The Superhero Show

The Superhero Show #640 Fantastic Four: The Frightful Four The Fantastic Four are back, and this time they're facing off against a brand-new group of villains! In the latest episode of The Superhero Show, the hosts continue their journey through the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series with Season 2, Episode 2, “The Inhumans Saga Part 1: And the Wind Cries Medusa.” This episode introduces The Frightful Four, a bizarre collection of villains brought together to take on Marvel's first family. Meet The Frightful Four The episode kicks things off with the introduction of The Frightful Four, and there's plenty to discuss about this unusual villain team. The hosts take a closer look at how The Frightful Four work as a group and whether they actually feel like a legitimate threat to the Fantastic Four—or simply four very different villains thrown together. The team consists of Hydro Man, The Wizard, Medusa, and The Trapster, better known as Paste-Pot Pete. The hosts discuss each member's powers, personalities, and overall effectiveness while examining what makes The Frightful Four such a wonderfully silly group of villains. Hydro Man, The Wizard, Medusa, and Paste-Pot Pete The hosts take a closer look at each member of The Frightful Four and how they fit—or don't fit—into the team. Hydro Man brings the ability to manipulate and transform into water, making him a potentially dangerous opponent for the Fantastic Four. The Wizard serves as the mastermind of the group, using his intelligence and technology to help coordinate their attacks. Then there's Medusa, whose inclusion immediately raises some questions. While she has the powers and presence to stand alongside some of Marvel's biggest characters, the hosts discuss how out of place she seems within The Frightful Four. There's something noticeably different about Medusa compared to the other members, and the episode gives the impression that there may be more going on with her than simply being another member of the team. And then there's Paste-Pot Pete. The hosts have plenty to say about the Trapster, from his ridiculous name to his even more ridiculous abilities and the general silliness surrounding the character. Of all The Frightful Four, he quickly becomes the standout for all the wrong—and right—reasons. The Thing Turns Against the Fantastic Four Things take a much more serious turn when The Frightful Four manage to brainwash The Thing and convince him that Reed Richards is his enemy. With Ben Grimm suddenly convinced that Reed has betrayed him, he turns against his longtime friend and the rest of the Fantastic Four. The hosts break down this storyline and discuss what makes seeing The Thing attack his own teammates so interesting, especially considering the long-standing friendship between Ben and Reed. The episode gives The Frightful Four a chance to exploit one of the Fantastic Four's strongest relationships, using The Thing's emotions against the team and turning one of their most powerful members into a weapon. The Frightful Four vs. The Fantastic Four Of course, eventually the two teams have to throw down. And that's where things get a little confusing. The hosts discuss the big confrontation between The Frightful Four and the Fantastic Four, particularly the strange power dynamics at play. When you stop and think about what each character is actually capable of, the matchup doesn't always make a whole lot of sense. Some of the battles feel surprisingly difficult for the Fantastic Four, while other moments make you wonder exactly how The Frightful Four are supposed to stand toe-to-toe with Marvel's first family. The hosts dig into those inconsistencies while still appreciating the sheer entertainment value of watching these two teams go head-to-head. Why Is Medusa With The Frightful Four? One of the biggest questions coming out of the episode involves Medusa. While the rest of The Frightful Four fit into the show's goofy villain-team dynamic, Medusa seems different. Her powers, personality, and overall presentation make her feel like she belongs somewhere else entirely. The hosts discuss why she doesn't quite seem to fit with Hydro Man, The Wizard, and Paste-Pot Pete and whether the episode is intentionally hinting that there's more to her story. The Frightful Four Take on Marvel's First Family “The Inhumans Saga Part 1: And the Wind Cries Medusa” introduces one of the strangest villain teams the Fantastic Four have faced so far. The Frightful Four bring together four very different characters, brainwash The Thing, and attempt to turn the Fantastic Four against themselves. But are The Frightful Four actually a formidable villain team, or are they simply another wonderfully ridiculous group of comic book villains? The hosts break down their powers, personalities, team dynamic, and the episode's questionable battle matchups while enjoying all the absurdity that comes with watching The Frightful Four take on the Fantastic Four. It's another strange, silly, and entertaining stop on The Superhero Show's journey through the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series. Are You a Research Nerd Who's Looking For More? Here are some links for all your research wants and needs! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series Ryan North's Fantastic Four Join the discussions online! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series, Ryan North's Fantastic Four Catch Up On Past Episodes! Missed any of our past episodes? Catch up here Read Along With Us! Want to watch read with us? Of course you do! Here's a link Ryan North's Fantastic Four (Purchase Necessary)

The Superhero Show #639 Fantastic Four: Will the Baxter Building Return? The Superhero Show — Will the Baxter Building Return? This week, The Superhero Show takes another detour from the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series to dive into Ryan North’s Fantastic Four #14, “The Unforeseeable Future.” With the date of the Baxter Building’s expected return finally approaching, the hosts ask the big question: Will the Baxter Building Return? While Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny wait for their home to come back, they find themselves investigating a mysterious new app called Metamind. What begins as an investigation into an unusual piece of technology eventually becomes a story about controlling the future, artificial intelligence, and one very questionable decision by Reed Richards. The hosts break down the issue’s plot, discuss the ideas behind Metamind, and share their thoughts on an issue that may not reach the same heights as some of their favorite Ryan North stories—but still manages to deliver plenty of entertaining moments. Will the Baxter Building Return? Waiting for the Big Day The issue begins with the Fantastic Four approaching the date when the Baxter Building is supposed to return after its unexpected journey into the future. With their old home still missing, the team needs something to occupy their time. That leads them toward a mysterious new app called Metamind, created by inventor Dan Passi. The hosts discuss the anticipation surrounding the Baxter Building’s return and how interesting it is that the issue doesn't immediately make that the main event. Instead, the story uses the waiting period to introduce an entirely different mystery. Will the Baxter Building Return? What Is Metamind? The Fantastic Four begin investigating Metamind and the strange technology behind it. As they dig deeper, they discover that Dan Passi didn't create the app simply as another piece of technology. His goal is much bigger: he wants to influence and control the future he ultimately wants to live in. The hosts discuss the concept behind Metamind and how perfectly it fits into the world of the Fantastic Four, where seemingly impossible scientific ideas are just another Tuesday for Reed Richards. They also examine the question at the center of the story: if you had the ability to see and manipulate possible futures, how far would you go to make sure you got the future you wanted? Will the Baxter Building Return? Metamind Gets Out of Control Things become more complicated when Metamind is taken over by someone else. Suddenly, Dan Passi needs help figuring out who has taken control of his creation. He turns to Reed Richards, expecting Reed's scientific expertise to help solve the mystery. The hosts discuss how this creates an interesting conflict for Reed and whether he actually responds to Passi's request in the way you'd expect from one of the smartest people in the Marvel Universe. Will the Baxter Building Return? Reed Chooses Destruction Rather than helping Dan Passi uncover who has taken control of Metamind, Reed decides on a much more drastic solution. He destroys the app—and the data center running it. The hosts have plenty to say about Reed's decision, discussing whether destroying the technology was the right call and how hilarious it is to watch Reed Richards essentially decide that the best solution to a technological problem is to burn the whole thing down. And, naturally, the hosts aren't exactly upset about seeing a data center get destroyed. Will the Baxter Building Return? Controlling the Future Beyond the plot, the hosts discuss the larger ideas Ryan North explores in “The Unforeseeable Future.” The issue raises questions about whether the future should be something we attempt to control or something we allow to unfold naturally. Dan Passi's desire to create the future he wants puts him in an increasingly complicated situation, particularly once someone else gains control of his technology. The hosts also discuss how these high-concept scientific ideas fit into Ryan North's larger approach to Fantastic Four, where