275 episodes

Play Comics is a show that looks at video games based on comic properties and how faithful those games stay to the source material.

Play Comics Chris Osborne

    • Arts
    • 4.8 • 43 Ratings

Play Comics is a show that looks at video games based on comic properties and how faithful those games stay to the source material.

    Savage Wizard #2 with Lesly Julien

    Savage Wizard #2 with Lesly Julien

    Read transcript
    Welcome back, fellow comic crusaders, to another electrifying episode of Play Comics, where we dive headfirst into the colorful world of comic book adventures! Today, we’re donning our wizard hats, sharpening our wands, and preparing to unleash the mystical mayhem of Savage Wizard #2!

    In this spellbinding installment, join your trusty host, Chris, as he delves deep into the arcane depths of this fantastical comic series. But hold onto your enchanted broomsticks because this isn’t your average wand-waving wizardry! We’re talking about a tale that’s as wild and unpredictable as a magical mishap in a potion shop!

    And guess what? We’ve got a special guest gracing our airwaves today: none other than the Savage Wizard series co-creator and current writer, Lesly Julien!  Brace yourselves for a wizardly wisdom overload as Lesly spills the mystical beans on what it takes to craft a spellbinding comic adventure!

    But wait, there’s more! We’re not just here to chat about mystical mischief; we’re also diving into the magical realm of Kickstarter campaigns! That’s right, folks—Savage Wizard #2 is conjuring up some serious crowdfunding magic, and we’re here to give you the inside scoop on how you can join the spellbinding journey!

    So grab your spellbooks, summon your familiars, and get ready for a podcast episode that’s hotter than a dragon’s breath and wackier than a wizard’s wand malfunction! Tune in and let’s embark on a fantastical adventure through the pages of Savage Wizard #2!

    Also stick around through the end to hear about another great Kickstarter campaign, Stealth Hammer #3!

    Learn such things as:


    How do you survive basically your entire creative team having to back out of a project?
    What spell does Kickstarter use to keep creators coming back?
    Where did all the colors go?
    And so much more!

    You can find on Twitter @LesWrite, Instagram @les_write, and his website Les Write. And of course be sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign for Savage Wizard #2.

    If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in.

    If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.

    Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix.

    You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook.

    Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who only rolls Nat 1’s.

    Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.

    • 35 min
    Popeye 2 with Matt Storm (“Fun” and Games, Screen Snark)

    Popeye 2 with Matt Storm (“Fun” and Games, Screen Snark)

    Ahoy, landlubbers! Prepare to set sail on a high-seas adventure through the annals of gaming history, as we dive into the depths of the 1992 Game Boy classic, Popeye 2. This episode we've got a special guest aboard – Matt Storm from the podcasts "Fun" and Games and Screen Snark. They're a veritable treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to all things retro gaming, so batten down the hatches and get ready for a wild ride!

    In this episode we'll explore the pixelated world of Popeye, the legendary sailor man who's always ready to dish out a can of spinach-fueled justice. From navigating treacherous levels to battling Bluto's dastardly schemes, we'll uncover the secrets behind this beloved game that captured the hearts of gamers and comic book fans alike.

    But that's not all, me hearties! We'll also delve into the rich history of the Popeye comics, tracing their roots back to the early 20th century and exploring how they've influenced pop culture over the decades. Prepare to be regaled with tales of Olive Oyl's escapades, Wimpy's insatiable hunger for hamburgers, and Popeye's iconic catchphrases that have become part of the cultural lexicon.

    So grab your Game Boy, load up on spinach, and get ready to set sail on an adventure that will have you laughing, reminiscing, and maybe even singing a few sea shanties along the way. Anchors aweigh, mateys!

    Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.
    Read transcript

    • 45 min
    Gunpunch with Fernando Pinto

    Gunpunch with Fernando Pinto

    Read transcript
    Strap in, true believers, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the wild world of Kickstarter campaigns and comic book mayhem! This week on Play Comics, we’re taking a look at the Kickstarter for the action-packed graphic novel Gunpunch, and we’ve got the creator himself, Fernando Pinto, here to give us the inside scoop.

    Fernando Pinto, the mastermind behind Gunpunch, is joining us to share the gritty details of bringing this high-octane comic to life. From the explosive action sequences to the sharply-drawn characters, this guy has poured his heart and soul (and probably a few gallons of coffee) into making Gunpunch a must-read for any fan of the medium.

    The Gunpunch Kickstarter campaign is in full swing thanks to Rocketship Entertainment, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. Backer rewards range from digital copies of the comic to limited-edition prints that will have your fellow comic nerds green with envy. And if you’re feeling particularly generous, there’s even an opportunity to get your face immortalized as a character in the story. Talk about a power move!

    So, what are you waiting for? Hop on board the Gunpunch hype train and get ready for a wild ride! With Fernando Pinto at the helm, you know this comic is going to be a knockout. Strap on your utility belt, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready to dive headfirst into the world of Gunpunch. It’s going to be a punchy good time, true believers!

    Learn such things as:


    How do you go about naming characters anyway?
    Is it OK to punch people with your gun hands if you’re having a bad day?
    Are those aliens really that bad?
    And so much more!

    You can find Fernando on Twitter @NandoPintoArt, on Instagram @minombreesfernandopinto, his LinkTree @FernandoPintoArt and FernandoPintoArt.com.

    If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in.

    If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.

    Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix.

    You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook.

    Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who dreams of having his hands be machines. But his machines would be of the Rube Goldberg variety.

    Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.

    • 31 min
    Space Ghost with David Pepose

    Space Ghost with David Pepose

    Read transcript
    Welcome, cosmic adventurers and comic aficionados, to another interstellar episode of Play Comics, where the fabric of reality is as bendable as the pages of a comic book, and the heroes are as quirky as our sense of humor. This week, we’re donning our power bands and setting our sights on the vast, uncharted territories of space. Why, you ask? Because we’re diving headfirst into the latest cosmic vigilante saga that’s blasting its way through the comic cosmos – the upcoming Space Ghost comic being published by Dynamite Comics!

    But hold onto your space helmets dear listeners, because this episode isn’t just any ordinary galactic gabfest. Oh no, we’ve managed to snag series writer and return guest, David Pepose, who’s back and more mysterious than Space Ghost’s secret identity (which, by the way, remains one of the universe’s best-kept secrets). David’s here to give us the inside scoop on what it’s like to breathe new life into a character who’s been everything from a champion of justice to a smarmy talk show host.

    Prepare for an episode filled with tales of cosmic vigilantes, nefarious space pirates, and the occasional monkey sidekick. We’ll explore the dark corners of the Galactic Federation, where evil lurks in the shadows, and only one hero can bring justice to the stars. Yes, we’re talking about the man, the myth, the legend – Space Ghost!

    So, whether you’re a long-time fan of the spectral space hero or just curious about what happens when you mix superheroes with the final frontier, this episode is for you. Join us as we chat with David Pepose about the challenges of reviving a classic character, the thrill of exploring uncharted narrative galaxies, and, most importantly, whether Space Ghost prefers his coffee black as the void of space or with a splash of Milky Way.

    Buckle up, listeners, because we’re about to launch into an episode that’s out of this world. And remember, in space, no one can hear you laugh – but here on Play Comics, laughter is just part of the adventure.

    Learn such things as:


    Wait, Space Ghost wasn’t created for that cartoon talk show?
    How do you tie in established lore when you get to basically ignore a bunch of the history?
    What kind of freedom do you have knowing that you’re set to spend a year with these characters?
    And so much more!

    You can find David on Bluesky @peposed.bsky.social, Twitter @Peposed, Instagram @Peposed, on Facebook @ David Pepose Comics, his newsletter Pep Talks, and his website DavidPepose.com.

    If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in.

    If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.

    Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix.

    You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook.

    Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who just wants to make sure that a Blip centered issue isn’t anything like Appa’s Bad Day.

    Support Play Comics by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/playcomics

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-89f00a for 40% off for 4 months, and support Play Comics.

    • 36 min
    The Addams Family with Adam Williamson

    The Addams Family with Adam Williamson

    Welcome to another spine-tingling, joystick-wiggling episode of Play Comics, where the pixels meet the page and the game controllers are always at risk of being thrown in excitement or frustration. This week we’re diving into the dark cobwebbed corners of the gaming world to unearth the 1992 classic The Addams Family, a game that dared to ask “What if we took a beloved, macabre family and turned their life into a platforming adventure?” Based on the 1991 film of the same name, this game sprawled across the NES, SNES, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, and Game Boy, proving that no console was safe from its kooky, spooky charm.

    In this episode we’re thrilled to welcome back the illustrious Adam Williamson, a man whose knowledge of games is only rivaled by his ability to survive encounters with the supernatural—or at least supernatural-themed video games. Adam, who last graced us with his presence in a bodyslammin’ discussion on WWF No Mercy, returns from the depths of the gaming archives to help us navigate the twisted halls of the Addams’ mansion.

    Prepare for a journey where every jump is a leap of faith (into a pit of who-knows-what), every enemy is as bizarre as an Addams family member, and the only thing scarier than the game’s difficulty is the thought of turning it off before finishing. Will Gomez find his beloved family members, or will he be doomed to wander the pixelated corridors forever? Join us as we explore the mystery, the humor, and the sheer Addams-ness of The Addams Family game.

