Capes On The Couch - Where Comics Need Counseling

In honor of Christmas, we cover a red & green hero - MISTER MIRACLE! Anthony & Doc rave about Tom King's run, and talk about how a solid marriage can make anyone a hero! Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Shout out to Into the Knight podcast Background (10:45) Created by Jack Kirby in Mister Miracle #1 (April 1971) Scott Free (actual birth name unknown) is son of the Highfather, ruler of New Genesis – as a way to stop a war with Apokolips, Highfather traded him to Darkseid in exchange for Darkseid’s son Orion Grew up in hellish environment and managed to survive abuse Met Big Barda and fell in love with her – then Scott escaped to Earth The escape nullified the pact with Darkseid, so he attacked New Genesis Scott met an escape artist, Thaddeus Brown, who called himself Mister Miracle – after Brown was murdered, Scott took up the mantle Barda came to Earth to be with Scott – they joined the Justice League and lived a quiet married life when not saving the world In the Tom King

Before Into the Spider-Verse drops, Anthony & Doc tackle the KINGPIN, WILSON FISK! They also mourn the cancellation of Daredevil, and Anthony grinds his throat down during the skit doing his best Vincent D'Onofrio impression. Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Shout out to Considered & Conceited Background (10:12) Created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. in The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (July 1967) Grew up as obese child who was bullied for his weight until he started working out and took over a gang Rose through the ranks to become a powerful crime lord, but had a front as a legitimate businessman which only gave him more power and access Met a woman named Vanessa, they had a son named Richard who left the family when he found out what his father really did Walked away from crime for a while to appease Vanessa, but came back after Vanessa’s apparent assassination by rival gangsters Although he started off battling Spider-Man, his greatest nemesis is Daredevil Hires Elektra and the

We cover the Incredible Hulk. And for a character this large, we need help, so we called upon our friends at Popcorn Psychology to guest host with us! This is our biggest and most fun episode yet, with a group therapy session you'll have to hear to believe! Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background Created by Stan Lee (RIP) and Jack Kirby in The Incredible Hulk #1 (May 1962) Robert Bruce Banner saves young Rick Jones from detonation of a gamma bomb, but in the process gets hit with radiation – when angered or stressed, turns into a large green (originally gray) hulking creature Goes on to help found the Avengers, but leaves team shortly thereafter because of inability to cooperate with other heroes Military discovers Hulk’s true identity and begins a hunt for him, led by General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Major Glenn Talbot Banner is in love with Betty Ross, the General’s daughter, but she also has feelings for Talbot Banner’s control over the Hulk, and the Hulk’s intelligence, waxe

This week Anthony & Doc tackle the Master of the Mystic Arts, DOCTOR STRANGE! What makes one of the founders of the original Defenders tick? Plus what happens when Dr. Strange loses his smile? Listen now and find out! [EDITOR'S NOTE: This show was recorded prior to Stan Lee's passing, and as such no mention was made of it. We will honor The Man during our next episode, fittingly about the Incredible Hulk.] SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (04:19) Created by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963) Stephen Strange is an arrogant surgeon whose hands are severely damaged in a car accident, and seeks a cure for his tremors – finds the Ancient One in the Himalayas – saves Ancient One from attack by Baron Mordo, and in return Ancient One agrees to teach Strange about the mystic arts Returns to NY and takes up residence in Sanctum Santorum, on Bleecker St. in Greenwich Village, and has assistant Wong Fought Dormammu, Satannish, and Vishanti – powerful beings of mystical power

Molecule Man, Molecule Man, does whatever a molecule can... that includes being a mama's boy and making Twilight Zone references! Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (2:50) Molecule Man (Owen Reece) created by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #20 (Nov. 1963) Timid scientist who was hit with radiation during experiment, leaving him with ability to control matter at the molecular level Fired for accident, decides to become supervillain and turn on mankind Originally believed he could only use powers while holding a metal wand, and could not impact organic molecules Defeated by Fantastic Four and sent to another dimension by Uatu, where he created a “son” and gave him his powers, without limitations – transferred his own consciousness to the wand The “son” transported to Florida, where he was defeated by Thing & Man-Thing – without the wand, his body quickly aged & turned to dust – wand was picked up by several different people, all of whom became possessed by Owen

We're the best at what we do, and what we do is analyze WOLVERINE! Doc & Anthony break down James "Logan" Howlett and his relationships. Plus Doc sings Peter Cetera and Anthony goes Tough Mudder on Kitty Pryde. Listen now! SHOW NOTES:   Introduction Background (8:18) Created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr. (drawn by Herb Trimpe) in The Incredible Hulk #180/181 (Oct./Nov. 1974) Originally simply an agent of the Canadian government known as Weapon X tasked with taking down the Hulk (originally, “moving is the thing I do best”) Then introduced as member of new X-Men team in 1975’s Giant-Size X-Men #1 – becomes attracted to Jean Grey, Cyclops’ girlfriend Later meets Lady Mariko Yashida in Japan, and falls in love with her – shortly thereafter has to evade Alpha Flight, division of Canadian government Department H who have to bring him in Becomes engaged to Mariko, but has to break it off because Mariko’s family is connected to yakuza Takes Kitty Pryde under his wing, and he become

It's our Halloween episode all about the Green Goblin, Norman Osborn. Then again, Anthony would rather be in Kamchatka than celebrate Halloween, but he managed anyway. Listen now! SHOW NOTES:   Introduction Background (10:56) Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in Amazing Spider-Man #14 (July 1964) Head of Oscorp, a chemical company – discovered a secret formula created by his former business partner Mendell Stromm – attempted to recreate it, but it exploded in his face, driving him insane He decided to become a crime boss in NYC, and chose Spider-Man as his nemesis – unsuccessful in several attempts to defeat him Learns that Spider-Man is Peter Parker, a classmate of his son Harry, and attacks him – in the ensuing battle, Norman gets hit with electrical wires, giving him amnesia – Peter destroys the costume and uses this opportunity to start again Norman regains his memories and kidnaps Gwen Stacy – during the rescue attempt, Gwen dies, and Peter, driven by rage, nearly beats Norman to death, b

Third time's a charm - we finally get around to analyzing Ra's al Ghul! Anthony & Doc discuss the value of legacy, reference Hamilton for a second week in a row, and Ra's turns into Grampa Simpson on the couch. Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background Created by Julius Schwartz, Dennis O'Neill, and Neal Adams in Batman #232 (June 1971) Name translates from Arabic to "the Demon's Head" or "Head of the Ghoul" Born 600 years ago in the Arabian peninsula to a tribe of nomads - became a doctor who discovered Lazarus Pits which physically rejuvenate the user, but take a mental toll Over centuries, he becomes a genius and capable fighter, but comes to hate humanity because of their destruction of the environment - becomes an eco-terrorist whose goal is to eliminate much of the world's population through a virus Deduces Batman's secret identity and determines he is the most suitable heir to his empire, so he creates a trap to kidnap Robin and test Bruce Daughter Talia was also used as part of the trap -

Patron Matt wanted it, so we give it to you - VANDAL SAVAGE! Just as Supergirl returns, Anthony & Doc Issues cover DC's immortal powermonger. They also sing Hamilton and talk about their upcoming crossover episode with Popcorn Psychology! Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (11:25) Created by Alfred Bester & Martin Nodell in Green Lantern #10 (December 1943) Originally a Cro-Magnon named Vandar Adg who lived in approximately 50,000 BC, he was bathed in the radiation of a meteorite, which gave him intelligence and immortality Claims to have been several people throughout the ages: Khafre, Cheops, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, Blackbeard, Vlad the Impaler, Jack the Ripper Served as adviser to Erik the Red, William the Conqueror, Napoleon, Otto von Bismarck, and Adolf Hitler Once tried to capture the Justice Society and place them in suspended animation, but was stopped by Jay Garrick and Barry Allen working together Formed a villainous group called Tartarus to battle

Just in time for the Supergirl premiere, President-level Patron Brian selected HANK HENSHAW! Learn how this pastiche of Reed Richards became a fully fleshed out character AFTER he lost all his flesh! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background Created by Dan Jurgens in Adventures of Superman #465 (May 1990) Originally a parody of the Fantastic Four, he, his wife, and two other members of a space shuttle encounter cosmic radiation - Hank suffers no effects initially other than white hair, but his body eventually decays - he transfers his consciousness to a computer He appears to his wife in a robot body, and she jumps out a window He then transfers his body to Superman's birthing matrix to journey into space Comes to believe that Superman was responsible for the shuttle accident, and vows vengeance After Superman's death, Hank creates a cyborg body and claims to be Superman reborn, in order to destroy his reputation - manages to convince Lois he really is Clark due to vague memories from the birthing matrix Defeats

