AIPT Comics

Episode 374 of the AIPT Comics podcast puts a major spotlight on a surprising and passionate new voice in comics: Franklin Jonas. Best known for his music career, Jonas joins the show to talk about co-writing Fireborn within the Lost Fantasy universe, offering a candid look at how a lifelong love of comics turned into a full-fledged creative pursuit.

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

Marvel Comics releases all 'Queen in Black' solicits for titles out July 2026

Queen in Black grows with 'Venom Unchained' miniseries

Marvel Comics’ ‘Queen in Black’ Blind Bag gets bigger with ‘True Believers Display Boxes’



Marvel teases a new mystery hero who may outpower Red Hulk in ‘Avengers: Armageddon’

Marvel Comics teases a cryptic new threat: DNX

Marvel’s What If…? returns with multiverse twists for its 50th anniversary

Batman vs. FIVE Robins?! 'Absolute Batman' #20 cover reveal changes everything

Aquaman and Jeff team up now available on Marvel Unlimited

DC and Marvel reveal 'Supergirl/Blade' digital crossover launching April 2026

Top 50 March sales is live

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief #1 (Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell)

Uncanny X-Men #26 (Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio)

Chris:​​

Punk'n Heads (Dave Baker and Nicole Goux)

Bleeding Hearts #3 (Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris: Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief #1 (Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell)

Dave: Amazing Spider-Man #26 (Joe Kelly, Francesco Manna)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

Chris: Tigress Island #2 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK)

Dave: Super Creepshow #2 (info)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Dave: Lobo #2 (Lee Bermejo)

Chris: Narco #2 (Daniel Hillyard and Dave Stewart)

Interview: Franklin Jonas - Out April 15, FOC March 23rd - Artist: h with Curt Pires co-writing

You’re stepping into Curt Pires’ Lost Fantasy world—what excited you most about co-writing in an established universe, and how did you find your voice within it?

As someone who works in music, where rhythm, pacing, and emotion are everything, did that background influence how you approached writing Fireborn—especially in terms of momentum, dialogue, or how scenes “flow” on the page?

Aaron Hillburg is introduced as a “rich-kid failson,” which is such a loaded archetype—what made him the right entry point for a story that quickly becomes this massive, magical chase?

The dragon egg bonding to Aaron is such a striking image—what did you want that relationship to represent, both visually and emotionally, as the series unfolds?

Patrick Mulholland’s art brings a kinetic, almost explosive energy to the concept—how closely did you collaborate on visual storytelling, especially with something as wild as a floating dragon egg?

11:10 Dark Reign war machine 11:45 Fear Itself

This feels like a story about inheritance in more ways than one—family, power, responsibility—what themes were most important for you to explore through Aaron’s journey?

For readers who haven’t touched Lost Fantasy before, how accessible is Fireborn as a jumping-on point, and what kind of experience were you aiming to deliver in issue #1?

If Aaron had to survive in New York for 24 hours before the egg bonded to him, what’s the most “failson” decision he’d make that would somehow make everything worse?

This week’s spotlight interview is with Timmy Heague, co-writer of Lost Fantasy #9, and is especially revealing, not just because of the wild hooks (Nazi dinosaurs, bazooka swords, monster hunting), but because of the unique vantage point he brings as both a writer and a longtime comic shop owner. That dual perspective shapes everything, from how he thinks about audience expectations to how stories are built to connect on the shelf.

This interview goes far beyond Lost Fantasy #9. Timmy Heague digs into his unlikely path from comic shop owner to working writer, how collaborations with Curt Pires and Franklin Jonas actually function behind the scenes, and why being on the retail front lines gives him a sharper read on what fans want than most creators. You’ll also hear about the realities of breaking in, the push and pull of co-writing, and the mentors who helped shape his voice. It’s part origin story, part industry insight, and a candid look at how comics really come together.

