Press Kit

What is Protean City Comics?

Protean City Comics is an Actual Play podcast that uses the game Masks: A New Generation by Magpie Games to tell stories about teenagers as they struggle through high school and discovering who they are. The format of the show attempts to emulate a comic book reading experience including a description for the cover of every episode, letters to the editor page, and episodes released under different comic titles.

How often does it release?

Protean City Comics releases weekly on Wednesdays and episodes are an hour long on average.
Outstanding! releases bi-weekly on Tuesdays and runs 40 to 50 minutes on average.

Do I need to pay to listen?

Protean City is free to enjoy and is ad-free. The show is financially supported by listeners through the Patreon of the Stop, Hack, and Roll podcast network, of which Protean City is a member.

Do I need to know how to play Masks or Tabletop games to enjoy the show?

You will be able to enjoy Protean City Comics whether you’ve been playing tabletop games for years or never picked up a character sheet. Protean City Comics is an actual play podcast, which means we use the tabletop roleplaying game Masks: A New Generation to help guide our stories. Masks: A New Generation is a story-forward roleplaying game to begin with, and we keep the mechanical sections streamlined and minimal.

Subscribers and Stats

  • ~200 Episodes as of the end of 2020

  • ~80 reviews on iTunes with a 5.0 average

  • About 1000 subscribers

  • 262,000 listens since it launched September 2017.

Hype

“Every little bit of this podcast is solid gold! From the production values, the character designs, the players, the storylines. It all exudes "comic" feels at every turn and will leave you on the edge of your seat at times with the amazing superheroing that happens with these teen heroes.” - Ryan Boelter, Character Creation Cast

“This show hits the ground running from the very beginning and keeps developing the characters in interesting ways.” - Siobhan, Otherwhere Podcast

“Protean City Comics is the best actual play podcast. Excellently edited. Fantastic cast. Come for the thrilling action and drama. Stay because you're sure to fall in love with these characters” - Scott Paladin, Monster Mechanics Podcast

“On top of being entertaining as a story, the way the GMs use the mechanics of the game itself to drive plot & character development makes for fascinating listening. I find myself caught up in the how almost as much as the what.” - Lee Alder, Arcadia CA

“Listen, if you ever wanted Math to be a Super Power, PCC has got you covered!” - Erik Seguinte, Shadows of Saint Fleur

“If you are looking for an AP full of compelling stories told by an incredibly talented cast of players and GMs and/or have been curious about Masks as a system - you need to check Protean City Comics out. No one does teenage superheroics and high school angst better.” - Meghan Cross, Siren’s Song Games

“Episodic comic tales told in some of the best AP sessions you could find. The world of PCC is always expanding and the emotions are always high! Tons of amazing heroes and detestable (but likable) villains! So Read The Files and listen to this podcast!” - J. R. Brabson

“Does anyone care?” - Rob Liefeld, Best selling Author/Creator of DEADPOOL,

Great Podcast “I have really enjoyed their podcast. The characters are interesting and the setting really draws you in. After each episode I can't wait for the next one. Everyone here is doing an awesome job and I am looking forward to more.” - iTunes Reviewer Victorious Timelord

Comics In Audio Form - With Dice! “Protean City Comics is one of the best actual play podcasts out there. Using the Masks rpg, the cast makes a fantastic story that strikes the feel of the best of superhero comics. Positive, hopeful, and always exciting, PCC tells great stories that feature a lovingly made, loved in world that make you feel like you’re picking up something familiar and part of something bigger. But mixed in with the highs of thrilling victory, you get the gut punches that just crush you, that remind you of the twists of Young Justice or the perils of Chris Claremont’s X-Men, so wonderfully executed that you can’t help asking for more.” - iTunes Reviewer Bibrarian