The Comic Source Podcast

Jace and Jay talk about a few of the books they have read from the week of April 28, 2021. They both choose Shadecraft #2 as their Book of the Week as the second issue gives us a big chunk of story and really highlights the relationship between Zadie and her brother Ricky. This creative team pulled us in with a compelling and mysterious premise in the first issue and now they are giving us substantial characterization and momentum for the narrative to keep is hooked. Summoner War Legacy is a mix of animation style art with RPG themes and really works as a fun read with a world to be explored. Meanwhile Two Moons #3 gives us more spectacular art with some interesting characters in a period piece that makes so much sense. Shadowman #1 starts a new adventure for Jack Boniface and it feels like a fresh start, whether it will ultimately work remains to be seen. Shadow Doctor #3 has us exploring the past of Nathaniel while he deals with a crisis in the present wherein his decisions have everything to do with what he is learning in those past glimpses we see. Nuclear Family #3 gives us our first close look at the McClean children who are not waiting around to be rescued but instead are trying to find the answers to where they are and the time travel mystery they have been thrown into. Over in Department of Truth #8, after having spent the last few issues exploring the origins of the department, we are back on to the main narrative and building momentum for something big. Also Jace gives a rundown on what other titles you might want to be on the lookout for today.

Jace and Rocky from the Comic Boom YouTube channel talk in depth about the DC Comics releases for the week of April 27, 2021. Action Comics #1030 feels more like a Superman comic that the book has in awhile and we hope it continues to have this feel despite the fact that the Jon Kent storyline continues to be problematic. Harley Quinn #2 is a bit frustrating for jace because of the dual narrative of Hugo Strange's elevation as well as the continuing progression toward the Magistrate, Rocky felt that the strength of Harley's characterization helped to overcome these problems. Meanwhile Batman Back & White had some of the best art for the series so far, even though all the stories aren't exactly page turners. Detective Comics leans to much on tropes of Batman stories from the past, but the art is top notch. Robin #1 was a pleasant surprise and Jace in particular hopes DC has the guts to lean into the ending of the issue and really shake up the status quo. Teen Titans academy #2 is also a step in the right direction though the heavy-handedness of the Red X storyline as well as the tease for the guest appearances for next issue were a bit disappointing. Finally Batman Superman #17 continues to be one of, if not THE best comic DC is putting out, from the spectacular artwork to the interesting narrative this comic is just FUN!

Jace welcomes writer Christopher Cantwell back to the show to talk about his upcoming Vault series The Blue Flame. This new series will explore some big ideas with dual storylines set in the down to earth city of Milwaukee and the far reaches of space. Starting from the premise that any hero and certainly a 'super'hero is inherently setting themselves up for failure through the simple fact that they can't be everything and everywhere for everyone. That idea is can then be distilled down and applied to all of us as we live our lives and try to make positive contributions to the world. The guys also chat a bit about Christopher's current Iron Man run, a tease for the return of She Could Fly and more. Join us for this fun and engaging conversation.

Jace and Rocky of 'Comic Boom' discuss the latest DC news. Tom Taylor is the new writer on Superman: Son of Kal-el with artists John Timms. Grant Morrison is the writer for Superman and the Authority with artist Mikal Janin. Tom Sheridan returns as the writer for a 4 issue Shazam series. Tom King writes Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. And we can't forget to mention Dan Jurgens returning to the character he created, Booster Gold in an 8 issue series with Blue Beetle titles appropriately, Blue and Bold! We also discuss the Final Four titles that have survived the DC Round Robin; namely, Green Lanterns: Underworld on Fire, Robins, Blue Beetle: Graduation Day and Suicide Squad Seven.

Jace welcomes creator Mathew Groom back to the show. The guys chat about Mat's current Kickstarter campaign that has already funded for Inferno Girl Red. From the inspirations, to the creative team and all the world building in between, Mat let's us get a peek behind the scenes on the development of the project and why many of the creative decisions went one particular direction or another. He talks in depth about the motivations and characterizations not just of Inferno Girl Red aka Cassia Costa, but also about the supporting cast, including Cassia's mother. They also touch on some of the rewards that are being offered, including a life-size wearable Inferno Girl Red helmet! Mat let's us know about the stretch goals and takes about his hopes for the character long term. There is a lot to unpack here and there is already a great Inferno Girl Red community that has sprung up around this Kickstarter, so be sure and give the episode a listen, go check out the campaign and pledge so you can join the fun.

Jace chats with writer Arvind David about his most recent project Gray. A re-imagining for modern times of the classic Oscar Wilde story of The Picture of Dorian Gray. This conversation goes in depth and behind the scenes on the impetus behind Arvind bringing this story to life for a new generation. There is also much discussion about representation and the choice t make this Dorian Gray a woman. Arvind speaks desire to bring as many female voices onto the project as possible. Plus Jace and Arvind discuss the artwork and look of the world for the graphic novels. One of the most exciting aspects of this story is the third part of the story which will be an audio drama that ties into the two graphic novels. A superb voice cast will bring that part of the campaign to life and answer some lingering questions purposely left by the narrative of the books. This is a very in depth conversation with a versatile, thoughtful creator that is perfect for a nice relaxing listen with a glass of your favorite wine or cocktail. So be sure to take your time, soak it in and go check out the campaign for Gray.

Jace and Jay take a spoiler-free look at some of the titles hitting stands the week of April 20, 2021. Aliens #2 gives us plenty of action and all the gory goodness you would expect from a good Aliens story. HaHa #4 is sufficiently strange and weird with a double narrative. Post Americana #5 get a little into the clichés of post-apocalyptic tales, but we still expect good things to come. Knock 'Em Dead #4 takes a big leap forward in the narrative but still lands with weight and we loved it. Way of X #1 brings some very heavy philosophical questions about life, death, resurrection, religion and the very fabric of mutant society, plus the return of a classic X-character. Spider-Woman #11 sees Jessica return to her classic costume and we absolutely love it, it is also a bit of a return to the status quo for Jess and a perfect jumping on point for new readers. Captain Marvel #28 continues the incredible run of Kelly Thompson on the character as Carol continues to search for a solution to the horrific possible future timeline she has recently returned from. Stray Dogs #3 ends in such a way that it really hit home with Jay and he cant' wait for issue #4 and gives issue his Book of the Week. Meanwhile for Jace, Radiant Black #3 is the best issue of the series so far as we see the most human side yet of Nathan and all creative types everywhere can probably relate to his struggles. Jace also gives a rundown on some of the other titles you might want to be on the lookout for.

Jace and Rocky talk about the DC books for the week of April 20, 2021. Justice League and Flash give us the second issues of those story arcs and still feel like they are setting things up for their respective storylines. Nightwing #79 is also a second issue and although not as weighty as the first, still has more emotion and weight than the two previously mentioned titles. Catwoman had the guys split, Jace also felt like this was a setup issue although very well done. Rocky really liked it, appreciating it's technical aspects as well as it's compelling narrative and characterizations. Both of the guys felt that Superman Red & Blue was just ok while wondering if the limited palate is actually hurting some of the stories. Finally Batman Fortnite Zeropoint was an interesting start that the guys enjoyed despite their limited knowledge of the ubiquitous video game. We sure hope it pulls in some Fortnite players and converts them into comic readers.

Jace and Rocky battle through another Bad Idea takeover to chat about Eniac #2. The story is still superb, but the guys wonder what twists may be on the way. The action is non-stop just like the first issue, but the second issue didn't feel quite as weighty as the first issue. Not to say there isn't a lot here, because it is still top notch storytelling. Is it the emotional beats that Eniac seems to have? Is it that we haven't had a chance to catch our breath as the two super spies, Olivia Fletcher and Allison Falk are seemingly three steps behind Eniac despite their best efforts? Hard to say, but we do love where the story is going and try to predict where things might be heading. Plus we get a B-Side that is truly engaging, compelling and mysterious. Can't wait to see more of it!

Jace chats with comic creator Benjamin Morse about his current Kickstarter campaign for We Are Scarlet Twilight. This golden age comic inspired title is about Captain Lancet who is inspired by many classic comic superheroes as well as characters like Buck Rogers & Flash Gordon. Jace and Ben talk about the creative process that Ben uses in his work goign from script to visuals and especially the challenge of matching color with the right story beats. Plus lots of talk about story design, Kickstarter logistics and even aprons! This a a really fun conversation about a highly-anticipated project that is already fully funded.