We're running a bit behind due to a number of complications - health, tech, vacations, etc. So this month, enjoy a quick rerun of an all-time favorite episode.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

The boys are zipping and flying into the miasma with games expert himself, Willem Delventhal. We get into the world of Miyazaki’s Nausicaa Valley of the Wind where we talk about pollution and keeping violence out of your problem solving. On top of everything we find out that Higgins is terrible at video games, but also maybe a good gauge of what a game developer is looking for. Dive on in on your glider and see what other nonsense we get into!

This episode was made possible with the support of 0-0-8 Studios:

https://0-0-8studios.com/

Learn from the best and start making games of your own with the Indie Game Academy:

https://indiegameacademy.com

- Drink of the Night:

https://www.inspiredtaste.net/19516/mimosa-recipe/

- Book of the Month:

https://www.amazon.com/Nausicaä-Valley-Wind-Box-Set/dp/1421550644/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JWI26DMKDX3R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CwrYqQaIckUIFH_UehUxdjpWqhu3JlA7M8T0hCd10j9twILWQAEgKWRTP4kqPX2L847bCW70w-PgbiZqMY4amSV370wpJh2TC6FmXfManJ6QjsFN9pLAFmhq3n-d-p_4pBYkg_pwnr3NdY6zC4vsT8E_kLiw4-JpgaQBJprld0jPG30o2sItlWFYO0utBAlfjl3pDdDCPpAJAEN7rj7zA2XIi-OZCcBaZyoD0d7JaOU.TAztkjKkbIAACnP4cv817uObgpLMq_CvB1r17NWHPRA&dib_tag=se&keywords=nausicaa+of+the+valley+of+the+wind+manga&qid=1728684811&sprefix=nausicaa%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

- Game of the Month:

https://www.playbalatro.com

Tell us what you been reading & drinking:

0-0-8studios.com

#podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #comics #comicreview #comicbooks #storytelling #story #storytime #bookreview #books #magic

Join the team in this episode as we dive into Zoe Thorogood's compelling graphic novel 'The Impending Blindness of Billy Scott,' delving into themes of art, resilience, and self-discovery through the journey of a young artist facing impending blindness.

By far, one of our most compelling and interesting reads, and with special guest - the OG, Snoop Lynch.

As always, we carry ourselves through the episode with our favorite book-worthy spirits, and we discuss some additional bits and pieces here and there, including AI, games, and our usual randomness. So, sit back, grab your drink, relax, and enjoy our little, drunk, ranked, chaotic book club.

Remember, subscribers (and voters for any of the active battles) are auto-enrolled in our new monthly raffle, where you can win studio merch, books, comics, games, and more.

As always, if it can be read, it can be reviewed, and it can be done so with a fancy spirit at hand! Cheers!

Studio:

0-0-8 Studios - https://0-0-8studios.com/

https://linktr.ee/Zero0Eight

Other:

#podcast #podcasts #podcasting #comics #artist #writing #reviews #comicreviews #comicreview #booklover #bookreview #booktok #books #artwork #art #podcastlife #drunkreaction #readingcommunity #funny #indieauthors #bookrecommendations #actioon #adventure #drinks

In this episode, the team shares behind-the-scenes insights from the development of the first draft of the Icarus game—free to try on itch.io—and teases the debut comic and upcoming novel. We discuss the creative process behind complex characters, the art style inspired by manga, and the innovative ways this project bridges storytelling mediums. We also briefly discuss some of the inspirations for the comic, the results of our second battle of the genres, and...Higgins picks his nose!

It was a short read with a lot of progress and potential, and some extra bits and pieces. Listen in, sit back, and grab a drink - we're going in!

Book - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/icarus-michael-lopez/1147033536

Drink of the night - https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/

Remember, subscribers (and voters for any of the active battles) are auto-enrolled in our new monthly raffle, where you can win studio merch, books, comics, games, and more.

As always, Cheers! Until next time.

#podcast #podcasts #podcasting #comics #artist #writing #reviews #comicreviews #comicreview #booklover #bookreview #booktok #books #artwork #art #podcastlife #drunkreaction #readingcommunity #funny #indieauthors #bookrecommendations #actioon #adventure #drinks

Our second-ever Battle of the Genres! We bring the books, you bring the votes, and together we watch the loser down a few shots of choice for the next episode!
This month - Action & Adventure. Jacob vs Higgins. Godslap vs The Book of Elsewhere!

Listen in. As always, grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy! Don't forget to like and subscribe - no matter what platform you are on!

Books-
Godslap: https://badegg.co/collections/godslap?srsltid=AfmBOooPUabP6ptl4C3ZpD1NfdDwwVpSl-9ZMFwDEI96d7mD_DGZrLs-
The Book of Elsewhere: https://a.co/d/0gyf50bw

Drinks-
Mojito: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/mojito/
Electric Lemonade: https://sulaandspice.com/electric-lemonade/

Remember, subscribers (and voters!) are auto-enrolled in our new monthly raffle, where you can win studio merch, books, comics, games, and more.

As always, Cheers! Until next time.

#podcast #podcasts #podcasting #comics #artist #writing #reviews #comicreviews #comicreview #booklover #bookreview #booktok #books #artwork #art #podcastlife #drunkreaction #readingcommunity #funny #indieauthors #bookrecommendations #actioon #adventure #drinks

In this episode of Novel Spirits, the team delves into the narrative-driven video game: Dispatch. Exploring its unique gameplay mechanics, narrative & character design, and the impact of player choices on the story. It's our first non-written medium review as Novel Spirits and a true recognition of the studio's mantra - books, comics, and games. It's a Mecha-sized adventure with a lot of twists and turns, and definitely an all-time favorite. Play along, or listen along. Either way - enjoy!

Remember, if it can be read, it can be reviewed, and it can be done so with a fancy spirit at hand!

Dispatch: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/

0-0-8 Studios - https://0-0-8studios.com/

Spirits of the Month: https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com/en-us/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1687936318&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7fbLBhDJARIsAOAqhsfYcFQ-29_VhFQM_0TBeawY0sScktl6GfgyKB31C5PDfVsY3xYe10oaAiMDEALw_wcB

The First episode of the New Year - 2026 - is here! Happy (belated) New Year and happy listening!

This time, the team dives into a great read with a lot of potential and promise - Lost Fantasy by Curt Piles. Decently new to the field - It's fast, it's bloody, it's artsy, and a light representation of many more IPs out there. If you like killing monsters, you'll definitely love this!

Lost Fantasy - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-fantasy-volume-1-curt-pires/1147384437

0-0-8 Studios - https://0-0-8studios.com/

Spirits of the Month: https://www.wildturkeybourbon.com/en-us/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1687936318&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7fbLBhDJARIsAOAqhsfYcFQ-29_VhFQM_0TBeawY0sScktl6GfgyKB31C5PDfVsY3xYe10oaAiMDEALw_wcB

In this special episode of Novel Spirits, the boys celebrate the holiday season with another great, humorous session of camaraderie:

The votes were in for the Battle of the Genres, revealing our first, unanimous victor. And we reviewed 'The Last Christmas' by Gerry Duggan, a very Deadpool-ish take on a Zombie-filled Christmas - highlighting themes, characters, and artistic style, as always. The drinks were flowing, the boys were rolling, and all-in-all it was just a good time. We even scheduled our next few episodes for you!

We also may have mentioned One Piece and AI at some point, but dive into those at your own discretion. Cheers!

Book of the Month: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Christmas-Brian-Posehn/dp/1582406766

Topics of the Month:
One Piece - https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRMG8ZQZR/one-piece?srsltid=AfmBOor1DiP7YLr6r5YGNozS_Fka6ek28I_TtDnpKFt3kRKYVgqrBmia

Dispatch (episode coming soon!) - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2592160/Dispatch/

Spirits of the Month: Nothing specific. Anything that makes you jolly lol

It's time to give Thanks! And we're thankful for the amount of readable material out in the ether - because without it, what else would we bring to the table?

This month is something special - our very first Battle of the Genres as Novel Spirits! One genre, two books, one victor. Jacob and Michael face off to see who can bring the top sample of Magical Realism. Piranesi or Blade of the Immortal!

Piranesi - https://www.amazon.com/Piranesi-Susanna-Clarke/dp/1635577802

Blade of the Immortal - https://www.amazon.com/Blade-Immortal-Omnibus-Hiroaki-Samura/dp/1506701248

The drinks varied for this episode because there wasn't a set theme to work with, so bring out your favorite and enjoy all the same. Any and all feedback welcome!

And don't forget to like, subscribe, and comment/vote for your chance to win some amazing studio prizes. Subscribers (and voters!) are auto-enrolled in our new monthly raffle, where you can win studio merch, books, comics, games, and more.

As always, Cheers! Until next time.

#podcast #podcasts #podcasting #comics #artist #writing #reviews #comicreviews #comicreview #booklover #bookreview #booktok #books #artwork #art #podcastlife #drunkreaction #readingcommunity #funny #indieauthors #bookrecommendations #piranesi #ninja #samurai #bladeoftheimmortal #magic #magicalrealism #narnia #mixology #drinks