The Comic Source Podcast

Robert Kirkman is building an expansive new superhero universe with Terminal, and at San Diego Comic-Con Jace from The Comic Source sat down in the press room with Kirkman, Andy Kubert, Arthur Adams and David Finch to talk about what makes the series different. Kirkman discusses the influence of '90s X-Men and the desire to bring that same bold, in-your-face energy back to superhero comics, while creating two opposing factions where readers may not immediately know who the heroes and villains actually are. The conversation explores Kirkman and Joe Casey's long-term plans for a story designed to dramatically evolve by issues #12, #25 and even #50, Arthur Adams returning to interior work, David Finch tackling a different visual world after Skinbreaker, and Andy Kubert balancing the energy of his classic X-Men work with everything he has learned since. Kirkman also explains why Terminal may be his most collaborative individual comic yet, with Kubert, Adams and Finch contributing character designs, influencing one another's work and being given the freedom to change pacing, layouts and even expand moments from the script when they see a better visual solution. Plus, Kirkman addresses comparisons to The Walking Dead, why he wants Terminal to become its own thing rather than "the next" anything, and why making the best comic possible will always come before thinking about potential film, television or animation adaptations.

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00:00 Robert Kirkman Wants Terminal to Bring Back '90s Comic Energy 01:04 What Is Terminal? The '90s X-Men Inspiration 03:01 Arthur Adams Returns to Interior Comics 04:54 David Finch on Terminal After Skinbreaker 06:12 Who Are the Good Guys in Terminal? 07:56 Kirkman's Long-Term Plans for Issues 25, 50 & Beyond 09:14 Building Terminal With Multiple Artistic Voices 11:26 Kirkman Calls Terminal His Most Collaborative Comic 12:04 Andy Kubert Recreates the Energy of His X-Men Era 14:50 Is Terminal the Next Walking Dead? 16:05 Why Kirkman Isn't Designing Terminal for Hollywood 17:28 Giving Artists Freedom to Change the Script 19:12 Cliffhangers, Surprises & Keeping Readers Coming Back 20:04 Kubert, Adams & Finch on Designing Terminal Characters 21:58 David Finch on Drawing His Favorite Artists' Designs

Garret Dillahunt joins Jace to discuss Lanterns, his mysterious role as William Macon, working with Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, and why he believes the series may have found the right tone for Green Lantern. The conversation also dives into Dillahunt's lifelong comic-book fandom, Neal Adams' Green Lantern/Green Arrow, Tom King, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, practical effects, San Diego Comic-Con and the challenge of translating the Green Lantern mythology to live action.

Chapters-

00:00 – Lanterns & Working With Kyle Chandler 02:31 – Sci-Fi, Comics & Why Lanterns Feels Different 07:29 – William Macon & the Mystery at the Heart of Lanterns 11:03 – Terminator, Practical Effects & the Lanterns Production 15:07 – Comic-Con, Comic Fandom & Sneaking Onto the Show Floor 17:43 – Can Lanterns Finally Crack Green Lantern in Live Action?

Che Grayson joins Jace from the floor of San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to discuss the breakout reception to Absolute Catwoman and the creative freedom that came with reinventing Selina Kyle without the restrictions of traditional continuity. Grayson explains the collaborative process with Scott Snyder, how Bengal's artwork helped establish the book's slick and cinematic identity, and why every gadget, trap and globetrotting set piece is connected to Selina's emotional journey. They also discuss Absolute Cassandra Cain, the deeper history connecting the book's characters and the still-unrevealed "original wound" at the center of Selina's story. Che also shares an update on Exquisite Corpses and the upcoming Fox Mask Killer spin-off. Follow The Comic Source: https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource Chapters 00:00 Selina's Original Wound 00:21 Introduction and *Dark Spaces: Good Deeds* 01:10 The Reception to *Absolute Catwoman* 02:36 Reinventing Selina Without Continuity 03:25 Working with Scott Snyder 05:46 Building a Character-Driven Globetrotting Story 06:15 Absolute Catwoman Versus Absolute Batman 06:51 Working with Bengal 07:35 Bringing a Cinematic Style to Comics 08:33 Cassandra Cain and More Surprises 09:01 Selina Kyle's Unrevealed Original Wound 09:38 *Exquisite Corpses* and *Fox Mask Killer* 10:19 Final Thoughts

