Emma Frost! Banshee! Skin! Jubilee! Monet! Mondo! Buff? Refrax?!? It's, uhhh... the Generation X made-for-TV movie!!!

Kelly Thompson and Kaylie McDougal join Ross Campbell and Nick Marino (that's me!) to discuss this cinematic gem from 1996.

The verdict is that the Gen X movie is a mess of 90s filmmaking mistakes, but it also has some intriguing positive qualities.

After the end theme, Ross and I play a phone call from Zach from Colorado (wait... or is it "Zack"??? correct me if I'm wrong!) who reveals an interesting factoid about the connection between Jem and the Pryde of the X-Men.

If you'd like to leave us your own message to play on the show, call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 or email an mp3 to nick@audioshocker.com.

ALSO... be back tomorrow for a special uncut bonus episode of A Podcast with Kaylie and Ross and Nick!

Neal wants to know -- what's the deal with wearing camo? Nick thinks it's just as much about the social statement as it is the fashion statement.

Then, after Nick talks about The Avengers movie and its relationship to the modern military industrial complex, Neal wants to know -- what's the deal with Warner Bros and how come they haven't turned The Authority into a movie yet?

Then it's 90s retro -- grunge vs. rave!!! The Blade movie had a sweet blood rave, but Neal's more interested in Eddie Vedder. Nick digs all of the modern rave retro but wonders just how good things really are for Gavin Rossdale.

One year ago this Wednesday, Kenny and Nick (that's me!) started this fighting games podcast and it's still going strong... SO WE'RE CELEBRATING!!!

A random screencap from Marvel Super Heroes because, well... why not?

For our anniversary-cast, Kenny and I reveal the secret origin of the HyperComboCast and share some factoids about ourselves. Plus, we answer an unexpected phone call from Kenny's mom, who talks about her love for the Dead or Alive series.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that after the end theme we play an 8-bit version of Hawkeye's UMvC3 theme song as performed by MrBulbamike (check him out on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter).

Shawn Atkins, Dan Greenwald, and Nick Marino are joined by Brian Babyok of Weirdlings.com to discuss their individual writing styles, from seat-of-your-pants improv to heavily outlined scripts.

Brian reaches into his bag of writing tricks at S.P.A.C.E. in 2011.

We share our favorite kinds of scripts, our preferred methods of collaboration, our best writing experiences, and our worst ones.

Tell us how you like to write your comics -- call 412-567-7606 to leave a 3 minute message on our automated comment line. We'll play what you say on the show!

NEWS BY KENNY! Dr. Riot runs down some upcoming games and other stuff that's going down on the fighting game scene.

He also wants you to check out the Fighting Games Symposium interview series and like the HyperComboCast on Facebook.

After the end theme, an 8-bit version of Nova's UMvC3 theme song as performed by MrBulbamike (check him out on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter).

On this week's Super Haters podcast, Nick Marino (c'est moi!) and creator extraordinaire Andrew Kilian go off-topic to debate The Godfather, share mutual love for The Legend of Korra, and trade philosophical views.

Completely unrelated to this podcast... THE HATERS NEED YOUR VOTE!

After the end theme (which happens somewhere in the middle of the episode), we talk about Mind's Eye for a bit, discussing her background and costume. And we chat about the inspiration for RALF.

But then we start bullshitting about other stuff again.

Ross "Golden Pen" Campbell talks to Nick "Pen 15 Club" Marino (that's me!) about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Microseries #4: Leonardo, his latest comic book.

Ross tells the thrilling tale of how he got the gig with IDW, his artistic process for the issue, and tons more.

Plus, we answer your questions from Twitter, Facebook, and deviantART! (And there are so many shout-outs that I'm not even gonna try to type them out.)

After the end theme, Avengers and poop.

Neal's smoothie game is off the chain. Pineapple chunks.

STOP! Justique and Nick started watching Jem and the Holograms on Netflix... and it's fucking sweet!!!!

Meanwhile, Neal's on Crackle and that's the way he likes it. But he thinks the original Ghostbusters flick is waaaaay overrated (which may or may not be related to all of the Crackle he's on).

In other news, Justique and Nick started watching The Legend of Korra on Amazon... and it's fucking sweet!!!!

Finally, Neal's pretty sure that The Net and Sandra Bullock predicted the future.

EDIT: At the end, Nick (that's me!) mentions a short three-page comic he drew over the weekend for Cartooning All Night... here it is.

Shawn Atkins and Nick Marino speak with Pierce Johnson, Pittsburgh cartoonist and an organizer of the Cartooning All Night component of the larger Art All Night event held in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood this Sat-Sun April 28-29.

Pierce explains what you can expect to see at Cartooning All Night, and we run down the list of awesome Pittsburgh cartoonists that'll be participating. We also discuss improvisation as it relates to comics creation, and share some of our own comics improv experiences.

And if you're still interested in getting involved with this year's Cartooning All Night activity, email nick@audioshocker.com or leave a comment here on the blog post. The more cartoonists the better!

You can read more of Pierce's work at Left of Sanity.

After the end theme, we chat up some other topics. Pierce wonders why very few indie comic books have synopses on the back. And he's also searching for an online source that keeps track of the latest comics releases by Pittsburgh cartoonists. Does that exist? We don't think so.

UPDATE: Check out the results of 2012's Cartooning All Night.

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER! The Hairicane has arrived to help Nick get a handle on Justice League Task Force. Released in 1995 for Sega Genesis and SNES, this weird fighter features some of DC Comics most famous heavy-hitters.

NOTE: In this episode, we share our non-expert opinions on the Genesis version, which is pretty different from its SNES counterpart.

ALSO NOTE: All of the incredible ass shots we caught in our screencaps.

Unlike the Marvelous competition produced by Capcom, JLTF is a relatively obscure video game...

...and after playing it for two hours, it's pretty obvious why this this Condor, Sunsoft, and Acclaim production isn't often cited in the annals of fighting game history.

Still, we enjoyed the shit out of it, especially the music by Matt Uelmen.

JLTF is highly recommend to players who like retro gaming and a good laugh.

And mullets.

Kaylie McDougal, creator of Dinogeddon, joins Ross and Nick to recap Tammy and the T-Rex, a 1994 sci-fi comedy film starring Denise Richards and Paul Walker.

This is a rare film, available only on VHS if you wanna buy it... but luckily we found the whole thing on YouTube:

It's better than you'd think... but it's nothing compared to the ridiculousness of Mac and Me. So our Tammy conversation ends only 17 minutes into the show.

BUT THAT'S WHEN THE POOP TALK BEGINS!!! That's right, the last 29 mins of this episode are dedicated to poop stories. Our worst poops, our most memorable poops, and everything else interesting about poop. How extreme did Nick have to go to make a London toilet flush? What was a dog doing to Kaylie while she used an outhouse? And why did Ross throw poop on a squirrel? Find out the answers to these strange and exciting questions by listening to our compelling poop conversation.

Also, don't forget -- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Microseries #4: Leonardo is out today and it features fantastic art by Ross. So go buy one at your comic shop!

Get ready to ride the sails! Nick talks about the sailing thriller Masquerade starring Rob Lowe, his butt, Meg Tilly, and (naked) Kim Cattrall.

