After doing a stint on Conan the Barbarian for Marvel, Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar aimed to keep their collaboration roaring. They loved their time in Hyperborea but also wanted a realm to claim as their own and one where they could unleash their most vicious instincts. Bug Wars, their latest partnership, published at Image Comics, is the beautifully brutal saga of "The Yard." Here, in the tall grass, below teenager Slade Slaymaker's home, Beetle Clans rage against the Ant Imperium while the Systers of the Spyder whisper of a coming storm.

We're excited to have Jason Aaron back on the podcast, this time bringing Mahmud Asrar with him. We discuss their fascination with "Oh, No! I'm Shrunk!" stories and why their version required a bloody battleground. Our conversation also ventures into why Bug Wars may be one of Jason Aaron's most personal stories and how Mahmud Asrar challenged some legitimate creepy crawly phobias to bring this tale to the page.

This week's podcast begins with a discussion about our "Comics Will Mend Your Heart" 2025 theme and how it relates to the famous Jack Kirby quote, "Kid...comics will break your heart." When and where did Kirby first say it, and what was the quote's original context? We get into it.

Bug Wars #1 arrives in comic shops on February 12th. It's written by Jason Aaron, illustrated by Mahmud Asrar, colored by Matthew Wilson, lettered and designed by Becca Carey, and edited by Heather Antos.

Consider continuing this conversation with Jason Aaron via his Substack, Instagram, and Bluesky. Please do the same with Mahmud Asrar via his Instagram and Blueksy.

Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode:

The Beat: Did Jack Kirby Really Say, "Comics Will Break Your Heart, Kid?"

The Beat: Kirby's Warning: How Comics Will Break Your Heart

Mark Evanier's News From ME: Quotable Kirby

Support Your Local Comic Shop: Episode 1 - Four Color Fantasies

Patreon Exclusive: Eamon Winkle on Peter Parker: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #33

Final Round of Plugs (PHEW):

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