The Johto Quorum & The Hunter's Quorum

The honeymoon is over. This time on The Garnet Wager, we watch two episodes of The Devil’s Plan because we’re desperate for material, there’s infighting, there’s bitterness. See what you’ve done to us, Netflix? Our artwork is a commission from the amazing Bitmap Prager! Please enjoy seeing Scanline-chan as the Bandage Man, and consider checking […]

It's time to get back to our original duties! Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, released in two parts, bringing some two dozen new pokemon with it. (EDIT: No, Six. That's 14. Not 24. Please learn to count.) Neither of us had completed the main game, nor touched the DLC, so we held off on discussing designs we'd never seen in context. Well, we have now, and we're pretty excited about some of them! Let's talk! Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter).

We had a score to settle with N. And then, spoilers... we did. This week on the Unova Tourism Committee, the Eight Badge Gates, Victory Road, the Elite Four, N's Castle, and a man impersonating our mom! That's it for round 1 of this tour, and we'll take a few eps doing other things before we jump back in... but we WILL jump back in, for Black 2 & White 2.

We're so close to done... but alas, getting close to finished with the first half of our Unova journey is a lot of pressure. To relax a little, we're taking a quick detour. Team Rocket, Team Skull, Team Magma, Team Yell... and others, like... also Team Skull but different. So many villainous organizations in Pokemon. But what is the BEST? Let's decide. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

In search of answers as to how to revive the dragon pokemon of legend, we head to Opelucid City, home to Drayden and Iris, Dragon Gym Masters and protectors of the Legend Badge. And, of course, they don't know a SINGLE THING. Siiiiigh. Opelucid itself is a strange city separated by version, with very little to do but dramatically different aesthetics. We wrap a few character stories, like Professor Juniper (whom we are accidentally VERY rude to) and Bianca. And we stare down the Eightfold Gates to Victory Road. Here we go, gang.

We thought we were done with Pokemon movies. Truly, Allen and I were like "okay, we've had our fun, but the rest aren't worth our time." But along came Magellan (@chatzpod), Allen's best friend and Pokécinéphile, to convince us that we were neglecting a magnificent body of work. Is that actually true? I guess we'll see, as we continue our journey through the Pokémon movies starting with the 4th. We're incredible grateful to Magellan for joining us! Make sure to check out Chatz: A Television Podcast, which Allen and Magellan do together, plus Super Smash Echoes, which Magellan does with their friend Justin! Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

Snow and ice conjure hardship to the human mind. Bitter winter, and its challenges- something so many of us know well. It's something we can all relate to, and find hard. That's why ice-type gyms are so often near the end, but not actually the last dungeon: you want a relatable challenge, and clear communication that things are getting hard. But for the finale, things need to get more intense than anything you've experienced in your real life. no sorry i made it sound like next ep is the finale, it's just the last gym. of the first set of games. there is a lot of UTC left.

A quick jog to Chargestone Cave becomes a LONG slog through the cave itself as we deal with an onslaught of story, trainer battles, and an obnoxiously high encounter rate. Then it's on to Mistralton City, a city that- wait. That's it? There's no city here! Oh well. Off to Celestial Tower? Then the gym? I'll be honest- not Black & White's strongest showing this ep.

For all the hype about the music, Driftveil is no great shakes. Ha! Cuz Quake Badge? It's a... yeah, ok. Driftveil City is a quiet town, and this is a quiet episode, as we partially foil an unclear Team Plasma plot before being forced to surrender the culprits back to their organization, check out a nice little market that doesn't sell anything we want, watch the sunset... y'know, a quiet day is nice too sometimes.

After, let's face it, a down episode, we're back up as we head to Nimbasa City, the electric city! Sports! Musicals! A ferris wheel! A roller coaster! Plus sand, a castle (but not a sandcastle), a spoOoOoky forest, and lots of new pokemon! We're feasting this week, and even N being sorta inappropriate and definitely a weirdo can't bring us down. Alright Empire PokeState, what have you got for us next?

Little trainers in the big city! Our journey through PokéNew York hits a milestone as we finally reach PokéNYC! Big streets! Huge buildings! Lots of people! S... urprisingly little to do! I mean, don't get me wrong- there's more to do here than like a, a Nacrene City, or an Accumula Town, or something, but... lotta empty space! Lotta "skyscrapers" that in practice only have two floors! Well, whatever. Victini! The Insect Gym! Our first meeting with Iris! There's plenty to celebrate this week.

Five final monsters, and then the Hunters may rest. We've gone through every mainline Monster Hunter and talked about the big boss beasts, and now all that remains is Sunbreak. Will Malzeno make it big? Will Lunagaron pass our inspection? It's time to rate a few last friends, and then close down shop until the next Monster Hunter. Not that the Quorum's stopping- hell, our Unova journeys are only just getting started. A big thank you to our guest Matthew, whom you can find on Twitter at @Infinite_Rewind! Our Pokemon podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), our MonHun podcast art is done by RitSkyZ (@RitSkyZ on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters, DM Six at @sixdettmar!

