The Comic Source Podcast

Jace and Manny talk about Star Wars #13 - War of the Bounty Hunters Prelude. This is the second part of the epic story that fills in some gaps in the Star Wars universe. Not only is writer Charles Soule exploring what happened to Boba Fett after he left Cloud City to deliver Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt and collect his bounty, we get our first hints in this issue of the Jedi lessons Luke Skywalker learned after the end of the Empire Strikes back and before he showed up at Jabba's Palace himself claiming to be a full Jedi Knight. The clues in this story along with the return of a fan favorite Wookie are very much welcome and help to enrich the story and the Star Wars universe. The art & colors are perfectly suited to the style and tone of the narrative which matches the feel of the original movies so well. The whole creative team is firing on all cylinders here.

Star Wars War of the Bounty Hunters Prelude Alpha

Writer - Charles Soule. Artist - Ramon Rosanas, Color Artist - Rachelle Rosenberg, Letterer - Clayton Cowles

Jace welcomes veteran comic creator John McCrea back to the show. The boys chat about John's current Kickstarter for The Dead Eyes artbook. This is a must-have for process junkies as you not only get John's amazing artwork, but you get the scripts from Gerry Duggan that John is working from. Ton's of notes from John about why and what decision he made, what works and what doesn't. So much great information in this book! Plus John talks about his upcoming issue of Swamp Thing coming in June from DC guest-starring Constantine. It's always a really fun time when John comes on the show so join us and be sure to go check out the campaign and share it on social media!

Jace and Jay talk about some of the books hitting comic shops the week of May 12, 2021. Black Cat continues the story of a deal Felicia Hardy wishes she hadn't made. Maniac of New York is barreling toward the end of the story but whether or not our two protagonist can win the day may depend on the hint of an origin to Harry the Maniac we see in this issue. Heroes Reborn #2, Hyperion and the Imperial Guard #1 and Peter Parker Shutterbug #1 all start to flesh out the world Jason Aaron has built without the Avengers, we see some familiar faces, but without the Earth's Mightiest Heroes, things just aren't the same. Silver Coin #2 raises an interesting question about just what the coin does to the people who come to possess it, or is it the other way around? X-Corp #1 gives is a look at the cut-throat world of the boardroom in the Marvel universe as the mutants attempt to establish themselves as a corporate force promoting their pharmaceuticals. Spider-Woman #12 gives us plenty of action, but it is the surprising development in Jessica's personal life that may be the most significant part of this issue. Speaking of personal lives, Dan Slott is building plenty of inter-personal drama amongst the Fantastic Four family and we have to wonder if the team will survive the fall-out when secrets are inevitably revealed. Project Patron adds a new wrinkle to the story we thought we were getting about the dynamics of the world's most secret agency whose members are responsible for keeping the Patron active. Ice Cream Man #24 gives us a telethon wherein viewers are asked to pledge to save a man's life, so why is no one pledging? You'll have to read it to find out. Geiger #2 has a bit of a time jump from the end of #1, but it further fleshes out the world the creators are building as well as introducing some new characters we think will be pretty important moving forward. Time Before Time isn't your typical time travel story as it is firmly established that time and events cannot be altered, so why bother to time travel at all? Well turns out it is a great way to escape from people looking for you, but that is just the start of the story. Children of the Atom #3 has some big events now that we have gotten to know the team, but will our young heroes be able to survive what's coming with little experience in such monumental events? Giant Size Spider-Man King's Ransom finishes off some long-running storylines that started all the way back in Amazing Spider-Man #1, but the consequences of the events of this issue haven't even begun yet. Jay gives Scout's Honor #5 his pick of Book of the Week as it comes to a satisfying conclusion, packed full of action & emotion just as this series has been from the start. Jace goes with Silver City #1 as his Book of the Week, not only for an intriguing narrative with many, many layers, but for the absolutely stunning art both in linework and color. Also Jace gives a rundown on some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for.

