The Geeks OUT Podcast: Suicide Squad Goalz

Geeks OUT Podcast: Suicide Squad Goalz

In this week’s episode of the Geeks OUT Podcast, Kevin (@Gilligan_McJew) is joined by Lynaé DePriest (@LynaeDePriest) as they discuss news from DC Fandome, including the first look at The Suicide Squad, The Batman, and celebrate the new trailer for Wonder Woman 1984 as our Strong Female Character of the

In this week’s episode of the Geeks OUT Podcast, Kevin is joined by Lynae DePriest, as they discuss news from DC Fandome, including the first look at The Suicide Squad, The Batman, and celebrate the new trailer for Wonder Woman 1984 as our Strong Female Character of the Week. 

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BIG OPENING

KEVIN: Massive layoffs happen at DC including Editor in Chief & a third of their editors & name new co-interim-editors in chiefDC Universe shows moving to HBO Max
LYNAÉ: Stranger Things to go past 4 seasons

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DOWN AND NERDY

KEVIN: Project Power, Umbrella Academy, Teenage Bounty Hunters
LYNAÉ: 3%, Lovecraft Country, I May Destroy You, The Chi

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STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER

New trailer for Wonder Woman 1984

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THIS WEEK IN QUEER

New teaser for Bad Hair

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CLIP OF THE WEEK

New look at The Suicide Squad

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THE WEEK IN GEEK

MOVIES

• Olivia Wilde to direct female led “spider” movie for Sony
• New trailer for The Batman
• Netflix gets the R.L. Stine Fear Street trilogy
• Amazon announces Welcome to the Blumhouse movie series

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TV

• Netflix renews Warrior Nun for season 2
• Netflix cancels The Society and I Am Not Okay With This due to COVID
• Showtime cancels Penny Dreadful: City of Angels
• Writers quit All Rise after clashing w/ showrunner on depiction of gender/race
• New trailer for Earth to Ned
Supernatural announces return date for final “season”  
• AppleTV+ orders an animated Harriet the Spy series 

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COMIC BOOKS

• The Other History of the DC Universe finally getting released
• Milestone Comics returning early 2021
• Marvel announces Marvel’s Voices: Indigenous Voices one-shot

INTERVIEW: Konner Knudsen

For this installment of the Geeks OUT Comics LGBTQ spotlight we’re going to switch it up and speak with someone on the editorial side of comics, Konner Knudsen

Chris Allo: What drew you into wanting to work in the comics industry? What was the first comic or OGN that made you really see the power and potential of the medium?

Konner Knudsen: The passion I saw from creators in artist alley is what really drew me in to wanting to work in the industry. My passion is storytelling, and I consider it a privilege to get to help creators tell the stories they want to tell. 

That comic was Hellboy. Mignola’s work made me rethink how I want to tell my own stories.

Image result for hellboy mike mignola"

CA: So I came across you on Twitter, you’re very open about being queer, and you really want creators in the community to succeed. If at all, how has being queer informed your work, or how you edit a book or work with creators?

KK: This is a tough question. I would say that the treatment of other LGBTQ people in our industry drives me to do the best job I can. I suppose it also makes me more critical of non-LGBTQ creators’ portrayal of LGBTQ people, we exist and deserve strong representation not the slapdash tokenism or outright bigotry we have so often been subjected to in the past. 

CA: As someone who works in mainstream comics, what do you think the future of LGBTQ representation looks like there?

KK: I believe that representation will continue to improve in mainstream comics, where in recent years some of the best-selling work has been driven by or at least featured LGBTQ characters. Ideally, it will continue in the direction where our characters are not treated as props but as people. 

CA: You’ve worked on some really cool projects! Some of which are licensed: Aliens, Stranger Things, etc. What are the challenges of working with licensed content? What are the perks of working with licensed content?

Image result for dark horse stranger things"

KK: I love science fiction and horror. I have an acute interest in stories that include elements from mythology and folklore…

All the Stranger Things books, Dragon Age: Blue Wraith (HC coming out August 19th!), and Giants (by the Valderama Bros). In particular, Death Orb by Ryan Ferrier and Alejandro Aragon is still one of my favorite creator- owned books that I have worked on, the team is as energetic and outrageous as their comic. Another is Berserk. I love manga and have really enjoyed getting to work on our new big beautiful deluxe editions!

Image result for dragon age blue wraith"

Recently I got to work on a fantastic new edition of Andrew MacLean’s ApocalyptiGirl and am absolutely in love with how it came together. Our designers did a killer job. I helped put together the sketchbook section and am abnormally proud of how it turned out.

