To say Ben digs the guys over at Penny Arcade is an understatement. At first one might think what could some comic book guys possibly have to do with D&D? The answer is actually a hell of a frickin’ lot.

It began with their legendary D&D 4E podcast series with Wizards of the Coasts back in May of 2008. And it gleefully continues with a second series in 2009.

The Penny Arcade crew is also starting to sprinkle in some occasional product reviews of D&D accessories too. Even better, they’re creating some homebrew items as well. Check out the cool effect conditions! Of course, Ben wishes he could buy or download them.

So pop over to their Blog for weekly content updates and give their Gabe a say hey on Twitter.

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The crown jewel of which I speak is the D&D Podcast with Penny Arcade and PVP. Originally recorded in May of 2008, this podcast is the perfect introduction into the relatively new 4th Edition Dungeons and Dragons. Penny Arcade even sprinkles in some kick-ass comics for added flavor.

The adventuring party is dubbed “Acquisitions Incorporated” and played by a group of guys anybody would kill to drop some dice with on any given game day. My personal favorite character is Jim Darkmagic (of the New Hampshire Darkmagics) but Binwin Bronzebottom is a close second.

My only knock is that the podcasts themselves are often just too darn short (sometimes as little as 30 minutes) and branded merchandise (shirts, mugs, etc) are still nowhere to be found.

Happily, the cast and crew are back with their second series and this time it includes former Star Treker, Wil Wheaton.

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