Captain America: Return of the Asthma Monster - Atop the Fourth Wall

Welcome to Atop the Fourth Wall, where bad comics burn. In this episode, Linkara looks at a PSA comic about asthma and the monster that wants to spread it!
atopthefourthwa...
Originally uploaded August 8th, 2011.
ORIGINAL INFO: Yes, a villain so good that people DEMANDED his return! After all, YOU remember the asthma monster, right?
RUMINATIONS: At some point I really need to do a review of the first asthma monster comic, which I do have (though not in great condition). I think my problem with reviewing it is that I doubt there’s anything I could say about it that isn’t already covered here - the asthma monster’s motivation makes zero sense, the PSA elements are fine, and the overall story, while stupid, would be fine for anyone looking for information about it. That being said, I haven’t actually taken a close look at the original comic, so it’s entirely likely there are whole NEW stupid things about it.
There’s something very upbeat and fun about the theme from the Reb Brown Captain America series. I mean, I much prefer the music from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but there’s something nicely seventies and happy about the song that I think could have worked for a series if the pilot movies hadn’t sucked so much.
This episode marks the beginning of the ending credits Entity messages. The idea was to play a sort of augmented reality game with the audience by providing them with single-frame clues about the Entity that would all make sense once it was completed. However, my audience took it a step further in a manner I really WISH I had thought of - leaving coded messages into the comments section of the blog using a text formatting that would make it look really weird, like a jumble of scribbles and melted text all together. The only aspect that I really build on that was that I claimed to my audience when they questioned me about it that I “didn’t see anything.” The inspiration for this was Marble Hornets, the webseries about Slenderman. One of the messages, “I’m not that thin,” was deliberately put in there because I figured people would say that the Entity was Slenderman (and they did).

[@cartoonman81]

"Children, you know what to do!" "Right, Captain America, I'll go Punisher on his ass!"

[@toatahu2003]

"Captain America, child abductor." It's the return of Crazy Steve!!!

[@Tamashikiri]

Well, Frank Miller has expressed interest in wanting to write Captain America... but fortunately, Marvel has made it *very* clear that they won't let him touch Cap with a ten mile pole.

[@BlueScarabGuy]

Toa Tahu Crazy Steve Rogers, even.

[@autobotstarscream765]

Maple Samurai And yet even without Frank Miller's help, Ultimate Captain America says "The "A" doesn't stand for France!". Maybe Miller should be allowed to work in the Ultimate universe.

[@nathanthompson4613]

Honestly, I think the idea of Captain America randomly appearing before children and giving random asthma advice is hilariously absurd

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Maybe Miller should write for U.S.Agent.

[@shadowldrago]

"I move through the power of badass." Considering the amount of stuff he's been through and the beatings he's taken, I can buy it.

[@Nintendon85]

I think they could have made this work. Say the Ahstma Monster has such severe asthma that normal medicine didn't help him, which made him bitter towards people who could breathe normally. So he makes this suit, goes evil etc. And at the end, it's stated how medication is always evolving, and now he can be treated and doesn't have to be different. It's not perfect, but it'd make him more sympathetic at least.

[@AbyssalPrince]

" it was something about putting my head between my legs and kissing my ass good bye but i'm not that limber !" i love that

[@edwardjobst1]

This was actually the first comic I ever got, back when I was a child in the hospital. Been a cap fan ever since.

[@Tareltonlives]

The Asthma Monster is no mad-dog killer; he is after something!

[@Tareltonlives]

Seeing Cap in that goofy helmet is seriously giving me Reb Brown flashbacks. And now I can't get the cheery TV-style theme song out of my head

[@aminehsu6629]

I know this is approximately 50 billion years late, but I felt like noting that Police actually have to store their side arms before going into a jail or prison, and generally only very specific guards within the prison are armed either. That said, they generally are allowed batons either, so...

[@dukespubber741]

I had the first Asthma Monster comic when I was little. I think it was actually my first comic.

[@leannewho664]

How 'bout the lady from Totally Spies who wants to make everyone addicted to Girl Scout cookies?

[@Mask0fFate]

Dec Hardcat I haven't seen Totally Spies in a while, so I must ask: That was a thing?

[@islamroks11]

+Samuel Johnson Yes. It was. There was even a movie!

[@Mask0fFate]

+islamroks11 I meant the woman who wanted to make everyone addicted to cookies.

[@islamroks11]

+Samuel Johnson Yes. It was. Totally Spies was a WEIRD show and not all that good.

[@ThePreciseClimber]

+islamroks11 I always liked Marathon's Martin Mystery more.

[@MoonSnowAngel]

I remember getting this comic when I was first diagnosed with Asthma back in the early 90s. My brother got Captain America meets The Asthma Monster. I still have both comics somewhere but I do not exactly remember where.

[@Zelix678]

at 7:41, am i the only one who thinks, judging by the artwork and how Captain America is holding his hand, that he is about to pull his pants down and flash himself at those kids? "Hey, kids! Wanna see something traumatising?"

[@MrZerothejedi]

I like the overall idea of thos PSA, as someone with asthma. It has a much better lesson for children with asthma other than "I DON'T WANT TO BREATHE RIGHT, AHAHA!" I know it's not great that he just did the opposite of what he did last comic, BUT it's a pretty good illustration of what being a STUBBORN asthmatic and not taking your medication can do. Ultimately I think it's a good ending because while its seems dumb and childish, there are a lot of kids who think that exact way, they don't want to appear different and avoid using the medication. The asthma monster STARTING as that kind of villain and then becoming someone who realizes that using the medication would actually help him appear as LESS different is actually a good morale and lesson. At least I think so anyway, I'm sure some ultra anti-pharma person will read this and get upset but this isnt about the profits and morality of bigpharma, this was simply a comment about how I wish there were more asthma PSAs. Maybe the next one can be on how some asthmatic drugs are so quickly rushed out and poorly tested that they cause ones mood to alter, and I dont mean just because of the corticosteroids.

[@jordanfreeman3226]

Y'know what would have been much more entertaining and cogent? If the Asthma Monster *TWIST* was WORKING WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES!!! Not gonna happen in a PSA comic, I know, but still, wouldn't that make more sense?

[@ursidae97]

I'd read it.

[@ursidae97]

I'd read it.

[@Sigmundfruit]

+Sidney Meyers you'd read it twice

[@ursidae97]

Robert Pysh That's such a weird glitch

[@nathanschmitz2302]

Sidney Meyers Be careful, glitches are worse than asthma.

[@thomasjenkins7506]

maybe that punch from cap'n knocked some sense into him. not to mention, he got community service for breaking and entering, assault, and kidnapping?!?

[@DinosaurFan88]

What's with these PSA comics from the 1980s and them always seeming stuck in the fifties and early sixties, at least fashion-wise?

[@TheRealGaucelm]

Because they're in the Silver Age spirit.

[@TPrower]

I do have to give them credit for having sensible PSA material about dealing with asthma, but a villain themed after asthma who specializes in simulating symptoms of it? Such wasted potential with the teleportation and gas-gun... I feel like they ought to take that list of 10 worst Batman villains and expand it for other super villains.

[@Taschenschieber]

He's not "simulating" the symptoms of asthma, he's trying to cause ACTUAL asthma attacks. Yes, this might be arguing semantics, but still.

[@averagegamecritic]

I feel like super heroes are summoned and literally teleport when a PSA is going on

[@laurenceodell930]

KId: "Captain America?! Where the hell did YOU come from?!?" CA: "Oh please, I'm Captain America. I died once and went to Valhalla to fight demons... the only reason I came back is because I'm too awesome to die! I move through the power of badass..."

[@Daminite]

I love it, a comic where Captain America gets ”Scooby Doo'd”

[@zakfett92]

Cap's there because he was asked to make another PSA video for Peter Parker's school.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

I would not be that amazed that Captain America was around. He is enchanted soldier sure but it’s not that exiting but still a soldier that could have educating kids as part of job description and he is kind of a mascot for the US military anyway.

[@jagarcia0705]

4:47 [Groot grows a cocoon of branches to cover his friends] *Rocket Raccoon:* No, Groot! You can't! You'll die! Why are you doing this? Why? [Groot uses a thin branch to wipe away Rocket's tears] *Groot:* We are Groot.

[@Tareltonlives]

I think Twilight Sparkle, Rey and Steven universe would go "I think you're forgiving him too easily"

[@jakebryant3445]

"There is logic in what he says"

[@Weirdoid]

A breathtaking villain.

[@arcanegift]

As I rewatch the storyline episodes I forgot how creepy the PSA Hell opening sequence was.

[@mmeers89]

albuterol; the common medicine used for asthma, DOES NOT stop you from allergies (which if I heard you correctly is what the aller-gun gives to its victims). I have asthma and allergies so I know how it works. I use benadryll when I have allergies, or a nap.

[@HolyGoddessMotherAnne]

I usually drop Benadryl when I'm in the alley having to get high as a goddamn kite.

[@morganyoung3557]

Indeed it is 100% true that Captain America is too awesome to die and moves through the power of bad ass. Captain America is just that great and everyone should love him.

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

11:17 that is my fave part

[@HiperPivociarz]

11:16 I know it's wrong, but that would be so cool XD

[@TheNumnutRandomness]

I remember that up to this point, I skipped the story segments in your videos. But I saw the glitch and wanted to know what was up with that. That's when I began to take a greater interest in your other videos, not just the ones about Batman or Superman.

[@snakes3425]

4 crappy movies prior to 2011 if you count the 1944 Captain America Serial

[@Lierbal]

I laughed so hard at this. Great episode and great job, man.

[@Chocobo0Scribe]

Is it ironic I actually got a little short of breath from laughing watching this?

[@dakotadoyle7573]

Isnt Ms Wilson the name of the teacher from the Tandy Computer comics

[@Tareltonlives]

OH MY GOD SHE CROSSED COMPANIES

[@Valdagast]

It's pretty easy to counter most asthma medicines. Beta blockers can trigger asthma attacks that are resistant to standard asthma treatment.

[@WraithTDK]

To be fair, if *you* were Captain Freaking America, would you want to call The Avengers and say "hey guys, Cap here. I definitely need your help. Avengers Assemble!" over The Asthma Monster? Because I feel like if I'm The God of Thunder and I'm getting called to on because the guy who's leading the team I'm on needs help with this goof...I'm done with Midgard. I'm just done.

[@jruler44]

It's strange this comic is so silly, and yet as someone who collects comics and has asthma, im strangely tempted to purchase a copy off of Amazon.

[@andreworders7305]

I got a asthma ad before this! I think Ads just latch on to key words.

[@leannewho664]

He's hangin' out! Hangin' out! Hangin' out with his family! Havin' himself a par-taaay!

[@snakes3425]

Asthma Monster for the Avengers Endgame

[@davezdragon]

I recall reading this particular comic book.

[@noahmagana137]

10 years of the asthma monsters second appearance

[@autobotstarscream765]

14:24 Demon flower fairies!

[@therexdragonblade6821]

I know the feeling, Linkara. I also hate world domination plots.

[@Tareltonlives]

Man, remember when you can say "America promotes good health and medical care for the ill" ?"

[@mariogentile472]

This was my first comic book ever and a doctor gave it to me when I was 3 or 4.. wild,. 8 always talk about it but just googled it

[@jackmonaghan8477]

Are we sure this is the Asthma Monster and not Killer Croc getting lost in the Marvel universe and needing a new gimmick?

[@dakotadoyle7573]

You forgot the twin clones of Hitler

[@mikigirl18]

Here's something I keep wondering. They keep talking about allergens... Shouldn't they just sneeze? Asma and allergies are totally different things.

[@Viccatrix]

Assault a full of room of police, kidnapping, home invasion.. COMMUNITY SERVICE!! XD

[@SugarGliderBlue]

Pretty mellow set of wheels ;)

[@maxmcelhannan7477]

11:18 why would captain america give any child a gun?

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

cause he's a American

[@maxmcelhannan7477]

@@TheAllSeeingEye2468 oh

[@YourUncleBenis]

Say, wouldn't Cap recover from the permanent toxin? I mean, he IS a super soldier, so I figure he'd be all right.

[@Tareltonlives]

Looking forward to the first Asthma Monster comic review. My brother suffers from asthma, but the concept is so ridiculous I have to laugh.

[@Tareltonlives]

"Mrs Wilson, are you home? It's Captain America!"

[@Tareltonlives]

Asthma Monster would do more damage raising insurance prices. INSURANCE LOBBYIST MONSTER!

[@Tareltonlives]

How to improve this-"I'll help you...I'm a PRISON doctor"

[@whyologist]

The asthma monster would later purchase the patent for the epi-pen.

[@brittanyyates5916]

at 8:31 either that a weird snake shirt or the kid has snake poking through his shorts literally

[@KevlarNinja]

I wonder when we are going to see the first one on the show.

[@Morningstar91939]

Missed opportunity: “Steve Rogers, Agent of NAMBLA.”

[@Merit2397]

I have to admit, never expected that the first comic to be reviewed of my favorite hero was some lame PSA. For a time, I thought it was Captain America Comics #1. That being said, I think there is potential for a disease themed supervillain it's just that the execution here is...well...lacking as you can plainly see. Still, at least there's some good Captain America action here.

[@AztecMoogle]

He's always watching

[@FaceUnreality]

3 crappy movies? There was one besides captain america getting strapped to a rocket aimed at the whitehouse and the other where he's wearing some crappy biker helmet? I wonder if its worse then those 2.

[@TheGollddMAN]

Linkara-AtopTheFourthWall Actually he is referring to the same movie you are talking about, where he is strapped to a rocket (Doug reviewed that very movie which you just admitted).

[@FaceUnreality]

Linkara-AtopTheFourthWall Yeah that one, and the one Spooney reviewed. But what's the 3rd?

[@TheGollddMAN]

FaceUnreality My guess would be that either he confused the same movie as two and thus made the "3rd movie" statement or maybe he's referring to the Marvel movie (the first one) as being crap.

[@FaceUnreality]

***** I liked one of them I know that.

[@AT4W]

FaceUnreality Spoony reviewed TWO Captain America movies. One was the pilot, the other was "Death Too Soon."

[@alexhorbacz1547]

I just thought of something. In your alternate universe does Space Lancer Steve replace Lt. Monroe? Because that would be an awesome plot twist.

[@MicrowavedAlastair5390]

A comic about asthma. A condition that I have, incidentally. This ought to be a fun one. (What point is there to life if you can't laugh about the crap you go through?) Unfortunately, it is one in the morning. Man, I sure am smart. Albuterol sulfate tastes nasty, by the way. Not as bad as Prednisone though. That stuff must be made out of powdered demons. It's upsetting that it works so well in beating allergic reactions and asthmatic crises.

[@AquaFan1998]

maybe he was transferred to a UK prison but from what i seen they have tranquilizer guns here

[@MarcTaker]

you know, I keep forgetting to ask... what IS the song you use for PSA Hell?

[@AT4W]

MarcTaker "Dies Irae," one of the first parts of Mozart's Requiem.

[@Tareltonlives]

If the Asthma monster wanted to make everyone sick, why couldn't he just start an antivaccination blog?

[@Lanier2369]

Ok, just went thru the comments because I know repeating stuff that other people mentioned is a pet peeve, and yes I know I'm a few years late but I'm catching up on the videos after discovering this wonderful stuff, but Captain America in the comics doesn't he super strength like he does in the movies. Peak human strength yes, a level that could be attained in the real world, but not super human level. Just a little FYI I guess. Lol.

[@LizardOfOz69]

"I'm always watching"

[@skyslasher2297]

0:10 wait three I only know the Europe one what are the other two

[@spidergwenstarwars6504]

Maybe he had deadpool teleport belt

[@sodapopinsky87]

the next marvel movie is based in this comic hahaha

[@sodapopinsky87]

haha

[@bryedtan]

Do my eyes deceived me is the artist Mark Bagley one of my favorite artist?

[@TheTriumphgurl]

Linkara, I was wondering if you take a viewer's request.

[@jakebryant3445]

Wait he had 3 crappy movies? I thought there were only 2 crappy Captain America movies

[@POLE7645]

There were the first two with Reb Brown (from 1979) and the one from 1990 (from the same company that gave us Superman IV).

[@Meme_Lor]

POLE7645 Also the 1940s serial

[@goldenthyme13]

Oh no, I'll be an asthmatic! Oh wait, I already am.

[@348joey]

3:34 "All right, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh-water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?"

[@robertblack9381]

Brought Peace?

[@redheadroyalty9270]

Linkara, I am a huge fan, and I was wondering; after you are finished filming the AT4W movie, would you review something with the Sentry? I would really love to see that review. Thanks for your time!

[@vaggos2003]

He reviewed World War Hulk, so I think your wish was fullfilled.

[@jfdrac]

So um.....did he re edit this or something...despite the description I see absolutely nothing with the entity here

[@AT4W]

Basically it's like one or two frames - during the end credits for a second it glitches and shows a message.

[@Morningstar91939]

AMERICA, FUCK YEAH!!!

[@Writer10389]

The comic itself irritates me for several reasons: 1. assuming this comic was a PSA sponsored by Glaxo (now GSK I suppose), why aren't they specifically talking about inhalers or nebulizers at all? Inhalers are super important for all breathing conditions, from childhood asthma to COPD (aka breathing damage due to years of smoking). Captain America talks to the kids about staying calm during an attack (and the monster bemoans they fact the kids whip out their inhalers to fend off his attack), but neither character spare more than two words for the medication. The makers (and sponsors) of this comic missed a huge opportunity to both lend useful advice (how to use their inhaler correctly - inhalers are useless if the person doesn't know how to use them correctly) and advertise a product ("Look! Our brand-name drug is trustworthy!" On the other hand, maybe direct-to-consumer advertising wasn't legal when this comic was published??). 2. I don't care what decade this comic was published, Pharmacists are terribly underused both then and today. Doctors don't, as a rule, hand out meds - you have to go to your pharmacy for that. Also, don't remember what your doctor said about how to use the inhaler? Ask the pharmacist! 3. Why is the Asthma Monster taking so many pains to spread Asthma when he can just lobby Congress to defund the EPA (or whatever) and let pollution levels rise so childhood respiratory disorders increase? On the other hand, he's probably too impatient for that.

[@ursidae97]

They need to talk about asthma themed supervillians

[@JoeDangIt]

Am I the only one who thinks the allergen gang would make great pets?

[@andreworders7305]

3 crappy movies? I thought there was only one.

[@biteme9486]

I'm sure that a lot of talented people throughout the decades have created very engaging stories of Captain America, but that notwithstanding, I refuse to take him seriously i mean.....look at him

[@harmlessdan]

If you upload 2 old episode per week here and a new episode per week in channel awesome than how long would it takes for the old ep to catch up with channel awesome

[@AT4W]

Another 2-3 years, by my estimation. We're about to hit the 150th episode on youtube and it takes about a year to go through 100 episodes on youtube, by which time I'll have yet another 50 episodes in the can, so after another year or so we'll have caught up.

[@MaxBennie]

PSA Hell? Are they taking the PIF? (Sorry. So sorry.)

[@ChristineP223]

Is this guy really worthy of Cap's time? I mean D-Man or Immortal Man could probably take him no problem.

[@choninja21]

Christine Phipps Falcon's robotic bird could take this guy down alone

[@tolchok89]

“Three crappy movies previously” See, this is why I hold out hope for a decent Fantastic Four movie care of Marvel Studios. They had three crappy movies too (technically four if you want to count the unreleased Roger Corman movie).

[@supernintendochalmers3385]

And yet, the unreleased one is arguably a better Fantastic Four movie than the ones that *were* released

[@vaggos2003]

Well, guess those 4 Fantastic Four movies are actually the members of the Not So Fantastic Four.

[@tolchok89]

@@vaggos2003 Don't expect any sort of No Way Home style crossover with the main MCU. If anything, those universes already got pruned or suffered an incursion.

[@Sevenigma777]

Just a lil wierd reviewing the sequel first. Unless its just because you cant find the original to showcase it or is the sequel just way worse?

[@TheZipperDragon]

10:00 You forgot twin clones of hitler

[@maxmcelhannan7477]

16:21 i have the same feeling after bakugo's "apology" in my hero academia, it blantantly ignores continuity similar to the writer of this comic trying to redeem the asthma monster (does he actually have a real name?)

[@LukePaganoRotaryWall42087]

i have asthma and this comic is worse to me because it just stereotypes people who have asthma

[@sodapopinsky87]

the Asthma Monster? hahaha..... wtf?

[@redlanternreviews4821]

Yeah comic books are weird

[@Nintendon85]

Wait... Three crappy movies? I thought there was just the 1990 one?

[@Bauglir100]

Spoony did a review of the other two.

[@shadesofnier1]

Oh, yes, Captain America has fought Nazis, but where was he when the Last Battalion was rising Xibalba to destroy the world ? Where ?! xD

[@spideyviewer327]

15:33

[@Commissar_Eiven]

hilarious