Image result for apocalyptigirl"

ApocalyptiGirl art by Andrew Maclean

There is often a large amount of responsibility attached to creating licensed comics. Fans expect a lot from us but we also need to keep the parent company happy. We are like kids playing at a friend’s house: we get to borrow their action figures and owe it to our friends to not break or scuff those characters in any way. The challenge is taking their toys on a compelling adventure without bringing them back with scars. I would say we do a pretty great job. The main perk of course is having those huge fan bases to make happy and hopefully draw them in to read other comics too.

CA: Aside from the licensed projects that you’ve edited, you’re also continuing the great tradition of supporting and publishing creator owned books that Dark Horse started so many years ago, which is amazing! Can you discuss any type of criteria you guys have for selecting creators or projects that you decide to publish? 

KK: The brilliant thing about Dark Horse editorial (in my experience so far) is that everyone here can pursue any project they want to do. From OGNs, to art books, to video game guidebooks, to reprinting historic anthologies like Creepy and Eerie, to first time creative teams with exciting new mini-series, to wild crossover comics such as Aliens vs. Predator. The criteria is that the editor believes in the project, and I think a lot of wonderfully creative things have come out of this loose format. Without the ability to tell you in detail, I can guarantee there are some more exciting books on the way. 

Image result for dark horse eerie"

CA: It’s promo time! Can you tell us about some of the creator owned projects you’ve worked on that will be coming out in the next year? Are there any particular projects/creators that stand out for you?


KK: Ooh spoilers! Man, I have quite a few books I wish I could tell you about but don’t want to spoil just yet. I am getting to edit some really exciting creator owned books with some amazing teams, and if I could I would shout them all out right now. I can tell you that more than half of the books I am bringing to Dark Horse are from queer creators. The “Expanded” edition of Grafity’s Wall by Ram V, Anand R.K. and Aditya Bidikar comes out in March. It is going to be beautiful and if you haven’t read it yet I highly recommend you check it out. In my humble opinion it is one of the greatest graphic novels of the decade (if not all time).

Image result for gravity's wall comic"

CA: What can LGBTQ creators do to maximize our representation in the industry?

KK: Signal boost and reach out to your fellow LGBTQ creators, stay connected, keep relationships positive. Provide constructive feedback and push each other to make the best work you can! I have been honored to work with people who aren’t just excited to work with me but excited to introduce me to their friends and their friends work. Do more of that! Introduce your non-LGBTQ pros and fans to your queer friends’ work so that they are more visible. Those who have found success in this industry need to keep speaking up for fellow LGBTQ creators who are trying to break in. When someone appears to have “made it” keep supporting their work so they can keep kicking butt, and lift others up. 

CA: Is there something the comics publishing industry as a whole can do to get more people interested in reading queer content? If you were in charge of an all inclusive content company, what are some strategies you’d employ?

KK: I think the sales of queer comics and OGN’s have already proven the “Old Guard” (whoever they were) wrong about people not wanting to read queer content.  I think the challenging part of your question is separating “Queer Content” from “Not-Queer Content” The strategy I would employ is to have plenty of books that aren’t explicitly “Queer” make sure they have inclusive rep and that they treat that rep fairly. Queer people and BIPOC (*looks around the town square*) EXIST! They should be present in all forms of media. The other part of that equation is making sure to hire diverse voices and let them tell the stories they want to tell. Don’t pigeonhole them! Asking marginalized creators to only write about characters that share their identity is also bad (and something that happens too often).

CA: You mentioned really loving LGBTQ stories-can you tell us a few titles and creators that you feel do a great job of representing queer voices?

KK: Too many people to mention everyone!

Image result for on a sunbeam comic"

On A Sunbeam art by Tillie Walden

Tillie Walden: if you love comics and haven’t read any of her amazing OGNs you are missing out. MY favorite so far is On a Sunbeam

Mark Russell: what can I say? I feel that Exit Stage Left is simply one of the best comics DC has ever published.

Contact High by By Josh Eckert & James F. Wright is stunning queer sci-fi.

Image result for contact high comic"

Contact High words and art by Josh Eckert and James F. Wright

SO MANY PEOPLE: Terry Blas, David Booher, Joe Carallo, Rosemary V. O., Marie Enger, Bee Kahn, Mags Visagio. I could go on for days.

CA: What lesson or advice would you give to aspiring artists/writers? What is some practical advice you can give to someone pitching a story or submitting a portfolio?

KK: While pitching can be scary and time consuming, don’t stop everything to do it. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to make comics, make your own. Print your own zines. Try your hand at webcomics. Write scripts and keep drawing and coloring and lettering. Put yourself out there, tell the story that only you can tell. 

Practical advice on pitching and etc:

Aim for Brevity. 

Be organized, confident, and respectful of other people’s time.

Your pitch pages will generally be the most important part. 

We need to see that you and your team know how to make a comic, which is something you have to show. 

CA: What do you wish you knew then that you know now when it comes to being an editor in today’s comic book industry?

