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AIPT Comics episodes

July 19Inside Terminal with Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, and Andy Kubert
This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're bringing you the full, uncut conversation with Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, and Andy Kubert about Terminal, Skybound's ambitious new superhero series. We dive into how the project came together, why the series embraces mystery and rotating protagonists, the thinking behind its striking character designs, and yes, the return of blind bag comics. It's a fun, wide-ranging discussion packed with insight into one of the year's biggest new launches.
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
Marvel Comics relocating to Burbank, names Stephen Wacker new editor-in-chief

Marvel unveils ongoing variant cover program for Midnight Universe titles

Sam Alexander returns to stop the Ten Rings in 'Nova: Return of the Rings' #1

DC extends 'Absolute Green Arrow' to 12 issues following fan response

Dark Horse Comics reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 signing and panel schedule

IDW unveils packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with TMNT #300, Godzilla, Hello Kitty, Sonic, and more

Image Comics reveals massive San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans

Exclusive: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes returns with time-travel graphic novel and Kickstarter campaign

EC Comics spotlights artists in new 'Artists From the Abyss' anthology series

Bit Bot unveils first look at ‘Final Boss’ video game adaptation with official screenshots

'Archie vs. The Terminator' brings John Connor to Riverdale this October

Vampirella and Morrigan collide in first-ever 'Vampirella vs. Darkstalkers' crossover

Greg Pak headlining a bold new era for ThunderCats this October 2026

‘Ice Cream Man’ #1 returns with interactive “Chocolate/Vanilla Twist” edition this October

TOP 50 COMICS - JUNE 2026
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Si Spurrier, Matías Bergara)

Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence)

Absolute Green Arrow #3 (Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque)
Chris:
Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling)

Punisher vs.The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Dan Abnett, Matteo Della Fonte)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Chris: Tigress Island #5 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK)
Dave: Assorted Crisis Events #9 (Deniz Camp, Eric Zawadzki)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Chris: Sicko #1 (Tini Howard, Amilcar Pinna)

Dave: Giant Robot Hellboy Returns #1 (Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: Uncanny X-Men #32 (Alexander Lozano '80s Rogue Cover)

Chris: Star Trek: Red Shirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #1 (Chris Burnham variant)
Interview: Robert Kirkman, Andy Kubert, Joe Casey Terminal #1 out July 22, 2026
Terminal is going to also feature a line bag program, what we can tell you right now, in true Robert Kirkman style, it is a blind bag with three surprise books in it unlike anything we've or anyone else has done before.
Terminal throws readers right into a chaotic, violent world. When you were building the first issue, how did you approach onboarding readers without giving too much away?

The book opens with some striking and surreal imagery, especially the eye and the idea of Maculox. What was the origin of that concept, and how central is it to the larger mythology?

There’s a clear tension between evolution and destruction running through the story. How did you want to frame that conflict without falling into a simple good versus evil dynamic?

The first issue makes some bold narrative choices in terms of expectations around who the story might follow. Without getting into spoilers, should readers expect that kind of unpredictability to be a core part of the series?

Robert and Joe, how does your collaboration work on a project like this? Are you breaking story together, dividing scripts, or building off each other’s strengths in a specific way?

Andy, the character designs, especially on the more villainous side, feel really eclectic and distinct. What were your inspirations when developing the look of this world and its characters?

There’s a bit of a “hidden world” structure here, where a regular person is pulled into something much bigger. What drew you to that kind of setup, and how do you keep it feeling fresh?

The series feels like it has big, long-term potential, but also a very focused central idea. Is the plan for Terminal to be a long-running series, or are you working toward a more defined endpoint?

For all three of you, what was the moment in developing Terminal where you realized this was something special or different from other superhero books you’ve worked on or read?
1 hr 2 min
July 12Scott Snyder on Absolute Batman, Comics Storytelling, and the Future of DC
This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're joined by Scott Snyder for one of our favorite conversations of the year. We dive deep into Absolute Batman, the newly announced animated series, why he believes monthly comics need to embrace what makes the medium unique, and the creative philosophy driving one of comics' biggest successes. It's a candid, wide-ranging discussion on storytelling, the future of superhero comics, and why taking big swings matters more than ever.
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
Judge Dredd and Biker Mice From Mars collide in new comic crossover and collectibles partnership

Daniel Warren Johnson reveals new project 'Chainkata' for November 2026
Details

Michael Walsh's 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' returns in remastered black-and-white edition

Tradd Moore's first creator-owned solo comic, 'Touch Me Someplace Nowhere' announced

