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 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
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Episode 173 - Coming to a Comic Shop Near You!
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
Tuesday Dec 26, 2023
This week, Kris and Dave look ahead at the February 2024 comic book solicitations. Which books have them excited? Plus, the Turtles at IDW experience some big changes, Madame Web looks weird, and new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Madame Web Trailer released, looks weird as heck
The Winds of Change Blow at IDW’s TMNT Line
Byword Big Talk
Nerd Commendations
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Episode 172 - Oh Captain, My Captain...Marvel
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
This week, Kris and Dave reignite the controversy and take a closer look at The Marvels. Did it deserve to fail, or is it a gem of a movie? They also reflect on the end of the Hollywood strikes and lament the cancellation of yet another Warner Bros. movie. Plus, new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Coyote vs Acme shelved by WB for tax write-off
Byword Big Talk
Nerd Commendations
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Episode 171 - Giving Thanks for a Nerdy Harvest
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
This week, it's a belated Thanksgiving as Kris and Dave discuss the nerdy content they're most thankful for. What made the cut? Plus, Jonathan Hickman goes Ultimate, a Two-Face actor passes away, and new nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Jonathan Hickman's Ultimate Decision
Richard Moll, Two-Face actor, passes away
Byword Big Talk
From Attitude to Gratitude
Nerd Commendations
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Episode 170 - January Solicitations...Not THAT Kind!
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
This week, Kris and Dave look to the future and pick their most anticipated January 2024 comic book releases. Which books made the cut? Plus, some major characters were cut from No Way Home, Matthew Vaughn wants to remake Star Wars (snicker), and the return of nerd commendations!
Nerd News
Mary Jane, Gwen Stacy, Aunt May all cut from No Way Home script
Matthew Vaughn wants to remake Star Wars
Byword Big Talk
January 2024 Comic Solicitations
Nerd Commendations