The Comic Source Podcast

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom! chat with writer Andy Schmidt about his current series for DC Comics, The Crime Syndicate. This new version of the classic Earth-3 denizens has been a hit with Rocky from the beginning, but Jace has struggled to find a way to relate. Can this chat with Andy give Jace some insight into what he may have missed. Plus Andy takes us through the original plans for the series and the challenges that came with a format change and reduction in issues. Of course we couldn't talk about the series without mentions the incredible art from Kieran McKeown. What is really interesting is how Kieran's artwork inspired and changed the story in subtle ways once Andy saw the designs of a few of the characters. This is a fun chat with tons of behind the scenes tidbits so we hope you will join us.

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom! break down the DC books for the week of July 13, 2021. Batman Urban Legends starts off with arguably the most definitive Jason Todd story ever as we see the former Robin facing his inner-demons with gorgeous art from Eddy Barrows & Marcus To. The second story gives us our second look at Ryan Wilder in the DCU, but we haven't seen her in the costume yet. The Tim Drake story sparks a HUGE debate between Jace and Rocky about the future of Tim and whether the characterization we get in the story is accurate or not. The final Batman Urban Legends story finishes up the Grifter story with kinetic Ryan Benjamin art and a massive reveal that could have lasting effects for the DC Universe. A lot of people are going to be talking about this Grifter story, so we hope it doesn't get spoiled for you. Rorschach #10 lays out the case so far and adds some insights to let try to figure out the mystery for ourselves and the spectacular artwork really makes this one of the best issue so far. Justice League Last Ride #3 is another real highlight this week as Zdarsky gives us the awkwardness of a family dealing with loss in a pitch perfect way. Also the Miguel Mendonca art is perhaps the best single issue the artist has ever done, AMAZING! The latest issue of the Joker, #5 departs from the current storyline to give us a past story of the Joker and Gordon that adds a lot of context to their relationship. We also get some great Francesco Francavilla art that really adds to the moodiness of the story. Detective Comics #1039 shows us Hue Vile revealed and gives his origin as well, it feels a bit abrupt but maybe the next time we see Vile show up it may resolve his story and reflect back favorably on this one. Future State Gotham #3 is frustrating both from the sense the diminished quality of the art as well as the lack of momentum in the story which feels bogged down in tropes. Flash 2021 Annual #1 is yet another Wally West redemption story, the retcon that it applies to the Heroes in Crisis story sets off a volatile debate amongst the guys. One of them argues it is heartfelt while adding respect and weight to the death of Roy Harper. The other says that the way this story dismisses and diminishes Heroes in Crisis is blatantly disrespectful. Who do you think is on which side? And more importantly, who do you agree with? Wonder Woman #775 is another title the guys didn't see eye to eye on, the heavy ties to different mythologies are starting to pull the attention away from Wonder Woman herself for Rocky, while Jace things that it has yet to be determined where the story is going or how to grade it. Infinite Frontier #2 has some great moments, but we are still waiting for that one story beat that can start to pull all this disparate threads together. We do have hope though, because the individual moments have been intriguing. In the pages of Batman The Detective #4 we see a Bruce Wayne who may have lost a step. or has he? The characterization is a little inconsistent for Jace and he wonders of the story might be suffering because of it. Jace and Rocky also express their shock and sorrow regarding the passing of Robson Rocha and pass their condolences on to his family and friends. A tremendously talented artist who was taken far too soon, the loss for the industry is a big one. This is our biggest spotlight yet and there is a TON of fiery debate about his week's books.

Jace chats with legendary comic illustrator & instructor Bart Sears. From the early days of Brutes & Babes in Wizard magazine to Bart's most recent project on Zoop. The campaign is for a unique artbook focusing on Headshots and Bart shares his thoughts on why he likes drawing heads so much. The guys also talk about the unique challenges of drawing heads & how Bart keeps things fresh especially for characters that might not have a distinctive feature. The other aspect of the campaign that is discussed is the interactivity Bart is bringing to the project by letting he fans vote on which head shots to include and then offering those headshots as one of a kind tier rewards. There is mention of Bart's Heavy Metal strip that he works on with his wife as well. Lot of fun art talk in this one so talk a listen.

