooku, who enraged a captive Obi-Wan Kenobi when he stated that Qui-Gon would have allied himself with Dooku and his crusade against the Galactic Republic. Obi-Wan, faithful to the memory of his Master, naturally fired back “Qui–Gon would never join you.”

Qui-Gon lost his life on Naboo in one of the premier moments of the prequel trilogy, the lightsaber dual with Darth Maul. He had returned to Naboo after taking on a second padawan. Already training Kenobi, Jinn thought he had found the “balance” to the Force in Anakin Skywalker. But he would not survive long enough to see if his gamble would pay off.

Qui-Gon Jinn also taught Yoda the ways of preserving ones consciousness even after death. It was a skill Yoda passed on to others – the skill we commonly refer to as the Force Ghost.

Jinn had an enormous impact on the Jedi Order. He was and would remain a stalwart Jedi Master, even if he was at times contentious with the Jedi Council.

Jedi Master Yoda is perhaps the most revered of all the widely known Jedi. A member of the Jedi Council and one of the few survivors of Order 66, Yoda sought refuge on Dagobah. Isolated in his self-imposed exile of survival, Yoda would later come across a young Jedi in training by the name of Luke Skywalker. But Skywalker was the last Jedi to receive training from Yoda in the diminutive Master’s life. Dooku, Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Kit Fisto, and even played a part in the training of Obi-Wan.

Due to Yoda’s species having an extremely long lifespan, it could be said that he has used the Force longer than any others. And even at an advanced age, he was able to go toe-to-toe with both Darth Tyranus and Darth Sidious during the Clone Wars. In his final years, he met Luke and continued his training. Skywalker was not an easy pupil, often impatient and reckless. But when you’ve trained Jedi for eight hundred years, you’ve likely seen and done it all. And aside from his impressive lightsaber skills, it was Yoda’s understanding of the Force, and his calm demeanor in presenting it, that made younglings, padawans, and Jedi Knights alike respect him.

“For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.” – Yoda (Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back)

Anakin Skywalker had a very brief career as the Jedi Master to a padawan, with Ahsoka Tano as his lone on-screen apprentice. Wookiepedia tells us that he had several Dark Jedi and secret Sith apprentices, but since I’m basing this solely on the acts, deeds, and works we see on screen. And in Anakin’s case, that is limited to Star Wars The Clone Wars movie and series.

Anakin challenged Ahsoka from her first day under his tutelage. While doing so, he aimed to protect her, occasionally keeping her away from combat. But like her Master, Ahsoka was stubborn, and often found a way to bend the rules without breaking them. She was headstrong, which made her a logical apprentice for Skywalker. The two even had competitions to see who could take down more droids during the battle.

Tano survived Order 66, partially based on her own merits as a Jedi, but also because she was framed for the bombing of the Jedi Temple. Only after a confession was she acquitted, however she refused the invitation to re-join the Jedi Order. And of course, we all know what happened to Anakin Skywalker.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was the first Jedi Master we encountered, way back on Tattoine when he talked about the Sand People.

“The Sand People are easily startled, but they will soon be back, and in greater numbers.“

Obi-Wan was the person who taught not just Luke, but all of us about the Force, about the Jedi Order, and about the Clone Wars. Not as old as Yoda, Kenobi had seen plenty of turmoil in his life. Losing his mentor and then losing his apprentice, it would seem impossible for him to find peace. It was on the dry, sandy planet that Obi-Wan kept an eye on Luke Skywalker before Skywalker went to find him in the cliffs. Obi-Wan had to train Luke, just as he took on the responsibility of training Anakin.

Training the”Chosen One” was no simple task, and Kenobi must have felt like he failed Anakin when he saw his former padawan be taken by the Dark Side. Luke was older when he met Obi-Wan, but he was still ignorant to the ways of the Force (not to mention a little whiny). And while it seemed initially that Luke may be too old to start his Jedi training, seeing the death of his mentor at the hands of Darth Vader was really the catalyst for him to take his training seriously.

We saw Obi-Wan travel the galaxy over four live-action movies, one animated film, and an animated series, constantly putting others before himself, the real hallmark of a Jedi Master.

Luke Skywalker is the one Jedi in consideration who hasn’t taken on that mentoring role in any of the films we have seen. So you have to go by what we saw in the original trilogy plus what we have seen in the trailers for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. And because we haven’t seen his training method, we don’t know what type of Jedi Master he would be.

But I’ll say this about Luke Skywalker: The future of the Force and the Jedi Order rested on his shoulders after Master Yoda phased out of the Living Force, joining Obi-Wan as a Force Spirit (YES…A FORCE GHOST). Expanded Universe canon had Luke starting a new Jedi Academy. I do not know if this will be included in the new movie, but it does seem likely that Luke will have to take on the role of Master to a new Jedi.

Let’s have a drum roll please for this week’s selection……

luke

Luke Skywalker is yet unproven as a trainer of new Jedi. Which means you have to be wondering why I went with him. In a way, he received bits and pieces of each of the other Jedi listed above him. Through both direct and indirect training, Luke was able to learn from Yoda, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Qui-Gon. The passing down of wisdom and knowledge from the Jedi that came before all manifested in Luke Skywalker.

Plus, though he didn’t have the rituals, traditions, and trials of Jedi who were trained before the great purge, one could say his training was more difficult. He didn’t have a great community of Jedi from whom he could pull knowledge. There was no Jedi Council he could go to. He was, for all intents and purposes, on his own. His training consisted of a few exercises shred by younglings of generations past, but moreso it was a hodge podge of what was available. In other cinematic realms, Luke’s training would be like Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV where other Jedi would be training like Ivan Drago.

Mastering the Force took a great amount of skill, and the wisdom of those who came before. That is why I would want Jedi Master Luke Skywalker as my mentor.

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 2 – Captain Marvel

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SHAZAM!

NO! This is not an article about the DC character formerly known as Captain Marvel.

This is about the Captain Marvel that makes the most headlines these days – the Captain Marvel casting that will lead to a prominent part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Rumors continue to swirl and will not cease until Marvel Studios officially casts the role. It seems like there’s a new front-runner to play Carol Danvers almost every week.

An early fan favorite included Battlestar Galactica alum Katee Sackhoff, who has enough geek cred to shut down the Internet. And honestly, if she was selected, I think the Internet would wet its pants. I never watched Battlestar Galactica. It aired from 2004-2009. I lived in three different states over that stretch of my twenties, raising all sorts of hell. Sackhoff continues to get work, occasionally making cameo appearances as herself, like on The Big Bang Theory, so she still holds that popularity. But will the popular choice be the right choice?

Speaking of popular, there may not be an individual on the planet more red hot than our next contestant.

Various images of Ronda Rousey, fan art shared via her Instagram.
Various images of Ronda Rousey, fan art shared via her Instagram.

She has made waves on in sports, certainly, and entertainment, as well as hype videos that have gone viral, elevating her status even further. “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey recently added her name to the list of possibilities for the role of Captain Marvel. And she did it like she does everything, with unspeakable power. Her IMDb page is smaller than…well, it’s small. But credits do include a role in Expendables 3 (the only Expendables I haven’t seen) and it was recently announced that she would be cast in a remake of the 1989 classic Road House, where she would play the role of Dalton. but let’s face it, Dalton wasn’t even the biggest badass in that movie. That would be Wade Garrett, played by Sam Elliott. Because when Dalton needed help, he went to Wade.

Wait, I got off on a tangent.

Here’s what I like about Rousey – she looks like she wants this part, like she is dying to play Carol Danvers. I think she has the look. And you won’t find a badder female on the planet. Marvel Studios has the tendency, with the right script and the proper direction, to take even the most unlearned thespians and have them drop dynamite performances (looking at you, Robert Redford…KIDDING, I’m talking about Dave Bautista) but I’m not yet sold on the notion of Rousey stepping into this role. However, based on the fact that we’re probably a year from principle shooting beginning, and Rousey’s stating that she has no intention of fighting in her thirties (she is currently 28, with her 29th birthday in February), it is plausible that she could take on a multi-film role, one that Captain Marvel would demand.

Let’s keep looking.

Charlize Theron is no stranger to action movies, having just kicked some serious butt as the Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road.

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A phenomenal movie, by the way.

My first memory of her on the big screen was in The Devil’s Advocate, opposite Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino. She has spent her career not being pigeon-holed into any one particular role. With sequels coming from the Mad Max film as well as 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman, four other projects in development, and two more announced, Theron’s schedule may not allow her to take on the role of Captain Marvel. And let’s face it – that’s a good problem to have. Charlize doesn’t need this role. She may not even want this role. However, I think if the stars aligned, she would thrive in this role.

Moving right along.

I thought I was ill-informed on the next actress, but a visit to her IMDb page indicates that I’ve seen more of her movies than I thought. Looper, Dan in Real Life, Sunshine Cleaning, Into the Woods, and very recently, Edge of Tomorrow. Right there, in five titles, you have her as a bit part in one indie film (Dan in Real Life), co-starring in another small budget film, two action pictures, and a wildly popular musical. Now I doubt Carol Danvers breaks into song, but it is Marvel, owned by Disney. So it’s best to leave nothing to chance. I actually just watched Edge of Tomorrow this past weekend. She’s a believable badass in the movie, casting an intimidating presence over the uninitiated Tom Cruise.

Blunt has already has already been asked about the Captain Marvel role.

“It’s crazy,” she said. “I’ve not had a phone call about it. Not one whisper of Captain Marvel has come my way. Promise.”

Promise promise?

“Promise promise. I don’t even know who Captain Marvel is!”

But here’s the thing. That’s a song already sung by someone who denied having a role in a Marvel Studios picture, only to end up with that starring role.

Now perhaps some other words of Blunt’s will be heard by Hollywood brass. Blunt has stated that more actresses need to be considered for action roles.

