Vactor and Emmy (aka the EMCU) break down Fantastic Four: First Steps — from emotional family dynamics to multiverse madness. We discuss Sue Storm’s standout scenes, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, the new Silver Surfer, and what this movie means for the future of the MCU. Plus, we theorize about Galactus, Doom, incursions, and Franklin Richards’ surprising role. This MCU reboot hit us in the feels — let’s talk about why.
🔗 Follow Emmy: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmy.deleon🌸 Reinventing her life one TikTok at a time
In this episode of This Comic Cooks, Vactor and Shoff finally reach the end of the so-called Sony Spider-Verse—with Kraven the Hunter marking the franchise’s final misstep. Was this movie really as bad as the internet says? Did Sony ever have a real plan for Spider-Man’s villains without Spider-Man? And what does Kraven’s failure mean for the future of Marvel’s big-screen multiverse?
We break down Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s forgettable performance, Russell Crowe’s baffling accent, and the wasted potential of iconic characters like Rhino and Chameleon. Plus, we talk about the contractual chaos between Sony and Marvel Studios, the lost opportunity of a Sinister Six movie, and what comes next—including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Doomsday, and that Spider-Noir TV show. Subscribe and let’s cook.
Chapters:
00:00 The End of the Sony Spider-Verse
02:39 The Craven the Hunter Experience
05:22 Sony's Spider-Man Rights and Future
08:29 Character Portrayals and Casting Choices
11:06 The Direction and Writing Issues
13:59 Box Office Performance and Future Prospects
16:44 Looking Ahead: The Future of the MCU
👉 Love comics and honest movie takes? Subscribe to This Comic Cooks and leave us a review—it helps more fans find the show. Let us know on socials: Was Kraven the worst of the Sony Universe?
In this episode of This Comic Cooks Audio, Vactor and Shoff break down the final three episodes of Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+. Did Riri Williams really make a deal with Mephisto? Was the finale satisfying or a missed opportunity? We dive into the show's biggest twists, from AI Natalie and the trauma behind the tech to Parker Robbins’ Scarface downfall and the multiversal magic of Zelma Stanton.
Topics include:
The real meaning behind Riri’s final choice
Dormammu and the evil behind the cape
How the finale sets up Strange Academy
Comic book vs MCU differences for The Hood, Natalie, and more
What worked, what didn’t, and what we hope comes next
🎧 Subscribe for more comic breakdowns, Marvel deep dives, and reviews of every show that cooks.
He’s smarter than Batman. Invisible to tech.And he’s finally stepping into the spotlight in James Gunn’s new Superman movie.This is Mr. Terrific—Michael Holt.One of the most brilliant, underrated, and coolest heroes in all of DC Comics.In this video, we break down:✅ His tragic origin story✅ His incredible powers (like the T-Spheres)✅ His ranking as the third-smartest person in the DC Universe✅ Why he might be the key to the new DCUIf you’ve never heard of Mr. Terrific, that’s kind of the point.Because once you understand what he’s capable of…He might just be your new favorite character.🦸♂️ Featured comics:• The Terrifics• Justice Society of America• Future State💬 What surprised you most about Mr. Terrific? Comment below!
Right now—July 2025—DC Comics is firing on all cylinders. From Absolute Power to House of Brainiac to character-first gems like Shazam, Green Lantern, and JSA, something incredible is happening in comics… and no one seems to be talking about it.In this video, I explore whether we’re entering a new Golden Age of Comics—and why DC might be leading the charge while Marvel struggles to find its voice (except for one bright spot).💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Are you reading more DC lately too? Which books are blowing your mind?🙏 Want to support the channel?→ Buy me a comic: https://www.patreon.com/c/vactor📚 Subscribe for more comic book joy, nostalgia, and new reader recommendations every week.#DCComics #MarvelComics #GoldenAgeOfComics #ComicBookReview #AbsolutePower #HouseOfBrainiac #ThisComicCooks
You think you know Superman.
Flight, heat vision, super strength—sure.
But… hypnosis glasses? Rainbow finger beams? A mini clone from his hand?
Yep. That actually happened.
In this episode, we dive into the wildest and most forgotten Superman powers from over 85 years of DC Comics. These are the powers DC quietly erased from canon—but not before giving us some of the weirdest moments in comic book history.
From super ventriloquism and atomic vision to telepathic caller ID and reality-breaking time travel, this episode is a celebration of comic book chaos at its best.
🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Superman’s powers used to be basically unlimited
The Silver Age madness behind powers like shape-shifting and technopathy
How DC Comics quietly scaled things back after Crisis on Infinite Earths
Why weird comics still matter (and why we kind of miss them)
🧠 Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love weird comic book trivia, this one’s for you.
💬 Which power would YOU bring back?
A brand-new Superman movie is almost here, but June 2025’s comics gave us plenty to get excited about.In this month’s episode, Vactor is joined by SuperFrank and Tim Tangent from the @BeerwithGeeks podcast to break down the latest Superman titles — including a bizarre new gold form in Superman Unlimited #2, the heartfelt Mark Waid story in Action Comics #1087, and a surprise return for Electric Blue Superman in Justice League Unlimited #8.We also debate whether scroll comics like Marvel Infinity and DC Go are the future—or just a gimmick.👕 Plus: Frank previews a Superman screening event with Brian Michael Bendis and Philip Kennedy Johnson in Cleveland!https://www.beerwithgeeks.com/If you want to help me keep This Comic Cooks going strong, join my Patreon—every dollar helps me make more videos.💬 Join the Community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/vactor
Comics shaped who I am—but today, I’m scared for their future.
This episode is a personal letter, a cultural warning, and a love story.
Vactor opens up about how superheroes taught him compassion, why comics matter more than ever, and what we all risk losing if this medium fades away. From the quiet of comic shops to the chaos of the attention economy, this is one of the most important episodes of This Comic Cooks yet.
🎙️ In this episode:
Why superhero movies are booming while the comics fade
The real magic of comics (it’s not the art or words—it’s the space between)
The comic industry’s biggest challenges: price, access, continuity, and competition
How to start reading comics again (and help others do the same)
Why comics whisper, and why that makes them essential in today’s noisy world
💬 What comic changed you?
Drop a comment or send a message—your recommendation could help someone fall in love with comics for the first time.
📚 Get started:
💥 Support the podcast & help keep comics alive: patreon.com/vactor
Ever feel like you want to read more comics, but life keeps getting in the way? Between work, parenting, and nonstop responsibilities, even sitting down with a comic can feel impossible. In this episode, Vactor shares his real-life tips for staying connected to the stories you love—without turning comics into a chore.
We’ll cover:
How to find "micro-moments" to read during a packed day
The best comic reading apps for busy people (Marvel Unlimited, DC Universe Infinite, Hoopla)
How audio-enhanced comics and podcasts keep you immersed
The importance of letting go of event fatigue and embracing one-issue joy
Why nostalgia re-reading is one of the best hacks for tired readers
💬 What comic are you trying to make time for? Drop it in the comments or tag @ThisComicCooks to share your pick.
👉 Support the show: patreon.com/vactor
Is Ironheart worth the wait? After five years in limbo, Marvel finally drops the long-delayed Ironheart series—and Vactor and Shoff are here with a spoiler-filled review of the first 3 episodes. From Riri Williams' emotional AI to Parker Robbins’ live-action debut as The Hood, we break down the themes, the visuals, and why this Disney+ show might be one of Marvel’s most underrated efforts yet.
We also discuss Mephisto theories, the show's connection to Wakanda Forever, and why fans should read Eve L. Ewing’s Ironheart comics. Plus: preschool Marvel shows, cinematic quality visuals, and what this means for the MCU’s future.
📚 Comics Mentioned:
Invincible Iron Man (Bendis)
Ironheart (Eve Ewing, 2018)
Champions (featuring Riri)
🎧 Subscribe and follow This Comic Cooks for more reviews, comic deep dives, and the infamous Sinful Cinema series.
In this episode, Vactor and Emmy dive deep into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, focusing on the recent film 'Thunderbolts' and its implications for the future of the MCU. They discuss the emotional depth of the film, the cultural impact of MCU projects, and the challenges of audience fatigue. The conversation also touches on the importance of character development, the multiverse, and the anticipation surrounding upcoming projects like 'Fantastic Four'. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for cohesive storytelling and the significance of mental health themes in superhero narratives.
