Fantastic Four: First Steps Review

Marvel's Ironheart dares to grapple with a morally complex Black female protagonist and to meld magic and science in a way that shouldn't make as much sense as it does. We delve into how grief and trauma manifest in Riri's life and how N.A.T.A.L.I.E. leans into questions of humanity and AI. We discuss the Hood's backstory and his role as a villain who, alas, never breaks out into song. Also, Obadiah Stane in a handheld vacuum. If you know, you know.We want to thank everyone for their support over the years as we've geeked out about Marvel. Although our lives have pointed us in another direction for the time being, we hope you can enjoy all the content we've left behind for your listening pleasure.

It's the end of an era and the dawning of a new one. Fantastic Four: First Steps was phenomenal in ways that the Nerd Alert Girls cheer about. Johnny Storm gets to show off his emotional intelligence; Sue Storm gives major Mama Bear energy; Reed Richards is a precious, neurodivergent bean; and Ben Grimm is the best boi who deserves the world. From the superb casting to the emotionally evocative family themes, this movie was a slam dunk and, hopefully, a foreshadowing of things to come for Marvel. 

Anti-heroes, assemble! How did this ragtag group of morally gray characters become the driving force of such an emotional storyline about mental health? From exploring the corruption of politics to extractive science experiments to cycles of trauma, Thunderbolts* does not pull any punches. Bridgette and Genn discuss Yelena bonding with Bob, Alexei’s Wheaties box dream, parallels to Megamind and the Emperor’s New Groove, and more.TW: discussions of child abuse, mental health issues, and suicide ideation. Please take care of yourself, folks.

The distinguished competition that is DC finally gets scrutinized by Nerd Alert Girls' Genn and Caroline. Listen as they discuss the differences between Marvel and DC, what works and what doesn't, and why DC's heroes and villains are considered legendary and iconic.

Daredevil: Born Again... more like try again. Genn has a lot of Feelings about Born Again's debut and, unfortunately, most of them aren't positive. Marvel, Charlie Cox, and Brian Michael Bendis...we expected more. There's some good stuff... you just need to know what to do with it. Article mentioned found here: https://screenrant.com/daredevil-born-again-karen-foggy-kingpin-op-ed/

Here comes the Spider-Maaaaaan. Season 1 is done, folks, and the Nerd Alert Girls have feelings to share! Listen as Genn gushes about Daredevil in between all the Spider-Man bias, while Bridgette keeps the conversation on track. We contrast Norman's emotional manipulation with Harry's emotional intelligence, delve into Nico's psyche and burgeoning powers, and discuss how Lonnie's "villain" era subverted our expectations.

With his signature charm and deep-hearted compassion, Sam Wilson has come into his own as Captain America. Bridgette and Genn discuss how Sam navigates his mentorship role for Joaquin Torres, his heartwarming (and heart-wrenching) friendship with Isaiah Bradley, and his contentious relationship with Thaddeus Ross. Can flawed people really change? Does wanting to see the good in people make you naive? We address these questions and more in our review of Captain America: Brave New World.

Our favorite wallcrawler is back in an animated series. Listen as the Nerd Alert Girls pick apart "Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman." Although we lament the lack of using other Spider people, Genn and Bridgette could admit that this show has potential (and no, that's not just Genn's bias talking).

The home stretch ranges from a wild Western adventure to dark sci-fi to philosophical explorations on the very title of the What If...? series. Listen as Bridgette, Caroline, and Genn discuss the last four episodes of What If...? Season 3. Some ficus villains were redeemed, others remained jerkfaces, and all of our heroes made a splash! How dare Peggy Carter, with all her main character energy, BE the main character?! Scandalous! In all seriousness though, the final goodbye and what if's were tough to let go, but they're what made the show work.

An homage to kaiju movies and the power of friendship. A love letter to the Golden Age of Hollywood and Agent Carter season 2. The Red Guardian and Winter Soldier taking a buddy cop road trip. Mr. and Mrs. The Duck doing a better version of Thor: Love and Thunder. Bridgette and Caroline are here to discuss (and sometimes gush) about the first half of the final season of Marvel’s What If…?