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NEWS

1. Marvel September 2025 solicitations
   1. New series 'Battleworld' announced for September 2025
   2. Marvel unveils 616 Day celebration plans, teaser and more
      1. Teaser reveal is…At 6:16 ET Marvel reveals Knull will return in 'Venom' #250
   3. Spider-Man to split in two with one going cosmic starting in September 2025
   4. 'Spider-Man ’94' #1 jumps into the scene in September 2025
   5. J. Michael Straczynski's 'Amazing Spider-Man: Torn' #1 announced
   6. Everything we know about Ultimate Universe titles in September 2025
   7. Boba Fett AND Han Solo get new series
2. Marvel/DC crossover expands with new creators and character team-ups revealed
3. Upper Deck launches Superman-themed NASCAR trading cards in new 23XI Racing collab
4. DC Comics Solicitations
   1. Jason Todd to survive Hush 2 with adult 'Red Hood' solo series in 2025
   2. Batman getting a polybag program
   3. DC to introduce new heroes in 'C.O.R.T.: Children of the Round Table'
5. Robert Kirkman and David Finch embark on 'Skinbreaker' in September 2025
6. IDW announces gritty new Star Trek series ‘The Last Starship'
7. 'No Man’s Land' #1 thriller coming September 2025
8. Blue Falcon & Dynomutt return in new Dynamite comic in September 2025
9. Action rom-com spy series 'The Guy in the Chair' coming October 2025
10. Soo Lee brings ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with OGN adaptation from Dynamite
11. Mike Mignola and Bruce Zick launch time-bending new Hellboy universe series
12. Brombal and Phillips launch horror-western hybrid 'Everything Dead & Dying'
13. Dark Horse and Wizards of the Coast launch ‘Dungeons & Dragons: The Fallbacks’

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Benjamin #1 (Ben H. Winters, Leomacs)
2. Fantastic Four Fanfare (2025) #2 (Various)

Alex:​​

1. Absolute Flash #4 (Lemire, AL Kaplan)
2. Exquisite Corpses #2 (Tynion IV, Walsh, Marianna Ignazzi)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Gwenpool #2 (Cavan Scott, Stefano Nesi)

Dave: Emma Frost: White Queen #1

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: The Seasons #5 (Rick Remender, Paul Azaceta), News from the Fallout #1 (Chris Condon, Jeffrey Alan Love)
2. Dave: Fantastic Four #33 (Ryan North, Cory Smith)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Ultimate Spider-Man #18 (Terry Dodson Variant Cover)
2. Alex: Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (Marguerite Sauvage)

Best Comics of the Year…so far!

Alex: 

Pick 3 series:

1. Absolute Flash (Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles)
2. Storm (Murewa Ayodele & Lucas Werneck)
3. Exquisite Corpses (James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh, et al.)

Pick a graphic novel or collection:  

The Nice House by the Sea Vol. 1 (Tynion IV, Alvaro Martinez Bueno)

Dave: 

Pick 3 series:

1. Assorted Crisis Events (2025) #1 (Deniz Camp, Eric Zawadzki) (3 issues out)
2. Absolute Martian Manhunter (Deniz Camp & Javier Rodriguez) (3 issues out)
3. Absolute Batman (2024) (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, Marcos Martin) (6 issues out this year)
4. 27

Pick a graphic novel or collection: 

Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown. Written by Mike Mignola. Art by Mike Mignola. Colors by Dave Stewart. 

Chris: 

Pick 3 series:

1. The Amazing Spider-Man (Joe Kelly, Pepe Larraz) (6 issues in 2025)
2. 11
3. The Moon Is Following Us (DWJ and Riley Rossmo) (6 issues in 2025)
4. Jumpscare (Cullen Bunn and Danny Luckert) (4 issues in 2025)

Pick a graphic novel or collection: 

Low Orbit (Writer-artist Kazimir Lee)