Jace and Rocky break down all 10 DC releases for the week of August 5, 2026. In Absolute Superman #22, Superman risks being poisoned by Metallo's kryptonite blood because he knows reaching Christopher Smith emotionally is the only way to end the fight. In Batman #12, Verity is living up to the Pennyworth name as mention of her training and her quick thinking impresses Bruce and Damian while five highly trained killers each demonstrate their methods in a series of murders. Could their missions be tied to Gotham's newest threat? In Absolute Green Lantern #17, Jo confronts Mu as the issue adds more fascinating cosmic concepts, but seventeen issues of undefined terminology leave even the central conflict difficult to understand. But the issue does deliver the origin of Absolute Jessica Cruz and a great scene of Tomar-Re being fired like a bullet. In Adventures of Superman: Book of El #11, even though Superman has been reunited with Osul and Otho, the battle is not over. Kal-El is determined to stop Kryl-Ux even while trying to save him from himself and the grief of losing his family that has twisted his soul. In Deadman #3, Deadman travels through Hell to rescue a soul Rama Kushna says does not belong there, only for him to be shocked when Lucifer shows him proof the soul is where it belongs. The devil's got receipts. In Batgirl #22, Cassandra learns that Victoria was both her childhood friend and rival assassin. Both girls were manipulated by David Cain and Dr. Forget-Me-Not, respectively, in an experiment to build the perfect killer. The resolution for this one feels a little abrupt, but the possibility that Victoria may still be alive hints at more to come for this storyline in the future. In JSA #22, Jim Corrigan refuses to reclaim the Spectre, forcing the Spirit of Vengeance to seek a surprising new host from within the JSA. Kid Eternity fulfills her previously unknown mission to find that host, but turns down the chance to recover her memories and move on to the afterlife so she can remain with the team and continue to make a difference. In Supergirl: Survived #3, Kara's love for Kal drives her to attempt the impossible, using a Blue Lantern ring to recreate Krypton for both Kal-El and Hal Jordan. It's an emotionally powerful moment, but the issue takes an unexpected turn when an Elseworlds version of Mister Mxyzptlk arrives, shifting the story away from the hard sci-fi direction it had been building toward. In Gotham Academy: First Year #6, the final issue reveals more about Olive Silverlock, but the predetermined need to position every character for the beginning of Gotham Academy Vol. 1 leaves the story feeling paint-by-numbers. The rushed maneuvering from the end of issue #4 makes the conclusion feel both overstuffed and choppy, while surprisingly little of consequence actually happens. In 100 Bullets: The U.S. of Anger #2, the issue provides so little usable context that neither a new reader nor someone familiar with the original series can clearly explain who the characters are or what is happening. The series does seem to be appropriately named, though, as the anger the issue is steeped in feels all too real. While the story hasn't come together yet, the simmering anger of the U.S. reflected here feels authentic. They also give a rundown of this week's collected editions, reprints and facsimile releases. As always, all books are ranked from top to bottom and each host gives a Book of the Week pick.

00:00 — DC Week Overview, SDCC Aftermath & Comic Promotion 17:49 — Absolute Superman #22 35:27 — Deadman #3 43:03 — Absolute Green Lantern #17 57:44 — Supergirl: Survived #3 1:04:19 — Batman #12 1:13:51 — Batgirl #22 1:18:18 — Gotham Academy: First Year #6 1:21:19 — Adventures of Superman: Book of El #11 1:29:23 — 100 Bullets: The U.S. of Anger #2 1:37:20 — JSA #22 1:45:42 — Collected Editions, Reprints & Facsimiles 1:53:17 — Rankings & Books of the Week

Jeremy Adams joins Jace at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to discuss the increasingly powerful version of Aquaman currently reshaping Arthur Curry's place in the DC Universe. Jeremy explains why he keeps expanding Aquaman's abilities, how the Justice League is beginning to recognize the threat he could represent, and why the title's readers have become part of a special "Aquaman club."

Jeremy also talks about Kyle Rayner's throwback Green Lantern showcase, Kyle's relationship with Odyssey, the return of Jade and Major Force, and upcoming developments that could fundamentally change Green Lantern for years.

Finally, Jeremy previews the animated adaptation of Batman: Knightfall, including its violent tone, terrifying portrayal of Bane, appearances by Azrael and Tim Drake, and the challenge of condensing the massive comic storyline into an 85-minute movie.

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00:00 Introduction from San Diego Comic-Con 00:35 Kyle Rayner's new Green Lantern spotlight 02:15 Jade, Major Force and major Green Lantern changes 02:56 Kyle and Odyssey's relationship 04:45 Aquaman can't be stopped 07:15 Why Jeremy keeps increasing Aquaman's power 09:03 Finding Aquaman's personality and purpose 10:22 The future of Aquaman and the "Aquaman Club" 11:53 Bringing Batman: Knightfall to animation 13:20 Closing

Josh Williamson and Hayden Sherman join Jace to discuss the return of Legion of Super-Heroes.

Williamson explains the years-long process that led him to the series, his conversation with Mark Waid, why Superboy needed to return to the center of Legion mythology and why Lightning Lad serves as the emotional point of view for the opening story.

Sherman discusses designing the future of the DC Universe, creating different visual languages for the Legion's many planets and drawing inspiration from classic Legion stories, European science-fiction comics, 2000 AD, Ronin, Judge Dredd and Spider-Man 2099.

They also discuss introducing the enormous Legion cast gradually, honoring the property's passionate fan community and preserving the hope that has always defined the team.

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00:00 Pre-Interview Conversation 00:38 Introduction 01:00 Why Josh Williamson Chose Legion of Super-Heroes 03:52 How Hayden Sherman Joined the Series 06:49 Balancing Legion with Absolute Wonder Woman 06:56 Comics, Community and Lightning Lad 12:38 Building the Legion's Character Dynamics 14:04 Designing Distinct Worlds and Cultures 16:49 The Science-Fiction and Comic Influences 19:48 Hope at the Heart of Legion 20:19 Preordering and Final Thoughts

Christopher Cantwell joins Jace during San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to discuss an ambitious slate of upcoming work spanning Gotham City, the Green Lantern universe and the final frontier.

Cantwell begins by discussing his role on the second season of Lanterns. A longtime Green Lantern reader who previously wrote Hal Jordan in Challengers of the Unknown, Cantwell describes the project as the television assignment he would have selected for himself and praises the distinctive approach established by the first season.

The conversation then turns to Cantwell's two-issue Gotham Central story within the Bad Seeds event. Gotham's police department has been compromised under Commissioner Vandal Savage, leaving Jim Gordon, Espinosa and a small collection of honest officers attempting to solve a murder while carrying out orders issued by the city's corrupt leadership.

That storyline establishes the foundation for Gangs of Gotham. Anarky is placed in Gotham's East End and ordered to unify its gangs before the district is bulldozed. Although he continues to consider himself an opponent of corrupt institutions, the promise of influence forces him to confront whether he still believes his own revolutionary rhetoric or has become another person willing to compromise everything for power.

Stephanie Brown is simultaneously operating undercover inside the Street Demons biker gang. She has risen to become the gang's second-in-command, but Batman is the only member of the Bat-family who knows where she is. Cantwell describes a Steph who remains highly capable but is becoming increasingly isolated and resentful as her messages to Bruce go unanswered.

Cantwell also explains how the series incorporates established characters including Jim Gordon, Arnold Flass, Harvey Bullock, Holly Robinson, Magpie and the Ten-Eyed Man while creating an entire ecosystem of gangs built around food, fuel, shelter, information and protection. Instead of treating the East End as interchangeable scenery, the series examines how abandoned institutions and limited resources force communities to develop their own hierarchies and systems of survival.

The discussion concludes with Cantwell's upcoming Star Trek series, which examines exploration, colonization and the psychological pressure created when a crew enters genuinely uncharted territory.

00:00 Introduction and Lanterns Season 2 03:47 Gotham Central and the Bad Seeds setup 05:49 How Gangs of Gotham begins 07:13 Stephanie Brown undercover 08:07 Anarky, power and hypocrisy 10:57 Jim Gordon and Gotham's honest cops 13:49 Building Gotham beyond Batman 15:18 Why Anarky matters now 18:43 Community, survival and found family 21:01 Batman's absence and Steph's isolation 23:45 Arnold Flass and Gotham's corrupt system 25:53 Holly Robinson and the East End 27:17 Cantwell's new Star Trek series 29:11 Final thoughts and preorder reminder

Marvel is laying out its future after Avengers: Armageddon, with a new Avengers series from Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto, Maximum X-Men, Eddie Brock reuniting with Venom, new books for Mary Jane Watson and Spider-Woman, and several other major announcements. This week I break down what Marvel's post-Armageddon direction could mean, along with DC launching new ongoing series for Vixen, Static and Steel, the continued expansion of the Absolute Universe, and Terminal #1 reportedly selling 300,000 copies before taking the top spot on the Prana Bestseller list. I also cover the biggest announcements from Image, Skybound, Dark Horse, IDW, Oni Press, Archie, BOOM! Studios, Mad Cave, Ignition Press and San Diego Comic-Con, along with this week's hottest books, two weeks of Prana Top 10 Best Sellers, and the biggest Final Order Cutoff recommendations for August 3.

