Jace and Rocky have a quick chat about the recent Phoenix Fan Fusion Convention and then dive into the DC Comics titles for the week of May 28, 2024. Primer continues to be everything you want in a comic for new and veteran readers of all ages. The Penguin has succeeded in elevating its titular character to new heights in terms of his threat level in Gotham City. Speaking of Gotham, Mark Russell's alternate universe take on Batman in the Dark Age title feels both fresh and classic, with art to match. Finally the DC Pride anthology has some great stories and some others that don't resonate with the guys as much, but the emotional vulnerability, maturity and self-awareness Phil Jimenez brings to his autobiographical story is powerfully touching to say the least.
Jace chat with Patrick McEvoy about bringing back on of the earliest Kaiju, Gorgo. First seen in a classic British B-movie from 1961, the fil has gained a cult following in the ensuing years. Filled with interesting metaphors and set in the beginning of the Cold War, there is plenty to unpack in this one. Patrick gives us some insight into the story and setting, as well as, teasing how Gorgo fits into a larger shared universe he is developing.
Jace chats with Eisner, GLAAD and Ringo award-winning comic book writer Mark Russell about the Kickstarter campaign for his Eisner-nominated series TRAVELING TO MARS. This is your chance to get a beautiful hardcover edition of this incredible story that Mark describes as some of his best work ever. TRAVELING TO MARS tells the story of former pet store manager Roy Livingston, the first human to ever set foot on Mars. Roy was chosen for the unlikely mission for one simple reason: he is terminally ill and has no expectation of returning. Roy is joined on his mission by Leopold and Albert, two Mars rovers equipped with artificial intelligence, who look upon the dying pet store manager as a sort of God. Against the backdrop of not only his waning days but those of human civilization as well, Roy has ample time to think about where things went wrong for both and what it means to be a dying god. A riveting story of planetary exploration and of finding meaning in your final days. An incredible balance of emotion and relatability in the story lead to a profound sense of connection for the reader and fan reaction has shown that to be true. Presented in the format Mark loves best, this is a story that will have you thinking about it long after its over. Plus, if you are anything like Jace, it will be a story you can't wait to share with friends. Listen in on our chat with Mark for all the details.
Jace chats with New York Times best-selling cartoonist Ngozi Ukazu about her upcoming Young Adult graphic novel BARDA. Ngozi is a self-professed life-long DC Comics fan, so it was a dream come true for her to writer and illustrate this story. Taking inspiration from the legendary Jack Kirby, Ngozi weaves a wonderful Fourth World tale starring Big Barda as she begins to question the motivations of Apocalypse and meets Scott Free for the first time. Ngozi talks about her inspirations, the fun in writing the Female Furies and so much more. Be sure to listen in and pick up the graphic novel when it drops June 4th.
McFarlane Toys, a trailblazer in the world of action figures and collectibles, proudly announces a landmark collaboration with Marvel Comics. With this partnership Todd McFarlane’s iconic MARVEL artwork will be brought to life in a collection of posed figures, available in both 1:10 and 1:6 scales. It’s a pivotal moment, marking the first time Todd McFarlane, CEO/Founder of McFarlane Toys, will turn some of his own Marvel drawings into stunning 3D detail, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of comic book history.
Decades in the making, a collaboration for the ages as the legendary artist Todd McFarlane finally has an agreement with Marvel to produce figures of his iconic art. Additionally, Todd will be bringing his considerable knowledge and expertise in making some of the best toys in the world, to other iconic Marvel moments from other artists as well. Listen in as Todd explains what we can expect, what he is most excited for and even some of the images we will see brought to life in these dioramas. You can see the full press release below.
Jace welcomes writer Trevor Mueller to the show to chat about his crowdfunding campaign on Zoop for Los Ojos. A tale of a hitman. Andres Sanchez, who can look into the eyes of his target and determine if they are angle or demon. It this actually real or just a figment of Sanchez's imagination? They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, perhaps Andres Sanchez is about to learn just how true that might be.
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC titles for the week of May 21, 2024 including the finales for Justice League vs Godzilla vs Kong, The Bat-Man: first Knight and Alan Scott Green Lantern. We get the latest chapter of Catwoman's Nine Lives story and some hints of what's to come in Titans with both Raven and how it ties into Absolute Power. Plus House of Brainiac continues to be amazing as Superman may be pushed to his limits to win the day this time.
Jace welcomes writer Brain Buccellato back to the show to talk about he epic Justice League Vs. Godzilla Vs. Kong. Brian gives us some behind the scenes thoughts on the challenges of juggling such a huge cast of heroes, villains AND monsters! Plus his thoughts on grounding the story with emotion to allow for a more complete narrative. We have loved this series from the start and it's clear that Brian is having as much fun writing it as we are having when we read each issue. Join us as Brian teases the epic conclusion and cross your fingers that we will get a follow up series from this incredible creative team.
Jace is joined by writer Rich Douek to talk about three of the series he has written, including one current and two past. The current series Heartpiercer, is a mash up of fantasy and horror with all-out action and great art. Plus a great homage to classic teen films like Breakfast Club and Goonies, with just a little horror sprinkled in, The Ocean Will Take Us is a great title with manga influenced are and gorgeous colors. The final title also calls back to some great films, this time it's classic car chase movies like Cannonball Run, Dirty Mary and Crazy Larry and even the cheesy 90's flick, The Chase with Charlie Sheen. Drive Like Hell draws inspiration from all of these and in classic Douek fashion, Rich brings in a horror feel, with devils, demons and angels to ratchet up the action. Join us for all the details!
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics titles for the week of May 14, 2024. House of Brainiac continues to ramp up the action as Lobo returns to form. The action is also escalating towards Absolute Power in Suicide Squad: Dream team as we learn just how formidable Dreamer can be. Green Lantern has a surprise twist that does not bode well for the Lanterns as Dylan Dog and Batman resolve their case in an unexpected way. Plenty of action in the other titles as well, but the standout may just be the touching tribute to the legendary Ramona Fradon.
Jace welcomes Josie Campbell to the show to talk about the first season of the hit animated show My Adventures With Superman, tease the second season, which debuts May 26th, and give us some details about the upcoming comic book series based on the animated show. The series serves as a bridge between the first and second season of the show and is essentially the "Christmas episode" that they just didn't have space for in the first season. It is clear from fan reaction and Josie's enthusiasm for the show, that My Adventures With Superman is resonating with fans and the creators behind the property in equal measure.
Jace and Rocky talk about the incredible list of comic guests slated to attend Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024. Plus the chat about the programming, other media guests and activities that this incredible pop culture convention offers. From a plethora of comic retailers, to great cosplay, refreshments and a chance for photos or pictures with your favorite celebrity. Plus video, card and board games galore. Listen in for all the details and be sure to visit the Fan Fusion website to purchase your badge.
Jace welcomes Tom King back to the show to chat about the upcoming Wonder Woman #9. In comic shops on May 22, 2024, the issue explores Diana's attempt to escape from The Sovereign's latest trap. Tom gives us some hints on how Wonder Woman finds a way to persevere as well as his exploration of her relationship with Steve Trevor. Also the guys discuss the incredible art of Daniel Sampere and why Wonder Woman is better than Superman or Batman. PLUS ...Corgi's!!!
Jace and Rocky from the Comic Boom! YouTube channel chat about the DC Comic titles for the week of May 7, 2024. Several examples of villains leaning into their massive egos and also some more plot threads that lean into the upcoming Absolute Power event. Zod starts the next chapter of his return to outright villainy and he is bringing plenty of other despicable characters with him. Meanwhile Poison Ivy is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat Jason Woodrow and we get what might be the best issue of Batman since the current era began.
Spawn #86 - Story - Todd McFarlane & Brian Holguin, Pencils - Greg Capullo, Inks - Danny Miki, Letters - Tom Orzechowski, Colors - Dave Kemp, Brian Haberlin & Dan Kemp
As Spawn laments the loss of life that always seems to accompany any actions he takes, he is confronted by a strangely familiar man. As the stranger leads him to the grave of Al Simmons, he tells Spawn that he is, in fact, Al Simmons. Faced with the man he used to be, Spawn is forced to finally give up his past and move forward with his new life as Spawn, but what price must he pay to make this happen. It's the fight you never thought you'd see, Spawn vs Al Simmons.
Spawn #85 - Story - Todd McFarlane & Brian Holguin, Pencils - Greg Capullo, Inks - Danny Miki, Letters - Tom Orzechowski, Colors - Dave Kemp, Brian Haberlin & Dan Kemp
It's the final confrontation between Spawn and Billy Kincaid The plan to defeat the serial killer is revealed and is dangerous for all involved. When the time comes, Twitch is forced to make an agonizing choice and no one comes out a winner. Luckily for Twitch, his family returns and he takes solace in their love. It is clear that the impact of the events in this issue will be felt for a long time.
Jace welcomes comic creator V. Ken Marion back to the show. This super talented artist is here to talk all about his Kickstarter campaign for a comic he is not only illustrating but also co-writing with co-creator Jason Matthews. Taking inspiration from beloved video games, classic anime, Star Wars and even Lord of the Rings, Battle Chronicle Sol-Stryker has all the makings of a monster hit. The they have built is rich and characters are varied which means there are plenty to choose from when it comes to your favorite. Add in some complex antagonists and you have something special. So listen in and then go check out the campaign to see the wide variety of rewards being offered.
Jace welcomes Patrick Horvath back to the show to chat about his current Zoop campaign Free For All. Set in a near future with the world on the brink of eliminating poverty, the billionaires of the world are tapped to donate to the less fortunate or forced to fight in gladiatorial combat to retain their fortunes. Patrick was last her to chat about Beneath the Tress Where Nobody Sees prior to the first issue dropping. It has been THE smash hit of the last year, so now is your chance to get in on another great project from this creator before it blows up also. Listen in for details and go join the campaign.
Welcome to the future. The world is at peace and thriving. Housing, food, education, healthcare… all of the basic requirements for living are now provided for by the World Finance League, and it’s all funded by a lottery. Wealthy citizens of the world are picked at random and given the choice to either donate half of their assets for the greater good of the world, or fight to the death to keep it all. Among these trillionaire gladiators, two former lovers square off in this global arena to settle their differences once and for all.
Regardless of who lives or dies, we all win.
Breathing new life into an older project, this is the first ever print run of a classic tale from Patrick Horvath that was previously only ever available digitally. The 48-page Zoop-exclusive graphic novella is being remastered with new lettering & coloring, new cover, and new bonus material.
Spawn #84 - Story - Todd McFarlane & Brian Holguin, Pencils - Greg Capullo, Inks - Danny Miki, Letters - Tom Orzechowski, Colors - Dave Kemp, Brian Haberlin & Dan Kemp
Spawn, Sam and Twitch have to play the waiting game. They have a plan to stop Billy Kincaid, but it seems like it might be very dangerous for all involved. Just what it entails we will have to wait and see. In the meantime, we get some great character work foe everyone involved as we see just how much those close to them mean and Spawn tries to stop his worse nightmare from coming to pass.