Audio Issue #33: The 2024 Thanksgiving Superhero Smash Super-Sized Special!

Superhero Smash Returns for Thanksgiving 2024!

The Justice League and Justice Society Celebrated Thanksgiving

Because listeners demanded it, Superhero Smash will be returning live for The 2024 Thanksgiving Superhero Smash Super-Sized Special!
- Tune in to hear Gian live during IUP’s Thanksgiving Break
- Wednesday, November 27th from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- This will be a super-sized episode of best superhero radio show in the MCU, the DCU, and our U too!
Superhero Smash can be heard exclusively on WIUP 90.1 FM
- Livestream Superhero Smash Here!

Original Air Date

November 27, 2024

Part 1 Begins

Hero Song (4:07)

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay

Show ID 1: Superhero Smash (0:30)

Because fans demanded it, Superhero Smash has returned!
Featuring the best in “Superhero Music and Comic Book Lore”
Focusing on current superhero movies and popular culture events
I’m your host, Dr. Gian Pagnucci, a.k.a. The New Professor X
Playing great music about superheroes as well as music that is featured in superhero movies and shows
Also talking about comic book history and heroism
But no matter what cool stuff I discuss on the show, you don’t have to worry because this is a NO SPOILERS show!

Audio Episode Theme: Big Heroes, Big Appetites–The Superhero Smash Thanksgiving Special (1:00)

In honor of Thanksgiving, I’ll also be playing songs about food that tie to the heroes with the biggest appetites!
Article: “Five Marvel Characters to Bring Home for Thanksgiving (And Five Not To)” by Benjamin Doyce
Heroes that have to eat a lot, like The Flash who must keep his super fast metabolism fueled
And heroes who can eat pretty much anything, like Dr. Bruce Banner when he becomes, well, Hangry?…
Hulk Sound Effect

Instrumental Theme Music (1:14)

Theme from The Incredible Hulk TV show
The spectacular Bill Bixby played David Banner (for some reason his name was changed from the comic version Bruce) and Lou Ferringo played The Incredible Hulk in the 1978 series

Hulk’s Big Appetite! (5:00)

Hulk is often shown eating food in the comics
He especially loves beans
In Avengers Endgame we get to see him eating a bowl of eggs and plate of sausages
In this scene at a diner, 3 kids show up to get a picture with Hulk
- It turns out that 2 of the kids are children of the Russo brothers who directed the film and one is the son of the brothers’ sister
- See the article “There’s a Particular Avengers: Endgame Cameo That Meant a Lot to the Directors” by Rachel Leishman
Video: “Hulk Eats Fruits and Vegetables–Learning Healthy Eating Habits”
- A particularly fun video that uses Hulk figures to teach kids about making healthy food choices

Hulk Song 1 (3:41)

“Hulk Smash” by NerdOut
Also of interest is “Nobody Likes the Hulk” by Nick Wolff

Part 1 Ends (@15 minutes)

Part 2 Begins (@15 minutes)

Show ID 2: Superhero Smash (0:30)

WIUP FM 90.1
Featuring the best superhero music and comic book lore in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DC Cinematic Universe, and our U-niverse too!
Check out pagnucci.org and click the big Superhero Smash button
Or email Professor X using the address SuperheroSmash2024@gmail.com
I love to hear from the Legion of Superhero Smash Fans

Collector’s Item Classic Comic Book (5:00)

Normally, I feature a comic book
But for Thanksgiving, I want to tell you about
Stan Lee Presents The Mighty Marvel Superheroes Cookbook
The wonderful website GeekPlate offers a great review of the book and includes a lot of the books classic artwork
Includes how to make a Captain America’s Americana Hero sandwich
But my favorite picture is Spidey having to use his spider-sense in the kitchen when he accidentally sets the oven on fire
Publication Date: 1977
Value on eBay today: You can get it for about $55. A real steal!

Spider-Man Song 1 (4:53)

“Ode to a Superhero (Parody of ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel)” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
Gives us the whole Spider-Man story!

Spider-Man–A Thanksgiving Movie! (3:00)

Since we’re talking about Thanksgiving, I certainly have to recommend that classic film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles staring Steve Martin and John Candy
- It’s easily the greatest Thanksgiving movie of all time
But not far behind is the original Spider-Man movie from 2002 staring Tobey Maguire
- The film is set at Thanksgiving and Spidey and the Green Goblin, played with aplomb by Willem Dafoe, have a big fight and then both have to rush off to the same Thanksgiving dinner since the Green Goblin’s alter ego, Norman Osborne, is dating Peter’s Aunt May
- During the meal, Osborne comes to the realization that Peter is Spider-Man and so, as he carves the turkey for the meal, he grows increasingly sinster
- But the best laugh comes when Peter apologizes for being late to the meal by saying, “I had to beat an old lady with a stick to get these cranberries.”
You can enjoy Dafoe and Maguire reprising their roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home which also stars Tom Holland as the MCU Spider-Man; the Maguire film was put out by Sony
- And, of course, that film also brings back another Spider-Man, the one played by Andrew Garfield
Both Spider-Man and Spider-Man: No Way Home are great!
But if you are looking for truly AMAZING Spider-Man movies, you need to check out the 2 animated films about the alternate universe Spider-Man Miles Morales

Spider-Man Song 2 (3:19)

“Memories” by Thutmose from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

The Spider-Man Cake Theory (4:00)

The Spider-Man Cake Theory
- “You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” says Miles’ high school guidance counselor
- “Unless you bake two cakes,” replies Miles
- Teamwork? Going it alone or together
- Responsibility? Bringing a birthday cake home for his dad’s party
- Our dual natures? Are we good or bad?
- Or just that basic love humans have for cake?
- My theory is that Miles believes he can save everyone, so he hopes to have his cake and eat it too
- Fun scene of Spider-Man trying to bring home a birthday cake for his dad
Great movies to watch over the Thanksgiving holiday

Spider-Man Song 3 (2:04)

“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” theme by Jared Moreno Luna and ORCH

PSA: Visit the IUP Kathleen Jones White Writing Center (1:00)

IUP Kathleen Jones White Writing Center
- Shout-out to Dr. Dan Weinstein, the Director of the Writing Center and LLW Associate Professor

Part 2 Ends (@40 minutes)

Part 3 Begins (@40 minutes)

Show ID 3: Superhero Smash (0:30)

WIUP FM 90.1
Featuring the best superhero music and comic book lore in the MCU, the DCU, and our U too!
Check out pagnucci.org and click the big Superhero Smash button
Or email Professor X using the address SuperheroSmash2024@gmail.com
I love to hear from the Legion of Superhero Smash Fans

Come Running for Thanksgiving Dinner (1:00)

The Flash
His super metabolism requires him to eat constantly to keep up his strength
In the summer’s Flash movie, the Flash had to raid a vending machine to charge up and save a bunch of babies
On the far better CW show The Flash, this issue of eating was constantly being referenced
But even with his super speed, the Flash, a.k.a. Barry Allen, always seemed to be running late

Flash Music 1 (3:06)

“The Fastest Man Alive (Always Late)” by Blake Neely

Make Sure You Get to Your Thanksgiving Meal Safely! (2:00)

I met Grant Gustin, former star of the show, in the Summer of 2023 at Galaxy Con in Raleigh, NC
And speaking of trips and speedsters, I hope everyone traveling this holiday will have a safe journey
According to AAA, almost 80 million Americans are expected to be traveling this year for the holiday
That’s a record that will even beat pre-pandemic travel numbers!
I traveled to East Lansing, Michigan to pick up my son Loughlin who is attending Michigan State Law School
The roads were crowded, and there will be even more people traveling at the end of the weekend when we all head back
So, please take your time as you go!
A little extra cooking won’t hurt that turkey if you’re traveling on Thanksgiving Day, and we want you to arrive at your destination safely
In honor of the record number of people who will be hitting the road this holiday, here’s a perfect song about driving

Flash Music 2 (4:25)

“Fast Car” by Luke Combs
A fabulous remake of the Tracey Chapman original

Flash Music 3 (3:59)

I love Combs’ slowed down version of “Fast Car,” but since we’re talking about the Flash, here, I guess I better speed things up with a faster song
“Speed” by Montgomery Gentry

Part 3 Ends (@60 minutes)

Part 4 Begins (@1 hour/Noon)

