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.

In 1991, Walt Disney Pictures released the action adventure film The Rocketeer in theatres across North America. To this day, many of the people who saw that movie have no idea it was based in an indie comic from the 1980s. From 1982 to 1995, cartoonist Dave Stevens produced several stories about a man and his rocket pack through several different publishers. Sadly, he never got to finish this story.

The Rocketeer follows Cliff Secord, a down-on-his-luck pilot looking to make a fast buck. His life changes when he discovers a rocket pack and sees it as the ticket to fortune and fame. It does not go as planned. Cliff is chased by government agents and German spies. Everybody wants a piece of this stolen rocket pack. Death, danger and adventure await The Rocketeer!

In the past ten years, other creators have gotten the chance to write tales of The Rocketeer. None of them have revisited the original tale, opting instead to tell stories about Cliff and friends that don’t directly connect to Dave’s original narrative. On this Episode of Back Issue Bloodbath, Andrew and Sammy take a look at the original Rocketeer comics written and drawn by Stevens. They also discuss the legacy of the character as well as the iconic design and illustration by Stevens. This is a fun episode you don’t want to miss!

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: 01/18/19 – We review Glass. We talk with Anna Hopkins of The Give and Take. We also speak with Sara Martins of The Vault.

Show Notes:

We talk with actor Anna Hopkins. She joins us to discuss her directorial debut with her short film The Give and Take. When eleven year old Amy finds an old eighties video game magazine she dials the phone number displayed on the back, and in a strange cosmic glitch gets connected to Caesar Spinone, a video game call center employee in the year 1989. The short can be found on the Dust YouTube channel here.

Our review of Glass starring James McAvoy, Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. M. Night Shyamalan brings together the narratives of 2000’s Unbreakable and 2016’s Split in one explosive, all-new comic-book thriller: Glass. Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast. Following the conclusion of Split, Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb’s superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.

We also talk with director Sara Martins. She is the director of the webseries The Vault. The Vault is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi webseries that follows a ragtag group of survivors living in an underground military bunker known as Vault 175 or the Vault. The group is led by Evelyn Pierce, a no-nonsense General in the Canadian Armed Forces. Buried five miles beneath the Earth, this state-of-the-art facility is humanity’s only remaining home. Outside there is only nuclear winter, a wasteland in which it is believed nothing and no one can survive…until one day when a surveying mission discovers an unconscious pilot by the name of Nathaniel Hale.

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 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 “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany “Green” by Young Jesus “You Don’t Get Much” by BoDeans “This Is The Hunt” by Ruelle “Comic Book Heroes” by Rick Springfield “Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox “A Long Cold Night In Minneapolis” by Dead Man Winter Closing 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.

Back in the summer of 2010, Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev released the first issue of a comic series under the Marvel creator-owned imprint Icon Comics. In 2019, the fifteenth issue of Scarlet was released through Bendis’ creator-owned imprint at DC, Jinxworld. It’s taken a long time for book to hit comic shops. Was it worth the wait?

Scarlet is the story of a young women who, after an altercation with a corrupt cop that ends in the death of her boyfriend and a near fatal wound to herself, decides to stand up for herself and get justice. What begins as a basic revenge tale leads to a revolution against oppression from and corruption in law enforcement, government and society.

The book suffered from an inconsistent publishing schedule. Issues 1 to 5 hit shelves between 2010 and 2011. The next five issue took about 4 years to see release. In 2018, the new five issue mini (basically issues 11 to 15) came out on a monthy schedule. Join Andrew and Sammy as they dissect Scarlet on an ALL NEW Back Issue Bloodbath.

A special thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copies of Scarlet Book One and Scarlet Book Two in trade paperback, 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: 01/11/19 – We review Replicas. We talk with comedian Dave Meherje. Plus the news of the week!

Show Notes:

We talk the news of the week. Dave Bautista joins Denis Villeneuve’s Dune film. Television set ownership for people under 30 drops to 50% in 2018. Andrew asks Mr. Green to dish on what happened to Mr. Green’s Tasty Meats?

Our review of Replicas starring Alice Eve, Keanu Reeves and Thomas Middleditch. A brilliant neuroscientist who is working on re-creating the human brain for Alzheimer’s research uses his work to replicate his family members after they’re killed in a car accident.

We also talk with comedian Dave Merheje. Dave new comedy special, Beautifully Manic, was released on Netflix January 1st as part of the Comedians of World series. He’ll be on to talk about that and more! Dave Merheje won the Just For Laugh’s 2011 Homegrown Comic Competition and NOW Magazine’s 2011 Best of Toronto Award for Best Male Stand-up. In 2012 he was a part of the NBC Standup for Diversity tour. Dave has made multiple appearances at the Just For Laughs Festival, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, JFL42, the Halifax Comedy Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in Australia, and tours clubs and theatres regularly. In 2018, Dave released his comedy special “Good Friend Bad Grammar”, available on Vimeo on Demand and Amazon Prime. His Netflix special, Beautifully Manic, premiered on January 1st, 2019.

