The Goadkicker Podcast

We are fools to think our brains can't be hijacked by something as simple as a single image. We presume and assume too much, but also it's worth taking about these symbols and how they take on a life of their own. What can / should we do in our own lives about sending messages via symbols?

Nobody takes up more space than I do, but it's more than being 260 lbs and loud. I love my life in a way that fills more volume than I should. today's Goadkicker we talk about this notion, how it applies to our hobbies, and how to change that.

Why are we surprised to see women in certain spaces? I recently dove into modern doom/sludge metal and saw band after band with strong female contribution. As a long time fan of Kylesa and Acid King, and with Baroness, Windhand, and Electric Wizard all including women, why was I then surprised to discover so many incredible acts in the doom metal world involving female artists? The answer is attit...

Goadkicker is back for another season. since things have been spotty, I thought I'd start by just setting expectations before we go forward. New episode content soon.

Some would say I'm just another white Midwestern male ranting at his phone while sitting in their vehicle's cab. Others would say I'm a low key prairie philosopher (one person did say that actually). Me? I'd say I just like to talk and want to see the world because better place. Today I talk about the source of inspiration, types of inspiration, and how to stay engaged with the media you consume t...

A Special Presentation - Resurgence release week!!!

At casual glance it seems odd that the 2012 reboot started with Archer & Armstrong among the first four titles. Not as high profile to non-valiantheads as a Ninja or Rai, but incredibly important to fleshing out the setting and tone of the new Valiant Universe. Bonus points for material that is key to the upcoming Resurgence.

an update from the road as I explore comic retailers across the Midwest, and fail to find Alien era Valiant.

As we prepare to see a new begining of sorts for the Valiant Universe, let's look back at the start of this current continuity. Maybe through contrast we will better identify triumphs, missteps, and opportunities for Alien Books as they finally take full custody of Valiant's continuity and future.

From street team to full on spoiler reveal... How do you think Alien and Valiant have done marketing Road To and Resurgence?

Sometimes you can pick up a book and just tell it's by a particular writer, from a specific era, or by a certain publisher. Has Valiant ever had its own flavor? Has it changed? Does Alien have one yet? What mission statements exist at our favorite companies, how do our expectations factorvin, and what happens when our palate and the flavor no longer match?

we talk about summer, the many ways you can read XO Manowar, and what a hobby means.

in 2018 DMG-led Valiant was trying with shelf presence, specifically offering larger, chronically ordered collections to consumers increasingly enamored with shelf candy and the siren song of "all in one" omnibus editions. We'll look at both the appeal and value of this Valiant compendium, a line that did not continue beyond this volume, and the attitude towards shelf editions on gen...

Let's look at the role of Kickstarter in comic publishing, and discuss the pros and cons.

Short "filler" episode due to holiday week. Midway through the RtR and I have a new perspective on what's going on with these books, and it gives me a little hope that once September arrives, we'll be having more fun. Also, Ninjak was good.

Valiant launched in 1991 but I had no idea. I was still feeling drunk from Batman 89 and Turtlemania. I discovered Warhammer 40k. I saw Apocalypse Now for the first time. Now in 2024, I get to read Magnus 1-8 and Solar 1-5, the entirety of Valiant's first year. I'm here to tell you, these are top shelf comic books. 5 stars overall.

I read two new Alien titles by first reading the runs that immediately preceded them. Spoiler alert: It did not help sell Rai's new series to me at all.

I'm sick, no episode expected this week.

My first show dedicated to the Valiant books releasing currently. It's a mixed bag. I remain cautious in my optimism but there does seem to be unity in editorial, and sparks of intrigue. Find out which book I recommend as the best buy for new or lapsed fans of this bunch, and which you can ignore unless you're a Valiant loyalist, like myself.

It's the crossover they never said would happen! The republishing rights are sure to be tied up in legality, so listen now while you can! I sit down with Jason Sacks of Jason and the Movienauts to chat about both of Valiant Comics' screen adaptations. Trigger warning for hot takes and rose colored glasses.

Overselling it? Maybe. But this 2019 four part mini series featuring the Geomancer, Eternal Warrior, Doctor Mirage, and a host of new villains was setting up what SHOULD have been an incredible chapter in Valiant history. Then came COVID.

In the 1990's, Dark Horse grabbed the Predator license and set out to crossover that monster with other established characters. After facing Batman, the space hunter aliens set their sights on the Valiant Universe. What resulted? Also, how to use comics to meet and influence people.

Failure is such a huge part of our lives and yet we turn our nose up at discussing it or wearing it. Sometimes failure is how you gain superpowers. Sometimes failure and it's lessons are what brings you success. Failure played heavily into the creation of Valiant and the adventures of Solar both. What can we appreciate from this?

In 2013 Valiant published a digital only comic that promoted both the upcoming Unity book as well as their 8 bit video game variant covers. It truly represents the spirit of the publisher at that moment in time.