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.