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
Nov 8, 2024 • 2h 21min
'Like a Dragon: Yakuza' and a Recent Release Roundup | Button Mash
Join Matt James, Ringer's Deputy Art Lead, Brian Phillips, a senior staff writer and host of the '22 Goals' podcast, and Joshua Rivera, a seasoned contributor to Kotaku and Polygon. They dive into the intriguing adaptations of 'Like a Dragon: Yakuza,' discussing the blend of gaming and political engagement. The group also explores the evolution of Mario's humor, the thrills of 'Black Ops 6,' and unexpected joys in mobile Pokémon card battles. Their insights into industry dynamics and nostalgic gaming moments keep the conversation lively and entertaining!
Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 15min
Is ‘The Penguin’ Still Good? | The Midnight Boys
The hosts dive deep into the latest twists in 'The Penguin', exploring character dynamics, particularly Oz's struggles and Sophia's transformation. They humorously debate the complexities of apologies and the morality behind historical memorials. Gotham's crime landscape is examined, revealing how timing shapes Batman's encounters. Additionally, there’s a playful reflection on celebrity culture and the absurdities of villain henchmen, all while reminiscing about their experiences at VidCon and the evolution of content creation.
Nov 2, 2024 • 1h 23min
‘Arcane’ Season 1 Recap and ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Season 5 Premiere | Mint Edition
Ben Lindbergh, host of 'Button Mash,' joins Steve and Jomi to recap the first season of 'Arcane' and discuss its innovative storytelling and character depth. They delve into Jinx's complex emotional journey, highlighting the show's exploration of mentorship and betrayal. The conversation shifts to 'Star Trek: Lower Decks,' where they share their excitement for the fifth season, reflecting on the show's clever humor and character-driven narrative. Expect a blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives as they anticipate what lies ahead for both series.
Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 26min
Did ‘Agatha’ Stick the Landing? Plus, ‘Penguin’ E6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
The guys dive into the finale of 'Agatha All Along,' analyzing character redemption and the emotional weight of choices. They share laughs over Halloween costumes and their crazy camaraderie before reflecting on 'The Penguin.' Exploring its dark character dynamics, they draw parallels to classics like 'The Wire.' A lighthearted debate on superhero flight poses adds humor to their serious discussions. With playful banter and personal anecdotes, the hosts keep the conversation lively while dissecting the impact of recent storylines.
Oct 30, 2024 • 29min
Ringer-Verse Recommends: October 2024
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.
Oct 26, 2024 • 1h 7min
Is ‘Venom 3’ Unwatchable? Plus, the Worst Year in Superhero Movies | The Midnight Boys
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!
Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 36min
Is ‘The Penguin’ FINALLY a Comic Book Show? Plus, 'Agatha' Ep. 7 | The Midnight Boys
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!
Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 48min
Is ‘The Penguin’ Living Up to the Hype? Plus, ‘Agatha’ Episode 6 Reactions | The Midnight Boys
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.
Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 21min
“Y’all Yelled About It” Plus a Comic Book Check-in With Kerm | Mint Edition
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.
Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 49min
‘Alien: Isolation’ Turns 10, ‘Tomb Raider’ Returns, and ‘Metaphor: ReFantazio’ Gets GOTY Buzz | Button Mash
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.