“‘I think it’s because the list is very short, because we don’t see women in these kind of roles…So I think as soon as you do a role like that, like Charlize did or I did, or Rebecca’s done — there’s like four of us or something. And Jen Lawrence. So I feel like us four, we get talked about — and Angie, Angelina. So it’s a list of like, four women who are going to be considered for those kind of roles. So I think that’s why the rumors happen, because they’re like, ‘who else? Surely not another girl can wield a gun,’ you know what I mean? ‘A woman doing push-ups? There’s only one who can do that.'”

The Rebecca mentioned is Rebecca Ferguson, the latest name added to the list of potential Captain Marvels. Ferguson also starred recently opposite Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. She was also in Hercules. the one that starred Dwayne Johnson. The one that some people actually saw. So she’s a rising star, much like Rousey.

In a Forbes.com article written last week by Scott Mendelson, the author claims that the reason there are so many names mentioned for the role of Captain Marvel is because it’s the only game left in town. And there’s a ton of truth to that. DC has its Wonder Woman. Marvel already has an established Black Widow. While there is hope of a Spider-Gwen movie down the road, there are limited options when it comes to female superheroes not part of an assembled team. Fantastic Four, X-Men, The Inhumans are all ensemble teams with standout females, but unlikely that the females will get their solo films. By that I mean, there will be no Susan Storm standalone film. Sorry…no Jean Grey either.

The role of Captain Marvel should attract many, as it is going to be a multi-picture deal with Marvel Studios.

So who do I want to see wear the colors of Captain Marvel? Well that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?

Given the options above, any that I missed, and any more names yet to be announced, I’m going to go with…

Emily Blunt!

Who do you think should get the nod as Captain Marvel? Sound off in the comments. And while you’re at it, let me know what topic I should attack for next week’s #ToughCallTuesday!

 

Nerds United

#ToughCallTuesday 1 – Masters of the Universe

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So I came across this tidbit of information this weekend. One of my favorite characters of my youth has finally hit it big:

masters1

Masters of the Universe. I was such a He-Man fan as a kid growing up in the 1980s. The first birthday I actually remember was when I turned 4, and I had a little He-Man cake. This would be a great time to pull out the picture of me with the cake from 1986…but I don’t know where it is, and I’m not about to call my mom and ask for it just to post it here. She thinks I’m weird enough.

Speaking of my mom, I owe some of my love of He-Man to her. When I was that age, mom was a night-shift nurse working in the ICU. I didn’t have daycare because mom was home during the days. And after lunch, when she would make me a microwave s’more (it was a marshmallow between two graham crackers…I loved it), we would often sit on the family room floor and she would join me for some action figure goodness. I didn’t have Castle Grayskull, but I did have Snake Mountain, several figures, and even the Battle Ram, complete with missiles and a functioning cannon. So I always attempted to known the bad guys off of Snake Mountain (to mixed success).

Skeletor and his minions were no match for the Battle Ram and a 5-year-old.
Skeletor and his minions were no match for the Battle Ram and a 5-year-old.

But back to the movie. It came out a month after I turned five years old. Needless to say, I didn’t see it right away. In fact, I didn’t see it for several years after that, because there was no internet telling me I had to see it. But I finally did watch it one day. I don’t remember the specifics. It was either on television or I watched it with some friends. I remember being so excited to see my favorite childhood character in a movie that I may have overlooked the quality of the movie itself. And not only that, but a few other points as well:

  • Let’s start with the most obvious of all. Lovable Orco was replaced by Gwildor. At best, Gwildor can be seen as a mix between two Lord of the Rings characters, Gandalf and Gimli. But there was nothing fun or entertaining about Gwildor. And not even that Gwildor was that bad, but how do you ignore Orco and rip him from the movie? Now anyone who watched the cartoon would tell you that Orco was annoying. He was clumsy and always got into trouble. He was the C3PO of Eternia. But his his missteps always ended in a lesson from the other characters, some little moral of the story.
  • Frank Langella, arguably the greatest actor in this movie, was stuck behind a mask. The costuming left no chance for Frank Langella to do anything besides relay the awkward dialogue he was given. It was a waste of Langella’s talents, it is a stain on his IMDb page, and I feel sorry for the guy. But then I watch this clip of Langella speaking about Skeletor and the role in the movie, and more importantly, the reason he took the role. And I get it. His reason for taking on this roll is simply astounding.

  • Dolph Lundren – If Dolph Lundgren didn’t have to talk in this movie, if He-Man would have been cursed with the inability to speak, this movie would have been exponentially better. I mean, let’s face it, Dolph has had the look. Tall, well-built, topped with a golden mullet. How could it possibly have gone wrong? Well, I’m guessing Dolph had a line added into his contract stating he could use firearms. My He-Man doesn’t have guns. He had the Power Sword. Man-at-Arms and Teela both used blasters. He-Man never needed them.
  • Eternia vs Earth – He-Man is the Prince of Eternia. Okay, “Prince Adam,” if you want to get technical. But there is very little of Eternia in this movie. Instead, you have an invasion story about the forces of evil trying to conquer Earth. Sounds like a job for the Avengers, not the Eternians. Yet here we are, dealing with Courtney Cox, her boyfriend, and the Cosmic Key. This was ten years after Star Wars. There didn’t have to be an earthly tie-in. George Lucas showed to world that you could have a successful movie if it didn’t take place on Earth.

Rumors state that we will get a new Masters of the Universe movie in the near future. Christopher Yost, who co-wrote Thor: Ragnarok for Marvel Studios, was tapped to write this new adaptation. It’s stated that the movie will be dark and serious and will not be an origin film. I’m actually okay with it not being an origin film, because we all know the origin thanks to the 130 episodes of the cartoon from the mid-1980s.


May the Sorceress bless you, Filmation. Rest in peace!

I think that a He-Man and the Masters of the Universe film can be successful a variety of ways. I’ve waited most of my life for a better He-Man movie. But it’s not here yet. So I’m left with what I have.

The kid in me wants to go back and watch this 1987  movie day after day. However, the adult in me who remembers this movie being the Batman & Robin of its time knows that I can watch it once and then remove it from my Netflix queue.

That means this decision is the first in my new weekly bit called #ToughCallTuesday!

Watch it and keep it on “My List” for future viewings?

OR

Watch it and drop it like?

I have made my decision, and based it on my genuine love of the character from an early age, the quality of the film that was made, and the knowledge that a new imagining of the character, the mythos, the “universe” if you will is heading our way.

It really boils down to this simple question. Is bad He-Man better than no He-Man at all? Would you rather sit through Batman & Robin or no Batman at all? Star Wars: Attack of the Clones or no Star Wars?

Okay, two lousy example.

Let’s face it – I saw that movie appear on my Netflix. And it was big. Big meat. It was the featured option. I popped. Despite its flaws, this one will be a “Watch and keep.”

And since my parents were kind enough to keep my He-Man toys in a box in the attic all these years, I’m excited to be able to share them with my son in the future. That, and the He-Man cartoons I have acquired on DVD.

That’s it for this week’s #ToughCallTuesday. What topics do you want to see featured in the future? Let me know in the comments.

 

PS – HOW COULD YOU NOT INCLUDE KRINGER/BATTLE CAT IN YOUR MOVIE?!?

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 51: JPeteranetz Returns

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Nerds United Episode 51: JPeteranetz Returns [ 43:12 | 98.89 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (812)

Episode 51 and I’m back talking with my friend Jay Peteranetz (that’s his Twitter name in the title…so follow him if you don’t already).

Jay has been busy. He’s taking up a second job as an art teacher at another school in Colorado. But he has been to Seattle for the Emerald City Con. he was the featured artist at this year’s Denver Comic Con (his badges were pretty sweet). So we talk about Captain Colorado, Magicians Must Die (fifth issue expected in early 2016), car brakes, and beer. Because it’s a Sunday afternoon, that’s why!

We also jump into the new segment exploring some regrettable heroes. And our first one: The Bouncer.

Seen here, about to bounce. Because that's all he does.
Seen here, about to bounce. Because that’s all he does.

And we also touch on some serious topics affecting us both…Jay and his wife finalizing an adoption, and me and my wife announcing news of our own:

Plus there’s a giveaway for the autographed set of Issues 1-4 of Magicians Must Die, autographed by Jay. Listen to the show to learn how to win. And here’s a shortcut to the site.

So follow Jay on Twitter (@jpeteranetz), rate this show on iTunes (Love it or hate it – at least let me know how I’m doing), and share this masterpiece with your friends and fellow nerds!

UNITE! (or UNTIE if you’re dyslexic)

Nerds United

Fantastic Four – An Honest Review

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Well I did it. I went and saw the new Fantastic Four movie.

Directory Josh Trank (Chronicles) did the movie no favors on Thursday when he tweeted, and later deleted, the following (caught via screen grab for your benefit):

trank

The appropriate response to this can only be:

Capt. Jean-Luc Xavier is exhausted by all of this.
Capt. Jean-Luc Xavier is exhausted by all of this.

Why would you distance yourself from the movie unless you want to come off as a bitter, petulant child? It’s sour grapes, in my opinion. But maybe that’s how Hollyweird works…try to wash the hands of a negatively-perceived project in hopes of saving face. I just don’t know.

Furthermore, from Trank’s own mouth in a recent episode of Kevin Smith’s Fatman on Batman, he said he didn’t follow all of the hype around Chronicle as it neared its release. He even had to be told that his movie was Number 1 at the box office.

Now Chronicle and Fantastic Four are two very different beasts. One is an original title. It’s exactly the same in the comic book world. If Trank had written (with Max Landis, btw) Chronicle for Image Comics or IDW, Dark Horse, etc, it falls under the Creator Controlled parameters, and he can do with it as he pleased.

