LRMonline

Marvel After Armageddon, Terminal Takes #1 & Absolute DC Expands

Comic Source Weekly

Marvel is laying out its future after Avengers: Armageddon, with a new Avengers series from Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto, Maximum X-Men, Eddie Brock reuniting with Venom, new books for Mary Jane Watson and Spider-Woman, and several other major announcements. This week I break down what Marvel’s post-Armageddon direction could mean, along with DC launching new ongoing series for Vixen, Static and Steel, the continued expansion of the Absolute Universe, and Terminal #1 reportedly selling 300,000 copies before taking the top spot on the Prana Bestseller list. I also cover the biggest announcements from Image, Skybound, Dark Horse, IDW, Oni Press, Archie, BOOM! Studios, Mad Cave, Ignition Press and San Diego Comic-Con, along with this week’s hottest books, two weeks of Prana Top 10 Best Sellers, and the biggest Final Order Cutoff recommendations for August 3.

https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

00:00 Marvel, DC & Terminal Headlines
01:05 Intro and SDCC Catch-Up
04:12 Marvel After Avengers: Armageddon
16:10 Midnight Universe, WEBTOON & Manga
23:22 Spider-Woman, Indiana Jones & Mangaverse
26:26 Muppets, Stormbreakers & Marvel Masterworks
30:57 DC News — Vixen, Static & Steel
36:11 Batman, Gotham & DC Next Level
44:04 The Absolute Universe Expands
54:02 Image Comics & Skybound
01:00:06 Terminal, Battle Beast & Savage Dragon
01:07:58 Dark Horse Comics
01:13:43 IDW & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
01:17:15 Oni Press & Archie Comics
01:19:32 BOOM!, Mad Cave & Ignition Press
01:27:19 Bill Sienkiewicz Documentary & Eisner Awards
01:32:03 The Warbird Movie Rumor
01:34:36 What Hit
01:37:54 Prana Top 10 — July 15
01:43:30 Prana Top 10 — July 22
01:47:56 Final Order Cutoff
01:55:24 Closing & Comic Source Weekly Shirts

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/maximum-x-men-assemble-avengers-armageddon-aftermath-december-2026

https://www.marvel.com/articles/live-events/sdcc-2026-san-diego-comic-con-all-the-marvel-news-recap

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/chip-zdarsky-marco-checchetto-launch-avengers-1-ahead-of-doomsday

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-punisher-will-join-marvels-avengers-in-the-wake-of-armageddon

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/friendly-neighborhood-mary-jane-and-venom-new-comic-series-queen-in-black-aftermath

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/spider-woman-ongoing-marvel-series-by-dan-watters-andrea-broccardo

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/indiana-jones-and-the-sword-of-pandemonium-bold-new-era-marvel-comics-december-2026

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-comics-launch-a-new-manga-line-in-japan-with-kadokawa-for-2026

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-first-new-marvel-masterworks-books-from-clover-press-revealed

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/deniz-camp-reveals-details-of-upcoming-batman-shadow-of-the-bat

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-dc-announces-absolute-black-canary-and-beyond-ark-m-one-shots-at-absolute-universe-panel

https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/rob-liefelds-highly-anticipated-avengelyne-comic-book-set-to-launch-this-october-series-already-in-pre-production-for-adaptation

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-robert-kirkman-talks-terminal-invincible-and-transformers-in-robert-kirkman-live

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-sanford-greene-announces-bitter-root-black-white

https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/scott-snyder-jocks-horror-masterpiece-gets-expanded-remastered-wytches-vol-1-pledged-edition-this-fall-ahead-of-tv-show-adaptation

https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/jaw-dropping-savage-dragon-281-sells-out-at-distributor-instantly-rushed-back-to-print-this-week

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-image-unleashes-its-artists-for-a-frank-panel-discussion

https://www.darkhorse.com/newsfeed/dark-horse-books-presents-stranger-things-the-first-shadow

https://www.comicsbeat.com/dark-horse-dnd-ongoing

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-dark-horse-mattel-barbie-comics

https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-072326

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/ignition-pavilion-packs-in-five-times-the-capacity-of-hall-h-at-sdcc

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2026-eisner-award-winners-announced-at-sdcc

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/would-keanu-reeves-play-the-lead-in-a-bad-idea-comics-warbird-movie

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/produce-this-last-nights-bad-idea-comics-san-diego-comic-con-party

https://www.comicsbeat.com/bad-idea-warbird

The post Comic Source Weekly July 29, 2026 | Marvel After Armageddon, Terminal Takes #1 & Absolute DC Expands: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