For more on Dave Merheje, check out his website

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 Bob Gale and Aquaman.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

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

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman“Spin Our Wheels” by Sloan“Replicas” by Gary Numan“Bring Me Back To Life” by Epic Indie“Manic” by Coleman Hell“Kings Never Die” by Eminem featuring Gwen Stefani“Have Faith” by SloanClosing 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.

It’s no secret that Andrew and Sammy are big fans of Grant Morrison. A number of his comics have been covered on Back Issue Bloodbath over the years. But of all the titles he’s worked on, his run on New X-Men stands out as one of his best.

Spanning over 40 issues and 4 years, Grant Morrison redefined the children of the atom with his New X-Men run. He introduced Casandra Nova, a new villain that nearly defeated Xavier and his students. He kicked off the Scott and Emma relationship with a mental affair. A new wrinkle to Wolverine’s origin was introduced. As a whole, the run was quite eventful. It was also seen as controversial by some fans.

Fans took umbrage over new character Xorn. They also did not like Magneto’s role in the story. Grant’s storytelling was too “meta” for some fans. They couldn’t see his statements about toxic fandom and the cyclical nature of comics for what they were.

This week on Bloodbath, Andrew and Sammy dive in to Grant’s Run on New X-Men and break it down arc by arc. Listen to find out more about what went on behind the scenes as well as on the page.

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: 01/04/19 – We take a look back give our picks for the Best of the Best 2018. We are joined in studio by Petula Neale & Kris Johnson

2019 is finally here! Geek Hard is celebrating the same way they do every year: by taking one final look back on the previous year and declaring what was the Best of the Best.

Join us for a special 75 MINUTE episode where we count down the Best of the Best in comics, television and movies from 2018. What was the best ongoing comic series of the year? Batman, Amazing Spider-Man, Paper Girls, something else entirely? What was the best T.V. series – Game of Thrones, The Good Place, The Flash are all previous winners? One hint though this marks the return of a Mr. Green favourite to his list. How ’bout the best film? With Avengers, Black Panther, A Star is Born and so many more to choose from. These questions are answered by Andrew, Mr. Green and our special panel of judges. So who’s on this panel? Why non-other than two of Geek Hard best and brightest, we were joined by our expert panel: Petulla Neale and Kris Johnson.

Petula Neale is the host of the non-TIFF-affiliated podcast IN A TIFF who helped out back in September with our TIFF coverage. Kris Johnson is a Jack of All Trades and has worn many hats on the show. He’s essentially the third man of Geek Hard. Green hates him……but then again, Green hates a lot of people.

You’re not going to want to miss this fantastic critique of entertainment from 2018. You might find out about a show or a comic or a film that you missed. You could also get confirmation that you’re not crazy and that thing you loved this year was in fact the Best of the Best. Only way to find out is to listen.

It was a great show!

Plus for our Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment where we further discuss what we liked in 2018 and looking forward to in 2019.

If you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!

Production Credits:

Geek Hard Logo – Candice Hibbard and Rich RobbinsTechnical Production – Gary LaBarr, Recorded at the Reality Radio 101 StudioProducers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman“The Best Around” By Joe Esposito“Every Step That I Take” by Tom Morello featuring Portugal. The Man and Whethan“22 Pages” by More Or Les“Femme Fatale” by Leslie Hudson“Man Without Fear” by iClown & Shokstix“Who Needs A Girl Like You” by Indian Wars“Act Naturally” by Guy Venable“Wake Up” by Brass Against“Barter In Nostalgia” by Word BurglarClosing Music – “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner

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.

It’s hard to argue that the Harley Quinn has become one of the most popular DC Characters around. Over the past 5 years, she’s had a meteoric rise from Joker’s sidekick to a top selling solo anti-hero. This is no small part due to the work of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. This dynamic duo’s work throughout both The New 52 and Rebirth has made Harley the hero she is today. In fact, their run was so popular, it sparked a team up comic spinoff: Harley’s Little Black Book!

This six issue bi-mothly series featured Harley Quinn teaming up with the biggest heroes DC had to offer. Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern were all featured. There’s even an issue with Zatana. Lobo also shows up for some reason. The book also featured a number of great artists including Neal Adams, Joseph Michael Linsner, Billy Tucci and more!

Take a listen as Andrew and Sammy give their review of Harley’s Little Black Book. Sammy’s not known to like zany characters, so this should be interesting.

A special thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of Harley’s Little Black Book in trade paperback, 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!

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.

