The Source Material Comics Podcast

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.

Get ready to turn up the heat—literally! Gimmick Cover Summer hits its blazing finale as the Unspoken Issues crew dives into one of the most unforgettable white-hot covers of the 90s: Fantastic Four #371! This one’s got everything—cosmic chaos, costume controversies, and Johnny Storm going full Nova. Yeah, you read that right. 🔥

Jesse, Chris, and Evan are back in the time machine, cracking open the pages of a comic that gave us not just a fiery gimmick cover, but one of the boldest (and most debated) wardrobe changes in Sue Storm's history. Add in a rogue Watcher, alien invasions, and Ben Grimm cracking wise every other panel, and you’ve got yourself a proper 90s comic stew.

If you remember the days when Fantastic Four flirted with edginess and everyone was “going Nova” to deal with their feelings, this one’s for you. So power up the Baxter Building’s time machine and join the team as they relive the issue that had the Marvel Universe—and Empire State University—burning with drama.

In this lively installment of Snap Material, Jesse and Evan tackle a fresh Top 5 challenge inspired by recent changes in Marvel Snap. Building on the idea of “First Steps” card updates, they set out to spotlight which characters they believe could benefit most from a redesign to better reflect their strengths, personality, and place in the game. The conversation blends thoughtful analysis with off-the-wall creativity, making for a fun and unpredictable ride. 

Throughout the episode, the hosts explore how certain cards could be reimagined to open up new deck strategies and keep the game feeling fresh. They discuss ways to make abilities more impactful, create unique synergies, and bring underutilized characters into the spotlight. Along the way, they share a mix of strategic reasoning, game design ideas, and comic book insights that fuel their selections.

Whether you agree with their picks or have your own list in mind, this Top 5 countdown is sure to get you thinking about the endless possibilities for Marvel Snap’s evolving roster. Packed with humor, passion, and plenty of creative “what if” scenarios, it’s an episode that celebrates the game’s potential while imagining bold new directions for fan-favorite cards.

The Heralds of Galactus season is about to crash into Marvel Snap, and Jesse and Evan are here with a full preview of every card, location, and mechanic coming your way. They kick things off with Galactus “First Steps” and the intriguing Herald mechanic, imagining both its strategic potential and its most hilarious possibilities. From Silver Surfer’s new on-reveal copy twist to Stardust’s ability to block added cards, the hosts dissect how these fresh abilities could alter the battlefield. Along the way, they offer counterplay ideas, dream combos, and a few tongue-in-cheek comic book references that bring these cosmic heavy-hitters to life.

The breakdown continues with Redshift’s discard twist, Terrax’s rock-shuffling mayhem, and the return of the Fantasticar to regular play. Jesse zeroes in on Frankie Ray Nova as a card to watch, mapping out big six-cost synergy plays that could dominate lanes, while Evan considers how cards like Doom, Prodigy, and Nick Fury could fit into the mix. They also explore the unique possibilities of The Fallen One’s energy-setting ability, Cosmic Ghost Rider’s text-removal trick, and the synergy between Air Walker and Fire Lord — revealing some sneaky deckbuilding paths that could catch opponents off guard.

Finally, the duo covers the new locations: the unpredictable chaos of The Seventh Cosmos, which replaces all locations mid-match, and Zen-La, a Silver Surfer-friendly hotspot that pulls three-cost cards from your deck. With humor, strategy, and plenty of Marvel lore, Jesse and Evan paint a picture of a season that’s equal parts unpredictable and exciting. Whether you’re planning to embrace Galactus’s cosmic might or just looking for ways to counter him, this episode will have you ready for launch day.

In part two of Snap Material’s August coverage, Jesse and Evan shift gears to talk meta, strategy, and unlocks from the latest Marvel Snap season. From the surging popularity of Reed and Surge combos to the powerhouse plays with Invisible Woman’s “First Steps,” they explore how the meta evolved and which decks dominated their matches. While Jesse admits he didn’t play as much this season, the duo still has plenty to say about Grand Arena — its grind, its variety, and how it changes the way players think about deck building. They even toss around ideas for improving friendly play so more people can experience event modes without high-stakes pressure. 

The conversation goes deeper into the collector’s mindset, with both hosts weighing in on the paywall debate, card accessibility, and whether you truly need every card to enjoy the game. Evan shares why missing certain hot meta cards doesn’t bother him, while Jesse reflects on playing Marvel Snap as a free-to-play experience without feeling left behind. 

Of course, no episode would be complete without running through their latest unlocks and favorite new variants. From Clea, Topaz, and Sage to standout variants like the disco Forge, David Finch Moon Knight, and Dan Hipp’s Archangel, Jesse and Evan share the cards that caught their eye and shaped their decks. With plenty of laughs, comic references, and playful banter about the quirks of Snap’s cosmetic options, this episode is a lively wrap-up of the season’s highlights and a peek into what’s next for their collections and strategies.