Silver to Bronze: A Marvel Comics Podcast

This week Scott and I head back to the very beginning with Conan the Barbarian #1 from 1970, written by Roy Thomas with art by Barry Windsor Smith, before jumping ahead to issues #23 and #24 from 1973, where Conan crosses paths with a certain red haired warrior for the very first time. We spend some time talking about how much Windsor Smith's art transformed between that first issue and this later run, and it's honestly wild to see the difference. There's adventure, betrayal, and a whole lot of Hyborian Age atmosphere to dig into along the way. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

What happens when Marvel's friendly neighborhood web slinger gets caught in the middle of a plot he doesn't even understand? That's the setup for Giant Size Spider-Man #2, published by Marvel in 1974 with writing from Len Wein and art from Ross Andru. Spidey crosses paths with our favorite martial arts master Shang Chi, and the two end up on a collision course before either of them realizes they're being played. This is a fun one and we hope you come hang with us for an hour or so!  Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are talking about Marvel Premiere #47 and #48 from 1979, the issues where cat burglar Scott Lang first suits up as Ant Man. Writer David Michelinie, with art from John Byrne and Bob Layton, gives us a hero who steals his way into heroism instead of stumbling into it the usual way! This was a lot of fun to talk about, so grab some time and come hang out with us.      Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are talking about Iron Man issues 131 through 133, the three parter "Hulk Is Where the Heart Is" from 1980, written by David Michelinie with art by Jerry Bingham and Bob Layton. Tony Stark tries to help Bruce Banner with a bit of help from Scott Lang (a.k.a. Ant-Man), and the story takes a turn that neither of them saw coming. These three issues are a good representation of why Iron Man means so much to Scott and I.      Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are talking about Special Marvel Edition #15 and #16, the two 1973 issues that introduced Shang Chi before the series became Master of Kung Fu with issue #17 in 1974. Writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin dreamed up this martial arts hero during the kung fu craze of the era. There's a lot packed into these early issues, from his father's shadow, his brother’s shadow, to the mission that sets everything in motion.     Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Scott and I are back with Fantastic Four #168 through #170 from 1976, written by Roy Thomas. Rich Buckler handles the art for the first two issues before George Pérez steps in to draw the third, right as Ben Grimm gets back into the fight in a brand new way. The Thing is out of commission, Luke Cage joins up as Power Man, and things get messy fast between the Wrecker and a little mind control chaos. Crack open a beer (if you are old enough), light up a cigar (if you are old enough) and come hang out with us for a while!    Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are talking about Fantastic Four issues 166 and 167, written by Roy Thomas with art from George Pérez, published back in 1976. Things get wild when the Thing strikes up an unlikely friendship with the Hulk, and it leads the team on a chase that ends up at the Gateway Arch with some tough choices to make. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and come hang out with us for this one!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Grab a snowy Manhattan alleyway, a mysterious amnesiac Black Widow, and a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier in crisis, and you've got the makings of a wild ride. This week Scott and I dig into Marvel Team-Up 82 through 85 from 1979, written by Chris Claremont with art by Sal Buscema, as Spider-Man teams up with Black Widow, Nick Fury, and Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung Fu, to untangle a conspiracy involving the Viper, Boomerang and the Silver Samurai. There's identity crisis, spy intrigue, kung fu action, and even a little romance thrown in for good measure. Pour yourself something cold and come sit with us for this one!  Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I talk all about comics inspired by our favorite films, from sci-fi classics to adventure blockbusters that made the jump from screen to page. We share which movie adaptations stuck with us most and why, and there might be a surprise or two in what we picked as our favorites. No spoilers here, you'll have to tune in to find out which titles made our list. Pop some popcorn, turn off your phone, and come catch the show with us! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I dig into the 1976 team up everyone talks about but not everyone has actually read, Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man by Gerry Conway and Ross Andru. Two publishers, two icons, one oversized issue that became a piece of comic history almost overnight.   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are talking Captain America issues 110, 111, and 113 from 1969, with the gorgeous Jim Steranko art bringing it all to life, plus a little detour into issue 112 where Lee and Kirby took the reins. It's a great stretch of Cap history with some seriously stylish artwork to talk through, and we get into what makes these issues stand out for us. We had a blast covering this run and think you will too.    Pour yourself a cup of coffee and come join us for the conversation!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Scott and I are back with another issue of Thor this week, covering issues 337 through 340 from 1983, written and penciled by Walt Simonson. Scott already knows this run well, but I'm coming at the Beta Ray Bill story completely fresh, so you get a fun mix of nostalgia and genuine surprise as we talk through it. We get into what makes Bill such a great addition to Thor's world and chat about the art and the cosmic stakes along the way.   Pour yourself something good and settle in with us and see what all the fuss is about!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are talking about John Byrne's short but memorable run on The Incredible Hulk, issues 314 through 319, published by Marvel from 1985 to 1986. Byrne both wrote and drew the whole thing, bringing the Green Goliath back to Earth and back to his roots after a long cosmic detour. Hunt down your old Hulk comics, get comfortable, and hang out with us!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This month Scott and I are cracking open three issues of Fanfare, numbers 15, 29, and 51, a Marvel anthology series that gave creators a little more room to stretch. We cover the Thing and the Human Torch getting into their usual trouble, John Byrne putting his stamp on the Hulk, and a Silver Surfer story that, officially speaking, never happened. It is the kind of eclectic mix that makes this series so much fun to revisit. Pull up a chair, pour something cold, and come flip through the longbox with us!  Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week, Scott and I are cracking open Moon Knight #1 through #5 from 1980, written by Doug Moench with art by Bill Sienkiewicz, and we touch on some of Marc Spector's early appearances along the way. Moench and Sienkiewicz bring a moody, street level energy that sets this series apart from just about everything else Marvel was putting out at the time. Free up an hour, get settled in, and come spend some time with us!  Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Scott and I look at Thor issues 160 through 162 from 1969, written by Stan Lee with art by Jack Kirby, a three-issue stretch that pits the God of Thunder against the big guy himself, Galactus, alongside the mind-bending Ego the Living Planet. These issues are where the mythology of Galactus really begins to take shape, and it is a wild cosmic ride from start to finish.   Clear your schedule for a bit and come spend some time with us!  Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week, Scott and I are hanging out with Iron Man issues 86 and 87 from 1976, written by Bill Mantlo and penciled by the great George Tuska. A newly reimagined villain named Blizzard is making Tony Stark's life very cold and very difficult, and we had a great time with these two. Bronze Age Marvel at its most fun. Kick back, find your favorite spot, and come hang out with us! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Marvel continuity has some crazy loose ends, and in this episode Scott and I dig into one of the best attempts to tie one up. We cover Captain America issues 153 through 156 from 1972, written by Steve Englehart with art by Sal Buscema, a four-part arc that asks a simple but thorny question: if Steve Rogers was frozen after World War II, who exactly was that Captain America running around in the 1950s? Englehart's answer is both clever and surprisingly dramatic.  So kick back, get cozy, and come spend some time with us in the Marvel universe!  Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

It is 1978 and Marvel is taking a chance on something new and strange. This week Scott and I dig into the first four issues of Spider-Woman, the debut of Jessica Drew, a former Hydra agent navigating a messy, already-retconned origin. Writer Marv Wolfman brings a horror-soaked atmosphere unlike anything else on the stands, paired with the distinctive art of Carmine Infantino.  Pop in your earbuds, get comfortable, and come hang out with us! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

1977 was a big year for Marvel, and Ms. Marvel was a big part of why. Scott and I spend some time with the first four issues of Carol Danvers' debut series, and we found plenty to talk about. Fun comics, a fascinating character, and a top notch creative team behind the scenes that makes the story even more interesting. Dig out your longbox, get cozy, and come spend some time with us! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Hey everyone! This week Scott and I have finally gotten around to some Silver Age Daredevil with issues 16 and 17, a classic two-parter from 1966 where Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. pull off one of Marvel's all-time great tricks: getting Spider-Man and Daredevil to beat the snot out of each other, and it's all the Masked Marauder's fault! So dust off your longbox, settle in, and let's have some fun!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Hey everyone! This week Scott and I are tackling one of the most powerful and emotionally charged stories in X-Men history, the legendary graphic novel God Loves, Man Kills. It is a heavy one, folks, but we promise to make it a good time as we work our way through this timeless tale that somehow feels just as relevant today as it ever did. And because we like to keep things interesting, we are also spending some time going through one lucky listener's personal top ten favorite comic covers ever! That's right, somebody actually wrote in, and now we all have to live with their choices. Pull up a chair, grab your longbox, and hang out with us!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

We're celebrating our 50th episode in the most Marvel way possible by covering our favorite 50th issues! I picked up Tomb of Dracula #50, a fan-favorite issue from one of Marvel's most beloved horror runs, while Scott staked his claim on West Coast Avengers #50, a standout issue from Marvel's West Coast team. Join us as we discuss what makes these issues special. Here's to 50 more! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week we spend some time with the very beginning of The Defenders, looking at issues #1–4 from the early Bronze Age. Doctor Strange, the Hulk, and Namor come together in what might be the most unlikely team in Marvel. Along the way we talk about why the Defenders always felt a little different from the more organized superhero teams. As usual, we share our impressions of these early issues and what stood out to us and we hope you join us!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week we head back to the early days of the Marvel Universe with Giant-Sized Invaders #1. Roy Thomas brings Captain America, Bucky, the Human Torch, Toro, and Namor the Sub-Mariner together for a Bronze Age return to wartime heroics, with dynamic art from Frank Robbins. We talk about how this story revisits Marvel’s Golden Age roots, what works, what feels different, and how these larger-than-life characters land for us reading it now. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I spend some time with The Champions, Marvel’s short-lived 1975 team book that brought together an unlikely group of heroes that includes Black Widow, Hercules, Ghost Rider, Iceman, and Angel. It’s a series that never quite found its footing, but that may be part of its charm (or not!). Come hang out with us as we look back at one of Marvel’s more curious team titles from the era. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I spend some time remembering our shared favorite artist, the late Sal Buscema. We are not breaking down panels or ranking runs. We are simply talking about what his work meant to us. From The Incredible Hulk to Nova and especially ROM: Spaceknight, Sal’s art was part of the Marvel we grew up with. Steady. Expressive. Always there when we needed it. Join us as we share memories, favorite moments, and a little gratitude for an artist who helped shape our love of comics. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I finally sat down with Luke Cage, Hero for Hire. We both knew Cage as a character long before this, but this was our first real time reading his early comics. We talk through our overall impressions and what stood out to us as first time readers.   Hang out with us as we talk about all things early Luke Cage in this unique Bronze Age creation! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I take a trip into one of Jack Kirby’s most unexpected creations: Devil Dinosaur. Kirby handled the concept, story, and art himself, and we went in expecting something fun but a bit campy. Instead, we found a surprisingly engaging Bronze Age series that carries strong echoes of Silver Age adventure and Golden Age energy. Join us as we experience this Kirby oddity for the first time and discover why it turned out to be far more memorable than we ever expected. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

In this episode, Scott and I take a look at what we think are some of the best examples of Marvel Two in One, focusing on issues that show why Ben Grimm has always been one of Marvel’s most beloved characters. The Thing is always human, funny, stubborn, loyal, and thoughtful. As always, we invite you to hang out with us, revisit these issues, and see whether you find yourself agreeing with us or quietly arguing back! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week, Scott and I spend some time with Marvel Team-Up, sharing our favorite issues and talking about just how good this series could be when the right creators were involved. We touch on the surprisingly strong writing and art from names like Claremont, Byrne, and Mantlo, and why this book often punched above its weight. Along the way, we stumble onto a quirky issue built around a Reed Richards mystery, complete with hidden clues for readers to spot. You can try to solve it yourself, or just hang out with us and play along as we revisit one of Marvel’s most consistently fun team-up titles. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

In this episode, Scott and I take a closer look at Strange Tales Annual #2, a Silver Age team up featuring Spider-Man and Human Torch by Lee, Kirby, and Ditko. Rather than focusing on spectacle, we dig into the uneasy friendship between Peter Parker and Johnny Storm, how rivalry and insecurity shape their interactions, and what this story reveals about Marvel’s early approach to character driven drama. It is a conversation about personality, youth, and how Marvel used relationships, not just villains, to carry a story. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This episode is all about milestone comics. Scott and I take on Fantastic Four #200 and The Amazing Spider-Man #200, two Bronze Age issues carrying the same anniversary number but approaching it from very different angles. One leans big and dramatic, the other turns inward and focuses on character. Come hang out with us as we compare how Marvel marked the 200th issue in two very distinct ways. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Scott and I stay firmly in the Silver Age for the second week in a row as we dig back into Tales of Suspense and the early Captain America stories that introduced one of his greatest enemies, the Red Skull. This episode focuses on Tales of Suspense #65, #66, and #79–81, tracing how the Red Skull is established as both a physical and ideological threat to Cap, and how those early stories shape their rivalry going forward. Come hang out with Scott and me as we revisit these classic issues and see how Captain America’s world was being rebuilt during the Silver Age. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

Scott and I head back to Iron Man’s Silver Age beginnings in Tales of Suspense, tracing how the series grows as Don Heck, Steve Ditko, and a little bit of Jack Kirby shape Tony Stark’s world. We spend time with the early days of the Crimson Dynamo and the first appearance of the Black Widow, and we talk through the arrival of Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts. It was fun to see how these pieces fall into place, and we invite you to hang out with us as we revisit the foundations of Iron Man’s corner of Marvel history.

Scott and I sat down with Amazing Spider-Man issues 100 to 102, a run neither of us had read before, and we ended up liking it for very different reasons. This is the stretch where Peter tries to cure himself and instead becomes the six-armed Spider-Man while Morbius makes his first appearance. Come hang out with us and see what stood out, what surprised us, and why these three issues left such an impression. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I check out the cosmic rebirth of Warlock. We read Jim Starlin’s Strange Tales issues as well as Warlock issues 9-10 that followed later. These were new to both of us and we had a great time discovering how Starlin reshaped the character, built the cosmic tone, and set up some of the wild ideas that would define Warlock for years. 

