Did you miss my ComfyCon panel? Did you miss all of ComfyCon? Did you not know that ComfyCon was a free, online convention where many of your favorite online comics artists did live panels in their pajamas? Well, you can catch my panel, #PanelRoulette, archived here and check out the rest of the watchable goodies here.
Do you live in or around Austin, TX? Come see me and Dave from Cyanide & Happiness and Randy from Something*Positive at Wizard World Austin this weekend (Saturday and Sunday only). We’ll be at the Dragon’s Lair booth selling merch and doing sketches.
Are you somewhere between the age of 30 and 50? Then perhaps you remember the annual MST3K Turkey Day marathon. Well, guess what? I’ll tell you if you calm down! Are you calm? OK NOW FREAK OUT! It’s coming back this year! Joel Hodgson will be curating fan-favorite episodes suggested by you via his Twitter, online this thanksgiving RIGHT HERE. Now you have something to do besides stare silently across the meat-laden table at your horrible family!
If I was picking the episodes, and I was not limited to 6, I would say (in no particular order): Mitchell, Pod People, Touch Of Satan, Overdrawn At The Memory Bank, Alien From L.A., Time Chasers, Soul Taker, Space Mutiny, double feature of Invasion Of The Neptune Men (Space Chief) and Prince Of Space, Future War and Wild Rebels. I’m leaving out Manos: The Hands Of Fate because I only watch it every 5-10 years or so to preserve my will to live. Oh shit, also Jack Frost, Hobgoblins, and, perhaps most importantly, Final Sacrifice (Rowsdower saves us and he saves all the world. ROWSDOWER!).
COMMENTERS: First off, go ahead and add to my list of essential MST3K viewing or scrap it and create your own (less accurate) list.
Secondly, what piece of personal favorite geekery are you most enthusiastic about passing down to future generations?
Comments (61)
Kirby · 82 weeks ago
She seems to be trying to apply the logic people use on shows now on shows from the past.Nostalgia glasses are non-transferable… such a shame.
I have to say, without an doubt, this is one of your most adorable strips, Joel. And, the addition of your wife and daughter to your strip is an inspired and genius move. They really bring a new level to the proceedings.That’s really kind of you to say, and I appreciate the encouragement.
Other Joel · 82 weeks ago
Your list is invalid without Werewolf. Other than that, you got it spot onI know that’s a fan fav, but I believe it’s one of the ones I havent seen. THe good news is, there are still “new” episodes for me to enjoy.
Mitch H. · 82 weeks ago
Not MST3K. I lived in a commune (ok, large student apartment with a crazy-open-door policy) where they *loved* themselves some MST3K. Damn show always put me to sleep. I ended up staving off sleeping in semi-public by trolling Usenet whenever they started in on the bad movies.My only regret is that their version of Gamera is the only one on Netflix…>add to my list of essential MST3K viewingNo, as long as Space Mutiny is on the list we’re good to go. Buff Drinklots! Butch Deadlift! Slab Squatthrust! Big McLargeHuge!
SmolderingMuffin · 82 weeks ago
Space Mutiny is, by far, my favorite MST3K episode. It’s beginning-to-end hilarious.Fist Rockgroin!
“How DARE you insult my knowledge of ancient dentistry?!”
Wack’d · 82 weeks ago
Hang on…you guys didn’t skip the theme song, did you? Because if she sat through the theme song she wouldn’t be asking this stuff.Lessee…”The Day the Earth Froze”, “I Accuse My Parents”, “Pumaman”, “Monster A-Go-Go”, “The Brain that Wouldn’t Die”…beyond that I think you covered it.
As for what I’m gonna pass down to my kids, definitely this, “Doctor Who”, and “The Adventures of Pete and Pete”.
I think I was already watching “Final Sacrifice” on Netflix when they got home.
manbeardman · 82 weeks ago
star trek the good one not the new crap ( i apologize if any one here liked the new crap )
Rebecca Daniels · 82 weeks ago
I have SO MUCH LOVE for this strip! This is such a fine example of deftly weaving together the family stuff and the geeky stuff. Of course, that’s your life so I don’t know why I am even a little surprised. Well done, sir.The Brain That Wouldn’t Die
Pumaman
The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies (“Oh, and by the way SLEEEEEEEEEEP”)Thanks Joel, I’m glad to know I’m not alone in passing on my geekery to my children, and they, being the smartest things in the universe, usurp my plans with logic.I respectfully add ‘Laser Blast’. It doesn’t seem to get nearly the love I hold for it, but it’s easily in my top 5.Ive heard a lot of good things about this one, but I dont think I’ve seen it.Agreed, Laserblast is quite possibly my favorite episode. Devil Fish is another classic.I’ve never been a MST-ie, but as for what geekery I want to pass along…
http://freebabylon5.com/ – right there.
BoldlyGettingThere · 82 weeks ago
I thought you were referring to yourself in the third person in the first panel. Oh, and are the Fancy Digital Sketches still being worked on?BoldlyGettingThere · 82 weeks ago
No Joel, you’re the best. You’re putting so much effort into the ones you’ve posted on your Tumblr I’m surprised you have time to make the comic.Oh, jeez… there’s SO many “good” ones.
