Hulk Smashes, Spiritbox Rocks, Nikki Implodes

In this lively and wide-ranging episode of The Middle of Culture, Eden and Peter dive into everything from the metalcore chaos of Spiritbox's live show to the surprisingly emotional depth of Marvel's Thunderbolts*. Peter recaps a whirlwind couple of weeks--graduations, concerts, and GMing a D&D campaign--while Eden shares updates on the comics scene and the drama behind the latest Infinity Nikki patch. The duo also take a deep dive into 2003's Hulk, unpacking its messy brilliance, thematic depth, and radioactive-green visuals. It's a chaotic blend of media breakdowns, cultural commentary, and deeply felt reflections on trauma, transformation, and finding connection in unexpected places.

Show Notes

Show Notes:

- Spiritbox concert recap: Peter attended a standout show in Salt Lake City, noting the energy, mixed-gender crowd, and explosive live performance that solidifies Spiritbox's rising status in metal.

- Graduation celebrations: Aubrey graduated from the University of Utah; Peter recounts the efficient ceremony and celebratory Rodizio Grill outing.

- TTRPG return: Peter is back to GMing, running Keys from the Golden Vault for his old group, reflecting on the prep and joy of returning to the table.

Reading updates:

- Peter: The Artist's Way to rekindle creative energy.

- Eden: Finished volume 6 of Adachi and Shimamura, started reading Late Bloomer (romantic, flower-farm drama with "sexy conflict").

Other updates:

- Free Comic Book Day: Eden helped run the busiest, most successful FCBD at the comic shop yet, featuring coffee, custom buttons, and signings by Phil Hester and Eric Gapster.

- Infinity Nikki patch 1.5 chaos: Eden breaks down the game's disastrous update—retcons, glitches, co-op flops, disappearing currency, and a literal girlcott.

- Girls Frontline 2: Exilium: Eden praises the writing in this tactical gacha game while lamenting its horny robot girl aesthetic.

Marvel's Thunderbolts* (spoiler-free and spoiler-filled discussion):

- Florence Pugh carries the film with emotional depth.

- Emphasis on connection and community over brute force.

- The ending subverts typical MCU punch-fests.

- Surprises and smart character arcs elevate it above recent Marvel fare.

2003's Hulk retrospective:

- Hulk as a metaphor for trauma and abuse—possibly the most emotionally resonant portrayal of the character.

- Praise for Jennifer Connelly and Sam Elliott.

- Visual style mixing comic book panels and split screens—ambitious if inconsistent.

- Talbot's goofy subplot and memorable death scene.

- Mixed feelings on the CGI Hulk's look but appreciation for its bold emotional scope.

Pop Culture Quick Hits:

- Jeremy Renner's lowball pay offer and the uncertain future of Hawkeye Season 2.

- Reactions to the Murderbot trailer and miscasting concerns.

- Hype (and tempered expectations) for Fantastic Four and the future of the MCU.

Join us in another two weeks for more great pop-culture discussion and exploration. Reach out at [e-mail] and we'll see you then!

What is The Middle of Culture?

The Middle of Culture is what happens when two siblings with too many opinions and not enough chill dive headfirst into movies, music, video games, and whatever else is rotting our brains this week. It’s part pop culture podcast, part sibling rivalry, and fully unfiltered. Expect passionate arguments, niche references, unsolicited rankings, and the occasional moment of unexpected insight. If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on the kind of argument you’d hear at the family dinner table—only with better audio—this is your show.