Welcome to my podcast—your premier destination for exploring the worlds of fiction, fandom, and nerd culture, where stories might collide with politics, society, and everything in between. Each episode dives into Marvel, DC, classic cartoons, and more, uncovering how these tales can reflect or influence real-world issues. As an educator and lifelong Marvel fan, I bring fresh perspectives and thoughtful insights to geek culture.
In this episode, Derrick Slanger, also known as Avatar Slang, delves into the intersection of fiction, fandom, and nerd culture with special guest Murewa Ayodele, a writer for Marvel Comics. They discuss Murewa's journey from independent writing to working with Marvel, his cultural influences, and the creation of iconic characters like Storm. The conversation also touches on the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the comi...
In this episode, I sit down with Ty Norwood Jr. to talk about acting in Chicago, the future of superhero films, and how James Gunn’s Superman is reshaping the DC universe. We dig into the current state of Marvel, the role of music in film, and how representation and perspective behind the camera shape the stories we see.
Outside of the nerd talk, we also get into storytelling, cultural representation, and what it means to grow as a ...
In this conversation, the hosts delve into the 2008 film 'The Incredible Hulk,' discussing its place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), character portrayals, and the film's cultural impact. They explore the dynamics between Bruce Banner and the Hulk, comparing Edward Norton's portrayal to that of Mark Ruffalo. The discussion also touches on the film's overlooked status, themes of government overreach, a...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, I kick things off with what I’ve been reading and playing lately—Go Go Power Rangers, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and One World Under Doom. From there, I get into how libraries are real-world socialism in action and how folks love to throw around terms like capitalism and socialism without really understanding them.Then I break down how Marvel walked back Doom’s utopia just when it started ...
In this Movie Mondays episode, hosts Slang, Peru, Justice, and Professor X dive into Captain America: Civil War. They explore the ideological clash between Team Cap and Team Iron Man, the Sokovia Accords, and government oversight in the MCU. The crew breaks down character motivations, standout performances, and the emotional weight behind key moments. They also discuss Zemo’s impact, the film’s structure, and fun casting trivia, ul...
In this episode, the hosts delve into the themes and cultural significance of the film Black Panther. They discuss the representation of African identity, the complexities of characters like Killmonger, and the impact of CGI on the film's reception. The conversation also touches on memorable quotes, casting choices, and the nitpicks that arise upon rewatching the film. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive review of Black P...
In this episode of Avatar Slang, the host discusses various topics ranging from updates on content creation, gaming, and pop culture to political commentary and social issues. The conversation includes insights on the WNBA, superhero fatigue, and the importance of representation in media. The host also shares thoughts on recent movies and engages with listeners through a Q&A session, exploring childhood cartoons and hip hop cul...
In this episode of The Avatar Slang Podcast, we are giving Apple TV its flowers. I’m joined by @WiggyLou (on TikTok) as we dive into some of the best shows the platform has to offer and why more people should be paying attention.
We break down the storytelling, themes, and cultural moments in Severance, Shrinking, Silo, Ted Lasso and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.
We also talk about hidden gems, how Apple TV compares to other streame...
Marvel’s Thunderbolts isn’t just another team-up—it’s a story about trauma, redemption, and found family.
In this breakdown, I dive deep into what makes the film work, where it stumbles, and how it redefines the future of the MCU. From emotional character arcs to powerful themes and a bold new direction, this is Marvel’s most underrated team yet.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Thunderbolts03:05 – Character Arcs and Emotional De...
In this review of Daredevil: Born Again, I break down my thoughts on the new tone, character arcs, and what this reboot gets right. From the emotional conversations between Matt and Fisk, to the return of the Punisher, to how Leroy Bradford’s scene highlights real-world issues, Born Again brings a fresh but still gritty energy to the MCU.I also show love to Kamar de los Reyes for his powerful portrayal of White Tiger, and dive into...
In this deep-dive review of Sinners, I break down why this film is an instant classic and one of the most important pieces of Black cinema in recent years. Directed by Ryan Coogler—who I consider a generational director—Sinners blends horror, historical commentary, music, and identity into a powerful story set in 1932 Mississippi.
We explore the film's major themes, including:
The duality of Black joy and struggle
Vampirism as...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, the crew dives into Fortnite, Final Fantasy VII, and what they’ve been watching lately—from The Chosen to Daredevil. They chop it up about rewatchable classics, superhero shows, British actors in Hollywood, and the racial dynamics behind casting. The convo also hits on anime across generations, streaming wars, leaked movie hype, and a fun debate about Pikachu vs. Mickey Mouse. With laugh...
In this episode of The Avatar Slang Podcast, I’m joined by Ernest Crim III (@MrCrim3), an educator, speaker, and activist who uses history as a tool for empowerment. We dive into the importance of Black history, how media and storytelling shape narratives, and the intersection of nerd culture and activism.
Ernest shares his journey from teaching to becoming a public historian, how a life-changing Black history course reshaped his pe...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, Derrick Slanger and Brandon(@fortuneoverfame) dive into Marvel, anime, and superhero storytelling. They discuss Brandon’s journey in media, the impact of COVID on content creation, and break down Marvel’s upcoming Fantastic Four movie.The conversation explores character dynamics in the MCU, comparisons between Marvel and anime, and fan-favorite heroes like Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and...
In this engaging conversation, Slang and Selina Kyle (instagram @cosplayxtwerk) explore the vibrant world of cosplay, discussing its significance as a creative outlet, the representation of black women in fandoms, and the experiences at various conventions. They delve into the impact of streaming on television shows, share their favorite characters and cosplays, and reflect on the importance of community within the cosplay culture....
In this engaging conversation, Slang and @thecozmikcollector explore the journey of a comic enthusiast, discussing their personal experiences with comics, the differences between Marvel and DC, and the impact of various media on their fandom. They delve into cosplay, sports interests, and music preferences, while also sharing insights on comic collection and the challenges of storytelling in comics and TV shows. In this engaging co...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, host Derrick Slanger is joined by Devon and Del, hosts of the Level Down and Bury the Booking podcasts. They dive into a wide range of topics including Marvel movies, the ongoing debate between Star Wars and Star Trek, and the distinctions between being a geek and a nerd. The conversation also touches on personal fandoms, gaming experiences, and the influence of wrestling in geek culture...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, host Avatar Slang engages with Andrés Alvarez, the creator of the Sithty Minutes podcast, to explore the intricate connections between Star Wars and real-world politics. They discuss how the narratives within Star Wars reflect political themes, the importance of compassion in conflict resolution, and the complexities of political allegiances. The conversation also touches on the challeng...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, Slang dives deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) by creating a tier list of the films. He discusses the mixed reception of various movies, character development, and the cultural impact of the MCU. Derrick shares his thoughts on individual films, highlighting what worked and what didn't, while also analyzing the elements that contribute to a great MCU movie. The conversation is ...
In this episode of the Avatar Slang Podcast, Slang is joined by special guest Dan von Doom (Instagram: @dan.von.doom) to dive into the brilliance of Quentin Tarantino’s filmmaking and the excitement surrounding James Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie. The duo explores Tarantino’s mastery of nonlinear storytelling, the controversies around his bold creative choices, and the lasting impact of iconic characters like Hans Landa.
Shifting ...
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