We’re hitting the books! This week is gonna be a little different from our usual nerdy discussions. For this episode, I’ll be flipping the script and sharing the comics that changed my life. I’m talking comic books that defined my childhood, manga that have shaped my adolescence, and graphic novels that made me observe the medium in a new way. So take a seat and open the page into what our special episode has got in store!

Citations:

1. Craft, J. (2023, September 13). On the Enduring Popularity of Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Literary Hub. https://lithub.com/on-the-enduring-popularity-of-marvels-fantastic-four/

2. Gagliano, G. (2022, September 12). “My Love Of Mythology Never Really Ebbed Or Waned”: George O’Connor on Olympians and Beyond. The Comics Journal. https://www.tcj.com/my-love-of-mythology-never-really-ebbed-or-waned-george-oconnor-on-olympians-and-beyond/

3. Hotta, J. (2022, May 6). 50 Years of “The Rose of Versailles” and Its Enduring Themes of Timeless Love and Female Empowerment. Nippon.com. https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g02080/

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/

3. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


4. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/

5. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


6. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

Start your engines! This week, I’ll be covering my favorite animated series of the 2000s: Oban Star Racers! You heard that right, folks! Suit up as we’ll delve into the history of the series, explore key elements that make it special, and why this modern classic deserves to be revisited.

Citations:

1. Brafman, J. (2022, April 2). Shine On: Oban Star-Racers Flies High with Kickstarter. RGN 99. https://www.rgn99.com/pcbusiness/2022/3/31/shine-on-oban-star-racers-flies-high-with-kickstarter

2. Miller, J. (2012, August 1). Oban Star Racers Review. The Reaf Debrief. https://reafdebrief.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/oban-star-racers-review/

3. Wilds, S. (2024, March 1). Jetix: Transforming Your Block. ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. https://www.comingsoon.net/tv/features/1575051-jetix-transforming-your-block?amp

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/

3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/ 


4. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


5. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/

6. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/ 


7. Bomull - Stargazing: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aUzXHQeDPi/

8. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


9. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

Chili con carne! This week, we're joining the fight for Hyllis as we discuss one of gaming's most underrated gems, 2003's Beyond Good & Evil. Hop on board as we break down this cult favorite, examine its core elements, and observe its complicated legacy from a critical standpoint.

Citations:

1. Cox, M. (2023, January 13). Don’t worry, Beyond Good & Evil 2 has survived Ubisoft’s recent game cull. Rock, Paper, Shotgun. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dont-worry-beyond-good-evil-2-has-survived-ubisofts-recent-game-cull
2. Dealessandri, M. (2020, September 28). Michel Ancel denies link between departure and Ubisoft abuse scandal. GamesIndustry.biz. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/michel-ancel-denies-link-between-departure-and-ubisoft-abuse-scandal
3. Kuchera, B. (2015, May 12). Beyond Good and Evil’s Jade is a wonderful hero, Feminist Frequency explores why. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/2015/5/12/8590987/feminist-frequency-beyond-good-and-evil
4. Sarkar, S. (2018, May 3). Beyond Good & Evil 2 early gameplay revealed. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/3/17315472/beyond-good-evil-2-gameplay-video
5. Stewart, M. (2023, November 29). Beyond Good & Evil - 20th Anniversary Edition Arrives Early Next Year. Game Informer. https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/29/beyond-good-evil-20th-anniversary-edition-arrives-early-next-year
   

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/

3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/ 


4. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


5. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/ 


6. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/ 


7. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


8. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

The spice must flow! This week, we're descending to Arrakis as we talk about Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi juggernaut, Dune! With Part Two well on its way, tune in as I break down the franchise, discuss the recent adaptation of the novel, explore its underlying themes, and why Villeneuve's take is shaping up to become one of the biggest cinematic trilogies of all time!

Citations:

1. Bove, Kate. “Dune: Is Paul Atreides Evil?” Game Rant, 14 Apr. 2023, gamerant.com/dune-is-paul-atreides-evil/ . Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

2. Brzeski, Patrick. “Denis Villeneuve Showcases His Childhood Storyboards for “Dune” (Exclusive Photos).” The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Dec. 2021, www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/dune-storyboards-denis-villeneuve-photos-1235052576/ . Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

3. Extra Credits. “Dune - Muad’dib - Extra Sci Fi - #4.” YouTube, 6 Mar. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6_5dKRudiY. Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

4. Glassman, Julia. “Denis Villeneuve Breaks down the One Thing Everyone Gets Wrong about “Dune.”” The Mary Sue, 6 Feb. 2024, www.themarysue.com/denis-villeneuve-interview-what-everyone-gets-wrong-about-dune/ . Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

5. Pierce-Bohen, Kayleena. “Dune (2021): 10 Best Behind-The-Scenes Facts.” ScreenRant, 28 Sept. 2021, screenrant.com/dune-2021-interesting-facts-behind-scenes/ . Accessed 29 Feb. 2024.

6. Sims, David. ““Dune” Is Epic, but That’s Not Why It’s Great.” The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2021, www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/10/dune-is-epic-but-thats-not-why-its-great/620430/ . Accessed 28 Feb. 2024.

7. Plante, Chris. “I Found a Use for the Dune Popcorn Bucket — but Not What You Think!” Polygon, 5 Feb. 2024, www.polygon.com/24062510/dune-2-popcorn-bucket-review. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/

3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/ 


4. Bomull - Stargazing: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aUzXHQeDPi/ 


5. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


6. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/ 


7. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/ 


8. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


9. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

Talk about a throwback! This week, we’re hitting the books as we revisit two (that’s right, TWO) of your favorite childhood shows: in comic form! Thanks to Dynamite Entertainment, we’re talking all about the return of Gargoyles and the relaunch of ThunderCats! You’re in for a nostalgic treat as we cover these iconic works, explore their jump from screen to page, and how their current comic runs hold up today.

Citations:

1. Geraghty, Dan. “ThunderCats #1: The Conskipper Review.” Conskipper, 6 Feb. 2024, conskipper.com/thundercats-1-the-conskipper-review/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.

2. Wood, Robert. “ThunderCats’ New Hero CALICA Revealed, as Blockbuster Series Expands Franchise Lore.” ScreenRant, 15 Feb. 2024, screenrant.com/thundercats-new-character-calica-liono-panthro/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.

3. Zalben, Alex. “ThunderCats Sells over 180,000, Heads Back for Second Printing.” Comic Book Club, 12 Feb. 2024, comicbookclublive.com/2024/02/12/thundercats-1-sells-over-180000-copies-heads-back-for-second-printing/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/ 


3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/ 


4. Bomull - Stargazing: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aUzXHQeDPi/ 


5. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


6. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/ 


7. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/ 


8. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


9. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

Look out the window! This week, we're flying to Genovia as I review one of my favorite sequels: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Get ready as I plead my case on this underrated masterpiece, break down how it succeeds (and surpasses) the first film, and how its impact shines in media today!

Citations:

1. Bryant, Taylor. “Brandy and Whitney Houston’s “Cinderella” Is an Underrated Classic.” Nylon, 2 Nov. 2017, www.nylon.com/articles/cinderella-brandy-whitney-houston-20th-anniversary. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.

2. Houghton, Cillea. “Meaning behind the Leap of Faith That Inspired “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson.” American Songwriter, 1 June 2023, www.americansongwriter.com/meaning-behind-the-leap-of-faith-that-inspired-breakaway-by-kelly-clarkson/. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.

3. Valentini, Valentina. ““Bridgerton” Is Back! Here’s the Season 3 Premiere Date, plus Everything We Know about What’s to Come.” Shondaland, 12 Dec. 2023, www.shondaland.com/inspire/shondaland-bridgerton-behind-the-scenes/a46095958/bridgerton-season-3-premiere-date/. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/ 


3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/ 


4. Bomull - Stargazing: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aUzXHQeDPi/ 


5. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


6. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/ 


7. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/ 


8. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


9. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

This week, we’re heading to space as we talk about Phantasy Star, one of my favorite (yet highly overlooked) JRPGS of all time. Get ready to launch as we learn about the franchise’s history, its groundbreaking jump into online games, and what’s ahead. Off to the galaxy!

Citations:

1. Horowitz, Ken. “Behind the Design: Phantasy Star – Sega-16.” SEGA - 16, 6 Dec. 2017, www.sega-16.com/2017/12/behind-the-design-phantasy-star/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.

2. Tieryas, Peter. “Phantasy Star III Is a Flawed, but Ambitious, Entry into the Series.” Kotaku, 27 Dec. 2020, kotaku.com/phantasy-star-iii-is-a-flawed-but-ambitious-entry-int-1845894823. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.

3. Wong, Alistair. “Phantasy Star’s Main Designer Talks about What Went into the Making of the Game.” Siliconera, 29 Sept. 2018, www.siliconera.com/phantasy-stars-main-designer-talks-about-what-went-into-the-making-of-the-game/. Accessed 31 Jan. 2024.


Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/ 


2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/ 


3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/ 


4. Bomull - Stargazing: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aUzXHQeDPi/ 


5. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/ 


6. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/ 


7. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/ 


8. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/ 


9. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/

For our very first episode, we're talking about a 2000s cartoon that's nothing short of magical: Winx Club! In honor of the show's 20th anniversary this year, we'll soar through a retrospect of the series, learn fun facts behind the scenes, and what's next for the girls of Alfea. Let's fly!

Citations:

1. Cavazutti, Nicole. “Walt Disney Italiano/ Iginio Straffi, Padre Delle Winx, Ad Affaritaliani: Così Ho Rilanciato Il Cartoon Made in Italy Nel Mondo - Affaritaliani.it.” Affaritaliani.it, 24 Nov. 2008, web.archive.org/web/20220408001710/www.affaritaliani.it/mediatech/straffi-winx211108_pg_1.html. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024.
2. Felippetti, Simone. “Borsa Addio, Alle Fatine Winx Non Riesce Mai La Magia Di Piazza Affari - Il Sole 24 ORE.” Il Sole 24 Ore, 21 May 2018, web.archive.org/web/20220404125006/st.ilsole24ore.com/art/finanza-e-mercati/2018-05-21/borsa-addio-fatine-winx-non-riesce-mai-magia-piazza-affari-194951.shtml. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024.
3. Minardi, Sabina. “Winx, Le Fatine Fanno Il Botto - L’Espresso.” L’Espresso, 24 Feb. 2011, web.archive.org/web/20210204181727/espresso.repubblica.it/visioni/societa/2011/02/24/news/winx-le fatine-fanno-il-botto-1.29024. Accessed 23 Jan. 2024.

Music Credits for This Week’s Episode (in order):

1. Baegel - Let’s Go On A Trip: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/eAF0Bg8EI8/
2. Sarah, the Illstrumentalist - Last Day of Summer: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GcoSWKfhPm/
3. Cherry the Penguin - After the Fight: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/E8cRyhmD16/
4. Bomull - Stargazing: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aUzXHQeDPi/
5. Bomull - Jewels: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/UWAkzTobsa/
6. Dreem - your pillow: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/v9H82Jh8zd/
7. Rue de la Terasse - Shiruky: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/aSH1pej0Md/
8. Gustaav - Daffodils: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/hMITY2aBYv/
9. Moon Craters - Blur: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/yAXgEIJ69d/