Welcome to Geektown

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.

In order to answer a listener's question about the economics of Wakanda, home of the Black Panther, Kurt talks to economics professor Dr. Matt Dobra about how the economics of Wakanda would (or would not) work in the real world. Learn about Dutch Disease, the Resource Curse, and more, through the lens of pop culture!

This episode goes into speculation territory, as the listener question is about what storylines from Marvel Comics could be used to bring the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the other characters whose movie rights were owned by Fox until recently, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, now that Disney has purchased Fox.

Starting from near the beginning of the science-fiction genre, here are just a few times that sci-fi predicted technology before its arrival in our world.

Listener Joshua C. just watched the pilot of Cloak and Dagger, and is curious to find out how close the characters and other aspects of the show hew to their original comic book counterparts.

We go over a few comic book stories and characters that have fourth-wall breaking as an important part of their dynamic. And if you're not familiar with what "breaking the fourth wall is," I explain that up front.

This is the first in a recurring feature, where we look at the characters who have taken on another hero's mantle (in this case, Captain America), and find out what happens to them after the original comes back to take his rightful place.

Kurt looks at the history of Marvel and DC's fan rivalry, and the root causes behind it.

Two listeners get their questions answered this time. One wants to know what makes Legacy games special and if they're worth the price. The other wants to know why everyone in movies is crossing their arms.

Mutants are "hated and feared" by many humans in the Marvel Universe, but listener Aaron L. wants to know why they're treated so differently from the other super-powered beings.  Kurt tackles this question, as well as announcing a contest!