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In this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast: Scott Pilgrim returns after sixteen years, familiar television and movie properties keep finding new lives in comics, and we review Black Star #1 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Anatomy of a Mutant. Then we turn our attention to Absolute Flash Vol. 1: Of Two Worlds to ask whether this bold new take on Wally West is building toward something great—or simply moving too slowly for the fastest hero alive.

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REVIEWS BLACK STAR #1

Writers: Kristen Kreuk, Peter Mooney, Eric Putzer Artist: Joe Bocardo Publisher: Titan Comics Cover Price: $4.99 Release Date: July 29, 2026

Amidst skirmishes between two warring factions in the early nineteenth-century fur trade, Dashiell Carlyle discovers he has magical abilities… and that he's not alone. Thrust into a secret order with designs to use their magic to build a new and better world, Dashiell discovers that their utopia may come at a horrific cost.

TMNT Anatomy of a Mutant

Writer: Patrick Ehlers Artist: Mateus Santolouco Publisher: Insight Editions Cover Price: $75.00 Release Date: August 4, 2026

Follow along with Dr. Lindsey Baker, the world's foremost authority on human and animal mutation, as she shares her extensive laboratory notes on the formidable physiologies of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the other mutants transformed by the ooze. With this comprehensive study, Dr. Baker hopes to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of mutagen scientists working to bring more of these wonderful creatures into existence.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Anatomy of a Mutant is a visually stunning journey into the superhuman powers obtained by the creatures that have come into contact with the mutagen, featuring exclusive anatomical cutaway illustrations of characters including Donatello, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Shredder, Splinter, and more, drawn by fan-favorite artist Mateus Santolouco. This in-world book draws on decades of lore from the universe created in conjunction with IDW Publishing, which has spawned everything from games to toys, delivering a thrilling new perspective on over fifty mutants and allies. Combining fascinating insights with new, beautifully illustrated cross sections, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Anatomy of a Mutant is a publishing event that will thrill TMNT fans everywhere.

TRADE DISCUSSION ABSOLUTE FLASH: OF TWO WORLDS

Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Nick Robles Publisher: DC Comics

An astonishing new version of DC's iconic characters is here! In the Absolute Universe, familiar heroes have been reinvented from the ground up with origin stories that completely reshape both their abilities and their circumstances but maintain the core characteristics that fans have known and loved for decades!

Wally West's world has been turned upside down. Now quite literally on the run from the people he once trusted, he must navigate an impossible world full of dangers he never knew existed – and he must do so without the help and guidance of his former mentor.

The Flash joins the Absolute Universe in a bold new take on the DC Universe's Scarlet Speedster, written by award-winning author Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), and illustrated by Nick Robles.

Collects Absolute Flash issues #1-6.

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At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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In Episode #755, it's the return of one of the favorites here at the podcast, and that's Sam Johnson, a popular and acclaimed comics writer/editor. He's got an already successful crowdfunding campaign now underway for "Geek-Girl – New and all previous issues!"

Sam has a Master's in Creative Writing for Film & TV and has also created Geek-Girl and Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman. Here's this Kickstarter's description: "Super-heroes meet mean girls plus weirdness in the Geek-Girl ongoing series!" We talk about how this book and series came to be, discuss and catch up on who the various characters are, and find out what else is keeping Sam busy these days! Be sure to back this excellent series today once you have finished listening to our fun interview!

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• Wayne's Comics Podcast Archive

• Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patreon member. It will help ensure Wayne's Comics Podcast continues far into the future!

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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This week on Top Five, we're diving back into the colorful, action-packed world of comics to revisit our Top Five Favorite Comics of All Time. Our tastes may have changed, new favorites may have claimed a spot, and a few classics may be impossible to dethrone. From caped crusaders and cosmic adventures to indie gems and unforgettable graphic novels, we're counting down the comics we love most—again!

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• Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF)

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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A slightly altered episode this week as we talk Avengers: Doomsday, crossovers, and The Terminator headed to Riverdale. Plus, we review Star Trek: Red Shirts - Ghost of the 21st Century #1, and the first three episodes of the new Ghost in the Shell, before everything comes crashing down during our discussion of Chainsaw Man!

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REVIEWS Star Trek: Red Shirts - Ghost of the 21st Century #1

Writer: Gerry Duggan Artist: Scott Buoncristiano Publisher: IDW Publishing Cover Price: $4.99 Release Date: July 22, 2026

Revenge is a dish best served on time delay. From Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, X-Men: Fall of the House of X) comes the next Red Shirts bloodbath… On the Federation's farthest frontier, red shirts don't just die—they're used. When conscripted security grunt Harry Deubert finds contraband hidden inside a fallen comrade's body, he uncovers Section Null—a secret Starfleet directorate turning disposable red shirts into assets in a sprawling criminal conspiracy. Teaming with Lyna Taval, an Andorian officer with her own covert agenda, Deubert digs too deep…and becomes a target. Someone inside Starfleet Security is selling out the Federation. And once Deubert and Taval learn what red shirts are really for, there's no going back.

THE GHOST IN THE SHELL (Anime)

Writer: Toh Enjoe Publisher: Amazon Release Date: July 2026

In 2029, Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg, leads an elite combat unit and envisions the creation of a specialised task force to preemptively strike against emerging threats. Soon, a mysterious hacker known as `The Puppet Master' emerges.

TRADE DISCUSSION CHAINSAW MAN

Writer/Artist: Tatsuki Fujimoto

Denji was a small-time devil hunter just trying to survive in a harsh world. After being killed on a job, he is revived by his pet devil Pochita and becomes something new and dangerous—Chainsaw Man!

Denji's a poor young man who'll do anything for money, even hunting down devils with his pet devil Pochita. He's a simple man with simple dreams, drowning under a mountain of debt. But his sad life gets turned upside down one day when he's betrayed by someone he trusts. Now with the power of a devil inside him, Denji's become a whole new man—Chainsaw Man!

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At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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In Episode #754, acclaimed storyteller and video game writer Frank Barbiere (Astonishing Times) and award-winning game writer and comics newcomer Stephen Rhodes talk about Zero Instance, the first issue now available through Comixology Originals!

Frank and Stephen are bringing their expertise in video games to comics, and the first issue of Zero Instance is now available. Here's this book's description: "Rhys, a directionless college grad thought logging into his favorite MMO was just another raid with his friends, but they are shocked to find their boss fight glitching. When Chris—his best friend—doesn't log out, Rhys is forced to confront a terrifying truth: the lines between game and reality are vanishing. As an experimental AI known as Braxir begins to manipulate smart systems, twist human behavior, and build a base of operations in the real world, Rhys must decide if he's ready to lead when the game is over—and the stakes are real." We talk about how this book came to be, who the various characters are, and what else Stephen and Frank are up to these days! Be sure to pick up this excellent book today once you have finished listening to our fun interview!

• Subscribe via Apple Podcasts

• Wayne's Comics Podcast Archive

• Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patreon member. It will help ensure Wayne's Comics Podcast continues far into the future!

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

The part searches for the secret entrance while beset by baddies from all sides.

Character sheets and battle map images for this episode are available at Patreon.com/MajorSpoilers.

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Contact us at [email protected]

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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In Episode #753, we get to visit Heartbreak Manor with creator and horror legend Steve Niles!

Heartbreak Manor is a 100-page holiday ghost story that is currently being crowdfunded here at Zoop.gg. Here's this book's description: "Heartbreak Manor is an ambitious and artful horror story about a desperate young orphan who must uncover the deadly secret hidden that lurks within the walls of an old mansion." We talk about how this book came to be, who the various characters are, and what else Steve is up to these days! Be sure to back this high-power comics project at this link before it concludes on or about Wednesday, July 22.

• Subscribe via Apple Podcasts

• Wayne's Comics Podcast Archive

• Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patreon member. It will help ensure Wayne's Comics Podcast continues far into the future!

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

Someone is unhappy that the team decided to rob a train, but briefs them on their next mission—Operation Decisive Strike!

Plus, everyone levels up!

Subscribe now

Character sheets and battle map images for this episode are available at Patreon.com/MajorSpoilers.

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts

Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patron at Patreon.com/MajorSpoilers. It will help ensure Critical Hit continues far into the future!

Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF)

Contact us at [email protected]

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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This week, we're kicking back on the couch and counting down our top five favorite sitcoms of all time. From comfort-watch classics to sharp, endlessly quotable ensemble comedies, we dig into the shows that made us laugh the hardest, gave us characters we still think about, and somehow became part of our lives. Expect passionate picks and plenty of nostalgia as we celebrate the sitcoms that keep us coming back episode after episode.

• You can subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

• Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patron at Patreon.com/MajorSpoilers. It will help ensure The Top Five Podcast continues far into the future!

• Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF)

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

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Judge Dredd meets Biker Mice from Mars, Midnight Island channels mystery-box island energy, Rocketeer: Infiltrator punches Nazis, and then we dive into Catwoman: Lonely City — one of the smartest future-Gotham heist comics around.

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Thanks for listening to the Major Spoilers Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.

REVIEWS ROCKETEER: INFILTRATOR #1

Writer: Gabriel Hardman Artist: Dean Kotz Publisher: IDW Publishing Cover Price: $4.99 Release Date: July 08, 2026

It's the height of World War II, and Betty is a Nazi collaborator! Or so we're led to believe. As Allied planes mysteriously explode in midair across Europe, rumors of a Nazi superweapon compel the U.S. to send its fastest asset undercover: the Rocketeer! With Betty posing as a defecting American actress in a German motion picture, Cliff Secord, a.k.a. the Rocketeer, accompanies as her brother and manager. And since neither has experience in deep-cover work, the Allies send a handler to support them—a debonair MI6 agent who assumes the role of Betty's co-star.

The Rocketeer will need to maintain his cover, destroy a superweapon no Allied agent has actually seen, and keep Betty away from the handsome British secret agent with a penchant for beautiful women. It's a lot for a reckless stunt pilot to handle!

MIDNIGHT ISLAND #1

Writer: Lylian Artist: Nicolas Grebil Publisher: Papercutz Cover Price: $9.99 (digital $5.99, Hardcover $14.99) Release Date: July 28, 2026

Mysteries unfold in this adventurous series set on an enigmatic island full of secrets and wonders—it's Lost for a younger generation. Four children wake up on a deserted island. After taking refuge in an abandoned boarding school, they find an automaton who, every night at midnight, gives them a mission. If they fail or refuse to take up the challenge, the consequences could be terrible. From mission to mission, the children explore their surroundings, encounter other participants, and try to discover the reasons behind their presence on this island…

TRADE DISCUSSION CATWOMAN: LONELY CITY

Writer: Cliff Chiang Artist: Cliff Chiang Publisher: DC Comics Cover Price: $29.99

Ten years ago, the massacre known as Fools' Night claimed the lives of Batman, the Joker, Nightwing, and Commissioner Gordon…and sent Selina Kyle, the Catwoman, to prison.

A decade later, Gotham has grown up—it's put away costumed heroism and villainy as childish things. The new Gotham is cleaner, safer…and a lot less free, under the watchful eye of Mayor Harvey Dent and his Batcops. It's into this new city that Selina Kyle returns, a changed woman…with her mind on that one last big score: the secrets hidden inside the Batcave! She doesn't need the money—she just needs to know…who is "Orpheus"?

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This week's pre-show IS FREE as part of our anniversary celebration, so if you want to hear the full conversation about Supergirl, movie theaters, and more, head over to Patreon.com/MajorSpoilers.

Join the conversation

We'd love to hear your thoughts on any of this week's topics.

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

If you know someone who loves comics, share this post and episode with them!