Then Neal and Nick rant about streaming video, sharing their frustrations about not being able to watch whatever TV shows they want whenever they want. AIUGDIUH OIHSOIHNS OIHJS!!!!

After that, Nick reviews the 2007 Mena Suvari film Stuck, the (somewhat) true story of a woman who hit a dude with her car and then kept on driving even though he was sticking out of her windshield.

Finally, following the end theme, Neal opens up about his love for Hot Shots! Part Deux, the classic 1993 military movie parody starring (super-buff) Charlie Sheen.

FOUR PLAYER MODE! Kenny, ZanSam, Kayin, and Nick discuss the newest fighting game on the scene -- Skullgirls!

From gameplay to art direction to the netcode to combo fanfare and everything in between, we deliver our opinions on this one-of-a-kind fighter.

Plus, listener feedback from David Rodriguez and a special 8-bit version of Felicia's UMvC3 theme song as performed by MrBulbamike (check him out on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter).

On this week's podcast, Nick Marino is joined by artist Scott Hedlund to discuss Scott Hedlund Guest Week a.k.a. Office Haters!

The guys discuss Scott's artistic process, the creation of their collaboration, the influences behind the themes and jokes in their story, putting Mind's Eye in a skirt suit, and tons more! Read all of Scott Hedlund Guest Week on Facebook.

Shoutouts to Dan Greenwald, Andrew Kilian, Brian Babyok, and Phantom of the Attic Comics in Oakland.

After the end theme, Nick reveals a surprise guest who's joining Destruct-O-Tron and Mind's Eye in their next story arc, starting on Monday with Super Haters #355.

Shawn Atkins and Nick Marino are joined by magnificent Pittsburgh cartoonist Marcel Walker (of M.L.Walker's HERO CORP) to discuss legal troubles and how to avoid them as an indie comics creator.

Remember, nothing we're saying on this podcast should be taken as legal advice! We're just three cartoonists trading opinions and sharing experiences. If you're seeking official legal advice, contact an attorney.

Marcel works on one of his awesome thumbnail scrolls at the 2011 PIX event. Photo by Seth Fronzoli. Click here to see a pic of the completed thumbnail scroll!

After the end theme, we put out a call for artists to participate in Cartooning All Night, part of the larger Art All Night event happening in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood on Sat-Sun April 28-29. If you're interested in participating, email nick@audioshocker.com for more info.

Four movies reviewed, straight offa the AFI 100 list!

32. The Godfather Part II (1974)

The Diane Keaton takeover pt 1. A good flick. Both Conrad and Nick dig it.

31. Annie Hall (1977)

The Diane Keaton takeover pt 2. Conrad likey. More than he thought he would. Nick hasn't seen it since he was a wee babe.

30. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

No Diane Keaton here. Sorry, folks. But Conrad digs this Bogart western. (BTW, is this image actually from the movie? I hope so, because it's awesome. But I'll be damned if that doesn't look like Charlton Heston...)

29. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Yep. He sure went to Washington. Annnnnddddd... it wasn't that good. Corruption, naivete, politics. Just watch The Distinguished Gentleman instead.

NEXT: Apocalypse Now, Bonnie & Clyde, Dr. Strangelove, and E.T.

Kenny and Nick tackle the Neo-Geo fighting game that's got more character than Betty White, Samuel L. Jackson, and Dan Hibiki combined -- Waku Waku 7!

Kenny kicks off the podcast by following up on last week's episode and sharing a few thoughts about Street Fighter X Tekken.

After that, it's some hardcore WW7 conversation! Kenny details the game's evolution as a sorta-sequel to SUNSOFT's Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors, and Nick compares the feel of the game to a hybrid of Pocket Fighter and Darkstalkers.

Then Kenny runs down the Waku Waku 7 characters... which include a farting robot, a chubby bunny monster, a super-powered android maid, and a police robot piloted by a Mario lookalike and his dog.

Of course, that's not all -- Kenny discusses the game's fighting system and Nick shares some thoughts about WW7's depth and design. Plus, after the end theme, a musical treat.

Nick Marino delivers a detailed report on what he did during the month and a half that the Super Haters webcomic was on hiatus.

From San Antonio to Austin to Phoenix to Pittsburgh to Buffalo to Rochester and back to Pittsburgh again, Nick stayed busy during his break from Destruct-O-Tron and Mind's Eye. Learn about his experiences at comics events like STAPLE! and the Buffalo Small Press Book Fair (not to mention the in-progress Toonseum MiniCon!), as well as his thoughts on the Phoenix comics scene and tons more.

IMPORTANT: The Super Haters hiatus officially ends on Monday, April 9th with Super Haters #350, featuring kickass art by master drafter Scott Hedlund! And be back here in one week to hear Scott and Nick discuss the creative process behind their story arc on Destruct-O-Cast #11.

Kelly Thompson (of the world renowned 3 Chicks Podcast) teams up with Ross and Nick to talk about how fans treat ongoing / continuous / on tap properties.

What kinds of properties, you ask? Franchises like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, X-Men, Wonder Woman, and more.

Compelling conversation awaits! Learn the thrilling answers to questions like:

• Is Kelly excited for Avengers vs. X-Men?
• Does Ross care if Michael Bay turns the TMNT into aliens?
• And why is Nick such an asshole?

Finally, after the end theme, Ross gets bummed out while looking at Chris Stevens's marker art.

Neal wants to know: what happened to Kid 'n Play?

Nick wants to know: what's the deal with people complaining about the casting of Hunger Games? He thought the movie had the opposite problem!

Nick also wants to know: how does Neal feel about the depictions of Indians and Indian-Americans in movies and TV shows?

And finally, Neal wants to know: what's the deal with Lane Bryant? Has it always been so fashionable?

Nick goes solo to deliver his first impression of Street Fighter X Tekken.

PODCAST SPOILER ALERT!!! He didn't like it.

What was your first impression of SFxTK? Email HyperComboCast@gmail.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

Then, after the end theme -- in a shocking turn of events! -- Nick goes rogue and talks about a beat 'em up (GASP!) called Dynamite Cop, and how it changed his life for the better after his lackluster experience with SFxTK.

NEXT: Kenny and Nick talk Waku Waku 7!

Directly following last week's Destruct-O-Cast #8, we're back with more audio commentary, this time for Super Haters #27-56d. As before, these recordings come from 2010's Super Haters Special Edition, a homemade CD collection of comics, commentary, and extras.

This episode covers the transition from three panels to six panels, some meta commentary, the death of Destruct-O-Tron and Mind's Eye, and the short-lived Super Haters relaunch:

• Super Haters #27-31 - Under Construction
• Super Haters #32-34 - The Same Old
• Super Haters #35-40 - The Gift of Time
• Super Haters #41-45 - Back in Action
• Super Haters #46-49 - WTF?
• Super Haters #50a-56a - Wacky
• Super Haters #50d-56d - Morbid

Click the above links to read the revised arcs on Facebook OR visit the AudioShocker's Super Haters Master List to read the comics as they first appeared. In fact, for the first story, you'll definitely wanna read the strips on the AudioShocker because the Facebook version of the arc excludes some stuff.

