In this wildly entertaining episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse Starcher and Chris Armstrong dive deep into Spectacular Spider-Man #185, a hidden gem from the early ’90s that blends slapstick humor with heartfelt moments. Instead of battling heavy hitters like Venom or the Sinister Six, Spidey teams up with the one and only Frog-Man to take on the over-the-top duo of White Rabbit and the Walrus. It’s a comedic detour from the darkness that had dominated the title’s recent run, and your hosts are here to unpack every bizarre and brilliant moment.
Jesse and Chris bring the laughs and the love as they explore how this issue functions like a sitcom within the pages of a superhero comic. From awkward family dinners with Eugene Patilio to the surprise reveal of his reformed villain father donning the Leap-Frog suit once more, this story is full of charm, absurdity, and unexpected emotional depth. The duo also gives a well-earned spotlight to legendary artist Sal Buscema, whose decades-spanning career and storytelling chops are on full display here — even if he didn’t always get the flashiest assignments.
As always, there’s more than just the comic on the table. Jesse takes listeners on a pop culture time warp through the December 1991 Cool-O-Meter, spotlighting everything from Guns N’ Roses and Mystery Science Theater 3000 to the bizarre presence of holographic arcade games and “utter lack of prestige.” Whether you’re here for Spider-Man nostalgia, oddball villain appreciation, or just two passionate fans geeking out, this episode delivers a web-slinging good time.
