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Nerd Legion is a weekly podcast exploring science fiction and fantasy TV shows and films as well as other aspects of nerd culture. Featuring long-time esports casting duo Erik "DoA" Lonnquist and Christopher "MonteCristo" Mykles, the show highlights their years of established synergy and banter to lend humor and insight into the latest pop culture trends.
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Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972) might be the most outrageous and hardcore samurai film we’ve covered yet. Former shogunate executioner Ogami Ittō becomes a disgraced wanderer, pushing his infant son through Edo-period Japan in a baby cart full of hidden weapons. Along the way, he faces betrayal, conspiracies, and blood-soaked battles that helped inspire everything from The Mandalorian to Ghost of Yōtei. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Samurai Champloo is one of the most stylish anime ever made: hip hop, samurai, and pure visual flair. But does the second half of the series actually collapse under its own weight? In Part Two of our Ghost of Yōtei Inspirations series, MonteCristo and DoA cover episodes 14–26 and debate whether Champloo is a masterpiece of style or one of the most frustrating anime endings ever. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What happens when samurai sword fights meet hip hop beats? In 2004, director Shinichirō Watanabe followed up Cowboy Bebop with Samurai Champloo: a wild mashup of Edo-era Japan, breakdance-inspired swordplay, and lo-fi counterculture. Two decades later, Champloo still feels fresh, and its influence now echoes in Ghost of Yōtei with the brand-new Watanabe Mode, blending lo-fi hip hop into your samurai journey. MonteCristo and DoA dive into how Samurai Champloo revolutionized anime, the genius of Nujabes’ soundtrack, and why this series still matters for both anime and gaming. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Before Kill Bill, there was Lady Snowblood (1973): a dazzling, hyper-stylized tale of tragedy and vengeance that changed samurai cinema forever. With unforgettable visuals, outrageous martial arts training sequences, and a performance by Meiko Kaji that blends icy assassin and deeply human, this film redefined what a revenge story could be. It didn’t just inspire Quentin Tarantino, Lady Snowblood is a direct influence on Ghost of Yōtei, with its female warrior on a bloody path of vengeance against those who destroyed her family. From manga-style chapters to iconic snowbound duels, this movie set the template for modern revenge epics. In this episode of Nerd Legion, MonteCristo and DoA break down why this film still feels shockingly modern, why it’s better than Kill Bill, and how it connects directly to the cinematic DNA of Ghost of Yōtei. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Takashi Miike’s 13 ASSASSINS (2010) delivers one of the longest, bloodiest action sequences ever put to film: 45 minutes of nonstop samurai carnage. Some call it a masterpiece of brutality, others say it drags on forever. But there’s no denying its influence on the combat design and cinematic feel of Ghost of Yōtei. In this episode of Nerd Legion, MonteCristo and DoA debate whether 13 Assassins is overindulgent or essential, explore its commentary on the samurai code, and connect it directly to the upcoming game’s Miike Mode. From nihilistic villains to questions of honor and duty, this is modern samurai cinema at its most extreme. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code NERD at shopmando.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
With Ghost of Yōtei launching October 2nd, Nerd Legion is diving into the films and anime that inspired the game’s haunted world. We begin with Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood (1957), a chilling reimagining of Macbeth that blends Noh theatre, samurai tragedy, and supernatural ghosts. In this episode, MonteCristo and DoA discuss:⚔️How Throne of Blood’s fog, wind, and black-and-white style shaped Kurosawa Mode in Ghost of Tsushima (returning in Ghost of Yōtei)⚔️The fusion of Shakespearean tragedy with Japanese Noh theatre and its symbolism (Lady Asaji’s mask-like stillness, the centipede banners, spinning horses)⚔️Kurosawa’s legendary use of atmosphere and the unforgettable real-arrow death scene with Toshiro Mifune⚔️How the film’s themes of cursed destiny and supernatural hauntings echo the mythic tone of Ghost of Yōtei Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome back to Nerd Legion’s 1980s Fantasy Marathon! This week we tackle one of the most infamous sword-and-sorcery B-movies ever made: Deathstalker (1983). Produced by Roger Corman and loaded with bizarre editing, random plot “twists,” and way too much sleazy exploitation, Deathstalker has gone down in history as one of the strangest and most uncomfortable entries in ’80s fantasy cinema. In this episode we break down:⚔️ Why Deathstalker feels more like softcore than sword-and-sorcery⚔️ The nonsensical “plot” and awkward tournament arc⚔️ Garbage Yoda, the magical trans operation, and our favorite bad effects⚔️ How this film made money — and why people kept watching Is