Bros Foes and Heroes

On this week's episode, Zach and Mike take a look at the time the "Merch with a Mouth" took out the all of Marvel's Heroes and Villains. It's 2013's "Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike take a look at one of the most unexpected comics ever published: a 1993 Marvel collaboration with a Christian publisher telling the Easter story of Jesus Christ. In the early ’90s, Marvel Comics teamed up with Thomas Nelson in a strange (and short-lived) attempt to bring faith-based stories into comic shops. The result? A straightforward, panel-by-panel adaptation of the Gospel accounts covering everything from the Last Supper to the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Along the way, we talk about: Why Marvel was experimenting with projects like this in the ‘90s. The surprisingly stacked creative team behind the book. Whether adapting something this serious into a comic actually works. The difference between meaningful faith-based media… and basketball Bibles. And how this bizarre partnership even happened in the first place It’s part history lesson, part reaction, and part “how did this exist?” with plenty of the usual off-the-rails tangents along the way. Whether you grew up with the Easter story or are just here for weird comic book history, this is one of the most unique issues we’ve ever covered. #marvelcomics #marvel #jesus #easter #bible #christianity #easterstory #comicbooks #comics #90scomics Thank you to our sponsors! Click on them below: puzzle.io : https://puzzleio.pxf.io/3J0Y4y MagikFlame: https://magikflame.pxf.io/K0dgQv Hello Cake: https://cake.sjv.io/kOoEjv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike dive into Secret Six (2008) by Gail Simone. a brutal, hilarious, and wildly underrated run that throws together a team of villains and asks one simple question: What could possibly be worth a $10 million bounty… per person? The answer leads to chaos. We follow a crew of mercenaries including Deadshot, Bane, Catman, Scandal Savage, and the unsettling Ragdoll, as they take on a job that immediately spirals out of control. Break a prisoner out of a metahuman prison, transport her safely, and get paid. Easy, right? Not even close. Suddenly, every villain on the planet is hunting them. Batman is warning them to stop. And at the center of it all is a mysterious card that might be the most dangerous object in the DC Universe. Along the way, we talk about: Gail Simone’s impact on comics (and the “Women in Refrigerators” era). Why this team of villains somehow feels more human than most heroes. The perfect balance of dark violence and genuinely funny moments. And the absolutely insane reveal of what’s actually on that card. It’s gritty, it’s chaotic, it’s surprisingly heartfelt, and it might be one of the best team books you haven’t read. #secretsix #dccomics #deadshot #bane #batman #gailsimone #comicbookpodcast #comicbookhistory #dcuniverse #villains #comicbooks #dc Thank you to our sponsors! Click on them below: puzzle.io : https://puzzleio.pxf.io/3J0Y4y MagikFlame: https://magikflame.pxf.io/K0dgQv Hello Cake: https://cake.sjv.io/kOoEjv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Bro’s, Foes and Heroes, we dive into the history of one of DC’s most iconic and beloved characters: Harley Quinn. While many fans know her from the movies and modern comics, her origin is unique in the world of superheroes. Born not in the pages of a comic book, but on a television screen, Harley’s journey started with a chance friendship and a surprising inspiration from a daytime soap opera. Zach and Mike break down the legacy of Batman: The Animated Series, the "Dark Deco" animation style that set the tone for Gotham, and the creative genius of Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. We also explore the definitive origin story, Mad Love, and how Arleen Sorkin’s performance forever defined the voice and soul of Harleen Quinzel. #harleyquinn #batmantheanimatedseries #dccomics #batman #joker #pauldini #brucetimm #comicbookhistory #podcast #brosfoesandheroes #roguemedianetwork #markhamill #kevinconroy Thank you to our sponsors! Click on them below: puzzle.io : https://puzzleio.pxf.io/3J0Y4y MagikFlame: https://magikflame.pxf.io/K0dgQv Hello Cake: https://cake.sjv.io/kOoEjv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the King of the Seven Seas meets a literal circus performer in the middle of the ocean? In this episode, Zach and Mike dive into the surreal pages of Adventure Comics Issue 242 (1957) to uncover the "Amazing Feats of Aqua-Melvin." When an emergency S.O.S. leads to an unexpected medical procedure, Aquaman accidentally shares more than just a heroic bond with a circus clown named Melvin. We break down one of the strangest "power swaps" in DC history, the mystery of the "missing page," and why