Geeks and proud of it

By Neil Elkes on Sep 6, 08 07:11 AM

THE Geek Syndicate are a dynamic duo of fanboys who have taken the step of opening their pub banter style dissection of all things superhero, sci-fi and cult to the internet.

They hold those conversations we all have about our favourite comics, books, TV shows and films - only with that added depth only a true obsessive can provide.
Flying the flag for the Midlands is Barry Nugent, from Northampton, while his partner is North London based David Monteith.

Their podcast rantings and ravings have gone beyond a couple of guys chewing over the latest adventures of Astonishing X-men.

After two years of podcasting they have hundreds of regular subscribers. Even the creators are happy to join them - recent guests include Doctor Who and Captain Britain writer Paul Cornell, Speech Balloons own Tony Lee and Life on Mars co-creator Matthew Graham.

Too many podcasts become slick, well produced pieces of pompous grand standing, but the Geeks' episode have that home made charm with acres of enthusiasm and a sense of fun, underpinned with phenomenal knowledge and love of their subject.

Barry says Doctor Who writer Paul Cornell was a favourite interview: "He was just a fun bloke to talk to which was a good as neither me or Dave are professional interviewers.
"We're just a couple of guys who like to talk about comics and stuff we like or hate. Paul just put us both at ease straight away and soon we were chatting away and having a laugh like old friends."

The Syndicate has also broadcast from both the Bristol and Birmingham comic conventions and we'll see them again at BICS next month.
There they will be interviewing comic legend Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) and are hoping to catch a word with artist John Cassaday.

Barry, 39, and Dave, nearly 40, have been best of friends since their school days which means they have shared almost three decades of geek moments.
Barry explained: "I've known Dave since I was 11 and we're best mates. Obviously, that worries me sometimes. As anyone who has ever read a comic or watched an episode of Smallvile knows one of us is going to turn evil at some point. My money's on Dave!."

Anyway check out the Geek Syndicate website. It's terribly well maintained, well designed, well informed and currently undergoing a bit of an overhaul.