Happy Halloween, listeners! This month on Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book book club, Michael and Benjamin skirt the rules to cover an anthology: Come Find Me: An Autumnal Offering.

This 2024 one-shot is published by the new, creator-owned DSTLRY Comics. It's an... interesting business model of limited digital runs and resellable digital rights. (Wait, did we just buy an NFT? Is this the blockchain?)

Curated by horror maestro Becky Cloonan, Come Find Me is a collection of six chilling mini-stories steeped in folk and medieval horror. Join us as we apply "useful frameworks" (much to Michael's disgust) to break down every tale in this unnerving collection from a lineup of incredible female and non-binary creators.

We discuss:

• "Devil's Trill" (Hamlet Machine): A sexy, weird, and wordless Faustian pact that sets a spectacular gothic tone.
• "Portorium" (Becky Cloonan): A classic tale of grave robbery, Roman gods (hello, Orcus), and why you should never steal from the dead.
• "Down by the Water" (Molly Mendoza): A beautiful, abstract, and unsettling story of gossip, grief, and... frog spawn?
• "Coal &Clover" (Vanessa R. Del Rey): A straightforward folk horror revenge story set in a brutal American company town. Don't make deals with the Fae!
• "La Chéta" (Celine Loup): The one that left us scratching our heads. A sketchy, Alpine tale of a sexy widow and... well, we're still not sure.
• "Warmth of the Hunt" (E.M. Carroll): An absolute banger to finish the anthology. A stunning, timeless depiction of the Wild Hunt with tattoo-worthy art.

Which stories gave us "oozing dread" and which one was less fright and more...?

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Local Man, a deconstruction of the Big Guns and Pouch era of 90's comics by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to 'Come Find Me'

01:33 Overview of DSTLRY Comics

04:01 Exploring the Anthology's Themes

04:53 Spotlight on Becky Cloonan

09:03 Diving into 'Devil's Trill'

21:32 Analysis of 'Portorium'

32:04 Molly Mendoza's 'Down by the Water'

36:20 Unraveling the Mystery of the Drowned Lover

38:33 The Grim Trysts and Henry's Dark Secrets

39:54 The Frog Spawn Mystery and Henry's Duality

44:17 Medieval Horror and the Tale of Coal & Clover

44:37 The Dark Art of Vanessa Del Ray

48:57 The Folkloric Influence in Horror Comics

01:04:17 The Wild Hunt and the Art of EM Carroll

01:10:32 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Reads

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Welcome back to Collecting Issues, the comic book book club where this month we're pulling a rabbit out of a hat and diving into Zatanna: Bring Down the House! Join us as we review issues #1-5 of the 2025 DC Black Label series by the incredible team of Mariko Tamaki, Javier Rodriguez, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

Is this spooky, Halloween-adjacent tale a true horror comic or more "spider decoration spooky"? We break down this visually stunning "Year One" style origin story for DC's premier magician. From its unique narrative approach to its mastery of the female gaze, we explore how this comic redefines Zatanna for a new generation. Plus, we have to talk about that impossibly clean, muscular, and croissant-eating John Constantine.

Tune in for a breezy, fun, and pop-art-infused discussion that's part comic review, part art appreciation, and part therapy session for our hosts' confused sexualities.

• The Art of Magic: A deep dive into Javier Rodriguez's spectacular, psychedelic, and masterful visuals. We explore his innovative panel layouts, mastery of colour (including that CMYK flashback style!), and pin-up aesthetic.
• A Millennial Magician: How Mariko Tamaki's writing transforms Zatanna into a relatable millennial hero grappling with imposter syndrome, parental legacy, and finding her own power.
• Narrative Tropes & Themes: We tackle the "Chosen One" narrative, the mystery of Zatara's dark past, and whether the story holds up to the incredible artwork.
• For the Female Gaze?: An exploration of how the comic flips the script on Zatanna's traditionally fetishised character design, creating a powerful and sexy story from a distinctly female perspective.
• That Constantine Cameo: Was John Constantine's appearance necessary, or did he just show up to ruin a perfectly good lesbian romance? We have thoughts.