DC Spotlight July 29, 2026 Superman Restores The Legion, Alfred And Pa Kent Save The World’s Finest & Batman And Lobo Face The Black Mercy

The Comic Source

Jace and Rocky break down all five DC releases for the week of July 29, 2026. DC’s Hawk Girl Summer #1 delivers an entertaining mix of standalone stories that give several underused DC characters a chance to shine, including great stories starring The Shining Knight and Kid Eternity. In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest 2026 Annual #1, after the Flash, Batman and Superman all become trapped by the same villainous setup, Alfred and Pa Kent are the ones who figure out how to save them. In Justice League: Knightvision #1, Batman and Lex Luthor pursue Prometheus after their shared vision, while his use of Apokoliptian technology plants more seeds for Darkseid’s next move against the heroes of the DC Universe. Detective Comics 2026 Annual #1 pairs a comedic Black Mercy story involving Batman and Lobo with a much darker Professor Pyg backup, giving readers two very different but entertaining stories. In Superman 2026 Annual: Year 1000 #1, Superman’s decision to restore every version of the Legion gives the Darkseid-controlled Legion a chance at redemption while placing all of the team’s different incarnations back on the table. They also discuss San Diego Comic-Con, the convention’s lighter slate of major announcements, Jace’s upcoming interviews with Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman and Christopher Cantwell, and the success of the Ignition Press pavilion. As always, Jace and Rocky rank every reviewed book and reveal their Books of the Week.

The post DC Spotlight July 29, 2026 Superman Restores The Legion, Alfred And Pa Kent Save The World’s Finest & Batman And Lobo Face The Black Mercy: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

How AI Could Create the Perfect Crime | Zack Kaplan & John J. Pearson Talk Smart Division

The Comic Source

Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every industry—but what happens when criminals start using it to commit the perfect crime?

Writer Zack Kaplan and Eisner Award-winning artist John J. Pearson join Jace to discuss Smart Division, their new sci-fi thriller from Dark Horse Comics. They talk about building a story around AI-assisted crime, designing two detectives with completely different worldviews, creating traditional painted artwork in a technology-driven story, and why this series feels frighteningly close to reality.

If you enjoy grounded science fiction, crime thrillers, and comics that explore where technology could take us next, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Creator Links

Zack Kaplan:
https://zackkaplan.com

John J. Pearson:
https://www.instagram.com/johnjpearson

https://www.patreon.com/johnjpearson

Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

00:00 Introduction
01:20 What Is The Smart Division?
06:35 Reuniting After Mindset
09:15 Creating the Painted Art Style
12:35 AI, Crime and Giving Up Control
19:05 Designing Will and Stevie
28:10 Two Opposing Worldviews
31:05 The Opening Page and Meaning Behind the Title
35:25 Which Character Do They Relate To?
37:05 Where to Follow the Creators

The post How AI Could Create the Perfect Crime | Zack Kaplan & John J. Pearson Talk Smart Division: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

DC Spotlight July 22, 2026 Absolute Superman Battles King Shazam, Superboy-Prime Faces His Past & Batman Uncovers the Prion Horror

The Comic Source

Jace and Rocky break down all 14 DC releases for the week of July 22, 2026. Green Lantern #37 shows Kyle Rayner and Odyssey both learning you should never feed the trolls when Odyssey’s online feud spills into the real world. Harley Quinn #64 reveals the mastermind behind the Harley Quinn Revenge Squad and proves Harley is her own worst enemy. Superman #40 uses Superboy-Prime to show that even after redemption begins, the consequences of your past never disappear. Justice League Unlimited #21 has the League finally turn the tables on Brainiac Queen with a surprise plan from Red Tornado and the Atom, while Batman and Lex learn they have something in common regarding the consequences of the Omega Tournament. Superman: Father of Tomorrow #3 shows Lex Luthor’s decision to abandon science for sorcery perfectly highlighting the series’ central debate over power and responsibility. Absolute Wonder Woman #22 has Barbara Minerva willingly surrender herself to Urzkartaga, but her true objective remains a mystery. The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Kane Mystery #6 sends Ezra Kane into the skies in a biplane for a cinematic showdown with Nazi automatons that delivers the pulp-adventure ending the series promised. Swamp Thing (1989) #4 gives Swamp Thing and Abigail a hopeful ending by leaving multiversal versions of themselves behind. Dark Knights of Steel: Heir to the Sea #1 highlights Arthur Curry taking Superman’s place as the extraordinary child raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent. Absolute Superman #21 delivers a perfect balance of action and character as Superman shows just how much he cares about the people who can slip through the cracks as much as he cares about world-ending threats like King Shazam. Zatanna #4 has Zatanna learn firsthand from previous Prime Magi that the role isn’t what she thought it was. The Flash #35 has Wally learn that with enough data he can stop anything bad from occurring in Central City—but should he be watching everyone? And what happens when he tries to expand that to Metropolis? Action Comics #1100 ends its time-travel story with Superboy coming face-to-face with his older self, while a surprise return from a classic Superman villain leads into the next big event for the Superman Family. Detective Comics #1111 has Batman’s investigation uncover the terrifying truth behind the force manipulating generations of the Prion family, and his vow to save them proves the lasting impact Prion had during his brief time with Batman. They also give a rundown of this week’s collected editions, reprints and facsimile releases. As always, all books are ranked from top to bottom and each host gives a Book of the Week pick.