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

Hellfire Gala turns deadly: Marvel reveals a murder will change the X-Men forever

Marvel reveals new characters Sightseer and Mogul from ‘Reborn: Ultimate Impact’ series

'Queen in Black' gets 3-part tie-in 'Defenders of Light and Dark' 

And gets 2 one-shots



Marvel sneaks Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthall, and Frank Miller sketches in 'Daredevil' #1 Blind Bags

Marvel and Magic the Gathering collab for free promo card with 'Avengers: Armageddon' #1

Marvel celebrates Rogue One’s 10th anniversary with new one-shots for key characters

‘Nights’ kicks off new story arc this July with #19

James Tynion IV launches new Brooklyn Comics nonprofit with major festival plans

Marvel’s weirdest monsters return in massive 400-page deluxe collection

Mike Mignola's 'Uri Tupka and the Devils' follow up Lands Unknown coming November 2026

Free LEGO Batman comic revealed for Free Comic Book Day with a surprising nod to his very first appearance

FCBD 'Energon Universe Special 2026' gets 5 new covers and a major first look at M.A.S.K.

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

MAD About DC #1 (Various)

Lands Unknown: Uri Tupka and the Gods (Mike Mignola)

Chris:​​

Royals #1 (Derek Kirk Kim, Jacob Perez) 

Daredevil #1 (Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris: Bizarro: Year None #1 (Kevin Smith, Eric Carrasco, Nick Pitarra, Michael Garland) 

Dave: Venom #256 (Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

Chris: Estuary #1 (Tim Daniel, David Andry, Maan House)

Dave: Sai: Dimensional Rivals #4 Giuseppe Camuncoli, Phil Noto, Jim Mahfood

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Dave: Black Cat #9 (Variant by Kris Anka)

Chris: Iron Man #4 (Ryan Stegman-Frank Martin Main Cover)

Interview: Timmy Heague on Lost Fantasy #9, mixing craft, collaboration, and story teases:

You’re stepping into Lost Fantasy #9 during a moment where Henry is already physically and emotionally battered. What interested you most about picking up his story at this breaking point?

You’re working with Eamon Winkle on the Bombshell story. What makes Bombshell a compelling lens into this world, and how does her story complement or contrast Henry’s?

You’re co-writing this issue with Curt Pires and Franklin Jonas, while also contributing to a backup that ties into Fireborn. How did you all divide the storytelling responsibilities, and what did that collaboration look like on the page?

You’ve recently come off co-writing Archie vs. Minor Threats with Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum, which thrives on tonal contrast. Did that experience influence how you approach tone here, especially with the mix of action, sci-fi, and character work?

The solicit teases Henry being pulled into a new case while still recovering. How do you balance forward momentum with giving weight to his injuries and trauma?

The issue introduces the “Cyber-Ronin,” which is an instantly striking concept. What was the creative spark behind that character, and how does he challenge the world of hunters in a new way?

Lost Fantasy blends genres in a big way, from cyberpunk elements to mythic hunting lore. When you’re writing in that kind of sandbox, how do you keep the story grounded and emotionally clear?

Fun one: if you had to drop Bombshell into another comic universe for a one-shot, where would you send them and why?

On this week’s AIPT Comics Podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Rosenberg to talk about one of the most ambitious creator-owned books on the horizon: If Destruction Be Our Lot.

For a story about the end of humanity, this one is surprisingly full of life. We dig into how the series came together, from its strange and instantly compelling premise of a robotic Abraham Lincoln wandering a post-human world, to the deeper themes driving it. Rosenberg opens up about how the book grew out of his own creative evolution, how it responds to the current moment for artists, and why this isn’t a bleak dystopia so much as a story about connection, purpose, and trying to find meaning when the system no longer makes sense.

We also get into the craft behind it all, including the long development process, the collaboration with his brother Mark Elijah Rosenberg, and why artist Andy Macdonald might be doing some of the most exciting work in comics right now.

Of course, we also talk Spawn and what it means to step into that world, but the heart of this conversation is If Destruction Be Our Lot and why it might be Rosenberg’s most personal and layered work yet.

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

Sam Keith passed away

Claremont returns to tell Gambit's origin in 'Gambit: Wanted' #1

Marvel sheds light on 'Queen in Black' #1 blind bags covers and shares interior pages

Marvel Stormbreakers ‘What If…?’ variant covers celebrate 50 years of alternate marvel stories

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

Sai: Dimensional Rivals #3 (Momoko, Mundo, Casagrande, Bengal)

Iron Man #3 (Joshua Williamson, Carmen Carnero)

Alex:​​

Is Ted Ok? #2 (Dave Chisholm)

Absolute Wonder Woman #18 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman) 

Sai: Dimensional Rivals #3 (Mike del Mundo story)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Punisher #2 (José Luis Soares Pinto)

