Episodes

  • The Golden Age: Action Comics #1 & Marvel Comics #1
    Dec 10 2019
    Two companies stand at the forefront of comics book publishing. While this is common knowledge, a good majority of readers may not have experienced the seminal issues that laid so much of the groundwork for what would come in the 80+ years that were to follow. This time on The Cape Gauntlet we'll be going back to the late 1930's. We'll be taking a look at Action Comics #1 from National Allied Publications and Marvel Comics #1 from Timely Comics. While Action Comics debuted Superman, Marvel Comics debuted the concept of the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner; both of which would become staples in each company's future. Action Comics #1 The cover of Superman's first appearance in Action Comics #1. As we touched on in the last episode of The Cape Gauntlet, National Allied Publications released Action Comics #1 in 1938. It tells the story most of us know, about a baby being rocketed from his dying planet to Earth, where he is adopted, becomes Clark Kent and Superman, and saves the day. While the story is familiar to many of us, there are some differences that are the basis of what the character would become as more writers and artists got involved in fleshing him out. For instance, Superman's power set isn't as wide-ranging as more recent iterations. We see that he can leap 1/8 of a mile, hurdle 20-story buildings, "raise tremendous weights", outrun a train, and "that nothing less than a bursting shell could penetrate his skin". We also don't see any mention of kryptonite. We do, however, see the first appearance of Lois Lane, who would become the love interest for Clark Kent and Superman as more stories were published. One interesting fact is that Action Comics wasn't just about Superman, as most readers might think, given the current run, in which he is the main focus. No, in 1938, the book was an anthology and Superman by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster was just the first story. While most of the other stories never grew to be much more than a strip in this series of comics, a closer look shows the roots of another character: Zatara, the father of current DC Comics magic-user Zatanna, who would become an ally of Batman, a hero we'll touch on in a future episode. Marvel Comics #1 Human Torch debuts on the cover of Timely Comics' Marvel Comics #1. Timely Publications released their first book, Marvel Comics #1 in 1939. In it, they debuted the Human Torch. He was created by Carl Burgos, but he wasn't the smart-Alec kid brother, Johnny Storm, when he made his first appearance. In fact, he wasn't human at all; he was a "synthetic man" built by Professor Horton, who is worried he's created a monster. Once a couple of press members see the android burst into flames after being exposed to oxygen, they demand the professor destroy it or face "the power of the press". After receiving a second opinion from the Scientists' Guild, Horton realizes he has no control over the Human Torch and decides to "entomb him in a concrete block". This is supposed to buy him more time so he can find a way to fix the Torch and not destroy his creation. As time passes, however, the concrete block explodes caused by an ever-so-slight leak that gave the Torch oxygen. As the Torch runs through the town, we see that he is much more human than the professor first let on, as he asks himself, "Why must everything I touch turn into flame?" Firefighters attempt to extinguish him, but to no avail. The Torch runs off to put himself out in a nearby pool which happens to belong to Sardo, a bad guy who decides to use the android's ability to commit insurance fraud. The Human Torch misunderstands Sardo's intentions and, after being set free, goes after the crook. During the fight, a canister of nitrogen extinguishes the flames and proves the android is invincible after he's shot in the head and the bullet melts upon contact. Sardo, as a last-ditch effort, tries to throw a vat of acid on the Torch, only to kill himself in the process as it reacts to t...
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    7 mins
  • Mutant Rebirth: X-Men ’97 Season Review | GEEK THIS!
    May 18 2024
    Previously, we reviewed the first two episodes of Marvel's X-Men '97, the highly anticipated revival of the classic animated series. Now, we’re back to cover the entire season, discussing the new challenges our favorite mutant heroes face. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode is packed with insights into what makes X-Men '97 a standout in the world of animated superhero shows. Episode Highlights: The nostalgic return of Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey. Key moments and plot twists that define the season. How X-Men '97 stays true to its '90s roots while appealing to new audiences. Important Update: We'll be taking a short hiatus through June 2024 due to an incredibly packed schedule. Don't worry—we'll be back with more geeky goodness soon! Be sure to follow us on our social channels for the latest updates and sneak peeks of what's coming next.
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    44 mins
  • 1990s Nostalgia: TV Shows, Movies, and Growing Up Geek | GEEK THIS!
    May 10 2024
    We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit the pop culture that defined our childhoods in the 1990s. Join us as we reminisce about the iconic TV shows and movies that shaped our tastes, from Nickelodeon classics to Disney favorites. We reflect on what it was like to grow up in the 90s, the influence of these early experiences on our current geekdom, and how some of these shows and movies still hold a special place in our hearts today. Whether you were a Nickelodeon kid, a Disney fan, or somewhere in between, this episode is a fun and heartfelt celebration of 90s pop culture.
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    47 mins
  • They’re Back, Bub: X-Men ’97 Premiere | GEEK THIS!
    Mar 20 2024
    We dive deep into the much-anticipated premiere of Marvel Animation's X-Men '97. We explore the legacy of the original animated series and how this new installment aims to revive the classic with a fresh perspective. We discuss the impact of the original X-Men series on pop culture, its enduring influence, and what fans can expect from this new chapter. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of X-Men, this episode has something for everyone as we revisit the past and speculate about the future of Marvel's animated universe.
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    42 mins
  • Riding the Sandworms: Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE Series
    Mar 15 2024
    We watched DUNE: PART TWO, so we have to talk about it! Also, we've decided to take an unedited approach to the show. If you like it, let us know. If you hate it, let us know! What we're geeking this week PlayStation Portal Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Delicious in Dungeon (Netflix) AI-Generated Show Summary The episode begins with host Dave Clements greeting the audience and joking about a beeping noise that startled him. His co-host, David Hunt, chimes in, albeit a bit awkwardly, realizing the limitations of podcasting—namely, that the audience can't respond to his queries. Dave Clements is going through the keto diet again and is struggling with cravings, particularly when seeing foods he can't have because of his diet. David Hunt sympathizes, noting how difficult it is to diet with children at home who aren’t following the same eating plan. The conversation shifts to what the hosts have been up to. David Hunt shares his experience playing Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core and talks about his new PlayStation Portal, which allows him to play when the TV is occupied by his child. Dave has returned to rotating streaming services, settling on Netflix with ads to save some money. He mentions a new anime he's watching, "Delicious in Dungeon," which combines elements of Dungeons and Dragons and food—a recommendation he makes despite the challenge of starting keto. Their talk turns toward Netflix streaming, with Dave Clements expressing his frustration over rewatching shows when his preference leans toward new content. The two friends joke about their partners rewatching their favorite shows on streaming services. The conversation then leads into the main topic of the episode: a review of Denis Villeneuve's Dune films. Both hosts disclose their lack of exposure to the Dune universe before the recent films. Dave attempted to watch the 1984 version by David Lynch but couldn’t get into it. David Hunt hadn’t seen the earlier film, mini-series, or read the book, and his knowledge was primarily through secondary sources like the Sci-Fi Christian podcast. Approaching Villeneuve’s "Dune Part One," both hosts were excited. David Hunt hadn’t seen it in theaters due to life getting in the way but caught up on the first film right before the second one was released. Dave watched Dune as soon as it came out on HBO Max, but it took a few tries to get through it without falling asleep. Dave discusses the grand visuals and designs of the movie and the use of practical effects. David Hunt expresses that watching the second movie helped him better appreciate the first one, as they should be watched as a single entity. Both hosts find the movie visually stunning and well-acted but admit the storyline was dense and at times hard to follow. Turning the discussion to "Dune Part Two," Dave says he enjoyed Paul's character more this time because of his character arc. However, he struggled with understanding some of Paul's motivations and actions. He appreciated Zendaya’s character and was impressed by a big twist in the film involving Paul’s mother. Dave mentions being impressed by the sandworms, sharing a piece of trivia about the failed attempt to utilize practical effects for a riding scene ultimately generated digitally. He’s intrigued by the larger universe and is open to exploring more of it. Before closing the episode, the hosts invite their audience to send feedback and content suggestions. They address that previous episodes can be found on the podcast website and hint at re-releasing earlier content. The hosts express their love for engaging with their listeners and mention potential future series on other movie franchises. The episode ends with the hosts bidding farewell until the next episode.
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    46 mins
  • The Last Wave: Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom
    Jan 12 2024
    We say goodbye to the DCEU, but does it go out like a powerful tsunami or end up like a beached whale?
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    57 mins
  • Glorious Purpose (Loki S2 Ep. 4-6)
    Nov 29 2023
    The end of Marvel Studio's Loki has come and we have opinions. We also touch on The Marvels and the What If...? Season 2 trailer. Much like the Loki series finale, we're jumping all over the place, but we get there in the end! What we're geeking Invincible S2 (Amazon Prime) Wendigoon (YouTube) Rating Marvel Studio's Loki Season 2 David's Rating: 4/5Dave's Rating: 3.5/5 Support the podcast We've started a Patreon. It's only $1/month and you get access to our unedited audio and Discord community!We'd love for you to join us!
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    38 mins
  • The Sacred Timeline So Far (Loki S2 Episodes 1-3)
    Nov 10 2023
    This episode contains spoilers for Loki Season One and the first three episodes of Loki Season Two. When we last left Loki Laufeyson, Thor's adopted brother and regular villain of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he had caused a bit of a problem in The Sacred Timeline. Especially when one of his variants, named Sylvie, killed a figure only known as He Who Remains. In Season Two, Loki partners up with Mobius M. Mobius, time-traveling in an attempt to save The Sacred Timeline while Sylvie tries to destroy it and live her own life. In this episode we discuss the first half of Loki and dig into where it may be going.
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    36 mins