The Comic Source Podcast

In this episode we discuss;
DC Spotlight November 11, 2026 Green Lantern Corps Shakes DC Lore, Legion Shines & Supergirl Divides
The Comic Source
 
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Jace and Rocky break down all 12 DC releases for the week of November 11, 2026. A renewed focus on Lady Clayface and the increasingly disturbing mystery surrounding her husband brings Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #5 back into focus for Jace and Rocky, with Jace appreciating the tighter storytelling after several meandering issues while Rocky praises the series' unsettling Hollywood body horror. Two-Face's White Court puts Barbara on trial in Barbara Gordon: Breakout #7, but Jace struggles to find any emotional stakes in her imprisonment while Rocky questions the use of a criminal tribunal and the series' continuing dependence on Vandal Savage after the conclusion of Bad Seeds. Alfred's unexplained absence creates a new complication for Batman and Robin in Dynamic Duo #4, with Jace praising Chris Samnee's classic, clean storytelling and Mark Waid's portrayal of the growing pains between Bruce and a convincingly rebellious young Dick Grayson. Morgan Hampton takes an enormous creative swing in Green Lantern Corps #22, introducing a development that could fundamentally reshape the Emotional Spectrum, with Jace comparing the ambition to Geoff Johns' landmark run while Rocky praises the unpredictable storytelling and Hampton's remarkable handling of a sprawling cast. Arthur Curry's journey through Korugar demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities of his expanding powers in Emperor Aquaman #23, with Jace suggesting Jeremy Adams may be delivering a defining run for the character while Rocky argues that Aquaman's cosmic role opens storytelling possibilities that traditional ocean-based adventures cannot offer. Joshua Williamson and Hayden Sherman continue reinventing the Fatal Five and other familiar Legion characters in Legion of Super-Heroes #3, with Rocky celebrating the spectacular page layouts and creative reinterpretations while Jace praises the patient world-building that makes the series rewarding for longtime fans without excluding new readers. Kara's sudden loss of powers sends Supergirl #19 in an unexpected direction, with Jace strongly criticizing the rushed replacement storyline and abrupt changes to Kara's life while Rocky acknowledges the issue's overcrowded storytelling but remains more optimistic about Sophie Campbell's ability to deliver meaningful character development. General Immortus's interest in a mysterious child connected to the Evervoid brings the larger story into focus in Doom Patrol #3, with Rocky particularly appreciating the character development and Negative Man's unexpected compassion toward Phobia, finding that the series is finally beginning to deliver on its potential. Lorraine Reilly's determination to rescue Ronnie Raymond remains central to Fury of Firestorm #8, creating a disagreement over Jeff Lemire's pacing as Jace appreciates the deliberate character work and the return of classic Firestorm villains while Rocky worries that the story is repeating earlier developments instead of moving forward. A missing-child investigation brings Jason Todd's violent methods into sharp focus in Teen Titans #3, with Rocky appreciating Kyle Higgins' willingness to embrace Red Hood's morally complicated history while questioning how his young teammates and their parents will respond to his unconventional leadership. An unusual new zombie and further questions surrounding Rabbit's treatment add intrigue to Bleeding Hearts #9, although Jace finds Dennis Camp's normally compelling storytelling unusually cramped and disjointed, leaving him concerned that the creative team may be trying to accomplish too much in the remaining issues. Mark Waid explores the dysfunctional family relationships that shaped young Lex Luthor in Action Comics #1104, with Rocky praising the psychological characterization and seamless connections to Krypto while Jace questions whether another retelling of Lex's formative years offers enough new material to justify its place in the series. Jace and Rocky also cover this week's facsimiles, reprints and collected editions before ranking all 12 books and revealing their individual Books of the Week.
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction & DC Studios Shake-Up
12:08 Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #5
15:32 Barbara Gordon: Breakout #7
19:02 Batman and Robin: Year One — Dynamic Duo #4
25:30 Green Lantern Corps #22
39:46 Emperor Aquaman #23
49:39 Legion of Super-Heroes #3
1:02:58 Supergirl #19
1:10:20 Doom Patrol #3
1:13:37 Fury of Firestorm #8
1:21:27 Teen Titans #3
1:27:41 Bleeding Hearts #9
1:30:33 Action Comics #1104
1:34:29 Reprints & Collected Editions
1:36:05 Final Rankings & Books of the Week

Ram V returns to The Comic Source to join Jace for an in-depth conversation about DEICIDIUM, his ambitious creator-owned mythology epic featuring artwork by Evan Cagle and Anand RK. Set in a future controlled by corporations and religion, the series follows the return of ancient gods through ordinary people and the emergence of 12 specially trained god killers. Ram discusses the story's exploration of belief, power, and humanity, along with its influences from shounen manga. The conversation also examines the project's unusual international publishing strategy, the economics of creator-owned comics, the challenges of producing elaborate artwork, and Ram's long-term plans to expand the DEICIDIUM universe with additional collaborators.

In this episode we discuss;
Comic Source Weekly November 4, 2026 — McFarlane Toys Stake Sold, Hulk #1 & Image Turns 35
 
Gladstone Investment Corporation has acquired a majority stake in McFarlane Toys, marking a significant development for one of the comic book industry's most recognizable creators. Todd McFarlane and CEO Stephan Tetrault retain minority ownership interests and remain involved with the business.
In this edition of The Comic Source Weekly, Jace examines the acquisition and discusses the questions surrounding McFarlane's decision, the company's future, and whether this could eventually give Todd more time to focus on comics, Spawn, or other creative projects.
Marvel also makes a surprising move for Comics Giveaway Day 2027, choosing Hulk #1 as its only offering. Written by Chris Condon with art by Alessandro Cappuccio, the new series follows developments in Infernal Hulk and presents Bruce Banner with the possibility of a permanent cure. Jace discusses the direction of the character and the separate collectible blind-bag program.
Image Comics is preparing a year-long celebration of its 35th anniversary, complete with special trade dress, retailer promotions, and a variant cover program. The discussion also revisits Image's creator-owned origins and its evolution over the past 35 years.
Additional news includes new details about Ghost Machine's Radioactive Revolution crossover, The Power Fantasy returning with issue #17, the Criminal television adaptation, and Nathan Fillion's Witness Point securing a Lionsgate film deal alongside news of a sequel.
Other stories cover The Darkness anniversary releases, The Bride of Frankenstein Lives second printing, the Swamp Thing Is Killing the Children delay, Innen, Electric Smoke, 247 Comics, Dungeons & Dragons, Beta Ray Bill, The Greatest American Hero, Lancer, and It Demands Sacrifice.
The episode also includes 10 What Hit predictions for the November 4 release week, the Prana Top 10 Bestseller countdown, a review of Jace's previous predictions, and Final Order Cutoff selections for November 9.
What do you think the McFarlane Toys acquisition means for the company, and which comics are on your preorder list?
Follow The Comic Source on all social media with our Linktree - https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource.
 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Opening Headlines
00:26 Welcome to Comic Source Weekly
01:16 McFarlane Toys Majority Stake Sold
04:26 Marvel's Hulk #1 Comics Giveaway Day
07:23 Image Comics Celebrates 35 Years
09:05 Radioactive Revolution Crossover Details
11:18 Francis Manapul on Drawing Kids and Teens
12:41 The Power Fantasy Returns
14:47 Criminal Prime Video Teaser Revealed
17:07 The Bride of Frankenstein Lives Sells Out
18:29 The Darkness 30th Anniversary
20:01 Innen — Dialogue-Free Revenge Comic
21:34 Electric Smoke — New Image Comics Series
22:44 Swamp Thing Crossover Delayed
23:37 247 Comics Presents Spotlight #1
24:58 Dungeons & Dragons Returns to Comics
26:23 Witness Point Lands Lionsgate Film Deal
27:53 Beta Ray Bill Artist's Edition
29:31 Greatest American Hero 45th Anniversary
31:12 Lancer #1 — Esad Ribić Variant Cover
32:15 It Demands Sacrifice Second Printing
33:37 What Hit — November 4 Predictions
39:47 Prana Top 10 Bestsellers
44:14 Prana Summary and What Hit Results
45:20 Final Order Cutoff — November 9
54:34 Closing
 
