Dr. McNinja was an early recommendation when I first started reading webcomics, and of those I currently read it is still my favorite. There are a lot of great things about what the webcomic medium has done for storytelling in comics, and in that there are several great artist who have found their comic’s platform on the internet. Though, what I love about Dr. McNinja is the versatility of the story, by which I mean the success it achieves in multiple media. Don’t get me wrong, Dr. McNinja is written as a webcomic, though the cleverness in writing and creativeness of the story allows the momentum of plot to work whether days or seconds are spent between reading one page and the next.
Recently, the acclaimed Christopher Hasting released a new collection of Dr.McNinja stories titled Night Powers. Quite timidly, I sent Hastings a few questions about this collection as I was planning to write a Dr. McNinja Nerd Blog. Like the gentlemen he is, Hastings responded with full answers.

Dave: “Monster Mart,” “Death Volley,” and “Doc gets Rad” are all one-off stories that don’t necessarily require a pre-existing knowledge of the Dr. McNinja lore, however there are a few plot points that speak to a larger story arc (the “Doc as a child in King Radical’s cave” scene comes to mind). Everything seems fairly planned out and purposeful, what is your process in constructing the McNinjaverse?
Chris: Going into Monster Mart, I had just finished up with Punch Dracula, which was the finale to a 220 page story, my longest yet. So I wanted to do a few shorter ones. I also thought it would be fun to have each of these shorter stories introduce a little bit about a future villain, King Radical. I’ve been continuing on this trend, and eventually little details from each story since Monster Mart will come into play in a story that finally gets down to what King Radical is about.
Dave: Several webcomic and print comic artists have contributed a few extras to “Night Powers.” What is your take on the artist community amongst webcomic and print comic artists? What is the difference between writing for print and writing for a site? Which do you prefer?
Chris: I think that the community in comics making just comes out of mutual admiration and respect. We’re all sitting home alone putting these comics out there, and when we find other ones we like, we promote them. And then eventually we go to conventions and stuff and meet each other and get to be pals. And pals help each other out!
When it comes to writing for print VS writing for a site, the biggest thing I had to adapt to was making each page satisfying on its own, and knowing that there would be days between pages instead of seconds. It affects the reader experience greatly, and it just has to stay on your mind as you write.
Dave: What comics, both in print and on the web, have influenced Dr. McNinja?
Chris: I’d say the biggest comic influences on Dr. McNinja are Batman, Deadpool, Invincible, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dinosaur Comics, and Achewood.

You can find Dr.McNinja HERE , though I suggest starting from the beginning, HERE.
You can also follow Hastings on Twitter HERE
And, if you’ve the means, purchase the fantastic Night Powers HERE

As I’m sure all of you have noticed, today’s guest strip is especially awesome. That’s because it was created by my dear friend, Matt Forcella. On Friday, Matt is launching his own webcomic called One Die Short. It’s “a story of love, life, nerds and roleplaying, and is based on actual imaginary events.”

Matt is not only my friend, he is also my DM, giving him all the nerdy experience needed to create a great D & D based webcomic. Please, if you value humor, make sure and add One Die Short to your reader.

You can follow updates from the comic on twitter at twitter.com/OneDieShort

Or on Facebook at facebook.com/onedieshort

After several months and over 100 pages, Joey Cheats Death is getting ready to move into the third chapter in the first main story arch. Since starting this chapter, I’ve moved across the country, started two jobs and moved into two new apartments. Needless to say, I’m exhausted. Things are starting to settle down, or at least grow more consistent, and hopefully that regularity will become evident in the quality of Chapter 3.

As per usual, after Friday’s chapter finale’, there will be a week of guest generated updates. I’m really excited about this guest week, as all of the strips turned in look fantastic. If you have a strip you’d like to submit, please try and get it to us as soon as possible, you can do so by emailing me at dpembe01 at gmail dot com.

I’d like to thank all those who read Joey Cheats Death regularly, there wouldn’t be a webcomic without you. True, the main reason I write Joey Cheats Death is because I love doing it, but I love doing it because a few people love reading it. Oh, the world is a mess.

And, of course, I’d like to give endless thanks to James, without his support and tireless work, Joey Cheats Death would be nothing. Absolutely nothing. I’d also like to give thanks to my dear sweet Erin, who has not only supported the comic since we’ve been together and staying up with me on multiple occasions while I scribble out the next post, but who has also started editing the comic’s grammar. Have you noticed the pages getting less idiotic? Yeah, that’s her.