Note: A couple of extras are mentioned -- one for #47 and one for #53dd.

Indie cartoonist (and soon-to-be CCS student!) Juan José Fernández returns to Sequential Underground to talk about The Toonseum MiniCon, an upcoming Pittsburgh small press and indie comics event that's a part of the 3rd annual GA/GI Festival.

Juan explains the MiniCon to fellow Pittsburgh comics creators Shawn Atkins, Dan Greenwald, and Nick Marino, discussing the show's inception and outlining his vision for the spontaneous event.

Here are the details:

The Toonseum MiniCon will take place from 6-9 PM on Thu-Fri April 5-6 2012 at the BGC Community Activity Center on 113 N. Pacific Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

Learn more about the MiniCon AND check out the exhibitors list (featuring the illustrious hosts (and some former guests) of this podcast!).

Kenny Riot brings John "ZanSam" Amenta back to discuss what attracts them to certain fighting games.

Remember your first time with a certain game that grabbed you the right way? Tell us about it! Email HyperComboCast@gmail.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

Also, check out this video featuring ZanSam's Funny Face Crusher (FFC) resets with Frank West in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Take a trip down memory lane as Nick Marino presents audio commentary for Super Haters #1-26, as recorded for 2010's Super Haters Special Edition, a homemade digital collection of comics, commentary, and a few extras:

Never before released online, this audio commentary reveals behind-the-scenes info about the earliest Super Haters story arcs, including:

• Super Haters #01-04 - Getting to Know You
• Super Haters #05-10 - Teamwork
• Super Haters #11-16 - Casting Call
• Super Haters #17-21 - Mindless Destruction
• Super Haters #22-26 - A Destruct-O-Carol

Click the above links to read the revised arcs on Facebook OR visit the AudioShocker's Super Haters Master List to read the comics as they first appeared.

Note: Throughout the episode, Nick references "extras" originally included on the Super Haters Special Edition disc. To help you follow along with the commentary, he's collected those images into a PDF which you can check out here.

The year was 1988. Following the success of E.T. and ALF, Vision International, New Star Entertainment, and Orion Pictures joined forces to release one of the (if not the) worst films ever reviewed on A Podcast with Ross and Nick -- Mac and Me.

Kaylie's back to help Ross and Nick relieve all of their nightmarish Mac and Me memories, from the painfully excessive Coca-Cola product placement to an insane dance number at McDonald's to Mac's wobbly, gyrating alien father.

Have you seen Mac and Me? We hope not. But if you have, tell us what you thought! Email nick@audioshocker.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play what you say on the podcast.

Finally, after the end theme, we talk about cat sex and then we hit up zoophile.net for instructions on how to make love to a dolphin.

Neal has the new iPad, but Nick wonders: should they have called it the iPad 3?

ALSO: Neal's not sure how to end a conversation -- or, more importantly -- how to end a hang out session.

Nick recommends ending all conversations and social events by dressing up like a clown and punching people in the nuts.

PLUS: Neal watched the 21 Jump Street red band trailer and it made him feel like he'd have to put up with the crappy lead actors in the film just to get to the great supporting actors.

Nick really wants to sympathize with Neal, but he refuses to watch any movie trailer that doesn't include a massive helicopter explosion.

THEN: Nick talks about his new cinematic passion, Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back and Best of the Best: Without Warning (a.k.a. Best of the Best 4).

Highlights include: a clown fighting white supremacists at the local county fair, an over-the-top mountain tunnel chase scene, and some CG butterflies:

EXTRAS:

• Listen to our HyperComboCast review of DOA: Dead or Alive.
• Tim Holtrop's storyboards from Best of the Best 4 are on IMDb!

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER! Kenny Riot brings on his friend Kitty "Miss Strawberry" Anderson to discuss cosplay and fighting games...

...though the conversation is definitely leaning more towards cosplay, heh.

Characters discussed:

• Yurika, of Project Justice
• Kurow, of Project Justice
• Ran, of Project Justice
• Frank West, originally of Dead Rising, but also appears in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm a dick!!! If you've listened to the AudioShocker Podcast before, you probably already know that. Anyway, this episode has some audio issues (background, heavy echo, noises), so I've included a special "Nick the dick" intro on this episode for future guests of the HyperComboCast and the AudioShocker in general. HAPPY LISTENING! - Nick

It's been one month since the last A Podcast with Ross and Nick. To make up for our absence, we're giving you a double-sized brain cruncher!

Kelly Thompson joins Ross and Nick to discuss a complex conundrum: Where do you draw the line and how do you feel about reading or watching or listening to a creator's work when you don't agree with the creator as an individual?

We start out by discussing Woody Allen, Brett Ratner, Roman Polanski, Mel Gibson, Joss Whedon, David Lynch, and Emma Thompson.

That leads to a conversation about creative success vs. commercial success, with Gary Friedrich, Jack Kirby, and Marvel's creative legacy at the center of it. Then Kelly relates her own creative vs. commercial conflicts, leading to speculation about perceptions of social constructs vs. what individuals really want to see.

ALSO: Kelly loses it, Frank Miller, the Ross and Nick guro episode, the moral ambiguity of pornography, and phone sex vs. guro art.

PLUS: An in depth talk about Psylocke's thong. Is there a way to make it work?

AND MORE: Why did Ross hate The Garbage Pail Kids Movie so much? And what was the deal with Rogue after the X-Men went through the Siege Perilous?

Tell us what you think! Email nick@audioshocker.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play what you say on the podcast.

NEXT: We're back in one week (that's right... only seven days!) with the long-awaited Mac and Me episode featuring Kaylie.

Kenny Riot discusses how YouTube video creator, Miles923 a.k.a. Maxamillian of "Assist Me", basically said everything else he could've said about all the current controversy surrounding Street Fighter X Tekken.

Instead, Kenny proposes an idea for a convention for fighting games, after telling all you listeners to rep AudioShocker at it's fullest.

Nick is away at STAPLE so Dan and Shawn take the reigns for this episode.

They discuss the process of character design...

Dan's Blue Wraith has a simple-yet-striking color scheme.

...and then they chat about the complexity of page layout.

A unique double-page spread by Shawn.

We wanna hear your tips and tricks for character design and page layout. Email nick@audioshocker.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

Kenny records another solo episode to address the recent controversy around Cross Assault, a reality show / commercial for Street Fighter X Tekken...

...and he wants people to know that the sexist behavior on the show IS NOT indicative of the fighting game community as a whole.

35. It Happened One Night (1934)

...is refreshingly good yet surprisingly familiar. Conrad likey very much.

34. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

...is a boring character study. Conrad no likey.

33. High Noon (1952)

...is a western that happens in real time. Conrad likey. Nick not so much.

NEXT: The Godfather Part II, Annie Hall, and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Kenny brings John "ZanSam" Amenta on the HyperComboCast again to discuss the trials and tribulations of an often overlooked aspect of playing fighting games -- the pursuit of bettering yourself.

Get your notebooks out and start takin' notes, 'cause this episode is quite important!

ALSO: Listen to the original Kenny and ZanSam podcast team-up on HyperComboCast Bonus Stage #2 - More Learning.

On today's podcast, we kick things off with listener feedback from Javier Hernandez, cartoonist and podcaster. Then Shawn Atkins, Dan Greenwald, and Nick Marino get hyper-local with cartoonist and Pittsburghese expert, Virginia Shields.

Virginia's "Words and Phrases for Getting Arahnd Pittsburgh" (available on Etsy)

We discuss staying active in your local indie comics scene by creating comics that represent your community, participating in local shows and events, and working to generate local success.

Shawn and Nick at Pittsburgh's Artists Meetup at Assemble.

While this episode focuses on Pittsburgh, you can apply what we're taking about to almost any other locale. And if you don't think you have a local cartoonists scene, you might be surprised what a little bit of digging will reveal -- Google your town or nearby cities to find out where comics creators are meeting up and don't be afraid to get yourself in on the action.

Neal went to Seattle and met a lot of people who agreed that Portland is exactly like Portlandia. He also talks about Netflix's first original series, Lilyhammer.

Plus, Neal's been watching RuPaul's Drag Race and he now recognizes the grave importance of slappin' a bitch. Meanwhile, Nick saw Chronicle. He was initially impressed... but upon deeper thought was unimpressed.

One of these characters dies in Chronicle... bet ya can't guess which one!!!

Then technical difficulties begin to prey on the recording. After stops and starts, Neal talks about how airlines now want you to pay for in-flight entertainment...

...which somehow leads to a conversation about going back and changing entertainment -- like the way George Lucas changed the Star Wars films or the way the Beastie Boys (according to Neal... internet verification of this is hard to find) have changed their lyrics. And Nick admits that while he's made some music in the past that he's not always 100% proud of, he'd never go back and change it.

Kenny invites special guest, Joe "Shakewell" Drilling of OnTheStick.com, to discuss various aspects of pro wrestling and how they influenced fighting games. Step into the squared circle and experience this podcast crossover!

Here's the Tekken 3 King video that Joe watches during the show:

Ooooooooh yeeeeaah! Got something you wanna say about wrestling and fighting games? Hit us up! Email HyperComboCast@gmail.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

Nick Marino is sleepy. And he's podcasting. Alone.

In this Super Haters micro-cast, Nick talks about the genesis of the Fast Cash story arc (concluding today with #349!). It all began with the mystery of Ross MacDonald, which continued to build and build until it all came to a head with this week's odd (and well-timed) coincidence:

After the end theme, sleepy Nick relays more Fast Cash coincidences relating to two audiobooks he's been listening to lately (How I Helped O. J. Get Away with Murder and A Helluva High Note).

Whatever you think about this podcast, just remember that Nick is sleepy.

Remember when Kelly Thompson, Ross Campbell, and Nick Marino made podcast magic by taking you on "Quite An Adventure" with #120?

KISS THOSE DAYS GOODBYE, BABY!

The magic gets tragic as we talk about Garfield, how we all agree on the existence (and overrated-ness) talent, Ross's new Leonardo comic book cover, and how Kelly's not a TMNT fan.

That leads to a brief definition of Turtlecest, which leads to a conversation about Mega Man's butt in the Archie comics.

Are you a fan of Turtlecest? Do you like Mega Man's butt? Tell us what you think! Email nick@audioshocker.com or leave us a message on our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play what you say on the podcast.

After that, Nick bitches about hardcover prices. Kelly bitches about how Marvel dropped the ball on marketing Fear Itself: The Fearless... BUT she likes Daredevil and Wolverine and the X-Men (both of which Ross and Nick haven't read yet). And then Nick's shitty internet ruins the podcast.

TODAY: Glory relaunches from Image with killer art by Ross! BUY IT!!!
IN 2 WEEKS: Kaylie is back to discuss Mac and Me.

MEGA HUGE SHOUT OUT to Aaron Conley of InvadeMyPrivacy.com for hooking us up with some excellent comics. Mucho awesome. And make sure you check out Aaron's art because it's fucking sweet.

From marquee art to screen size to the spacing between joysticks, we're talking about those shrines of battle... those big ol' boxes of fun... arcade cabinets!

Kenny and Nick discuss arcade gameplay and their favorite cabinet art, from Street Fighter II to Mortal Kombat II to Soulcalibur II to Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter to Street Fighter IV to Tekken 5 and tons more.

Plus, both guys share some arcade cabinet stories, as well as their favorite old school non-arcade spots to find cabinets.

Tell us about your favorite arcade cabinets! Email HyperComboCast@gmail.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

ALSO: There's a brand-spanking-new HyperComboCast fan page on Facebook! Head on over and give it a LIKE :)

On this week's Destruct-O-Cast: Nick Marino talks to Brian John Mitchell, emperor of the Silber Media empire, comics creator, and Super Haters guest writer.

STOP! You should take a couple of minutes to read Brian John Mitchell Guest Week before you listen to this episode!

Brian's 10-strip tale was all about Destruct-O-Tron being reunited with a strange Tony Stark lookalike who may or may not actually be his dear old daddy. And, believe it or not, Brian used his own unusual experience as a father to inform his story.

But that's not all Brian and Nick talk about -- they cover a wide range of topics, from the history of social media to changes in comic book continuity and lots more.

Of course, there's a ton of Super Haters conversation mixed in among the wide range of topics, from behind-the-scenes development of Brian's arc to 3 panels vs. 6 panels scripting and beyond!

Pittsburgh indie scribble master Nate McDonough joins Dan Greenwald, Shawn Atkins, and Nick Marino to talk about his new graphic novel, Don't Come Back, and more.

Nate discusses his Kickstarter campaign for Don't Come Back (you should become a backer!!!) and the experience of putting the entirety of Don't Come Back online for free (you should read it!!!)...

...all while sketching away at a new Bears in Space comic (seriously -- you can hear him drawing while we podcast).

Neal asks: When it comes to the Super Bowl, is the game just a break for the ads? Neal says yes, but that's mostly because he doesn't know anything about football. Nick disagrees. And Justique just has halftime show ennui.

Neal thinks that the NFL was crazy for letting MIA on the show in the first place, at which point Nick reminds him that terrorism is not a genetic trait. Justique, on the other hand, just hated Madonna's performance.

Once all of the Super Bowl talk is done, Nick wants to talk about Sheba, Baby (on Netflix and Amazon). The film has a water sports fight scene wherein Pam Grier rides a jet ski into battle, spraying casual racists with a flared barrel gun.

Kenny and Nick reunited!!! Will the HyperComboCast #28 tear them apart?!? LISTEN AND FIND OUT!!!!!!

We kick things off with some awesome listener feedback from David Rodriguez. After that, Nick takes a few moments to offer up his thoughts on Kenny's topic from HyperComboCast #27.

Here's the car accident background Kenny talks about from Capcom vs. SNK.

Then it's time for a passionate discussion about art direction in fighting games. Character art, backgrounds, loading screens, and all of the other design touches that set the tone for the entire game.

We cover fighting game series like Capcom vs. SNK, Mortal Kombat, Marvel vs. Capcom, Samurai Shodown, King of Fighters, Tekken, and more. Oh... and, you know there's some love in there for the HyperComboCast favorite, Marvel Super Heroes.

The character art from Marvel vs. Capcom 2 was awesome!!!

