Systematic Geekology

Christian Ashley, Leah Robinson, and Andy Walsh dive deep into the realm of pop culture in this episode, spotlighting their top three unfinished or forgotten storylines. From cliffhangers that left fans hanging like a poorly executed punchline to narratives that just fizzled out, the trio reflects on why these unresolved plots still tug at their heartstrings. They explore the emotional weight behi...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive headfirst into the world of "in-game literature" on this episode of Systematic Geekology, part of our All Reading Counts initiative. Right off the bat, they highlight the significance of the written word found in beloved gaming franchises, featuring gems like Ansem's Reports from Kingdom Hearts, the cheeky Lusty Argonian Maid from the Elder Scrolls, Frank's poigna...

Joshua Noel and Evan Garcia are joined by former host of the show, Brandon Knight, to dive into the delightful chaos of Disney's "Darkwing Duck" in this episode, focusing on the time-looping antics of the episode titled "Paraducks." They kick things off by celebrating how this classic show perfectly embodies the quirky charm and clever humor of the '90s. With nostalgia on their side, the trio refl...

TJ Blackwell and Andy Walsh dive deep into the quirks and complexities of Michael Scott from "The Office", unveiling the layers behind this iconic character who often straddles the line between hilarity and cringe. They explore how Michael’s desperate need for friendship shapes his questionable management style, revealing that his antics stem from a tragic backstory filled with loneliness and a lo...

Kevin Schaefer, Christian Ashley, and Leah Robinson dive headfirst into the latest pop culture happenings that have everyone buzzing. Kicking things off, they tackle the intriguing film "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," where time travel meets dark comedy in a world threatened by AI. They also chat about the latest season of "Bridgerton," where romance and societal norms collide in a visually stun...

Will Rose, Jill Elizabeth, and Kevin Schaefer kick off our Spring Bonus series, "On Loop," by diving into the time-travel classic, "Back to the Future." Right off the bat, they highlight how this iconic flick has left a lasting mark on pop culture and time travel narratives, serving as the gold standard for all time loop stories that followed. The trio chats about their personal connections to the...

Joshua Noel, Liz Clyde, and TJ Blackwell dive into the heartwarming world of Pixar's "Onward," the first film of three "COVID era" Disney / Pixar films that will be discussed in this series. Right off the bat, they highlight how this flick serves as a poignant exploration of family bonds, grief, and the notion of stepping up when it counts. With brothers Ian and Barley embarking on a magical adven...

Kevin Schaefer, Andy Walsh, and Christian Ashley dive deep into the mutant mayhem of the first three X-Men films in this episode of Systematic Geekology. Their mission? To prep for the upcoming X-Men appearance in Avengers: Doomsday later this year. They kick things off by reminiscing about their first impressions of the original X-Men movie, dissecting its impact on the superhero genre, and shari...

Will Rose, Jill Elizabeth, and Kevin Schaefer dive into a whirlwind of pop culture delights in this all lightning round episode of Systematic Geekology. They share what’s new and exciting in the geek world, from the thrilling highs of the Winter Olympics to the emotionally charged narrative of the medical drama "The Pit." The trio engages in light-hearted banter, discussing the ins and outs of the...

In this enlightening episode of Some Joyful Noises, we delve into the profound thematic interplay between music and visual storytelling, specifically focusing on the comic "Middlewest" by Skottie Young. Our esteemed colleague Josh Patterson presents an intriguing discussion, proposing a curated selection of six songs - five Midwest Emo songs and 1 extra - that he posits would serve as an evocative...

Joshua Noel and Josh Patterson dive deep into the emotional and visually stunning world of Skottie Young's graphic novel, "Middlewest." Right off the bat, they explore how the story beautifully encapsulates themes of trauma, generational conflict, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly through the lens of Abel and his father—a storm personified. With a blend of heartfelt reflect...

Will Rose and Christian Ashley dive headfirst into the cosmic whirlwind of Star Wars history, embarking on a journey to review every nook and cranny of this legendary franchise. They kick things off by reflecting on the rich tapestry of Star Wars, from its groundbreaking debut in 1977 with "A New Hope" to the dizzying ride of the prequels, sequels, and everything in between. With a blend of nostal...