seemingly ridiculous concepts can quickly become opportunities to explore surprisingly big questions. Will the Baxter Building Return? A Fun, If Uneven, Issue The hosts are honest about where Fantastic Four #14 lands for them compared with the issues they've discussed previously. While they enjoyed “The Unforeseeable Future,” they don't consider it one of the standout issues of Ryan North's run so far. After stories involving alternate universes, dinosaurs, Doctor Doom, and some incredibly creative standalone adventures, this particular issue doesn't quite have the same impact. That doesn't mean there's nothing to enjoy, though. The hosts appreciate the creativity behind Metamind, the questions surrounding the future, and especially the sheer satisfaction of watching Reed Richards destroy an entire data center. Sometimes that's enough. Final Thoughts — Will the Baxter Building Return? By the end of the episode, The Superhero Show has spent plenty of time answering the question, Will the Baxter Building Return? while also exploring Metamind, Dan Passi's obsession with controlling the future, and Reed Richards' surprisingly destructive approach to solving the problem. While “The Unforeseeable Future” may not become one of the hosts' favorite Ryan North Fantastic Four issues, they still find plenty to enjoy in the story and its ideas. And after watching Reed destroy the Metamind app and its data center rather than simply helping solve the mystery, the hosts can at least agree on one thing: Sometimes the future is unpredictable—but a destroyed data center is forever. Are You a Research Nerd Who's Looking For More? Here are some links for all your research wants and needs! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series Ryan North's Fantastic Four Join the discussions online! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series, Ryan North's Fantastic Four Catch Up On Past Episodes! Missed any of our past episodes? Catch up here Read Along With Us! Want to watch read with us? Of course you do! Here's a link Ryan North's Fantastic Four (Purchase Necessary)

The Superhero Show #638 Fantastic Four: Daredevil's Introduction The Superhero Show — Daredevil's Introduction This week, The Superhero Show kicks off the second season of the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series with “And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them.” The season premiere immediately shakes things up: the Fantastic Four have lost their powers, Doctor Doom is once again coming after them, and a mysterious new ally steps in to help—the Man Without Fear himself, Daredevil. The hosts take a close look at Daredevil's Introduction, the team's surprising new status as powerless superheroes, the ways they attempt to adapt, and the major changes that make Season 2 feel noticeably different from what came before. Daredevil's Introduction: Meet the Man Without Fear One of the biggest highlights of the episode is, of course, Daredevil's Introduction. Matt Murdock first appears as a blind lawyer and friend of Alicia Masters before revealing himself as Daredevil. When Ben initially questions how someone who is blind could possibly help the Fantastic Four, Daredevil quickly proves that his heightened senses and abilities make him more than capable of navigating situations that would leave others helpless. The hosts discuss this version of Daredevil, including his personality, his fighting style, his interactions with the Fantastic Four, and how well he fits into the world of the show. They also talk about the fun of seeing another Marvel superhero dropped into a Fantastic Four story rather than simply appearing for a quick cameo. Daredevil's Introduction: The Fantastic Four Without Their Powers The episode begins with the Fantastic Four dealing with the consequences of Doctor Doom's previous attack. Radiation from the explosion has disabled their powers, leaving Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben suddenly unable to rely on the abilities that have defined them. The hosts discuss how interesting it is to see the team forced to operate without their usual advantages. Reed has to turn to science to develop artificial ways of recreating their abilities, while Johnny and Sue use technological substitutes for their powers. Ben, meanwhile, is presented with the most complicated decision of all: without his powers, he's no longer The Thing—and he actually enjoys being human again. The hosts explore how each member adapts differently and whether losing their powers makes them more interesting as characters. Daredevil's Introduction: The Fantastic Four Find New Ways to Fight Without their powers, the Fantastic Four have to get creative. Reed develops equipment designed to replicate their abilities, including an exoskeleton for Ben, a flame rig for Johnny, and an invisibility simulator for Sue. The hosts discuss