The Ringer-Verse

Latest Episodes:

Marvel, DC, or 'Star Wars': Who’s Winning IP in 2025? LIVE at SDCC 2025 | The Ringer-Verse Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

The Ringer-Verse takes stock of IP in 2025 live at San Diego Comic-Con. In a busy year, what's been the best and worst in IP so far?

San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) owns the SDCC trademarks used in this episode and are used under license.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Aleya Zenieris

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

The Boys are back to give you all of their thoughts on one of the most highly anticipated films of the year: ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’ They talk about the newest portrayal of the beloved Fantastic Four characters, give you a bit of comic book context, and dive into questions they had after seeing the film.

(0:00) Intro

(11:27) Spoilers ahead

(13:45) Instant reactions to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’

(48:00) Jomi the Explainer Corner

(58:05) The villains

(1:13:08) Questions about the movie

(1:27:02) Doctor Doom and the post-credits

(1:35:55) Box office

(1:41:11) Midnight Meter

(1:43:00) Inaugural movie rankings for the MCU

(1:47:30) 'Superman' vs. 'Fantastic Four'

(1:49:39) Outro

(1:51:27) Post-credits

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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Who Needs a New 3D ‘Mario’ When We Have ‘Donkey Kong Bananza’? | Button Mash Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Ben Lindbergh and Jessica Clemons begin with a roundup of game adaptation news, covering the ‘Mortal Kombat II’ trailer, Netflix’s live-action ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series, the ‘Legend of Zelda’ casting announcements, and an apparent animated ‘Donkey Kong’ movie. Then they dive deep (both in game and on mic) into new Nintendo masterpiece ‘Donkey Kong Bananza,’ touching on the history of the Donkey Kong character, the lineage of Nintendo 3D platformers, what makes the latest game great, why the Switch 2 sorely needed it, and what’s next for Nintendo and its new, hot-selling system.

Intro (0:00)
Game adaptation news: 'MKII,' 'Zelda,' 'Assassin’s Creed' (3:30)
'Donkey Kong Bananza' reviews (28:34)
Outro (1:31:15)

Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guest: Jess Clemons
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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The Comic-Con Hype Meter | Mint Edition Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Junior Mints, lock in—Comic-Con season is here! Steve and Jomi are back with a special San Diego Comic-Con preview, breaking down everything you need to know before the convention kicks off. From 'Tron' to 'Alien: Earth' to 'Peacemaker' to 'Coyote vs. Acme,' they cover what to expect and what they're most excited about. Plus, get a sneak peek at the Ringer-Verse panel and much more.

Intro (0:00)
Comic-Con preview (6:00)
The Ringer-Verse panel (51:32)
Outro (54:20)

Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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‘Superman’ Q&A with the Midnight Riders! | The Midnight Boys Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

The boys are back and they’re here to give you more ‘Superman’ takes but this time, they’re live! The Midnight Riders have questions, and we’re here to answer them!

Don’t forget, The Ringer-Verse is going to Comic-Con! We'll be hosting our very own panel at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 24, at Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for all badge holders. We’ll also be holding a meet and greet at Whiskey Girl in the Gaslamp Quarter at 8:30 pm!

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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‘College Football 26’ and the Return of ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,’ Plus Tony Hawk Himself! | Button Mash Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan huddle up to discuss ‘EA Sports College Football 26,’ the sequel to last year’s bestselling comeback for the ‘College Football’ franchise, focusing on the depths of Van’s obsession, the series’ transition to an annual release schedule, and whether college basketball games will be the next to return. Then, Ben, Van, and Devon Renaldo discuss ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4,’ the best ‘THPS’ games, and gaming as a gateway to skating (32:50). Finally, Ben catches some air with the titular Tony Hawk, the skating/gaming legend, who weighs in on his ‘THPS’ history and the future of the franchise (62:03).

Intro (00:00)

‘EA Sports College Football 26’ (09:30)

College basketball games (24:28)

‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4’ with Dev and Van (32:50)

Interview with Tony Hawk (62:03)

Host: Ben Lindbergh

Guests: Tony Hawk and Van Lathan

Producer: Devon Renaldo

Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Olivia Crerie

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‘Superman’ Instant Reactions | The Midnight Boys Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

Look up in the sky! The Midnight Boys are here to give their reactions to the long-awaited James Gunn–directed ‘Superman.’ They break down what they loved about the film from Lex Luthor, Krypto, and more. They also speak on how they think this entry can mark the beginning of a new DC Cinematic Universe informed by Gunn’s vision. Will the superhero genre be saved by the Man of Steel? The Midnight Boys are here to find out.

Also, The Ringer-Verse is going to Comic-Con! We'll be hosting our very own panel at 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, July 24, at Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for all badge holders.

(0:00) Intro

(4:44) Comic-Con Announcement!

(9:04) Spoilers ahead

(11:49) Instant reactions to ‘Superman’

(1:52:18) Midnight Meter

(2:03:33) Outro

(2:04:12) Post credits

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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Midnight Court: Superman vs. the Fantastic Four | The Midnight Boys Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

The Boys are back in court to debate the two hottest films of the nerd universe in 2025: ‘Superman’ vs. ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps.’ Here to decide which legal team gave the best argument is the honorable judge Sean Fennessey.

(0:00) Intro

(2:26) Opening Statements

(8:45) Cross-Examination

(44:45) Closing Statements

(49:03) Verdict

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Guest: Sean Fennessey

Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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'Jurassic World' Reactions and 'Ironheart' Finale Reveal | The Midnight Boys Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

The Boys are back to give you their reactions to 'Jurassic World: Rebirth', plus their thoughts on the 'Ironheart' season finale. They even sneak in a little bit of fresh Nerd News as well!

(0:00) Intro

(10:19) Spoilers ahead

(11:51) Instant reactions to ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

(50:37) 'Jurassic World' Midnight Meter

(1:08:15) Instant reactions to 'Ironheart' Finale

(2:15:23) ‘Ironheart’ Midnight Meter

(2:16:31) Nerd News

(2:21:06) Outro

(2:22:50) Post credits

Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman

Producers: Aleya Zenieris and Jade Whaley

Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell

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Summer Franchise “Retooling” Draft | Mint Edition Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

Jomi and Steve are joined by Daniel Chin and Matthew James for their Summer Franchise “Retooling” Draft! With DC, the MCU, and ‘Jurassic World’ all looking to put their pasts behind them with new films this month, they’ll be taking a look back at the movies that caused these franchises to retool. They’ll each draft one movie from each franchise’s most recent era and one wild card!

(00:00) Intro
(05:00) Rules
(08:24) Round 1
(19:15) Round 2
(32:23) Round 3
(45:12) Round 4
(01:03:24) Honorable mentions
(01:08:31) Recap

Hosts: Jomi Adeniran and Steve Ahlman
Guests: Daniel Chin and Matthew James
Producer: Carlos Chiriboga
Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopal

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