AIPT Comics

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NEWS

1. Full Marvel Solicits March 2026 (Tuesday!)
   1. Marvel reveals March 2025 covers and solicits as the Ultimate Universe heads toward its Endgame
   2. Jessica Jones returns in Marvel’s darkest, bloodiest 'Alias' story yet
   3. Carnage knows Spider-Man’s secret, and Peter learns Mary Jane is Venom in the March 2026 solicts
   4. Wonder Man heads back to Hollywood, and his past is ready for a comeback of its own
   5. Marvel brings the Sentry home as creator Paul Jenkins returns for a high-stakes new series
2. Marvel goes all-out for 2026 with Comics Giveaway Day, teasing 'Amazing Spider-Man' #1000, & more
3. Marvel turns ‘Daredevil’ #1 into a Blind-Bag gamble with rare variants and secret sketch covers
4. Marvel’s most thunderous art gets the deluxe treatment in a massive new Thor book
5. DC solicits March 2026
   1. 'DC K.O.' was just the warm-up: DC ALL IN goes NEXT LEVEL with Lobo, Batwoman, Deathstroke & More
   2. DC Next Level begins in March 2026 with Wonder War and Superboys Rising
6. Image Comics announces 'Tigress Island' a pulp-fueled fever dream
7. Archie gets a radical relaunch as Oni Press reimagines Riverdale for a new era
8. Tarzan swings back into comics, and he’s older, wiser, and facing pirates who want immortality

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

1. Star Trek: The Last Starship #3 (Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Adrin Bonilla)
2. The Bat-Man: Second Knight #2 (Dan Jurgens, Mike Perkins)

Alex:​​

1. Die: Loaded #2 (Gillen, Hans)
2. Power Fantasy #14 (Gillen, Wijngaard)
3. Honorable Mentions: Author Immortal, 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun, Exquisite Corpses

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Rogue Storm #3 (Murewa Ayodele, Roland Boschi)

Dave: Alien vs. Captain America (2025) #2 (Frank Tieri, Stefano Raffaele)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

• Alex: Absolute Wonder Woman #15 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman) & Event Horizon #4 (Christian Ward, Tristan Jones)
• Dave: The Will of Doom #1 (Chip Zdarsky, Cafu)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

• Dave: Hello Darkness #17 (1:10 Full Art Puebla Cover)
• Alex: DC K.O.: The Joker vs. Red Hood #1 (Dustin Nguyen Variant)

1. Expanding the World

What’s it like contributing to a Tim Burton universe project?

What excited you most about the chance to tell a new story within The Nightmare Before Christmas universe, and how did you approach capturing that distinct mix of spooky and sweet?

2. Character Focus
Sally takes center stage in this series. What aspects of her character did you want to explore or expand on that fans haven’t seen before?

3. The New Creation
Dr. Finkelstein’s latest creation, Shiver, sounds like a charming new addition to Halloween Town. What inspired this character, and what role does Shiver play in the story’s themes?

4. Trick-or-Treat Trio Trouble
Lock, Shock, and Barrel are fan favorites for their chaotic energy. How was it writing for those three troublemakers, especially as they head off to Christmas Town?

5. Visual Collaboration
Edu Menna’s art brings a lot of gothic personality to the book. How did you two work together to strike the balance between Burton-esque atmosphere and the fun of a family-friendly adventure?

6. Tone and Audience
The series is described as “perfect for all ages.” How did you balance writing something that works for longtime fans of the film and younger readers discovering Nightmare Before Christmas for the first time?

7. Franchise Legacy
The Shiver of Christmas Town follows Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: The Graphic Novel. How does this story build on that ongoing relationship between Dynamite and Disney’s Nightmare Before Christmas world?

8. The Magic of Halloween (and Christmas)
Without giving too much away, what do you hope readers take away from this story about the magic—or mischief—of the holiday spirit?

9. Character and Tone Your work often blends grit and introspection—how are you approaching Selina Kyle’s duality as both a thief and protector in your  Catwoman run, and what new sides of her character are you most excited to explore?

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. 'Superman/Spider-Man' #1 gets full creative team reveal and first cover look
2. Marvel’s X-Men enter a dangerous new era as Shadows of Tomorrow' begins: March 2026 covers & launches revealed
3. Darth Maul returns in a brutal new era, and Marvel’s prequel series reveals his darkest plan yet
4. Marvel’s next huge event is already underway and Wolverine & Captain America hold the keys to ARMAGEDDON
5. Ultimate Universe shocker: Hickman opens up as Marvel debuts ‘Endgame’ preview + 9 never-seen sketch covers
6. DC Vertigo unveils first 2026 trailer—plus exclusive new Covers for March titles
7. The Viltrumites are coming for Battle Beast in a blood-soaked new arc in March 2026
8. Event Horizon is back from hell: Prequel sells out, sequel comic set 200 years later
9. WEBTOON just changed everything for creators: Massive 2026 overhaul announced!
10. Skeletor just leveled up: Masters of the Universe becomes an ongoing series in 2026

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

1. Amazing Spider-Man #17 (Pepe Larraz, Joe Kelly)
2. The End 2099 #1 (Steve Orlando, Ibraim Roberson)

Alex:​​

1. Absolute Batman #15 (Scott Snyder, Jock)
2. Our Soot Stained Heart #1 (Joni Hägg, Stipan Morian)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Ultimate Wolverine #12 (Condon, Cappuccio)
Dave: Absolute Batman #15 (Scott Snyder, Jock)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: The Power Fantasy #14 (Gillen, Wijngaard) & DIE: Loaded #2 (Gillen, Hans)
2. Dave: Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #5 (W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Book of Revelation #3 (Ivan Shavrin but also Fabrizio De Tommaso)
2. Alex: Nightwing #133 (Dustin Nguyen variant)

1. Origin of the Project:
   Last we spoke we talked a bit about The End Times, but now the project sees the revival of Stephen King’s Bachman universe through Bad Hand Books, how’d that come to be?
2. Expanding the Bachman Lore:
   Claudia Inez Bachman has always been a shadowy figure in King’s mythos — how did it feel to help bring her to life as a writerly voice in her own right?
3. Collaboration with Stephen King:
   What was the collaboration process like with King himself? Did you two discuss tone, continuity, or the meta-narrative of Bachman’s legacy?
4. Post-Apocalyptic Themes:
   You’ve described this world as “the world has ended and it’s rebuilding.” What emotional or thematic space did you want to explore in that aftermath, compared to the usual “apocalypse in progress” stories?
5. Social Commentary:
   The project examines misinformation and the role of local journalism — how do those themes mirror our current media landscape, and what kind of response are you hoping to evoke from readers?
6. Physical vs. Digital Experience:
   With both a newspaper edition and a digital version available, what do you hope readers gain from physically holding this story in their hands versus reading it online?
7. Continuing the Bachman Tradition:
   Bachman’s work was often darker and more cynical than King’s mainline fiction. Does The End Times lean into that same spirit of anger and disillusionment?
8. (Fun / Silly Question):If The End Times really were the last surviving newspaper on Earth, what headline would you want your byline to appear under? (“Local Writer Saves Humanity”? “Coffee Shortage Ends Civilization”? 😄)

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. DC just unlocked 35,000+ comics for millions of new readers
2. Jeff the Land Shark crashes into Hell’s Kitchen, and Daredevil will never be the same
3. Marvel unleashes a new Guardians team, and they’re more Dangerous Than Anything in Space
4. DC RUSHES BACK TO PRESS: 'Absolute Batman' hits 10th printing as 'DC K.O.' tie-ins sell out!
5. Top 50 comics of November

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

1. Fantastic Four #6 (Ryan North, Humberto Ramos)
2. Duck Avenger (Nicolas Pothier, Luc “Batme” Collin) 

Chris:​​

1. The Voice Said Kill #4 (Si Spurrier, Vanesa R. Del Rey)
2. Briar: Night’s Terror #1 (Chris Cantwell, Alex Lins)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris: DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 (Joshua Williamson, Sean Izaakse, Trish Mulvihill, Hi-Fi) 

Dave: Hulk Smash Everything #1 (Ryan North, Vincenzo Carratu)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Chris: Our Soot Stained Heart #1 (Joni Hagg, Stipan Morian)
2. Dave: Absolute Batman #15 (Scott Snyder, Jock)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Absolute Batman #15 (Tyler Kirkham)
2. Chris: It Killed Everyone But Me #4 (Josh Hixson Main Cover)

1. One of my favorite parts of issue #6 is the way Clea bounces off the rest of the team — she’s arrogant, dangerous, hilarious, and weirdly pragmatic. How important is Clea as a tone-setter for this team, and did you always intend for her to have this much presence, or did she just start taking over scenes once you started writing her?
2. In issue #6 you’ve still got Carnage on the board, even though Eddie Brock: Carnage is wrapping up soon. You told me before you basically had to negotiate for every character. How are you keeping Carnage meaningfully involved long-term — not just as shock value, but as an actual team member — without breaking what Charles Soule did with him in his own corner?
3. By issue #6, it feels like New Avengers is fully embracing chaos — you’ve got Bucky trying to lead a team of killers, liars, and literal monsters, while the line between heroism and survival keeps getting blurrier. How much of this book is about what it really means to be an Avenger when the ideals that title stands for just don’t work anymore?
4. We see Iron Apex actively working to bust out more members of the Kiluminati — Lord Britain and Rapunzel — while the team is still trying to figure out how to survive Evil Doctor Strange. How big is the Kiluminati conspiracy compared to what we’ve seen so far? Are we still at the “first wave,” or are you already building toward something closer to a war between their dark Illuminati and Bucky’s crew?
5. Guru Strange in issue #6 is… a lot. He’s powerful, unhinged, and kind of grossly horny in a way that makes him instantly memorable. How did you find the voice for these twisted “duplicates”? Are you treating each Kiluminati member like a dark-mirror riff, or are you building them as full-on new villains with their own agendas beyond “evil version of X”?
6. You’ve already said you wanted these New Avengers to feel like a Fast & Furious family — volatile, high-powered, kind of toxic, but ride-or-die when it counts. At this point in the story, do you see them actually becoming a “family,” or are they only ever going to be a barely-controlled disaster pointed at bigger disasters?
7. The book’s really leaning into sex and intimacy — especially with Black Widow and Winter Soldier in issue #6 — but it doesn’t feel like empty heat. It feels messy and fragile and dangerous. Is Bucky/Nat the emotional core of this book going forward, and how hard are you planning to break them to test that core?
8. Sensitivity coordinator
9. You’ve talked about how continuity on this book is basically “Marvel Universe on steroids,” with characters being borrowed from multiple offices. Now that you’re this deep — Hulk, Carnage, Clea, Bucky, etc. — what’s the biggest creative win from that shared custody? Has any other office (or creator) dropped something in your lap that made you go, “Oh, that just unlocked the next arc”?
10. Leadership in New Avengers feels like a losing battle — what would Cap say about Bucky’s job so far as team leader?
11. Extremely serious journalism question to close: If the New Avengers and the Kiluminati had to compete on a Bravo-style dating show where everyone is forced to live in one mansion and hook up or strategize, who (A) immediately starts sleeping with the enemy, (B) is secretly there just to stab someone, and (C) wins the whole thing without anyone realizing they were playing?

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

• Dani Moonstar finally gets her first solo series, and it’s packed with magic, monsters, and a terrifying new foe
• Marvel set to blow up the X-Men status quo and rebuild it into the wildest mutant school ever
• Marvel finally does the impossible: Fantastic Four crash into Planet of the Apes in a crossover 50 years in the making!
• Archie meets Evil Dead?! Riverdale goes full Deadite in the wildest crossover of 2026
• Image/Top Cow resurrects a terrifying Lovecraft classic, but with a twist fans won’t see coming

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

The Infernal Hulk #1 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Nic Klein)

Escape #4 (Rick Remender, Daniel Acuna)

Chris:​​

Devil on My Shoulder #1 (Kyle Starks and Piotr Kowalski)

DC K.O. #2 (Joshua Williamson, Javier Ferndandez, Scott Snyder, Xermanico, et al.)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris: Cemetery Kids Run Rabid #4 (Zac Thompson and Daniel Irizarri)

Dave: Absolute Batman #14 (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

Chris: The Voice Said Kill #4 (Si Spurrier and Vanesa R. Del Rey)

Dave: The Terminator: Santa Claus is Coming to Town #1 (PAULINA GANUCHEAU and KENDALL GOODE)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Dave: Wiccan: Witches' Road #1 (Luciano Vecchio)

Chris: DC K.O.: Superman vs. Captain Atom #1 (Jorge Corona and Sarah Stern)

Interview: Christos Gage Battleworld chat (#3 out this week)

Returning to BattleworldThis is the first time Battleworld has been explored since Secret Wars (2015)—what excited you most about revisiting that concept, and how did you want your version to feel distinct?

From CrossGen to Star Brand, you’re pulling characters and worlds readers haven’t seen in years. How do you balance fan-service deep cuts with making the story accessible to newer readers?

Hank Pym at the CenterIn the first issue, Hank Pym feels like the central character. What drew you to spotlight him, and what does his perspective bring to a chaotic mashup world like this?

The Korvac FactorKorvac looms behind it all—what made him the right choice as the architect (or manipulator) of Battleworld, and how did you approach his voice and menace?

Marcus To’s ArtMarcus To brings a sleek, kinetic energy to the book. What’s your collaboration like—were there moments where his art surprised you or even changed how you wrote a scene?

The “Surprising Costume Reveal”Solicits tease the most surprising costume reveal in 40 years. Without spoiling, how did you approach delivering something that lives up to that kind of hype?

The Larger Marvel TapestryDo you see Battleworld as a self-contained throwback, or does it intentionally connect to current Marvel continuity and the broader multiverse storytelling happening now?

Fun QuestionIf you yourself were thrown onto Battleworld, what obscure Marvel power set or artifact would you grab to survive? Fabian Stankowitz 

Items that deliver the most substance for their cost — thick trades, box sets, digital bundles, or multi-use gear. (Example: an Omnibus Edition, Marvel Unlimited, or a good pair of Bluetooth headphones for audiobook listening.)

Dave:

1. The Transformers Compendium Vol. 1 (Order here: $38 on Amazon for 44 issues!)
2. Superman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol. 1 (Order here: 2025 Edition)

Alex: 

1. Marvel Unlimited ($69/year) & DC Universe ($74.99)
2. X-Men Fatal Attractions Omnibus (Order here: 47% off on Amazon!)

Books, collectibles, or art prints that look incredible on a shelf. Could include deluxe hardcovers, vinyl soundtracks, statues, or even minimalist poster series.

Dave:

1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps Poster (more info)
2. McFarlane Toys - Marvel Venom 1:6th Scale Collectible with Scene & Comic (Order here: more info)

Alex:

1. Jumbo Size Funko Superman
2. Mondo X-Men ‘97 Storm Figure

This year’s buzziest thing — a trending comic, toy line, show, or crossover event. Great for conversation starters and “must-have” energy.

Dave: All the Absolute comics! Absolute Batman (link), Absolute Wonder Woman (link), Absolute Superman (link), Absolute Martian Manhunter (link), Absolute Green Lantern (link). 

Alex: Ultimate Universe Box Set: 1,000 pages, $84.99, from a cover price of $120. (Order here: Discounted on Amazon)

Games, tabletop sets, or hobby kits that offer hours of engagement. Could include LEGO kits, or VR titles — anything that rewards time spent.

Dave:

1. The Mortal Coil Shuffle (more info)
2. Arkham Asylum Lego (more info)

Alex:

1. Tickets to Emerald City Comic Con
2. Rolife book nooks

Accessible, fun items that make ideal gifts for fans or newcomers alike — art books, indie trades, collectible card sets, or streaming subscriptions.

Dave:

1. JLA Earth 2 Deluxe Edition (more info) 
2. Alex Ross Marvel Super Villains Mural 2025 Oversized Wall Calendar (more info)

Alex: Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 1, gift card to MyComicShop.com

Rare editions, imports, signed items, or niche merchandise that appeals to completists and superfans. 

Dave: Jim Aparo's DC Classics Artist's Edition (or any Artist’s Edition for that matter!)

Alex: Taschen X-Men edition (more info)

Nuff said.

Dave: Wolverine: Weapon X statue (more info), or if you really wanna splurge. 

Alex: X-Men Danger Room and all Stephen King Marvel Omnibus collected.

Anything offbeat, surprising, or delightfully weird — a novelty figure, indie zine, retro collectible, or something you didn’t expect to love but now can’t stop recommending.

Dave: The End Times (Info here) and PeePee PooPoo #100,000 (more info)

Alex: Any comic from Silver Sprocket, like Of Thunder & Lightning and the Chromatic Fantasy, also, just go to your LCS and look for vintage figures!

And that's a wrap on our gift guide. We hope you enjoy the podcast explanations for why we picked them, and we'll be back on our regular scheduled weekly basis a week after next!

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. 'Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon' by Chip Zdarsky and Luca Maresca, a lead-in series to next summer's 'Armageddon' event, arrives in February 2026.
2. The Iron Fist reborn: Lin Lie leads Marvel’s greatest martial artists in 'Deadly Hands of K’un-Lun' #1!
3. S.H.I.E.L.D. returns in the next chapter of Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti's 'Captain America'
4. Moonstar solo comic coming January 2026
5. BOOM! Studios saddles up for new ‘My Little Pony’ adventures
6. Rob Liefeld’s 'Youngblood' returns — and It’s already sold out
7. Vault Comics and Matt Dinniman’s 'Dungeon Crawler Carl: Crocodile' smashes crowdfunding records
8. October 2025 sales figures are in

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Ice Cream Man: The Mortal Coil (W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo)
2. Alien vs. Captain America (2025) #1 (Frank Tieri, Stefano Raffaele)

Alex:​​

1. Poison Ivy #38 (Wilson, Takara)
2. Amazing Spider-Man #15 (Joe Kelley, Emilio Laiso, Marte Garcia)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex:  Binary #2 (Giada Belviso)

Dave: Amazing Spider-Man #15 (Joe Kelley, Emilio Laiso, Marte Garcia)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: DIE: Loaded #1 (Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans) & Predator: Badlands #1 (Ethan Sacks, Elvin Ching, Oren Junior)
2. Dave: We're Taking Everyone Down with Us #6 (Matthew Rosenberg, Stefano Landini)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Sinister's Six #2 (Ivan Shavrin Variant)
2. Alex: Batman: Dark Patterns #12 (Hayden Sherman)

1. Total THB has always felt like a living piece of your imagination—something that evolved alongside you. Now that you’re returning to it after thirty years, what does it mean to finally see it presented as the definitive version you always envisioned?

7. In your introduction, you mention artists like Bruegel, Motherwell, and Rodin alongside Kirby, Moebius, and Miyazaki. That’s a fascinating cross-section of influences—how do you see Total THB sitting at the intersection of those worlds now?

2. In your introduction, you talk about the seed idea—“small things exploding into big things.” How has that core concept shaped your storytelling and visual philosophy across your entire career, and how does it feel to return to it now with decades of experience behind you?

8. Total THB is set on a divided Mars, a world of art versus bureaucracy, chaos versus control. Given how global politics and culture have evolved since the ’90s, do you see new relevance—or new warnings—in the story’s setting and themes?

5. The relationship between HR and THB—the sheltered daughter and her enigmatic bodyguard—feels both intimate and mythic. How do you see their dynamic now, and what new layers do you hope readers discover in this remastered edition?

6. You’ve described superheroes before as modern myths — figures that blend pulp with poetry. Having moved between corporate superhero universes and your own creator-owned worlds, what do you think mainstream superhero comics could still learn from the spirit of self-publishing that birthed THB*?*

NEWS

1. Wanda Maximoff ascends as Marvel’s new Sorcerer Supreme in December 2025
2. Marvel teases “ARMAGEDDON” — Chip Zdarsky’s universe-shattering event
3. Frank Castle returns in Benjamin Percy and José Luis’ new ongoing 'Punisher' series
4. Marvel’s Ultraman saga reaches its epic finale in 'The Fall of Ultraman' in February 2026
5. ‘Spread’ creators reunite for new horror-sci-fi series ‘Malevolent’
6. Grant Morrison announces new ‘Sebastian O’ Vertigo adventure
7. Dynamite and Warner Bros. reveal $100 mystery blind bags packed with rare comic gold
8. ICV2 market share info released

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, Meredith McClaren)
2. Barbaric: The Black Knight (Michael Moreci, Gui Balbi)

