Comic Talk Cafe

Jonathan talks about his picks for DC comics in June 2026.

Jonathan picks his favorites from Marvel this June 2026.

in this episode of comic talk cafe the crew talk about some of the latest trailers from upcoming shows and movies along with the news about the development of the Firefly animated series. 

The whole crew is back after a long hiatus! We talke about the new Iron Man comic relaunch, a new Rocketeer story and the latest Megaman X comic.

Out-of-Theater Review: Fantastic Four First Steps   In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan give their out-of-theater reactions to the movie 'Fantastic Four First Steps.' The team provides a detailed review, noting the film's adherence to comic book lore, character development, and overall pacing. They all agree that the fantastic casting and special effects make it a solid film. The group also discusses the pros and cons of the movie's independence from the broader MCU and its potential for future crossover events. Their final verdict is a 'fantastic thumbs up,' recommending the movie to both comic book fans and general sci-fi enthusiasts.   00:00 Introduction and Crew Introduction 00:12 Initial Reactions to Fantastic Four 00:55 Detailed Review and Comparisons 03:20 Character Development and Casting 06:47 Special Effects and Visuals 09:44 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Superman: James Gunn's Vision Comes to Life - Out of Theater Reactions In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan share their enthusiastic out-of-theater reactions to James Gunn's new Superman movie. They discuss their initial thoughts and feelings about the film, the performances of the actors, and the movie's ability to bring the DC Universe to life. They also touch on the emotional impact, humor, and comic accuracy of the film. The discussion includes reflections on specific characters like Lex Luthor and the roots of the DC Universe in the film. The episode ends with a hopeful outlook on the future of the DCU under James Gunn's direction, encouraging listeners to get their tickets and experience the movie for themselves.  00:00 Out of Theater Reaction: Superman by James Gunn 00:34 Initial Impressions and Theater Experience 01:00 Character Performances and Audience Reactions 02:23 Humor and Emotional Moments 02:58 Supporting Cast and Comic Accuracy 03:52 Superman's Role and DC Universe Expansion 06:34 Lex Luthor and Villain Portrayals 13:12 Final Thoughts and Future of the DCU

Heroes Con 2025 Recap & Highlights! Join Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan as they dive into their experiences at Heroes Con 2025. They discuss the cool artwork they picked up, including pieces, and shout out various artists they met. The crew shares insights into panels they attended, meeting notable personalities like, Chris Claremont, and Nick Dragotta. Tune in to hear their takeaways from dynamic figure drawing classes and an engaging Prince Valiant panel. If you're a fan of comics, art, and conventions, this video is a must-watch for a comprehensive Heroes Con 2025 experience. 00:00 Introduction and Day One Overview 00:52 Art Acquisitions and Highlights 02:51 Meeting Artists and Collecting Signatures 06:42 Panels and Workshops 11:25 Day Two Kickoff 16:18 Artist Contributions and Comic Strips 17:27 Discovering New Artists at Comic-Con 18:23 Panel Highlights and Art Tips 20:19 Farewell to Cheap Joe's Art Supplies 21:35 VIP Access and Comic Signatures 23:48 Final Day and Concluding Thoughts

Review of 'Dawn of the Black Axe' Issue 2   Jonathan provides a quick review of 'Dawn of the Black Axe' Issue 2, detailing Broderick's ongoing quest to eliminate the five vile snake beasts. The narrative explores Broderick's internal struggle and the reappearance of his elk friend, culminating in his encounter with a poisonous snake. The review also mentions behind-the-scenes insights into the collaboration between artist Gabriel Rodriguez and writer/colorist David Peterson. Additionally, Jonathan highlights the 20th anniversary facsimile reprint of 'Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast' in its original black-and-white format, suggesting it as a collectible for fans.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:19 Broderick's Quest and Challenges 01:25 Battles and Turning Points 03:22 Behind the Scenes Insights 04:46 Final Thoughts and Collectibles 05:19 Mouse Guard 20th Anniversary 07:01 Conclusion and Recommendations

