What If Marvel was Real?

Latest Episodes:

Episode 107: Is Electro a Spider-Man Alias? (Amazing Spider-Man #9) -- February 1964 Nov 22, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the Daily Bugle’s claim that Electro is Spider-Man in disguise. Both Electro and Spider-Man can climb walls, and the Bugle’s photographer claims to have seen someone change from one costume to another. If this is true, what is Spider-Man’s motivation? Is he trying to manage two super brands simultaneously? Electro seems to monetize better than Spider-Man at least…

In this issue:

The people of NYC, including the police, seem to love Spider-Man, as much as criminals fear him. At the same time, Peter Parker is worried about his elderly Aunt May. Meanwhile, Electro, a man who can channel electricity due to a freak accident and warp it to his twisted ends, robs an armored truck and a bank, and even terrorizes J. Jonah Jameson. Jameson watches Electro climb a building using his electricity powers and concludes that he must be another famous wallcrawler, Spider-Man. So much so that Jameson publishes this lurid allegation on the front page of his paper, the Daily Bugle. Spider-Man subsequently battles Electro, and the photos that Peter takes of himself in the battle are misinterpreted by Jameson to prove that Spider-Man and Electro are one and the same. Jameson eventually realizes that his slanderous allegation of Spider-Man being Electro is wrong, when he sees Spider-Man swinging by at the same time that he knows Electro is in a different location. Spider-Man then battles Electro while wearing rubber gloves and short-circuits him with a spray of water.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are skeptical of the Bugle’s claims that Spider-Man and Electro are the same person..

This episode takes place:

While the Bugle is suggesting that Spider-Man and Electro are one and the same.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 106: Super Toddlers (Journey Into Mystery 101) -- January 1964 Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss Thor’s tempter tantrum that tore up city property and demolished at least one private citizen’s car. Stark Corp. has volunteered to pay for the damage this time, but what is the long term solution when superheroes behave badly? Also, Thor went away with an alien robot; or was that the government sending the god to his room for a time out?

In this issue:

Thor acts belligerently in New York City, and people are scared. The Avengers race to the scene to see if they can placate Thor. They don’t, but nothing happens, Thor is in a mood. Meanwhile in Asgard, Loki is bending the ear of Odin and poisoning his mind about Thor. And then, Thor returns to Asgard to meet with his father, although Odin refused to see him. Loki then reaches into the future to influenced Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man, from the distant future, to return to the 20th century to battle Thor. Zarrko, who had forgotten about his interaction with Thor, remembers, and returns to our time with a giant robot, whereupon they cause wanton destruction. Thor meets them in battle and finds himself unable to overcome the robot (as Odin has halved his strength). In order to save the Earth, Thor agrees to return to the 23rd century with Zarrko to do his bidding.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering if Thor is on the level.

This episode takes place:

After Thor has departed to the 23rd century with Zarrko, the Tomorrow Man!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 105: Mix-ologies (Tales to Astonish #52) -- January 1964 Nov 17, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the Black Knight, a 14th century themed supervillain who flies a winged horse from ancient mythology. Is the winged horse Pegasus from Greek mythology, or one of many from Norse Valkyrie myth? Also, Giant Man shrunk during the battle. Is this verification that he is really Ant-Man? And what does his change in branding mean? Who has control of Ant-Man’s ant surveillance network?

In this issue:

Giant-Man battles criminals who are planning to sell scientific secrets to the Chinese, and succeeds in defeating them. One of them is Professor Garrett who, after being charged with crimes against the U.S., flees to a small Balkan nation. He is inspired by a statue of a winged horse to mutate a horse into a flying stallion. He subsequently returns to the U.S., dresses in medieval armor, and starts committing robberies. Giant-Man battles this new Black Knight high above the city skyline. He is captured and hogtied, but escapes by shrinking down to ant size. The Wasp rescues him before he plummets to the ground below, and they engage the Knight once more, finally defeating him (although he escapes).

Assumed before the next episode:

People are making the link between Giant-Man and Ant-Man.

This episode takes place:

After the Black Knight has been defeated

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 104: Parole for Supervillains (Strange Tales #117) -- January 1964 Nov 15, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss Leopold “The Eel” Stryke. Leopold became infamous last summer when he accidentally stole a nuclear “briefcase bomb” with a deadman switch. If he had not been found in time by the Human Torch, all of New York would have been lost in an atomic explosion. Given that his crime was relatively minor, he is just now getting out on parole. But that did not stop the Human Torch from attacking him upon his release. Mike and Ed discuss the positives and negatives of our new world of vigilante justice, and whether criminals ever truly be reformed.

In this issue:

The Eel is released from prison. Although the newscaster carelessly reports that the Eel is “at large”, which the Human Torch overhears and freaks out about. The Torch heads to the prison and confronts the Eel, who has decided that it is a good idea to wear his supervillain costume as he strolls out of prison, only for the warden to intervene to explain that the Torch has been released. The Torch’s rush to judgment is reported on the news, and he is quite embarrassed. Although his instincts were not wrong; the Eel went right back to his life of crime. The Torch figures out where the Eel’s next robbery will be and confronts him once more, although the Eel escapes in his tricked out helicopter. They meet again, and the Torch comes out on top, defeating the Eel in a dramatic showdown at the aquarium.

This episode takes place:

After the Torch defeats the Eel.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering if super-criminals should be locked up in super-prisons.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 103: Corporate Mind Control? (Tales of Suspense #49) -- January 1964 Nov 12, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss how Tony Stark’s atomic experiment caused the Angel’s personality to turn “evil”. They explore the possibility that this was a weird side effect, intentional, or purely accidental Every possibility is potentially Earth-shattering. How far along is the US military in its ability to control and shape minds? Or is this Stark tech proprietary and NOT being shared with the armed forces? Which is worse?

In this issue:

The Angel is flying near a Stark company plant where they are testing weapons. Iron Man is there, and he waves the flying young man off, as they are about to initiate an atomic blast. The Angel gets caught up in the ensuing radiation, and turns evil. He flies away and tries to join up with other bad people, abandoning the X-Men and generally proving to be quite unpleasant. Iron Man chases the Angel down and shocks him to his senses. The Angel, now once again on the side of the angels, is grateful for Iron Man’s intervention, and even more grateful that Iron Man explained to the police how the Angel became evil due to no fault of his own (and that he was back to normal).

This episode takes place:

After the Angel’s bad boy phase is over (for now).

Assumed before the next episode:

People are starting to ask more questions about mind control - and in particular, corporate mind control.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 102: Artificial Intelligence (Amazing Spiderman #8) -- January 1964 Nov 10, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Ed and Mike discuss a robot artificial intelligence that attacked a science class at Midtown High on its own initiative. If a robot is self aware, should it have rights? What will its motivations be? Will it be even more alien than actual aliens (who are at least biological)? And what is Spiderman’s involvement?

In this issue:

Scientists bring a robot they call the Living Brain to Peter Parker’s high school for a demonstration. Flash Thompson keeps needling Peter during the demonstration, and their teacher tells them to box each other to sort their issues out. Peter holds back but still knocks Flash over with one punch. Meanwhile, two thugs try to steal the Living Brain and cause some damage to it, which causes it to go on a rampage in the school. Peter changes into his Spider-Man costume and, after quite the battle, finally defeats the super smart, super strong Living Brain.

In a second story, Spider-Man antagonizes the Human Torch into a fight, and acts like a real jerk to him and the rest of the Fantastic Four. Well, other than to Sue Storm, whom he clearly likes.

This episode takes place:

After the Living Brain has been defeated.

Assumed before the next episode:

People know that AI exists, and are both excited and terrified by that development.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 101: World War III and Invisible Evolution (Fantastic Four #22) - January 1964 Nov 08, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the return of the Mole Man and his attempt to prod the world’s superpowers into World War III. Also, in the biggest press conference of the year, Reed Richards shares that he has augmented Sue Storm’s powers. In addition to turning invisible, Invisible Girl can now generate invisible force shields of tremendous strength. Will Reed be able to enhance other superpowered people? Can this same technique be used to give ANYONE powers? And are we really sure the Mole Man won’t return to strike again? Is burying a Mole Man in the Earth really the right way to contain him?