Chris:​​

1. Nights #16 (Wyatt Kennedy, Luigi Formisano)
2. Cult of The Lamb: Schism Special #1 (Alex Paknadel, Troy Little)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris:  Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, Meredith McClaren) 

Dave: Robowolf #2 (Jake Smith)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Chris: DC K.O.: Knightfight #1 (Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora)
2. Dave: Alien vs. Captain America #1 (Frank Tieri,  Stefano Raffaele)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Amazing X-Men #2 (Stephanie Hans Variant)
2. Chris: Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 (Erica Henderson Main)

1. Batman has an 85-year legacy filled with reinvention. What made now the right time to bring the Dark Knight into the Skybox Metal Universe, and why was he chosen as the first DC hero to headline this line?

2. Metal Universe is known for its cutting-edge printing innovations — from etched foil to die-cuts and lenticular cards. Can you walk us through the technology that makes these cards stand out physically in-hand and how that translates to the Gotham aesthetic?

3. Each Metal Universe line has its own visual identity, whether cosmic, heroic, or elemental. How did your team translate Batman’s world — all shadow, grit, and neon — into the visual language of the brand?

4. This set spans decades of Gotham history. What was the process for selecting which eras, storylines, and character designs to include, and how did you balance nostalgia with innovation?

5. The set features signatures from legendary creators like Gail Simone and Marv Wolfman. What does it mean to have the actual architects of Gotham’s mythology participate in this project, and how do their cards fit into the collector experience?

6. How do you feel about people selling these on ebay?

7. How do you pick out art?

8. Your thoughts on the use of a.i. art?

8. Can you tease any product on the way?

9. (Fun one!) If you were designing your own “Grant Sandground” insert card for the set, what kind of foil finish or chase rarity would it have — and which Gotham character would you want to share a dual card with?

NEWS

1. Indies dominate and fan favorites surprise at the 2025 Ringo Awards
2. 'Rick and Morty: The End' #1 goes “Blind Bag-Less” — because who needs plastic when you have chaos?
3. ‘Something is Killing the Children’ is coming to life: Blumhouse secures film and TV rights to James Tynion IV’s horror hit
4. Marvel Solicitations January 2026
   1. Peach Momoko expands her universe with 'SAI: Dimensional Rivals'
   2. Marvel celebrates 'Avengers' #800 with Jed MacKay’s explosive finale and a star-studded lineup of legends
   3. Marvel’s K-pop superhero returns! Luna Snow battles a sinister new idol in 'World Tour' #1
5. Knullified covers, which is your favorite CJ?!
6. DC Comics solicitations January 2026

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Absolute Wonder Woman #13 (Kelly Thompson, Matias Bergara)
2. Escape #3 (Rick Remender, Daniel Acuna) 

CJ:​​

1. The Ultimates #17 (Deniz Camp, Phil Noto)
2. Immortal Legend Batman #3 (Kyle Higgins, Mat Groom, Erica D’Urso, Daniel Bayliss & Dan Mora - what a team!)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

CJ: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12 (Juan Ferreyra)

Dave: Marvel Zombies Red Band 2 (Jan Bazaldua)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. CJ: Black Cat #3 (G. Willow Wilson, Gleb Melnikov)
2. Dave: Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson AND “Sanctuary” by James Harren, Dave Stewart and Cowles; “Let’s Learn About Bats!” by Meredith McClaren

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: DISNEY VILLAINS: MALEFICENT VOL. 2 #1 (Paulina Ganucheau)
2. CJ: RADIANT BLACK #38 (Marcelo Costa)

Interview: Boulet Brothers: Dragula Titans Season 2 (Mondays at midnight et), comics, and more:

1. Callback to comics: Back on the AIPT Comics Podcast (Episode 141 October 2021), I feel like we bonded over Scarlet Witch and your love of darker comic storylines. If Titans Season 2 were a comic book arc, what title or event would it resemble?
2. As horror experts reinventing what horror means to so many, and horror being more prevalent with the return of EC Comics at Oni, and even Marvel going deeper into gore with polybagged Red Band comics, do you feel like Dragula is part of that same movement of pushing boundaries — treating horror as a living, evolving genre rather than a fixed set of tropes?
3. Evolution of tone: You once described earlier Dragula seasons as DIY, campy, or serious horror. With Titans Season 2 blending those flavors, how would you describe the “recipe” of this new season?
4. With Steve Orlando and Todd McFarlane judging on Titans Season 2 I feel like there more comic book representation on TV than ever, why were they important to weave into your show?
5. Fright Feats twist: The extermination challenges are gone, replaced by mandatory Fright Feats. Why did you feel now was the right time to evolve that part of the competition, and how do you expect it to push the competitors differently?
6. The first challenge is rooted in a spooky staple: reinventing classic Halloween costumes with a return of the Halloween house party. Not to give anything away, but do you have a favorite challenge of the season, and might you say which episodes #’s they are?
7. Making comics is nothing new for you with your Heavy Metal Magazine takeover back in 2021, and a story in DC Horror Presents #1 and Hello Darkness #10! Do you see future opportunities where Dragula and comics collide again — perhaps a Dragula: Titansgraphic novel?

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. NYCC leftovers:
   1. NYCC 2025 featured new wave of Marvel/Disney projects at WEBTOON
   2. Swamp Thing is Killing the Children
2. PSYLOCKE vs. ELEKTRA?! Marvel reveals a lost chapter of X-Men history in ‘Psylocke: Ninja’
3. Doctor Strange returns: Skybound to release rare Paul Smith Artist’s Edition for the 1st time ever
4. Deniz Camp talks about the official end of the Ultimate Universe
5. Rob Liefeld goes full manga mode with black-and-white “Blood-Red” editions for 'Youngblood'
6. Hellboy’s family feud erupts! Mike and Todd Mignola unite for 'The Crown: A Tale of Hell'
7. ‘Archie’s Valentine’s Spectacular’ goes full K-Pop, coming January 2026
8. ‘TMNT’ #13 received more than 100k orders
9. ‘Murder Drones’ just made Kickstarter history: $1.5 million raised for Oni Press’ graphic novel

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Sinister's Six (2025) #1 (David Marquez, Rafael Loureiro)
2. Unbreakable X-Men (2025) #1 (Gail Simone, Lucas Werneck)

Alex:​​

1. New Gods #11 (Ram V, Evan Cagle, Denys Cowan)
2. Iron & Frost #1 (Cavan Scott, Ruairí Coleman, Roberto Poggi)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe #4 (Duggan, Paco Medina, Javier Garron)

Dave: One World Under Doom #8 (Ryan North, R.B. Silva)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: The Ultimates #17 (Deniz Camp, Phil Noto) & Radioactive Spider-Man (Joe Kelly, Kev Walker)
2. Dave: The Terminator: Metal #1 (Declan Shalvey, Lorenzo Re)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Predator Kills the Marvel Universe #3 (Leinil Francis Yu)
2. Alex: Absolute Wonder Woman #13 (David Talaski Variant)

Interview: Gail Simone  - Unbreakable X-Men, Uncanny X-Men 

1. Your Uncanny X-Men story reintroduced you to Marvel’s mutants after a long time away, and now Unbreakable X-Men feels like an even deeper dive. What was it like returning to the X-office — and what new creative muscles did you want to flex with this run?
2. The title Unbreakable X-Men is powerful — it implies resilience, unity, maybe even defiance. What does “unbreakable” mean to you in the context of this particular team, and how does that theme shape the story’s tone?
3. Both Uncanny and Unbreakable highlight complex, emotionally rich women like Rogue. How do you approach writing these characters in ways that balance their vulnerability with their strength — especially amid the chaos of mutantkind’s latest era?
4. You’ve always had a gift for team dynamics — the humor, friction, and found-family energy that make an ensemble tick. What did you want to explore about the X-Men’s internal relationships here, and are there any pairings (friendly or otherwise) you especially loved writing?
5. The X-Men have always represented survival and identity, and your run lands during a moment when the franchise is reexamining what those mean. How do you see Unbreakable X-Men contributing to that larger conversation about legacy and what it means to be a mutant now?
6. You’ve written some of comics’ most beloved team books — from Birds of Prey (with an Omnibus out this week!) to Secret Six. How does your time on Uncanny/Unbreakable X-Men compare to those experiences? And if you could take this team of mutants anywhere next, what kind of story would you tell?

Rapid Fire Question Round so that you are "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?
• What number am I thinking of?
• Describe the rest of your life in 5 words?

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. NYCC News!
   1. Marvel reveals!
      1. Spidery: NYCC 2025: 'Amazing Spider-Man and his Venomous Friends' panel reveals art and story details
      2. Marvel unleashes 'Death Spiral, a deadly new Spider-Man/Venom crossover
      3. X-Men panel 
      4. Next Big Thing reveals
   2. DC reveals!
      1. DC Vertigo and some more detail
      2. Absolute Catwoman: Selina Kyle as the Batman of the Absolute Universe, and Sirens
      3. WTF DC Comics?!
         1. DC KO scoops
            1. Found out about some fights, but also…
            2. Next Level and Batwoman
2. Logan’s bloodiest stories coming in Marvel’s new 'Black, White & Blood' series
3. Godzilla takes his rampage to the stars in 'Godzilla: Infinity Roar' out February 2026
4. Post Malone’s 'Big Rig' returns in 2026 with 'Book 2: Damned'
5. Jason Aaron brings Thundarr the barbarian to comics for the first time ever in 2026
6. Gargoyles and Darkwing Duck collide in first ever disney comics crossover event
7. Ben 10 comics are back, and the original creators are making it “Ultimate”
8. Thundercats comics head into the future in 2026 with shocking revelations in ‘Lost in Time’
9. Oni Press just dropped a brand-new logo ahead of NYCC 2025
10. Matt Kindt brings Flux House to Oni Press with new comics and full media empire
11. IDW Dark unleashing four chilling new horror series in 2026
12. Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen unleash 'Crowbound', a blood-soaked dark fantasy revenge epic
13. TOP 50 COMICS - SEPTEMBER 2025

Our Top Books of the Week

Dave:

1. Amazing X-Men (2025) #1 (Jed MacKay, Mahmud Asrar)
2. Creepshow (2022): Super Creepshow Special (Various)

Alex:​​

1. DC KO (Scott Snyder, Javi Fernandez)
2. Binary #1 (Stephanie Phillips, Giada Belviso)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: DC KO (Scott Snyder, Javi Fernandez)

Dave: Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween (2024) #9 (Chris Samnee)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

1. Alex: Absolute Flash #8 (Lemire, Moore) & New Gods #11 (Ram V, Denys Cowen)
2. Dave: Yuletide (More info)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

1. Dave: Sonja Reborn #2 (Stuart Sayge) OR THIS!
2. Alex: Rogue Storm #1 (Ivan Talavera Variant)

Interview: Patrick McDonnell  - The Gift of Everything out October 7

Check out:

https://mutts.com/pages/patrickmcdonnellart-superhero

1. What inspired you to return to Mooch and Earl’s gift-giving adventures 20 years later in The Gift of Everything?
2. The Heart of the Story
   At its core, this book celebrates gratitude and the joy of being alive. Why do you think themes of thankfulness and simplicity resonate so deeply with children — and adults?
3. Crafting in Rhyme
   This story uses a joyful rhyming style. What draws you to rhyme as a storytelling device, and what challenges or delights come with writing in verse?
4. Holiday Spirit
   You’ve said you’ve always loved the holiday season. What specific memories or traditions helped shape the spirit of The Gift of Everything?
5. Mooch & Earl’s Timeless Appeal
   Mooch and Earl have been beloved characters in MUTTS for decades. What do you think it is about their personalities that allows them to connect so effortlessly with readers across generations?
6. From Page to Stage
   Several of your works, including The Gift of Nothing and Me…Jane, have been adapted as musicals at the Kennedy Center. How does it feel to see your stories reimagined in another medium?
7. Visual Storytelling
   Your illustrations have a deceptively simple elegance. How do you balance keeping the art playful for children while also layering in emotion and meaning for older readers?
8. Longevity and Legacy
9. MUTTS has been running for 30 years and has inspired praise from legends like Charles Schulz and Jane Goodall. Looking back, how do you see your evolution as both a cartoonist and a children’s book author?
10. Fun/Silly Question: If Mooch and Earl were invited to a holiday gift exchange in real life, what do you think each of them would bring — and what would they secretly hope to get?