NEWS

1. 'The Undead Iron Fist' resurrects Danny Rand in new series
2. New 'Imperial War' tie-ins announced for Exiles and Nova Centurion
3. Marvel details Storm's "Thunder War" three-part 2025 event
4. Mr. Fantastic vs. Doctor Doom in 'One World Under Doom' #7
5. Marvel reveals ‘Marvel Knights: The World to Come’ #4 details
6. Everything to know about September 2025 'One World Under Doom' tie-ins
7. Nacelleverse grows with new series 'The C.O.W. Boys of Moo Mesa'
8. WEBTOON and Dark Horse partner for webcomics in 2025
9. New 'The Twilight Zone' launching at IDW September 2025
10. Tom King and Mitch Gerads' 'Mister Miracle' gets adult animation order

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Robin & Batman: Jason Todd (2025) #1 (Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen)
2. Giant-Size Spider-Man (Various) AND Absolute Batman #9 (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta)

Alex:​​

1. The Umbrella Academy: Plan B #1 (Gerard Way, Gabriel Ba)
2. Runaways #1 (Rainbow Rowell, Elena Casagrande) 

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Marvel United: A Pride Special #1 (Good Night, Blue Rose from Wyatt Kennedy & Bayleigh Underwood)

Dave: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #9 (Jason Aaron, Juan Ferreyra)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

• Alex: Aliens vs. Avengers #4 (Hickman, Ribic), Absolute Flash #4 (Lemire, Robles)
• Dave: Exquisite Corpses #2 (James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh, Marianna Ignazzi)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

• Dave: X-Men #18 (Corin Howell)
• Alex: Every cover for Exquisite Corpses #2 (Tynion, Walsh)

Archie vs. Minor Threats Interview: Timmy Heague, Scott Koblis, Jordan Blum, Patton Oswalt - August 06, 2025

“How the hell is that gonna work?”

Jordan, you’ve said that’s the right response to this crossover. What was the original spark that made you all say, “Actually…this could work”?

Colliding Tones: Hopeful vs. Dirty

How did you navigate blending the wholesomeness of Riverdale with the gritty world of Twilight City without undercutting either tone—or letting one overpower the other?

The Role of Sabrina

Sabrina is the hinge point between both universes. How did you land on her as the “bridge,” and what made her magic the right kind of chaos to kick off the crossover?

Playtime (Frankie Follis) vs. Archie

Playtime and Archie are about as different as two protagonists can be. What were the most surprising character parallels—or contrasts—that emerged as you wrote their interactions?

Deep Cuts and Fan Favorites

This series packs in everything from Salem the Cat to the annoying Reggie. How did you decide which characters to include—and how deep into both universes’ lore did you dig?

Implications for the Minor Threats Universe

Jordan and Patton, you’ve said this story has long-term consequences for Playtime. Without spoiling anything, can you tease what ripple effects this Archie encounter sets in motion?

Archie Breaks Bad

The idea of Archie "breaking bad" is hilarious and a little terrifying. What was it like writing Archie with a criminal edge—and how far did you all consider pushing it?

Why Comics?

Jordan mentioned this is a story that only works in comics. What elements of this crossover could only have been done in this medium—not TV, not film, not prose?

I’d be remiss not to ask, is there any romance in the series?

Milkshakes & Mayhem (Fun Question)

Let’s say the Riverdale crew and the Minor Threats gang go out for milkshakes together after all this chaos—who’s the last one standing in the milkshake chugging contest?

And finally, Archie is also crossing over with Jay and Silent Bob, could you guys see a similar crossover with Kevin Smith’s characters?

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NEWS

1. Street Sharks is coming to IDW
2. The Unchosen is coming to Image Comics (and more detail)
3. Image Comics celebrates 10, 20, 30 year milestones with facsimile issues
4. 'The Man Who Dreamt the Impossible' honors Jack Kirby in August 2025
5. Jason Aaron returns for ‘Uncle Scrooge: Earth’s Mightiest Duck’ #1
6. Marvel dishes new details on ‘Marvel Swimsuit Special’ out July 9
7. Marvel announces new 2025 Stormbreakers class
8. Top 50 Comics May 2025

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #3 (Ram V, Butch Guice)
2. Amazing Spider-Man #5 (Joe Kelly, Pepe Larraz)

Chris:​​

1. The Moon Is Following Us #10 (DWJ, Riley Rossmo)
2. Jumpscare #4 (Cullen Bunn and Danny Luckert)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris - The Moon Is Following Us #10 (DWJ, Riley Rossmo)

Dave - Ghost Rider vs. Galactus #1(J. Michael Straczynski, Juan Ferreyra)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Chris: Batman: Dark Patterns #7 (Dan Watters, Hayden Sherman)
2. Dave: Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Various)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Eddie Brock: Carnage #5 (Juan Ferrerya)
2. Chris: Death of the Silver Surfer #1 (Tradd Moore Variant)

Interview: Sam Humphries Interview about New Avengers #1 (June 11):

1. Let’s start with the surprising MCU connection, titled New Avengers it was originally solicited as Thunderbolts, does this mean you were in on the MCU connection from the start?
2. This team lineup—Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Carnage, Hulk, Namor, Clea, and Wolverine—reads like a powder keg. What’s the dynamic like between these “loners,” and how do you keep them from exploding on each other before they can even face a threat?
3. Can you walk us through the creation of the Killuminati? What makes these Illuminati clones more dangerous—or more unhinged—than the originals?
4. You've worked with teams and antiheroes before. What unique storytelling opportunities does this specific mix of personalities and power sets offer that you haven't tackled before?
5. You mentioned in the announcement there are many surprises ahead—can you tease one upcoming twist, without giving the game away?
6. Fans are always down for romance, how hot and heavy are we getting with this new team?
7. Ton Lima’s art brings serious energy to the series. What was it like collaborating with him, and how do his visuals shape the tone of New Avengers?

1. Which team member surprised you the most once you started writing them in this group dynamic?
2. Did any of them take on a larger role than you expected?
   Fun/Silly Question
3. Let’s say the New Avengers are forced to compete in a bake-off against the Killuminati. Who burns their cookies, who makes a mean soufflé, and who tries to assassinate the judges?
    

NEWS

1. Writer Peter David has died
2. 'Deadpool/Batman' and 'Batman/Deadpool coming late 2025
3. Mark Millar's ‘Psychic Sam’ comic and movie announced
4. 'Skullkickers' returns with Oni Press Compact Attack Editions in 2026
5. 'Nightmare Before Christmas' novel gets graphic novel in June 2025
6. Toxic Crusaders #1 announced
7. Dark Horse celebrates Jack Kirby with ‘The Art of Fantastic Four’ out September 2025
8. ‘Masters of the Universe: The Sword of Flaws’ announced for September 2025

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Absolute Martian Manhunter #3 (Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez)
2. The Power Fantasy #9 (Kieron Gillen, Caspar Wijngaard)

Chris:​​

1. Feral #13 (Tony Fleecs, Tone Rodriguez, Trish Forstner)
2. Green Arrow #24 (Chris Condon, Montos)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris - Absolute Martian Manhunter #3 (Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez)

Dave - Absolute Wonder Woman #8 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Chris: The Moon Is Following Us #10 (Daniel Warren Johnson, Riley Rossmo)
2. Dave: DC Pride 2025 #1 (Various)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Amazing Spider-Man #5 (Pepe Larraz)
2. Chris: Imperial #1 (Javier Garron Connecting Variant)

Interview: Co-writer Adrian Wassel and artist Nathan Gooden about Big Rig #1 July 9 - FOC June 9

1. What was the spark that lit the fire for Big Rig?
   How did this story evolve from Post Malone’s original idea into the medieval demon-slaying road trip we see in Chapter 1?
2. How did the collaboration with Post Malone work on a day-to-day level?
   Was he sending notes from the studio? Storyboarding demon fights on tour?
3. The idea of an 18-wheeler crashing into medieval Europe is wild in the best way.
   How did you work to ground that concept emotionally and thematically?
4. What makes her essential to the story, and how does she play off Trucker?
5. What kind of research or inspiration shaped the design of The Rig itself?
   Did you draw from real-life trucking culture, heavy metal, religious iconography, or all of the above?
6. This book is described as Evil Dead meets Fury Road.
   What’s your approach to balancing horror, action, and dark comedy on the page?
7. Nathan, your art often feels like it’s in motion even when the panels are still.
   What visual challenges or opportunities did Big Rig present compared to something like Barbaric?
8. What was most important to you both in setting the tone for this first chapter?

Purpose: A rapid-fire segment where they say whether the following elements are "loaded" onto The Rig (i.e., present in the series) or "left behind" (not part of the story). This lets you transition into a worldbuilding breakdown in a fun way.

You say the element, they say "Load It" or "Leave It" — and optionally expand briefly.

Examples:

• Romance
• Chainsaws
• Holy relics
• Time travel
• Interdimensional truck stops
• Talking weapons
• Demon puke
• Flashbacks
• Post Malone cameos
• God

Wrap up the segment by picking one they said “Load It” on and asking them to expand:
“Okay, you said ‘Load It’ to talking weapons. Tell us more.”

1. (Fun one) If Trucker had a mixtape in the Rig’s cab, what three songs would be on it — and does Post have to be on there at least once?

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NEWS

1. New ‘X-Men Hellfire Gala Vigil’ #1 costume designs revealed
2. Marvel Comics Solicitations August 2025!
   1. Doctor Strange #450 milestone issue!
   2. Venom symbiote increases the danger in 'Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe' #2 
   3. Marvel teases a rock will save the Marvel universe in 'Fantastic Four' #1
   4. Ultimate Hawkeye scores one-shot in September 2025
3. Frank Castle returns in 'Punisher: Red Band' #1
4. DC GO! is leveling up this July with six bold new digital-first webcomics
5. EXCLUSIVE: 'Blink and You'll Miss It' unravels romance and reality this summer
6. DC and Gaylord Texan Unite for ‘Universe of Light: Lost in the Pages’ comic experience
7. Find Krypto’s Golden Biscuit, win a trip to the ‘Superman’ premiere
8. New space opera ‘Red Vector’ announced for August 2025
9. Skybound reveals new Act 4 Wally Wood and Hellboy Artist Editions

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Amazing Spider-Man #4 (Pepe Larraz, Joe Kelly)
2. Into the Unbeing (2024): Part Two #4 (Zac Thompson, Hayden Sherman)

Alex:​​

1. Absolute Flash #3 (Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles)
2. Doom Academy #4 (Mackenzie Cadenhead, Pasqual FerryJoao M.P. Lemos)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex - Fantastic Four #34 (Ryan North, Cory Smith)

Dave - Robowolf #1 Jake Smith

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #3 (Rosenberg, Landini) and Magik #5 (Allen, Peralta)
2. Dave: Mr. Terrific Year One #1 (Al Letson, Valentine De Landro)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Absolute Wonder Woman #8 (Stephanie Hans)
2. Alex: Martian Manhunter #3 (Shawn Crystal Variant)

Interview: Mark Russell Interview:

1. Polis is out this week from AWA, can you tell us what it’s about?
2. Polis is part of The Protopias Collection. Could you elaborate on the concept of 'protopia' and how it influences the narrative and themes within Polis?
3. How did your collaboration with artist Laci and colorist Marco Lesko shape the visual storytelling of Polis? Were there specific elements you emphasized to bring the floating city of Miragua to life?​
4. AWA Studios future projects?
5. On the reverse side your X-Factor run has also had satirical elements from current events like social media and corporate negligence, are there any other themes you explored in X-Factor I’m missing?
6. There’s some new mutants in X-Factor as well, went went into creating them with Bob Quinn?
7. Your run on X-Factor balanced biting commentary with genuine emotional depth—was there a theme or character arc you didn’t get to fully explore in the ten issues that you wish you had more time with?
8. Out May 07, each issue of Vanishing Point is a standalone story—how did that format influence the way you approached worldbuilding and character development in the first issue, particularly with Jim’s psychological arc?
9. The story captures the emotional toll of isolation and obligation in a haunting way—were there any personal experiences or real-world parallels that shaped Jim’s descent or the overall tone of the series?

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

1. Spider-Gwen gets 'Brand New Day' in new series launch
2. Marvel reveals cover and Quesada talks 'Marvel Knights' The World to Come' #3
3. 'Marvel All-On-One' #1 anniversary one-shot coming August 2025
4. 'Imperial' gets new teaser promising spin-off one-shots, and issue 3 solicit
5. Sequel 'Cemetery Kids Run Rabid' #1 set for August release
6. Skybound and Universal reteam for 'The Invisible Man'
7. Casey Jones gets a solo series
8. Scott Snyder reveals new look at Bane and ‘Absolute Batman’ vol. 2 title
9. DC Comics solicitaitons for August!
   1. New existential horror 'Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum' coming August 2025
10. 2025 Eisner Awards nominees are in!

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Absolute Batman #8 (Scott Snyder, Marcos Martin)
2. Spider-Verse Vs. Venomverse (2025) #1 (Mat Groom, Kyle Higgins, Luciano Vecchio)

Alex:​​

1. Exquisite Corpses #1 (Tynion, Michael Walsh)
2. All-New, All-Deadly Gwenpool #1 (Cavan Scott, Stefano Nesi)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex - Doom Snikt in OOUD #4

Dave - Battle Beast #1 (Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: The Vision & the Scarlet Witch #1 (Orlando, Lorenzo Tammetta), Absolute Flash #3 (Lemire, Robles)
2. Dave: Into the Unbeing Part 2 #4 (Zac Thompson, Hayden Sherman)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: The New Gods #6 (Nimit Malavia)
2. Alex: The Ultimates #12 (Inhyuk Lee variant)

Interview: James Tynion - Exquisite Corpses #1 out May 14, 2025

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NEWS

1. New 'Black Cat' ongoing series launching August 2025
2. Age of Apocalypse returns! Teaser, details for 'The X-Men of Apocalypse'
3. 'Wolverine by Chris Claremont' #1 announced
4. Chandler Poling - Uncanny Experience
5. Marvel mimics the MCU retitling 'Thunderbolts*' to 'New Avengers' 
6. Marvel celebrates America's 250th anniversary with homage variant covers
7. New villain group Killuminati revealed in 'New Avengers' variant covers
8. 'Giant-Size Spider-Man' #1 reveals preview with new hero Rapid
9. IDW announces 'Event Horizon: Dark Descent' prequel for August 2025
10. New heist series 'Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League' announced
11. ‘All-Star Superman’ scores audiobook with full cast
12. Top 50 comics of April 2025

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #2 (Ram V, Butch Galice, Anand Radhakrishnan)
2. Absolute Superman #7 (Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico)

Chris:​​

1. Jumpscare #3 (Cullen Bunn, Danny Luckert)
2. Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma #2 (Ram V, Butch Galice, Anand Radhakrishnan)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris - The Amazing Spider-Man 3 (Joe Kelly and Pepe Larraz), Spidey and Itsy Bitsy Bridge Scene

Dave - All-New Venom #6 (Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Chris: Supergirl #1 (Sophie Campbell, Tamra Bonvillain)
2. Dave: Exquisite Corpses #1 (James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Phoenix #11 (Lucas Werneck)
2. Chris: Daredevil #21 (John Romita, Jr., Scott Hanna, and Marcio Menyz)

Interview: Scott Snyder talks Absolute Batman!

If readers were to read Absolute Batman alongside your original Black Mirror arc, what emotional or thematic throughline do you think would emerge? Is there a hidden continuity of self that ties those works together?

You've mentioned that Absolute Batman aims to confront contemporary fears. How do you balance integrating real-world issues like mass violence into a superhero narrative without it becoming overwhelming for readers?

This version of Bane is described as having a “true form” that’s finally revealed. Was there a moment early on in this series—or in your own Batman run—where you first imagined this version of Bane, or did he evolve uniquely within the Absolute Batman framework

Ark m in Absolute Batman seems less like a building and more like a state of consciousness. How did you want to reinvent the idea of 'asylum' in this story?

This series has played with identity, memory, and repressed trauma—common Snyder themes—but how has fatherhood and your recent creator-owned work influenced how you're writing Batman now, years after your first run?

You’ve said in past interviews that Batman is a character who builds. Does this arc tear him down in a way that still honors that core idea—or are you challenging that philosophy head-on?

With the Absolute line reimagining iconic characters, what can readers anticipate in future installments, and how do you envision the evolution of this universe?

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NEWS

1. Superman gets a U.S. Coin—Batman and more coming soon
2. DC Comics adds new 'DC Pride 2025' story and shares details
3. TMNT Tuesday #13: TMNT: Shredder series announced
4. New 'Criminal' graphic novel announced for August 2025: 'The Knives'
5. Even more IDW comics coming to Webtoon with weekly release schedule
6. Get hype: Marvel releases new 'Imperial' #1 teaser
7. 'Star Wars: Tales from the Nightlands' horror series arrives September 2025
8. Diamond finds a home
9. James Tynion IV sets 'Exquisite Corpses' 2025 tour

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Ultimate Spider-Man #16 (Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checcheto)
2. Heavy Metal Magazine #1 (Various)

Chris:​​

1. We're Taking Everyone Down with Us #2 (Matthew Rosenberg, Stefano Landini)
2. Nights #15 (Wyatt Kennedy, Luigi Formisano)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris - Joker "Hammer Scene" from Batman/Superman World's Finest 2025 Annual #1

Dave - Godzilla vs. Los Angeles - Gabriel Hardman

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Chris: Absolute Green Lantern #2 (Al Ewing, Jahnoy Lindsay)
2. Dave: Absolute Superman #7 (Jason Aaron, Carmine Di Giandomenico)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Red Sonja Attacks Mars #2 (Joseph Michael Linsner)
2. Chris: Captain Planet #1 (Mark Spears Main Cover)

Interview: Al Ewing talks Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1 - Out April 30 

1. You stepped in for Tom Taylor on this annual—can you walk us through how that came about? Was this a story you had to write quickly, or did you have some room to breathe and make it your own? 

2. The story kicks off with a classic locked-room mystery—an impossible murder in a high-tech safe room. What drew you to that kind of puzzle, and how did you approach building a detective narrative worthy of Batman?

3. There’s a moment where Batman’s costume subtly shifts from black to blue once he’s in London. Is that just a visual cue, or is there something more symbolic going on there?

4. What’s your take on the annual format? Do you see it as a chance to tell something self-contained and weird, or a pressure cooker to do a lot in a single oversized issue?

5. You’re working with a trio of incredible artists—Stefano Raffaele, John McCrea, and Fico Ossio. How did you decide who handled which parts of the story, and what did each artist bring to the table stylistically?

6. This annual flirts with the idea of Batman not just solving crimes but confronting the nature of reality. How far is too far for Batman, in your mind, when it comes to stories that push past the physical world?

7. UK mythology and angels? John Dee’s magic - Elizabethan 

8. Maybe the most important question of them all, what is Batman’s favorite tea and how does he take it?

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

1. Godzilla comes to Boston in 'Godzilla vs. Boston' out July 2025
2. Marvel Comics solicitations
   1. New details emerge for Jonathan Hickman’s ‘Imperial’ #2
   2. Moon Knight gets over-sized 250th milestone issue in 'Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu' #10
   3. Spider-Man’s ‘most desperate’ battle with Hellgate to begin in July 2025
   4. 'Doomed 2099' one-shot comes to the present in July 2025
   5. Matt Fraction headlining 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' tie-in comic
3. Post Malone and Vault Comics release promo for Free Comic Book Day (May 3rd)
4. ​​'Undiscover’d' comic books line announced at Amazing Comics
5. Kevin Smith's 'Quick Stops' gets third volume starting August 2025

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Absolute Martian Manhunter #2 (Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez)
2. Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #3 (Mark Waid, Bryan Hitch)

Alex:​​

1. Arcana Royale #1 (Cullen Bunn, A. C. Zamudio)
2. Avengers #25 (Jed MacKay, Valerio Schiti)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex - Minor Threats: Welcome to Twilight #2 (Brian Michael Bendis, Soo Lee)

Dave - Eddie Brock: Carnage #3 (Charles Soule, Jesus Saiz)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: We're Taking Everyone Down with Us #2 (Matthew Rosenberg, Stefano Landini)
2. Dave: Detective Comics 2025 Annual #1 (Al Ewing, John McCrea, Stefano Raffaele, Fico Ossio)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Ultimate Spider-Man #16 (Marco Chacchetto)
2. Alex: Lost Fantasy #1 (Luca Casalanguida)

Interview: Caitlin Yarsky talks Living Hell - out July 15, 2025

1. Living Hell introduces readers to Jerome Jameel—a husband, father, and demon who has escaped Hell to start a new life on Earth. What inspired you to create a protagonist with such a complex duality?​

2. The series blends elements of humor, heart, and darkness, drawing comparisons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Good Omens. How did you approach balancing these tones within the narrative?​

3. As both the writer and artist for Living Hell, how did your creative process evolve when developing the visual style to complement the story's supernatural themes?​

4. The concept of Hell as a prison where demons have lived in exile is intriguing. Can you elaborate on your interpretation of Hell and how it influences the characters' motivations?​

5. Jerome's encounter with a bounty hunter from Hell sets the plot in motion. Without giving too much away, what can readers expect from this confrontation and its impact on Jerome's new life?​

6. Living Hell is your creator-owned debut. What challenges and rewards have you experienced in bringing your own vision to life through this series?​

7. The series is described as a four-issue miniseries. How did you structure the storyline to ensure a satisfying arc within this format?​

8. (Fun/Silly Question!) If you were a demon escaping Hell to live incognito on Earth, what profession would you choose to blend in, and why?​

NEWS

1. Fantastic Four Trailer: Thoughts?
2. ​​Marvel's Hellfire Gala continues with 'X-Men: Hellfire Gala Vigil' #1
3. Time to get hot and bothered: ‘Marvel Swimsuit Special’ returns July 9th
4. Marvel teases the heir to Apocalypse coming in ‘X-Men’ #19
5. Ultimate Universe July 2025 first look reveals Ultimate Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver
6. Gail Simone writing 'Rebel Moon: Nemesis' prequel
7. AIPT already covered, but updated release date and first cover for T.A.M.A. #1
8. The War, from Ennis Cloonan, collected in one-shot 
9. Oni Press details EC Comics' 2025 'Summer of Fear'
10. 'This Ends Tonight' revenge miniseries launching July 2025
11. Sequel 'Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring' #1 coming July 2025
12. DC Comics solicitations for July 2025
    1. DC reveals 'Superman Treasury' and July 2025 covers and details
    2. DC reveals five new Superman-themed corner boxes for 'Summer of Superman'

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Wonder Woman #20 (Tom King, Guillem March)
2. Absolute Flash #2 (Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles)

Alex:​​

1. Ultimate Wolverine #4 (Chris Condon, Alessandro Cappuccio)
2. Buried Long, Long Ago #1 (Anthony Cleveland, Alex Cormack)
3. 35

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex - Jean Grey from Ultimate Wolverine

Dave - Wolverine #8 (Daniel Warren Johnson)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: Captain Planet #1 (David Pepose, Eman Casallos), Absolute Martian #2 (Deniz Camp, Javier Rodríguez)
2. Dave: Assorted Crisis Events #2 (Deniz Camp, Eric Zawadzki)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: G.I. Joe #6 (Lorenzo De Felici)
2. Alex: Magik #4 (Rose Besch)

Interview: Michael Walsh - EXQUISITE CORPSES

1. Thematic Exploration: Exquisite Corpses presents a deadly game orchestrated by the wealthy elite. What inspired this narrative, and how does it reflect on societal structures?​
2. Character Design: With twelve unique assassins in the story, what was your approach to designing each character to ensure they stood out visually and thematically?​
3. We’re in a real horror renaissance in comics right now—whether it’s the resurgence of EC-style anthologies, a wave of creator-owned horror books, or even Marvel events like Blood Hunt. How did Exquisite Corpses aim to stand out in such a crowded and creatively rich horror landscape?
4. You mentioned in Kieron Gillen’s newsletter you’re now prioritizing creator-owned work and writing for yourself—but with so many collaborative roles still in play (writer, artist, visual coordinator), how do you protect your own creative bandwidth? Have you had to say no to projects you would have jumped at earlier in your career?
5. You described the writer's room energy as electric, with unexpected story breakthroughs. Was there a specific moment or idea that surprised you the most—something that completely shifted the trajectory of the story or a character for you personally?
6. Game Integration: The comic is accompanied by a trading card game. How did the development of the game influence the storytelling in the comic, and vice versa?​
7. Artistic Challenges: Given the horror elements and action sequences, what were some of the artistic challenges you faced in bringing this world to life?​
8. Influences: Were there specific films, books, or other media that influenced the aesthetic and tone of Exquisite Corpses?​
9. Future Plans: Is there potential for expanding the universe of Exquisite Corpses beyond the initial thirteen issues, perhaps into other media formats?​
10. Fun Question: If you were to participate in the deadly game depicted in Exquisite Corpses, which assassin would you choose to be, and why?
11. Any romance in the series?
12. What do you say to the haters who say, “This is just Squid Game!”?