In Episode 37.1 of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia revisit the big ideas from Episode 37, where they dug into the biology, physics, and storytelling around Sue Storm, Marvel’s Invisible Woman. They discuss how her power evolved alongside her character—from passive background figure to powerhouse protector—and unpack the deeper implications of invisibility as both a superpower and a metaphor.
They also take a detour into comic history with a look at Invisible Scarlet O’Neil (1940), one of the earliest female superheroes to wield the power of stealth, and how her depiction reflects mid-century gender norms. Then it’s off to the Creative Arts Summit, where fans shared their favorite Fantastic Four members and the powers they’d want for themselves—from stretch-enhanced snacking to fiery chaos.
This mini is packed with thoughtful extras: gender-coded powers, the practicality of invisibility, and who in pop culture really deserves the title of “strongest member.” All that, plus what we’re watching (Department Q, North of North, We Were Liars) and what’s next in the Fantastic Four deep dive.
It’s science, it’s fiction, it’s science for weirdos.
And don’t forget to Pre-order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
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Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!
Future Episodes & Events:
Fantastic Four Science Series (Episodes 37–40) – Leading up to the MCU Fantastic Four movie (releasing July 25, 2025):
Ep. 38 – The Thing & Tough Skin
Guest: Jonathan Maberry (NYT bestselling author) on durability, monster metaphors, and moral trauma
Ep. 39 – Fire and the Psychology of Power
Guest: Dr. David Pincus (University of Chicago) discussing Johnny Storm and risk-taking psychology
Ep. 40 – Stretching the Human Body
Guest: Dr. Maria Dowell (Northwestern), breaking down Mr. Fantastic, elasticity, and anatomical plausibility
Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:
Featured Full Episode:
Guest: Nick Ulanowski
Nick’s Books: https://starvingauthorpress.etsy.com
Nick’s SubStack Article: Action Comics #1 as Anti-Fascist Art
Media Mentioned:
Invisible Scarlet O’Neil (comic strip, 1940–1956)
Department Q (Netflix)
North of North (Netflix)
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart → Hulu adaptation
Fan Interactions (Creative Arts Summit):
Attendees shared their favorite Fantastic Four characters and superpowers—including invisibility, flame control, tough skin, and snack-fetching stretching.
Science & Fiction Connections in Episode:
Biology of Invisibility: From index-matching in transparent fish to the calorie demands of full-body cloaking
Historical Heroines: Scarlet O’Neil as proto-Sue Storm, showing early examples of invisibility in women-led comics
Sibling Dynamics: From Sue & Johnny Storm to the Wonder Twins and Wanda/Pietro, a look at superhero siblings
Invisibility and Power: How social invisibility intersects with literal vanishing in fiction, especially for women
Fan Psychology: What fans really want when choosing superpowers—and what that reveals about practicality vs fantasy
Images From the Crew:
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