Girl in Gold Boots (http://mst3k.wikia.com/wiki/Girl_in_Gold_Boots , Choice quote: “I spent 20 years making this map of their base” *unfolds 8.5×11 paper with 4 boxes drawn on it*)
Master Ninja (Starring Lee Van Cleef; first one is the best)
Santa Claus conquers the Martians
Hercules (where in one scene, you can see a nuclear power plant in the background, tire tracks from an ATV, and all the ancient greek ruins are… well, already ruins)
Also, anything by Robert Lippert (producer, Lost Continent, King Dinosaur) makes the long walking scenes in the Hobbit look like a short jaunt to the corner store.
There was also this nordic viking travesty… er, film, that was really hilarious. Forget the title of that one though.
Was really much more of a fan when Joel Hodgson and Trace Beaulieu were still fully in creative control; Mike was ok, but the series lost me once the entire cast was turned over and they tried to write a back story with the flying Winnebago and brain guy, etc.
Steve · 82 weeks ago
WHO IS THIS STRANGER WITH PECS LIKE MELONS AND KNEES OF FRINGE??If I ever have kids, I’m passing down my Transformers collection to them.Granted, since I’m a guy totally into the D, having kids isn’t very likely, but I can always adopt or do it the old-fashioned way *shudder*
Steve · 82 weeks ago
In all honesty, the movie version of MST3K was probably one of the best MST3K forays there was. Only down side, no TV’s Frank. Still, Interociters aplenty, great laughs, terrific effects…they brought the A-game for the theatrical release. It was a shame what it turned into. But thousands of quotable lines and great movies made this one for the ages. Cave Dwellers, Mitchell, Pod People, Red Zone Cuba…and the shorts. Oh wow…the shorts.
Bruceski · 82 weeks ago
Ocassionally I say “nooooo springs!” and everyone looks at me weird.MrPlow99 · 82 weeks ago
I’ve already turned my friend’s daughter (she’s 8) into a Doctor Who fan. In fact, I’m going to visit them and watch the 50th Anniv. special with them.I never watched MST3K regularly, but I recall Overdrawn at the Memory Bank and Puma Man.
Blake · 82 weeks ago
No love for Cave Dwellers? That’s my absolute favourite! Who could forget such incredible lines as:“Ohhh neat, she’s making gunpower out of her own filth. Ugh!”
or
“It is everything…and nothing.” “Uhh, could you be a little more vague please?”
Blake · 82 weeks ago
Nevermind… someone snuck some dwellers love in there. Awesome
Larry · 82 weeks ago
Fugitive Alien.“This is the song, written for the train chase,
This is the chase, Rocky and Ken,
He tried to kill me with a forklift!”
Mark · 82 weeks ago
My wife has already introduced our kids. In fact “The Legend of Boggy Creek II” just finished in the back ground. I can’t wait until they are older to bust out “Ron & Stimpy” and Month python.Those trees are loud.I think the only thing I could add to this is probably “Giant Spider Invasion”, with possibly the worlds most unlikable cast of characters, its actually *more* comfortable to watch the spiders! And Girl in Gold boots- if not just for the strange, strange ‘pro vietnam war?’ meets ‘Seedy gogo girl dancing (but not actually stripping)’ plot, then certainly for the sketch where we finally see Crows legs in possibly the sauciest manner possible.
Runcibletune · 82 weeks ago
I think panel three is a pretty adorable portrait of your family. Uh, not that I know your family… *clears throat nervously* You just look really happy.
bionelly · 82 weeks ago
Nostalgia’s great and all, but it seems like I’m usually most enthusiastic (and my daughter’s most receptive) when I’m experiencing new stuff along with her. I suspect that’s why (much as I love them) Star Trek and Star Wars both fell kinda flat with her, but she is, if possible, an even bigger fan of Doctor Who and the Portal games than I am.
Genera Zollinger · 82 weeks ago
I’m not big into MST3K so nothing to add there.As for geekery we are passing down to our children, so far it’s a love of the Muppet Show, LOTR, Legos and Star Wars. And Indiana Jones. My oldest boy at 6 is intrigued by Doctor Who – all he really understands so far is, as he said, “The Doctor wins by thinking.”
And Batman. Ye Gods Batman. My eldest is often seen in a Batman cape running everywhere. We had a wonderful moment last summer when we were walking through the park and passed a kid in a Superman t shirt and cape.
“Hey Batman.”
“Hey Superman.”And they just kept walking. Adorable.
~G. Zollinger
maggie · 82 weeks ago
I agree – ANY Gamera. but also Santa Claus Conquers the Martians – best line ever was Crow telling Joel what he wants for Christmas: I wanna decide who lives and who dies.