Black Cat #6

Writer – Jed McKay, Artist – Michael Dowling, Color Artist – Brian Reber, Letterer – Farran Delgado

Children of the Atom #3

Writer – Vita Ayala, Artist – Paco Medina, Color Artist – David Curiel, Letterer – Travis Lanham

Fantastic Four #32

Writer – Dan Slott, Artists – R.B Silva & Javier Rodriguez, Color Artist – Jesus Aburtov, Letterer – Joe Caramagna

Spider-Woman #12

Writer – Karla Pacheco, Pere Perez, Color Artist – Frank D'Armata, Letterer – Travis Lanham

Geiger #2

Writer – Geoff Johns, Artist – Gary Frank, Color Artist – Brad Anderson, Letterer – Rob Leigh

Giant-Sized Amazing Spider-Man King's Ransom #1

Writer - Nick Spencer, Artists - Roge Antonio with Carlos Gomez & Ze Carlos, Color Artist - Alex Sinclair, Letterer - Joe Caramagna

Heroes Reborn #2

Writer - Jason Aaron, Artists - Dale Keown, Carlos Magno, Scott Hanna, Ed McGuiness & Mark Morales, Color Artists - Edgar Delgado & Mathew Wilson, Letterer - Cory Petit

Hyperion and the Imperial Guard #1

Writer - Ryan Cady, Artists - Michelle Bandini, Elisabetta D'amico & Stephen Byrne, Color Artists - Erick Arciniega & Stephen Byrne, Letterer - Cory Petit

Peter Parker The Amazing Shutterbug #1

Writer - Marc Bernardin, Artists - Rafael De Latorre, Ron Lim & Scott Hanna, Color Artist - Jim Campbell, Letterer - Ariana Maher

Ice Cream Man #24

Writer - W. Maxwell Prince, Artist - Martin Marazzo, Color Artist - Chris O'Halloran, Letterer - Good Old Neon

Maniac of New York #4

Writer - Elliott Kalan, Artist - Andrea Mutti, Letterer - Taylor Esposito

Project: Patron #2

Writer - Steve Orlando, Artist - Patrick Piazzalunga, Color Artist - Carlos Lopez, Letterer - Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Scout's Honor #5

Writer - David Pepose, Artist - Luca Casalanguida, Color Artist - Matt Milla, Letterer - Carlos M. Mangual

Silver City #1

Writer - Olivia Cuartero-Briggs, Artist & Color Artist - Luca Merli, Letterer - Dave Sharpe

Star Wars #13

Writer - Charles Soule, Artist - Ramon Rosanas, Color Artist - Rachelle Rosenberg, Letterer - Clayton Cowles

Time Before Time #1

Writers - Declan Shalvey & Rory McConville, Artist - Joe Palmer, Color Artist - Chris O'Halloran, Letterer - Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

X-Corp #1

Writer - Tini Howard, Artist - Alberto Foche, Color Artist - Sunny Gho, Letterer - Clayton Cowles

Silver Coin #2

Writer - Kelly Thompson, Lines, Colors & Letters - Michael Walsh

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom talk in depth about the DC books for the week of May 11, 2021. We have a giant-sized celebration of Asian creators and characters that clocks in at 100 pages. A new limited series that supposedly tells the last story of the Justice League kicks off with incredible art. The third issue of Batman Urban Legends continues to give us an amazing Red Hood story and the Grifter story is just as good if not better. Rorschach #8 deepens the mystery and we can't wait to see how the creative team brings it all together. Superman #31 has a VERY appropriate line from Jon Kent we hope DC takes to heart even if the rest of the story is only ok. Future State Gotham leaves a lot to be desired and as of the first issue we recommend you skip it. The second issue of Batman the Detective sets up some big events for the series that could tie into Bruce's past. Wonder Woman #772 gives us more of the crossover between the Norse and Greek mythologies and we feel it is working very well. Finally the Joker title continues to star Jim Gordon and we couldn't be happier with how it has played out so far, superb.

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom! discuss Tankers #1 and the wild and crazy story Robert Venditti is unfolding. Also a lot of discussion on just how insane the idea is on its merits and how no real scientist would buy into it. All that is incidental to just how much fun the issue is and how great the art suits the story. The guys also talk in detail abut Eniac #3. Lots of speculation on the motivations of the sentient computer and what it's end game may be. The guys also wonder if Olivia Fletcher may be the key to destroying Eniac through some secret maneuver her mother may have planned out years ago. The B-Side feature in the story is a reprint of the highly sought after Hero Trade and the guys talk about the insanity of the price of the individual book on the secondary market and how it can possibly be worth the price people are asking. Tons of great info in this episode so we hope you join us.

Jace and Manny talk about Star Wars War of the Bounty Hunters Prelude Alpha. This is the first part of the epic story that fills in some gaps in the Star Wars universe. Have you ever wondered what happened to Boba Fett after he left Cloud City on Bespin on his way to drop off Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt? Well the superstar creative team of Charles Soule, Steve McNiven & Laura Martin give us the first art of the answer in this issue. Action packed with incredible artwork, it's a perfect issue. Whether you have ever read a Star Wars comic or seen any of the movies, this issue is easily accessible and gives you everything you need to know to enjoy the ride. The guys also love how it adds to what we know about Boba Fett and his personality while feeling completely referential and accurate in terms of tone and Star Wars canon. A must-read for anyone who has seen or enjoyed the original Star Wars trilogy.

Jace is joined by John Jackson Miller of the Comichron website to discuss how comic sales are tracked. They also speculate on the future of sales tracking with all the current upheaval in the industry in terms of comic distribution. With literally decades of knowledge and a unique understanding of the sales in the industry over time John is perfectly suited to give some insight into why it is important to look at these circulation numbers. He also explains why, despite the further corporatization of the industry in recent years, publishers may very much be willing to share their sales numbers and even use them as a means of self promotion. This is a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of the comic industry and it's retailers so we hope you enjoy it.

Jace and Jay talk about a few of the books hitting stands this week. Spoiler-free thoughts on this titles so you know what you might want to pick up when you hit your local comic shop. Star Wars War of the Bounty Hunters has all the classic feel of the first three movies. Boba Fett really shines and it is clear that this creative team loves Star Wars as much as us. Batman #108 gives us our first in-depth look at Miracle Molly, but it is a look Jay doesn't really like as her costume just isn't doing it for him. Deep Beyond gets Jace's pick for Book of the Week as the story ratchets up with the introduction of a ton of new story elements that just dialed the narrative all the way up to eleven. Heroes Reborn while showing some potential feels a bit derivative and weirs, considering the way Marvel marketed this event, do they even care about it? Nocterra #3 is Jay's Book of the Week with incredible color work by Tomeu Morey and so much emotion. Jay and Jace both comment on how much we have become invested in these characters already based on the emotional narrative the creators are giving us. The artwork is also second to none as both guys specifically call out the amazing color work by Tomeu Morey. The Good Asian #1 also is an emotional issue as we meet the protagonist for the first time who has a foot in two different worlds but seems to be accepted by neither. Baby Teeth by Dony cates returns without missing a bit as we get a big reveal at the end that feels like it may be leading to the climax of the series. Speaking of returns, a few issues ago Jace mentioned that after a couple slow months Immortal Hulk felt like it had returned to its glory days and was ramping up to something big! Well after reading the latest issue we have an idea of just what the big event might be. Can't wait for the next issue. Also in this episode Jace gives a rundown on some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for at your comic shop this week.

Jace and Rocky from Comic Boom! take a look at the DC books for the week of May 4, 2021. Starting off with Suicide Squad #3 which Robbie Thompson brings the perfect amount of humor to, but we wonder if this issue wouldn't have been better served by coming out before Teen Titans Academy #2. Swamp Thing #3 continues to be a high quality title as Poison Ivy makes an appearance the art takes an even more lustrous turn with gorgeous colors. Crime Syndicate #3 gives is our first look at Alexander Luthor, but the guys wonder if the version still has some evolving to do. Green Lantern #2 has some of the most consequential events we have seen in a Lantern book in a long time, the only question is how long will these changes stick? Batman #108 gives our first in-depth look at Miracle Molly and she may be the most interesting of all the new characters we have seen debuting in this title over the last year. Finally the second issue of Batman Fortnite is tons of fun and fans of the video game will get even more out of it than those who haven't played it.

Jace chats with up and coming writer Kathryn Gailey about her current campaign for The Architect and The Conduit. It's a dual narrative telling the story of two distinct settings one rooted in magic and nature and the other a sci-fi marvel. Kathryn has teamed up with veteran DC artist Brian Ching to bring this world to life.