The Comic Source Podcast

Jace breaks down three DC Comics titles. We explore the world of present day in which the Nazis won World War II. For years after the war the heroes of the Freedom Fighters were hunted and eventually killed, but now a new generation of heroes has emerged. They are taken up the name and fight of their fallen forebears and giving their all to bring about the return of Uncle Sam and achieve a final victory over the Third Reich. In the pages of Justice League #20 we get a look at a Utopian world, the world that Superman entered the sixth dimension to find, one where the Justice League found a way to defeat Perpetua and prevent the perversion of the universe she has been planning, but just as everything seems to be idyllic, we see some cracks start to show. What do Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl learn from their supposed future child? What does it say that Bruce Wayne is the one hero no longer present in the future timeline? And most importantly, just who is the future Superman and why has he trapped the original in a void without sunlight? Finally in Aquaman #45 Kelly Sue DeConnick continues to build upon the grand mythos she has created for the world Aquaman finds himself in following his apparent death. We learn that Callie's mother is far more than she seems and everything from Callie's being left behind to the poisoning of the waters surround the Village of Unknown Water has been part of a scheme by Namma to eventually bring about the destruction of the world. Luckily as the issue ends it appears Arthur may have more allies than he realized and they will be coming from an unlikely group.

Jace chats with YouTube creator Danny Malt about his early origins falling in love with comics and eventually that leading him to want to share that love by creating content on YouTube. We discuss the nuts and bolts of how Danny puts together episodes as well as some of the challenges and setbacks he has faced and overcome.

Jace and Jon-Paul dive head long into what may be the most important comic of the while Hickman era. House of X #2 gives is a look at Moira MacTagert in a way we've never seen before. Her mutant power of reincarnation, unrevealed before now, gives her a unique perspective on the human-mutant condition. Her many lives are spent in an orderly and scientific manner testing many different scenarios to allow mutants to survive or even thrive in a world dominated by normal humans. Which solution is correct? Will any of these plans work? What about her mysterious sixth life? Why is still hidden from us. There are many questions that we receive answers to but just as many that remain unknown.

Jace talks about the Oberon series from AfterShock. It's a fanciful adventure filled with fairies, goblins and magic, much like you would expect from a story mostly set in the World of the Fae. However, the themes explored go far beyond just your usual adventure story of this type. Ryan Parrot explores ideas of love, loyalty and truth in a very powerful way. This is the perfect type of story to share with children from about the age of 9 and older. It makes for a wonderful bedtime story and can spark some great conversations about this universal themes.

Jace chats with writer Ryan Parrot about the incredible AfterShock series Dead Day. It starts with such a simple question, what would you do if your loves ones got to come back from the dead for one night? From that simple question comes a world and story with limitless possibilities, from the ideas of righting wrongs to taking revenge to having a chance to say goodbye. It is such a huge idea because not only are there consequences for the dead, there are so many implications for the living. It could fundamentally change the moral contract of society. You know how much we love comics that make you think and Ryan has does that here in spades. All this and we haven't even mentioned the story that we are given in the context of this world, that highlights chances for revenge, what obligations the living might feel for those who've passed, the idea of coming back to see your legacy and finding a way to truly rest in peace.

Jace covers Superman #10 as the mystery of Jon's time jump in age is answered. The loop is closed here for Jon's trip to outer space, his relationship with Jor-El and being thrown onto Earth-3. We get some great moments between Jon the child as Lois and Clarks as his parents. That pain and anguish of the time missed for these two with their only child is so obvious. We also get some amazing facial expression and emotion from Ivan Reis. The cosmic-ness of Superman as a hero and character is very evident in the story Bendis is crafting.

Jace dives into Supergirl #27 as the Omega Men and Supergirl fight to escape the clutches of Hokum. Meanwhile Z'ndr and Gandelo face off and we find out the relationship and connection they share. We are reminded of the greatest strength of Supergirl, which is her compassion and empathy, but will it be enough to stave off the ultimate plan of Hokem even as she teams up with the Omega Men?

Jace chats with writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson about his work on Future State Superman Worlds of War. They also discuss worldbuilding in story especially as it pertains to The Last God Black Label title Phillip did for DC. There is also a lot of discussion about respecting the work that comes before, the unique challenges of writing the Man of Steel and the challenge of creating story for characters that have been around for such a long time. There is a lot of great info in this episode from Superman to Aliens so we hope you enjoy it.

Jace breaks down Silver Surfer #35 as Thanos is indeed back among the living. He introduces himself to the Surfer and gives the reasons for being resurrected by Death. They ring a bit hollow to Jace, but fans of the MCU will find them sounding familiar. Despite the fact that the Silver Surfer has never met Thanos it takes no time at all for him to begin to be suspicious of Thanos's actions. Once Thanos lays his plans bare and even reveals how he has already manipulated the Surfer it is clear that Thanos has made a powerful enemy. These early stories of Thanos's return so brilliant build idea upon idea leading to the legendary Infinity Gauntlet story. Once again creator Jim Starlin is showing his mastery of the Marvel Comic as he creates this epic saga. Artist Ron Lim is the perfect choice to show the power, grandeur and action of this space opera.

Jace chats with Newsarama senior editor Chris Arrant about a variety of comic book industry subjects. How has the industry weathered the Coivd-19 pandemic? What are Chris's thoughts about some of the changes we saw in 2020? Also the guys discuss what changes we may still see coming in the next year or so. What is the feeling of creators in a general sense based on conversations Jace and Chris have had with the writers, artists and editors who make these books? What have the sales numbers been like after the last year? How about all the changes at DC? There is so much to think and talk about and we touch on a lot of it. Some of the talk is pure speculation, but when looking to the future of the industry some of the things discussed seem highly likely.