Bros Foes and Heroes

It's World's Finest Wednesday, and we're diving into the Silver Age origin of Metamorpho the Element Man. In The Brave and the Bold #57, you get: A millionaire who sends his daughter's boyfriend to Egypt just to get him cursed An ancient radioactive temple A guy who turns into living gas, stone, and whatever else the plot needs Zach and Mike break down the glorious nonsense of Rex Mason's origin and try to make sense of how he ended up as a hero. Learn a little about him before he shows up in the upcoming Superman movie. Listen on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your comic book chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With James Gunn's Superman movie on the way, Zach and Mike give a crash course on three of the lesser-known but totally badass characters confirmed to appear: The Engineer, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific. From nanotech-powered liquid armor to reincarnated hawk warriors to the third smartest man in the DC Universe, we're breaking down comic book origins, powers, wild publication history, and what might carry over to the big screen. Plus: street gangs, math problems, reincarnation trauma, and why Mike is still processing Hawkman's entire deal. New episodes every Monday & Wednesday. Follow Bros, Foes, and Heroes wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a very special anniversary edition of Bros, Foes & Heroes! This week, Zach takes Mike back to where it all started—with the hilariously bizarre tale of Black Condor: a man raised by birds who somehow ends up flying, fighting crime, and serving as a U.S. Senator. We dive into his wild Golden Age origin, fight scenes with kite men, a tragic Father Pierre, questionable fashion choices, and a whole lot of “what were they thinking?” comic panels. It's chaotic, it's nostalgic, and it's very Bros, Foes & Heroes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we take a sharp turn into one of the darkest Spider-Man stories ever told: The Death of Jean DeWolff. In honor of the late, great Peter David — the writer behind this brutal and emotional arc — we dig into the moment where everything breaks: Spider-Man, Daredevil, the system… and the reader's expectations. This isn't just a whodunit. It's a street-level thriller with religious trauma, guilt, and a masked killer known as the Sin-Eater. We break down how this story flipped Spidey's usual tone on its head, gave Daredevil some of his best moments, and pushed Peter Parker to his absolute edge. The Spectacular Spider-Man Issues: 107–110 (1985–86, Marvel Comics) Writer: Peter David Artist: Rich Buckler Inkers: Brett Breeding, Josef Rubinstein Letterer: Rick Parker Colorist: Bob Sharen Editor: Jim Owsley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike celebrate Memorial Day the only way they know how — by diving into the most over-the-top patriotic superheroes in comic book history. From the guy literally raised by eagles… To the one who might actually be the flag… To the living embodiment of America itself… We break down the origins, costumes, powers, and gloriously weird moments that made these characters unforgettable — for better or worse. This episode has propaganda, explosions, and at least one eagle-related backstory. Happy Memorial Day, comic-style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike take a look at one of the wildest “What ifs” in comic book history: Just Imagine: Stan Lee's Batman. What happens when the co-creator of the Marvel Universe rewrites DC's Dark Knight from scratch? You get Wayne Williams — a wrestler, revenge-driven vigilante in a bat-suit who might also be a celebrity cereal mascot. We dig into the redesign, the origin story, and the wild choices that make this version of Batman feel unmistakably like Stan's. Just Imagine: Stan Lee's Batman (DC Comics, 2001) Writer: Stan Lee Penciler: Joe Kubert Inker: Joe Kubert Colorist: Sibin Slavković Letterer: Bill Oakley Editor: Ivan Cohen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we explore one of DC's weirdest and most creative debuts — the first appearance of Dial H for Hero! When teenager Robby Reed stumbles upon a mysterious alien device shaped like a rotary dial (yes, really), he gains the ability to transform into an entirely new superhero every time he dials H-E-R-O. What could go wrong with powers you don't choose, wild villains, and a transformation system more confusing than your grandma's landline? Zach and Mike break it all down — one random superhero at a time. House of Mystery Issue #156 (DC Comics, 1966) "Dial H for Hero!" Writer: Dave Wood Penciler: Jim Mooney Inker: Jim Mooney Editor: Jack Schiff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike dig into one of Mike's all-time favorite comics: Silver Surfer: Parable — the cosmic collaboration between Stan Lee and Moebius.Can the Silver Surfer save humanity from Galactus? Or is the real threat... humanity itself?Sit back as we break down one of Marvel's most philosophical—and visually stunning—two-issue stories and find out if it still holds up in Mike's heart after all these years.