Kris, a teacher and Marvel fanboy, and Dave, a freelance writer and DC fanatic, love to talk about their nerdy passions: comic books, movies and television, and video games. Each week, they discuss nerdy news, recommend new media, and take a deep dive into one niche in nerd culture. “The Nerd Byword” also features interviews with industry greats and up and coming talent. New episodes release every Monday.
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Episode 183 - Return to Amalgam: The DC vs. Marvel Sequels Explored
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Prepare your comic book hearts, as we unleash the might of ink and imagination in Episode 183 of The Nerd Byword! This week, we're celebrating the return of Amalgam Month, where we leap into the paneled past to revisit the epic showdowns of the DC vs. Marvel crossover miniseries. Join us as we dissect the first sequel of DC vs. Marvel, All Access. But before we don our capes, we delve into the latest Superman movie updates and ponder the implications of Nintendo's iron-fisted legal moves against emulation. And, of course, we've got fresh nerd commendations that'll have you sprinting to your nearest comic shop and gaming console!
Nerd News
Yuzu gets sued by Nintendo, shuts down
Superman movie news raises fan hopes
Byword Big Talk
All Access by Ron Marz & Jackson Guice
Nerd Commendations
Ultimate Black Panther #1 by Bryan Edward Hill & Stefano Caselli
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Superman's new movie details and fan reactions
(14:30) Nintendo's emulation lawsuit and its broader impact
(30:00) Amalgam Months: The DC vs Marvel legacy continues
(55:45) Nerd Commendations: Ultimate Black Panther and a nostalgic game revival
(01:05:00) Closing thoughts and Call to Action
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Episode 182 - Gaming Greats: The Digital Heroes That Defined Us
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
If you're a gamer, nostalgia junkie, or just someone who appreciates a good character arc, you're in for a treat with the latest episode of the Nerd Byword. Episode 182 is not just a number; it's a treasure trove of gaming goodness where we dive deep into our favorite video game characters of all time. What makes a video game character stand out? Is it their design, their backstory, or the way they make us feel as we navigate their digital worlds? We explore these questions and more, sharing our personal top picks that have left a lasting impression on our hearts and controllers. In nerd news, we take a look surrounding Kill the Justice League and Star Wars: Battlefront. Plus, new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League falls short of expectations
Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection coming soon
Byword Big Talk
Top 5 Favorite Video Game Characters
Nerd Commendations
Magic: The Gathering Arena
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome
(01:05) Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League falls short
(15:22) Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection re-release excitement
(27:44) Top 5 Favorite Video Game Characters
(54:18) Nerd Commendations - Magic: The Gathering Arena and Do a Powerbomb
(01:02:33) Call to Action
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Episode 181 - Scarab Shenanigans: Dissecting the Blue Beetle Buzz
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
In our latest episode, we delve into the blink-and-you-missed it Blue Beetle movie, one of the final pieces of the DC Extended Universe puzzle. As movie buffs and comic enthusiasts, we dissect the film with our unique "three likes and three dislikes" approach, offering a comprehensive review that's both critical and celebratory. We also step into the ring to discuss the current state of WWE, where the lines between reality and performance art blur like never before. All this, plus new nerd commendations.
Nerd News
Coyote vs. Acme shelved again, set to be deleted
WWE drama strikes with return of The Rock
Byword Big Talk
The Blue Beetle
Nerd Commendations
The Nitpicker’s Guide to Classic Trek
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome to the Byword
(01:20) Our take on the current WWE landscape and the Cody Rhodes saga
(10:11) The Rock's heel turn and its impact on WWE storytelling
(18:33) Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to shelve 'Coyote vs. Acme'
(29:50) Deep dive into the Blue Beetle film - The good, the bad, and the final grades
(47:05) Overcooked - A recipe for fun and frustration
(52:34) The Nitpicker's Guide for Classic Trekkers - A Trekkie's delight
(58:07) Call to action
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Episode 180 - From Page to Prime: The Origins of Invincible Explored
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Strap in for a super-powered deep dive as The Nerd Byword tackles the origins of Amazon Prime's hit show, Invincible! Episode 180 is all about going back to the source, exploring the first eight issues of Robert Kirkman and Corey Walker's iconic comic series. But before we leap into the fray, we're breaking down the latest Nerd News: Warner and DC Studios have found their Supergirl in Millie Alcock, and "Welcome Home, Franklin" is the new feel-good Peanuts story that rights a decades-long wrong.
Nerd News
Warner and DC Studios cast Millie Alcock as Supergirl
Apple TV Plus' Welcome Home, Franklin brings a heartwarming twist to Peanuts
Byword Big Talk
Invincible: The First Eight Issues
Nerd Commendations
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Dog of War
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:11) James Gunn and Peter Saffran find their Supergirl
(05:14) Peanuts' Welcome Home Franklin is a feel-good story
(10:29) The first eight issue of Invincible in review - What we like
(28:23) The first eight issue of Invincible in review - What we didn't like
(47:22) Star Trek Deep Space Nine: The Dog of War is solid
(53:05) Tears of the Kingdom is a great Breath of the Wild sequel
(56:06) Call to Action
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Episode 179 - Comic Book Homework and Gaming Exclusives
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
When it comes to the world of nerdy podcasts, few can blend the past and present as seamlessly as the Nerd Byword. In their latest episode, hosts Dave and Kris take us on a journey through time, from the pixelated adventures of Indiana Jones and the debate about physical vs. streaming media, to the rich history of Disney's wealthiest duck, Scrooge McDuck, and the adventures of Moon Knight. Plus, brand-new nerd commendations.
Nerd News
Indiana Jones Video Game Trailer Drops
Wal-Mart phases out physical video games
Byword Big Talk
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck
Nerd Commendations
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy on Steam
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to the homework assignments
(01:15) Indiana Jones game trailer impressions and Microsoft exclusivity debate
(08:54) Walmart's move away from physical video games and the implications
(14:33) Scrooge McDuck's storied past and its modern relevance
(22:17) Moon Knight's deep dive into the psyche of Mark Spector
(32:04) Avengers: Twilight #1 - A new world for Captain America
(38:39) Ace Attorney Trilogy - Courtroom drama meets puzzle-solving on Steam
(44:55) Closing remarks and call to action
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Episode 178 - Nerd Disappointments: The Letdowns We Can't Forget
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when a beloved show, game, or movie just doesn't live up to the hype? That moment when the credits roll or the final boss is defeated, and you're left wondering, "Is that it?" We've all been there, and in this episode of the Nerd Byword, we dive deep into the heart of disappointment.
In episode 178, we tackle the biggest letdowns we've faced in nerd media. We're talking about the games that promised worlds of adventure but delivered lackluster experiences, the movies that promised epic narratives but fell flat, and the comics that took bold steps forward only to retreat back to the status quo.
Nerd News
Switch 2 rumors are heating up
Byword Big Talk
Nerd Disappointments
Nerd Commendations
Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2024)
Chapters
(00:00) What are the biggest letdowns that you have suffered from nerd media
(01:06) Rumors are heating up that this year might see the release of a Switch sequel
(08:28) SAG-AFTRA has agreed to a deal with tech company replica studios
(16:10) We're going to list the three biggest letdowns of nerd media
(18:31) Why was Superman return so disappointing?
(20:39) So what went wrong with Superman returns?