 
NEWS SOURCES
McFarlane Toys — Gladstone Acquires Majority Stake
https://www.citybiz.co/article/930575/gladstone-investment-acquires-majority-stake-in-mcfarlane-toys/
Marvel — Hulk #1 Is Its Only Comics Giveaway Day 2027 Title
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-only-has-hulk-1-for-free-comic-book-day-comics-giveaway-day/
Image Comics — 35th Anniversary Celebration
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/image-comics-celebrates-milestone-35th-anniversary-in-february-2027
Ghost Machine — Radioactive Revolution Crossover Details
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/ghost-machine-detonates-first-ever-crossover-of-the-unnamed-universe-in-upcoming-radioactive-revolution-launching-february-2027
Francis Manapul — Drawing Children and Teenagers in The Rocketfellers
Original source: Ghost Machine newsletter (no direct public article URL available).
The Rocketfellers series:
https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/the-rocketfellers
The Power Fantasy #17 — New Story Arc
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/first-look-at-kieron-gillen-caspar-wijngaards-bestselling-the-power-fantasy-thrilling-new-story-arc-kicking-off-next-month-revealed
Criminal — Prime Video Teaser Trailer
https://www.comicsbeat.com/criminal-teaser-trailer/
Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives #1 — Second Printing
https://comicon.com/2026/11/04/universal-monsters-the-bride-of-frankenstein-lives-1-sells-out-and-gets-a-second-printing/
The Darkness — 30th Anniversary Releases
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/marc-silvestris-iconic-the-darkness-series-celebrates-milestone-30th-anniversary-with-two-special-one-shot-issues-issue-10s-release-collectible-blind-bag-this-december
Innen — Dialogue-Free Supernatural Revenge One-Shot
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/robert-windom-mirko-%C4%8Dolak-bring-readers-a-supernatural-revenge-tale-in-january-2027-with-upcoming-innen-one-shot
Electric Smoke — New Image Comics Series
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/eye-catching-hardboiled-sci-fi-murder-mystery-electric-smoke-perfect-for-mignola-fans-will-launch-in-february-2027
Swamp Thing Is Killing the Children — Delayed Until February 2027
https://prhcomics.com/2026/11/06/first-look-at-swamp-thing-is-killing-the-children-revealed-as-soaring-demand-prompts-new-february-release-date/
247 Comics Presents / Spotlight #1 — Anthology Release
https://247comics.com/blogs/news/247-comics-presents-spotlight-1-in-stores-november-4th
Dark Horse — New Dungeons & Dragons Series
https://www.dungeonsanddragons.com/news/darkhorse-dnd-series-reveal/
Witness Point — Nathan Fillion Announces Lionsgate Film Deal
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/nathan-fillion-has-sold-his-witness-point-comic-as-a-film-to-lionsgate/
Beta Ray Bill by Daniel Warren Johnson — Artist's Edition
https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/act-4-publishing-skybound-announce-beta-ray-bill-by-daniel-warren-johnson-artists-edition
The Greatest American Hero — 45th Anniversary Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ampcomics/the-greatest-american-hero-45th-anniversary-graphic-novel
Lancer #1 — Esad Ribić, Jim Steranko and Paul Pope Covers
https://comic-bastards.squarespace.com/comics/esad-ribi-is-the-cover-esad-ribi-joins-jim-steranko-and-paul-pope-for-lancer-1

Jace and Rocky break down all 9 DC releases for the week of November 4, 2026. Christopher Cantwell explores the Minotaur's expanding criminal organization in Gangs of Gotham #1, as he attempts to recruit Anarky into his proposed eighth ring while Batman sends Stephanie Brown undercover, with Jace appreciating the writing and Gotham-centered premise despite his reservations about the lead characters, while Rocky questions whether the series is necessary but praises Cantwell's characterization and Stephanie's new costume. An aging Jonah Hex encounters increasingly disturbing supernatural horrors in Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #2, with Rocky appreciating Michael Walsh's unsettling atmosphere and the character's instincts for confronting evil, even as he struggles with how different this older, darker Hex feels from the version whose adventures concluded under Jimmy Palmiotti. A devastating factory fire reveals the traumatic experience behind Clark Kent's crusade against corrupt industrialists in Superman: The Stranger #3, with Jace praising Wes Craig's timeless depiction of Superman's earliest ideals while Rocky finds the tragedy especially powerful, arguing that this issue provides the emotional foundation that could have made the series' opening more compelling. Etrigan's dysfunctional demonic family, Jason Blood's fading memories and the return of Merlin and Morgan le Fay expand the supernatural chaos of The Demon #2, creating one of the week's sharpest disagreements as Rocky begins embracing James Harren's bombastic storytelling while Jace continues to struggle with an artistic approach he finds visually impressive but ineffective at communicating the story. Superman's long-running confrontation with Brainiac reaches a spectacular turning point in Absolute Superman #25, with Rocky celebrating Lex Luthor's explosive emergence as a far more formidable and sympathetic character than initially expected, while Jace explores the fascinating contrast between Superman's determination to preserve life and Luthor's ruthless pursuit of revenge, alongside the emotional significance of flashbacks depicting Jor-El and Lara's relationship on Krypton before its destruction. David Cain's apparent attempt to reconnect with Cassandra turns brutally violent in Batgirl #25, leaving Rocky disappointed by what he considers an overly simplistic portrayal of a traditionally complicated father-daughter relationship, although he finds more promising character development in the backup story exploring Tenji's resentment toward his sister. The Lanterns return to Evergreen in Absolute Green Lantern #20, where Jo Mullein rebuilds Alan Scott's diner and Carol Ferris assumes a more prominent role following Hector Hammond's death, with Jace enjoying the expanding ensemble and the sense of a fresh beginning while remaining concerned that Al Ewing may introduce more mysteries without resolving the existing ones. Bruce Wayne recruits Plastic Man to impersonate him as the assassination plot finally moves forward in Batman #15, with Jace praising Matt Fraction's clever use of Batman's detective skills and speculating about the Joker's possible involvement behind the scenes, while Rocky celebrates the return to the main storyline and questions whether Batman is being dangerously trusting of Dr. Zeller's relationship with the Joker. Selina Kyle and the Calicos move closer to rescuing Holly as her complicated history with Cassandra Cain resurfaces in Absolute Catwoman #4, with Jace appreciating the renewed momentum and the possible parallels to Selina's changing relationship with Bruce Wayne, while Rocky remains deeply dissatisfied with Bengal's artwork, the characterization of Selina and a series he feels has yet to establish a compelling identity of its own. Jace and Rocky also cover the week's other releases and collected editions before ranking all 9 books and revealing their individual Books of the Week.
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00:00 Introduction & Marvel's One More Day Discussion
09:58 Gangs of Gotham #1
19:27 Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #2
27:02 Superman: The Stranger #3
35:24 The Demon #2
40:05 Absolute Superman #25
59:54 Batgirl #25
1:05:57 Absolute Green Lantern #20
1:15:49 Batman #15
1:25:16 Absolute Catwoman #4
1:39:42 Additional Releases & Collected Editions
1:43:54 Rankings & Books of the Week
1:46:54 Closing