Aquaman’s vocabulary in the 1950s was surprisingly similar to a certain Boy Wonder. In this episode, we discuss: The Blood Transfusion Logic: How a medical emergency on a ship leads to a clown gaining the powers of Aquaman. Aqua-Melvin’s Debut: Melvin the Clown takes to the sea, and his "heroic" methods are exactly as ridiculous as you’d expect. Ramona Fradon’s Art: A tribute to the legendary artist who defined Aquaman’s look for over two decades. "Diving Dolphins!": A look at Aquaman’s bizarre Silver Age catchphrases and how he handled being "inconvenienced" by his new sidekick. Batman’s Birthday: We celebrate Bruce Wayne’s canonical birthday (February 19th) with a very non-Batman story. #aquaman #dccomics #comicbooks #silverage #comicbookhistory #retrocomics #brosfoesandheroes #podcast #batmanday Thank you to our sponsors! Click on them below: puzzle.io : https://puzzleio.pxf.io/3J0Y4y MagikFlame: https://magikflame.pxf.io/K0dgQv Hello Cake: https://cake.sjv.io/kOoEjv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Batman in red, gold… even rainbow?! In this wild Silver Age comic from 1957 (Detective Comics Issue 241), Batman shocks Gotham by wearing a different color suit every night and it’s not just a fashion statement. Join Zach and Mike as they unravel the hilariously bizarre mystery behind Rainbow Batman, complete with exploding trucks, tear gas cameras, a jealous movie star, and a sharpshooting contest where Batman literally wears a bullseye on his chest. And yes, there’s actually a reason for it all (sort of). Like, Subscribe, and Let us know what T-Shirt Design you'd like to see from us! #batman #dccomics #comicbookpodcast #silveragecomics #brosfoesandheroes #dc #robin #geekhumor #superheroes Thank you to our sponsors! Click on them below: puzzle.io : https://puzzleio.pxf.io/3J0Y4y MagikFlame: https://magikflame.pxf.io/K0dgQv Hello Cake: https://cake.sjv.io/kOoEjv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike dive into one of the strangest Silver Age Superman stories ever published: “The Curse of Lena Thorul” from Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane Issue 23 (1961). Sent to a New England town famous for witch trials, Lois Lane stumbles into a mystery involving disappearing objects, ancient spell books, reincarnated witches, and a woman who looks exactly like a centuries-dead sorceress. Naturally, things escalate quickly. Typewriters vanish, books turn to dust, and Lois becomes convinced she’s been cursed. Enter Superman, who doesn’t believe in superstition… despite being an alien from another planet. As the story unfolds, the truth behind the “witchcraft” is revealed to be classic Silver Age comic logic at its finest! #superman #loislane #dccomics #silveragecomics #comicbookhistory #classiccomics #supermancomics #silveragecomics #brosfoesandheroes Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane Issue 23 (DC Comics, 1961) "The Curse of Lena Thorul!" Writer: Jerry Siegel Penciler and Inker: Kurt Schaffenberger Thank you to our sponsors! Click on them below: puzzle.io : https://puzzleio.pxf.io/3J0Y4y MagikFlame: https://magikflame.pxf.io/K0dgQv Hello Cake: https://cake.sjv.io/kOoEjv Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this "at home" edition of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, we travel back to December 1950 to explore Batman issue 62 and the story titled "The Secret Life of the Catwoman". This issue is a fascinating piece of comic history written by Bill Finger, the man who truly shaped the character. From weaponized Persian cats to the mystery of "reverse amnesia," we dive into the Golden Age quirks that define one of Selina Kyle’s early adventures. We also tackle the hard questions: Is Commissioner Gordon taking kickbacks for giant 1950s TVs?. In this episode, we discuss: Catwoman’s Origins: Her debut alongside the Joker and her early days as a socialite villain. The Partners in Crime: The mysterious Mr. X frees Catwoman from prison to embark on a Gotham crime wave. The Brick That Changed Everything: How a falling brick during a chase with Batman led to a shocking revelation about Selina Kyle’s past. Golden Age Quirks: Why Robin was genuinely terrified of a red Persian cat. Whether you’re a die-hard DC fan or just love hearing about the "Princess of Plunder" being as "smooth as a cat’s fur," this episode has it all. #Catwoman #Batman #DCComics #GoldenAge #ComicBookHistory #SelinaKyle #BrosFoesAndHeroes #Podcast #BillFinger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike dive all the way back to Batman Issue 1 (DC Comics, 1940) to break down the first appearance and origin of Catwoman. Set almost entirely aboard a luxury yacht, this Golden Age story features jewel theft, disguises, masquerade parties, fourth-wall-breaking lectures to children, and one of the most unintentionally