For the most part over the last few months, we’ve managed to keep our podcasting trio intact. Occasionally, however, either Thom or Adam will totally let everyone down and fail to appear on a weekly episode. Last night, Thom and I found ourselves in just one such situation, as Adam may have died (but we’re fairly certain…pretty sure…hopeful that he’s alive). That being said, allow me to present to you Episode 035 of Marooners’ Talk, “In Which We Mourn the Loss of Adam.” Hopefully this episode title does not end up being literal, after the fact. Read the full story

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We take a break this week from our normally scheduled video game discussion to focus on another topic near and dear to our hearts: comic books. Continuing our weekly production streak (three in a row makes it an official streak), episode 16 of Marooners’ Talk, titled “Avengers vs. X-Men and Other Comics Shit,” was originally intended to focus solely on the upcoming Marvel Comics Avengers vs. X-Men event. As is the case with nerds, however, the discussion quickly expanded to take in the entire topic of comic books in general (hence the “and Other Comics Shit” part of the episode title). Read the full story

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As we wrap up on Batman-month (which I hope is good enough to do again), I feel that it’s time we talk about the stories that are essential. Now, before I start rambling, I’m not talking about my favorites (although these are a chunk of my favorites), nor just when significant events happened (we’d be here all week going over all the significant events in Batman’s long history). These are essential not just for the plot, but for how they tapped into what makes Batman what he is, and why he persists after decades in print.

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The sad fact is, DC comics has only one truly popular film character, and it’s Batman. This is not to say that recent efforts involving Superman or Green Lantern weren’t fun or enjoyable. It’s just that Batman consistently sets the bar high, despite a few stumbles. So let’s talk about the Batman films, not so much a review as just a “what worked and didn’t” look. And for clarification, I’m only doing the only-theatrical movies, so no films of the series, nor the animated series film (I already covered that one).

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In 1993, Warner Bros. Animation and DC released the Dark Knight’s first full-length animated feature film in theaters, to critical acclaim and dismal box office results, mostly due to it just appearing in theaters. And believe it or not, it’s actually better than most of the live action films.

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Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel.

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I’m not here to undersell the storytelling in comics. I love the well-written stuff like Watchmen or Sandman. But one thing I do love from comics is the action, and that’s why I’m writing this article. This is my personal analysis of the best fighters in superhero comics. Now, keep in mind, the opinions stated are my own, and if you disagree, I welcome your comments (so long as it’s civil). Secondly, this is not a countdown. Thirdly, I’m going to attempt to figure out real-world martial arts that may actually be in use here. And finally, if your favorite superhero isn’t here, it doesn’t mean they’re not a good fighter, I just think these are the ones who have a legitimate style to it.

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I am a patriotic man at heart. I love this country I live in. Despite all its blemishes and past mistakes…hell, even some of its current mistakes…I think America is the greatest nation on Earth, created by taking in the best people on Earth. And on July fourth, we celebrate everything in America that is good and pure and explode-able in the most spectacular and flashy way possible. And so, in honor of our nation’s birth, we present a list of things that celebrate Americana in all of its ass kicking forms. Every one of these things just makes you want to hum the national anthem while slamming an apple pie down your throat, a feat which really might kill you, so don’t really try it. Read the full story

This time, we have the game tie-in to the Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds. But can I believe it? It’s fun?!

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There are times when I become horribly confused as to what the majority of critics are thinking. This is one of those times.

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