Thanks to everyone, and We’ll see you in Chapter 3

Love,

Dave P

I love movies. They are probably one of the most widely accepted forms of pop culture, generating any emotion we could ever wish to empathetically feel. One of the few sites I scroll through every day is First Showing, my only consistent source for whats going on in Hollywood.

First Showing is comprised of all the things I love about good websites. Their style is simple and clean, easy to read and navigate and their content is frequently updated and consistently accessible.  The updates and movie reviews come not from film critics or unqualified snobs, but instead from “a creative collaboration of individuals who are above all dedicated and passionate towards movies.”

Much of the content comes from founder Alex Billington, someone who just loves movies. Many of his post are quick and on the fly, getting information to the readers as soon as it gets in his head. On multiple occasions I’ve noticed several grammar mistakes from Alex, but I see this as a very endearing quality for the type of blog that First Showing is. It speaks to something larger, that this is not a place full of self righteous or abundantly pretentious writings. Instead, First Showing is a site created by genuine fans. I would love to write for them, obviously.

I love First Showing because First Showing loves movies.

Contributing editors include Ethan Aderton and Brandon Lee Tenney. First Showing also runs a podcast, cleverly named The Golden Briefcase. It’s no secret that I love podcast, and The Golden Briefcase is definitely one that any film fan should check out.

You can find First Showing HERE

Or find them on Twitter HERE

Or Ethan on Twitter HERE

And, of course, Alex on Twitter HERE

I have one of those mind numbing jobs that pits you in front of a computer all day with nothing to do but point and click and cut and paste. It can be bearable, there are several positives in this equation. It’s a laid back work environment, management buys everyone beer on Fridays and I can make it through most days without ever having to take my ear buds out. But there is something missing, something undeniable. I swear, there are times when I can feel the wrinkles in my brain smoothing out as every memory is replaced with a “1″ or a “0.” I came here because I want to be a writer, but instead I’m an overpaid and hyper aware spam bot. Did you know that sitting for more than six hours a day raises your likelihood of an early death by 20%?

I’ve found a decent escape during my workday, and it’s no surprise to anyone who knows me. In the evenings, when friends and lovers share stories from their day at work, I share stories from the podcasts I’ve listened to. My day, lived vicariously. Though originally recorded and aired as a radio series for NPR, one of the most anticipated podcasts downloaded to my hard drive every Monday morning is This American Life. Produced by Chicago Public Radio and hosted by the undeniable Ira Glass, This American Life brings listeners enthralling stories which seek to encapsulate the American experience.

These are great stories. More often than not I am forced to hide watery eyes from my mostly-absent co workers whenever I tune in. These stories give me a sense of connectedness and, somewhat paradoxically, a feeling of great loneliness. There is a beauty out there, somewhere in America, and I want to find it.

I have fantasies of working for This American Life, or in some capacity in which I can write creatively and with purpose. Maybe this all boils down to an unhealthy reliance on escapism, maybe I’m spending too much of my time in a daydream. But listening to stories narrated in the voice of Ira Glass makes me feel like my story is a part of something larger, like there is some purpose I’m missing. I just need that narrative framework.

You can find This American Life here, or follow them on twitter @ThisAmericanLife.

I wasn’t one of those kids who openly expressed the wonders of their nerdom. None of my friends knew I watched Dragon Ball Z every afternoon on Cartoon Network, or that I spent most Saturday mornings playing Pokemon Blue or old SNES games. I was unreasonably ashamed of it, knowing I would be made fun if anyone discovered the Gold Chocobo I rode in Final Fantasy VII. Looking back, I feel like there was an important aspect of my nerd development that was left wanting. Luckily, now that I’m older and strong enough to beat up most middle school children, I feel confident in liking the things that I like because I like them.

Capturing that coy adolescent time of hidden interests is the music of the ingenious band, Anamanaguchi. They make “loud, fast music with a hacked NES from 1985.” They are one of many in a growing trend of 8-bit bands, and in my opinion the best.

Their recent “Dawn Metropolis” is immensely entertaining, fast and energetic and completely enjoyable. Describing the album as “nostalgic” doesn’t seem to fit, while  Anamanaguchi is in the same cannon as the Mega Man 3 soundtrack, their music doesn’t feel old at all. Instead it’s something brand new, made up of forgotten parts from our collective childhood.

My favorite song off their new album is “Jetpack Blues, Sunset Hues,”  which you might recognize form the opening of the Nerdist podcast. This song is a perfect example of Anamanaguchi‘s talent, not only in their musical composition but also in their ability to recreate what it feels like to run through an 8-bit sidescroller. Back when our hero’s existed in 2D, music as an important aspect of world creation. “Jetpack Blues” pays homage to that, giving the listener the feeling that they too must save the princess before it’s too late.

