Welcome to Geektown

Green Kryptonite, Red Kryptonite, Blue, White, Jewel? How many varieties of Kryptonite are there, and how does each of them effect the Man of Steel and the other Kryptonians in the DC Universe? Kurt goes through every single published version of Kryptonite so you’ll now know.

Superheroes have been and continue to dominate the sales charts of American comics, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is. Thanks to a question from a Reddit user, Kurt goes into non-spoiler details about some of his favorites that he recommends you try out, if you haven’t already.

A new recurring feature begins, where we’ll look deeper into some of the more unusual deaths that have happened in comics, beginning with an out-of-continuity tale called “Spider-Man: Reign” and the untimely demise of Spider-Man’s wife, Mary Jane Watson-Parker. (Content warning: Mature themes, though handled non-explicitly.)

If the word "Shiny" means something special to you, or you know about the "special hell" that Mal could be going to, then you're probably already a fan of Firefly. If not, take a listen to learn all about the Joss Whedon-created sci-fi/western show, and find out why its fanbase endures after all these years.

Now that Tony’s gone from the MCU, let’s look at some of his possible replacements, specifically those who have already done so in the comics. It’s the third installment of “The Replacements,” which previously covered those who have replaced Captain America and Superman. This time, we look at the history of those who have taken up the Armored Avenger’s mantle.

What if you want to kill some monsters, but don’t want to get bogged down in all that pesky role-playing? Well, these games, past and present, may just be what you’re looking for. Kurt covers the highlights of the history of dungeon crawler board games this episode.

A comparison of time travel rules in a few well-known movies that feature it extensively, from Back to the Future, up to Avengers: Endgame. SPOILER WARNING: Details of Endgame will be from 11:24 to 15:43, if you want to avoid that still.

First, a note from a listener about the Star Trek Economy. Then, from Batman: The Animated Series to Justice League Unlimited; a brief look at the history of one of the greatest TV and movie universes created.

Kurt concludes his discussion with economy professor Matt Dobra on the supposedly money-less economy of the Federation from the world of Star Trek. Discussion includes the Universal Basic Income, interstellar trade, and the Rules of Acquisition.

Kurt calls up economy professor Matt Dobra again, this time to discuss the economy of the Federation from the world of Star Trek. They famously say they do not use money in the future, and we dive into whether or not that would work. Learn about post-scarcity, the hedonic treadmill, and other economic terms through the lens of one of the most famous science fiction franchises of all time!

Celebrating one full year of Welcome to Geektown, Kurt answers a question about his favorite character, diving into Robbie Baldwin’s history, and why Kurt is the World’s Biggest Speedball Fan.

With his movie coming out next month, we look at the comic history of Billy Batson, the original Captain Marvel, aka Shazam!

Batman has been portrayed on screen a number of times. A listener wants to know where to start with those films, and how they’ve influenced and been influenced by the comics, so we go through them all chronologically, from the 1943 serial, all the way to what’s planned for the future.

Doctor Who? That is the question, isn’t it. Which Doctor should be your first, and in what order should you watch? Also, why do so many fans insist on choosing between Star Wars and Star Trek?

With all of the different Star Trek shows that have aired, what’s the best order for a burgeoning Trekkie to watch them in? Kurt gives his opinion on which option is best, and why. But first, for the non-initiated, what are all those acronyms?

I’ve been mentioning “gatekeepers” in the opening of nearly every episode, but what is a gatekeeper? This week, we define gatekeeping, explain how it harms, and try to figure out where it comes from and how to fight against it.

This episode, Kurt is asked about why so much of fantasy takes place in a Medieval-like setting, and discusses a few of those reasons why that is the case. Plus more famous quotes are given their origins; this time all coming from the same source.

What is Dungeons and Dragons, and how to explain its long-term popularity? Also, is it possible to try the game out without committing a lot of time and/or money? I take the time to answer these questions on this episode. If you’re at all curious what all the hype is about, take a listen!

With nearly a dozen new comic-book movies each year, why do so few of them have women in their leading roles? That’s what listener Justin B. asked, and what I attempt to answer, as well as giving thoughts on which superheroines should get the spotlight next.

This week’s episode, instead of answering a question, is a history of and tribute to Stan Lee, who died recently. We look at his beginnings in the industry, and some of the important contributions he made throughout the years.

This week’s episode has a two-part question about the difference between comic books and graphic novels (if there is one), as well as wanting to know what options are out there for people who want to read about the Marvel Universe in straight prose, rather than words and art together. Finally, another famous catchphrase gets its origins explained.

This week’s episode has a two-part question about the difference between comic books and graphic novels (if there is one), as well as wanting to know what options are out there for people who want to read about the Marvel Universe in straight prose, rather than words and art together. Finally, another famous catchphrase gets its origins explained.

Min-Maxing and Meta-Gaming. If you're sitting at a table playing D&D, you likely do not want to be accused of either of these. But, what are they exactly, and can they ever be a force for good? Find out in this week's episode. Bonus: Where does the opening phrase of the podcast come from?

The Eradicator. Cyborg Superman. Steel. Superboy. Each claimed to be Superman's successor, but none were the true heir. Where did they come from, and what happened to them after Superman's return?

In anticipation of the upcoming movie, we look at the history of Carol Danvers, and touch on the other Captain Marvels in the Marvel Universe.