Fantastic Four Fan Cast

An offbeat FF story turns into a playful debate as we break down the first issue of Walter Simonson's Fantastic Four run and its strange string of villain attacks—one of us liked it… the other definitely didn’t.

The Fantastic Four and the X-Men join forces in a cosmic showdown against the Badoon in this action-packed annual. Plus, not only do the boys discuss their favorite X-Men, but  Shane hits the road to New Jersey to watch the Flyers take it to the Devils. May the small crossover section of FF and hockey fans rejoice!

As the truth behind the mysterious fire-related deaths is revealed, Johnny Storm is forced to confront the consequences of power, responsibility, and guilt. Also, Shane reacts to the Super Mario Galaxy movie while Nate wonders if anything can ever top the 1993 Super Mario Bros. classic.

A Fantastic Four double feature where Sue gets her due and the Impossible Man makes his debut.  Plus, Nate and Shane hit the road visiting comic shops and add some fun finds to their collections.

Shane tries to pull an April Fools prank… but Nate UNO reverses it. The result? We’re covering Alpha Flight #4 whether we planned to or not! Worry not, however, true believers, for the Invisible Girl guests stars in this offbeat adventure!

The journey to recover Counter-Earth reaches its climax as the Thing, Alicia Masters, and a powerful group of cosmic allies confront the mysterious Prime Movers and their leader Sphinxor. Also, Nate is forced to acquire a new car, while Shane took the time to do absolutely nothing and found out that it was everything he ever thought it could be.

When Ego the Living Planet sets a collision course with Earth, the Fantastic Four take the fight directly to the surface—and interior—of a living world. As the team is pushed to their limits, it all comes down to Ben Grimm making a desperate final stand deep within Ego itself! Plus, Shane had a great week—Nate… not so much.

Johnny Storm appeared to have captured the villain responsible for a deadly string of mysterious combustions centered among a particular troop of New York firefighters, but the truth is far more complicated. With reporter Sheila Donner digging for answers and suspicion falling on Johnny's newfound comrades, the Human Torch finally uncovers the identity of the real pyrokinetic. Also, Shane vents about a board game night that didn’t quite live up to expectations while Nate shares his early impressions of season two of Fallout.

When a mysterious stranger steals Ben Grimm’s powers and infiltrates the Baxter Building, a deadly experiment in the newly discovered Negative Zone forces a confrontation with the true character of Reed Richards. Join us for one of the most powerful and tragic redemption stories ever told in FF history in celebration of the 60th anniversary of its publication! Plus, Shane recaps a weekend of hobby painting while Nate talks world-building and campaign prep for his next D&D adventure.

In the aftermath of their clash with Moondragon and Her, Thing and Starhawk race across space to rescue Alicia — only to find themselves embroiled in a cosmic mystery! Also, Shane takes a detour to break down his complicated relationship with Magic: The Gathering.

An ordinary man unknowingly reshapes reality while the Fantastic Four face global catastrophe. Plus, Shane continues his war against household appliances while Nate lands a major key issue for the collection.

Johnny Storm joins the FDNY as the mystery of living fire reaches a boiling point. Also, we discuss winter weather woes, sick pets, Wonder Man, and new Marvel Multiverse RPG expansions!

Doctor Doom returns with body-swapping science and a plan too clever for its own good.  Plus,  Shane visits a reptile zoo and Nate nearly has an aneurysm over Silver Age comic book pseudo-science.

A cosmic being named Her abducts Alicia Masters in search of Adam Warlock. Plus, Shane tackles the daunting task of organizing his comic book collection, while Nate spends the week dealing with a frustrating knee injury.

Johnny Storm investigates a murder after the man convicted of it is already dead.  Also, Shane finally makes progress through his comic book backlog, we share our early thoughts on the current volume of Fantastic Four, and Nate discovers that Shane may not fully understand how the human body works. 

Shane gushes over his latest comic grail get, the boys fall into corner box nostalgia, and we break down Human Torch Vol. 3 #3 — featuring firefighters, guilt, and a living fireball-- and we don't mean Johnny Storm!

The fellas talk about how they spent the Christmas holiday, the Fantastic Four–related gifts they received, and how Shane doesn’t recognize a single old-school celebrity — despite this issue being packed with them — before diving into a bizarre story involving Hollywood movie studios, fake film shoots, very real monsters, and Namor’s most unhinged plan yet to eliminate the Fantastic Four and claim Sue Storm for himself.

In the midst of a chaotic holiday season, the boys discuss what topics they'd like to cover in 2026 and a deep dive into Fantastic Four Vol. 2 #6 — where everything old is new again, but how does it measure up against the original run?

Nate and Shane sit down with acclaimed One World Under Doom cover artist Ben Harvey and discuss Doctor Doom, his Fantastic Four influences, the realities of cover art, and what it takes to break into the comics industry.

Diablo returns, the elemental monsters attack NYC, and pure Fantastic Four problem-solving . Plus: more Shane based appliance disasters!

What does Shane’s microwave catching fire and the questionable decisions of the boys' youth have in common? Find out as we dive into Human Torch #2 — where Johnny Storm’s past mistakes come back to haunt him!

Join the boys as they go panel-by-panel through the debuts of Alicia Masters and the Puppet Master, complete with identity hijinks, a prison riot, and romance!

Shane admits defeat to his comic backlog, Nate talks Extra Life charity, and we revisit our favorite podcast moments so far — all before diving back into the Heroes Reborn era, featuring Doctor Doom, the Black Panther, Wyatt Wingfoot, and a massive cosmic twist.

