Fantastic Four: The Frightful Four

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? 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