unhinged Batman moments we’ve ever covered. From Robin undercover as a steward, to Batman winning a costume contest by not wearing a costume, to Catwoman flirting her way straight out of custody, this episode is packed with it all. Story From: Batman Issue 1 (Spring 1940) Writer: Bill Finger Artist: Bob Kane Inker: Jerry Robinson Publisher: DC Comics #catwoman #batman #dccomics #robin #goldenagecomics #batmancomics #brosfoesandheroes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we told you Thanos once flew around in a helicopter with his name printed on the side…and that somehow isn’t even the weirdest thing in this comic. In this episode of Bros, Foes, and Heroes, Zach and Mike dive headfirst into the wonderfully bizarre world of Spidey’s Super Stories, the kid-friendly Marvel comics of the late ’70s. It starts with Spider-Man and Ms. Marvel stopping a villain who knocks out an entire women’s rights march with sleep-inducing soda before escalating into a tale with Thanos, the Cosmic Cube, a skateboard kid superhero, and the most unnecessary helicopter branding in comic history. #spiderman #thanos #marvelcomics #marvel #brosfoesandheroes #comicbooks Spidey Super Stories Issue 39 (Marvel Comics, 1978) "Women's Day 1979" Writers: Nick Sullivan, Michael Siporin, Jim Salicrup Penciler: Win Mortimer Inker: Mike Esposito "The Cat and the Cosmic Cube" Writers: Nick Sullivan, Michael Siporin, Jim Salicrup, David Anthony Kraft Penciler: Win Mortimer Inker: Mike Esposito Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Zach and Mike dive deep into one of the weirdest Silver Age stories ever told. Have you ever wondered what would happen if the Dark Knight was struck by lightning while on a flagpole and fell into the Gotham docks? Well, wonder no more! We’re breaking down Batman Issue 118 , where Batman literally becomes a "human fish". Batman Issue 118 (DC Comics, 1958) "The Merman Batman" Writer: Bill Finger Penciler: Sheldon Moldoff Inker: Charles Paris Letterer: Pat Gordon #batman #comicbooks #silveragecomics #dccomics #brosfoesandheroes #comicbookpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The clock has finally run out for Christopher Chance. In this episode of Bro’s Foes and Heroes, Zach and Mike dive into the final three issues of Tom King and Greg Smallwood’s noir masterpiece, The Human Target. As Chris enters his final days, the search for his killer leads to an unexpected cosmic trip to Oa with G'nort and a "highly disrespectful" showdown with Guy Gardner at a local pool hall. We break down the incredible artwork, the "peanut butter incident," and the emotional weight of the series' conclusion. Who actually poisoned the cup? Does Chris find the peace he’s looking for? Join us as we wrap up one of the best DC limited series in years. In this episode, we discuss: The Records Room on Oa: Sneaking into the Green Lantern archives with G'nort. The Pool Hall Fight: Why Guy Gardner’s ego led to his most embarrassing defeat. The Final Reveal: We finally get the answer to the mystery that started it all. Day 12: Christopher Chance’s final moments and the legacy of the Human Target. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & "Lost" Audio 02:52 - Issue 10: G'nort & The Records Room 11:07 - The Guy Gardner Confrontation 15:45 - Solving the Mystery: The Reveal 29:45 - Issue 12: The Final Day 39:25 - Series Wrap-up & Final Thoughts #dc #dccomics #tomking #guygardner #greenlantern #justiceleague #comicbookreview #brosfoesandheroes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Bros, Foes, and Heroes! In this short and sweet Christmas Day special, Zach and Mike dig into some weird, wild, and occasionally heartwarming DC holiday comics, perfect for anyone who needs a quick laugh or a breather from the holiday madness. This episode covers: A creepy yet hopeful Christmas story from House of Mystery. A very confusing Batman holiday tale that raises more questions than answers. And the undeniable highlight: Santa Claus showing up on Apokolips to hand Darkseid a lump of coal. It’s goofy, festive, and just long enough to enjoy without committing your whole day. Whether you’re listening by the fire, on a walk, or hiding from relatives, we’re glad you’re here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Chance is running out of time and the suspects are closing in. In Part 3 of our deep dive into The Human Target by Tom King and Greg Smallwood, things get darker, weirder, and far more personal. With only days left to live, Chance continues his noir-soaked investigation into who poisoned him…and every lead still points back to the Justice League International. This episode covers issues 7–9, featuring: A tense, seductive confrontation with Fire The emotional fallout with Ice Brutal encounters (and interrogations) involving Rocket Red And the looming shadow of Batman, watching from the edges Tom King’s writing leans hard into classic noir tragedy, while Greg Smallwood’s art elevates every punch, silence, and stare. This is a story about obsession, sacrifice, and what it costs to chase the truth, even when it kills you. Listen now and join us for the finale of the series next week. (Language warning — things get intense.