Jace and Rocky break down some of the indie titles for the week of March 26, 2025 that they have had a chance to read. Radiant Black continues to deal with the fall out of the Catalyst War. A supervillain;'s daughter begins to her father'strue nature but before she can even decide how she feels about this revealation he is assassinated. Now her choice is to take revenge, if she can or finally live a life of freedom, but with a title like We're Taking Everyone Down With Us, you can probably guess what she will choose. The follow up from the creator of the smash-hit Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees drops this week as the "Have's" are forced to give up half their fortunes for the benefit of the "Have-Not's" or they can choose to battle to the death in a gladiatoral-lie arena. Kids give us a look at a horrifying world where very young kids become adults overnight and chaos ensues. Bitter Root returns with a new colume set in a new era, but with the same incredible storytelling we have come to expect from the series. The Lore War starts soon and the last Star Trek Defiant issue leading into it is a must-read for TNG fans with a fan-favorite character playing a major role. Stand Still comes to a satisfying conclusion as does Big Burn with both books making for excellent reads in their upcoming collected editions. Dust to Dust continues it's slow build with fantastic character work and You'll Do Bad Things is a compelling, if not mysterious, narrative with artwork that just oozes with style. Join us to hear about these books and more in this Indie Spotlight!
Jace talks about a few of the Indie books he got a chance to check out for the week of March 19, 2025. Power Fantasy continues to be one of the best comics out currently and it's latest issue introduces us to the final Superpower we haven't seen before, Eliza Hellhound. The debut of The Last Boy extrapolates the idea of Peter Pan as the boy who never wants to grow up to the extreme as it examines what happens when everyone around him has moved on and left him behind. Bug Wars #2 ramps up the action with some fantastic art and pacing, plus just wait until you see the bug version os Syd! The Deviant closing out in a satisfying manner, even considering the momentum it lost due to being so late. Rocketfellers is the perfect example of how to give a large case time to shine in each issue as the story moves forward, but never forgets to give some space to add development to each character. Gunslinger Spawn gets one step closer to the man he believe kidnapped his sister, but just how much will he be outnumbered by when he confronts him? Join us to hear about all these books and more, plus a rundown on other titles you might want to be on the lookout for.
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics titles for the week of March 26, 2025. It's a big week with the debut of Absolute Martian Manhunter, a guest artist on Absolute Wonder Woman gives the book a very different feel from precious episodes and the James Gunn version of Peacemaker returns also. We also get two issues Harley Quinn, one from her regular series and also a one-shot special. Green Arrow and Green Lantern both continue their fantastic runs as does Justice League Unlimited which leads into an upcoming event. Black Canary ramps up the action in its penultimate issue with action that has to be seen to be believed. Hush returns to the pages of Batman in Hush 2 which we expect to be a big seller for DC. Join us to hear all about these titles and the rest of the week's releases.
Jace chats with Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta about the finale of the first arc of Absolute Batman. The smash hit that kicked off DC's Absolute line has been action-packed from the start and fans have been showing up in droves to experience this new version of one of DC's most iconic characters. The creative team talks about specific choices for some iconic scenes in this issue, plus some discussion of the series overall and hints of what's to come, so be sure to listen in!
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC comics for the week of March 19, 2025. We get the debut of Absolute Flash with a new version of Wally West, a new look for the rogues and a story kicking off with lots of mystery. The second issue of The Last Days of Lex Luthor continues the instantly classic feel of the relationship between Superman and Lex. Nightwing is absolutely action-packed as are New Gods, Challengers of the Unknown and Detective Comics. The first arc of Absolute Batman concludes with some incredibly powerful emotional beats and fantastic art, as well. Join us to hear about all these titles and more!
Jace and Rocky talk about a few of the indie titles they have had the chance to read for the week of March 12, 2025. We get a multilayered story filled with incredible depth in Assorted Crisis Events. Rogue Sun starts a brand new chapter with the perfect jumping on point, while String builds to an exciting finale in the penultimate issue. Void Rivals gives us the origin of the Sacred Ring in a very key issue. Flash is told of the fate of Dale Arden as he tries to find a way to reunite wiht her, while Simon Pure meets Annie Oakley in the pages of Red Coat. Bith Spawn and Geiger have incredible last page reveals that have to be seen to be believed. Join us to hear all about these books and a lot more!
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics titles for the week of March 12, 2025. It's a fantastic week with DC Vs Vampires going to war with Darkseid while Black Lightning looks to transition into a new role in the Power Company in the final issue of his mini-series. Aquaman runs into an old acquaintance but is she friend or foe? The mystery of Memento continues in Batman and Robin while a new version of Scarface emerges in Dark Patterns. Green Lantern Corps is wildly paced and packed full of action with fantastic art and Absolute Superman #5 gives us the final moments of Krypton in the Absolute Universe. Join us to hear about all these books and more.
Jace welcomes Paul Eza back to the show to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for The Olympian. When an ancient medallion hidden in his grandparents attic unleashes super powers on an unsuspecting young man, how will he cope with his newfound abilites? Against the backdrop of a small town, a close-knit family and even closer friends, will this new hero find a way to navigate this new life in secret or turn to those closest to him for help? Listen in for hints and to find out what rewards are available.
