Episode 177: Non-Powered Superheroes

April 28, 2024 by Kurt Onstad

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!

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

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 150: Cross Company References and a Montage of Multiverse

April 30, 2023 by Kurt Onstad

In this special 150th episode, I take a couple of questions that I’ve had for a little while that I didn’t feel fit a full episode, and answer both, as well as returning to an old feature, identifying the source of a pop culture touchstone that’s been used so many times, you may not know the origin!

Follow along as I find as many references as I can.

Episode 140: S.H.I.E.L.D., H.A.M.M.E.R., S.W.O.R.D., and Other Marvel Acronym Agencies

December 11, 2022 by Kurt Onstad

Sure, S.W.O.R.D. and S.H.I.E.L.D. make sense together. But, where did H.A.M.M.E.R. come from? S.T.R.I.K.E.? W.A.N.D.? And what the heck does U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M. stand for? This episode, we go through various groups in the Marvel Universe that use acronyms and go through some of their history.

Total Recall totally ripped the “gun in the x-ray” off!

SHIELD’s first Director after 40 years of Fury…Maria Hill.

Tony doing his best to get in on that sweet Bond action.

Norman Osborn was going through a bit of a “What if I was played by Tommy Lee Jones” phase.

Until they gave her the gauntlets, I had a hard time telling Daisy and Maria apart. How about you?

If by “markedly different,” you mean “treasonous,” then you’re spot on!

Abigail Brand, Director of SWORD. With her sometime boyfriend Beast behind her (to her right, our left).

Episode 33: The Replacements - Iron Man

June 20, 2019 by Kurt Onstad

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)

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 18: Stan Lee History and Tribute

November 22, 2018 by Kurt Onstad

This week’s episode, instead of answering a question, is a history of and tribute to Stan Lee, who died recently. We look at his beginnings in the industry, and some of the important contributions he made throughout the years.