Marvel Comics Preview for July 2023   In this episode, Jonathan provides an in-depth overview of the Marvel comics shipping in July 2023, as featured in Marvel Previews Number 44. Highlights include 'Fantastic Four #1' by Ryan North with art by Humberto Ramos, which is anticipated as a major release. Other significant titles discussed are 'Captain America #1' by Chip Zdarsky, 'Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe,' 'Immortal Thor #25,' and several new and ongoing series including 'Marvel Knights,' 'Spider-Man versus the Sinister 16,' 'One World Under Doom,' and various X-Men and Star Wars comics. Jonathan shares his excitement for these releases and invites viewers to share their opinions on the Comic Talk Cafe website and social media.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:20 Fantastic Four #1 Preview 03:17 Captain America #1 Preview 04:25 Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe 05:10 Giant-Size Specials and Marvel Knights 06:36 Immortal Thor and Marvel Swimsuit Special 08:15 Spider-Man and the Sinister 16 12:23 Ultimate Universe and Spider-Man 13:39 Star Wars and Licensed Comics 14:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

DC Comics July Releases Overview with Jonathan   In this episode, Jonathan provides a preview of upcoming DC comics set to be released in July. Highlighted titles include the return of Gotham City Sirens, new issues in the Batman and Superman series, Absolute editions for Batman, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter, as well as an exciting Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong crossover. Jonathan also shares his personal insights and preferences regarding the featured comics, and encourages listeners to share their thoughts via comments on the Comic Talk Cafe's website or social media.   00:00 Introduction to DC Books for July 00:15 Gotham City Sirens and Batman Updates 01:00 Absolute Series Highlights 02:24 Superman and Other DC Heroes 03:02 Justice League and Other Team-Ups 03:27 Green Lantern and Detective Stories 04:59 Miscellaneous DC Releases 05:22 Final Thoughts and Personal Picks 06:23 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

Thunderbolts Review: The New Avengers' Surprising Twist   In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, hosts Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan dive into a detailed review of the recently released Marvel film 'Thunderbolts', which is officially revealed as 'The New Avengers'. They discuss their initial thoughts, highlighting the film's focus on major characters like the Sentry and Elena, while touching on the underdevelopment of supporting characters like Ghost and John Walker. The conversation also covers key plot points, character dynamics, and the balance between humor and serious themes. They emphasize the film's strong narrative and speculate on future connections within the MCU, including the teaser hinting at the Fantastic Four. Overall, the hosts agree that 'Thunderbolts' is a promising step forward for Marvel, offering a good blend of action, emotion, and humor.   00:00 Introduction and Spoiler Alert 01:03 Initial Reactions to Thunderbolts 01:55 Character Dynamics and Critiques 04:56 Sentry's Role and Marvel Comparisons 08:35 Visuals and Special Effects 12:14 Post-Credit Scene and Future Speculations 14:31 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Summer of Superman Special: An In-Depth Review   In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, hosts Jonathan, Logan, and Rachel provide an insightful discussion about the 'Summer of Superman Special'. They discuss the significance of the special issue as a springboard for new Superman storylines, creative teams, and upcoming comics. The episode details the three-chapter special, highlighting key plot points such as Superman's interactions with Lana, the inclusion of key characters like Krypto, and Lana Lang's marriage to John Irons. The hosts reflect on the artwork by George Jimenez and discuss the different writers involved, including Mark Wade, Dan Slott, and Joshua Williamson. They conclude with a look at upcoming Superman-related releases and encourage listeners to engage with the new comic series.   00:00 Introduction to Comic Talk Cafe 00:02 Overview of the Summer of Superman Special 00:33 Creative Teams and New Storylines 01:38 Chapter One: Superman's Early Years 05:11 Chapter Two: Superman as an Adult 06:33 Chapter Three: The Conclusion 09:58 Upcoming Superman Comics 17:25 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Quick Review: Mouse Guard - Dawn of the Black Axe   Jonathan presents a detailed review of 'Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe,' featuring artwork by Gabriel Rodriguez and writing and colors by David Peterson. The book explores the origin of the black ax and its first wielder, offering rich visuals and engaging storytelling in a unique square format. Despite differences in art styles, Rodriguez's work complements Peterson's narrative seamlessly. Jonathan highlights the book's appeal for both long-time Mouse Guard fans and newcomers, emphasizing its strong visual storytelling and promising start to a potential series on the black ax.   00:00 Introduction to Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe 00:15 Background and Timeline of Mouse Guard 01:06 The Creation and Legacy of the Black Axe 01:30 Format and Structure of the Mini-Series 02:19 Art and Writing: A Perfect Blend 04:55 Visual Storytelling and Unique Format 05:54 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Comic Talk Cafe: Reviewing The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Legacy 965) In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, the crew gathers to discuss the latest issue of The Amazing Spider-Man, #1 (Legacy 965). They explore the story's direction, character dynamics, and expressive artwork by Joe Kelly and Pepe Laraz, while highlighting the contributions of John Romita Jr. for the backup story. The discussion covers Peter Parker's new beginning, character relationships, and villains, along with a detailed analysis of the art and panel work. The hosts share their insights and thoughts on where the Spider-Man series is heading and invite listeners to share their own opinions. 00:00 Introduction to Comic Talk Cafe 01:03 Discussing the Amazing Spider-Man #1 02:37 Art and Artists of the Comic 03:51 Storyline and Character Analysis 10:11 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

April's Must-Read DC Comics: A Comprehensive Overview In this episode, Jonathan dives into the details of the DC books slated for release in April, as featured in the February issue of DC Connect. He highlights 'The Summer of Superman Begins' special, new developments in 'Superman 25,' and ongoing series such as 'Action Comics,' 'Batman 159,' and 'Green Lantern 22.' Jonathan also shares his excitement for the 'Batman Superman World's Finest' crossover event involving Justice League Unlimited and Gorilla Grodd. He provides insight into other notable releases like 'Justice League The Atom Project,' 'Green Arrow,' and 'Secret Six.' The episode concludes with Jonathan's top picks and an invitation for listeners to share their own anticipated reads on social media. 00:00 Introduction to April's DC Releases 00:28 Superman Highlights 02:17 Batman and Other Heroes 03:31 Justice League and Crossovers  04:36 Green Lantern and Other Series 06:43 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

April 2023 Marvel Comics Preview In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, Jonathan provides an overview of Marvel comics shipping in April 2023. Highlights include the launch of 'Amazing Spider-Man #1' by Joe Kelly, Pepe Larraz, and John Romita Jr., and a wraparound cover by Pepe. Other major releases include 'Godzilla vs. The Incredible Hulk,' 'Daredevil: A Cold Day in Hell,' and various 'One World Under Doom' tie-ins, featuring Doctor Doom's son. Key picks discussed are 'Wolverine and Kitty Pryde' by Chris Claremont and 'Amazing Spider-Man #1.' The episode also previews upcoming issues in the Ultimate Universe and licensed Marvel properties like 'Star Wars.' Jonathan invites audience feedback on their most anticipated April releases. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:03 Amazing Spider-Man Highlights 00:24 Godzilla vs Marvel Heroes 01:45 Daredevil: A Cold Day in Hell 02:43 One World Under Doom 03:58 Predator vs Spider-Man 04:21 Wolverine and Kitty Pryde 04:40 X-Men and Ultimate Universe 07:24 Marvel Licensed Section 08:30 Conclusion and Personal Picks

