SeanGeek and FastFret Podcast

Sean flies solo this week for a deep dive into two of Marvel's biggest '80s crossover events: Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984) and Secret Wars II (1985). The toy deal that started it all, the editorial gamble that followed, and why one series is beloved while the other gets dragged — Sean's got opinions on all of it.

• A little show history — Sean traces the origin of the "Sean Geek" persona back to the Rum Powered Reviews channel and the Meet the Geeks webcomic.
• Why Secret Wars exists at all — The surprising, toy-driven business deal behind Marvel's first-ever massive crossover event, and the company Marvel was racing to compete with.
• The making of a maxi-series — Jim Shooter's hands-on approach as writer and editor-in-chief, the art team behind it, and why pulling together every major Marvel hero and villain was a bigger challenge than anyone expected.
• The highs and the misfires — Sean breaks down which characters got great moments, which got badly mishandled, and one lasting piece of Spider-Man costume history that came out of the series.
• Listener mailbag — Comic collector Tony Griggs sounds off on tie-in bloat, and School of Hip host Heath McCoy gives his unfiltered take on both series and how they stack up against a certain rival crossover from DC.
• Secret Wars II: ambition meets chaos — The sequel's infamous tie-in sprawl, its unconventional lead character, and why some of the best storytelling happened everywhere except the main series.
• Chris Claremont and John Byrne save the day — How a couple of Marvel's best writers turned a difficult crossover assignment into some genuinely great comics in their own titles.
• The Sean Geek rewrite — If he'd been in the room, here's how Sean would have restructured Secret Wars II from the ground up.
• Looking ahead — A teaser for a future episode on the very different, much more acclaimed 2015 Secret Wars event.
• Patreon thank-yous — Shoutouts to supporters including Ronald George Moore (Manitoba Money Shot Podcast), Sam Thompson (Witch Police Radio), Ruby (Living Through Extinction), Tony Griggs, Corey Morissette, Kevin Brown, Danny Pabst, Duane, and new patron Andrew (Head Full of Radio / Soupful of Radio).

• Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984)
• Secret Wars II (1985) and its many tie-in issues across the Marvel line
• Secret Wars (2015)
• Crisis on Infinite Earths (DC, mentioned for comparison)

Become a Patreon supporter for early episode access, video versions, and the chance to pitch topics for future episodes.

Have thoughts on Secret Wars or Secret Wars II? Let Sean know — your comment might get read on a future episode.

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Hands down, Secret Wars I was the pop-culture sandbox where Marvel dumped its coolest toys and biggest egos and watched fireworks happen — and I gush about it like a kid in a candy aisle. I walk you through the origin story of the event: how Jim Shooter and Marvel teamed with Mattel to essentially build a 12-issue crossover whose primary job was to sell action figures. I explain what a "maxi-series" is (think a limited-run event with a defined beginning and end) and why having so many heavy-hitter characters in one place was innovative and risky back in 1984. I share my own personal memory of hunting down issues in Moncton, trading comics with friends, and the way certain character moments — like the Black Costume for Spider-Man, Galactus' motivations, and the Molecule Man’s surprising emotional arc — stuck with me years later. Then I shift into critique mode: the good, the awkward, and the “what were they thinking?” moments. I point out how the series sold like gangbusters yet received mixed critical response because of uneven writing and jarring characterizations (ahem, Rhodey/Rhodes dialogue and odd turns for Colossus). I also explain why flashbacks were necessary in an era before the internet and ubiquitous comic shops, but how they became cumbersome in collected reads. Throughout, I zoom in on toy-line decisions, artistic highs (Mike Zeck, Bob Layton moments) and lows, and why Secret Wars I mattered beyond nostalgia — it changed how publishers approached crossover storytelling and merchandising, for better and worse. I throw in a few jokes about cheap action-figure bodies and He-Man deja vu, because nostalgia deserves a wink.

Takeaways:

• I learned the original Secret Wars (1984) was essentially a big Marvel–Mattel marketing move — a 12‑issue maxi‑series built to sell action figures, where the comic was a massive hit but the toy line hilariously flopped.
• We talk about how Secret Wars essentially invented the modern crossover concept: jimmy‑rubbing top selling heroes and villains together into one eventful maxi‑series that changed how comics were published and marketed thereafter.
• I’ll be honest — a lot of the character work felt inconsistent: questionable dialogue (looking at you, Rhodey), weird relationship choices like Colossus cheating, and endless flashbacks that made the story feel clunkier than it needed to be.
• Secret Wars II suffered from execution problems: the Beyonder was given human form and the plot got fragmented across roughly 35 tie‑in issues, meaning crucial scenes happened off‑panel and readers needed a PhD in crossovers to follow along.
• I absolutely loved Owen Reiss (Molecule Man) — his emotional growth and romance with Volcana are genuinely touching highlights, showing how grounding character moments can rescue a sprawling, messy event.
• We point out that some tie‑ins actually worked — great creators like Chris Claremont (X‑Men) and John Byrne (Fantastic Four) wove the Beyonder into their own arcs smartly, proving tie‑ins can shine when handled with purpose.
• If I were running the event, I’d slow the roll: hire a dedicated writer/artist team, keep the core emotional beats in the main series (not scattered off‑panel), and avoid tie‑in overload so the story reads like an event, not a scavenger hunt.

