

The Comics Pals
The Comics Pals
We’re a group of pop culture journalists and commentators who want to talk about comics and video games on our terms! Expect news, analysis & interviews from the world of comic books and video games.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 8, 2019 • 2h 15min
Shazam! Review | The Comics Pals Episode 128
This week, the Pals talk about the latest trailer for Avengers: Endgame and how it shows off a bit too much of the movie, share our thoughts about the Joker trailer, and review Shazam!
00:17:01 - Pals Pulls:
Marco - She Could Fly: The Lost Pilot #1
Alienation (Graphic Novel)
Cale - War of Realms Journey Into Mystery #1
Sean - Low 21
News:
00:26:49 - Avengers Trailer 3 and Cinemacon Footage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WlKxQ_WTLc
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/04/03/avengers-endgame-spoilers-movie-trailer-footage-cinemacon/?fbclid=IwAR1mCod1QgANI6eP12utVPeZQvK4AqxfBnz7OSvmgxRDw17ve6rphzR2SqU
New Mutants Reportedly Still Hitting Theaters:
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/04/03/the-new-mutants-movie-release-date-x-men-fox-disney-hulu-cinemacon/?fbclid=IwAR3mQA7PB_rfQHgtSPZ2DySeZQt-uSMrYIF0n2SN7r6jD9BZ_3QLvWZz_LA
Jim Lee Drawing Spawn for 300th Issue:
https://www.newsarama.com/44585-todd-mcfarlane-welcomes-jim-lee-back-to-image-for-special-anniversary-spawn-project.html?fbclid=IwAR1fHGHtGnKEORitxY5-bFuxFsvRrjI9bmuNb9TNaI5O8J90QmjYAw_jtdU
Erik Larsen Returning to Marvel After 17 Years:
https://www.newsarama.com/44566-erik-larsen-returning-to-marvel.html
Doomsday Clock 10 Delayed 6 weeks:
https://www.newsarama.com/44209-doomsday-clock-10-pushed-back-2-weeks.html
Akira Film to be Directed by Taika Waititi, Produced by Leonardo Dicaprio:
https://comicbook.com/anime/2019/04/02/akira-live-action-movie-hollywood-filming-taika-waititi-leonardo/?fbclid=IwAR0EqJBY9To-i1-PPbh_jhZzDigDzBqykH4-n2Ae94p5TvdkiVd-vPn94KA
00:48:26 - Idris Elba NOT Playing Deadshot in The Suicide Squad:
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/suicide-squad-sequel-idris-elba-new-character-1203181518/
00:59:36 - Joker Trailer Released:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t433PEQGErc
01:08:29 - Shazam Expected to Make $51M This Weekend:
https://deadline.com/2019/04/shazam-opening-weekend-box-office-the-joker-pet-sematary-1202589627/
01:10:21 - Main Topic:
Shazam Review!
The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Cale: twitter.com/Totointow
Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Apr 2, 2019 • 2h 51min
The "Definitive" Top 3 Best Games of All-Time | The Video Game Pals Episode 100
We’re in the End Game now. It’s episode 100 of the Video Game Pals, and Pete, Andy, Thompson & Sean are ready to send the show off in style with a JAM-PACKED episode full of hot takes on Sony’s State of Play & ID @ Xbox GamePass and closure on some of VGP’s biggest stories. PLUS: in a brand new game, we painsanking debate to name VGP’s “Definitive” Top 3 Best Games of All-Time!