https://www.tiktok.com/@emmy.deleon
Chapters:
00:00 Diving into Thunderbolts
01:17 Mental Health and Character Depth in MCU
04:34 The Future of the MCU: Brave New World and Beyond
06:06 Recasting and the Multiverse
09:22 Anticipation for Fantastic Four
12:54 Pedro Pascal and Career Evolution
16:01 The Impact of Marketing on Audience Excitement
18:31 Expectations for Doomsday and Character Arcs
22:34 Nostalgia and the Multiverse
23:29 The Future of the MCU and Fantastic Four
25:58 Chasing the High of Endgame
26:24 Grounding the MCU's Storylines
27:39 The Challenge of Loose Ends
29:53 Character Development and Emotional Stakes
32:42 The Impact of Marketing on Character Perception
35:44 The Importance of Character Depth
37:51 Found Family in the MCU
39:05 Disney+ and Its Impact on the MCU
43:39 The Future of Marvel and New Characters
In this episode of This Comic Cooks, Vactor dives into Scott Snyder’s bold defense of monthly comics through his new series Absolute Batman. With streaming culture dominating how we consume stories, Snyder argues that monthly comics offer something irreplaceable: cliffhangers, conversation, and community.🎤 Topics covered:
📚 If you’ve ever questioned whether single issues still matter — this episode is your answer.
www.patreon.com/vactor
The symbiote saga is complete—was it worth the goo?
In this episode of Suffer Sinema, Vactor and Shoff dive into Venom 3: The Last Dance. From multiverse confusion to underused talent, we unpack everything: the highs, the lows, and the final send-off between Eddie and Venom.
Expect chaotic symbiotes, wasted Oscar nominees, and one last dose of Sony’s web of weirdness. Plus, we tease what’s next—Kraven the Hunter and the return of Fantastic Fourstick as our Suffer Sinema series rolls on.
💥 Support this show and all of Vactor’s comic-driven chaos by joining the Patreon:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Venom 3: The Last Dance
02:36 Reflections on Venom 1 and 2
05:11 Expectations for Venom 3
07:36 Character Development and Missed Opportunities
10:01 The Role of Supporting Characters
12:45 Visuals and Special Effects
15:28 The Future of the Sony Spider-Verse
17:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
🎧 Vactor and Shoff return for another round of cinematic suffering—this time, they’re crawling into the tangled mess of Madame Web. Was it worse than Morbius? Why was Ezekiel Sims barefoot on the subway? And did Sony just waste one of its best casts ever?
In this spoiler-packed roast, we break down the plot holes, laugh at the cringe-worthy dialogue, and ask: how did this even get made?
👕 Grab the “Here’s The Thing” tee: https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/63683187-heres-the-thing-white
🎙️ Support our show + unlock exclusive content on Patreon: patreon.com/thiscomiccooks
📢 Tell us what movie to suffer through next @thiscomiccooks on X & Bluesky!
In this special episode of This Comic Cooks, Vactor is joined by writer Cassius Lawson and aspiring director Evgenii to discuss the origin of a bold new superhero project. Inspired by real historical events from Liberia and built with grounded storytelling in mind, this conversation dives into the creative process behind developing a fresh, globally-minded comic book narrative.Topics include:– The true story behind the 1989 coup in Liberia– Why costumes come second to character– The challenges of representing cultural history as collaborators– Inspirations from Sin City, Sherlock, and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2– How to balance accessibility for newcomers with deep lore for longtime comic fansWhether you’re a lifelong comic reader or a curious creative, this episode gives a rare glimpse into a new project being built from the ground up—with heart, history, and a hunger to innovate.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a New Superhero Project
02:15 The Creative Process Behind the Story
05:52 Character Development and Storytelling
07:58 Exploring Political Themes in the Narrative
12:03 Target Audience and Comic Book Consistency
16:36 Visual Storytelling Techniques
20:56 Directorial Inspirations and Style
23:29 The Vision for Live Action Adaptation
25:59 Conclusion and Future Updates
In this debut episode of Suffer Sinema, hosts Vactor and Shoff sink their teeth into the most memed comic book movie of the decade—Morbius (2022).
Is it really the disaster everyone said it was? Or is there something lurking beneath the surface? Join us as we talk Jared Leto’s performance, Spider-Man connections, Sony’s failed Sinister Six plans, and why watching Morbius years later might just change your mind.
➡️ Topics covered:
Is Morbius truly the worst comic book movie?
The “Venom-verse” confusion
Midnight Sons, Vulture, and Sony’s Spider-Man problem
Vampire powers vs. comic accuracy
Why the end credit scene ruins everything
🎬 Suffer Sinema is the series where we rewatch the most critically panned comic book movies of all time… so you don’t have to. Because sometimes, watching is the real superpower.
Comic Test Dummy Ep. 1: Battle Beast Is Invincible’s Wolverine Meets Klingon
Vactor introduces a brand new segment—Comic Test Dummy—where he throws his co-host Shoff into a new comic pick with no warning, and Shoff shares his raw, unfiltered reaction. First up? Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #1 by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley!
🔥 Is Battle Beast the Klingon-Wolverine hybrid of comics?
🧠 What did Shoff think about the brutal backstory, cosmic rage, and Michael Dorn vibes?
👊 Is this new series worth following, or just a side quest?
We also dive into Robert Kirkman’s world-building, Dragon Ball and John Wick parallels, and which Invincible characters deserve their own spinoffs. It’s gory, geeky, and gloriously fun.
👉 Subscribe to This Comic Cooks for more unfiltered comic reviews, lore dives, and top-tier recommendations.
Step into the futuristic world of Vitalerium with author and creator Nicholas Keating Casbarro. In this episode of This Comic Cooks, we explore how a cross-country flight inspired an entire sci-fi universe, now spanning novels, comics, and more.
Nicholas reveals how he brought the world of Vitalerium: Descent into the Void to life—crafting rich characters like Roman Matthews and Darok Ferris Benson, balancing philosophical themes with action-packed storytelling, and turning his sci-fi saga into a powerful comic book adaptation.
We talk about:
Building a universe at 36,000 feet
Adapting a novel into a visual comic experience
How world-building reflects modern-day society
The creative process of independent creators
Tips for aspiring sci-fi storytellers
📚 Pick up Vitalerium: Descent into the Void on Amazon - https://amzn.to/42VH9gl
🎨 Grab the limited-edition comic & merch at vitaleriumseries.com
📲 Follow Nicholas on Instagram & Threads: @VitaleriumSeries
📺 Watch full interviews on YouTube: This Comic Cooks
Join the Vitalerium Universe on Patreon – Be Part of the Story - https://vitaleriumseries.com/join-the-vitalerium-universe-on-patreon-be-part-of-the-story/
In this episode, Vactor and SuperTim dive deep into Marvel's Thunderbolts, discussing their initial thoughts on the film, character introductions, and how it compares to other Marvel movies. They explore themes of misfits and team dynamics, the future of the MCU, and the marketing strategies that may have influenced audience expectations. The conversation also touches on the director's vision and execution, as well as the significance of post-credit scenes in setting up future storylines. Ultimately, they share their final thoughts on the film and its place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What did you think of the Thunderbolts team?
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Thunderbolts
03:00 Character Dynamics and Team Composition
06:01 Themes of Misfits and Teamwork
09:01 Narrative Structure and Pacing
11:50 Comparisons to Other Teams
15:01 Character Development and Arcs
18:00 Future of the MCU and Building Blocks
21:00 Post-Credits and Russo Brothers Influence
26:23 The Shift from Communism to Capitalism in Characters
28:02 Setting Up the New Avengers
29:33 The Dynamics of Avengers vs. Doom
30:54 The Role of Black Panther and Fantastic Four
32:21 Theories on Dr. Doom's Introduction
34:21 The Future of the Avengers and Team Dynamics
36:39 Excitement for the MCU's Direction
38:24 Reflections on Recent MCU Films
40:53 The Importance of Established Franchises
42:19 Marvel's Strategy and Audience Manipulation
49:20 The Confusion of Movie Titles
51:38 Balancing Audience Expectations and Financial Goals
In this episode, the hosts discuss the Superman comics released in April 2025, including their thoughts on 'Absolute Superman #6', 'Action Comics #1085', and 'Superman #25'. They delve into character developments, particularly focusing on Superman's alien nature and the influence of the Kent family. The conversation also touches on the crossover event 'We Are Yesterday', exploring its implications and the portrayal of classic villains like Ra's al Ghul and the Legion of Doom. The hosts share their favorite moments and insights from the comics, highlighting the ongoing evolution of Superman's character.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Superman Comics
08:25 Deep Dive into Absolute Superman
21:27 Exploring Action Comics: Arctic Assault
23:49 Action and Pacing in Comics
25:55 The Last Days of Lex Luthor
37:56 Superman Issue 25: A Milestone
42:59 Summer of Superman Special
48:45 We Are Yesterday: A Crossover Discussion
