#GHLSpookySeason2024 is in full swing! This week is Hallowe'en! In celebration this episode of Geek History Lesson dives back through out dark past featuring Top 5 Horror Movie Villains (#230), with Matt Kelly, Best Horror Movie to Watch on Hallowe'en (GHL EXTRA), with Matt Kelly, and The Addams Family (#275). This extra-long 2.5 hour episode is a perfect primer for deep-cut horror fans or brave souls planning their first ever scary movie marathon this autumn! Cover your eyes, open your ears, and prepare to sleep with the lights on after listening to this episode!
Green Lanterns MEGA EPISODE (Alan Scott, Guy Gardner, John Stewart)
Casting announcements for HBO's upcoming LANTERNS have been the talk of the internet for weeks! This week's Geek History Lesson is a MEGA EPISODE blasts through the comic book history of some of the most iconic Green Lanterns - many of whom will be appearing on the show! Featuring Alan Scott (#483), with Tim Sheridan, Guy Gardner (#299), and John Stewart (#293), with Jay Washington. This extra-long 3.5 hour long collection combines previous episodes primes the pump for upcoming series, embraces the power of WILL, and shows how unique characters DC Comics has put through brightest day and darkest night!
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.
Frankenstein (DC Comics)
You know Frankenstein, now meet DC's Frankie! This week, we're looking to the comic book side of the Frankenstein equation and exploring Frankie's journey through Batman Comics, The Creature Commandos, Seven Soldiers of Victory, and as an Agent of S.H.A.D.E.! We examine whether or not literary and mythological figures should exist alongside superheroes and are startled to learn Mary Shelley, herself, exists in the DC Universe. Need more monsters? We've got you covered! Whether you had read the Grant Morrison version of Frankie or are looking forward to seeing him in the upcoming animated Creature Commandos we've lit the torch and are ready to let you into the fray!
Additional research by Diego Anthony Nunez
Frankenstein in Pop Culture
Fire! Bad! Podcast! Good! This week, we enter #GHLSpookySeason2024 tackling all things Frankenstein. Starting with Mary Shelley's groundbreaking novel that invented the science fiction genre through the Universal Monsters Movies to the campy sitcom, The Munsters. We discuss Victor Frankenstein's lack of coping skills, whether or not he's called "The Monster" or "The Creature", and if the green skin is iconic or a mistake. Everyone knows who Frankenstein is - but how deep does your knowledge run? Whether you've been scared of the Creature your entire life or are a long time fan this episode is filled with jump scare, lightning, and Phil Hartman jokes!
The Lord of the Rings MEGA EPISODE
The Lord of the Rings has shaped fantasy for generations. From the original books to the Lord of the Rings movies to The Hobbit movies to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and The Rings of Power wrapping up its second season on streaming right now. This week's Geek History Lesson is a MEGA EPISODE delving into the lore of hobbits, wizards, and elves featuring The Fellowship of the Ring (#395), The Two Towers with Diego Anthony Nuñez (#422), and The Return of the King (#485). This extra-long almost 5 hour long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the mystical world of Middle-Earth and the creatures that inhabit it! New to The Rings of Power? An obsessive fan who has read The Silmarillion more than once? Step in alongside Jason, Ashley, Frodo, and Gandalf.
Batman Villains MEGA EPISODE (Penguin, Poison Ivy, Joker, Top 5 Batman Villains)
Batman has THE most iconic Rogues Gallery in all of comics and we're breaking it down in this week's Geek History Lesson episode. A MEGA EPISODE! Filled to the brim with baddies straight out of Arkham Asylum these are the worst of the worst DC Comics super villains, featuring The Penguin (#405), Poison Ivy with Patrick Schumacker (#374), The Joker (#274), and Top 5 Batman Villains with Comic Pop's Sal Crivelli. This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the most iconic comic book villain of all time, The Joker, ahead of the new movie Joker: Folie à Deux! Whether you are a deep cut comic book fan or excited for the new movie, this MEGA EPISODE is the evilest way for anyone to get in the show! Uncover what makes these DC Comics villains so bad!
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!
Teen Titans (Silver Age 1964 - 1979)
Get groovy with the teeny bopper superteam of the DC Universe as Geek History Lesson embarks on a time warp through the Silver Age of the Teen Titans —spanning from their introduction in 1964 to the beginning of The New Teen Titans era of 1979. This era introduced the beloved legacy characters of Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Fash, Aqualad, and Speedy to a team intended to reach a new, younger generation of readers by using slang and pop culture references for the first time in DC Comics history. This period set the stage for one of the most beloved teams, team ups, and storytelling styles we see echoed today in tv, movies, and comics. Time to listen to the Teen Titans' Silver Age!
