Episode 48: Marvel Around the World (Marvel Characters based outside the United States)

Although most Marvel comic book stories are based in United States (and even more specifically New York), there are heroes in many other countries in the Marvel Universe.  We take a look at a few of them, trying to avoid the ones completely based around a stereotype of that country (except maybe Kangaroo).  Let’s romp around the world and check out the international heroes of Marvel!

Do you know this hero? If so, please email to be on the show!

Wakanda’s not real, so we don’t talk much about Black Panther, but he’s still gets a picture!

Not pictured: Banshee, but he does get added in soon after.

Just a few characters featured in Contest of Champions. Black Knight ends up as an Avenger down the line! The rest…not quite as successful.

Snowbird has reallllly long hair, apparently.

Captain Britain’s original costume on the left, the new costume on the right. What’s your preference?

We’ll get to Silk when we do the “The Replacements: Spider-Man” eventually.

Episode 47.1: Fixed link for Two More Questions

Had an error with the file uploaded originally. The link has been fixed on the original, but I’m also adding a new post for those who use Podcatchers that may not see the fix on the first file. Thanks for your patience, and if you see any issues in the future, please let me know ASAP!

Episode 47: Two More Questions from the Ladies of the “OHotMU or Not?” Podcast

Being non-comic readers (for the most part), but having to deal with things in the comic book world, I was curious to find out if the ladies from the OHotMU or Not podcast had questions they needed answered about comics.  And they delivered!  Two questions were answered last episode and now we finish them off with questions from Shotgun and Emelie!

Once again, this episode inspired by the women of this podcast. Thanks, ladies!

Sandman. He’s a man, and he’s sand. Powers explained.

DC’s first Sandman. He puts you to sleep with his sleep gas gun.

The 2nd Sandman from DC. A trippy dream warrior still based very much in a superhero world.

Sandman #3 from DC. The God of Dreams, aka Morpheus of the Endless.

Usually, Flash is the humble one and Quicksilver is the braggart. Perhaps this wasn’t the greatest example.

Black Canary putting up with these two is a miracle in and of itself.

Sad sack Peter Parker under Steve Ditko’s pen became…

Peter Parker, ladies man. But, still keeps the peak!

Episode 46: Two Questions from the Ladies of the “OHotMU or Not?” Podcast

Being non-comic readers (for the most part), but having to deal with things in the comic book world, I was curious to find out if the ladies from the OHotMU or Not podcast had questions they needed answered about comics.  And they delivered!  Two questions coming this week (one from Elyse and one from Nathalie), and two more next episode! First I “Explain Comics” to the best of my ability, then we go into why heroes get replaced, and how the Direct Market figures into that equation.

I’m betting if you took a guess as to which end up as “Hots” and which are “Nots" according to the OHotMU or Not podcast, you’d only get about half right.

Scott and I disagree slightly on this definition, but it’s pretty darn close.

Episode 45: Stephen Sondheim vs. Andrew Lloyd Webber - Why the Drama?

We’re comparing two giants of pop culture again, but not in the comics or sci-fi realm.  This time, we’re looking at musical theater.  Stephen Sondheim fans often disparage Andrew Lloyd Webber.  Why the vitriol, and how different are the two composers anyways?

The trailer that inspired the question in the first place.

Andrew Lloyd Webber…

and Stephen Sondheim.

One of Sondheim’s most easily recognizable musicals.

Episode 44: The Replacements - Hulk

Another in the recurring feature, where we look at other characters who have taken on the superheroic identity from another, both how that occurred and what happened to them after the original comes back.  The Smashing character known as The Hulk is under the spotlight this time.

Even after a noise reduction pass I can hear a little noise in the background on this recording. I hope it doesn’t bother you too much. But, if you want to help me get better sound baffling, better equipment, and other items to help improve the show, you can always become a Patreon member! It’s just $1.00 per month!

Kids, peer pressure is bad…

Banner’s the grey one, Rick is the green one.