Jace and Jay talk about some of the books they have read already for the week of July 7, 2021. Post Americana #6 is cover to cover action and it feels like the end is near and the winner may be the last man standing! Amazing Spider-Man #70 is also very fast-paced but unfortunately it also feels a bit choppy. We can't help but wonder if the impending departure of Nick Spencer means he is having to accelerate his plans to try and finish off as many plot threads as possible and that may lead to a decline in quality. Deep Beyond is a book that continues to impress and we hope everyone is giving it a chance because it is epic Sci-Fi that keeps growing in scope & hasn't disappointed yet! Nocterra is another Image title that continually delivers. The best artwork of Tony Daniel's career along with amazing color work from Tomeu Morey brings the world Scott Snyder & Daniel have created to life in such a way that you can't help but care about these characters. Masterful job on all fronts. Children of the Atom #5 has a big reveal that really surprised us. What is not surprising is the authentic voices Vita Ayala is giving to these teenagers, fantastic and authentic, plus great art. Immortal Hulk only has 2 more issues after this week's #48 and we see some hints of where it might be headed. We just hope we get a full and satisfying conclusion rather than an ending that leaves lingering questions or doubts. The Good Asian #3 continues to be a perfect period piece with wonderful art and moody characters that inhabit a world that accurately reflects the pulp noir feel of Chinatown in the San Francisco of the 1920's. The fact that the plight of the Asian characters in the story is still relevant today is both poignant and revelatory. Clans of the Belari is a promising start for two first time comic writers from AfterShock. Set in a Sci-Fi world where clan designation and loyalty to that clan means everything, will we see the human spirit triumph? Commanders in Crisis #10 shows the heroism of the team in the face of incredible odds. They rise to the challenge just as you would expect them too. This title continues to be a love letter to comics and the giant summer events of our childhoods, so much fun! Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2 is the next chapter in the Infinite Destinies story and we get Spider-Man trying to connect with Star to stop her zany but somewhat homicidal mission to get revenge on those that mistreated her in high school. Spider-Man may be the perfect person to relate to Star, but she is probably incapable of listening. Jay's Book of the Week, Geiger #4, is as fast-paced as ever. Geoff Johns & Gary Frank seem determined to go at a breakneck pace to never let us catch our breaths as the action is coming fast & furious. Much like the character of Geiger himself, keep moving to keep the emotions at bay, but their masterful storytelling has the characterization coming through in the little moments as well as the action scenes. Jace's Book of the Week, Ordinary Gods #1, is a huge story of immortal 'gods' unknowingly trapped on earth. Kyle Higgins & artist Felipe Watanabe give us a perfect first issue here, expertly balancing the past with the present and allowing us time to connect with the protagonist while still giving plenty of historical context. Jace also gives a rundown on some other titles you may want to pick up this week.

Jace and rocky from Comic boom! talk about the DC books for the week of July 7, 2021 and it is a BIG week. There is a special batman Secret Files issue focusing on Duke Thomas and it has both the guys wanting to revisit some Duke stories and get a better handle on who he is as a character and see where he might be going. We get more reminders of Future State in Suicide Squad #5 as Earth 3 and the Crime Syndicate make an appearance. Batman #110 keeps the Magistrate story moving full-steam ahead, but where this issue shines is in the dynamic art and the interactions between Ghost-Maker, Harley and Batman. Swamp Thing #5 seems to take a detour from the main story that has been unfolding, but we would not be surprised to find this story connects to the main narrative more than it first appears. Also we have John McCrea art that feels so organic, great stuff. We are up to the penultimate issue of Crime Syndicate and Rocky is still loving it, while Jace still struggles to connect to the characters. More issues may have solved this, but with one issue to go we will have to wait and see. Green Lantern #4 shows John Stewarts capabilities as a fighter without his ring and we see Teen Lantern take matters into her own hands regarding the destruction of OA. This one felt a little light on plot progression, but had some gorgeous art. Batman Fortnite Zeropoint came to an end, but we didn't get everything wrapped up in a nice neat package. It is clear there is more to this story and we fully expect to hear there is a follow up series coming SOON! Justice League #64 starts a new arc as Bendis brings back Synmar Utopica from his Superman run, but it just isn't compelling and feels overwrought. It's the exact opposite in the Justice League back-up where everything seems so purposeful. The second issue of Wonder Girl was a bit of a mess, the first 3 pages felt promising and then between the strange characterization of Yara and the choppy pacing we just felt like the issue never came together. Crush and Lobo is still not rocky;s cup of tea, but Jace seems to be enjoying it. Maybe it is the fact that Jace has no previous exposure to Crush? Time will tell as next issue Crush and Lobo come face to face and that could change the whole dynamic of the series. Finally Nice House on the Lake #2 starts to build tension and drama after the bombshell events of #1. We expect this thriller to continue to ramp up the pace from this issue with really feels like the starting point of these characters and their psychological and inter-personal journey.

Jace chats with longtime comic writer Ron Marz about his current campaign on Zoop, Resolution. Along with fellow writer Andy Lanning with art by Rick Leonardi, Lanning & color artist Andrew Dalhouse, Ron is bringing his love of cosmic, epic storytelling to the new crowdfunding platform. The Green Lantern meets Unforgiven is the simplest way to describe the story and with the track record and experience of these creators we really expect something special. In addition to the collaboration that is bringing the story of Xaan Maddox, a legendary member of the outer-space corps of heroes known as The Resolute, to life, backers have the opportunity to get a portfolio featuring artwork from other stellar artist working in comics. From Paul Pelletier to Phil Jimenez to Liam Sharp and a whole lot more. This is a chance for this all-star lineup of creators to draw whatever comes to mind in the universe of Resolution. Be sure you go visit the campaign page to check out all the amazing artwork and rewards that are being offered and share the campaign on social media so every one who wants to join the campaign will have a chance.

Jace talks about a few of the books coming out the fifth Wednesday of the month June 30, 2021. black Widow #8 continues to absolutely blow us away with it's characterization of Natasha and the spectacular art which shows off the action-oriented storyline so well. Daredevil #31 still feels so much like it is marching towards something big, but the best thing about the title is that Matt seems to be finding a purpose again and we are here to see his road to redemption as he regains agency in his own title. Made in Korea starts to solidify some of the big ideas we got introduced to in the first issue. It does this in a way that grounds the ideas so we see their practical applications & how they affect people in real life. Amazing Spider Man Chameleon Conspiracy wraps up that recent storyline but in classic Nick Spencer fashion leaves some items up in the air and we wonder where if at all those questions might be answered. Undone by Blood #4 brings this story to a close, but we are very interested in more stories with this story structure. The way this one concludes has us remembering that you learn and grow so much more form failure than success. Co-Book of the Week United States of Captain America exceeded our admittedly high expectations, the creative shows a deep understanding of who Steve Rogers is and that knowledge is only surpassed by their obvious love of the character. Our other Book of the Week, Crossover #7 once again showcases the pure emotion that Chip Zdarsky can infuse into a comic story. What makes this issue even more impressive is that Chip not only infuses this issue with emotion, but manages to give huge emotional weight and context to the entire series of Crossover based and what we learn in this issue. Fantastic Stuff! Jace also gives a run down on some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for.

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom! discuss the DC books for the week of June 29, 2021. It's a fifth Wednesday this month and as is often the case, DC is taking advantage of the extra Wednesday to release some Annuals. We also get a print version of the Digital First Infinite Frontier: Secret Files and we celebrate 80 years of Green Arrow. The Catwoman Annual is wonderfully written and gives us our first background on Father Valley. It turns out he has ties to Azrael and how that might play out is very intriguing. Also the art in the book is top notch. Over in the Teen Titans Academy Annual we get some of the long desired character work for some of the students of the academy but still plenty of Red X also. The Infinite Frontier Secret Files isn't mandatory reading to understand what is going on in the Infinite Frontier mini-series, but it certainly does give more context and we do recommend picking it up. Finally the Green Arrow 80th Anniversary special does an incredible job of encapsulating so many of the most iconic eras of the Emerald Archer. Both with the narratives and the art, we find ourselves at times transported back to certain periods of the Green Arrow comics and we love that so many of the creators from those books join us here. Plus there is an incredible tribute to Denny O'Neil who certainly was a very important creator when it comes to defining Oliver Queen.

Jace catches up with the creative team for Slow City Blues, Samuel Haine, Shawn Moll & John Livesay. With only about 10 days left before the end of the campaign on July 6, the guys chat about the success of the crowdfunding so far. There is also a bunch of conversation about Shawn Moll joining the project and how the process of collaboration has been between all the creators. The guys also discuss main character, John Loris's hair ... in detail.

Jace chats with writer Patric Lewandoski about his all ages graphic novel Future Girl. A simple time travel premises with two young protagonists, this is the perfect gift for young readers. There are some really great ideas and concepts in the story that can engage older readers as well. Plus if you really want to look at deeper meanings of our desire for continued existence and the consequences of our actions, there is plenty of that to. All this narrative is presented with a clean and simple art style that is pleasing to look at as well as proving the right tone and pace for the story.