But Fantastic Four is not Chronicle. Fantastic Four is a Marvel-owned entity whose cinematic rights belong to 20th Century Fox. And while a script was submitted and either approved or altered, that script has to meet the overall vision of the studio, much like a comic book has to stay within the guidelines of the publisher’s direction.

I say all of that because there were reports out Friday that indicated Fox made one or several moves, ranging from pre-production cuts of three tent-pole action sequences to keeping Trank away from post-production as the film’s third act was being edited.

So were Trank’s accusations accurate? Possibly. Was this a PR nightmare for a film already struggling to gain ground in a saturated comic book movie world, after two lackluster (not blockbuster) movies set around the same characters? Absolutely.

And here’s the biggest problem – the movie isn’t horrible. Confidence-inspiring, aren’t I? Look, I know it has a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. But this is how I would describe most of the Rotten Tomatoes users, if Bat-ffleck didn’t already beat me to it (around the 20-second mark):

Yeah – I went there. Look – if you’re going to rely on someone from the internet to tell you what to think about movies, you probably don’t listen to my show. I don’t think you’ll ever find me telling you NOT to go watch or read something (well, if you can avoid Twilight…I still recommend doing that).

**POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW – READ AT YOUR OWN RISK**

I thought the movie was well-cast. I thought there was some good chemistry there. And my only concern with the timeline of the movie was that Sue Storm didn’t really know Ben Grimm much at all before the transformation. Victor von Doom was still an angry genius, not a blogger. The Storm family made sense, and you got a bit of feeling of Johnny’s unwillingness to participate. He felt that because he wasn’t a science nerd like Sue, that he didn’t have as much attention as his adoptive sister. So, like many teenagers, he acted out.

I admit I was not put off by the ages of the main characters…the “youth movement” per se. Reed Richards and Ben Grimm being friends since the third grade made plenty of sense. I do wish that there was something for Jamie Bell’s Ben Grimm to do at the Baxter Institute, as I felt maybe his presence in the building of the device may have created some bond between him and Kate Mara’s Sue Storm.

Much like the first Fantastic Four movie in 2005, they can’t complete the project without Doom. But the aspects of the movie and the transformation of the characters are a direct result of Toby Kebbell’s character’s hubris and the curious nature of exploration.

It is the third act that has largely been targeted as a reason for the movie’s negative reviews. I don’t know what changes were made from Trank’s “fantastic version.” I will say that the third act and the climactic battle did seem a bit rushed. It’s odd, as the film is only 100 minutes, and many superhero movies are going two hours and beyond. I felt like there could have been a bit more in that third act. But I digress.

Now – was the movie perfect? No. Was it great? No. Was it better than most of the reviews you’ll see? I think so. Am I an eternal optimist always looking at the sunniest side? Not usually. But I think that this movie has had an uphill battle since it was announced, so I’m not surprised that the reviews coming back have been negative.

If you can save a few bucks by taking in a matinee showing, I say that’s the way to go. And don’t forget that I have a Fantastic Four movie contest going on. If you go to the show, post a picture of your ticket or ticket stubs or e-ticket to the Nerds United Facebook Page and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of two prizes. First Prize is an autographed copy of the first volume of Saga. Second place is the first four “issues” of Magicians Must Die autographed by my friend, artist, and Episode 37 guest Jay Peteranetz.

Call them consolation prizes if you want – a little something for sitting through Fantastic Four. But if you have spent time reading all of the other FF reviews, I hope you made it through this one. Thanks for reading. Comment below or on Facebook. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Pod Directory. And I’ll see you next time in the Nerd Dome.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 50: A Supreme Episode

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Nerds United Episode 50: A Supreme Episode [ 1:22:30 | 0.01 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (846)

You hear “Supreme” in reference to comics books. And if you’re like me…you think of “The Supreme Sorcerer,” Doctor Strange.

dr-strange-22-6-10-kc

But we’re going in a different direction. Meet Seth Ferranti, writer of The Supreme Team. He has been working with Stache Publishing’s Anthony Mathenia to transform his book into a graphic novel.

supreme_team_cover_web

Hear Seth’s own gripping tale about his life and how he came to learn the stories he shares in his writing.

You can help Seth, Anthony, and artist Joe Wills’ work to reach fruition by supporting the Kickstarter, going on all through the month of August.

Also – as promised, details about a brand new contest. AND…a new logo by Joe Dodd! WOW! I am thrilled with his work.

NERDSUNITED monkey
Seriously…that’s LEGIT!

So enjoy the 50th Episode of Nerds United. Thanks for tuning in, subscribing on iTunes or Stitcher or Pod Directory.

Nerds United

Another Icon Turns 75

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(*Editor’s Note: This post was supposed to be written yesterday, but I was surprisingly busy at work and didn’t get a chance to do it.)

Nostalgia…I have it.

It is with this in mind that I wish Bugs Bunny a belated Happy Birthday.

Bugs made his debut on July 27, 1940 in a cartoon titled “A Wild Hare.”


Merrie Melodies – A Wild Hare (1940) by Cartoonzof2006

Ahhh Merrie Melodies. Looney Toons.

Growing up, I was a Bugs Bunny kid more than I was a Mickey Mouse kid. Call it “accessibility.” Bugs was just more prevalent. Tiny Toons came out in 1990 (I was 8) and featured an abundance of the Looney Toons characters. Merrie Melodies/Looney Toons enjoyed a long airing on TNT. Bugs and the gang tore the house down with the greatest basketball player of all time in Space Jam. And then there was the apparel. SO MUCH APPAREL!

Admit it - at least three kids in your class had this design on a shirt.
Admit it – at least three kids in your class had this design on a shirt.

Mickey is cool. But to watch most Disney stuff, especially after Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color went off the air. I remember having the Disney Channel as a youngster and then going years without it. Bugs was always there whereas the Mouse wasn’t. I guess at some point, Disney was taken off of the cable package my parents had selected. But TNT was there to stay.

Also, and you can directly credit 1990’s advertising for this. From my childhood home in the St. Louis area, Six Flags was a day trip. Get up, drive there in just over an hour, spend all day at the park, and drive home. (I am now roughly equidistant between Six Flags St. Louis and Holiday World in Santa Claus, IN.) I have been to Disney World. I had a blast, from what I can remember. I was eight at the time. I can’t tell you how many times I have visited Six Flags. And Six Flags has (or had…I don’t keep up with all the news) a partnership with Warner Brothers. Warner Brothers owns the Looney Toons characters. I think you see where I’m going with this. But it helps explain my slight bias towards Bugs Bunny.

In recent years, we have seen the 75th birthday/anniversary of Superman and Batman. We’re only two years away from the 75th anniversary celebration of Spider-Man.

75-years-of-superman-logo-262x350batman_75_years_logo_a_l

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I look at a more recent timeline and attempt to imagine what fictional characters will stand the test of time as well as Bugs Bunny and his ilk, Mickey and the Disney crew, Supes, Bats, and Spidey, I fear the list isn’t as long as many would hope. Stepping outside of comic books, the characters that jump out to me are Doctor Who, Darth Vader, Yoda, and a select few other Star Wars characters, The Simpsons, GI Joe, Barbie, etc.

It pains me to say, but I doubt He-Man will ever catch lightning in a bottle again like they did in the 1980’s. And yes, I realize that was all just a way to sell action figures.

What characters do you know of in the last 20-30 years do you think will celebrate 75th anniversaries? Let me know in the comments or on Facebook.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 49: Ant-Man…Ant More

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Nerds United Episode 49: Ant-Man...Ant More [ 36:46 | 25.26 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (926)

Marvel’s Ant-Man opening night. My friend Mike (go back to Episode 9 for a refresher) and I went to check out Marvel Studio’s latest big screen adventure featuring its smallest hero. And then we decided to talk about it afterwards. That conversation was going so great, I halted it mid-thought and said “let’s record this for the podcast.”

Ant-Man-7
Did we think Ant-Man was deserving of at least one Thumbs Up?

So here we are, talking about Ant-Man and more nerdy topics at 11pm on a Friday night while I’m driving through Southern Illinois. Tons of laughs and just a great conversation with a longtime friend about nerdy stuff.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 48: Memories of Aeldaria

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Nerds United Episode 48: Memories of Aeldaria [ 1:39:26 | 136.55 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (834)

kino

The special guest this week is Alexander “Kino” Beeler. Kino is the Founder of Grand Arc Designs, an independent video gaming developer working on Memories of Aeldaria, an epic fantasy game.

We visit about Kino’s life, including a brief period spent in the United States military.

And we spend a lot of time talking about Memories of Aeldaria, which is expected to have a Kickstarter later this year. This episode includes exclusive audio from the game – audio you won’t hear anywhere else until the Kickstarter begins.

e3 2Head over to Square Enix Collective and vote for Memories of Aeldaria to help them get some much-needed exposure.

Also I take way too long in my intro talking about Hellboy 3, Suicide Squad, Grant Morrison, Ghostbusters, Jon Bernthal, stan Lee, and Spider-Man.

Nerds United

Marvel/Sony Cast Spidey

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Well let’s get right to it then, shall we?

tom holland
Meet your new wall-crawling, web-slinging friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Say hello to Tom Holland. “Hello Tom Holland.”

Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures have announced the new Spider-Man, as well as the director and even confirmed the release date for the stand-alone Spider-Man movie.

Mark your calendars, as July 28, 2017 has just been selected for the release of the third Spider-Man franchise kickstarter.

2017 currently has seven movies set for theaters based on Marvel or DC characters. That could actually increase before it’s all said and done. Just remember how quickly the ball got rolling on a Deadpool movie.

Spider-Man will be released after The Wolverine 3, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Wonder Woman, and Fantastic Four. After a few months to cleanse the palates, November has in store for movie goers Thor: Ragnarok and The Justice League.