KK: That most creators are a lot easier to talk to than I thought and that I shouldn’t be afraid of telling someone I want to work with them. Because sometimes (if you are lucky) they might want to work with you! 

CA: Who is your favorite existing queer character? Why?

KK: This is a super difficult question for me to answer. . . 

Image result for luci wicked and the divine"

Art by Jamie McKelvie and Matt Wilson

Lucifer, in so many iterations is painted as queer. DC’s Lucifer is great but my personal favorite is Luci from The Wicked & Divine. Rebellious, confident, too honest, full of answers and secrets. Too eager to be loved. I could go on.

CA: Luci from Wic/Div is one of my favorites as well! Thanks you so much, Konner!

The Geeks OUT Podcast: Bi Bi Grom Queen

The Geeks OUT Podcast

Opinions, reviews, incisive discussions of queer geek ideas in pop culture, and the particularly cutting brand of shade that you can only get from a couple of queer geeks all in highly digestible weekly doses.

In this week’s super sized episode of the Geeks OUT Podcast, Kevin is joined by new Eisner & Hugo award winning artist, Tana Ford, as they discuss Tana winning a Hugo award over livestream, cheer for Disney’s The Owl House confirming a main character’s bisexuality, and celebrate Lilly Wachowski affirming that The Matrix is a trans allegory in This Week in Queer. 

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BIG OPENING

KEVIN: Disney’s The Owl House confirms a character’s bisexuality
TANA: Hugo Awards announced by an imperfect GRR Martin

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DOWN AND NERDY

KEVIN: The Go Go’s, Star Trek: Below Decks, Razorblades, Empyre, Yes, I’m Flagging
TANA: Palm Springs, Perry Mason

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STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER

Reboot of A League of Their Own coming to Amazon

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THIS WEEK IN QUEER

Lilly Wachowski discusses The Matrix as a trans allegory

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CLIP OF THE WEEK

New trailer for Ratched

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THE WEEK IN GEEK

MOVIES

• Live-action Mulan skipping theatres and going straight to Disney+
• Nia DaCosta signs on to direct Captain Marvel sequel
• Antebellum moves to PVOD
• New trailer for I’m Thinking of Ending Things

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TV

• New trailer for Raised by Wolves
• New trailer for The Third Day
• The CW releases pro-mask hero posters
• New teaser for DC Fandome
• Animaniacs reboot is coming in November
• Comedy Central orders a reboot of Ren & Stimpy  
• New trailer for season 2 of Pen15 

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COMIC BOOKS

• Kelly Sue DeConnick speaks out on comic’s gatekeepers
• Cullen Bunn releasing D&D inspired Deepest Catacombs webcomic

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SHILF

• KEVIN: Nyles (Palm Springs)
• TANA: Sarah (Palm Springs)

The Geeks OUT Podcast: Dipping into the Live-Stream

The Geeks OUT Podcast

Opinions, reviews, incisive discussions of queer geek ideas in pop culture, and the particularly cutting brand of shade that you can only get from a couple of queer geeks all in highly digestible weekly doses.

In this week’s special live-streamed episode of the Geeks OUT Podcast, Kevin is joined by drag performer Misster, as they discuss the leaks of Nintendo beta designs, praise the winners of the GLAAD Media Awards, and celebrate Beyoncé gifting us with Black is King on Disney+ as our Strong Female Character of the Week. 

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BIG OPENING

KEVIN: Newspapers pull Six Chix’s Pro-Mask & Pro-BLM comic strip
MISSTER: Nintendo leak of beta designs

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DOWN AND NERDY

KEVIN: Tank Girl, Don’t Look Deeper, X-Factor
MISSTER: Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Legend of Korra

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STRONG FEMALE CHARACTER

Beyoncé’s Black is King visual album debuts on Disney+

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THIS WEEK IN QUEER

GLAAD Media Award winners announced

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CLIP OF THE WEEK

New trailer for animated “choose your own” Batman: Death in the Family

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THE WEEK IN GEEK

MOVIES

• New trailer for Love in the Time of Corona
• Regal Cinemas will begin to reopen in late August 
• AMC Theaters agree to new deal with Universal
• New trailer for Kajillionaire  
• Tenet continues to confuse and will now release internationally and in some US theaters

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TV

• Star Trek: Discovery season 3 coming in October
• New trailer for We Are Who We Are
• New trailer for Infinity Train: Book 3
• Prequel series to The Witcher is coming to Netflix
• New trailer for Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous  
• New trailer for Teenage Bounty Hunters
• First look at Sarah Paulson in Ratched 
• Netflix acquires a slew of classic 90’s black sitcoms
• Jeff Loeb reportedly made anti-asian racist comments working on Daredevil  
• Emmy Nominations feature a number of firsts and record noms for Watchmen and will be virtual 

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COMIC BOOKS

• Marvel launches new web comic “Heroes at Home”
• First look at the Mean Girls comic sequel