    So tighten your seatbelts, adjust your monocles, and make sure your hand (Thing, is that you?) is firmly attached to your wrist. It’s going to be a wild ride through the Addams Family estate, where the only guarantee is laughter, nostalgia, and maybe, just maybe, a newfound appreciation for games that make you want to pull your hair out—in the most delightful way possible.

    Learn such things as:


    How can you base a game off of single panel comics?
    How is this macabre family so wholesome?
    What does Jonathan Blow have to do with any of this?
    And so much more!

    You can find Adam absolutely nowhere except for on Play Comics where he writes comic reviews and appears on other episodes. Of particular interest to listeners of this episode are The Gimmick #1 and The Job #1.

    Twitter Thread and Bluesky Thread to enter the giveaway for copies of The Color of Always and Sharp Wit & The Company of Women. Or just comment on the When I Was Young episode post with what stories you’re looking forward to reading.

    If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in.

    If you want to help support the show check out the Play Comics Patreon page or head over to the Support page if you want to go another route. You can also check out the Play Comics Merch Store.

    Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix.

    You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook.

    A big thanks to Crossplay Conversations and Tales from the Backlog for the promos today.

    Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who still goes Trick-Or-Treating. In fact he’s going next weekend.

    • 34 min
    When I Was Young with Michele Abounader

    When I Was Young with Michele Abounader

    Greetings, time travelers and comic connoisseurs! Buckle up your seatbelts and grab your favorite snacks because you’re in for a treat with this very special bonus episode of Play Comics that’s more colorful than a double rainbow!

    In this heartwarming and possibly tear-jerking installment, we’re diving into the pages of When I Was Young, the BackerKit campaign that’s not just a comic anthology but a time capsule of love, advice, and triumph. It’s an LGBTQIA+ extravaganza where the creative teams pour their hearts out in stories they wish they could whisper to their younger selves. And guess what? All profits are being donated to The Trevor Project, because who doesn’t love comics with a cause?

    But wait, there’s more! We’re not just flipping through the pages alone. Oh no, we’ve managed to snag the anthology’s editor, the one and only Michele Abounader, to join us for this episode. Michele will share the behind-the-scenes magic, the tears, the laughter, and maybe even the secret recipe to creating an anthology that’s as inspiring as it is fabulous.

    So whether you’re a die-hard fan of all things LGBTQIA+, a comic anthology aficionado, or just someone who loves a good story with a dash of nostalgia, this episode is for you. Tune in, get cozy, and let’s send some love letters to our past selves together. It’s going to be a rainbow-riding, comic-reading, feel-good kind of day here at Play Comics!

    Learn such things as:


    How do you get so many great creators to help with this kind of project?
    What can happen when you just shoot your shot and ask someone to be involved?
    Do you make the anthology, or does the anthology make you?
    And so much more!

    You can find Michele on Twitter @cerealpancake, on Bluesky @cerealpancake.bsky.social, on Instagram @ilikepancakes, and her website Cereal Pancake. And of course check out the campaign yourself at wheniwasyoungcomic.com which takes you directly to the BackerKit page to make this a reality.

    Twitter Thread and Bluesky Thread to enter the giveaway for copies of The Color of Always and Sharp Wit & The Company of Women. Or just comment here with what stories you’re looking forward to reading.

    If you want to be a guest on the show please check out the Be a A Guest on the Show page and let me know what you’re interested in.

    If you want to help support the show then just stop and support this campaign instead. Please? I will love you forever for that.

    Play Comics is part of the Gonna Geek Network, which is a wonderful collection of geeky podcasts. Be sure to check out the other shows on Gonna Geek if you need more of a nerd fix.

    You can find Play Comics @playcomics.bsky.social on Bluesky, @playcomicscast on Twitter and in the Play Comics Podcast Fan Group on Facebook.

    Intro/Outro Music by Best Day, who has nothing funny to say here because this is a totally serious matter.
    Read transcript

    • 51 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
43 Ratings

43 Ratings

SteampunkLink ,

A Perfect Pop Culture Intersection

Video game adaptations of comics and manga are an interesting intersection of topics that give host Chris plenty to talk about. He’s got a wealth of knowledge about a wide variety of comics (not just Marvel/DC). Great show for fans of comics and video games alike.

allkindsofnogood ,

Level up your podcast rotation!

Mixing comics & video games together should be a no brainer in terms of an awesome podcast idea, and Play Comics succeeds in making it truly awesome! A great mix of terrific host, topics, & special guests make for a podcast you should definitely have in your rotation!

Poldi Wieland ,

Highly recommend this one!

Great podcast with an awesome host. Cant wait to check out more of the episodes. Keep up the good work!

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