The SNAP Material podcast returns for a brand new season, and Jesse and Evan are diving headfirst into the Heralds of Galactus update that dropped in August 2025. In this first part of their September breakdown, the duo takes a detailed look at the newest additions to the Marvel Snap card pool — unpacking their performance, strategic utility, and what decks (if any) they really thrive in.

From the big entrance of Galactus himself to lesser-seen but intriguing cards like Stardust, Redshift, and Frankie Raye Nova, Jesse and Evan dissect how each card has impacted the meta — or failed to. Expect deep analysis, personal anecdotes from in-game experiences, and plenty of laughs as they try to make sense of powerful synergies (like Air-Walker + Phoenix Force + Firelord), offbeat combos, and the underwhelming reality of some hyped cards.

Whether it’s evaluating Cosmic Ghost Rider’s situational power, The Fallen One’s potential for energy ramp madness, or the niche uses of Terrax the Tamer, the guys don’t hold back in exploring the successes and shortfalls of each new release. This episode is a must-listen for players trying to make sense of the expanding card pool and how to keep pace with the ever-evolving Snap meta.

In this wildly entertaining episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse Starcher and Chris Armstrong dive deep into Spectacular Spider-Man #185, a hidden gem from the early ’90s that blends slapstick humor with heartfelt moments. Instead of battling heavy hitters like Venom or the Sinister Six, Spidey teams up with the one and only Frog-Man to take on the over-the-top duo of White Rabbit and the Walrus. It’s a comedic detour from the darkness that had dominated the title’s recent run, and your hosts are here to unpack every bizarre and brilliant moment.

Jesse and Chris bring the laughs and the love as they explore how this issue functions like a sitcom within the pages of a superhero comic. From awkward family dinners with Eugene Patilio to the surprise reveal of his reformed villain father donning the Leap-Frog suit once more, this story is full of charm, absurdity, and unexpected emotional depth. The duo also gives a well-earned spotlight to legendary artist Sal Buscema, whose decades-spanning career and storytelling chops are on full display here — even if he didn’t always get the flashiest assignments.

As always, there’s more than just the comic on the table. Jesse takes listeners on a pop culture time warp through the December 1991 Cool-O-Meter, spotlighting everything from Guns N’ Roses and Mystery Science Theater 3000 to the bizarre presence of holographic arcade games and “utter lack of prestige.” Whether you’re here for Spider-Man nostalgia, oddball villain appreciation, or just two passionate fans geeking out, this episode delivers a web-slinging good time.

In this special Unspoken Issues Podcast, Jesse and Chris Armstrong rewind the clock to 1995 to explore one of the most polarizing and obscure crossover events in comic book history: Black September. Specifically, they dig into the UltraForce/Avengers Prelude.

Jesse shares his experience as a longtime comics reader who mostly avoided Ultraverse titles during their heyday, while Chris reflects on discovering this storyline years later during his quest to complete his Ultraverse collection. Together, they provide honest insights about the artwork, storytelling, and legacy of these issues, touching on everything from prime-powered nostalgia to the eerie disappearance of the Ultraverse line.

They also break down the behind-the-scenes drama — including Marvel's sudden acquisition of Malibu to block a potential DC buyout, and the still-murky "dirty laundry" that might explain why Marvel has never resurrected the Ultraverse. From Easter eggs and artistic homages to CD-ROM comics and the fading glimmer of 90s innovation, this episode is a time capsule for fans who remember the wild days of Wizard Magazine and cross-company chaos.

Black September rolls on with UltraForce #10: “The Iceman Cometh” delivering one of the most explosive, emotionally charged episodes yet, diving deep into multiversal chaos, inner team conflict, and the looming shadow of ultimate power. We open with Prototype going toe-to-toe against a monstrous, magically conjured snow beast in the heart of New York City. Isolated from his team and with his armor on the brink of failure, Prototype fights to prove his worth—only to realize that this is no ordinary enemy. The tension crackles as the rest of the UltraForce scrambles to mount a response, but they’re met with both internal strife and a haunting realization: the public no longer sees them as heroes. 

Meanwhile, a cosmic game unfolds behind the scenes. Loki, the God of Mischief himself, steps into the spotlight—not just as a villain, but as a puppet master who has quietly claimed all six Infinity Gems. His intentions? To test Earth’s mightiest ultras... and crush them. With the multiverse trembling on the edge, UltraForce and the Avengers may be the only line of defense—if they can even unite in time.

We’re treated to powerful emotional beats too, particularly with the return of Sersi, who battles forces beyond her control and threatens to tear the team apart from within. A mysterious sorceress, a reality-warping tavern, and visions of the Avengers bring high-stakes magic to the streets. By the episode’s end, alliances shatter, realities blur, and Loki's triumphant laughter sets the stage for the most dangerous chapter yet.

As Black September continues, UltraForce confronts their most overwhelming threat yet— radiant beings of searing energy whose arrival unravels the very fabric of heroism and humanity. UltraForce #9, originally released on July 13, 1995, plunges our heroes into chaos, self-doubt, and desperate survival as Prime becomes the center of a cosmic transformation, and the team faces a tidal wave of destruction across Miami. 

As the radiant energy spreads, turning civilians into living bombs and decimating the cityscape, the team fractures under pressure. Siren, Topaz, Prototype, and Black Knight each struggle with guilt, moral dilemmas, and internal doubts. But it's Ghoul, the undead anti-hero, who steps forward as the unexpected savior. Immune to the energy's life-draining effects, Ghoul risks everything to challenge the radiant beings on their own terms—ushering in both dark humor and an eerie kind of heroism. The result is a philosophical clash over power, purpose, and the price of containment.

Meanwhile, a parallel emotional story unfolds far away. In Chicago, Sersi grapples with memory, pain, and the pull of an ancient cosmic force. Her connection to Black Knight adds depth and tragedy to an already emotionally charged issue. As destiny closes in, her transformation may hold the key to what’s coming next.

In this action-packed episode, we crack open UltraForce #8, the explosive prelude to the Black September event that forever altered the Ultraverse. Titled “Heaven on Earth,” this issue throws us straight into Miami’s chaos as Prime and Prototype encounter a reality-warping visitor—Marvel’s own Black Knight—marking a collision of the Ultraverse and the Marvel Universe. 

Host Jesse guides listeners through the issue’s intense narrative, from rooftop squabbles and dimensional confusion to a full-on citywide crisis. As glowing rifts tear open the sky and mysterious angelic entities descend upon the streets, our heroes struggle to adapt. Meanwhile, the arrival of the enigmatic Black Knight sets off a chain reaction of mistrust, misunderstanding, and multiversal revelations that leave Prime literally melting and the entire city teetering on the edge of supernatural disaster.

We also get a striking introduction to Siren, UltraForce’s newest member—a sharp-tongued infiltrator with a rogue streak and a flair for tech espionage. As she exposes the failings of Biotech security and unveils a wave of unleashed genetic experiments, the stakes rise even higher. Elsewhere, Ghoul and Contrary uncover new tech and reflect on the cost of recent battles, while the sudden return of the altered Eternal, Sersi, hints that darker forces are on the move. This isn’t just a crossover—it’s the beginning of the end. 

Strap in as we dissect the art of George Pérez, the sharp script from Marv Wolfman, and the editorial decisions that set the stage for Black September. This episode is your must-listen guide to the issue that starts it all—where Malibu’s Ultraverse meets Marvel’s might… and nothing will ever be the same.

In this premiere episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most intriguing and overlooked events in 1990s comic book history—Black September. Originally conceived as a soft reboot, the 1995 crossover was Marvel Comics’ bold attempt to integrate its powerhouse universe with the innovative but struggling Ultraverse line it acquired from Malibu Comics. But what started as a relaunch soon unraveled into a cautionary tale of corporate takeovers, lost creative spark, and a fandom left in limbo.

Host Jesse breaks down how the Ultraverse was born in the boom era of 1993, only to face contraction as the market collapsed. Through detailed insight and critical commentary, this episode walks listeners through the marketing motives behind Marvel’s acquisition, the editorial decisions that shaped Black September, and the ripple effects that ultimately led to the Ultraverse’s quiet cancellation.

Listeners will also meet key characters like Prime, Hardcase, Ghoul, and Prototype—heroes who once held the promise of reshaping the superhero genre—and learn how Marvel inserted figures like Black Knight, Juggernaut, and Spider-Man into the mix to spark new interest. But was it enough? Join us as we explore the missteps, missed opportunities, and murky legal reasons that have kept these once-celebrated characters out of circulation ever since.

Star Wars fans—prepare yourselves. The Source Material crew just tackled Vader Down, and it’s nothing short of epic. Jesse and Mark break down the intense, action-packed crossover where Darth Vader gets knocked out of the sky and crash lands—alone—on a rebel-surrounded planet. The premise? What happens when the most feared Sith Lord in the galaxy is surrounded by hundreds of enemies? Spoiler: he thrives. 

From that iconic “All I am surrounded by is fear. And dead men.” moment to droid-on-droid throwdowns and a Wookiee brawl that’ll make your fur stand on end, this episode delivers wall-to-wall Star Wars gold. We’re talking twisted droids, Leia’s boldest gamble yet, and Luke getting deeper into the Force—all while Vader absolutely wrecks everything in his path.

This isn’t just a love letter to Vader’s terrifying presence—it's a deep dive into the gritty, high-stakes corner of the Star Wars comics that fans crave. If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when Vader is unchained, this is the story—and the podcast episode—you wanna check out.

In this emotionally resonant solo episode of Unspoken Issues, host Jesse pays tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22, 2025. Jesse takes us on a personal journey through his first encounters with Ozzy’s music and mythos, from MTV and cassette tapes to discovering Ozzy anew through video games and streaming playlists. 

Dive into the obscure but fascinating world of Rock-It Comix, a short-lived Malibu Comics imprint that dared to merge rock and roll with graphic storytelling in the early ’90s. The episode focuses on the haunting and now eerily prescient Ozzy Osbourne #1 comic, published in 1993, which tells a fictionalized story of Ozzy’s death and afterlife choices. Jesse offers listeners a full breakdown of the comic’s surreal narrative, from underworld tormentors to spiritual reckonings and an unforgettable cameo. The episode paints Ozzy as not just a metal icon but a mythic figure grappling with legacy, addiction, and redemption. 

This episode not only illuminates a forgotten piece of '90s comic history but uses it as a mirror to reflect on Ozzy's real-life journey—his chaos, his comeback, and his continued impact. With heart, humor, and reverence, this episode is a love letter to a legend and a reminder that the spirit of rock never dies... it just gets louder.

Strap in, Star Wars faithful—this is the deep dive you’ve been waiting for! The Source Material crew is firing up the hyperdrive and exploring the dark side in the first twelve issues of Darth Vader (2015). Jesse and Mark dig into this epic Marvel series that follows the Dark Lord of the Sith after the destruction of the first Death Star and right up to the events of Empire Strikes Back. 

This episode doesn’t just explore Vader’s path of destruction—it’s a full-on Sith strategy session. From secret droid armies to double-crosses and cybernetic contenders for his throne, Vader’s on a mission to reclaim his power and uncover the truth about a certain rebel pilot with a suspiciously familiar name. And don’t get us started on Dr. Aphra, Triple-Zero, and BT-1. If you ever wanted to see the twisted Star Wars version of Indiana Jones paired with murder-bot versions of R2-D2 and C-3PO, this is your jam.

Whether you’re a diehard fan who knows every scene of Rogue One by heart or a casual viewer curious about what Vader was up to between movies, this conversation is packed with insights, jokes, and that unstoppable Star Wars love. It’s Vader unleashed—and it’s glorious.