From Kingdom Come to Alpha Clash: Mark Waid Returns

The Marvelists are back with an exciting special episode diving into the world of comics, creator collaborations, and crowdfunding! In this installment, hosts Peter Melnick and Eddie Wilson welcome special guest Jon Escudero from Dirt Sheet Radio to the show. Together, they sit down with legendary comic book writer Mark Waid (known for iconic runs on Kingdom Come, Daredevil, Flash, and more), AJ Light (writer of The Awakening and Cosmic Conquest), and Ridge Kiley (founder and CEO of Rising Empire Studios, creator of the Alpha Clash universe) for an in-depth interview. The conversation centers on their brand-new Kickstarter project: Alpha Clash: Rising Empires, an explosive sci-fi action thriller comic series (#1-4) co-written by Mark Waid and AJ Light, set in the Alpha Clash universe. Ridge Kiley joins to discuss the origins of the project, the creative collaboration, and how this grounded, character-driven tale explores a world forever changed by superhuman events—and the ordinary people navigating the aftermath. Expect plenty of behind-the-scenes insights, creative process talk, Marvel anecdotes from Waid, and details on how fans can support the campaign. Check it out here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alphaclash/alpha-clash-rising-empires-by-mark-waid-and-aj-light-1-3 (campaign ends soon with just 27 days left as of late January 2026—don't wait!). Plus, Jon Escudero sticks around to help promote the highly anticipated relaunch of Geek Sheet Radio alongside Peter Melnick—a fresh pop culture podcast bringing their unique perspectives on comics, wrestling, entertainment, and beyond. Whether you're a Marvel die-hard or just love hearing from top creators, this episode is packed with energy and inspiration. Don't miss it—subscribe now and back Rising Empires on Kickstarter while you're at it!