The Ringer-Verse
The Ringer
The Ringer-Verse is your go-to nexus podcast feed for all things nerd culture and fandom, featuring:'The Midnight Boys': Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman react to the latest in fandom and share their instant reactions to the newest nerd culture releases, all while bringing the banter every week.'Mint Edition': Steve, Jomi, and Jessica Clemons gather every other week to share their unique takes on the movies and shows that are animating the fandom.'Button Mash': Ben Lindbergh and Jessica discuss the latest in the world of video games, from headline-making new releases, to industry trends, to game swaps and nostalgic re-plays.'Splash Page': Jessica breaks down the latest Easter eggs and theories from all of your favorite content. Not sure if that was a Mephisto reference in the latest 'Loki' episode? Wondering what exactly that post-credits scene means? Eager to know how a new trailer sets up your most anticipated release of the season? Jessica will answer all of those questions and more in her video podcasts.Follow the new House of R feed for deep dives from Mal and Jo!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 21, 2025 • 25min
Top 20 Episodes of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' | The Ringer-Verse
Celebrate two decades of Avatar: The Last Airbender with a deep dive into the series! Discover the ranking of the top 20 episodes, focusing on character growth, particularly Sokka and Aang. Key moments are revisited, including Toph’s powerful introduction and the complex nature of Azula. The discussion highlights the series' rich storytelling and emotional depth, emphasizing themes of friendship and personal development that have left a lasting legacy in animation.
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 14min
Blackest Movies Draft | The Midnight Boys
In a lively draft, the hosts passionately select their favorite Black films across various genres, from '90s hood classics to modern comedies. They delve into the essence of Black cinema and the importance of representation in storytelling. Hilarious casting banter includes discussions around unexpected roles, while personal anecdotes highlight the cultural impact of iconic movies. The conversation blends humor with insightful commentary on societal issues, making for an entertaining celebration of Black filmmaking.
Feb 18, 2025 • 3h 3min
RingerQuest: A New Role-Playing Adventure Begins
Join Charles Holmes, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Jomi Adeniran as they embark on an exciting tabletop RPG adventure filled with laughs and unexpected twists. They dive into a murder mystery while navigating foreboding catacombs and solving a host of quirky scenarios, like engaging with a charming skeleton butler. With whimsical discussions about quirky game mechanics, trust issues, and emotional backstories, the journey is rife with comedic moments and strategic gameplay, proving that camaraderie can thrive amidst chaos.
6 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 42min
What Went Wrong With Captain America: Brave New World | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into their reactions to Captain America: Brave New World, expressing a blend of initial excitement and deep disappointment. They dissect the film's characters and plot, critiquing its predictability and emotional depth. The conversation humorously touches on the portrayal of Hulk and political commentary within the MCU. They also reflect on Marvel's storytelling challenges, examine evolving opinions on Eternals, and share the need for more coherent narratives. Mixed reviews spark debate over recent superhero films and audience expectations.
4 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 38min
Super Bowl Trailers and News + The 'Invincible' Season 3 Premiere | Mint Edition
Jessica Clemons, a regular contributor and pop culture aficionado, joins the discussion about the latest Super Bowl trailers and Kendrick Lamar's memorable halftime show. The trio dives into the thrilling 'Invincible' season 3 premiere, dissecting character dynamics and moral complexities. They explore the mixed reactions to trailers for upcoming MCU films and animated adaptations, while humorously imagining the mundane lives of superheroes. Expect witty banter, deep insights, and an infectious love for storytelling in this lively conversation.
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
What If Avengers: Infinity War Had an All-Black Cast? | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into a playful and thought-provoking reimagining of 'Avengers: Infinity War' with an all-Black cast. They debate casting choices for iconic characters while celebrating representation in Hollywood. The conversation flows from humorous anecdotes to serious reflections on cultural impact, tackling ageism and bias along the way. With lively banter and camaraderie, they explore the dynamics of friendship and community during Black History Month, making the discussion both entertaining and meaningful.
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 23min
'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II' and a Quarter Century of 'The Sims' | Button Mash
Join Steve Ahlman, a keen gaming contributor, and Matt James, Ringer's Deputy Art Lead, as they discuss the end of console wars and the rise of Marvel Rivals. They share their spoiler-free insights on the challenging yet immersive travel of 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.' Later, Julianna Ress and Khal Davenport dive into 25 years of ‘The Sims,’ reflecting on its revolutionary impact on gaming culture and personal memories. From gameplay evolution to nostalgic stories, this conversation captures the essence of this iconic franchise!
9 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 43min
Can the Fantastic Four Save the MCU? Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer Reaction | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive into the exciting new trailer for 'Fantastic Four: First Steps,' sharing nostalgic memories and discussing character dynamics. They explore the balance between nostalgia and innovation in superhero storytelling, while also reflecting on beloved gaming moments. The conversation highlights the importance of familial bonds in the film and critiques its visual design. Anticipation builds for upcoming Marvel content, including 'Thunderbolts' and vibrant narratives returning to the MCU, sparking enthusiasm among fans.
Feb 1, 2025 • 26min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: January 2025
Kick off the new year with a fresh wave of entertainment recommendations! The hosts dive into must-watch films, gripping anime, and engaging books, including a fan-favorite from the Empyrean series. They also celebrate the return of sexy vampires in 'Castlevania: Nocturne,' set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Plus, nostalgic comic picks like 'We3' offer a mix of artistic brilliance and cinematic ties. Get ready for a diverse entertainment journey that captures the spirit of January 2025!
11 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 55min
‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ + the State of Marvel Animation | Mint Edition
The hosts dive into the premiere of the new animated Spider-Man series, exploring its themes of high school and social struggles. They humorously critique the show's theme music and share nostalgic childhood memories. The conversation flows into a lively discussion about Marvel's animation evolution, highlighting upcoming projects like 'Eyes of Wakanda' and 'Marvel Zombies.' Additionally, they tackle the implications of 'wokeness' in modern storytelling while maintaining a playful banter throughout.
