Is It Too Muchcast

Live from Chicago TARDIS! Jon moderates a panel with Nathan Laws and Nathan Skreslet to discuss the ever expanding universe of Doctor Who! How critical are the novels, audio dramas and comics to understanding the Who universe? Where do you start? What about contradictions of canon between media? And how many action figures can you have in your office?

Star Wars Rogue One

The Star Wars story is here! Jon, Steven and Elliott Serrano discuss SPOILERS on the fine line between stand alone story and prequel, whether the new characters hold up to old favorites and how this latest chapter compares not only to the 1977 original but the new established feel of "The Force Awakens". Plus, member berries!

Spider-Man: Homecoming trailercast

It's a big trailer week! Jon, Steven and Joe discuss the new "Spider-Man: Homecoming" trailer and how the MCU related film will distinguish itself from both the earlier Spidey films and the rest of Marvel Studios. then they cover the trailer for "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" with its reintroduction to familiar characters without a hint of plot. Also, the franchise which hides under the radar resurfaces with the "War for the Planet of the Apes" trailer. All this and "Thor: Ragnarok"!

Team TARDIS or Single Companioncast

Live from Chicago TARDIS! Jon moderates a panel with George Harris, Robert Smith and Tony Lee to find out whether "Doctor Who" works better as an ensemble or a single companion show. How does the dynamic serve the plot? Who's the companion everyone hates? What's the dream match? All this and comparisons to Star Trek abound!

Regretcast

What would you do for geekdom? Jon and Steven discuss the bad stories, outrageous purchases and insufferable movies they've had to endure all in the name of character loyalty. Plus, Jon slogs through the entire Spider-Man clone saga!

Geek's Guide to Unemploymentcast

So you lost your job. Now what? Is it a good time to binge watch? How will the loss of income affect your collecting budget? How do introverts sell themselves to employers? Jon and Bill Monroe share their experiences and offer advice to not only deal with the loss of steady work but to level up for the next opportunity.

Healingcast

It couldn't be avoided. Jon and Steven discuss the fallout from the election, what to expect in the next four years, what geeks need to fear and if bullying won. Then they try to focus on the positive with great news about Spider-Man's future in the MCU.

Doctor Strangecast

The next chapter of Marvel Studios is here! Jon, Steven and Dave Redfield discuss how magic now influences the established Marvel Cinematic Universe, how Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Stephen Strange stands apart from Robert Downey Jr. or Paul Rudd and if Marvel has a formula for origin stories after so many successes.

Batman Return of the Caped Crusaderscast

Adam West is Batman again! The new DTV animated movie "Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders" has arrived and it's like a big budget version of the 1966 series. Jon and Steven discuss the enduring appeal of the series, how it was rejected for years in favor of the dark, modern version of the character and how a new voice cast, the proper of Brave and the Bold and writers from "Scooby Doo" nail the tone of the original show.

Logan and Morecast

New "Logan" trailer! New "Star Wars: Rogue One" trailer! New "Guardians of the Galaxy" teaser! People seem to like "Doctor Strange"! Jon seems to hate eggs! All this plus a goodbye to Kevin Meaney and Steve Dillon.

Raquel D Apice

The author of "Welcome to the Club" is here! Jon and Raquel discuss balancing parenthood and stand-up comedy, getting less than four hours sleep a night and trying to make friends with entire families just to have a conversation with an adult.

Luke Cagecast

Sweet Christmas in October! Jon and Steven cover the Marvel series which crashed Netflix on its release, the blaxploitation homage of the series and inspiration for the comic, why white people should shut up, how the new Iron Fist trailer will affect the character and when Steven will watch episode 9. Plus, NYCC news!

Sam Johnson

From the UK comes the creator of "Geek Girl"! Sam Johnson talks the first issue of his new series, his love of the Doom Patrol and how flawless characters are the least interesting. Plus, a tale of 24 hour comic days, refrigerator specs and food poisoning.

Ghost Ridercast

Ghost Rider has moved from two failed films to guest appearances on "Agents of SHIELD". Jon and Steven try to discuss the character and Marvel Comics history with horror, but are more excited by Doctor Strange. Also, how Marvel's cinematic universe is actually three separate universes, Batman Day and Norm Macdonald.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Childcast

There's a new Harry Potter book! Kinda. David Brown stops by with a detailed review. Is it "Harry Potter: the Next Generation"? Or some weird time-wimey fan faction? Why is it a play and not a movie? And what does that mean for the actual Potterverse movie "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"? Plus, why it's all like Batman.

Star Trek 50thcast

"Star Trek" turns 50! Bill Monroe is back to talk how a franchise can remain timeless yet be a product of its era, how the new show will define its future and how it compares to that the long running sci fi tv franchise, "Doctor Who".

Stranger Thingscast

The Netflix hit "Stranger Things" just got renewed for a second season. Jon and Steven discuss the appeal of the series, whether it's 80's nostalgia or just good genre. Also, the mysterious Deathstroke video Ben Affleck posted and the impact of Gene Wilder.

The Tickcast

"The Tick" has returned on Amazon but nothing is the same. Jon and Steven welcome back David Redfield to discuss the indy comic of the 80's, the animated series of the 90's, the Patrick Warburton sitcom of the aughts and the new Serafinowicz version. Plus, ben Edlund's experience working with Joss Whedon, whether you can do a violent comic show with humor in the modern era and Dave's hospital stay.

Gene Ha

The legendary artist of Berwyn is here! Gene Ha stops by the studio for a lively discussion on what it means to capture the essence of a character, from his beginnings pencilling Batman and X-Men to writing and illustrating his creator owned project, "Mae"!

Batman: the Killing Jokecast

On the heels of a controversial DC feature film comes a controversial DC animated film! Jon and Steven welcome back Kevin Ryan to discuss the adaptation of the Alan Moore and Brian Bolland classic, how it holds up to the Frank Miller animated adaptations, whether the new material fits the tone of the book and why Bruce Timm has a thing for Batman and Batgirl getting together.

Suicide Squad

The next chapter of the DC cinematic universe is here! Has Warner Brothers learned the harsh lessons of "Batman vs Superman"? Does Will Smith bring his late 90's magic? Did reshoots help? And what of Jared Leto's Joker? Jon and Steven don't agree on any of it for about an hour.

Star Trek Beyondcast

The third film in the Prime Trek universe is here! Jon and Bill Monroe discuss what the loss of JJ Abrams, the disappointing "Star Trek Into Darkness" and the impending new streaming series have on this latest film. Does a Simon Pegg script make a difference? And, can a "Fast and Furious" director be subtle? All this plus Idris Elba.

SDCC 2016cast

Another Comicon has come and gone. Jon and Steven discuss what it would take to attend next year, the lack of comic books announcements, the video games already announced in play, the impressive showings of action figures and trailers! Trailers! TRAILERS!

Pokemon GObusters

Everyone's complaining about "Ghostbusters" and chasing Pokemon! Jon, Steven and Howie Weingarten review both and decide if either is a good or bad thing. Also, a toddler attacks!

Television in the 90's

Walter J. Podrazik invites Jon and Steven to the Museum of Broadcast Communications for a talk on the last decade of TV before the internet. He explains how America's self-confidence led to innovations in sitcoms and drama and how the 24 hour news cycle created reality television. Also, a look into the book he co wrote with Harry Castleman, "Watching TV"!

Mid Year Reviewcast

It's the 4th of July and Jon and Steven are taking the long weekend to think about 2016 so far. Does "Civil War" hold up to a second viewing? Are people still mad at Captain America? Do we still hate "Batman v Superman"? Plus, why Jon can't stop talking about Albert Brooks movies on Netflix!

Lucas Museumcast

George Lucas has left Chicago! The lucas museum will not happen in their town and Jon, Steven and Elliot Serrano have strong options about that. Also, Indy 5! Star Trek lawsuits! And the undying love Jon harbors for Peter Capaldi.

Spacefest

Joe returns from Tucson, Arizona with a report from the astronaut convention! What's a veteran of the Apollo missions like in his 80's? Why don't we fund NASA anymore and what does it mean for privatized space travel? Who's going to Mars just to get laid? All this and several tangents will be explored.

Noncast

Jon describes why there's no podcast this week, then kind of turns it into a podcast. He discusses how AMC's "Preacher" is going, the importance of Fantagraphics "Complete Peanuts" and why his Uncle Jimmy is the funniest guy he ever met.

Star Trek Through the Generations

Live from De Paul University! Jon joins Michi Trota, Wally Podrazik and Danette Chavez for a rounding discussion on what Star Trek mean in each decade it aired, and what the streaming series means for where it's going.

Capbirth Apocalypsecast

So much is going on! Jon, Steven, Joe and Elliot Serrano cover the knee jerk reactions of the internet over the latest Captain America story, what it means for Watchmen to share the DC universe with Batman and exactly how confusing the X-Men timeline has become with the new movie.

Capullocast

With the end of the New 52 comes the end of DC's most celebrated run. Jon and Steven look over the classic stories and near misses of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's long run on"Batman". Also, how the run created the perfect comeback for one of comics best pencilers after years on "Spawn".

Remembering Darwyn Cooke

Celebrated artist Darwyn Cooke passed away suddenly this weekend. Jon and Steven discuss the impact his style had on the comics community, from his work with Bruce Timm on Batman animated comics and the "Batman Beyond" tv series, his classic redesign of Catwoman, his revival of the Spirit, his beautiful recent variant covers and his masterpiece, New Frontier.

Captain America: Civil Warcast

Captain America and Iron Man may be at odds, but everyone in the studio agrees the movie is fantastic. Elliot Serrano, Jon, Steven, Joe, Tina and Lisa all gush over the nuanced characters, heart-wrenching moments and amazing visuals in a movie that could have easily been overstuffed. Plus, just how bad does this make Batman v Superman look?

Star Trek: the Celebrationcast

Star Trek comes to DePaul University and Dr. Paul Booth is here to tell us all about it! Paul discusses the glories and flaws of the franchise, how it adapts to each generation and what it means to wait for two separate versions of the universe at once.

Princecast

Jon and Steven deal with the sudden loss of Prince, which means a long discussion about the 1989 Batman film. They discuss his ability to sell anything with complete confidence, the oddness of the films "Purple Rain" and "Graffitti Bridge", Fred Armisen and Dave Chappelle's impressions and just how much new music he may have left behind in the vaults of Paisely Park.

Cinemaconcast

Cinemacon happened this week and a million announcements came with it! Dr. Strange trailer! Spider-Man: Homecoming! Suicide Squad reshoots! More Captain America: Civil War clips than you can handle! Can we blame Batman v Superman for all of it? Jon and Steven vote yes!

Norm Breyfogle

Norm Breyfogle was drawing Batman comics when the Tim Burton movie was released and his life was changed forever. It changed again in 2014 when a stroke cost him the use of his drawing hand. Jon and Norm discuss his rise in the Bat offices working under Denny O'Neil, his transition to Malibu comics with Prime and Metaphysique, how the stroke affected his creativity and why creating Anarky and the Ventriloquist paid off right when he needed it.

The Kitchen Sinkcast

Elliot Serrano is back to talk anything and everything as random blizzards happen outside the studio. BvS! Star Wars: the Force Awakens! Blu-ray vs. steaming! Monthlies vs. Comixology! #Robinlivesmatter!

Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justicecast

Well, we saw it. Jon, Steven and Joe discuss the plot holes, inconsistencies and character ugliness of DC's most anticipated movie over a glass of bourbon. Guess what we thought of it.

Daredevil Season 2cast

While Steven goes to C2E2, Jon binge watches the Netflix Daredevil series for a special 13 chapter podcast! Hear Jon's first reactions to each episode, his reaction to Jon Bernthal's take on the Punisher, and when he fails to predict where the plot is heading.

Civil War Trailercast

The second trailer for the third Captain America movie is out but the internet only cares about Spider-Man. Jon, Steven and Joe talk what could be adapted from the 2006 miniseries, how this very packed movie compares to the trailer for BvS and how Benedict Cumberbatch's Doctor Strange will fit into an already complicated cinematic universe. Also, reprints!

Rated R Superheroescast

Since the success of "Deadpool" everyone wants a rated "R" movie, form "Wolverine" to "Batman Vs. Superman"! We discuss the implications of childhood heroes becoming adult, from Vertigo and Max to "Blade" and "The Crow". Also, is DC the Burger King of comics?

What We Spend Our Money Oncast

With a slow news week and a lackluster Oscars, Jon and Steven focus on their wallets. From Marvel Omnibuses to Hot Toys action figures, we discuss how you can have too much of a good thing, how Gen X is now creating the products they wanted growing up and if back issues are really worth secondary market prices with so many reprints available.

DC Rebirthcast

DC is rebooting. Again. Jon and Steven talk the end of the New 52, Geoff John's announcement, what this means for 90's DC characters that have fallen by the wayside and how every hero eventually gets replaced.

Deadpool Moviecast

After six years of development hell "Deadpool" is finally here! SPOILERS abound as we discuss the big questions. Was it worth the wait? Did it need to be rated "R"? Can we forgive Ryan Reynolds for "Green Lantern"? Plus, how does Steven feel after hating the character for 20 years?

Fabian Nicieza

The creator of Deadpool is here! Jon and Fabian share an unfiltered talk about the chaotic days of the early 90's X-Men offices at Marvel, how he introduced layers of complexity and humor into a surface-level mercenary and his time writing Batman for the Distinguished Competition.

X Files 2016cast

"The X Files" is back and so is Geek Girl Chicago! Jon, Steven and Lauren Faits talk the massive ratings for the first two episodes, the welcoming arms of nostalgia and the flaws of the new series that were clearly present ion the classic run. Also, what Moffat's departure means for the future of "Doctor Who"!

CEScast

Bill Monroe is back from CES and has a lot say about it. Virtual reality! Self driving cars! Porn! Also, why bruce Wayne won't move out of Gotham and Hasbro's blatant Rey problem.

Kelley Jones

The definitive Batman artist of the 90's is here! Jon spend an hour with Kelley talking his transition from cover artist to interiors, his love of single issue stories, his revamp of Mr. Freeze and living his lifelong dream of drawing Len Wein Swamp Thing stories!

Teen Titanscast

The "Titans" pilot is cancelled at TNT while "Teen Titans Go" remains a monster hit at Cartoon Network. Jon and Steven discuss the many iterations of the book from a #1 selling title to failed reboot after failed reboot. Also, is there enough DC on TV?

Crossovercast

2015 has crossed into 2016 like a giant size limited series with 52 tie-ins. Jon, Steven and Dave ring in the new year with a look into the events that make make the comic industry move, from Secret Wars and Crisis to yearly X and Bat sagas to inter company clashes like Batman/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.