Dave: Knull #3 (Al Ewing, Tom Waltz, Juanan Ramírez)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

Alex: Daredevil #1 (Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett)

Dave: Uri Tupka and the Gods: Another Story from Lands Unknown (info)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Dave: Bizarro: Year None #1 (Nick Pitarra Cover)

Alex: Batman / Superman: World's Finest #50 Cover F Rahzzah Variant

Interview: Matthew Rosenberg - Out May 6, FOC Apr 13th

If Destruction Be Our Lot imagines a world where humanity is gone and robots are left behind. What drew you to telling a story from that perspective rather than focusing on the fall itself?

Can you talk a little about your collaboration with Mark Elijah Rosenberg?

Andy Macdonald’s art brings a lot of personality to these robots. How closely did you collaborate to shape the look and feel of this world?

Abe, a robotic Abraham Lincoln, is such a strange and compelling lead. What made him the right lens for exploring meaning, purpose, and identity in this world?

There’s a strong theme of searching for connection, even in a world without humans. What does “friendship” look like in a story populated entirely by machines?

You’ve tackled everything from crime to dark comedy. Where does this series sit creatively for you, and does it feel like a departure or a natural evolution?

On Spawn

You’re stepping into Spawn with a major time jump and a new status quo. What excited you most about taking on such an iconic title at this moment?

Favorite Spawn character?

Where are you at with In Good Hands With Bad Company?

We're Taking Everyone Down With Us



Would you call A Rook Spy Thriller a label under your brand?

Fun / Silly Question

If Abe could befriend any object or appliance in this world, what would be his ultimate ride-or-die companion and why?

We break down the biggest comics news and releases before diving into one of the wildest books on the stands right now. American Caper is messy, violent, hilarious, and packed with characters who seem one bad decision away from total collapse and that is exactly what makes it work.

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

Marvel Comics 2026 June solicitations!

Doctor Doom returns and drags Captain America into a new war ahead of ‘Avengers: Armageddon’

'Amazing Spider-Man' #30-31 reveal Spore debut and major twist ahead of issue #1000

Marvel reveals 'Avengers: Armageddon' variants and Comics Giveaway Day preview

‘Jeff the Land Shark: Superstar’ announced by Marvel with Mojo and new X-Men cast

Marvel reveals Wolverine's claws will shatter in June 2026 'Wolverine' series



Marvel’s Swimsuit Special returns this July with new ‘Beach Day’ and must-see pinups

Full June 2026 DC Comics solicitations:

DC just flipped Superman’s origin and threw Supergirl into a nightmare universe

DC announces Summer of Supergirl Special #1 with all-star creative team

DC Pride 2026 reveals 'Justice League: Dream Girls' event starring Galaxy and Dreamer



Every monster imaginable takes over the world in Dark Horse’s new horror series ‘Kingdom of Earth’

The Rocketeer goes undercover in new WWII espionage series 'Infiltrator!'

Image Comics has a Spawn shake-up, as Todd McFarlane & Brett Booth leave early for a new creative team and a time jump

Joshua Williamson turns the Wolf Man into his most brutal and heartbreaking story yet

'The Eye Collector' preview reveals eerie new cosmic horror out June 2026

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

Lobo #1 (Skottie Young, Jorge Corona)

Sentry #1 (Paul Jenkins, Christian Rosado)

Alex:​​

Absolute Flash #13 (Lemire, Haining)

Exquisite Corpses #11 (Che Grayson, Gavin Fullerton) 

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Super Creepshow #1 (Kieron Gillen, Rossi Gifford)

Dave: Infernal Hulk #5 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Kev Walker)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

Alex: Is Ted Ok? #2 (Dave Chisholm)

Dave: DC/Marvel: Superman / Spider-Man #1 (Many)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Dave: Iron Man #3 (Josemaria Casanovas)

Alex: Superman #36 (Rod Reis)

American Caper Interview: Producer & Additional Writing Lazlow, Editor Shelly Bond, and Finishes Chris Anderson

1. Dan Houser described American Caper as being fueled by his fascination with “hypocrites, sociopaths, political idiots, dysfunctional families, and violence.” When you first saw the concept for this story, what immediately stood out to you as something that felt especially relevant to the moment we’re living in?