#marvel #marvelcomics #comics #silversurfer #galactus #comicbooks #comicbookhistory Credits: Writer: Stan LeePenciler: MoebiusInker: MoebiusColorist(s): Moebius & John WellingtonLetterer: MoebiusEditor(s): Archie Goodwin, Margaret Clark, Tom DeFalco, & Jean-Marc Lofficier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we enter a world of smoke, mirrors, and... high-stakes handcuffs? When a notorious gang leader is locked into a pair of explosive cuffs that detonate with the slightest vibration, he does what any criminal would do—kidnap a world-famous magician to escape them. Enter Batman and Robin, who swap crime-fighting for curtain calls as they go undercover as stage performers to track down the missing illusionist and foil the gang's deadly plan. With dramatic escapes, sleight-of-hand justice, and a Bat-costume that somehow includes a tuxedo, this Golden Age gem delivers all the over-the-top fun you could ask for. It's magic, mayhem, and more in Detective Comics #207: Batman the Magician! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike ask the question nobody was really ready to answer:

On this week's episode of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we shine the spotlight on one of DC's most underappreciated (and occasionally ridiculous) characters—Booster Gold!Originally created in 1986 by Dan Jurgens, Booster is a disgraced 25th-century football star turned time-traveling hero who stole his gear from a museum and headed back to the 21st century to get rich and famous. But in this week's issue, we dive into the 52 Pick-Up arc by Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz to uncover how Booster became something more—maybe even one of DC's greatest unseen heroes.From the Royal Flush Gang to Skeets the robot sidekick, Guy Gardner's bowl cut, and multiple multiverse-saving missions, this episode has it all. Oh—and yes, there's time travel, egos, and someone possibly punching Jonah Hex.It's time to enjoy: Booster Gold!#BoosterGold #DCComics #BrosFoesHeroes #ComicBookHistory #GeoffJohns #JusticeLeagueInternational #BlueBeetle #TimeTravel #SuperheroPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we swing into another Batman classic! When a ship full of criminals crashes onto a remote island, Batman and Robin go full jungle survival mode to bring justice to the “Sinister Eight.” From improvised traps to Batman crafting weapons out of vines, this story has almost everything. It's time to enjoy Batman: “The Jungle Batman!” Batman Issue #72 (DC Comics, 1953) "The Jungle Batman!" Writer: David Vern Reed Penciler(s): Bob Kane & Lew Sayre Schwartz Inker: Charles Paris Letterer: Pat Gordon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes… Zach and Mike swing into the gloriously weird world of Spidey Super Stories! We're digging into five delightfully bizarre issues from the '70s (#3, 7, 11, 13, & 24) From the buzzing chaos of Dr. Fly, to the surprisingly threatening babysitting skills of The Sitter, to the drama-loving Showstopper — it's a rogue's gallery that only Spidey Super Stories could deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we dive into another classic Silver Age adventure! When Batman unexpectedly becomes heir to a mysterious castle, he and Robin find themselves unraveling a 400-year-old mystery. With missing gold, sea monsters, and Robin playing the bagpipes, this story truly has it all.. It's time to enjoy Batman: "The Lord of Batmanor" Detective Comics Issue #198 (DC Comics, 1953) Batman: "The Lord of Batmanor" Writer(s): Leigh Brackett & Edmond Hamilton Penciler: Dick Sprang Inker(s): Gene McDonald & Charles Paris Letterer: Pat Gordon Editor: Jack Schiff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's issue of the show, It's Bros, Foes, and Heroes Easter Special. Zach first presents Mike with a tale of a not so friendly Easter Bunny, from Unexpected Issue 202. Then we welcome in Captain Carrot and his Zoo Crew as they discover the secret of Easter Bunny Island. It's a bunch of silliness that you don't want to miss. Unexpected Issue #202 (DC Comics, 1980) Hopping Down The Bunny