Gather round comic fans and crowdfunding enthusiasts for a tale of epic proportions! In this episode of Play Comics we dive headfirst into the wild world of Comics are Dying, a comics history anthology that’s taking Zoop by storm. And who better to guide us through this saga than the mastermind behind it all, Louis Southard? Join us as we explore the highs and lows of running a successful crowdfunding campaign, from crafting the perfect pitch to navigating the treacherous waters of stretch goals. Louis shares his insider secrets, from the importance of a well-timed GIF to the power of a well-placed pun. But that’s not all! We’ll also delve into the fascinating world of Comics are Dying itself, uncovering the stories behind the stories. From the golden age of comics to the rise of the graphic novel, this anthology has it all. And with Louis at the helm, you know it’s going to be a wild ride. So what are you waiting for? Grab your comic books, your crowdfunding tips, and your best dad jokes, and join us for an unforgettable episode of Play Comics! Learn such things as: What kind of crazy person wants to work with 100 different artists on a single project?How do you decide what is important enough to go in a history of something so cool?Does anyone else think it’s weird that Chris likes seeing old ads?And so much more! You can find the guest on Twitter @louisjsouthard, on Instagram @louissouthard, his website LouisSouthard.com, and of course check out the Zoop campaign for Comics are Dying. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who is not dying, as far as I know.

Read transcriptWelcome back, fellow comic crusaders, to another electrifying episode of Play Comics, where we dive headfirst into the colorful world of comic book adventures! Today, we’re donning our wizard hats, sharpening our wands, and preparing to unleash the mystical mayhem of Savage Wizard #2! In this spellbinding installment, join your trusty host, Chris, as he delves deep into the arcane depths of this fantastical comic series. But hold onto your enchanted broomsticks because this isn’t your average wand-waving wizardry! We’re talking about a tale that’s as wild and unpredictable as a magical mishap in a potion shop! And guess what? We’ve got a special guest gracing our airwaves today: none other than the Savage Wizard series co-creator and current writer, Lesly Julien!  Brace yourselves for a wizardly wisdom overload as Lesly spills the mystical beans on what it takes to craft a spellbinding comic adventure! But wait, there’s more! We’re not just here to chat about mystical mischief; we’re also diving into the magical realm of Kickstarter campaigns! That’s right, folks—Savage Wizard #2 is conjuring up some serious crowdfunding magic, and we’re here to give you the inside scoop on how you can join the spellbinding journey! So grab your spellbooks, summon your familiars, and get ready for a podcast episode that’s hotter than a dragon’s breath and wackier than a wizard’s wand malfunction! Tune in and let’s embark on a fantastical adventure through the pages of Savage Wizard #2! Also stick around through the end to hear about another great Kickstarter campaign, Stealth Hammer #3! Learn such things as: How do you survive basically your entire creative team having to back out of a project?What spell does Kickstarter use to keep creators coming back?Where did all the colors go?And so much more! You can find on Twitter @LesWrite, Instagram @les_write, and his website Les Write. And of course be sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign for Savage Wizard #2. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who only rolls Nat 1’s. Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.

Ahoy, landlubbers! Prepare to set sail on a high-seas adventure through the annals of gaming history, as we dive into the depths of the 1992 Game Boy classic, Popeye 2. This episode we've got a special guest aboard – Matt Storm from the podcasts "Fun" and Games and Screen Snark. They're a veritable treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to all things retro gaming, so batten down the hatches and get ready for a wild ride! In this episode we'll explore the pixelated world of Popeye, the legendary sailor man who's always ready to dish out a can of spinach-fueled justice. From navigating treacherous levels to battling Bluto's dastardly schemes, we'll uncover the secrets behind this beloved game that captured the hearts of gamers and comic book fans alike. But that's not all, me hearties! We'll also delve into the rich history of the Popeye comics, tracing their roots back to the early 20th century and exploring how they've influenced pop culture over the decades. Prepare to be regaled with tales of Olive Oyl's escapades, Wimpy's insatiable hunger for hamburgers, and Popeye's iconic catchphrases that have become part of the cultural lexicon. So grab your Game Boy, load up on spinach, and get ready to set sail on an adventure that will have you laughing, reminiscing, and maybe even singing a few sea shanties along the way. Anchors aweigh, mateys! Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.Read transcript

Read transcriptStrap in, true believers, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the wild world of Kickstarter campaigns and comic book mayhem! This week on Play Comics, we’re taking a look at the Kickstarter for the action-packed graphic novel Gunpunch, and we’ve got the creator himself, Fernando Pinto, here to give us the inside scoop. Fernando Pinto, the mastermind behind Gunpunch, is joining us to share the gritty details of bringing this high-octane comic to life. From the explosive action sequences to the sharply-drawn characters, this guy has poured his heart and soul (and probably a few gallons of coffee) into making Gunpunch a must-read for any fan of the medium. The Gunpunch Kickstarter campaign is in full swing thanks to Rocketship Entertainment, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. Backer rewards range from digital copies of the comic to limited-edition prints that will have your fellow comic nerds green with envy. And if you’re feeling particularly generous, there’s even an opportunity to get your face immortalized as a character in the story. Talk about a power move! So, what are you waiting for? Hop on board the Gunpunch hype train and get ready for a wild ride! With Fernando Pinto at the helm, you know this comic is going to be a knockout. Strap on your utility belt, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready to dive headfirst into the world of Gunpunch. It’s going to be a punchy good time, true believers! Learn such things as: How do you go about naming characters anyway?Is it OK to punch people with your gun hands if you’re having a bad day?Are those aliens really that bad?And so much more! You can find Fernando on Twitter @NandoPintoArt, on Instagram @minombreesfernandopinto, his LinkTree @FernandoPintoArt and FernandoPintoArt.com. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who dreams of having his hands be machines. But his machines would be of the Rube Goldberg variety. Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.

Read transcriptWelcome, cosmic adventurers and comic aficionados, to another interstellar episode of Play Comics, where the fabric of reality is as bendable as the pages of a comic book, and the heroes are as quirky as our sense of humor. This week, we’re donning our power bands and setting our sights on the vast, uncharted territories of space. Why, you ask? Because we’re diving headfirst into the latest cosmic vigilante saga that’s blasting its way through the comic cosmos – the upcoming Space Ghost comic being published by Dynamite Comics! But hold onto your space helmets dear listeners, because this episode isn’t just any ordinary galactic gabfest. Oh no, we’ve managed to snag series writer and return guest, David Pepose, who’s back and more mysterious than Space Ghost’s secret identity (which, by the way, remains one of the universe’s best-kept secrets). David’s here to give us the inside scoop on what it’s like to breathe new life into a character who’s been everything from a champion of justice to a smarmy talk show host. Prepare for an episode filled with tales of cosmic vigilantes, nefarious space pirates, and the occasional monkey sidekick. We’ll explore the dark corners of the Galactic Federation, where evil lurks in the shadows, and only one hero can bring justice to the stars. Yes, we’re talking about the man, the myth, the legend – Space Ghost! So, whether you’re a long-time fan of the spectral space hero or just curious about what happens when you mix superheroes with the final frontier, this episode is for you. Join us as we chat with David Pepose about the challenges of reviving a classic character, the thrill of exploring uncharted narrative galaxies, and, most importantly, whether Space Ghost prefers his coffee black as the void of space or with a splash of Milky Way. Buckle up, listeners, because we’re about to launch into an episode that’s out of this world. And remember, in space, no one can hear you laugh – but here on Play Comics, laughter is just part of the adventure. Learn such things as: Wait, Space Ghost wasn’t created for that cartoon talk show?How do you tie in established lore when you get to basically ignore a bunch of the history?What kind of freedom do you have knowing that you’re set to spend a year with these characters?And so much more! You can find David on Bluesky @peposed.bsky.social, Twitter @Peposed, Instagram @Peposed, on Facebook @ David Pepose Comics, his newsletter Pep Talks, and his website DavidPepose.com. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who just wants to make sure that a Blip centered issue isn’t anything like Appa’s Bad Day. Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.

Welcome to another spine-tingling, joystick-wiggling episode of Play Comics, where the pixels meet the page and the game controllers are always at risk of being thrown in excitement or frustration. This week we’re diving into the dark cobwebbed corners of the gaming world to unearth the 1992 classic The Addams Family, a game that dared to ask “What if we took a beloved, macabre family and turned their life into a platforming adventure?” Based on the 1991 film of the same name, this game sprawled across the NES, SNES, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, and Game Boy, proving that no console was safe from its kooky, spooky charm. In this episode we’re thrilled to welcome back the illustrious Adam Williamson, a man whose knowledge of games is only rivaled by his ability to survive encounters with the supernatural—or at least supernatural-themed video games. Adam, who last graced us with his presence in a bodyslammin’ discussion on WWF No Mercy, returns from the depths of the gaming archives to help us navigate the twisted halls of the Addams’ mansion. Prepare for a journey where every jump is a leap of faith (into a pit of who-knows-what), every enemy is as bizarre as an Addams family member, and the only thing scarier than the game’s difficulty is the thought of turning it off before finishing. Will Gomez find his beloved family members, or will he be doomed to wander the pixelated corridors forever? Join us as we explore the mystery, the humor, and the sheer Addams-ness of The Addams Family game. So tighten your seatbelts, adjust your monocles, and make sure your hand (Thing, is that you?) is firmly attached to your wrist. It’s going to be a wild ride through the Addams Family estate, where the only guarantee is laughter, nostalgia, and maybe, just maybe, a newfound appreciation for games that make you want to pull your hair out—in the most delightful way possible. Learn such things as: How can you base a game off of single panel comics?How is this macabre family so wholesome?What does Jonathan Blow have to do with any of this?And so much more! You can find Adam absolutely nowhere except for on Play Comics where he writes comic reviews and appears on other episodes. Of particular interest to listeners of this episode are The Gimmick #1 and The Job #1. Twitter Thread and Bluesky Thread to enter the giveaway for copies of The Color of Always and Sharp Wit & The Company of Women. Or just comment on the When I Was Young episode post with what stories you’re looking forward to reading. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Crossplay Conversations and Tales from the Backlog for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who still goes Trick-Or-Treating. In fact he’s going next weekend.

Greetings, time travelers and comic connoisseurs! Buckle up your seatbelts and grab your favorite snacks because you’re in for a treat with this very special bonus episode of Play Comics that’s more colorful than a double rainbow! In this heartwarming and possibly tear-jerking installment, we’re diving into the pages of When I Was Young, the BackerKit campaign that’s not just a comic anthology but a time capsule of love, advice, and triumph. It’s an LGBTQIA+ extravaganza where the creative teams pour their hearts out in stories they wish they could whisper to their younger selves. And guess what? All profits are being donated to The Trevor Project, because who doesn’t love comics with a cause? But wait, there’s more! We’re not just flipping through the pages alone. Oh no, we’ve managed to snag the anthology’s editor, the one and only Michele Abounader, to join us for this episode. Michele will share the behind-the-scenes magic, the tears, the laughter, and maybe even the secret recipe to creating an anthology that’s as inspiring as it is fabulous. So whether you’re a die-hard fan of all things LGBTQIA+, a comic anthology aficionado, or just someone who loves a good story with a dash of nostalgia, this episode is for you. Tune in, get cozy, and let’s send some love letters to our past selves together. It’s going to be a rainbow-riding, comic-reading, feel-good kind of day here at Play Comics! Learn such things as: How do you get so many great creators to help with this kind of project?What can happen when you just shoot your shot and ask someone to be involved?Do you make the anthology, or does the anthology make you?And so much more! You can find Michele on Twitter @cerealpancake, on Bluesky @cerealpancake.bsky.social, on Instagram @ilikepancakes, and her website Cereal Pancake. And of course check out the campaign yourself at wheniwasyoungcomic.com which takes you directly to the BackerKit page to make this a reality. Twitter Thread and Bluesky Thread to enter the giveaway for copies of The Color of Always and Sharp Wit & The Company of Women. Or just comment here with what stories you’re looking forward to reading. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show then just stop and support this campaign instead. Please? I will love you forever for that. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who has nothing funny to say here because this is a totally serious matter.Read transcript

Welcome to another thrilling episode of Play Comics, where we dive into the pixelated playgrounds of our favorite comic book characters and the games that bring them to life. Today, we’re dusting off our PS2 controllers and delving into the dark and mysterious world of Shadow Man 2econd Coming. Released in 2002, this game promised a spine-chilling adventure, but did it deliver the voodoo-infused essence of its comic book counterpart? Joining us in this shadowy quest is none other than Patrick Hickey Jr., the mastermind behind Legacy Comix and the Editor in Chief of Review Fix. With his encyclopedic knowledge of all things comics and gaming, Patrick is here to help us unravel whether Shadow Man 2econd Coming truly captures the spirit of the Valiant Universe’s enigmatic hero. So, grab your Shadow Guns and prepare to walk between worlds as we explore the eerie corridors of Deadside and beyond. Will the game stand as a faithful homage to its source material, or will it be lost in the abyss of forgotten adaptations? Tune in to find out, and remember, in the world of Play Comics, the only thing scarier than the Grigori demons is a missed episode! Learn such things as: Why would a sequel be on fewer consoles than the original?Does it matter if people don’t know about the source material?How does the label of a licensed property set expectations?And so much more! You can find Legacy Comix on Twitter @Legacy_Comix, Instagram @legacy_comix, Facebook @LegacyComix, the Legacy Comix website. You can find Patrick on Instagram @patrickhickeyjr, Twitter @reviewfixpat, and of course his personal website and Review Fix. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to The Lucky Die and Happy Horror Time for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who still sleeps with a teddy bear.Read transcript

Smurf fans, mushroom dwellers, and plastic comic enthusiasts, lend me your ears! This week on Play Comics, we’re taking a hard look at one of the most mind-bogglingly bizarre video game adaptations to ever grace the original PlayStation – The Smurfs from 1999. That’s right, we’re diving headfirst into the small blue world where the air is crisp, the mushrooms are plentiful, and the gameplay is…well, let’s just say it’s an experience. But we’re not going it alone, oh no! Joining us is the one and only Mike Clyburn from the wildly popular podcast The Twisted Cape. Mike’s no stranger to twisted tales and bizarre adventures, so we knew he’d be the perfect tour guide through this cobalt-colored carnival of chaos. Prepare yourselves for tales of sinister wizards, hapless heroes, and more collectible items than you can smurfing shake a stick at. We’ll laugh, we’ll cry, we’ll question the very nature of our existence. But most of all, we’ll have a smurftastic time exploring this true relic of gaming’s awkward adolescence. So grab your favorite mushroom cap, take a deep breath of that crisp smurf air, and join us for an episode that’s bound to be…unforgettable. It’s going to be one wild smurf ride! Learn such things as: Are there actually different Smurfs?How can we judge a game made for small children?What does a Smurf taste like?And so much more! You can find Mike on Twitter @TheTwistedCape, send them an email @thetwistedcape@gmail.com and their website The Twisted Cape. Or check out the D&D stuff on Twitter @TeamCLOKpod and their email @teamCLOKpod@gmail.com. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Time Shifters as well as Orphaned Entertainment for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who is blue and if he was green he would die.Read transcript

