Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2025

Comic Books, "New" Doctor Who 20th Anniversary, D&D 2024, and Tariffs - Episode 282 - 4/26/2025

Author: Shane Stacks April 26, 2025 Duration: 2:13:24

Shane waxes eloquent (ok, he might rant mildly) on several aspects of the mainstream comic book industry including the direct market business model, variant covers, multiple characters with the same name, and constant status quo changes (plus the overuse of the word "iconic" these days, which isn't comics-related but Shane kvetches about it anyway). A mini-review and comparison of DC's Absolute Universe and Marvel's Ultimate Universe (which one does Shane like best). Doctor Who has been back on the air for 20 years! A sincere shout-out to Toby Hadoke. An ailing Doctor Who super fan, lost episodes of Who, and the use of AI. D&D 2024: is it a new edition or not? (and no one seems to really be talking about D&D 2024 to be honest). The tariff war's effect on game publishers and vague predictions and hopes for the future. A tribute to friend of the show Tony Dutra, now sadly gone. 

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode #282 - 4/26/2025

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SHOW NOTES

DC's Absolute Universe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Universe

Marvel's Ultimate Universe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Universe 

Toby Hadoke Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/TobyHadoke 

Ailing 'Doctor Who' superfan spends fortune to recreate 97 lost episodes to see 'complete' series before he dies
https://nypost.com/2025/04/13/entertainment/ailing-doctor-who-superfan-spends-fortune-to-recreate-97-lost-episodes-to-see-complete-series-before-he-dies/ 

DnD 5e to 2024 DnD Transition Guide and Change Log: Everything That's Different in the New 2024 Player's Handbook
https://rpgbot.net/dnd-2024-5e-transition-guide-and-change-log-everything-thats-different-in-the-new-players-handbook/ 

Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins to Leave Dungeons & Dragons' Design Team 
https://screenrant.com/jeremy-crawford-chris-perkins-leaving-dnd-interview/ 

Tariffs affecting games
https://www.catalystgamelabs.com/news/tariffs-rolling-against-american-game-publishers 

What Game Publishers Are Saying About The Tariffs
https://www.enworld.org/threads/what-game-publishers-are-saying-about-the-tariffs.712717/ 

How Will The New Tariffs Affect TTRPG Prices?
https://www.enworld.org/threads/how-will-the-new-tariffs-affect-ttrpg-prices.712698/ 

Do Tariffs Apply To RPG Books? Maybe, Maybe Not!
https://www.enworld.org/threads/do-tariffs-apply-to-rpg-books-maybe-maybe-not.712908/ 

Wizards of the Coast Says That China Tariffs Will Have Minimal Impact on D&D
https://www.enworld.org/threads/wizards-of-the-coast-says-that-china-tariffs-will-have-minimal-impact-on-d-d.713072/ 

Shane Plays Geek Talk Episode 252: The Wit and Wisdom of Troll Lord Games
https://shaneplays.com/wit-and-wisdom-of-troll-lord-games-castles-and-crusades-rpg/ 

Tony Dutra: GURPS! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 40
https://shaneplays.com/gurps-radio-show-podcast-ep-40/ 

Tony Dutra: Game Master / Dungeon Master Tips & Panel Discussion! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 70
https://shaneplays.com/game-master-dungeon-master-tips-panel-discussion-radio-show-podcast-ep-70/ 

Tony Dutra: RPG News Blast! – Radio Show / Podcast Ep. 105
https://shaneplays.com/rpg-news-blast-radio-show-podcast-ep-105/ 

Tony Dutra: How To Create A GURPS Character
https://shaneplays.com/how-to-create-a-gurps-character/ 

Tony Dutra: How To Play GURPS
https://shaneplays.com/how-to-play-gurps-rpg-tutorial/ 


Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-Playing Games 2nd Edition
Shane's book! Co-authored with Matt Barton of Matt Chat
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Desktops-History-Computer-Role-Playing/dp/1138574643/


There's a particular kind of joy found in diving deep into the worlds and hobbies that capture our imagination, and that's the feeling Shane Plays Geek Talk aims to recreate in every episode. Hosted by Shane Stacks, this podcast feels like a comfortable conversation with a friend who's just as passionate about the intricate lore of a Star Trek episode as they are about the latest indie tabletop game. The discussion naturally spans a wide spectrum-from rolling dice in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign and painting miniatures for a wargame to debating the merits of a new sci-fi novel or a classic Doctor Who serial. What you'll hear isn't just a review show, but a genuine celebration of fandom in all its forms. Shane approaches each topic not as a critic, but as an enthusiastic participant, fostering a space that encourages both long-time enthusiasts and the casually curious. Listening feels like pulling up a chair at a friendly local game shop; the talk is specific, informed, and always driven by a shared affection for these creative corners of culture. Whether your personal geekdom is firmly established or you're just beginning to explore, this podcast offers a welcoming, deep-dive into the stuff that makes hobbies so compelling. It’s a consistent reminder of the community and creativity at the heart of what we love, making each episode a perfect companion for a commute, a painting session, or just some downtime.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Shane Plays Geek Talk
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