Our next two episodes look at Marvel's First Family, the Fantastic Four! I think these pinups from the end of Fantastic Four Annual 2 do a pretty good job of showing us the essence of what Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were going for. Our first episode in this series is out today! #MarvelComics

Atomic Monsters: Hulk, Spider-Man, and the End of the Atomic Hero, our 4th episode, drops tonight at midnight! We dive into the radioactive roots of some of Marvel's most iconic heroes, and the dubious science behind their origins. Tune in, let me know what you think! #MarvelComics

In the spirit of our exploration into artificial beings, I present a quick history of the “Robot” in popular culture, a creation not from a laboratory, but from our imagination and rooted solidly in the history of labor.

Our next episode begins in the age of Marvel monsters, the same place as the lovable Groot! Ever notice how so many Marvel heroes owe their origins to radiation? This episode will explore the nuclear roots of comic characters, from freakish powers to fear and fallout. Tune in! #MarvelComics

Three episodes in, and I just want to say thank you! To everyone who's listened, shared, or reached out, it means the world to me. This has been a passion project for me, and hearing that it resonates means a lot, and I'm excited to keep this train rolling.

I know this cover is from 2002, but it's what I can contribute to the MLB playoffs this year. One year removed from their historic 116 win season - still a good team, but not a playoff one. This year's team: a playoff team, and a great one! Let's get it done, M's! #Mariners

Sept 30 // Oct 1 #MarvelComics

Last time, we explored the villains wrought by humanity's pursuit of artificial intelligence. But not every A.I. turns against us. Next episode we look at those creations that chose to believe in humanity. Awesome images from Machine Man 1-4, covers by Barry Windsor-Smith #MarvelComics

From silly little guy to nightmare machine, Ultron has always embodied humanity's fear of artificial intelligence 🤖 Episode 2 of Untold Origin -- The Thinking Machines -- drops at midnight tonight! #MarvelComics #histsci #history

The new Magic: the Gathering Spider-Man set is so-so, but this Counterspell? 🔥🔥 #MarvelComics #mtg

#DCComics #DCUniverse

Long before A.I. became a headline, comics wrestled with the threat posed by "thinking machines." Take this silly little guy -- Ultron-1 -- who would grow into one of Marvel's most dire threats to humanity. Untold Origins: The Thinking Machines drops Sunday!

One of the more interesting finds I've made as I've been researching episodes. This is a radio drama from 1975 that recaps the first issue of the Fantastic Four. The most interesting thing about it? Bill Murray is the Human Torch!

I've been consistently thrilled with how nerdy Marvel Rivals has been, and this season is no exception. Not just a Dark Phoenix skin, but an emote emulating the classic X-men #135 cover!

Trying to find that point in the Venn diagram between comic nerds and history nerds

We are live! At least on Spotify... Our first episode should also soon be available on other streaming services. Please give it a listen, let me know what you think! I'm going to try and put episodes out every week or two -- with some previews coming for our next episode soon!

Not your typical villain crossover! Our first episode dives into the evolution of Professor X and Magneto -- from clunky Civil Rights metaphor to nuanced icons of Marvel Comics. Episode 1 of Untold Origin drops Sunday!

Ooh boy, first post on Bluesky! Why not introduce myself with an image that springs to mind far too often in my anxious mind? My name is Al, and I'm a historian and comics fan, and currently producing a podcast where the two meet! Please check out Untold Origin on your favorite podcast service!