The Comic Source Podcast

Jace and Rocky break down the DC releases for the week of April 8, 2026. Gotham City Sirens is discussed with its standout Babs Tarr art, strong variant covers, and battle with the villain Horoscope, while Bleeding Hearts #3 continues the story from Poke's perspective as the zombie's inability to communicate with the surviving mother and child adds to the tension. Firestorm #1 launches DC's Next Level take on the character with Ronnie Raymond apparently trapped, Firehawk brought in to investigate, and the mystery of who is really controlling the Firestorm Matrix left unresolved. Nice House by the Sea #9 deepens the contrast between Walter's and Max's houses, raises questions about whether the destruction of Earth is even real, and continues exploring the changing dynamics between the people chosen to survive. Green Lantern Corps #15 focuses on John Stewart confronting Parallax and his past with help from Soranik Natu, while the Manhunters turn Aya's apparent victory into a trap by taking over her body. Action Comics #1097 follows Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, and Mary Marvel traveling back to Superboy's era as Epoch steals the rocket that brought Kal-El to Earth. Supergirl #12 centers on Kara waking up in Kandor as a cybernetic Supergirl after being badly injured, with Black Flame's rebellion, the city's secrets, and Team Thunder all adding to the conflict. Emperor Aquaman is discussed with Arthur continuing to establish himself as "Emperor of the Blue" by setting up lighthouses across the universe, gaining King Shark's allegiance following his DC KO vision, and fulfilling a prophecy on another world by freeing a parasite-controlled race. Absolute Green Lantern #13 shifts to Ran, introducing Rack Shade, the M Zone, Professor Sardin, Alana, and Emily Hawk as the mythology around the Black Stars and the Controller of Mu continues to expand. As always the episode also includes a rundown of the week's reprints and collected edition releases, as well as Jace and Rocky rankings for all the books and their picks for Book of the Week.

Jace reviews Royals #1 from Image Comics, written by Derek Kirk Kim with art by Jacob Perez. The episode covers the introduction of brothers Castor and Paul, their psychic connection used to gain an advantage in televised poker tournaments, and the early setup involving a high-stakes game against casino owner Dasham Kang. The discussion also touches on the character dynamics between the brothers, the use of telepathic communication, the poker sequences that drive the issue's tension, and the implications of their actions as the story begins to expand into a larger crime narrative.

Jace is joined by writer Pornsak Pichetshote to discuss his upcoming Absolute Green Arrow series, including the tone, themes and approach to the character within the Absolute Universe. The conversation also covers his Day 2 Substack project, focusing on navigating a career in comics after breaking into the industry, along with thoughts on current trends in comics, the success of the Absolute line and how creators balance their voice when working on established characters.

Jace of The Comic Source is joined by Rocky from Comic Boom! for this week's DC Spotlight as they break down a lighter but still varied week of DC releases. Batman/Superman: World's Finest #50 gets discussed for its Dr. Destiny dream story, Superman's dream Supermobile, and a backup featuring Robin, Supergirl, Batgirl and Jimmy Olsen in a rivalry-fueled mystery. Batman/Static Beyond #5 continues to build around older Static mentoring a younger Batman Beyond while Failsafe and the larger Q-energy conflict move the story forward. Adventures of Superman: Book of El #7 delivers another dense chapter in the House of El saga with Otho-Ra, the future descendants of Superman and the larger science fiction mythology continuing to expand. Batman #8 is a slower setup issue centered on Bruce Wayne's conversation with Alan Scott, the threat of Vandal Savage, and Gotham's mayor Poison Ivy turning the city against Batman and Robin. Absolute Superman #18 stands out with Lois Lane confronting Talia al Ghul over her father's death, Ra's al Ghul showing the effect Superman has had on him, and the issue introducing Absolute versions of John Henry Irons and King Shazam while also hinting at the Phantom Stranger. Poison Ivy #43 continues G. Willow Wilson's character-driven run with Pamela Isley using her position as mayor to go after Gotham's corruption, while also advancing the fallout with Harley Quinn, Janet from HR and the consequences of Bob Venus. Bizarro: Year None #1 offers a different take on Bizarro through a Jimmy Olsen and Perry White focused story that sends them to Bizarro World, with the Daily Planet itself playing into that world's creation. JSA #18 wraps up the Year One material while also including more of the Search for the Spectre backup and its focus on the newer generation of Justice Society characters. Mad About DC #1 serves as a full Mad Magazine-style send-up of DC characters, creators and fandom with multiple standout gags and a tone both hosts found genuinely funny. Batgirl #18 leans deeper into the Spirit World mythology, Cassandra Cain's growing connection to the Wu clan, and the question of whether Lady Shiva is capable of redemption. The episode also includes a rundown of the week's collected editions along with rankings for the books discussed and selections for Book of the Week.

Daredevil is getting a fresh start with a brand new #1 from Stephanie Phillips and Lee Garbett — but after the last run left a lot of fans frustrated, the real question is whether this reset actually fixes what wasn't working. In this review, Jace takes a look at Daredevil #1 and breaks down what works, what doesn't, and whether this new direction brings Matt Murdock back to the street-level hero fans have been missing. From stronger pacing and action to a compelling new villain in Omen, this issue feels like a true return to form — but is it enough to win fans back long-term? Let us know your thoughts in the comments — did you stick with the last run, or are you jumping back in with this new #1?