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Get ready for Spooktober! We're reading "Come Find Me," an all-female descent into folk horror curated by Becky Cloonan, from the new publisher DSTLLRY.

00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues

00:51 Halloween Vibes and Spooky Stories

02:46 Zatanna's Origin and Elevator Pitch

06:51 The Creative Team Behind Zatanna

08:38 Art and Visuals of Zatanna

17:38 Narrative Tropes and Themes

32:27 Zatara's Journey and Characterisation

33:08 Millennial Themes and Imposter Syndrome

33:42 Favourite Sequences and Dialogue

35:20 Zatanna's Struggles and Power Fantasy

37:49 The Phantom Stranger and Magic Councils

42:31 Art Style and Visual Storytelling

51:04 Magic Battles and Demon Designs

58:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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This week on Collecting Issues, we're diving headfirst into the dense, brutal, and brilliant world of 20th Century Men, the six-issue epic from Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, and Image Comics. It’s an alternate history where the Cold War got much, much hotter, fought with super-soldiers, giant mechs, and broken ideals in the mountains of Afghanistan.

WARNING: This is a full-spoiler discussion! We highly recommend you read 20th Century Men #1-6 before listening. Go on, get out of here! Scram! Taste the wilderness... and then come back for the listens.

Join us as we unpack this "impenetrable but so worth it" modern classic. We dissect Deniz Camp’s complex, non-linear narrative that jumps through time and perspectives, comparing his style to legends like Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, and Grant Morrison. We also explore Stipan Morian's stunningly varied—and sometimes jarring—artwork, from Frank Frazetta-esque battle scenes to surreal, Bill Plympton-inspired visuals.

Is this the best comic of 2025? Is it a spiritual successor to Watchmen? And after all the propaganda, war crimes, and failed utopias, we ask the eternal question: War, huh? What is it good for?

Tune in to hear our thoughts on:

• The Unholy Trinity: A deep dive into the core characters: the crumbling Soviet ideal of The Iron Star, the brutal American imperialism of President Goode, and the human cost embodied by Azra.
• Artistic Chaos: Why Stipan Morian's shifting art styles are both the comic's greatest strength and its most challenging feature.
• Deconstructing History: How the comic uses superheroes to explore the real-world horrors and myth-making of the Soviet-Afghan War.
• Legendary Influences: We discuss the heavy shades of Planetary, The Authority, and Watchmen that run through this series.
• The Best and Worst of Humanity: From the terrifying super-soldier Six Bill to the tragic journalist Kyril, we break down the unforgettable supporting cast.

If you love politically charged, artistically ambitious comics that challenge you at every turn, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to 20th Century Men

00:49 Comic Book Spoilers Ahead!

02:46 The Complexity of War in Comics

12:07 Art and Storytelling in 20th Century Men

16:32 Character Analysis: Heroes and Anti-Heroes

27:37 The Symbolism of the Collected Man

33:56 Side Stories and Paradise

34:10 Azra's Practical Paradise

34:56 John Rambo's Disruption

35:04 Thomas Goode's American Supremacy

36:09 Time Jumps and Narrative Techniques

39:13 Art and Visuals in Comics

43:15 Character Perspectives and Artistic Styles

50:54 The Human Toll of War

55:41 Modern Political Crises and Myth Making

01:07:54 Spooky Season Recommendations

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This week on Collecting Issues, we step into the ring for Do a Powerbomb! (issues #1-7), the 2023 masterpiece from Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer for Image Comics. Get ready for a cosmic slobberknocker that's one part The Wrestler, one part Dragon Ball Z, and all parts heartbreaking, kinetic action.

Join us as we continue our Daniel Warren Johnson odyssey and explore why he's one of the most exciting creators in comics today. We discuss the series' surprising emotional core, a journey of grief and family set against the backdrop of an interdimensional wrestling tournament. We'll break down the concept of kayfabe, the incredible splash pages, the shocking twists, and why this comic is a true love letter to pro wrestling and its fans.

MAJOR SPOILER WARNING! We cover the entire story from the first bell to the final, emotional finish. We highly recommend reading the comic before listening.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The unique blend of high-octane action and devastating emotional stakes.
• How Daniel Warren Johnson's kinetic art and page layouts capture the motion of wrestling like never before.
• The themes of family, loss, and what it means to "lick the mats for the fans."
• The shocking character reveals, the incredible tournament matchups, and the absolutely wild ending where our heroes wrestle God.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to 'Do a Power Bomb'

00:44 Comic Book Education and Daniel Warren Johnson

01:21 Wrestling and Comic Book Crossovers

02:20 Plot Overview and Themes

05:08 Spoilers and Wrestling Terminology

07:13 Art and Visuals in 'Do a Power Bomb'

10:04 Daniel Warren Johnson's Wrestling Journey

13:23 Emotional Depth and Character Arcs

20:51 Wrestling Tropes and Realism

32:04 The Big Twist and Its Impact

35:44 The Evolution of Wrestling: From Extreme to PG Era

36:45 The Art of Wrestling: Capturing Kinetic Moments

40:05 Iconic Wrestling Photography: Geoff Winningham's Legacy

43:12 Wrestling's Emotional and Physical Toll

48:23 The Cosmic Scale of Wrestling: Wrestling God

01:04:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

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his week on Collecting Issues, we're opening the archives to bring you our classic deep dive into Kingdom Come, the legendary 1996 DC Elseworlds series by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. Originally recorded in March 2021, this episode is as relevant as ever.

Join Mick and Ben as they explore how Kingdom Come served as a powerful critique of the '90s comic book "dark age"—an era defined by pouches, excessive violence, and gritty anti-heroes like Cable and Deadpool. We dissect the clash between a new, reckless generation of superhumans, led by the aggressive Magog, and the return of DC's classic icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, who come out of retirement to restore order and meaning to the word "hero."

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Twilight of the Hero: What was happening in '90s comics that prompted Waid and Ross to create Kingdom Come?
• The Art of Gods: An analysis of Alex Ross's iconic, painted art style. Is it timeless iconography, or has its realism dated?
• Clash of the Titans: We break down some of the most memorable moments, including the legendary battle between a world-weary Superman and a brainwashed Shazam (Captain Marvel).
• A Controversial Take: Was Wonder Woman done dirty? We examine her characterisation as a ruthless warmonger and the villain of the piece.
• Enduring Legacy: How Kingdom Come drew inspiration from stories like Watchmen and Squadron Supreme and went on to influence comics like Civil War and video games like Injustice.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:43 Overview of Kingdom Come

02:17 The Dark Ages of 90s Comics

05:08 Alex Ross and the Realistic Consequences of Superheroes

05:59 The Distinction Between Marvel and DC

07:03 Norman McKay and the Framing Narrative

09:16 The Twilight of the Classic Heroes

09:53 The Rise of the New Anti-Heroes

15:17 The Big Superhero Showdown

19:16 The Aftermath and Conclusion

20:38 Nonstop Motion: The Hero's Relentless Journey

21:19 Wonder Woman's Controversial Portrayal

24:40 The Art of Alex Ross

28:48 Influences and Comparisons

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In this episode of Collecting Issues, we blast off into Marvel’s cosmic corners to discuss Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star – Collecting issues #1–5 of Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s 2021 miniseries. This listener-recommended pick follows fan-favourite, horse-faced hero Beta Ray Bill on a heavy-metal space odyssey of broken hammers, busted pride, and one very big sword.

We cover it all:

• How Argent Star fits into Marvel continuity after Thor: Prey.
• Wrestling moves in space (yes, suplexes included).
• The tragic humour of Bill’s journey and refusal to grow.
• Scuttlebutt’s role as both sentient starship and scene-stealer.
• The gorgeous kinetic art style of Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer – and its heavy-metal album cover vibes.

Is this the most metal Marvel comic ever? Does Bill ever truly find himself? And why is Argent Star the perfect example of a “quest for all the wrong reasons”?

Whether you’re a Thor comics veteran, a Daniel Warren Johnson fan, or new to Marvel’s stranger side, this spoiler-filled review is your ticket to one of the most unique cosmic adventures in recent comics.

The Thor Prey Episode

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star

00:21 Comic Book Education and Podcast Dynamics

01:02 Beta Ray Bill's Space Odyssey

02:42 Listener Recommendations and Social Media Shoutouts

04:45 Beta Ray Bill's Struggles and Motivations

10:54 The Hero's Journey and Weapon Quest

17:27 Scuttlebutt and Beta Ray Bill's Transformation

23:37 The Transformation of Flat Face Bill

24:01 Bar Encounters and Alien Reactions

25:08 Artistic Impressions and Comparisons

29:10 Wrestling Moves and Comic Influences

31:21 Exploring the Nine Realms

33:42 Character Designs and Inspirations

35:28 Scuttlebutt and Heavy Metal Imagery

42:47 Final Showdown and Reflections

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This week on Collecting Issues, we’re talking about The One Hand and The Six Fingers—two five-issue series from Image Comics (2024) by Ram V, Dan Watters, Laurence Campbell, Sumit Kumar, Lee Loughridge, and Tom Muller.

Set in the gritty, retro-future city of Neo Novena, these stories unfold from two perspectives: a weary detective facing a familiar case on the eve of retirement, and a brilliant student who wakes up with memories of a murder. What starts as a ritual killing slowly unspools into something much stranger—where nothing is real, everything loops, and the world might just be a cage.

We’re talking:

• Murder, glyphs, and glitching cogs
• Noir tropes used with purpose—not irony
• Robots doing people jobs, people thinking like machines
• How these two comics were written in conversation, not collaboration
• The big existential ending (and why it works)

If you like Blade Runner, The Matrix, Memento, or Dark City, this one’s worth your time. But seriously—read the comics before listening. It’s impossible to talk about them properly without giving things away.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to 'The One Hand and the Six Fingers'

01:13 Spoiler Alert: Read Before Listening

01:30 Engaging with the Audience

04:22 Plot Overview: The Future and Parallel Stories

05:00 Detective Ari Nasser's Last Case

05:49 Johannes Vale's Mysterious Journey

07:04 Creative Teams and Artistic Styles

08:08 The Noir Aesthetic and Setting

10:09 The Mystery Deepens

30:54 Existential Revelations and The Matrix

38:14 Literary Influences and Themes

40:01 Post-Capitalist Themes and Inspirations

40:42 Philosophy Bites and Post-Work Societies

42:17 The Sunset Limited and Philosophical Debates

43:05 Comic Book Collaboration and Glyph System

47:27 Art and Visuals in the Comic

59:20 Character Analysis and Stereotypes

01:04:18 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Reads

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In this episode of Collecting Issues, we dive headfirst into Thor: Prey, collecting issues #7–14 of Donny Cates’ 2020 run with art by Nic Klein, colours by Matthew Wilson, and covers by Olivier Coipel. This mythic, messy, and often horrifying arc explores what happens when the forgotten alter ego, Donald Blake, returns—with a scalpel and a grudge.

We break down:

• How Thor: Prey explores the consequences of playing God
• The madness of Donald Blake and his eerie transformation
• The best-ever comic book appearance of Throg, Frog of Thunder
• Mythology, body horror, and the absurd brilliance of modern Thor comics
• Nic Klein’s stunning panel work and Matthew Wilson’s dimensional colour artistry

Plus, we unpack why Thor might be the most unfixably broken character in comics—and why that makes him so damn fun.

Whether you’re here for frogs with hammers, cosmic serial killers, or simply to ask “Where the hell is Donald Blake?”, you’re in the right place.

00:00 Introduction to Thor Prey

02:13 Creative Team and Art Style

04:29 Publication Context and Thor's Journey

07:10 Thor's Identity and Worthiness

08:26 Donald Blake's Return

10:01 Thor's Legacy and Influence

26:02 Monthly Comics and Storytelling

33:31 The Power of Throg

34:06 Throg's Epic Battle

37:24 Donald Blake's Transformation

40:32 Norse Mythology in Comics

45:56 The Madness of Donald Blake

53:35 Art and Color in Comics

58:27 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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In this episode of Collecting Issues, Michael and Benjamin break down 8 Billion Genies, the complete 8-issue limited series from Image Comics by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne. What if every person on Earth was suddenly given a genie and one wish? This high-concept comic explores the global and personal chaos that follows—and we’re diving into all of it.

From the explosive first eight seconds to the profound implications of the final wish, this episode explores themes of desire, power, world-building, and the consequences of getting exactly what you want. The hosts compare it to works by Robert Kirkman and Alan Moore, discuss the structure and visual style of the comic, and reflect on how this series delivers big ideas in a tightly-paced, character-driven format.

Topics include:

• The wish-making mechanic and its implications
• Ryan Browne’s distinctive art and design of the genies
• The storytelling technique of exponential time jumps
• Cultural commentary, character arcs, and final twists

Perfect for fans of speculative fiction, creator-owned comics, and smart sci-fi storytelling, this episode offers a thoughtful (and often hilarious) deep dive into one of Image Comics’ most creative modern titles.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to 8 Billion Genies

01:28 Premise of 8 Billion Genies

01:51 Comparisons and Commentary

02:50 Podcast Promotion and Support

05:14 Genies and Their Personalities

09:05 Creators and Their Works

13:08 World Building and Rules

30:26 Character Arcs and Tragedies

38:21 The Dougland People and Human Cycles

39:00 The Wish-Making Mechanic

40:13 The Eternal Witness and World Building

42:13 The Zhiang Family Arc

44:42 Daisy's Development and Character Arcs

47:40 Themes of Desire and Control

59:59 The Final Wish and Conclusion

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In this very first From the Archives episode of Collecting Issues, we go back to where it all began with our 2022 discussion of Kraven’s Last Hunt, the seminal Spider-Man story by J.M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck. Originally published across The Amazing Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Web of Spider-Man in 1987, this dark, introspective arc sees Kraven the Hunter bury Spider-Man alive, assume his identity, and face off against the terrifying sewer-dweller Vermin.

We look at the story’s gothic almost Russian literature-esque tone, its place in the evolution of superhero comics, and its heavy literary and psychological themes—including a breakdown of its Freudian structure, Blakean symbolism, and bleak commentary on identity and mortality. Plus, we revisit how this tale reshaped Kraven as a complex villain—and how its impact still echoes today.

Find out as we awkwardly stumble through one of Marvel’s most unforgettable arcs—with all the chaotic podcast energy of our earliest recordings.

Topics include:

• Fearful symmetry and William Blake’s “The Tyger”
• The evolution of Kraven the Hunter
• 1980s New York and its influence on comic storytelling
• The black suit and its darker legacy
• Inner monologues galore
• Cheek touching, grave digging, and sewer monsters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

03:56 Correcting the Record: Spider-Man Series Clarification

04:22 The Unique Structure of Kraven's Last Hunt

06:56 Reading Experience and Graphic Novel Format

08:03 1980s Vibes and Comparisons to Batman

11:46 Freudian Psychology in Spider-Man

15:29 The Shocking Suicide in Comics

16:36 Kraven's Return and Downgrade

22:30 Kraven's Last Hunt: Themes and Inspirations

April's Comic Book Club Pick: Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne!

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