The Comic Source Podcast

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

Jace and Rocky break down all 16 DC releases for the week of October 28, 2026. Jon Kent organizes a surprise anniversary celebration for Lois and Clark in Superman: The Wedding Album 30th Anniversary Special, bringing back creators from Superman's Triangle Era for a nostalgic story that Jace appreciates despite his longstanding dislike of Mr. Mxyzptlk and the complications he brings to the celebration. The Parliament of Trees severs Pamela's connection to the Green in Poison Ivy #49, but Jace is more disappointed by how little the issue accomplishes beyond setting up the Bad Seeds finale, while Rocky argues that the crossover has undermined G. Willow Wilson's character development by forcing Ivy back toward Harley Quinn. A vampire haunting a small Scandinavian village gives Zatanna #7 the personal stakes Jace has been missing from Jamal Campbell's sprawling magical mythology, making it his favorite issue of the series so far, while Rocky appreciates the expansion of Lady White's history and the introduction of a Van Helsing descendant. Wally discovers that his constant connection to the Speed Force may be physically damaging his brain in The Flash #38, a development Rocky finds especially compelling, though both hosts object to Green Arrow's behavior, with Jace particularly frustrated by what he considers an uncharacteristically hostile and hypocritical portrayal of Oliver Queen. Jor-El's apparent sacrifice brings Superman: A Father of Tomorrow #6 to a satisfying conclusion, though Jace feels the series reached its emotional climax in the previous issue and would benefit from being read as a collection, while Rocky focuses on how Hex Luthor's continued use of magic leaves the dangers of unchecked technological advancement unresolved. Jeremy Adams draws on decades of Kyle Rayner's history for a stunning revelation in Green Lantern #40, leaving Jace impressed by the way a long-absent character's return creates new storytelling possibilities, while Rocky explores the emotional consequences for Kyle and the significance of revisiting one of the most controversial moments in Green Lantern history. Daniel Burroughs' dangerous journey into another person's mind takes The Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy #3 deeper into supernatural espionage, with Rocky praising Mike Perkins' psychedelic artwork and Ram V's carefully unfolding mystery while speculating about a possible family connection behind Daniel's unusual abilities. Gotham's medical professionals take center stage during the Bad Seeds crisis in Gotham General #1, with Jace praising Greg Rucka's characterization and the medical detail while Rocky questions whether a hospital-centered comic can sustain his interest, even as both hosts agree that the delayed release schedule has done a promising project no favors. Dan Mora makes his writing debut with Justice League: The Dark Realm Special #1, exploring Cadejos' tragic origins and Latin American folklore in a story that Rocky finds remarkably accomplished for a first-time writer, particularly appreciating how the character's supernatural history intersects with Darkseid's expanding influence. Ray Palmer's suspicions about the Trinity and the growing Omega energy threat drive Justice League Unlimited #24, with Rocky firmly siding with the Atom's willingness to challenge Batman's authority, while Jace praises Nicole Maines' Dreamer co-feature and questions the increasingly inconsistent portrayals of Ray Palmer across DC's interconnected titles. A hallucinatory battle with the NKVDemon dominates Harley Quinn #67, with Rocky appreciating the artwork and action despite finding the issue largely inconsequential and expressing frustration that Bad Seeds appears to be forcing Harley and Poison Ivy's separate narratives toward an unconvincing reunion. Marilyn Moonlight returns to prominence as Nekron's mysterious cult exploits Cat Grant's grief over her murdered son in Superman #43, with Jace praising Joshua Williamson's use of Superman history and the disturbing new complication that makes the sunlight Superman needs to survive physically painful. Gotham's prehistoric transformation finally ends in Bad Seeds: Sunrise #1, but Jace argues that the finale resolves remarkably little beyond Vandal Savage's removal as police commissioner, while Rocky condemns the entire crossover as an editorially driven interruption that has weakened several otherwise successful ongoing series without delivering meaningful consequences. Darkseid's renewed plans for the multiverse take shape in DC All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World #1, with Rocky appreciating how Scott Snyder connects the main DC Universe to the Absolute Universe and continues building toward a larger confrontation, while Jace finds Pandora's Harbinger co-feature particularly compelling because she may possess knowledge Darkseid lacks, creating an intriguing dynamic in which both characters are concealing information from each other. Diana finally confronts the horrifying Absolute Cheetah in Absolute Wonder Woman #25, while Hecate grants Steve Trevor an unexpected new role, creating a sharp disagreement as Rocky praises Kelly Thompson's reinvention of these characters and the complications surrounding Ares' sons, while Jace finds the milestone issue underwhelming and struggles with Hayden Sherman's page layouts and Cheetah's design. Bruce Wayne's confrontation with Jack Grimm becomes far more personal in Absolute Batman #25 when his childhood friends refuse to believe him, with Rocky initially disappointed by their decisions before appreciating Scott Snyder's approach and Barbara Gordon's dramatic intervention, while Jace praises the issue's character-driven revelations for creating consequences that could fundamentally change Bruce's future. Jace and Rocky also cover the Watchmen #2 and Harley Quinn #1 facsimile editions, along with collected editions including Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 3: Season of the Witch, The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Kane Mystery, DC Finest: The New Teen Titans — The Judas Contract, the Harley Quinn by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti omnibus and From Comics to Screen: The Art of Supergirl, before ranking all 16 books and revealing their individual Books of the Week.

DC Celebrates Wonder Woman, Green Lantern's Doomed Cosmos & Marvel Meets Star Wars | Comic Source Weekly
DC Comics leads this week's news with the announcement of Year of Wonder, its 2027 celebration of Wonder Woman. Following Tom King and Daniel Sampere's run, Louise Simonson and Cian Tormey begin a 4-issue storyline involving the Amazon Safety Act, Lois Lane, Granny Goodness and the Female Furies. Stephanie Williams and Elena Casagrande follow with a 6-issue run carrying the series through issue #50.
Green Lantern: Doomed Cosmos comes from Dan Watters and Kyle Hotz. In this 6-issue Elseworlds series, humanity has become a galactic conquering power, and the Green Lantern Corps is fighting a losing war against the human empire. Hal Jordan, once a soldier of that empire, now fights on the Corps' side after being betrayed by Oliver Queen.
DC also announces a Black Lightning 50th Anniversary Special, bringing Jefferson Pierce back into the spotlight alongside his family and fellow heroes. Ram V returns to the New Gods with Alex Paknadel and Joan Urgell, while Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark-M #1 shifts into December.
Over at Marvel, the first interior preview of Star Wars | Marvel: Hope Assembles shows classic Star Wars events colliding with the Marvel Universe. Kevin Smith and David Marquez bring the 2 worlds together in a 6-issue series beginning in January 2027. Other Marvel news includes the return of Bucky Barnes in Immortal Soldiers and new X-Men '92: Incursions covers.
Image Comics has plenty to discuss, including Sean Gordon Murphy and Corin Howell's The Lost Bones of Lake Totem, a Bissette and Totleben Swamp Thing Artist's Edition, new Invincible Universe material in Capes, the latest Ice Cream Man printing, Exquisite Corpses: Book of the Dead, and The Territory.
Additional news includes IDW's Hello Kitty blind-box graphic novel, Jake Tapper's The Butcher, Dark Horse's B.P.R.D.: Declassified, Archie #5, long-term plans for Redcoat, the return of Secret Agent X-9, Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones's final Dracula volume, and more Planet Death printings.
What Hit — October 21: Jace selects 10 comics with the strongest chances of appearing on the next Prana bestseller list, led by Absolute Green Arrow #6.
Prana Top 10 — October 14: Marvel takes 7 of the Top 10 spots, DC takes 3, and Midnight Spider-Man #1 remains at #1. Last week's What Hit predictions finish at 6 of 10, with all 10 selections inside the Top 17.
Final Order Cutoff — October 26: 19 comics across 6 slides, with special attention to overlooked titles, reprints, and books worth ordering before retailers finalize their numbers.
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News sources
DC — Year of Wonder

DC — Green Lantern: Doomed Cosmos

DC — Fourth World / New Gods

DC — Black Lightning anniversary

Bleeding Cool — Absolute Batman delay

AIPT — Star Wars | Marvel preview

AIPT — Immortal Soldiers

AIPT — X-Men '92

Image — Swamp Thing Artist's Edition

Image — Capes #13

 
CHAPTERS
00:00 Hook
00:51 Introduction
01:46 DC's Year of Wonder
04:08 Green Lantern: Doomed Cosmos
06:22 New Gods Return
07:16 Black Lightning 50th Anniversary
09:27 Absolute Batman: Beyond Ark-M Delayed
10:56 Star Wars / Marvel: Hope Assembles
12:18 Immortal Soldiers — Bucky Barnes
13:20 X-Men '92: Incursions
14:15 The Lost Bones of Lake Totem
15:49 Swamp Thing Artist's Edition
17:11 Capes #13 / Invincible Universe
18:41 Ice Cream Man: Chocolate/Vanilla Twist
19:28 Exquisite Corpses: Book of the Dead
20:18 The Territory
21:18 Hello Kitty Blind Box
22:38 Jake Tapper's The Butcher
23:20 B.P.R.D.: Declassified
23:51 Archie #5
24:45 Redcoat — 100-Issue Plans
25:46 Secret Agent X-9
27:06 Dracula Book IV: The Undead
28:02 Planet Death Additional Printings
28:43 What Hit — October 21
34:41 Prana Top 10 — October 14
37:00 Prana Summary / What Hit Results
39:04 Final Order Cutoff — October 26
40:14 FOC — DC Comics, Part 2
41:04 FOC — Marvel Comics
41:40 FOC — Image Comics
42:38 FOC — Wake / Ignition Press
43:11 FOC — Mad Cave / BAD IDEA
44:01 Closing

What happens when Frankenstein's creature becomes the world's most unusual detective? Writer George Northy and artist Caitlin Yarsky join The Comic Source to discuss *Prometheus Graft: The Slayings at Death's End*, a new gothic murder mystery from Oni Press. Set decades after Mary Shelley's classic novel, the series follows Frankenstein's creature as he investigates mysterious deaths at a Romanian castle where vampires, werewolves, and witches have gathered to negotiate peace. With supernatural tensions rising, Prometheus Graft must uncover the killer before the fragile alliance collapses. Northy and Yarsky explore their approach to the story, including Graft's iconic character design, the origins of his cane, the unusual relationship between the detective and a ghoul named Ramsey, and the challenge of assembling a distinctive cast of suspects. They also discuss combining horror, comedy, fantasy, and traditional detective fiction, as well as their hopes to revisit Graft in additional mysteries. **Prometheus Graft: The Slayings at Death's End #1** arrives December 9, 2026, from Oni Press.
The Final Order Cutoff is November 2, 2026.
**Additional information:** Oni Press announcement: https://www.onipress.com/news/a-monstrous-new-detective-is-born-in-prometheus-graft-the-slayings-at-deaths-end-1-beginning-in-december
Publisher catalog: https://prhcomics.com/book/?isbn=64985600915900111
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