Show ID 4: Superhero Smash (0:30)

WIUP FM 90.1
Featuring the best superhero music and comic book lore in the MCU, the DCU, and our U too!
Check out pagnucci.org and click the big Superhero Smash button
Or email Professor X using the address SuperheroSmash2024@gmail.com
I love to hear from the Legion of Superhero Smash Fans

Don’t Eat Too Fast (3:00)

The Flash
“O Come, All Ye Thankful” is the seventh episode of the fifth season of The Flash and the ninety-ninth episode overall
The episode revolves around a fight against the Weather Wizard’s daughter Joss Jackam
Joss has a staff that has been “tainted” with Dark Matter permitting her to control the climate
In the DC Universe, superheroes and supervillains are known as meta-humans and Joss’ staff is considered a meta-tech item
The Flash team also has a very nice Thanksgiving meal together, which leads to the episode’s Thankful title
I was thankful to meet Gustin at Galaxy Con because he told me that Superhero Smash “sounds cool”
So in Gustin’s honor, here he is singing a solo
Gustin also starred on Glee, so he knows a little something about music!

Flash Music 4 (2:48)

“Runnin’ Home to You” by Grant Gustin
This summer in the Contest of Champions Superhero Smash episode, I played the guitar version of this song, so I thought for today I would share this alternate version from The Flash Musical Episode “Duet” (Season 3, Episode 17)

Thanksgiving Is a Time to Celebrate with Family and FRIENDS! (3:00)

The Flash makes a really great comment in the “O Come, All Ye Thankful” episode
Barry says, “I don’t choose being the Flash over being with my family. I’m the Flash for my family.”
Again and again, he risks his own life to save the people he loves, although when he tries to do this by using his speed to reverse time, things pretty much never go as planned
As my son Cormac once said with a perfect deadpan delivery: “If there’s one thing I learned from my time as a speedster, you don’t mess with timeline.”
So, to make sure the Flash doesn’t forget that important lesson about the dangers of time travel, here’s a little song to remind him

Flash Music 5 (2:15)

The “Super Friend” duet by Melissa Benois and Grant Gustin
Yes, I played it in this summer “Flash” episode of Superhero Smash, but where else are you going to get to hear this incredible superhero song?
You can only hear it EXCLUSIVELY on

Show ID 5: Superhero Smash (0:30)

WIUP FM 90.1
Featuring the best superhero music and comic book lore in the MCU, the DCU, and our U too!
Check out pagnucci.org and click the big Superhero Smash button
Or email Professor X using the address SuperheroSmash2024@gmail.com
I love to hear from the Legion of Superhero Smash Fans

Part 4 Ends (@ 1 hour 15 minutes)

Part 5 Begins (@1 hour 15 minutes)

A Super Thanksgiving (3:00)

I hope all this super music is giving you a big appetite, just like our heroes
I want to turn now to an actual Thanksgiving comic, JSA Issue #54
In 2004, Geoff Johns wrote and Don Kramer inked a special comic that was deliberately upbeat
Ashley Land provides a good review of the issue: “The Justice League/Justice Society Thanksgiving Comic Was Great – Without Being Dark and Gritty” (clearly titled to draw web traffic!)
Land says the issue harkens back to the time when comics were simpler and aimed more for kids
I remember loving these “filler” issues which tended to come in between story arcs and focused on the heroes ordinary lives
These special issues often hit on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the 4th of July
Of course front and center in these episodes was the big red S, Superman, which leads to this next song

Superhero Music 1 (3:54)

“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down

The Two-Ton Man of Steel (3:00)

Technically, Superman does not need to eat because he is fueled by our yellow son
But in issue 221 of Superman, he was exposed to red kryptonite and suddenly became huge, two tons to be exact
While green kryptonite could kill superman because it the rocks contained radiation from Superman’s exploded home world, red kryptonite had all sorts of strange effects on him, and gave early Superman writers lots of opportunities to tell humourous stories
Superman did eventually return to his normal buff self, but you and I might not be so lucky if we eat too much at Thanksgiving
So enjoy the meal, have seconds if you want, but try not to overdo it too much
Remember, there will be plenty of leftovers which are great too

Superhero Music 1 (3:45)

“Superman” by Five for Fighting

Part 5 Ends (@ 1 hour 30 minutes)

Part 6 Begins (@1 hour 30 minutes)

Show ID 6: Superhero Smash (0:30)

WIUP FM 90.1
Featuring the best superhero music and comic book lore in the MCU, the DCU, and our U too!
Check out pagnucci.org and click the big Superhero Smash button
Or email Professor X using the address SuperheroSmash2024@gmail.com
I love to hear from the Legion of Superhero Smash Fans

Heroes of the Gridiron 1 (2:00)

What’s Thanksgiving without a little football?
I’m especially excited this year because, the Green Bay Packers are taking on the Miami Dolphins for the Thanksgiving night game
Since I’m from Wisconsin, a few years ago I bought Green Bay Packers stock when there was a public offering in 2021
That makes me a Packers owner, which is why I cheer so hard for the Jordan Love and the Packers every time they play!

Long Lost Hero 1: SuperPro (3:00)

In case you think football players aren’t heroic enough, I want to tell you about a long lost hero, SuperPro
Yes, in 1991, Marvel Comics published a series about an NFL player who became a superhero
As the cover of issue #1 proclaims, “He went from sacking quarterbacks to tackling crime!
The series ran for 12 issues plus a Super Bowl Special issue
Guest stars included Spider-Man in Issue #1 and Captain America in Issue #6
While the idea for the comic seems kind of fun, I’m sorry to say that the Chicago Sports Review called NFL SuperPro “perhaps the worst comic book ever created”
But I know I bought the first issue anyway!

Football Music 1 (2:51)

“I Love My Green Bay Packers (The Famous Packer Polka)” by Eddy J. Lemberger

Heroes of the Gridiron 2 (3:00)

Now there are 2 teams that always play on Thanksgiving Day: The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys
The Lions were the first team to play on Thanksgiving
They started that tradition because they had historically not been a good team, and so the Thanksgiving game was a chance for them to get into the TV spotlight
Later, the Cowboys, who always want to be in the spotlight, started playing on Thanksgiving too
And of course this year, for those of you who can’t get enough of Patrick Mahomes from all the commercials he is in, the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing on Black Friday
But to focus on the Lions, who started all this Thanksgiving football, this year Detroit will be meeting one of their division rivals the Chicago Bears
Chicago is, of course, home to a lot of great food, including deep dish pizza
And Chicago is also the focus of one of the greatest football songs of all time, which includes an appearance by Willaim “The Refrigerator” Perry, a defensive tackle for the 1986 Super Bowl winning Bears team, considered one of the greatest defenses of all time
They were so good, they even performed their own song

Football Music 2 (5:51)

“The Superbowl Shuffle” by The Chicago Bears Shufflin’ Crew

Heroes of the Gridiron 3 (3:00)

Before I wrap up this football segment of the show, let me talk a little about some great local teams
First, I want to give a shoutout to the Penn State Nittany Lions
They are 10-1 and if they can beat Mary Land on Saturday, they should be able to lock up a spot in the College Football Playoffs
I’ll give a quick shout-out to my son, Cormac, who is a Penn State alum, as well as to all those PSU fans out there
I hope the team not only makes the playoffs, but manages to beat Ohio State if they get a rematch
And, in honor of this great Penn State football team, here’s a great Penn State football song:

Football Music 3 (2:46)

“Trace McSorley” by Matty Fresh
Fade at 1:55: “If you bring that blitz, I scramble out and…”
It’s a great song, but we did have to fade out one little adult line since Superhero Smash is a family-friendly show!

Heroes of the Gridiron 4 (1:00)

Finally, although they aren’t playing on Thanksgiving Day, we can’t forget about local favorite, the Pittsburgh Steelers
As a Wisconsin alum, I want to give a shout-out to fellow Badger and Steelers QB Russell Wilson
Here’s hoping he carries the team to the Super Bowl
And although the Steelers Fight Song has not been updated since 2018, it’s just too good not to play it, so, here we go!

