The Source Material Comics Podcast

In this follow-up to their Arachnid Anarchy breakdown, Jesse and Evan return to dive into the Marvel Snap meta, player reactions, and card unlocks from November 2025. From Reddit rants to Sauron spams, the duo breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and how they each approached the Sanctum Showdown grind.

Jesse recounts his climb toward Infinite using his trusty Namora deck, while Evan reveals how he hit Infinite in week two with his creatively named “Tom Gordon” closer deck. They discuss the surprising effectiveness of Sauron-heavy builds and ponder whether nerfing cards just shifts the meta rather than solves it. There’s also plenty of commentary on humorous Reddit posts, from Morph’s terrifying variant to the eternal plea for more deck slots. 

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts compare their unlocks from the season—both cards and variants—including a Noir Absorbing Man, Zombie Power Man, Superior Spider-Man, and some wild pixel and chibi pulls. Evan even picked up the Rescue variant drawn by Travel Foreman, a highlight among a stacked collection.

In the December 2025 episode of Snap Material, hosts Jesse and Evan return with their signature blend of analysis and humor to dive deep into the Marvel Snap season: Arachnid Anarchy. This episode is packed with strategic insights, firsthand card experiences, and plenty of banter as the duo dissects the latest spider-themed additions to the game.

From the disruptive power of Spider-Punk to the high-stakes potential of Man-Spider, Jesse and Evan explore which cards shine, which require finesse, and which might just be more trouble than they're worth. You’ll hear how Superior Spider-Man brings extra energy to power-hungry decks, and why Ezekiel Sims is still searching for his place in the meta. Plus, they evaluate how cards like Spider-Man Noir and The Prowler fit into various deck archetypes—and whether they’re worth your tokens.

This episode also covers new skill cards like Web Sling and Deafening Chord, location mechanics including Mosh Pit and Parker Industries, and closes with a candid discussion about the hype—and letdown—of Hydro-Man.

In this episode of The Unspoken Issues Podcast, Jesse Starcher, Evan Bevins, and Chris Armstrong dig deep into a true 1990s comic cult classic—PITT #1, the breakout creator-owned title from Image Comics and artist Dale Keown. Fueled by fan votes in a recent poll, this episode unpacks why PITT won out over Vanguard and Union, pulling in more than half of the 108 votes, and why this gnarly gray antihero still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of comic fans decades later.

The trio delivers a spirited and hilarious breakdown of the comic’s over-the-top action, Keown’s gritty visuals, and the broader context of early Image Comics. Along the way, listeners are treated to insights on Dale Keown’s career, from his impactful Incredible Hulk run to his creator-owned leap with PITT, as well as sidebars about Sam Kieth, the shared Image Universe, biker gangs with maces, and yes—even a bizarre conversation about paste-sniffing in comics.

Don’t miss the team’s favorite panels, their memories of picking up the issue off the spinner rack, and a cliffhanger that leaves everyone asking—just who is this monstrous alien warrior, and why did he crash through New York (or is it Detroit?).

In Part 2 of their journey through Daytripper, Jesse and Mark dig into issues #4–6, where life, death, and legacy collide in powerfully emotional ways. This stretch of the story hits hard as Brás faces the death of his father, the birth of his child, and the looming shadow of mortality. The hosts explore how the series continues to build meaning around life’s seemingly ordinary — and often tragic — moments, and how death is never just an ending, but a reflection.

Issue #4 sees Brás caught in a surreal emotional balancing act: becoming a father on the same day his own dies. As he walks through the memories of his father’s life — and their complicated relationship — Jesse shares a powerful personal story of returning to his own father’s home after his passing. Meanwhile, Mark goes in on the raw frustration of how family guilt and emotional manipulation can rob us of moments we should treasure. This isn’t just a comic; it’s therapy in panel form.

From childhood awakenings in issue #5 to newsroom tragedy in issue #6, the duo discusses how Daytripper captures the profound changes that shape a person — through innocence lost, brushes with fate, and the weight of responsibility. They also highlight the poetic dual narrative of a truck driver who swears he’s safer on the ground… only to cross paths with Brás in a heartbreaking twist. And yes, there’s still time for dad jokes, bunk bed horror stories, and a little sibling MMA on the couch.

This episode is heavy, honest, and full of lived experience — just like the comic it celebrates.

What were the best Marvel Snap cards released this past year? Jesse and Evan close out by counting down their Top 5 Cards of the Year — from November 2024 through October 2025 — and it's a chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious debate packed with personal picks, controversial cuts, and unexpected love for shirtless sorcerers.

The duo reflect on the cards that defined the evolving meta and their personal Snap experiences. Along the way, they touch on deck strategy, balance tweaks, unforgettable card animations, and even how certain releases sparked backlash from the Snap community. 

As always, the discussion is loaded with insights, personal stories, and offbeat pop culture tangents (anyone remember Terminal Velocity with Nastassja Kinski?). Plus, Jesse surprises Evan with an AI-generated “Top 5” compiled from 11 months of transcripts. Did the AI nail it? Did it expose any hidden biases? You’ll have to listen to find out.

The web is wide, weird, and wild this month on Snap Material, as Jesse and Evan break down the launch of Marvel Snap’s “Arachnid Anarchy” season! From Spider-Punk’s power-thieving antics to the game-changing combo potential of Man-Spider, this episode dives deep into the eight-legged madness spinning through Snap’s latest update.

The hosts cover every new card introduced so far, giving hot takes and combo ideas for powerful additions like Superior Spider-Man, Hydro-Man, The Prowler, and the much-anticipated Chameleon. Deck synergy, strategy theorycrafting, and lots of laughs are on full display as they explore how these cards fit into existing archetypes and where they might redefine the meta.

You’ll also get a rundown of the new skill cards like Web Sling, Deafening Chord, and the suite of thief-themed tools from The Prowler. Plus, they break down the new locations Mosh Pit and Parker Industries, discussing who shines where (hint: bring Captain Carter and Sebastian Shaw to the front row).

Snap Material is back  — and this time, we’re digging into unlocks, decks, and the ever-shifting meta. Jesse and Evan compare notes on their seasonal pulls, including some wild variants (Disco Venom? Infinity Ultron Chibi? Pantsless Kraven?!), and walk through how those cards factored into their gameplay—or didn’t.

Jesse shares the struggle of building around underwhelming new unlocks like Red Wing and Morgan Le Fay, while Evan recounts his success (and frustration) with zombie decks, destruction synergy, and surprise plays with Jocasta and Invisible Woman First Steps. We also hear how cards like Zombie Captain Marvel, Armor, and Headpool played pivotal roles in countering or enabling some of the more popular builds of the month.

Later in the episode, the guys dig into Marvel Snap’s Sanctum Showdown and Grand Arena events. From Evan’s strategic use of Zorn, Tron, and Kingpin to Jesse’s deck experimentation with swarm mechanics and Black Swan combos, the discussion reveals how flexible and chaotic this season’s meta really was.

It’s spooky season in the Snap-verse, and Jesse and Evan are back on the Snap Material Podcast to celebrate three years of Marvel Snap with a deep dive into last season: Undead Horde! This jam-packed episode breaks down every creepy card, examines the rise (and occasional stumble) of zombie-themed decks, and delivers thoughtful insights on which new strategies are actually worth your energy cubes. 

From the mechanics of the new Horde card and the synergy around Zombie Scarlet Witch and Merlin, to the quirky utility of Headpool and the hit-or-miss experience with Zombie Galacti, the hosts unpack what worked, what didn’t, and how the evolving meta shaped their builds. Evan shares his experiments with destruction decks powered by cards like Moira X and Killmonger, while Jesse reveals how Zombie Captain Marvel became his go-to playmaker—even if Infinite rank stayed just out of reach. 

Also on the table: surprising thoughts on cards like Colonel America, Zombie Mr. Fantastic, and Zombie Giant-Man. The hosts even spotlight how limited support early in the season created challenges for Horde synergy, and whether the undead archetype has staying power or is destined to rot until next October.

On this emotional and reflective episode of the Source Material Comics Podcast, Jesse and Mark begin their deep dive into Daytripper, the award-winning 2010 Vertigo comic by Brazilian creators Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá. In Part 1 of this multi-episode journey, the hosts explore the first three issues of the series — a comic that asks bold questions about life, death, and the value of every moment. And yes, along the way, there’s talk of gay chicken, failed relationships, and the existential dread of turning 49.

At the heart of Daytripper is Brás de Oliva Domingos, an obituary writer who dreams of being a novelist. In each issue, we glimpse a pivotal day in Brás’ life — whether it’s a quiet walk with his dog, a beachside romance, or a moment of hope after heartbreak — only for each chapter to end with his sudden and unexpected death. There’s no time travel, no cosmic explanation. These repeated deaths are symbolic, a powerful narrative device meant to highlight how fragile and meaningful even the most ordinary day can be.

Jesse and Mark reflect on how the comic resonates with their own experiences — from young love and career hopes to the sharp turns that life takes. They dig into themes of emotional transformation, the non-linear storytelling structure, and the gut-punch endings that come just as Brás seems to be on the brink of something new. It’s an episode that balances laughter and literary insight, including the surprisingly profound wisdom of Jorge’s birthday card and the relatable pain of watching a relationship implode under the weight of adulthood.

With Vertigo’s trademark freedom to tell unconventional stories, Daytripper proves that comics can be just as introspective, heartbreaking, and beautiful as any literary novel. And this podcast episode captures that spirit — with plenty of honesty, introspection, and, of course, banter.

The massacre ends — but the scars run deep. In Part 5 of our Midnight Massacre retrospective, Jesse, Evan, and Chris break down Ghost Rider/Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #13, the fiery final chapter where Switchblade (Blade corrupted by the Darkhold) storms Dr. Strange’s Sanctum with one goal: end all supernatural existence. What follows is a visually explosive climax packed with mystical warfare, infernal shotgun blasts, and a last-ditch gambit that might just cost a soul.

As Ghost Rider attempts a final stand against the hell-charged vampire slayer, he’s quickly dismantled — literally — by the lobster-clawed nightmare Blade has become. But when Blade siphons the Penance Stare, the weight of every soul he’s murdered detonates inside his mind. With a single spell, Louise Hastings saves the day… at great cost. The fallen Midnight Sons — Morbius, Hannibal King, Montesi, and even Blade — are restored. But trust is shattered, alliances fray, and the true evil (hint: Lilith's still smiling) is only beginning to stir.

From the over-the-top action to the subtle, haunting quiet moments — like a single tear on Louise’s cheek — the hosts reflect on what worked, what fizzled, and what still lingers in the dark. It's a fitting, fast-paced end to a brutal arc, and the Unspoken Issues crew celebrates it with deep comic dives, shellfish jokes, and one last trip to the flaming edge of Marvel's horror universe.