Rocketfellers Issue #1 Review - A Sci-Fi Family Adventure   Jonathan reviews 'The Rocketfellers', a comic by Peter J. Tomasi and Francis Manipal. Set in the 25th century, the Rockefeller family discovers a secret that puts humanity's fate in their hands. Fleeing to present-day Earth, they must learn to trust each other in a strange, ancient world. The comic features three generations and a dog, reminiscent of the Fantastic Four. The artwork by Manipal is dynamic with bright colors and borderless panels, enhancing its distinct sci-fi feel. Despite not breaking new ground story-wise, the interesting characters and engaging art make readers curious about what happens next. Jonathan shares his excitement about this different type of story that's gaining traction in the comic world.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:18 Plot Summary 00:50 Character Dynamics 01:16 Artwork and Style 02:58 Story Structure and Key Scenes 03:36 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Green Lantern & Arrow Special and The Batman & Robin Memento Arc   In this episode, Jonathan and Rachel kick off the first recording of the year discussing two main stories from the DC Universe. They start with a special standalone issue of Green Lantern and Green Arrow which revisits their encounter with Deathstroke. The episode highlights the storyline's fun, independent nature and praises its execution by writer Jeremy Adams and artist Lucas Meyer. They then move on to Batman & Robin issues #14-17, focusing on the introduction of the new villain Memento. The discussion delves into the mystery aspect of the story and Batman's detective skills, while also touching on the father-son dynamic between Bruce and Damien Wayne. The episode concludes with a positive note on the artistic elements of both stories, expressing excitement for upcoming releases and events.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:30 Green Lantern and Green Arrow Special 02:03 Deathstroke's Encounter 05:08 Art and Storyline Review 06:21 Transition to Batman and Robin 06:46 Batman and Robin: Memento Storyline 09:14 Art and Detective Elements 16:28 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

March DC Comics Preview: Hush 2, Absolute Universe, and More!   In this episode of Comic Talk Café, Jonathan provides a comprehensive preview of DC Comics' releases for March. He highlights 'Hush 2' by Jeff Loeb and Jim Lee, as well as the new Absolute Universe series which includes Absolute Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Flash. Jonathan also discusses other upcoming issues such as Justice League Unlimited, Secret Six, Adventures of Superman, and a unique DC crossover with Sonic the Hedgehog. He shares his excitement for the new Absolute books and mentions his personal picks while going through the extensive list of DC's offerings for the month.   00:00 Introduction and Preview Overview 00:09 Hush 2 and Batman Discussion 00:43 Justice League and Absolute Universe 01:16 Absolute Batman and Superman 02:18 Absolute Wonder Woman and Green Lantern 02:44 Martian Manhunter and Flash 03:37 Secret Six and Adventures of Superman 04:32 DC's March Lineup 05:12 Miscellaneous Titles and Conclusion

Marvel Previews: Godzilla and Doom Take Center Stage   In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, Jonathan previews Marvel Comics' January edition for books shipping in March. Highlights include the debut of 'Godzilla vs. the Marvel Universe' with an initial clash against the Fantastic Four, a series on Dr. Doom's dominion over the world, and various new titles and continuations involving popular characters like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the X-Men. Jonathan expresses excitement over the Godzilla storyline and notes intriguing plots like Dr. Doom as Earth's ruler and upcoming crossovers like 'X-Man Hunt.' The episode concludes with highlights from Marvel's licensed materials and previews for Free Comic Book Day.   00:00 Introduction and Marvel Previews Overview 00:12 Godzilla vs. The Marvel Universe 01:25 Fantastic Four and Other Marvel Highlights 02:48 Dr. Doom's Reign and Related Storylines 04:39 X-Men and Crossover Events 05:46 Spider-Verse and Other Marvel Titles 09:27 Star Wars and Licensed Materials 10:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

February Marvel Comics Preview: The Rise of Emperor Doom   In this episode, Jonathan discusses the highly anticipated Marvel comic book releases for February, with a spotlight on 'One World Under Doom'. He delves into the plot where Victor Von Doom becomes Earth's Sorcerer Supreme and emperor, creating a unified Latveria. Other key releases include Doom Academy, Thunderbolt's Doomstrike, Red Hulk, Ultimate X-Men, and various Spider-Man titles. Jonathan also voices his opinions on the pacing of Ultimate X-Men and the sparse Star Wars entries. He wraps up by highlighting his personal favorites and what he's looking forward to in Marvel's upcoming releases.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:31 The Rise of Emperor Doom 02:24 Doom Academy and Tie-In Books 04:39 Ultimate Marvel Series 05:55 X-Men and Related Titles 06:51 Spider-Man and Other Heroes 07:54 Star Wars and Licensed Titles 09:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

DC Comics February 2025: Highlights and Reviews   In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, host Jonathan reviews the upcoming DC Comics releases for February 2025. He shares his opinions on Zatanna, Justice League Unlimited, Absolute Batman, and Absolute Superman. Jonathan also expresses his enthusiasm for Green Lantern Corps Number One and Justice League The Atom Project. He touches on several other titles like Aquaman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and different segments featuring female superheroes such as Catwoman and Batgirl. Finally, he highlights his anticipation for the new direction in Green Arrow and the upcoming Challenges of the Unknown series.   00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:12 Justice League and Major Titles 00:36 Absolute Series Highlights 01:08 Spotlight on Individual Heroes 01:41 Green Lantern Corps and Other Picks 03:43 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Review: Star Wars The Battle of Jakku Insurgency Rising Jonathan reviews the comic book 'Star Wars The Battle of Jakku Insurgency Rising,' which picks up right after the events of 'Return of the Jedi.' He discusses the theme of the New Republic dealing with remnants of the Empire, introduces the main characters including Han, Luke, Leia, and the antagonist Grand Moff Alhard. Jonathan appreciates the work of color artist Sinclair and anticipates how the 12-issue series will explore the aftermath of the galactic conflict. He also looks forward to the upcoming ties with other Star Wars media like 'The Mandalorian' and 'Ahsoka.' 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:38 Setting the Scene: Post-Endor Galaxy 01:50 Character Dynamics and New Threats 02:26 Introduction of the Acolytes and Grand Moff Alhard 03:23 Part Two: The Empire's Perspective 03:31 Art and Color Commentary 04:31 Series Continuation and Future Expectations 06:50 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Review of DC All In Special: An Intriguing Soft Reset  In this episode, Jonathan from Comic Talk Cafe reviews the 'DC All In Special', a comic linked to DC's Absolute line comparable to Marvel's Ultimate line. He explains the aftermath of 'Absolute Power', with heroes realizing their mistake of disbanding the Justice League. Jonathan describes the unique dual-cover feature of the comic and discusses characters and plots, including the Justice League's use of boom tubes, and a surprising twist with Darkseid merging with the Specter. He praises the comic's artwork and discusses some confusion about the Absolute and DC lines, suggesting DC could clarify the distinctions better. Overall, he finds the special a promising introduction to the new storyline. 00:00 Introduction to DC All In Special 00:32 Overview of Absolute Power 01:08 Comic Book Details and Artwork 02:10 Plot and Key Events 05:37 Darkseid's Perspective 08:03 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Biker Mice from Mars #1 Comic Review: Nostalgic Revival In this episode of Comic Talk Cafe, Jonathan reviews the first issue of the 'Biker Mice from Mars' comic series. He provides a brief history of the franchise, highlighting its 90s animated series and toy line. Jonathan praises the new comic for its high-quality art, mature storyline, and the effective reimagining of the classic characters. He compares it favorably to other releases in the Nacelleverse and expresses anticipation for the upcoming issues, including Sektaris and Power Lords. Jonathan concludes by recommending the comic for its nostalgic yet well-crafted appeal. 00:00 Introduction and Nostalgia 00:58 The Nacelleverse and Comic Revival 01:33 Story and Art Review 02:21 Plot Summary and Cliffhanger 03:36 Art Style and Final Thoughts 04:43 Comparisons and Future Issues

Review of Ultraman X Avengers #1: A Marvel Comics Crossover In this episode, Jonathan reviews 'Ultraman X Avengers #1' published by Marvel Comics. Written by Kyle Higgins and Matt Groom, with art by Francisco Mena, the 40-page issue features a crossover where Miles Morales' Spider-Man and the Avengers end up in the Ultraman universe. Jonathan highlights the vibrant art, engaging storyline, and amusing character interactions. He also notes connections to previous Marvel Ultraman series and speculates on potential future crossovers. Fans of Ultraman and crossovers will enjoy this entertaining comic.  00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:38 First Impressions and Cover Art 00:59 Plot Summary and Key Events 02:34 Character Dynamics and Humor 03:03 Art and Visuals 03:30 Series Connection and Continuity 04:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Comic Reviews: My Adventures with Superman, Batman and Robin, Absolute Power In this episode, Jonathan and Rachel discuss their recent comic book reads: 'My Adventures with Superman #3', which features Superman in early stages dealing with government troubles and his android friend Amazo; 'Batman and Robin #12', involving the dynamic duo on Dinosaur Island with intense flashbacks focusing on Robin's emotions towards Bane; and 'Absolute Power #1', a significant DC event where superheroes face a new threat led by Amanda Waller, exploring themes of AI and government control. Each comic is thoroughly reviewed for its plot, artwork, and overall impact. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:27 My Adventures with Superman #3 Review 06:13 Batman and Robin #12 Review 11:23 Absolute Power #1 Review 21:12 Conclusion and Sign-Off

Johnny Quest #1 (Dynamite Publishing) - Comic Review by Jonathan Join Jonathan as he dives into a nostalgic review of Johnny Quest number one from Dynamite Publishing. Written by Joe Casey and brought to life with art by Sebastian Piriz, this issue reimagines the classic Johnny Quest series with a fresh twist involving time travel. Jonathan, a long-time fan of the original series and the 80s Comico comics, explores the plot's homage to its roots, the dynamic artwork, and the effective use of modern color techniques. Tune in to hear his thoughts and critiques as he looks forward to future issues and reminisces about the beloved Johnny Quest adventures. Note: Transcript is auto generated. 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:24 Nostalgia and Personal Connection 01:09 Excitement for the New Series 01:50 Storyline and Time Travel 02:34 Art and Critique 03:18 Color and Final Thoughts 04:11 Conclusion

In this Episode, Jonathan and Logan review Uncanny X-Men #1 and X-Factor #1. Then Jonathan and Rachel catch up with Marvel's first Family in Fantastic Four #18-20. There are light spoilers in the show but we try to keep them to minimum. 

Jonathan talks about his picks for Marvel and DC books shipping in September.

Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan review My Adventures With Superman, Annihilation 2099, and Batman and Robin.

Jonathan Talks about the Marvel books coming out in Aug.

Jonathan Talks about some of the DC books coming out in Aug.

Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan talk about their experiences at this year's Heroes Con.

Jonathan, Rachel, and Logan highlight some of the books from FCBD 2024!

Jonathan reviews  Godzilla: 70th Anniversary 

Jonathan reviews the Absolute Power Special Edition (FCBD)

Jonathan reviews the TNMT free comic book day 2024 offering, Nightwatcher!

Jonathan covers the DC books shipping in July 2024

Jonathan goes over his picks for the Marvel comics coming out in July.

Jonathan Reviews Ultimate Black Panther Issues 2 and 3

Jonathan reviews X-Men '97 Issues 1 and 2

Logan reviews the Guardians of the Galaxy story arc, "Grootfall"

Jonathan and Rachel review Batman and Robin 2024 Annual 

Jonathan and Rachel review Ultimate Black Panther #1

Jonathan and Rachel do a quick review of Fantastic Four #16

A quick review of Green Arrow #8

A quick review of  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #8

A quick review of Fantasic Four #15

Quick review of Ultimate Spider-Man #1