Evan · 82 weeks ago
You nailed it with Time Chasers and Soul Taker. Could there even be a Thanksgiving without Joe Estevez?!I would add Werewolf and Merlin’s Mystical Shop, though…
groklife · 82 weeks ago
I’ve got to go with adding “Werewolf” and “Parts: The Clonus Horror.” And “The Pumaman.” And “Gamera.”Best line from “Werewolf”: “And you’re welcome to my Flagstaff, too, if you know what I mean…” Or is it, “Paul! You is a waerwelf!” Tough to call. Hilariously bad.
Parts, the movie that sued “The Island.”
Oh, and “Gamera…” Gamera is fun to eat, he is filled with turtle meat, we all love you Gameraaaaaa!”
“The pew-ma-man, flies like a moron!” Gut-buster, for sure!
Thanks for reminding me of all these funnies, Joel (and other commetors!)
I’ve got to go with adding “Werewolf” and “Parts: The Clonus Horror.” And “The Pumaman.” And “Gamera.”Best line from “Werewolf”: “And you’re welcome to my Flagstaff, too, if you know what I mean…” Or is it, “Paul! You is a waerwelf!” Tough to call. Hilariously bad.
Parts, the movie that sued “The Island.”
Oh, and “Gamera…” Gamera is fun to eat, he is filled with turtle meat, we all love you Gameraaaaaa!”
“The pew-ma-man, flies like a moron!” Gut-buster, for sure!
Thanks for reminding me of all these funnies, Joel (and other commetors!)
Roborat · 82 weeks ago
I love MT3K, however due to stupid distribution rules in Canada, I didn’t get to see many episodes. I did however, introduce my kids to Monty Python, to the point that we can watch Holy Grail with the sound off, and Doctor Who. Also made them fans of the Muppet Show, Dinosaurs, Animaniacs and Tiny Toons. Didn`t have much luck with Ultraman however, they refuse to watch it after the first episode I showed them. Can`t say I blame them.
Tony · 82 weeks ago
I don’t have much MST3K experience (though if you need suggestions on how to approach its baby brother Rifftrax, I could probably help, though, that’s pretty simply “Start with the Twilight movies, then move onto the next most terrible movies you’ve ever heard of, and probably avoid movies that you actually like, not that they’ll make you hate them or anything, but that the Riffs will probably fall kinda flat. Battlefield Earth and Batman and Robin are tough to endure, even with Rifftrax, but they’re worth it.”)As for passing on of geekery, I just decided that my 4 and 2-year-old second cousins (who are, for all intents and purposes, nieces) are getting at least Here Comes Science if not the rest of They Might Be Giants’ educational series of CDs (double-whammy of geekery, in that they’ll be getting CDs) for Christmas. It’s going to be tough to break the older one out of princess mode and into geek mode, but her little sister is ripe for being made into a geek.
And as soon as they’re old enough to not have to worry about choking hazards, I’m looking forward to introducing them to LEGO, and I’ll be damned if I let them see any of the new boxes that don’t have the alternate model pictures on them as if to say “You know, you don’t have to build the thing on the front. There are other possibilities in this box, as many as your little mind can conjure and your young motor skills can assemble…”
Spaceballs. The Fourth Doctor. Lord of the Rings. RPGs.…
MUDs.
alex · 82 weeks ago
And netflix just added 5 new ones to instant. They sense a change in the wind… that or have access to the streaming rights to the show as well as data indicating a sudden increase in google searches for “LA-LA-LA”
Iver · 82 weeks ago
When I was managing at the Music Store, I used to show the MST3K version of the short “Mr. B Natural” to my new employees once they’d finished their training as a “reward”…
marchaux · 82 weeks ago
I can’t believe no one mentioned “Attack of the Leeches!” “He’s a mess… a CHOCOLATE mess!”
Kaidah · 71 weeks ago
For MST3K, I would recommend ‘The Skydivers’. It’s a personal favorite and includes a short from 1956 on why boys should take shop class.
“Did the actors do their own skydiving?”
“No, the skydivers did thier own acting.”I’ve already passed down some of my favorite bits of geekery to my sons: Star Wars, Lego (two great things that are great together!), Calvin and Hobbes (which helped my youngest develop his reading. I don’t care what my grandmother says, reading is reading.), Doctor Who, and a general love for all things sciency or science fictiony. My kids are awesome! 😀
Space Mutiny is my favorite! And Overdrawn at the Memory Bank is my second favorite! And Mitchell is my third favorite!
Man, you got good taste.
You nailed it with Time Chasers and Soul Taker. Could there even be a Thanksgiving without Joe Estevez?!
I would add Werewolf and Merlin’s Mystical Shop, though…
For MST3K, I would recommend 'The Skydivers'. It's a personal favorite and includes a short from 1956 on why boys should take shop class.
"Did the actors do their own skydiving?"
"No, the skydivers did thier own acting."
I've already passed down some of my favorite bits of geekery to my sons: Star Wars, Lego (two great things that are great together!), Calvin and Hobbes (which helped my youngest develop his reading. I don't care what my grandmother says, reading is reading.), Doctor Who, and a general love for all things sciency or science fictiony. My kids are awesome! 😀
Space Mutiny is my favorite! And Overdrawn at the Memory Bank is my second favorite! And Mitchell is my third favorite!
Man, you got good taste.