We're coming up on 3 years of doing this whole podcast thing.

It's fun. It gives us all a reason to hang out. And we get to go to shows every now and then and tell you all about how awesome they were. Honestly though. If you were to ask me what the best part of the job is I'd probably say "None of the above".

Why?

Because of all the people we get to meet.

Meeting artists/writers/creators never gets old and lucky for us it probably never will. This show started as an outlet to express our appreciation for these people and now we have an excuse to actually talk to them?? You can't beat it.

This week's guest is one of the very first people we ever met because of this OMV thing. Rewind back two years to the Steampunk World's Fair 2013 and you'll hear us talk about Nicole from The Devil's Darkroom and how freakin' cool she was. Not only was she actually interested in talking with us but she was telling us all about something we'd never seen before.

Have you ever seen those "old timey" photos at theme parks and stuff? Picture that only real. No greenscreens, no digital cameras. Her business involved using a 100+ year old lens to project an image onto a sheet of metal then using a home-made combination of chemicals to seal it on the sheet for decades to come. The end result? Amazing:

I knew going in to SPWF that I was completely out of my element but meeting Nicole and her crew at the Darkroom really helped my settle in and realize no one really gave a shit if I was new to it or not. To steal a line from the legendary Chris Farley: It was awesome.

Take a peek at some of her other works:

These are just a tiny sample of what you can find over at The Devil's Darkroom. For those attending SPWF 2015 be sure to keep an eye out for her tent. You won't want to miss out on this one.

-Jr.

Images courtesy of The Devil's Darkroom.

Joe's Games of 2014

Hey folks, it’s your resident “I don’t know anything about comics so please can we talk about video games” OMV guest, Joe!  2014 might be one of my favorite years for video gaming, ever.  There are years where you get a few great games that will be eternal (Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite), but 2014 saw a smattering of games across all platforms and genres that are GOTY potentials.  So I present to you, Joe’s Games of 2014!

Super Smash Bros Wii U/3DS

I’ve been smashing since January of 2000, so this January will make it so that this game series has been there for half of my life.  It’s the first game I bought for my N64 (after it came with DK64 – late adopter over here).  I remember sitting in my friend Ike’s basement playing the 64 version, playing Melee at Jayare’s house, Brawling in my dorm room, and literally NOTHING has diminished as Super Smash Bros 3DS/Wii U versions have graced my presence.  I prefer the 3DS version for my own reasons, but I can already envision the next half decade of good times… and they look good.  I love having my own Mii in the fray, and the cast of characters is hugemazing.  

Smile factor: Laughing to the point of tears, almost every single time I play with Colin and Jayare.  The 8 person gameplay is also a real game changer - sure, we can lay a smack down on 3 level 9’s, easy.  But 4?  5?!  Oh yeah, we’ll bring them down.  I mean, just look at this team.

Fucking.  Fierce.

Borderlands (Tales / Pre-Sequel):

I’ve been a long time Borderlands fan (it was the first game I bought for my PS3 and I played on a pretty regular basis until BL2 came out – I was weary for what Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel would bring to the table with a quasi-new development team.  If you look at it as hilarious, amazing, DLC package for BL2, you’ll have the exact right expectation for BL: TPS.  It hits a very satisfying sweet spot for me.

What I had even lower expectations for was Tales from the Borderlands, which I will say nothing about other than if you dig any Tell Tale game, you will get a lot of enjoyment from this one.  I laughed out loud several times throughout, and it holds the cultural aesthetic of what makes BL so great intact.  It is so much fun knowing that you have another delicious morsel of gameplay that will come out again in a few months.

Smile factor: In TPS, navigating the outside of the space station had me holding my breath at one point – I love when games can make me feel something like that.  There was also the time that my buddy Chris walked out of the room and said, “Don’t blow up the car,” and was promptly greeted by the sound of a car exploding.  “Whoops.”

TftBL has so many funny moments, many of which come from the nifty ECHOeye scanner that one of the main characters has.  Scan EVERYTHING.

Shantae and the Pirate Curse:

If you haven’t seen the pattern yet, I’m combining categories here – my original last had 12 games (seriously, it was a good year).  But my Downloadable game of the year has to be Shantae, the third in a series of great games from Wayforward (for the record, if you see Wayforward on a game – it’s almost always amazing).  Shantae is a Metroidvania-type side scroller where you play a genie.  It is also an absolutely blast to play and chock-full of self-referential video game and nerd humor.  You will NOT be let down by this.  Shantae and the Pirate Curse is the newest, but you can also still download the 2nd version (Shantae: Risky’s Revenge) from the eShop.  It’s only $12 versus the $20 for Pirate Curse, which might make it an easier entry point for new fans.

