Comic book and geek themed podcasts are becoming more and more popular. There are countless podcasts and video shows that showcase the comics medium, but there are a handful that are consistently a cut above the rest. I listen to a lot of them so I thought I would take the time to decipher which podcasts are the best of the best, and why you should be watching/listening to these highly entertaining comic book personalities.
1 – The iFanboy Podcast
Every week hosts Josh Flanagan, Conor Kilpatrick, and Paul Montgomery come together to talk about the best comics of the week. One of the host will select a book that is deemed “The Pick of the Week” and the book is discussed in-depth. The level of insight and level of appreciation these guys have for the comics medium is unparalleled. The chemistry between the hosts gives this podcast a feel like you are hanging out with a couple buddies, as they dive head first into a stack of comics each week. The best part about the iFanboy podcast is the fact that they don’t scare listeners away with geek-speak, but instead elevate the conversation to the professional level of professional journalism that you would expect from the likes of Rolling Stone or USA Today.
2 – “Comic Book Girl 19” Video Channel
Comic Book Girl 19 runs the best YouTube channel for the discussion of comics, television and movies with over 14 million views and nearly 300,000 subscribers. Her enthusiasm is overwhelming, as she dissects movies, trailers and talks about the latest comic books. Her critiques are always spot on, and she infuses some humor into the mix without coming across as cheesy. Comic Book 19′s co-host is a giant robot who dishes out some hilarious quips throughout the show to keep things light hearted. Her weekly “Game Of Thrones” re-cap is the most in-depth discussion of the popular TV series on the internet. Much like Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick is perfectly cast as the host of “Talking Dead”, Comic Book 19′s knowledge of “Game of Thrones” makes her the perfect person to analyze every swing of the sword , White Walker, and how badass Daenerys Targaryen dragons look in every episode.
3 – “The Comic Conspiracy” Podcast
When most comic book podcast crumble underneath the sheer geekiness of the hosts, The Comic Conspiracy podcast is a couple guys with great taste in comics debating what you should be spending your hard earned cash on. Each week they discuss all the movers and shaker of the comic book industry, as well as the latest developments in movies and television. The discussion is entertaining and never seems to get boring, as they dig into a massive stack of books every week.
4 – Geek & Sundry’s “Talkin’ Comics” With Host Amy Dallen Video Channel
No comic’s personality has more enthusiasm than host Amy Dallen. Her bubbly personality gets filled with excitement when she’s talking about the comics medium, and its infectious for the viewers of the show. Amy targets one specific comic book series to highlight per episode, and then she does a fun activity that somehow relates to the title. For instance, she did a phenomenal job of dissecting DC Comics new “Harley Quinn” series, and then she did a great cosplay impression of Harley complete with quirky references to “Mr. J.” “Talking Comics” is a celebration of all things nerdy, and Amy Dallen explores comic book journalism that makes in a way that makes it insanely entertaining. Dallen also gets bonus points for shining a light onto the issues that hinder the growth of the comic industry as a whole, such as sexism and gender equality.
5 – “Fatman On Batman” With Kevin Smith Podcast
Kevin Smith does the best podcast about the caped crusader on the internet. Smith is joined by a guest in the “Fat Cave” each week for an in-depth discussion on Batman, the character’s history, and behind the scenes stories from the creators that helped shape Gotham City. Smith has had everyone from current Batman scribe Scott Snyder, actor Mark Hamill, and Marvel head-honcho Joe Quesada on the show, as well as unsung heroes of the Dark Knight’s mythos such as Denny O’Neil. Smith delivers the jokes that make this podcast fun to listen to for the casual Batman fan, as well as the diehards that read every issue.
6 – Nerdist’s “Comic Book Club” Podcast
The list of the best podcast wouldn’t be complete without an entry from the Nerdist. “Comic Book Club” brings together hosts Justin Tyler, Pete LePage, and Alex Zalben to goof on one another as they record the show live in NYC. With the live audience they keep things light hearted as they zap one liners back and forth. This hour of comic book banter will leave you in stitches as you listen to Pete rage out about the current Dan Slott’s “Spider-Man”, or hear Justin recant tales about giving free comics away to crazy people in the Big Apple.
7 – The “Word Balloon” podcast By John Siuntres
John Siuntres is simply the best interviewer in the comic book business. Think of him as the Larry King of the comic book world. With every episode John hosts the best writers and artists in in the industry, as he goes in-depth into their creative minds. His background in radio helps to give the show the level of professionalism that many podcasts lack, and his knowledge of the comic cook craft is one the same level as the legendary talent that he interviews on the show. There is a reason why writers like Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Waid consistently make appearances on the show, and its because John is hands down one of the best in the business.
What do you think is the best comic book podcast? I’m always looking for more. Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.