Could Marvel finally be preparing to undo Spider-Man: One More Day? The events of Captain America #16 have raised that possibility after Doctor Doom takes control of Hell and declares Mephisto's contracts null and void. Peter Parker and Mary Jane's marriage has not been restored, but writer Chip Zdarsky has acknowledged that One More Day is relevant to his larger Marvel story.
Zdarsky also discusses Marvel's changing editorial direction under Steve Wacker. Speaking about the recent Marvel creative summit, he describes greater emphasis on listening to creators, improving communication, and allowing stronger stories to drive the publisher's future. With a new Avengers #1 from Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto arriving November 4, the consequences of Armageddon are beginning to shape a new direction for the Marvel Universe.
DC Comics leads the week's other major announcements with the expansion of Absolute Catwoman from 6 issues to 12. Che Grayson and Bengal return for issues #7–12 in 2027, and Scott Snyder has indicated that the developments in Absolute Batman #25 were part of the larger Absolute Gotham plans. Jace discusses the implications of the recent Batman cliffhanger and questions about how Selina Kyle's chronology will fit together.
DC is also sending The Demon #1, Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death #1, and Absolute Batman: Ark M #1 back to press. Meanwhile, DC Vertigo has released new covers and interior artwork for Hide Nor Hair, the 1950s Hollywood horror series from Adam Smith and Bob Quinn.
Ram V is launching Mirror Maker Studios, a creative venture that will bring together artists and collaborators while documenting the process of making comics and other narrative projects. Its initial project is Deicidium, developed with Evan Cagle. Jace also discusses his own conversations with Ram V and an upcoming creator interview about the book.
Skybound's latest announcements include ROM's continuing involvement in Void Rivals #36, new developments involving the Obelisk in Terminal #5, the sellout and second printing of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero / Tomb Raider #1, and a preview of Kelly Thompson and Mattia De Iulis's Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives #2.
Jeff Lemire unveils the cover for Mr. Oblivion, Volume 1: Incantations, the first of 3 graphic novels with Teddy Kristiansen. Oni Press and Archie Comics launch the oversized black-and-white Afterlife with Archie: Mausoleum Edition Kickstarter, while Archie #2 heads back to press. Additional Oni news includes a preview of Judge Dredd / Biker Mice from Mars.
Independent and creator-owned news includes BOOM! Studios' new slasher series The Carvers, Curt Pires's crowdfunding campaign for The Objectivist, the upcoming Dune Messiah: Book 1 graphic novel, and a silent 21st issue of The Future Is…, paying tribute to Larry Hama's classic G.I. Joe storytelling.
BAD IDEA has 2 unusual projects in the spotlight: The Hero Trade: The Butler, a black-and-white one-shot told in full-page splashes by Matt Kindt and David Lapham, and a Lancer #1 variant featuring a photograph of Jim Steranko himself.
Jace also covers Ivan Reis's Halloween interview in Ghost Machine's subscriber newsletter, including the psychological horror of Hyde Street and the idea that the decisions people make can lead them to become the monsters in the story.
What Hit — October 28: Jace selects 10 comics he expects to compete for the next Prana Top 10, including the milestone Absolute Batman #25 and Absolute Wonder Woman #25, the conclusion of Batman: Bad Seeds, and Captain America #16. Fantastic Four #18 receives an honorable mention.
Prana Top 10 — October 21: DC and Marvel divide the rankings evenly, with Absolute Green Arrow #6 at #1 and Avengers: Armageddon #5 at #2. Midnight Spider-Man #1 remains in the Top 10 for a third consecutive week. Jace's previous What Hit selections finish at 9/10, with Miles Morales: Spider-Man #3 at #11.
Final Order Cutoff — November 2: 24 selections across 7 publisher-grouped cover slides. Jace highlights books at risk of being overlooked or underordered, including Batman: Bad Seeds — Gotham General #2, Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy #4, Green Lantern #41, Hammerfist #4, The Rocketfellers #15, and Prometheus Graft: The Slayings at Death's End #1, alongside significant new releases, reprints and finales.
 
