Galaktacus

This week on the podcast, Galaktacus returns from a brief vay-cay and indulges in a bit of summer binge-watching. While the weather is warm it's the perfect time to catch up with the shows we should have been watching when it was cold, just like the dearly departed Penny Dreadful. Find out what's on our "must-watch-now-that-we've-got-the-time-list!" And of course, give a listen right here!

Don't get us wrong—Galaktacus loves destruction on a planetary scale but the sequel to Independence Day didn't quite fill us up. The 4th of July used to mean summer movie season kicking into high gear but now it's got us asking, "Whatever happened to Big Willie Weekend?" Plus we chat Independence Days past and all the pyrotechnic proclivities and Goldblum-iness that came with them. And, Galaktacus Summer Reading Club continues with the military-minded "Grunt" by Mary Roach. So give us a listen here!

On a somewhat more serious episode of Galaktacus, we tackle a topic that strikes at the purple heart of this podcast—fandom. We're currently bearing witness to some dark times courtesy of the nerd-noscenti. Common civility in conversation is lacking. Creators are being threatened. Vehement overreactions are all too commonplace. So how do we fix this and more importantly, can we fix this? Well, we give it our best try and hope to pass on some positivity to what should be a big party! Give a listen to us here!

Testify Galaktacus! Testify...about the preeminent Vertigo comic turned AMC series—Preacher! How does a book that pushed the envelope in terms humor and violence hold up two decades later? And more importantly how has it translated to the small (flat) screen? Plus we play another round of Elevator Action to pitch our favorite Vertigo titles to turn into mega-media properties. So give us a listen here

Galaktacus has survived the Apocalypse! On this episode, the three horsemen of this podcast ride headlong into the 9th(!) film of Fox's X-Men franchise and it's got us feeling a little...blue. Plus we posit our favorite era of X-comics and draft our all-time team of mutant superheroes! Give a listen here!

On this episode of the podcast, we proudly introduce The Galaktacus Summer Reading Club! So let's crack those spines and dig our eyes in. First up is a dynamic DC Comics duo—Wonder Woman: Earth One by Grant Morrison and the reboot event of the season, DC Rebirth. Plus we've got reads by Joe Hill, Don DeLillo, Mary Roach and more coming your way! So give a listen here!

Galaktacus is back! Season 4 starts here as Captain America: Civil War kicks off the summer movie season. Is it the best superhero film of all time? Where did it fail? And what's next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? All this and a preview of what's ahead for the podcast in the coming months. So give a listen here!

The Galaktacus Season 3 Finale has landed! We mark the end of another 13 episode run by catching up with some current nerdy news, a little hype for next season (including the introduction of the Galaktacus Summer Reading Club, join now!) and a fond look back at the only individual who looks better in purple than us—Prince. Season 4 starts soon but in the meantime give a listen here!

This week on the podcast we're talking "Origin Stories," the super-secret, superhero kind! Can a character's popularity and longevity be traced directly to an amazing origin? What happens when an origin is retconned or timed out? Plus we introduce a new game to Galaktacus called "The 8-Word Origin Story" in which we challenge both ourselves and you the listener to play! Give a listen here!

Part 2 of our toy talk is here! What else is there other than action figures? Plenty, from Legos, Construx and Lincoln Logs to Super Soakers, Nerf and Entertech , we cover the rest of our adolescence and young adulthood spent in the toy aisle. Plus we posit why Galaktacus no longer has room in its belly (or apartment) for the latest and greatest in the fully poseable, multi-articulated, sculpted plastic arts. Give a listen here (and don't forget Part 1 if you missed it the first time around!

An epic Galaktacus two-parter starts here! We're talking toys, specifically the action figure lines that dominated the 1980s. From all-time favorites like Masters of the Universe, Transformers, and Voltron to the more obscure like Adventure People, Power Lords, and Starcom, we're digging to the very bottom of the toy box. Plus we pitch the vintage toyline most in need of the Re/Tool/Boot/Tire (R3) treatment. Then come back next week for the action-packed conclusion (some assembly required). But listen here now!Â

Guilty pleasures. We all have them. Even this nigh-omnipotent podcast is not immune to enjoying that which is mediocre. Sorry, not sorry! We kick off the episode with an epic choose-your-own-adventure style retelling of Batman vs. Superman that will leave you saying, "I can't believe that's what really happened!" Then Galaktacus gets real and drops some serious truth bombs about the things we love and enjoy despite their obvious flaws. Galactic self-awareness at it's finest! So have a laugh at our picks and give a listen here!