Alex Matthews, TJ Blackwell, and Will Rose dive into the high seas of geekdom as they dissect Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece, focusing on the first season's adventures and their hopes for the upcoming season two. Right off the bat, they explore the essence of camaraderie that drives Luffy and his crew, emphasizing how each character brings their unique flair to the crew dynamic, mak...

Will Rose and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the epic clash between Autobots and Decepticons in the latest episode of Systematic Geekology, featuring their guest, Keno Canady, back in the mix. Right off the bat, they dive into what really shapes a hero or a villain, using the iconic faces of Optimus Prime and Megatron as prime examples. With their contrasting philosophies—freedom versus tyranny—this...

Kevin Schaefer and Evan Garcia dive into some seriously captivating conversations in the latest episode of the "What's News" series on Systematic Geekology. Kicking things off, they explore "28 Years Later: Bone Temple," a flick that adds a fresh twist to the zombie genre, followed by their take on "Fallout Season 2," which keeps the thrills coming in the post-apocalyptic landscape. The duo doesn'...

Big Mom from One Piece is on a rampage in Japan, and the only thing that can quell her fury is a very specific Japanese Christmas Cake. In this episode of Systematic Geekology's "Geeks on a Roll" series, our host Joshua Noel takes the reins as GM while Christian Ashley is joined by a special return guest, Mark Flower, to team up and tackle this outrageous mission together. Their eclectic squad, fe...

Music serves as a profound and transformative element within the animated series, "Adventure Time", illustrating its significance in storytelling and character development. As we delve into this discourse, we will explore the various ways in which music not only enhances the narrative but also fosters a sense of community among the audience. Throughout our exploration, we will acknowledge the cont...

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive into the cosmic depths of "Absolute Martian Manhunter", Volume 1, where they explore the riveting narrative crafted by Deniz Camp and illustrated by Javier Rodríguez. Right off the bat, they tackle the heavy question of whether folks fear the Martian Manhunter more for his alien origins or because he mirrors humanity’s own flaws. As they dissect the storyline, the...

The film "Groundhog Day" is back in the spotlight as Andy, Leah, and Evan dive into their thoughts on this classic comedy - the fifth time we have reviewed this film on Systematic Geekology! The three kick things off by appreciating the film's unique premise of repeating the same day, exploring how it provides endless opportunities for hilarity and self-discovery. The trio shares their favorite mo...

The gang's back at it, diving deep into their all-time favorite comic book icons in this epic finale of their annual series on Systematic Geekology. Hosts Will, Kevin, and Andy bring their A-game as they share their top picks from the DC and Marvel universes, exploring characters that not only rocked their worlds but also inspired them to be better in the upcoming year. From the legendary Superman...

Joshua Noel and Liz Clyde dive into the Whole Cake Island arc of *One Piece*, tackling the pivotal question: can one achieve true success without their crew? Right from the get-go, they explore the significance of friendship and loyalty against a backdrop of whimsical pastries and fierce battles. As they unpack Sanji’s complicated family history and the arc's broader themes, they highlight how thi...

The profound significance of pirate songs and sea shanties is at the forefront of our discussion, as we explore their historical roots and cultural implications. Under the guidance of Joshua Noel, we delve into the unique allure of these musical forms, examining how they encapsulate themes of freedom and rebellion. The conversation navigates the complex interplay between historical narratives of p...

Page tells Pixel all about the queer hockey book that has become an internet sensation: Heated Rivalry. Follow us on Instagram @pageandpixelpc

Christian Ashley and Leah Robinson dive into the latest happenings in pop culture with a spotlight on two intriguing series: "Fallout" and "School Spirits." Kicking things off, they explore the post-apocalyptic chaos of "Fallout," where characters grapple with the remnants of a nuclear world, uncovering secrets and confronting moral dilemmas. Meanwhile, "School Spirits" brings a ghostly twist, cen...

Andy Walsh and Kevin Schaefer dive deep into the vibrant world of indie comics, spotlighting the characters that resonate most with them as they ring in the new year. The duo passionately discusses their top picks, emphasizing not just the iconic nature of these characters but also the traits they aspire to embody while leaving behind the less desirable ones from the past year. From relatable ever...