Trail Writer: Michael Uslan Pencilers: Tenny Henson Inker: Tenny Henson Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew Issue #5 (DC Comics, 1982) The Secret of Easter Bunny Island Writer: Roy Thomas Penciler: Scott Shaw Inker: Chad Grothkopf Colorist: Tom Ziuko Letterer; Janice Chiang Editor: Dave Manak Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Zach and Mike take a look at two different Golden Age comic book villains. It's a look into the ridiculous with these baddies as they breakdown Reefer King and Crow! Dynamic Comics Issue #16 (1945, Harry A. Chesler Publishing) Black Hood Comics Issue #14 (1945, MLJ Comics) Pep Comics Issue #32 (1942, MLJ Comics) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we dive into another classic Silver Age adventure! Batman and Robin are forced to stay underwater for days to escape certain doom. How can the Dynamic Duo fight crime from beneath the sea, you ask? Don't worry—Zach and Mike are here to break it all down as they bring you the thrilling tale of "The Voyage of the First Batmarine!" Batman Issue #86 (DC Comics, 1954) The Voyage of the First Batmarine! Writer: Edmond Hamilton Penciler: Dick Sprang Inker: Charles Paris Letterer: Pat Gordon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Zach and Mike dive into the origins of Wonder Woman. We start by exploring the life of her creator, William Moulton Marston, before jumping into some of her early adventures. From Magic Girdles to Milk Rackets, we cover it all as we dive deep into the Wonder Woman mythos. Stories discussed include All-Star Comics #8 (Dec-Jan, 1941-1942, DC Comics) and Sensation Comics #1, #7, and #9 (1942, DC Comics). Written by: William Moulton Marston Art by: Harry G. Peter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday Issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes gives us another great Silver Age story. Batman and Robin have to fill in for Chief Man of Bats and Little Raven. Zach and Mike take a look at Batman--Indian Chief! Batman Issue #86 (DC Comics, 1954) Batman--Indian Chief! Writer: Ed Herron Penciler: Sheldon Moldoff Inker: Stan Kaye Letterer: Pat Gordon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's issue, Zach and Mike take a look at the time Batman and Robin were tasked with training a Batman for a fictional South American country. It's another ridiculous golden age tale with, Ride Bat-Hombre Ride! Batman Issue #56 (DC Comics, 1949) "Ride, Bat-Hombre, Ride!" Writer: David Vern Reed Penciler: Dick Sprang Inker: Charles Paris Editor: Whitney Ellsworth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday Issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes gives us another great Silver Age story. Jimmy Olsen learns of a mystic prophecy that could give him powers unknown to any man. The catch is he needs Superman's tears to get them. It's time for Zach and Mike take a look at Superman's Saddest Day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's more Golden Age greats in this week's issue of the show. Zach and Mike take a look at two Fox Features characters that debuted the same year. It's a fantastic fanatical feline edition of the show as the guys tackle, Jaguar Man and the Purple Tigress! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's World's Finest Wednesday Issue of Bros, Foes, and Heroes gives us another great Silver Age story. Superman works to make life easier by setting up strongmen from history with Lois Lane and Lana Lang. How could that possibly go wrong? Zach and Mike take a look at Superman and his Super-Rivals. Action Comics Issue #279 (DC Comics, 1961) Superman: "The Super-Rivals!" Writer: Robert Bernstein Penciler: John Forte Inker: John Forte Editor: Mort Weisinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's issue, Zach and Mike take a look at a Golden Age Hero. We travel back to 1946 and take a look at the hero so great he disappeared after two comic book appearances. Grab some Nehi Cola and your gumdrops as we dive into, The Mad Hatter! The Mad Hatter, Issues #1-2 (O.W. Comics 1946) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Superboy Issue #85 (DC Comics, 1960) "The Impossible Mission!" Writer: Jerry Siegel Penciler: George Papp Inker: George Papp Editor: Mort Weisinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's issue we take a look at the final two seasons in Superman for All Seasons. Zach and Mike take a look at the last two issues (Fall and Winter) of the 1998 Story from the same creative team behind Batman: A Long Halloween. So sit back and enjoy a tale of a young Superman finding himself. Superman for All