Our first ever listener-poll chosen episode - THE GOVERNOR from the Walking Dead! Doc shudders over the unholy trinity of sexual taboos, and Anthony makes the fewest pop culture references in an episode! Listen now! (SIDE NOTE: After we recorded, we realized we had miscounted, and this was the 24th episode, not the 25th. Rather than re-record the intro, we left it in. Whoops.) SHOW NOTES: Introduction Anthony met his Extra Life fundraising goal - head will be shaved later this week! Background (07:28) The Governor, Brian Blake - created by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn in The Walking Dead #27 (April 2006) Head of Woodbury, Georgia, a small community of survivors who welcomes Rick Grimes and his crew Rick is disturbed to learn the Governor uses zombies as entertainment, and forces people to fight each other He has a small zombie girl chained up in his private living quarters - it's his niece, Penny, and their relationship becomes more sexual as the series progresses The Governor turns

In conjunction with The Gifted Season 2 premiere, Anthony & Doc examine the Stepford Cuckoos! What problems could telepathic identical triplets possibly have? Plus, we're pretty sure this is the first ever time WWE, Santeria, and Sweet Valley High are mentioned in the same hour! Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction The Walking Dead listener poll & Anthony's Extra Life fundraiser Background (04:47) Stepford Cuckoos were created by Grant Morrison in New X-Men #118 (Nov. 2001) Introduced as identical quintuplets and proteges of Emma Frost - Sophie, Phoebe, Mindee (Irma), Celeste, and Esme Called the Stepford Cuckoos by classmates, they preferred to be called the Five-in-One Esme had a crush on Kato Anishiwa, a student at the Xavier Institute - he turned out to be Stuff, an advance scout for the Shi'ar Imperial Guard, who attacked the school All five girls combined their psychic powers to help defeat Kid Omega, who was leading a rebellion of students at the school - Sophie was under the influence of a

It's our second Patreon President selected episode - SPAWN! Find out what happens when an atheist becomes an agent of Hell! Plus references to the Simpsons, Annie Duke, and Pascal's Wager! Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (08:54) Created by Todd McFarlane in Spawn #1 (May 1992) Al Simmons, former Marine and CIA black operative, killed by a partner and sent to Hell - made a deal with Malebolgia - in exchange for his soul, he can see his wife again Returns to human world 5 years later - wife has now married best friend Terry and they have a daughter, Cyan Attacked by Violator, another demon and lackey of Malebolgia, who tells him he's an agent of Hell Meets bum Cogliostro, who knows history of Hellspawns Attacked by Angela, agent of Heaven who hunts Hellspawns Finds out order to kill him was given by Jason Wynn, his former boss, who is given heavenly powers to become Anti-Spawn/Redeemer - Spawn comes out victorious Fights the Freak, tortured by nightmares of his past Meets Harry Houdini, who's

WE'RE BACK! Season 2 of Capes kicks off with a look at Typhoid Mary, the multiple personality seductress featured in Iron Fist S2 this week! So sit back and enjoy all the South Park references and psychoanalysis you can handle! SHOW NOTES: Introduction/welcome back Changes to the show for Season 2 (01:55) Weekly blog Listener poll Livestreaming if unlocked by Patreon Anthony's Extra Life fundraiser (09:30) Background (13:15) Mary Walker, created by Ann Nocenti and John Romita, Jr. in Daredevil #254 (May 1988) Suffers from multiple personalities - Mary is weak and sickly, Typhoid is impulsive and lustful Typhoid has low level telekinesis and psionic ability to manipulate men Hired by Kingpin for her dual abilities - Mary to seduce Matt Murdock, Typhoid to battle Daredevil Typhoid also seduced Kingpin, although she couldn't control him well Defeated Daredevil and nearly killed him, until Mary's guilt took over and she saved him Created additional personality - Bloody Mary - sadistic man-hater who kills do

It's our second ever Patreon President-selected episode, as listener Matt suggests Multiple Man Jamie Madrox! Anthony & Dr. Issues discuss paralysis by analysis, and Doc deals with an unorthodox group session. Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (03:33) Created by Chris Claremont, Len Wein, John Buscema in Giant-Size Fantastic Four #4 (Feb. 1975) Has ability to create numerous duplicates of himself, usually through kinetic force Is not a mutant, but a changeling - a subsection of mutants whose abilities manifest at birth, rather than adolescence Splits into two babies when the doctor slaps him at birth Father creates a suit to control his powers Damien Tryp tries to convince Madroxes to let Jamie come with him, they refuse, and Tryp creates a tornado that destroys his home and kills his parents Finds the Fantastic Four, who send him to Professor Xavier, who sends him to study at Muir Island with Moira McTaggert He gets close with Siryn, daughter of Banshee Duplicate goes off and joins the Fa

