Monkey in the Cage Productions

For gamers and geeks alike, comic books are essential for building up your geek street-cred.  While we here at Monkey in the Cage are a little behind the curve on mainstream comics, we're working to fill the holes in our geek game every week.  Join us this week as we talk comics and comic artists, both big name and independent, with our special guest, designer and illustrator Dennis Salvatier.  We talk everything from the comics of our golden age (the 90's) through the books that influence and entertain us today.  Squeeze into your spandex, fasten the clasps on your cape, and get ready for a wild ride on this weeks all new episode of Monkey in the Cage! (01:23) - We talk about "electrifying" sports and Ramses is obsessed with the search for paranormal truth. - Ultimate Tazer Ball, Fact or Faked and Finding Bigfoot. (06:24) - Zombie Streetfighter Deluxe!  Matt brings you geek news, in his own uniquely archaic fashion. - Zombie Mall Experience, Marvel vs. Capcom II, and AD&D Deluxe Reprints. (10:46) - Karen reports on how lucky (and confused) the UK is and Robert channels his inner Katniss, plus surprise success for a random movie. - The Avengers, Archery, and Battleship. (17:13) - When he isn't illustrating and designing awesomeness (like our logo), Dennis spends some quality time with, what else, comics! - Swamp Thing, Alan Moore be crazy, and The Walking Dead. (22:01) - Robert talks about forced dreaming and forced media consumption. - Sigmund App and Adventure Time. (26:42) - It's topic time!  Robert starts with a look at the best of the best from the early 90's, while Karen recalls her foray into comics a decade ago and her current superhero backlog. - Jim Lee and Chris Claremont's X-men, Neil Gaiman's The Sandman,  Avengers vs. X-men, and The New 52. (33:21) - "I'm the GODDAMN (psychological-nuclear-bomb-of-a-dysfunctional-father/father figure-vigilante) BATMAN!"  - Batman and Robin, Damian Wayne, the many incarnations of Robin, plus Brad Meltzer and Rags Morales' Identity Crisis. (39:45) - We discuss the 90's as a watershed era for comics and the evolution of comic art. - Image Comics, Todd McFarlane's Spawn, Mike Mignola's Hellboy, digital/motion comics.  Plus, John Buscema's Savage Sword of Conan and Goseki Kojima's Lone Wolf and Cub. (49:55) - We discuss unique art styles and  artists as well as the new age for  writers that bring our favorite stories to life. - Ben Templesmith, 30 Days of Night, Steve Skroce, Richard Stark's Parker, The Walking Dead, Vertigo Comics, Todd Lockwood, and Tony Diterlizzi. (57:38) - The double-edged sword that is cover art and we ask Dennis about his preferred medium and possible . - Brian K. Vaughn's Y: The Last Man, the purity of the sketch, and Jim Lee is a busy, busy man. Closing Song - I Wanna Live in a World Full of Heroes - written and performed by Kirby Krackle . . . . .

With the meteoric success of The Walking Dead and the subsequent weekly zombie vacuum left on Sunday nights, we here at the podcast (and most everyone else out there in pop-culture land) can't seem to get enough of the rotting, cannibalistic dead come to f*ck up the humdrum routine of society.  Joining us this week are two very special guests  - actor/writer and voice of Red Dead Redemption's Bill Williamson, Steve J. Palmer as well as comic artist Guy LeMay, creator of Z-Blade XX, Zombie Headhunter, and The Entity Knights - as we discuss zombie movies, games, and the genre in general.  Stock up on supplies, shine up your bullets, and pay attention because you're going to want to change your zombie apocalypse plan after listening to this week's episode of Monkey in the Cage! (01:20) - We start this week with introductions from Steve and Guy and a look at their geek resumes. - Rockstar Games, Strong Guy Comics, Atomic Basement, The Ghosts of Marko Darc, Viper Comics, The Rabid, and Dead@17. (03:21) - Robert has been living the SoCal IT lifestyle - traffic and programming - while Matt has become a minion of Zee Captain! - Mass Effect and Romantically Apocalyptic. (06:47) - Ramses gives the group a collective heart attack with his delicious snack news and product placement blasphemy! - Pizza Hut Hot Dog Pizza and James Bond's new drink. (11:50) - Guy and Karen talk comics while Steve reveals he's hooked on Felicia Day('s webseries). - DC Comics: The New 52, Batman and Robin, Identity Crisis, Dragon Age: Redemption, and IDW's Star Trek. (17:00) - Before biting into this weeks topic, we open the mics to Steve and Guy as they discuss their zombie related work on the upcoming film, From the Trailer to the Grave, plus the need for votes for both funding and a charitable cause related to the short film Undead Lovers, entered in the Wyoming Short Film Contest.  Plus, Robert is REALLY interested in zombie lovin'. (30:50) - We segue right into the topic as Karen starts the discussion on our favorite zombie films and the different approaches made in bringing the genre to "unlife". - Shaun of the Dead, Fido, Zombie, and Dead Snow.  Also, Zombie Strippers gets a mention, but not because it's good. (34:06) - Guy talks about one of his all-time favorites and a source of inspiration, Matt hates fast zombies, and we discuss zombies close to Steve and Guy's hearts.  - Dawn of the Dead, 28 Days/Weeks Later, Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare, and Call of Duty: Nazi Zombies. (39:03) - Matt discusses his love of the original zombie film and we discuss gore, style, and the traumatizing of generations of children. Night of the Living Dead, Sink or Swim, and Zombieland. (44:14) - Robert leads off a discussion on remakes  within the zombie genre, Steve leads us on a great follow-up tangent from last week, and Guy reveals something he really wants to draw. - REC, Quarantine, Dark Shadows, and perhaps the greatest zombie kill scene ever in Dead Alive! (49:50) - We discuss zombie comics and Guy's evolving art style. - The Walking Dead, The Entity Knights, and is Rob Liefeld a dick? (52:43) - We discuss the ever-evolving zombie genre and what it means for fans and fanatics alike. - George A. Romero, zombie parasites, the psychological/personal trauma of zombies, Zombies vs. Vampires vs. Werewolves, and I Am Legend.  Plus, Men in Black III?? Closing Song - Dirty Susan - written and performed by The Peculiar Pretzelmen . . . . .

We all love an original, right?  Be it a movie, a TV show, a book or a game, there is nothing quite like the Real McCoy.  The OG.  The Numba One Stunna... or something...  But, what happens if an original is remade or rebooted?  What is it's (probably) worse?  What if it's (surprisingly) better?  Should it have even been done?  Join us this week as we tackle these hard-hitting, earth-shattering, humanity influencing questions while looking at the entertainment industry's remake obsession.  Hide yo kids, hide yo wife, and hide those bootleg cable movie VHS's, because it's all about to get REMADE UP IN HERE, on this weeks new episode of Monkey in the Cage! (00:57) - Robert's a maniac, maniac, on the floor and the future is now(ish)!! - Kinect Dance Central, The Legend of Korra, and Google Glasses. (07:01) - Matt can't stop the nerd temptation but sniffs out some free ways to spend time alone on his Android. - Frank & Son Collectible Show, Jay Company Comics, the elusive and talented Aneel, and Skyfall. (13:37) - Karen's been in small business tax hell, but has stayed plugged in to the hot stories in geek entertainment. - Adam West, Catching Fire Rumors, X-Men: First Class Sequel, and the Geek & Sundry and Nerdist Channel premieres. (21:01) - Ramses brushes up on his Spanish and hates status updates. - Draw Something, a situation update on The Situation, Robocop Statue Kickstarter, plus celebrity birthdays and The Queen Mum! (27:19) - It's topic time!  Ramses starts us on a particularly high note, so we potentially can only sink deeper into the world of remakes and reboots and is Hollywood out of ideas? - The many incarnations of Batman, Superman Returns, Psycho, and we debate the Planet(s) of the Apes. (34:40) - We ponder on the successful remake/reboot approach to Robert's least favorite genre, Westerns. - True Grit, 3:10 to Yuma, and The Man with No Name Trilogy.  Plus, Cowboys = Samurai! - Yojimbo, A Fistful of Dollars, Last Man Standing, Seven Samurai, and The Magnificent Seven. (37:32) - Karen reveals that remakes are old news in Hollywood, Matt fails at naming movie stars and their proper billing, and Ramses brings out our nerd rage. - Scarface, The Maltese Falcon, The Manchurian Candidate, The Karate Kid, and Hip-Hop Annie?  Seriously!?! (41:38) - Robert keeps the Rage Train rolling and the creep factor gets turned to 11! - The Star Wars Prequels, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and other things Tim Burton. (44:33) - Things take a turn for the better, or do they?  Also, Ramses starts the "Keep your MOTHER TRUCKING HANDS OFF" list. - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Brady Bunch, The Goonies, Stand By Me, Gremlins, Jurassic Park, Big Trouble in Little China, and Bloodsport. (49:56) - Remakes and reboots everywhere! - The Evil Dead, Red Dawn, Escape From New York, Ocean's Eleven, The Incredible Hulk, and X-Men: First Class. (55:35) - Don't forget games! - Monopoly, Super Mario Brothers, God of War, Medal of Honor, The Legend of Zelda, plus Ramses "outs" Robert and Matt hates on Nintendo. (59:30)- And books for with which to read! - Shakespeare, Film Novelizations, and The Fountain. Closing Song - Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) - performed by JAY-Z . . . . .

Have you ever wanted to completely expand your gaming horizons, but never really had the courage to?  Well, you're not alone!  Join us this week as the Monkey in the Cage crew brainstorms over all manner of gaming and storytelling ideas we have yet to face.  We've got a little bit of everything to pique your gamer curiosity.  While all the ideas may not be new or untested, they sure are strangers to us!  So, shine up your non-genre specific armor, ready your temporarily indiscernible  weapon, and prepare your as yet determined dice and /or card-like implement as we delve into this week's discussion on unique gaming ideas! (00:49) - Now that Ramses finally has a Facebook page, he's spending more time online and is bringing the internetz news to us! - GameStop vs. Gamecube, Gentle Giant Ltd. and Sucker Punch, plus Triplets! (05:50) - Robert takes on for the team and spends his week in his version of movie entertainment hell, but there was a silver lining. - Cowboys and Aliens, Kung Fu Panda 2, The Fantastic Four, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1, and a discussion on various aspects of the Mass Effect series. (10:13) - PODCAST ASSEMBLE!!  Matt talks about the movie news the whole world already knows, as well as some groundbreaking (in his opinion) developments in video and tabletop gaming... Better late than never! - Anchorman 2, Dust 514, and Dice+. (17:40) - This week, Karen broadens her comic horizons while also expanding her independent art interests.  Geek girls rule! - DC New 52 Omnibus, Avengers vs. X-Men, ComiXology, The New Deadwardians, and the art of Steam Crow! (25:22) - It's time for this week's topic discussion as Robert steps his brain away from the table to look at real world gaming scenarios... LARPing, anyone? - Assassin, Vampire: The Masquerade, and Draw Something??? (28:46) - Matt spoils his own GMing ideas, Karen tries out new writing techniques, and Ramses loves Bruce Willis' hair. - Time Travel, Nonlinear Narrative, Surrogates, and Dollhouse. (35:48) - Options, options, options! - Robotech, Multiple Player Characters, and creating other player's characters. (40:28) - Ratchet up the tension, turn cold-blooded, and ditch the combat? - Paranoia, PvP, the all-evil campaign, Tremors, Skill Based Gaming, and Call of Cthulhu. Plus, Robert loves plot twists that kill children! (45:23) - Who is the most heroic PC ever?  You are! - Creating yourself as a PC, World of Darkness, d20 Modern,  and Ramses is REALLY into alien probes... (49:04) - Fighting monsters or killing zombies getting old?  Karen leads the discussion on Player Survival modules while Robert gets in touch with his animal (read: Furry) nature. - The Colony, Gilligan's Island, and Simulation Games. (52:13) - Ramses reveals his affinity for thinking (way) outside the box, while Robert makes a stronger case for convincing us he is a true super villain. - Time Bandits, Flux Family Secrets, Punk'd in Time, Innerspace: The RPG, and a Heist module.  Plus, Inception! (56:47) - We close it out with Karen getting super-Meta, Robert taking the discussion to a dark place, and Matt has Avengers Fever! - Cross-genre Gaming, Games within Games, Custer's Revenge, and Mutants & Masterminds. Closing Song - Afternoon Delight - written by Starland Vocal Band, performed by the Anchorman Cast . . . . .

Spring is here, and what better way to start than watching teenagers savagely murder each other on national television?  Better yet, there is The Hunger Games!  If you've been living in a cave you might as well stay there because it's all about Katniss, Peeta, and The Capitol's greatest spectacle.  Join the Monkey in the Cage crew this week as they discuss their thoughts on both the book and the film while also being thankful for not starving and fighting to death.  Impress those Gamemakers, get plenty of Sponsors, and be sure to watch out for those Tracker Jackers if you plan on surviving this week's episode on The Hunger Games.  May the odds be ever in your favor! (01:07) - Robert got "Girlfriended" this weekend and ditched the Monkey trip to the movies, but he kept his geek cred by keeping up on the happenings this week. - MolyJam 2012, @PeterMolyDEUX, Snow White & The Huntsman and regrettably, Breaking Dawn 2. (07:08) - Matt fights illiteracy (his own) and makes questionable gaming choices. - Snow Crash, Catching Fire, Dispatches From Wondermark Manor, The Storm and The Fury, and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. (13:31) - Ramses joins the digital age and experiences a peculiar brand of "geekism" at the comic book store.  It's like socially awkward, colorblind racism... (21:00) - Karen talks about The Hunger Games kicking Twilight's ass at the box office, plus, listener e-mails! - Stuff You Should Know Podcast, SETI@home, and support for our troops! (26:48) - It's time to talk about The Hunger Games!  ** If you do not want to be spoiled on aspects of the book or the movie, you should probably stop listening here, but please, do come back!**  Now, on with the discussion! (28:41) - The discussion starts off on whether or not the book successfully translated to film, how seeing the story rather than imagining it was effective, and the execution of a different narrative to tell the whole story. - Katniss, Rue, President Snow, Cinna, and Haymitch. (35:52) - Robert expresses his concerns about potential love triangles and character integrity, Matt might be sexist, and we discuss how the setting comes to life, plus shaky-cam!! - Peeta, Gale, The Hob, District 12, and The Capitol. (43:20) - We talk about the elements that were cut, those that were added, and some of the pieces that went a little sideways or confused Matt. - Avoxes, Muttations, The Game Center, and Capitol technology and weaponry. (50:39) - We discuss the aspects of some of the other tributes, the ironies of the story, and what the story and movie are not. - Cato, Clove, Career Tributes, Thresh, and Battle Royale. (57:23) - We collectively praise Jennifer Lawrence for her acting and "archerist" skillz and also pity and relate to Foxface and the fate of Cato. Closing Song - Safe and Sound -written and performed by Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars . . . . .

Well, July is just around the corner.  You know what that means!?!  San Diego Comic-Con!   Wait, what did you just say?  You didn't get tickets?  Well, neither did we.  Luckily, we were able to take advantage of WonderCon's temporary relocation to Anaheim, California this year and we're here to bring you a little taste of our WonderCon 2012 experience.  Join us this week as we discuss some of our favorite experiences on the convention floor this past weekend, as well as our take on how WonderCon stacks up to the nerd-fest that is San Diego.  Grab your three day passes, hit the ATM, and don't forget your poster tube (seriously, don't) as we bring you WonderCon 2012! (01:09) - When he's not cross-dressing, Matt is keeping an ear open to the happenings around WonderCon. - Looper, The Nerdist Channel, Tournament of Nerds. (06:35) -According to Ramses, comics are for nerds, but extraterrestrials are where it's at, plus Adults Only zombies, failed predictions and toys! - Are We Alone, SETI@home, The Walking Dead, and the Square Enix Batman. (12:35) - Robert shops like a pleb, regrets reading fantasy, debates writing Slash Fic, plus gender-bending.  Say what!?! - Journey, Ed Greenwood Presents: Waterdeep, and Captain Jack Sparrow. (18:16) - Karen gets the group back on course (and away from Matt and Robert's ambiguous sexuality) to report on more of the awesomeness coming out of WonderCon. - Geek & Sundry YouTube Channel, Wil Wheaton Tabletop, The Guild, Chris Hardwick, Casa de mi Padre with Louis Carazo, and American Vampire. (24:44) - We jump right into the topic like geeky salmon swimming up a nerdy stream!  We talk how awesome it is to shop and connect in Artists' Alley. - Pao and HANGBoY, Liana Hee, Brittney Lee and James the 7 year old artist! (31:09) - Centaurs, Manticores, Epic-Level Shedus, oh my!  Robert leads us into our discussion on the look, feel, and execution of WonderCon vs. San Diego ComicCon, plus nerd stank, hurricanes, video games, and more! - Capcom, Dragon's Dogma, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, (38:45) - All the Monkeys agree, less people means more quality geek time, stronger fandom and fan-bases, and depleted bank accounts. - Girls With Slingshots, comiXology, Wondermark, Sam and Max,  Monkey Island, and Symbiote Studios. (45:27) - Gamers get their game on in a meta-petting zoo and we judge some who let their freak flag fly. - Munchkin, Malifaux, HeroClix, Magic: The Gathering, and Checkers, plus Boba Phat Pimp Boba! (49:31) - If you poke around long enough, you can also find out some really awesome stuff getting produced, check out games, beg for freebies, and fill your stomach! - Kill Shakespeare, The Adventures of 19XX, Assault on Ultima Thule, and Cryptozoic Entertainment's Locke and Key Game.   Closing Song - Don't Stop Believing - written and performed by Journey

Do you love being a Slum Lord and driving everyone into bankruptcy?  Perhaps you prefer attempting to save the world from simultaneous E. coli, Bird Flu, and Gonorrhea outbreaks? Or is a night of inadvertently insulting your friends in the name of fun your cup of tea?  If you answered yes (or no) to any of the above, then do we have the podcast for you!  Join us this week as we discuss traditional vs. niche board games whilst narrowly avoiding certain death!  It's Robert with the knife in the podcast studio on this week's shiny new episode of Monkey in the Cage. (01:39) - What do saving the world, vengeful samurai, and sexually deviant demons have in common?  It's the sum total of Ramses' week. - Wormwood and 13 Assassins. (06:13) - Robert contemplated gambling with his life and reports on the best version of the worst prequels of the greatest franchise ever! - Doritos Locos Tacos and Topher Grace: Editor. (10:21) - Matt's excited for some sweaty man-on-man violence and he actually reads! Plus, a sneak peek at next weeks show. - The Ultimate Fighter, The Hunger Games, and WonderCon. (15:29) - Karen is feeling old this week as we talk all things Joss and the group discusses questionable (and exhausted) castings. - The Avengers, The Cabin in the Woods, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Lone Ranger.  Plus, George Takei's Happy Dance! (24:55) - Robert and his questionable verbal skills kick off this weeks topic as he and the group define what is traditional or niche in the world of board games. - Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders, and Trivial Pursuit vs. Settlers of Catan, HeroQuest, and Forbidden Island.  Plus Clue, Uno, and Cranium. (35:08) - Robert gets stabby as Ramses poses the question of player interaction in niche games and those that have crossed over. - Munchkin, Mutant Chronicles, Apples to Apples, and Castle Panic. (41:44) - Are traditional games boring, or do we as gamers need to grow up?  We weigh in (and think haters are gonna hate). - Scrabble, Pictionary, Arkham Horror, Pandemic, and The Walking Dead. (45:30) - Ramses hates history, while Matt and Robert play by (with?) themselves. - The Downfall of Pompeii, God's Playground, Opera, Power Grid, Axis & Allies, and Shadows Over Camelot. (48:20) - We discuss the unique aspects of the new line of Wizards of the Coast board games. - Legend of Drizzt, Castle Ravenloft, Wrath of Ashardalon, and Lords of Waterdeep. (51:13) - We discuss some of our favorite games; past, present and sexy? - Balderdash, Loaded Questions, Battle Masters, XXXopoly and more! Closing song - Runaway - written by Del Shannon, performed by Luis Cardenas

We all love being "in it" when we're around the gaming table with our friends.  Whether it's slaying dragons, hacking supercomputers, or saving any number of fantastical worlds from nefarious villains, there comes a time to pack up the books, put away the dice, and get back to the humdrum routine of real life.  However, the fact of the matter is that when we leave the gaming table, the gaming experience goes with us. Join us this week as we discuss the ways in which gaming influence us away from the table with our special guest and long-time friend, actor Louis (Louie) Carazo.  Catch him in theaters March 16th in the new Will Ferrell comedy, Casa de mi Padre, but first, take a listen at how gaming has influenced the Monkeys when they aren't roleplaying it up! (01:27) -Thanks to Gamerstable, Robert admits one of his guilty pleasures and spends some... quality(?) time in front of the TV with Blue Mountain State and Conan The Barbarian. (04:36) - Matt sends some love out to all the TV-philes (and gun enthusiasts?) out there with some great news about PaleyFest.  Also the death knell for D&D 4th Edition is ringing. (10:44) - Ramses has something other than podcasts to listen to!  He talks about his new love of Donald Glover as Childish Gambino.  Plus, the greatest version of Monopoly EVER! (15:15) - While Louie is almost overcome by his superfandom of the podcast, he keeps it together and shares with the group his current geek loves,  Battlestar Galactica and Dungeons & Dragons.  The next of his list?  Doctor Who! (22:29) - Do you love zombies?  Do you love to run?  Do you have a smartphone?  If so, Karen has the app for you! - Zombies, Run!  Plus, Karen gets SPOILED!!!!  Damn you AMC, damn you!! (28:36) – We delve into this weeks topic and look at the ways gaming influence us away from the table.  Matt reveals that gaming is a form of therapy for him, Karen uses it as her creative expression, and Louie gets us talking about collaborative storytelling and it’s way of keeping our imaginations primed. (37:15) – Not only does gaming help one to tap into who they are internally, it also provides to tools to branch out, make friends, and form close knit bonds.   Karen and Robert discuss gaming as a social experience and discuss the bonds that form at the table.  Ramses and Matt delve into the sense of community and the sanctuary that gaming provides. (44:05) – While gaming provides us with all manner of fun and excitement and serves as a great social outlet, Karen opens up and explains how gaming taught her to step outside of herself when she needed to most.  Louie explains his theory of what Karen is saying.  Robert  discusses the negative aspect of gaming and talks about his time in “the matrix.” (50:17) – Ramses gets the group pondering on how gaming helps with dealing with the unexpected, Louie talks character death, multiple GM’s, and party size. (53:40) – Gaming as the doorway to literature and life experiences. Closing Song - Freaks and Geeks - written and performed by Childish Gambino

Can you imagine a world where J.R.R. Tolkien never wrote The Lord of the Rings? What would things be like if D&D stood for Deficits & Depressions, where we all played as corporate money-launderers and greasy politicians in the high stakes world of corporate finance?  Thankfully, we don't have to think of such horrid things!  Join us this week as we discuss the heart and soul of gaming and geekdom, fantasy settings.  Swash your buckles, sheathe your swords, and definitely gird your loins for this week's discussion, because it's coming at you like at 10d6 fireball! (01:11) - Matt's been the monkey in the cage two weeks in a row, but he spent some quality time with the TV:  Southland, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report with rounds of Muffin Knight in between. (03:35) - Robert brings us the first round of geek news:  a RoboCop re-boot, X-Men: First Class, and The Catlin Seaview Survey all get discussed. (06:33) - Ramses is whoring his ears out to more podcasts than ever before:  Mike and Tom Eat Snacks and Judge John Hodgman have made the long but distinguished list, plus The Hunger Games! (12:11) - Karen brings us some more awesome entertainment news and the Monkeys respond to some listener e-mails:  The Governor casting, Community lives, George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire (aka Game of Thrones), and Story Forge. (20:06) - We dive right in like Gandalf fighting the Balrog.  Ramses leads off the discussion as we discuss our ideas of what makes a fantasy setting:  The Forgotten Realms, High Fantasy vs. Low Fantasy, Star Wars, Eberron, and Middle-earth. (26:07) - Gods walk the earth and the colors are great, but is writing easier in a fantasy setting and what happened to the Gilded Age?  Plus, we talk races and racism in fantasy gaming:  God of War, Enslaved, The Society of Odin, Conan, Shadowrun, and Steampunk are all discussed. (36:56) - We discuss whether or not fantasy is played out (pun intended) - Dungeons & Dragons,  Ravenloft, Planescape, and Mouse Guard. (43:56) - We discuss non-typical fantasy settings like the Final Fantasy franchise, Dystopian worlds, and the beloved Firefly/Serenity series.  Plus, Ramses might be a secret Furry, Robotech was not Evangelion, and what about zombies? (51:24) - We discuss the accessibility of fantasy genres for gamers and non-gamers alike and how you can always come home.  Plus, characters be crazy! Closing Song - Through the Fire and Flames - written and performed by DragonForce  

Join us this week as we "talk the walk" and look at one of our favorite subjects of entertainment, The Walking Dead.  We jump right into the zombie apocalypse and discuss the things we both love and "meh" about the AMC hit, the similarities and differences between the comics and the show, and go SPOILER CRAZY in the name of good conversation and entertainment.  So, barricade the doors and windows, lock and load those earphones, and be wary of other survivors as we discuss The Walking Dead!  **WARNING - SPOILERS AHEAD!** The first half of the show is spoiler free though so feel free to download and listen, we warn you before we start the spoiler discussion. (01:16) - Since Matt was busy writing this week, he lucked out with covering some geek news.  Coming to a device near you: Angry Birds in Space.  Also, John Carter hates women, and Gary Gygax deserves a statue, dammit!! (07:37) - Robert must be looking for a career change as he reviews How to Archer, revisits L.A. Noire, and finally watched Van Helsing.  Something tells us he might want to stick to IT... (11:53) - Ramses may be cheating on Karen with Siri, taunts Matt, and is forcing us to spend our money.  He talks about Monster Mayhem and Hero Academy on the iPhone, Lords of Waterdeep, The Dungeon Survival Handbook, The Rise of the Underdark, and more D&D miniatures!  Who's a bigger jerk, Ramses or Wizards of the Coast? (15:58) - You heard it here first (but probably not)!  The Walking Dead Videogame is coming! (17:43) - Karen and the group talk Comic Book Men and what it REALLY means to us geeks.  Karen judges you, Kevin Smith (but we still love you)!  Oh, and one more thing... MATT IS FINALLY RUNNING HIS GAME!!!!!!! (23:27) - Spoiler disclaimer for your ears and eyes!!!  Stop listening here and don't read any further to keep you "honor" intact! (24:30) - Since we couldn't go forward in time and watch Triggerfinger, we're talking about the mid-season premiere Nebraska and how it's bridging the gap.  Plus, pivotal character Shane... Yeah, he be crazy. (31:30) - You know the saying "You never get a second chance to make a first impression?"  Better hope you aren't from Philly when the zombies come... (36:17) - When it comes to survival, it's always good to surround yourself with capable people.  So, what are we supposed to do with Lori Grimes?  Three words:  Worst Survivor Ever!  Plus, are zombies more hazardous to your health that previously thought? (42:30) - We make some bold predictions for the end of the season, talk about T-Dog the token black guy, and what might be fate of the group.  Oh, and Karen hates Carl. (46:41) - Zombies are bad but The Governor is really bad...  Is he going to make an appearance, is it Merle and what would that do to Daryl? Bad news folks, bad news... (50:09) - We discuss the TV show characters vs. their comic book counterparts - Shane the character catch-all, the trials and tribulations of Dale, and Glenn is the man.  Also, don't think we forgot about survivor #1, Rick Grimes or the fact that silver linings are bathed in blood and rot.  The apocalypse is no bueno. (1:00:34) - The end of season 2 is going to be fast and furious and the end of the world is coming so stock up! - Gerber Gear Apocalypse Survival Kit, The Walking Dead Board Game, and Ramses is Patient Zero. Closing Song - Zombie - written and performed by The Cranberries

This week, we are joined by George Cordero (@TheRealmCast), editor of The RealmCast and member of the Frank and Sons Collectible Show crew, to discuss our personal picks for best and worst superhero movies.  George brings his wit and extensive movie knowledge to the table as we hash over the good, the bad, and the super ugly that is the world of superhero movies.  So, fire up the Bat Computer, strap on your matching cape and underroos, and tell Alfred to hold all your calls as we plow headlong into this week's topic like The Blob at a buffet.  Enjoy! Who doesn't love a great superhero movie?  There is nothing better than seeing the heroes we know and love come to life on the big screen, and with Joss Whedon's The Avengers coming to theaters this summer, we here at the podcast are geeking out of our noses with excitement, even this early in the year.  Watching our favorite superheroes leaping from the pages of comics and graphic novels to bring action and adventure to life is quite enjoyable, but what not all superhero flicks are as super-powered as their title characters. (00:58) - Ramses has been sweet talking the internets, and she's given up some of her gossip for his efforts.  God of War 4 seems to be lurking over the horizon, with potential multiplayer ramifications and he drops some details about the upcoming release of Sony's new PlayStation Vita.  None of us are sure if we'll be buying, but we'll gladly accept donations.  Plus, it's way prettier than Rumer Willis! (02:42) - When he isn't with his mistress the internet, Ramses has been keeping up with FOX's Napoleon Dynamite animated series.  Starring Jon Heder, Aaron Ruell, and Efren Ramirez, it has everything from moon boots to sword-wielding Ligers.  Don't let the critics fool you, because if Ramses likes it, it's gotta be top-notch television, right? (04:10) - Our guest George is a huge toy collector and is hip to the goings-on in the toy world.  Recently, he made sure to hit up his local Target retailers to get the new figures for the G.I. Joe Renegades animated series.  The Hazard Viper was his latest score and he reveals some of the ins and outs of the marketing-retailer relationship in the toy world.  We think the safe bet is that his toys are WAY better than his kids... as it should be. (06:00) - Thanks to Ramses, Matt gives the group his thoughts on the new ABC replacement series, The River.  The LOST/Crocodile Hunter/Paranormal Activity mash-up is creepy and exciting, and it has a high production value and a freaky ass doll tree, so you know Matt is hooked. (09:14) - It turns out it was a ghost-filled weekend for Matt as he also went and watched Harry Potter vs. Bellatrix Lestrange... no, wait... The Woman in Black, that's it!  Starring Daniel Radcliffe and based on the novel by Susan Hill, it had some genuine good scares and high creep factor.  Matt's opinion:  Not like The Grey and ghosts are straight up jerks! (11:28) - And we thought ghost's were dicks!  Robert brings up George Lucas' retcon of Han shot first, stoking the fire of Matt's nerd rage.  George tries to be the voice of reason and conviction and points out that 'N Sync could still be in The Phantom Menace, but even this is not enough to hold back the tidal wave of rage, both from and at Matt.  Thankfully, George prevailed and Indiana Jones will be preserved. (18:30) - Now that we've exhausted the a-holeness of Lucas, Robert sniffed out a rumor that Amazon.com may be in the process of creating a technocentric brick and mortar store.  Look out Apple, you and your hipster fanbase may have some competition coming! (19:14) - Karen brings some phenomenal (that's for you, George) casting news from Middle-earth!  Billy Connolly was recently cast as Dáin II Ironfoot in the upcoming release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and Disney's Brave.  We know Karen wanted to throw some dwarf love Matt's way, but she probably should have just thrown a real dwarf at him.

In this day and age of online gaming and social media, we geeks have it sweet in the ability to jump on our PC's or consoles with people from around the world and wreak havoc upon AI foes or one another in any number of settings no matter what time of day it is. Whether it's banding together for a raid in World of Warcraft, or failing miserably to save the world in a game of Pandemic, one of the best gaming experiences a gamer can have is when teamwork with you closest friends brings sweet, sweet victory or amusingly humiliating defeat. Join us this week as we shotgun blast your ears with our numerous (and we mean numerous!) experiences with Co-Op gameplay. From video games to board games to tabletop RPG's, we hit it fast, hard, and chaotic, just like Leeroy Jenkins himself. Plug in and listen up, because the Co-Op memories just keep coming!

As gamers and geeks, we are also creators and innovators.  Whether it's writing a campaign, rolling up a new character, or working on any sort of artistic and commercial endeavors, we all look inward and outward in order to fuel the creative process.  This week, we look at what drives each of us individually when it comes to finding the inspiration that turns our creative gaming sparks into (hopefully) artistic bonfires.  So, settle in, listen up and grab something to write with.  As you're about the hear, if we've learned anything it's if you don't write it down, you might as well kiss it good-bye! P.S.  Since you're reading this, take a gander at our new logo, courtesy of Dennis Salvatier at Salvatier Studios and let both us and Dennis know what you think.  Enjoy! (00:49) - If there is anything all geeks love more than anything, it's exercise, right??  Well, it really should be and if you make it part of your routine (and by if we mean when, us included) the upcoming Nike+ FuelBand is tech definitely worth checking out.  Get a geekout with your workout! (02:58) - If you've been listening to the Podcast, you know we've had a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with Tiny Tower.  Turns out Zynga loves it and is rolling out it's own version, Dream Heights.  Can you say intellectual property?  Check out a side-by-side comparison here, and be the judge yourself. (05:23) - What is the absolute best way to separate a geek from their money?  Well, it's a convention, of course!  Speaking of conventions, with the success of World of Warcraft, Star Craft II, and the upcoming release of Diablo III, what better way for Blizzard to celebrate and market to it's fans than holding it's annual BlizzCon, right?  Guess again!  Robert drops the PC bombshell regarding Blizzards questionable marketing move.  Jay Mohr is gonna be pissed!! (07:30) - Matt made good on his movie promise and saw Wolf Puncher (aka The Grey) this weekend.  Far less wolf punching than to be expected (much to the chagrin of the group) but there is no lack of wolf-on-man action to be had.  He liked it, but probably shouldn't have watched it on meds.  Oh, and wolves mate for life - fact courtesy of Robert. (08:58) - Matt also sat down with his new copy of Witchfinder Volume 2, which left him less than impressed.  It's got zombies, cowboys, and witches but the John Arcudi / John Severin match-up  wasn't enough to keep Matt fully engaged, and he's easy to please, just ask his wife! (11:29) - Ramses was glued to the tube this week and was awarded(?) with an awkward and less-than-hip-hop ending to Master of the Mix.  He also started watching season 3 of White Collar on USA and engages the group in a discussion of the neverending Real World/Road Rules Challenge tv show.  He truly is a sucker for bad reality tv. (14:28) - Okay, not all reality tv is bad.  Ramses has also been watching An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List on the Science Channel.  Starring Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington, it sounds like a must watch show full of awesome activities thrust upon the socially awkward and inept.  If we could afford it, we'd be sure to subject one another to the same sorts of circumstances.  Plus, Breaking News!  Vinny is back on Jersey Shore... and no one cared... except Ramses. (17:15) - This could be the ultimate geek dream come true!  Karen reveals that Wizards of the Coast's new Forgotten Realms Character Creation Contest could place your very own Player Character smack dab in an upcoming comic series.  The upside is bragging rights, the downside... probably the prize itself... (18:58) - Karen talks the upcoming production of L.A. Noir (no relation to the game) on TNT, spearheaded by former The Walking Dead executive producer and the mind behind the Webisodes, Frank Darabont.  Rumor has it Jon Bernthal may sign on for the pilot and possible series.  **Spoiler**  He may leave the AMC heavy-hitter.  Oh Hollywood,

As gamers and as geeks, we love the fantasy genre. We've spent countless hours reinventing ourselves around the table, rolling out polyhedral dice whilst performing heroic deeds and living out the plots and schemes within well-developed worlds filled with adventure and excitement. The opportunity to play Dungeons & Dragons is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of the geek lifestyle, and it can also be one of the most expensive. If you're a gamer or know someone who is, you're well aware of the investment in gaming products one can make, followed by the investment in time and energy it takes to run a game as well. You would think that, given the attention and investment made by gamers and players the world round, the same could be said for the production of a film labelled with the name of one of the most storied gaming franchises ever. Yeah, so did we... Join us this week as we take time to review the Dungeons & Dragons movie released in 2000. While we admit that we are far from timely in watching and reviewing the film, we felt it was our duty as gamers to overlook our previous apprehensions and view the surprisingly-worse-than-we-thought train wreck that is based on our beloved game. Jump in your time machine and head back to Y2K with us as we review and recall all the reasons we never saw this movie in the first place!

One of the best parts of a new year, besides failing miserably at your resolutions by the second week of January, is the start of a whole new convention season.  Whether you are rabidly anticipating the "Geek Mecca" that is San Diego Comic-Con or like to keep it low-key and hit up your local favorites, we here at the Podcast love conventions, large and small.  From awesome (to awesomely bad) cosplay to getting mad-dogged by The Incredible Hulk himself, Lou Ferrigno, hitting the convention circuit and reporting back to our listeners is definitely a top priority for the podcast monkeys this year. Join us this week as we welcome our most seasoned Con-goer and close personal friend, The David from the Greenlandic Powerpop band The Maxies, as we recollect some highlights from convention trips past.  Grab your daily passes and stack up your swag while we dive into this week's look at the convention experience.  It's both chaotic and fun, just like the convention floor! (01:44) - We throw the opening out to our "special" guest, The David, as he talks about playing the recently released Metal Gear Solid HD Collection in chronological order.  He's also caught up in the depressing behind-the-scenes lives of WWE wrestlers.  Suicide-induced boss battles, fighting bees underwater, and racism in Mexico??  When David tells it, it's funny no matter what! (06:21) - Ramses has finally finished the visually stunning Uncharted 3 and is ready to race Matt to the end of Batman: Arkham City.  He's also fighting illiteracy by starting The Hunger Games while Karen has finished the second book, Catching Fire.  Also, the group brings David up to speed on the premise of the novels.  Kids killing kids??  David's in.. (10:04) - Karen has also been keeping up with graphic novels, having finished  Joe Hill's Locke and Key: Volume 1.  Magic doors, ladies in wells, and creepy gore can only mean one thing, Karen found new bedtime stories for her son!  The more therapy your child needs, the more successful a parent you are, right?? (12:47) - New year, new game!  Since everyone can't fully believe Matt about his game, Robert has been warming up in the wings with the Shadowrun RPG.  However, Cyberpunk ATM hacking in Neo-Tokyo or Seattle is going to have to wait if Matt has anything to do with it... We're still waiting, Mr. Fuller.... (14:54) - When he isn't preparing to (potentially?) pick up Matt's slack, Robert  has also been catching up on HBO's Game of Thrones series, and is particularly enjoying the gratuitous boobage that is involved.  HBO and boobies in the same sentence naturally leads to a discussion of Boardwalk Empire, Steve Buscemi's lack of sexiness, and the massive dong-fest that is Spartacus: Blood and Sand.  Maybe the porn Karen bought Matt for Christmas shouldn't have come as such a surprise... (16:55) - Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II has also spent some time spinning in Robert's PS3, but has proven to be a little less than fulfilling as the original.  Maybe some Han Solo killing DLC or some more costume changes can satisfy him.  Dongocles "The Bro" Starkiller in the house! (18:33) - Matt's been making the final sprint in home-improvement projects before his knee surgery, which will force him to attend to his geek duties.  Weeks away from a custom gaming station / writing desk have him thinking in shades of the über-awesome (and SUPER expensive) furniture available at Geek Chic.  Also, being gimpy will leave him stuck on the couch, so it'll be the perfect opportunity to catch up on The Walking Dead trades, Batman: Arkham City, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and, oh, maybe WRITE HIS DAMN GAME!  Good luck with the Post-Op lifestyle, she-bro! (23:00) - You know what's awesome?  We are.  You know what's 1,000 times more awesome?  Our listeners!  We're giving a big shout out this week to listener and friend of the podcast, artist Dennis Salvatier - the creative and industrious mind behind Salvatier Studios.