Captain Marvel and Rick Jones, not to be confused with…

Captain Marvel and Rick Jones.

Strange seeing someone who looks like the Abomination smiling, but Rick enjoyed his time as A-Bomb apparently.

He was less happy as “Subject B.”

Ross on the left, Banner on the right. You really don’t want to be stuck in the middle.

Rhyming phrasing to transform not necessary, but it’s fun!

The Totally Awesome Hulk wearing his Totally Awesome Biker Shorts!

Trimmed down, but still Brawn-y.

Episode 43: A (Semi-)Brief History of Valiant Comics

Vin Diesel has a new movie coming out next February titled Bloodshot (see the trailer below!), based on the Valiant Comics character.  But, what is Valiant Comics, and what makes it any different from Marvel or DC?  From the early 90s up to the current stable of titles, we look at the history of Valiant Comics/Entertainment.

BLOODSHOT Official Trailer (2020) Vin Diesel, Superhero Movie HD Subscribe to Rapid Trailer For All The Latest Movie Trailers! ▶ https://goo.gl/dAgvgK Follow us on Twitter ▶ https://goo.gl/8m1wbv Ray Garrison, a slain mobster, is re-animated with superpowers. © 2019

Unless you want to know (at least one of) the twist(s), I recommend stopping at around 1:10.

Where it all begins.

“The first one’s free…” The slogan of all the best dealers.

The book that sunk a thousand shops. (Well, not single-handedly, but it definitely helped.)

This one gets a little existential, but it’s worth the read!

The sole survivors of VH2.

The current stable of Valiant characters.

Episode 42: Batgirl and Batwoman - Who’s Who? (Barbara Gordon, Kate Kane, Stephanie Brown, and Cassandra Cain)

After hearing a little about Batwoman from last episode, a listener has a question on the various Bat-ladies, and how to tell them apart.  We dive into the history of Batgirl and Batwoman from the 1950s all the way to the present.

The original Batwoman, as drawn by her co-creator.

And the modern interpretation…

Batgirl and Batwoman, doing what they do best…soothing. (I wish that weren’t the case, but this is fairly typical for the storytelling of the time)

It speaks poorly of Commissioner Gordon’s detecting ability that he didn’t recognize his daughter in this outfit.

I love the sewed over mouthpiece. You know, since she doesn’t talk, why would she want to breathe comfortably?

Stephanie Brown in her version of the Batgirl costume.

And back to Barbara. I have to say, this is my favorite of the costumes. Do you have a preference?

Episode 41: Let’s Get Caught Up on the Arrowverse! (Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman)

In anticipation of this year’s massive Crisis on Infinite Earths TV event, we get caught up on the main characters of all of the Arrowverse shows, so that you’ll be ready even if you don’t normally watch all of them.

This episode is on the longer side, and even so, there’s a bunch of stuff I wasn’t able to fit in, so if you want me to go into more detail on anything, please leave a comment here letting me know, or click the “Submit a Question” link up above to put in your request!

The show that started it all. This is the first season cast. Felicity wasn’t yet a regular.

Season Two! Look, a mask!

Team Flash (or, at least some of it). From Left to Right, that’s Caitlyn, Flash (duh), Iris, and Cisco.

Supergirl! And Martian Manhunter! Even if you don’t watch the show, you should be able to figure out which is which…

First season’s Legends of Tomorrow team.

And the team for most of the fourth season. Yes, that stuffed animal (Beebo) is included. Just watch the show…

We’re being Invaded! Quick, everyone get lined up!

Yearbook photo for the Crisis on Earth-X club.

Yes, Ollie kept the stubble, even when he was The Flash.

To keep things semi-spoiler free, I’m not including any promo shots from unaired episodes, but here’s the cover to the Crisis on Infinite Earths hardcover.

Episode 40: Weird Hero/Villain Match-Ups (Emperor Joker and Acts of Vengeance)

We look at some of the more bizarre tussles between heroes and villains.  That includes when Superman fought an ultra-powerful Joker, and Acts of Vengeance, including the “Cosmic Spider-Man” story.

There’s a reason she’s called “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.”

The Harley Scepter is adorable!

This was the plan…Didn’t quite work out as well as the villains hoped…

Ummm…I think it’s you, Spidey.

Yes, this is as ridiculous as it appears to be.

Episode 39: Whatever Happened to Donald Blake? (Thor's "Secret Identity")

Inspired by a Twitter conversation, Kurt dives into the strange and twisted history of Donald Blake, the original secret identity of Thor. Who was he, and where did he go?

Did he even think for a second that the “cane as a lever” was going to work on that giant boulder?

The first explanation, but not the last…

Just some minor self-esteem issues.

Sigurd Jarlson. It seems Oslo Norwayman was taken as a name already.

It’s not the kids you should be worried about, Jake…

A small Easter egg in the first Thor movie for those who were aware.

Episode 38: Who is She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters)?

Marvel/Disney just announced that She-Hulk will be getting her own show on Disney+.  But, who is She-Hulk, and what would such a show be about?  Kurt dives into the distaff counterpart of Bruce Banner, and what makes her so compelling a character in her own right.

Coming…soon? No premiere date has been given, or even casting at this point.

Jennifer also used to be blond/redhead. She’s raven-haired these days, even when not She-Hulk.

It was the 80s. Big hair was a thing.

She’ll do it, too! Buy her book!

If they don’t recreate this at some point during the show, I’m going to be very disappointed.

Don’t make her angry…Oops, too late.

The latest in a long string of (mostly) bad decisions.

Episode 37: The Kryptonite Rainbow - What Do They Do?

Green Kryptonite, Red Kryptonite, Blue, White, Jewel?  How many varieties of Kryptonite are there, and how does each of them effect the Man of Steel and the other Kryptonians in the DC Universe?  Kurt goes through every single published version of Kryptonite so you’ll now know.

Don’t forget to Submit a Question if you have a topic you’d like to hear about in a future episode!

Just your garden variety Green Kryptonite.

“Don’t forget to tell everyone in the world the five ways to hurt or kill me!” - Superman

Pictured: Too late.

Don’t we all, Lois? Don’t we all…

Episode 36: Non-Traditional Comic Recommendations (or Non-Superhero Comics)

Superheroes have been and continue to dominate the sales charts of American comics, but that doesn’t mean that’s all there is.  Thanks to a question from a Reddit user, Kurt goes into non-spoiler details about some of his favorites that he recommends you try out, if you haven’t already.

As mentioned in the show, I’m including a link to Scott McCloud’s homepage, as he has some very “non-traditional” comics, in every sense of the word.

No funny caption on this one. Just read it.

We all know the monkey is the real star.

Vertigo: Not just the publishing line, but also the feeling you get looking at this cover.

I wanted to be sure to show off the detailed backgrounds, but wanted to be sure to make it family-safe. I think this hits both of those qualifications.

A comic about comics. Brilliant!

Episode 35: Death Becomes You - Mary Jane Watson-Parker

A new recurring feature begins, where we’ll look deeper into some of the more unusual deaths that have happened in comics, beginning with an out-of-continuity tale called “Spider-Man: Reign” and the untimely demise of Spider-Man’s wife, Mary Jane Watson-Parker.

(Content warning: Mature themes, though handled non-explicitly.)

Yeah, this is going to be a sad Spidey-tale. Can you tell?

Although it still gets ridiculous from time to time. (But now we know that Peter’s a boxers guy)

Episode 34: Firefly and Serenity - Why Are “Browncoats” Still So Obsessed?

If the word "Shiny" means something special to you, or you know about the "special hell" that Mal could be going to, then you're probably already a fan of Firefly.  If not, take a listen to learn all about the Joss Whedon-created sci-fi/western show, and find out why its fanbase endures after all these years.