Don't be afraid, it's just the latest episode of Capes on the Couch featuring Gotham's premier fear fetishist, Scarecrow! Anthony & Dr. Issues talk about how Jonathan Crane would be a mage, and Anthony goes on a non sequiter about cookies. It's par for the course, really - listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (02:50) Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson - World's Finest Comics #3 (Sept. 1941) - only made 2 Golden Age appearances, later revived in the 1960s Jonathan Crane was bullied as a child because he looked like Ichabod Crane, becomes obsessed with making others afraid Becomes a psychologist, works at Arkham and conducts secret experiments on patients Utilizes a fear gas that creates hallucinogenic visuals of victim's worst fears Often allies with other members of Batman's rogues gallery Worked with Hugo Strange in the Terror storyline, but betrayed him Robbed a bank with Mad Hatter during Long Halloween Part of Two-Face's gang in Dark Victory - puts fear gas in children'

This week, it's the masked vigilante and cricket aficionado CASEY JONES! Anthony tackles his ever-changing backstory, while Dr. Issues discusses what makes vigilantes difficult to treat. And the couch session is unlike anything that's come before. So get high on cocaine and watch your speed - listen now! Introduction Background (05:33) Created by Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird, first appearance in Raphael: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (April 1985) Difficult to cover Casey or any TMNT characters because comics have changed publishers numerous times, each time with a reboot Mirage history – Arnold Casey Jones grew up in Brooklyn – was beaten as a child by a gang, which led to him idolizing vigilante TV characters and deciding to clean up the streets himself Casey encounters some muggers, and begins beating them to death until stopped by Raphael – they have several skirmishes until they decide to help each other attack the muggers Helps the Turtles, Splinter, and April when they’re attacked in April’s house

It's a special Ant-Man and the Wasp episode as Anthony & Dr. Issues examine HANK PYM! Our hosts discuss his multiple costumed identities (and invent a new one for him), and discuss his interactions with the other Avengers in light of the #MeToo movement. It's all here - Listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Explanation/apology for last week's Sentry episode Discussion of Thanos Annual & new Sentry series Plug for 2 Men and the Mouse podcast Background (07:11) Created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby, and Dick Ayers in Tales to Astonish #27 (Jan. 1962) Originally just Hank Pym, discovers/creates Pym particles, which allowed him to shrink in size Studies ants & creates suit that allows him to communicate with them, calls himself Ant-Man Reveals his identity to Janet van Dyne, socialite - gives her tiny wings with Pym particles and names her the Wasp - the two of them establish the Avengers with Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk Tales to Astonish #49 - Nov. 1963 - creates Giant-Man identity, and

This week's patient is Marvel's insane Superman analogue, THE SENTRY! Anthony & Dr. Issues pick apart Bob Reynolds to find out what makes one of Marvel's most powerful heroes tick. And speaking of powerful, Dr. Issues gets emotional talking about depression and suicide. It's all here - listen now! SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (3:03) Created by Paul Jenkins, Jae Lee, and Rick Veitch in Sentry #1 (Sept. 2000) Bob Reynolds, overweight, middle-aged man, remembers he used to be superhero known as Sentry, was part of Marvel Universe from beginning Best friends with Reed Richards, who was best man at his wedding to Lindy Helped Peter Parker get a Pulitzer Prize Gets powers from experimental serum, gives him power of a million exploding suns - essentially a Superman ersatz The Void, a great evil, is returning - Sentry is the only one who knows, but no one remembers him Years prior, we discover the Sentry & Void were the same person, but to prevent Void from destroying the world, Bob had to stop be

Anthony & Dr. Issues examine the predecessor to Rorschach, THE QUESTION! Of course, it was all part of the plan that they did Rorschach first... or was it? SHOW NOTES: Introduction Background (02:44) Created by Steve Ditko in the Blue Beetle #1 (June 1967) Originally a Charlton Comics hero Vic Sage was investigative journalist who used Pseudoderm, a fake skin in a spray can, to cover his face and investigate things Vic couldn't without being exposed Frequent foe of the Banshee, a flying circus performer Charlton Comics bought by DC in 1985, brought into their universe Was originally to be used by Alan Moore in Watchmen, but DC editorial had bigger plans and forbade Moore from using Question, so he created Rorschach Got solo series in 1987 by Dennis O'Neill and Denys Cowan Learned martial arts from Richard Dragon to help him fight better Primarily focused on rooting out corruption in Hub City (based on East St. Louis) Helps noble Myra Fermin win mayor seat - they have relationship as Vic Sage, but she