EPISODE · Nov 2, 2025 · 1H 25M
Batman enters the SkyBox Metal Universe with Upper Deck’s Grant Sandground
from AIPT Comics · host David Brooke
NEWSWanda Maximoff ascends as Marvel’s new Sorcerer Supreme in December 2025Marvel teases “ARMAGEDDON” — Chip Zdarsky’s universe-shattering eventFrank Castle returns in Benjamin Percy and José Luis’ new ongoing 'Punisher' seriesMarvel’s Ultraman saga reaches its epic finale in 'The Fall of Ultraman' in February 2026‘Spread’ creators reunite for new horror-sci-fi series ‘Malevolent’Grant Morrison announces new ‘Sebastian O’ Vertigo adventureDynamite and Warner Bros. reveal $100 mystery blind bags packed with rare comic goldICV2 market share info releasedOur Top Books of the WeekDave:Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, Meredith McClaren)Barbaric: The Black Knight (Michael Moreci, Gui Balbi)Chris:Nights #16 (Wyatt Kennedy, Luigi Formisano)Cult of The Lamb: Schism Special #1 (Alex Paknadel, Troy Little)Standout KAPOW moment of the week:Chris: Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, Meredith McClaren) Dave: Robowolf #2 (Jake Smith)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKChris: DC K.O.: Knightfight #1 (Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora)Dave: Alien vs. Captain America #1 (Frank Tieri, Stefano Raffaele)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: Amazing X-Men #2 (Stephanie Hans Variant)Chris: Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 (Erica Henderson Main)Interview Questions – Grant Sandground / Skybox Metal Universe Batman - Upper Deck VP of Product Development out 11/51. Batman has an 85-year legacy filled with reinvention. What made now the right time to bring the Dark Knight into the Skybox Metal Universe, and why was he chosen as the first DC hero to headline this line?2. Metal Universe is known for its cutting-edge printing innovations — from etched foil to die-cuts and lenticular cards. Can you walk us through the technology that makes these cards stand out physically in-hand and how that translates to the Gotham aesthetic?3. Each Metal Universe line has its own visual identity, whether cosmic, heroic, or elemental. How did your team translate Batman’s world — all shadow, grit, and neon — into the visual language of the brand?4. This set spans decades of Gotham history. What was the process for selecting which eras, storylines, and character designs to include, and how did you balance nostalgia with innovation?5. The set features signatures from legendary creators like Gail Simone and Marv Wolfman. What does it mean to have the actual architects of Gotham’s mythology participate in this project, and how do their cards fit into the collector experience?6. How do you feel about people selling these on ebay?7. How do you pick out art?8. Your thoughts on the use of a.i. art?8. Can you tease any product on the way?9. (Fun one!) If you were designing your own “Grant Sandground” insert card for the set, what kind of foil finish or chase rarity would it have — and which Gotham character would you want to share a dual card with?
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What this episode covers
This week, we’re joined by Upper Deck VP of Product Development Grant Sandground, who breaks down how Batman is soaring into the SkyBox Metal Universe. From precious metal gems to glow-in-the-dark Riddler cards and autographs from comic legends like Paul Dini and Gail Simone, Sandground gives us an insider look at how Upper Deck is reshaping DC’s trading card future, and what’s coming next for collectors.
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Batman enters the SkyBox Metal Universe with Upper Deck’s Grant Sandground
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