by Podcasts are becoming an increasingly popular way for people to learn more about their interests and hobbies while also establishing a sense of community. For comic book fans, there is a lot of podcasts out there, each with a different style and focus, making it tough to know which one to start listening to. Below are our top picks for comic book podcasts:
Multiversed
The Multiversed podcast started as a place for passionate comic book fans to discuss their hobby and has grown into an informative and fun show that covers everything from Wandavision to the new Mortal Kombat trailer. The hosts, Paul, Chandler, and Rob have a witty and unique tone that allows for plenty of moments full of sarcasm and light humor, which nicely balance their debates over hot news in the comic world. For instance, the Multiversed episode #30 features their takes on Dinsey+ taking control of the “nerd audience.” With both Mandalorian and WandaVision, the hosts think the streaming service has proven it can deliver the goods and they are more than excited for what comes next. This podcast, unlike many comic podcasts that strictly focus on the fandom world, has created a format where Paul, Chandler, and Rob can discuss what’s going on in their own “nerdy lives.” Their friendly catch-up introductions are charming and allow the listeners to quickly feel comfortable and eager to hear the hosts banter over the world of comics. In their latest episode, the group laments over missing the activity of going to the movies, random rumors of a Men in Black and 21 Jump Street crossover, and more.
I Read Comic Books
I Read Comic Books is a weekly panel podcast about all things comic books. Each episode is hosted by Mike Rapin, a long-time comic reader, and lover of the X-Men. Every week, Mike and two guests chat about comics they have read recently and books they are excited about in the coming weeks. Mike keeps the educational experience fun and light as his love for the comic world would keep anyone engaged in his discussions with guests. He hooks listeners in with his You’re Wrong About-style introductions to episodes that feature a witty quote that always leave his guests laughing. In one of his recent episodes, We Actually Judge Comic Books by Their Cover, Mike jokes that he is joined by “two adults who are escorting me out of the mall for being too large to ride the penny pony,” when in fact he is joined by Kara Szambirski and Nick White, two comic lovers and frequent podcasts guests. Although I Read Comic Books is riddled with humor and lots of laughs, this does not take away from any of the substance as the show has plenty of structure and regularly includes themed episodes such as Goodreads book of the month. Moreover, there is nothing Mike loves more than chatting with comic experts and creators about comic books as a medium, the comic industry, genre deep dives, societal and cultural representation, and more. These thought-provoking segments are typically during the second half of the show’s one-hour episodes.
We Understood That Reference
The We Understood That Reference podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo of Clayburn Griffin and Nikhil Kasbekar, two friends from New York City who have been watching superhero movies together on opening weekend and chatting about them afterward for years. This podcast is an extension of those conversations and the rapport of the longtime friends is evident in their witty back and forth. Nikhil brings a wealth of comic book knowledge to the show as he self-identifies as a “comic book nerd,” with a particular love for Spider-Man while Clayburn is strictly a movie guy who loves breaking down all the action on the big screen. This dynamic allows for easy and informative conversation that any listener would enjoy. The We Understood That Reference podcast is a particularly great show for any Marvel fan as both Nikhil and Clayburn openly profess their love for Marvel over DC, but their podcast still covers all the latest news in the DCEU. In one of their more popular episodes, the two friends discuss the evolution of Black Widow’s character in anticipation of her upcoming film. The hosts’ informative yet fun approach makes the deep dive of her character (whether Black Widow was always portrayed as a “good guy,” the role of Marvel Studios in adapting her character, and more) an easy listen. The We Understood That Reference podcast is suitable for anyone interested in comics, regardless of their knowledge level, as Clayburn and Nikhil have truly created an atmosphere where their audience feels like they are hanging out with their own friends as they listen and learn.
Discussing Comics
Discussing Comics is a podcast that covers the latest news in the worlds of comic books, TV, and movies. This podcast is hosted by a variety of comic nerds including Kyle Jones, Clarence Brown, Ronald Stephens, Ryan Kent, and more. The show’s format typically has the hosts discussing the comic world with a special guest. In fact, Discussing Comics is lucky enough to frequently be joined by Lee Shackleford, who is a writer for stage, screen, and radio with more than 150 produced scripts to his credit. Shackleford is featured on several episodes, including Episode 59: Review of Batman V Superman, Dawn of Boredom and Episode 71: It was You Know Who All Along, Wandavision Review. This podcast is definitely informative on the world of comics but takes more of an opinionated approach to content. Their episodes often feature reviews and discussions of their favorite comic book characters (in both the MCU and DCEU). Discussing Comics also makes sure that lesser-known characters, printed or on the big screen, are included in the conversation. The hosts often debate the worlds of Titan, IDW, Boom, and more, which is refreshing considering the constant emphasis on the blockbuster films and characters.
Let’s Go! Comic Show
The Let’s Go! Comic Show is an offshoot of the popular show, the Let’s Go! Podcast. The charismatic hosts, Justin Kowalski and Matt Richey explore the ways in which the comic world influences pop culture and connect to our lives. This show’s weekly episodes vary in length as they are anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours long. This format allows Justin and Matt to go as in-depth as they would like and the fans are always eager to join them on this ride. The latest episode, Krypton Mose! highlights the long-awaited, highly anticipated Zach Snyder’s intended version of the Justice League by discussing another Snyder film, Man of Steel. The following episode will center around Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice: Ultimate Edition. The Let’s Go! Comic Show is another podcast where the hosts pride themselves on their opinions and hot takes in the comic world. However, you will be hard-pressed to find two people more well-versed in comics than Justin and Matt. The show still includes plenty of informative and interesting facts as well as thorough explanations of content that is not as universally known. The Let’s Go! Comic Show values the balance between educational discussion and light moments, making every episode a fun listen.