Jace welcomes Jason Aaron back to the show to chat about the reception for the Absolute Superman series so far, how the destruction of Krypton affects this version of Superman and his collaboration with Rafa Sandoval. By any metric the entire Absolute line from DC Comics and the All In era have been a great success and the care Jason is putting into crafting this Superman story is indicative of how much all the creators at DC are invested in these stories. Jason says he has long term plans and won't be leaving the books any time soon. Also, he mentions that all the creative teams for the Absolute books have started to discuss how and when this books will crossover. More exciting times are coming for DC Comics, so be sure to listen in and grab Absilute Superman when it drops Wednesday. March 12th!
Jace welcomes writer Ram V back to the show to talk about a slightly lesser known DC Hero, Resurrection Man. As his name implies, when Mitch Shelley dies, he is resurrected, which means he has lives thousands of lives, but he also comes returns with a new super power each time. He's back in his own series again with Ram taking on some pretty big questions that we can all relate to whether we are long lived or not. Join the guys for ths chat to learn about what will happen in the story and what some of those big questions are. What happens when Resurrection Man dies of old age? Will he be a master of time? How can any particular moment in your life have meaning when you have so many of those moments? With gorgeous art from Anand RK this story is going to attempt to answer some of those questions.
Jace and Rocky chat about a few of the indie titles they have read for the week of Martch 5, 2025. Knights vs Samurai takes a turn that adds a ton of complexity and storytelling layers and we love it! Sam and Twitch continues it's crime noir, police procedural feel with incredible art. Exit City comes to a close while teasing the upcoming Underworld Universe crossover event this summer. Juvenile may be employing some familiar tropes but the excellent art and likeable characters make it thoroughly enjoyable. Hyde St expertly mixes world-building with character work, when you add in spectacular detailed art you have a must-read. Finally, Tin Can Society builds on the amazing cliffhanger of last episode with an even more amazing ending in this issue. Join us to get our full thoughts on all this books!
Jace and Rocky talk about the DC Comics titles for the week of March 5, 2025. We have an excellent issue of The Atom Project showcasing Captain Atom's heroism. Batman: Full Moon and Brids fo Prey ahve their est issues to date with BoP leaning into some excellent chracterizations for our heroines. Two-Face and JSA continue to ramp up the tensions in their respective storylines and we also get plenty of tension between Jay Nakamura and Dreamer in the debut of Secret Six. Shazam ends it's run focusing on family, while Poison Ivy discovers that families searching for a better life in Marshview may have had their dreams turn to nightmares. Finally Batgirl and Nice House By The Sea both showcase masterful chracterization for evolving characters leading to truly compelling stories. Join us to hear about all the DC titles this week!
Jace welcomes writer Jim Zub back to the show to talk about his Zoop campaign for Skullkickers. This was the first longform creator owned title Jim did at Image Comics. As Jim says in the episode, it is really the series that put him on the map as a writer and it holds a special place for him for that reason among others. It is a wildly fun and enteraning adventure inspired by beloved properties such as Dungeons & Dragons, Conan and Army of Darkness. Jim also chats about the possibility for new Skullkickers content in the future, why he chose Zoop and some of the rewards that are available. There's tons of info in this one, so be sure to listen in and go check out the campaign.
Jace is joined by writer Thomas Healy to talk about the upcoming Black Ritual: book of Nyx series set in the Spawn Universe. A fan favorite character who is currently the Queen of Hell. Thomas along with artist Nat Jones are exploring some fo the lost years of Nyx that haven't been explored or referenced in her numerous appearances in the Spawn Universe over the years. Thomas gives us some behind the scenes info on how the series came together and how much Nat Jones was a driving force for the return to this character's earlier days. Plus in his capacity as the Editor-In-Chief of the Spawn Universe Thomas is uniquely suited to talk about the universe overall and the intention they have with the various titles that come our on a monthly basis, as well as the forthcoming series that have been announced. There's tons of info on the Black Ritual: Book of Nyx and plenty of hints of what's to come for the Spawn Universe.
Jace and Rocky chat about some of the Indie titles they have read for the week of February 26, 2025. Radiant Black returns with a great jumping on point for new readers, but returning fans will have a lot to unpack also with consequences from the Catalyst War heavy on Marshall's mind. Also Department of Truth returns to its current day storyline with loyalties and motivations on the minds of, seemingly, everyone. Kill Train is back with its second issue and it is laugh-out-loud satirical fun. Seasons #2 gives us a glimpse into each sister and her specific demeanor, which sort of match up with their names. Dust to Dust continues to be the best illustrated book on the stands and the slow burn tension is still building. Vicarious comes to a satisfying conclusion while Pop Kill is just getting started. Join us to hear about these books and more!
Big week of DC Comics titles with 14 books releasing. It's aoverall a fantastivc week with Black Canary and Detective Comics as particular favorites. Justice League Unlimited, Green Lantern and Superman also are highlights. The guys also agree that Power Girl has one of it's best issues yet and Flash works for at least one of them. Little Batman is laugh out loud funny and they can't wait for it to come back. Join in to hear about all these titles and more.
