It’s a special Geek History Lesson crossover episode about The Hunger Games with Fanbase Press! The Fanbase Weekly co-host Bryant Dillon is joined by special guests Jessica Maison (writer, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Ashley V. Robinson (writer, Jupiter Jet, Aurora and the Eagle / podcast host – Geek History Lesson), and Rebecca Lear (Executive Producer – The Katniss Chronicles Audio Drama) to participate in a thorough discussion regarding Sunrise on the Reaping (2025) in light of the new Hunger Games novel’s recent release, with topics including reactions to this new chapter in the Hunger Games mythology, discussion of how the book changes the panelists’ view…
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Survive the epic world of Panem, the setting of The Hunger Games, as Geek History Lesson unfolds the complex narrative history behind Suzanne Collins’ YA dystopian franchise! In this arena of an episode episode, we dissect the classical structure shared in each Hunger Games Dune novel, explore Collins’ Greco-Roman mythological inspiration, debate which characters deserve solo stories next, and discuss the socio-political themes that shaped a generation of Young Adult fiction. With Sunrise on the Reaping in stores now, delve with us into the saga’s multi-media evolution, offering an exploration for seasoned fans and newcomers alike! You’ll want to read…
Dive deep into the shadows of Gotham as Geek History Lesson embarks on a gripping journey through Batman’s Dark Age—spanning from 1985 to 2000. This era redefined the Caped Crusader, courtesy of visionary creators like Frank Miller, whose “The Dark Knight Returns” brought a gritty realism to Bruce Wayne’s world. Alongside Alan Moore’s “The Killing Joke,” which delved into the twisted psyche of the Joker, and Grant Morrison’s innovative narratives in “Arkham Asylum,” these stories sculpted a darker, more complex Batman. This period ushered in a renaissance of the Dark Knight, transforming him into a symbol of vigilante justice steeped…
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…
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…
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…
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:…
Wonder Woman’s history is so legendary, we had to break it into multiple episodes! This week on Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into the BRONZE AGE adventures of Wonder Woman — a time when her stories bent the rules of this iconic timeline and introduced some of the most unique and imaginative tales in DC Comics history.We’ll explore her fantastical battles, bizarre foes, and how it redefined her character while still staying true to her Amazonian roots. Plus, we’ll praise the groundwork laid by creators like George Pérez, whose later work helped solidify Wonder Woman as one of the most…
We’re cracking the case on why procedural TV shows have kept audiences hooked for decades. From the exciting debut of Watson to the legal drama of Suits LA, we break down what makes this storytelling format so addictive.We uncover the history of procedural television, including the fascinating discovery of the very first procedural TV show, and explore how the format has evolved over time. What makes these shows so binge-worthy? And what are the risks and rewards of telling self-contained stories in a serialized world?Whether it’s solving crimes, winning court cases, or unraveling mysteries, procedural TV shows continue to dominate…
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…
We dive into the magical world of comedy in fantasy storytelling! From The Lord of the Rings to The Witcher, we examine how humor can elevate—or sometimes undercut—the epic stakes of swords, sorcery, and mythical worlds.To celebrate the release of The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep, we ask the big questions: Does comedy belong in fantasy? Can it add depth to the story, or does it risk punching down at the genre’s gravitas? And how do you strike the balance between epic quests and laugh-out-loud moments? Plus, Jason takes on a fun challenge by writing a comedic fantasy scene live…
Should all comics be all-ages? We dive deep into the history of the medium, debate how the darker tones of the 1980s changed comics forever, and discuss whether the industry has become too niche for its own good.With special guest Diego Anthony Nunez (https://www.threads.net/@blackcrow521,) we explore how comics can invite more readers into the fold, the importance of accessibility, and whether there’s still room for both gritty storytelling and family-friendly fun in today’s market.Whether you’re a fan of the grim and gritty or the bright and hopeful, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Tune in as we…
Sherlock Holmes may be the world’s greatest detective, but even he can’t do it alone. In this episode of Geek History Lesson, we’re diving into Why Sherlock Needs a Watson—or as we like to call it, Why We Need Sidekicks! From Dr. John Watson to Robin to Samwise Gamgee, we explore why the greatest heroes always have someone by their side and how these partnerships make stories stronger. We’re also celebrating the upcoming premiere of WATSON on CBS & Paramount Plus, debuting January 26, 2025! Starring Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson, this new take on the iconic character is…
In this special Geek History Lesson MEGA EPISODE, we’re celebrating the enduring legacy of Star Trek in honor of the upcoming Star Trek: Section 31 movie, hitting Paramount Plus on January 24, 2025. This jam-packed episode features some of our favorite Star Trek moments from the GHL archives, including: Star Trek: First Contact LIVE! Top 5 Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes (GHL 294) with special guest John Champion from Mission Log: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast. Star Wars vs. Star Trek (GHL 233), where Ken Napzok joins us to tackle one of the biggest nerd debates of all time. Star…