The Corner Box

The Corner Box is back, but David has some disturbing news: the show's latest #1 relaunch may have sent listeners running for the exits, and John thinks it's time to embrace legacy numbering. Also, John returns from NYCC with original Geoff Darrow artwork, stories of eye-watering convention prices, and a front-row seat to the changing comic book industry. Then David returns to the beautifully unhinged world of Atlas Comics' The Destructor, celebrating Archie Goodwin, Steve Ditko, and Wally Wood's four-issue superhero “masterpiece” while introducing Death Grip, Big Mike Brand, and a scene-stealing cowboy named Pepe. Throw in Ghost Machine's Geiger and Redcoat, John's fascinating discovery of vintage Will Eisner Spirit magazines, and a bizarre chain of comic book T-shirt encounters, and you've got another episode where the history, business, and glorious absurdity of making comics collide.

Captions:

[01:28] — The Curse of the New #1 — "But the thing that we forgot is that it can also be a jumping off point." — David Hedgecock. David reveals that The Corner Box's latest relaunch actually cost the show listeners, proving that the comic industry's favorite sales gimmick doesn't always deliver the desired results.

[03:52] — Rob Liefeld's Next Chapter — "Well I hope his next venture is Youngblood number one oh one and one oh two." — David Hedgecock. With Robservations coming to an end, David makes it clear he'd gladly trade weekly podcast episodes for more comics from one of his favorite creators.

[06:36] — The Collector's Dilemma — "If I'm gonna spend fifty bucks on a signed copy, I'm gonna spend another four bucks to get the edition that's in the comic book shop." — David Hedgecock. Liefeld's early-release Youngblood strategy exposes the strange but very real economics of comic collecting, where buying two copies makes perfect sense to the dedicated fan.

[10:12] — Comic Con Becomes a Shopping Channel — "The New York Comic Con was just the backdrop for it." — John Barber. John's encounter with Whatnot's massive live-streaming operation reveals how conventions are increasingly becoming stages for audiences who aren't even attending.

[16:13] — Comics Will Humble You — "Oh geez, that's brutal. Man, comics will humble you, man." — David Hedgecock. John describes the crowds lining up for Peach Momoko right next to Geoff Darrow's table, illustrating the unpredictable hierarchy of fame and attention in Artist Alley.

[30:01] — The Greatest Supporting Character Ever? — "Then, John, the greatest secondary character in the history of comic books is then introduced, John." — David Hedgecock. David's increasingly enthusiastic breakdown of The Destructor reaches another level when a purple-sombrero-wearing gangster named Pepe enters the story.

[37:10] — The Beautiful Trashiness of Atlas Comics — "There's something just kind of like slightly trashy about... even like seventies Marvel at Atlas. And I mean that in a really positive way." — John Barber. John identifies the gritty, unpredictable quality that distinguishes Atlas Comics from its more famous competitors and makes these forgotten superhero stories worth rediscovering.

Splash Page:

[00:27] — The Relaunch Curse & Rob Liefeld's Farewell: David and John confront the consequences of their latest #1, consider legacy numbering, and discuss the end of Robservations alongside Liefeld's direct-to-fan Youngblood publishing strategy.

[07:57] — New York Comic Con: Comics, Commerce & Chaos: John reports on NYCC's changing identity, from Naruto announcements and live-streaming shopping platforms to convention crowds, Artist Alley, and the shifting economics of original artwork.

[15:05] — Artist Alley, Big Names & Bigger Price Tags: Reconnecting with fellow creators, navigating Peach Momoko's popularity, discovering Geoff Darrow bargains, and encountering $9,000 Joe Quesada sketches.

[19:26] — Sugar Bomb Milk Run & the Return of Atlas Comics: David previews his upcoming Kickstarter before returning to his obsession with Martin Goodman's short-lived Atlas Comics and the extraordinary creative team behind The Destructor.

[26:00] — The Destructor #2: Death Grip, Pepe & Gangster Mayhem: Archie Goodwin, Steve Ditko, and Wally Wood deliver another outrageous superhero adventure featuring an electrified villain, a morally complicated mob boss, and one unforgettable supporting character.

[38:09] — Ghost Machine's Winning Streak: David catches up with Geiger and Redcoat, praising Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, and Bryan Hitch for delivering compelling, consistent creator-driven comics.

[39:06] — Will Eisner's Spirit: A Comic History Time Capsule: John explores a vintage Kitchen Sink Spirit magazine packed with Wally Wood artwork, conversations about storytelling craft, unfinished strips, and a remarkable wraparound cover.

[45:50] — Comic Book T-Shirts & the Small World of Fandom: John's convention wardrobe sparks an unlikely series of encounters involving the Jack Kirby Museum, fellow creators, and a TSA agent who knows his Dracula comics.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Rob Liefeld (https://robliefeldcreations.com/) - The Youngblood creator takes center stage as David and John discuss the end of his Robservations podcast, his history with John, and his strategy of offering signed, premium editions directly to fans before traditional comic shop releases.

Archie Goodwin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Goodwin_(comics)) - Legendary writer and editor whose scripts for Atlas Comics' The Destructor demonstrate how strong characterization, rapid-fire action, and outrageous villains can elevate a straightforward superhero adventure.

Steve Ditko (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Ditko) - Spider-Man co-creator and penciler of The Destructor. David celebrates Ditko's inventive storytelling and distinctive character designs, particularly the electrified villain Death Grip.

Wally Wood (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Wood) - Celebrated artist whose inking helped make The Destructor a visual powerhouse. John also revisits Wood's contribution to the science-fiction era of Will Eisner's The Spirit.

Geof Darrow (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geof_Darrow) - Artist behind Shaolin Cowboy and the subject of John's biggest NYCC art purchase. His convention pricing sparks a fascinating comparison with the increasingly expensive original-art market.

Peach Momoko (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach_Momoko) - Artist whose enormous convention popularity provides John with a memorable illustration of how dramatically fan attention can vary between neighboring Artist Alley tables.

Joe Quesada (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Quesada) - Former Marvel editor-in-chief and acclaimed artist whose $9,000 sketch covers leave John questioning the economics of original comic artwork.

Nick Dragotta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Dragotta) - Absolute Batman artist whose convention table draws extraordinary attention, prompting discussion about artist demand, commissions, and autograph pricing.

Chris Claremont (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Claremont) - Legendary X-Men writer whose consistently busy NYCC table demonstrates the lasting appeal of creators who shaped generations of comic storytelling.

Marc Silvestri (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Silvestri) - Veteran artist and Image Comics co-founder whose convention line earns a mention alongside other heavily sought-after creators.

Geoff Johns (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Johns) - Writer and Ghost Machine co-founder whose work on Geiger and Redcoat earns enthusiastic praise from David for its consistency and long-form storytelling.

Gary Frank (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Frank) - Artist of Geiger, one of the Ghost Machine titles David singles out as particularly strong after two years of ongoing stories.

What happens when DC Comics licenses Archie's forgotten superheroes, assembles a powerhouse creative team, and then seemingly does everything possible to sabotage its own success? Legendary writer and editor Paul Kupperberg returns to The Corner Box to take David and John behind the curtain of Impact Comics, revealing the editorial infighting, marketing resistance, and ambitious relaunch that never made it past Crucible. Things get especially interesting when an abandoned superhero registration storyline starts looking remarkably familiar to anyone who's read Marvel's Civil War, raising questions about where comic book ideas really come from. Paul also shares the heartbreaking circumstances behind firing legendary artist Gil Kane, defends deadline-saving industry veterans, and explains why comic book covers have lost some of their old-school magic. From unpublished Gene Ha and Dave Cockrum artwork to creator interviews, forgotten superhero history, and the brutal economics of publishing, this episode is packed with the kind of industry stories you won't find in a press release.

Captions:

[03:48] — A Comedy of Sabotage — "I was gonna say comedy of errors, but it was mostly comedy of sabotage." — Paul Kupperberg. Paul sets the tone for his account of Impact Comics' failed relaunch, where internal resistance may have been a bigger obstacle than the comics themselves.

[05:07] — Captain America Wasn't First — "The Shield was actually the first flag-themed comic book superhero. Predates Captain America by almost a year." — Paul Kupperberg. A reminder that Archie's superhero universe has roots stretching back to the Golden Age, including a patriotic hero who beat Marvel's most famous super-soldier to the punch.

[13:54] — All That Work for Nothing — "If there's one thing you gotta know about Christopher Priest, he loves to format his documents." — Paul Kupperberg. After describing an ambitious editorial proposal that went absolutely nowhere, Paul finds the humor in the enormous amount of work Christopher Priest put into making it look good.

[17:01] — Rooting Against Their Own Comics — "They would rather sell something that's gonna sell rather than attempt to sell something that's different." — Paul Kupperberg. Paul recounts an allegation from an internal memo suggesting that members of DC's marketing department were already anticipating the Impact relaunch's failure.

[25:31] — The Problem Nobody Wants to Solve — "You can do all the great comics you want for kids. Where are they gonna see them?" — Paul Kupperberg. A sharp observation about the industry's struggle to reach younger readers when the places where previous generations discovered comics have largely disappeared.

[28:23] — The Civil War Coincidence — "I'm sure it's a total coincidence that Joe Quesada, who read that document and was part of this relaunch from the beginning..." — Paul Kupperberg. An abandoned Impact Comics storyline involving superhero registration bears a striking resemblance to Marvel's later Civil War, prompting a fascinating discussion about creative influence, coincidence, and recycled ideas.

[36:31] — The Day Paul Fired a Legend — "And I had to fire Gil Kane." — Paul Kupperberg. One of the episode's most revealing moments takes a heartbreaking turn as Paul explains the circumstances surrounding his decision to replace the legendary artist on The Life Story of the Flash.

Splash Page:

[00:57] — The Forgotten Superheroes of Impact Comics: David and John welcome Paul Kupperberg for a look back at DC's early-'90s attempt to reinvent Archie's superhero universe, tracing the characters from MLJ and Mighty Comics through Red Circle and into the Impact era.

[08:35] — Great Talent, Failed Comics & Lost Stories: Why did Red Circle struggle despite artists like Steve Ditko, Gray Morrow, and Alex Toth? Paul discusses inconsistent creative direction, canceled projects, unpublished artwork, and the curious decision to license existing superheroes instead of creating new ones.

[13:11] — Behind DC's Editorial Civil War: Internal memos, Christopher Priest's leadership, editorial politics, and marketing resistance reveal how Impact Comics' attempted resurrection became a battle inside its own publisher.

[19:25] — The Impact Lineup & the Relaunch That Never Happened: Paul revisits The Fly, Black Hood, The Comet, and the remarkable creative teams behind Impact Comics before revealing details about Crucible, abandoned relaunch titles, and unpublished artwork from Dave Cockrum and Gene Ha.

[24:56] — Whatever Happened to Covers That Sold Comics?: From disappearing newsstands to uninspired modern cover designs, Paul explains why reaching young readers requires more than simply publishing comics for them.

[27:41] — Did Impact Comics Predict Marvel's Civil War?: An abandoned superhero registration storyline sparks a provocative discussion about Joe Quesada, Marvel's Civil War, creative coincidences, and the industry's long history of recycling ideas.

[31:13] — Gil Kane, Comic Book Legends & the Price of Making Art: The conversation moves from Stan Lee's early Marvel Universe to Gil Kane's extraordinary artwork, the painful circumstances behind Paul's decision to fire him, and the business realities that force editors to make difficult choices.

[40:08] — Paul Kupperberg's Next Chapter: Paul discusses his Direct interview books, upcoming Direct Storytelling project, Kickstarter experiences, pulp fiction, Crazy Eight Press, and the independent creative work keeping him busy.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Paul Kupperberg (https://www.paulkupperberg.net/) - Veteran writer, editor, and returning Corner Box guest whose firsthand experience editing The Fly and Black Hood provides the backbone of this episode. Paul discusses Impact Comics' troubled relaunch, unpublished stories, working with industry legends, and his ongoing interview books and independent fiction projects.

Christopher Priest (Jim Owsley) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Priest_(comics)) - Writer and editor who helped lead Impact Comics' attempted relaunch. Paul discusses Priest's ambitious editorial proposals, willingness to confront uncomfortable publishing realities, and memorable enthusiasm for document formatting.

Mark Waid (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Waid) - Prolific writer involved with The Comet, Legend of the Shield, and Crucible. His role in developing Impact's superhero universe makes him central to the discussion of the line's creative strengths and abandoned future.

Brian Augustyn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Augustyn) - Writer and editor who helped develop the Impact Comics relaunch alongside Mark Waid and Christopher Priest. His work on Crucible represents the final published chapter of DC's experiment.

Joe Quesada (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Quesada) - Artist who contributed to Crucible before becoming Marvel's editor-in-chief. His involvement in Impact's relaunch becomes particularly interesting when David discovers similarities between an abandoned superhero registration storyline and Marvel's later Civil War.

Gil Kane (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gil_Kane) - Legendary artist celebrated for his storytelling, figure work, and influential runs on Green Lantern and The Atom. Paul shares a deeply personal account of working with Kane, the circumstances surrounding his dismissal from The Life Story of the Flash, and the health issues that complicated the situation.

Gene Ha (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Ha) - Acclaimed artist whose unpublished Steel Sterling backup story, written by Paul Kupperberg, was intended for the abandoned Impact Comics relaunch. David and Paul discuss surviving artwork from the project.

Dave Cockrum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Cockrum) - Influential superhero artist associated with the X-Men and Legion of Super-Heroes. Paul reveals that Cockrum contributed artwork to an unpublished Comet relaunch, offering another tantalizing glimpse of what Impact Comics might have become.

Mike Parobeck (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Parobeck) - Artist whose work on The Fly helped give Impact Comics its accessible, classic superhero energy. Paul praises the title's early S

John Barber is MIA, so David Hedgecock recruits Fun Time Go Editor-in-Chief Chase Marotz for a post-New York Comic Con debrief featuring Kevin Smith, bargain-bin treasures, and the increasingly difficult task of finding actual comic books at a comic convention. The conversation takes a look into Grant Morrison's James Bond, DC's Absolute Universe, creator-owned success stories, and Chase's less-than-loving relationship with Absolute Batman. Then David unleashes his latest obsession, Mahdi Khene's gloriously unhinged Manhole Mayhem, proving that sometimes the best comics are the ones nobody saw coming.

Captions:

[07:23] — Never Meet Your Heroes? Kevin Smith Disagrees — "They say don't meet your heroes, but I've been watching Kevin's films since I was like thirteen." — Chase Mortz. Chase recounts how Kevin Smith unexpectedly crashed his Jay and Silent Bob gaming panel at New York Comic Con and turned a professional appearance into an unforgettable fan experience.

[10:27] — The Comic Con That Forgot the Comics — "Only in comics would the comic books get sidelined and shoved to the side of a comic convention." — David Hedgecock. After Chase describes the confusing placement of publishers and Artist Alley at NYCC, David delivers a painfully funny observation about the industry's place within its own biggest celebrations.

[16:48] — Grant Morrison Gets Bond, and Former IDW Editors Have Questions — "If we get big talent, we can sell more comics." — Chase Mortz. The announcement of Grant Morrison writing James Bond for IDW sparks a revealing discussion about creative budgets, editorial frustration, and the opportunities David and Chase struggled to pursue during their time at the publisher.

[20:30] — Betting on Yourself in an Industry That Rarely Pays Off — "I'm always for a comic success story when it feels like there's not very many of them." — Chase Mortz. James Tynion IV's success with Something Is Killing the Children and Tiny Onion opens a conversation about creator ownership, independence, and what happens when a writer builds enough of an audience to control his own publishing future.

[21:31] — Absolute Batman: All Suffering, All the Time? — "There are characters designed to receive suffering." — Chase Mortz. Chase delivers a pointed critique of Scott Snyder's approach to characterization, arguing that the blockbuster success of Absolute Batman doesn't necessarily make its storytelling choices work for every reader.

[36:50] — Marty Keene and the Art of Being an Outsider — "It's not amateurish, but it's outsider art." — David Hedgecock. David champions Marty Keene's Manhole Mayhem, an inventive parody that resurrects the bizarre black-and-white comics boom inspired by the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

[37:37] — Why the Physical Comic Still Matters — "I love it when the publisher thinks things all the way through like that." — David Hedgecock. A discussion of Manhole Mayhem, Gotham Central, and Death of Power becomes a celebration of thoughtful printing, paper choices, and how physical presentation can make an already good comic even better.

Splash Page:

[00:27] — Season Four, Same Comic Book Chaos: John Barber is absent, Chase Mortz returns as guest co-host, and David announces that last episode's The Destructor cliffhanger will remain unresolved because comic book continuity is apparently optional.

[03:09] — Conan, Continuity & the Funtime Go Archives: Christopher Priest's unconventional King Conan storytelling leads into David and Chase's work preserving decades of Conan comics, assembling Titan's omnibus editions, and navigating the realities of comics publishing.

[06:48] — NYCC: Kevin Smith, Bargain Bins & Missing Comic Books: Chase reports from New York Comic Con, including an unexpected Kevin Smith appearance, the convention's increasingly merchandise-heavy floor, Artist Alley's basement location, and the joy of discovering forgotten comics.

[12:47] — Harvey Awards, Stardust & Creator-Owned Ambitions: The conversation celebrates Nicole Goux and Mariko Tamaki's Harvey Award win, previews Dave Baker and Malachi Ward's Citizen Stardust, and explores upcoming Funtime Go projects featuring Mark Buckingham and Dave Stewart.

[16:41] — Grant Morrison's Bond & the Business of Big-Name Talent: IDW's James Bond announcement triggers a candid conversation about editorial budgets, Daniel Warren Johnson, Jason Aaron, and the importance of investing in creators who can move comics.

[18:32] — Tiny Onion, Absolute Batman & DC's Creative Gamble: James Tynion IV's publishing success leads into a spirited debate about Scott Snyder's Absolute Batman, Jason Aaron's Absolute Superman and Absolute Justice, and DC's impressive investment in distinctive artists.

[30:33] — Sugar Bomb Milk Run & the Outlaw Comics Underground: David previews his upcoming Kickstarter project before turning the spotlight on Marty Keene's Manhole Mayhem, an oversized, lovingly produced tribute to the strange history of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles parody comics.

[37:16] — Gotham Central & the Lost Art of Great Printing: Chase revisits the human side of Gotham City through Gotham Central, while David makes the case for premium paper, thoughtful book design, and physical comics that deliver an experience beyond the artwork itself.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Chase Mortz (https://funtimego.com) - Funtime Go Comics editor-in-chief, former IDW editor, and returning Corner Box guest host. Chase shares his New York Comic Con experiences, discusses the Conan archives, and offers some pointed opinions on DC's Absolute Universe.

Kevin Smith (https://www.viewaskew.com) - Filmmaker, comic book writer, and creator of Jay and Silent Bob. Chase recounts Smith's surprise appearance at his New York Comic Con gaming panel and the unexpectedly memorable experience of meeting a longtime creative hero.

Christopher Priest (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Priest_(comics)) - Veteran comic book writer whose unconventional handling of King Conan continuity becomes an entertaining example of what happens when a creator decides previous storylines no longer matter.

Larry Hama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Hama) - Legendary writer and editor associated with G.I. Joe, Marvel, and Conan. David and Chase discuss Hama's editorial involvement with the Conan material they are currently preserving.

Bill Sienkiewicz (https://billsienkiewiczart.com) - Influential comic book artist celebrated for his experimental illustration and distinctive visual storytelling. Chase discovers a collection of The Shadow featuring Sienkiewicz's artwork while hunting through NYCC bargain bins.

Howard Chaykin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Chaykin) - Acclaimed writer and artist known for American Flagg! and The Shadow. David recalls Chaykin's involvement with the character while discussing the different interpretations of the classic pulp hero.

Andy Helfer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Helfer) - Comic book writer and longtime DC editor whose work on The Shadow leads David into a discussion of Helfer's role in assembling the beloved Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire Justice League creative team.

Grant Morrison (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Morrison) - Acclaimed writer behind influential runs on Batman, Justice League, and numerous other comics. Morrison's newly announced James Bond project at IDW sparks a candid discussion about major creative talent, licensing, and editorial budgets.

Daniel Warren Johnson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Warren_Johnson) - Eisner Award-winning writer and artist known for Extremity, Do a Powerbomb!, and Transformers. David recalls trying to recruit Johnson for a Transformers project during his time at IDW, long before Johnson's eventual success with the franchise.

Jason Aaron (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Aaron) - Prolific comic book writer known for Thor, Avengers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. David discusses his growing appreciation for Aaron's recent work, including Bug Wars, 

It’s a shiny new #1 for The Corner Box  as Season Four kicks off with a suspicious amount of metallic ink, and David and John reacquainting everyone with the comic-industry scars that got them here. After reacting to the announced end of Marvel Unlimited and its replacement by the WEBTOON-powered Marvel Comics service, they rewind to 1974 and the gloriously spite-fueled creation of Atlas/Seaboard Comics. Martin Goodman wanted another Marvel, threw better page rates, returned original artwork, and partial character rights at top talent—and somehow the whole thing still cratered in roughly a year. But out of that wreckage came The Destructor, featuring Archie Goodwin, Steve Ditko, and Wally Wood operating at a level that sends David straight into comic-book evangelist mode. Mobsters, miracle serum, conveniently pre-made superhero costumes, Sea-Monkey ads, and one hell of a splash page prove that sometimes the back issue bin really does contain buried treasure.

Captions:

[01:06] — The Sacred Power of a New #1 — "As comic book guys, we only know one way to boost sales and boost ratings, and that is to put a shiny new number one on a thing." — David. Season Four begins with the oldest trick in the comic-book publishing playbook.

[15:30] — The Modern Business Model — "Let me make the experience worse for you, John, and then charge you more for it." — David. The Marvel Unlimited discussion becomes a painfully accurate critique of subscription services everywhere.

[24:07] — Comics: The Business of Hate — "And so begins the best sort of business in comics, which is the business of hate." — David. Martin Goodman’s anger over Marvel’s succession plans becomes the fuel behind Atlas Comics.

[25:52] — Atlas Was Weirdly Ahead of Its Time — "They promise that all original art is going to be returned to the talent. Something that was not normal at that time." — David. For all of Atlas Comics’ failures, its aggressive creator-friendly policies helped push the industry toward better treatment of talent.

[30:16] — Work for Atlas at Your Own Risk — "If Atlas doesn't make it, then maybe you're not gonna have a job when you come back on your hands and knees begging for work." — David. The hosts discuss the reported pressure facing creators who considered jumping from Marvel or DC to their new competitor.

[38:58] — Comics Have Officially Peaked — "I'm almost loathe to read another comic book because it'll never measure up to what I experienced with The Destructor." — David. Four obscure issues from 1975 apparently contain everything David has ever wanted from the medium.

[49:27] — You Can Feel the Legends Working — "Man, it's pouring off the page. You can just feel it. The legends are just working." — David. Archie Goodwin, Steve Ditko, and Wally Wood turn an almost-forgotten Atlas superhero into something far more memorable than its publishing history suggests.

Splash Page:

[00:27] — Welcome to the New #1: Season Four begins with chrome, metallic ink, introductions, résumés, and the comic industry's favorite sales gimmick.

[11:53] — Marvel Unlimited Gets the Axe: David breaks the news that Marvel Unlimited is being sunset and replaced by a new WEBTOON-powered Marvel Comics service.

[20:23] — The Strange Birth of Atlas Comics: Martin Goodman, Marvel history, family drama, revenge publishing, and the creation of Atlas/Seaboard.

[25:07] — Creator Rights, Courtesy of Spite: Higher page rates, returned original art, and partial character ownership help Atlas recruit an absurdly talented roster.

[31:19] — Why Marvel Characters Survived: John examines one of Marvel’s smartest early advantages—the interconnected universe that allowed failed characters to live on elsewhere.

[33:28] — The Scorpion Gets the Rug Pulled: Howard Chaykin, Alex Toth, Dominic Fortune, and one of Atlas Comics’ most spectacular mid-series identity crises.

[38:39] — Enter The Destructor: David cracks open Atlas’ four-issue superhero series and finds Archie Goodwin, Steve Ditko, Wally Wood, mobsters, vengeance, and superhero perfection.

[44:41] — Origin Story, Serum Included: Jay Hunter gets shot, Dad’s miracle formula actually works, a costume is conveniently waiting in the closet, and somehow Sea-Monkeys enter the equation.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Archie Goodwin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Goodwin_(comics)) - Acclaimed writer and editor who scripts the early issues of The Destructor and earns serious praise from both hosts for knowing how to write to an artist’s strengths.

Steve Ditko (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Ditko) - Co-creator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange and the interior artist on The Destructor, where David argues his work becomes especially potent under Wally Wood’s inks.

Wally Wood (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wally_Wood) - Legendary EC and Daredevil artist who inks Ditko on The Destructor and is singled out as a major reason the pages look so damn good.

Larry Lieber (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Lieber) - Writer, artist, editor, and Stan Lee’s brother who became one of Atlas/Seaboard’s key editorial figures and drew the cover of The Destructor #1.

Howard Chaykin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Chaykin) - Writer/artist behind the first two issues of Atlas’ The Scorpion, whose unused direction ultimately fed into Marvel’s Dominic Fortune.

Alex Toth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Toth) - Hugely influential artist and one of Chaykin’s idols, brought in on The Scorpion as the title abruptly transformed from period adventure to contemporary superhero comic.

Neal Adams (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Adams) - Superstar artist recruited by Atlas and a major creator-rights advocate discussed in connection with Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Larry Hama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Hama) - Writer and artist named among the formidable young talent Atlas managed to attract during its brief run.

Stan Lee (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Lee) - Martin Goodman’s nephew and central figure in Marvel’s rise, whose promotion instead of Goodman’s son Chip helps set the stage for the creation of the rival Atlas company.

Jack Kirby (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kirby) - Legendary Marvel architect discussed in connection with Stan Lee and the launch of Fantastic Four, the title that helped ignite Marvel’s superhero revolution.

Jerry Siegel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Siegel) - Superman co-creator whose fight for recognition and compensation becomes part of the episode’s larger conversation about creator rights.

Joe Shuster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Shuster) - Superman co-creator discussed alongside Siegel as the comics industry began confronting questions of ownership, credit, and compensation.

The Destructor (https://www.comics.org/series/2295/) - Atlas/Seaboard’s four-issue 1975 superhero series and the main event of this episode, featuring work by Archie Goodwin, Steve Ditko, Wally Wood, and later Gerry Conway.

Atlas/Seaboard Comics (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas/Seaboard_Comics) - Martin Goodman’s short-lived 1970s attempt to challenge Marvel and DC with aggressive talent recruitment and unusually creator-friendly terms.

Marvel Comics Powered by WEBTOON (https://marvel.webtoon.com/) - The new digital Marvel Comics service discussed by David and John as the successor to Marvel Unlimited.

Marvel Comics (https://www.marvel.com/comics) - The publisher whose rise under Martin Goodman, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and others provides the backdrop for Atlas’ creation.

The Scorpion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion_(Atlas/Seaboard_Comics)) - Howard Chaykin’s Atlas adventure title that underwent a dramatic creative overhaul only a few issues into its run.

Dominic Fortune (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominic_Fortune) - Howard Chaykin’s Marvel character connected to material origin

Three seasons, zero missed weeks, and one comic book genie later, David and John close out Season 3 by making three wishes for the future of comics. They tackle disappearing comics history, the sanding-down of the medium’s rough edges, and the need for better journalism and conversation around the people actually making the books. Daniel Clowes, Peter Bagge, Chris Ware, Frank Miller, Jim Starlin, Moebius, and Richard Corben fuel a bigger question: now that comics finally won the battle for cultural respectability, did they lose some of their outlaw energy along the way? Then David raids the back-issue bins for Larry Hama’s The Center Holds and the gloriously bonkers 1975 Atlas comic Planet of Vampires, while John wrestles with Green Arrow, The Invaders, Death’s Head, and the beautifully confusing excess of 1993 Marvel UK. It’s a Season 3 finale about preserving comics history, protecting the medium’s weird edges, and remembering why the stuff nobody quite knew what to do with was often the most interesting stuff on the rack.

Captions:

[06:24] — Save Comics History — "I'd like to see all of the Moebius comics be in print, in English, and available." — John. John’s first wish becomes a larger argument for keeping important comics available instead of letting major pieces of the medium’s history disappear into expensive back-issue bins.

[18:43] — Bring Back the Personality — "My wish is that in the next couple of years we learn the right lessons from things like Absolute Batman." — David. A Taco Bell encounter somehow becomes an argument for personality, risk, and why comics get boring when every rough edge gets sanded away.

[19:42] — More Outlaw Energy — "My top wish is going to be more outlaw energy in comics." — John. From Eightball and Hate to Frank Miller and Jim Starlin, John makes the case for the rebellious, idiosyncratic streak that once ran straight through alternative and mainstream comics alike.

[26:55] — Stop Sanding Down the Edges — "It's the shaving off, the rounding off, the sanding down of the edges and the roughness and the garage band rock and roll of it that we are in danger of losing." — David. Success isn’t the problem; safe sameness is, especially when it costs comics the personality that made them worth noticing in the first place.

[30:07] — Oh, We Won — "It's like, oh, we won. You know, the battle was the fun part." — John. After decades of fighting for comics to be taken seriously, John wonders whether finally winning that fight changed some of the things that made the medium exciting.

[34:33] — Empty Calories — "It's super convenient. It's empty calories, ultimately, I think." — David. David’s final wish turns toward comics journalism and why meaningful creator conversations matter even more when instant answers are easier than ever to get.

[57:46] — Planet of Vampires Is Insane — "That's just the first issue, man. It is a roller coaster ride. I'm not kidding." — David. Larry Hama, Pat Broderick, astronauts, nuclear apocalypse, cannibalistic nomads, fascist dome-dwellers, and blood harvesting send David headfirst into the Atlas Comics rabbit hole.

Splash Page

[00:24] — Three Seasons, Zero Weeks Missed: David and John celebrate the Season 3 finale—and the proud comic book tradition of boosting the numbers by relaunching with another #1.

[03:10] — Three Wishes for Comics: A suspiciously teapot-shaped lamp produces a comic book genie and three chances to fix something about the medium.

[06:24] — Keep Comics History Alive: Moebius, Richard Corben, Lloyd Llewellyn, Marvel’s kung fu magazines, and the frustrating reality of important comics becoming difficult or prohibitively expensive to read.

[15:19] — Bring Back the Outlaw Energy: A Taco Bell employee leads—somehow—to Absolute Batman, Eightball, Hate, Chris Ware, Peter Bagge, Frank Miller, Jim Starlin, and an argument for keeping comics messy, personal, and unpredictable.

[30:36] — Comics Need Better Conversations: David’s final wish calls for stronger comics journalism, better creator interviews, and more places willing to seriously cover the medium.

[35:54] — Sledge Hammer! Meets Marvel: David discovers Marvel’s bizarre 1988 Sledge Hammer! comic, complete with horror parodies, terrible puns, fake Spider-Man, and some revealing artifacts from Marvel’s late-’80s publishing machine.

[49:57] — The Larry Hama Rabbit Hole: The Center Holds leads David straight into Atlas Comics and the wonderfully unhinged 1975 sci-fi apocalypse of Planet of Vampires.

[59:47] — An Evening of Misbegotten Comics: John closes the season with Green Arrow, The Invaders, Bloodlines, Death’s Head, Death Wreck, and the beautifully confusing excess of early-’90s comics.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Moebius (Jean Giraud) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Giraud) - The massively influential French cartoonist at the center of John’s first wish: make his major comics readily available in English and keep them in print.

Richard Corben (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Corben) - David points to the preservation and presentation of Corben’s work as a model for how historically important comics can be thoughtfully restored and reintroduced.

Daniel Clowes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Clowes) - Creator of Eightball, Ghost World, and Ice Haven, whose journey from alternative-comics outsider to celebrated graphic novelist drives John’s discussion of comics becoming respectable.

Chris Ware (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Ware) - The acclaimed cartoonist behind Jimmy Corrigan and Building Stories, discussed as a creator whose success helped comics aesthetics cross decisively into the literary mainstream.

Peter Bagge (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Bagge) - Creator of Hate and former editor of Weirdo, whose preference for comics’ outsider identity becomes a key piece of John’s “outlaw energy” argument.

Art Spiegelman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Spiegelman) - Maus creator and RAW co-editor whose push toward artistic and literary legitimacy becomes part of the conversation about what comics gained by becoming respectable.

Françoise Mouly (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7oise_Mouly) - Publisher, editor, and RAW co-founder discussed alongside Spiegelman in the history of bringing alternative comics into the broader art and literary worlds.

Frank Miller (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Miller) - His Daredevil work represents the kind of intensely personal, creator-driven mainstream comic John sees as part of comics’ missing outlaw streak.

Jim Starlin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Starlin) - Writer/artist behind landmark Thanos and Adam Warlock stories, cited as an example of a creator doing deeply individual, occasionally bonkers work inside mainstream superhero comics.

Mike Allred (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Allred) - His pre-Madman work becomes John’s example of fascinating comics that feel more interested in following their own instincts than fitting neatly into a market.

Larry Hama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Hama) - The veteran creator behind G.I. Joe, Wolfpack, The Center Holds, and Planet of Vampires becomes the unexpected connective tissue running through much of the episode’s back-issue discussion.

M.D. “Doc” Bright (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Bright_(comics)) - Artist and co-creator of The Center Holds, praised for his final comics work and his role in shaping the series’ characters an

What happens if Marvel hands you the keys and says, "Fix everything"? David Hedgecock and John Barber tackle that challenge by debating the one creator and one project they'd use to reshape Marvel's future while unpacking the editorial decisions that transformed both Marvel and DC across multiple eras. Along the way they explore Daniel Warren Johnson, Brian Michael Bendis, Absolute Batman, Ghost Machine, Star Wars, creator-driven publishing, and why fresh perspectives matter more than nostalgia. The second half shifts into an enthusiastic “What John and David Read This Week” with good reads including Battle Beast, Shaolin Cowboy: Staying AI Live, Tales of Wonder, Badrock, Carmen Blade, and more. The episode closes with one of John's all-time funniest comic breakdowns—a wonderfully absurd Simon & Kirby Fly story that proves comics have always embraced glorious weirdness.

Captions:

[03:10] — Save Marvel in One Move — "One creator and one project." — David. David challenges John to answer the ultimate editor fantasy: if Marvel needed saving tomorrow, who gets the call?

[11:49] — Daniel Warren Johnson Is the Pick — "Daniel Warren Johnson is a unique creative talent." — David. A passionate case for why one creator has the talent and momentum to move the entire industry.

[14:11] — Quesada Changed Everything — "Joe had a big respect for the artist... and the writers." — John. A fascinating look at the philosophy that helped redefine modern Marvel.

[33:03] — Three Issues of Pure Carnage — "It's just been three issues of fight scene." — David. Battle Beast delivers unapologetic action, and David couldn't be happier about it.

[35:57] — Every Panel Demands Your Attention — "This book took me about two hours to get through." — David. Jeff Darrow's Shaolin Cowboy is less a comic than an experience to absorb one panel at a time.

[43:56] — Rob Liefeld Still Has the Eye — "Liefeld has a very good eye for artistic talent. Period." — David. The hosts discuss why Rob consistently discovers artists worth watching.

[59:15] — The Greatest Villain Lair Ever? — "He's already in prison." — David. John's hilarious recap of a bizarre Simon & Kirby Fly story becomes one of the funniest conversations of the episode.

Splash Page:

[00:24] — Can One Creator Save Marvel?: David challenges John with the ultimate editorial thought experiment.

[03:10] — Marvel vs. DC Reinvention: How publishers reinvent themselves and why editorial philosophy matters.

[30:29] — Miss Mina Kickstarter: David shares the latest on Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians Book Three.

[32:15] — Current Comics Roundup: Battle Beast, Shaolin Cowboy, Tales of Wonder, Badrock and more.

[47:35] — John's Reading Stack: Carmen Blade, Building Stories, and a journey through alternative comics.

[53:11] — The Wild World of The Fly: Simon & Kirby's superhero logic reaches delightfully absurd heights.

[01:04:19] — Looking Ahead: James Harren's Demon, Season 4, and final thoughts.

[01:05:48] — A Thank You to Ed: David and John recognize editor Ed Bishop for three seasons of podcast production.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Ed Bishop (http://www.edbishopcreactive.com) - The Corner Box Editor & Producer

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Daniel Warren Johnson (https://www.danielwarrenart.com/) - Acclaimed creator discussed as the hosts' top choice to headline a Marvel revival.

Brian Michael Bendis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Michael_Bendis) - Used as the benchmark for a creator who fundamentally changed Marvel.

Joe Quesada (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Quesada) - Former Marvel Editor-in-Chief whose editorial philosophy becomes central to the discussion.

Scott Snyder (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Snyder) - Discussed as a driving creative force behind DC's Absolute initiative.

Nick Dragotta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Dragotta) - Praised for the visual identity of Absolute Batman.

Jeff Darrow (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geof_Darrow) - Celebrated for the astonishing detail in Shaolin Cowboy.

Steve Skroce (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Skroce) - Creator of Tales of Wonder and longtime comics and film storyboard artist.

Rob Liefeld (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Liefeld) - Discussed through Badrock and his talent for discovering artists.

Seth DeMoose (https://www.instagram.com/sethdemoose/) - Artist on Badrock whose work earns strong praise.

Ian Bertram (https://www.instagram.com/ianbertramart/) - Highlighted for Carmen Blade and his striking commercial potential.

Darcy Van Poelgeest (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_Van_Poelgeest) - Writer of Carmen Blade.

Jack Kirby (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kirby) - Central to John's discussion of The Fly and classic superhero storytelling.

Joe Simon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Simon) - Co-creator of The Fly and partner to Jack Kirby.

Chris Ware (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Ware_(comics)) - Mentioned through Building Stories.

James Harren (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Harren) - Mentioned for his upcoming Demon project.

Topics & Resources:

Marvel Comics (https://www.marvel.com/) - The hosts debate how the publisher could reinvent itself creatively.

DC Comics Absolute Universe (https://www.dc.com/) - Used as the modern example of a successful publishing refresh.

Ghost Machine (https://ghostmachinepro.com/) - Discussed as the destination for several high-profile DC creators.

Battle Beast (https://imagecomics.com/) - David's pick for pure action-packed fun.

Shaolin Cowboy: Staying AI Live (https://www.darkhorse.com/) - Jeff Darrow's latest showcase of meticulous artwork.

Tales of Wonder (https://imagecomics.com/) - Steve Skroce's new creator-owned series.

Badrock (https://imagecomics.com/) - Rob Liefeld's latest return to Extreme Studios.

Carmen Blade (https://imagecomics.com/) - Darcy Van Poelgeest and Ian Bertram's new Image Comics series.

Building Stories (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Stories) - Chris Ware's acclaimed graphic novel.

The Fly (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_(comics)) - Simon & Kirby's unconventional superhero becomes one of the episode's funniest discussions.

Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians (https://funtimego.com/) - David's Kickstarter campaign featured during the episode.

John and David cover a stack of new releases, from Doom Patrol, Legion of Super-Heroes, and Teen Titans to the surprising new Archie relaunch. Along the way, John tumbles into one of the most obsessive comic-book rabbit holes ever discussed on the show—a typewriter sound effect that nearly derails an otherwise fantastic first issue. They also debate modern comic lettering, discuss why small storytelling details matter, and celebrate creators who elevate every page. David also revisits Garth Ennis and Carlos Ezquerra's Just a Pilgrim, making the case that it's one of Ennis' most overlooked comics. It's equal parts comic criticism, production masterclass, and wonderfully unhinged comic-shop conversation.

Captions:

[05:00] — Joe Casey Problem — "I don't think I'm a fan of Joe Casey... and I want to be, but I'm just not." — David. David explains why Terminal isn't clicking for him despite gorgeous artwork and a creative team he wants to support.

[12:47] — Archie Surprise — "This is basically just a regular Archie comic... executed at an extremely high level." — John. A surprisingly enthusiastic review of the new Archie relaunch that isn't trying to reinvent the wheel.

[16:35] — Doom Patrol Delivers — "Spoiler alert... I loved it." — John. Before descending into comic-book madness, John makes it clear that the new Doom Patrol is one of his favorite reads of the week.

[24:34] — The Typewriter Breakdown — "David... my hair has turned white." — John. A hilarious lead-in to one of the most obsessive page-design analyses you'll ever hear on a comics podcast.

[28:57] — Lettering Snob — "I am such a lettering snob." — David. David explains why bad lettering can completely ruin a comic—and why he refuses to compromise on it.

[43:39] — Creator First — "I'm there for whoever the creative talent is." — David. A thoughtful discussion about following creators instead of simply buying books because of the characters.

[47:37] — Giant Nutsack Monster — "The guy comes out of the hole looking like a giant eight-foot nutsack." — David. An unforgettable description that perfectly captures the wonderfully ridiculous world of Garth Ennis comics.

Splash Page:

[00:23] — Season Extended: The hosts celebrate getting a few extra episodes before wrapping Season 3.

[03:25] — Terminal #2 Reactions: David shares why the series lost some momentum after a strong debut.

[10:09] — New Comic Roundup: Reviews of Teen Titans, Legion of Super-Heroes, Doom Patrol, and the new Archie.

[16:35] — Doom Patrol Review: Why the new series immediately became one of John's favorite books.

[19:09] — The Typewriter Rabbit Hole: A masterclass in comic storytelling, lettering, and page construction.

[43:07] — Following Creators vs. Characters: A discussion about what really drives comic buying habits.

[45:39] — What We Read This Week: David recommends Garth Ennis and Carlos Ezquerra's Just a Pilgrim.

[57:46] — Wrapping Up Season 3: Looking ahead to the final episodes before a brand-new season.

Support the Corner Box:

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Andy Kubert
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Kubert
Legendary comic book artist discussed for his standout work on Terminal and his evolution as both penciler and inker.

Adam Kubert
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Kubert
Referenced during a comparison between the Kubert brothers and their distinctive artistic styles.

Joe Casey
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Casey
Writer of Terminal, whose storytelling style becomes a point of discussion.

Robert Kirkman
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kirkman
Praised for his long-form storytelling and discussed as a major reason David is sticking with Terminal.

David Finch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Finch_(artist)
Mentioned as an upcoming artist on Terminal, generating excitement for future issues.

Kyle Higgins
https://www.kylehiggins.com/
Writer of the new Teen Titans series highlighted during the new comic reviews.

Josh Williamson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Williamson
Writer of the new Legion of Super-Heroes series.

Hayden Sherman
https://www.haydensherman.com/
Artist on Legion of Super-Heroes, praised for dynamic storytelling and visual style.

Darcy Van Poelgeest
https://imagecomics.com/creators/darcy-van-poelgeest
Writer of Doom Patrol, Little Bird, and Precious Metal, whose storytelling is heavily discussed.

Nico Henrichon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nico_Henrichon
Artist on Doom Patrol, celebrated for his page design and visual storytelling.

Fabio Moon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fábio_Moon
Artist on the new Archie relaunch, praised for bringing his own artistic voice to the classic characters.

Ben H. Winters
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_H._Winters
Writer of the new Archie series.

Mark Waid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Waid
Referenced while discussing previous Archie relaunches and Black Bull Publishing.

Fiona Staples
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiona_Staples
Mentioned for her acclaimed work on the earlier Archie relaunch.

Grant Morrison
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Morrison
Discussed extensively for the influential Doom Patrol run and its lasting legacy.

Richard Case
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Case_(comics)
Artist on Grant Morrison's landmark Doom Patrol series.

Rachel Pollack
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Pollack
Referenced as Morrison's successor on Doom Patrol.

Paul Kupperberg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Kupperberg
Friend of the show whose Doom Patrol work is discussed.

William Goldman
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Goldman
Referenced for Adventures in the Screen Trade and its insights into storytelling.

Alan Moore
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Moore
Discussed throughout the Watchmen analysis.

Dave Gibbons
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Gibbons
Referenced for his meticulous visual storytelling on Watchmen.

Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
https://strippanelnaked.com/
Discussed at length for his influence on modern comic lettering and storytelling.

Richard Starkings
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Starkings
Referenced for his enormous influence on modern comic lettering.

Dave Lanphear
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Lanphear
Remembered during a discussion about Comicraft lettering.

Garth Ennis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
David recommends Just a Pilgrim.

On part two of this episode, the blind bag madness continues as David opens the second half of his twenty Terminal #1 mystery packs in pursuit of the increasingly mythical Rob Liefeld variant. Between pulls, John introduces several overlooked Fantagraphics books that deserve another look, sparking a conversation about forgotten creators, publishing history, and why some excellent comics disappear into obscurity. David reviews Garth Ennis' Streets of Glory, explains why Ennis remains one of comics' most reliable storytellers, and then delivers a brutally honest review of Dynamite's Super Zombies. Along the way, both hosts explore the editor's role in shaping successful comics—and what happens when nobody steps in. The episode wraps with more blind bags reveals, crushed expectations, and one very expensive lesson in comic collecting.

SUPPORT THE SHOW BY SUPPORTING DAVID'S LATEST KICKSTARTER!
Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians Book Three!

[03:57] — Forgotten Classics — "People should talk about it... Oh, people do talk about it. I'm the idiot that hadn't read it." — John Barber. John discovers that one of comics' hidden gems has been respected for decades—he simply arrived late to the party.

[10:48] — Great Comic, Terrible Title — "He had to make an effort in 1991 to not sell comics." — David Hedgecock. David and John roast one of the least marketable comic titles ever despite loving everything inside the book.

[17:18] — Why Garth Ennis Works — "His lead character is always a dude who's loyal to a specific code that he himself has." — David Hedgecock. David explains the storytelling trait that makes Garth Ennis consistently compelling across genres.

[20:48] — Worth Every Penny — "You find a cheap copy of this on eBay... nice little evening read." — David Hedgecock. A recommendation for an overlooked Garth Ennis hardcover that deserves far more attention.

[29:16] — Stop Explaining the Virus — "Don't give me a title, Super Zombies, and then give me a dissertation on viral transmission." — David Hedgecock. One of the funniest rants of the episode as David explains exactly how a comic loses its audience.

[31:15] — The Editor's Job — "That lack of editorial oversight can be a blessing or a curse." — John Barber. John shares an editor's perspective on why talented creators can still produce unfocused comics.

[34:41] — No Happy Ending — "I really thought there would be a little more variation." — David Hedgecock. Twenty blind bags later... and the Rob Liefeld cover never arrives.

[01:28] — What We're Reading: John and David dive into another week of comic discoveries.

[03:57] — Rediscovering Fantagraphics: Forgotten classics, publishing history, and why some amazing comics disappear.

[16:48] — Garth Ennis Spotlight: David reviews Streets of Glory and why Ennis rarely disappoints.

[24:16] — Kickstarter Break: David previews Ms. Mina and the Midnight Guardians Book 3.

[26:46] — Blind Bag Reality Sets In: Duplicate covers begin piling up as the Rob Liefeld hunt continues.

[27:16] — Super Zombies Review: When ambition overwhelms storytelling.

[31:15] — Why Editors Matter: David and John discuss editorial oversight, creator freedom, and finding the right balance.

[33:41] — The Final Pull: Twenty blind bags later... was the chase worth it?

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Creators Mentioned

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - Former IDW Publishing Editor-in-Chief and Corner Box co-host discussing comics, editing, and publishing history.

David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - Comic creator, publisher, Kickstarter creator, and Corner Box co-host.

Rob Liefeld (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Liefeld) - Legendary Image Comics co-founder whose rare Terminal variant cover fuels David's blind bag obsession.

Art Adams (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Adams_(comics)) - Celebrated artist behind one of the Terminal variant covers.

Dave Finch (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Finch_(artist)) - Artist responsible for another repeatedly-pulled Terminal cover.

John Stanley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stanley_(comics)) - Legendary Little Lulu cartoonist whose work John enthusiastically recommends.

Jan Strnad (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Strnad) - Writer of Dalgoda, one of the overlooked comics highlighted in this episode.

Dennis Fujitake (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Fujitake) - Artist of Dalgoda.

Kevin Nowlan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Nowlan) - Creator discussed for his early backup work.

Alan Moore (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Moore) - Referenced during discussion of The Bo Jeffries Saga.

Steve Parkhouse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Parkhouse) - Artist and collaborator on The Bo Jeffries Saga.

Gary Groth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Groth) - Fantagraphics co-founder discussed extensively during the publishing history conversation.

Mike Kazaleh (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Kazaleh) - Creator of Captain Jack.

Jeff Smith (https://www.boneville.com/) - Referenced as the artistic benchmark for AKQJ.

Garth Ennis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis) - Writer of Streets of Glory and the focus of one of the episode's biggest discussions.

Mike Wolfer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Wolfer) - Artist on Streets of Glory.

Mark Guggenheim (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Guggenheim) - Writer of Super Zombies.

Mel Rubi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mel_Rubi) - Artist of Super Zombies.

Fantagraphics Books
https://www.fantagraphics.com/
Discussion about the publisher's evolution and overlooked comics from its early catalog.

Little Lulu
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Lulu
John explains why the classic series still holds up today.

Dalgoda
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalgoda
Forgotten science-fiction series from Fantagraphics that earns high praise.

Usagi Yojimbo
https://www.usagiyojimbo.com/
Referenced during the discussion of Fantagraphics' publishing history.

Garth Ennis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Conversation about Ennis' consistent storytelling style across genres.

Avatar Press
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar_Press
Publisher of Streets of Glory.

Dynamite Entertainment
https://www.dynamite.com/
Publisher discussed in both positive and negative contexts through reviews of Thunder the Barbarian and Super Zombies.

Kickstarter – Ms. Mina and the Midnight Guardians
https://funtimego.com/
David's current crowdfunding campaign featured during the episode.

In Part One of this two-part episode, David attempts the most brilliant thing ever done on a comic podcast or the dumbest… opening a stack of TWENTY Terminal #1 blind bags. His target is the elusive Rob Liefeld cover, but the bags have other plans—mostly involving enough copies of issue seven to supply the entire listening audience. Along the way, John remembers writing Optimus Prime dialogue for Peter Cullen and explains why nearly every comic is created under conditions that would terrify a normal person. David then previews Mark Buckingham’s work on Kull the Conqueror and describes the pressure of protecting a project that already feels exceptional. Eight bags are down, twelve remain, and the Liefeld cover is still hiding somewhere in Part Two—or laughing from a safe distance.

Captions:

“John, I’m creating art here, man. I don’t need monetary influences cramping my artistic endeavor.” — David before returning directly to Kickstarter promotion

“The rest of it’s the nightmare.” — John on everything surrounding the fun of making comics

“You bought a copy of Terminal #1, and that’s not what you got.” — David on blind bags supplying an entirely different issue

“What a fantastic way for them to get you to buy two copies. Brilliant.” — David admiring the beautifully ruthless logic of blind bags

“You’re only down ninety-five dollars.” — John after David’s allegedly successful first pull

“Everything is made under the worst possible conditions it can be made under.” — John sharing the real lesson he learned editing at Marvel

“If everybody can do their jobs right, this has the potential to be something really special.” — David on the pressure surrounding Kull the Conqueror

Splash Page:

[00:32] – Artists With a Capital A: David explains why buying Miss Mina is currently the best way to support the show.

[03:59] – The Machine Demands Answers: John accidentally asks an image generator for interview questions and receives a poster containing thirty-six of them.

[07:01] – The Lost Voice of Optimus Prime: John recalls writing dialogue performed by Peter Cullen—only for the finished attraction to use a Chinese-language recording.

[09:57] – Enter the Blind-Bag Labyrinth: David introduces Terminal, its violent new superhero world, and his plan to hunt the rare Rob Liefeld cover.

[15:55] – Greetings From Issue Seven: The first bag contains an advance issue, briefly making David look like a collecting genius.

[16:25] – Attack of the Clones: Three consecutive copies of Terminal #7 turn triumph into an increasingly funny financial emergency.

[24:18] – Everything Is Already Late: John explains why looming deadlines are the natural state of comic-book production.

Support the Corner Box

(https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/funtimego/miss-mina-and-the-midnight-guardians-legend-continues) - Back Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians Book 03!

David Hedgecock (https://www.funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host

The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

David Hedgecock (https://www.funtimego.com) - Writer of Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians and editor of the newly teased Kull the Conqueror.

John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com/pages/meet-the-team) - Writer, editor, former IDW Editor-in-Chief, and survivor of more impossible publishing schedules than anyone should admit publicly.

Xong Brothers (https://funtimego.com) - The twin art team whose manga-influenced pages give Miss Mina its visual charge; their name appears inconsistently in the transcript.

Robert Kirkman (https://imagecomics.com/creators/robert-kirkman) - Terminal co-writer whose violent superhero storytelling launches David’s blind-bag crusade.

Andy Kubert (https://imagecomics.com/creators/andy-kubert) - Terminal artist and designer behind the connecting wraparound covers discussed during the opening.

David Finch (https://imagecomics.com/creators/david-finch) - Terminal artist responsible for the issue-seven advance edition and the giant-eyeball cover David pulls.

Arthur Adams (https://imagecomics.com/comics/list/creator/arthur-adams/releases) - Veteran artist behind one of Terminal’s blind-bag-only advance issues.

Rob Liefeld (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Liefeld) - Artist behind the rare Terminal cover David buys twenty blind bags hoping to find.

Frank Miller (https://frankmillerink.com) - Comics legend whose Terminal foil variant appears among the possible high-end pulls.

Dave McCaig (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_McCaig) - Colorist credited on Terminal’s connecting covers and David Finch variant.

Mark Buckingham (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Buckingham) - Artist whose early Kull the Conqueror pages convince David the project might be exceptional.

Jim Aparo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Aparo) - Celebrated Batman artist recruited for a hypothetical argument about why Watchmen could never survive a fill-in issue.

Terminal #1 (https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/terminal-1-cvr-a-andy-kubert-dave-mccaig-connecting-wraparound-mr) - The violent Image/Skybound superhero launch behind the episode’s twenty-bag collecting experiment.

Terminal Blind Bags and Variant Covers (https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/frank-miller-bill-sienkiewicz-rob-liefeld-lead-all-star-lineup-of-newly-revealed-variant-cover-artists-for-terminal-1-from-image-skybound) - The official breakdown of the variants, rare covers, and surprise advance issues David is chasing.

Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians (https://funtimego.com) - David’s steampunk horror-adventure starring Mina Murray and her team of monstrous misfits.

Invincible (https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/invincible) - Kirkman’s earlier superhero epic, used as the violence benchmark for Terminal.

Transformers (https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/transformers-2023) - The franchise behind John’s story about writing Optimus Prime dialogue performed by Peter Cullen.

Watchmen (https://www.dc.com/graphic-novels/watchmen-1986/watchmen) - The book David uses to demonstrate why some projects cannot absorb a substitute artist without losing their identity.

Old Man Logan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Man_Logan) - John’s example of a comic whose lasting quality mattered more than forcing it through a monthly schedule.

CGC Comics (https://www.cgccomics.com) - The grading service referenced while David inventories Terminal’s rare and possibly slabbed variants.

Two episodes in one day?! What's the special occasion? Well...

David's Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians Book Three campaign launches today and HE'S NOT PANICKING! YOU'RE PANICKING!!! Ahem... Sorry. We have guests. I shouldn't scream...

Tyrant Fall creators Brennan Knight and Max Davenport return to the show and bring their own Kickstarter launch, a looming world war, and the grim realization that making the comic may be easier than getting anyone to notice it. David, John, and guests then compare Kickstarter launch tactics, advertising experiments, and the sacred checklist behind a successful Kickstarter. Then a lost Jim Lee Wolverine, an alarming X-Factor baby story, and one indestructible toddler derail the meeting exactly as nature intended.

Captions:

“Social media doesn’t really exist more than two seconds.” — David on why creators cannot be precious about promotion

“You have to push it hard enough that you start to look like a bot.” — Brennan on getting locked out while promoting Tyrantfall

“It’s there to slow things down and make sure you do the things that you know you’re doing.” — John on the checklist behind a major Kickstarter

“I keep zooming in and zooming in—and ultimately realized I kind of hate it.” — Max on drawing an entire issue digitally

“I’m fighting the urge to put a hundred panels on a page.” — Brennan on learning how to write comics professionally

“There’s a point where saying ‘the Mandarin’ was worth more to Marvel than a Jim Lee Wolverine drawing.” — John on a baffling alteration to an Uncanny X-Men cover

“I am a robot. I’m indestructible.” — Brennan quoting his three-year-old’s unbeatable dinner-table argument

Splash Page:

[03:40] – Heavy Metal Power Level: Brennan pitches Tyrantfall as Dragon Ball Z filtered through Heavy Metal, with revenge mutating into world war.

[05:35] – Revenge of the Pencil: After one fully digital issue, Max returns to traditional art—and remembers how good an actual page feels.

[13:41] – Promote Until the Machines Notice: Brennan posts so aggressively that Twitter decides he must be a bot.

[14:38] – The Astronaut Checklist: John explains what the Marvel Art of Jim Lee campaign taught PUG about slowing down before launch.

[23:54] – Wolverine Was Here: Jim Lee’s original Wolverine figure gets replaced by an “Enter the Mandarin” caption on an Uncanny X-Men cover.

[27:39] – The Indestructible Robot: Brennan’s three-year-old ends a food dispute with the strongest declaration in human history.

[29:00] – The Madrox Baby Incident: John recounts the Peter David X-Factor twist that turned a personalized baby reference into nightmare fuel.

[30:45] – Build an Emergency Ending: Brennan and David explain why independent series need satisfying checkpoints before reality cancels the next arc.

Support the Corner Box:

MISS MINA and the MIDNIGHT GUARDIANS BOOK THREE IS LIVE! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/funtimego/miss-mina-and-the-midnight-guardians-legend-continues

Support Max & Brennan and their great book, TYRANT FALL! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cbrennanknight/tyrant-fall-1-4

Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin:

Roman Stevens (https://www.romanstevens.co.uk) - Tyrantfall colorist whose growth David singles out alongside Max’s evolving linework.

Jim Lee (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Lee) - The artist at the center of PUG Worldwide’s Marvel archive campaign and its recovered artwork.

Scott Williams (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Williams_(comics)) - Jim Lee’s longtime inker, whose Xeroxes preserved previously unseen X-Men #1 pencils.

Whilce Portacio (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whilce_Portacio) - Jim Lee collaborator discussed during John’s account of Lee’s path from Punisher to X-Men and beyond.

Bob Harras (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Harras) - Former Marvel editor interviewed for the Jim Lee archive project.

Peter David (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_David) - Writer behind Madrox and X-Factor, including the baby twist John remembers all too well.

Andy Schmidt (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Schmidt) - Editor whose child became the visual reference attached to John’s grim X-Factor anecdote.

Chuma Hill (https://www.kirbyscomicart.com/chuma-hill) - Cover artist whose Miss Mina image performed far better in David’s advertising tests than expected.

Tony Harris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Harris_(artist)) - Starman and Ex Machina artist contributing a cover to Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians Book 3.

Clive Barker (https://www.clivebarker.info) - Horror author whose three-book Kickstarter comeback earns an enthusiastic late-show recommendation from John.

Kevin Eastman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Eastman) - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator mentioned during John’s tour of famous comics neighbors.

Alex Sinclair (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Sinclair) - Veteran colorist revealed to be another creator living near John.

Rob Liefeld (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Liefeld) - Image co-founder whose former Extreme Studios location turns David into a betrayed childhood friend.

Miss Mina and the Midnight Guardians (https://funtimego.com) - David’s Dracula-versus-Mina Murray adventure, with Book 3 launching alongside Tyrantfall #4.

Kickstarter Pre-Launch Pages (https://help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/articles/360034769114-Setting-up-your-project-s-pre-launch-page) - The launch tool behind the episode’s arguments about early followers, repeat backers, and first-week momentum.

Kickstarter Comics Resources (https://help.kickstarter.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046109713-I-m-looking-to-run-a-Comics-project) - Official guidance covering preparation, rewards, stretch goals, promotion, and campaign planning.

Heavy Metal Magazine (https://shop.heavymetal.com/pages/about-us) - One half of Tyrantfall’s wonderfully efficient “Dragon Ball Z published in Heavy Metal” pitch.

Dragon Ball Z (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Z) - The other half of that pitch, supplying the escalating battles and explosive power-level energy.

X-Men #1 (1991) (https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/14281/x-men) - Jim Lee’s landmark issue, including Scott Williams’s inks and the newly surfaced pencil material discussed by John.

Marvel Art of Jim Lee (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - PUG Worldwide’s archive project and the source of John’s hard-earned Kickstarter lessons.

Clive Barker’s Three New Books (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/clive-barker/three-new-books-from-clive-barker) - The horror legend’s campaign that John recommends before the closing bell.

Revolutionary Comics (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolutionary_Comics) - Publisher of Rock ’N’ Roll Comics and the source of John’s geographically obsessive Alistair Crowley detour.