Podcasts Archives - Geek Hard

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

It’s Daredevil week here at Geek Hard and Back Issue Bloodbath is getting in on the action as this episode, we take a look back on the Man without Fear. Andrew has been a long time, unapologetic DD fan and Gavin has always had a soft spot for the blind protector of Hell’s Kitchen as well. Listen as they take a trip down memory lane and revisit the comic book history of Matt Murdock. From his humble beginnings in the pages of Daredevil #1 (from April 1964) to the dark days of Frank Miller’s run on the book to the sunnier side of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee’s recent series, we cover it all.

When the first title began, Daredevil was basically a Spider-Man knock-off that followed a blind lawyer instead of an insecure teen. Over the decades, the character has evolved into a hero that deals with much darker, more mature subject matter and has a vibe that is more crime noir than your typical “super hero vs. super villain” story. With acclaimed runs from such great teams as Ann Nocenti and John Romita Jr., Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev, and Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark, Daredevil has been one of the most sophisticated comics on the rack. Take a listen as we toast Daredevil on an ALL NEW Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Daredevil has had quite the ride in comics and Andrew and Gavin talk all about on this week’s Bloodbath.

 

Originally Aired: 03/11/16

We talk with James Cooper about his new podcast on iTunes, The Development Slate. He and co-host Yaw Attuah host a show that discusses IP’s that are in need of a fresh take or have never been developed for film. It’s a fun show from two guys who work in the film business in Toronto discussing their passion film. So far they have 2 episodes done – one for Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? and the other for a My Pet Monster feature film.

Our review of 10 Cloverfield Lane starring John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr.. Synopsis: After surviving a car accident, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) wakes up to find herself in an underground bunker with two men. Howard (John Goodman) tells her that a massive chemical attack has rendered the air unbreathable, and their only hope of survival is to remain inside. Despite the comforts of home, Howard’s controlling and menacing nature makes Michelle want to escape. After taking matters into her own hands, the young woman finally discovers the truth about the outside world.

We also talk with comedian Adam Ray. He is currently co-hosting the new game show Separation Anxiety with Iliza Shlesinger on TBS. A game show within a game show. Where two contestants are separated in the beginning only to have one play a crappy internet game show for $2500. However their partner is actually helping them play the real game, by picking questions to be asked for the real grand prize of $250,000. We talk about some of the fun and crazy times on the show. We also get to hear Adam talk bout his experiences on his podcast About Last Night and on the road doing comedy. Especially one night that was never caught on tape to his great disappointment.

It was a great show!

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week, in our creator spotlight, Andrew and Gavin take a look back at a creator that is no longer with us but his work still impacts the industry to this day: Dwayne McDuffie. Dwayne’s work as a writer not only left a mark on the comics world but also animation as well. From his early days working at Marvel and creating the comedy title Damage Control to his work on Justice League Unlimted and other cartoons to his return to comics in the mid-2000s, we talk about it all. We also touch on Dwayne’s work at giving minorities more than just a “token” voice in the world of comic books, taking a look back at Milestone, a comic line with a multicultural sensibility.

A great man and creator, Andrew and Gavin discuss some of their favourite comics and television series that Dwayne had a hand in writing as well as their thoughts on the legacy that Dwayne has left behind and the resonance of his contributions to the industry.  There’s a number of projects out there that some are not even aware that McDuffie was involved. We talk about those and more as we tribute a man that gave us some great comic and cartoon memories. It’s all coming your way on an ALL NEW, ALL DIFFERNT Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Damage Control was just one of the gems created by Dwayne McDuffie. Hear us talk about it and more on this week’s Bloodbath.

Originally Aired: 03/04/16

We discuss The Dark Tower casting of Idris Elba as Roland Deschain and Matthew McConaughey as Walter Padick. Big Hero 6 coming to the small screens with the return of Baymax. A renewed Agents of SHIELD for season 4. The return of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday return to a one off special to celebrate Captain America 75th anniversary. Charity event Grok Spock 2 at the Tranzac Room. The controversy around the ECCC Sunday passes depicting an image from Image Comics upcoming series The Discipline.

We talk with Leslie Hudson about her upcoming album releases, she has 3 coming out in 2016. The first The Wanderlings Volume Two is already out now. While the other two include The Redhead League, all about female red-headed super heroes coming this spring. And finally Yeoman on the Bridge a collection of Star Trek themed songs coming out later in the year.

Our review of Zootopia starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman and Idris Elba. Synopsis: From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. When Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law. Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case. Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a wily fox who makes her job even harder.