Smile Factor: I can’t bring myself to ruin jokes, but there are references to Star Wars, He-Man, a character’s own previous status as a boss in the last game, and so much more.  It also happens to be an amazing sidescroller as well.  DAMN.

Mario Kart 8

I’m guessing I don’t have to sell anyone on Mario Kart 8.  I believe this version is the best console version of the series, with antigravity tracks, underwater portions, and hands down the easiest controls I’ve had the pleasure of manipulating.  On-line play was quick and easy, but sharing the couch is still the preferred way to go here.  I have the least to say about this because it’s Mario Kart - we all know it and love it.  So go play it.  Also remember this meme!?!?!

Smile Factor: I couldn’t tell you what was happening in this moment, but my roommate came home while I was playing this game and said I just had the biggest, dopiest grin on my face.  Mario Kart 8 has the “Megaman 9 Effect” hardcore.  We just teleport back to childhood where nothing is wrong and everything is fun.

Hyrule Warriors

When I first got my PS3, I did it when I was poor and couldn’t afford to go out anywhere, so I needed a way to be entertained.  I could only buy one game, and bought Borderlands - I proceeded to put in hundreds of hours into that game.  If I had to make that same decision now, I would have done it with Hyrule Warriors.  It’s huge.  I mean, freakin huge.  I will not describe the hugeness.  To be fair, I do not recommend this as a Legend of Zelda game - the storyline is brief, and the action is completely different.

Smile Factor: “Ugh, I have to play as Ganondorf.” *Accidentally wipes out 75 enemies with one hit* “I AM THE DEMON KING!”  Also, when I was picking the above picture, I debated 5 minutes between Midna pulling the moon from Majora’s Mask down with a hookshot, or Princess Ruto beating the crap out of an army with water dolphins.  That’s a good fucking debate.

Honorable Mentions:

Having said that, there were an amazing number of eShop games this year beyond Shantae as well – Shovel Knight is a platformer in the style of Duck Tales and Megaman that was Kickstarted and finally put into production.  It is WELL worth the price of admission on its own, but even better, there will be new character DLC coming out over the next year as well.  Azure Striker Gunvolt is more like the Megaman Zero games (which if you ever played, you know how tight those are).  Tons of fun!

NES Remix (1 and 2) also came out for the Wii U – these are silly little diversions into NES history that made for a seriously fun few video game nights.  If you have the spare cash and love nostalgia, you won’t go wrong.

Wolf Among Us wrapped up in 2014, so I’m counting it here even though the first one technically came out in 2013.  This was my first exposure to both Tell Tale Games and the Fables universe, and I become quite hooked on both.  I actually went and read Fables in its entirety (a 10 year run) upon completing the game, because I wanted more of the characters, the universe, the… everything.  Both are well worth your time and dollars.  Thank you Colin for throwing this one into my maw.

Joe's Games He Played in 2014 But Were Older But He Just Discovered Them So Yeah

Wonderful 101:

So, guess what - it turns out the Wii U, sort of secretly, became the best damned next generation console out there.  Yes, I’ve seen your Titanfalls and your… actually, that’s it.  All the other “killer games” are still coming out on my PS3.  Whereas the Wii U keeps churning out amazing, original material: case in point, Wonderful 101.  A game where you control a team of 100 super heroes (to varying degrees) to abate a giant oncoming alien threat.  It’s like playing a Saturday Morning Cartoon with all the humor, madcap antics, and amazing music (though, admittedly, the controls are like learning to drive a Jaeger by yourself - make like Idris Elba, man up and do it).  It’s made by PlatinumGames Inc. (the game company currently getting 9s and 10s for Bayonetta 2), which itself is composed of many of the remenants of Clover Studio (God Hand, Okami, Viewtiful Joe) - basically, they make games that no one will ever play, but if you did, you would love them.

Game and Wario:

If you still have a Gameboy Advance, go find yourself a copy of Warioware Twisted.  Come back in 4 months when you’ve unlocked everything.  We good?  Now that you understand how awesome Wario games can be, this game is basically a minigame pack, but the minigames are often off the chain amazing (seriously, on par with Nintendoland, and WHY AREN’T WE TALKING ABOUT NINTENDOLAND ANYMORE).  My highlight is Gamer, where you basically play WarioWare on the gamepad, but you have to pay attention to TV or else a “momster” will jump out at you.  It’s the most terrifying fun you’ll ever have, and there’s still like 15 more games.