In this issue:

Reed Richards is testing Sue Storm’s incredible powers, which now include an invisible force field. Meanwhile, people are complaining about the Fantastic Four having their headquarters in downtown NYC. Eventually, the Fantastic Four fly out to an island, on the premise they may buy it for their new headquarters. It turns out that the Mole Man has led them to this location. Not only is he still alive, but he remains the ruler of the mole men people in the kingdom of Subterranea. The Mole Man plans to start WWIII by getting each side to think the other has fired first. Fortunately, the Fantastic Four are able to overcome the individual death traps set up by the Mole Man and defeat him, chasing him away.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering whether the Fantastic Four will leave town. And why they were so close to WWIII.

This episode takes place:

After Reed Richards has explained how close we came to nuclear annihilation.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Special 100th Episode [Out of Universe] Interview with Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle on Jack Kirby's Legacy and The Eternals Nov 05, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed set aside their regular “in-universe” programming to come to 2021 and speak with Tom Peyer and Jamal Igle about Jack Kirby’s legacy. Jack Kirby was the most prolific artist in the Silver Age of Marvel comics. He was the co-creator of the Fantastic Four, Ant-Man, the Wasp, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and Dr. Strange - most of the major protagonists covered on the regular episodes of the show. Jack would go on to create the Eternals, who are getting their first major film treatment premiere today (hence the timing of this episode).

Tom started reading comics in the early Silver Age. He went on to be a writer and editor at DC, Marvel, and other imprints. He was an assistant editor on Neil Gainman’s Sandman.

Jamal is the creator of Molly Danger, and is known for his penciling, inking and coloring work on Supergirl and Firestorm. In 2007, he was an artist on Countdown to Final Crisis featuring Darkseid, who was originally created by Jack Kirby. This experience led to Jamal’s interest in Jack Kirby’s legacy. He has lots to share with us today.

We are super lucky to have these two guys on the show. We hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to reply to this email with any feedback you have. Do you enjoy these out of universe discussions? Are you impatient to get back to 1963? Let us know!

Ed and Mike (from 2021)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 99: Another Doctor Strange? That's strange. And it gets weirder. (Strange Tales #116 Part 2) -- January 1964 Nov 03, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss Dr. Strange, the mystical magic-user whom the police claim has helped solve multiple cases that could not be explained by modern science. Has Mike already validated his 1964 prediction that magic will be important this year? How is “magic” different from the superpowers that the Human Torch and Thor have? Also, is “Strange” his real name? How convenient! And what exactly is he a doctor of?

In this issue:

Nightmare rules over the dream dimension, and plans to conquer humanity as he studies them while they sleep. He fears Dr. Strange and his tutor the Ancient One, who are able to combat him on his terms. Back on Earth, the police visit with Dr. Strange and ask him for help with the outbreak of people who cannot wake from their slumber. Dr. Strange obliges and, upon his investigation, determines that supernatural forces are at work. He enters the nightmare world to investigate, coming face to face with Nightmare. They battle, and Dr. Strange overcomes Nightmare with the use of his magic amulet.

Assumed before the next episode:

People do not know much about the strange Dr. Strange, but they are curious as to whether magic truly exists in the world.

This episode takes place:

After the police announce their use of Dr. Strange as a consultant.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

Episode 98: Are Ant-Man and Giant-Man the same person? (Tales to Astonish #51) -- January 1964 Nov 01, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss whether it was a coincidence that Giant-Man joined the Avengers just as Ant-Man disappeared (and now seems to be working with Ant-Man’s former partner The Wasp), or are Ant-Man and Giant-Man the same person? Also, the Human Top is revealed to be David Cannon, the world champion speed skater. Was he using his speed powers to cheat in Olympic competition? How many other world class athletes are actually superhumans who are hiding their full abilities?

In this issue:

Giant-Man is desperate to capture the Human Top, so much so he creates a spinning robot which replicates the Top’s abilities for practice. Meanwhile, the Human Top continues his life of crime! Giant-Man and the Wasp eventually track the Top down, and the battle is ferocious, with the Top escaping the dynamic duo with highly secret civil defence plans. Giant-Man meets with government agents to discuss how to bring the Top down before he delivers the civil defence plans to the Russians. A sting is set, as well as a trap set by the police. The battle between Giant-Man and the Human Top is joined once more, leading to Giant-Man taking the Human Top down.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering how closely Giant-Man is working with the authorities - and how he may be related to Ant-Man.

This episode takes place:

After the Human Top is taken down.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superserious616.com

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