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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……Continue Reading

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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!Continue Reading

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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!Continue Reading

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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.Continue Reading

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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.Continue Reading

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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.Continue Reading

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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?Continue Reading

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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!

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Get ready for a dragon duel of epic proportions! In this corner, we have Dragon Power, the janky NES game that tried and failed to cash in on Dragonball mania. And in this corner, we have the original Dragonball manga, which captures all the absurdity and excitement that Dragon Power completely whiffed on! Let’s get ready to ruuuuumble!

Please give a warm, silly welcome to our special guest judge for today’s podcast, the one and only Kyle “Game Genie” Federline! When he’s not dropping hot takes on the K&K Indie Gaming podcast, Kyle spends his time teaching his kids about the wonders of games from his childhood and trying to find gaming’s biggest hidden gems in the indie scene. Get ready as Kyle lends his unique blend of gaming wisdom and snark to judge today’s retro showdown!Continue Reading

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There’s something just so endearing about The Smurfs. Mostly I think it’s because it’s just such a simple concept. Little blue dudes have an adventure and it all wraps up nicely by the end. Seems pretty safe and kid friendly doesn’t it?

Yeah, that’s what I thought too. Good thing I have October K Santarelli here to help blow some of those ideas out of the water. Listen in as we take a dive into Smurf history and explore some of the dark secrets of these little blue demons.

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Sometimes I just wonder why even got some games. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them, that’s not it at all. But licensed games where we don’t really know the franchise? And game genres that aren’t able to carry the game by itself? And doing it all on a disaster of a console where it seems like nothing could be done right. I know I’m sounding super negative right now but I think that is part of the charm of Magic Knight Rayearth.

And you know who else thinks so? Satsunami from the Chatsunami podcast. Listen in as we take a look at this hidden gem of a game about a hidden gem of an anime and manga property that we just couldn’t appreciate when were first exposed to it back in the 1990sContinue Reading

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I’ve decided that I just really like fantasy stories. I’ve decided that a lot in the past, and I’m deciding it again right now. There’s just something about a writer being able to ignore all of what’s actually possible in this world and yet still having to make something that’s internally consistent with the story that they want to tell. Something about an artist being able to make characters that just couldn’t happen here in anyway, be it through crazy anatomy that just doesn’t play nicely with Earthly physics or the fact that if an alligator was really on a team with a rabbit one of them would get eaten pretty quickly and we all know which one that would be.

Let’s scratch just about all of those itches at once with an episode where I talk to Grant Stoye about his Kickstarter series, and also upcoming Scout Comics book Sidequest! Listen in as we get to some of the hows and whys behind this wonderful story and try to figure out how Chris didn’t know about it sooner.Continue Reading

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It all comes back to Spider-Man doesn’t it? The cultural saturation of the character in a lot of English speaking societies. The relatable nature of the character (and to be perfectly honest, most of the Spider people characters). The fact that the first Spider-Man trilogy was the first thing since the 90s Batman movies to really hit such a mainstream audience is no coincidence.

So how do we get a look at what Spider-Man means to people? Oh, I don’t know, maybe get a guest like Keifer from Select and Start to come and give us a look at what both this 2004 game and the movie that it ties in with? Yeah, that seems like a good idea. I should pat myself on the back for doing exactly that.Continue Reading

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Spy stories are spy stories. And yet we still love them. There’s just something about spies that sits well in our hearts. Because in the end, spy stories are about an individual overcoming a situation where everything is stacked against them. So while spy stories might have a lot of the same elements running through them, there’s a big variety in how those elements are used and woven in and out of each other.

Listen in as Cory Byrd from Byrds Eye View Comics helps to take a look at Golgo 13 Top Secret Episode. We discuss his connection to the Japanese culture, manga in general, and Golgo 13 means in the grand scheme of history.

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REFIRE TIME! We’ve looked at the Ninja Turtles before. We’ve had a few episodes about them even. But let’s be real, the podcast was in its infancy and I didn’t really know what I was doing with the show yet. So how can we remedy that?

Well Anthony Sytko has an idea. How about we get him specifically on the show to take a look at the Cowabunga Collection? I hope you think that’s a good idea because I already recorded it. Listen in as we take a look at the Cowabunga Collection as a whole and try to figure out just what makes this one so perfect.Continue Reading

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It’s the year [insert future year here] and mankind has probably destroyed the Earth because of course they did. How did we/they get here/there? Don’t know, and there’s a ton of lore to figure out before we can know what happened. War is a mess y’all. It’s not like you can just read a few books and know exactly what happened.

Good thing we have my friend Erinn here to help sort things out. Listen in as we try to make sense of, well, everything in the Gundam universes and probably miss some things because there’s so much of it and we only have so much show to talk about it in.Continue Reading

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Some of the most important things I have right now are things that I’ve always had. Mostly my stuffed Snoopy that I’ve had since I was little. And while having him to hold on to has helped in a lot of situations, what if he was actually able to physically fight off demons and monsters?

Listen in as Tayson Martindale comes to talk about his comic The Keepsakers, a story that explores that exact theme of your childhood friends actually being some of your biggest protectors. (Hopefully) Coming to a comic store near you March 29th and brought to you by Invader Comics.Continue Reading

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Wrestling is in the middle of a quiet cultural renaissance. Sure, we’re not exactly seeing a return to the high-water marks of the 1980s or the Attitude Era of the late 1990s, but wrestling’s getting big again. One of the best ways to see how this particular form of entertainment is sparking the imagination is by looking at your local comic shop. Titles like Do a Powerbomb and Wrassle Castle have brought wrestling into the four-color world, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the squared circle’s presence in comics. Ahoy Comics’ THE GIMMICK (Joanee Starer, Elena Gogou) is another great example of how well comics and wrestling can go together.Continue Reading