The Metal Shop crew is back in the trailer for another round of chaos, "corporate sabotage," and a serious amount of great metal. This one's got a little bit of everything — a shady origin story involving a certain rival podcast's Discord, a spicy round of "who gets voted off Mixtapes From Hell," and a deep, genre-hopping stretch of music picks that swing from old-school thrash to power metal to horror-movie soundtracks. Oh, and there's a dice game.

The "hack" — The guys kick things off with a bit about how they came into possession of some very classified intel from a certain other podcast's server. What did they find? You'll have to listen.

Corporate rivalry escalates — Metal Shop continues its ongoing feud with "that other show," including a few threats aimed squarely at the competition and their crew.

A round of "Who Gets Voted Off Mixtapes From Hell?" — The guys play a song blind and debate whether it's good enough to save someone's spot on a certain other podcast's roster. Spoiler: not everyone agrees.

A deep, genre-spanning music run — From an unexpected cover track to a Montreal band that almost broke big in the '80s, from thrash metal legends to power metal royalty to a horror-soundtrack curveball at the very end — this episode's music picks are all over the map in the best way.

A dice game decides the last song — When you can't decide what to play, you let chance make the call. The crew rolls for it.

(Track order as played)

1. Carcass — "Keep on Rotting in the Free World" (Swan Song, 1995)
2. Sword — "Life on the Sharp Edge"
3. Cinderella — "One for Rock and Roll" (Heartbreak Station)
4. Sacrifice — a cut from Volume 6
5. Witchforce — "Witchcraft"
6. Luca Turilli's Rhapsody — "Ascending to Infinity" (title track)
7. Fulci — "Splatter Fatality"

• Support Metal Shop directly on Patreon — just make sure your comment makes it clear the money's for Metal Shop, not "that other show."

Heath is back this week, and we're diving headfirst into the ultimate showdown: DC versus Marvel! We're not just talking about superheroes; we're taking a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about our childhood favorites and how they shaped our geeky selves. From the campy antics of the 60s Batman to the epic battles of the Avengers, we explore what makes these universes so compelling. We'll even throw in some playful banter about the missteps and triumphs of both comic giants, plus a dash of nostalgia for those iconic cartoons. So whether you're Team Cap or Team Supes, grab your favorite snack and get comfy because we're about to geek out and have a blast!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcast

We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

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Takeaways:

• This episode dives deep into the epic showdown between DC and Marvel, exploring their rich histories and iconic characters.
• Listeners will get a fun rundown of superhero adaptations in film, including critical opinions on recent releases and classics alike.
• The hosts share personal stories and anecdotes that reveal their lifelong love for comic book characters and the nostalgia surrounding them.
• Expect a lively discussion on the impact of fandom and how it shapes perceptions of superhero movies in today’s pop culture scene.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• DC
• Marvel
• Harvey
• Archie Comics
• Spider Man
• Captain America
• Batman
• Wonder Woman
• Dark Knight
• Supergirl
• Ghost Rider
• Blade
• Man Thing
• Moon Knight
• The Incredible Hulk
• Iron Man
• The Fantastic Four
• The X Men
• Teen Titans
• The Avengers
• Daredevil
• Jessica Jones
• Luke Cage
• Punisher
• Sam Raimi
• Kiss
• Volume
• Chocolate Bunnies from Hell
• Patreon
• Netflix

Studio tour & intro chaos — The usual chaotic cold open, with Sean showing off pieces of his new backdrop — including a superhero helmet you'll have to see to believe.

Remembering Dolly Parton and Frank Beard — The crew pays tribute to two icons lost in the same week, trading Dolly memories and making the case that ZZ Top's Frank Beard deserves way more respect as a drummer than he usually gets. Naturally, it turns into a round of Pass or Go — which ZZ Top deep cut will the guys spin, and will it get a Pass or a Go?

Old house stories — Todd digs up a couple of genuinely wild stories from childhood homes, including one urban legend that'll make you think twice about home renovations.

Gym talk & injury recovery — Todd heads back to the gym for the first time in a while, and Sean makes his pitch for DDP Yoga as the wrestling world's not-so-secret recovery weapon. How'd Todd's first session go, and is Sean actually sold on DDP? You'll have to listen.

Setting up the big topic — The episode wraps with the crew spinning their "Wheel of Topics" and landing on something that ends up needing its own episode entirely...

Check out the Patreon tier structure to support the show — thanks to this episode's supporters: Ron Moore, Sam Thompson, Ruby, Tony Griggs, Corey Morrissette, Kevin Brown, Danny Paps, and Dwayne Allman.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcast

We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

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Kevin and Corey are back for Part Two with hosts Sean and Todd, diving into the hilariously chaotic world of music and pop culture. This episode is all about the wild ride of Milli Vanilli and the shady practices behind their rise and fall in the music industry. We explore how image sometimes trumps talent, and the absurdity of a world where looks can get you further than your vocal cords. With plenty of laughs, playful banter, and even a few jabs at the music biz, we cover everything from the duo’s lip-syncing scandal to the surprising cultural expectations in Portugal’s music scene. So grab your headphones, kick back, and join us for a fun-filled discussion that promises to keep you entertained and maybe even a little enlightened!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcast

We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

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@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive deep into the Milli Vanilli scandal and how their story reflects the music industry's obsession with image over talent.
• The hosts share hilarious anecdotes about their personal experiences with karaoke, emphasizing the wild and unpredictable nature of live performances.
• We discuss the cultural differences in music performances, especially how Portugal's fado tradition demands live singing, contrasting with modern pop's reliance on backing tracks.
• There's a lighthearted debate about the impact of AI on music today and whether listeners truly care about who the artist is anymore.

Corey and Kevin, the podcast royalty of the Boneless Podcast network, are joining us for a raucous episode that’s all about the ups and downs of navigating life as podcasters, with a side of hilarious banter! From parking garage struggles to the trials of dealing with bananas and fobs, we dive deep into the everyday hiccups that keep us all laughing. We also chat about the fine line between live performances and backing tracks, and how today’s music scene is evolving—sometimes with a little too much help from technology. Expect plenty of playful digs, a few laughs at our own expense, and insightful takes on what it really means to be "live" in the age of digital music. So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s roll!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcast

We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcast

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@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Takeaways:

• Corey and Kevin bring their podcasting wisdom, highlighting the importance of authenticity in music and performance.
• We explore the evolution of music technology, discussing how digital platforms have changed the music landscape and artist accessibility.
• The crew dives into the world of unique instruments and one-man bands, celebrating creativity in music making.
• Humor and camaraderie shine as our guests share stories about their podcasting journeys and experiences in the industry.
• Listeners gain insight into the dynamics of live performances versus recorded tracks, touching on the ethics of using backing tracks.
• The episode wraps up with a light-hearted debate on favorite songs and artists, showcasing the fun side of music discussions.

It's all about the wild ride through the world of telemarketing in this episode! We dive into the hilarious chaos of unsolicited calls, with plenty of laughs and a sprinkle of frustration as we navigate the boundaries of what it means to be "voluntary." Our conversation takes a spin with the ever-dreaded Stats Canada surveys that come knocking at our doors—literally! We'll share our personal experiences and rants about how these calls feel more like harassment than helpful outreach, and trust me, there's no shortage of amusing anecdotes. Plus, we throw in some playful banter about music, including an unexpected detour into the saxophone world, where we argue about its rightful place in pop versus jazz. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and join us as we pass or go through the ins and outs of telemarketing with a side of good humor!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcast

We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

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@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive into the wild world of telemarketers, sharing hilarious anecdotes and frustrations that many can relate to.
• We explore the fine line between harassment and legitimate survey calls, discussing how unsolicited calls can feel invasive and annoying.
• Our casual banter includes playful jabs about the best ways to handle annoying telemarketers, with tips that might just save your sanity.
• We introduce the 'Wheel O Spite', where we randomly choose topics to rant about, showcasing our light-hearted approach to serious issues.
• You won't believe the ridiculous stories we share about our personal encounters with telemarketers that are both infuriating and comical.
• Join us for a fun discussion about why rhythm sections are crucial in music, and how they keep the groove alive in a band setting.

We welcome a very special guest this episode—Nathan Dueck, Winnipeg-born author now calling Calgary home. Nathan has written poetry, tried unsuccessfully to win hearts with it, and has just released his latest book: a collection of self-deprecating anecdotes that may or may not be funny. He's cautiously optimistic.

But before we get there, we have a crisis on our hands. Sean shaved his beard. The complaints are rolling in. The polls are not looking good. It may be the single greatest controversy in the show's history—and that's saying something.

Nathan's Mennonite upbringing in Winkler opens up a fascinating conversation about cultural identity, language, religious heritage, and what it means to grow up inside a community so tight-knit you don't even realize it's unusual until you leave. It turns out Sean and Todd's Acadian Catholic roots have more in common with Nathan's experience than anyone expected—railroad tracks, basement drinking, and detention for speaking the wrong language included.

From there the conversation takes some genuinely unexpected turns involving book covers, Netflix, water cooler culture, comic books, and one very important Spider-Man suit. Plus a deep dive into a guitarist so talented that Sean thinks his current gig is a waste of his abilities. And Prince. Lots of Prince.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

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Merch:

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We're diving into some juicy updates this week, starting with Sean's epic air conditioning saga that had him sweating bullets and Todd's shed construction woes that are battling Mother Nature. We'll also jam out to some tunes from the band Bliss, whose tunes are as diverse as our podcast chats! It's a mix of laughter, stories, and a sprinkle of nostalgia as we reminisce about our experiences with local music and the good times that come with it. So kick back, grab your favorite drink, and join us for a fun ride full of banter, updates, and some sweet sound bites from Bliss. You'll be glad you did!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/seangeekpodcast

We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

Tee Public: https://www.teepublic.com/seangeekpodcast

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@seangeekpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Takeaways:

• Sean provided a hilarious update on his air conditioning saga, making us all laugh at the absurdity of a heatwave without AC.
• Todd shared his ongoing shed project, which has been hilariously hampered by unpredictable weather—classic DIY woes!
• We dived deep into the music of Bliss, exploring how their diverse musical styles kept things fresh and exciting for listeners.
• The discussion about Bliss led to a nostalgic trip down memory lane, showcasing the band's evolution and how it resonated with their fans.
• Sean's heartfelt tribute to his late friend Ray, revealing how his encouragement during tough times helped Sean find his way back to joy and music.
• We wrapped up the episode with a playful banter about the quirks of being a DIY musician, leaving listeners with laughter and inspiration.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Turnstone
• Bliss
• Gin Taxi
• Fastball
• New Meanies
• Paul Rogers
• Studio 21
• Studio 11
• DJ Rain
• DJ Narcotic
• DJ Phosphor

Todd had a surprise birthday party. Sean kept recording anyway. Happy birthday, Todd.

This week Sean sits down alone with author David Jon Fuller, whose debut novel Venue 13 is out now through Turnstone Press. What starts as a conversation about a ghost story set in a haunted Winnipeg theater quickly becomes something much deeper — a wide-ranging discussion about creativity, the bohemian life, what it costs to make art, why Icelandic culture produces so much of it, and how you keep your creative self alive when real life gets in the way.

David has a background that covers theater, acting, the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, two years living in Iceland on scholarship, journalism at the Winnipeg Free Press, and now fiction writing. The connections between all of those things — and between his life and the life of his novel's protagonist Robert — turn out to be more intertwined than even David realized going in.

Along the way: the creative parallels between Iceland and Winnipeg, why doom scrolling is the enemy of reflection, what it means to romanticize the bohemian artist life versus living it, the Fringe Festival, INXS and Michael Hutchins, Def Leppard at Christmas, Kiss in October, the Killer Dwarfs and a handmade wooden box set that David built himself and got the whole band to sign, and why asking your library to stock a book is one of the best things you can do for a Canadian author.

About the book:

Venue 13 follows Robert, an actor who buys a haunted downtown Winnipeg theater while working a restaurant job to keep the lights on — a man at a creative crossroads, trying to hold his artistic dream together while real life pulls in every direction. It's a ghost story, but it's also much more than that. If the main building sounds familiar, Sean figured out exactly which one inspired it.

About the guest:

David Jon Fuller is a Winnipeg writer, journalist, and former actor whose Icelandic heritage took him to Iceland for two years on scholarship, where he became fluent in the language, performed in student theater productions in Reykjavik, and developed a deep connection to Norse folklore and ghost stories that runs through his writing to this day. He also copy-edited Chadwick Ginther's Ravenstone books, which is a very Winnipeg small world moment.

Venue 13 is available at local bookstores, Chapters, Amazon, and — David's preference — by request at your local library.

Find David:

• Website: https://www.davidjonfuller.com/
• Bluesky: @davidjonfuller.bsky.social
• Instagram: @davidjonfuller

Find us everywhere: @seangeekpodcast

Website: seanmcginty.ca

Support the show: patreon.com/seangeekpodcast

• 🎙️ Certified Geek — $5/month
• 🎸 True Geek — $10/month
• 👑 Supreme Geek — $20/month
• 🤘 Metal Shoppe Tier — $75/month

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/seangeekpodcast

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We are a part of the Boneless Podcast Network: https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Merch:

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Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ravenstone
• Turnstone
• Killer Dwarfs
• Helix
• Kick Ax
• Def Leppard
• Sigur Rós
• Weakerthans
• Manitoba Chamber Orchestra