Episode 152: Unusual Superhero Vehicles (1 of 2) - The Spider-Mobile

May 29, 2023 by Kurt Onstad

For the next two episodes, we’ll look at a couple of unusual vehicles driven by famous superheroes. We skip over the Batmobile, the Invisible Jet, and other well-known vehicles and go straight to the bizarre, starting with the wall-crawler’s ill-fated car, the Spider-Mobile.

A display with a few iterations of the Batmobile inspired our listener’s missive.

I feel like the “Spidey” license plate is redundant. And also probably not an actual NY license plate.

You can’t get rid of it that easily, Spidey!

Episode 106: Santa Claus in Comics - Marvel Edition

December 23, 2021 by Kurt Onstad

Happy Holidays, everyone! Like last year’s episode, I thought it fitting (considering the timing) to go over some of Santa’s appearances in various comic books, this time focusing on Marvel Comics (other companies may be featured in future years), as he meets the X-Men, Spider-Man, and Howard the Duck (twice!), among other appearances. Warning: Ironically and unfortunately, this episode may not be suitable for kids. (Mostly due to the topic. Language-wise, it’s safe)

We never do find out when/how they got turned back from action figures…

Back when Howard was always an angry duck. He’s mellowed over the years…

This cover is misleading, but what we do get is equally (if not more) disturbing…

Episode 105: Who Has Been in the Sinister Six?

December 09, 2021 by Kurt Onstad

Not just a list, because that would be boring. Instead, we go through the team’s history, starting with their very first appearance all the way up to the recent “Sinister War,” to find out how the various versions formed, and who was on each team. It appears we’ll be seeing them in “No Way Home” coming out soon, so this should get you caught up.

I don’t know about you, but I’m glad the multi-colored logo didn’t stick…

No, Spider-Man doesn’t get shrunken down…in this story.

Episode 98: The Replacements - Spider-Man

September 02, 2021 by Kurt Onstad

Continuing our occasional look into the characters that have taken on the identity of an already established hero, this installment covers those who have become the hero that was literally the face of Marvel for many years, Spider-Man, including one of his arch-nemeses. Take a listen to get all the details.

The less original. (Ben’s “Scarlet Spider” costume)

And the first costume Ben wore as Spider-Man. (Sewing those fingers must have taken forever…)

If only there was some clue this was actually Doc Ock… Stares in tentacles — If only there was some clue this was actually Doc Ock… **Stares in tentacles**

Episode 50: Story Length and Continuity Conundrums

February 13, 2020 by Kurt Onstad

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 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.