What If Marvel was Real?

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Episode 97: Two super-excuses (Journey Into Mystery #100 + Strange Tales #116 Part 1) -- January 1964 Oct 29, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the impersonation of Thor by Mr. Hyde. We believe Thor because he has built up credibility and reputation over time. But how long are we going to accept these excuses or explanations for criminal behavior? Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm do NOT have Thor’s credibility, and yet they are claiming that they are not responsible for their fight (with each other) which destroyed not insignificant parts of the city because they were “mind controlled”. Are we expected to believe this as well? Also, Thor’s impersonator and the Fantastic Four’s mind controller have escaped and are still at large. Should that factor into our decisions on credibility?

In these issues:

Journey into Mystery #100

The public is unhappy with Thor, and the police actually fire their guns at him. Thor figures out that Mr. Hyde has been impersonating him while committing crimes. Thor then transforms to his mortal guise of Dr. Donald Blake, and as Dr. Blake, he takes his nurse Jane Foster out for dinner. Mr. Hyde kidnaps Donald and Jane, ties Donald up, and then takes Jane with him to steal a submarine. Donald transforms to Thor and battles Dr. Hyde, although Dr. Hyde escapes. The police then tell Thor that they had figured out that Mr. Hyde was impersonating him.

Strange Tales #116

The Puppet Master is back. He creates a Human Torch puppet and controls him to hit on his stepdaughter Alicia Masters, who is the Thing’s girlfriend. The Torch and the Thing fight, causing serious property damage in the city. Alicia figures out that her stepfather is behind the mayhem and intervenes, causing the Puppet Master to lose focus and thus control over the Torch, which causes the Torch to allow a flame fall out of the sky and burn the Torch puppet that the Puppet Master was using.

Assumed before the next episode:

The public has forgiven Thor but are not too sure about the Human Torch and the Thing.

This episode takes place:

After Mr. Hyde and the Puppet Master have 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 96: Super Double-Sized! -- 1963 End of the Year Review Oct 27, 2021

Show notes

In This Episode:

Mike and Ed give their take on what mattered in 1963, including:

* Rapid growth in the number of super powered individuals, resulting in team-ups, international expansion — and fraud!

* New Frontiers: If 1962 was the year of aliens, 1963 expanded what it meant to be alien with the discovery of three previously unknown civilizations here on Earth, plus alternate dimensions that are in some ways closer than Europe

* The Manufacturing of Superheroes: We now have a better idea how superheroes are “made”. The Sandman and Radioactive Man showed us the importance of atomic power. The Cobra showed that duplicating powers is possible. And the Russians managed to duplicate the comic-energy power generation that created the Fantastic Four

* This has led to a Technological Response to Super Powers. While 1962 saw villains like The Wizard and The Protector use technology to take on superheroes, 1963 took technology to a new level. Ironman - a normal human in a battle suit - has joined the ranks of the most powerful supers on the planet. Dr Blake’s android, while eventually being destroyed, was for a time more powerful than Thor. A half-dozen Wizard “copycats” showed that it just takes some engineering genius to enter the ranks of the super elite. Meanwhile containing supervillains has taken on a new urgency. We have not done a very good job of containing technological villains like The Vulture and Sandman, but so far super powered captives like The Vanisher and The Molecule Man, have not reemerged after whatever we did to contain their powers.

Also: Our hosts give their predictions on what the trends might be in 1964. You won’t want to miss this!

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 95: Emotional Antidote Hesitancy (Fantastic Four #21) -- December 1963 Oct 25, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Ed and Mike discuss the Hate-Monger and his “Hatred Ray”. Unlike mind-control, this “emotion control” is far harder to identify. How would you know you are under the influence of a “Hatred Ray” and not just “mad and angry” for all the “normal” things that make you mad and angry? Will the effects of the Hatred Ray be permanent, or long-lasting, without an antidote? How do we know who in New York should be given the antidote? Can we force people to take the antidote? How thoroughly has this antidote been tested? Reed Richards took it, but he is not known for his caution…

In this issue:

A new villain, the Hate-Monger, causes a riot in New York City. He has whipped people into a hateful frenzy with a “Hatred Ray”. He uses it on the Fantastic Four, which leads to them acting entirely out of character, angry and hateful. Fortunately, Reed’s old army buddy Nick Fury shows up. Fury explains how the US military needs the Four’s help in San Gusto, and Reed, still feeling the effects of the Hatred Ray and antipathy towards his teammates as a result, goes alone. Meanwhile, the Hate-Monger heads to San Gusto, and he captures Reed. Fury rescues Reed and gives him the Hatred Ray antidote. The rest of the Four catch up, and Reed gives them the antidote too. Fully restored, they take down the Hate-Monger.