This week Scott and I travel back to Wakanda’s first appearance in the pages of Fantastic Four. We explore the debut of the Black Panther, how his story fits into the Marvel universe of the 1960s, and why this early issues makes T’Challa’s introduction one of the most striking origins of the Silver Age. Pull up a chair and hang as we talk Fantastic Four issues 52, 53 as well as the Fantastic Four Annual #5.

This week Scott and I are talking about our favorite supporting characters from the Silver and Bronze Ages of Marvel Comics. We were sure we’d have a lot of overlap, but we ended up surprising each other. It reminded us how deep the Marvel bench really is and how much life these non-powered characters brought to their stories. From reporters and friends to mentors and everyday people, they made the Marvel world feel real. Come hang out with us as we celebrate the ones who stood just outside the spotlight, made all the difference, with not a cape in sight!   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I are having a blast creeping through the monster side of Marvel. We’re reading some spooky Silver and Bronze Age stories and getting to know the haunted corners of the universe. Dracula, Werewolf by Night, and even a little bit about the horrifying Comic Code Authority! Join us for a good time as we rediscover what we love and uncover a few eerie surprises we’ve never read before. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I got to know the Vision, a character we didn’t know much about before. We followed his strange beginnings with Ultron, his surprising link to the original Human Torch, and his early adventures with the Avengers. It turned out to be a great mix of classic Marvel science fiction and heart. Come hang out with us as we figure out what makes the Vision such a unique part of the Marvel universe.

This week Scott and I stepped into the world of Doctor Strange for the first time. Most of what we read came from Steve Ditko’s run in Strange Tales, and it was a trip seeing how different these stories are from anything else Marvel was doing at the time. Come hang out with us as we get to know the Sorcerer Supreme just a little bit better! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social  

This week Scott and I revisit Iron Man issues 149 and 150, better known as Doomquest. These were favorites when we were kids, and returning to them reminded us why. Iron Man and Doctor Doom are pulled back to the time of King Arthur, where science meets magic and honor is tested. Hang out with us as we talk about what made these stories remain one of our favorites to this day! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I go behind the shadows of Nick Fury’s earliest missions. From his Strange Tales run to the first five issues of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., we explore the shift from Kirby’s bold setups to Steranko’s psychedelic, boundary-pushing art. Steranko turned spy comics into something no one had seen before, and we couldn’t resist geeking out over every detail. Of course, we tip our hats to Jack Kirby, because where Fury goes, Kirby usually isn’t far behind. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social  

This week we trace the Hulk’s path from his short-lived first series to his rebirth in Tales to Astonish and his eventual return to a full solo title. From misunderstood monster to cornerstone of Marvel’s lineup, we look at how the character struggled to find his footing and how those early stories shaped the Hulk we know today (a.k.a. the 1980s).   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I cracked open The Mighty Thor #248–250, our first time reading these Bronze Age issues. The story drops us into palace intrigue, Odin acting strangely, and the return of Mangog with the Odinsword looming in the background. Hear what surprised us, what made us laugh, and how these issues altered our opinion of the God of Thunder! Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

In this episode of Silver to Bronze, Scott and I revisit one of Spider-Man’s most iconic early arcs: “If This Be My Destiny…” from Amazing Spider-Man #31–33. These three issues, crafted by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, showcase a pivotal turning point in the character’s history. While a Silver Age story, it set the stage for the emotional depth and heroic grit that would define Spider-Man throughout the Bronze Age. We talk about Ditko’s masterful art and panel storytelling, the layered pacing of Peter Parker’s struggles, and the unforgettable “lifting sequence” that remains one of the most powerful moments in Marvel history. These issues blew us away and there is no wondering why this arc still resonates with readers more than half a century later. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week Scott and I set aside story arcs to talk about the covers that grabbed our attention and stayed with us. These are not the most iconic images in comics history, but they are the ones that meant the most to us personally. We each brought our favorites, compared notes, and had a blast sharing why these covers still feel special. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week, Scott and I are talking about one of our favorites from back in the day, ROM the Spaceknight. We look at what made this series stand out, from Bill Mantlo’s heartfelt and imaginative writing to Sal Buscema’s classic Marvel artwork. ROM might have started as a toy tie-in, but for us it became something much more. Join us as we revisit the battles with the Dire Wraiths, the cosmic themes, Scott’s obsession with Galactus’ eyes, and why this series still holds such a special place in our comic-loving hearts.   Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social

This week, Scott and I have some fun with the Fantastic Four, talking about a mix of issues that caught our eye for all kinds of reasons. There are funny moments, memorable collaborations, and plenty of Silver and Bronze Age storytelling. It is a lighthearted trip through Marvel’s First Family that is all about enjoying the ride. Want to reach out to us? 📧 [email protected] 🌐 silvertobronze.bsky.social