This packed Geek Freaks Headlines episode covers the biggest pop-culture stories of the week and features a candid interview with bestselling author Barry Lyga. Frank, Squeaks, and Jon trade thoughts on Marvel’s shifting release calendar, a photo-confirmed Galactus design, the surprise Elden Ring film from Alex Garland and A24, fresh casting for Street Fighter, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and Netflix’s Avatar seasons two and three. Squeaks reports from the brand-new Nintendo San Francisco store, and Barry Lyga reveals how Free Comic Book Day began, why writing Thanos kept him up at night, and what to expect from his new anthology Before the Hunt.

Timestamps & Topics

• 00:00:00 Intro + Patreon extended-cut plug
  
• 00:00:59 Underrated-comic spotlight
  
• 00:07:50 Marvel delays — Doomsday & Secret Wars
  
• 00:13:57 Galactus merch leak & reactions
  
• 00:18:16 Elden Ring movie announcement
  
• 00:24:55 Street Fighter casting rundown
  
• 00:29:16 Kieran Culkin joins Hunger Games
  
• 00:31:27 Netflix Avatar S2–S3 casting news
  
• 00:33:48 Local-shop vs. trades discussion
  
• 00:43:51 Barry Lyga interview begins
  
• 01:06:50 Origin of Free Comic Book Day
  
• 01:14:44 Nintendo San Francisco store deep-dive
  
• 01:22:23 Network events & upcoming cons
  
• 01:23:37 Host recommendations
  
• 01:27:08 Outro

Key Takeaways

• Marvel reshuffle: Avengers Doomsday arrives 18 December 2026, Secret Wars on 7 May 2027, pushing Spider-Man and other tie-ins.

• Galactus confirmed: Snapple merch shows the planet-eater in full armor, size will fluctuate just like classic issues.

• Elden Ring to cinema: Director Alex Garland promises practical effects and large-scale monsters in an atmospheric fantasy.

• Casting blitz: Jason Momoa and Roman Reigns circle Street Fighter roles, Kieran Culkin joins Hunger Games, and Avatar adds White Lotus alumnus Dichen Lachman as Avatar Yangchen.

• Nintendo SF: Two-story flagship offers exclusive Donkey Kong fleece, statues, and Mario Kart gaming bay overlooking Union Square.

• Barry Lyga insights:

  • Superman writing anxiety eased by Mark Waid’s advice

  • Thanos: Titan Consumed drafted before Infinity War yet matched the film’s tone

  • “Free Comic Book Day started with zero budget and one bold letter.”

• Comics access: Trades, library shelves, and broad digital options remain vital for new readers.

Memorable Quotes

“I wrote that Thor line a month before I saw Infinity War.” – Barry Lyga
“You can tell I do not take myself seriously, but I take the work very seriously.” – Barry Lyga
“Walking into the Nintendo store feels like stepping inside a Switch home screen.” – Squeaks

Call to Action

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, leave a quick review, and share the episode with friends using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Get the full uncut conversation plus bonus Wheel of Time chat free on Patreon.

Links & Resources

• News source hub: https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com

• Barry Lyga’s works and “Before the Hunt” anthology: https://barrylyga.com

• Geek Freaks Patreon (extended cuts & perks): https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreaksPodcast

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Listener Questions

Got thoughts on the Galactus look or Elden Ring casting dreams? Send questions or voice memos via our socials above and we may feature you next episode.

apple podcast tags: marvel, galactus, elden ring, street fighter, hunger games, avatar the last airbender, nintendo, san francisco, barry lyga, free comic book day, comics, geek culture

keywords: Marvel Secret Wars, Avengers Doomsday, Galactus leak, Elden Ring movie, Street Fighter film cast, Hunger Games Sunrise on the Reaping, Netflix Avatar casting, Nintendo store San Francisco, Barry Lyga interview, Free Comic Book Day origin