I’m exhausted (and already a little broke) just typing all of that out. And that follows a 2016 that already has seven more movies based on the Big Two scheduled for mass consumption.

Okay, I got off on a little tangent there. Sorry about that.

Back to the new Peter Parker.

Tom Holland is a relative unknown, at least to me. In fact, a quick view of his IMDb page indicates he has just ten credited roles, one being the announced Spider-Man gig. I think that’s good. I like the idea of bringing in an unknown, because you already have so many stars/heavy hitters in the MCU.

Now I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that Sony + Marvel made the announcement days after videos like this hit the internet, but I’m sure showing off the skills didn’t hurt Holland.

Fun fun fun

A video posted by ✌️ (@tomholland2013) on

It is unknown at this time whether or not Holland/Spider-Man will have a role in Captain America: Civil War. I would love for Spidey to make an appearance in the movie, because he is a pivotal character in the comics. However, if it makes the story too convoluted to include him, I say withhold him at this time. If there is no logical way to include him – if you can’t add him in without making it flow seamlessly and make sense, then I say “don’t add him.”

They are already shooting Civil War. Unless they had Spider-Man in the script and saved his scenes for last, don’t force him into the story, rushing production and compromising the picture.

I for one am looking forward to the return to Marvel of one of its biggest stars. And with Spider-Man topping the list of most profitable superheroes, this will hopefully launch the web crawler into the stratosphere as far as movies go.

I liked the original Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie. Then the Sam Raimi-led franchise started to tumble down the hill PDQ. By the end of Spider-Man 3, they were like the Jamaican bobsled team, zooming down the ice chute at blazing speeds and then wrecking in grand fashion.

Again, I enjoyed the Andrew Garfield/Emma Stone Amazing Spider-Man. It had the things that I wanted to see, like one bad guy. It stayed true to the comics with the [SPOILER ALERT] death of Captain Stacy. It also had a Peter Parker who stayed long and lanky, and didn’t become a guy who looked like he spent some time at the gym. 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 brought me one of the saddest movie moments in recent memory: the death of Gwen Stacy TNA-style over-booking. Rhino at the beginning. Electro and Green Goblin in much of the middle, with Rhino inexplicably returning towards the end. And yes, I popped when you saw the Oscorp stash of Sinister Six enhancements.

The_Amazing_Spider_Man_2_42071

 

But one of the traps to which Hollywood can sometimes fall victim is over-stimulation. Give me a good story with one solid villain instead of a shoddy story with multiple antagonists.

Wow…another tangent.

I wish Tom Holland good luck as he dons the familiar red and blue Spider-Man costume. Unfortunately, the success or failure of the new Spidey franchise will undoubtedly be placed on his shoulders, much like Garfield took heat for Amazing Spider-Man 2.

But let’s face it – I’m going to go see all of these movies anyway. I can’t seem to stop myself.

Also, Marvel and Sony announced that Jon Watts will be directing the 2017 Spider-Man movie.

And let me just say…IF Spider-Man (or Peter Parker, for that matter) does appear in Civil War, I’d really like to find that out when I see it in theaters.

 

 

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 47

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Nerds United Episode 47 [ 1:06:12 | 45.46 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1014)
higgins
Steve Higgins (right) and the Ink & Drink gang during Wizard World St. Louis.

One of the individuals I had the good fortune to meet at the Cape Comic Con was fan, creator, publisher, educator Steve Higgins.

Steve and I had a lot to chat about, like incorporating comic books into the classroom. We also get into Ink & Drink Comics, a publishing company based in St. Louis. They like to theme their anthologies after drinking terms. For example:

hammered

Steve also started the Tumblr – Kitties with Pottymouths. Yes – it is exactly what it sounds like:

kitties

Enjoy the show. And if you do, tell your friends. That’s how we help get the word out. You tell a friend, they tell a friend. Etc. Thank you!

Check out “On the House,” a collection of stories from Ink & Drink Comics
that cover several genres. Available on Amazon:

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 46: Dr. Dan the Man

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Nerds United Episode 46: Dr. Dan the Man [ 1:13:44 | 101.26 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (801)

roker cake

You’ve seen his amazing creations in works of pancake art. Now learn about the man behind all that pancake batter: Dan Drake.

Learn about Dan’s beginning and how one pancake design changed his life. Hear about how his first pancake design brightened a stranger’s day. Dan has also been on The Today Show and has taken his talents around the country and across the globe.

So enjoy the show, tell your friends about it, and if this is your first time and you enjoyed yourself, go back and listen to some of the other shows. And remember: Dr. Dan did all this with pancake batter. It’s beautiful and delicious!

Nerds United

Michael B Jordan Addresses FF Critics

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Michael B Jordan​ wrote an enlightening letter to the Internet, particularly those who disagree with his being cast as Johnny Storm in this summer’s Fantastic Four​.

Michael B Jordan as Johnny Storm (Photo Courtesy EW.com)
Michael B Jordan as Johnny Storm (Photo Courtesy EW.com)

I can’t sit here and say I had been completely on board with this since Day One. I believe I said I’d judge after watching the performance. The problem with that plan was that early on, I wasn’t even sure I’d watch the movie. I, like many, judged based purely on a cast…a cast that, from top to bottom, I was either unfamiliar with or underwhelmed by. Going in, Kate Mara was really the only name I knew. And it was “We Are Marshall” and “Shooter,” two drastically different tones of movie, in which I had seen her previously. I also understand she’s quite good on Netflix’ “House of Cards,” but that is not a show I have taken the time to sit down and watch.

So I took the “wait and see” approach.

And I’m glad I did, because what I have seen was far better than what I envisioned (which is why I’m over here typing on a computer and Josh Trank makes movies). The trailer restored some enthusiasm. This movie will not be like the previous Fantastic Four movies. In fact, many of the claims out there are that this version is less a comic book adaptation and more of a sci-fi flick.

Back to the topic at hand, that of the decision to cast Jordan (a black man) as Johnny Storm (traditionally a blond haired, blue eyed, white man). Funny thing about fanboys…they we take this stuff very seriously. And in doing so, they used the power of the Internet (and in many cases, anonymity) to unleash their collective disappointment rage to create controversy out of a non-issue.

Think of it this way. Chris Evans (now beloved Captain America) was once The Human Torch.

WHAT? NO BLONDE HAIR?!?
WHAT? NO BLONDE HAIR?!?

Granted…that was in 2005. It was the early days of social media. And Internet tough guys…(no, I’m keeping that) Internet tough guys maybe weren’t so tough.

So it was surprising when Michael B Jordan answered his critics earlier this week with a letter he penned, accompanying the newly released image of himself as The Human Torch. It was surprising because it’s not done. Many times, I think, the status quo is to “let the performance speak for itself.” It’s not Hollywood’s nature to respond to fan backlash. But I think this was the right move.

Here’s are two excerpts from Jordan’s letter:

“This is a family movie about four friends—two of whom are myself and Kate Mara as my adopted sister—who are brought together by a series of unfortunate events to create unity and a team. That’s the message of the movie, if people can just allow themselves to see it.”

“To the trolls on the Internet, I want to say: Get your head out of the computer. Go outside and walk around. Look at the people walking next to you. Look at your friends’ friends and who they’re interacting with. And just understand this is the world we live in. It’s okay to like it.”

Hear that, trolls? You have been called out by name! It’s time to put away the petty differences and embrace this world in which we live. I am slowly doing this myself as I open my mind and heart to new things.

Read Michael B Jordan’s entire letter here.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 45: Spoiler Alert

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Fish Mooney sports a new look and a younger entourage in the Gotham season 1 finale.
Fish Mooney sports a new look and a younger entourage in the Gotham season 1 finale.

Episode 45 has some spoilers in case you haven’t seen the season finales of Gotham and The Flash (and to a lesser extent, Arrow).

Promotional art for the Flash season finale.
Promotional art for the Flash season finale.

Also – it’s a great time to be a nerd. more than ten (and probably closer to 15 when it’s all said and done) “nerd” movies set for the big screen between now and the end of 2016. Take, for instance, Ant-Man.

And two things I love meet up again as I learned that one of the greatest running backs of all time for the university of Nebraska Cornhuskers will add an acting credit to his resume from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

  

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 44: The King Loves Comics

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DMC0_RegularCover

My guest for Episode 44 is a musical legend and a member of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. And while we talk a little hip hop, my chat with Darryl McDaniels focuses more on comics, as he is both a lifelong fan and a creator.

Growing up in New York (Hollis, Queens – but you knew that already), Darryl lived in the same city as Spider-Man and so many other icons of the comic book pages. It all played a part in a boy’s early love of comics that he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

dmc28n-5-web

 

 

In 2014, DMC (Darryl Makes Comics) published DMC #1 and debuted it at New York Comic Con.

In Episode 44, learn about how the comics inspired the man…and how the man inspires the comic. It’s win-win!

McDaniels shopping his book on AMC's Comic Book Men. You can get yours through your local comic book shop! I know - that's where mine came from!
McDaniels shopping his book on AMC’s Comic Book Men. You can get yours through your local comic book shop! I know – that’s where mine came from!

Enjoy Episode 44 and leave some feedback. Also – check out some previous episodes if this is your first time through. Find it on iTunes as well as Stitcher just by searching “Nerds United.” Like the show on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

And since D (yeah…we’re on a first initial basis) is a Marvel guy – let me drop a link to a book I think he would like – one that is in my own collection:

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 43

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Greg Land autographed this variant to Nerds United. *SQUEE*
Greg Land autographed this variant to Nerds United…obviously!

This is it – the finale of the Tenth Annual Cape Comic Con coverage. This is pretty much a recap of my weekend at the Con and does include some audio with Marvel artist Greg Land.

Also – I went and saw Avengers: Age of Ultron last night and have a quick review of the movie.

And stick around for the post-credits clip. Because, just like in the Marvel cinematic universe, it foretells my guest for Episode 44.

I’d type more, but as I prepare this, it’s almost 2am and this is technically FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! And I’m getting up early to go for a run.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 42: Cullen Bunn

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cullen
Cullen Bunn – Photo taken straight from his Twitter.

 

Say hello to Cullen Bunn, writer extraordinaire. His career – his resume – is filled with titles from both Marvel and DC as well as creator-owned. Magneto, Sinestro, Deadpool – and a slew of successful creator-owned entities like The Sixth Gun, Harrow County, and the new series Hellbreak (Issue #2 available today). In this episode, we listen to the Hellbreak Panel from the Tenth Annual Cape Comic Con that was held April 17-19 in Cape Girardeau, MO. The panel is hosted by Steve Higgins with a few questions coming from the audience. Lots of insight into the differences between writing for one of the “big two” and writing your own characters. And you learn how busy a top writer can be. So kick back, relax, and check out Hellbreak #1 and #2 at your local comic book shop. A great time to do that would be on Free Comic Book Day!

#Hellbreak #2 drops tomorrow! Variant cover by @traddmoore! @onipress @cullenbunn @dragonmnky

A photo posted by Brian Churilla (@brianchurilla) on

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Nerds United Episode 41: Desiree Cosplay

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The finished Valkyrie, a part of the 2015 C2E2 Crown Championship of Cosplay. Good luck, Desiree!
The Valkyrie, a Desiree cosplay original, is part of the 2015 C2E2 Crown Championship of Cosplay. Good luck, Desiree!

Cosplay is a HUGE part of not just comic conventions, but this culture…this community. So I am honored that Desiree Cosplay agreed to come onto the show. Desiree gave a great panel at the Tenth Annual Cape Comic Con and shared some tips and tools about creating your own cosplay. Then in the after-panel portion, I got a chance to visit with Desiree one-on-one. And while that conversation was supposed to be about cosplay, well…it quickly went another direction.

wings
Valkyrie wings in progress.

Desiree will definitely be back on the show again in the future – because after all, eventually I have to ask all those cosplay questions I haven’t asked yet.

Follow Desiree Cosplay’s journey on Facebook and Twitter. And if you see the best Valkyrie at C2E2, it’ll be Desiree!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 40: John Wesley Shipp

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flash panelJohn Wesley Shipp was a featured guest at the Tenth Annual Cape Comic Con in Cape Girardeau, MO. While there, John took part in a Q & A with fans. On Monday…the Internet sort of freaked out.

jws leak

So are the rumors true? Well there’s only one way to know for sure. Listen to the podcast.

Thank you, John, for taking the time to visit with fans, for pictures and autographs, and for being so completely cool.

The Flash and Green Lantern - a classic team up.
The Flash and Green Lantern – a classic team up.

Check out the Amazon links for the original Flash television show and some key Flash stories, including the Flashpoint Paradox!

 

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 39

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Hey hey hey! We’re only a couple weeks away from the 2015 Cape Comic Con. CAPE CON 10!!!

This is Ken and I when we visited last year. This time - we did it by phone. (that sounded dirtier than I intended)
This is Ken and I when we visited last year. This time – we did it by phone. (That sounded dirtier than I intended)

So what do I do? I get the organizer who has been putting on this wonderful event and talk with him for OVER AN HOUR! The history of the Cape Con and plenty of what is in store for this year.

Heading to Cape Con? Pre-order yours HERE.
Heading to Cape Con? Pre-order yours HERE.

So please, welcome BACK to the Nerd Dome – Ken Murphy! And I’ll see YOU at the Cape Comic Con, April 17-19!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 38

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lego matt

Meet my longtime friend Matt. He also has a background in radio and took those talents to not one but TWO shows on the Jittery Monkey Podcast Network: GAMER and PoppedCulture.

But Matt is a busy man…a student working on his mass communications degree with a minor in creative writing. So I won’t go into much detail here, as Matt can tell his own story. But check out his Vimeo and Tumblr for some of his creativity.

Here’s his latest short film, as mentioned in the episode:

“Scrutiny” Short Film from Matthew Horst on Vimeo.

matts reads
Just a small sampling of what Matt has been reading.
Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 37

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jay
Jay Peteranetz (right)

Meet Jay Peteranetz, a lifelong comic book reader (mostly Marvel) and artist who has helped take comics to an unprecedented medium – playing cards.

mmd3

Welcome to Magicians Must Die:

Jay grew up reading a ton of Marvel, including X-Men and the Cosmic Marvel books, including Guardians of the Galaxy. So naturally we talk about the marvel Cinematic Universe and OMG DID YOU SEE ADAM WARLOCK?

mmd2

There is a lot covered in this episode, and I’m pumped for future conversations with Jay, who will be appearing at the Denver Comic Con in May. So go check him out there.

ALSO – if we get Jay to 250 Twitter followers in the next two weeks, he’ll hook me up with all four issues (sets) of MMD, autographed, and ready to giveaway on the show. He wins, we win. GET IT?!?

Follow him at @jpeteranetz.
Go ahead and follow me as well: @nerdsunitedshow.
And while you’re at it, @jitterymunkey

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 36

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Iron Man reverse photoshopped (that's a thing) to better resemble the average American. But would it matter in a metal suit? I submit that it would not.
Iron Man reverse photoshopped (that’s a thing) to better resemble the average American. But would it matter in a metal suit? I submit that it would not.

As promised, a THIRD episode in February. I’ll get back to guests next month, but right now, I’m discussing/rambling about the link I shared recently. I actually have a great appreciation for the reasoning behind that post, but hey, they’re fictional characters. And believe me, I’m not out to look like Superman. I’ll just be happy not looking like the Blob.

MOVING ON…

agent-carter-logo-600x337

Marvel’s Agent Carter wrapped up its mid-season run and, dare I say, I want more of it and less of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

And want to save Constantine so we get a second season? I want you to. Join me.

constantine

I also discuss Gotham and the Flash and how though they are similar, they are very different.

More episodes to come in March, and we’re less than two months away from the 10th Annual Cape Con.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 35

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Episode 35 brings with it the return of the Skyped guest, as I visit with Ross Cavins, writer of Barry vs The Apocalypse, A Novel of Epic Proportions. So naturally we talk about that, but also Ross’ days reading Terry Brooks, being inspired by Elmore Leonard, why college beats high school every day of the week, and more. Arrested Development gets discussed a LOT!

 

Learn about Ross’ interconnected collection of short stories, Follow The Money (inspired by Elmore Leonard himself), and about the Claymore Award. Ross also discusses why he is seeking self-publishing on Barry rather than the traditional publishing route.

AND…Ross had challenged me to an Announce Off…so we have that going for us as well. Just kick back and laugh. This one was a lot of fun.

And I can’t stress this enough…go to Kickstarter and support Barry vs The Apocalypse.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 34

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Nerds United Episode 34 [ 35:52 | 24.64 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (787)

Episode 34 is finally here – only two weeks late.

I not-so-briefly describe/review Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. You remember JL: Throne of Atlantis, right? RIGHT?!?

I have to believe that the film took its cues and plot from the New 52 Aquaman story, which is on my to-read list.

3354211-aquaman_full_1

 

Gotham, Arrow, the Flash, and Constantine get some mentions in this episode. Also – and I know I’ve said it before but I’m saying it again – Matt Ryan IS John Constantine and if WB/DC ever makes a Justice League Dark movie, he better play Constantine or WE RIOT!

matt ryan

 

Also, how about a pre-emptive plug for next week’s guest, Ross Cavins, who will be on the show to discuss Barry VS The Apocalypse, on Kickstarter!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 33: Comics for Beginners 1

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comics 4 beginners featured

 

It is finally here! Comics for Beginners is no joke – but there are jokes inside…laughter…tears, and whining from my dog Lucky.

And we have winners and giveaways. My wife did the drawing out of my Green Lantern hat. IT’S A REAL THING! And I explain the mess on the hat in the episode.

gl hat

 

Great questions, great answers, except by me. Listen to the end for just a weeeeeeee bit of bonus Nerds United.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 32

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Merry Christmas and Welcome to the 2nd Annual Very Special Christmas Special.

This year I’m bringing back a guest from an earlier episode and giving her HER OWN SHOW! Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for Alice Harvey, pastry chef and artist with the Stache Publishing Crew.

Alice and I talk a little Stache business, but also cinematic and television adaptations of comic book properties. We also talk baking and Christmas memories.

Alice has a sure-fire recipe for all of your holiday gatherings:

Nutella Braid

Here is the recipe:
1/2 tsp. Active dry yeast
1c warm water (not hot)
2 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 c nutella
1 egg beaten with a Tbsp water to brush over braid before baking

-dissolve yeast in 1/4c water and let sit for ten minutes to activate.
– combine flour, salt, sugar in bowl of a mixer. – when the yeast is bloomed (it will be bubbly) add to flour mixture with remaining water.
– mix on medium speed with the paddle attachment until a dough is formed.
-switch to a dough hook and let mix for another 5 minutes until the dough has formed a supple ball.
-Place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic and let rest for a half hour.
– remove from bowl and roll the dough into a large circle.
– spread nutella over it.
– roll like a cinnamon roll.
– cut the roll down the middle to form two long strips.
-twist them together into a spiral (they will fan out a bit and start to look like a braid.)
-place the twist into a baking sheet and brush with the egg wash.
-bake at 350 degree until golden brown.

Three days later I’m the proud mother of a beautiful batch of croissants.

A photo posted by allie (@pepperann4633) on

Goodies like these can be acquired at Brasserie by Niche in St. Louis, proudly employing Alice. 