We also talk with James Armstrong Event and Programming Coordinator for the Toronto ComiCon at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre running March 18-20. He’s back to talk again about all the great guests like comic legends Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck and Rob Liefeld. But of course the show isn’t just about comics there will be celebrities on hand for fans to meet such as Jason Issacs, Robbie Amell and Jonathan Frakes. It’s always fun to talk with James about the shows many great guests but also have some fun with him as well.

It was a great show!

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week on Bloodbath, Andrew and Gavin give an in depth review of the first 5 issues of Captain America: Sam Wilson, written by Nick Spencer with art by Daniel Acuna. In this series, Sam’s broken away from S.H.I.E.L.D. and is out to stand up for his beliefs. Touching on current topics in the media, this comic is attempting to take a relevant stance on subjects that matter in today’s society. That’s not to say that there isn’t a lot of fun to be had. Spencer also weaves in classic Cap villains and supporting cast, bringing a balance of superhero action and topical messages that is not seen anywhere else in mainstream comics. But is this balance working?

Both Andrew and Gavin are big fans of Nick Spencer, but does that mean that this book is up their alley? Is a book worth your comic buying dollars? Find out what they think of the series as they break down the book and look at some of the surprising plot points (Cap Wolf, anyone?). It all goes down right now with an ALL NEW edition of Back Issue Bloodbath. Give it a listen!

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Is Captain America: Sam Wilson one of the best comics Marvel’s currently putting out? Find out on an ALL NEW Bloodbath.

Originally Aired: 02/26/16

We discuss the copyright battle over Star Trek with CBS Studios suing the team behind The Prelude to Axanar. The casting of Finn Jones who has been cast as Danny Rand/Iron Fist in the upcoming Netflix series. The return to production Pacific Rim 2 with new director Steven S. DeKnight (Netflix’s Daredevil). And we discuss the second trailer for Netflix’s Daredevil which showed more Elecktra and The Hand as part of the story.

Our review of Gods of Egypt starring Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Gerard Butler. Synopsis: The survival of mankind hangs in the balance when Set, the merciless god of darkness, usurps Egypt’s throne and plunges the prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. Hoping to save the world and rescue his true love, a defiant mortal named Bek forms an unlikely alliance with the powerful god Horus. Their battle against Set and his henchmen takes them into the afterlife and across the heavens for an epic confrontation.

We also talk about the 40th Anniversary of Rocky. With the Oscars happening this week we thought this would be a good time to look back at the film that 40 years ago launched the career of Sylvester Stallone. It’s the movie that made him an instant Hollywood celebrity. The film was nominated for 9 Oscars and winning 3. One of the ones they didn’t win was Stallone for Best Actor, now 40 years later he is nominated for the same character in the Best Supporting Actor category. Which most have him as the hands down favourite to win. Regardless of the usual access and rigged system of the Oscars themselves the film has stood the test of time and is still considered a classic. Ranked #78 on AFI’s Top 100 Movies, it was the highest grossing film of 1976 and the one of the most profitable films of all time. Costing $1 Million dollars to produce it made $117 million domestic which converted to today is approximately $450 million. We discuss this and a lot more such as quirky production facts but also our love of the movie during the episode.

It was a great show!

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week, Andrew and Gavin take a look at The Big Two: Marvel and DC. The top 2 companies in the comics industry. For years, these two groups have battled it out for #1 on the sales charts, overtaking one another time and time again. But as of last year, there has been a steady decline in the sale of comics. This is the first time in seven years where there has been a decrease in sales for these companies and it’s cause for some alarm. The big question to come from this is “How will each combat this situation?”

Both Marvel and DC have their strategies. Marvel is known for flooding the market with new #1 issues and putting out as many titles as they can. DC, who rebooted their entire continuity back in 2011, is poised to do so again with the company wide “Rebirth” event, designed to combine the pre and post New 52 timelines. Needless to say, neither side has a definitive answer on whether or not this will work.

Take a listen as Andrew and Gavin dissect the situation and chime in on whether The Big Two will remain industry leaders or bring about the next big Comics Bust. Will they be the saviors of their own demise? Or will they be destroyers of worlds……..and jobs? Time will tell and so will we. Here comes an ALL NEW Bloodbath.

Have an idea for a certain topic we should cover? Have an indie comic book you’d like us to review? Send us an email at [email protected] with “Back Issue Bloodbath” in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

The Big Two have been going at it for years….but are the readers sticking around? Find out on an ALL NEW Bloodbath.

 

 

Originally Aired: 02/19/16

We discuss Hasbro’s news about no G.I. Joe toys for 2016 and up, at least until their movie plans are sorted out. Should Fox make Wolverine 3 be R-rated when its finally released in the near future. Screen Australia’s Director’s Attachment Scheme for Alien: Covenant filming in Western Australia starting in March 2016. Dive in on DC’s Rebirth announcement by Geoff Johns.

Our review of Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash starring Troy Baker, Nolan North and Grey Griffin. Synopsis: The brilliant, hyper-obsessive-compulsive, super-computer Brainiac is combing the universe for new additions to his collection of worlds when he stumbles upon a ripe planet for his taking – Earth. But Brainiac quickly discovers Earth has a “firewall” – the Justice League. When Brainiac cleverly displaces several members of the Justice League to other time periods in Earth’s history, Batman, Flash and Cyborg must build and use the Cosmic Treadmill to race across time to retrieve their comrades – while members of the Legion of Super Heroes attempt to hold off Brainiac’s assault. Only time will tell in this battle for the fate of the Earth and the Justice League!

We also talk with Steve Lund who stars on Bitten Fridays at 10pm on Space and Mondays at 11pm on Syfy. Steve plays Nick Sorrentino a member of the North American Pack and consigliere to Jeremy Danvers the pack leader. Over the previous 2 seasons of the show we have seen our favourite werewolves come under attack by a mutt uprising in the first season and a magical attack by witches in the second. Along the way the pack has lost and gained members because of these battles. Now in season 3 we find the pack being pulled into another potentially even more dangerous werewolf war. Steve spends some time with us chatting about all things Bitten. Discuss his being the oak of the series, the high body counts that are taking place as well as his fan interactions at conventions such as Dragon Con.

It was a great show!

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens as they get down and dirty in the four-colour world of comic books, focusing on classic stories, new issues, comic creators and hot button topics.

This week, Andrew and Gavin take a look back at the first EVER Marvel Miniseries – Contest of Champions! Originally released in June to August of 1982, this was Marvel’s first kick at the can for the summer blockbuster comic series. Sporting top name creative talent with writers Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo and Steven Grant, along with artists John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton, this series was an instant hit back in the day and paved the way for Marvel’s Secret Wars and all that came after.

The idea of this story was to showcase some of the biggest names in the Marvel Universe, like Captain America, Daredevil, Storm, Angel, and Wolverine, along side lesser known and brand new  characters. The series also played with the idea of a global heroes network, including heroes from Russia, Isreal, Ireland and more.

The big question is does this comic stand the test of time? Do the ideas and themes touched on in this series seem out of touch and dated in 2016? Is the level of sophistication that we associate to Marvel comics from that era like Daredevil and Uncanny X-Men present in the story being told here? Or is it some childish tale that isn’t worth your time? Andrew and Gavin break down the story and try to answer all these questions and more as they look at Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions! All this and more is coming your way in an ALL NEW, ALL DIFFERENT* episode of Back Issue Bloodbath.

(*Note – It’s different, but we can’t guarantee if it is in fact “ALL” Different.)

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

It was Marvel’s first miniseries, but does Contest of Champions still hold up today? Find out on Back Issue Bloodbath.

Originally Aired: 02/12/16

We discuss the scientific discovery of Einstein’s gravitational waves it was huge, Harold Ramis film school from Second City doing a first in filmmaking, DC/WB pushing the Flash movie up/another possible movie added to the upcoming slate and of course the Super Bowl ads especially the trailers and of course the Coke Mini commercial.

Our review of Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin and T.J. Miller. Synopsis: Wade Wilson is a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax tortures, disfigures and transforms him into Deadpool. The rogue experiment leaves Deadpool with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. With help from mutant allies Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Deadpool uses his new skills to hunt down the man who nearly destroyed his life. 

We also talk with returning guest Meaghan Rath star of Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life, Sunday’s at 8:30pm on Fox. Meaghan stars as Kelly Bishop who lives across the hall from Cooper and friends, giving them all a hard time. The series follows Cooper Barrett and his friends and family while exploring what we all go through on our way to figuring out what life is all about. Meaghan talks with us about the show, New Girl and her time on Being Human. We also learn what she is geeking out for right now. We even get another plug in for Meaghan’s desire to work with Tarantino. As always it was a great time talking with a very smart and funny lady.

It was a great show!

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!