The Ringer-Verse

Join Jomi Adeniran, an anime aficionado, Steve Ahlman, a creative powerhouse in video production, and movie enthusiast Charles Holmes as they dive into October's spooktacular media offerings. They explore Halloween-themed content, lively debates about UFOs and ghosts, and recommend gems like 'Dan to Dan' and 'The Wild Robot.' Plus, discover the satirical brilliance of 'The Franchise' and the friendship behind 'The Myth Makers.' Ultimately, they emphasize the chilling horror series 'From' and its deep dives into isolation and human connections.

The hosts dive into the much-anticipated 'Venom 3,' debating its potential as a cinematic disaster. They reflect on the superhero genre’s rough patch, eyeing 2024 as a standout low point for the industry. Personal anecdotes and the playful 'Krispy Kreme Award' add humor as they critique character portrayals, including the underwhelming villain Null. They explore the challenges of evolving superhero narratives amidst market saturation while shedding light on nostalgic yet innovative storytelling trends. Expect hearty laughs and insightful discussions!

Dive into the challenges and intricacies of 'The Penguin' as the hosts analyze its place within the comic book genre. They discuss character development, plot twists, and the fascinating connections to Batman lore. The conversation shifts to 'Agatha,' lauding its emotional storytelling and deep connections to the MCU. Excitingly, they touch on the unexpected delay of the 'Blade' film, sparking debate over Marvel's current creative direction. Expect humor and nostalgia as they weave playful anecdotes into their analysis!

The hosts dive into the latest from Gotham, questioning if 'The Penguin' meets expectations while analyzing celebrity cameos and character depth. They humorously dissect Vision's parenting journey and the complexities of his identity. In a lively debate, they explore sibling dynamics in 'Agatha' and delve into the implications of trauma in character arcs. The conversation weaves through nostalgic childhood characters and the evolving landscape of superhero narratives, blending critical analysis with playful banter.

Join Jonathan Kermah, a podcast producer and comic book enthusiast, as he dives into the world of fandom. The hosts tackle viewer recommendations like ‘From’ and ‘Slow Horses’, exploring their impact on pop culture. They hilariously discuss their favorite aspects of these shows while reflecting on nostalgic TV memories. The conversation shifts to the evolving X-Men universe, highlighting Kitty Pryde's leadership and character growth. Finally, they celebrate the artistry in comics, encouraging listeners to support local bookstores.

Justin Charity, a Senior Staff Writer at The Ringer, is joined by Andy Kelly, author of "Perfect Organism: An Alien: Isolation Companion," to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of 'Alien: Isolation.' They delve into the game's legendary tension, innovative AI, and its horror legacy. Discussions also cover the revival of the 'Tomb Raider' franchise, including new projects by Netflix and Amazon. Finally, Steve Ahlman and Matt James share insights on 'Silent Hill 2' and the intriguing 'Metaphor: ReFantazio,' highlighting character development and gameplay evolution.

The hosts dive into the latest twists in 'Agatha' and 'The Penguin,' revealing surprising character developments and cliffhangers. They discuss critical casting news for the DC universe, specifically the impact of colorism and character dynamics. The conversation humorously touches on iconic superhero role speculation and the deeper narratives shaping modern storytelling. With engaging banter, they analyze morality and identity in both shows, reflecting on how these themes resonate in the broader landscape of superhero narratives.

The hosts dive deep into 'Joker: Folie à Deux', sharing mixed reactions about its plot and character dynamics. They discuss the film's disconnect from its predecessor and critique its portrayal of violence and mental health. The conversation also touches on toxic fandom and creative pressures filmmakers face. Shifting gears, they explore recent developments in 'Agatha' and 'The Penguin', highlighting audience reactions and character chemistry. Their lively banter and humorous insights make for an engaging exploration of pop culture and storytelling.

Jessica Clemons, a beloved pop culture commentator, joins the lively discussion about the art of villainy on screen. They dive into the complexities of iconic villains, using examples like the latest ‘Joker’ sequel. The banter gets creative as they pitch original villain movie concepts, including a whimsical horror tale featuring the Pied Piper. From reimagining classic figures to exploring comedic takes on political horrors, the conversation flows with humor and insight, making the dark side of film entertaining and thought-provoking.

The leaves are dropping, and so is the latest edition of Ringer-Verse Recommends! Join the Ringer-Verse and House of R crews as they grab their rakes, sweep up scattered releases, and jump into piles of nerd-culture content in the latest installment of their monthly mini-pod about fandom favorites from TV, anime, movies, video games, books, comics, and beyond that were released recently but not yet covered in-depth on a full-length episode.Host: Ben LindberghGuests: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, Jomi Adeniran, Steve Ahlman, Johnathan Kermah, Mallory Rubin, and Arjuna RamgopalSenior Producer and Video Production: Steve AhlmanAdditional Production Support: Arjuna RamgopalSocial: Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices