The Superhero Show #625Fantastic Four: Disney's Secret EpisodeThe Superhero Show — Disney’s Secret Episode

This week, The Superhero Show tackles one of the most curious entries in the 1994 Fantastic Four animated series: “Incursion of the Skrulls,” better known among fans as Disney’s Secret Episode. While the episode was once available alongside the rest of the series, it later disappeared from streaming platforms due to imagery that became unexpectedly sensitive following real-world events. The hosts discuss the episode’s unusual history, its place within the series, and whether its reputation as the “missing episode” is more interesting than the episode itself.

Along the way, they dive into shape-shifting aliens, increasingly absurd infiltration plans, and one of the strangest examples of Reed Richards being rewarded for... well, pretty much everything.

In the second half of the show, the hosts continue their read-through of Ryan North’s Fantastic Four with Issue #6, “A Shot in the Dark,” a story that showcases just how powerful Sue Storm really is—and why that realization starts making certain organizations very nervous.

Disney’s Secret Episode: The Skrulls Have Arrived

The hosts begin with a breakdown of “Incursion of the Skrulls,” introducing the Fantastic Four’s first encounter with Marvel’s famous shape-shifting alien empire.

They discuss how the episode portrays the Skrulls, from their constant scheming and internal rivalries to their often questionable decision-making. The conversation highlights how the cartoon leans heavily into the comedic side of the Skrulls while still presenting them as a genuine threat.

The hosts especially enjoy examining the relationships between the various Skrull characters, whose constant bickering and incompetence frequently undermine their own invasion plans.

Disney’s Secret Episode: The Most Complicated Impersonation Plan Ever

One of the biggest talking points of the episode is the wonderfully ridiculous central plot.

After learning that the Skrulls plan to impersonate the Fantastic Four on Earth, the Fantastic Four decide to impersonate the Skrulls who are planning to impersonate them. The resulting layers of deception create a level of comic-book logic that the hosts find impossible not to love.

They break down the increasingly convoluted disguises, mistaken identities, and absurd scenarios that emerge from this setup, arguing that it perfectly captures both the strengths and weaknesses of the 1994 series. It's silly, overcomplicated, and somehow incredibly entertaining.

Disney’s Secret Episode: Reed Richards, Hero of Literally Everyone

The hosts also spend time discussing one of the episode’s most amusing developments: Reed Richards somehow earning an astonishing amount of praise and recognition from the Skrulls.

Whether through diplomacy, science, luck, or sheer protagonist energy, Reed repeatedly finds himself being celebrated by people who should technically be his enemies. The hosts joke about Reed's ability to stumble into honorary titles, medals, and accolades regardless of which planet he's standing on.

This becomes a larger conversation about how the animated series often portrays Reed as the smartest and most respected person in every room—and occasionally every galaxy.

The Episode That Quietly Disappeared

No discussion of Disney’s Secret Episode would be complete without addressing its unusual streaming history.

Without focusing too heavily on the specifics, the hosts discuss how certain scenes involving a recognizable New York skyline became far more sensitive after major historical events. As a result, the episode has largely remained absent from some modern streaming releases despite being a regular part of the original series.

The conversation explores how older media can sometimes gain unexpected context years later and how that can affect preservation, distribution, and audience perception.

Ryan North’s Fantastic Four #6: A Shot in the Dark

In the second half of the episode, the hosts turn their attention to Ryan North’s Fantastic Four #6, “A Shot in the Dark.”

The issue follows the team as they attempt to stop a rapidly spreading algae that threatens to consume and destroy life on Earth. To prevent catastrophe, Sue Storm takes on an extraordinary responsibility: traveling into space and using her powers to reduce the sunlight reaching Earth long enough to stop the algae from growing.

The hosts praise the issue for highlighting just how powerful Sue truly is. While Reed often receives the spotlight as the team's scientific genius, this story demonstrates that Sue may actually be one of the most formidable members of the Marvel Universe.

The discussion becomes particularly interesting when Maria Hill and S.H.I.E.L.D. confront the team at the end of the issue. Realizing the full scale of Sue’s abilities for perhaps the first time, they decide that someone capable of affecting the entire planet deserves much closer scrutiny.

The hosts explore the fascinating ethical questions raised by the issue: What happens when a superhero becomes powerful enough to alter global systems? And who, if anyone, should be responsible for monitoring that power?

Final Thoughts — Disney’s Secret Episode

By the end of Disney’s Secret Episode, The Superhero Show finds itself discussing one of the strangest chapters in Fantastic Four history. Between shape-shifting alien hijinks, increasingly ridiculous layers of impersonation, Reed Richards collecting yet another set of honors, and the episode’s unusual streaming legacy, “Incursion of the Skrulls” proves to be far more memorable than anyone might expect.

Combined with Ryan North’s thoughtful exploration of Sue Storm’s incredible power in Fantastic Four #6, the episode offers listeners a perfect blend of comic-book absurdity, historical curiosity, and superhero analysis as the hosts continue their exploration of Marvel’s first family.

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