Assumed before the next episode:

People may still be angry, maybe due to the Hatred Ray.

This episode takes place:

After the Hate-Monger 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 94: Freedom of the Press and Personal Flying Machines (Amazing Spider-Man #7) -- December 1963 Oct 22, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the pattern of supervillains breaking out of jail. Should there be greater measures placed on these super-prisoners? What about the Vulture’s technology - is it superior to Iron Man’s flying technology? The Vulture’s technology could revolutionize society! Also: do we need to worry about superheroes assaulting members of the press, like Spider-Man apparently did with the publisher of the Daily Bugle? Where does that lead?

In this issue:

The Vulture is a model prisoner. So much so that he is allowed to work in the machine shop, whereupon he creates a rough version of his personal flying device and flies away to freedom. He thereafter returns to his life of crime, stealing from businesses. He easily defeats Spider-Man when they meet up high above the New York skyline, although the next time they meet, Spidey gets the upper hand and takes the villain down. After defeating the Vulture, Spider-Man visits J. Jonah Jameson at the Daily Bugle and webs his mouth shut, out of anger at the newsman.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering why prisons are suddenly so porous.

This episode takes place:

After the Vulture has been recaptured.

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 93: Superhero Containment Plans (Journey Into Mystery #99) -- December 1963 Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss apparent Thor’s turn to crime. The city seems to have a plan that they are putting into effect to stop the pagan god, but is it enough? This seems like the perfect opportunity to test superheroes against one another, and maybe even to use Donald Blake’s anti-Thor android against the real deal. Also, was Thor planning to break bad? If so, was that why he was allowing the military to test their weapons on himself?

In this issue:

The villainous Mr. Hyde waits for Thor to leave the city before he puts his evil plan in motion. Previously, Mr. Hyde was Calvin Zabo, a con man who tried to rip of Dr. Donald Blake, who fired him before he had the chance to do so. This frustrated Zabo to the point of inventing a serum which gave him super strength, and a monstrous appearance. As Mr. Hyde, he breaks into Blake’s office and threatens the good doctor, before pushing him out the window to his certain death. Blake is, of course, the mighty Thor, and he changes into his godly persona to rescue himself. Mr. Hyde is disappointed to learn that Thor saved Blake (in a manner of speaking), and decides to seek revenge. Thor then, uncharacteristically, robs a bank, leaving New York City in the grip of terror.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are afraid of their former hero, Thor.

This episode takes place:

After Thor robs a bank.

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 92: Shootout in … New York City? Are we ok with that? (Strange Tales #115) -- December 1963 Oct 18, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the Human Torch’s battle with Sandman. It is one thing for superheroes to battle supervillains to stop them, but it is another thing for the superheroes to “call out” the villains for fights in a densely populated area! If they are going to do that, is the middle of the downtown core of the city the right place to do that? (The answer is no!) Also: please put Sandman in a glass cell or something. At least try to keep the super-criminals in jail. And Spider-Man really needs some way to stop every one from impersonating him!

In this issue:

The Fantastic Four plan to take the Sandman down. He has apparently escaped his jail cell - who would have thought a man who can turn into sand could escape a conventional jail cell - and the Four are on the case. The Human Torch goes after the Sandman but cannot force a confrontation with him. And so the Torch dresses up as Spider-Man and challenges the Sandman to a bout. Sandman shows up and the two fight, with the Sandman nearly defeating the Torch more with his brains than his brawn, but ultimately the Torch prevails.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering if it is a good idea for super-powered people to fight amongst them (answer: no).

This episode takes place:

After the Human Torch has defeated the Sandman.

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 91: Are Super-Athletes … Superhuman? (Tales to Astonish #50) -- December 1963 Oct 15, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss “The Human Top” - a bank robber who appears to have the superhuman ability to “spin” very fast. What is unusual is that he has been “at large” since the late 1950s - long before the modern advent of superpowers. Is he superhuman, or just a very high skilled human? What is the difference between Olympic-level human abilities and “superhuman” abilities? Is every top athlete a “low powered” superhuman? Consider this - would it be ethical for the Thing to enter the boxing ring?