The devil you say! Galaktacus once again devours an entire season of a Netflix series in one sitting (well one weekend). Spoilers abound for the second season of Daredevil. How does it compare to its Marvel predecessors? Do Elektra and The Punisher make or break the story? Is Matt Murdock the most boring character on the show? All this plus endless ninjas, epic fight scenes and the leathery return of Scott Glenn! Give a listen here!

For a podcast with a mission to devour everything in its path, there's one very tasty corner of the universe that we have not yet dared to bread, um, tread...until now. We are beyond excited to present to you The Galaktacus Super-Sized Sandwich Special! From hoagies and heroes to grinders and subs (and even the mysterious "wedge") we'll be keeping your ears well-fed with all the meats, non-meats and condiments you can handle. Plus we blow the top (bun) off the entire, "Is a hot dog a sandwich?" debate. One warning, though: eat before listening!

The big screen battle between Marvel and DC hits the next level as BvS:DOJ attempts to show Captain America: Civil War what it means to be a super-hero movie. We've got some predilections and predictions for Superman, The Bat and The Cap as well as some thoughts on the impending Round 2 with X-Men: Apocalypse and Suicide Squad. Give a listen here!Â

Remember the '90s? Galaktacus does (but mostly the parts we wish we could forget). With the success of Deadpool—the poster boy for the last decade of the 20th century—we travel back to a time when the shoulder pads were huge, the pouches were plentiful, the ponytails were flowing and "image" was everything. Are we entering another age of "extreme?" Does anything from that era of comics still hold up today? And what was with all of that cross-hatching? Plus we play "Elevator Action" with some '90s properties that merit a second chance. Give a listen here!

Music has played a significant role in the secret origins of Galaktacus but in 2016 it holds a vastly different meaning to the individuals of this podcast triumvirate. From analog to digital, from record stores to streaming, the way we consume music has become easier but the way we discover it, oddly enough, has not. We talk some of our all-time favorite tunes and attempt to get one member of Galaktacus to listen to new music that was made in the 21st century (with the help of some very special playlists). Plus the mystery of Pitbull revealed! Give a listen here!

If you've ever listened to Galaktacus before you know we like to talk about comics. In fact, we probably wouldn't have this podcast (or our name) without them. Comics have given us so much over the years that we always want to share them with as many people as possible. But how do you get someone into comics who's never read them before? Or someone with lifelong misconceptions? Or even someone with just a passing interest? We've got a gameplan and a wide array of selections that are sure to interest even the most ardent enemies of "funny books." Give a listen here!

TRUST NO ONE...but Galaktacus to bring you the truth about the return of The X-Files! As Mulder, Scully and Skinner(!) take a nostalgic six-episode victory lap we travel back to the dark days of the '90s to discover that our collective memories may have been wiped of all things filed under "X." Does the series hold up? Do Duchovny and Anderson still have anything to offer? And what's Mitch Pileggi been up to? (a lot apparently). All this plus the story of Scott's special dream-world relationship with Lance Henriksen revealed! Give is listen here!Â

Galak is BACK! Season 3 starts here. We kick off the new year with an old-timey topic: Westerns! The Revenant and The Hateful Eight highlight our discussion about the genre's modern-day relevance. Plus we jump into the debate about whether our beloved superhero films will go the way of the Western and how that's actually a back-handed compliment. If you're new to the podcast this episode is a great starting point. So give us a listen here!Â

This has certainly been an epic first year for the podcast known as Galaktacus. Two seasons, twenty-six episodes and countless wig-related jokes and we're still devouring. So we've decided to end the year with our "Best of 2015" picks in film, television, comics and more! Plus we've got some podcast-related resolutions for the New Year to ensure that 2016 is even bigger, better and purpler than ever. Thanks to all of our listeners for their support. This episode is a great jumping on point for new folk as well. So tell a friend, tell an enemy, tell a frenemy to give a listen here!Â

Episode XXV: The Galaktacus Awoken! Here's one more (late) holiday gift for your ears, a spoiler-packed episode that delves into the dark and light sides of The Force Awakens. This is the second of our two-part Star Wars podcast featuring some exclusive movie pre-game chatter "live" from the cinema. Plus, we own up to the fact that most (but not all) of our predictions from the last episode didn't come to pass. Give a listen and Happy Holidays (including Life Day) to all!

It's all been leading to this, a crossover of intergalactic proportions—and now it's finally time for Galaktacus to devour Star Wars! With The Force Awakens only a day away, the podcast travels to a long time ago to discover our roots in that galaxy far, far away. From Betamax-renting memories to epic reenactments with action figures, from Re-Issues to Prequels (and those dark times in between) this episode is strong with The Force. But that's not all for this is two-parter! Think of this as the pregame for Episode VII. We'll have a spoiler-packed continuation for you next week but we'll leave you with our predictions and (tempered) expectations for The Force Awakens. So give us a listen ...And may the Galaktacus be with you!

While you've been bingeing on holiday leftovers for the past week, Galaktacus has consumed the Marvel/Netflix series Jessica Jones in its entirety...and it was pretty tasty. Spoilers abound on this episode so if you're not caught up—be warned! While this purple planet-eating podcast may have met it's chromatic match in Killgrave, we cover a ton of ground (both good and not-so-good) from the talented JJ most of the head-scratching supporting cast. Plus we play a round of "Elevator Action" and make our pitches for Phase 2 Marvel series on the 'Flix. Give a listen here!Â

Thanksgiving is nigh! Galaktacus approaches devouring everything in its wake but manages to leave room for the tastiest morsel that is gaming—more specifically table top RPGs. On this episode we discuss the role of the gamesmaster and how he/she can make or break one's gaming experience. Also, a first for the podcast: a guest in the guise of Josh Gregal from the blog Lend Me Your Steel-Bearing Hand (http://steelbearinghand.blogspot.com/ ). Josh not only lends a hand but a voice to the highs and lows of running multiple games at once. So if gaming is your game or if you're just looking to be a little less confused by what it's all about then give a listen (preferably after awaking from any food related comas).

This week on Galaktacus we cast our giant eyes upon animation, specifically the cartoons of the small screen. From the after-school binging and Saturday morning appointment-viewing of our youth to The Simpsons and Adult Swim-inspired series of our adulthood, we attempt to pinpoint whether animation still packs the same punch in an already packed world of pop culture. So if you're a fan of new shows like Rick and Morty or Adventure Time, old classics like Batman: The Animated Series, prime time stalwarts like Family Guy (shudder) or randoms like Fish Police and The Critic, then this is the podcast for you.

Cast...Pod Cast. On this week's episode, Galaktacus is both shaken and stirred by the latest James Bond movie. Spoilers abound for our take(down) of SPECTRE so be warned before listening. Where does this film fit within the 007 canon and how will it hold up over time? Lots of spirited debate on this one! Plus we play a round of Re3 (Retool/Reboot/Retire) to determine whether of not to revoke Bond's license to thrill. All this and more from the authors of all your purple, planet eating podcasting pain! Give a listen here!Â

This time of year Galaktacus hungers...for both new and returning network television! Unfortunately the former is severely lacking this season (wonder why that is?) so the podcast turns its starving eyes on its favorite CW superhero series...The Flash and (now Green) Arrow. Join as as we discuss why one of these shows is entertainingly speeding along while the other often fails to hit (or even find) it's target. Plus we're bring back "I'm Calling It Now!" where we posit what will become of our favorite characters and plot points at season's end! So treat your ears right here...

On this extra spooooooky episode of the podcast we remember Halloween! From all-time favorite costumes (never store bought!) to local urban legends (Sleepy Hollow and Buckout Road) not even an entire planet's worth of plastic pumpkin buckets can sate Galaktacus' hunger for the sweetest of holidays. But the 31st of October had changed a great deal in the past 30 years. A day meant for kids has now been co-opted for adults. So how does that change the way we (and you) enjoy the holiday? And most importantly, what did you call the night before All Hallows Eve? And was it fact more terrifying than Halloween itself? So Monster Mash it up, grab some fun-size treats and give us a listen!Â

Part 2 of "Bring on the Bad Guys" has landed! Continuing from last week's episode we start with a bit of a head scratcher, "Why aren't there more female lead villains? Does it have anything to do with how they meet their demise?" From there it's a quick jump into the most malevolent malcontents from film and television (check out this amazing title card to get a quick taste of some of our faves). Do movie villains have it easier than their TV counterparts? Only Galaktacus can say for sure!Â

Behold, an episode of Galaktacus so large that it must be split into two-parts! Here the podcast bites off more than it can chew on the epically enormous topic of villains. What makes a good bad guy (or gal) today? How have they evolved from hand-wringing, mustache-twirling, maniacal-laughing ne'er do wells into more relatable (and hate-able) multidimensional characters? Which members of the Marvel and DC Universe get the dirty work done? Join us as we "Bring On The Bad Guys!"Â

For Galaktacus this "Golden Age" of television that we currently inhabit is becoming more like the buffet at Golden Corral. There's so much to choose from but how much of it is actually good—or even good for you? Are we devouring too much filler and not leaving enough room for the good stuff? And what qualifies as the good stuff nowadays? If The Sopranos started this golden age does the completion of Mad Men mark its end? And what shows (The Walking Dead? Game of Thrones? Mr. Robot?) caused the downfall? Tune in here and give a listen!Â

Galaktacus is back on track, back from vacation and back to school for our second season! This episode is all about the first family of comics, The Fantastic Four (without whom this podcast wouldn't have a name). We've stretched our brains to figure out if F4 is ultimately nullified by it's latest box office failure and why one of the most important and inventive titles of all time is so difficult to get right outside of the pages of the "World's Greatest Comic Magazine." So "flame on" and fire us up!Â

If you're anything like Galaktacus the second season of True Detective might have given you some digestive problems too. But then again, we like to view it as a bit of an acquired taste. On this week's podcast we discuss the good (the action) the bad (Tim Riggins) and the Velcoro (denim!) of TD2 and give season three the "Elevator Action" treatment. And while this season might have had you singing "Nevermind" about the plot and characters, this episode should settle your stomach.

On this week's episode Galaktacus embarks on an impossible mission to devour all things espionage. From M:I 5 and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. to The Americans and Deutschland 83 we go deep under cover to reveal why the spy game stays the game...and in our newest segment we play the "I'm Calling It Now" game to predict the twists and turns in the new James Bond film—and we want your help! This podcast will not self destruct after listening so no need to disavow it. In fact, tell a friend or an enemy or a frenemy all about it.Â

The hottest of months stir a hunger in Galaktacus that can only be sated by books! On Episode 11 of the podcast, we reveal our "summer reading" lists—both current and classic—and delve deep into the debate of "print vs. digital" and the place of fiction/non-fiction in the face of a multitude of modern day distractions. Plus The California Raisins.

Galaktacus Episode 10 is here and our biggest podcast yet just happens to be all about this summer's smallest cinematic hero. Paul Rudd is our bud but are there other characters and stories more worthy of the big screen treatment than Ant Man? Jump onto to some "Elevator Action" as we debate that question and more!Â

Galaktacus is back! On this edition of the podcast we take a square-purple-eyed look at "The Big, Long Con" and what came out of four crazy days in San Diego—the DC movies, the Star Wars panel, the lack of Marvel and some updates on our favorite TV shows and funny-books.Â

Galaktacus has two words for you on this 4th of July and they're not his usual, "I hunger." No, in honor of Independence Day and a Real American Hero those two words are (raise your fist and say it with us now) "Yo Joe!" On this extended holiday edition of the podcast we salute the triple threat (toys+comics+ cartoon) phenomenon of G.I. Joe that gripped our youth (and possibly adulthood) tighter than Sgt. Slaughter applying the Cobra Clutch. Just remember...listening is half the battle.Â

Please join the Galaktacus crew four our first annual STATE OF THE BATMAN ADDRESS!! In which the boys try to answer the question; who is Batman in 2015? What works about the character? How has he changed since 1939 (or 1989?), Where does he get those wonderful toys? Is Ali Knox due for a comeback? All this and more on the latest GALAKTACUS!

Episode 6 is up! This week we delve into those movies, books, comics and shows that might be "better off dead." So if you have any interest in Stars Wars, Blade Runner, Jurassic Park, James Bond, Arrested Development, Wet Hot American Summer, X-Files, Twin Peaks, Fight Club, et al. then give us a listen!Â

Episode 5: in which we tackle fantasy fiction in the wake of the planet eater that is GRRM!

Galaktacus gives the end of year report card to television's most super-heroic shows from Flash (yay!) and Arrow (meh) to Agents of Shield (huh?) and Gotham (ugh). Plus we debut the three R's (Retool. Reboot, Retire) with Hellbla...Constantine.

Galaktacus takes a trip down Fury Road to explore what made Mad Max so awesome and we present our "Elevator Action" pitches for a dystopian future property.Â

Galaktacus hungers for a quality companywide comic book event and chooses to feed on Marvel's Secret Wars series.

The oversized, action-packed debut of the Galaktacus podcast kicks off the summer movie season by devouring Avengers: The Age of Ultron and more!Â

Behold! The "Secret Origins" of Galaktacus! On this very special "episode zero" of the podcast you'll learn all about your intrepid hosts—Johnny Two Face, Oswald CobbleScott and of course The Kettner—and get a chance to hear our very first "official" recording in all of its general awfulness. Pretty sure we talk about the Daredevil Netflix series on this one. So give a listen, have a laugh and hopefully see how far we've come in a scant few months.Â