Attention all Gundam fanatics and mech maniacs! Today we’re blasting off into the cosmos with Mobile Suit Gundam Zeonic Front for the PlayStation 2! Joining us is none other than Scott Wachter from the wildly popular podcast The Recap From Mercury. Scott’s expertise lies in overanalyzing obtuse science fiction plots, so he’s the perfect wingman to navigate the tangled narrative threads of the One Year War. Will the valiant Federation pilots emerge victorious against the dastardly Zeon forces? Can any of us mere mortals comprehend the sheer scale of these titanic mech battles? And is Scott prepared to have his mind blown by the sheer excess of beam spam? Strap in tight and get ready for rocket-powered robot rampage as we go full psyco gundam on Zeonic Front! The battlefield drama awaits…just try not to get caught in the crossfire. Over and out, soldiers! Learn such things as: Is everyone in the wrong uniform really a bad guy?How can a simple TV programming snafu change the course of a generation?Do we need more games where you play as the villains?And so much more! You can find Scott on Twitter @fs_wachter, Bluesky @fs-scott.bsky.social, and on his own Gundam specific podcast The Recap From Mercury. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Film Rage and Bring Your Own Mech for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who controls his Mechs with an Atari Jaguar controller.Read transcript

Greetings, fellow Play Comics aficionados and Dragon Ball Z fanatics! It’s time to power up your ki and get ready for an adventure unlike any other. We’re diving headfirst into the wild world of the Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game on the Game Boy Advance, and trust us, it’s going to be a blast! But wait, there’s more! Joining us on this epic journey is the one and only Kyle Billie from The Rad(io) Shorts podcast. With his wicked sense of humor and infectious enthusiasm, we know Kyle will bring a whole new level of fun and excitement to our exploration of this classic card game. Just imagine the shenanigans we’ll get into as we battle it out with our favorite characters and try to outsmart each other with clever strategies. So, whether you’re a seasoned card game pro or a die-hard Dragon Ball Z fan, you won’t want to miss this episode. Get ready to laugh, strategize, and reminisce about the good old days of portable gaming. It’s going to be a wild ride, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the journey! Learn such things as: Can you make a good game based on another game?How much of the story do you need to include to really say that something is based on it?Did anyone get to use the two player mode in this one?And so much more! You can find Kyle on The Rad(io) Shorts Podcast and as a part of Subterranean Suites & Suspect Serpents. And maybe at a card convention near you. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Team CLOK and Super Bracket Bros. for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who is still holding on his cards hoping to retire on the profits from them.Read transcript

Hey there fellow Gundam fanatics and Play Comics aficionados! Get ready to power up your mechs and dive into the wild world of Gundam Battle Assault 2, the classic PS1 game that has us all itching for some intense mecha showdowns. And who better to join us on this epic journey than our returning guest, the one and only Billy, who’s graced us with his presence on previous episodes like X-Men Mutant Academy, Ghost in the Shell, Turok 2, and Batman and Robin? But let’s be real, folks. This time around, it’s all about giant robots duking it out in epic battles that would make even the most hardened Gundam fan swoon. And with Billy’s expert insights and witty banter, we’re sure to have a blast exploring every nook and cranny of this classic game. So strap in, get ready to activate your beam sabers, and let’s dive into the world of Gundam Battle Assault 2! Learn such things as: Did cartoons ever not get made as commercials for toys?Is it better to have balanced rosters or source material realistic ones?Wait, games other than Street Fighter get to make innovations?And so much more! You can find Billy nowhere online because he’s a hermit who hides out in those secret places of the internet that only we know about. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Japan on Film and Screen Snark for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who doesn’t see the difference between these mechs and the ones he built with Lincoln Logs.Read transcript

Demonic possessions are nothing new. But I still get hooked every time one of those stories comes up. The Exorcist was the first movie that really bothered me when I watched it. The Exorcism of Emily Rose was a birthday tradition for a while. There’s just something about how people deal with those creatures that always grabs my interest. Maybe it’s the struggle between keeping hold of yourself while dealing with an entity that’s much stronger than you. Maybe it’s because a religious upbringing tried to teach me that monsters aren’t real, but demons and stuff like that are. But who are we kidding, monsters are totally real. What else is real is the talent of David Pepose and Alex Cormack. So you can imagine my excitement when David agreed to come talk about The Devil That Wears My Face, a book from Mad Cave all about a demonic possession in 1740s Europe. Listen in as we try to get to the heart of how someone so nice can write something so scary. Or maybe I should say the heart cavity…… Learn such things as: Can you write a horribly disturbing story without ruining your headspace? Were those useless classes in school really useless? And so much more! You can find David on Bluesky @peposed.bsky.social, Twitter @Peposed, Instagram @Peposed, on Facebook @ David Pepose Comics, his newsletter Pep Talks, and his website DavidPepose.com. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who might have wet his pants at the end of this episode.Read transcript

This week we’re blasting off into outer space to take a look back at the classic PS1 fighting game Gundam Battle Assault. Released in North America in 2000, this game brought the action-packed combat of the popular Gundam anime franchise to PlayStation gamers. Our special guest this episode is Karrington Martin from the fantastic K&K Indie Gaming Corner podcast. Karrington is a huge Gundam fan and will provide expert insight into the lore behind the game’s mobile suits and storylines. We’ll discuss how Gundam was a part of his life growing up and how the timing of the North American release made for some interesting thoughts. From the slower than you’d expect paced arcade-style gameplay to the impressively animated sprite work, Gundam Battle Assault was a technical marvel on the PlayStation. We’ll analyze the combat mechanics, graphics, and modes that made it a classic among mech fighting games. And we’ll debate where it ranks among other Gundam games and mech fighters on the original PlayStation. So power up your beam sabers and launch your verniers because we’re taking control of some epic Gundams today with our guest Karrington Martin! Strap in and enjoy this action-packed episode of Play Comics! Learn such things as: Did any kids back then know about the heartbreak they were getting into?Does it matter if you don’t get the first game of a series?How can you mix together such a roster of characters who have little, if any, interaction in the source material?That Transformers Beast Wars episode that we talked aboutAnd so much more! You can find Karrington at K&K Indie Gaming podcast website. You can also find him on Twitter @Desertfury90. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Transmissions and “Fun” and Games for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who doesn’t like giant robots. Which is something a small robot would say.Read transcript

Get ready to dive into the pixelated mystique of the Sega Genesis era as we unleash the power of Mystic Defender on this episode of Play Comics! In this electrifying installment, we team up with the dynamic Phil Keeling from Pixel Lit to unravel the secrets and thrills behind the classic Sega Genesis game Mystic Defender. Brace yourselves for a riveting conversation that delves into the captivating world of gaming nostalgia, where pixels come to life, and wizards wield unimaginable powers. Phil Keeling, a connoisseur of gaming narratives and pixelated wonders, brings his expertise to the forefront as we explore the enchanting realm of Mystic Defender. From spellbinding visuals to the mesmerizing hold this had on his childhood despite not having a single clue as to where it came from, we’ll dissect many aspects that makes this Sega Genesis game one that you probably want to go check out. Because most likely, you didn’t check it out back in the day. Whether you’re a seasoned Mystic Defender veteran or a curious gamer looking to step into the past, this episode promises insights, anecdotes, and a touch of nostalgia that will transport you to the golden age of 16-bit gaming. So plug in those headphones, hit play, and prepare for a journey through pixels, magic, and the unforgettable legacy of Mystic Defender! Learn such things as: How can weird circumstances lead to lifelong memories?Why do we love things that we really don’t know much about?When can not knowing about the source material possibly make things better?And so much more! You can find Phil on Twitter @HeMakesMonsters, or his Pixel Lit stuff on Twitter @pixellitpod, YouTube @PixelLit, and of course the Pixel Lit website. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to SNEScapades as well as It’s (Probably) Not Aliens for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who thinks this game is just a drug fueled fever dream.