Our tour through the Unova Region continues! Travel Famous Route 3, see Complete Nothing Wellspring Cave! Drop by Nacrene City for a soda- but only if it's Wednesday, otherwise the local cafe won't serve you??? Check out the museum, see the home of famous artist Burgh! Then it's off to Pinwheel Forest- after you swing by the Challenge Rock of course- and onto the big city itself... next episode!

Everyone is asking, "what will the Generation 10 Pokemon games be like?" Always, we look to the horizon. That's not a bad thing: to neglect the future is to neglect progress. But it hasn't always been a step forward, has it? Are you going to be the first person to claim Sword & Shield were better than Sun & Moon? Do you really think Diamond & Pearl were better games than Ruby & Sapphire? For years, Allen has told me, Six, that Gen 5 is the best generation of Pokemon. And y'know, those games were cool. But they're not Gen 2, or Gen 7... isn't "best" a bit too much? Well... maybe not. Over the course of 2024, Allen and I will play through Pokemon Black & White, then Black 2 & White 2, one gym per episode. The last 2D Pokemon. The last DS Pokemon. The Pokemon that dares to be about... New York state?! Join us we tackle Black & White, a game from our pasts with a shocking number of good suggestions for the future.

It's time for the curtain to fall on Monster Hunter Rise. Six, Allen, Minovsky, and Crass assemble one more time to finish up the new monsters of Monster Hunter Rise. It's only four creatures, but we manage to go over an hour debating the merits of some particularly interesting beasts. Next time: Sunbreak. After that? Well, I guess we'll see. ...That's not like a sly tease, I truly have no idea. A big thank you to Minovsky, whom you can find on Twitter at @MinovskyArticle, as well as to Crass, whom you can find on Twitter at @Crasspants! Our Pokemon podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), our MonHun podcast art is done by RitSkyZ (@RitSkyZ on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com. If you want to see the list of what creatures we've discussed, including direct links to Monster Hunter wiki pages for each monster, it's right here! Don't forget to switch to the MonHun tab!

It feels gross to start our pod with Monstro. Why is there a level of Kingdom Hearts set inside a whale's stomach? ...No, I get why literally speaking, I've seen Pinocchio, it's just... ah nevermind. Let's just talk Heartless, shall we? Oh, hang on, I'm getting a call.... Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), though that's the Johto Quorum art, and we intend to get some Quorum That Never Was art at some point. You can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at emails@scanlinemedia.com.

Once again, we find ourselves reaching the end of a journey. It's like chasing a car- what do you do when you catch it? Well, we've done it before, so trust us- the best answer is to sit down for months or years and let the car get a healthy lead again, then resume the chase. We've got the Ruinous Quartet, some more Paradox Pokemon for you including our cover legendaries, and... oh. That's it! That's it. Then we all go home. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at emails@scanlinemedia.com.

One. THOUSAND pokemon. And a lot more designs, thanks to their many forms. We've got a new third stage evolution for a Black & White design, then we're off to the Paradox Pokemon mines for a while. Finally, we end with a Jojo's reference. I know. I'm sorry to bring this cursed knowledge into your life. Not as sorry as Allen is at the Gholdengo fan art I sent them. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at emails@scanlinemedia.com.

Weird Fish Hour! We're back with more Scarlet & Violet Pokemon designs, and you know? They kinda went for it on this set! In weal and in woe, they went for it. Seriously what the hell is Cetitan. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

As we start the latest Monster Hunter, our group of three becomes temporarily a four! The internet's Crasspants, or Crass if you're feeling... nasty? joins the crew for this one, and yet somehow they're not the one that starts the wrestling references rolling. It's a youkai-themed time as we check out Dirty Boys, MonHun Krampus, an incel tiger, and more! A big thank you to Minovsky, whom you can find on Twitter at @MinovskyArticle, as well as to Crass, whom you can find on Twitter at @Crasspants! Our Pokemon podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), our MonHun podcast art is done by RitSkyZ (@RitSkyZ on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com. If you want to see the list of what creatures we've discussed, including direct links to Monster Hunter wiki pages for each monster, it's right here! Don't forget to switch to the MonHun tab!

You didn't think we changed our name to The Creature Quorum just to more smoothly incorporate Monster Hunter, did you? Oh no no no. We did it to open the door. NO MICKEY, NOT THE DOOR TO DARKNESS. God. That guy never quits, does he? No, this is the door to talking about a whole lot of Heartless. And Nobodies. And I guess Unversed at some point, and... well yeah, point is there's a lot to do. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), though that's the Johto Quorum art, and we intend to get some Quorum That Never Was art at some point. You can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at emails@scanlinemedia.com.