how strange it is to see the Fantastic Four essentially wearing homemade versions of their superhero costumes and powers. There's also an important emotional component to Ben's situation. He finally gets to experience what life might have been like if he had never become The Thing, and the hosts discuss the conflict between wanting his normal life back and recognizing that his powers are part of who he has become. Daredevil's Introduction: A New Doctor Doom The episode also introduces a noticeably different version of Doctor Doom. The hosts discuss the new voice performance and characterization, particularly how much more theatrical, sophisticated, and commanding Doom feels compared with his Season 1 incarnation. The new portrayal gives Doom a greater sense of gravitas while still allowing him to have some wonderfully ridiculous moments. Doom takes advantage of the Fantastic Four's vulnerability, believing that their loss of powers has finally given him the opportunity to defeat Reed Richards once and for all. He takes control of the Baxter Building and uses the team's own technology and defenses against them, forcing them to rely on their wits and their new ally. The hosts discuss whether this new Doom is a better representation of the character and how the voice performance changes the way he feels as a villain. Daredevil's Introduction: Doctor Doom Takes the Baxter Building With the Fantastic Four powerless, Doom sees his chance to finally conquer their headquarters. The hosts recap Doom's assault on the Baxter Building and the various traps he sets for the team. Without their traditional powers, even basic obstacles become serious threats. This forces Daredevil to step in and help guide the team through situations they would normally handle themselves. His heightened senses allow him to navigate dangers that the others cannot, making him a surprisingly useful addition to the team. The hosts have fun discussing the irony of the Fantastic Four needing help from a blind superhero because they are suddenly unable to use the powers they've depended on for so long. Daredevil's Introduction: A New Season, a New Fantastic Four Beyond the story itself, the hosts spend time talking about the biggest change of all: Season 2 looks and feels different. The animation style has been revamped, the opening has changed, and the overall presentation feels more polished and closer to the comic books. The second season also brought changes behind the scenes, including a new animation production setup and recast voice roles. The hosts discuss whether they prefer the new visual style and how noticeable the transition is after watching the entire first season. For them, Daredevil's Introduction isn't just the introduction of a new character—it's also the beginning of a new era for the series. Daredevil's Introduction: The Fantastic Four Get Their Powers Back The episode eventually brings the Fantastic Four's struggle to a head as Reed's technology provides a way for the team to regain their powers. Ben faces the biggest choice when he realizes that becoming The Thing again means giving up the normal life he's briefly enjoyed. Ultimately, he chooses his friends and his responsibility as a member of the Fantastic Four, returning to his rocky form and helping the team confront Doom. The confrontation ends with Ben getting the upper hand on Doom, while the Baxter Building itself is destroyed in the chaos—leaving the Fantastic Four homeless heading into the new season. Final Thoughts — Daredevil's Introduction By the end of Daredevil's Introduction, The Superhero Show finds plenty to be excited about as the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series enters its second season. The introduction of Daredevil gives the episode a fresh dynamic, while the Fantastic Four's temporary loss of their powers forces the team to rethink how they operate. Add in a revamped animation style, a new overall tone, and a much more commanding Doctor Doom, and “And a Blind Man Shall Lead Them” feels like a genuine reset for the series. The hosts break down what works, what feels different, and why Daredevil's Introduction makes for such a memorable way to begin the next chapter of Fantastic Four. Are You a Research Nerd Who's Looking For More? Here are some links for all your research wants and needs! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series Ryan North's Fantastic Four Join the discussions online! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series, Ryan North's Fantastic Four Catch Up On Past Episodes! Missed any of our past episodes? Catch up here Read Along With Us! Want to watch read with us? Of course you do! Here's a link Ryan North's Fantastic Four (Purchase Necessary)

The Superhero Show #637 Fantastic Four: Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur The Superhero Show — Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur This week, The Superhero Show takes another break from its coverage of the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series to focus entirely on Ryan North’s Fantastic Four #13, “A Thing or Two.” And honestly, there may be no better reason to stop everything else than the arrival of Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur. Picking up the dinosaur-filled storyline from the previous issue, the Fantastic Four find themselves dealing with a collision between two universes—one populated by humans and another populated by dinosaur versions of Marvel's greatest heroes and villains. But while dinosaur versions of the Fantastic Four are already plenty of fun, the real highlight comes when Doctor Doom encounters the only person he believes he can truly trust: another Doctor Doom. That's right. Human Doom teams up with Dinosaur Doom, creating the short-lived but glorious partnership of Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur. The hosts break down the ridiculousness of the concept, why Ryan North somehow makes it work, and how the story eventually gives Ben Grimm and his dinosaur counterpart the opportunity to save the day. DOOMASAUR the Doctor Doom Dinosaur: The Most Logical Team-Up in the Multiverse The hosts begin by discussing one of the greatest ideas imaginable for a Fantastic Four comic: Doctor Doom meeting a dinosaur version of himself. With two universes threatening to collide and destroy one another, the situation quickly becomes even more dangerous when another incursion point opens in Latveria. There, Doctor Doom discovers his dinosaur counterpart, and naturally, the two versions of Victor Von Doom immediately decide that working together is an excellent idea. The hosts absolutely love the team-up between Doom and Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur, especially because it perfectly fits Doom's personality. Of course Doom would trust another version of himself more than anyone else in existence. The partnership may be relatively short-lived, but the hosts agree that the comic gets every possible ounce of entertainment out of the idea. A human Doctor Doom teaming up with a dinosaur Doctor Doom is exactly the kind of wonderfully absurd concept that Ryan North's Fantastic Four has become so good at embracing. DOOMASAUR the Doctor Doom Dinosaur: Two Universes Are About to Collide The larger story centers around the increasingly dangerous collision between the human Marvel Universe and a parallel universe populated by dinosaur versions of its inhabitants. The Fantastic Four have already encountered their prehistoric counterparts, but the situation becomes far more serious as the two realities begin to threaten each other's existence. One universe may have to be sacrificed if the heroes can't find a solution. Meanwhile, the two Dooms see opportunity rather than disaster. Instead of working to save both worlds, Doom and his dinosaur counterpart devise their own plan to bring the universes together and create even more territory for them to rule. The hosts discuss how perfectly this captures both versions of Doom: faced with a universe-ending crisis, their first instinct isn't simply to survive—it’s to figure out how they can come out of it with more power. DOOMASAUR the Doctor Doom Dinosaur vs. The Brothers Grimm While the Fantastic Four and even the Avengers struggle against the two Dooms, the story eventually comes down to an unexpected pair of heroes: Ben Grimm and his dinosaur counterpart. The hosts have a great time discussing the team-up between The Thing and Dinosaur Thing—collectively known as the Brothers Grimm—and why they are the perfect characters to take center stage during the issue's climax. Rather than simply defeating Doom through bigger punches or greater strength, the two Things ultimately succeed through something much more important: understanding exactly what makes Doctor Doom tick. The hosts love that Ryan North gives Ben Grimm the opportunity to prove that he's much more than the Fantastic Four's muscle. Ben understands people, understands Doom, and knows that sometimes the best way to defeat Victor Von Doom is not through force at all. It's through his ego. DOOMASAUR the Doctor Doom Dinosaur: The Secret to Beating Doom Is His Ego One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is the hosts' discussion about Doctor Doom and the one weakness that always seems to bring him down: himself. Doom may be one of the smartest people in the Marvel Universe. He may have incredible technology, mystical knowledge, armies, and enough confidence to challenge almost anyone. But Doom also has an ego. The hosts discuss how Fantastic Four #13 understands this fundamental part of the character. The way to defeat Doom isn't always finding a bigger weapon or assembling a stronger team. Sometimes all you need to do is give Doom an opportunity to prove how brilliant and superior he believes he is—and let that arrogance do the rest. The fact that this issue has two versions of Doom only makes that weakness even more entertaining. After all, what could possibly go wrong when two of the most arrogant people in the multiverse are both convinced they are the smartest person in the room? Why the Dinosaur Fantastic Four Stories Are So Much Fun Beyond the Doom storyline, the hosts spend time reflecting on just how much they have enjoyed this dinosaur detour in Ryan North's Fantastic Four run. The concept could have easily been treated as a throwaway joke, but the hosts appreciate how much fun the creative team has with the premise. Dinosaur versions of familiar Marvel characters, alternate versions of the Fantastic Four, dinosaur Avengers, and now Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur all combine into one of the most delightfully ridiculous stories of the series. The hosts praise Ryan North for being willing to embrace the inherent silliness of superhero comics while still treating the characters and stakes seriously enough for the story to matter. That's what makes the dinosaur storyline work so well: the comic knows exactly how ridiculous the concept is, but it never acts embarrassed by it. Ryan North Continues to Make Fantastic Four Fun As they wrap up the discussion, the hosts once again talk about how much they continue to enjoy Ryan North's approach to Fantastic Four. Issue #13 is filled with giant ideas, alternate universes, superhero action, dinosaurs, and two versions of Doctor Doom plotting together—but underneath all of that chaos is a story that understands its characters. The hosts especially appreciate how the issue gives Ben Grimm an important role in the resolution. Even surrounded by cosmic disasters and superpowered heroes, Ryan North finds a way to remind readers that Ben's greatest strengths aren't always physical. Sometimes the person who knows how to defeat Doctor Doom is simply the person who knows Doctor Doom best. Final Thoughts — Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur By the end of the episode, The Superhero Show finds itself celebrating everything that makes this stretch of Ryan North's Fantastic Four run so much fun. Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur may not have been around for long, but the team-up between human Doom and Dinosaur Doom is exactly as entertaining as it sounds. Between two universes colliding, the Fantastic Four meeting their dinosaur counterparts, the Brothers Grimm stepping up to save the day, and Doctor Doom once again being defeated because of his own enormous ego, Fantastic Four #13 delivers one of the most wonderfully ridiculous adventures of the series. For the hosts, Doomasaur the Doctor Doom Dinosaur is proof that sometimes the best comic book stories begin with a completely absurd idea—and then commit to it one hundred percent. Are You a Research Nerd Who's Looking For More? Here are some links for all your research wants and needs! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series Ryan North's Fantastic Four Join the discussions online! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series, Ryan North's Fantastic Four Catch Up On Past Episodes! Missed any of our past episodes? Catch up here Read Along With Us! Want to watch read with us? Of course you do! Here's a link Ryan North's Fantastic Four (Purchase Necessary)

The Superhero Show #636 Fantastic Four: Annihilus vs Blastaar The Superhero Show — Annihilus vs Blastaar This week, The Superhero Show dives into Episode 1.12 of the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series, “Behold the Negative Zone.” The hosts are introduced to two major Fantastic Four villains, Annihilus and Blastaar, as Reed Richards accidentally opens a portal into the Negative Zone and unleashes two powerful enemies onto Earth. The episode gives the hosts plenty to discuss, from the strange designs and over-the-top personalities of these two cosmic villains to the surprisingly ridiculous side stories involving The Thing. As they break down Annihilus vs Blastaar, the hosts question whether these two legendary comic book villains actually work as threats in this animated adaptation—or whether their goofy presentation makes them much more entertaining than intimidating. Annihilus vs Blastaar: Welcome to the Negative Zone The episode begins when Reed's experiment accidentally opens a portal into the Negative Zone, allowing Annihilus to enter the Fantastic Four's world. Before long, his longtime enemy Blastaar follows him through the dimensional opening, turning what was already a dangerous situation into an even bigger problem. The hosts discuss the basic premise of the Negative Zone and how the series introduces this strange alternate dimension. They also talk about how quickly the episode escalates from Reed