Deathstalker the worst fantasy movie of the 1980s, or just so-bad-it’s-good cult cinema? Join us for our breakdown, commentary, and plenty of laughs as we continue our marathon through the weirdest corners of ’80s fantasy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join us for our first impressions and review of Alien Earth as we dive into the show’s opening two episodes! Created by Noah Hawley (Fargo, Legion), this new sci-fi series expands the Alien universe with an intriguing premise: synthetics, creepy new alien species, and surprisingly heavy-handed Peter Pan parallels. The episode of Nerd Legion kicks off with highlights from MonteCristo and DoA's watch-along of the first two episodes and then continues with our review and thematic discussion. While Alien Earth impresses with its visuals and strong performances (including Timothy Olyphant as synth character Kirsch) we also examine its pacing issues, plot contrivances, and tonal inconsistencies. Can this series live up to the legacy of the original Alien films, or is it destined to become another overextended franchise experiment? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, we grapple with the first four episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3. After a long two-year hiatus, the show has returned, but has it lived up to expectations? We discuss the highs and lows, such as the Gorn plotline wrapping up, thematic episodes like the musical and the holodeck murder mystery, and question whether the show is being overly self-referential. We also touch upon our hopes for Star Fleet: Academy and address concerns for the future of the show. Tune in for an in-depth analysis! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code NERD at shopmando.com! Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/nerdlegion50off with code nerdlegion50off. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home! The Last Free Nation merch shop is open! Show off your fandom and support us and by purchasing the high-quality items on our merch shop. Check our website for more info on shipping! https://go.lastfreenation.shop/nerdlegionyt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nerd Legion breaks down Fantastic Four First Steps, critiquing its flawed storyline, sometimes questionable CGI, and underwhelming writing. They discuss the film's failed promise and compare it to other Marvel and non-Marvel films, highlighting both the good and the not-so-good aspects. The film struggles to maintain the audience's suspension of disbelief and mostly squanders a strong start by the time the heroes visit Galactus in space. In spite of generally solid casting with Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby in the lead roles, believable chemistry between the actors, and a compelling alternate Earth with a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, the film ultimately is weighed down by poor writing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, we dive deep into the retrospective analysis of Krull, a polarizing cult classic of 1980s fantasy cinema. We break down the highs and lows, discussing everything from the film's impressive visuals, soundtrack by James Horner, and a strong ensemble cast including young Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane. We critique the film’s convoluted script, misaligned dialogue, and missed potential, comparing it with contemporaries like Conan and Star Wars. How could an all-star creative crew including director Peter Yates, cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, and editor Ray Lovejoy fail to live up to their potential in Krull? Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/nerdlegion50off with code nerdlegion50off. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, Monte and DoA dive into the latest Superman reboot directed by James Gunn. The hosts discuss the film's light-hearted tone, its departure from traditional Superman lore, and the new interpretations of characters like Lex Luthor and Jor-El. They debate the merits of the movie's humor, its portrayal of media, and the overall freshness it brings to the superhero genre. Despite some disagreements on key elements, both find aspects to appreciate and speculate on the future of the DC Universe under Gunn's direction. Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/nerdlegion50off with code nerdlegion50off. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home! The Last Free Nation merch shop is open! Show off your fandom and support us and by purchasing the high-quality items on our merch shop. Check our website for more info on shipping! https://go.lastfreenation.shop/nerdlegionyt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, we conclude the first three years of our 1980s fantasy film marathon by discussing and ranking the best and worst films from 1980 through 1982. We delve into titles like Dragon Slayer, Excalibur, and Conan the Barbarian, while also debating the merits of cult classics and lesser-known gems. The hosts discuss their favorite fantasy movies, the most surprising finds, and the least enjoyable watches. They also dive deep into a discussion on Jim Henson's 'The Dark Crystal,' analyzing its storytelling, puppetry, and its influence on future fantasy media. Looking ahead, they tease the upcoming fantasy films of 1983. Tune in for a nostalgic trip through 1980s fantasy cinema! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week, we dive into the 1983 animated fantasy film 'Fire and Ice'. Join us as we explore the unique rotoscoping animation technique used in the film, the notable artists involved like Frank Frazetta and James Gurney, and the film's place in 1980s fantasy cinema. We also discuss the film's storytelling, its less-than-edgy approach compared to its peers, and its influence on modern works. Plus, we touch on voice acting, missed meme opportunities, and amusing trivia related to 'Fire and Ice'. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful discussion! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code NERD at shopmando.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, the hosts dive deep into the 1982 Rankin/Bass animated film 'The Last Unicorn.' They discuss the movie's memorable characters, voice acting, animation style, musical contributions by the band America, and the profound themes that blend with some truly bizarre moments. They also touch on the film's cult classic status and speculate on its possible influence on later works by Studio Ghibli. Stay tuned for a lively talk filled with nostalgia, humor, and unique insights into this quirky 80s fantasy classic. Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/nerdlegion50off with code nerdlegion50off. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code NERD at https://www.shopmando.com! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join us on Nerd Legion as we dive into the 1982 fantasy film 'Sorceress'—a movie so bad, it's good! From bizarre plot twists to unforgettable characters, this review covers the hilarious production history, the highly questionable special effects, and snippets of insane dialogue. Whether you're here for a laugh or to see why this is considered one of the most entertainingly bad movies of its time, we've got you covered. Explore why Sorceress stands out even in the crowded genre of 1980s fantasy films, and stay tuned for what's next in our marathon! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join us as we explore the 1982 fantasy movie, The Beastmaster, as part of the Nerd Legion 1980's fantasy film marathon. We discuss its quirky plot, memorable scenes, and the characters involved. From Rip Torn’s villainous role to a tiger painted black, and even touch upon the influences of other classic fantasy films like Conan the Barbarian. We also share funny moments and our own watch-along commentary. This is an in-depth review you won’t want to miss, complete with nostalgic details and insights into what made The Beastmaster a mainstay on cable television for years. After our deep dive into this cult classic, stay tuned for a preview of our next episode on another outrageous 80's fantasy film, Sorceress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, we dive into a detailed discussion about Season 2 of the Star Wars series 'Andor.' Filmed together in person (or is it just green screen magic?), Monte and DoA analyze the show's characters, themes, and its impact on the Star Wars universe. Hear our thoughts on why Andor is the best Star Wars content since the original trilogy, the challenges of maintaining continuity within the larger Star Wars saga, and some minor gripes we have. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of Nerd Legion, we dive into 'The Sword and the Sorcerer' (1982), a surprising hit from the 1980s fantasy craze. We explore the film’s strengths, including its impressive special effects, compelling acting, and memorable cinematography. We also discuss its humorous tonal inconsistencies and the charm of its goofy yet creative elements, such as the unique three-bladed sword. Director Albert Pyun shows how to maximize each penny of a small budget while lead actor Lee Horsley demonstrates surprising acting chops as Talon in a difficult, mostly unlikeable role. Additionally, comparisons are made with other iconic films and characters of the era, including 'Conan the Barbarian' and 'Dragonslayer,' signaling its relevance and impact on the fantasy genre. Stay tuned for our verdict on whether this cult classic is worth a watch today, and get ready for our coverage of 'Andor' in the next episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join Nerd Legion as we revisit the iconic 1982 film, 'Conan the Barbarian' as part of our 1980s fantasy marathon. This episode delves into the movie that launched Arnold Schwarzenegger's illustrious career, exploring its lasting legacy, the craftsmanship behind its production, and its impact on the fantasy genre. From its highly atmospheric soundtrack by Basil Poledouris to its stunning sets and John Milius' direction, we cover all that makes this film a timeless classic. The discussion also touches on the performances of James Earl Jones and other cast members, contrasts it with other 1980s sword and sorcery films, and reflects on Conan's influence on contemporary fantasy cinema. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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