It’s hard to argue that the Harley Quinn has become one of the most popular DC Characters around. Over the past 5 years, she’s had a meteoric rise from Joker’s sidekick to a top selling solo anti-hero. This is no small part due to the work of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. This dynamic duo’s work throughout both The New 52 and Rebirth has made Harley the hero she is today. In fact, their run was so popular, it sparked a team up comic spinoff: Harley’s Little Black Book!

This six issue bi-mothly series featured Harley Quinn teaming up with the biggest heroes DC had to offer. Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern were all featured. There’s even an issue with Zatana. Lobo also shows up for some reason. The book also featured a number of great artists including Neal Adams, Joseph Michael Linsner, Billy Tucci and more!

Take a listen as Andrew and Sammy give their review of Harley’s Little Black Book. Sammy’s not known to like zany characters, so this should be interesting.

A special thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of Harley’s Little Black Book in trade paperback, 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: 12/28/18 – We replay some highlights of the show with guests, stories, arguments and a really odd business decision all from 2018.

It’s been a big year for Geek Hard. We had great guests and moments on the show as we look back on the year that was 2018.

We relive the horror of February, a.k.a. “The month that had it in for Andrew”. (Those were some scary times!)

We also share excerpts from the many interviews we did this year with some of the great actors and creators that graced our little program, including Tim Rozon, Elena V. Wolfe, Matthew Rosenberg, Varun Saranga, Megan Hutchings, Afua Richardson, Alyson Court, Ed Brisson, Bill Morrison and Kris Johnson. We had a lot of fun chatting with these actors and you’ll remember why as we revisit the “Ghosts of Former Guests Past”.

Throughout the year we had an increase in audience emails during the show which we love getting… keep ’em coming in 2019! We had a banner year for geek films to review with Black Panther, A Quiet Place, Avengers: Infinity War and Bumblebee to name a few. On the show, however, things weren’t always that pleasant. Plus, who can forget the feud of the century? Mr. Green and Alan Arkin had a white-hot rivalry that stayed strong for the whole season! They even hosted an episode together! Alan wrote a song! Currently, both are alive and not in jail… at least not yet.

We also remember how Mr. Green came up with the idea for a Tasty Meats restaurant that led to his globetrotting tour with our own Sammy Younan. You’ll hear their “on location” reports from North Korea and New Orleans!. All in all, a good year. You’ll get to hear these moments all over again (or for the first time if you missed your previous chance).

It was a great show!

Plus for our Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment where we play our favourite review from the past year.

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 Studio

Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman

“Hey Tonight” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Thanks for the Memory” by Frank Sinatra

“The Devil In The Kitchen” by Ashley MacIsaac

“Barbecue” by Emmet Otter’s Jugband

“Meat Man” by Jerry Lee Lewis

“Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Portugal. The Man

Closing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape

Originally Aired: 12/28/18 – We replay some highlights of the show with guests, stories, arguments and a really odd business decision all from 2018.

It’s been a big year for Geek Hard. We had great guests and moments on the show as we look back on the year that was 2018.

We relive the horror of February, a.k.a. “The month that had it in for Andrew”. (Those were some scary times!)

We also share excerpts from the many interviews we did this year with some of the great actors and creators that graced our little program, including Tim Rozon, Elena V. Wolfe, Matthew Rosenberg, Varun Saranga, Megan Hutchings, Afua Richardson, Alyson Court, Ed Brisson, Bill Morrison and Kris Johnson. We had a lot of fun chatting with these actors and you’ll remember why as we revisit the “Ghosts of Former Guests Past”.

Throughout the year we had an increase in audience emails during the show which we love getting… keep ’em coming in 2019! We had a banner year for geek films to review with Black Panther, A Quiet Place, Avengers: Infinity War and Bumblebee to name a few. On the show, however, things weren’t always that pleasant. Plus, who can forget the feud of the century? Mr. Green and Alan Arkin had a white-hot rivalry that stayed strong for the whole season! They even hosted an episode together! Alan wrote a song! Currently, both are alive and not in jail… at least not yet.

We also remember how Mr. Green came up with the idea for a Tasty Meats restaurant that led to his globetrotting tour with our own Sammy Younan. You’ll hear their “on location” reports from North Korea and New Orleans!. All in all, a good year. You’ll get to hear these moments all over again (or for the first time if you missed your previous chance).

It was a great show!

Plus for our Patreon supporters, our latest Geek Hard Extra After Credits segment where we play our favourite review from the past year.

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 Studio

Producers – Andrew Young & James Green

Music Credits:

Opening Music “Eterna Teen” by Mark Holman

“Hey Tonight” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Thanks for the Memory” by Frank Sinatra

“The Devil In The Kitchen” by Ashley MacIsaac

“Barbecue” by Emmet Otter’s Jugband

“Meat Man” by Jerry Lee Lewis

“Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Portugal. The Man

Closing Music “Kelly’s Heroes” by Black Grape