Football Music 4 (2:51)

“Here We Go! (Steeler Fight Song 2017-2018)” by Roger Wood

Part 6 Ends (@1 hour 50 minutes)

Part 7 Begins (@1 hour 40 minutes)

Show ID 7: Superhero Smash To Be Continued During IUP’s Winter Break (2:00)

This brings the 2024 Thanksgiving show to a close
But have no fear, true believers (as Stan Lee used to always say!)
Superhero Smash will be back for IUP’s Winter Break
I’ll have a bunch of fun Christmas-themed shows for you
And everybody’s favorite winter supervillain, Captain Cold, just might make another appearance on the show
Superhero Smash will be on the Same Bat Channel, WIUP FM 90.1, and you can check my website, pagnucci.org and click the big Superhero Smash button to learn the show’s next Bat Time
And listeners are always welcome to contact me, the new Professor X, via email: SuperheroSmash2024@gmail.com
And always remember: “You don’t need superpowers to be a hero. The only thing it takes to be a hero is the courage to do what’s right when someone needs your help.”–Gian Pagnucci

End Credits Song 1 (1:11)

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with turkey and all the trimmings
And since we’re speaking of birds and my son Loughlin is on break from Michigan State Law School and helping me as Music Engineer today, let me play this song in his honor
“Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law Theme Song” by Mr. Dooves

End Credits Song 2 (2:52)

But, in case you don’t like birds or, specifically, turkey, then I recommend the first thing Tony Stark wanted after he escaped from three months of captivity in the first Iron Man movie: A cheesburger…now that makes paradise

“Cheeseburger in Paradise” by the late, great Jimmy Buffett

Part 7 Ends (@2 hours/1 p.m.)

Long Lost Hero 2: The Question

First Appearance: Blue Beetle #1
Yes, as in the awful Blue Beetle movie that came out in August of this year
Publication Date: June 1967 (when Dr. Pagnucci was born!)
Publisher: Charlton Comics
Created by Steve Ditko
Value: $220 on Ebay
The Question believed that morality should be objective, based on the philosophy of Ayn Rand, and so he was an uncompromising and merciless vigilante
Later, in the Justice League animated series, The Question was portrayed as slightly crazy and a believer in wild conspiracy theories

Romantic Interlude (5:00)

The Question and The Huntress
- Video: Top 5 Question and Huntress Moments from Justice League
- Video: Huntress and Question Best Moments
One of the greatest superhero romances ever can be found across multiple short scenes in the Justice League animated series
The Huntress was originally Batman and Catwoman’s daughter, Helena Wayne, on the alternate Earth 2, though in Justice League her background is not explained
When Huntress first meets The Question, she says, “You must be ugliest guy of all time hiding your face like that, Question” since he always wears a full face mask
- The Question tells her he is bored and to go away, but instead they team up to investigate 2 cases they ear each working on
Later, as Question looks hacks into a computer system, Huntress fends of the guards
- Question gets the data he needs, but says it will take him days to analyze it
- Huntress scowls at him, so he says “Dinner and a movie?” and she replies, “It’s a start”
Later, while on a double date with Green Arrow and Black Canary, The Question saves Huntress’ life
- Huntress then asks “why risk your life for me?”
- The Question replies only, “because I, (hesistates) like you”
- She pulls him by his necktie and kisses him
- Then he says, “Where are we going?” and Huntress replies “Don’t ask so many questions.”
Huntress and Question keep a long distance relationship going by talking on the phone as they investigate different cases
- Question, or Q as Huntress calls him, announces a discovery, “Aha, as I suspected, 32 flavors” as he unveils a secret bin of Baskin Robin’s ice cream, the 32nd flavor
- Then Huntress says, “So, what are you wearing,” and Question replies “Blue overcoat, fedora” (his trademark uniform) which gets a “You really stink at this” comment from Huntress
In their final episode together, Question’s life is on the line, but Huntress saves him
- He asks Huntress to remove his mask with an aerosol spray
- Question’s face is bruised and batter and he says, “You were right, I am the ugliest guy of all time” to which she simply replies, “Not in my eyes”

Romantic Interlude (2:36)

To celebrate The Question and The Huntress’s romance
And in honor of The Question’s discovery of Baskin Robbin’s 32nd flavor
Here is “Ice Cream” by Sarah McLachlan
And a little shout out to my old friend Jim Anderson who I traveled across Europe with when I was a junior in college
He married Vanitha and they used “Ice Cream” as their song at their wedding
I hope they are both doing as great as Question and Huntress