Podcasts Archives - Geek Hard

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan 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, DC Comics sees another of it’s heroes hit the big screen: SHAZAM! Some fans may remember him as Captain Marvel (a name he debuted with back in 1940 in the pages of WHIZ Comics #2 for Fawcett Publishing) but many have always just called him SHAZAM (the word he says to unlock his power). While the movie will give it’s own spin on things, there have been many re-tellings of the SHAZAM origin over the years. On this week’s Back Issue Bloodbath, we take a look at one of these re-tellings, SHAZAM!: The Monster Society of Evil.

Originally released as a four issue miniseries in 2007, cartoonist Jeff Smith (famous for his best selling creation, Bone!) gave his take on the decades old character. Taking the name from an epic golden age story, Smith told the origin of young Billy Batson, a street kid whose given the powers of SHAZAM, for a new generation. It leaned into the old time whimsy of the character while updating his surroundings. This week, Andrew and Sammy take a look at SHAZAM!: The Monster Society of Evil and see if it holds up 12 years later. Give it a listen

A special thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of SHAZAM!: The Monster Society of Evil, available now. Pick up yours today.

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. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content. Support us on Patreon.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Originally Aired: 03/29/19 – We review Dumbo. We talk with actor Veronika Slowikowska of What We Do in the Shadows. Plus the news is back!

Show Notes:

We talk the news of the week. A look at what happened at the Apple event. Jai Courtney reveals he will be in The Suicide Squad. Serial swatter sentenced. And you’ve heard of Silent Disco’s now Hush Concerts are being developed.

Our review of Dumbo now in theatres starring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito. Struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists a former star and his two children to care for Dumbo, a baby elephant born with oversized ears. When the family discovers that the animal can fly, it soon becomes the main attraction — bringing in huge audiences and revitalizing the run-down circus. The elephant’s magical ability also draws the attention of V.A. Vandevere, an entrepreneur who wants to showcase Dumbo in his latest, larger-than-life entertainment venture.

We also talk with actor and sketch comic Veronika Slowikowska. Veronika appears in upcoming episodes of What We Do In The Shadows, the new television series based on the feature film of the same name from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. Veronika will be on to talk about that and more! Veronika Slowikowska was born and raised in Barrie, Canada. From the young age of three, Veronika has had her sights on performing. Veronika would go on to attend the Randolph College for the Performing Arts as well as Second City Conservatory and was nominated for the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund. Since graduating in 2015, Veronika has amassed a number of credits including DEGRASSI: NEXT CLASS, SEE NO EVIL, and the short film VIABLE. Coming up next, Veronika can be seen recurring in the comedy horror television series, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. The show will premiere on FX on March 27, 2019.

It was a great show!

Geek Hard Extra:

Plus exclusively for our $4/month+ Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing Jordan Peele’s interview that had parts of Twitter in an uproar.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 StudioHosts/Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman “T-Shirt” by The Beaches“With a Little Help From My Friends” by Peace Conspiracy“We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel“Casey Junior” by The Neverland Orchestra“Baby Mine” by Arcade Fire“Leningrad” by LastochkaClosing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan 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.

Marvel and DC Comics are known as “The Big 2” in the world of monthlies and graphic novels. Their titles make up the lion’s share of the products at your local comic shop. They have so many characters that there are multiple editors in charge of keeping certain books straight. Aside from their main core titles, they also introduce “Imprint” lines from time to time. Imprints collect a grouping of books that all share a common link. This link can be thematic, or it can be between the creators working on the titles, or it can be just a big marketing ploy. Regardless of motive, Imprint lines are pretty common at The Big 2.

A recent trend at DC is to have “Pop Up Imprints” that are curated by a certain creator. Creator Curated Imprints run by Gerard Way (Young Animal) Brian Michael Bendis (Wonder Comics) and Geoff Johns (Black Label). While these are great creators, the question to be asked is whether Creator Curated Imprints are a good thing or a bad thing for the industry?

Join Andrew and Sammy as they attempt to answer this question by looking to the past. The late 90s to be specific. A time when Marvel experimented with their own Creator Curated Imprints like Heroes Reborn, MC2 and Marvel Knights. It’s a trip through time as we look to the past to understand the future? Sure, let’s go with that.

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. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content. Support us on Patreon.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Originally Aired: 03/22/19 – We review US. We talk with actor Samantha Wan of Canadian Screen Award nominated Second Jen. Plus the news is back!

Show Notes:

We talk the news of the week. Rumours abound that Apple’s highly anticipated March event is about its upcoming streaming service. Boston University researchers have discovered a shape that can stop all sound but not affect light or air from passing through. Plus we have some clips from last weekends Toronto ComiCon.

Our review of Jordan Peele’s Us now in theatres starring Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss. Accompanied by her husband, son and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Her worst fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival. When the masks come off, the family is horrified to learn that each attacker takes the appearance of one of them.r.

We also talk with actor and filmmaker Samantha Wan. Samantha was one half of the duo behind Second Jen. It’s a comedy series about two Asian Canadian millennials caught between cultures and generation who move into their own apartment to prove they can make it by themselves. Samantha will be on to talk about the series, it’s Canadian Screen Award nomination, and MORE! Samantha Wan is a Toronto-based actor-filmmaker. She is most well know for being one of the creators and stars of sit-com Second Jen. Second Jen is nominated for Best Comedy Series by the Canadian Screen Awards. Samantha also plays Zoe Chow in Globals hit detective series Private Eyes. In other projects, Samantha is also the creator and star of Sudden Master, an online Kung Fu series commissioned by OMNI TV.  Samantha also works in theatre, co-creating the play Madame Mao, that went on to win five Best of Fest awards from NOW Magazine.

It was a great show!

Geek Hard Extra:

Plus exclusively for our $4/month+ Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing what Andrew is watching on TV for fun other than wrestling.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 StudioHosts/Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman “Miffed” by Neyla Pekarek“I Got 5 On It (Tethered Mix)” by Luniz featuring Michael Marshall“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys“All By Ourselves” by Sloan“Single Life” by Cameo“Bill Mosienko (21 Seconds)” by WordburglarClosing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan 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.

The Amazing Spider-Man. The flagship hero of Marvel Comics. He’s you’re friendly, neighbourhood superhero that’s trying to make a difference. He’s incredibly witty and historically unlucky. If you ask most fans, he’s the comic book character they most relate to. For a time that wasn’t the case.

For twelve years, Dan Slott told stories about a very different Peter Parker. It wasn’t the one fans were used to. Peter was a millionaire who ran a big company and didn’t really have time to be the lovable goofball we’d become accustomed to. So when Slott wrapped up his run and made way for Nick Spencer to take over the book, many fans were hoping for a return to form for the wall crawler. And that’s exactly what we got.

Join Andrew and Sammy as they take a look at the first 16 issues of the current Amazing Spider-Man comic written by Nick Spencer. The series features artwork from Ryan Ottley, Humberto Ramos and Chris Bachalo. It also brings back some of Spidey’s best villains while also delving more into Peter’s relationships with family and friends. Take a listen as we break it all down for you.

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. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content. Support us on Patreon.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Originally Aired: 03/15/19 – We review Turn Up Charlie. We talk with Ian MacIntyre of The Beaverton. We also discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse now on Blu-ray.

Show Notes:

Our review of Turn Up Charlie now on Netflix starring Idris Elba, Piper Perabo and Frankie Hervey. Turn Up Charlie centers on the titular Charlie (Idris Elba), a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor, who is given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a ‘manny’ to his famous best friend’s problem-child daughter, Gabby (Frankie Hervey). Piper Perabo and JJ Field co-star.

We also talk with writer Ian MacIntyre. Ian writes for The Beaverton website and has also written on numerous television programs. He’s also one half of Beggar’s Canyon, the sketch duo that will be headlining Geek Hard Live on Saturday, March 30th (Get your tickets HERE!). Ian talks about all this and MORE! Ian MacIntyre is a Toronto-based television writer and comedian, and has written for shows like The Beaverton, as well as the Netflix Original Series, Degrassi: Next Class (for which he won a 2017 Writer’s Guild of Canada Award). In the past Ian has written for several other television programs, including Inspector Gadget, 3 Amigonauts, Camp Lakebottom, Grojband, The Ron James Show, and more. Ian has performed with the Bad Dog Theatre, Beggar’s Canyon, Approximately 3 Peters, The Sketchersons, and Second City Theatricals. Finally, Ian is originally from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Our review of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Hailed as the BEST animated film of 2018, Spider-Verse makes it’s way to Blu-ray and DVD on March 19th. While we have talked about the film on our show before, it’s never been in great detail. That’s corrected this week with our thoughts on the Oscar Winner.

It was a great show!

Geek Hard Extra:

Plus exclusively for our $4/month+ Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing the TV and especially The Orville with Sammy Younan subbing in for Andrew on this edition.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 StudioHosts/Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman “Cradle” by Adrianne Lenker“L.U.V.” by Idris Elba featuring Shaznay Lewis“Feel Invincible” by Lee Richardson, Jonathan Murrill, Tom Ford and James Cocozza“Star Wars Jedi Theme” by John Williams“Star Wars Imperial March” by John Williams“Sunflower” by Post Malo...

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan 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.

Seven children with super powers raised by an eccentric millionaire to “save the world”. It does not get more comic booky than that. The Umbrella Academy, created by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba and distributed by Dark Horse Comics, is a presentation of silver age sensibilities seen through the self aware and cynical lens of modern day. The first two stories, Apocalypse Suite and Dallas, were release a decade ago and garnered quite the cult following.

Now, The Umbrella Academy is popular as ever with a new comic series wrapping up soon and a Netflix show available for streaming. So what can one expect from a typical Umbrella Academy tale? How about heroes and villains, talking primates, time travel, assassination attempts, conspiracies and covert operations, murder, betrayal, and more! It’s safe to say that you can expect just about anything. But is that a good thing?

Join Andrew and Sammy as they take a look at all three UA story arcs and weigh out the good and the bad of these adventures. There’s a lot to unpack here so strap in for a long look at some crazy stuff. In other words, expect what you always get from us: a lot of talk and tomfoolery. It’s all waiting for you in the latest Back Issue 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. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content. Support us on Patreon.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Originally Aired: 03/08/19 – We review Captain Marvel. We talk with Jordan Claire Robbins of The Umbrella Academy. We also speak with Arista Arhin of Star Trek: Discovery.

Show Notes:

We also talk with actor Jordan Claire Robbins to talk about her performance as the android “mom” Grace on The Umbrella Academy. Jordan Claire Robbins is a Bermudan actress and model best known for her role as Grace in the Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy. She has also appeared on Supernatural and 12 Monkeys and Man Seeking Woman. You can see her in upcoming episodes of iZombie later this year.

Our review of Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn. Captain Marvel is an extraterrestrial Kree warrior who finds herself caught in the middle of an intergalactic battle between her people and the Skrulls. Living on Earth in 1995, she keeps having recurring memories of another life as U.S. Air Force pilot Carol Danvers. With help from Nick Fury, Captain Marvel tries to uncover the secrets of her past while harnessing her special superpowers to end the war with the evil Skrulls.

We talk with actor Arista Arhin. Arista has appeared in both seasons of Star Trek Discovery as the younger version of the main character, Michael Burnham. She’ll be on to talk about her role on Discovery as well as her new series, Bajillionaires, airing on The Family Channel in Canada. Arista Arhin is a 14-year old award-winning actress from Toronto, Canada. Her first big break came when she was cast as Ozlyn in the award-winning children’s live-action educational television series ODD SQUAD. Since then, Arista has been cast in the latest reboot of the iconic television series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. She can be seen recurring as Young Michael Burnham in the current season airing now on CBS. Coming up next, Arista will be starring as Alicia Windsor in the highly anticipated family comedy series BAJILLIONAIRES about a group of friends running a start-up out of their parent’s garage.

It was a great show!

Geek Hard Extra:

Plus exclusively for our $4/month+ Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing the passing of Luke Perry and King Kong Bundy.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 StudioHosts/Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman “I’m So Free” by Beck“In the Heat of the Moment” by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds“The Umbrella Academy Theme” by Jeff Russo“The Connection” by Elastica“Only Happens W...

Welcome friends to Back Issue Bloodbath, a comics-centric podcast presented by Geek Hard. Join hosts Andrew Young and Sammy Younan 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.

A wise man once said, “You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” He was talking about playing cards but this wisdom can also be applied to comic collecting as well. This week on Bloodbath, we examine the pros and cons of brand loyalty as opposed to collecting only the stories you enjoy.

For decades, comic collecting has had it’s “completists”. Those collectors that continue to buy certain titles or characters no matter the creative team or the level of quality. A Super-Fan who buys through good times and bad. Over the past 20 to 30 years, this breed of fanatic has become more rare thanks to factors like re-numbering, event book fatigue, variant covers and swift cancellations. Which begs the question, “Are there any completists left?” or better yet, “Is that a good thing for comics or a bad thing?”

Join Andrew and Sammy as they take a look at this facet of comic collecting. They also talk about their own brand loyalty fazes and the comics that broke them of their habits. It’s all coming your way on the latest Back Issue 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. And be sure to join our Facebook page for exclusive content. Support us on Patreon.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Originally Aired: 03/01/19 – We review Deadly Class. We talk with Jahnoy Lindsay of Luke Cage: Everyman. We also speak with James Armstrong of Toronto ComiCo.

Show Notes:

We also talk with artist Jahnoy Lindsay! Jahnoy has done some great work for Marvel comics in the past couple of years on She-Hulk and the digital-first Luke Cage: Everyman. He’ll be on to talk about these comics as well as to promote his upcoming appearance at the Toronto Comicon (March 15th to 17th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre).

Our review of Deadly Class starring Benedict Wong, Benjamin Wadsworth and Lana Condor. Based on the graphic novel of the same name comes an unlikely coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of unsanitized 1980s counterculture. A homeless, disillusioned teen named Marcus is recruited into Kings Dominion, a secret academy for the Deadly Arts, where he struggles to find his place among a community of the deadliest characters in the world — literally fighting every day for survival. It is in this struggle he tries to find purpose and family in an unlikely group of outcast misfits who plan to use their skills to really change the world for the better… by breaking every rule there is.

We talk with one of the organizers behind the Toronto Comicon (and a good friend of the show) James Armstrong. The Toronto Comicon has got some great guests and programming coming your way to make this March Break a memorable one. James will be on to tell us all about the lineup of celebs and comic creators as well as some of the great displays and activities throughout the weekend.

It was a great show!

Geek Hard Extra:

Plus exclusively for our $4/month+ Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment discussing JFL Comedy Channel and Captain Marvel controversy.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich Robbins Technical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 StudioHosts/Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Los Straightjackets“King’s Paradise” by RAKIM“Song for Everyman” by Rotary Connection“The Killing Moon” by Echo and the Bunnymen“I Would For You” by Jane’s Addiction“Indiana Jones Main Theme” by John WilliamsClosing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape