Empire's Open Vault

Hawkeye, Dark Knight III, Amazing Spider-Man and so much more! (Episode 307)

2017-06-07T12:43:00.001-07:00

Ben shares his faves of the week and other highlights. Plus, upcoming events!

Post FCBD Festival 2017 and NCBD highlights (Episode 303)

2017-05-09T13:57:00.001-07:00

Thank you for joining us for the 2017 Free Comic Book Day Festival. We had so much fun giving away 20,000 free comic books.

Also, here's a look at some highlights of what's new in comic books this week. Enjoy.

Episode 23 - Ant-Man and Patty's new Birkes

2015-07-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

This episode: Image Expo news, our Ant-Man movie review, and an exciting new purchase by Patrick! Special Permanent Guest Host Jake DeSersa returns with Amy Nunag, Tony Asaro, Patrick Clarke, and Matt Traverso, who, incidentally, co-produced this episode. This entire episode was recorded on Matt's iPhone 5S.

Episode 22 - Abuzz with comic book news

2015-07-17T23:17:00.001-07:00

With SDCC and other big comic related events and news, geekdom is abuzz with lots of news. Permanent guest host Jake DeSersa and crew take you on an hour-long tour of the latest comic book news. Jake is joined by Amy Nunag, Patrick Clarke, Tony Asaro, Matt Traverso, and Cameron Mosbarger. This entire episode was recorded using Hindenburg Field Recorder for iPad.

Episode 21 - Studio Ghibli Conversation - Part 2

2015-07-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

Parts one and two were recorded back to back, and you can tell. The energy is good. The conversation is bouncy. And one of the guests has not seen a Ghibli movie. We know, we know: genius idea. Thanks.

Permanent guest host Jacob is joined by wanna-be permanent guest Matt Traverso, semi-permanent, semi-host Patrick Clarke, newbie Elias Claude, the only-lady-in-part-two Amy Nunag, and piping hot Justin Piper.

Episode 20 - Studio Ghibli Conversation - Part 1

2015-07-08T11:57:00.001-07:00

Jacob DeSersa asks tonight's Ghibli fans two questions: 1. Which Studio Ghibli movie was your first? 2. Which was your favorite?

Jake is joined by regular Tony Asaro. Special guests on this episode include Tony's sister, Katie Asaro, and husband and wife Beau and Sarah Straub.

Psycho bonkers for Psycho Bonkers

2015-06-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

In Psycho Bonkers you'll meet Shine, Shiza, and Gabbo; driver, sentient car, and reliable robot friend, respectively. In the midst of racing on a futuristic, dangerous course, Shine's story unfolds. Her story is one of sorrow, triumph, friendship, and surprise (big surprise in issue 2!).

Life lobs challenges at Shine, and Shine hurls herself right back at those challenges.

As an all-ages book Psycho Bonkers addresses loss and overcoming adversity. Whether intentional or not, it works. Many a young reader -- and adults like myself -- will enjoy this book. The story moves quickly, the characters are delightful and the art and colors are like candy for the eyes.

Editor's Note: There's one issue left on the shelf here at Empire's Comics Vault as of this writing. If you want it, let Ben know and he can order more for you.

About Psycho Bonkers
Published by Aspen Comics
Story by Vince Hernandez
Candy, I mean, colors by Federico Blee
Pencils & inks by Adam Archer
Letters by Josh Reed

Move over James Bond, Hello Dick Grayson

2015-06-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

By Ron of the Empire

Having read and enjoyed Convergence, I thought I'd give a few DC Comics titles a try.

I started with Grayson, issue 9. It reads like a spy thriller, codenames and all, and that's not a bad thing. With so many Robins around, this is a refreshing take on an old favorite. It also represents a refreshing break from heavy hero-villain storylines. Let's hope it stays that way for a while.

Not having read the first eight issues, I'm finding a few characters that are unfamiliar to me, however I'm certain I'll quickly become acquainted with them in the upcoming issues, which, incidentally, I'm looking forward to.

With this new take on Dick Grayson, suddenly his old school name fits perfectly (you may remember the tiring and now nearly three years old online conversation about whether his name should be changed). In fact, you can practically imagine him introducing himself in a Bondesque manner:

"Grayson. Dick Grayson."

My guess is that this spy prefers smokier spirit than martinis.

