GEEK THIS!

By: David Hunt & Dave Clements
  • Summary

  • Join two long-time friends as they dive into the latest in pop culture, sharing their opinions and nerding out over their favorite topics. From movies and TV shows to music and games, nothing is off-limits in these lively and honest conversations. Produced by Arcteller Media.
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Episodes
  • The Golden Age: Action Comics #1 & Marvel Comics #1
    Dec 10 2019
    Two companies stand at the forefront of comics book publishing. While this is common knowledge, a good majority of readers may not have experienced the seminal issues that laid so much of the groundwork for what would come in the 80+ years that were to follow. This time on The Cape Gauntlet we'll be going back to the late 1930's. We'll be taking a look at Action Comics #1 from National Allied Publications and Marvel Comics #1 from Timely Comics. While Action Comics debuted Superman, Marvel Comics debuted the concept of the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner; both of which would become staples in each company's future. Action Comics #1 The cover of Superman's first appearance in Action Comics #1. As we touched on in the last episode of The Cape Gauntlet, National Allied Publications released Action Comics #1 in 1938. It tells the story most of us know, about a baby being rocketed from his dying planet to Earth, where he is adopted, becomes Clark Kent and Superman, and saves the day. While the story is familiar to many of us, there are some differences that are the basis of what the character would become as more writers and artists got involved in fleshing him out. For instance, Superman's power set isn't as wide-ranging as more recent iterations. We see that he can leap 1/8 of a mile, hurdle 20-story buildings, "raise tremendous weights", outrun a train, and "that nothing less than a bursting shell could penetrate his skin". We also don't see any mention of kryptonite. We do, however, see the first appearance of Lois Lane, who would become the love interest for Clark Kent and Superman as more stories were published. One interesting fact is that Action Comics wasn't just about Superman, as most readers might think, given the current run, in which he is the main focus. No, in 1938, the book was an anthology and Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster was just the first story. While most of the other stories never grew to be much more than a strip in this series of comics, a closer look shows the roots of another character: Zatara, the father of current DC Comics magic-user Zatanna, who would become an ally of Batman, a hero we'll touch on in a future episode. Marvel Comics #1 Human Torch debuts on the cover of Timely Comics' Marvel Comics #1. Timely Publications released their first book, Marvel Comics #1 in 1939. In it, they debuted the Human Torch. He was created by Carl Burgos, but he wasn't the smart-Alec kid brother, Johnny Storm, when he made his first appearance. In fact, he wasn't human at all; he was a "synthetic man" built by Professor Horton, who is worried he's created a monster. Once a couple of press members see the android burst into flames after being exposed to oxygen, they demand the professor destroy it or face "the power of the press". After receiving a second opinion from the Scientists' Guild, Horton realizes he has no control over the Human Torch and decides to "entomb him in a concrete block". This is supposed to buy him more time so he can find a way to fix the Torch and not destroy his creation. As time passes, however, the concrete block explodes caused by an ever-so-slight leak that gave the Torch oxygen. As the Torch runs through the town, we see that he is much more human than the professor first let on, as he asks himself, "Why must everything I touch turn into flame?" Firefighters attempt to extinguish him, but to no avail. The Torch runs off to put himself out in a nearby pool which happens to belong to Sardo, a bad guy who decides to use the android's ability to commit insurance fraud. The Human Torch misunderstands Sardo's intentions and, after being set free, goes after the crook. During the fight, a canister of nitrogen extinguishes the flames and proves the android is invincible after he's shot in the head and the bullet melts upon contact. Sardo, as a last-ditch effort, tries to throw a vat of acid on the Torch, only to kill himself in the process as it reacts to t...
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    7 mins
  • Mutant Rebirth: X-Men ’97 Season Review | GEEK THIS!
    May 18 2024
    Previously, we reviewed the first two episodes of Marvel's X-Men '97, the highly anticipated revival of the classic animated series. Now, we’re back to cover the entire season, discussing the new challenges our favorite mutant heroes face. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode is packed with insights into what makes X-Men '97 a standout in the world of animated superhero shows. Episode Highlights: The nostalgic return of Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey. Key moments and plot twists that define the season. How X-Men '97 stays true to its '90s roots while appealing to new audiences. Important Update: We'll be taking a short hiatus through June 2024 due to an incredibly packed schedule. Don't worry—we'll be back with more geeky goodness soon! Be sure to follow us on our social channels for the latest updates and sneak peeks of what's coming next.
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    44 mins
  • 1990s Nostalgia: TV Shows, Movies, and Growing Up Geek | GEEK THIS!
    May 10 2024
    We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the pop culture that defined our childhoods in the 1990s. Join us as we reminisce about the iconic TV shows and movies that shaped our tastes, from Nickelodeon classics to Disney favorites. We reflect on what it was like to grow up in the 90s, the influence of these early experiences on our current geekdom, and how some of these shows and movies still hold a special place in our hearts today. Whether you were a Nickelodeon kid, a Disney fan, or somewhere in between, this episode is a fun and heartfelt celebration of 90s pop culture.
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    47 mins

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