DA NEWS:
19:00 Sony State of Play:
https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/03/25/state-of-play-watch-live-at-2pm-pacific-today/
40:28 ID @ Xbox GamePass
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/03/26/id-xbox-game-pass-news/
49:48 Two New Switch Models Could Be Launching in 2019:
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-03-26-two-new-nintendo-switch-similar-to-2ds-new-3ds-xl-sources-say
1:00:24 Monolith Soft begin recruitment for an upcoming The Legend of Zelda title
https://www.lootpots.com/articles/monolith-soft-begin-recruitment-for-an-upcomin
g-the-legend-of-zelda-title-28032019/
Speaking of new game announcements:
1:05:17 Borderlands 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Gu1PspA3Y
1:16:00 Yacht Club Games announces 8-bit Ninja action game “Cyber Shadow”:
https://www.lootpots.com/articles/yacht-club-games-announces-8-bit-ninja-action-game-cyber-shadow-for-switch-28032019/
Daedalic Announces The Lord Of The Rings – Gollum, New Narrative-Based Action-Adventure Game
https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/03/25/daedalic-announces-the-lord-of-the-rings-gollum-new-narrative-based-action-adventure
1:26:30 Layoffs at EA:
https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/26/18282457/ea-layoffs-ceo-andrew-wilson-statement
1:36:51 Not a week too soon, we have a positive conclusion on arguably the saddest story we’ve ever had to cover on VGP:
https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/serial-swatter-sentenced-to-20-years-prison-1203176052/
1:44:48 Comcast to build first-ever eSports arena in South Philly:
https://www.philly.com/business/comcast-overwatch-fusion-philadelphia-wells-fargo-linc-20190325.html
1:51:07 Main Topic:
The Video Game Pals “Definitive” Top 3 Best Games of All-Time
Outro Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat
The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire
Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Apr 1, 2019 • 2h 34min
Heroes in Crisis #7 and Detective Comics #1000 Reviews | The Comics Pals Episode 127
This week the Pals answer YOUR listener mail, go over all of Zack Snyder's comments that set the internet ablaze this week, and review Detective Comics #1000 and Heroes in Crisis #7!
00:05:46 - Listener Mail:
00:16:54 - Pals Pulls:
Marco - Mirror 10
Phil - Green Lantern #6
Cale - Young Justice #4, Rocko's Modern Afterlife #1
Sean - War of the Realms #1
News:
00:26:08 - Marvel's The Eternals May Cast Angelina Jolie, Hercules May be Main Character:
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/27/the-eternals-movie-spoilers-cast-angelina-jolie-marvel-cinematic/
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/29/hercules-rumored-to-be-main-character-of-marvels-the-eternals/
00:37:17 - Marvel Reveals Jonathan Hickman's X-Men Titles:
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/23/marvel-jonathan-hickman-x-men-event/
00:43:32 - Shazam Movie Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes:
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/28/shazam-movie-officially-certified-fresh-on-rotten-tomatoes/
00:46:41 - DC Universe Sets Release Dates for New Series, Updates Comic Catalogue:
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/29/dc-universe-sets-premiere-dates-releases-details-for-upcoming-se/
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/29/swamp-thing-premiere-date-announced/
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/29/dc-universe-releases-first-look-at-brec-bassingers-stargirl/
00:46:41 - Zack Snyder The Director's Cuts Event Controversies:
https://www.cbr.com/zack-snyder-batman-killing-wake-up/?fbclid=IwAR3rT6HeWcWlq1e68Ow6WOMqR0S1rozB0mDsojzOH6eDiEFclvN9ZWOl3lg
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/25/justice-league-snyder-cut-darkseid-kills-lois-lane/
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/25/zack-snyder-addresses-explains-batman-v-superman-martha-line-scene/
https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/25/zack-snyders-original-justice-league-plans-deleted-post-credit-scene-revealed/
Main Topic:
We review Detective Comics #1000 and Heroes in Crisis #7!
01:23:11 - Detective Comics #1000 Review
02:01:39 - Heroes in Crisis #7 Review
The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Cale: twitter.com/Totointow
Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Mar 30, 2019 • 1h 8min
Shazam!(New 52) | The Comics Pals Book Club
For the month's book club, the Pals review Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's New 52 "Shazam!" before the movie hits theaters next week.
PLUS: Cale gives the boys a history lesson on Captain Mar- Shazam!
Leave us a comment letting us know what book YOU’D like to see us choose next for our book club, and don’t forget to like and subscribe while you’re here!
The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Cale: twitter.com/Totointow
Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Mar 26, 2019 • 2h 3min
Google Stadia, Epic Store Victories & Nindies Showcase | The Video Game Pals Episode 99
In the penultimate episode of The Video Game Pals, the boys discuss the Nindie showcase highlights, more winds for the Epic Store and the debut of Google Stadia!
Da News:
4:03 - Nindies Showcase:
https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/1108408267523317760
20:25 - RQOTW - (What Nintendo IP would you most like to see handled by an indie next?)
26:13 - Microsoft announces Indie Showcase: ID@Xbox Game Pass
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/03/22/id-xbox-announces-id-xbox-game-pass/
26:13 - Sony Announces Nintendo-Direct Style State of Play Series
https://blog.us.playstation.com/2019/03/22/state-of-play-playstations-new-video-showcase-debuts-monday/
33:27 - Epic Store Rock Block:
Metro Exodus Sales on Epic are already double the last Metro game’s sales on Steam:
https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/21/metro-exodus-epic-store-sales-are-already-over-double-that-of-last-lights-on-steam
33:27 - Epic Store Snags Outer Worlds Control and Quantic Dream’s trilogy as next batch of high-profile exclusives:
https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-and-control-will-launch-on-the-epic-store-not-steam/
40:22 - Valve planning a “facelift” for Steam:
https://www.gameinformer.com/gdc-2019/2019/03/20/valve-plans-steam-facelift-with-library-redesign-new-events-page
45:22 - Disney Revives Lucasfilm Games; still apparently committed to EA:
https://www.pcgamesn.com/lucasfilm-games-revival
54:09 - Persona 5: The Royal Announced for PS4:
https://twitter.com/Persona_Central/status/1109444634567155715
https://twitter.com/Stealth40k/status/1109477082550161408
https://gematsu.com/2019/03/persona-5-the-royal-announced-for-ps4
58:02 - Castle Crashers is coming to Switch and PS4; The Behemoth Teases Next Game and Possible Sequel:
https://blog.thebehemoth.com/2019/03/19/castle-crashers-remastered-coming-to-nintendo-switch-and-playstation-4/
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is happening! It's real!
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/22/vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-2-preview/
1:11:26 - Main Topic: Google Stadia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SOS-a4ks7s
https://www.techradar.com/news/stadia-everything-you-need-to-know-about-googles-game-streaming-service
https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/19/18272965/google-stadia-studio-games-entertainment-jade-raymond-gdc-2019
https://kotaku.com/google-stadia-boss-answers-and-dodges-our-questions-1833422137
https://www.windowscentral.com/report-phil-spencer-talks-google-stadia-says-xbox-will-go-big-e3
Outro Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat
The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire
Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Mar 25, 2019 • 2h 15min
Disney Fox Merger Complete and Jonathan Hickman Returns to Marvel | The Comics Pals Episode 126
This week, the Pals talk about Jonathan Hickman's return to Marvel Comics and whether he's the biggest writer of the last decade, we cover some of the announcements from C2E2, and we talk the good, the bad and the ugly behind Disney's purchase of Fox.
00:13:07 - Pals Pulls:
Cale - Dial H For Hero #1
Marco - Glow #1
Pete - Martian Manhunter & Shazam #4
Phil - Thanos Wars Infinity Origin Omnibus
Sean - Detective Comics #1000, Heroes in Crisis #7
News:
00:25:35 - Marvel Announces Jonathan Hickman's Return:
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/19/marvel-jonathan-hickman-return-x-men/
https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/03/22/jonathan-hickman-two-6-issue-series-marvel-major-milestone-x-men-history/
Mark Waid to tell the History of the Marvel Universe:
https://www.newsarama.com/44432-mark-waid-to-tell-the-history-of-the-marvel-universe.html
Carnage Returns This Summer:
https://www.newsarama.com/44430-absolute-carnage-will-rip-through-venom-and-spider-man-this-summer.html
Busiek and Ross to Add to Marvels Story With X-Men:
https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/03/22/kurt-busiek-ross-marvel-25th-anniversary/
New Christopher Sebela Comic 'Trust Fall' Announced:
https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/03/22/sebela-and-vision-plan-for-trust-fall-at-aftershock-in-june/
DC Universe App to be Free for One day:
https://www.cbr.com/dc-universe-free-batman-80-anniversary/
00:48:44 - 1.7% of All Comic Shops Closed Last Year, Per Diamond: https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/03/22/comic-stores-2018-dropped-1-7-number-c2e2-retailer-breakfast/
01:02:52 - Axel Alonso and Bill Jemas Launch Comics Publisher:
https://www.comicsmnt.com/?p=2092&fbclid=IwAR3ekaGyAYkEkJM32VYX-8O0HXXN4cP_Bn6UkYr6UAUiENjWN4N8HTiOq34
01:12:48 - Main Topic:
Disney/Fox Merger Officially Complete. Now what? We break down all the most important pieces of this massive, historic event, the positives and negatives surrounding the merger, and how we think this will change the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Internal Memo From Disney Chiefs to Fox Employees:
https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/03/21/disney-fox-company-letter-new-chapter-alan-horn-alan-bergman/
What Happens With the X-Men:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/x-men-hit-marvel-cinematic-universe-at-2021-1195846?utm_source=twitter
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/15/fox-exec-says-disney-deal-hurting-x-men-dark-phoenix/
The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Cale: twitter.com/Totointow
Marco: twitter.com/mrmarcoanimoto
Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Mar 19, 2019 • 1h 28min
Halo, WoW Classic & The BEST Video Game Rumors of All-Time | The Video Game Pals Episode 98
On this week’s show the Pals discuss Halo, World of Warcraft Classic and their all-time favorite video game rumors.
PLUS: The Video Game Pals as you know it comes to an end in two weeks with episode 100. Write in and let your voice be heard for our grand finale!
-Reader Mail/Random question of the week
-Da NEWS:
13:46 - Master Chief Collection coming to PC:
https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/12/18261738/halo-master-chief-collection-pc-windows-steam
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/1105572602872061952
17:26 - Halo Infinite Could Be a Game As Service:
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-infinite-could-use-games-as-service-structure/1100-6465482/
31:20 - Left 4 Dead creators Turtle Rock announce new co-op zombie shooter, Back 4 Blood
https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/14/18265430/back-4-blood-turtle-rock-left-4-dead
38:07 - WoW Classic Content Plan:
https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/classic-content-plan/120346
58:48 - Sony x Take Two Rumors:
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-03-13-about-those-rumors-sony-is-buying-take-two
https://venturebeat.com/2019/03/14/sony-kills-rumor-it-is-buying-grand-theft-auto-maker-take-two/
1:06:29 - Main topic:
Your favorite video game rumors of all time
Outro Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat
The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire
Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Mar 18, 2019 • 2h 20min
James Gunn BACK at Marvel & Ted Brandt and Ro Stein Interview | The Comics Pals Episode 125
The dynamic duo of Ted Brandt and Ro Stein return to the show! The art team behind CROWDED talk about the success of their book and its impending trade release, the importance of representation in their work, and much more! The Pals also talk Marvel's HUGE week, which includes the return of James Gunn to the director's chair of Guardians of the Galaxy!
Marco - Beasts of Burden Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men
Cale - Spider-Man Life Story #1
Sean - Spider-Man: Life Story #1
News:
00:59:34 - Ezra Miller and Grant Morrison to Write Flash Film Script:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/flash-shocker-ezra-miller-writing-script-bid-star-1194937?fbclid=IwAR1MUPGDTRawYgM98VOd_0QMlllBG0hLY4aRuIgzBeVlllLlBdut_YrBiZI
01:08:16 - Second Coming Finds New Home at AHOY Comics:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/12/arts/second-coming-jesus-comic-book.html?fbclid=IwAR0198N8vjs_NHUeOUnxAhNk3iFjF_9LKi85ifDAPinEoU2e4zj50FGXE1k
01:13:01 - Legion M's Girl With No Name Letting Fans Help Produce the Film:
https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/exclusive-legion-ms-first-self-published-comic-book-needs-your-help-developing-the-film?fbclid=IwAR2Uk35_8TQBqya8GkRY3OW6pH9EPr1GeSBJEjSC_OHTxllOYzFRqqeSP2c
01:25:12 - Avengers: Endgame Second Trailer Drops:
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/14/avengers-endgame-new-trailer-released/
01:56:20 - Disney/Fox Deal Expected to Close This Week:
https://comicbook.com/movies/2019/03/12/disney-fox-deal-closing-next-week/
01:58:24 - James Gunn Reinstated as DIrector of Guardians of the Galaxy 3:
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/15/guardians-of-the-galaxy-james-gunn-rehiring-comment/
https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/03/15/guardians-galaxy-3-james-gunn-disney-replacement-directors/
The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Cale: twitter.com/Totointow
Marco: twitter.com/mrmarcoanimoto
Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop

Mar 12, 2019 • 1h 47min
EA Bails on E3 2019 | The Video Game Pals Episode 97
On this week’s show, the Pals recoil at the sight of live action Sonic the Hedgehog, discuss Anthem’s post-launch troubles and discuss the future of E3 now that Song and EA have both pulled out of the show.
1:21 -RQOFTW
-Da News:
25:18 - Live Action Sonic has been revealed and it’s proof that humanity was a mistake:
37:47 - https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/4/18250720/sonic-the-hedgehog-live-action-movie-leak
https://twitter.com/TomRMarks/status/1102794786904264704/photo/1
41:28 - Rumors of a Nintendo Switch VR device are real in the form of a LABO Kit:
https://www.lootpots.com/articles/nintendo-announce-cardboard-vr-labo-kit-for-the-nintendo-switch-07032019/
41:28 - Anthem’s troubles keep coming as player’s reported that the game was crashing or even “bricking” their PS4s this week:
https://kotaku.com/anthem-players-say-the-game-is-shutting-down-and-even-s-1833039161/
https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/6/18254097/anthem-ps4-crash-bug-fix-patch-bioware
1:06:00 - Diablo and other classic Blizzard Games come to GOG:
https://twitter.com/Nibellion/status/1103658539472617472
1:10:23 - Dark Souls creator “would love” to make a battle royale:
https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/08/dark-souls-creator-would-love-to-try-making-a-battle-royale-game
1:15:2 - EA Pulls out of E3:
https://www.engadget.com/2019/03/07/ea-no-keynote-at-e3/
1:19:45 - Main Topic:
What is E3 2019 going to look like?
Outro Music: "Swanky Ballroom Party For Sophisticated People" by Adhesive Wombat - @adhesivewombat
The Video Game Pals is The Pals Network's weekly video game podcast where we talk about video games, the news and how it all makes us feel.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Thompson: twitter.com/RelicVampire
Andy: twitter.com/tiger_millions

Mar 11, 2019 • 1h 28min
Captain Marvel Review | The Comics Pals
Captain Marvel finally makes her debut on the big screen! Does Carol Danvers soar in her first outing? Listen to our review of the film to find out our thoughts!
The Comics Pals is a weekly comic book podcast where a group of comic book journalists and friends get together to talk comics.
The Pals:
Sean: twitter.com/SeansSoapbox
Pete: twitter.com/Loud_Pete
Cale: twitter.com/Totointow
Marco: twitter.com/mrmarcoanimoto
Phil: twitter.com/Cyborgbebop