Rayman Legends:

This game did get a bit of recognition when it first came out, but now I don’t feel like anyone actually played it.  Here’s the problem - you need to play this game two player.  Yes, you CAN play this game one player, but playing it two player is a magical experience.  Are you a gamer, and your significant other or spawn only plays Candy Crush?  Guess what - they almost definitely made this game for you.  You get to play a tight, frantic, fun, beautiful side scroller, while they get to play a tight, frantic, fun, beautiful touch-based game.  You know like when you could have someone be the star in Mario Galaxy?  Like that, times 1000 for the person playing the star.  Play through to the end of the first world, and you will be completely hooked.

Hotline Miami:

Another Colin recommendation - seriously, that guy knows his games.  I’ve actually had a copy of this sitting on my computer for almost 2 years (thank you Humble Bundles), but Colin was the one who convinced me to crack it open again.  I love arcade games at home, and by arcade games I mean ones that you can practice, get better at, achieve a higher score, and essentially have something that’s insanely replayable.  It’s not about story, just score and speed.  Hotline Miami has you playing as a hired gun that uses animal masks and found weaponary to tear ass through various locales in the 80s.  It’s very uncomfortable and a lot of fun.

LEGO Marvel Superheroes

I’ve never been a fan of playing the LEGO Video Games, but I’ve burnt an afternoon or two watching other people play them.  The controls are usually pretty clumsy, and it feels like two manatees fencing most of the time.  But, they are cute to watch.  LEGO Marvel Superheroes stomps the hell out of that - this game controls reasonably well, but is hilarious and taps into your nerd button in the best ways.  The Hulk’s transformations are great, the variety of the powers are fun, and it just feels like it was made by a bunch of LEGO/Marvel nerds  Which is more than any of us could ever ask for.

Games I Didn't Get to This Year Because The List Above Was Massive

Super Mario 3D World: Yeah, I still haven’t beaten this.  I don’t have any excuses.  What the shit?

Walking Dead: Another Colin recommendation… I’M RUNNING OUT OF MONEY COLIN.

South Park: The Stick of Truth: I don’t know, I will steal this game from Jayare at some point.  Don’t tell him.

The Last of Us - Left Behind DLC: I admit, I’m a little scared to start playing Last of Us again.  Not out of fear of the game world, but just knowing it took me like 4 months to shake off the feel of that game.  Come Christmas break, I’ll play this and cry for another 4 hours.

Guacamelee: Again, Humble Bundle sitting on my computer.  I think my computer might be too slow?  Or too fast?  Reasons?

Bravely Default: RPGs are always a little intimidating for people with jobs, and I played the demo and was almost instantly lost.  But apparently this was like the best RPG to come out in awhile.  I’m sorry.

Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker: Jayare actually gave this to me… I have a similar intimidation factor.  I fall for Zelda games hard and go through withdrawals towards the last few dungeons.

Pikmin 3: I got this for FREE for buying Mario Kart 8, and it's just sitting there, unplayed.  What's wrong with me?

Professor Layton/Phoenix Wright Games: Apparently 7 of these have come out since I last played one.  I’m sorry puzzle games with stories, I can’t find the time / remember where I left off with you.

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D/Tropical Freeze: God damn it.  

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team: DAMN IT I LOVE THESE GAMES

-Joe

In lieu of the holidays absolutely destroying me with busy-ness I've decided to take it easy this week.

No worries though. You can expect the usual rambling blog posts to return asap.

I'm just really tired.

And whiny.

And trying to mentally prepare myself for all the "2014 oh no damnit I meant to write 2015" mistakes I'll be making in the coming months.

It's a tough life.

Anway. We hope you all had an amazing holiday and be safe this new year. Enjoy the episode!

-Jr.

It makes me really happy when cool people do funny things.

It also makes me happy when those same cool people troll the living hell out of people trying to take advantage of Black Friday.

This week we talk about how one company managed to convince 30,000 people to buy actual poop on Black Friday. The funny part is those 30,000 people were all aware of what they were buying and it still sold out. It sold out. Meaning they had a large supply of it...and enough people bought it to the point where there wasn't any left to sell. This is a serious story. Nothing I've typed in the last paragraph is false. Need proof? Click here. I'll be the first to admit I was 2 clicks away from owning it myself. I, like many it seems, was convinced that there had to be something more to it. And I, like many, was wrong.

I'm not sure if the proper lesson is "Live and Learn" or just simply "Always read the FAQ". Or maybe "Don't expect much on Black Friday from a company that clearly hates Black Friday." I suppose the answer is All Of The Above.

In other news: The Art Mercenary is back! The Steampunk Savage himself Brett Kelley joined us this week to talk poop, BKV, and he even pitched a new book he's really digging.

Does it get any better than that?

The answer is no. Enjoy, folks.

-Jr.

Before you start ruthlessly mocking me: Yes. I spent the entire episode calling it episode 142 despite it being episode 143. Can you please just leave me alone and let me brood in my own stupidity? Thanks.