After the end theme, we discuss fighting games with the worst art direction.

And, finally, we want to know: which fighting games do you think have the best art direction? You can hit us up two different ways: email HyperComboCast@gmail.com or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

ALSO: Hypno-Hustler.

On this week's Destruct-O-Cast: making a Super Haters comic strip from start to finish. Join Nick Marino as he details his creation process, revealing lots of little Super Haters secrets along the way!

It all starts with the plot, building it up through brainstorming and conversation. Then, after plenty of tweaks, the process moves onto the scripting phase.

Once the initial script is complete, it's time to put the characters in place. After the panels are composed, they're copied into another file and lettered.

The time-consuming lettering stage is also an opportunity to rewrite the dialogue and tighten up the jokes. Once that's finished, the webcomic is exported, uploaded, and posted to the Super Haters blog.

Above is the final product, Super Haters #339, which is then shared across multiple social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Google+. AND THAT'S A WRAP!

Another episode packed full of deep issues and ethical conundrums!

Just kidding. We're talking about Prince movies.

Kaylie is back to discuss Purple Rain, Under the Cherry Moon, and Graffiti Bridge.

Have you watched the Prince movies? Tell us what you think about 'em! Leave us a message on our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play what you say on the podcast.

ALSO: Ross announces the debut of his new Wet Moon blog (Wet Moon 6 starts running on Friday!). And Nick teases some things to come in Super Haters.

PLUS: The return of the Rockycast! Ross and Kaylie are sick of anime, so Nick tries to convince them to watch Welcome to the NHK. And after the end theme, Kaylie disappears.

IN 2 WEEKS: Kelly is back for the Talentcast.
IN 4 WEEKS: Kaylie returns to discuss Mac and Me.

Double-sized episode!

39. Doctor Zhivago (1965)

Conrad's wife makes a cameo appearance in the film.

Too long. Too boring. Too famous.

38. Double Indemnity (1944)

Nick's in love! This film is a taut thriller that stands the test of time. Watch it!

37. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

Conrad's the only one that watched this movie about three soldiers returning home to the USA after WWII. It was good.

36. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Hmmmmmmm. Yeah. This movie's the inspiration for the name of Rizzo the Rat.

NEXT: To Kill a Mockingbird and High Noon. EDIT: We forgot to mention It Happened One Night. That's #35.

Kenny kicks things off by discussing the new additions to the Street Fighter X Tekken cast, including this handsome fella:

But after that, then it's time for the real battle... comeback mechanics vs. self-imposed limitations!!!

Actually, it's not a battle. Instead, Kenny poses two different-but-related fighting games questions:

1. Do comeback mechanics like Soulcalibur's Ring Out or Street Fighter IV's Ultra Meter make the games unique or ruin the gameplay?
2. Do you have self-imposed limitations when you play?

Tell us about your self-imposed limitations or share your feelings about comeback mechanics by emailing HyperComboCast@Gmail.com or calling our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 (don't forget to tell us your name and the episode you're calling about!).

On this week's Destruct-O-Cast, Nick Marino (that's me!) and Justique Woolridge are joined by Brett Wallwork, Super Haters super fan!

Above: Brett on the left. Dorks on the right.

We discuss Brett's taste in comedy, his taste in candy bars, and his taste in Super Haters comics. (Actually, now that I think about it, we spend a lot of time talking about candy...)

Above: Brett's favorite story arc... one that doesn't exist.

We also toss around ideas for future Super Haters stories AND future Destruct-O-Casts, plus Nick teases what you can expect from the upcoming story arc.

Above: Brett's least favorite story arc... the current one.

Pittsburgh cartoonist Ed Piskor joins Nick Marino and Shawn Atkins to discuss hip hop history, the formulation of taste, hand lettering, comics reprints, and tons more.

Ed's recently embarked on an ambitious new project -- chronicling the genesis of rap music through a comprehensive Hip Hop Family Tree series for his Brain Rot webcomic on BoingBoing.net.

But this isn't Ed's introduction to the history of rap music. He's a passionate hip hop head with his own specific views on the development (and death) of the genre.

And we don't just talk about hip hop in this episode. We also dig into our mutual love of comics, covering topics such as: reading old original issues vs. recolored reprints, "Where's Waldo?" X-Men, The Kubert School, assembly line comics production, the proportion wheel, and emotional connection to source material.

After Neal and Nick pen the latest mega-dance hit -- Do the Martha Stewart -- live on the podcast, then it's time to talk about...

The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret. Nick (that's me!) is currently obsessed with it, especially loving the David Cross humor and the show's editing. While it's not new, it seems like everybody is suddenly feeling this comedy series.

Well, everybody except for Neal. But that's okay because he has his own British TV show that he's digging right now...

Sherlock. And Neal's not the only person loving this 21st century reinvention of Sherlock Holmes -- it's a pretty big hit on the interwebs. But it's led Neal to wonder: does British TV suffer from being too closely related to Shakespeare?

Got thoughts on Todd Margaret or Sherlock? Call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

After that, Nick wants to talk about his new audiobook passion, Going Rogue... as read by its author, Sarah Palin! Plus, NealShyam.com got a revamp.

Finally, after the end theme, the guys take it back to the earliest days of the AudioShocker Podcast and reveal their confessions.

On this week's Destruct-O-Cast, Nick Marino (that's me!) is joined by Andrew Kilian. He's the hyper-awesome artist behind the hyper-anatomy of Andrew Kilian Guest Week, a 5-page Super Haters story that debuted last fall.

NOTE: We spend a lot of time referencing our collaboration, so if you haven't already read it, you should check it out! It's a short read and only mildly NSFW.

Andrew and I kick things off by discussing his experience at The Kubert School. Then we chat about his major first comic book project, Majestic XII.

After that, we talk Super Haters! Why were the Haters liberating for Andrew? Why does he think perfection sucks? Plus: learn the shocking (or, uhhhh... not-so-shocking) secrets of our past collaboration and thrill as we tease a future collaboration!

Also, Andrew and I explain our respective approaches to comics creation. And we go through our story and reveal some hidden moments that you may have missed!

Kelly Thompson wants to know -- what do creators owe fans?

Does Ross Campbell owe you anything? Probably not. (photo shamelessly lifted from Tom Spurgeon's 2011 TCAF coverage)

Special guest Kelly (writer of She Has No Head, podcaster of 3 Chicks Review Comics, and blogger-er of 1979 Semi-Finalist) makes her triumphant return to lay down an ethical smackdown, discussing fan entitlement and creator responsibility.

Tell us what you think that creators owe their fans! Leave us a message by calling our automated comment line at 412-567-7606, and then we'll play what you say on our next show.

PLUS: Boogers, podcasting talk, Paris Hilton, Ross likes Hunger Games, Neal, superheroes in thongs, Galaxy Quest ringtones, and Tim Allen.

AND AT THE END: A talent throwdown!!! Kelly and Ross believe in talent... but Nick says he sorta doesn't. IS HE (and by he, I mean me) FULL OF SHIT???

P.S. If you dug our main topic on this show, check out Sequential Underground #30 - What Do Creators Deserve? for the flipside of today's conversation.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Tuesday's regular weekly series -- the AudioShocker Podcast -- is going bi-monthly (as in once every two weeks). That means the the AFI 100 Movies Podcast now has a new day and schedule -- alternating every other Tuesday with the AudioShocker Podcast!

41. West Side Story (1961)

Conrad and Nick both agree -- despite the goofiness of the music numbers and some weirdness with the casting, this is a well-made movie that deserves its place on the AFI 100 Years 100 Movies List.

40. North by Northwest (1959)

Conrad was a little bit bored by this classic Hitchcock thriller. He's pretty sure that he prefers the unofficial 90s teen remake, If Looks Could Kill.

NEXT: Doctor Zhivago and Double Indemnity.

Kenny dares to go where no HyperComboCast has gone before!

He kicks it solo to deliver an AUDIO COMMENTARY TRACK for 2010's The King of Fighters movie!

Watch along with Kenny by streaming TKoF on Netflix, or if you really love the AudioShocker, you can buy it from Amazon through our associate's link.

Thrill to the intense fights! Be awed by the heart-wrenching drama! Watch Maggie Q get her butt whooped by Ray Park!

Now that's what I call cinema.

Welcome back to the Destruct-O-Cast, a new weekly podcast devoted exclusively to the Super Haters webcomic! In this episode, Justique joins Nick (that's me!) to discuss the co-writing process.

We kick things off with some listener questions from Dana Spallinger (a.k.a. lunch bag artist supreme) and Shawn Atkins (a.k.a. comics storyteller gordita).

To leave us feedback of your own, tweet @super_haters, write on the Super Haters Facebook wall, or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

After that, Justique and Nick dive into the details of their co-writing relationship. Who's better with plots? Who's better with new ideas for characters? Who's better with character voices? Listen and find out!!!

NEXT: If he can get his Skype up and running, our guest will be Andrew Kilian. If not, we'll have a surprise guest on the show!

An AudioShocker first! On this week's Sequential Underground, you get to choose your own adventure!!! We've got two podcasts... and two distinctly different paths for you to travel down...

Sequential Underground #33a - To Sketch Or Not To Sketch?
Mega artist Dave Wachter (from The Guns of Shadow Valley and That Hellbound Train) joins Shawn Atkins and Nick Marino for a sedate discussion about sketching at comic book conventions.

Sequential Underground #33b - Not Comics
Dave, Shawn, and Nick discuss almost everything except for comics in this stream of consciousness conversation about life, love, and uhhh... other stuff. NSFW.

Which path will you travel down? Will you choose the refined discourse of #33a... or the confessional spontaneity of #33b? The choice is yours.

Photos by the stupendous Seth Fronzoli.

[Note: We received some awesome feedback regarding our previous episode with Tom Scioli, #32 - The Superhero Virus. I forgot to read that feedback this week. SORRY! I promise I'll read it on #34.]

It's the ultimate battle you've all been waiting for... the supreme throwdown of all beef supremes... it's...

These AudioShocker co-founders and podcast co-hosts can't agree on anything in this episode covering important topics such as Beyonce's birthing process, British actors on TV vs. British actors in film, and Fletch vs. Fletch Lives...

Finally, after their massive battle of the brains, Neal and Nick put out a wild offer to listeners -- if you think you can do better, then DO IT. We want you to take the AudioShocker Podcast "I Can Do It Better" Challenge.

What's that, you ask? WELL I'LL TELL YOU: we'll let you and a friend host the AudioShocker Podcast for one full month. If, after that month, you've been able to produce weekly episodes better than us, we'll let you continue to host Tuesday's AudioShocker Podcast for three weeks out of every month... for eternity! For more info, email nick@audioshocker.com.

But if you're too chicken to do that and you just wanna leave us feedback, call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

Kenny. Goes. Solo.

In this intimate podcast message, Dr. Riot shares the games he's looking forward to in 2012, a few solid fighting games tips, and some of the great things you can expect from the HyperComboCast in the coming months.

To leave us feedback for future episodes of the HyperComboCast, hit up our email HyperComboCast@Gmail.com OR call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

Welcome to the debut of the Destruct-O-Cast, a new weekly podcast devoted exclusively to the Super Haters*! Nick (that's me!) dives into feedback from Facebook and Twitter, answering questions and dropping shoutouts.

Dan Greenwald asks about Nick's character creation process for the Haters, while Byron Winton wants to know what's up with Destruct-O-Tron's new political stance in the current Republican Motherhood story arc.

To leave us feedback of your own, tweet @super_haters, write on the Super Haters Facebook wall, or call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

After the end theme, Nick sends out special thanks to the godfathers of the Super Haters, Neal Shyam and Seth Fronzoli. And here's a link to more about the band that partially inspired Destruct-O-Tron's name, Disasternauts (on the show, I call them Destructonauts... whoops!!!).

NEXT: Super Haters co-writer Justique joins in to discuss the creative process and answer more of your questions.

*In case you don't already know, Super Haters is a Mon-Fri superhero satire webcomic starring Destruct-O-Tron and Mind's Eye.

Featuring the triumphant return of Kaylie McDougal! She joins Ross Campbell and Nick Marino (a.k.a. me) to discuss... ERNEST P. WORRELL!

We watched Ernest Goes to Camp, Ernest Goes to Jail, Ernest Scared Stupid, and some... uhhhhh... other stuff:

Then it's time for a comics intermission!!!

We share some project updates, including the status of Ross' Leonardo one-shot for IDW's TMNT line, Kaylie's Dinogeddon webcomic, and a possible Kaylie guest week on Nick's Super Haters comic.

We also have a call-in from a past Super Haters guest artist, Andrew Kilian, who shares some thoughts about #118, an olde tyme Super Haters radio show, and a few other awesome things. To leave us feedback of your own, call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

AND... speaking of #118, both Andrew and Brandon Williams shared their work spaces with us:

Then it's back to Ernest!

Including sexy Jim Varney and a preview of our upcoming Princecast (happening in a month or two).

NEXT EPISODE: Kelly Thompson returns to the podcast!

It's here!!! The award ceremony that no one's been waiting for... the 2011 YOU DON'T SUCK Awards!

Join our hosts -- Justique, Neal, and Nick -- as we pick the 2011 media that didn't suck the most. Listen to find out which nominees just didn't not suck enough to win! Thrill at the strange and confusing explanations behind our winners! And learn what media we would have picked if we'd judged different categories!

MOVIES (judged by Justique)
Captain America: The First Avenger

TV (judged by Neal)
Spy

WATCH INSTANTLY (judged by Justique)
Shin Chan

COMICS* (judged by Nick)
The Adventures of Gyno-Star

MUSIC (judged by Neal)
"Talk That Talk" by Rihanna

PODCASTS (judged by Nick)
Yamagato Industries Business Report

AND... for our prestigious 2011 YDS champions, here's the 2011 YOU DON'T SUCK Awards winners banner. Proudly display it on your websites and profiles, proclaiming "I DON'T SUCK!!!" to the world. (Click on the banner for a hi-res png that you can resize to your liking.)

*If you'd like to listen to a thoughtful and comprehensive round up of comics in 2011, check out Comic Book Pitt #82 feat. Nick!

To kick off 2012, I go solo to deliver my Personal Top 11 Fighting Game Moments from 2011!!!

11. Kuma's bear fart hyper combo.

10. Finding someone who'll take my copy of Super Street Fighter IV PC.
09. Giving up on Super Street Fighter IV.
08. The UMvC3 theme songs tournament.
07. Learning how to hook my new laptop up to my TV with an HDMI cord.
06. Learning how to advance one frame at a time in MAME.
05. Return of Hyper Combo Wallpaper.
04. Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
03. Discovery of World Heroes.

02. Posting YouTube videos of my terrible gameplay.
01. CLASSIFIED. Listen to find out!!!

Remember, we wanna hear from you! Leave us feedback via email HyperComboCast@Gmail.com OR call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

A conversation so

that it can't be summed up with only a few small words

Tom Scioli joins Shawn Atkins and Nick Marino to discuss indie comics, superheroes, artistic expression, and tons more.

Here's Tom's trailer for the American Barbarian print collection:

ALSO: Indie comics vs. superheroes (debunked!), ballpoint pens vs. art teachers (grudge match!), and novels vs. comics vs. movies (0-1-0).

What is American cuisine? Neal wants know, so Justique and Nick try to help him figure it out.

Is it a pretzel burger?

Or maybe s'mores pizza?

After that, we serve up more puppet conversation as Justique and Nick saw The Muppets, and Neal saw Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special. And finally, after the end theme, Nick explains why he's taking his Nik Furious music off of iTunes, Amazon, and other major music sales websites.

Conrad and Nick are trying to put their long-standing misunderstanding to rest -- did the original AFI 100 Years 100 Movies list come out in 1997 and the 10th anniversary revision in 2007? Or was it 1997 and 2008? Or 1998 and 2007? We're confused.

43. King Kong (1933)

Conrad thinks King Kong is most notable for the sets, stop-motion animation, and the rear projection used in the backgrounds.

42. Rear Window (1954)

Conrad and Nick were both pretty impressed with the way the apartment courtyard was used in the film. Nick appreciated the limited setting, but feels like the format has been improved upon greatly since the 50s. Conrad found the film's plot too predictable and he wasn't satisfied by the film's oddly perfect ending. Overall, a decent film, not great for us.

NEXT: West Side Story and North by Northwest.

Featuring special guest, Rachelle a.k.a. Morose Poet! And she wants to talk about C'Mon Ride It (The Train) and gaming.

Then we play a call-in from Andrew Kilian and Nick takes the opportunity to announce the Destruct-O-Cast, a Super Haters podcast launching in 2012.

To leave us feedback, call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

We discuss the Captain America movie and Rachelle teaches us about SOCOM:

AND THEN (get ready cuz this is really exciting!)... Ross Campbell announces that he's going to be the artist on the upcoming Leonardo one-shot comic from IDW's new TMNT line!!! It'll be out sometime in the spring of 2012 (April, maybe?).

Next, Rachelle wants to talk about comics creation. In particular, she wants to talk about tools of the trade and studio setups. Here's her drafting table:

Here's Ross's work space:

And, uhhh... here's Nick's everyday setup (awkward):

After that, we talk about commercials, My Buddy, and more.

It's BONERIFIC!

Justique and Nick watched tons of Haruhi Suzumiya anime (Season 1, Season 2, and the movie) over the weekend. Unfortunately, Neal hates new anime.

Nick thinks Neal is now officially a weird (and/or creepy) uncle, but Neal thinks he's gonna be the "cool" uncle (if there even is such a thing).

Then a conversation about PBS donation drives leads to a rant about children's entertainment. And... is life more rigorous for kids now than it was before?

Finally, after the end theme, Neal confesses his love for romantic comedies.

Note from Nick: BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE! The reason today's episode is going live a few hours late is because I was posting the latest release from the Unlicensed Attorneys at Law, my rap group. It's called the The Bacon and Eggs EP, and you can find it on SoundCloud, Bandcamp, PureVolume, YouTube, and the Unlicensed Attorneys website. It's three free songs with some extremely offensive NSFW work rhymes. Basically, it's not for everybody. But if you enjoy raunchy humor, then you'll dig the Attorneys.

It's the final battle in the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament!! Kenny and Nick kick things off with a listener call-in by kickass artist Andrew Kilian (see Andrew's work in his Super Haters Guest Week collaboration with Nick!).

To leave us feedback of your own, email HyperComboCast@Gmail.com with your questions or comments OR call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

And now... the conclusion of the UMvC3 theme song tourney!

Match 1: Nova

VS. Virgil

Match 2: Doctor Strange

VS. Firebrand

WHO WILL WIN THIS MOMENTOUS CHALLENGE??? Does Nova still own nick's heart? Will Kenny push Firebrand all the way to the win? Listen to find out who will be crowned the UMvC3 Theme Song Champion!

ALSO: Here's Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3.

SURPRISE AGAIN!!! Back after only one week, Conrad and Nick return to their AFI 100 Years 100 Movies countdown, recording over the phone via TalkShoe.

45. A Streetcar Named Desire

Conrad couldn't get enough of this thrilling, captivating 50s classic! Oh, wait... wrong movie. He was bored out of his mind by this one.

44. The Birth of a Nation

Conrad and Nick both shared in the pain by watching this silent, 187 minute, and horribly racist cinematic landmark. Ranking at #44 on the 1997 list, this film was nowhere to be found on the 2008 revision... leaving the guys wondering why this bigoted film was ever ranked on the AFI list in the first place.

NEXT: King Kong and Rear Window.

Which side of the table are you on? Dan, Shawn, and Nick discuss being comics creators vs. being comics fans.

Dan never wants to lose his passion as a fan, no matter what. Shawn has always approached comics with creation in mind, and for him being a fan has always been a secondary role. Nick was once a rabid fan, but as his passion to create comics increased, his passion to read comic books decreased.

ALSO: When is it inappropriate for creators to act like cranky fans? Where does the line begin and end? Have JMS and Dave Johnson both crossed the line?

Also, sandwiched between the theme songs (at around 25 mins in), Shawn and Nick discuss the idea of releasing webcomics in chapters. They each have their own ideas about what it means to use a chapters format, but the goals are the same -- create a more engrossing reading experience.

Nick loves the Warren the Ape show (a puppet-filled reality TV satire):

But Neal hates puppets. And Nick wants to understand why.

Then we talk about Rodney Dangerfield, from his Sum 41 music video cameo to the oft-forgotten My 5 Wives.

Nick watched the documentary Wham! Bam! Islam!, detailing the production and licensing of THE 99 (the superheroes, not the protest movement).

That leads into a licensing discussion, spinning off into a talk about Neal's short attention span for media and why he prefers TV over movies.

Also, Nick watched The Walking Dead: Season One and liked it. But Neal hates zombies.

Kenny and Nick kick off Round 3 of the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament by responding to some listener feedback. We play a call-in from Pierce Johnson, who wants to know about playing fighting games on the PC. Kenny drops some knowledge and Nick has a gift for Pierce -- his unused copy of Street Fighter IV PC. Then we answer an email from Kurtis Homan about the Ultimate Fighting System card game.

To leave us feedback of your own, email HyperComboCast@Gmail.com with your questions or comments OR call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and we'll play your message on the show.

And now... the tourney!

Match 1: Ghost Rider

VS. Strider Hiryu

Match 2: Hawkeye

VS. Firebrand

During Match 1's discussion, Nick mishears a key piece of opinion from Kenny... will this mistake derail the entire tournament?!?!? Luckily, Match 2 is a much easier battle.

The winners of the two matches face off for the last spot in the finals. Which hot track will make it to the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament, FINAL ROUND???

ALSO: Here's Round 1 and Round 2.

UPDATED: Here's the Final Round!

SURPRISE!!! We're back! Conrad and Nick return to their AFI 100 Years 100 Movies countdown with a new style and renewed determination.

47. Taxi Driver

After rewatching this Scorsese classic multiple times in the past few years, Conrad feels it deserves its placement on the AFI list.

46. A Clockwork Orange

Both Conrad and Nick rewatched this film, enjoying the weirdness of it but debating its merits as an AFI film. Conrad thinks it should remain at its original #46 placement, but Nick agrees with its lower spot on the revised 2008 AFI list. What do you think? Call our automated comment line at 412-567-7606 and let us know!

NEXT: If everything goes to plan, we'll be back in two weeks to talk about A Streetcar Named Desire and Birth of a Nation.

Ross found sexy Shadoweyes fan art by gravedigger1006:

Then it's time for listener feedback! We've got call-ins from a creepy guy and Rachelle (@morosepoet). You can leave your own call-in message through our automated comment line at 412-567-7606.

Anyway, Rachelle wants to know about drawing and music. Nick rambles for a while, and Ross manages to talk about music but not really answer the question.

And somehow we end up talking about Ernest:

Then, after the end theme, Ross gives a very non-spoilerish Wet Moon 6 update! (HINT: It's finished.)

Nick watched the new Sex Ed Couples Therapy sketch from last weekend's SNL and he loved it. Neal... not so much.

That leads into an intense Saturday Night Live discussion, spinning off into other comedy, including Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (Neal's favorite movie):

...AND SuperTwins, a new superhero comedy web series that Neal and Nick learned about at NYCC 2011:

ALSO: An Ox's Tale: The John Entwistle Story and other The Who documentaries.

Kenny and Nick reunite for Round 2 of the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament!!! (Here's Round 1.)

Match 1: Iron Fist

VS. Virgil

Match 2: Doctor Strange

VS. Nemesis

Match 1 is a super close fight, while Match 2 is far more decisive. The winner from Match 1 goes up against the winner from 2... and it's a another super close battle! Who will advance to the finals? LISTEN TO FIND OUT!

P.S. Pierce, we didn't forget about your message! We'll answer it on the next show.

UPDATE: Here's Round 3.

What do comics creators deserve? Shawn and Nick discuss the question, from unknown webcomics creators to the most famous and successful creators in comic books.

Do webcomics creators deserve compensation from their fans? Should it be money, gifts, or just a constant stream of feedback?

Does the Jack Kirby estate deserve compensation from Marvel? Did Siegel and Shuster finally get a fair deal?

What should creators expect from corporate publishers? And what should they expect from creator-owned properties?

FIRST: Nick thinks Thanksgiving is a horrible holiday and he's worried that Neal is becoming the 1%.

THEN: Neal has a dilema: should he stop taking money from his 'rents?

PLUS: Nick disliked Super 8 for a number of reasons and he explains them all.

ALSO: GHOST IN THE MACHINE! Destruct-O-Tron (from Super Haters) has started a Twitter account -- @DestructOTron -- WTF?

AND: What is a précis?

A.K.A. Changing the Game pt 2!!!

Kenny and Alex get together to record their long awaited sequel to HyperComboCast #13 - Changing the Game pt 1, in which they express concerns that the more vocal competitive fighting game scene may have a dangerous effect on the creativity behind fighting games.

ALSO: The controversial "is it a fighter or not" game, Super Smash Bros Melee, kicks things off as Alex's prime example of this effect taking place. Could this be the most polarizing episode yet? Will Nick be unlocked for the next episode? Listen and find out!

Also, don't forget to send feedback to HyperComboCast@Gmail.com!

Ross talks about the talk he gave at the Center for Cartoon Studies, and how White River Junction has a lot of dead cats.

Then Ross and Nick share coincidence stories. Also, we chat about the West Lakes Great Lakes Avengers.

Nick didn't join a band recently, Ross wants to make digital music, and -- after the end theme -- we wonder: is our podcast too continuity heavy?

Neal couldn't take a shower this morning... and that made him cranky.

Above is the video I said I'd link to in the show notes.

Wake up early and go hard.

CORRECTION: Ooops! I forgot to link to Super Haters #300 when I first posted this.

Two artists with two very different paths... similar passions but opposing pursuits...

Katie Henderson's first love was animation. She recounts the desires and experiences that led her to follow her current path, living in Los Angeles and working hard to break into the animation business. While Katie's done comics in the past (see below, from Stick Cats #8), she doesn't necessarily feel it's the medium for her.

Shawn Atkins' first love was also animation. He tells of his journey that took him to the animation program at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. And he explains how comics have become his second love, dominating his professional focus and becoming his primary medium (see below, from Time Log #47). He loves the autonomy of creating comics and now he can't imagine ever stopping.

Join Nick Marino as he cross-examines these two creators, grilling them on their illustration inspirations and goals as cartoonists.

Neal wants to know why white people love Saag Paneer, Nick thinks Pittsburgh Italian food sucks, and he made a video about Herman Cain and pizza:

Occupy iTunes, Neal attended the Silicon Alley Talent Fair, he has stinky farts, and Nick watched Winnebago Man:

Justique watched Hellevator, and Nick misses good action comedies.

HERE COMES A NEW CHALLENGER! Kenny brings in a good local friend of his, John Amenta (ZanSam), to expand on the topic of, HyperComboCast #3 - Learning, and compare the differences between learning in the past (where Kenny started 20 years ago) as opposed to learning now (where John started).

Expect a deep conversation that includes a lot of Chicago area shoutouts, term definitions, civil debate, and other fun stuff.

FIRST: Ross and Nick get metaphysical!!! Nick's been having lots of compelling dreams lately and he's wondering what it all means. Ross tells stories about some of his dreams, plus he shares some dream art:

THEN: Action Jackson and why YOU should watch it (if you haven't already... or, if you have, go watch it again).

PLUS: Ross's upcoming Visiting Artist lecture at the Center for Cartoon Studies. And, after the end theme, a conversation about stuttering.

Nick's pasta, Amazon's design, flashing, and Neal's been watching Spy on Hulu Plus.

Nick watched the arm wrestling documentary Pulling John based on a recommendation by Andrew Kilian. It was awesome.

PLUS: Phonocasting vs. FM radio, and names that begin with N.

Welcome to Round 1 of the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Character Theme Song Showdown Tournament!!!

Match 1: Rocket Raccoon

VS. Frank West

Match 2: Nova

VS. Phoenix Wright

Finally, the winner from Match 1 goes up against the winner from Match 2... and while I won't spoil the final fight, I will say it has a very marvelous outcome!!!

UPDATE: Here's Round 2.