The Comic Source Podcast

Absolute Superman #1 - November 6th, Writer - Jason Aaron, Artist - Rafa Sandoval, Color Artist - Ulises Arreola

Absolute Superman debuts in comic shops on November 6th, but writer Jason Aaron gives us some hints of what to expect live from SDCC 2024. Aaron discusses keeping the core of the character the same while creating a different backstory for a Superman who is very isolated. We also get some hints of how Kal-El may be honoring or perhaps mourning the loss of his home world. How he arrives on Earth and his upbringing remain a mystery, but it is clear that Aaron is very excited about what's to come. This is a common theme among the creators at DC involved in the Alll In initiative, many of them expressed the temptation to say too much in their eagerness to share the stories they have crafted with DC fans.

At SDCC 2024 we attended the Energon Universe Press Room from Skybound. In attendance from the publisher were Senior VP/EIC Sean Mackiewicz, Chairman/Co-Founder Robert Kirkman, Artist Tom Reilly and writers Joshua Williamson and Daniel Warren Johnson. It was at last year's comic con that the Energon Universe really kicked into high gear with the preview of Johnson's Transformers #1 handed out during the Energon Panel. Also the barest of hints were given about how the G.I. Joe property and characters would be introduced and incorporated into the Energon Universe by Williamson. Well, what a year it has been, by all accounts the Energon books have been a critical and commercial hit with long-time fans of these properties as well as new fans enjoying the incredibly rich universe Skybound has built in only a year. There's plenty for the panel to talk about when it comes to fans, both new and old, as well as some teases on what's to come. The recently announce G.I. Joe team book will arrive later this year from the creative team of Williamson and Reilly and attendees of this year's Energon panel got a sneak peak along with a special ashcan preview. It is clear that the sky is the limit for this universe with passionate creators like these, along with those creators not in attendance, at the helm. You can hear the press conference in it's entirety on our podcast feed or watch it on The Comic Source YouTube channel. You will also find the fill press release and preview art for the 2024 Energon Panel below.

Jace chats with the creative minds behind Black Market Narrative. From their action-packed Massive-Verse titles to the true crime noir feel on the streets of Pittsburgh that we get in No/One, it's clear that this group is at the top of their game. Kyle Higgins kicks it off with some exciting news about an upcoming No/One feature film that is going to level up the immersion of this story even beyond the amazing podcast that already accompanies the series. Plus Kyle talks a bit about getting back in track with Radiant Black starting next year when the book will go back to being released once a month. Brian Buccellato, Kyle's writing partner on No/One chats with us about conspiracies and the end of the series with issue #10 that may see some fans wondering why they question of No/One's identity was left unanswered. Melissa Flores talks about The Dead Lucky and what comes next for Bibi now that she has driven Morrow out of San Francisco. We finish up with Ryan Parrott, who has taken Rogue Sun on quite a journey already, but it's safe to say, there are a lot of villains to come!

Jace and Rocky talk about a very small week for DC Comics with only 3 titles dropping. We get the conclusion of the Red Hood story set in the Hill, plenty of Super-Pets abound in the Bitedentity Crisis and another Amazo robot is revealed in Task Force VII.

Jace chats with writers Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody) and Robert Venditti (Tankers, Hank Howard, Pizza Detective) about their upcoming project from Bad Idea, Planet Death. Kolstad gives the origin of the project and how it went from story treatment to comic while Venditti talks about the excitement of helping to adapt the story from the start. Also the art work from Tomas Giorello is absolutely next level. There's a lot to unpack here so dig in!

Jace welcomes writer J.M Dematteis back to the show to talk about the second phase of his DeMultiverse project. In case you aren't familiar, J.M. reminds us what each of the books is about and the guys dive a little bit into the themes of the stories. With incredible narratives, spectacular linework and gorgeous colors these are stories that offer such a depth of story while providing so much variety. Be sure to listen in and go join the campaign.

Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics titles for the week of July 24, 2024. It's the week of San Diego Comic Con so Jace kicks it off by wondering if this should be a skip week for the books as so much of the attention in the world of comics is focused on the biggest convention of the year. The guys then dive into the books as Absolute Power starts to ramp up, a new chapter of Nice House kicks off and the Batman of Dark Age gets a sidekick. Listen in for details on all these books, plus how have Jace's feelings for Amanda Waller changed? You didn't think it was possible, but it has happened!

Jace chats with Sara Kenney and Kiana Firouz about the recently released She Could Fly Documentary Escape Game. Inspired by the incredible She Could Fly comic by Christopher Cantwell and Martin Morazzo this game is designed to help dispel the misinformation and cliches associated with OCD. Drawing from documentary style clips from real people who live with OCD, the game is hugely educational and emotional at times. The puzzles are engaging and entertaining with proceeds going to programs to help strengthen mental health services.

Jace chats with Michael Calero and Kevin Roditeli from Massive Publishing about what sets them apart from other publishers. Also, they chat about some of the partnerships they have had so far and their upcoming partnership with Devil's Due for the Disavowed series that will make it's debut with an ashcan at SDCC 2024. Plus what other plans and exclusives are in store for comic con.

Jace and Rocky breakdown the October solicitations from DC Comics. With the release of these not only has DC confirmed the rumored creative teams for the new Absolute Universe, they have also revealed the new creative teams for many titles in the main line. Several titles will have the same creative teams returning and with few exceptions these seem to be the titles that are selling the best.

With these announcements it is clear that DC is, indeed, ALL IN on trying to revitalize a line that has been relatively well received critically over recent years, but as lagged in sales. It remains to be seen whether the excitement of this initiative can bring back lapsed readers, and more importantly, attract new fans.

The recent All In announcement on YouTube from Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson appears to have meet with mostly a positive reaction. More details about what's to come starting in October will be revealed at the rapidly approaching San Deigo Comic Con.