The Comic Source Podcast

Jace looks back on the first Christmas Superman spent in Metropolis and how he learned a lesson about not trying to do everything alone. The Man of Steel starts off by deciding that he will attempt to prevent all crime in the city as his gift to his new home. However, not even Superman can be everywhere at once. Also many of the citizens of Metropolis take it upon themselves to help out where they can. Whether they are inspired by Superman I can't say, but it is an important message to remember in this holiday season that you are never truly alone if you choose to reach out to others.

In the best tradition of the holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life, Superman gets a glimpse of what the future will be like without him. It's a powerful reminder of how impactful Kal-El is ways he doesn't even realize. He must always remain as a symbol of hope for all of us for in doing so he reminds is all of how to strive for the best in ourselves. Taking it even one step further it reminds us to look for the best in each other. A wonderful reminder of how we all may impact and influence others in out own lives without realizing it.

Jace explores the relationship between Superman and Batman which is perfectly displayed in a couple of DC holiday stories. Not only is it a relationship that is built on a foundation of mutual respect and admiration, it is foundational to the relationship of the next generation of heroes. We see so many of the qualities from Clark and Bruce's friendship in the relationship between Jon and Damian. As important as continuity can be, it is important to remember that maintaining it should be in service to story, character and preserving the charm of the DC universe that is a product of the relationships between it's characters. It's a great lesson to remember during the holiday season so that we can all remember not to take the relationships in our own lives for granted.

It's another Superman holiday episode as Clark rings in the New Year back home in Smallville. Unfortunately, it isn't for celebratory reasons, but rather a mistake from the past that he is facing at long last. It is also a reminder to all of us about the responsibility we all have to keep each other safe. It's a good lesson and one that the Kents instilled in Clark at a young age, which makes the mistake Clark made all the more tragic. A classic story from the Triangle Era of the Man of Steel with a good message for us all.

Jace comments on a very relevant Superman story about the spirit of the holidays and what it means to give to your fellow man. This one gets a little preach-y so apologies in advance, but we just want to remind everyone about the needs of so many, especially around the holidays and even beyond them. The problems many people face are brought home in a poignant fashion to the Daily Planet family when they learn that one of their own has been facing very difficult challenges all on her own. There's a lot to love about the message this issue sends, and also a lot to reflect on as we all need to be reminded at times that collectively we need to do more for those that are struggling.

We have reached the end of Warlock as Jace talks about the final issue. It is not the end of the relationship between Thanos and Adam Warlock however, we learn that Thanos has big plans that he has been keeping hidden even from Gamora. However, the galaxies most dangerous female senses that Thanos is withholding from her and even more interesting despite her debt to Thanos, she is beginning to suspect she should be working to stop him rather than help him. Another very interesting aspect to this issue is Starlin revealing the existence of 5 more Infinity Gems. The seeds for all that comes later with the Infinity Gauntlet were planted very far back indeed.

Jace tackles the final chapter of the epic struggle between Adam Warlock and his evil future self the Magus. Can Warlock succeed in vanquishing his much more powerful & evolved self? Will Thanos succeed in his machinations to aid Warlock for the Mad titan's own nefarious purposes? Just how big a price is Warlock willing to pay and how can he win. We get the answers to all this, plus tons of action and some great character moments, especially from Gamora & Pip the Troll.

Jace joins Dark Knight Nation and ComicBoom! to talk all about the future of DC Comics. We've finally seen the solicitations for March and have an idea of what's coming after Future State, so how do the guys feel about it? What do they have to say about the nearly 100% new roster of creators that will be working on the various titles? Also they talk about the potential storylines and whether they might work. Some speculation on what announcements are to come as well as whether the new formats can catch on. It all winds up with some talk about the consequences if this initiative falls flat. There's a lot to digest in this GIANT-SIZED double-length episode!

Jace continues the Thanos Reading Order by diving deep into Warlock #10. We learn why Thanos is on the side of good right now as he teams up with Adam Warlock to defeat Adam's evil future counterpart from the past. Sound confusing? Well give this episode a listen so Jace can break it down for you. All this plus classic Jim Starlin art and a recap of the Thanos arc from Captain Marvel given by Mar-vell himself!

Jace continues looking at the history of Thanos with Warlock #9. This is the story that begins to entwine the destiny and narrative of these two cosmic cornerstones of the Marvel Universe. A brief rundown of Adam Warlock's history followed by a breakdown of this issue with culminates with the first reappearance of Thanos in publication history following his defeat and seeming destruction at the end of Captain marvel #33. Also this issue is where we first learn of the connection between Thanos and Gamora, who we now know as the Mad Titan's adoptive daughter.