Now make sure you do a couple things:

1) Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes and Stitcher. And I wouldn’t mind a few ratings. Thanks for the love. 

2) GET YOUR QUESTIONS IN FOR THE NEXT EPISODE!!!!!

comics 4 beginners cover
Post your questions to the Facebook page!

 

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 31

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An INSANE ending to the mid-season finale of Arrow. GRRRR I don't like cliffhangers!
An INSANE ending to the mid-season finale of Arrow. GRRRR I don’t like cliffhangers!

Move over March…it’s MID-SEASON MADNESS!

Arrow, the Flash, Gotham, Constantine, Marvel Agents of SHIELD, plus a brief announcement of TITANS, coming to TNT. And I didn’t even get into The Walking Dead.

and the Jittery Monkey Podcast Network is growing. And you should check out the other shows on the network.

No contest: Matt Ryan is John Constantine where Keanu Reeves was...ummm...Keanu. Damn I love this show!
No contest: Matt Ryan is John Constantine where Keanu Reeves was…ummm…Keanu. Damn I love this show!
Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 30

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Comics are great. It’s why I’m here. It’s why you’re here. I got into comics first as a child before finding them again a few years back.

But comics have been playing a pivotal role in the lives of thousands of children across the world…children who were given an outlet, a voice to show their experiences through their eyes and in their words. The Comic Book Project began in New York City in 2001 and has spread across the nation and around the globe. cbp 1

 

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Thirteen years ago, Dr. Michael Bitz started an afternoon school program that would grow into The Comic Book Project. It spread from New York City to other metropolitan areas around the country (HELLO CLEVELAND) and has since gone international (HELLO NIGERIA).

cbp4

So I visit with Michael about his childhood with comics and how he has used the medium to get kids to be creative. It’s an awesome show.

Want to help The Comic Book Project? My friends at Stache Publishing have a new anthology available December 1st. Purchase Out of the Blue and proceeds will go to The Comic Book Project. Or as I like to call it… Win-Win.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 29

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Welcome back into the Nerd Dome for Episode 29 of Nerds United.

This time we cross international borders and visit with Sam Johnson, a comic book creator who hails from Sheffield, United Kingdom. Sam has been writing comics for almost a decade and is working on building his brand, Actuality Press.

The Almighties #1 Variant
The Almighties #1 Variant

Sam is a huge Marvel fan, so it’s no surprise that his “The Almighties” title is a parody, in part, of The Avengers. Rated T for Teen, this book has some adult themes and humor. It’s a really fun read. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 28

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On Episode 28, I visit with Dan Milano – a social media guru working for Dailymotion. Dan is also a passionate Ghostbusters fan who has been following the idea of Ghostbusters 3 since the early days of the internet.

ghostbuster1
Proton pack equipped. A young Dan is ready to battle the supernatural. (Courtesy Dan’s Facebook page)

Dan was gracious enough to join me to talk Ghostbusters 1 and 2 as well as the lost opportunity of Ghostbusters 3. But there’s good talk about Ghostbusters the Video Game and the planned Ghostbusters reboot.

Sweet Ghostbusters diorama that Dan has - though we didn't get into where it is located.
Sweet Ghostbusters diorama that Dan has – though we didn’t get into where it is located.

I’m hopeful this is the first conversation of many with Dan, so leave all the positive feedback and we’ll check our schedules to get him on again soon. And remember…iTunes and Stitcher – just search for “Nerds United.” Thanks as always. Share, comment, subscribe, etc.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 27

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title_card

 

Who’s got two thumbs and a podcast on iTunes? THIS GUY! After sixteen long months, it finally happened. So I dedicate the pre-show to everyone who has worked on this behind the scenes thus far. Think Alabama’s “40 Hour Week” but less hammers.

Jason Contini in the film Four Color Eulogy
Jason Contini in Four Color Eulogy

OKAY, enough shenanigans! This week I’m visiting with three members of the cast and crew for the St. Louis-based film Four Color Eulogy. Writers/actors Jason Contini and John Contini (you’ll never guess how they’re related) and actress/singer/songwriter Taylor Pietz enter the Nerd Dome via Skype – just like how Batman communicates with Watchtower, I’m sure.

john
John Contini in Four Color Eulogy

 

 

We will learn the origin stories for these three individuals, who all hail from the Gateway City and bring an extensive theater background to this film.

As an added bonus, because I care, we will also debut a small sample of Taylor’s original song for the Four Color Eulogy soundtrack.

 

 

 

taylor
Taylor Pietz in Four Color Eulogy

 

 

How does this movie tie in with comic books? And who among these three has created comics?

Major thanks to Jason, John, and Taylor for spending some time with me this past Saturday. I’ll meet up with other members of the Four Color Eulogy cast and crew in a few weeks. If you’re in or around the St. Louis area in November, go see the premiere of Four Color Eulogy at the St. Louis International Film Festival on Sunday, November 23rd.

Want to listen on Stitcher? BOOM! Listen on Stitcher!

While I wait for the Nerds United feed to be finalized on iTunes, here’s how you can catch this episode and all the other content from Jittery Monkey on iTunes (also available by searching for “Jittery Monkey” in your iTunes podcast search).

Thanks again to everyone for sticking around long enough to see/hear Nerds United on such great outlets like iTunes and Stitcher. If you’re brand new to the Nerd Dome, go back and listen to the other episodes. They aren’t really time-sensitive so I think they hold up, even months or years later. Especially the interviews. Some of my solo ramblings are more what I’m thinking, watching, reading at the time.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 26

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Nerds United Episode 26 [ 23:45 | 16.32 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (719)
gotham
What a remarkable show!!!

Hello again fellow Nerds and welcome to the latest from Nerds United. This time around, I’m talking all about Gotham and MARVEL Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

And since I actually took some time to read over the weekend, I do my best to give you a spoiler-free rundown on MARVEL’s Original Sin.

Original Sin was the latest (pre-AXIS and even pre-Death of Wolverine) Marvel crossover event, and it all started with the murder of Uatu, the Watcher.
Original Sin was the latest (pre-AXIS and even pre-Death of Wolverine) Marvel crossover event, and it all started with the murder of Uatu, the Watcher.

And since I’m a bad cross-promoter (and was needing to wrap up the recording and go to work), I forgot to plug the newest show on the Jittery Monkey Network. So please head over to PoppedCulture and give them some love.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 25

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One of several variants for the Death of Wolverine #1.
One of several variants for the Death of Wolverine #1.

In 1992, DC Comics killed the unkillable. Now in 2014, Marvel is working on the same.

"Suuuuuuuure."
“Suuuuuuuure.”

In this episode, I offer a brief audio montage to Wolverine, audio from the Eulogy at Twilight Comics, and a discussion with Twilight Comics’ Brian Hillier. We just off topic a couple times and even discuss Doctor Who briefly. But this is a Wolverine episode.

And just to make sure you didn’t miss any of the dialogue in the featured image, here it is again:

Fastball Special - usually used by Wolverine and Colossus. But let's face it - this is much more entertaining.
Fastball Special – usually used by Wolverine and Colossus. But let’s face it – this is much more entertaining.

Thanks as always to everyone who listens and shares. I really appreciate it.

 

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 24

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Excuse me while I pat myself on the back…

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!
Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!

I FINALLY read Trinity War. I mean, the story is only about a year old…it was time.

It was a great read led by writers Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire, and Ray Fawkes. I felt that the artists were all able to keep the style similar (Pandora didn’t look drastically different when drawn by Ivan Reis than when drawn by Joe Prado.) If you haven’t read it yet, get Trinity War!

It also raised interest in some tertiary characters like the Phantom Stranger and the Question. So either I’m a really eager reader or DC did something right.

Now onto this week’s show:

The entire tone is relatively quiet. It was late, I was trying not to wake my wife. The dogs were asleep on the couch after a thunderstorm (which I talk about…because they’re my kids).

  • Comic book inspired cartoons, from the 90’s classics X-Men, Spiderman, and Batman the Animated Series to some of the shows out there for today’s kids (Green Lantern the Animated Series, Wolverine and the X-Men, Batman the Brave and the Bold).
  • Television series’ – and I’m already kicking myself for not even mentioning The Walking Dead (or Preacher). Apparently I was in a masks/capes mood last night.
  • Also…this happened!
  • I field a question from the Facebook page and we dive (pun intended) into the world of Aquaman and the Others.
  • And plans have been put into motion for another audio commentary episode. Necessary materials have been shared. You’ll have to listen aaaaaall the way to the end to see what I’m talking about.

That’s it for this week, kids. Enjoy the show. “Like,” Share, Comment, re-tweet. Share your thoughts, comments, criticisms, questions, etc.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 23

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"In what world could Batman defeat Superman?" In Frank Miller's world.
“In what world could Batman defeat Superman?” In Frank Miller’s world.

This week’s return is an in-house deal with three voices of the Jittery Monkey Podcast Network as I sit down with Toby Gullion and Craig Holmes (of The Good, The Bad, The Podcast) and we discuss, among other things:

  • Guardians of the Galaxy
  • Batman – Year One
  • The Dark Knight Returns
  • Batman v Superman
  • Spider-Man
  • The Avengers
  • X-Men
  • …pretty much any of the recent big screen comic adaptations.

We also check in with fresh reviews of GotG both from me and my wife as well as our friends Rick and Clairesse after we took in the show last weekend.

It’s an hour-long show but I think it seemed to pass by a little faster than that. So make sure your seat back and tray tables are in their upright and locked position as we prepare for takeoff. Thank you, as always, for choosing Nerds United for your air travel needs. We’ll be around shortly with beverages and tiny packages of pretzels.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 22

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Guess who’s back…back again. Greggie’s back. Tell a friend.

The promised podcast for today…now with lifelike kung fu grip!

