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

Follow the Podcast:

Join the Discord and read along

Join the Substack

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Tiktok

Watch us on Youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.