As the Paldean Pokédex settles into its groove, we get, honestly? A bunch of freakin' winners. I mean sure, Wiglett and Wugtrio are here. They are stupid, and disappointing. But like. Espathra? Palafin??? Tinkaton????? The Pokémon Company has still got it, y'all. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

We have National Pokedex numbers again! Thank god. Back on track. Lightbulb tadpoles, Megaman.EXE, Just Taillow Again, and more- this is the doldrums of the Paldea region, and it's not over yet. Doesn't that sound appealing? Doesn't that make you want to listen? Well how about this- Allen makes maybe the funniest joke I've ever heard them make this ep. Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

Iceborne only added six monsters. Which incidentally is my name. Just... Six, not Six Monsters. Though can you IMAGINE?! Sorry, getting sidetracked. Six new monsters- plenty more returning friends. Six is a very manageable number, so let's just knock this expansion out in one episode. I'm sure there won't be anything cool, and we can just cut them all and move on to Rise without any surprises. A big thank you to Minovsky, who you can find on Twitter at @MinovskyArticle! Our Pokemon podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), our MonHun podcast art is done by RitSkyZ (@RitSkyZ on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com. If you want to see the list of what creatures we've discussed, including direct links to Monster Hunter wiki pages for each monster, it's right here! Don't forget to switch to the MonHun tab!

To all of you out there who can't find it in yourself to love an olive: I'm sorry, friends. That must be a hard place to live. For me, it's mushrooms. Can't do it! Hate the flavor, hate the texture, and they wreak havoc on my digestive system. But both of us are missing out. Minecraft golems, pawpad pikalikes, dough dogs and more are on the menu as we head deeper into the Paldean Pokedex! Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

With Scarlet and Violet now out long enough to settle in our minds, The Johto Quroum returns to start ratin' those monsters! Naturally, we open with a half hour discussion of the new games, and our time with them, but then it's on to what we do best: creature design crit. Should we have done Dudunsparce this early? Probably not. But these critters don't have National Pokedex numbers yet so all rules are off! Our podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com.

We're back, and ready to close out Monster Hunter World! We get a handful of friends humble and proud before we head into Elder Dragon Time. There's a Witcher crossover with Monster Hunter?! Who knew. Probably some of you, I suppose. A big thank you to Minovsky, who you can find on Twitter at @MinovskyArticle! Our Pokemon podcast art is done by Robin (@CourageousRobin on Twitter), our MonHun podcast art is done by RitSkyZ (@RitSkyZ on Twitter), and you can contact the show with any questions, comments, or arguments for future (or past!) monsters at johtoquorum@gmail.com. If you want to see the list of what creatures we've discussed, including direct links to Monster Hunter wiki pages for each monster, it's right here! Don't forget to switch to the MonHun tab!

So, it’s come to this. Pokemon. Monster Hunter. And now, Temtem. Wherever creature design exists in bulk, you can expect…

Be vewy vewy quiet, we’re hunting OH GOD IT FOUND US FIRST. Thank you everyone, this was my one-line skit…

We’re outnumbered! Minovsky is a great pal and wonderful Monster Hunter resource but lacks the killer instinct that makes a…

You DO in fact have to take a shot every time Minovsky says a monster is one of their favorites.…

Legends: Arceus added some ‘mons, and it is our duty to cover them. Monster Hunter is still our current mission,…

Our cuts were so much more efficient when we had no attachments! But we’re incredibly grateful for the context Minovsky…

I think when we signed up to quorum all the beasts of Monster Hunter (or all the boss ones anyway),…

Six and Allen are joined by the first guest in a while, Kyrie (@KyrieAPage) to talk about the release of…

The thing I appreciate most about these episodes is being able to record with Allen. But the thing I appreciate…

They made a monster out of a mecha! Usually it goes the other way, like with Mechagodzilla. We also get…

We’ve sharpened our weapons and consumed our nutrients: let’s talk about Monster Hunter’s monsters! On this episode, the friends abound…

Charizard’s great and all, but can you turn him into a sick-ass princess dress? Actually, please don’t answer that, be…

Let a new journey begin. There are no more pokemon to rank, for now. Doubtless they will return in time.…

We’re out of Pokemon to rank, for now… but the pocket monsters are back regardless! This time, Six and Allen…

Is this the last Quorum for Gen 8? Maybe so, but if it is, we’re ending on a very high…

We will be back, friends, of that you can be certain, but for now… this is goodbye. Sword dogs and…

Our journey, which many claimed was impossible, seems to be approaching its end. Misassembled fossils, metal elephants, evil guinea pigs,…

Six and Allen return, pushing through more of the Galar dex. Galar forms, a disappointingly whipped form of cream, tap…

We’re gonna put our judgment of betamon on hold for a bit, as Six and Allen are joined once again…

This week, Six and Allen are joined by Scanline staffers Jen and Kyrie to discuss a very special set of…

Oh, dear lord. We let Nick on the show again. Well, there’s plenty of time to regret that decision. In…

There’s new Pokemon to talk about! Game stuff, I mean: there are ALWAYS new creatures for the Quorum to discuss.…

Departing gyaru, entering Galar! At last, the Quorum is starting the current pokedex! Is the Pokemon Company out of ideas?…

Movie time! We decided to bust out the popcorn before moving into the Galar Dex, checking out a short and…