2. The series pulls together a wild mix of characters. A Mormon hitman, a gambling-addicted lawyer, escaped convicts in love, a billionaire playing cowboy. How did you approach balancing such a large ensemble so the story feels chaotic in a good way rather than overwhelming?

3. Verona, Wyoming feels like a pressure cooker where crime, politics, and personal drama all collide. What was important to you in making this small town feel believable while still allowing it to host such extreme characters and situations?

4. The book leans hard into satire, sometimes feeling like it’s taking shots at every side of the political spectrum. Was there ever a concern about walking that line between satire that provokes thought and satire that might alienate readers?

5. The story’s interconnected crimes and morally gray characters gave me flashes of crime epics like 100 Bullets, where one event ripples across many lives. When building a narrative this tangled, how do you keep track of the cause and effect between characters?

6. Lazlow, your background includes storytelling in massive open-world games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. Did working on a comic require a different approach to pacing and structure compared to interactive storytelling?

7. (Fun question) If each of you had to survive in Verona, Wyoming for a week, which of these characters would you trust the most to have your back, and which one would you avoid at all costs?

On this week’s episode of the AIPT Comics Podcast, we’ve got something special for you. We’re running the full, uncut interview with Christian Ward, where the acclaimed writer and artist dives deep into his upcoming project: Event Horizon: Inferno! We unpack his creative process behind his storytelling and the big ideas driving his latest work. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about craft, comics, and the strange corners of genre storytelling that Ward continues to explore.

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!

NEWS

Ram V, Evan Cagle, and Anand RK reveal 'Deicidium' graphic novel coming to Image in 2026

Marvel reveals the tragic origin of Shalla-Bal in new 'Fantastic Four: First Foes' one-shot

Tegan Quin of Tegan and Sara makes Marvel Comics writing debut in Pride special

Marvel reveals 'X-Men ’97: Season Two' prelude, continuing the animated series’ shocking cliffhanger

TOP 50 COMICS - FEBRUARY 2026

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

Sirens: Love Hurts #2 (Tini Howard, Babs Tarr)

Absolute Batman #18 (Scott Snyder, Eric Canete)

Chris:​​

Die: Loaded #5 (Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans)

X-Men United #1 (Eve Ewing, Tiago Palma)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Chris: A Quiet Place: Storm Warning #1 (Phil Hester, Ryan Kelly) 

Dave: Sirens: Love Hurts #2 (Tini Howard, Babs Tarr)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

Chris: Lobo #1 (Skottie Young, Jorge Corona)

Dave: Sentry #1 (Paul Jenkins, Christian Rosado)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

Dave: X-Men #27 (Gerald Parel Cover)

Chris: Dead Teenagers #1 (Caitlin Yarsky's Variant)

Interview: Christian Ward - FOC Mar 16th - Out - Apr 22, 2026

1. You’re returning to the world of Event Horizon after Dark Descent. At what point did you know you had the green light to continue this story, and was Inferno always part of your long-term plan, or did it grow out of the response to the first series?

2. The solicitation pitches this as “Aliens meets Dante’s Inferno.” That’s a big swing. How consciously are you leaning into the structure or themes of Dante’s Inferno, and does this story descend through its own version of circles of Hell?

3. Setting the story two hundred years after the original incident gives you a massive time jump. What does that distance allow you to explore that you could not in Dark Descent?

5.5. You have a compelling mix of characters working for the billionaire. How do you balance their personalities and backstories? Do you flesh out a cast, then go, “hmmm i’m mixing X”?

4. The idea of a billionaire assembling a private star fleet to plunder the wreckage feels very modern in its cynicism. Were you intentionally tapping into contemporary anxieties about unchecked wealth and corporate ambition?

6. The gravity drive has always been the heart of the horror in Event Horizon. In Inferno, does the focus shift more toward the metaphysical implications of interdimensional travel, or are we going even harder into physical, visceral terror?

7. Rob Carey joins you on art for this series. What does he bring visually that makes this version of Event Horizon feel distinct from Dark Descent?

7.5. Love the suits these characters wear. How do you design something that’s new, but also as cool as something we’ve seen in a sci-fi movie before?

8. After revisiting this universe twice now, how do you personally define what “Hell” is in  Event Horizon? Is it a place, an entity, a force of nature, or something humanity carries with it into the stars?