In this issue:

Dave Cannon has a special ability - he can spin super fast, evading anyone and everyone. He uses his special ability to commit petty crimes and then fix speed skating matches. He transitions to being a super criminal, known as the Human Top, and becomes public enemy number one! Giant Man and the Wasp decide to take him down, but are easily defeated by the whirling thief, with Giant Man causing significant property damage in New York City. The issue ends on a cliffhanger, as Giant Man and the Wasp wonder if they’ll be able to defeat this twisting menace.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering the extent to which super-powered people are in their midst.

This episode takes place:

As the Human Top terrorizes the Big Apple.

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 90: Is Iron Man a Good Use of Shareholder Capital? (Tales of Suspense #48) -- December 1963 Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the ramifications of Iron Man working for StarkCorp (or is he working for Tony Stark himself?) Will every large corporation hire their own superhero? Do we want corporations controlling their own de facto armies? What does it cost to have a superhero on contract? Is it a case of “What is good for StarkCorp is good for America”? And what is Iron Man’s impact on the StarkCorp stock price?

In this issue:

A man named Mr. Doll is controlling people by carving miniature dolls of them. He turns his attention to Iron Man, taking control of him and sending him away. Mr. Doll then continues on with his quest to have business owners turn their fortunes over to them by taking control of them - through his dolls. Iron Man designs a new costume, which is now red and yellow, although he still finds it challenging to resist Mr. Doll’s machinations. He defeats Iron Man again. On his third try, Iron Man defeats Mr. Doll by tricking him into creating a miniature doll of himself; the shock of having done so causes him to drop the doll and incapacitate himself.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are talking about the connections between StarkCorp and Iron Man.

This episode takes place:

After Mr. Doll 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 89: Not all Reptiles are Lizards (Amazing Spiderman #6) -- Nov 1963 Oct 11, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the new monster or alien or super-powered individual in Florida. Just because he is green and scaly, why does that make him “The Lizard”? Maybe he is a giant alligator or even a time-traveling dinosaur? Who is responsible for taking care of super-powered problems that are not world-threatening? Also,why didn’t the Daily Bugle offer to pay Spiderman’s bus fare?

In this issue:

The Lizard, a green reptilian humanoid, is wreaking havoc in Florida. This leads the Daily Bugle to publicly challenge Spider-Man to defeat the Lizard. Spider-Man decides to take the Lizard on, and in order to fund the trip, he convinces the publisher of the Daily Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson, to send his alter ego Peter Parker to Florida to cover the story. Spider-Man engages the Lizard, and loses. He then learns who the Lizard really is, Dr. Curt Connors, a scientist who was researching how to regrow limbs like a lizard who experimented on himself and changed himself into a reptilian humanoid. Spider-Man figures out how to reverse the transformation with a new formula, and injects it into the Lizard, turning him back into Dr. Curt Connors. Crisis averted.

Assumed before the next episode:

People are wondering whether the Lizard was real or not.

This episode takes place:

After Spider-Man has bested the Lizard.

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 88: Avengers Reassembled (Avengers #2) -- November 1963 Oct 08, 2021

Show notes

In this episode:

Mike and Ed discuss the potential causes for the Hulk leaving the Avengers and being replaced by Giant Man. The Hulk’s rampage through a Stark Industries manufacturing floor was attributed to an alien impersonator, but if so, why did the Hulk leave the team immediately after? Was the impersonation claim a coverup to allow the Hulk to leave without admitting liability? Also, now that Stark Industries has admitted to having Iron Man on their payroll, do we believe the corporation is funding all of the Avengers?

In this issue:

The Avengers have a board meeting. Not the most exciting thing, but even Asgardian gods and gamma-irradiated monsters need to discuss Other Business sometimes. Meanwhile, the Space Phantom arrives on Earth from outer space, dead set on destroying the Avengers to clear the way for his people to invade the Earth. The Space Phantom is able to impersonate people, sending the originals to Limbo while he does so. He invades the Avenger headquarters and thereafter impersonates the Hulk, starting a fight and otherwise causing mayhem. The Space Phantom, as the Hulk, causes a ruckus in teh street, and interferes with a Stark company weapons test. The Avengers rush in to stop the “Hulk” from causing further harm. The Space Phantom then impersonates Giant Man, and then Iron Man, and then back to Giant Man, and then back to Iron Man, causing mayhem throughout. He is only thwarted when he tries to impersonate Thor, which he apparently cannot do because Thor is a god. The Space Phantom is shunted off to Limbo as a result of his failed attempt at replacing Thor. The Hulk then quits the Avengers, unimpressed with the Avengers after learning what they really think of him during this adventure.

Assumed before the next episode:

The world distrusts the Hulk even more due to Space Phantom’s actions while impersonating him.

This episode takes place:

After the Space Phantom 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

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