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00:00 Marvel, DC & Terminal Headlines 01:05 Intro and SDCC Catch-Up 04:12 Marvel After Avengers: Armageddon 16:10 Midnight Universe, WEBTOON & Manga 23:22 Spider-Woman, Indiana Jones & Mangaverse 26:26 Muppets, Stormbreakers & Marvel Masterworks 30:57 DC News — Vixen, Static & Steel 36:11 Batman, Gotham & DC Next Level 44:04 The Absolute Universe Expands 54:02 Image Comics & Skybound 01:00:06 Terminal, Battle Beast & Savage Dragon 01:07:58 Dark Horse Comics 01:13:43 IDW & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 01:17:15 Oni Press & Archie Comics 01:19:32 BOOM!, Mad Cave & Ignition Press 01:27:19 Bill Sienkiewicz Documentary & Eisner Awards 01:32:03 The Warbird Movie Rumor 01:34:36 What Hit 01:37:54 Prana Top 10 — July 15 01:43:30 Prana Top 10 — July 22 01:47:56 Final Order Cutoff 01:55:24 Closing & Comic Source Weekly Shirts

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/maximum-x-men-assemble-avengers-armageddon-aftermath-december-2026

https://www.marvel.com/articles/live-events/sdcc-2026-san-diego-comic-con-all-the-marvel-news-recap

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/chip-zdarsky-marco-checchetto-launch-avengers-1-ahead-of-doomsday/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-punisher-will-join-marvels-avengers-in-the-wake-of-armageddon/

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/friendly-neighborhood-mary-jane-and-venom-new-comic-series-queen-in-black-aftermath

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/spider-woman-ongoing-marvel-series-by-dan-watters-andrea-broccardo/

https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/indiana-jones-and-the-sword-of-pandemonium-bold-new-era-marvel-comics-december-2026

https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/30/marvel-webtoon/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-comics-launch-a-new-manga-line-in-japan-with-kadokawa-for-2026/

https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/31/marvel-first-look-marvel-mangaverse-web-of-blood-ghostlock/

https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/31/marvel-50-years-the-muppet-show-covers/

https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/31/marvel-autumn-fall-stormbreakers-variant-covers/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-first-new-marvel-masterworks-books-from-clover-press-revealed/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/deniz-camp-reveals-details-of-upcoming-batman-shadow-of-the-bat/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-dc-announces-absolute-black-canary-and-beyond-ark-m-one-shots-at-absolute-universe-panel/

https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/rob-liefelds-highly-anticipated-avengelyne-comic-book-set-to-launch-this-october-series-already-in-pre-production-for-adaptation

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-robert-kirkman-talks-terminal-invincible-and-transformers-in-robert-kirkman-live/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-sanford-greene-announces-bitter-root-black-white/

https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/scott-snyder-jocks-horror-masterpiece-gets-expanded-remastered-wytches-vol-1-pledged-edition-this-fall-ahead-of-tv-show-adaptation

https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/jaw-dropping-savage-dragon-281-sells-out-at-distributor-instantly-rushed-back-to-print-this-week

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-image-unleashes-its-artists-for-a-frank-panel-discussion/

https://www.darkhorse.com/newsfeed/dark-horse-books-presents-stranger-things-the-first-shadow/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/dark-horse-dnd-ongoing/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-dark-horse-mattel-barbie-comics/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-072326/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/ignition-pavilion-packs-in-five-times-the-capacity-of-hall-h-at-sdcc/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2026-eisner-award-winners-announced-at-sdcc/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/would-keanu-reeves-play-the-lead-in-a-bad-idea-comics-warbird-movie/

https://bleedingcool.com/comics/produce-this-last-nights-bad-idea-comics-san-diego-comic-con-party/

https://www.comicsbeat.com/bad-idea-warbird/

Jace and Rocky break down all five DC releases for the week of July 29, 2026. DC's Hawk Girl Summer #1 delivers an entertaining mix of standalone stories that give several underused DC characters a chance to shine, including great stories starring The Shining Knight and Kid Eternity. In Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2026 Annual #1, after the Flash, Batman and Superman all become trapped by the same villainous setup, Alfred and Pa Kent are the ones who figure out how to save them. In Justice League: Knightvision #1, Batman and Lex Luthor pursue Prometheus after their shared vision, while his use of Apokoliptian technology plants more seeds for Darkseid's next move against the heroes of the DC Universe. Detective Comics 2026 Annual #1 pairs a comedic Black Mercy story involving Batman and Lobo with a much darker Professor Pyg backup, giving readers two very different but entertaining stories. In Superman 2026 Annual: Year 1000 #1, Superman's decision to restore every version of the Legion gives the Darkseid-controlled Legion a chance at redemption while placing all of the team's different incarnations back on the table. They also discuss San Diego Comic-Con, the convention's lighter slate of major announcements, Jace's upcoming interviews with Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman and Christopher Cantwell, and the success of the Ignition Press pavilion. As always, Jace and Rocky rank every reviewed book and reveal their Books of the Week.