Ep 4. Jim Lee/Rhett Reese/Paul Wernick

Geeking Out season 1 episode 4, titled "Jim Lee/Rhett Reese/Paul Wernick," is a must-see for any comic book or superhero fan. The show is hosted by Kevin Smith and Greg Grunberg, who dive deep into the world of geek culture with each episode.

In this installment, the guests are Jim Lee, the legendary comic book artist and Co-Publisher of DC Comics, and screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, known for their work on Deadpool and Deadpool 2.

The episode begins with Smith and Grunberg talking about Lee's impressive career in the comic book industry. Lee started off as an artist for Marvel Comics in the 1980s, where he drew popular titles such as The Punisher and X-Men. He eventually joined DC Comics and rose through the ranks to become Co-Publisher. The hosts discuss Lee's contributions to the comic book industry, including his involvement in creating iconic characters like Gambit and Jubilee.

The conversation then turns to Reese and Wernick, who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood with their irreverent takes on the superhero genre. The duo wrote the hit movie Deadpool, which was praised for its R-rated humor and unique approach to the superhero origin story. They also co-wrote Deadpool 2, which continued the irreverent, self-aware style of the first film.

Throughout the episode, Smith and Grunberg ask Lee, Reese, and Wernick about their creative processes, their inspirations, and their experiences working in the comic book and film industries. The guests share fascinating stories about their careers, including Lee's early days at Marvel, Reese and Wernick's struggles to get the Deadpool movie made, and the challenges of adapting comic book characters for the big screen.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Lee talks about his experience redesigning Superman's costume. He explains that he wanted to update the character's look while still staying true to his iconic image. Lee also discusses his approach to drawing other popular DC characters, such as Batman and Wonder Woman.

Reese and Wernick, meanwhile, talk about their love of comic books and how that love informs their writing. They explain that they were drawn to Deadpool because of the character's unique voice and irreverent attitude. They also discuss the challenges of adapting the character for the big screen, including finding the right balance between humor and action.

Throughout the episode, Smith and Grunberg also share their own insights and perspectives on the world of geek culture. They discuss their favorite comic book characters, movies, and TV shows, and offer their thoughts on the future of the industry.

Overall, Geeking Out season 1 episode 4 is a fascinating look at the world of comic books and superheroes, featuring insightful interviews with some of the industry's most important figures. It's a must-see for anyone who's a fan of the genre or just loves geek culture in general.