Mike Mignola's new art book 'Circus of Bones' showcases over 145 original works

Lara Croft joins G.I. Joe in first-ever 'G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero' crossover

Rocketship Entertainment partners with Moulin Rouge for graphic novels, manga, and tabletop games

Meet the players of ‘Zero Instance’ where a video game boss invades the real world

DC reveals packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 lineup

Skybound unveils San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans and exclusive collectibles

Marvel reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with Hall H, Midnight Universe, and X-Men '97 panels
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Witness Point #1 (Nathan Fillion, Heath Corson, Soo Lee)

Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 (Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Fran Galán)
Chris:
Twilight Zone #9 (Juni Ba)

Dispatched #1 (B. Clay Moore, Daniel Gete)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Chris: Did You Hear About Mimi Green? #2 (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon)
Dave: Operation: Iron Coffin #1 (Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Chris: Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling)

Dave: Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Bilquis Evely)

Chris: Nightwing #140 (Jorge Fornes Main)
Interview: Interview: Scott Snyder
1. Manga storytelling influence
Joe Kelly recently mentioned how manga like One Piece can devote entire chapters to a single action sequence, something that's harder to replicate in American comics because of page counts and production realities. Is manga storytelling an influence on your work, and do you find yourself thinking about how to capture that same sense of scale and rhythm within Western comics?
2. Marvel and DC
I recently spoke with Josh Williamson about writing Iron Man, and it was fascinating hearing how he's consulting on DC projects while also becoming part of Marvel's plans. Seeing creators move more freely between publishers these days, does that ever make you want to jump back into Marvel for another major project?
3. Harley Quinn and Joker
The revelation that Joker is Harley's father completely reframes both characters. What made that the right relationship for the Absolute Universe, and what storytelling opportunities does it create that couldn't exist with their traditional dynamic
4. Designing Gotham's monsters
Body horror and transformation have become defining visual elements of Absolute Batman. What are your guiding principles when reinventing characters like Poison Ivy, Clayface, and others while still making them instantly recognizable?
8. Absolute Batman animated series
You're serving as showrunner on the newly announced Absolute Batman animated series. How does that creative role differ from making comics, and what has surprised you most about translating this version of Batman to animation?
10. Court of Owls
Finally, the Court of Owls has entered the picture. Without spoiling anything, what can readers expect from your take on one of the most important Batman concepts you've ever created?
1 hr 42 min
July 05The best comics of 2026 so far: hits, surprises, and weirdest comics
Dave, Alex, and Chris are back for a mid-year review of the best comics of the year so far. Like any art, it's subjective as we pick our three favorite comics, biggest surprise, weirdest comic, best graphic novel, and more!
Best comics of the year….SO FAR
Alex:
Pick 3 series:
Is Ted Ok? (Dave Chisholm)

Fireborn (Franklin Jonas, Curt Pires, Patrick Mulholland)

Sai: Dimensional Rivals (Peach Momoko, et al.)
Pick a graphic novel or collection: Pig Wife (Abbey Luck)
Biggest Surprise of the Year: Poison Ivy being elected Mayor of Gotham (G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara)
The "Please Never End" Award: The Power Fantasy - Kieron Gillan Caspar Wijngaard
Weirdest Comic: The Eye Collector (GMB Chomichuk, Jonathan Ball), shoutout to High Strangeness #5 from Daniel Noah/Christian Ward
Dave:
Pick 3 series:
Absolute Batman

Infernal Hulk

Escape
Pick a graphic novel or collection:
Memories of Giselle
Biggest Surprise of the Year:
Absolute Green Arrow
The "Please Never End" Award:
Exquisite Corpses
Weirdest Comic:
Red Roots
Chris:
Pick 3 series:
The Deadman

Lobo

White Sky
Pick a graphic novel or collection: Gigs
Biggest Surprise of the Year: Death Fight Forever
The "Please Never End" Award: Toxic Avenger Comics
Weirdest Comic: The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre
1 hr 29 min
June 28Mark Russell on cults, creativity, and ‘The Forgotten Divine’
This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, writer Mark Russell joins the show to discuss The Forgotten Divine, his new graphic novel from Ahoy Comics, now available to back via Kickstarter. Russell digs into the inspirations behind the story, why he wanted to explore the appeal of cults from the inside out, and how the project ultimately became one of his most personal works yet. We also discuss creativity as a form of belief, and the challenges of telling a complete story in one sitting.
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
'Absolute Batman' is getting an animated series, with Scott Snyder serving as showrunner

Marvel clears up confusion over 'Amazing Spider-Man' #1000's two main covers

'Daredevil' is a hit, gets #1-3 reprints with new 'Daredevil: Born Again' variant covers

Eliot Rahal and Mattia Monaco launch buddy-crime comic 'Crimes Against Nature' at Image

Who is Fox Mask Killer? New Exquisite Corpses series promises answers

'That Texas Blood' returns with new story arc 'Hell Comes to Allison Ranch' this September

IDW Dark announces horror mystery 'You'll Never Leave This Place Alive' for October

Vault announces time-traveling cryptid adventure ‘Project Perseus’ launching this September

EXCLUSIVE: David Dastmalchian's 'The Accessories' gives horror's forgotten sidekicks their own story
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Escape #8 (Rick Remender, Daniel Acuna)

Venom #259 (Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez)
Alex:
Is Ted OK? #5 (Dave Chisholm)

Captain America #12 (Zdarsky, Schiti)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Alex: In Your Skin #3 (Aditya Bidikar)
Dave: The Eye Collector #1 (Jonathan Ball, GMB Chomichuk)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Alex: Absolute Martian Manhunter #12 (Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez)

Dave: What If...? Secret Wars #1 (Alex Paknadel, CAFU)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: Iron Man #7 (1:25 Dave Rapoza Variant)

Alex: The Deadman #2 (Alex Eckman-Lawn variant) & The Mortal Thor #12 (Alex Ross)
Interview: Mark Russell - The Forgotten Divine Ahoy Kickstarter Link.
The Forgotten Divine digs into why people are drawn to cults and belief systems. What was the starting point for you, and what did you want to understand or say about that impulse?
Rodney feels like a very grounded, human entry point into a story that quickly spirals into something much bigger. How did you approach building him so readers stay with him even as things get more extreme?
There’s a real balance here between empathy and critique. You can understand why these characters believe what they do, even as things go off the rails. How do you walk that line without judging them or letting them off the hook?
The preview pages have some striking bits of philosophy, like “the secret to happiness is low expectations.” How do those ideas emerge for you, and are they things you believe or more reflections of the characters’ mindset?
The idea that “where you are is who you are” feels especially loaded, almost like a commentary on class, fate, and identity. Was that always baked into the concept, or did it grow as you developed the story?
When we glimpse the alien world, it feels almost overwhelming, with that massive eye and the intense color palette. What were your conversations like with Russ Braun in shaping how that world should feel versus how the “real” world reads?
You’ve done a lot of satire, but this feels like it leans harder into psychological and emotional territory. Did this project push you in new directions as a writer?
AHOY has built a reputation on smart, risk-taking books, and this is their first Kickstarter. How does that format change how you think about the book, if at all?
The story seems to ask whether there’s something real behind the visions or if belief itself is the point. How important was it to keep that tension alive rather than give clear answers?
Fun one to close: If you started having Rodney’s dreams tonight, what’s the first sign you’d think, “Okay, I might actually be starting a cult”?
1 hr 12 min
June 21Joshua Williamson on Superman, Legion, and 20 Years of Comics
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NEWS
DC Solicitations September 2026
‘Batman: Bad Seeds’ livestream reveals new titles, solicitations, and Jim Lee art giveaway

DC announces new Legion of Super-Heroes, Teen Titans, and Doom Patrol ongoing series

DC reveals 'The Wonder War' Act 2 with 'Wonder Woman' #37 and Matriarch special

DC unveils spring 2027 graphic novels and launches Compact Comics Adventures line

Wes Craig returns Superman to his Golden Age roots in new DC Black Label series

Marvel's Midnight Universe gets unified launch as all three titles arrive on October 7, and only those titles

Marvel Solicits for September 2026
The Muppets make history in first ever Marvel Comics anniversary one-shot

Marvel teases Deadpool vs. Punisher project with cryptic announcement

Bullseye battles Nova, Star-Lord, and Jack of Hearts in 'Marvel Gold' '76 #1

Steve Orlando's 'Gambit: Gone' brings two Remy LeBeaus together this September

Doctor Doom wages war on Hell in Marvel's 50-page splash-page epic

Black Panther and Namor journey into Hell in new 'Doomed!' limited series

Dan Panosian writes and draws 'Wolverine: Paradise' for Marvel this October 2026

Marvel's X-Men battle Xenomorphs in new 'Alien vs. X-Men' crossover

Marvel launches 'Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine' ahead of Hulk War event

Marvel reveals new 'Avengers #1' covers and True Believers Blind Bag exclusives

Marvel reveals new 'Amazing Spider-Man' #1000 covers and story details

USA TODAY PLAY partners with Marvel for exclusive weekly Spider-Man comic series

Patrick Horvath invites top creators into Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees for Halloween special

IDW Dark announces new Smile and A Quiet Place comic book series

Todd McFarlane's original 1977 Spawn design finally arrives in 'Spawn 77'

Guillem March returns with creator-owned romantic thriller 'Ofiusa' this September

Steve Skroce launches superhero meta-adventure Tales of Wonder at Skybound this September

Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen launch dark fantasy series 'Crowbound' this September

Christian Ward and Sami Kivelä explore the end of the world in Oni Press' new sci-fi thriller 'The Forever Home'

Dark Horse announces 'Minor Threats: Welcome to Twilight—Villains and Vignettes' anthology series
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Absolute Green Arrow #2 (Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque)

Memories of Giselle #1 (Katia Vecchio)
Chris:
Gigs (Mark Mosedale, Si Smith)

Lobo #4 (Skottie Young and Jorge Corona)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Chris: Gigs (Mark Mosedale, Si Smith)
Dave: Absolute Batman #21 (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Chris: Narco #4 (Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard)

Dave: Blüdwire #1 (Paul Allor, Ermitis Blanco)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: Superman #39 (Dan Mora) & Doomquest #2 (Alex Ross)

Chris: Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man #1 (Maria Wolf variant)
Interview: Joshua Williamson Creator Spotlight, plus we talk Iron Man, Wolf Man, Superman, and more!
Career / Process
You broke in around 2006, and you’re now pushing close to two decades in comics. How has your approach to storytelling changed from those early years to now?

You’ve been at this for nearly 20 years at this point. What’s something you understand about comics today that you wish you knew when you started?

You’re writing across multiple major franchises right now. How do you shift your voice between something like Superman, Iron Man, and G.I. Joe?

On top of all this, you wrote a story in Creepshow Vol. 4 #5 titled Artificial Ignorance. Was that a story you had in a drawer, or…how did that come to be?
Superman / Superboy-Prime
Superboy-Prime has always been a volatile character, but here he feels almost desperate to prove himself. How do you balance his edge with making him someone readers want to follow?

With Manchester Black entering the picture, what excites you about putting those two characters in conflict specifically?

Any Superman elements/tropes you want to touch?
Iron Man
You’ve said Tony Stark is one of your favorite characters. What’s something about Tony that you feel hasn’t been explored enough in past runs?

Madame Masque and A.I.M. feel like they’re operating at a higher level here. What makes them the right villains for this phase of the story?
Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man
Do you have a favorite Universal Monsters adaptation?

Do you have any favorite werewolf stories?

This feels like a very grounded, almost psychological take on the Wolf Man. What drew you to that angle?

Is the when of this story important to the overall experience?

What makes the Wolf Man a character worth revisiting right now?
Rapid Fire Question Round (Stolen from Stephen Colbert so that a guest is “known”):
Best sandwich?

What's one thing you own that you really should throw out?

Apples or oranges?

What is the scariest animal?

Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?

What do you think happens when we die?

Favorite action movie?

Favorite smell?

Least favorite smell?

Flat or sparkling?

Most used app on your phone?

If you could have dinner with any three characters you’ve written before, who would they be and why?

You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life: what is it?

Depeche

Describe the rest of your life in 5 words?
2 hr 20 min
June 14Dan Watters and Pye Parr talk fast cars, Energon tech, and reimagining M.A.S.K. for a new era
When Skybound announced M.A.S.K. would be joining the Energon Universe, fans immediately had questions. How would Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem fit alongside Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals? Out this week, we sat down with writer Dan Watters and artist Pye Parr to discuss updating the classic property, designing its iconic vehicles, and why M.A.S.K. offers a unique perspective within the larger Energon Universe.
We're running the full uncut interview, featuring even more discussion on cool cars, character dynamics, action sequences, and what readers can expect from the series moving forward.
Plus, we recap the biggest comics news of the week, share our favorite new releases, and much more.
NEWS
Absolute Catwoman #1 heads back to press as DC announces 'Absolute Cassandra Cain' one-shot

MAD celebrates 600 issues with new material, classic favorites, and Sergio Aragonés cover

Batman, Superman, and "Weird Al" Yankovic unite for DC's strangest team-up yet

Marvel launches 'Amazing Venom' starring Boomerang's symbiote-powered comeback

Marvel returns to the Mangaverse with five-part 25th anniversary event this September

Marvel Zombies returns this September with Punisher leading a desperate fight for survival

Spider-Woman's 50th anniversary special launches a darker new chapter for Jessica Drew

The Rolling Stones team up with Marvel for exclusive ‘Foreign Tongues’ vinyl collector series

David Colton's growing power takes center stage in new look at 'Avengers: Armageddon' #4 and 'Cap'

Dark Horse launches new oversized Marvel Black & White line with Barry Windsor-Smith's landmark Weapon X

Daniel Warren Johnson's 'Beta Ray Bill' gets oversized Artist's Edition in 2027

ROM joins the Energon Universe in surprise comic hidden inside 'M.A.S.K.' #1 blind bags

Mike Mignola returns to Hell with new two-issue Hellboy story alongside Cyrille Pomès

Shredder gets extended!
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Skate Ali #1 (Sam Humphries, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Natacha Bustos)

The Nice House by the Sea #10 (James Tynion IV, Alvaro Martinez Bueno)
Chris:
Tigress Island #4 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK)

M.A.S.K. #1 (Dan Watters, Pye Parr)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Chris: D’Orc #5 (Brett Bean)
Dave: Jay & Silent Bob: Jays of Future Past #1 (Kevin Smith, Giuseppe Camuncoli)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Chris: Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1 (Paul Chadwick)

Dave: The Amazing Spider-Man #31 (Joe Kelly, Patrick Gleason)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: X-Men United #4 (Kris Anka Cover)

Chris: Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #2 (Phil Jimenez and Alex Sinclair Main)
Dan Watters Pye Parr - MASK #1 out June 10th
M.A.S.K. has always had a unique place in Hasbro history, sitting somewhere between G.I. Joe, Transformers, and its own thing. What aspects of the original property were most important to preserve, and where did you see opportunities to reinvent it for the Energon Universe?

Matt Trakker's introduction is fascinating because he's being hunted by the military, yet it quickly becomes clear he wants to be captured. Why was that the right way to introduce him, and what does it reveal about who he is in this version of M.A.S.K.?

Miles Mayhem comes across as both calculating and completely unhinged. His fear of Transformers and extraterrestrial threats gives him a very different motivation than a typical villain. What interested you about making him someone who might see himself as humanity's last line of defense?

One of the most exciting ideas in M.A.S.K. has always been vehicles transforming into weapons and armor systems. Pye, what was the challenge of updating those iconic transformations for modern audiences while still capturing the toyetic fun fans expect?

Dan, after writing Destro, what was appealing about tackling another corner of the Energon Universe? Did your experience with Destro help shape how you approached M.A.S.K., or did you want this book to have a completely different flavor?

The first issue hints at a larger arms race involving technology and weapons that may not even originate on Earth. How much of M.A.S.K. is a spy thriller versus a science-fiction story, and where does it fit tonally alongside Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals?

Bruce Sato and Gloria Baker are positioned as key new recruits. What qualities do they bring to M.A.S.K. that complement or challenge Matt Trakker's leadership style?

The original M.A.S.K. comic debuted in 1987 and had a very different view of global threats and military organizations. Were there any specific elements from that era that you deliberately updated to reflect modern anxieties and geopolitics?

Fun question: If you could each claim one M.A.S.K. vehicle and mask from the entire franchise to use in real life for a week, which would you pick and what completely irresponsible thing would you do with it?
1 hr 29 min
June 07Che Grayson on reinventing Catwoman for the Absolute Universe
Welcome to AIPT Comics Podcast Episode 382! This week, we're joined by Absolute Catwoman writer Che Grayson to dive deep into one of DC's most exciting new series. We discuss reimagining Selina Kyle for the Absolute Universe, blending espionage and cyberpunk influences, exploring Catwoman's Afro-Cuban heritage, and what makes this version of Gotham's greatest thief unlike any that came before.
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
Dark Horse Comics agrees to voluntarily recognize Dark Horse Workers United

Oni Press unveils first look at new Archie era, announces 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' and 'Archie in Hell'

DC GO! expands in 2026 with new originals, returning favorites, and the first crossover event

Marvel reveals final chapters of 'Queen in Black' event as Venomworld emerges

Marvel reveals post-'Avengers: Armageddon' era with mysterious 'Earth's Mightiest Survivors' teaser

Marvel bri1ngs its second-ever True Believers Display Box to 'DNX' #1

Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto launch new 'Avengers' #1 this November

NiFe WARS launches NFC-authenticated collectibles platform with blind bags

'TMNT' #300 tops 200,000 orders as IDW prepares biggest Turtle story in years
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Billy Bat (Naoki Urasawa, Takashi Nagasaki)

Spawn #376 (Matthew Rosenberg, Stephen Segovia)
Alex:
IM CHEATING: The End Times #7 (Benjamin Percy, Stephen King)

Only The Savage Are Left #1 (Zach Kaplan, Stefano Rafaelle)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Alex: What If Uncanny X-Men (Gerry Duggan, Jan Bazaldua)
Dave: Uncanny X-Men #29 (Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Alex: The Nice House by the Sea #10 (Tynion, Álvaro Martínez Bueno)

Dave: Tarzan Beyond #1 (Steve Orlando, Renato Guedes)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: Daredevil #3 (Alexander Lozano Cover)

Alex: X-Men #31 Alex Ross Marvel Dimensions variant
Interview: Che Grayson - Absolute Catwoman - Out June 10th
Absolute Catwoman hits the ground running with a fast pace and a globe-trotting setup. What was your approach to making this version of Selina feel immediately distinct from page one?

This Selina feels very self-made, with high-tech gear and a life she’s built outside Gotham. What interested you about exploring her at that stage in her life?

The Absolute Universe already introduced Selina in Absolute Batman. How did you approach taking an established version of the character and expanding her into her own series?

Speaking of collaboration, how do you and Scott split the writing duties? Are you breaking story together, or does one of you take the lead in certain areas?

Bengal’s art really sells the motion and the tech, especially in action scenes. How closely are you working with him in terms of visual storytelling, and were there any sequences you were especially excited to see him bring to life?

The Calicos are a really intriguing addition, with that more classic Catwoman-inspired look. What can you tease about their role in Selina’s past and how they shape who she is now?

This version of Selina has some bold new elements, including her enhanced gear and abilities. Without spoiling too much, how far are you planning to push what Catwoman can be in the Absolute Universe?
1 hr 26 min
May 31Zack Kaplan unpacks his monster survival and AI crime thrillers
On this week's AIPT Comics Podcast, we're joined by writer Zack Kaplan to talk about two ambitious new projects that tap into some of today's biggest anxieties. First up is Only the Savage Are Left, Kaplan's new post-apocalyptic series with Stefano Raffaele, which imagines a world overrun by a virus that transforms people into monsters. During the conversation, Kaplan digs into the moral dilemmas at the heart of the series, the challenge of creating a new kind of monster apocalypse, and why the story's central romance is just as important as its horror. We also discuss The Smart Division, his upcoming AI-driven crime thriller with John Pearson, exploring how rapidly advancing technology, generational divides, and questions about institutional trust shaped the book's premise.
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
Stan Lee returns through AI as ElevenLabs launches voice, image, and music partnership

Money Shot is getting its wildest crossover yet with Patton Oswalt returning for ‘The F* Offs’ #1*

Get Hype: Marvel’s terrifying new Midnight Universe gets 'Midnight X-Men' #1 preview

Book of Boba Fett series announced

Dark Horse employees announce unionization effort with CWA
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Doomquest #1 (Ryan North, Francesco Mobili)

Infernal Hulk #7 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam Gorham)
Alex:
Absolute Wonder Woman #20 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman)

Did You Hear About Mimi Greene? (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Alex: The Infernal Hulk #7 (PKJ, Adam Gorham)
Dave: Escape #7 (Daniel Acuna, Rick Remender)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Alex: Uncanny X-Men #29 (Wilson, Vecchio) & What If...? Uncanny X-Men #1 (Gerry Dugan, Jan Bazaldua)

Dave: Deadman #1 (Martin Morazzo, W. Maxwell Prince)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: The Twilight Zone #7 (Juni Ba connecting cover)

Alex: Poison Ivy #45 Cover B Noobovich Variant
Interview: Zach Kaplan (art by Stefano Raffaele) talks Only the Savage Are Left (Out June 3)
The Smart Division out August 5, FOC Jun 29th
Only the Savage Are Left presents a world where survival itself requires violence. What was the starting point for the virus concept, and how did you land on the idea that the “cure” is tied to killing another infected person?

There’s an early suggestion in the book that civilization didn’t collapse because people failed to work together, but because they turned on each other. How much of this story is meant to reflect real-world anxieties about how fragile social order really is?

You’ve described the idea that “civilized society is a failed experiment.” How does that philosophy shape Ryder’s journey, especially as someone who begins the story outside that cycle of violence?

Ryder starts off relatively sheltered, living behind a wall and seemingly untouched by the infection. What interested you about telling a story through a character who hasn’t yet been forced to compromise his morality?

The relationship that pulls Ryder out into the world feels central to the emotional core of the book. How did you approach balancing that love story with the brutality of the setting?

Without spoiling too much, how does the virus actually work on a thematic level? Is it purely biological, or is it also meant to represent something more psychological or societal?

As Ryder encounters other survivors and “monster-killers,” how do you approach defining who the real monsters are in this world?

Shifting to The Smart Division, the idea of an AI being involved in a “perfect murder” is chillingly plausible. What kind of real-world advancements in AI or predictive tech inspired this story?

The pairing of a Gen-Z savant and a veteran FBI agent feels like a classic odd-couple dynamic. What makes that contrast especially interesting in a story about artificial intelligence and crime?

Fun one: if you had to survive in the world of Only the Savage Are Left, what’s your strategy in the first 24 hours… and are you making it out alive?
1 hr 33 min
May 24Dracula vs. Nazis in ‘Operation: Iron Coffin’ with Kenny Porter and Tyrell Cannon
On this week’s AIPT Comics Podcast, we’re joined by writer Kenny Porter and artist Tyrell Cannon to talk all things Operation: Iron Coffin, the wild new IDW Dark series that drops Dracula onto a Nazi war train in one of the year’s coolest high-concept comics. During the interview, the duo digs into balancing horror and action, Dracula’s internal struggle, the grindhouse inspirations behind the violence, and how the book evolved into a monster-filled gauntlet packed with occult science, anime influences, and brutal fight choreography.
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
Marvel shakes up leadership as Brad Winderbaum takes over comics and franchise direction

Marvel Comics August 2026 solicitations
Marvel reveals ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ #1000 as biggest issue in series history

Marvel resurrects Indiana Jones’ wildest comic adventures in deluxe hardcover reprints

Marvel launches ‘Marvel Tōkon: First Strike’ #1 comic and variants for new fighting game

'Batman: Bad Seeds' turns Gotham into a nightmare in DC’s next major crossover

DC Solicitations August 2026
DC announces ‘Batman & Robin: Dynamic Duos’ as Waid and Samnee return for new maxiseries

Static joins the Titans as DC sets up a massive new Amazon storyline

EC Comics returns with 'Shellshock' #1, a new war anthology from Oni Press launching August 2026

‘Star Trek’ celebrates 60 years with massive all-star anthology special this September

Iman Vellani makes creator-owned comics debut with bold noir-inspired ‘Chachu’ at Image

Mike Mignola and Michael Avon Oeming launch new Hellboy Universe series ‘Ghost of a Ghost’

Dark Horse shuts down TFAW stores as major company shake-up expands into games and entertainment

New Dark Horse noir 'The Big Shakedown' set in earthquake-decimated Los Angeles

Tom King and Gabriel Hernández Walta reteam for 'Six of Us'
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Absolute Green Arrow #1 (Pornsak Pitcheshot, Raphael Albuquerque)

Alias: Red Band #3 (Sam Humphries, Geraldo Borges)
Alex:
Odin #1 (James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett, Letizia Cadonici)

Of the Earth #1 (Chris Condon, Andrew Edrich, Charlie Adlard)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Alex: Sorcerer Supreme #6 (Bernard Chang)
Dave: Sai: Dimensional Rivals #5 (Peach Momoko and more)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Alex: Exquisite Corpses #13 (Tynion, Walsh), Fireborn #2 (Curt Pires, Timmy Heague, Franklin Jonas, Patrick Mulholland)

Dave: Doomquest #1 (Ryan North, Francesco Mobili) and Red Roots #2 (Lorenzo De Felici)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: Absolute Martian Manhunter #12 (Werther Dell'Edera Card Stock Cover)

Alex: Wiccan & Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1
Interview - Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon - Operation: Iron Coffin - July 8th - FOC June 1
Asking for an elevator pitch usually feels a bit cliche as an interviewer, but then Operation: Iron Coffin feels like it deserves it since it kind of has the perfect tight setup, care to share one?

Earlier this year you mentioned to Chris Coplan Dracula isn’t really a hero here, even if he’s the protagonist. How important was it to frame this as a redemption story without ever sanding off the uglier truths about who Dracula is and what he’s done?

Tyrell, you talked before about Dracula wrestling with the cost of his immortality and violence. Visually, how do you show that internal conflict in a character who often presents himself as cold, confident, and almost unstoppable?

The first issue moves at a breakneck pace, but there are key flashbacks and supernatural moments that hint at something deeper under the grindhouse chaos. Kenny, how did you approach layering emotional depth into something that’s also designed to feel like an adrenaline-fueled action movie?

The Nazi train setup creates this perfect “one nightmare after another” structure where every car can introduce a new horror. Was the book always designed like a deadly gauntlet, or did the train concept evolve as you built the story?

There’s a fascinating tension between nature and science in the issue, especially with Dracula as this ancient evil crashing into engineered horrors and wartime experimentation. Was that thematic contrast something you wanted front and center from the beginning?

Tyrell, one thing I loved was how physically dominant Dracula feels. He’s ripping people apart, shrugging off attacks, and moving through scenes like a slasher villain unleashed. What were the biggest influences behind the choreography and sheer brutality of the action sequences?

Hazel and Ivy immediately make a strong impression, especially because they seem to understand Dracula in ways others don’t. What can you tease about their dynamic with him and why they’re such dangerous opponents specifically for this version of Dracula?

Kenny, the issue somehow makes Dracula sympathetic without asking readers to forget he’s a monster. Were there any versions of Dracula in film, literature, or comics that influenced your take, or did you intentionally try to move away from previous interpretations?

Fun/silly question: if your Dracula had a playlist blasting while he fought his way through the Nazi train, what songs or bands would absolutely be on it?

Fun/silly question to cap things off: Dracula has now fought through a Nazi train like the star of the wildest action movie never made. If you could drop your version of Dracula into any other movie genre or setting next, where would you send him?
1 hr 22 min
May 17Unearth the horror: Chris Condon and Charlie Adlard dig into the dread of Of the Earth
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
Marvel to launch Midnight Universe August 2026 turning heroes into nightmares

Marvel’s reveals DNX 'X-Men' event details for August 2026

Jubilee and Wolverine uncover the 'Tomb of Apocalypse' in new 2026 Marvel series

Marvel sheds light on August 2026 'What If...?' titles

Image announces "Summer of Youngblood" in a road to 100

DC announces 'Next Level One Shot' #1 with Deadshot leading major new storyline

Popular comics piracy site disappears from the internet, sparking piracy debate among comic fans

Netflix developing ‘Barbaric’ TV series based on Vault fantasy hit by Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden

2026 Eisner Awards nominations announced with DC leading
Our Top Books of the Week:
Dave:
Destination Kill #1 (Joe Palmer)

Innards #1 (Rob Guillory, Sam Lotfi)
Alex:
Absolute Batman #20 (Snyder, Dragotta)

Hidden Springs #1 (Rob Williams, Nil Vendrell Pallach)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Alex: Uncanny X-Men #28 (Simone, Vecchio)
Dave: Hidden Springs #1 (Rob Williams, Nil Vendrell Pallach)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
Alex: Absolute Green Arrow #1 (Pichetshote & Albuquerque)

Dave: Ultimate Impact: Reborn #1 (Chris Condon, Stefano Caselli)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
Dave: Batman / Superman: World's Finest #51 (Dan Mora Cover)

Alex: Odin #1 variants (Ward & Simmonds)
Interview: Chris Condon (with Andrew Ehrich) - Charlie Adlard - of the earth - May 20 out
1. Opening hook / origin
Chris, you’ve said that roadside coyote scene was the first thing you wrote, even before you knew the full story. What was it about that moment that felt like the right entry point into this world?
2. Tone and influences
You’re blending eco-horror and neo-noir in a really striking way here. What’s each of your relationship to those genres—are there specific books or films that shaped how you approached them, or personal favorites that were on your mind while making this?
3. The prose chapter choice
That opening prose chapter from Oilfield Graveyard: Tales of the Wildcatter Myth is such a bold structural swing. What does prose allow you to do that comics alone wouldn’t, especially in setting up the mythology?
4. The Wildcatter as a presence
The Wildcatter evolves from something almost abstract in issue #2 to something disturbingly human in issue #3. How did you approach revealing it piece by piece without losing the mystery?
5. Character and transformation
The grandmother’s descent is genuinely unsettling. How did you think about her transformation in relation to the oil itself, is it possession, corruption, or something more symbolic?
6. Visual storytelling and horror lineage
Charlie, you spent years defining the visual language of long-form horror on The Walking Dead. When you approach a story like this, how does that experience inform your instincts—and where do you find yourself deliberately doing something different?
7. Pacing and silent storytelling
Charlie, one thing that really stands out is how much space you’re given for quiet, atmospheric sequences—scenes that breathe and flow without a lot of dialogue or overt plot movement. How do you approach pacing those moments visually so they still feel propulsive, and what do you think comics can do in those silent stretches that other mediums can’t?
8. Fun / silly question: If the Wildcatter had a playlist, what’s the one song that absolutely has to be on it?
1 hr 52 min

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An exploration of the comic book art form via weekly insights, news, and creator interviews. Covering it all from Marvel Comics and DC Comics to indies publishers and creators too.