The Fantasticast Episode 282: Marvel Two-in-One #40 - Conjure Night

The Fantasticast Episode 282

Kitchen In The Kitchen

Hello, and welcome to episode 282 of The Fantasticast. Each week, Steve Lacey and Andy Leyland guide you through every issue, guest-appearance and cameo of The Fantastic Four.

This week, we're returning to Hell's Kitchen to transition from one set of guest stars to the next. We bid farewell to Daredevil and Yellowjacket, and welcome... Luke Charles? After a bit of research, we find out that he's actually T'Challa, the Black Panther, in his day job as a teacher. Remember that? We don't...

Tom DeFalco picks up his first Marvel credit, joining Roger Slifer, Ron Wilson, Pablo Marcos, Phil Rachelson, Irving Watanabe, and Jim Shooter on Marvel Two-in-One #40. Featuring zuvembies, glue, cellists, undercooked pizza, ethics, the first appearance of Carnegie Hall, and a big bag o' home-grown. You know what we mean.

The Fantasticast is support by Stitcher Premium, home of Wolverine: The Long Night, launching March 12th. Starring Richard Armitage as Wolverine, this ten episode podcast audio drama is the first of its kind for Marvel. For a month's free trial to Stitcher Premium, head over to stitcher.com/premium and enter the promo code Fantasticast.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_282.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

The Fantasticast is part of the Flickering Myth Podcast network.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 165: Fantastic Four #140 - Annihilus Revealed

The Fantasticast Episode 165

Namor's Onesie

Hello, and welcome to episode 165 of The Fantasticast. Each week, Steve Lacey and Andy Leyland guide you through every issue, guest-appearance and cameo of The Fantastic Four.

It's a triple-comic week on the Fantasticast. First up, the main event, Fantastic Four #140, which pulls together just about every unresolved plot line since Jack Kirby left the book. Where did Agatha Harkness go? What's going on with Franklin's glowing eyes? Will Sue and Reed ever reunite? Thanks to the return of our favourite buck-toothed, armour-clad insectoid ruler of the Negative Zone, a sense of purpose and direction returns to the book.  And, as if all of this wasn't enough, we also find out the  origins of Annihilus.

Elsewhere, we're also taking a look at the beginnings of one of the most superfluous mandated pieces of superhero technology, the Spider-Mobile, in Amazing Spider-Man #126. We then follow up with some big changes for Namor in Sub-Mariner #67, where a heavy dose of nerve-gas leads to the introduction of a brand new costume.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_165.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, leave your comments at the libsyn site, or at www.TheFantasticast.com. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

The Fantasticast is part of the Flickering Myth Podcast network.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 105: Fantastic Four #91 - The Thing Enslaved

The Fantasticast Episode 105

A Piece Of The Action, See?

Hello, and welcome to episode 105 of The Fantasticast. Each week, Steve Lacey and Andy Leyland guide you through every issue, guest-appearance and cameo of The Fantastic Four, see?

This week, we focus our gaze onto two comics, see? In Fantastic Four #91, The Thing is transported to a Star Trek episode and has to pretend that he's not seen the series, see? Meanwhile, in Amazing Spider-Man #77, The Torch treads on Spidey's toes as he tries to restrain the Lizard, see? With artwork from Sal Buscema, this is a rare thing -  a 1960s Torch/Spidey crossover that we actually enjoy, see?

We also bear withness to the strange fate of Whitey Mullins, examine the maxim 'With Great Balls Comes Great Responsibility', and Andy teaches Steve how to talk gangster, see?

Direct download, see?: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_105.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below, see? Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast, see?

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported, see? Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us, see?

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou, see? Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk, see?

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage, see?

The Fantasticast Episode 104: Fantastic Four #90 - The Skrull Takes A Slave

The Fantasticast Episode 104

No Vagrant Is Safe

Hello, and welcome to episode 104 of The Fantasticast. Each week, Steve Lacey and Andy Leyland guide you through every issue, guest-appearance and cameo of The Fantastic Four.

This week, we start our coverage of the last extended storyline from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, with Fantastic Four #90: The Skrull Takes A Slave. It's a bit more than that, though, as the issue takes some time to wrap up the previous Mole Man story as well. There's torture, deathly danger, and some lovely new clothes for The Thing.

As well as this, we've got an e-mail looking ahead to our 200th episode, the first and only Fantasticast 'rap battle', and a very long discussion about hair...