From Left to Right: Jayne, Kaylee, Book, Simon, Inara, Mal, Zoe, and Wash. Our intrepid crew.

From Left to Right: Summer, Ron, Gina, Adam, Jewel, Nathan, Alan, Sean, and Morena. Our talented cast.

The Buffy parallels become a little more obvious in the movie.

The first issue of the Serenity comics. As you can see, the likenesses are dead on.

Want to pilot your own Firefly? This is one of a few games to give you that option.

Episode 33: The Replacements - Iron Man

Now that Tony’s gone from the MCU, let’s look at some of his possible replacements, specifically those who have already done so in the comics.  It’s the third installment of “The Replacements,” which previously covered those who have replaced Captain America and Superman.  This time, we look at the history of those who have taken up the Armored Avenger’s mantle.

The original! Accept no substitutes (or do, since that’s the concept of the episode…)

“Weasel” Wills using the Iron Man suit to rob a bank. Not one of Tony’s greatest masterminds…

Rhodey in the War Machine suit. MCU fans will recognize this right away…

…this one, not so much. (The Eidolon Warwear version of War Machine)

The Iron Legion. Collect ‘em all!

To quote Monty Python…”He got better!”

Yes, that is a squirrel using an Iron Man helmet and gauntlet as armor. No, this does not count as a full replacement. But, it is awesome.

Episode 32: Dungeon Crawlers (aka RPG-Style Board Games)

What if you want to kill some monsters, but don’t want to get bogged down in all that pesky role-playing?  Well, these games, past and present, may just be what you’re looking for.  Kurt covers the highlights of the history of dungeon crawler board games this episode.

Please check out the Patreon to support the podcast for just $1.00 per month! Bonus content, plus a monthly shout-out to all members!

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The title is written in blood so you know it’s scary!

For hours and hours and hours and hours of…fun?

Squats are an important part of any adventurer’s workout routine!

By our powers combined, we make…Boardgame Planet! (Captain Boardgame?)

Descent: Journey into tile organization (trust me, don’t just put them back in the box).

Just some of the components you get in the Gloomhaven base set. It’s a whole lot of game!

Episode 31: Time Travel Rules (Back to the Future, Bill & Ted, and Avengers: Endgame)

A comparison of time travel rules in a few well-known movies that feature it extensively, from Back to the Future, up to Avengers: Endgame.  SPOILER WARNING: Details of Endgame will be from 11:24 to 15:43, if you want to avoid that still.

If you’ve got a little (and I do mean a little) extra spending cash, please consider becoming a Patron over at Patreon for just $1.00 per month to help keep the show running!

I wonder how much Doc Brown had to pay for an “OUTATIME” license plate, since that’s 8 characters, one more than California license plates normally have.

According to many physicists, this is the most accurate version of time travel put to screen so far.

If you’re going back in time, it’s important that your suits all match.

Episode 30: The DC Animated Universe Overview

First, a note from a listener about the Star Trek Economy.  Then, from Batman: The Animated Series to Justice League Unlimited; a brief look at the history of one of the greatest TV and movie universes created.

Don’t forget to check out Patreon for exclusive bloopers from this episode, as well as full scripts for past shows. Just $1.00 per month to show your support!

The one that started them all. “I am the knight! I am vengeance! I am…Batman!”

A stark contrast to Batman’s show. Look, there’s daytime!

The new animation style for the New Batman Adventures. Oh no, Nightwing! Not the mullet!

I have no mouth, yet I must growl.

In the comics, that disk he is floating on started as a trash can lid. Fortunately, he quickly upgraded.

The only DCAU movie released in the theater. Insert Bat A into Slot B.

The Big 7. Well, the Big 5 plus 2 for most non-comic book fans.

Some (but not all) of the heroes seen in Justice League Unlimited. Can you name them all?

27 years later, still going! Keep it up, DCAU crew!