Episode 177: Non-Powered Superheroes

Inspired by a new listener question, Kurt goes through his definition of a “Non-Powered Superhero” (or Supervillain in one case), to see who qualifies in the Big 2 comic book universes.  The answer may or may not surprise you, but you’ll have to listen to find out!

Well, he definitely doesn’t count…

but what about him?

Just a bow and arrow. No powers here…right?

Well, that’s got to hurt.

Being able to fight in something that skintight has to be a superpower, doesn’t it?

Doctor Octopus’s final days (well, sort of…).

Episode 112: Who is Moon Knight (aka Marc Spector aka Steven Grant aka Jake Lockley aka…)?

In anticipation of the upcoming Disney+ show (and the Deep Dive I’ll be doing with author John Mulhall), it’s time to take a look at the origins of Moon Knight, why some call him “Marvel’s Batman,” and most importantly what makes him completely unique.

If he was really clad in solid silver, do you think he’d be able to move?

Leaning into the multiple identities idea from the very start.

Like having Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain America guest-star in every issue!

Khonshu is Khreepy.

Episode 103: Villains of the Batman Arkham Video Games

With 10 different games in the series out, the Batman: Arkham video games have pulled from all over the history of the character for their villains.  One player of the series was curious to find out if any of them were original to the game, or if they all come from the past comics somewhere, and why weren’t they used in the animated series.  We discuss all that and more in this episode, so take a listen!

Whoops! You missed this one (but it’s understandable, as the episode was fairly forgettable)

Calendar Man as he was originally portrayed…

And his current incarnation. One is just a little creepier than the other.

The video game Arkham Knight (aka Spoiler provided in the episode)

vs. the comic book version of the Arkham Knight (a later addition).

Episode 68: The Replacements - Batman

Last time we did a “Replacements” episode, we looked at the various Robins.  This time, we dive deep in on his mentor, and look at all the people who have been the official Batman in the regular DCU.  There’s a little crossover between the two, so if you haven’t listened to Episode 58, I recommend doing so first. 

The one true original Batman. (Almost) never replaceable!

The CCO of Marvel probably still gets character payments for this DC character. I’m betting someone is annoyed at that.

It was the 90s. The thigh belt was apparently mandatory then.

How did he stuff that mullet under the cowl without it bugging him?

A leaner Batman, a meaner Robin.

Nananananananana…Bunnyman! (Even Gordon himself commented on this in the comics)

Episode 58: The Replacements - Robin

In this recurring feature, we look at the various heroes that have replaced the original, and what happens to them after their tenure is over.  Maybe it’s because he’s a sidekick and not (usually) a solo hero, but Robin is one of the few cases where the original never actually came back.  Instead, we’ve had a parade of Robins, which we’ll discuss in this episode.

Some of you Dark Knight Returns fans may ask where Carrie Kelly is. However, with these “Replacements” episodes, I only stick to what is in mainstream continuity, and Carrie has never been Robin in the main DC Universe, which is why she is not included, and Stephanie gets the “first female Robin” title.

Hope it doesn’t get too cold in Gotham…

Pretty soon, Dick will have spent more publishing time in this costume than he did as Robin.

Spoilers: The answer is “No.” (But later, “Yes.”)

Jason back on team Bat…sort of.

Featuring a new innovation for Robins…pants!

Jason Todd also wore this costume verrrrry briefly, but it’s most associated with Tim in this continuity.

Stephanie is also the only Robin to have a previous vigilante codename…Spoiler.

…then became Robin…

…and then Batgirl…

…and then forgotten. (Sorry Steph, you apparently didn’t make the cut for the Robin family photo.)

The scariest of the Robins.

Episode 52: Fifty-Two (The DC Mini-Series)

No, I’m not just repeating the episode number again, but spelling it out. 52 (or Fifty-Two) was an important work in the DC Universe, so much so that the number keeps popping up in DC Lore ever since.  This year-long weekly series was the first in a few that DC did, but is the only one that really left a lasting impact.  Because this is Episode 52, I decided to go into more detail on this story, introducing the basic set-ups and talking about what made the story one of my personal favorites.

The build-up (and a very soft reboot).

Steel, Ralph, The Question, Booster Gold, and Renee are all there in the background.

Everything there means something, but telling you what would be spoiler territory.

Episode 50: Story Length and Continuity Conundrums

How much back reading is required to get into comic books today?  Elyse (of the OHotMU or Not? podcast) wrote in to ask this question among others.  We look at how comic story lengths have changed over time, and how continuity has become a more important factor in the tales of today.

I briefly quote Tom Brevoort in his blog post on the “Five-Year Rule.” If you’d like to read his full thoughts on this, go click that link!

The first time Batman gets a full issue story, and of course he has to share it with three other characters…

The first part of “Zatanna’s Search.” Of course, she’s not going to find much with her eyes closed.

11 pages is “Feature Length.” That’s a really short feature.

Amazing Spider-Man #31-33. One of the classic tales of all time, and the first one starring Spidey that is longer than two issues.

Avengers Forever: A great story, but not recommended unless you know your Avengers history. For instance, there are two Hank Pyms pictured above.

Episode 49: DC Around the World (DC Characters based outside the United States)

A continuation of last episode, where we discussed Marvel characters based outside the United States, this time we turn our attention to DC, and what heroes they have created who originate from a (non-fictional) foreign country.  I apologize in advance if I get any of the pronunciations wrong.  I did my best, but I’m not perfect!

I think that guy in the front was also on the cover of Action Comics #1.

Sorry Craveonline, you did not get your wish…(although 35 issues isn’t bad for a new character these days)

See how many characters you can guess the country of origin just from their costume!

Ice, Fire and Dr. Light are the three in a triangle behind the balding man (named Oberon). Rocket Red has “CCCP” on his helmet. If you want to know about any others, just ask!

That’s a lot of hope on Most Excellent Super Bat’s costume…

The original Great Ten (or, at least, their heads).

That should cover a lot of the ones I didn’t hit in the episode itself.

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 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!

Episode I - The Starts and Restarts of the DC Universe

Learn the history of the various reboots of the DC Universe, both hard and soft.  From Action Comics #1 in 1938 all the way to 2016's Rebirth, find out about the big continuity shake-ups that have changed the history of some of your favorite characters.

Don't forget to Subscribe in iTunes!

In the beginning...

The Silver Age starts in a Flash

Flash meets Flash

It's called Crisis for a reason

These things never go well for The Flash

A major crossover with no Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman?

High collars and low cut tops. Thanks, Jim Lee!

The oddest game of tag ever.