E3, 3D Holographic Minecraft, and Fallout 4 with Short Nerdy Guy

2015-06-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Get your E3 update right here with Sacramento's own Jay Wheeler, aka, Short Nerdy Guy. When he updates you on the 3D holographic Minecraft, you'll suddenly realize, "the future is now."

Sacramento Superdad empowers girls to be superheroes

2015-06-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

John Marcotte, founder of Heroic Girls, wants to "make the world a slightly better place" for his girls, Anya and Stella. What's more, he wants to empower girls to be the superheroes that they are.

His TEDxSacramento talk has been viewed more than 11,000 times. We're proud to call John one of Empire's Comics Vault's fans and customers; and even more proud of the ideas he shares. Please enjoy what John has to share and feel free to pay it forward.

For a list of references he used in his talk, visit his post at HeroicGirls.com.

Episode 19 - The Secret Convergence Wars

2015-06-23T00:13:00.001-07:00

This episode's superstars include permanent guest host Jacob DeSersa, regulars Patrick Clarke and Tony Asaro, and first time guest (and DC fan) Matt Traverso.

Marvel's Secret Wars vs. DC Comics' Convergence

We from actors doing role research by reading comics to Secret Wars and Convergence. Then, we share our favorite comic book genres and what we're looking forward to reading this week.

Subscribe on iTunes and if you enjoy it, please rate us and leave a comment.

Short Nerdy Guy talks Game of Thrones and Black Widow merchandise

2015-06-23T00:03:00.002-07:00

Short Nerdy Guy talks about Marvel skipping ComicCon and that baby thing on Game of Thrones.

#WheresNatasha? Right here

Then, in another SNG episode, Jay discusses the new Ant-Man poster, Constantine being cancelled, Butterfield's not in the running to be Spider-Man anymore and Black Widow and Scarlet Witch merchandise coming soon.

Follow Jay on Twitter at @ShortNerdyGuy, Facebook, YouTube and Google+ at +Jay Wheeler.

Episode 18 - The Pros, the Comic Cons and Limited Series Comic Books

2015-06-16T02:06:00.000-07:00

Talking about the Pros at the Comic Cons and also Limited Series Comic Books

Limited series comic books are all the rage and completely accessible. You get in, you get out, and if all turns out well, you get a good story. Plus, what's this "Con Madness" all about? You'll find out right here with permanent guest host Jacob DeSersa and regular guests Patrick Clarke and Tony Asaro.

Fallout 4 trailer and SacAnime with ShortNerdyGuy

2015-06-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Jay Wheeler of ShortNerdyGuy brings you two new episodes for your viewing pleasure.

Fallout 4 trailer

Also in this video:

What kind of plush toys did Jay have as a child
Netflix news

SacAnime

Also in this video:
- SacAnime guests
- Lots of gushing about Power Rangers, of course. I mean, it's Jay.

Check out ShortNerdyGuy on YouTube.

Episode 17 - Reviewing 2015 Eisner Nominees

2015-06-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

Hear some of the highlights from this year's Eisner nominees. Get predictions from Permanent Guest Host Jacob DeSersa and podcast regular Tony Asaro. And the winners are...

The EDGE, James Bond, and Game of Thrones with Short Nerdy Guy

2015-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. Enjoy.

Watch below

Subscribe to Short Nerdy Guy on YouTube.

KungFury Kickstarter movie impresses

2015-06-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

KungFury looks KungAwesome

Jay brings you some news from the indie and non-indie movie world as he talks about KungFury and Justice League.

We can't wait to see KungFury!

Thanks, Jay.

Episode 16 - #Name3Artists on Empire's Comics Podcast

2015-06-02T12:13:00.001-07:00

Time to #Name3Artists

Gail Simone asked fans to #Name3Artists comics work they buy even if they don't know or like the writer or subject matter. Permanent guest host Jacob DeSersa and guests share their favorite artists. With Jake are Tony Asaro, Patrick Clarke, John Thomason, and Cameron Mosbarger.

Introducing Short Nerdy Guy Jay Wheeler

2015-05-28T10:40:00.003-07:00

We've been admirers of Jay Wheeler's YouTube channel, Short Nerdy Guy, for a while now. Jay has consistently produced geek related content for two years.