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Mike continue their comic book holiday week by cracking open the first-ever Marvel Holiday Special (1991)! This issue is packed with short Christmas tales featuring your favorite heroes, but the bros dive deep into the strangest and most surprising stories. What's inside this holiday special: The X-Men’s Naughty List: The team (Nightcrawler, Colossus, Banshee, and Storm) attempts to celebrate Christmas, only to have the ever-gruff Wolverine make Scrooge look like an optimist. Their decorating is interrupted by a Cerebro signal that leads to a surprising brawl with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants (Blob, Toad, Mastermind), ending with the villains becoming the ultimate stocking stuffers. When Ghost Rider Met Santa: The craziest story of the bunch features a kidnapped kid, a snowstorm, and Ghost Rider showing up on his flaming motorcycle to save the day. The child mistakes the Spirit of Vengeance for a fiery, chain-wielding Santa Claus! The Real Heroes of Comics: The guys also discuss the overlooked and uncredited female creators of the Silver and Bronze Ages, including the amazing work of Ramona Fradon on Aquaman. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more obscure comic book history! (And let us know your favorite Marvel Holiday tale in the comments!) Next week: The conclusion to our coverage of The Human Target! #marvel #marvelcomics #xmen #wolverine #ghostrider #90scomics #brosfoesandheroes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get festive with Zach and Mike on Bro's Foes and Heroes as they kick off a week of Christmas-themed comic book stories! In this episode, the bros unearth a bizarre and definitive Santa origin story from a 1953 Dell comic, Santa Claus Funnies. What's inside this holiday special: The Origin of Clumsy Claus: Hear about the man who was initially known as "Clumsy Claus" for his lack of skill, who gets robbed by bandits in a shocking turn of events, only to have a miracle grant him "nimble and clever" hands to fix all the toys and become the Santa we know today! Christmas in the Circus: An equally strange story from the Santa Claus Funnies where a tiger cub named Whiskers teaches the other zoo animals about Christmas, forcing the Ringmaster to step up as a stand-in Santa for the zoo's party. Marvel Holiday Special Tease: Plus, a sneak peek at what's coming later this week as the guys plan to dive into the very first Marvel Holiday Special from 1991. Stick around for all the laughs and comic knowledge! (And don't forget to send us your ideas for what we should cover in the new year!) Next week: The conclusion to our coverage of The Human Target! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of our deep dive into Tom King & Greg Smallwood’s The Human Target, Zach and Mike break down Issues 4-6. Christopher Chance is running out of days, everyone in the JLI suddenly looks suspicious, and somehow Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Fire, Ice, and Martian Manhunter all end up making things even messier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Mike dive into the first three issues of Tom King & Greg Smallwood’s The Human Target, where Christopher Chance is poisoned while impersonating Lex Luthor and has just 12 days left to live. The JLI becomes a lineup of suspects as Ice, Guy Gardner, Booster Gold, and more all enter the picture in a stylish noir mystery. One of DC’s sharpest, funniest, and most beautiful books and we break it all down. #dc #dccomics #tomking #justiceleague #comics #comicbookpodcast #comicbooks #mystery #brosfoesandheroes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A chaotic Thanksgiving special where Zach and Mike break down two of the strangest Golden Age holiday comics ever made — from a turkey POV execution story to a giant bird terrorizing a family. Come hide from your relatives and laugh with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Mike uncover the entire bizarre history of The Tumbler. A circus acrobat turned Golden Age “hero” who lasted two issues and left behind nothing but confusion. From mobsters to bridge dives to disappearing costumes, this is peak chaotic Golden Age energy. A perfect Thanksgiving-week hangout with laughs, comics weirdness, and holiday nonsense. #goldenagecomics #comicbookpodcast #comics #comicbooks #comichistory #brosfoesandheroes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices