The Comic Source Podcast

Jace and Rocky break down the DC releases for the week of April 15, 2026. Lobo #2 is discussed as a surprise standout with its corporate bounty hunter premise, meta humor, and unexpected fun factor, while Deathstroke the Terminator #2 follows Slade Wilson through an extremely violent and grief-driven search for whoever is manipulating him after Wintergreen's death. Superman Unlimited #12 centers on the return of a younger Jon Kent, the sacrifice being made by the older Jon Kent as Tomorrow Man, Lois being brought to tears by seeing Jon again, Damian's suspicion that something is wrong, and the possibility that the returned Jon may not actually be the real younger Jon. Nightwing #137 focuses on the sniper situation on the Blüdhaven bridge and the contrast between Batman and Nightwing's approaches, while Batwoman #2 features Kate Kane in a brutal confrontation that appears to end with her using lethal force to save her father. New Titans #34 reveals Cyborg split into separate human and cybernetic entities, Catwoman #84 continues Selina Kyle's conflict with Black Mask and Katarina Beloff as her inner circle is targeted, End of Life #3 blends absurd humor, strong action, and emotional material with Eddie Stallion caring for his dying father, Wonder Woman #21 continues the Wonder War storyline with its possible-future setup and split narrative structure, and Absolute Batman #19 is discussed in terms of its shock-value storytelling, Scarecrow's appearance feeling more like future setup, and a major character death that lands as wasteful rather than earned. As always, the episode also includes the week's rankings, Book of the Week discussion, and a rundown of the reprints and collected editions.

Jace is joined by Cody to break down Geiger #1 from Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, exploring the debut title that launched the Ghost Machine publishing imprint. The discussion covers the post-apocalyptic setup of Tariq Geiger, the nuclear event that transforms him, and the introduction of key world-building elements including the Unnamed War, the Las Vegas factions, and the early hints of a shared universe. The episode also touches on how Geiger evolves from a seemingly self-contained story into a broader connected narrative within Ghost Machine.

Jace takes a look at the first three issues of D'Orc from Image Comics, breaking down the story, humor, and overall execution to evaluate whether the book's rapid rise in the aftermarket is supported by the actual reading experience. With discussion of the creative work from Brett Bean, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, and Nate Piekos, the episode examines the structure of the first three issues, the use of familiar fantasy elements, and how the tone balances cartoon-style violence with comedic intent. The conversation also explores how low initial orders, FOC attention, and social media momentum contributed to the book's visibility, along with whether that attention reflects long-term value or short-term demand. A comparison is made to a key past fantasy humor comic to provide additional context for how a similar concept performed over time.

Jace reviews Web of Venom #1 from Marvel Comics. The issue introduces a new symbiote and a new host, with Boomerang playing a central role, while raising questions about the growing number of symbiote-related titles. The discussion covers what works in the issue, including the core concept and accessibility, as well as concerns about overexposure and whether the story adds meaningful value to the broader Venom mythos.

Jace and Rocky break down the DC releases for the week of April 8, 2026. Gotham City Sirens is discussed with its standout Babs Tarr art, strong variant covers, and battle with the villain Horoscope, while Bleeding Hearts #3 continues the story from Poke's perspective as the zombie's inability to communicate with the surviving mother and child adds to the tension. Firestorm #1 launches DC's Next Level take on the character with Ronnie Raymond apparently trapped, Firehawk brought in to investigate, and the mystery of who is really controlling the Firestorm Matrix left unresolved. Nice House by the Sea #9 deepens the contrast between Walter's and Max's houses, raises questions about whether the destruction of Earth is even real, and continues exploring the changing dynamics between the people chosen to survive. Green Lantern Corps #15 focuses on John Stewart confronting Parallax and his past with help from Soranik Natu, while the Manhunters turn Aya's apparent victory into a trap by taking over her body. Action Comics #1097 follows Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, and Mary Marvel traveling back to Superboy's era as Epoch steals the rocket that brought Kal-El to Earth. Supergirl #12 centers on Kara waking up in Kandor as a cybernetic Supergirl after being badly injured, with Black Flame's rebellion, the city's secrets, and Team Thunder all adding to the conflict. Emperor Aquaman is discussed with Arthur continuing to establish himself as "Emperor of the Blue" by setting up lighthouses across the universe, gaining King Shark's allegiance following his DC KO vision, and fulfilling a prophecy on another world by freeing a parasite-controlled race. Absolute Green Lantern #13 shifts to Ran, introducing Rack Shade, the M Zone, Professor Sardin, Alana, and Emily Hawk as the mythology around the Black Stars and the Controller of Mu continues to expand. As always the episode also includes a rundown of the week's reprints and collected edition releases, as well as Jace and Rocky rankings for all the books and their picks for Book of the Week.