Jace welcomes writer Matthew Rosenberg back to the show to chat about We're Taking Everyone Down With Us, his upcoming title from Image Comics. Somewhere between the smaller cast and grounded story of 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank and the fantastical setting of What's the Furthest Place From Here, you know you are going to get great characterization. Inspired in story and style a bit by spy films of the 60's, this story tells the tale of 13-year old Annalise who's left all alone in the world after he mad-scientist father is killed by a super-spy. Having only her dead father's robot bodyguard by her side Annalise has a chance to live a normal life for the first time. However, the desire to avenge the death of her father may take that chance away forever. Which path will she choose and just how will she enact her revenge if she chooses that path? Gotta read it to find out!
Jace chats with writer Jeff Lemire and artist Nick Robles about their upcoming title for the Absolute Universe line at DVC Comics, Absolute Flash. Jeff talks about getting a chance to crafat a new version of the Flash without the history which can, at times, be restricting. Likewise, Nick discusses the feeling that his art may not be best suited to a Flash book, but when he gets the chance to work on a new version of Wally West and lean into the emotions of the character, his art is, in fact, perfectly suited for this book. Plus hints of the rogues, and a tease for what's to come for young Wallace West as he comes to terms with his new abilities.
Jace and Rocky chat about a few of the indie titles for the week of February 19, 2025. G.I. Joe starts to gain some momentum and Star Trek continues its march toward the Lore War. The adventure of Flash Gordon continue to be incredible fun and the world of InBloom is creepier than ever. The top boosk of the week include the epitome of a western story in Deadly Tales of the Gunlslinger, the incredible horrific but gorgeously depicted techno-horror title w0rldtr33 and the equisitely layered and nuanced characterization and storytelling in Power Fantasy. Join us to hear about these titles and more.
Jace and Rocky talk about the DC Comics for the week of February 19, 2025. We get the end of the Jenny Sparks mini-series which divides the guys as one really likes it and the other definitely does not. The latest issue of Wonder Woman also has the guys on opposite sides as does New Gods but the latter makes both their top five rankings. They both lovedNightwing and Challengers of the Unknown though and the debut of Zatanna's latest series is also very well recieved. Join us to hear abotu all these books and more!
Jace is joined by artist Evan Cagle to chat about New Gods #3. The story is really gaining momentum with flashbacks into the distant past, adding context to current events as we see the alien Nyctari attack Apokolops, New Genesis and perhaps earth is next. Evan talks about the freedom in the character design of the aliens he designed and the legacy feel of working on Jack Kirby creations. He also mentions that when series writer Ram V first told him about the project, he wasn't sure he was right for it. If anyone has seen the first two issues, I think you will agree that it is great that Evan came around to finding his way on the project. There's some great conversation here, including the BIG logos we get for the characters so join us!
Jace and Rocky chat about a few of the independent titles they have read for the week of February 12, 2025. Bug Wars debuts with an incredible start mixing the idea of tiny hidden people with epic fantasy like game of thrones or Lord of the rings, a true Must-Read! Geiger continues to tell the at times very traumaticv story of its title character with incredible emotion and The Lucky Devils strikes a great balance of entertainment and bigger philosophical questions.
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics for the week of February 12, 2025. Three different Batman books that are all wildly entertaining. Action Comics ramps up with its latest arc and Black Lightning is incredibly fast paced also. Meanwhile, the Green Lantern Corps is reasserting itself as the peacekeeping force in the universe. Join the guys to hear about all the DC books for the week.
Jace is joined by the co-creators of Adventureman, Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson to talk about the series overall and their plans for it's return with the fourth volume coming soon. A pulp inspired adventure story with a huge cast, Adventureman is a fan-favorite series with gorgeous art from Terry where he gets to cut loose and draw all the things he loves from archetechture to amazing costumes. Meanwhile, Matt welcomes the challenge of balancing a huge cast with ensuring all the characters have their moment to shine. It's clear from the joy infused in the story that the creative time is hacing a blast makign this book, which only increases it's readability and raises the entertainment level. This is a must-read series that wouldn't work the same in any other medium, it's a wonderful book to share with young readers and the new volume it the perfect place to jump on. Check out our chat with Matt and Terry and be sure to pre-order from your retailer today!
Jace is joined by writers Christopher Golden and Thomas Sneigoski to talk about the latest volume in the Frankenstein: New World setting. It's the far future of Mike Mignola's Hellboy Universe and a small remnant of mankind remains, surviving deep below earth's surface. With rumors that the old world above is uninhabitable Frankenstein, spurred by thte visions of a young girl, awakens after having slept for thousands of years. What will he and this young girl find on the surface above? Only time will tell, but as they begin to expore, searching for the source of the visions they are pursued by a malevelont enitity and confronted by an ancient evil that is both familair and new. Steeped with the same classic, mythological feel of all the stories in the Hellboy Universe, this is a must read for Hellboy and comic fans.