(22:49) Kate Bosworth lacked spunk in Superman movie
(28:15) Bitsie Tulloch is a great modern-day Lois Lane
(29:34) Everything since the 2023 Hellfire gala has disappointed
(36:32) Thirteenth Doctor era was a letdown due to writing, not acting
(44:35) Spider-Man 3 is a disappointment for longtime comic book fans
(50:22) The Dark Tower movie was the biggest nerd disappointment
(58:57) The first X Men movie was great. The third one was a huge letdown
(01:06:23) The first issue of the Ultimate Spiderman comic is absolutely fantastic
(01:08:50) A documentary celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
(01:11:24) Call to Action
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Episode 177 - Godzilla Minus One: The Kaiju Comeback
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Get ready to roar as we tackle the titan of Toho studios, Godzilla Minus One. Did it measure up to the colossal hype or crumble like the cities in its wake? Join us for a monstrous episode that dissects the film's narrative, its cultural resonance, and Godzilla's legacy. Plus, the DCEU goes out with a whimper, censorship comes for comics, and new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Censorship of Graphic Novels up in 2023
Byword Big Talk
Nerd Commendations
Doctor Who: The Church in Ruby Road
Show Notes
(00:00) A new look at Godzilla Minus One
(01:21) Kris: With the release of Aquaman, the DCEU is done
(06:55) Dave: Forbes article looks at attempts to censor comics
(17:14) Dave: I think removing books from libraries is a shame
(21:42) We watched the 2023 sci-fi movie Godzilla Minus One
(23:31) A lot to love about Godzilla
(30:08) There's a very strong anti war message here.
(34:13) Kris: I really like the Godzilla design in this movie
(39:19) Dave: A fantastic monster movie that is also a period piece
(43:58) The Wolverine powers of Godzilla are just awesome
(46:37) The new Godzilla movie cost less than $15 million to make
(52:06) There are things we didn't like about this movie
(52:38) The only abject thing that I disliked about this movie is this
(54:20) I had some issues liking this guy.
(56:37) Dave: I absolutely love suit animation
(59:05) God Bless and Curse Autocorrect
(01:00:14) Kris: I don't think Noriko surviving works well in the movie
(01:03:53) Dave: The acting sometimes feels over the top
(01:06:29) Kris: I want more Godzilla. That's it.
(01:08:38) Dave: The choice of how he walks on land is a nitpick
(01:10:26) The final verdict.
(01:11:48) Nerd Commendation: Percy Jackson & the Olympians
(01:15:10) Nerd Commendation: Doctor Who: Church on Ruby Road
(01:19:13) Call to Action
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Episode 176 - Geek Goals: Our Nerd Year’s Resolutions
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Discover what happens when nerds set resolutions! In episode 176, we're not just talking about going to the gym, we're discussing the future of nerd media and sharing our personal 'nerd years resolutions.' From the anticipation of a live-action Zelda movie to the excitement around a new Blade video game, join us for an episode filled with passion, predictions, and a whole lot of nerd love. Plus, new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Nintendo announces The Legend of Zelda movie
New Blade video game announced
Byword Big Talk
Kris & Dave’s Nerd-Year Resolutions
Nerd Commendations
Show Notes
(00:00) On today's by word, we share our nerd years resolutions
(01:08) Nintendo is reportedly developing a live action Zelda movie
(06:03) Movies need to step out of shadow of Lord of the Rings
(10:23) Bethesda is making a Blade video game
(15:43) Our nerd year resolutions
(20:53) Making the analogy of DC comics being a foreign language
(22:38) The Godzilla Deep Dive
(26:16) Between work and kid, there isn't a lot time for reading
(30:36) Doing a Zelda deep dive on Switch
(39:47) Writing
(44:46) Getting back into reading more comics
(48:42) Doctor Who's third 60th anniversary special
(53:34) Godzilla Minus One is everything they say it is
(57:43) Call to Action
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Episode 175 - When the Big Two go Number Two
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
This week, Kris and Dave discuss the biggest problems facing Marvel Comics and DC, from status quo syndrome to the detriments of movie adaptations. Plus, Sony deletes purchased content, Nightcrawler gets retconned, and new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Sony deletes purchased content
Nightcrawler gets a new origin
Byword Big Talk
The Biggest Problems Facing Marvel & DC
Nerd Commendations
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Episode 174 - Ultimate (Spider-Man) Expectations
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
Tuesday Jan 02, 2024
This week, with a new Ultimate Spider-Man around the corner, Kris and Dave talk about their wishes for the new series. Plus, Dave Filoni gets a new job, Scream VII goes back to the drawing board, and new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Dave Filoni's new Star Wars job
Scream VII goes back to the drawing board
Byword Big Talk
Nerd Commendations