The post DC Spotlight July 22, 2026 Absolute Superman Battles King Shazam, Superboy-Prime Faces His Past & Batman Uncovers the Prion Horror: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

Marvel Leaves New York, Daredevil Surges & Absolute Green Arrow Expands

Comic Source Weekly

Marvel Comics is entering one of the biggest transitional periods in its history. This week I break down Marvel moving its publishing operations from New York to Burbank, Steve Wacker replacing C.B. Cebulski as Editor-in-Chief, and what those changes could mean for the future of the publisher. I also cover Daredevil’s continued reprint momentum, DC extending Absolute Green Arrow from six issues to twelve, first looks at G.I. JOE #25 and Battle Beast #12, the ThunderCats relaunch, San Diego Comic-Con announcements from Bad Idea, Ignition Press, Rocketship Entertainment and more. Then it’s time for What Hit, the Prana Top 10 Best Sellers, and this week’s Final Order Cutoff books.

00:00 Intro
01:28 Marvel Leaves New York & Steve Wacker Takes Over
05:11 Daredevil Reprint Momentum
06:33 Absolute Green Arrow Extended
07:24 G.I. JOE #25 First Look
07:57 Battle Beast #12 Preview
08:33 ThunderCats Relaunch
09:15 Bad Idea SDCC News
12:06 Ignition Press Pavilion
13:49 Revenge Of TV
15:05 Eastside Saints
16:08 The Rocketfellers #13
16:53 Three Worlds, Three Moons
18:59 Final Boss Video Game
19:46 Ice Cream Man Reprint
20:33 Badrock Sells Out
21:19 Rocketship Entertainment at SDCC
22:35 Pop Kill: Big Candy
23:37 Flux House Presents #1
24:25 Todd McFarlane & J. Scott Campbell
25:21 What Hit
27:40 Prana Top 10
32:22 Final Order Cutoff
37:53 Closing

The post Marvel Leaves New York, Daredevil Surges & Absolute Green Arrow Expands | Comic Source Weekly appeared first on LRMonline.

Todd McFarlane Talks Spawn ’77, Mark Spears, J. Scott Campbell and the Spawn Movie

The Comic Source

Todd McFarlane returns to The Comic Source for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present and future of Spawn. Todd explains how drawings he created as a teenager in 1977 inspired the upcoming Spawn ’77 project with Mark Spears, why the new story must carefully work around established Hellspawn mythology and what impressed him about Spears’ atmospheric interpretation of the concept. He also details his unusual collaboration with J. Scott Campbell, in which both artists created distinct finished versions of the same original sketches, and discusses the hidden differences fans can discover between their covers. The conversation also explores McFarlane’s limited-edition enamel pin program, his commitment to honoring announced production numbers and the importance of maintaining trust with collectors. Todd even shares a cinematic moment he wrote for the Spawn movie and imagines Jamie Foxx’s Al Simmons delivering the line, “I wasn’t hiding. I was waiting.” The episode closes with McFarlane reflecting on creative freedom, longevity and why surviving long enough to continue making comics may be the greatest victory of all.

The Comic Source:
https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource

Todd McFarlane Productions:
https://mcfarlane.com

McFarlane Toys Store:
https://mcfarlanetoysstore.com

J. Scott Campbell Store:
https://jscottcampbell.com

Spawn Official:
https://www.spawn.com

Todd McFarlane joins Jace for a new Spawn Daily interview covering several recent projects and announcements from across the Spawn Universe. The conversation begins with Spawn history before expanding into new collaborations, collectibles, movie ideas and McFarlane’s philosophy after more than four decades in comics.

Spawn ’77 draws directly from character designs McFarlane created when he was 16 years old. Mark Spears saw those early drawings and proposed building a new comic around that original version of the character.

McFarlane explains that the project is not simply a younger version of Al Simmons or another conventional Hellspawn. Because the story takes place only 15 years before Simmons becomes Spawn, the creative team must develop a concept that fits within the existing mythology without contradicting what has already been established.

McFarlane discusses the freedom of inviting other creators into the Spawn Universe and seeing how they reinterpret its characters and mythology. Spears’ pages bring a moody, atmospheric quality to Spawn ’77 while leaning into the visual identity of the decade.

The project allows Spears to develop his own ideas within several important boundaries established by McFarlane, creating something new without disrupting the larger continuity.

Todd also recounts the origin of his latest collaboration with J. Scott Campbell. Campbell had produced several preliminary Spawn Universe sketches in 2021 before ultimately submitting completely different finished covers.

McFarlane remained fascinated by the unused concepts and eventually proposed finishing the sketches himself. Campbell instead decided to create his own completed versions as well, resulting in multiple covers built from the same original compositions but interpreted differently by each artist.

Fans can compare the two versions and search for changes in costume details, poses, weapons, colors and rendering choices.

The discussion moves to McFarlane’s limited-edition enamel pins and his decision to make each release available for only a brief period.

McFarlane explains that collectors need confidence that announced production numbers are genuine. Extra copies created to account for damage are destroyed after orders are fulfilled so the final quantity remains accurate.

For McFarlane, that transparency is part of the loyalty creators and companies owe their audience.

The conversation also includes a scene McFarlane wrote while developing a Spawn movie script. In the sequence, Al Simmons arrives inside an old elevator after everyone believes a building has been secured.

When someone asks where he was hiding, Simmons responds:

“I wasn’t hiding. I was waiting.”

McFarlane describes imagining Jamie Foxx delivering the line with a quiet, intimidating intensity.

Beyond individual projects, McFarlane reflects on the importance of remaining active and creative for decades. Financial success and recognition matter less than retaining the freedom to experiment, collaborate and continue producing new work.

For McFarlane, surviving in the industry long enough to keep creating is its own form of victory.

The post Todd McFarlane Talks Spawn ’77, Mark Spears, J. Scott Campbell and the Spawn Movie: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

In this episode we discuss;

Inside San Diego Comic Con’s Hottest Party with Fandom Director of Events Zach Michaels
The Comic Source

Check Out The Episode on YouTube

Zach Michaels, Director of Events at Fandom, returns to The Comic Source to preview one of San Diego Comic-Con’s most sought-after opening-night events. He discusses how fans can win invitations, the work required to produce the massive celebration, and why San Diego provides an experience unlike any other major convention.

Zach also reveals some of this year’s entertainment and activations, including The Coverups led by Billie Joe Armstrong, Xbox and Halo: Campaign Evolved, Suntory’s -196 brand, Z2 Comics’ And Out Comes the Wolf, and an unconventional pep squad that will be part of the performance.

Beyond the party, the conversation explores Fandom’s larger mission of providing a place where every interest—from comics and gaming to anime, movies, television, and reality shows—can be celebrated without one community being elevated at the expense of another.

The post Inside San Diego Comic Con’s Hottest Party with Fandom Director of Events Zach Michaels appeared first on LRMonline.

John Ross Bowie on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe & Barry Kripke’s Return

The Comic Source

John Ross Bowie joins Jace to discuss returning as Barry Kripke in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the new Big Bang Theory spinoff premiering July 23 on HBO Max. John explains how the series takes Stuart, Denise, Bert and Kripke into a different universe with each episode while keeping the story grounded in the relationships between its characters. He also talks about expanding Kripke beyond his familiar punchlines, reuniting with Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus and Brian Posehn, and working on the first Chuck Lorre series built around extensive visual effects. John also reflects on the lasting impact of Speechless, why its edgy and absurd comedy was sometimes misunderstood, and the response the series continues to receive from families affected by disability. Plus, he previews his role as Kenneth Adelman in The Brink of War alongside Jeff Daniels, Jared Harris and J.K. Simmons and discusses the immersive Stuart Fails to Save the Universe experience coming to San Diego Comic-Con. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premieres July 23, 2026, on HBO Max.

The post John Ross Bowie on Stuart Fails to Save the Universe & Barry Kripke’s Return: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

DC Spotlight July 15, 2026 Absolute Green Arrow Exposes Miraclo, Superman Unlimited Tests Ultra Boy & Deathstroke Reveals The Enemy

The Comic Source

Jace and Rocky break down all 13 DC releases for the week of July 15, 2026. Nightwing #140 brings Psycho Pirate into Dan Watters’ Blüdhaven mystery by tying the city’s violence to Medusa architecture instead of the Medusa Mask. Wonder Woman #35 works as a Wonder War interlude that retells Diana’s origin through Steve Trevor explaining Wonder Woman’s history to Trinity. End of Life #6 has Eddie Stallion try to leave Pluto before his reunion with Sophie convinces him to stay while the Menagerie’s assassins keep closing in. Batwoman #5 has Kate Kane rescue Alice by removing her mask and reaching her sister directly, while Mother Despina warns that winning may still mean losing. Deathstroke: The Terminator #5 reveals the person behind the attacks on Slade and ends with a threat to Rose Wilson that she may not survive. Absolute Flash #17 ends the Gorilla City story in tragic fashion with the young Grodd caught between loyalty to his father and his bond with Wally. Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #53 highlights Dick Grayson’s skills as he tries to break Batman and Superman free from Tyrannus Rex’s control in Skartaris. Dark Knights of Steel 2 #1 expands the medieval DC world beyond the original kingdoms as Kara is welcomed into Amazonia, Batman remains separated from the League, and Amanda Waller’s secret villainy continues to hang over the larger story. New Titans #37 hints at Static joining the team while giving Kid Devil more spotlight and continuing Spoiler’s rise into a stronger leadership role. Lobo #5 has the network ordered to bring Lobo back, only for the executive to put a contract on him and send Lip Bomb after the Main Man. Catwoman #89 pushes Selina deeper into her Gotham war with Black Mask while bringing her connection to Carmine Falcone closer to outright confirmation. Superman Unlimited #15 builds on the Ultra Boy reveal by showing Jon Kent’s faith in him pay off, while Superwoman’s arrival keeps the Earth-3 story from ending cleanly. Absolute Green Arrow #3 shifts further into Black Canary’s investigation as the issue reveals Miraclo, Rex Tyler and anti-aging experiments tied to the billionaires being targeted. They also give a rundown of this week’s collected editions, reprints and facsimile releases. As always, all books are ranked from top to bottom and each host gives a Book of the Week pick.

The post DC Spotlight July 15, 2026 Absolute Green Arrow Exposes Miraclo, Superman Unlimited Tests Ultra Boy & Deathstroke Reveals The Enemy: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.

Archie Is Back! Ben H. Winters & Hunter Gorinson Discuss Oni’s New Archie Era

The Comic Source

Archie is returning with a new #1 as Oni Press and Archie Comics begin an ambitious publishing partnership celebrating the character’s 85th anniversary. Writer Ben H. Winters and Oni Press President and Publisher Hunter Gorinson join Jace to explain how the partnership came together, why Fábio Moon was chosen to reinvent Riverdale visually and how the new series will balance timeless teenage relationships with a fresh, modern voice.

The conversation explores the surprising difficulty of writing Archie Andrews, the enduring complexity of Betty and Veronica, the philosophical appeal of Jughead and Oni’s determination to create comics filled with humor, optimism and what Gorinson calls a concentrated jolt of joy. They also preview Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Archie in Hell, special content planned for Archie #1 and Oni’s Archie-related activities at San Diego Comic-Con.

00:00 Introducing Oni Press’ New Archie Era
00:32 How the Oni and Archie Partnership Happened
03:12 Why Ben H. Winters Said Yes to Archie
05:20 Modernizing Archie for Every Generation
07:34 Choosing Fábio Moon and Kano
11:38 Betty or Veronica?
13:45 Building a Sustainable Archie Publishing Line
16:28 Balancing Teenage Drama, Humor and Optimism
18:50 Jughead’s Journal
20:15 Why Archie Comics Are So Hard to Write
23:55 Making Comics Fun Again
27:19 The Fizz of Teenage Potential
29:38 Finding Archie Andrews’ Voice
31:31 Archie’s Influence on Popular Culture
33:00 The Responsibility of Publishing an Icon
35:16 What Makes Oni’s Archie #1 Different
37:40 San Diego Comic-Con Plans
39:35 Why Comic Conventions Matter
42:46 Final Thoughts and Preordering Archie #1

The post Archie Is Back! Ben H. Winters & Hunter Gorinson Discuss Oni’s New Archie Era: The Comic Source appeared first on LRMonline.