Ok, enough bad (really bad) jokes. Mailbag time.

After taking a few of your questions, I throw some knowledge your way on upcoming ideas and events, like SNIXFEST. I have no idea what all will go down at SNIXFEST…but it’s for a good cause. so if you’re in the St. Louis area on Saturday, head up the river a bit to Alton, IL.

Also – it’s San Diego Comic Con weekend and already we’re being treated to goodies from creators and fans alike.

 

I fully anticipate another episode to be recorded and made available in the next couple of days. So there’s that.

Please enjoy this. And share the word with your friends. “Like,” comment, and share on Facebook and Twitter. I’d really appreciate it. Thanks as always!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 21

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Nerds United Episode 21 [ 1:03:08 | 86.69 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (665)

Welcome back to the Nerd Dome, friends.

Episode 21. We’ve come a long way and done a lot in the last year. I’ve talked to many of my friends (a wise man once said those make the most entertaining podcasts). I’ve traveled to the Cape Comic Con and Free Comic Book Day, and will do all of those things again in the next year.

But in this episode, we’re going back in time:

In episode 21, we welcome back to the Nerd Dome (it’s a lot like the Thunder Dome, except no violence…usually) Van Jensen.

THIS GUY!
THIS GUY!

“Van Jensen…I’ve heard that name.”

That’s right. Van was my very first guest on Nerds United, all the way back to Episode 1.

Issue #30 of Green Lantern Corps starts to head up as the Durlan infiltrators are found.
Issue #30 of Green Lantern Corps starts to head up as the Durlan infiltrators are found.


We got to know Van in the first episode, and continue the discussion on Green Lantern Corps, a title Van started writing (with Robert Venditti) on issue #21.

Those Durlans have been working behind the scenes to “wreak havoc” for our heroes. It’s been brewing since Van took over on #21 and is about to come to a head in The Uprising.

The Flash Annual #3 - in stores now.
The Flash Annual #3 – in stores now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hear how Van and Robert got the call to work on The Flash (starting with issue #30). I have picked up the Flash since the beginning of the Jensen/Venditti run and I’m really enjoying it. Fallout from the Crime Syndicate, introduction of Wally West, and FUTURE FLASH! Great stuff. Hear why Van says writing the Flash is completely different from writing GLC.

Where it all began.....
Where it all began…..

We’ll spend just a little time talking about Pinocchio – Vampire Slayer. We covered much of the genesis of that story in Episode 1. Biggest news: The complete collection is available now wherever fine comic books are sold (by that I mean…go talk to your local comic book store).

Van then weighs in on his five favorite titles of all time, and we wrap it up.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is: VAN JENSEN IS BACK ON NERDS UNITED (and the groundwork has already been laid for his triumphant return in June of 2015).

Thanks again to Van for joining me on the show. Follow him on Twitter.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 20

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After a brief hiatus, I am back in the Nerd Dome for Episode 20…recorded from the comfort of my couch in my home.

Super stoked about my guest, because she has to put up with me on the daily! It took some convincing, but I’m glad I was able to bring my wife on to talk about her nerd side. It’s small, but growing.

Before the conversation with her, I address a few recent news makers, including the projected schedule of DC movies for the big screen. And Dawn had a question on Facebook that I do my very best to answer. After reading the question and listening to my response, watch the video shown here and tell me what you think.

As always, thanks for listening and sharing with your friends and fellow nerds and helping to get the word out. Twenty episodes in the first year. I think I can do better in year two. Big plans in the mix.

Also – I completely forgot that this weekend was the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL. I didn’t make it down there, but from what I have seen online, a good time was had by all. 2015 – I’ll be there.

And here’s more information on The Nerd Machine’s project, Nerd HQ and their work for Operation Smile.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 19

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Nerds United Episode 19 [ 52:24 | 47.97 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (732)

Well friends, we’re breaking protocol slightly. As you know, I pushed forward and posted Episode 18 (the Free Comic Book Day interviews) a week early. I did this because I had another show in mind that I felt was a bit time sensitive, as one or two (depending on where you live) movies are still in theaters with another due to drop next week.

That show I had in mind…is this show you’re about to start.

In the show, I give a brief review of “Son of Batman.” Here’s the trailer:

winter soldierI also give my thoughts (humble as they might be) on Captain America: The Winter Soldier (the movie, not the book, which I have, but have not yet read),

also The Amazing Spider-Man 2,

AND X-Men: Days of Future Past.

 

Of course, can’t have a comic book movie adaptation discussion this week without addressing one of the more BA images to be released in recent memory: Zack Snyder’s released image of Bat-Fleck! And you already know I like the casting. Visually, I find it stunning.

na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na BAT-FLECK
na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na BAT-FLECK

Lots of things to discuss from adaptations to the small screen, as I give some thoughts on Arrow, MARVEL: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Constantine, Gotham, izombie, and more.

Then into the books we go. I read this one and LOVED IT!

1497745-superman_red_son
with a side of “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!”

And I am expanding my reading, venturing more into MARVEL territory. Thanks to smaller characters like Iron Fist and this guy:

moon knight

As always, thanks for coming back and listening. Thanks for telling your friends. Thanks for helping me get the word out there.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 18

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Nerds United Episode 18 [ 1:04:15 | 44.13 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (609)

Last time, you heard about MY story with Free Comic Book Day.

This time, we go to my “local” comic book shop. I use quotes because the place

Due to the whole "job" thing, I got there after the big crowds. But still - COMICS!
Due to the whole “job” thing, I got there after the big crowds. But still – COMICS!

is about an hour away. But ever since I stepped foot in Twilight Comics in 2009, I have always been treated like family. And I look around and see the same treatment given to everyone else who comes in the door.

So it is my pleasure to talk with Brian Hillier, the owner of Twilight Comics (Shiloh, IL), and a guy I have been fortunate enough to get to know over the years. We talk about his beginnings in comics and, YES, we even discuss the origin of the name Twilight (or as I say, he was “twilight” before twilight was “cool” – and I put quotes on that because those God-awful books somehow became God-awful movies).

A look at some of the work from artist David Carr. Find more at www.artmonkeyworld.com
A look at some of the work from artist David Carr. Find more at www.artmonkeyworld.com

Then in the second part of the show, I visit with artist David Carr, whose ArtMonkeyWorld paintings really took off when he realized that people like art with a Doctor Who twist.

We have three of David’s prints in our home, and someday, I’ll commission him for a one-of-a-kind piece.

You’ll have to listen to the show to find out what that would be.

As always, if you like Nerds United, share it with your friends. We’ll get on iTunes or some other auto-publisher eventually. I appreciate your patience and your continued support. Like, Share, and comment on Facebook (the only comments I get on here are all spam which I clear out without reading – and I don’t want to miss your thoughts.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 17

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Nerds United Episode 17 [ 1:10:28 | 64.52 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (658)

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, comic book fans of all ages, an amazing event is upon us. A yearly occurrence that brings millions of die-hards and casual fans to comic book stores…brick-and-mortars, as it were.

My friends, this Saturday is Free Comic Book Day.

fcbd

 

I don’t know how it works at your local comic book store, but at my store, Twilight Comics (Shiloh, IL), by mid-March or so, the standard sales bags are replaced by the Free Comic Book Day bags, emblazoned with the logo above.

Free Comic Book Day is (almost) ALWAYS the first Saturday of May. And the first Saturday of May is THIS SATURDAY, May 3.

In honor of this occasion, I was fortunate enough to grab some time with Joe Field, owner/proprietor of Flying Colors Comics, Eisner Award Winner, and the founder of Free Comic Book Day.

WHAT?!?

You heard me…this is the guy you need to thank…personally…while buying stuff from his shop.

As always, enjoy the show, visit me on Facebook and Twitter. It’s just me – no lackies or social media interns. When you see a post or response from Nerds United, that’s me. And I appreciate your feedback.

I have a ton of stuff to give away, but I need your help. Go to the Facebook page, see the picture of “Dug” from Disney/Pixar’s UP and read about the contests currently active.

I’ll be out talking to folks at Twilight Comics Friday night and Saturday afternoon. That will be my next episode.

Cosplayers aplenty at Free Comic Book Day
Cosplayers aplenty at Free Comic Book Day

And remember – many of your local comic book stores are having special giveaways and incentives for customers. Don’t wait! Get out there early. And Enjoy Free Comic Book Day.

But you don’t have to take my word for it….

Yeah…he says it better than I do.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 16

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Nerds United Episode 16 [ 1:45:27 | 72.41 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (665)

Justice_League-WarEpisode 16 and I’m finally doing something I have wanted to do for awhile (just not by myself) – an audio commentary for a DC Animated film.

Now theoretically, I could do one of these solo – but it wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun as it was witting down with past guests and friends Justin Holman and Joe Dodd. Plus, there would be a lot of silence as I tend to get drawn into the movie itself.

I look forward to doing more of these recordings down the road – possibly even getting into the cinematic universes (now imagine that…an audio commentary to the Dolph Lundgren Punisher movie).

Here’s the trailer to Justice League: War.

Now follow along with (or without) the movie and enjoy the first ever Nerds United Audio Commentary.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 15.2

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Me and Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Cornette. He has his own podcast, the Jim Cornette Experience. And you can get more info at www.jimcornette.com
Me and Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Cornette. He has his own podcast, the Jim Cornette Experience. And you can get more info at www.jimcornette.com

PART TWO HAS DROPPED!

Featured guests galore in 15.2:

Douglas Paskiewicz
Brian Koschak
Brian Rhodes
Michelle Delecki
Shane Davis
Jim Cornette

In other words, Arsenic Star Wars Ninja Pin-Ups Silver Surfer Wrestling!

That will make absolutely no sense until: You listen to the show!