If you’re looking for a copy of “Dawn Metropolis,” good luck. It’s sold out, and for good reason. Though, the fellows of Anamanaguchi are kind enough to provide the album, in it’s entirety, freely streaming on their site. Perhaps even more exciting than that are the singles, released bi-weekly, also free to download.

You can find Anamanaguchi at www.anamanaguchi.com

You can also follow them on twitter, @Anamanaguchi

P.S. Please check out my friend Chris’ delightfully nerdy site over at 8-Bit Punch. I read it daily.

P.P.S If I misspelled “Anamanaguchi” at any point, I’m sorry. It’s damn weird word.

I’m starting to figure out that the best comments on Nerd Culture come from nerds themselves. Comics Alliance was a perfect example of this in terms of comic book culture. Likewise, Joystiq is the very same but with their focus turned to video games. Their post are frequent and relevant, if not concerning on a video game directly then at least referencing an entertaining corner of video game culture. Though, what really makes Joystiq the best source for video game updates is the creators of her content: nerds.

The site is simple and clean, designed with an intentional brevity that reduces non-essential clutter. This sets Joystiq apart at an ascetic level from an overly designed layout like that found at IGN. Information is easy to find and all links are perfectly navigational. If I want to find out how much Elder Scroll V is going to eat up my life, I can do so in one simple search. There is no bullshit here, the site is not lost in adds, bells or whistles. The editors at Joystiq respect your time, they know not to waste it.

The writing style of most updates is casual and friendly, take Griffin McElroy’s recent update on the New Xbox Development Kit, for example. You are approached on a very accessible level. The audience doesn’t have to be built of seasoned nerds with a preexisting knowledge of how technology works. The foundational kiros developed here is one of equality, making Nerd Culture exactly what it should be: non-exclusive (do I take this too seriously?).

And, of course, there is the fantastic podcast offered by Joystiq. Hosted primarily by Justin McElroy, Chris Grant and the Edgar Wright impersonating Ludwig Keitzmann. This is probably one of the gems that makes Joystiq the nerd authority that she is. The hosts comment on game development, news, rumors and (most intriguingly) what games they are currently playing. As is common of most podcast I gush about, the Jostiq Podcast is a casual experience that makes you a fly on the wall during a conversation between three friends.

If you don’t already, please frequent the Joystiq site and subscribe to their podcast. Their material is truly first rate, and proves comforting to any nerd who thinks he’s alone.

You can follow the three host of the podcast on twitter, and I suggest you do:

@chrisgrant

@JustinMcElroy

@LudwigK

I was tempted to post another Nerd Blog about one of the many podcast I am currently listening to and constantly gushing about to my friends and family. Though, whenever I explain the greatness of something like “Doug Loves Movies” to anyone, I tend to notice a glaze of the eyes around the time I detail the rules of the Leonard Maltin Game. So, in a last minute change of heart, I’ve decided to write about one of my favorite sources of Nerd Culture: Comics Alliance.

This is probably the best Comics blog for the average comics reader. The articles posted are accessible and generally light hearted, written with a critical sense of fandom. The site itself is ascetically pleasing, with a clean design and easily navigable layout. This is one of the first things that sets Comics Alliance apart from most other nerd culture blogs: it’s easy to use. There is no labyrinth of information, the nav links weren’t set up by M.C. Escher and nothing is overly cluttered. Comics aside, this is a smart website.

The content is always interesting. Often, when checking through my daily reader, I find myself spending time with each Comics Alliance post. Even though I have been absent in reading comics for several years, I’m always excited to read up on what terrible plot twist take place in “Brightest Day.” But, more than that, CA allows their editors a great deal of flexibility in content generated. Updates range from comic reviews to comic related opinions or comic movie updates or, even, topics that comic nerds would separately enjoy such as today’s update on Invader Zim.

However, as is the case with most nerd culture, the things that makes CA great are the writers, because they genuinely love their subject. Theses post are updates on nerd culture from nerds. And not just casual nerds, huge nerds.  It is not infrequent for an update to be focused on comic ethics, such as Jess Fink’s recently stolen art or Rob Granito being on of the world’s biggest asses.

Comics Alliance is a labor of love, and it shows. This is a daily must read for me, and I hope any comic nerds who read this will agree. You can find Comics Alliance here or follow them on twitter  at twitter.com/comicsalliance

Erin and I spent our Christmas in Tennessee this year, taking time to visit my side of the family and eat copious amounts of butter. On an evening ride to Chattanooga, my cousin played for us an episode of My Brother, My Brother and Me. I was hooked by the end of Abba’s “Take a Chance on Me,” the podcast’s first theme song.

My Brother, My Brother and Me is an advice show hosted by three real brothers: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy (the names might sound familiar if you’ve ever listened to Justin’s equally entertaining Joystiq podcast). For all practical reasons, the podcast is listed as a comedy. The brother’s take questions through various formats and generally respond to such queries with coy quips. However, the thing that makes MBMBaM a completely worthwhile listen is that, if you aren’t being an ass about it, you might actually gleam some valuable advice.

Though the McElroys aren’t experts, they seem to have a fairly unique and practical view of how the world should work. It’s a rarity that a question is answered without someone being ridiculed, but these jokes are always made with good intentions. There is a warmth in MBMBaM, sometimes hidden under foul language and dick jokes or covered up by Justin’s infectious laugh, but if you listen long enough (and I mean really listen), you’ll realize that the McElroys love you. They genuinely, whole heartidly, love you. When you need help, they do what any good friend should. They help you find your way while laughing.This podcast is impressively witty and undeniably poignant.

They are often asked about the many complexities of interpersonal relationships in the various arenas in which people interact. Perhaps my favorite response, one that I’ve attempted to apply, is that you have to get interested in the other person. That’s how most any relationship can succeed, and in doing so you are going to become more interesting to whomever you’re interacting with. Though, sometimes they answer these questions by simply suggestion that you pack your bags and move away. Take it all with a grain of salt, I suppose.

It should be noted, also, that if  your question comes from Yahoo Answers, you are most likely unloved. But hey, what are you doing seeking advice on Yahoo anyways? That’s like asking a child molester which candy is the best. No matter what answer you get, you’re still getting screwed.

MBMBaM has quickly grown in popularity, and recently joined the MaxFun network. You can find MBMBaM at www.MBMBaM.com or follow the podcast on twitter at twitter.com/MBMBaM. If you start listening to the podcast (which I highly recommend you do) make sure and subscribe on iTunes. And, if you’re interested, you can find Justin’s Joystiq podcast at www.joystiq.com/podcast.

Good podcasts have this way of connecting to one another. I first heard Chris Hardwick’s sweet sweet voice while playing an episode of “Doug Loves Movies.” He sounds familiar, I thought, as images of Attack of the Show flashed in my head. I realized, I know this man. I know Chris Hardwick from TV.

At the end of his ride on the Lenard Maltin Game, Chris mentioned his own podcast: Nerdist. “Holy shit, I follow that podcast on twitter.” The Internet is a crazy messed up place.

The Nerdist Podcast regularly includes both Chris and Jonah Ray, usually talking to some famous guest that we can all geek over. This is a fairly common format among bored celebrities: famous person A asks famous person B to come and talk about famous-person-thing  X. However, what sets Nerdist apart is the simple fact that Chris Hardwick isn’t bored. Rather, he is engaging and candid, the conversations are organic and natural but still captivating and hilarious. It’s that feeling you get when you listen to two close friends riff, even though you aren’t a contributor of the conversation, you feel a part of it.

This works well with the lineup of guests on Nerdist. They are not always the most relevant or sought after persons, but they are always pivotal characters in Nerd culture. Chris brings you in, sits you down, and introduces you someone you’ve always wanted to meet. But the great thing is, this is all done with a sense of humility. Chris Hardwick loves these people, just as much as we do. Maybe that’s where this surprising sense of intimacy comes from. The audience hears conversations with Nathan Fillion and Stan Lee, but more importantly leaves the podcast feeling like they’ve had the conversations themselves. How could you not be addicted to something like that?

Interestingly, the episodes run together to form a sense of Chris’ past. He frequently invites comics he’s worked with during his rise to the middle, and in those instances they share old war stories from getting up on stage. If anything, hearing these bits of the Ballad of Hardwick can make us all hopeful. Work hard and get what you want, be it a career in comedy or a thinner waist line.

And, most importantly, Chris’ voice is audibly pleasing to listen to. There have been several podcasts I’ve unsubscribed from due completely to the grading voice of the personality behind the mic. Chris’ voice is like syrup, but a sound. I am not gay.

You can follow Chris at twitter.com/nerdist

Find the podcast at nerdist.com/category/podcast

Or enjoy the Nerdist blog at nerdist.com