Welcome, dear listeners, to another bodyslammin’ edition of Play Comics! Get ready to tag in and grapple with nostalgia as your host, Chris, is joined by the dynamic duo of wrestling wisdom: Adam “Ringmaster” Williamson and Josh “Suplex Strategist” Garvey! In this pixelated pilgrimage through the archives of gaming history, our intrepid trio steps into the virtual ring to dissect the legendary N64 classic—WWF No Mercy. It’s a game that’s more electrifying than a Rock Bottom and has more twists than a Stone Cold Stunner. But this isn’t just about button-mashing and joystick jiu-jitsu. Chris, Adam, and Josh are here to unravel the intricate connections between the digital squared circle and the real-world rumbles of professional wrestling. From powerbombs to power-ups, they’ll grapple with the game’s impact on the wrestling genre and how it managed to body-slam its way into the hearts of gamers worldwide. Prepare for a verbal Royal Rumble as they dissect the game’s character roster, match types, and those legendary “OH MY GOD!” moments that made WWF No Mercy a slam dunk for wrestling and gaming enthusiasts alike. So lace up those boots, polish your championship belts, and press play as Play Comics takes you on a journey down memory lane, where the only pins are the ones you aim for in the ring, and the only submissions are the ones that make you submit to the nostalgia. Get ready for a piledriver of fun in this bodyslammin’ episode that’s sure to leave you chanting, “This is awesome!” Disclaimer: No controllers were harmed in the making of this podcast. However, the same cannot be said for friendships lost during heated multiplayer sessions. Listener discretion is advised. Learn such things as: How can you fit so many characters into a game this size?How is this still the premiere wrestling game?How can Chris convince Kayleigh that maybe he is going to start watching wrestling?And so much more! You can Adam absolutely nowhere except for on Play Comics where he writes comic reviews and appears on other episodes. Of particular interest to listeners of this episode are The Gimmick #1 and The Job #1. You can find Josh on Twitter @joshgarvey and in some of the best places on the internet if you’re lucky. But you’ll have to find those yourself. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Talkin’ Comicx for the promo today. Be sure to also check out the Legacy Comix site for more awesome stuff. Like maybe The Job #1. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who is up way past his bed time.

In this pixel-packed extravaganza we’re diving into the realm of Mobile Suits, futuristic warfare, and enough Gundam drama to make soap operas blush. Yes folks it’s time to chat about the PlayStation 2 game “Mobile Suit Gundam: Journey to Jaburo,” a game that had us pressing buttons faster than a cat chases a laser pointer. But wait, there’s more! We’ve got a guest star shining as bright as the final boss battle. Joining us in the digital cockpit is none other than the fabulous Dan Carroll, captain of the Retro Wars podcast and a connoisseur of all things vintage gaming. Imagine Han Solo, but instead of navigating the Millennium Falcon, he’s steering us through the vast universe of Gundam lore. So grab your favorite joystick, charge up your beam saber, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through pixels and panels as we explore just how well “Mobile Suit Gundam: Journey to Jaburo” stacks up against its manga counterpart. Spoiler alert: of all the games that exist, it’s certainly one of them. Learn such things as: Should developers and publishers target games for new fans or the fan base that already exists?Why didn’t Japan share the big bulky robots with us more?Are these even robots? I mean, come on, there’s a pilot in there!And so much more! You can find the guest on Twitter @Retrowarsuk and eventually on YouTube as The Honest Pokemon Trainer. But always at the Retro Wars website. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomicscast on Twitter, @playcomics.bsky.social on BlueSky, and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Capes on the Couch as well as Reel Feels Podcast for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who didn’t notice that I messed with the stinger bit that I made from the intro music. Did you?

Greetings, fellow gamers and digital explorers! Today, we’re strapping on our Digi-Devices and venturing into the world of Digimon – because why catch ’em all when you can DIGITIZE ’em all? W e’re peeling back the nostalgic layers of the PlayStation classic, Digimon World 2. A game where the monsters are digital, the challenges are real, and the memory card space is always at a premium. But wait, there’s more! We’re not content with just battling in virtual arenas and exploring digital dungeons. At least not by ourselves. Joining us on this wild Digivolutionary ride is none other than Andrew Young, cohost of the podcast Behold! This gaming aficionado is here to share his insights, drop some knowledge bombs, and maybe even settle the age-old debate of Agumon vs. Gabumon. Brace yourselves, because we’re about to unravel the digital mysteries, level up our nostalgia, and possibly discover if Digimon ever learned to change a lightbulb. Learn such things as: How many things can be the best?Is there anything that Chris can’t turn into an allegory for our current world climate?How do you tell the world that you’re really confident in your game?And so much more! You can find Andrew by looking at the Behold! account on Twitter or of course the Behold! website. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics on Blue Sky @playcomics.bsky.social, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Time Shifters, as well as Radio Clash for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who still uses dial up internet.

The cool thing about comic creators is that they tend to like comics. Which means that whoever your favorite comic creator is probably has a favorite comic. But what happens when you find the source of basically everything? And can you get past the fact that it feels so cliche because it’s the source of all of the cliche feelings? Listen in as Allen Dunford comes by to talk about his favorite comic, which makes sense because he is a comic creator. But will this game give us an idea of why so many people love the manga? Or will it just rely on having a big sword and hoping that the cool factor there carries us through the story? Learn such things as: When do you probably want to spoonfeed the story to players?Do games need to tell a specific story to have a good story?Does it matter if you get spoilers for the overall comic story?And so much more! You can find Allen on Twitter @ChapsofFury. And of course there’s also the Top Hat Studios newsletter to make sure to stay on top of everything that he’s creating. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.  Use the coupon code “ireadshownotes” for 15% off your order. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Behold!, as well as Into the Knight for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who refuses to read this just because people say that it’s cool.

Holy poorly-rated superhero media! Get ready to dive into some of the murkiest depths of the Marvel universe as we analyze 2003’s not-so-stellar Daredevil offerings. First up in the hot seat is the Ben Affleck-led Daredevil film that premiered that very same year. Despite boasting major star power and promising early trailers, this big screen endeavor wound up being another dud, critically panned for an overly serious tone and absurd costuming choices. Then, we’ll switch gears to focus on the Game Boy Advance title based on the Man Without Fear, which sadly failed to convey the swashbuckling thrills of Daredevil’s comic book adventures. Made by pitiful publisher Encore, this game starred a blocky, pixelated DD slinging his billy club at an array of generic thugs and criminals. Gameplay was repetitive and uninspired, while graphics were subpar even by 2003’s standards. Yikes! To help us dissect these dual disasters, we’re joined by special guest Ryan from Fake Nerd podcast. Ryan will lend his wit and wisdom to evaluating these massive missteps in Daredevil history. Will we find any redeeming qualities in these offerings? Tune in to find out! Learn such things as: Is there anything good about the Affleck flick?What are the hard parts about building a game around a character not heavily represented in the mainstream consciousness?When are you basically forced to buy subpar media?And so much more! You can find Ryan on Twitter @DjTonySnark and his podcast The Fake Nerd Podcast on Twitter @fakenerdpodcast or the Fake Nerd Podcast website. If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in. If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.  Use the coupon code “ireadshownotes” for 15% off your order. Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix. You can find Play Comics @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook. A big thanks to Artie’s Attic: A Warehouse 13 Fancast, as well as Behold! for the promos today. Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who thought I was dead.