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
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.
“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
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 & ResourcesNews source hub: https://GeekFreaksPodcast.com
Barry Lyga’s works and “Before the Hunt” anthology: https://barrylyga.com
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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