Rogue makes some wicked awesome cupcakes. "Cakes Reanimated" - check them out. (WHAT??? Nerds love sugar!)
Rogue makes some wicked awesome cupcakes. “Cakes Reanimated” – check them out. (WHAT??? Nerds love sugar!)

 

What else? Oh yeah…

GIVEAWAYS!

Thanks again for your support and for sharing the good word of Nerds United!

I’m already ready for Cape Con 2015!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 15.1

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Nerds United Episode 15.1 [ 1:02:21 | 42.82 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (643)
Here I am talking with Ken Murphy, Cape Comic Con organizer. Thanks to the Cape Girardeau newspaper "The Southeast Missourian" for capturing the moment.
Here I am talking with Ken Murphy, Cape Comic Con organizer. Thanks to the Cape Girardeau newspaper “The Southeast Missourian” for capturing the moment.

It has been a CRAZY week and a half since the 2014 Cape Comic Con. I’m alive (and well) and I had a blast! What a fun time it was down in Cape Girardeau, MO. I got to talk and visit with so many great people. And I got some sweet moments like this:

lego bat

ARE YOU SERIOUS? Look at this awesome costume! And you can see more pictures from my two days at the Con HERE. Seriously – if you know any of the great people in those pictures, PLEASE tag them.

Part One of this two-part episode (Part Two heading your way tomorrow) features some of the vendors and creators, as well as cosplayers (sorry, no words from LEGO Batman…but he’s more of an “actions speak louder than words” guy anyway) and it all starts with a conversation with event organizer Ken Murphy.

Tell your friends about the show. If you hate the show, tell your frenemies.

Tomorrow’s second half will have some longer segments from the featured guests.

I’m so grateful for everyone who took the time to talk with me.

I’m definitely excited for the future of the Cape Comic Con.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 14

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Nerds United Episode 14 [ 1:34:11 | 64.68 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (629)
"Big Kev's" latest ink, taken straight from the pages of The Killing Joke. Listen to the full episode to hear what Kevin wants to do to complete the left arm sleeve.
“Big Kev’s” latest ink, taken straight from the pages of The Killing Joke. Listen to the full episode to hear what Kevin wants to do to complete the left arm sleeve.

In Episode 14, we leave the Nerd Dome and enter the Kev-Cave (patent pending) to visit with my friend, fellow podcaster, and celebrated nerd Kevin Fradelos.

Hear Kevin’s story about first picking up a comic on a spinner rack at the grocery store. Hear how those humble beginnings turned into a lifelong love of all things comics, and how he’s passing that love on to his daughters.

Kevin is a great talker (check out the archives of Big Kev’s View sometime) and I’m grateful he took some time out to visit with me. And I’ll return someday to the Kev-Cave (but we’ll call it the J-Cave or whatever) to talk with Kevin’s equally nerdy wife J-Me.

Don’t forget that I’ll be in Cape Girardeau, MO this weekend for Cape-Con. I hope to see many of you there.

OH OH OH I have contact (business) cards now and I’ll be handing them out in Cape this weekend. ANOTHER REASON to get down to southeast Missouri.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 13

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A studio "selfie" (yeah yeah I just used that word) from this show's guest - Myriam Diaz Rutland. Picture stolen from her Twitter Feed - @zaidartist
A studio “selfie” (yeah yeah I just used that word) from this show’s guest – Myriam Diaz Rutland. Picture stolen from her Twitter Feed – @zaidartist

NEW SHOW! NEW SHOW!

This week’s show features my guest Myriam Diaz Rutland…or Myriam, as she’ll be referred to during this show. Myriam’s focus of nerd-dom (in the NERD DOME…yeah, the “studio” has a name now) is in gaming. Plus she’s an extremely talented (you’ll hear for yourself…”you don’t have to take my word for it”) singer.

Listen to this episode for our first foray into gaming (and with Matt’s new series titled “Gamer,” maybe our last) and learn about Myriam. We also talk about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Wolverine.

And for the love of God – PLAY XENOGEARS!!!

Here’s Myriam’s website and more:

Twitter

YouTube

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 12

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Sam, Odin, and Joe
Sam, Odin, and Joe

Episode 12 and I sit down with another longtime friend of mine, artist Joe Dodd. Joe has worked for Marvel and DC before making a change and focusing more on toys. Catch Joe’s story and find out how you can help him and his family achieve their dreams.

As promised, here’s the link for Joe, Sam, and Odin’s GoFundMe. HERE

Also, Cape Con is a month away (March 21-23) in Cape Girardeau, MO. And I’ll be there on Saturday and Sunday talking with Con goers, vendors, and featured guests (including – but not limited to – Jim Cornette).

 

The castle Joe made in high school art class.
The castle Joe made in high school art class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joe's work from Marvel Age Hulk on the left. Odin's original finger and foot and probably butt painting on the right.
Joe’s work from Marvel Age Hulk on the left. Odin’s original finger and foot and probably butt painting on the right.
Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 11

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The Stache Publishing Crew (complete with photographer Anthony in the window reflection) as they prepare to record the show.
The Stache Publishing Crew (complete with photographer Anthony in the window reflection) as they prepare to record the show.

The crew of Stache Publishing is back to discuss everything from last Fall’s 7 Deadly Sins anthology to the recently launched weekly comic strip Aporkalypse, plus projects in the works.

There have been times of more than one guest…but seven? It’s unheard of…UNTIL YOU HEAR IT!!!

Stache Publishing is the place to go to get Stache Shorts, 7 Deadly Sins, and more.

Big thanks to the crew for letting me interrupt their monthly meeting to record the show.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 10

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Nerds United Episode 10 [ 37:12 | 34.06 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (672)

couch

We made it to double digits and I sought your input for Episode 10. I opened up the old request lines (that’s the former radio host in me) and took your suggestions on Facebook for superheroes and villains (both Marvel and DC) for either announced movies or future concepts. What actors and actresses did I think should suit up on the big screen? Listen in and head back to Facebook to comment.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 9

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Nerds United Episode 9 [ 1:00:16 | 41.39 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (668)

Starting the New Year with a conversation with an old friend. You heard him mentioned in Episode 5 – now he gets his own show.

Meet my friend Mike. I owe a lot of my nerdery (we coined that word in the show) to him.

Nerds coming together – it’s what we’re all about.

Oh…there may or may not have been naked Barbie’s in this episode.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 8

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Nerds United Episode 8 [ 25:58 | 23.77 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (715)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Take that drive to your family get-together and spend it listening to me. Yep – I’m asking you to make me a part of your holiday celebration (you can send me cookies, also, but I think this is easier).

In Episode 8, I spend a few minutes talking about the new Godzilla trailer (view it below), Joaquin Phoenix’s rumored involvement (may or may not be the right word) in the upcoming Batman/Superman movie; and some Christmas conversation (with myself…which isn’t much of a conversation at all).

Be safe over the holiday week-ish. I’m already in talks for Episode 9 which will be released just after the new year.

Merry Christmas. Thanks for listening.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 7

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Nerds United Episode 7 [ 18:21 | 16.81 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (655)

I’m back for another episode of Nerds United, and here’s what I’m talking about this time:

– The Wolverine (yes, the movie)

– The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer – watch it here:

– Gal Gadot cast as Wonder Woman for Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman/Flash/Nightwing/Kitchen Sink movie.

So that’s it. I appreciate your patience and support.

– G

(UPDATE: The Wolverine took an unexpected turn at the end that I enjoyed. It’s worth a watch.)

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 6

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Nerds United Episode 6 [ 19:44 | 18.07 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (617)

After a hectic October, I’m trying to work out a more regular schedule for shows.

So here’s an attempt at that.

And BONUS: Episode Six isn’t that long. If you have a short commute, you’re golden.

Remember this gem from SDCC 2013?

This time around I’m talking about Thor: The Dark World, Superheroes: The Never-ending Battle, and assorted comic book titles.

So relax and enjoy the show.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 5

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Nerds United Episode 5 [ 1:19:08 | 54.35 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (701)

Episode 5 and I’m sitting down with a longtime friend of mine, Justin Holman. Justin is an avid 80s cartoon lover of titles such as Transformers, GI Joe, Voltron, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. Basically, if it’s in this picture, Holman is a fan:

80s

Justin the creator has inked for Marvel and recently started sketching again as a fund raiser for Toys for Tots.

Plus, Justin is forever linked to a Marvel film as a song he performed with his band was on the soundtrack for……..

 

Find out by listening to the show.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 4

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Episode Four and I’m back talking to some talented creators. I’m talking with Anthony Mathenia and Shane Crash from Stache Publishing. These outstanding writers have joined their efforts, taking their separate works and combining them in a grind house-style double feature comic book.

Help them out via Kickstarter and if you’re in the St. Louis area at the end of the month, visit all of the gang from Stache Publishing at Project Comic Con.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 3

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Nerds United Episode 3 [ 29:11 | 40.09 MB ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (698)

A quick hit podcast (can you call it a quick hit if it lasts a half hour?) where Greg discusses:

– the recent casting of Batman

– thoughts on one of my favorite comic book artists, Alex Ross

kingdom-come12

– Batman: Mad Love (and other stories)

MADLOVE_1

Listen, Like on Facebook, and follow on Twitter.

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 2

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In Episode 2, Greg sits down with 2/3 of the creative minds behind GINORMOUS (in all caps for emphasis). Learn about the background of these creators and and how you can help make their dream a reality.

Here’s the direct link to the Kickstarter campaign page. Help them out. You won’t regret it. And listen to the show for information on a Nerds United giveaway!

Nerds United

Nerds United Episode 1

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van Jensen
Van Jensen

In the debut episode of Nerds United, Greg talks with Van Jensen, the newest individual to pen for Green Lantern Corps. Get some background info on a member of this new creative team, from his childhood in small town Nebraska through his journalism career and now as a member of the DC staff.