Can the Fantastic Four survive against the plastoid menace that has invaded the North Pole? Find out as Nate and Shane continue their examination of John Byrne's opening storyarc as writer of the fabulous foursome in this, the stunning conclusion!

Johnny Storm takes center stage as the boys look back at the opening arc of his early 2000's solo series. Plus, Shane's daughter embraces comics!

In yet another Lee and Kirby adventure, the Fabulous FF find themselves taken captive by the extraterrestrial Kurrgo! And much like Kurrgo, watch as Shane takes control of this week's show and starts ordering Nate around like he's his boss or something. Also, what is a participation trophy? Inquiring minds want to know.

It's our Halloween Spooktacular as we look back at the time Reed Richards and Johnny Storm opened a Hellmouth (Ghostmouth?) under dear Aunt Petunia's farmhouse! We would be remiss if we didn't give a big shout out to you, our loyal listeners, who made all the wonderful suggestions on the topic issue for this episode. Happy Halloween!

We continue to revisit Heroes Reborn with the reintroduction of T'challa, the Black Panther! Plus, Shane faces his greatest foes: His own favorite sports teams!

Byrne it down!  Nate and Shane take a look at the first issue of Fantastic Four written and penciled by John Byrne.  Plus, the boys address their recent hiatus and Nate discloses what his dream job would be in the Marvel Universe.

We're back from our hiatus and wrapping up the 2001 miniseries from Grant Morrison and Jae Lee! Recorded just after Labor Day, Nate battles through overtime based exhaustion as Shane tussles with aches and pains, but will both be able to survive the mind bending conclusion to this reality warping tale?

It's the super villain team up that started it all as the mighty Sub-Mariner aligns with the diabolic Doctor Doom in a bid to eliminate the fabulous Fantastic Four! We would also like to issue an upfront apology regarding this episode as we experienced quite a few technical difficulties that we were not quite able to fully circumnavigate in our editing phase. We will do our best to prevent further occurrences of these in the future. Thanks for listening!

The boys wrap up Jim Lee and Brandon Choi's initial arc of their relaunch of the World's Greatest Comic Magazine. Does team Wildstorm stick the landing? Plus, Nate versus bears!

Shane plunges into despair as Johnny Storm plunges into Subterranea in the penultimate issue of Morrsion and Lee's FF miniseries. Nate's fine though, thanks for asking. Reach out via email at:[email protected]

SPOILERS AHEAD! Nate and Shane discuss their very different opinions regarding the latest film outing of our fabulous foursome, as well as their choice in collectible popcorn buckets! Plus, Shane's Gettysburg and ballpark adventures and Nate's San Diego vacation!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Curse you, Richards! Nate and Shane cover the debut of the Fantastic Four's arch nemesis, but does it hold up?  And what popcorn buckets will the boys get for their collection coming out of the new Fantastic Four: First Steps film?Reach out via email at:[email protected]

The Mole Man! SHIELD! Namor! Giganto! Nate and Shane continue to explore Jim Lee's 1996 reboot of the FF and find that they're having one heck of a first day on the job! Plus,the fellas discuss their reactions to the new Superman film!

Double the Things equals double the fun and double the trouble as Nate and Shane dive into the 50th issue of Marvel Two-In-One by John Byrne! Plus, hear about all the depressing board games Shane likes to play!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Nate and Shane return to cover the second issue of Grant Morrison and Jae Lee's miniseries, but one burning question still lingers: Will Shane actually start to enjoy this series? Also, is "shipping" a term that the kids still use these days?Reach out via email at:[email protected]

With James Gunn's new Superman film releasing this week, Nate and Shane break down the time that the Man of Steel teamed up with Marvel's First Family to confront Galactus and the Cyborg Superman in a story by Dan Jurgens! Plus, remembering the late, great Jim Shooter and how the boys spent Independence Day.Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Shane is sleep deprived and Nate's had too much sleep, but both of them can agree on one thing: Namor is a jerk! The prince of Atlantis makes his triumphant return to the silver age of comics in this issue. Plus, how Shane broke his nose and "Who is the Hulk?" Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Everything old is new again as Nate and Shane take a trip back in time to the era of grunge, VHS, and pogs to examine Jim Lee and Brandon Choi's Heroes Reborn relaunch of the FF! Plus, updates on our social media presence, why staying hydrated matters, and a shout out to the borough of Jim Thorpe, PA for providing Shane with a quaint Saturday afternoon!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Nate and Shane enjoy a fun romp wherein the Human Torch teams up with the Amazing Spider-Man courtesy of writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

After equally difficult weekends, Nate and Shane try to relax by examining the initial issue of Grant Morrison and Jae Lee's Marvel Knights miniseries... with vastly differing results!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Nate & Shane rave over new costumes, a new headquarters, new vehicles, and more as the foundation of Fantastic Four lore solidifies. Plus, the initial evolution of Johnny Storm!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Nate & Shane take a look at the debut appearance of the Skrulls! Plus, remembering Peter David and finding out that Shane can't win at anything.

Nate & Shane are joined by cartoonist, illustrator, art director, and monster maker Darren Auck for a discussion and panel by panel review of Fantastic Four #1! Plus: Darren shares his experiences within the famed Marvel Comics Bullpen and why he loves the FF!Reach out via email at:[email protected]

Join Nate and Shane as they explain their interest in Marvel's First Family and what to expect from this brand new Fantastic podcast!Reach out via email at:[email protected]