conducting a scientific experiment to two alien warlords deciding that Earth is the perfect place to continue their conflict. Annihilus vs Blastaar: Are These Villains Supposed to Be This Silly? A major part of the discussion focuses on Annihilus and Blastaar as characters. The hosts examine how the animated series adapts both villains, comparing their appearances, personalities, and behavior to what they expected from their comic book counterparts. While both are supposed to be formidable rulers and warriors from the Negative Zone, the hosts find their designs and performances surprisingly goofy. Annihilus, in particular, spends much of the episode communicating through strange grunts and unintelligible sounds, while Blastaar gets to be the more talkative and theatrical of the two. Rather than simply asking whether they're accurate adaptations, the hosts have fun debating whether the ridiculous presentation actually makes them more entertaining. Annihilus vs Blastaar: Two Warlords, One Earth The central conflict quickly becomes less about defeating the Fantastic Four and more about Annihilus vs Blastaar. Neither villain is particularly interested in sharing the planet, and their rivalry eventually leads to a formal challenge to determine who will rule. The Fantastic Four find themselves caught between two enemies who are perfectly capable of destroying Earth while they're busy fighting each other. The hosts discuss how strange it is that the Fantastic Four's biggest advantage throughout much of the episode is simply letting these two villains' egos work against them. Annihilus vs Blastaar: The Thing Becomes a Salesman The episode also gives the hosts one of their favorite examples of the show's bizarre humor: The Thing selling VHS tapes of his greatest fights. Ben has apparently turned his superhero exploits into a home-video business, appearing on a shopping network to sell a collector's-edition tape called It's Clobberin' Time. The hosts discuss just how ridiculous this subplot is and why it fits perfectly with the wonderfully strange tone of this version of the Fantastic Four. While Reed is studying black holes and alternate dimensions, Ben is busy trying to make some extra money by selling recordings of himself beating up supervillains. It's exactly the kind of bizarre side plot that makes this series so much fun to revisit. Annihilus vs Blastaar: Ben's Surprise for Alicia And then there's Ben's other big plan: buying Alicia Masters a baby elephant. The hosts discuss the hilarious reveal that Ben's reason for appearing on the shopping network is connected to trying to earn some money for a surprise for Alicia. By the end of the episode, that surprise turns out to be an elephant that Alicia can apparently ride to the supermarket. The hosts have plenty of fun with this moment, questioning Ben's decision-making while also appreciating how strangely wholesome it is. In an episode filled with alien warlords and dimensional portals, the emotional resolution is essentially, “Ben bought Alicia an elephant.” Annihilus vs Blastaar: How Do the Fantastic Four Stop Them? With the Negative Zone portal closed, Reed has to find a way to send Annihilus and Blastaar back to their own dimension. The hosts discuss how the Fantastic Four ultimately use the same bizarre combination of scientific experimentation and energy sources that originally opened the dimensional rift. Even Ben's seemingly unrelated VHS-shopping-network appearance becomes part of Reed's solution because of the unusual energy interaction created by the broadcast. It's another example of the show taking a completely ridiculous setup and somehow finding a scientific explanation that makes it work. Final Thoughts — Annihilus vs Blastaar By the end of Annihilus vs Blastaar, The Superhero Show has plenty to say about an episode that is arguably more memorable for its weirdness than its villains. “Behold the Negative Zone” introduces two important Fantastic Four antagonists, but the animated series gives them such exaggerated designs and personalities that the hosts spend just as much time laughing at them as analyzing them. Between the Annihilus vs Blastaar showdown, Reed's accidental trip into the Negative Zone, The Thing selling his greatest fights on VHS, and Ben buying Alicia a baby elephant, this episode proves that the 1994 Fantastic Four series is never afraid to embrace the absurd. Are You a Research Nerd Who's Looking For More? Here are some links for all your research wants and needs! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series Ryan North's Fantastic Four Join the discussions online! 1994 Fantastic Four Animated Series, Ryan North's Fantastic Four Catch Up On Past Episodes! Missed any of our past episodes? Catch up here Read Along With Us! Want to watch read with us? Of course you do! Here's a link Ryan North's Fantastic Four (Purchase Necessary)