The Source Material Comics Podcast

The Ultraverse gets weird — and wild — in this episode of Unspoken Issues as Jesse and Chris dive into Black September Infinity issue, one of the more obscure and convoluted corners of Marvel’s attempt to reboot Malibu’s Ultraverse line. Picking up after the cataclysmic events of Ultraforce/Avengers, the hosts explore a strange transitional tale filled with forgotten characters, fractured timelines, and alternate realities that may—or may not—matter. Sound confusing? That’s because it is… and you’re not alone. 

Chris brings his Ultraverse reading experience to the table, sharing insights into long-lost characters like Solitaire, Warstrike, and Amber Hunt. Jesse, meanwhile, provides the perspective of a reader diving into this world for the first time, calling out the issue’s messy continuity, baffling cameos, and overall lack of accessibility for newcomers. They both question whether this comic was supposed to act as a bridge between the old Malibu continuity and Marvel’s Ultraverse—or if it was more of a final send-off for characters left behind.

In this thrilling episode of Source Material Comics Podcast, Jesse Starcher and Mark Radulich dive headfirst into the chaotic close of Marvel’s Darth Vader (2015) comic run. From molten tunnel escapes and courtly dance rituals to a cybernetic Rancor, the series delivers a pitch-black blend of politics, betrayal, and pure Sith power. The spotlight is on the Shu-Torun War, where Vader—tasked with crushing rebellion and securing valuable imperial resources—finds himself navigating a society of tradition, treachery, and manipulation. When Queen Trios rises to power under his watchful eye, the balance between autonomy and submission becomes an intricate game of survival and loyalty. 

As Vader brings chaos to Shu-Torun’s nobles and crushes insurgents with brutal efficiency, the episode explores how this arc echoes real-world historical coups and the uncomfortable truths of imperialism. Jesse and Mark discuss the planet’s rich culture, Vader’s unrelenting disdain for formality (and dance), and the brilliance of installing a queen who is both competent and controllable. The guys also highlight the twisted antics of the sadistic droids Triple-Zero and BT, and the internal power struggle with Cylo’s genetically-enhanced warriors—ultimately leading to betrayal, destruction, and more lava. 

But it doesn't stop there. The finale—End of Games—sees Vader battle Cylo’s biomechanical monstrosities, confront his own haunted past in a symbolic vision, and emerge as the ultimate weapon of the dark side. With cameos from Inspector Thanoth, Dr. Aphra, and some chilling nods to Padmé and Obi-Wan, the conclusion cements Vader not just as Palpatine’s enforcer, but as his own terrifying force of nature.

It’s kickoff time — both in the NFL and in SNAP Material! Jesse and Evan wrap up the September run with a special Top 5 countdown inspired by the football season: Marvel Snap cards that make them think of the gridiron. From armor-plated protectors to unstoppable runners, they compare card mechanics to NFL roles and build out an entire fantasy football squad using Snap characters. 

In the next installment of the SNAP Material September 2025 arc, Jesse and Evan regroup after a brief break to tackle the evolving Marvel Snap meta, reflect on standout card interactions, and share their latest unlocks. If you’re looking for strategy insights, offbeat deck ideas, or just a fun listen for Marvel Snap fans, this wrap-up episode is packed with all of the above.

From exploring unique combos like Venom + Galactus + Firehair, to revisiting favorite archetypes like Thanos, Silver Surfer, and Living Tribunal decks, the duo unpacks what’s been working, what hasn’t, and what they’re still experimenting with. Evan’s hilarious breakdown of card art (yes, including Pixel Living Tribunal’s "unsettling pose") and Jesse’s “analysis paralysis” while spending tokens add some lighthearted depth to the season’s strategic complexity.

You’ll also get a rundown of their Collector’s Cache victories, including major pulls like Thunderbolt Ross, Aries, Surge, and more. Whether you're chasing new cards, theory-crafting your next meta breaker, or just vibing with variant art and creative deck names (shoutout to “Geo Force”!), this episode is the perfect conclusion to a stacked Marvel Snap month.

In this epic episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse and Chris dive headfirst into Avengers/UltraForce #1, the explosive Marvel/Malibu crossover from 1995! Kicking things off with a comprehensive breakdown of the issue, Jesse sets the cosmic stage where the Grandmaster and Loki square off in a multidimensional game of high-stakes manipulation. Infinity Gems, alternate realities, and a card-game-turned-war-zone – this story is packed with everything from Amish barn shrinking to cosmic mud wrestling. Yes, you read that right.

Once the synopsis wraps, the guys go full tilt into discussion mode, comparing notes on the chaotic matchups like Cap vs. Hardcase, Vision vs. Goul, and the unforgettable Iron Man vs. Prototype armor swap showdown. They critique the uneven but nostalgic artwork from Angel Medina and M.C. Wyman, and riff on everything from Loki’s trickery to the “bone zone” antics of Starfox and Contrary. It’s a hilarious, brutally honest breakdown of one of the wildest mid-90s crossovers Marvel dared to pull off.

In this electric follow-up episode, Jesse and Evan return to dive into Visions of the Future, the new Marvel Snap season that launched September 2nd, 2025. With 11 brand-new cards and a couple of game-changing locations, the guys break down what’s hot, what’s confusing, and what’s got deckbuilders excited for the months ahead.

From the season pass headliner Viv Vision, with her unique blend of power buffs and mobility, to disruptive tech cards like Omega Sentinel and Super Adaptoid, the roster is stacked with experimental mechanics and synergy potential. The discussion covers not just mechanics and meta, but also rich comic lore, like the deep dive into Moira X’s role in the Krakoa era and Awesome Andy’s wholesome evolution from the Mad Thinker’s lab to Fantastic Four support bot.

The episode also explores activate synergy in a way Marvel Snap hasn’t seen before — with cards like Danger, Jocasta, and Bastion offering new combos for long-time players. As always, Jesse and Evan mix strategy with storytelling, humor with hot takes. If you're building for season impact or just want to nerd out on lore and deck synergy, this episode delivers.

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.