Fantastic Four MEGA EPISODE (Fantastic Four Pt 1 & 2, Silver Surfer, Doctor Doom, Best FF Team Ever)

Today, in celebration of Fantastic Four's fourth cinematic debut season we tie the threads between The First Family, The Future Foundations, and some of their most iconic baddies with some of our favorite Baxter Building-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:

• GHL 75: Fantastic Four – Explore the science and the fiction behind Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm

• GHL 76: Fantastic Four Pt 2 – Study up on the greatest moments of Marvel Comics' First Family - including first steps!

• GHL 370: Silver Surfer – Discover the far out & trippy origins of Norrin Radd

• GHL 250: Doctor Doom – Follow the journey of the fifth member of The Fantastic Four on his descent into villanry

• GHL 77: Best FF – Jason & Ashley build their ultimate Fantastic Four line up with other members of the Marvel Comics Universe

Suit up in blue and white, jump into the Negative Zone, and enjoy in this epic celebration of all things Fantastic!

MAILBAG Fantastic Four Marvel's First Family

This week YOU lead the Fantastic Four discussion! We answer your questions about everything Marvel's First Family from stories we love, tropes we want to retire, characters we want to see more of, and moments we never want to hear referenced ever again. Did your question make it to air? Listen to the full episode & find out!

Best Fictional Schools

School may be out for the summer, but comic book always have havens for the strange and nerdy to find refuge in. On this week's episode we step into the hallowed halls of The Umbrella Academy, Kamar Taj, Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and Starfleet Academy to conclude which Universe offers the best education to a young superhero type. Did we miss your fave?

Wakanda MEGA EPISODE (Black Panther, Shuri, Dora Milaje, Ironheart)

Today, in celebration of Ironheart's first season on Disney+ we tie the threads between Riri Williams' Wakandan origins and her status as MIT's greatest superhero with some of our favorite Wakanda-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:

• GHL 198: Black Panther – Explore the science and the magic of the OG Black Panther king with Special Guest Jay Washington

• GHL 201: Shuri (Black Panther) – Study up on the genius kid sister of T'Challa who became Black Panther in her own right

• GHL 438: Dora Milaje (Back Panther Wakanda Forever) – Discover the elite female fighting force who hold up the Black Panther

• GHL 437: Ironheart (Black Panther Wakanda Forever) – Follow the journey of Riri Williams who upgraded Iron Man's classic design with Wakandan flare

Suit up in red, black, and gold and time travel your way through the spirit plane of podcasting in this epic celebration of all things Wakanda! (Additional research and writing by Diego Anthony Nuñez)

Zombies

28 Years Later from Danny Boyle follows up (23 years later!), on his zombie movie masterpiece - 28 Days Later! There are multiple Walking Dead shows on the air right now. The Last of Us in a beloved video game and streaming franchise starring the greatest daddy of all time. Zombies are back, baby! We explore why zombies, walkers, biters, or whatever you want to call them continue to hold us in their thrall from George Romero's shambling black-and-white Night of the Living Dead, through cultural context, evolving into the bastion of modern horror. Scared yet? You will be because Your Geek History Lesson is now in session!

Thunderbolts and Andor Revive Struggling Franchises

In the span of a few days Disney Studios release Thunderbolts and Andor on the world. In subsequent days the movie and streaming show have grasped their respective franchises by the reigns and breather new life into both through strong telling from a certain point of view. We explore why putting humanity at the forefront of both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars franchise has brought both critical and audience success. Thought we'd have nothing nice to say? It's time for you to listen along and some crow, yourself!

Should Thunderbolts have been in MCU Phase 1?

From the dark places of the Marvel Comics Universe Geek History Lesson dares to shine a light on the super team - are they heroes? - The Thunderbolts. This team has made it to the big screen world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe led by Bucky Barnes, athough on screen it does not appear to follow the comic book team in the slightest. We explore the similiarities and differences in Thunderbolts media (Spoiler-free!), and ask the big question: should The Thunderbolts have debuted earier in MCU history? One co-host thinks YES and one disagrees! Time to listen to discuss The Thunderbolts!

New Avengers MEGA EPISODE (Photon, Blade, War Machine, Cassie Lang, Ironheart)

This week, in celebration of the upcoming Thunderbolts movie, which might just be the new Avengers team, we’ve assembled some of our favorite New Avengers-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:

• GHL 481: Photon – Explore the cosmic adventures of Monica Rambeau, her ties to Captain Marvel, and her electrifying role with the Avengers.

• GHL 474: Blade – Sink your teeth into the origins and undead exploits of Blade, the vampire-hunting Daywalker.

• GHL 468: War Machine – Discover the ironclad legacy of James Rhodes, Tony Stark’s closest ally, and his heroic transformation in the Marvel Universe.

• GHL 450: Cassie Lang – Follow the journey of Ant-Man’s daughter, from adorable child to teenage hero known as Stature and Stinger.

• GHL 437: Ironheart - Riri Williams – Meet the genius teen whose armor rivals Tony Stark's, as she prepares for her own Disney+ adventure.

Daredevil MEGA Episode (Best Daredevil Stories, Daredevil & The Man Without Fear Review)

This week, to celebrate Daredevil’s return in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, we’ve assembled some of our favorite Daredevil-themed episodes from the archives for this MEGA EPISODE:

• GHL 232: Best Daredevil Stories – Your ultimate guide to Daredevil’s most iconic and essential tales, from Frank Miller’s groundbreaking arcs to modern classics.

• GHL 59: Daredevil – A deep dive into Matt Murdock’s life as a lawyer by day and vigilante by night. Bonus: how he makes red spandex look this cool.

• GHL 58: Man Without Fear Review – A breakdown of Frank Miller and John Romita Jr.’s legendary origin story for Daredevil. Learn how Matt became the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen.

So grab your billy clubs, embrace the darkness, and join us for this epic celebration of Daredevil! Even if you can’t see what’s coming, trust us—Matt Murdock can.

Avengers MEGA Episode (Falcon, Vision, War Machine & Avengers Film 10th Anniversary Review)

This week, we’re suiting up for a Geek History Lesson MEGA EPISODE celebrating Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: The Avengers! We’ve curated some of our favorite Avengers-themed episodes from the archives for one epic journey through Marvel history.Here’s what’s on the lineup:

• GHL 279: Falcon – Follow Sam Wilson’s journey from sidekick to shield-bearer. (Spoiler: his wings are cooler than Tony Stark’s tech. Fight us.)

• GHL 352: Vision – Dive into the life of Marvel’s most emotional android, from WandaVision to questioning if robots can cry.

• GHL 468: War Machine – Explore the ironclad legacy of James Rhodes, Tony Stark’s best friend and the Avenger who always has your back.

• GHL 411: Avengers 10-Year Anniversary – Featuring special guest Brian Ibbott! We revisit the movie that changed superhero cinema forever.

Sit back, relax, and prepare to assemble for this star-studded journey through Avengers history. And don’t miss the post-credits debate: Who’s the best Avenger? (Spoiler: it’s not Hawkeye.)

Why Do Batman and Spider-Man Work So Well in the Future? with DJ Wooldridge

What makes Batman and Spider-Man thrive in futuristic settings? This week on Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into the worlds of Batman Beyond and Spider-Man 2099 to uncover why these characters work so well in the future. Did Batman Beyond borrow ideas from Spider-Man 2099? And which other heroes could shine in a high-tech, dystopian future?Joining us for this sci-fi deep dive is writer and director DJ Wooldridge, who brings his expertise to the conversation and tells us all about his new futuristic comic, DANGER BOI -- a thrilling new Kickstarter project you don’t want to miss! Check out DJ’s comic here: dangerboicomic.com

Why Daredevil & Spider-Man Need an MCU Team-Up Movie (Daredevil: Born Again) with Erik Barnes

With Daredevil: Born Again swinging onto Disney Plus, it’s time to ask the big question: Why haven’t Daredevil and Spider-Man teamed up in the MCU yet?! This week on Geek History Lesson, we dive deep into why these two street-level heroes are perfect for a big-screen collaboration. Not only do we explore their comic book history and shared New York roots, but we also pitch our ideas for MCU Spider-Man 4 and 5, complete with Daredevil taking center stage! And joining us for this epic discussion is special guest Erik Barnes, improvisor, writer, and all-around Marvel expert. Follow Erik here: https://bsky.app/profile/erikwbarnes.bsky.social

Does it Matter Who Wears the Mask Captain America

We’re asking the big question: Does it matter who wears the mask? With the release of Captain America: Brave New World, where Sam Wilson takes up the iconic shield, we dive deep into the debate of whether it’s the character or the mantle that truly defines a hero.From Captain America to Zorro, we explore the fascinating history of legacy characters and how passing the torch has shaped some of the greatest franchises in pop culture. Does the symbol outweigh the individual? Or does the person behind the mask bring the meaning to life?

And that’s not all—joining us for this discussion is special guest Jonathan London, director and writer of Paul London: Hero of the Prophecy, a brand-new comic hitting Kickstarter on February 4th! Don’t miss your chance to support it here: https://herooftheprophecy.com.

Spider-Man Villains MEGA EPISODE (Kraven, Doctor Octopus, Mysterio & Vulture)

It's nearly time for Venom: The Last Dance and movie studios love nothing more than cameos and crossover. This week's Geek History Lesson is a MEGA EPISODE delving into the Spider-Man Rogue's Gallery to uncover who may be joining Tom Hardy's Venom on screen featuring Kraven (#479), Doctor Octopus (#393), Mysterio (#260), The Vulture (#167), and Best Spider-Man Villains (#424). This extra-long 4.5 hour long collection combines previous episodes to highlight why Spidey's villains are so memorable and have had so much staying power in the Marvel Comics Universe both on and off screen. Whether you've read the comics or not this is a perfect primer to get to know Venom's friends and rivals.

Canon: Why It Does and Doesn't Matter

It's time to explore the biggest word in fandom this side of "continuity" on this week's Geek History Lesson as we dare to examine the thing that holds it all together - "CANON". What exactly does it mean? How can canon be applied to the things we love most? And, most important of all - does canon really matter? Jason and Ashley tackles canons with specific rules from DC Comics to Marvel Comics, canon that negate any kind of rules from Doctor Who to Sherlock Holmes, dive into their feelings on the canon of their own comic book properties, and reveal how much reverence they thing the concept of canon is due across multiple mediums: comic books, television, movies, and MOAR! It's time to talk canon!

How Wolverine Became the Best X-Man

It's a Mail Bag episode! It's Wolverine-themed! It's the best and what it does and what is does is podcasting! This week with your help we're going Canadian on the world of X-Men. From Deadpool and Wolverine on the silver screen to his humble origins as a villain to The Incredible Hulk, we'll explore how James Logan Howlett became everyone's favorite mutant. Patreon Super Fans asked us about the best Wolverine costume, what has sustained the public love for Logan, and his complex relationship as a mentor to younger X-Men. Whether you've loved him from the start or met Wolverine through Hugh Jackman's portrayal, this episode is packed with more secret origins than you can possibly need!

X-Force

Get ready to lock and load with the most extreme mutant team of the 90s! This week, we're diving into the high-octane world of X-Force. From their origins as the New Mutants to their transformation under the leadership of the time-traveling soldier Cable, we'll explore how this team changed the face of X-comics forever. We'll discuss the creation of fan-favorite characters like Deadpool, who made his debut as an X-Force antagonist, examine Rob Liefeld's distinctive art style, and unpack the team's proactive approach to mutant rights. Whether you're a longtime X-Force fan or just curious about this influential period in comic book history, this episode is packed with more pouches, big guns, and gritted teeth than you can shake a techno-organic virus at!

Colossus (X-Men)

Mutatnt and proud! Join us as we join the X-Men again this week and dive into a staple member of Giant Sized X-Men, Colossus, exploring his origin, heritage, mutation, and that one encounter with the techno organic virus ... We teach you about his romantic relationship with Kitty Pryde, his elder brother bond with Magik, and tell you about the differences his character undergoes in the Ultimate Universe. Whether you're a deep cut X-Men fan or excited to see Colossus return to the big screen in Deadpool and Wolverine, this episode is the perfect way to learn how exactly to pronounce "Piotr".

Wolverine MEGA EPISODE (Logan & X23)

We're the best at what we pod and what we pod isn't very nice! OR IS IT? It is when we bring you a Wolverine MEGA EPISODE! Explode past the fog of your amnesia Dive as we explore the complicated history riddled with retcons about the two most iconic characters to bear the X-Men moniker: Wolverine, featuring Wolverine (#150), Wolverine (#151), and X23 (#153). This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the diverse roles each of these characters plays in the world of X-Men comics, X-Men animated television, and Marvel Comics. New to Wolverine as a fan of Deadpool and Wolverine? Diehard fan of this Canadian comic book character? Discover the many origins of Logan, how get got the name Wolverine, and answer whether Lara is a clone or a daughter!

GHL 501: A Geek History Lesson Mailbag for Episode 501

It's episode 501, so that can only mean one thing! A Geek History Lesson Mailbag to keep celebrating 500 episodes of the show. Jason and Ashley answer listener submitted thoughts as well as some voicemails about their favorite moments from the last ten years of the pod. Plus, a certain Texas cowboy makes an appearance.