The Comic Source Podcast

Jace and Rocky break down this week's DC releases including Supergirl #13, where Sophie Campbell's handling of Kara's trauma, Kandor's civil unrest and the Black Flame conflict leads to one of the biggest disagreements of the episode, Barbara Gordon Breakout #1 as the hosts debate Barbara willingly entering prison as part of Batman's larger Vandal Savage plan, Bleeding Hearts #4 with Dennis Camp continuing to humanize Polk while expanding the emotional divide between the zombies and humans through Rabbit and Mush, Emperor Aquaman #17 as Jarro makes a shocking decision involving the Starros that dramatically escalates Aquaman's cosmic status and creates major moral fallout, Action Comics #1098 with Mark Waid blending Silver Age Superboy storytelling and modern sensibilities through Mary Marvel, Booster Gold and Martian Manhunter learning more about Clark's origins, Fury of Firestorm #2 as Ronnie Raymond's darker trauma is contrasted against the classic heart-of-gold characterization that defines the hero, Green Lantern Corps #16 with Morgan Hampton expanding the Manhunters' plans to control the emotional spectrum while Aya, Parallax and the emotional entities become central to a massive cosmic power struggle, Absolute Martian Manhunter #11 as the series heads toward its conclusion with more psychological and reality-bending storytelling, and Absolute Batman #20 with discussion of the printing defects, retailer response, massive number of variant covers and continued teases surrounding Scarecrow and Robin. They also discuss the shutdown of Read Comics Online and the larger conversation surrounding comic piracy and affordability before covering this week's facsimiles, reprints and collected editions, ranking every book from the week and each giving their respective Book of the Week picks.

Derek Kirk Kim and Jacob Perez join Jace to talk about Royals #1-2 from Image Comics. The conversation covers the series' crime noir setup, the telepathic connection between twin brothers Paul and Castor, the poker tension that kicks the story into motion, and how the book quickly escalates beyond its opening premise. Derek and Jacob also discuss how the series came together, Jacob's transition into sequential comics, the visual energy of the book, the Seoul setting, lettering, thought balloons, color choices, the response to issue #1 selling out, the second printing, and why Royals feels so cinematic on the page. Follow The Comic Source on all social media with our Linktree - https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

Jace and Rocky break down the DC books for the week of May 6, 2026, with Absolute Superman #19 delivering massive action as Superman, Steel, Lois, Talia, Ra's al Ghul, and King Shazam collide; Absolute Green Lantern #14 diving deeper into the Absolute spectrum mythology with Jo Mullein and Tomar-Re; Poison Ivy #44 continuing Pamela Isley's dangerous rise as mayor of Gotham while Batman gives her a chance to walk away; Batman #9 setting the next stage of Matt Fraction's run with Barbara Gordon's capture, Vandal Savage's pressure campaign, and the destruction of Wayne Manor; Batgirl #19 wrapping Cassandra Cain's blood-curse arc while expanding DC's martial arts mythology; Batman/Static Beyond #6 closing out its team-up story with Shutdown and the cosmic Cooperative; JSA #19 focusing on the Spectre, Kid Eternity, and the younger generation of the team; Adventures of Superman: Book of El #8 continuing Philip Kennedy Johnson's larger Superman mythology; and Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner #1 revisiting Guy Gardner and the Manhunters. They also briefly touch on DC vs. Sonic the Hedgehog, run through this week's reprints, facsimiles, and collected editions, rank every book, and each host gives a Book of the Week pick.

If you've ever wanted to read a comic that leaves you completely confused—but completely hooked at the same time—Red Roots #1 might be exactly that kind of experience. Jace breaks down the oversized debut issue from Image Comics and the Skybound Entertainment imprint, written and illustrated by Lorenzo De Felici with lettering by Russ Wooton. From a brutal, near-silent infiltration filled with violence and atmosphere to a seemingly normal schoolteacher whose life spirals into something far stranger, the issue presents two completely different narratives that feel disconnected—but clearly aren't. Jace explores how the visual storytelling carries the weight, how the lack of answers is intentional, and why the mystery surrounding the severed heads, the red roots, and the final page twist makes this one of the most intriguing debut issues in recent memory. This is a spoiler discussion that leans into the confusion—in the best possible way. 👉 Follow The Comic Source on all social media with our Linktree - https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

If you've been away from Punisher comics or confused about where Frank Castle stands right now, this episode breaks down the full picture. Jace of The Comic Source looks at the current status quo following the Hand era, the Joe Garrison run, Red Band, and now Punisher #3 from the current series by Benjamin Percy. While Marvel is clearly bringing Punisher back to a more grounded, street-level approach, questions remain about what this version of the character actually is and whether it can evolve in a modern storytelling landscape. With the upcoming Punisher: One Last Kill special on the horizon, Jace also explores whether the direction of the comics could be aligning with what we may see on screen, and what that could mean for the future of the character. 👉 Follow The Comic Source on all social media with our Linktree - https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

Warbird #0 from Bad Idea Comics introduces Cole Norton, a high-end repo man capable of stealing anything that rides, flies, or floats. Written by Robert Venditti and Derek Kolstad with art by Jesse Lonergan, the issue delivers high-octane action through "The Bike Job," where Cole infiltrates a luxury yacht to repossess an experimental motorcycle. While the premise leans heavily on spectacle, the issue also hints at deeper motivations driving Cole. His precision, control, and detachment suggest that the work itself may matter more than the payout, raising the question of whether each job is less about money and more about avoiding his past while taking something back from the powerful people he targets. The issue functions as both an action showcase and a character setup, laying the groundwork for the larger Warbird mission involving advanced fighter jets and escalating global stakes. 👉 Follow The Comic Source on all social media with our Linktree - https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

Oddball's Odyssey from Bad Idea Comics might look like a Sunday funnies throwback, but underneath the whimsical cartooning and laugh-out-loud moments is a story with real emotional depth. Written and illustrated by Tony Millionaire, with colors by Jim Campbell II, this oversized issue delivers gorgeous, expressive artwork that leans into classic cartooning and Looney Tunes–style visual storytelling. On the surface, it's a zany adventure following Bobby, an alcoholic monkey, and his friend Jimmy as they navigate a bizarre journey filled with mythological elements, surreal humor, and incredible sight gags. But beneath that playful tone are themes of self-awareness, belonging, friendship, and the search for love, as Bobby's obsession with Lucia the swan pushes him toward confronting his own flaws and finding his place in the world. This is a comic that works on multiple levels—you can enjoy it purely for the humor and visual storytelling, or dig deeper into the ideas about identity, connection, and acceptance that give the story its emotional weight.

Jace and Rocky discuss a smaller fifth-week DC lineup for April 29, 2026, opening with a remembrance of Gerry Conway before diving into Swamp Thing 1989 #1 and the long-delayed Rick Veitch controversy surrounding Swamp Thing's encounter with the life of Jesus, Justice League Intergalactic Special #1 and its focus on Galaxy, Dreamer, Naltor, and the setup for more Pride-related storytelling, Batman/Wonder Woman: Truth #1 with Jeff Loeb and Jim Cheung delivering a visually strong but continuity-light Batman/Wonder Woman one-shot involving Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Joker, and the Lasso of Truth, and Zatanna #1 as Jamal Campbell positions Zatanna as the Prime Magus of the DC Universe while introducing new occult agency elements. They also cover the week's reprints, facsimiles, and collected editions, including Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, Teen Titans by Geoff Johns, Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong, DC Finest: Joker, and The Omega Men deluxe edition. As always, Jace and Rocky rank every book and each host gives their top pick of the week.

RELEASE DATES -  Murder Podcast - Sept 10, 2025 Voyeur - Sept 17, 2025 No Place - September 2025 Roots of Madness - Oct 1, 2025 Deluge - October 8, 2025 October 29,2025 Arcadia - TBA     Visit the Ignition Press Website Follow Ignition Press on Bluesky Follow Ignition Press on Facebook Follow Ignition Press on Instagram Follow Ignition Press   Jace got a chance to chat with the executive team behind the new publisher Ignition Press. Their motto is " Doing things Differently" and it is clear from their presence at SDCC 2025, creator feedback and the incedible quality of their initial titles that they are living to that adage. Focused on giving creators the time to give their best iteration of stories both narratively and artistically, the launch titles coming throughout the remainder of the year certainly reflect the quality that comes from taking their time. With events at SDCC not just foced on industry insiders, but also the fans, Ignition Press is strving to build an egaged community of readers also. Finally, in addition to the creative timelines which allow them to actively market their books to help retailers, Ignition Press also has several other initiatives to help the direct market as well. Join us to hear about the launch titles and so much more in this chat.

Jace has a quick chat with writer Ben H. Winters at SDCC 2025. Ben is an award-winning novelist, television writer and has written several plays also, Benjamin from Oni Press is his first foray into comics and it is an impressive debut. Ben talks about the main idea behind the series and how it examines ideas of identity and exisitence. Plus, some thoughts on just what makes the comic medium so special and the perfect way to tell this story with incredible art from Leomacs. The first two issues are out and issue #3 drops August 20th.

Jace is joined by author Damian Duffy to talk about his recently released graphic novel adaption of Octavia E. Butler's classic science fiction novel, Parable of the Talents. Butler is incredible prescient in her ability to predict the current cultural and political state of the world in 2025, even though her novel was published in 1998. It deals of concepts of personal, religious and economic freedoms as well as Afro-Futurism. With evocative art by John Jennings this adapation faithfully captures the feel fo the prose work. Damian talks about the challenges of adapting such a rich work and gives his thoughts on how Butler was so accurately able to predict the future.

Jace is joined by author Damian Duffy to talk about his recently released graphic novel adaption of Octavia E. Butler's classic science fiction novel, Parable of the Talents. Butler is incredible prescient in her ability to predict the current cultural and political state of the world in 2025, even though her novel was published in 1998. It deals of concepts of personal, religious and economic freedoms as well as Afro-Futurism. With evocative art by John Jennings this adapation faithfully captures the feel fo the prose work. Damian talks about the challenges of adapting such a rich work and gives his thoughts on how Butler was so accurately able to predict the future.

Jace and Rocky talk about the DC titles for the week of August 13, 2024 Action Comics lives up to the action with an all out action-packed issue, while Hal uses every weapon in the book except his ring as he tries to escape from Amanda Waller. Will the weapons he escapes with allow the heroes to fight back effectively against Waller? The Gotham By Gaslight: The Kryptonian Age series is turning out to be a much bigger story thant you might expect, but the world building that is being done is top notch. We also have the return of DC vs Vampires, Damian Wayne vs Bane and Outsiders is setting up for a big finale. Join us for our thoughts on these books and more!

Curse Of The Spawn #26-28 - Writer - Alan McElroy, Pencillers - Dwayne Turner and Clayton Crain, Inker, Chance Wolf, Jonathan Glapion, Jay Fotos & Todd McFarlane, Color Artist - Todd Broeker, Drew Hutchinson & Mark Nicholas, Letterer - Tom Orzechowski Three issues with an interesting connection as one leads to another with shifting main characters and an overriding them of death and serial killers. This story even features the return of the killer of killers, Suture. As she continues to hunt and destroy other serial killers she has begun to question her very existence and purpose. Turning to an unlikely source for help, will she be able to reconcile her actions and who she is now with who she used to be?  

Jace welcomes comic creator Benjamin Morse back to the show. They catch up on the world of We Are Scarlet Twilight. The guys talk about the tone of the series and how Benjamin strikes a balance between the classic golden age era of comics and old pulp stories while bringing some modern complexity of character to keep things fresh. There's a rundown of the tiers and rewards that are available and plenty of talk about the switch from previous platforms to Zoop. Also Benjamin talks a bit about the community that has grown up around We Are Scarlet Twilight.

Jace talks about a few of the books he has had a chance to read for the week of October 19, 2022. We have a fantastic issue of Ten Thousand Black Feathers which is his book of the week. We also get the latest installments of Alien and Predator which are both stories that feel so additive to the universes from other medium for these respective properties. Plus, Jace gives a rundown on some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for.

Jace and Rocky talk about the DC titles for the week of October 11, 2022. The highlights of the week are Batman Inc. #1 and Batman Vs. Robin #2, we also have some first appearances in Batman Urban Legends and the Halloween special Terrors Through Time. Plus the guys run down all the DC news from NYCC.

Big week of DC books with the Flash leading the way. We also get great issues of World's Finest, Nightwing and Titans United: Bloodpact debuts with tons of action and gorgeous art. Plus, what might be our favorite characterization of Guy Gardner ever in DCeased War of the Undead Gods.

Jace and Jay talk about the books they've read for the week of September 14, 2022. They give their spoiler-free thoughts on the latest AfterShock debut, The 06 Protocol, Daredevil learning just who he is up against as the leader of the Fist and the finale of A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance. Predator follows up a great debut issue with an even better second and Iron Man is also better than ever.

Jace and Jay talk about the books they've read for the week of September 14, 2022. They give their spoiler-free thoughts on the latest AfterShock debut, The 06 Protocol, Daredevil learning just who he is up against as the leader of the Fist and the finale of A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance. Predator follows up a great debut issue with an even better second and Iron Man is also better than ever.

Jace has an in-depth conversation with Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly about their new IDW title Star Trek. Hints that this book is kicking off a whole new line of upcoming books in the Star Trek universe, the guys talk about the crew, their ship the Theseus, the era the story is set in and a whole lot more. Also some Batman Beyond and Captain America talk and plans to have Collin and Jackson back on to dive into these characters and the debut issue of Star Trek when it drops in late October. 

Jace and Rocky break down the DC Comics for the week of July 5, 2022. There are some big issues this week as Chip Zdarsky takes over the regular Batman title. We get a big shift in tone from Flashpoint Beyond #4 and what the heck is going on in Dark Crisis? The guys have some wildly different opinions on some of this week's titles so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Jace and Rocky break down the DC books for the week of June 7, 2022. Dark Crisis kicks off and gets it's own spotlight as does DC Pride, but we get the debut of an intriguing if not horror inspired Black Label Aquaman story. Poison Ivy may be returning to her villianous roots, no pun intendedm while The Help continues to be a potential nemesis for Batman that has tons of potential. Speaking of Batman, the Thomas Wayne version knows he is not the detective his son is. What's more worrisome is the carte blanche he feels he due to his adamant belief that the very reality he inhabits should not exist.

Spawn #31 - Story - Todd McFarlane, Art - Greg Capullo & McFarlane, Letters - Tom Orzechowski, Colors - Steve Oliff Spawn is back in New York and back the alleys he calls home, but not everyone is glad to see him. As he is settling, his closets friend and ally is attacked by an old foe and Spawn, seemingly stil weak from hsi latest encounter with Angela, is powerless to save Bobby. Is this the motivation Spawn needs to finally heal so he can rescue his friend?

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom! talk about the latest releases from DC comics. It's a big week as we see the debut of Buggles in Blue & Gold, Blue Beetle's very own version of Skeets. We also get the conclusion of the epic Strange Adventures which will start a lot of conversations. More layers are added to the character Vengeance which our crew really liked and they wonder what the future might hold for her. Plus some Fear State tie-ins in batman Urban Legends.

Jace and Jon-Paul break down Age of X-Man: NextGen #1 & X-Force #2. The world X-Man created continues to reveal itself and all is not well, is seems there may be something sinister behind the scenes. Meanwhile in X-Force #2, the team is being hunted by the Transian government and we get our first clues as to who may be supplying them weapons.