Our Pal Ed is back to get hype about Smash Bros., Mario Tennis Aces and the rest of last week’s Nintendo Direct!

PLUS: Life is Strange 2, Monster Hunter: World, PUBG and Days Gone news!

Check out Edward Figueroa: @EddieRoadDogg

Check out The Party Nerdz: @Partynerdz

-What we’re playing: 2:59

-Mario+Rabbids Kingdom Battle Impressions

-Spoiler-free Life is Strange: Farewell Review

-Random Question of the Week : 10:58

DA NEWS: 24:48

1. dontnod is working on Life is Strange 2 with a new set of characters:

http://lifeisstrange-blog.tumblr.com/post/171559833875/before-the-storms-bonus-episode-farewell-out-now

2. Monster Hunter World is Capcom’s best-selling game of all time, selling over 7 million units before even coming to PC: 30:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztXSXvkMF5Q

3. PUBG’s Roadmap for 2018 has been revealed: 36:43

https://www.playbattlegrounds.com/news/130.pu

4. Days Gone has been delayed until 2019, and that’s just fine: 52:04

http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/09/days-gone-delayed-to-2019

Meat and Potatoes: WHAT ELSE WOULD IT BE? NINTENDO DIRECT Y’ALL. 1:00:38

http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/09/super-smash-bros-creator-confirms-hes-working-on-switch-version https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180308006404/en/Super-Smash-Bros.-Series-Heads-Nintendo-Switch

Outro Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Peggy: twitter.com/MoiraiOW

This week, the Pals interview two members of the creative team behind Crowded, Ted Brandt and Ro Stein. The hilarious duo talk about how they broke into the business, why they have a crossbow in their home, and much more! The crew also break down all the biggest news in the industry, including news about DC’s Black Label imprint, the casting of Cheetah for Wonder Woman 2, Avengers: Infinity War taking over Entertainment Weekly, and more!

PLUS: Follow Ted and Ro: http://www.brandtandstein.com/

Be sure to leave us a like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more content!

Ted Brandt and Ro Stein interview- 00:01:24

Apples and Origins- 00:42:33

Pals Pulls: 00:51:30

Sean/Phil - Green Lantern Earth One HC, Mister Miracle 7

News:

DC's Black Label Imprint to Launch In August: 00:55:51

https://www.cbr.com/dc-comics-unveils-black-label-imprint/

Kristen Wiig to Play Cheetah In Wonder Woman 2: 01:07:11

http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/03/09/wonder-woman-2-villain-cheetah-kristen-wiig-/

Images of the Shazam Costume From the Film Leak: 01:11:53

http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/03/09/a-closer-look-at-zachary-levis-shazam-costume/

Rob Liefeld's Extreme Universe Headed to Netflix: 01:17:22

http://deadline.com/2018/03/deadpool-rob-liefeld-extreme-universe-netflix-film-deal-1202320054/

Avengers: Infinity War Takes Over Entertainment Weekly: 01:21:16

http://ew.com/movies/2018/03/09/josh-brolin-thanos-avengers-infinity-war/

Main Topic: 01:34:13

One of the most prevalent arguments among comic book fans is whether or not characters should be allowed to age and progress through their lives like real humans, or be forced to be rubberbands; characters that can grow and change, but always eventually snapping back to a place that resembles whatever the elevator pitch for them is. A classic example is Spider-Man being reverted back to a broke bachelor after One More Day. The Pals share their feelings about the controversial subject.

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/MrMarcoAnimoto

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Pete’s taking a much needed vacation this week so Sean is steering the ship! He and the rest of the Pals talk about the ESRB’s new content labeling system for in-app purchases and the future of horror games!

PLUS: NEW OVERWATCH HERO ALERT!

-RANDOM QUESTION OF THE WEEK- 02:53

DA NEWS: 11:09.5

1) Detroit Become Human launches May 25:

https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/03/01/detroit-become-human-launches-may-25/

2) ESRB announces that its content labeling system will add a label for in-app purchases:

https://kotaku.com/after-months-of-controversy-esrb-will-add-in-game-purc-1823356171

3) NEW OVERWATCH HERO ALERT: 35:21

https://twitter.com/PlayOverwatch/status/968909281448755200

4) Sega accidentally releases Yakuza 6 for free: 44:10.3

https://kotaku.com/sega-accidentally-released-yakuza-6-for-free-1823374555

5) Dishonored/Bioshock Devs announce new Co-op Horror game

http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/28/former-bioshock-dishonored-devs-announce-new-game-the-blackout-club

MEAT AND POTATOES: 55:19

Where do you see horror games going in the future?

Outro Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Peggy: twitter.com/MoiraiOW

On this episode of The Comics Pals, we break down what was a huge news week, including Diamond (finally) announcing a customer online preorder service, Avengers: Infinity War’s new release date, all the new comic announcements from Marvel, and much more! Be sure to like this and subscribe to our channel!

https://www.youtube.com/thecomicspals

Mailbag- 00:02:35

Random Question of the Week- 00:17:06

Pals Pulls- 00:25:13

Cale - Lobster Johnson Vol 6: Chain Forged in Life, Justice League of America Vol 3: Panic Microverse, Green Hornet #1

Marco - Star Wars #44

Phil - Daredevil by Waid and Samnee Omnibus

Sean - Oblivion Song #1

News:

Diamond Announces Online Preorder Service: 00:36:00

https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/2/23/17044752/buying-comics-diamond-distributors-pullbox

Mark Millar Says DC Films Fail Because Heroes Don't Feel Cool: 00:43:24

https://www.cbr.com/millar-why-marvel-better-than-dc/?utm_source=CBR-FB-P&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_campaign=CBR-FB-P&view=list

Stalled AT&T and Time Warner Merger Puts DC At Risk:

http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/28/warner-bros-dc-comics-for-sale/

Bendis Announces First New Jinxworld Projects From DC: 00:54:54

https://www.cbr.com/jinxwold-bendis-pearl-cover-dc-comics/

Neil Gaiman Announces Sandman Universe Imprint: 00:59:17

http://ew.com/books/2018/03/01/neil-gaiman-sandman-universe-comics/?utm_campaign=entertainmentweekly&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social

Avengers: Infinity War Gets New Release Date: 01:05:32

http://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/03/01/avengers-infinity-war-new-release-date-april/

Fox Isn't Slowing Production Of Superhero Films Despite Looming Disney Merger: 01:16:45

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/will-disney-disrupt-foxs-x-men-movie-mega-plans-1088623

Marvel Announces Several New Titles As Part Of Their Fresh Start Initiative: 01:22:23

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/02/we-who-love-america/553991/

Main Topic: 01:52:44

Is Marvel's 'fresh start' relaunch the shot in the arm the publisher needs to bring back lapsed fans and lure new readers in?

Help the Little Shop of Heroes recover from the England Blizzard!

https://www.gofundme.com/savedunfermlinecomiccon

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/MrMarcoAnimoto

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

It’s Oscar season so Andy and Phil got together to talk about the movies that are nominated, movies that should have gotten more love from the academy, and Justice League, which was neither.

Movies they talked about:

Shape of Water

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Ladybird

Call Me By Your Name

The Darkest Hour

Bladerunner 2049

Baby Driver

Atomic Blonde

Logan

War of the Planet of the Apes

Wind River

The Florida Project

Get Out

Dunkirk

The Big Sick

The Phantom Thread

The Disaster Artist

Coco

LEGO Batman

Boss Baby

John Wick 2

The Pals Network is a collection of pop culture journalists and commentators who love to get together and talk about comics, video games and everything in between.

Sauce: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/oscars-2018-here-are-our-final-predictions/

The Pals:

Andy: https://twitter.com/tiger_millions

Phil: https://twitter.com/cyborgbebop

On this Book Club special, The Pals read Black Mask's Space Riders from Alexis Ziritt and Fabian Rangel Jr! And SURPRISE they're pretty divided!

PLUS: Darkseid is?

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/MrMarcoAnimoto

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

The ESA has again rejected a proposal from video game preservationists to exempt abandoned online games from DMCA copyright law. The Pals dig in to the complex issue of how to preserve these works of art for future generations.

PLUS: Could we finally get a Mass Effect trilogy remaster?!

DOUBLE PLUS: SMASH BROTHERS?!

-What we’re playing

-Buy or sell (12:48)

DA NEWS:

1. In an effort to cull the wave of cheaters that have plagued the game for months, PUBG Corp has now officially delayed development of several new features for the game: (19:15)

https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/20/17032214/new-pubg-map-delay-anti-cheat

2. EA has announced a Remaster of the 2009 racing game Burnout Paradise: (32:17)

https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/20/17032438/burnout-paradise-remastered-release-date-trailer-ps4-xbox-one-pc

3. Moving along to the world of Nintendo, it’s time for Andy to get hype because Shin Megami Tensei V has now moved into “full-scale development”: (46:09)

https://nintendoeverything.com/shin-megami-tensei-v-full-scale-development-now-underway/

4. Fire Emblem Heroes made almost $300 Million dollars in its first year: (55:05)

https://sensortower.com/blog/fire-emblem-heroes-first-year-revenue

5. Video game insider Emily Rogers a.k.a. ArcadeGirl64 on twitter has revealed that “a Smash bros title will be announced and released for Switch later this year”: (01:04:19)

https://mynintendonews.com/2018/02/21/emily-rogersa-smash-bros-title-will-be-announced-and-released-for-switch-later-this-year/

6. ESA rejects DMCA exemption for abandoned online games:

https://www.techspot.com/news/72437-renewed-proposal-seeks-dmca-exemption-abandoned-online-games.html

https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/02/21/the-esa-rejects-proposed-dmca-exceptions-to-allow-the-non-profit-and-unofficial-revival-of-dead-online-games/

Meat and Potatoes: How do we preserve online games for historical purposes? (01:15:14)

Outro Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Peggy: twitter.com/MoiraiOW

On this week's episode, the Pals break down all the biggest news of the week, including Joss Whedon leaving the Batgirl film, all the DC comic cancellations, Marvel's fresh start relaunch, and more! Drop us a like and hit the subscribe button to stay in touch with The Comics Pals!

Buy Or Sell- 00:04:35

Mailbag- 00:13:22

Pals Pulls: - 00:23:24

Sean - Abbott 2

Marco - Saga #49

Pete - Saga #49, Void Trip #4

Phil - Terrifics #1

News:

Black Panther Crushes Box Office: 00:29:26

http://www.superherohype.com/news/412401-black-panther-passing-the-500-million-mark-globally-today#/slide/1

Black Panther Director Pens Heartfelt Thank You to Fans:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfcIToJHPbS/

Black Panther Original Cut Was 4 Hours Long:

http://comicbook.com/marvel/2018/02/23/black-panther-directors-cut-four-hours-long/

Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur Animated Series in the Works: 00:36:49

https://shadowandact.com/marvel-moon-girl-dinosaur-animated-series-disney/?utm_content=buffer0ffdb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Marvel Announces Fresh Start Relaunch: 00:42:21

https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/2/20/17031924/marvel-fresh-start-relaunch-announcement

Joss Whedon Exits Batgirl: 00:57:49

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joss-whedon-exits-batgirl-movie-1087384

Writer Roxanne Gay Interested In Writing Batgirl Film:

http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/23/batgirl-movie-roxane-gay-marvel-writer-warner-bros/

Nightwing Not a Top Priority For Warner Bros:

http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/21/nightwing-movie-on-hold-chris-mckay-dungeons-and-dragons/

Aquaman Reportedly Testing Very Positively In Early Screenings: 01:06:27

http://collider.com/aquaman-test-screening-movie-talk/

DC Comics Cancellations: 01:14:16

http://comicbook.com/dc/2018/02/21/dc-cancels-supergirl/

Main Topic: 01:19:53

Image Comics Expo 2018 featured the announcement of 21 new titles for the third largest comic book publisher in North America. We break down all the book announcements by some of the top creators in the comic book industry and talk about which ones we're most excited about.

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/02/21/all-image-expo-2018-announcements/

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/MrMarcoAnimoto

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Spyro is back, history has been made in the OWL & PUBG is overrun with Chinese cheaters on this week’s episode of The Video Game Pals!

PLUS: Remember to write in for your free copy of Life is Strange!

-What we’re playing

-Reader Mail

-Buy or sell: play a game first or play it on your platform of choice?

-DA NEWS:

1. Spyro Trilogy Remaster is coming to PS4 in Q3 of this year:

http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2018/02/13/spyro-trilogy-remaster-coming-to-ps4-this-year

2. Geguri has signed to the Shanghai Dragons, becoming the first female player in the OWL:

https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/14/17012010/overwatch-league-first-female-player-geguri-shanghai-dragons

3. THQ Nordic has purchased Koch Media and regained a ton of the original THQ’s IP:

http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/14/thq-nordic-buys-saints-row-metro-dead-island-owner-koch-media

4. Harry Potter Director Chris Columbus to direct Five Night’s at Freddy’s movie:

http://deadline.com/2018/02/five-nights-at-freddys-chris-columbus-harry-potter-blumhouse-1202286349/

5. PUBG’s active daily players players took a MAJOR hit for the first time in months dropping from nearly 3.5 million to just around 2.5 million:

https://twitter.com/ynakamura56/status/963666762582708224

Meat and Potatoes: Nakamura attributes the drop to player frustration over Chinese players invading North American serves and cheating. Now, that may sound like the rantings of a racist baby if you don’t play the game, but it’s become a very real issue for PUBG players in NA. Recent data from the company's anti-cheat tech provider, BattlEye indicates that 99% of accounts that have been banned for cheating are from China. Youxi Story also reports that 46% of the game’s total players are based in China making the problem hard to address for PUBGCorp. We’ve already seen one million accounts banned for cheating in January alone and BattlEye says things have “continued to escalate” despite their best efforts to combat the issue. Since being acquired by Tencent, a Chinese server was announced to be on the way, but my question is will this all be enough? Do you think this issue could really affect the longevity of PUBG? Has it affected your own play/enjoyment of the game?

Outro Music:

"Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat

The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.

The Pals:

Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire

Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Peggy: twitter.com/MoiraiOW

The Comics Pals review the Black Panther film, one of the most monumental superhero releases in the modern era. Tune in to find out our thoughts on the film and whether it lives up to the considerable hype surrounding its release!

The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.

The Pals: Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox

Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete

Cale: twitter.com/Totointow

Marco: twitter.com/MrMarcoAnimoto

Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop