The Geek Awakens Podcast

For this installment of Guilty Pleasure/Dumpster Fire, we crash into 2011's "Drive Angry," starring Nicolas Cage and Amber Heard.    The Pull List "The Other Jay and Eve" (Silver Sprocket) by Emma Jayne and Ashanti Fortson   Follow us!

"Angel/Hunter" is a new dark fantasy manga from the team of Rich Davis and Les Garner. The series focuses on a group of humans as they seek freedom in a world dominated by fallen angels. Oh, and kaiju. Rich talks about the making of "Angel/Hunter," what he's got coming up and much more.   Check out the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/angelhunter/angel-hunter   Follow us!

"C.R.I.T.: He Who Would Be King" is the latest issue in the "C.R.I.T." series, which follows a group of friends who become superheroes. Creator Chris Sahloff talks about how "C.R.I.T." started, what's next for Homebrewed Comics and more!   Back the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/homebrewedheroes/crit-he-who-would-be-king   Follow us!

"Stillwater" comes to TV, Lin-Manuel Miranda goes out to the ballgame and Mitch goes to the Bronx Zoo. But, before all that, Tabitha surprises us with Brunch in a Jar "sippin' cream."   The Pull List "Dark Regards" (Oni Press) by Dave Hill and Artyom Topilin   Follow us!

Caleb Palmquist returns to the Artist Alley Spotlight to talk about the latest issue of "Unicorn: Vampire Hunter," about a unicorn named Edward who -- you guessed it -- hunts vampires. If you haven't started reading this, you can get caught up with the latest Kickstarter, which ends on May 9!   Back the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/giraffe-design/unicorn-vampire-hunter-1-8   Follow us!

Look, we're just as confused about chicken jockeys as you are. But at least we have info on "Hamilton" and "Immortal Legend Batman" to make up for it.   The Pull List "Hey, Mary" (Oni Press) by Andrew Wheeler and Rye Hickman "Station Grand" (Oni Press) by Craig Hurd-McKenney and Noah Bailey   Follow us!

It's been a little bit but we're back! To start things off, we had our annual trip to C2E2. This year, we talked to TJ Klune, Ray Nadine, Stacey Kade, CMSA eSports, and Cynthia Pelayo. Oh, and we spent some time at The Catcade.   The Pull List "The Freak" (Oni Press) by Matt Lesniewski   Follow us!

Black History Month may be over, but Mitch and Matt are here to discuss a graphic novel about late civil rights leader John Lewis, while pairing it with two wines from a Black-owned wine company. One of these days, Mitch will get the hang of editing in a timely fashion.   The book: "March" (Top Shelf Productions) by John Lewis, Andew Aydin and Nate Powell The drink: Touch the Sky (Niagara) and Hard Knock Life (Concord) from Love Cork Screw   Follow us!

2009's "Avatar" has been a hot topic around the TGA offices for years now. So it's only fair we FINALLY give it the Guilty Pleasure/Dumpster Fire treatment. The Pull List "Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave" (Oni Press) by Justin Jordan and Chris Shehan   Follow us!

After some time off, it's like we all forgot how to talk.   Even though it's still a couple months away, we are so pumped for C2E2. We also have updates on Buffy, Rooster Teeth and what Chuck E. Cheese is doing for the Superb Owl!   The Pull List "Cruel Kingdom" (Anthology from Oni Press) "Rick and Morty: Maximum Trio" (Oni Press) by Brockton McKinney and Jarrett Williams   Follow us!

Mitch and Matt are back with a festive comic that gives a different take on the legend of Santa Claus. The Comic: "Klaus" (Boom Studios/Grant Morrison/Dan Mora) The Drink: Christmas (Irish creme, peppermint schnapps, vanilla vodka, milk, garnished with a candy cane)   *Note: Mitch's normal laptop is in the shop, and he didn't think to copy our normal intro/outro. Oops.*   Follow us!

Chicago TARDIS is the Midwest's biggest "Doctor Who" convention. This year, we got to check it out and do some really fun interviews in the process. We talked to Taylor Deatherage about the con in an Artist Alley back in November.   Interviews with: DePaul Doctor Who Everything's Shiny Jake's Robotics Pixel Who   Follow us!

For this month's Guilty Pleasure/Dumpster Fire selection, we take a closer look at the 1996 Christmas "classic," "Jingle All The Way."   The Pull List "Crimehot" (Silver Sprocket) by Alec Robbins "Belly Full of Heart" (Silver Sprocket) by Madeline Mouse   Follow us!

From "Wicked" to Wonderverse to Chicago TARDIS, this episode is all about the things that knocked our socks off (and some that didn't). We also look ahead to 2025. Happy Holidays, y'all!   The Pull List "Demons: Rise and Grind" (Silver Sprocket) by Hyena Hell "Hobtown Mystery Stories, Vol. 2" (Oni Press) by Kris Bertin and Alexander Forbes   Follow us!

What happens when every person on Earth gets their own genies? Chaos. Sweet, beautiful chaos. Mitch and Matt break down this 8-issue series while drinking (Matt's first) DIPAs. The comic: Eight Billion Genies (Image Comics/Charles Soule/Ryan Browne) The beer: 8 Billion Genies (Half Acre Beer)   Follow us!

The 1999 movie "Election," starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick, is a story about a race for student body president gone ALL wrong. But, is it a guilty pleasure or a dumpster fire?   The Pull List "Rick and Morty: Old Man Morty" (Oni Press) by Alex Firer and Fred C. Stresing "Calavera P.I." (Oni Press) by Marco Finnegan   Follow us!

After the last few weeks, what even is life anymore? We try to cheer ourselves up with news on "Voltron," "Twilight of the Dead" and a Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest. The Pull List "Adieu Birkenau: Ginette Kolinka's Story of Survival" (SelfMadeHero) by JD Morvan, Victor Matet, Richard Efa and Cesc Dalmases "Madame Choi and the Monsters" (SelfMadeHero) by Patrick Spät and Sheree Domingo "Covenant, Vol. 2" (Oni Press) by Lysandra Vuong   Follow us!

Chicago TARDIS is the Midwest's largest "Doctor Who" convention and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Mitch talks with Taylor Deatherage, who does communications and social media work for the con. Mitch and Taylor discuss some of the guests and panels for this year, as well as some of the other fun things Chicago TARDIS has in store.   Chicago TARDIS takes place November 29-December 30 at the Westin Chicago in Lombard, Illinois.   Follow us!

We try to save our weirdest story for last. This week, Tabitha, Matt and Mitch all brought their A-game.   The Pull List "Bloody Mary" (Silver Sprocket) by Nick Winn "Sectaurs" (Oni Press) by Dennis Culver and Ramon Bachs "Dwellings: All Hallow's Eve Special" (Oni Press) by Jay Stephens   Follow us!

"Atrium" follows Naomi and Darnell, two paramedics tasked with delivering a donor heart but their running against the clock and are being chased by dangerous assassins. Writer Steve Bynoe gives us some behind-the-scenes details on the comic, as well as his work with Comix Asylum.   Check out the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comixasylum/atrium-1-5-an-action-horror-thriller/     Follow us!

"So-Called Living" is a comic book about Jack. Just a normal guy living a normal world. Except he's recently become a vampire. Writer Mark Maia talks to us about the process about the book, his background in video games and just what is up with all these bunnies.   Check out the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/so-calledliving/so-called-living-books-3and4   Check out Mark's YouTube channel, Board Game Coffee, here: https://www.youtube.com/boardgamecoffee   Follow us!

Little Monsters is a 1989 movie starring Fred Savage and Howie Mandel about a kid who becomes BFFs with a monster under his bed. We discuss this movie and decide if its a Guilty Pleasure or a Dumpster Fire.   The Pull List "The Skin You're In" (Silver Sprocket) by Ashley Robin Franklin   Follow us!

This week, we have spooky news on a Velma Halloween episode, a new show based on r/nosleep and -- checks notes -- a live-action "Rugrats" with CGI babies?   The Pull List "Army of One," Vol. 2 (Oni Press) by Tony Lee and Yishan Li   Follow us!

"Future Tales" brings some of the most well-known fairy tales and re-imagines them in a steampunk/post-apocalyptic setting. Mitch talks with the author, Philip Tarl Denson, about the creative process behind "Future Tales," as well as some of his other work.   "Future Tales" is available now from Wild North Comics. Pick up your copy here: https://www.wildnorthcomics.com/futuretales   Follow us!

In between errbody making fun of Mitch, we have info on a Sonic/Justice League crossover, Lance Bass getting in the Halloween spirit, a Matchbox cars move and more!   The Pull List "I Felt Myself Slipping" (Oni Press) by Ray Nadine   Follow us!

We're ba-ack!   After a little time away, your favorite(?) fangirls and fanboys have returned. We've got info on a new Carmen Sandiego game, a new life for "Empire Records," a new excuse from George R.R. Martin and MUCH more!   Question of the geek: What canceled TV series do you think deserves a second chance?   The Pull List "Toxic Summer" (Oni Press) by Derek Charm "Dying Inside" (Vault) by Pete Wentz, Hannah Klein and Lisa Sterle NOTE: "Dying Inside" deals with heavy subject matter, including self-harm and suicide. Our discussion of this graphic novel starts at about 17:35. If the subject matter is triggering for you, skip to about 23:55. If you are experiencing these feelings yourself, Hope for the Day (https://www.hftd.org/find-help) has a wonderful resource guide to many hotlines around the world. In the U.S., both the Crisis Text Line (741741) and Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) are also great resources.   Follow us!

We're still *technically* on hiatus but it's been nine years since we started casting this pod and we wanted to celebrate with a round of "Guilty Pleasure/Dumpster Fire" on 2015's "Mortdecai."   The Pull List "Cruel Universe" (various) and "Epitaphs from the Abyss" (various), both from Oni Press   Follow us!

Caleb Palmquist steps back into the Artist Alley Spotlight to talk about his new book that re-imagines Medusa as a modern-day treasure hunter.   Check out the Kickstarter here before June 28!   Follow us!

T Swift is maybe joining the MCU, Hugh Jackman is kinda joining A24 and Holly Hunter is definitely joining "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy." But all WE wanna do is join Max the Cat's graduation party.   The Pull List "Beyond Real" (Vault) by Zack Kaplan, Fabiana Mascolo, Dennis Menheere and Jorge Corona "Rick and Morty: Kingdom Balls" (Oni Press) by Josh Trujillo, Ryan Little and Jarrett Williams "The Sixth Gun" (Oni Press) by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt   Trailer Takedown Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F   Follow us!

Hanky Panky tells the story of Sam and his sentient handkerchief as they try to save their new friends -- and the world -- from a murderous top hat. Writer and director Nick Roth joins Mitch to talk about what went into making this modern classic.   Follow us!

"SWAT: Eldritch Blue" is an upcoming comic on Zoop about a group of outcasts and wizards who track down monsters in St. Louis. Mitch chats with the writer, Justin Coke, about the Secret Wizard Assault Team, some of Justin's influences and much more.   Sign up to get notified about the Zoop campaign here: https://zoop.gg/c/swat1   Follow us!

We might be getting new versions of "Tomb Raider" and "Barbarella," Mitch is too busy trying to pronounce the new Superman actor's last name.   The Pull List "Forecast From Stonehenge" (Oni Press) by Stephanie Phillips and Dani Bolinho "Covenant" (Oni Press) by LySandra Vuong "My Body Unspooling" (Silver Sprocket) by Leo Fox "Hobtown Mystery Stories" (Oni Press) by Kris Bertin and Alexander Forbes   Follow us!

Missing C2E2? Same. We relive one of the greatest and geekiest weekends of the year. Plus, we have interviews from:   Anderson Carman Mike Maydak Clay McCormack Silver Sprocket Pretty Nerd Publishing Jarrett Melendez   https://linktr.ee/thegeekawakenspodcast

We have a few drinks at Obed and Isaac's (#NotSponsored) while we talk about an X-Men Airbnb and the trailers for "Deadpool" and "Mufasa."   The Pull List "Barbaric: Born in Blood" (Vault) by Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden "Toxic Summer" (Oni Press) by Derek Charm "WIFWULF" (Vault) by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelley and Dailen Ogden "Cemetery Kids Don't Die" (Oni Press) Zac Thompson and Daniel Irizarri   Follow us!

We're in Chicago and ready for C2E2! But we also get ready for May the Fourth events from Killen's and Lincoln Library!   The Pull List "Deathstalker" (Vault) by Slash, Tim Seeley and Jim Terry "Everything Sucks: Noah's Millions" (Silver Sprocket) by Michael Sweater "Rick and Morty: Kingdom Balls" (Oni Press) by Josh Trujilo, Ryan Little and Jarrett Williams "Halestorm: Hyde Manor" (Z2) by Brittany and Brianna Winner and Sara Scalia   Follow us!

Mitch went on a deep dive about Cleopatra 2525 and forced everyone to go as well. You can see full episodes here.   The Pull List "A Fox in My Brain" (Fair Square Comics) by Lou Lubie "When I Arrived at the Castle" (Silver Sprocket) by Emily Carroll "Beyond Real" (Vault) by Zack Kaplan and Fabiana Mascolo "Jill and the Killers" (Oni Press) by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs and Roberta Ingranata   Follow us!

We get confused over the name of a new Lin-Manuel Miranda musical, get ready for the Resurgence of the Valiant Universe and order a M3gan doll.   The Pull List "Viscera Objectica" (Silver Sprocket) by Yugo Limbo "Jill and the Killers" (Oni Press) by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs and Roberta Ingranata "Sunflowers" (Silver Sprocket) by Keezy Young   Follow us!

We get pumped for C2E2 and a new aspect of World of Warcraft. We also try not to get Lego mugshots.   The Pull List "Cemetery Kids Don't Die" (Oni Press) by Zac Thompson and Daniel Irizarri "Nacelleverse" (Oni Press) written by Melissa Flores "Rick and Morty: Spring Break Special" (Oni Press) written by James Asmus and Jim Festante   Follow us!

Western? Check. Dragons? Check! Mitch chats with Caleb Palmquist about "Dragon Grit," what he has in store for the Kickstarter and what he's working on next.   Check out the Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/giraffe-design/dragon-grit-1   Follow us!

On this episode, we talk about a cool Vault/Zoop campaign for "Barbaric," new stuff from Brandon Sanderson and goats. Lots of goats.   The Pull List "I Feel Awful, Thanks" (Oni Press) by Lara Pickle "Army of One" (Oni Press) by Tony Lee and Yishan Li   Follow us!

Frank Martin is the creative mind behind comics like "Grimm Space" and "The Macabre Motel." He has a new Kickstarter for "Our Hero, Phenom," a comic about Earth's only superhero -- except he also protects many other worlds and disguises himself to blend in with each planet.   Check out the Kickstarter before March 22!   Follow us!

We start tonight with Chizza, and end it with Willy's Chocolate Experience.   The Pull List "Cemetery Kids Don't Die" (Oni Press) by Zac Thompson and Daniel Irizarri "Jill and the Killers" (Oni Press) by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs and Roberta Ingranata "Adversary" (Silver Sprocket) by Blue Delliquanti   Follow us!

"The Grizzly Crew" is a comic about a group of pirate bears created by Jerry Carita and his son, Harlan. Mitch and Jerry talk about the making of this new comic and about Jerry's other work. Check out the Kickstarter here!   Follow us!

We pit our favorite commercials and trailers from this year's Super Bowl against each other to find out which one reigns supreme. The Pull List "Night People" (Oni Press) by Barry Gifford, Chris Condon and Brian Level   Follow us!

The writing team of Wells Thompson and Dalton K. Shannon are back to talk about their Kickstarter for "MechaTon, Vol. 1"!   "MechaTon" tell the story of Derek and Leah, two siblings who come across a glove that turns anything it punches into a mech of that thing. Along with Leah's partner Hex, the team battles, among other things, giant cockroaches.   The Kickstarter ends on March 6. Check it out here!   Follow us!

Gina Carano tries to make a comeback, the cast of "Josie and the Pussycats" reunites and Disney teams up with Fortnite. But we get to wash it down with Space Dunk Oreos.   Trailer Takedown Bridgerton You Can Call Me Bill A Quiet Place: Day One Imaginary Moana 2 Knuckles   Follow us!

Elmo effed around and found out when he asked people on the internet how they are. We've also got our takes on the Supergirl casting, "Gargoyles" on Kickstarter and *checks notes* someone taping fish to ATMs?   The Pull List "Jill and the Killers" (Oni Press) by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs and Roberta Ingranata "Bruce Dickenson's The Mandrake Project" (Z2) by Tony Lee and Staz Johnson   Trailer Takedown Immaculate Road House The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare Monkey Man Tarot Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire   Follow us!

It's Oscar szn! But we also talk about Razzie noms, the next DC event and more!   The Pull List "Rick and Morty: Maximum Crescendo" (Oni Press) by Brockton McKinney and Jarrett Williams "Xino" (Oni Press) Anthology   Follow us!

Mitch introduces the gang to "Shucked," Matt gets ready for Thundercats and Tabitha saves up to buy THAT Nicole Kidman outfit.   The Pull List "The Nasty" (Vault Comics) by John Lees and Adam Cahoon "Brobots" (Oni Press) by J. Torres and Sean Dove   Follow us!

New year, same us. We talk about "The Mandalorian and Grogu," Keanu Reeves' new book, the Pop-Tarts Bowl and so much more.   More info on the Springfield Park District's Esports Game Night here. More info on "Game Over Sis!" at Dumb Records here.   The Pull List "Unnatural Order" (Vault) by Christopher Yost and Val Rodrigues "Spontaneous" (Oni Press) by Joe Harris and Brett Weldele "Send Them a Farewell Gift for the Lost Time" (Tokyopop) by Cocomi   Follow us!

While you wait for the first TGA of 2024, check out this episode of Comic Sans Drinks Mitch and Matt did back in May that we never got around to editing. Oops. If you want more Comic Sans Drinks, let us know!   The book: "Radiant Black: (Not So) Secret Origin" (Image Comics/Kyle Higgins/Marcelo Costa) The booze: 312 from Goose Island Beer Co. Oh, and Malört.   Follow us!