Currently, three times a week he shares news and views on what he's reading and watching. His show is about 5-6 minutes long -- about as long as our attention span, haha!

We enjoy the show, and we think you will too. So, for the month June, we will feature his Jay's quirky brand of cool here at Empire's Open Vault.

To get you started, here are two episodes for you to get a feel for the show.

Legends of Tomorrowland leak

Fox, calm down!

Episode 15 - Mad Max Fury Road and Supergirl trailer

2015-05-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Back for more are Jacob, Patrick and Tony. The gents talk about comic book TV, especially the new trailer from Supergirl. Then they get into Mad Max for the ultimate geek gush session. Lastly, as it is to be expected, they dish on what new books they're most excited about for the week.

Episode 14 - Death in comics

2015-05-19T00:01:00.001-07:00

The topic is "death in comics," and Jacob, Patrick and Tony answer the question, "does anyone really die in comic?" Plus, an update on Archie Comics' Kickstarter campaign and what's new in comics this week.

Episode 13 - Archie Comics new Kickstarter plus fave all-ages books

2015-05-11T23:05:00.001-07:00

Permanent guest host Jacob D. hollers "Podcast Avengers Assemble!" (not really), and they talk about Archie Comics' new Kickstarter, their fave all-ages books, and how they got their start as comic book readers. This episodes' "Podcast Avengers" are Kris Saldaña, Tony Asaro, and Patrick Clarke.

From left: Tony Asaro, Kris Saldaña, Jake DeSersa, Patrick Clarke

Episode 12 - Guardians of the Galaxy after-movie review

2015-05-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

On August 1, 2014, the Guardians of the Galaxy movie came out. Then we "lost" the episode. Now, here it is, restored for your auditory pleasure. Ben hosts with members of our Movie Crew: Minnie, Andrew, Ian, Mitchell, Cheyenne, and Mystery Guest.

Subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher.
If you'd like to podcast with us in the future, join our FB group, Empire's Comics Podcast Crew.

Episode 11 - FCBD Mini-Con and books you gotta gotta read

2015-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Guest host Jake and Patrick Clarke and Tony Asaro cover highlights from our Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con, discuss under-appreciated comics, and ponder why Marvel and DC don't market their comic books at any point in their movies.

Subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher.
If you'd like to podcast with us in the future, join our FB group, Empire's Comics Podcast Crew.

West Coast Avengers' cosplayers at Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con 2015

Ms. Marvel - Issue 12 - Scream-from-the-rooftops Great

2015-05-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

By Paul Webb

Every once in a while, a review is published that would seem to just be beating a dead horse. Everyone knows that Patrick Stewart is going to deliver an outstanding performance in whatever he does. Everyone knows what the next Call of Duty game is going to be like.

Ms. Marvel is Scream-from-the-rooftops Great

Sometimes though, you just need to scream it from the rooftops. Sometimes something is so good, that even if you know everyone is going to buy it anyway, you tell them anyway.

Ms. Marvel #12 is that kind of book.

Ms. Marvel has probably been one of the biggest success stories in recent history for Marvel. The mix of a fresh new take on a title, mixed with G. Willow Wilson’s pitch perfect writing of main star Kamala Khan, and Adrian Alphona’s great art, that I would put as some of the best of the past year (when he’s actually on the book).

The first and second story arcs are collected in the first and second trades trade out now. Issue 12 serves as a great jumping on point if you haven’t had a chance to check out the book. The recap page gives you just the info you need to know the character, and the issue is a fun one-off that doesn’t require much, if any knowledge, of the first arc.

A Fun, LOL Comic Book

Loki “Agent of Asgard” Laufeyson has been sent to Jersey City to investigate reports of evil at the Coles Academic High School, which just so happens to be where Kamala goes to school. What follows is one of the most fun, laugh out loud comics I’ve read in a while.

Fill in artist Elmo Bondoc does a serviceable job replacing Alphona for the time being, and continues the Ms. Marvel tradition of fantastic facial expressions. Wilson’s story gives us young love, fights, Asgardian truth elixir, and horse manure: pretty much everything a great comic needs.

Go buy this comic. Not only will you be getting yourself $2.99 of great entertainment, but helping to make sure this comic continues to be published. Plus, you can witness the birth of Loki’s new nickname: Hipster Viking.