Jace reviews Royals #1 from Image Comics, written by Derek Kirk Kim with art by Jacob Perez. The episode covers the introduction of brothers Castor and Paul, their psychic connection used to gain an advantage in televised poker tournaments, and the early setup involving a high-stakes game against casino owner Dasham Kang. The discussion also touches on the character dynamics between the brothers, the use of telepathic communication, the poker sequences that drive the issue's tension, and the implications of their actions as the story begins to expand into a larger crime narrative.

Jace is joined by writer Pornsak Pichetshote to discuss his upcoming Absolute Green Arrow series, including the tone, themes and approach to the character within the Absolute Universe. The conversation also covers his Day 2 Substack project, focusing on navigating a career in comics after breaking into the industry, along with thoughts on current trends in comics, the success of the Absolute line and how creators balance their voice when working on established characters.

Jace of The Comic Source is joined by Rocky from Comic Boom! for this week's DC Spotlight as they break down a lighter but still varied week of DC releases. Batman/Superman: World's Finest #50 gets discussed for its Dr. Destiny dream story, Superman's dream Supermobile, and a backup featuring Robin, Supergirl, Batgirl and Jimmy Olsen in a rivalry-fueled mystery. Batman/Static Beyond #5 continues to build around older Static mentoring a younger Batman Beyond while Failsafe and the larger Q-energy conflict move the story forward. Adventures of Superman: Book of El #7 delivers another dense chapter in the House of El saga with Otho-Ra, the future descendants of Superman and the larger science fiction mythology continuing to expand. Batman #8 is a slower setup issue centered on Bruce Wayne's conversation with Alan Scott, the threat of Vandal Savage, and Gotham's mayor Poison Ivy turning the city against Batman and Robin. Absolute Superman #18 stands out with Lois Lane confronting Talia al Ghul over her father's death, Ra's al Ghul showing the effect Superman has had on him, and the issue introducing Absolute versions of John Henry Irons and King Shazam while also hinting at the Phantom Stranger. Poison Ivy #43 continues G. Willow Wilson's character-driven run with Pamela Isley using her position as mayor to go after Gotham's corruption, while also advancing the fallout with Harley Quinn, Janet from HR and the consequences of Bob Venus. Bizarro: Year None #1 offers a different take on Bizarro through a Jimmy Olsen and Perry White focused story that sends them to Bizarro World, with the Daily Planet itself playing into that world's creation. JSA #18 wraps up the Year One material while also including more of the Search for the Spectre backup and its focus on the newer generation of Justice Society characters. Mad About DC #1 serves as a full Mad Magazine-style send-up of DC characters, creators and fandom with multiple standout gags and a tone both hosts found genuinely funny. Batgirl #18 leans deeper into the Spirit World mythology, Cassandra Cain's growing connection to the Wu clan, and the question of whether Lady Shiva is capable of redemption. The episode also includes a rundown of the week's collected editions along with rankings for the books discussed and selections for Book of the Week.

Daredevil is getting a fresh start with a brand new #1 from Stephanie Phillips and Lee Garbett — but after the last run left a lot of fans frustrated, the real question is whether this reset actually fixes what wasn't working. In this review, Jace takes a look at Daredevil #1 and breaks down what works, what doesn't, and whether this new direction brings Matt Murdock back to the street-level hero fans have been missing. From stronger pacing and action to a compelling new villain in Omen, this issue feels like a true return to form — but is it enough to win fans back long-term? Let us know your thoughts in the comments — did you stick with the last run, or are you jumping back in with this new #1?