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_104.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 93: Fantastic Four Annual #6 - Let There Be Life

The Fantasticast Episode 93

Ambush Bug In Judge Dredd's Clothing

It's a giant-sized episode of The Fantasticast for a giant-sized issue of the Fantastic Four. Annual #6 features the first appearance of the classic villain Annihilus, as well as the birth of Franklin Richards. To celebrate these milestones, Steve and Andy have invited a special guest onto the show - Al Kennedy, of the House To Astonish podcast.

Together, we examine the most in-depth exploration of the Negative Zone to date; pick holes in 1960s natal care, discover The Adventures of Night Optometrist, explore the etymology of Annihilus, take up residence in the Arenas of Crochet and Cribbage, listen to Anihilus Sings Barry White, play Star In A Reasonably Priced Fantasticar, and get the only Acrobat update you'll ever need to receive.

Don't forget to answer out Listener Question - Are you currently reading Fantastic Four, and why?

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF20Episode2093.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 78: Amazing Spider-Man Annual #4 - The Web And The Flame

The Fantasticast Episode 78

The Ayn Rand Simile Or Metaphor Theme Song

Annual season continues and concludes here at the Fantasticast. Steve and Andy get to grips with Amazing Spider-Man Annual #4, featuring the latest team-up between the Human Torch and Spider-Man. Memories of Strange Tales Annual #2 are lingering, and with irrelevant villains, forced conflict, and leaps in storytelling logic so vast even Evel Knievel would think twice before leaping across them, there's good reason for these to linger.

For, hidden underneath the surprisingly good artwork of Larry Lieber, is a Strange Tales story in all but name.

This deception has put Steve in a particularly bad mood, and he puts this bad mood to good use this episode. He also uses it to respond to listener e-mails, in a very angry feedback session. Sorry about that...

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF20Episode2078.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 39: Amazing Spider-Man #21 & Avengers #13

The Fantaticast Episode 39

Amazing Spider-Man Classic

Today, we throw the rules out of the window and staunchly refuse to read any issue of Fantastic Four or Strange Tales. Instead, guided by editors notes, we attempt to put the comics cover-dated February 1965 into some sort of continuity order.

So, we start with Amazing Spider-Man #21, co-featuring The Human Torch. It's a three-way smackdown between Johnny Storm, Peter Parker, and Abner Jenkins. You know, The Beetle! We then briefly head over to Avengers #13 to see how the Four deal with the plans of Count Nefaria. And yes, I say Avengers #13. Unlike on the show, where Steve repeatedly says Avengers #12. Ignore him...

We also spend some time with your e-mails, and then - we're off! We've split the episode into two, to prevent audio overload and to allow Steve some time to edit. So, you get weekly Fantasticast for the next couple of weeks. Enjoy!

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_39.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 37: Fantastic Four #33, Strange Tales #127 & Amazing Spider-Man #19

The Fantasticast Episode 37

Yes, Mr Lister, Sir!

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Fantasticast! This time around, Steve Lacey (20 Minute Longbox) and Andrew Leyland (HeyKids Comics) guide you through three excellent slices of Silver Age Marvel magic. Yes, three. We're classing Strange Tales this month as officially 'Not Crap'.

Fantastic Four #33 sees Lee and Kirby break the formula and conventions of the title to create genuinely exciting and innovative read, supported by some of the best art that Kirby and Stone have produced to date. Strange Tales #127 sees a mysterious villain challenge Ben and Johnny to a desert race to find out who is the better driver. Amazing Spider-Man #19 sees Peter Parker regain his mojo, and team up properly with the Human Torch for the first time. No snarkiness, no jokes, just great comics.

And some snarkiness.

And quite a few jokes, now that I come to think of it.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_37.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 36: Fantastic Four #32, Strange Tales #1276 & Amazing Spider-Man #18

The Fantasticast Episode 36

John Byrne Quits Comics

Hello and welcome to the 36th episode of the show! This time, Steve and Andy journey into Fantastic Four #32, where a mystery villain causes John Byrne to stop reading comics. Then we're off to Strange Tales #126, where two very familiar villains almost cause us to stop reading comics. Finally, we stop in to Amazing Spider-Man #18, where a returning villain barely appears, and Peter Parker decides to go a-stalkin' Betty Brant.

The Fantasticast: With extra added rapping with Cap and John Barnes.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_36.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 35: Fantastic Four #31, Strange Tales #125 & Amazing Spider-Man #17

The Fantasticast Episode 35

House Of The Fallen Storm

Ooh, a cryptic title!

On this episode of the Fantasticast, Steve Lacey and Andrew Leyland see the Fantastic Four title leap forward into a new era of storytelling, whilst featuring the team's very first villain. It's #31 - The Mad Menace of the Macabre Mole Man. Then in Strange Tales #125, the storytelling takes a huge leap backwards, before jumping forward again in Amazing Spider-Man #17. Oh, and we also have one of the greatest number one singles of all time to close the show.

But even more importantly than that, we're launching our very first competition with this episode. We're going to digitally give away every issue of the Marvel NOW Fantastic Four and FF series by Matt Fraction, Mark Bagley, Mark Farmer, Mike Allred and Laura Allred. To enter, all you need to do is to like us on Facebook and/or follow us on twitter. When we have 150 likes and 300 followers, we'll choose to likers/followers, and they will win either Fantastic Four or FF in digital form. Click on the buttons on the right to go through to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

What are you waiting for? Go enter the competition!

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_35.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 34: Fantastic Four Annual #2 & Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1

The Fantasticast Episode 34

The Doomcast!

Hello, and welcome to the first episode of the Doomcast, hosted by Professor Alan. Joining him this week are Steve Lacey and Andrew Leyland of The Fantasticast, who are summoned to the Office of the Cultural Attache of the Great State of Latveria to explain why so many of their episodes paint Doctor Doom in a villainnous light, rather than the heroic view that all peoples of Latveria see him.

Or... Professor Alan of The Book Guys join Steve and Andy this episode to take a look at the life and times of Victor von Doom, as presented in Fantastic Four Annual #2. From the first telling of his origin to his latest battle with the Fantastic Four, via a reprint of his first appearance, and many more surprises. Then it's a fast dive into Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 to establish just how the Four aid Spider-Man in his hour of need, when his greatest villains team up against him.

Check out Professor Alan's appearances on the Bookguys podcast at bookguys.ca or his blog at eyesandearsblog.blogspot.co.uk

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_34.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 22: Fantastic Four #22, Strange Tales #116, Amazing Spider-Man #8 & Avengers #3

The Fantasticast Episode 22

Going Underground

The twenty-second episode of The Fantasticast is now live and ready for your listening pleasure!

As you can see from the image, there's a huge amount of comics to read this time out. First up is the return of the Mole Man in Fantastic Four #22. Importantly for this blog, this issue also features the first cries of 'It's Clobbering Time!' and the first mention of sweet ol' Aunt Petunia.

Next up is red-hot Thing vs Torch action is Strange Tales #116, which is also the halfway point of our coverage of this series. Then we have another Torch vs Spidey throwdown  in Amazing Spider-Man #8, before finishing off with a brief cameo in The Avengers #3.

As well as all of these, Steve and Andy find enough time to cover a big pile of emails and listener feedback.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/FF_Episode_22.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 14: Fantastic Four #16, Strange Tales #110 & Amazing Spider-Man #2

The Fantasticast Episode 14

The Return of Doctor Doom!

Cower, mortals, for this episode of the Fantasticast sees Doom return in all his gloriousness, and at only a fraction of his original size! Featuring a special guest appearance from Ant Man and possibly the first appearance of the Microverse! But we don't end there! Both the Wizard and Paste Pot Pete team up in the latest issue of Strange Tales. But we don't end there! See how Johnny Storm helps Peter Parker in his first battle with Doctor Octopus... without even knowing it!

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/Episode_14.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.

The Fantasticast Episode 10: Fantastic Four #12, Strange Tales #106 & Amazing Spider-Man #1

The Fantasticast Episode 10

Hulk? Smash!

Hurrah, it's another Weter-iffic episode of the Fantasticast! But why is it Weter-iffic? Well, dear listner, it is Weter-iffic due to the presence of our latest guest-host. You may have heard him on Superman Forever Radio, Green Lantern's Light, The New 52 Adventures of Superman, or PADSMASH: An Incredible Hulk Podcast. He is J. David Weter, and he joins us for the seminal Fantastic Four #12, featuring ol' jade-jaws himself, The Incredible Hulk.

Following this, we stop off in Strange Tales #106 as the Acrobat causes mischief, mayhem, and the abandonment of something very important to the nascent Johnny Storm. And finally, we celebrate the publication of the iconic Amazing Spider-Man #1 by taking a look at the team's first ever appearance outside of one of their own titles.

Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/ffcast/Fantasticast_Episode_10_Final.mp3

Send in your feedback to fantastic4podcast@gmail.com, or leave them in the comments below. Follow us on twitter, where we are @fantasticast

The Fantasticast is Patreon supported. Visit www.patreon.com/fantasticast to donate and support us.

Original artwork by Michael Georgiou. Check out his work at mikedraws.co.uk

Episode cover design by Samuel Savage.