Step into the world of Gotham City as we shine a spotlight on Cassandra Cain, one of the most iconic and fascinating Batgirls in DC Comics history! In this episode, we explore her origins as the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, her journey to becoming Batgirl, and her incredible evolution into one of the most skilled fighters in the DC Universe. From her days in the No Man’s Land storyline to her time as Orphan in the Rebirth era, we’ll dive deep into her character development, key story arcs, and why Cassandra Cain remains a fan-favorite Batgirl. Additional research by Meredith Harris.
Werewolves
Unleash the beast and join us as we howl into the fascinating world of werewolves in pop culture! From their ancient folklore origins to their terrifying transformations on the big screen, we’ll explore the myths, legends, and iconic portrayals of these shapeshifting creatures. Discover how werewolves have evolved over time, from classic horror films to modern TV shows and beyond. Whether you're a fan of The Wolf Man, Teen Wolf, or the werewolves of Twilight, this episode dives deep into the enduring appeal of these legendary creatures. Additional writing and research by Diego Anthony Nuñez
The Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum)
Celebrate the launch of Wicked by diving into the fascinating life of L. Frank Baum, the mastermind author behind The Wizard of Oz. Join us as we explore Baum's theatrical past, his surprising love for South Dakota, and even his unexpected venture into the chicken business! Uncover the unique experiences that shaped the creator of one of the most beloved fantasy worlds in literature.
Star Trek: Generations with John Orquiola
Boldly go where no podcast has gone before as Geek History Lesson celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek Generations (1994)! Join us for a special episode featuring Captain Picard and Captain Kirk in their epic cinematic team-up. We're thrilled to have special guest John Orquiola, Head of Star Trek coverage at Screen Rant, share his expert insights and passion for the Star Trek universe. Together, we'll explore the film's legacy, its impact on the Star Trek franchise, and why it remains a beloved classic among fans. Beam aboard for an engaging discussion that honors this iconic crossover event! Follow John on Threads - https://www.threads.net/@backofthehead
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!
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!
Chatting My Adventures with Superman with Josie Campbell
Josie Campbell, the amazing TV writer and producer behind My Adventures with Superman, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and comic book force behind Amazons Attack, Shazam!, and I Heart Skull-Crusher, pulls back the curtain on how her college thesis brought her to where she is now. Answers what a Josie Campbell cosplay would look like? Reveals how she went from writing about comic books to writing comic book television and more!
Follow Josie Campbell: https://www.instagram.com/cozyjamble_official/
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.
Static (Milestone Comics)
There's a Static Shock as we explore the iconic Milestone Comic teenage superhero with the power of electricity - Static! Virgil Hawkins is the breakout star of this 90s comic book imprint who captured the imagination of people all over the world through the power of his animated series, Static Shock. We dive deep into the comics, the show, and make our return to the captivating world of Dakota City, where comic book tropes and real world events intertwine. Listen now to uncover the true genius behind Static - now a part of the DC Comics Universe. Additional research & Writing by Diego Anthony Nunez