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News Sources
DC Comics
Absolute Catwoman — DC's expansion announcementThe Demon, Jonah Hex and Ark M — additional printingsHide Nor Hair — official first look and interior artwork
 
Marvel / Chip Zdarsky
Marvel's creative summit under Steve Wacker — AIPTZdarsky on Miracleman, Spider-Man and Nick Fury — AIPTCaptain America #16, Mephisto and One More Day — Bleeding CoolCaptain America #16 and the possible Spider-Man implications — The BeatAvengers, Maximum X-Men and Armageddon — Bleeding Cool
 
Image / Skybound / Creator-owned
Ram V launches Mirror Maker Studios — The BeatROM in Void Rivals #36 — The BeatTerminal #5 preview — Skybound press releaseMr. Oblivion cover reveal — Jeff Lemire and Teddy KristiansenCurt Pires launches The Objectivist — AIPT
 
Oni / BOOM! / Other Publishers
Afterlife with Archie: Mausoleum Edition — publisher announcementArchie #2 second printing — Oni Press announcementJudge Dredd / Biker Mice from Mars — previewThe Carvers — BOOM! Studios announcementDune Messiah: Book 1 — Abrams ComicArtsThe Future Is… #21 silent issue — Bleeding CoolThe Hero Trade: The Butler — BAD IDEA solicitationsLancer #1's Paul Pope photographic cover — Bleeding Cool
 
CHAPTERS
 
00:00 Hook
00:36 Introduction
01:13 Absolute Catwoman Expands to 12 Issues
03:28 DC Comics Go Back to Press
05:02 DC Vertigo — Hide Nor Hair First Look
06:56 Chip Zdarsky on Marvel's Future
09:37 One More Day — Mephisto's Contracts Undone?
12:54 Ram V Launches Mirror Maker Studios
14:17 ROM Returns in Void Rivals #36
15:36 Terminal #5 — The Obelisk
16:55 G.I. Joe / Tomb Raider #1 Sells Out
18:20 The Bride of Frankenstein Lives #2
19:23 Jeff Lemire — Mr. Oblivion
21:05 Afterlife with Archie: Mausoleum Edition
23:04 Archie #2 Sells Out
23:58 Judge Dredd / Biker Mice from Mars
24:55 The Carvers — New BOOM! Horror Series
26:09 Curt Pires — The Objectivist
27:25 Dune Messiah: Book 1
28:44 The Future Is… #21 Goes Silent
29:56 The Hero Trade: The Butler
31:17 Jim Steranko on Lancer #1
32:48 Ivan Reis on Hyde Street
34:23 What Hit — October 28 Predictions
35:09 Absolute Batman #25 — Sales Predictions
39:50 Prana Top 10 — October 21
44:26 Prana Summary / 9 of 10 What Hit Results
45:33 Final Order Cutoff — November 2 / DC Comics
47:34 FOC — Marvel Comics
48:23 FOC — Marvel Comics, Part 2
49:19 FOC — Image / Skybound
50:07 FOC — Image / Ghost Machine
51:03 FOC — Oni Press / Mad Cave
51:57 FOC — BAD IDEA / Dark Horse / Ignition Press
53:21 Closing