Alien
In space no one can hear you pod! This week, we're battling through the horror scifi juggernaut of the Alien franchise. From its indie roots in the original 1979, to James Cameron's action reinvention of the 1980s, through the most recent installment that has nothing to do with Ripley whatsoever - Alien: Romulus. We'll discuss the creation of the xenomorph and the woman who takes them down, the erasure of Space Intern cat, Jonesy, from the ongoing Alien film franchise, with a spoiler free look at modern day Alien movies. Whether you're a longtime devotee of the Alien Queen or wondering if Alien: Romulus is a good jumping-on point, this episode is filled with strong female leads, shape-shifting aliens, and more face huggers than you can shake a stick at!
Additional research by Diego Anthony Nunez
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!
Teen Titans MEGA EPISODE (Teen Titans, Best Titans Team & Donna Troy)
When there's trouble you know who to pod - Geek History Lesson! We are bringing you a Teen Titans MEGA EPISODE! Fill up on superhero teen angst as we explore the interpersonal dynamics and superheroics of DC's best legacy characters, featuring Donna Troy (#308), Teen Titans (#125), Teen Titans Part 2 (#126), and Best Teen Titans Team Ever! (#219). This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the Amazonian icon Donna Troy (the OG Wonder Girl), and her legacy throughout Teen Titans from the page to the screen. Whether you're a Teen Titans GO! fan or have been reading since the 1960s, this MEGA EPISODE is the perfect companion for anyone gearing up to see their diverse shows on HBO Max! Discover why Titans Tower is the place to be and why the Teen Titans are the most profitable and BEST team DC Comics has to offer.
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!
Dragon Ball Z with Diego Anthony Nuñez
Power up with us for an action-packed episode on Dragon Ball Z! Join us as we dive into the epic saga of Goku, Vegeta, and the Z Fighters, exploring their legendary battles, powerful transformations, and unforgettable adventures. In this special episode, we're joined by our GHL research assistant, Diego Anthony Nuñez (https://x.com/Blackcrow521), who brings his expert insights and deep knowledge of the Dragon Ball universe. Whether you're a Saiyan warrior or a Namekian novice, this episode is the perfect way to relive the greatest moments of Dragon Ball Z and discover why it remains one of the most beloved anime series of all time.
Batman Family MEGA EPISODE (Gotham City, Damian Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth)
We are vengeance, we are the night - we are bringing you a Batman Family MEGA EPISODE! Dive into the shadows of Gotham City as we explore the intricate dynamics and heroics of the Bat-Family, featuring Gotham City (#472), Damian Wayne (#222), and Alfred Pennyworth (#109). This extra-long collection combines previous episodes to highlight the pivotal roles each of these characters plays in the world of Batman and DC Comics. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the Bat-Family, this MEGA EPISODE is the perfect companion for anyone gearing up to watch the latest DC movie or series on HBO Max! Discover why Gotham City is more than just a backdrop, how Damian Wayne brings a new edge to the Robin legacy, and the unwavering support Alfred Pennyworth provides as the backbone of the Bat-Family.
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.
GHL 500: 10th Anniversary Show filled with Celebrities!
Jason and Ashley celebrate the 500th Episode and the 10th Anniversary of Geek History Lesson. Plus, celebrities, too many celebrities, stop by to help celebrate the show. Including a Star Trek Commander, a Hobbit, Two cool Dudes, a Podcast Genius, the assistant to the Queen of Podcasting and a Crow's Best Friend! Thanks for listening to GHL for all these years!
Pick up the Limited Edition GHL 500 Episode Poster here►https://www.jasoninman.com/store
And follow our special guests!
Scott Johnson & Brian Ibbot of The Morning Stream: https://twitter.com/morningstream
Stephen Schleicher: https://twitter.com/MajorSpoilers
Omar Najam: https://twitter.com/OmarNajam
Diego Anthony Nuñez: https://twitter.com/Blackcrow521
GHL 499: The Crow
Soar from the shadows as we mark the 30th anniversary of the iconic movie, based on the iconic comic book, The Crow. Join us for a special celebration of its haunting origin, anticipation building around the upcoming film adaptation, and a profound exploration of its enduring legacy. This year, as the dark avenger returns to the spotlight, we're thrilled to have Research Assistant Diego Anthony Nuñez, our resident expert on The Crow at the Mind University, share his unparalleled insights. Get ready to be immersed in the captivating world of The Crow, where vengeance and love intertwine in a tale that's as timeless as it is transformative. Tune in now to embrace the night and discover the secrets behind this beloved saga. Additional research & Writing by Diego Anthony Nunez