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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Thanks as always to everyone who listens and shares. I really appreciate it.
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.
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.
“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.
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!
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!
“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.
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.
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…..
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.
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.
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:
I 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
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!
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:
As always, thanks for coming back and listening. Thanks for telling your friends. Thanks for helping me get the word out there.
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!
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Episode 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.
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:
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Joe’s work from Marvel Age Hulk on the left. Odin’s original finger and foot and probably butt painting on the right.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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……..
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.
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!
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.