Now that we got that out of the way.

Our guest this week is Rob Balchunas! It had been a crazy long time since we last had the pleasure of talking with Rob so his return was an exciting time for us. Really most of the episode is Alex and me grilling Rob about all the cool stuff he's done over the past year. Like this. Did you spot him? Neat, right??

-Jr.

You ever have that moment when you're talking to an artist/creator at a convention and they're just really cool?

This week's guest is that guy.

His name is Rich Woodall and he's the creator of the indie hit Johnny Raygun! Not only has he created his own book but his work has also been featured in books like Invincible, Savage Dragon, and Atomic Robo to name a few. Check out our interview with him and you'll hear all about his upcoming projects and some neat stories chronicling what it's like to break into the industry.

If you're looking to catch up on the rest of Rich's work you should definitely click this link and buy everything you see there. Then while you're reading all the things you just bought you can listen to us ask Rich questions! How cool is that?!?

So cool!

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Alright so I swore I'd get back to this as soon as possible and apparently that time has come. You'll have to forgive me as I got a package from a brilliant man out in California that I just couldn't wait to open. (New video coming soon, btw).

So.

Smash Bros for the Wii U came out this past week and while there was the usual excitement that came along with the release there was also a bit of...nervousness?

See I, like many people it seems, was nervous that the 3DS version was good enough to the point where we didnt need a Wii U port. Why spend money on a second copy of the game when there are only small tweaks here and there. It features the same roster, most of the same maps, and similar game modes with things like Smash Run being replaced by a Mario Party type game called Smash Tour. Add in the fact that I can take my 3DS version on the go with me everywhere and we've built up a pretty good case as to why we don't need to spend $60 again.

Now you don't honestly believe I'd ever not buy a Smash Bros game, right? Despite all the concerns I may have had about buying a "2nd version" of a game I still went to the midnight release and I was still up until two in the morning playing it nonstop. Why??

The answer is simple.

Nintendo. Have faith in the Nintendo. For the Nintendo knows what we want and the Nintendo will treat us justly. Do not doubt the Nintendo for that will only lead to embarassment. Let Nintendo do it's work. And rejoice when the Nintendo gives us its gifts.

Anway, check out this week's digs to hear all about how perfect the new Smash Bros game is.

-Jr.

Remember two years ago when Jesse made his OMV debut to talk about Black Ops 2?

That was awesome.

Remember last year when Jesse made his sophomore appearance on OMV to talk about Ghosts?

Also awesome.

Well, it seems it's that time of the year again and there's yet another Call of Duty game out. Do you see a pattern here? You guessed it: Jesse is back. And we're talking CoD. Not only is Jesse back, though. We have a 2nd special guest this week and his name is Parsons. Eric Parsons to be exact. He is a fellow gamer who aids us in slaughtering zombies from time to time. He's also the guy who is the last man standing every. single. game. But we don't need to get into that right now...

Sadly, as you'll hear this week it seems they've decided to move away from the whole zombie thing and have added a different type of survival mode. While this makes me sad it also makes me happy. Happy meaning I can just stick to the games I already own and not spend money on a new one. Let's just hope that they keep the Zombie servers up for...uh...maybe forever? That would be neat. That's a realistic expectation if I've ever heard one.

Ah well. Guess I'll go play Smash Bros for the next 6 hours while I wait in line to get the new one. I can't think of a better way to spend my night...

-Jr.

So. PAX tickets went on sale.

This might be a bit of a sore subject for some people. If you haven't heard....3 day passes sold out in a matter of minutes. Not exaggerated minutes. Literal minutes. As in less than 500 seconds.

And people are pissed. Not necessarily because 3 day passes sold out so fast but because they had no idea they were even on sale. In order to try to prevent organized scalping the folks over at Penny Arcade decided not to let anoyone know tickets were going on sale.

And that didn't sit well with certain folks...and in normal 2014 fashion they took to the internet to express their disapproval. Hilarity ensued. Alex and I talked about it. Check it out.

Also, while you're at it: Check out episode 3 of Hey. Look at these comics. This week Alex gave us a rundown of a product he helped Kickstart called ComiCases.

 -Jr.

If there were any four words in the English language to describe this week's episode they would be:

 

Not. Safe. For. Work.

 

Seriously. If you're not in an area where you can openly listen to someone say certain four letter words repeatedly then you should probably pop some headphones in.

Why all the cursing? Let's just say Ken and Jess went to RICC this past weekend and came on to tell us all about it. Or at least they tried. They managed to get some words in in-between fits of rage.

Again, this episode is definitely explicit. It's awesome. But explicit. Don't say I didn't warn you. Seriously, though. It's awesome.

-Jr.