Seasons, Issues #3-4, Fall and Winter (DC Comics, 1998) Writer: Jeph Loeb Penciler: Tim Sale Inker: Tim Sale Colorist: Bjarne Hansen Letterer: Richard Starkings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane, Issue #56 (DC Comics, 1965) "Lois Lane's Super Gamble" Writer: Jerry Siegel Penciler: Kurt Schaffenberger Inker: Kurt Schaffenberger Editor: Mort Weisinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's issue we take a look at the first to seasons in Superman for All Seasons. Zach and Mike take a look at the first two issues (Spring and Summer) of the 1998 Story from the same creative team behind Batman: A Long Halloween. So sit back and enjoy a tale of a young Superman finding himself. Superman for All Seasons, Issues #1-2, Spring and Summer (DC Comics, 1998) Writer: Jeph Loeb Penciler: Tim Sale Inker: Tim Sale Colorist: Bjarne Hansen Letterer: Richard Starkings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fantastic Four Issue #5 (Marvel Comics, 1962) "Prisoners of Doctor Doom!" Writer: Stan Lee Penciler: Jack Kirby Inker: Joe Sinnott Colorist: Stan Goldberg Letterer: Artie Simek Editor: Stan Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's issue we take a look at the first time the Fantastic Four run amuck of Galactus. Zach and Mike cover Fantastic Four Issues #48 - #50 from 1966. Fantastic Four (Marvel Comics, 1966) Writer: Stan Lee Penciler: Jack Kirby Inker: Joe Sinnott Letterer: Artie Simek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Batman Issue 96 (DC Comics, 1955) "Batman's College Days" Writer: Bill Finger Penciler: Sheldon Moldoff Inker: Charles Paris Letterer: Pat Gordon Editor: Whitney Ellsworth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's February, which means love is in the air. It also means that it's time for Zach and Mike to dive back into some fun and ridiculous romance comics from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Sit down, grab some chocolate, and let's learn if a mermaid can find love in this week's issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane Issue 59 (DC Comics, 1960) "Superman and Batman's Joke on Lois Lane!" Penciler: Curt Swan Inker: George Klein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week sees us cover the final book in our you decide series, 1993's Scarlett from DC Comics. Zach and Mike take a look at issue one of this comic that is all the early 90's Vampire fun you could ask for. Scarlett Issue 1 (1993, DC Comics) "Blood of Innocence" Writer(s): Tom Joyner & Keith Wilson Penciler: Jim Fern Inker: Jim Fern Colorist: Daniel Vozzo Letterer: John Costanza Editor: Archie Goodwin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane Issue 20 (DC Comics, 1960) "Superman's Flight from Lois Lane! Writer: Jerry Siegel Penciler: Kurt Schaffenberger Inker: Kurt Schaffenberger Editor: Mort Weisinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week sees us cover the second book in our you decide series, 1988's COPS from DC Comics. Zach and Mike take a look at issue one of the comic based off of a Cartoon Series of the same name. So sit back, strap in and prepare for COPS, Fighting Crime in a Future Time. COPS Issue 1 (1988, DC Comics) "Bad Vibes" Writer: Doug Moench Penciler: Pat Broderick Inker: Pablo Marcos Colorist: Gene D'Angelo Letterer: John Costanza Editor: Andrew Helfer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World's Finest Issue #146 (DC Comics, 1964) "Batman, Son of Krypton" Writer: Edmond Hamilton Penciler: Curt Swan Inker: Sheldon Moldoff Editor: Mort Weisinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Superman's Girlfriend Louis Lane Issue #73 (DC Comics, 1967) "The Dummy and the Damsel!" Writer: Leo Dorfman Penciler: Kurt Schaffenberger Inker: Kurt Schaffenberger Editor: Mort Weisinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guardians Of The Galaxy Issue 1 (Marvel Comics, 1990) "But Are They Ready For...Taserface!" Writer: Jim Valentino Penciler: Jim Valentino Inker: Steve Montano Colorist: Evelyn Stein Letterer: Ken Lopez Editor: Craig Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode Zach and Mike take a look back at all the comics we covered in 2024. We break down the good and the bad as well as pass out a few awards to our favorite and least favorite books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's issue of World's Finest Wednesday, Zach and Mike look at the very first appearance of the X-Men. X-Men Issue 1 (Marvel Comics, 1963) "X-Men" Writer: Stan Lee Penciler: Jack Kirby Inker: Paul Reinman Letterer: Sam Rosen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices