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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Villain-Venice-Steampunk-Adventure-Expanded/dp/B0GYVW1ZM3?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE notes from wiki This article is about the novel. For the 1997 film, see Starship Troopers (film). For other uses, see Starship Troopers (disambiguation). Starship Troopers First edition hardcover Author Robert A. Heinlein Cover artist Jerry Robinson Language English Genre Military science fiction Philosophical fiction[1][2][3] Publisher G. P. Putnam's Sons Publication date November 5, 1959[4] Publication place United States Media type Print (hardcover and paperback) Pages 263 (paperback edition) Award Hugo Award for Best Novel (1960) ISBN 978-0450044496 Online Computer Library Center number"}]]}"> OCLC 2797649 Library of Congress Classification"}]]}"> LC Class PZ7.H368 Su Starship Troopers is a military science fiction novel by American writer Robert A. Heinlein. Written in a few weeks in reaction to the US suspending nuclear tests,[5] the story was first published as a two-part serial in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction as Starship Soldier, and published as a book by G. P. Putnam's Sons on November 5, 1959.[4] The story is set in a future society ruled by a human interstellar government called the Terran Federation, dominated by a military elite. Under the Terran Federation, only veterans of a primarily military Federal Service enjoy full citizenship, including the right to vote.[6] The first-person narrative follows Juan "Johnny" Rico, a young man of Filipino descent, through his military service in the Mobile Infantry. He progresses from recruit to officer against the backdrop of an interstellar war between humans and an alien species known as "Arachnids" or "Bugs". Interspersed with the primary plot are classroom scenes in which Rico and others discuss philosophical and moral issues, including aspects of suffrage, civic virtue, juvenile delinquency, and war; these discussions have been described as expounding Heinlein's own political views.[7] Identified with a tradition of militarism in US science fiction,[8] the novel draws parallels between the conflict between humans and the Bugs, and the Cold War.[9] It is also a coming-of-age novel, which criticizes the US society of the 1950s, arguing that a lack of discipline had led to a moral decline, and advocating corporal and capital punishment.[7][10] Starship Troopers brought to an end Heinlein's series of juvenile novels. It won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960,[3] and was praised by reviewers for its scenes of training and combat and its visualization of a future military.[11][12] It also became enormously controversial because of the political views it seemed to support. Reviewers were strongly critical of the book's intentional glorification of the military,[13][14] an aspect described as propaganda and likened to recruitment.[15] The novel's militarism, and the fact that government service – most often military service – was a prerequisite to the right to vote, led to it being frequently described as fascist.[14][16][17] Others disagree, arguing that Heinlein was only exploring the idea of limiting the right to vote to a certain group of people.[18] Heinlein's depiction of gender has also been questioned, while reviewers have said that the terms used to describe the aliens were akin to racial epithets.[19] Starship Troopers had wide influence both within and outside science fiction. Ken MacLeod stated that "the political strand in [science fiction] can be described as a dialogue with Heinlein".[2] Science fiction critic Darko Suvin wrote that it is the "ancestral text of US science fiction militarism" and that it shaped the debate about the role of the military in society for many years.[20] The novel is credited with popularizing the idea of powered armor, which became a recurring feature in science fiction books and films, as well as an object of scientific research.[21] Heinlein's depiction of a futuristic military was also influential.[22] Later science fiction books, such as Joe Haldeman's 1974 anti-war novel The Forever War, have been described as reactions to Starship Troopers.[23] The story was adapted several times, including in a 1997 film version directed by Paul Verhoeven that satirized what the director saw as the fascist aspects of the novel.[24] Writing and publication The cover of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction (November 1959), illustrating Starship Soldier Robert Heinlein was among the best-selling science fiction authors of the 1940s and 1950s, along with Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke; they were known as the "big three" that dominated US science fiction. In contrast to the others, Heinlein firmly endorsed the anti-communist sentiment of the Cold War era in his writing.[25] Heinlein served in the US Navy for five years after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1929. His experience in the military profoundly influenced his fiction.[26] At some point between 1958 and 1959, Heinlein put aside the novel that would become Stranger in a Strange Land and wrote Starship Troopers. His motivation arose partially from his anger at US President Dwight Eisenhower's decision to suspend US nuclear tests, and the Soviet tests that occurred soon afterward.[5] Writing in his 1980 volume Expanded Universe, Heinlein would say that the publication of a newspaper advertisement placed by the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy on April 5, 1958, calling for a unilateral suspension of nuclear weapons testing by the United States sparked his desire to write Starship Troopers.[27] Heinlein and his wife Virginia created the "Patrick Henry League" in an attempt to create support for the US nuclear testing program. Heinlein stated that he used the novel to clarify his military and political views.[28] Like many of Heinlein's books, Starship Troopers was completed in a few weeks. It was originally written as a juvenile novel for New York publishing house Scribner; Heinlein had previously had success with this format, having written several such novels published by that publisher. The manuscript was rejected, prompting Heinlein to end his association with that publisher completely, and to resume writing books with adult themes.[5][19][29] Scholars have suggested that Scribner's rejection was based on ideological objections to the content of the novel, particularly in its treatment of military conflict.[19][30] The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction first published Starship Troopers in October and November 1959 as a two-part serial titled Starship Soldier.[29] A senior editor at Putnam's, Peter Israel, purchased the manuscript and approved revisions that made it more marketable to adults. Asked whether it was aimed at children or adults, he said at a sales conference "Let's let the readers decide who likes it."[31] The novel was eventually published by G. P. Putnam's Sons.[29] Setting Set approximately 700 years in the future,[19] the book depicts an Earth ruled by a world government run by military veterans.[6] The society is depicted as affluent, and futuristic technology shown as coexisting with educational methods from the 20th century.[19] The rights of a full citizen, to vote and hold public office, are not universally guaranteed, and rather must be earned through Federal Service.[18] Those who do not perform this service (of which only military service has been described) retain the rights of free speech and assembly, but can neither vote nor hold public office. People of either sex above the age of 18 are permitted to enlist; only those who complete their service receive the right to vote.[19][32] Important government jobs are reserved for federal service veterans.[6] This structure arose ad hoc after the collapse of the "20th century Western democracies", driven in part by an inability to control crime and juvenile delinquency, particularly in North America, and a war between an alliance of the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia, against the "Chinese Hegemony".[33] Two extraterrestrial civilizations are depicted, respectively, as the "Pseudo-Arachnids" (or "Bugs"), and the "Skinnies". The "Bugs" are described as communal beings originating from the planet of Klendathu, and consist of multiple castes; workers, warriors, brains, and queens, similar to those of ants and termites on Earth. The warriors are the only ones who fight, and are unable to surrender in battle.[34] It also is implied that the Bugs are technologically advanced, possessing such technologies as spaceships.[35] The "Skinnies" are depicted as less communal than the Arachnids, yet more so than humans.[36] The events of the novel take place during an interstellar war between the Terran Federation and the Arachnids.[37] At the opening of the story, Earth is not at war, yet such a declaration has come when Rico has completed his training.[5] The "Skinnies" are initially allies of the Pseudo-Arachnids, but switch to alliance with humans, midway through the novel.[36] Faster-than-light travel exists in this future: spacecraft use the "Cherenkov drive", and can travel "Sol to Capella, forty-six lightyears, in under six weeks".[38] Starship Troopers is narrated by the main protagonist Juan "Johnny" Rico, a member of the "Mobile Infantry". It is one of the few Heinlein novels which intersperses his typical linear narrative structure with a series of flashbacks.[5][37] These flashbacks are frequently to Rico's "History and Moral Philosophy" course in school, in which the teacher discusses the history of the structure of their society.[5][18] Rico is depicted as a man of Filipino ancestry. He is from a wealthy family, whose members had never served in the military.[5][19][32] Rico's ancestry is depicted as inconsequential, society having finally abandoned racial and gender-based prejudice.[19] Plot The novel opens with Rico aboard the corvette transport Rodger Young (named after real life Medal of Honor recipient Rodger Young),[39] serving with the platoon known as "Rasczak's Roughnecks". The platoon carries out a raid against a planetary colony held by Skinnies.[19] The raid is relatively brief: the platoon lands on the planet, destroys its targets, and retreats, suffering two casualties in the process. One of them, Dizzy Flores, is rescued by Rico but dies while returning to orbit.[40] The narrative then flashes back to Rico's graduation from high school. Rico and his best friend Carl are considering joining the Federal Service after graduation; Rico is hesitant, partly due to his father's attitude towards the military.[5] Rico makes his decision after discovering that his classmate Carmen Ibañez also intends to enlist.[41] Rico's choice is taken poorly by his parents, and he leaves with a sense of estrangement. He is assigned to the Mobile Infantry, and moves to Camp Arthur Currie (named for Sir Arthur Currie who rose through the ranks to command the Canadian Corps in World War I) on the Canadian prairie for his training under Sergeant Charles Zim.[42] The training is extremely demanding.[43] Rico receives combat training of all types, including simulated fights in armored suits.[44][45] A fellow recruit is court-martialed, flogged, and dismissed for striking a drill instructor who was also his company commander. Rico himself is given five lashes for firing a rocket during a drill with armored suits and simulated nuclear weapons without ensuring that no friendlies were within the blast zone, which in combat would have resulted in the death of a fellow soldier.[46] Another recruit, who murdered a baby girl after deserting the army, is hanged by his battalion after his arrest by civilian police.[46] Disheartened, Rico thinks of resigning when he receives a letter from Jean Dubois, who taught Rico History and Moral Philosophy.[47] Dubois reveals that he was once a lieutenant colonel in the Mobile Infantry, which gives Rico the motivation not to resign.[48] After further training at another camp near Vancouver, Rico graduates with 187 others, of the 2,009 who had begun training in that regiment.[49] The "Bug War" has changed from minor incidents to a full-scale war during Rico's training. An Arachnid attack that annihilates the city of Buenos Aires alerts civilians to the situation; Rico's mother is killed in the attack.[50] Rico participates in the Battle of Klendathu, an attack on the Arachnid's home world, which turns into a disastrous defeat for the Terran Federation.[51] Rico's ship, the Valley Forge, is destroyed, and his unit is decimated; he is reassigned to the Roughnecks on board the Rodger Young, led by Lieutenant Rasczak and Sergeant Jelal.[52] The unit carries out several raids, and Rico is promoted to corporal by Jelal after Rasczak dies in combat.[53] One of his comrades in the Roughnecks suggests that Rico go to officer training school and try to become an officer. Rico ends up going to see Jelal, and finds that Jelal already had the paperwork ready. Rico enters Officer Candidate School for a second course of training, including further courses in "History and Moral Philosophy".[54][55] En route from the Roughnecks to the school Rico encounters his father who has also enlisted and is now a corporal, and the two reconcile. He is also visited in school by Carmen, now an ensign and ship's pilot officer in the Navy, and the two discuss their friend Carl, who had been killed earlier in the war.[56] Rico is commissioned a temporary third lieutenant for his final test: a posting to a combat unit. Under the tutelage of his company commander, Captain Blackstone, and with the aid of his platoon sergeant, his boot camp drill instructor Fleet Sergeant Zim, Rico commands a platoon during "Operation Royalty", a raid to capture members of the Arachnid brain caste and queens.[57] Rico then returns to the officer school to graduate. The novel ends with him holding the rank of second lieutenant, in command of his old platoon in the Rodger Young, with his father as his platoon sergeant. The platoon has been renamed "Rico's Roughnecks", and is about to participate in an attack on Klendathu.[58] Themes Robert Heinlein in 1976 Commentators have written that Starship Troopers is not driven by its plot, though it contains scenes of military combat. Instead, much of the novel is given over to a discussion of ideas.[59] In particular, the discussion of political views is a recurring feature of what scholar Jeffrey Cass described as an "ideologically intense" book.[16] A 1997 review in Salon categorized it as a "philosophical novel".[1] Critics have debated to what extent the novel promotes Heinlein's own political views. Some contend that the novel maintains a sense of irony that allows readers to draw their own conclusions; others argue that Heinlein is sermonizing throughout the book, and that its purpose is to expound Heinlein's militaristic philosophy.[16][18] Militarism Starship Troopers has been identified as being a part of a tradition in American science fiction that assumes that violent conflict and the militarization of society are inevitable and necessary.[8] Although the Mobile Infantry, the force to which Rico is assigned, is seen as a lowly post by the characters in the story, the novel itself suggests that it is the heart of the army and the most honorable unit in it.[43] In a commentary written in 1980, Heinlein agreed that Starship Troopers "glorifies the military ... Specifically the P.B.I., the Poor Bloody Infantry, the mudfoot who places his frail body between his loved home and the war's desolation – but is rarely appreciated ... he has the toughest job of all and should be honored."[13] The story is based on the social Darwinist idea of society as a struggle for survival based on military strength. It suggests that some conflicts must be resolved by force: one of the lessons Rico is repeatedly taught is that violence can be an effective method of settling conflict.[19] These suggestions derive in part from Heinlein's view that in the 1950s the US government was being too conciliatory in its dealings with communist China and the Soviet Union.[17][59][60][61] Heinlein draws an analogy between the human society in the novel, which is well-to-do but needs to be vigilant against the imperialist threat of the Arachnids, and US society of the 1950s. Reviewers have suggested that the Arachnids are Heinlein's analogue for communists. Traits used to support this include the communal nature of the Arachnids, which makes them capable of a much higher degree of coordination than the humans. Bug society is once explicitly described as communist, and is moreover depicted as communist by nature; this has been read as implying that those with a different political ideology are analogous to alien beings.[9][19][62] The related motifs of alien invasion, patriotism, and personal sacrifice during war, are present, as are other aspects of US popular culture of the 1950s.[17] Commentators have argued that Heinlein's portrayal of aliens, as well as being a reference to 1950s communist countries, aims to "reinscribe the ideologies of America's mythic frontier history". The concept of the frontier includes a social-Darwinist argument of constantly fighting for survival, even at the expense of indigenous people or, in the case of Starship Troopers, of aliens. Heinlein suggests that without territorial expansion involving violent conquest of other races, humans would be destroyed.[63] Scholar Jamie King has stated that Heinlein does not address the question of what the military government and Federal Service would do in peacetime, and argues that Heinlein has set up a society designed to be continuously at war, and to keep expanding its territory.[64] Coming of age Starship Troopers has been referred to as a bildungsroman or "coming-of-age" story for Rico, as he matures through his tenure in the infantry. His training, both at boot camp and at officer candidate school, involves learning the value of militarism, thus inviting the reader to learn it as well.[43] This is especially true of the parts of his training that involve indoctrination, such as the claim by one of his instructors that rule by military veterans is the ideal form of government, because only they understand how to put collective well-being above the individual.[43] The story traces Rico's transformation from a boy into a soldier, while exploring issues of identity and motivation,[18] and traces his overall moral and social development, in a manner identified by commentators as similar to many stories about German soldiers in World War I.[65] Rico's transformation has been likened to the common narrative within stories with military themes by scholar H. Bruce Franklin. This typical narrative is that of a sloppy and unfit civilian being knocked into shape by tough officers, whose training is "calculated sadism" but is depicted as fundamentally being on the right side.[32] The letter Rico receives from Dubois, partly responsible for Rico "crossing the hump" with his training, is shown as a turning point in his development.[19] The classroom scenes embedded in the story serve to explain Rico's adventures, and highlight his reactions to events around. A notable example is the execution Rico is forced to witness after a deserter from his unit murders a young girl; Rico is uncertain of his own reaction until he remembers a lecture by Dubois in which the latter argues that "moral sense" derives entirely from the will to survive.[19][66] The concept of the American frontier is also related to the coming-of-age theme. Young protagonists across Heinlein's novels attain manhood by confronting a hostile "wilderness" in space; coming-of-age in a military, alien context is a common theme in Heinlein's earlier works as well.[67] Rico's coming-of-age has also been described as being related to his relationship with his father; the journey "outward" through the novel also contains a search for Rico's childhood and a reunion with his estranged parent.[68] Moral decline Starship Troopers also critiques US society of the 1950s, suggesting that it led young people to be spoiled and undisciplined. These beliefs are expressed through the classroom lectures of Dubois, Rico's teacher for History and Moral Philosophy. Dubois praises flogging and other types of corporal punishment as a means of addressing juvenile crimes. It has been suggested that Heinlein endorsed this view, although the fact that Dubois also compares raising children to training a puppy has been used to argue that Heinlein was making use of irony.[10] The story is strongly in favor of corporal punishment and capital punishment, as a means of correcting juvenile delinquents, part of a trend in science fiction which examines technology and outer space in an innovative manner, but is reactionary with respect to human relationships.[7][23] As with other books by Heinlein, traditional schools are denigrated, while learning "on the spot" is extolled: Rico is able to master the things required of him in military training without undue difficulty.[19] Dubois also ridicules the idea of inalienable rights, such as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness", arguing that people have only the rights that they are willing to fight and die for to protect.[33][66][69] The novel appeals to scientific authority to justify this position; Dubois repeatedly states that his argument is mathematically demonstrable, statements which have led scholars to label the novel "hard science fiction", despite its social and political themes.[70] The "moral decline" caused by this situation is depicted as having caused a global war between an alliance of the US, Britain, and Russia against the "Chinese Hegemony" in the year 1987. Despite the alliance between the US and Russia, this war has been described as demonstrating Heinlein's anti-communist beliefs, which saw "swarming hordes" of Chinese as a bigger threat. The novel draws some comparisons between the Chinese and the Arachnids, and suggests that the lessons of one war could be applied to the other.[69] Reception To Heinlein's surprise,[71] Starship Troopers won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.[72] It has been acknowledged as one of the best-known and most influential works of science fiction.[2][21] The novel is considered a landmark for the genre, having been described by a 1960 review as one of the ten best genre books of 1959,[73] in a 2009 review as a key science fiction novel of the 1950s,[14] and as the best-known example of military science fiction.[74] The novel has been described as marking Heinlein's transition from writing juvenile fiction to a "more mature phase" as an author.[3] Reviewing the book with others written for children, Floyd C. Gale of Galaxy Science Fiction wrote in 1960 that "Heinlein has penned a juvenile that really is not. This is a new and bitter and disillusioned Heinlein". Rating it 2.5 stars out of five for children, 4.5 stars for adults, and "?" for civilians, he believed that the novel would be "of exceptional interest to veterans with battle experience ... but youngsters will find it melancholy and verbose".[75] Conversely, Michael Moorcock described it as Heinlein's last "straight" science fiction, before he turned to more serious writing such as Stranger in a Strange Land.[76] By 1980, twenty years after its release, Starship Troopers had been translated into eleven languages and was still selling strongly. Heinlein nevertheless complained that, despite this success, almost all the mail he received about it was negative and he only heard about it "when someone wants to chew me out".[71] The novel is highly contentious.[3] Controversy surrounded its praise of the military and approval of violence, to the extent that it has frequently been described as fascist, and its implication that militarism is superior to traditional democracy.[3][77] Heinlein's peers were among those who argued over the book; a comparison between a quote in Starship Troopers that "the noblest fate that a man can endure is to place his own mortal body between his loved home and war's desolation"[78] and the anti-war poem "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen began a two-year discussion in the Proceedings of the Institute for Twenty-First Century Studies from 1959 to 1961, with James Blish, Poul Anderson, Philip José Farmer, Anthony Boucher, John Brunner, Brian Aldiss, among those debating Starship Troopers's quality of writing, philosophy, and morality.[79] The writing in Starship Troopers has received varied responses, with the scenes of military training and combat receiving praise. In a 2009 retrospective, science-fiction writer Jo Walton wrote that Starship Troopers was "military SF done extremely well".[18] She went on to argue that "Heinlein was absolutely at his peak when he wrote this in 1959. He had so much technical stylistic mastery of the craft of writing science fiction that he could [tell the story] 'backwards and in high heels' and get away with it."[18] Others referred to it as very readable, and found the military scenes compelling.[3][11][12] Heinlein's descriptions of training and boot camp in the novel, based on his own experiences in the military, have been described as being rendered with remarkable skill.[17] A 1960 review in the New York Herald Tribune praised the "brilliantly written" passages describing infantry combat, and also called attention to the discussion of weapons and armor,[80] which, according to other reviewers, demonstrated Heinlein's "undiminished talent for invention".[19] Scholar George Slusser described the book in 1986 as the "ultimately convincing space-war epic", praising in particular the "precisely imagined" weapons and tactics,[68] while a 1979 science fiction encyclopedia referred to it as the "slickest" of Heinlein's juvenile books.[19] Criticism of the style of the book has centered on its political aspects. Heinlein's discussions of his political beliefs were criticized as "didactic",[11][80][81] and the novel was derided for "exposition [that was] inserted in large indigestible chunks".[80] Author Ken MacLeod's 2003 analysis of the political nature of Starship Troopers stated that it was "a book where civics infodumps and accounts of brutal boot-camp training far outweigh the thin and tensionless combat scenes".[12] Scientist and author Brunner compared it to a "Victorian children's book",[82] while the Science Fiction Handbook published in 2009 said that the novel provided "compelling images of a futuristic military" and that it raised important questions, even for those who disagree with its political ideology. However, it stated that the story was weak as a tale of an alien encounter, as it did not explore alien society in any detail, but presented the Arachnids as nameless and faceless creatures that wished to destroy humanity.[22] Boucher, founder of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, remarked in 1960 that Heinlein had "forgotten to insert a story".[80] A 1979 summary said that though Heinlein's vision might verge on fascism, his tightly controlled narrative made his ideology seem "vibrantly appealing".[19] Criticism of militarism Starship Troopers is generally considered to promote militarism, the glorification of war and of the military.[14] Scholar Bruce Franklin referred to it in 1980 as a "bugle-blowing, drum-beating glorification" of military service, and wrote that militarism and imperialism were the explicit message of the book.[15][83] Science fiction writer Dean McLaughlin called it "a book-length recruiting poster".[84] In 1968 science fiction critic Alexei Panshin called Starship Troopers a militaristic polemic and compared it to a recruiting film, stating that it "purports to show the life of a typical soldier, with a soundtrack commentary by earnest sincere Private Jones who interprets what we see for us." Panshin stated that there was no "sustained human conflict" in the book: instead, "All the soldiers we see are tough, smart, competent, cleancut, clean-shaven, and noble."[85] Panshin, a veteran of the peacetime military, argued that Heinlein glossed over the reality of military life, and that the Terran Federation-Arachnid conflict existed simply because, "Starship troopers are not half so glorious sitting on their butts polishing their weapons for the tenth time for lack of anything else to do."[85] Literature scholar George Slusser, in describing the novel as "wrong-headed and retrogressive", argued that calling its ideology militarism or imperialism was inadequate, as these descriptions suggested an economic motive. Slusser instead says that Heinlein advocates for a complete "technological subjugation of nature", of which the Arachnids are a symbol, and that this subjugation itself is depicted as a sign of human advancement.[83] A 1997 review of the film in Salon stated that the novel could almost be described as propaganda, and was terrifying as a result, particularly in its belief that the boot camp had to be an ingredient of any civilization. This was described as a highly unusual utopian vision.[1] Moorcock stated that the lessons Rico learns in boot camp: "wars are inevitable, [and] that the army is always right".[76] In discussing the book's utility in classroom discussions of the form of government, Alan Myers stated that its depiction of the military was of an "unashamedly Earth-chauvinist nature".[11] In the words of science fiction scholar Darko Suvin, Starship Troopers was an "unsubtle but powerful black-and-white paean to combat life", and an example of agitprop in favor of military values.[81] Other writers defended Heinlein. George Price argued that "[Heinlein] implies, first, that war is something endured, not enjoyed, and second, that war is so unpleasant, so desolate, that it must at all costs be kept away from one's home."[86] Poul Anderson also defended some of the novel's positions, arguing "Heinlein has recognized the problem of selective versus nonselective franchise, and his proposed solution does merit discussion."[87] Complaints were made against Heinlein for the lack of conscription in Starship Troopers. When he wrote the novel, the military draft was still in effect in the US.[88] Allegations of fascism The society within the book has frequently been described as fascist.[14][16][17] According to the 2009 Science Fiction Handbook, it had the effect of giving Heinlein a reputation as a "fanatical warmongering fascist".[6] Scholar Jeffrey Cass has referred to the setting of the book as "unremittingly grim fascism". He has stated that the novel made an analogy between its military conflict and those of the US after World War II, and that it justified American imperialism in the name of fighting another form of imperialism.[89] Jasper Goss has referred to it as "crypto-fascist".[17] Suvin compares Heinlein's suggestion that "all wars arise from population pressure" to the Nazi concept of Lebensraum or "living space" for a superior society that was used to justify territorial expansion.[90] Some reviewers have suggested that Heinlein was simply discussing the merits of a selective versus a nonselective franchise.[18] Heinlein made a similar claim, over two decades after Starship Troopers's publication, in his Expanded Universe and further claimed that 95 percent of "veterans" were not military personnel but members of the civil service.[91] Heinlein's own description has been disputed, even among the book's defenders. Heinlein scholar James Gifford has argued that a number of quotes within the novel suggest that the characters within the book assume that the Federal Service is largely military. For instance, when Rico tells his father that he is interested in Federal Service, his father immediately explains his belief that Federal Service is a bad idea because there is no war in progress, indicating that he sees Federal Service as military in nature. Gifford states that although Heinlein's intentions may have been that Federal Service be 95 percent non-military, in relation to the actual contents of the book, Heinlein "is wrong on this point. Flatly so."[5] Dennis Showalter, writing in 1975, defended Starship Troopers, stating that the society depicted in it did not contain many elements of fascism. He argues that the novel does not include outright opposition to Bolshevism and liberalism that would be expected in a fascist society.[89] Others have responded by saying Showalter's argument is based on a literal reading of the novel, and that the story glorifies militarism to a large extent.[89] Ken Macleod argues that the book does not actually advocate fascism because anybody capable of understanding the oath of Federal Service is able to enlist and thereby obtain political power.[12] Macleod states that Heinlein's books are consistently liberal, but cover a spectrum from democratic to elitist forms of liberalism, Starship Troopers being on the latter end of the spectrum.[2] It has been argued that Heinlein's militarism is more libertarian than fascist, and that this trend is also present in Heinlein's other popular books of the period, such as Stranger in a Strange Land (1961) and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress (1966). This period of Heinlein's writing has received more critical attention than any other, although he continued to write into the 1980s.[14] Apparent utopianism The setting of the book is presented by Heinlein as utopian; its leaders are shown as good and wise, and the population as free and prosperous.[6][19] Slusser wrote in 1987 that Starship Troopers depicts a world that is "hell for human beings", but nonetheless celebrates the ideology of its fictional society.[83] The rulers are claimed to be the best in history, because they understand that human nature is to fight for power through the use of force.[43] The suggestion of utopia is not explored in depth, as the lives of those outside the military are not shown in any detail.[19][22] The novel suggests that the militarist philosophy espoused by many of the characters has a mathematical backing, though reviewers have commented that Heinlein does not present any basis for this.[18][43] Writers such as Farmer, Robert A. W. Lowndes, and Michael Moorcock have criticized the novel for being a hypothetical utopia, in the sense that while Heinlein's ideas sound plausible, they have never been put to the test. Moorcock wrote an essay entitled "Starship Stormtroopers" in which he attacked Heinlein and other writers over similar "Utopian fiction".[76] Lowndes accused Heinlein of using straw man arguments, "countering ingenuous half-truths with brilliant half-truths".[92] Lowndes further argued that the Terran Federation could never be as idealistic as Heinlein portrays it to be because he never properly addressed "whether or not [non-citizens] have at least as full a measure of civil redress against official injustice as we have today".[92] Farmer agreed, arguing that a "world ruled by veterans would be as mismanaged, graft-ridden, and insane as one ruled by men who had never gotten near the odor of blood and guts".[93] Race and gender Authors and commentators have stated that the manner in which the extraterrestrial beings are portrayed in Starship Troopers has racist aspects, arguing that the nicknames "Bugs" and "Skinnies" carry racial overtones. John Brunner compared them to calling Koreans "gooks".[82] Slusser argued that the term "Bugs" was an "abusive and biologically inaccurate" word that justified the violence against alien beings, a tendency which, according to Slusser, the book shared with other commercially successful science fiction.[62] Some of Heinlein's other works have also been described as racist, though Franklin argues that this was not unique to Heinlein, and that he was less racist than the US government of the time.[94] Heinlein's early novel Sixth Column was called a "racist paean" to a white resistance movement against an Asian horde derived from the Yellow Peril.[95] In 1978, Moorcock wrote that Starship Troopers "set the pattern for Heinlein's more ambitious paternalistic, xenophobic" stories.[76] Robert Lowndes argues that the war between the Terrans and the Arachnids is not about a quest for racial purity, but rather an extension of Heinlein's belief that man is a wild animal. According to this theory, if man lacks a moral compass beyond the will to survive, and he was confronted by another species with a similar lack of morality, then the only possible moral result would be warfare.[92] The fact that all pilots in the novel are women (in contrast to the infantry, which is entirely male) has been cited as evidence of progressive gender politics within the story, although the idea expressed by Rico that women are the motivation for men to fight in the military is a counter-example to this.[18][22] A 1996 science fiction encyclopedia said that like much of Heinlein's fiction, Starship Troopers exemplified "macho male culture".[96] The prosthetically enhanced soldiers in the novel, all of whom are men, have been described as an example of the "hyper-masculinity" brought on by the proximity of these men to technology.[97] The story portrays the Arachnids as so alien that the only response to them can be war. Feminist scholars have described this reaction as a "conventionally masculinist" one.[98] Steffen Hantke has described the mechanized suits in the novel, which make the wearer resemble a "steel gorilla," as defining masculinity as "something intensely physical, based on animal power, instinct, and aggression". He calls this form of masculinity "all body, so to speak, and no brain".[99] Thus, in Hantke's reading, Starship Troopers expresses fears of how masculinity may be preserved in an environment of high technology.[100] This fear is exacerbated by the motifs of pregnancy and birth that Heinlein uses when describing how the soldiers in suits are dropped from spaceships piloted by women.[101] Though Rico says he finds women "marvelous", he shows no desire for sexual activity; the war seems to have subsumed sex in this respect.[19] A 1979 summary argued that despite the gestures towards women's equality, women in the story were still objects, to be protected, and to fight wars over.[19] Influence A real-life concept of powered armor, an idea popularized by Starship Troopers[102] Heinlein's books, and Starship Troopers in particular, had an enormous impact on political science fiction, to the extent that author Ken MacLeod has stated that "the political strand in [science fiction] can be described as a dialogue with Heinlein," although many participants in this dialogue disagree with Heinlein.[2] Science fiction critic Darko Suvin states that Starship Troopers is the "ancestral text of US science fiction militarism" and that it shaped the debate about the role of the military in society for many years.[20] In addition to his political views, Heinlein's ideas about a futuristic military as depicted in the novel were deeply influential among films, books, and television shows in later years.[22] Roger Beaumont has suggested that Starship Troopers may some day be considered a manual for extraterrestrial warfare.[103] Suvin refers to Juan Rico as the "archetypal Space Soldier".[104] Starship Troopers included concepts in military engineering which have since been widely used in other fiction, and which have occasionally been paralleled by scientific research. The novel has been cited as the source of the idea of powered armor exoskeletons, which Heinlein describes in great detail.[83][105][106][107] Such suits became a staple of military science fiction. Franchises that have employed this technology include Iron Man, Exo Squad, Halo, District 9, Elysium, and Edge of Tomorrow.[21] During the shooting of the science fiction film Aliens, director James Cameron required the actors playing space marines to read Starship Troopers to understand their parts, and also cited it as an influence for the space drop, terms like "bug hunt", and the cargo-loader exoskeleton.[108] Starship Troopers had a direct influence on many later science fiction stories. John Steakley's 1984 novel Armor was, according to the author, born out of frustration with the small amount of actual combat in Starship Troopers and because he wanted this aspect developed further.[109] The "Mobile Suits" from the 1979 Nippon Sunrise anime series Mobile Suit Gundam were inspired by the powered armor from Starship Troopers.[110] The 1988 Gainax OVA series Gunbuster has plot elements similar to Starship Troopers, depicting humanity arrayed against an alien military.[107] Scholars have identified elements of Heinlein's influence in Ender's Game, by Orson Scott Card, as well. Hantke, in particular, compares the battle room in Ender's Game to Heinlein's prosthetic suits, stating that they both regulate but also enhance human agency.[111] Suvin suggests parallels between the plots of the two novels, with human society in both stories at war against insect-like aliens, but states that the story of Ender Wiggin takes a very different direction, as Ender regrets his genocidal actions and dedicates his efforts to protecting his erstwhile targets.[104] Conversely, Joe Haldeman's 1974 anti-war, Hugo- and Nebula-winning science fiction novel The Forever War is popularly thought to be a direct reply to Starship Troopers, and though Haldeman has stated that it is actually a result of his personal experiences in the Vietnam War, he has admitted to being influenced by Starship Troopers.[112][113][114] Haldeman said that he disagreed with Starship Troopers because it "glorifies war", but added that "it's a very well-crafted novel, and I believe Heinlein was honest with it".[112] The Forever War contains several parallels to Starship Troopers, including its setting. Commentators have described it as a reaction to Heinlein's novel, a suggestion Haldeman denies; the two novels are very different in terms of their attitude towards the military. The Forever War does not depict war as a noble pursuit, with the sides clearly defined as good and evil; instead, the novel explores the dehumanizing effect of war, influenced by the real world context of the Vietnam War.[23] Haldeman received a letter from Heinlein, congratulating him on his Nebula Award, which "meant more than the award itself".[115] According to author Spider Robinson, Heinlein approached Haldeman at the awards banquet and said the book "may be the best future war story I've ever read!"[116] Harry Harrison's 1965 novel Bill, the Galactic Hero has also been described as a reaction to Starship Troopers,[6] while Gordon R. Dickson's 1961 novel Naked to the Stars has been called "an obvious rejoinder" to Starship Troopers.[117] Ring of Swords, written by Eleanor Arnason in 1993, also depicts a war between two highly aggressive species, of which humans are one. The story deliberately inverts several aspects of Starship Troopers: the story is told from the point of view of diplomats seeking to prevent war, rather than soldiers fighting it, and the conflict is the result of the two species being extremely similar, rather than different.[118] Adaptations 1997 film Main article: Starship Troopers (film) Further information: Starship Troopers (franchise) The film rights to the novel were licensed in the 1990s, several years after Heinlein's death. The project was originally entitled Bug Hunt at Outpost Nine, and had been in production before the producers bought the rights to Starship Troopers.[119][120][121] The film was directed by Paul Verhoeven (who found the book too boring to finish), and released in 1997.[122] The screenplay, by Ed Neumeier, shared character names and some plot details with the novel.[123] The film contained several elements that differed from the book, including a military that is completely integrated with respect to sex. It had the stated intention of treating its material in an ironic or sarcastic manner, to undermine the political ideology of the novel.[17][124] The mechanized suits that featured prominently in the novel were absent from the film, due to budget constraints.[99] The film used fascist imagery throughout, including portraying the Terran Federation's personnel wearing uniforms strongly reminiscent of those worn by the SS, the Nazi paramilitary.[125] Verhoeven stated in 1997 that the first scene of the film – an advertisement for the Mobile Infantry – was adapted shot-for-shot from a scene in Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will (1935), specifically an outdoor rally for the Reichsarbeitsdienst. Other references to Nazism include the Albert Speer-style architecture and the propagandistic dialogue ("Violence is the supreme authority!").[126] According to Verhoeven, the references to Nazism reflected his own experience in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II.[24][127] The film reignited the debate over the nature of the Terran society in Heinlein's world, and several critics accused Verhoeven of creating a fascist universe. Others, and Verhoeven himself, have stated that the film was intended to be ironic, and to critique fascism.[77][128] The film has also been described as criticizing the jingoism of US foreign policy, the military industrial complex, and the society in the film, which elevates violence over sensitivity.[129] It received several negative critical reviews, reviewers suggesting that it was unsophisticated and targeted a juvenile audience, although some scholars and critics have also supported its description as satirical.[21][24][124][129] The absence of the powered armor technology drew criticism from fans.[21][99] The success of the film's endeavor to critique the ideology of the novel has been disputed.[24] Four sequels, Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004),[130] Starship Troopers 3: Marauder (2008),[131] Starship Troopers: Invasion (2012)[132] and Starship Troopers: Traitor of Mars (2017) were released as straight-to-DVD films. In December 2011, Neal H. Moritz, producer of films such as the Fast & Furious series and I Am Legend, announced plans for a remake of the film that he claims will be more faithful to the source material.[133] In 2016 Mark Swift and Damian Shannon were reported to be writing the film.[134][needs update] Animated series Main article: Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles An animated TV series was also released based both on the novel and 1997 film called Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles, it follows the exploits of the Mobile Infantry squad, "Razak's Roughnecks", during the SICON–Bugs War between a newly united humanity and an extraterrestrial race, known as the "Bugs," also sometimes referred to as Arachnids. The show focuses mainly on the Roughnecks' missions, rather than addressing the larger war. Paul Verhoeven served as an executive producer.[135] The show ran for one season from August 1999 to April 2000. Other media From October to December 1988, Sunrise and Bandai Visual produced a six-episode Japanese original video animation locally titled Uchū no Senshi with mobile infantry power armor designs by Kazutaka Miyatake, based on Starship Troopers.[136] Dark Horse Comics, Mongoose Publishing and Markosia hold the license to produce comic books based on Starship Troopers, written by authors including Warren Ellis, Gordon Rennie and Tony Lee.[137][138] Avalon Hill published Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers in 1976, a map-and-counter board wargame featuring a number of scenarios as written in the novel.[139] In 1998, Mythic Entertainment released Starship Troopers: Battlespace. The web-based interactive game, in which players battled each other in overhead space combat, allowed players to assume either Klendathu or Federation roles, was developed alongside the film adaptation.[24][140] Starship Troopers: The Miniatures Game was released by Mongoose Publishing in 2005, a miniature wargame which used material from the novel, film, and animated TV series.[141] Spectre Media released Starship Troopers: Invasion Mobile Infantry, a game for PCs, in 2012.[142] Offworld Industries developed and published the 2023 game Starship Troopers: Extermination, a cooperative multiplayer first-person shooter available for PC.[143]

Hi, everybody. It's just Rodney and George this week talking about seeing our friend Bryan Loy in a local production of See How They Run, the 40th anniversary of the animated Transformers: The Movie, Tommy and Tuppence, Only Murders In The Building, Six Of Us from Dark Horse Comics, and so much more, including Rodney's short-lived acting career. Don't forget about Kristin and Rich's new online shop Dragon Breath Comics & Collectibles. They update the website daily so bookmark https://dragonbreathcomics.com and check them out everyday for all your fun, geeky shopping needs. Follow them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/people/Dragon-Breath-Comics-Collectibles/61591089072402/, @DragonBreathComics616 on Instagram and X/Twitter. Thank you for listening. Connect with Meanwhile At The Podcast on social media. Don't forget to #livetweet (we're still calling it that)! Share the show, subscribe so you don't miss an episode, and rate us on your podcast apps. Those much coveted five stars are always appreciated. Stay safe out there. NOW ON BLUESKY @MeanwhileATP https://x.com/meanwhileatp https://www.meanwhileatthepodcast.libsyn.com Rodney (AKA Art Nerrd): https://x.com/artnerrd https://www.instagram.com/theartnerrd/ https://facebook.com/artnerrd https://shop.spreadshirt.com/artnerrd Kristin: https://www.facebook.com/kristing616 https://www.instagram.com/kristing616 Rich: https://x.com/doctorstaypuft

Jordan Blum returns to the podcast and he's brought along Scott Koblish with him. Jordan and Scott (along with Tim Seeley, HI-FI, and Nate Piekos) have a brand new Dark Horse Comics series The Big Shakedown. Issue 1 will be at your Local Comic Shop on September 16th. I loved the first few issues of this exciting new series and it was fantastic to chat with Jordan and Scott about Los Angeles, surf noir, creating a badass mess of a detective, and making sure the City of Angels was its own character in the story. Here is what the publisher had to say about The Big Shakedown: The Big One, the earthquake to end all earthquakes, has finally struck Los Angeles. The government decides not to rebuild and the city becomes a no-man's-land for those who refuse to leave it. But hey, you can't beat the weather. Five years later, Ester Blanco, a down-on-her-luck former PI, is willing to do anything to escape the City of Angels. She believes she's found her ticket out when a desperate father hires her to solve a missing persons case in a city where a third of the population is already missing. Instead, the trail of this lost girl leads Ester to uncover a dark web of cults, conspiracy, and corruption that threatens every Angeleno who stayed behind. Check out The Big Shakedown at Dark Horse Comics Follow Jordan on Bluesky Follow Scott on Bluesky Follow Comic Book Yeti

Bearded Comic Bro got to sit down and talk with Jordan Blum. Jordan is the writer of the comic series from Dark Horse Comics "Minor Threats" and his newest series "The Big Shakedown"Make sure you watch the video and check out all the links below that we mention in the video.Follow Jordan on Social Media Instagram: @BlumJordanBluesky: @blumjordan.bsky.socialTwitter: @BlumJordan

The penultimate issue of Dark Horse Comics' The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 brings readers into the mouth of madness as Iza and Rike descend into personal hells as they strive to do their assigned tasks. George Mann and Vincenzo Riccardo, Michael Atiyeh and Comicraft delivered a striking look at madness and how it takes root.In Marvel's The Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7), Rodney Barnes, Will Sliney, Rachelle Rosenberg and VC's Joe Caramagna deliver a solid summation of the the show's first episode, offering great artistic detail but no additional material from what was aired. Comics Discussed This Week:The Book of Boba Fett adaptation #1 (of 7)The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
Star Wars: Rogue One -- Jyn Erso #1 One-Shot
News:It is official. Mad Cave Studios now has the all-ages license for Star Wars comics, with Dark Horse Comics' second run concluding with the publication of the Pathfinders TPB on Dec. 22.Speaking of Mad Cave, its next the Mandalorian and Grogu one-shot (Nightmare on Nevarro) is set for release on Oct. 21. It's written by Delilah S. Dawson, with art by Alessandro Ranaldi.A slew of variant covers for Marvel's October Star Wars comics are on the Facebook page and Bluesky feed.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5), The Mandalorian and Grogu -- Nightmare on Nevarro #1 One-ShotOct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 11 _ Book of Boba Fett #5 (of 7)Nov. 18 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #4 (of 5)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Book of Boba Fett #6 (of 7)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 2 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #5 (of 5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga); Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire TPB (Collects 1-5)Feb. 2 _ Star Wars: Rogue One TPB (Collects Cassian Andor 1, Jyn Erso 1, Saw Gerrera 1, Chirrut & Baze 1, Darth Vader 1)
Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4Feb. 16 _ Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: Mutiny at Mon Cala (Collects Star Wars 44-61)
March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel
March 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga; Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 1 (New Printing Collects 1-44, Annual 1)
April 27 _ Star Wars Legends: Legacy Omnibus Vol. 2 (Collects Star Wars: Legacy 37-40, 42-50; Star Wars: Legacy - War 1-6; Star Wars: Legacy (2013) 1-18; material from Star Wars Tales 19 and Star Wars Visionaries); Star Wars: A New Hope 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-6)
May 11 — Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 2 (New Printing, Collects Star Wars 45-78, Annual 2); The Fall of Kylo Ren TPB (Collects 1-5)
May 18 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection — Fortress Vader (Collects Darth Vader 13-25, Obi-Wan and Anakin 1-5)
June 8 _ Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 3 (New Printing,  Collects Star Wars 79-107, Annual 3, Return of the Jedi 1-4; material from Pizzazz 1-16; Star Wars Weekly 60, 94-99, 104-115; Empire Strikes Back Monthly 149, 151, 153-157; Star Wars Monthly;  159); The Book of Boba Fett Adaptation TPB (Collects 1-7); Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 2 (US Manga)June 15 _ Boba Fett -- Black, White & Red TPB (Collects 1-4)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

JJ and Angus join the Colonial Marines in deep-space to uncover the legacy of the Dark Horse Comics' Aliens series.DARK HORSE COMICS MONTH - Aliens: The Original Years Omnibus Vol. 1https://www.amazon.com/Aliens-Original-Years-Omnibus-Vol-ebook/dp/B0B1S4TWR7/ Leave a message at kirbyskidspodcast@gmail.comPlease join us for our 2026 Graphic Novel Reads⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kirbyskids.com/2025/11/the-kids-talk-2026-kirbys-kids-graphic.html⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For detailed show notes and past episodes please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.kirbyskids.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week, Eisner Award-winning writer Saladin Ahmed joins the AIPT Comics podcast to talk about three very different heroes currently occupying his writing desk: Cheetara, Wolverine, and Bishop.With ThunderCats: Cheetara launching September 9, Ahmed discusses taking one of Third Earth's most mysterious heroes into her own ongoing series, the troubling visions that challenge what she knows about ThunderCats history, working with artist Andrea Arcari, and the freedom Dynamite has given him to push and reshape the mythology.The conversation also returns to the X-Men universe, where Ahmed's working on Wolverine and Bishop. We dig into where both characters currently stand, the distinct challenges of writing two veteran mutants, and what Ahmed is building toward in each series.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!NEWSIndiana Jones hunts Marvel's greatest artifacts in new variant coversBatman vs. Absolute Batman: DC reveals its big Batman Day 2026 specialBoom-Boom takes charge as Marvel announces ‘Fugitive X-Force' #1Curt Pires and Jok unleash time-traveling monsters in ‘Creature Corps'Our Top Books of the Week:Dave:The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman)Superman: The Stranger (Wes Craig)Alex:​​The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman)Crowbound #1 (Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen)Standout KAPOW moment of the week:Alex: Captain America #15 (Zdarsky, Schiti)Dave: Doom Patrol #1 (Darcy Van Polgeest, Nico Henrichon)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKAlex: The Forever Home #1 (Christian Ward, Sami Kivelä)Dave: Six of Us #1 (Tom King, Gabriel Hernández Walta)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: Black Cat #14 (Josemaria Casanovas)Alex: The Karman Blade #1 (Ian Bertram)Interview: Saladin Ahmed - ThunderCats: Cheetara (FOC August 10, out September 2)1. Cheetara has always been one of the more mysterious ThunderCats because of her visions. What excited you about making those visions the engine of an ongoing series rather than just a supporting trait?2. The solicitation mentions voices that contradict the Book of Omens and even praise the Mu'Tants. Were you interested in exploring how faith or certainty can be challenged when someone suddenly has conflicting truths?3. One thing I've always liked about Cheetara is that she's often the calmest person in the room while everyone else is reacting emotionally. How did you approach giving her an internal journey that still feels true to that personality?4. This is your first project with Dynamite and your first time writing ThunderCats. What surprised you most once you started digging into the mythology? Was there a corner of the universe you found yourself unexpectedly fascinated by?5. Andrea Ancari is relatively new to American readers. What did you see in his storytelling that made him the right artist for a book balancing action, visions, and psychological mystery?6. ThunderCats has existed across cartoons, comics, and multiple reinterpretations over decades. Were there specific versions of Cheetara you found yourself drawing inspiration from, or did you intentionally try to build your own voice for her?Wolverine / X-Men questions1. One thing I've really enjoyed in your Wolverine run is seeing Logan genuinely vulnerable again. Between the broken claws and now the healing factor failing, what opportunities does a weakened Wolverine create that an invincible Wolverine simply can't?2. Wolverine #21 was almost a bottle episode, with Logan and Nightcrawler just trying to relax before everything goes wrong. How important are those quieter character issues when you're writing someone who's usually defined by violence?3. Julius Ohta has become a fantastic collaborator on the series. Are there moments where his storytelling or acting has changed the way you approached later scripts?Bishop / X-office questionWith both Wolverine and Bishop, you've been working inside a very interconnected X-Men line. How much collaboration happens behind the scenes? Bonus fun questionYou've now written everything from Miles Morales to Wolverine, Daredevil, and now Cheetara. Is there a dream character or franchise that still sits on your bucket list where, if the phone rang tomorrow, you'd immediately say yes?

Christian Ashley and Joe Dea dive deep into the rich tapestry of "Tales of the Jedi" in this episode of Systematic Geekology, unraveling the intriguing lore of the Old Republic and its epic conflicts. They explore the intricacies of the Sith and Jedi dynamics, showcasing how this comic series painted a vivid picture of the Star Wars universe long before the prequels came into play. With clever banter and insightful commentary, they discuss pivotal characters like Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider, whose journeys highlight themes of redemption and the complex nature of light versus dark. Listeners can expect a relaxed vibe as Christian and Joe navigate through the nostalgia of the '90s comics and reflect on how these stories have shaped the broader Star Wars narrative. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into the galaxy far, far away, this episode promises a fun exploration of the legends that have captivated fans for decades. Christian Ashley and Joe Dea dive deep into the rich lore of Star Wars Legends, specifically focusing on the Tales of the Jedi comic series. From the outset, they explore the era of the Old Republic, unraveling the complex history that shaped the galaxy far, far away. The conversation kicks off with a look at the Golden Age of the Sith, where Jedi and Sith alike engage in a battle for supremacy, introducing concepts such as battle meditation and the exploration of uncharted space. Joe highlights the significance of the Sith as both a species and an ideology, while Christian notes the series' role in reviving interest in the Star Wars franchise during a dry spell post-Return of the Jedi. As they navigate through the narrative, they discuss key characters like Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider, delving into their personal journeys and the broader implications of their choices. The pair also reflect on the comic's vintage aesthetic, attributing its unique storytelling style to the creative freedom afforded by Dark Horse Comics during the 90s, before transitioning into a discussion of the series' darker themes, including betrayal, redemption, and the cyclical nature of good and evil in the Star Wars universe.Takeaways:Christian and Joe dive deep into the lore of the Old Republic, exploring the origins of the Sith and Jedi dynamics in the Tales of the Jedi comic series.The duo emphasizes the impact of the 90s storytelling style on the Star Wars universe, showcasing how Legends expanded the lore beyond what was seen on screen.Ulic Qel-Droma's tragic arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the seductive nature of the dark side, mirroring themes found in the broader Star Wars saga.Nomi Sunrider's growth as a Jedi highlights the importance of resilience and redemption, illustrating that even in the face of loss, one can rise to become a beacon of hope.The discussion touches on the unique narrative structure of the Tales of the Jedi comics, which often eschews traditional three-act storytelling for a more expansive exploration of character and world-building.The podcast wraps up by reflecting on how the themes of redemption and legacy in Tales of the Jedi resonate with modern audiences, inviting listeners to ponder their own journeys..Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website:https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/.Check out all of our Star Wars episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/8a69b978-b30c-4515-9e5d-a38a84cc367f.Check out our All Reading Counts series:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/3706021e-22e5-4598-ae1d-732ec8e275a9.Check out other episodes with Christian:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ebf4b064-0672-47dd-b5a3-0fff5f11b54c.Check out other episodes with great guests like Joe:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0d46051e-3772-49ec-9e2c-8739c9b74cdeMentioned in this episode:Get Your SG Merch now!Check out the link to see all of our different t-shirts, backpacks, drinking glasses, pajamas, and more! SG on FourthwallDonate to our Show / Check Out Free ExtrasCheck out our show on Fourthwall to donate to the podcast or get free extra content!SG on FourthwallSystematic GeekologyOur show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities.Join our Facebook group and Discord ServerFind our Facebook group, "Priests to the Geeks", then join our Discord server with this link to continue on the conversation with us!DiscordThe Anazao Podcast NetworkBe sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more!Anazao Podcast Network

Both have been out for a couple of weeks, but both Dark Horse Comics' The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope (The Manga) Vol. 2 and Mad Cave Studios/Papercuts one-shot The Mandalorian & Grogu -- Danger in the Dark, warranted an examination. Comics Discussed This Week:The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope (The Manga) Vol. 2The Mandalorian & Grogu -- Danger in the Dark #1Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #2 (of 5)
News:Variant covers for October's Marvel comics, including Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7) and Rogue One -- Chirriut and Baze one-shot are on the Facebook and Bluesky feeds.If you're on Reddit, so are we. Join us there!Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 — The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5)Oct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 11 _ Book of Boba Fett #5 (of 7)Nov. 18 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #4 (of 5)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Book of Boba Fett #6 (of 7)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 2 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #5 (of 5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga); Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire TPB (Collects 1-5)Feb. 2 _ Star Wars: Rogue One TPB (Collects Cassian Andor 1, Jyn Erso 1, Saw Gerrera 1, Chirrut & Baze 1, Darth Vader 1)
Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4Feb. 16 _ Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: Mutiny at Mon Cala (Collects Star Wars 44-61)
March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel
March 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga; Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 1 (New Printing Collects 1-44, Annual 1)
April 27 _ Star Wars Legends: Legacy Omnibus Vol. 2 (Collects Star Wars: Legacy 37-40, 42-50; Star Wars: Legacy - War 1-6; Star Wars: Legacy (2013) 1-18; material from Star Wars Tales 19 and Star Wars Visionaries)
May 11 — Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 2 (New Printing, Collects Star Wars 45-78, Annual 2); The Fall of Kylo Ren TPB (Collects 1-5)
May 18 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection — Fortress Vader (Collects Darth Vader 13-25, Obi-Wan and Anakin 1-5)
June 8 _ Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 3 (New Printing,  Collects Star Wars 79-107, Annual 3, Return of the Jedi 1-4; material from Pizzazz 1-16; Star Wars Weekly 60, 94-99, 104-115; Empire Strikes Back Monthly 149, 151, 153-157; Star Wars Monthly 159); The Book of Boba Fett Adaptation TPB (Collects 1-7)June 15 _ Boba Fett -- Black, White & Red TPB (Collects 1-4)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

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 Hickman's ‘Midnight X-Men' is a ‘mutant, vampire epic' with Krakoa-era DNA Midnight Previewssssss Marvel's next Avengers vs. X-Men showdown is happening on the hockey rink Whatever this news is it sounds stupid Vault reveals ‘One Zero Zero One Saves the World' from Jeremy Robinson and Tiago Palma Vault announces ‘Inanna: The Name She Lost' from Inanna Sarkis, Tim Seeley and Ademir Leal Dark Horse spotlights Doctor Doom in ‘Marvel's Most Villainous' Volume 2 Dark Horse and Marvel celebrate classic X-Men history with ‘The Art of The Uncanny X-Men' Dark Horse collects Jack Kirby's Marvel Westerns in new three-volume series Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Operation: Iron Coffin #2 (Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon) Hammerfist #1 (Rick Remender, Steve Epting) Alex:​​ Fireborn #4 (Curt Pires, Franklin Jonas, Patrick Mulholland) Absolute Wonder Woman #23 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: What If… Cassandra Nova Killed Charles Xavier? #1 (Sumit Kumar, Ashley Allen) Dave: Godzilla Conquers the Multiverse #2 (Gerry Duggan, Javier Garron) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Crowbound #1 (Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen) & The Doom Patrol #1 (Darcy Van Poelgeest, Nico Henrichon) Dave: Marvel Dimensions (Alex Ross) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Cruel Kingdom #1 (Yanick Paquette) Alex: Legion of Super Heroes #1 (Hayden Sherman) DSTLRY - David Steinberger (co-founder and CEO) and Chip Mosher (co-founder and CCO) DSTLRY has settled into its partnership with Penguin Random House, and readers are starting to see a steadier publishing cadence again. Looking back, what did that transition teach the company, and how does it position DSTLRY differently heading into the rest of 2026? You've said from the beginning that DSTLRY wasn't trying to become "just another publisher." Now that the initial launch period is behind you, what do you think defines DSTLRY's identity today compared to when you first announced the company? We've seen collections like Warm Fusion and A Mischief of Magpies join the schedule alongside new single issues. How important is building a strong hardcover library for DSTLRY's long-term vision, especially as more readers discover these books after their initial release? Neon Ichiban has grown quickly from a digital comics platform into something that feels much more creator-focused. At what point did you realize the platform could become more than simply a place to read comics? The new partnership with Scott's Collectibles brings a huge roster of creators into Neon Ichiban's digital remarques program. Why was that collaboration the right next step, and how do you see it changing the experience for fans who collect sketches and signatures? One of the most intriguing ideas behind Neon Ichiban is the Digital Fast-Pass at conventions. Do you see this as solving a long-standing problem for fans who spend hours waiting in Artist Alley, or is the bigger goal expanding access to creators beyond the convention itself? You've spent years thinking about where comics are headed digitally, first at Comixology and now with Neon Ichiban. What do you think today's readers expect from a digital comic that they didn't expect even five years ago? Both DSTLRY and Neon Ichiban seem to share the same philosophy: giving creators more opportunities while giving fans new ways to engage with their work. Is there a bigger vision connecting those two efforts, and where do you hope they are a year from now after another SDCC has come and gone?

It's the first week of a two-week dry spell when it comes to new Star Wars comics. Still, there's news and views, but no reviews. Comics Discussed This Week:NoneStar Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None
News:Just two titles but three books from Marvel in November, including Fall of Kylo Ren #4 (of 5) and Book of Boba Fett #5 and #6 (of 7).Lucasfilm Publishing is at NYCC in October, with the Stories From a Galaxy, Far, Far Away panel on Friday, Oct. 9 from 11-11:45 a.m. and the Mad Cave Studios panel on Sunday, Oct. 11 from 1:45-2:30 p.m. Charles Soule has intimated he may be at NYCC and the prior panel.Look -- and listen -- for reviews of Star Wars: A New Hope (The Manga) Vol. 2 from Dark Horse Comics and The Mandalorian & Grogu -- Danger in the Dark #1 from Mad Cave Studios and Papercutz in next week's episode.Solicit details for Dec. 2's Fall of Kylo Ren #5 (of 5) are on the Facebook and Bluesky feeds. Should be an intriguing conclusion to the Ben Solo trilogy's third act.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 — The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5)Oct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 11 _ Book of Boba Fett #5 (of 7)Nov. 18 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #4 (of 5)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Book of Boba Fett #6 (of 7)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 2 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #5 (of 5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga); Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire TPB (Collects 1-5)Feb. 2 _ Star Wars: Rogue One TPB (Collects Cassian Andor 1, Jyn Erso 1, Saw Gerrera 1, Chirrut & Baze 1, Darth Vader 1)
Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4Feb. 16 _ Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: Mutiny at Mon Cala (Collects Star Wars 44-61)
March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel
March 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga; Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 1 (New Printing Collects 1-44, Annual 1)
April 27 _ Star Wars Legends: Legacy Omnibus Vol. 2 (Collects Star Wars: Legacy 37-40, 42-50; Star Wars: Legacy - War 1-6; Star Wars: Legacy (2013) 1-18; material from Star Wars Tales 19 and Star Wars Visionaries)
May 11 — Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 2 (New Printing, Collects Star Wars 45-78, Annual 2); The Fall of Kylo Ren TPB (Collects 1-5)
May 18 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection — Fortress Vader (Collects Darth Vader 13-25, Obi-Wan and Anakin 1-5)
June 8 _ Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 3 (New Printing,  Collects Star Wars 79-107, Annual 3, Return of the Jedi 1-4; material from Pizzazz 1-16; Star Wars Weekly 60, 94-99, 104-115; Empire Strikes Back Monthly 149, 151, 153-157; Star Wars Monthly 159); The Book of Boba Fett Adaptation TPB (Collects 1-7)June 15 _ Boba Fett -- Black, White & Red TPB (Collects 1-4)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Luke and Leia face significant fears as the fifth and final issue of Marvel's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire comes to a conclusion. In Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #4 (of 6), the mystery behind the sonic death deepens.Comics Discussed This Week:The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #4 (of 5)Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #3 (of 5)
News:Per Near Mint Condition, Marvel is bringing TPB compact editions of Star Wars: Skywalker Strikes and Star Wars: Darth Vader -- Shadows & Secrets compact edition TPBs to market in January. Both books are 296 pages, retail for $9.99 and collect the 2015 series' first 12 issues.Over at the Star Wars Comics subreddit, there's a look at Taschen's new Star Wars Comics Library 1977-79. It's gorgeous. Expensive, but gorgeous.Look -- and listen -- for reviews of Star Wars: A New Hope (The Manga) Vol. 2 from Dark Horse Comics and The Mandalorian & Grogu -- Danger in the Dark #1 from Mad Cave Studios and Papercutz in next week's episode.Dark Horse scrubbed its listing for Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories -- Mace from its website. The completed book's fate is unknown, for now.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 — The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5)Oct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 11 _ Book of Boba Fett #5 (of 7)Nov. 18 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #4 (of 5)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Book of Boba Fett #6 (of 7)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 2 _ Fall of Kylo Ren #5 (of 5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga); Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire TPB (Collects 1-5)Feb. 2 _ Star Wars: Rogue One TPB (Collects Cassian Andor 1, Jyn Erso 1, Saw Gerrera 1, Chirrut & Baze 1, Darth Vader 1)
Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4Feb. 16 _ Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: Mutiny at Mon Cala (Collects Star Wars 44-61)
March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel
March 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga; Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 1 (New Printing Collects 1-44, Annual 1)
April 27 _ Star Wars Legends: Legacy Omnibus Vol. 2 (Collects Star Wars: Legacy 37-40, 42-50; Star Wars: Legacy - War 1-6; Star Wars: Legacy (2013) 1-18; material from Star Wars Tales 19 and Star Wars Visionaries)
May 11 — Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 2 (New Printing, Collects Star Wars 45-78, Annual 2); The Fall of Kylo Ren TPB (Collects 1-5)
May 18 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection — Fortress Vader (Collects Darth Vader 13-25, Obi-Wan and Anakin 1-5)
June 8 _ Star Wars: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 3 (New Printing,  Collects Star Wars 79-107, Annual 3, Return of the Jedi 1-4; material from Pizzazz 1-16; Star Wars Weekly 60, 94-99, 104-115; Empire Strikes Back Monthly 149, 151, 153-157; Star Wars Monthly 159); The Book of Boba Fett Adaptation TPB (Collects 1-7)June 15 _ Boba Fett -- Black, White & Red TPB (Collects 1-4)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

The comic book hit has gained a cult following, but does it still hold up after all these years? Nostalgia Critic takes a look at 2004's, Hellboy. Join our YouTube Members - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiH828EtgQjTyNIMH6YiOSw/join Last weeks Nostalgia Critic - https://youtu.be/VykfV3UywfU Check out our store - https://channelawesome.myshopify.com/ Support this month's charity - https://solvecfs.org/ Hellboy is a 2004 American superhero film based on the Dark Horse Comics character, created by Mike Mignola. Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, it is the first live-action film in the Hellboy franchise. Ron Perlman stars as the titular character, alongside Selma Blair, Jeffrey Tambor, Karel Roden, Rupert Evans, and John Hurt. The film draws inspiration from the debut comic Hellboy: Seed of Destruction. In the film, a charismatic demon-turned-investigator named "Hellboy" works with the secretive Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense to suppress paranormal threats, when a resurrected sorcerer seeks to make Hellboy fulfill his destiny by triggering the apocalypse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mass Movement Presents… Episode 97: This One's For Lou… In which the middle crew chat about The Odyssey, TheReluctant Traveller, Top Trumps, L7, Sick Of It All, Leeway, allthe news from San Diego Comic Con, Judge Dredd, review new books from Titan Comics and Dark Horse Comics, and albums from Engineer Records and Nine Pound Hammer, get all bent out of shape about the lack of availability of Lagunitas in the UK and much, much more.  And somewhere in the middle of all that insanity, they alsofind time to spin tunes by Eater and Thorns.  Tune in, turn it up, and geek out. This one's for Lou…

This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Alan Rozenshtein, Michael Feinberg, and Loren Voss to talk through the week's big news in national security, including:“Under Pressure.” Over the past two weeks, hackers have breached the industrial control systems of water and wastewater utilities in at least seven states, prompting an urgent joint warning from federal agencies. The intruders locked operators out of internet-connected control devices, changed passwords, and in some cases caused water-pressure drops and flooding, forcing utilities to switch to manual operation and issue boil-water notices. The attacks came just days after federal agencies renewed their warning about Iranian-affiliated cyber activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure amidst the ongoing war with Iran—though the administration has not formally attributed them, and President Trump has publicly waved off the Iran theory. How worried should we be about the security of our critical infrastructure? And what, if anything, can Washington actually do about it?“The Shawshank Resumption.” Last week, at the annual Black Hat cybersecurity conference, OpenAI provided a detailed look into the recent high-profile cybersecurity incident in which an AI model being stress-tested by OpenAI broke out of its evaluation sandbox, found its way onto the open internet through a zero-day vulnerability, and hacked its way into the systems of the machine learning platform Hugging Face—apparently in an effort to cheat on the very security test it was being given by stealing the answer key. The account they gave was an extraordinary one, as it described dozens of agents using various frontier and non-frontier models collaborating across a secret messageboard they established to hack an internal software system to access the outside internet—and then doing it again, this time successfully, after OpenAI caught and deleted their first attempt. What does this level of collaboration and persistence mean for the future of cybersecurity? And what can anyone do about it?“Apocalypse Mow.” This week marks one year since President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., as part of his “Make DC Safe and Beautiful” initiative. Twelve months and nearly 10,000 troops later, the deployment has become a normalized fixture: armed Guard members patrol the National Mall, Metro stations, and neighborhoods, while also picking up trash, spreading mulch, and pruning trees. The Pentagon now projects the mission—which Trump has authorized through Inauguration Day 2029—will cost an additional $1.4 billion. But a year in, it remains genuinely unclear what these troops are actually doing, and whether much of it counts as law enforcement at all. What has the deployment accomplished? And what does its open-ended normalization mean for the use of the military at home?In object lessons, Mike is descending into madness; that is, the Dark Horse Comics manga adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's “At the Mountains of Madness.” Alan is being sucked into the black hole of binge reading “The Expanse” novel series (and then Alan and Scott nerd out to sci-fi generally; bear with it). Scott is voting “yea” on playing “Yea or Nay” today. And Loren is diving into handwritten primary source documents, and you can, too!Note: We'll be on vacation next week, so be on the lookout for our next episode on August 27!To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Scott sat down with his Lawfare colleagues Alan Rozenshtein, Michael Feinberg, and Loren Voss to talk through the week's big news in national security, including:“Under Pressure.” Over the past two weeks, hackers have breached the industrial control systems of water and wastewater utilities in at least seven states, prompting an urgent joint warning from federal agencies. The intruders locked operators out of internet-connected control devices, changed passwords, and in some cases caused water-pressure drops and flooding, forcing utilities to switch to manual operation and issue boil-water notices. The attacks came just days after federal agencies renewed their warning about Iranian-affiliated cyber activity targeting U.S. critical infrastructure amidst the ongoing war with Iran—though the administration has not formally attributed them, and President Trump has publicly waved off the Iran theory. How worried should we be about the security of our critical infrastructure? And what, if anything, can Washington actually do about it?“The Shawshank Resumption.” Last week, at the annual Black Hat cybersecurity conference, OpenAI provided a detailed look into the recent high-profile cybersecurity incident in which an AI model being stress-tested by OpenAI broke out of its evaluation sandbox, found its way onto the open internet through a zero-day vulnerability, and hacked its way into the systems of the machine learning platform Hugging Face—apparently in an effort to cheat on the very security test it was being given by stealing the answer key. The account they gave was an extraordinary one, as it described dozens of agents using various frontier and non-frontier models collaborating across a secret messageboard they established to hack an internal software system to access the outside internet—and then doing it again, this time successfully, after OpenAI caught and deleted their first attempt. What does this level of collaboration and persistence mean for the future of cybersecurity? And what can anyone do about it?“Apocalypse Mow.” This week marks one year since President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington, D.C., as part of his “Make DC Safe and Beautiful” initiative. Twelve months and nearly 10,000 troops later, the deployment has become a normalized fixture: armed Guard members patrol the National Mall, Metro stations, and neighborhoods, while also picking up trash, spreading mulch, and pruning trees. The Pentagon now projects the mission—which Trump has authorized through Inauguration Day 2029—will cost an additional $1.4 billion. But a year in, it remains genuinely unclear what these troops are actually doing, and whether much of it counts as law enforcement at all. What has the deployment accomplished? And what does its open-ended normalization mean for the use of the military at home?In object lessons, Mike is descending into madness; that is, the Dark Horse Comics manga adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's “At the Mountains of Madness.” Alan is being sucked into the black hole of binge reading “The Expanse” novel series (and then Alan and Scott nerd out to sci-fi generally; bear with it). Scott is voting “yea” on playing “Yea or Nay” today. And Loren is diving into handwritten primary source documents, and you can, too!Note: We'll be on vacation next week, so be on the lookout for our next episode on August 27!To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dark Horse Comics' newly formed union is already butting heads with owner Embracer Group. Yes, THAT Embracer Group. The megacorp that's bleeding out money and cutting costs. The company that shut down all of Dark Horse's physical comic shops. The company that FIRED the founder of Dark Horse Comics, Mike Richardson. This will NOT end well for them IMHO. Watch the podcast episodes on YouTube and all major podcast hosts including Spotify. CLOWNFISH TV is an independent, opinionated news and commentary podcast that covers Entertainment and Tech from a consumer's point of view. We talk about Gaming, Comics, Anime, TV, Movies, Animation and more. Hosted by Kneon and Geeky Sparkles. Get more news, views and reviews on Clownfish TV News - https://more.clownfishtv.com/ On YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ClownfishTV On Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Tu83D1NcCmh7K1zHIedvg On Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629 MORE CLOWNFISH TV - Official Merch Store: http://ClownfishMinus.com Facebook - https://facebook.com/ClownfishTV X - https://x.com/ClownfishTVcom Clownfish TV subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClownfishTVOfficial/ Disclaimer: This series is produced by Clownfish Studios and WebReef Media, and is part of ClownfishTV.com. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of our guests, affiliates, sponsors, or advertisers. ClownfishTV.com is an unofficial news source and has no connection to any company that we may cover. This channel and website and the content made available through this site are for educational, entertainment and informational purposes only. These so-called “fair uses” are permitted even if the use of the work would otherwise be infringing. #Comics #ComicBooks #DarkHorse #Podcast #Commentary #News #Reaction #Gaming #Comedy #Entertainment #Hollywood #PopCulture #Tech #Anime #FYP Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Another week sans new Star Wars comics. It's going to be like that for the next few weeks, as the flood that we once had narrows to a trickle. Will it always be like that? We don't think so, but as the year advances and we get clarity on plans for 2027, that can change.Comics Discussed This Week:NoneStar Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None.
News:There's no official word yet, but it's appearing that Mad Cave Studios does now have the all-ages license for Star Wars comics. We'll add more detail as we can confirm.Speaking of Mad Cave, its SDCC-exclusive variant covers by Michael Walsh for The Mandalorian & Grogu -- Danger in the Dark #1 are available for sale on its website.Check out the Facebook page and Bluesky feed for a massive preview of Taschen's Star Wars Comics Library, Vol. 1 (1977-1979) collecting Star Wars (Vol. 1) 1-23. This is due out in the UK and EU on Aug. 5 and the US on Oct. 9. (Those dates might change, but not by much.)Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2; Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1) Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5), The High Republic Aventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 — The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5)Oct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga)Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic NovelMarch 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Marvel is laying out its future after Avengers: Armageddon, with a new Avengers series from Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto, Maximum X-Men, Eddie Brock reuniting with Venom, new books for Mary Jane Watson and Spider-Woman, and several other major announcements. This week I break down what Marvel's post-Armageddon direction could mean, along with DC launching new ongoing series for Vixen, Static and Steel, the continued expansion of the Absolute Universe, and Terminal #1 reportedly selling 300,000 copies before taking the top spot on the Prana Bestseller list. I also cover the biggest announcements from Image, Skybound, Dark Horse, IDW, Oni Press, Archie, BOOM! Studios, Mad Cave, Ignition Press and San Diego Comic-Con, along with this week's hottest books, two weeks of Prana Top 10 Best Sellers, and the biggest Final Order Cutoff recommendations for August 3. https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource   00:00 Marvel, DC & Terminal Headlines 01:05 Intro and SDCC Catch-Up 04:12 Marvel After Avengers: Armageddon 16:10 Midnight Universe, WEBTOON & Manga 23:22 Spider-Woman, Indiana Jones & Mangaverse 26:26 Muppets, Stormbreakers & Marvel Masterworks 30:57 DC News — Vixen, Static & Steel 36:11 Batman, Gotham & DC Next Level 44:04 The Absolute Universe Expands 54:02 Image Comics & Skybound 01:00:06 Terminal, Battle Beast & Savage Dragon 01:07:58 Dark Horse Comics 01:13:43 IDW & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 01:17:15 Oni Press & Archie Comics 01:19:32 BOOM!, Mad Cave & Ignition Press 01:27:19 Bill Sienkiewicz Documentary & Eisner Awards 01:32:03 The Warbird Movie Rumor 01:34:36 What Hit 01:37:54 Prana Top 10 — July 15 01:43:30 Prana Top 10 — July 22 01:47:56 Final Order Cutoff 01:55:24 Closing & Comic Source Weekly Shirts   News Sources Marvel https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/maximum-x-men-assemble-avengers-armageddon-aftermath-december-2026 https://www.marvel.com/articles/live-events/sdcc-2026-san-diego-comic-con-all-the-marvel-news-recap https://bleedingcool.com/comics/chip-zdarsky-marco-checchetto-launch-avengers-1-ahead-of-doomsday/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-punisher-will-join-marvels-avengers-in-the-wake-of-armageddon/ https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/friendly-neighborhood-mary-jane-and-venom-new-comic-series-queen-in-black-aftermath https://bleedingcool.com/comics/spider-woman-ongoing-marvel-series-by-dan-watters-andrea-broccardo/ https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/indiana-jones-and-the-sword-of-pandemonium-bold-new-era-marvel-comics-december-2026 https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/30/marvel-webtoon/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/marvel-comics-launch-a-new-manga-line-in-japan-with-kadokawa-for-2026/ https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/31/marvel-first-look-marvel-mangaverse-web-of-blood-ghostlock/ https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/31/marvel-50-years-the-muppet-show-covers/ https://aiptcomics.com/2026/07/31/marvel-autumn-fall-stormbreakers-variant-covers/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/the-first-new-marvel-masterworks-books-from-clover-press-revealed/ DC https://bleedingcool.com/comics/deniz-camp-reveals-details-of-upcoming-batman-shadow-of-the-bat/ https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-dc-announces-absolute-black-canary-and-beyond-ark-m-one-shots-at-absolute-universe-panel/ Image Comics and Skybound https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/rob-liefelds-highly-anticipated-avengelyne-comic-book-set-to-launch-this-october-series-already-in-pre-production-for-adaptation https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-robert-kirkman-talks-terminal-invincible-and-transformers-in-robert-kirkman-live/ https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-sanford-greene-announces-bitter-root-black-white/ https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/scott-snyder-jocks-horror-masterpiece-gets-expanded-remastered-wytches-vol-1-pledged-edition-this-fall-ahead-of-tv-show-adaptation https://imagecomics.com/press-releases/jaw-dropping-savage-dragon-281-sells-out-at-distributor-instantly-rushed-back-to-print-this-week https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-image-unleashes-its-artists-for-a-frank-panel-discussion/ Dark Horse, IDW, Oni and Independents https://www.darkhorse.com/newsfeed/dark-horse-books-presents-stranger-things-the-first-shadow/ https://www.comicsbeat.com/dark-horse-dnd-ongoing/ https://www.comicsbeat.com/sdcc-26-dark-horse-mattel-barbie-comics/ https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-072326/ Ignition Press, Awards and Industry https://bleedingcool.com/comics/ignition-pavilion-packs-in-five-times-the-capacity-of-hall-h-at-sdcc/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/2026-eisner-award-winners-announced-at-sdcc/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/would-keanu-reeves-play-the-lead-in-a-bad-idea-comics-warbird-movie/ https://bleedingcool.com/comics/produce-this-last-nights-bad-idea-comics-san-diego-comic-con-party/ https://www.comicsbeat.com/bad-idea-warbird/

Comics creator and show friend Sierra Barnes returns to talk about her new  Dark Horse Comics anti-fascist dark fantasy graphic novel Hans Vogel Is Dead Volume 2. In this panel plunge, Sierra unpacks the chilling historical parallels between World War II German hunting culture, Nazi propaganda, and modern-day politics and how we can unpack all that through the use of animal metaphors, Slavic folklore, and the psychology of mob mentality. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into what to expect for Volume 3!

Artificial intelligence is changing nearly every industry—but what happens when criminals start using it to commit the perfect crime? Writer Zack Kaplan and Eisner Award-winning artist John J. Pearson join Jace to discuss Smart Division, their new sci-fi thriller from Dark Horse Comics. They talk about building a story around AI-assisted crime, designing two detectives with completely different worldviews, creating traditional painted artwork in a technology-driven story, and why this series feels frighteningly close to reality. If you enjoy grounded science fiction, crime thrillers, and comics that explore where technology could take us next, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thecomicsource Creator Links Zack Kaplan: https://zackkaplan.com John J. Pearson: https://www.instagram.com/johnjpearson https://www.patreon.com/johnjpearson 00:00 Introduction 01:20 What Is The Smart Division? 06:35 Reuniting After Mindset 09:15 Creating the Painted Art Style 12:35 AI, Crime and Giving Up Control 19:05 Designing Will and Stevie 28:10 Two Opposing Worldviews 31:05 The Opening Page and Meaning Behind the Title 35:25 Which Character Do They Relate To? 37:05 Where to Follow the Creators

There's no new comics this week, save for Marvel's Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus on July 28, but we are breaking down all the news from SDCC, including more information about new titles from Mad Cave Studios' Papercutz imprint, as well as Marvel's upcoming Indiana Jones miniseries. More importantly, we'll be launching a companion podcast -- The Indy Comics Cavalcade -- to coincide with the release of the pair of Further Adventures of Indiana Jones hardcovers on Sept. 29 and Dec. 9's Sword of Pandemondium #1 (of 5)Comics Discussed This Week:NoneStar Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #1 (of 5)
News:Marvel's October solicits for Star Wars comics were revealed and the month sees The Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5) and The Book of Boba Fett Adaptation #3 and #4 (of 7) due out.Dark Horse's November solicits had no Star Wars comics among them, an unsettling portent of what's to come? There's been no official word.Marvel had no new announcements about its Star Wars comics, but did reveal it will publish a five-issue Indiana Jones mini-series: "Indiana Jones and the Sword of Pandemonium" by Jason Aaron and Aaron Kuder.Papercutz will launch a new series in 2027, X-Wing Academy, written by Scott Peterson and Joshua Pruett, with art by Craig Rousseau.Announced at SDCC, Papercutz will have another The Mandalorian and Grogu one-shot out in October, called "Nightmare on Nevarro." Like the first one, it's written by Delilah S. Dawson and will be illustrated by Alessandro Ranaldi, wth a cover by Soo Lee.There are previews of The Book of Boba Fett adaptation and Rogue One -- Darth Vader #1 on the Facebook and Bluesky pages, which were revealed at SDCC.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2; Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1) Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5), The High Republic Aventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 — The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5)Oct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga)Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic NovelMarch 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Something magical is happening between the first and second arcs of FML, the Dark Horse Comics series. Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick is passing scripting duties to her husband, Matt Fraction. Since the book began as a melodramatic amplification of her family experience, it seems natural, but we don't think such a regime change has ever happened before in comics. David López will remain on art, showcasing some of the most extraordinary comics skills we've ever encountered and pushing the medium to its very heights. However, with this shift in perspective, FML becomes a comic every reader should pull (if they weren't already, cuz those first eight issues exemplify the power of comic books). As San Diego Comic-Con International rages into its third day (Saturday), we chat with Kelly Sue DeConnick and Matt Fraction about FML. We discuss their unique working habits, how they play off each other, and how they don't. This all has something to do with physics and jazz, but we won't tell you how - you'll have to listen. This is our second FML related episode. Make sure you listen to Kelly Sue DeConnick's first appearance on the podcast, as that establishes how her family informs the comic. Today's episode is one we could not have predicted when we had that first one, but we're so excited at the direction FML has taken. FML issues 1 - 8 are out now from Dark Horse Comics. They're written by Kelly Sue DeConnick, illustrated by David López, colored by Cris Peter, lettered by Clayton Cowles, and designed by Laurenn McCubbin. Make sure you follow Kelly Sue DeConnick on Bluesky and Instagram. Follow the Rest of Our San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Coverage Christopher Cantwell on Star Trek David Steinberger and Chip Mosher on Neon Ichiban 2.5 Ben Wickey on More Weight Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics Previously on CBCC: Christian Ward on The Forever Home Comic Book Club: Spider-Man: Brand New Day at Meanwhile...Coffee in Herndon, Virginia, on 8/2 at 3:30 PM Comic Book Film Club: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia on 8/9 at 5:00 PM Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This Week's Sponsors The Future is Calling! 2000 AD is the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, with new issues published every single week! Every 32-page issue of 2000 AD brings you the best in sci-fi and horror, featuring characters like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, and more. Get a print subscription to 2000 AD and it'll arrive to your mailbox every week - and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, and you can download DRM-free copies of each issue for only $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe' now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today! What happens when the love of your life is buried on the other side of the country, and you're a ghost who can't leave your grave? That's the beautifully haunting setup of Till Death, a new romantic horror-comedy from Michael Schwartz, Rachael Schaefer, and artist Gaia Cardinali now on Kickstarter from Clover Press! Vivian has waited decades for her husband to join her in the afterlife. But when she discovers he's been buried across the country, she makes a deal with Mack, a man whose near-death experience allows him to see ghosts. We've read Till Death, and we absolutely loved it. It's a bold, original four-color romance, fitting snugly inside comics' most unsung genre. Till Death is on Kickstarter now. Visit the campaign and make your pledge today! Third Eye Comics is opening its biggest store ever: Third Eye 97, a 10,000-square-foot comic, game, and collectibles mega-store inside a former Walmart in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with the doors opening July 25th. Grand opening month goes huge with a Rob Liefeld signing at the new flagship on July 31st, the legend behind Youngblood, Deadpool, and Cable, live and in person. Can't make it to Maryland? The entire Third Eye world ships to your door at thirdeyecomics.com: new releases, back issues, games, and exclusives, sent anywhere with Third Eye Ships. See Third Eye's massive inventory while watching THE STACKS and then order those same books your favorite creators talk about online! Use codeword: STACKSORDIE for 15% off your order! The Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Va is not only unlike any theater in America; it's unlike any Alamo Drafthouse. It's a franchise. In fact, it's the first Alamo Drafthouse location outside of Texas. On July 5th, their Film Club is celebrating America's 250th with the 85th Anniversary of the Greatest Movie Ever Made, Citizen Kane! They'll have an encore screening of Kane on Wednesday, July 8th, too. Film Club is great, but so is their Psycho Cinema series hosted by Faye. On July 14th, they're screening truly one of the best bad movies of all time, Samurai Cop. Golly, have you even lived until you've seen Samurai Cop on the big screen? I think not. Get your tickets today!

Corey Stevenson (Podcasting After Dark) rejoins for another movie tie-in special: the short-lived STARSHIP TROOPERS graphic novels by Dark Horse Comics and Markosia Publishing!     TALKING POINTS: *Could they had done a Anthology comic book series for this?   *Some coverage on the Neodogs and Sknnies species in both the Starship Troopers expanded universe and novel itself   *Tributes to the artists/illustrators Jan Strnad, Paolo Parente, Davidé Fabbri, Warren Ellis & Gordon Rennie   *Should they had written a TREMORS crossover with this deliberately satirical saga?   *Would you read a Marvel Ultimate Universe-style take on AVP Vs. Starship Troopers?   *And why did Dark Horse Comics let their license expire?       MUSIC OUTRO USED: "Ruffneck" by MC Lyte  

Papercutz's The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark #1 debuts today as the Mad Cave Studios imprint launches the first of what's likely to be several Star Wars comics and graphic novels aimed at younger readers (and readers who are young at heart). We'll have a review next week after we pick up our copy of the one-shot at the local comic shop.Otherwise, this week should prove quite informative as to the state of play for Star Wars Comics, with SDCC starting on July 23 and Lucasfilm Publishing panels set for Friday, including one for Mad Cave Studios, but not one for Dark Horse Comics.Comics Discussed This Week:NoneStar Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None
News:Marc Guggenheim's got an iron in the fire for a Star Wars project -- dubbed KITBASH -- he writes in his latest LegalDispatch -- subscribe if you haven't yet (https://marcguggenheim.substack.com/.../encino-lian-yu...). A reveal is likely at NYCC not SDCC.Lucasfilm Publishing will have its annual panel at SDCC on Friday, July 24, with Kristen Baver and Ahmed Best among the guests, along with moderator Michael Siglain. Later that day, Mad Cave Studios will have its own panel to discuss its new Star Wars publishing efforts. Dark Horse does not have a Star Wars panel.In his latest offering for Star Wars Illustrated, artist Will Sliney is showing how to draw the Mandalorian and Grogu.Per Near Mint Condition, Marvel will release Star Wars: Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection, Vol. 4 "Fortress Vader," collecting Darth Vader 13-25 and the five-issue Obi-Wan and Anakin mini-series in May.Based on Amazon UK, Panini's bringing Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 to release on Dec. 1.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:July 28 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”); Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2; Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1) Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5), The High Republic Aventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 23 _ The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga) Vol. 1Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6  _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic NovelOct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 14 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1, Book of Boba Fett #3 (of 7)Oct. 20 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 — The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #6 (of 6), Fall of Kylo Ren #3 (of 5)Oct. 28 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1, Book of Boba Fett #4 (of 7)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5), Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 3 (Manga)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders Vol. 1 TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Vol. 1 (US Manga)Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic NovelMarch 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope The Complete Manga----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're bringing you the full, uncut conversation with Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, and Andy Kubert about Terminal, Skybound's ambitious new superhero series. We dive into how the project came together, why the series embraces mystery and rotating protagonists, the thinking behind its striking character designs, and yes, the return of blind bag comics. It's a fun, wide-ranging discussion packed with insight into one of the year's biggest new launches. 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 relocating to Burbank, names Stephen Wacker new editor-in-chief Marvel unveils ongoing variant cover program for Midnight Universe titles Sam Alexander returns to stop the Ten Rings in 'Nova: Return of the Rings' #1 DC extends 'Absolute Green Arrow' to 12 issues following fan response Dark Horse Comics reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 signing and panel schedule IDW unveils packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with TMNT #300, Godzilla, Hello Kitty, Sonic, and more Image Comics reveals massive San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans Exclusive: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes returns with time-travel graphic novel and Kickstarter campaign EC Comics spotlights artists in new 'Artists From the Abyss' anthology series Bit Bot unveils first look at ‘Final Boss' video game adaptation with official screenshots 'Archie vs. The Terminator' brings John Connor to Riverdale this October Vampirella and Morrigan collide in first-ever 'Vampirella vs. Darkstalkers' crossover Greg Pak headlining a bold new era for ThunderCats this October 2026 ‘Ice Cream Man' #1 returns with interactive “Chocolate/Vanilla Twist” edition this October TOP 50 COMICS - JUNE 2026 Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Si Spurrier, Matías Bergara) Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence) Absolute Green Arrow #3 (Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque) Chris:​​ Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling) Punisher vs.The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Dan Abnett, Matteo Della Fonte) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Tigress Island #5 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK)  Dave: Assorted Crisis Events #9 (Deniz Camp, Eric Zawadzki) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Sicko #1 (Tini Howard, Amilcar Pinna) Dave: Giant Robot Hellboy Returns #1 (Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Uncanny X-Men #32 (Alexander Lozano '80s Rogue Cover) Chris: Star Trek: Red Shirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #1 (Chris Burnham variant) Interview: Robert Kirkman, Andy Kubert, Joe Casey Terminal #1 out July 22, 2026 Terminal is going to also feature a line bag program, what we can tell you right now, in true Robert Kirkman style, it is a blind bag with three surprise books in it unlike anything we've or anyone else has done before. Terminal throws readers right into a chaotic, violent world. When you were building the first issue, how did you approach onboarding readers without giving too much away? The book opens with some striking and surreal imagery, especially the eye and the idea of Maculox. What was the origin of that concept, and how central is it to the larger mythology? There's a clear tension between evolution and destruction running through the story. How did you want to frame that conflict without falling into a simple good versus evil dynamic? The first issue makes some bold narrative choices in terms of expectations around who the story might follow. Without getting into spoilers, should readers expect that kind of unpredictability to be a core part of the series? Robert and Joe, how does your collaboration work on a project like this? Are you breaking story together, dividing scripts, or building off each other's strengths in a specific way? Andy, the character designs, especially on the more villainous side, feel really eclectic and distinct. What were your inspirations when developing the look of this world and its characters? There's a bit of a “hidden world” structure here, where a regular person is pulled into something much bigger. What drew you to that kind of setup, and how do you keep it feeling fresh? The series feels like it has big, long-term potential, but also a very focused central idea. Is the plan for Terminal to be a long-running series, or are you working toward a more defined endpoint? For all three of you, what was the moment in developing Terminal where you realized this was something special or different from other superhero books you've worked on or read?

We are the choices we make. Good guy? Bad guy? We decide that every day until our last day. On this week's podcast, we're exploring how heroism and villainism mingle in Lavender Jack, the pulp adventure from cartoonist Dan Schkade. We're considering when to swim with society and when to swim against it, and how comic book vigilante justice too often forgets its own messaging. Lavender Jack, originally published on Webtoon, is where Schkade cracked the comic strip medium, preparing him to take over Flash Gordon, where he now lives daily. We discuss why these pulp adventurers appeal so profoundly to him, and how their tales can be told with a contemporary bite. It's the perfect discussion to prepare us for next week's plunge into San Diego Comic-Con, where we'll be moderating three panels and attempting to interview all the comic book celebrity guests. We're in plug-goblin-mode during the intro, barely containing our excitement for the year's biggest comic book event. If you thought our July 2026 coverage was already intense, oh boy, strap in. Lavender Jack is written, illustrated, and lettered by Dan Schkade. It's colored by Jenn Manley Lee. Volume One is currently available from Dark Horse Comics, and you can expect Volume 2 on September 29th. Make sure you're following Dan Schkade on Instagram and Bluesky. Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics Previously on CBCC: Dan Schkade on Flash Gordon Comic Book Club: Spider-Man: Brand New Day at Meanwhile...Coffee in Herndon, Virginia, on 8/2 at 3:30 PM Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This Week's Sponsors The Future is Calling! 2000 AD is the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, with new issues published every single week! Every 32-page issue of 2000 AD brings you the best in sci-fi and horror, featuring characters like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, and more. Get a print subscription to 2000 AD and it'll arrive to your mailbox every week - and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, and you can download DRM-free copies of each issue for only $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe' now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today! What happens when the love of your life is buried on the other side of the country, and you're a ghost who can't leave your grave? That's the beautifully haunting setup of Till Death, a new romantic horror-comedy from Michael Schwartz, Rachael Schaefer, and artist Gaia Cardinali now on Kickstarter from Clover Press! Vivian has waited decades for her husband to join her in the afterlife. But when she discovers he's been buried across the country, she makes a deal with Mack, a man whose near-death experience allows him to see ghosts. We've read Till Death, and we absolutely loved it. It's a bold, original four-color romance, fitting snugly inside comics' most unsung genre. Till Death is on Kickstarter now. Visit the campaign and make your pledge today! Third Eye Comics is opening its biggest store ever: Third Eye 97, a 10,000-square-foot comic, game, and collectibles mega-store inside a former Walmart in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with the doors opening July 25th. Grand opening month goes huge with a Rob Liefeld signing at the new flagship on July 31st, the legend behind Youngblood, Deadpool, and Cable, live and in person. Can't make it to Maryland? The entire Third Eye world ships to your door at thirdeyecomics.com: new releases, back issues, games, and exclusives, sent anywhere with Third Eye Ships. See Third Eye's massive inventory while watching THE STACKS and then order those same books your favorite creators talk about online! Use codeword: STACKSORDIE for 15% off your order! The Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Va is not only unlike any theater in America; it's unlike any Alamo Drafthouse. It's a franchise. In fact, it's the first Alamo Drafthouse location outside of Texas. On July 5th, their Film Club is celebrating America's 250th with the 85th Anniversary of the Greatest Movie Ever Made, Citizen Kane! They'll have an encore screening of Kane on Wednesday, July 8th, too. Film Club is great, but so is their Psycho Cinema series hosted by Faye. On July 14th, they're screening truly one of the best bad movies of all time, Samurai Cop. Golly, have you even lived until you've seen Samurai Cop on the big screen? I think not. Get your tickets today!

It's Star Wars on a train as Dark Horse Comics' Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 concludes its entertaining run in a satisfying manner. Here's hoping we get more of the four- or five-issue minis focused on the group sooner and not later.In Marvel's Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5), Ethan Sacks is having some fun at Han Solo's expense while fluidly adding some nods to the first arc of his Bounty Hunters run and the recent Mandalorian and Grogu film, all the while setting up a finale that has Rey in likely danger.Comics Discussed This Week:The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 (of 4) and Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
Shadow of Maul #2 (of 5)
News:In his latest newsletter (subscribe if you haven't at https://mailchi.mp/f0a5b413051c/charlessoule) Charles Soule discusses the upcoming Fall of Kylo Ren miniseries and how those who make the decisions on what to publish are paying close attention to how this sells.Lucasfilm Publishing will have its annual panel at SDCC on Friday, July 24, with Kristen Baver and Ahmed Best among the guests, along with moderator Michael Siglain. Later that day, Mad Cave Studios will have its own panel to discuss its new Star Wars publishing efforts. Dark Horse does not have a Star Wars panel.More Star Wars manga is set for 2027, including Jan. 26's Jedi Fallen Order Manga Vol. 1 and March 16's Star Wars: A New Hope (The Complete Manga) Vols. 1-4.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:July 21 _ Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)

July 22 _ The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark One-ShotJuly 28 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”)Aug. 5 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2, Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1)Aug. 19 _ Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5), The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Sept. 2 _ Rogue One -- Darth Vader #1 One-ShotSept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)

Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga)
Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6 _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic Novel; Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN
Oct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 20 _ Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN; The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #6 (of 6)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)
Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) 8, 13, 21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Manga Vol. 1Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic NovelMarch 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope (The Complete Manga) Vols. 1-4----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

How many “Bat” books will make Hassan's list? How many picks will the we steal from each other's lists? It is that time of the year, where we look back at the first half of 2026 and discuss our favorite comic books and manga from several publishers, including Image Comics, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Abrams Books, MadCave Studios, Rebellion, and other publishers. You can follow us on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Bluesky, & X https://linktr.ee/comicsdiscourse114 Also, please leave us a 5-star review at your favorite podcast platforms.

This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're joined by Scott Snyder for one of our favorite conversations of the year. We dive deep into Absolute Batman, the newly announced animated series, why he believes monthly comics need to embrace what makes the medium unique, and the creative philosophy driving one of comics' biggest successes. It's a candid, wide-ranging discussion on storytelling, the future of superhero comics, and why taking big swings matters more than ever. 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 Judge Dredd and Biker Mice From Mars collide in new comic crossover and collectibles partnership Daniel Warren Johnson reveals new project 'Chainkata' for November 2026 Details Michael Walsh's 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' returns in remastered black-and-white edition Tradd Moore's first creator-owned solo comic, 'Touch Me Someplace Nowhere' announced Mike Mignola's new art book 'Circus of Bones' showcases over 145 original works Lara Croft joins G.I. Joe in first-ever 'G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero' crossover Rocketship Entertainment partners with Moulin Rouge for graphic novels, manga, and tabletop games Meet the players of ‘Zero Instance' where a video game boss invades the real world DC reveals packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 lineup Skybound unveils San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans and exclusive collectibles Marvel reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with Hall H, Midnight Universe, and X-Men '97 panels Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Witness Point #1 (Nathan Fillion, Heath Corson, Soo Lee) Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 (Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Fran Galán) Chris:​​ Twilight Zone #9 (Juni Ba) Dispatched #1  (B. Clay Moore, Daniel Gete) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Did You Hear About Mimi Green? #2 (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon) Dave: Operation: Iron Coffin #1 (Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling) Dave: Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Bilquis Evely) Chris: Nightwing #140 (Jorge Fornes Main) Interview: Interview: Scott Snyder 1. Manga storytelling influence Joe Kelly recently mentioned how manga like One Piece can devote entire chapters to a single action sequence, something that's harder to replicate in American comics because of page counts and production realities. Is manga storytelling an influence on your work, and do you find yourself thinking about how to capture that same sense of scale and rhythm within Western comics? 2. Marvel and DC I recently spoke with Josh Williamson about writing Iron Man, and it was fascinating hearing how he's consulting on DC projects while also becoming part of Marvel's plans. Seeing creators move more freely between publishers these days, does that ever make you want to jump back into Marvel for another major project? 3. Harley Quinn and Joker The revelation that Joker is Harley's father completely reframes both characters. What made that the right relationship for the Absolute Universe, and what storytelling opportunities does it create that couldn't exist with their traditional dynamic 4. Designing Gotham's monsters Body horror and transformation have become defining visual elements of Absolute Batman. What are your guiding principles when reinventing characters like Poison Ivy, Clayface, and others while still making them instantly recognizable? 8. Absolute Batman animated series You're serving as showrunner on the newly announced Absolute Batman animated series. How does that creative role differ from making comics, and what has surprised you most about translating this version of Batman to animation? 10. Court of Owls Finally, the Court of Owls has entered the picture. Without spoiling anything, what can readers expect from your take on one of the most important Batman concepts you've ever created?

The fifth and final issue of Marvel's Shadow of Maul unfolds while in Dark Horse Comics' The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #3 (of 6), a murder mystery deepens further.Comics Discussed This Week:Shadow of Maul #5 and The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #3 (of 6)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None
News:Marvel's set to publish Star Wars Legends: Legacy Omnibus Vol. 2 in April 2027, per Near Mint Condition. It'll collect issues 37-40, 42-50; Legacy - War 1-6; Legacy (2013) 1-18 and material from Star Wars Tales 19 and Star Wars Visionaries.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:July 14 _ The High Republic Adventures -- The Complete Phase III Part 2 (Collects The High Republic Adventures (Phase III) 11-20, Echoes of Fear 1-4, Dispatches From the Occlusion Zone 1-4 and the one-shots 2025 Annual, The Wedding Spectacular and The Battle of Eriadu); Star Wars: Visions: TsukumoJuly 15 _ Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5), Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 (of 4)
July 21 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”); Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)

July 22 _ The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark One-ShotJuly 29 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Aug. 5 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2, Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1)Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5)Sept. 2 _ Rogue One -- Darth Vader #1 One-ShotSept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)

Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga)
Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6 _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic Novel; Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN
Oct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 20 _ Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN; The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #6 (of 6)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)
Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) 8, 13, 21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Jan. 26 _ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Manga Vol. 1Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic NovelMarch 16 _ Star Wars: A New Hope (The Complete Manga) Vols. 1-4----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

It's comics week, again! This week we're talking about the first two issues of Dark Horse Comics' Untold Stories: Jace. Elspeth's story was untold yet familiar, being the story for the card set Theros: Beyond Death. But Jace's story is new to us, and even new to Jace himself, as the mind mage is delving into memories which had been locked away from even himself until now. These memories concern his time working for Tezzeret as an interplanar thief and smuggler, and their mission to Shiv on Dominaria, where things went very wrong. If you want to support the Vorthos Cast, you can! Go to Patreon.com/TheVorthosCast and contribute as little as $1 a month to get access to our Discord server, as well as early episode releases! And for $3 a month, you can listen to episodes recorded live on Thursday nights at 7pm Eastern time! We'd love to have you. Our Patreon supporters keep the podcast free and ad-free.

It's fantastic when a comic gives you a jolt. Beast of Borikén, written by Julio Anta and illustrated by Daniel Irizarri, delivers a great prod, stimulating your brain to run numerous scenarios on and off the page. It's the story of a people who've witnessed so much monstrosity at the hands of invaders. It's a story of people finding strength in their neighbors, ancestors, and legends. The first issue is out now, from Dark Horse Comics and Tiny Onion, and we investigate it meaningfully with both storytellers. Set in Puerto Rico, the main character is Loli, an activist protesting an incoming resort, the face of which is yuppy CEO Simon Hunt, who is using every slippery trick in the book to break ground despite opposition. Loli is incensed and focused on stopping the overdevelopment of her ancestral lands, but is her fixation in part because she is avoiding processing a horrendous grief, since her father died alone in a hospital during Hurricane Maria? This week on the podcast, we speak with Julio Anta and Daniel Irizarri about Beast of Borikén, witnessing endless horror, and hope through collective action. We discuss the influence of The Creature from the Black Lagoon and the appeal of monsters. Also, what does it all have to do with Robocop 2? You'll have to make your way through the intro to understand all that. Beast of Borikén #1 is out now from Dark Horse Comics and Tiny Onion. It's written by Julio Anta, illustrated by Daniel Irizarri, colored by Patricio Delpeche, and lettered by Lucas Gattoni. Follow Julio Anta on Instagram and Bluesky. Follow Daniel IriZarri on Instagram and Bluesky. Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics Previously on CBCC: Frank Miller Comic Book Film Club: Punisher: War Zone at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia on 7/12 at 5:00 PM. Co-Sponsored by Four Color Fantasies. Comic Book Club: The Complete Persepolis at Meanwhile...Coffee in Herndon, Virginia, on 7/5 at 3:30 PM Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This Week's Sponsors The Future is Calling! 2000 AD is the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, with new issues published every single week! Every 32-page issue of 2000 AD brings you the best in sci-fi and horror, featuring characters like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, and more. Get a print subscription to 2000 AD and it'll arrive to your mailbox every week - and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, and you can download DRM-free copies of each issue for only $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe' now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today! The charming town of Orchard has everything you could ever need: walkable streets, friendly residents, and no escape. But why would you want to leave? The world outside is a nuclear wasteland! It's much better to stay in the warm confines of Orchard and ignore the deep secrets it holds. After all, it's a safe place to live. Free on Webtoon, Winston Gambro's A Safe Place to Live is the dystopian horror comic you've been waiting for. It's Severance meets Archie. Support human-made art!. If you are a fan of the legendary artwork of Michael Turner, you need to check out The DC Art of Michael Turner on Kickstarter from Clover Press and Aspen Comics. This oversized deluxe hardcover celebrates Turner's unforgettable takes on Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, The Flash, the Justice League, and more, all packed into a massive 200-plus-page coffee-table art book. And if you back the Kickstarter, you can get exclusive editions and extras you can't find in stores, including slipcases, sketchbook editions, portfolios, and more. Michael Turner's art defined an era of comics — and this is his definitive collection. Visit Kickstarter and search “The DC Art of Michael Turner” before the campaign ends on July 9th. Third Eye Comics is opening its biggest store ever: Third Eye 97, a 10,000-square-foot comic, game, and collectibles mega-store inside a former Walmart in Glen Burnie, Maryland, with the doors opening July 25th. Grand opening month goes huge with a Rob Liefeld signing at the new flagship on July 31st, the legend behind Youngblood, Deadpool, and Cable, live and in person. Can't make it to Maryland? The entire Third Eye world ships to your door at thirdeyecomics.com: new releases, back issues, games, and exclusives, sent anywhere with Third Eye Ships. See Third Eye's massive inventory while watching THE STACKS and then order those same books your favorite creators talk about online! Use codeword: STACKSORDIE for 15% off your order! The Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Va is not only unlike any theater in America; it's unlike any Alamo Drafthouse. It's a franchise. In fact, it's the first Alamo Drafthouse location outside of Texas. On July 5th, their Film Club is celebrating America's 250th with the 85th Anniversary of the Greatest Movie Ever Made, Citizen Kane! They'll have an encore screening of Kane on Wednesday, July 8th, too. Film Club is great, but so is their Psycho Cinema series hosted by Faye. On July 14th, they're screening truly one of the best bad movies of all time, Samurai Cop. Golly, have you even lived until you've seen Samurai Cop on the big screen? I think not. Get your tickets today!

Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 find some unexpected support in Black Spire Outpost as Darth Vader unleashes his fury in Marvel's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #3 (of 5). It sets the stage for stories to come.Comics Discussed This Week:Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #3 (of 5)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None
News:Per the latest info from Mad Cave and Papercutz, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu #1 one-shot is back to its July 22 release date.Solicit details for Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #6 (of 6) that's due out Oct. 21.Marvel's Star Wars comics for September feature The Book fo Boba Fett 1 and 2, The Fall o Kylo Ren #2 (of 5) and the Rogue One -- Darth Vader one-shot.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:July 1 _ Rogue One: Saw Gerrera #1July 8 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #3 (of 6), Shadow of Maul #5 (of 5)July 14 _ The High Republic Adventures -- The Complete Phase III Part 2 (Collects The High Republic Adventures (Phase III) 11-20, Echoes of Fear 1-4, Dispatches From the Occlusion Zone 1-4 and the one-shots 2025 Annual, The Wedding Spectacular and The Battle of Eriadu); Star Wars: Visions: TsukumoJuly 15 _ Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5), Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 (of 4)
July 21 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”); Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)

July 22 _ The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark One-ShotJuly 29 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Aug. 5 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2, Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1)Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5)Sept. 2 _ Rogue One -- Darth Vader #1 One-ShotSept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)Sept. 16 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #2 (of 5)

Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)The Book of Boba Fett #2 (of 7)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga)
Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6 _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic Novel; Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN
Oct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 20 _ Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN; The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Oct. 21 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #6 (of 6)Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)
Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

¡Llegó la hora de las Nerd News en La Cueva del Nerd! Esta semana repasamos las noticias más importantes del entretenimiento geek y la cultura pop: ⭐ Fallece Marcia Lucas, pieza fundamental en la historia de Star Wars y ganadora del Óscar por la edición de la trilogía original. ⛏️ La secuela de Minecraft ya tiene título oficial y analizamos lo que podría significar para el futuro de la franquicia cinematográfica.

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 DC Solicitations September 2026 ‘Batman: Bad Seeds' livestream reveals new titles, solicitations, and Jim Lee art giveaway DC announces new Legion of Super-Heroes, Teen Titans, and Doom Patrol ongoing series DC reveals 'The Wonder War' Act 2 with 'Wonder Woman' #37 and Matriarch special DC unveils spring 2027 graphic novels and launches Compact Comics Adventures line Wes Craig returns Superman to his Golden Age roots in new DC Black Label series Marvel's Midnight Universe gets unified launch as all three titles arrive on October 7, and only those titles Marvel Solicits for September 2026 The Muppets make history in first ever Marvel Comics anniversary one-shot Marvel teases Deadpool vs. Punisher project with cryptic announcement Bullseye battles Nova, Star-Lord, and Jack of Hearts in 'Marvel Gold' '76 #1 Steve Orlando's 'Gambit: Gone' brings two Remy LeBeaus together this September Doctor Doom wages war on Hell in Marvel's 50-page splash-page epic Black Panther and Namor journey into Hell in new 'Doomed!' limited series Dan Panosian writes and draws 'Wolverine: Paradise' for Marvel this October 2026 Marvel's X-Men battle Xenomorphs in new 'Alien vs. X-Men' crossover Marvel launches 'Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine' ahead of Hulk War event Marvel reveals new 'Avengers #1' covers and True Believers Blind Bag exclusives Marvel reveals new 'Amazing Spider-Man' #1000 covers and story details USA TODAY PLAY partners with Marvel for exclusive weekly Spider-Man comic series Patrick Horvath invites top creators into Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees for Halloween special IDW Dark announces new Smile and A Quiet Place comic book series Todd McFarlane's original 1977 Spawn design finally arrives in 'Spawn 77' Guillem March returns with creator-owned romantic thriller 'Ofiusa' this September Steve Skroce launches superhero meta-adventure Tales of Wonder at Skybound this September Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen launch dark fantasy series 'Crowbound' this September Christian Ward and Sami Kivelä explore the end of the world in Oni Press' new sci-fi thriller 'The Forever Home' Dark Horse announces 'Minor Threats: Welcome to Twilight—Villains and Vignettes' anthology series Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Absolute Green Arrow #2 (Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque) Memories of Giselle #1 (Katia Vecchio) Chris:​​ Gigs (Mark Mosedale, Si Smith) Lobo #4 (Skottie Young and Jorge Corona) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Gigs (Mark Mosedale, Si Smith) Dave: Absolute Batman #21 (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Narco #4 (Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard) Dave: Blüdwire #1 (Paul Allor, Ermitis Blanco) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Superman #39 (Dan Mora) & Doomquest #2 (Alex Ross) Chris: Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man #1 (Maria Wolf variant) Interview: Joshua Williamson Creator Spotlight, plus we talk Iron Man, Wolf Man, Superman, and more! Career / Process You broke in around 2006, and you're now pushing close to two decades in comics. How has your approach to storytelling changed from those early years to now? You've been at this for nearly 20 years at this point. What's something you understand about comics today that you wish you knew when you started? You're writing across multiple major franchises right now. How do you shift your voice between something like Superman, Iron Man, and G.I. Joe? On top of all this, you wrote a story in Creepshow Vol. 4 #5 titled Artificial Ignorance. Was that a story you had in a drawer, or…how did that come to be? Superman / Superboy-Prime Superboy-Prime has always been a volatile character, but here he feels almost desperate to prove himself. How do you balance his edge with making him someone readers want to follow? With Manchester Black entering the picture, what excites you about putting those two characters in conflict specifically? Any Superman elements/tropes you want to touch? Iron Man You've said Tony Stark is one of your favorite characters. What's something about Tony that you feel hasn't been explored enough in past runs? Madame Masque and A.I.M. feel like they're operating at a higher level here. What makes them the right villains for this phase of the story? Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man Do you have a favorite Universal Monsters adaptation? Do you have any favorite werewolf stories? This feels like a very grounded, almost psychological take on the Wolf Man. What drew you to that angle? Is the when of this story important to the overall experience? What makes the Wolf Man a character worth revisiting right now? Rapid Fire Question Round (Stolen from Stephen Colbert so that a guest is “known”): Best sandwich? What's one thing you own that you really should throw out? Apples or oranges? What is the scariest animal? Have you ever asked someone for their autograph? What do you think happens when we die? Favorite action movie? Favorite smell? Least favorite smell? Flat or sparkling? Most used app on your phone? If you could have dinner with any three characters you've written before, who would they be and why? You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life: what is it? Depeche  Describe the rest of your life in 5 words?

The wind is shaking the stars, again, as Dark Horse brings the 1997 adaptation of the first Star Wars film back to readers in a deluxe hardcover -- The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 1 -- featuring Hisao Tamaki's work with a new translation by Michael Gombos.Comics Discussed This Week:The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 1 Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None
News:Over on Threads, artist Man Tsang flips through the Star Wars: Thrawn manga. It's due out in the US on Sept. 29.Solicit details for Jan. 19's Star Wars Legends: The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 are available. The 848-page, $100 hardcover collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:June 23 _ Star Wars Legends: The New Republic Omnibus Vol. 3 (Collects Star Wars: Crimson Empire (1997) #0-6, Star Wars: The Bounty Hunters - Kenix Kil (1999) #1, Star Wars: Crimson Empire II - Council of Blood (1998) #1-6, Star Wars: Crimson Empire III - Empire Lost (2011) #1-6, Star Wars: Jedi Academy - Leviathan (1998) #1-4, Star Wars: The Mixed-Up Droid (1995) #1, Star Wars: Union (1999) #1-4, Star Wars: Chewbacca (2000) #1-4, Star Wars: Invasion (2009) #0-5, Star Wars: Invasion - Rescues (2010) #1-6, Star Wars: Invasion - Revelations (2011) #1-5, Star Wars Handbook (1998) #2; material from Dark Horse Extra (1998) #21-24; Dark Horse Presents (2011) #1; Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 11, 16-19, 21)
June 24 _ Echoes of the Empire #3 (of 5), The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark One-ShotJuly 1 _ Rogue One: Saw Gerrera #1July 8 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #3 (of 6), Shadow of Maul #5 (of 5)July 14 _ The High Republic Adventures -- The Complete Phase III Part 2 (Collects The High Republic Adventures (Phase III) 11-20, Echoes of Fear 1-4, Dispatches From the Occlusion Zone 1-4 and the one-shots 2025 Annual, The Wedding Spectacular and The Battle of Eriadu); Star Wars: Visions: TsukumoJuly 15 _ Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5), Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 (of 4)
July 21 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”); Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)

July 29 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Aug. 5 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2, Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1)Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5)Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)

Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga)Sept. 30 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1
Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6 _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic Novel; Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN
Oct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 20 _ Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN; The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)
Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Republic 49-67, Jedi -- Mace Windu, Jedi -- Shaak-Ti, Jedi --Aayla Secura, Jedi -- Count Dooku, Darth Maul: Death Sentence 1-4 and material from Star Wars Tales 14, 19 and 22, along with Star Wars: Visionaries)Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

By the early '90s, the slasher subgenre that had dominated horror in the '80s was already seen as on life support. But that didn't stop an upstart comic book company, formed in 1986 and already quite successful in the publishing world, from seeing the genre as potentially their ticket to join the movie big leagues. And so, four years before Scream would re-invent and re-popularize the slasher, Dark Horse Comics first tried to revive the genre with a more "traditional," if somewhat dark-comedy skewed, entry. And let's face it, who better to "revive" and "resuscitate" a genre than a doctor? Though, it's safe bet the maniacal doctor played by Larry Drake in this film is not one you'd want making a house call. "June is What the Doctor Ordered" continues, as we take a look at 1992's Doctor Giggles, the film that dares to ask, "just how many medical puns can you fit into one movie??" Our Twitter Our Facebook Our Instagram Our YouTube Trev's Letterboxd Chris' Letterboxd

When Skybound announced M.A.S.K. would be joining the Energon Universe, fans immediately had questions. How would Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem fit alongside Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals? Out this week, we sat down with writer Dan Watters and artist Pye Parr to discuss updating the classic property, designing its iconic vehicles, and why M.A.S.K. offers a unique perspective within the larger Energon Universe. We're running the full uncut interview, featuring even more discussion on cool cars, character dynamics, action sequences, and what readers can expect from the series moving forward. Plus, we recap the biggest comics news of the week, share our favorite new releases, and much more. NEWS Absolute Catwoman #1 heads back to press as DC announces 'Absolute Cassandra Cain' one-shot MAD celebrates 600 issues with new material, classic favorites, and Sergio Aragonés cover Batman, Superman, and "Weird Al" Yankovic unite for DC's strangest team-up yet Marvel launches 'Amazing Venom' starring Boomerang's symbiote-powered comeback Marvel returns to the Mangaverse with five-part 25th anniversary event this September Marvel Zombies returns this September with Punisher leading a desperate fight for survival Spider-Woman's 50th anniversary special launches a darker new chapter for Jessica Drew The Rolling Stones team up with Marvel for exclusive ‘Foreign Tongues' vinyl collector series David Colton's growing power takes center stage in new look at 'Avengers: Armageddon' #4 and 'Cap' Dark Horse launches new oversized Marvel Black & White line with Barry Windsor-Smith's landmark Weapon X Daniel Warren Johnson's 'Beta Ray Bill' gets oversized Artist's Edition in 2027 ROM joins the Energon Universe in surprise comic hidden inside 'M.A.S.K.' #1 blind bags Mike Mignola returns to Hell with new two-issue Hellboy story alongside Cyrille Pomès Shredder gets extended! Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Skate Ali #1 (Sam Humphries, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Natacha Bustos) The Nice House by the Sea #10 (James Tynion IV, Alvaro Martinez Bueno) Chris:​​ Tigress Island #4 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK) M.A.S.K. #1 (Dan Watters, Pye Parr) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: D'Orc #5 (Brett Bean)  Dave: Jay & Silent Bob: Jays of Future Past #1 (Kevin Smith, Giuseppe Camuncoli) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1 (Paul Chadwick) Dave: The Amazing Spider-Man #31 (Joe Kelly, Patrick Gleason) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: X-Men United #4 (Kris Anka Cover) Chris: Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #2 (Phil Jimenez and Alex Sinclair Main) Dan Watters Pye Parr - MASK #1 out June 10th  M.A.S.K. has always had a unique place in Hasbro history, sitting somewhere between G.I. Joe, Transformers, and its own thing. What aspects of the original property were most important to preserve, and where did you see opportunities to reinvent it for the Energon Universe? Matt Trakker's introduction is fascinating because he's being hunted by the military, yet it quickly becomes clear he wants to be captured. Why was that the right way to introduce him, and what does it reveal about who he is in this version of M.A.S.K.? Miles Mayhem comes across as both calculating and completely unhinged. His fear of Transformers and extraterrestrial threats gives him a very different motivation than a typical villain. What interested you about making him someone who might see himself as humanity's last line of defense? One of the most exciting ideas in M.A.S.K. has always been vehicles transforming into weapons and armor systems. Pye, what was the challenge of updating those iconic transformations for modern audiences while still capturing the toyetic fun fans expect? Dan, after writing Destro, what was appealing about tackling another corner of the Energon Universe? Did your experience with Destro help shape how you approached M.A.S.K., or did you want this book to have a completely different flavor? The first issue hints at a larger arms race involving technology and weapons that may not even originate on Earth. How much of M.A.S.K. is a spy thriller versus a science-fiction story, and where does it fit tonally alongside Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals? Bruce Sato and Gloria Baker are positioned as key new recruits. What qualities do they bring to M.A.S.K. that complement or challenge Matt Trakker's leadership style? The original M.A.S.K. comic debuted in 1987 and had a very different view of global threats and military organizations. Were there any specific elements from that era that you deliberately updated to reflect modern anxieties and geopolitics? Fun question: If you could each claim one M.A.S.K. vehicle and mask from the entire franchise to use in real life for a week, which would you pick and what completely irresponsible thing would you do with it?

This week on The World’s Greatest Comic Book Podcast™, JC and JM assemble for all the news and reviews of the week in comics! Dark Horse Comics decided to voluntarily recognize their employees’ union. DC gave us a new Batsignal. The Spider-Man newspaper comics by Stan Lee has a new omnibus available on Kickstarter. We […]

Welcome to AIPT Comics Podcast Episode 382! This week, we're joined by Absolute Catwoman writer Che Grayson to dive deep into one of DC's most exciting new series. We discuss reimagining Selina Kyle for the Absolute Universe, blending espionage and cyberpunk influences, exploring Catwoman's Afro-Cuban heritage, and what makes this version of Gotham's greatest thief unlike any that came before. 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 Dark Horse Comics agrees to voluntarily recognize Dark Horse Workers United Oni Press unveils first look at new Archie era, announces 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' and 'Archie in Hell' DC GO! expands in 2026 with new originals, returning favorites, and the first crossover event Marvel reveals final chapters of 'Queen in Black' event as Venomworld emerges Marvel reveals post-'Avengers: Armageddon' era with mysterious 'Earth's Mightiest Survivors' teaser Marvel bri1ngs its second-ever True Believers Display Box to 'DNX' #1 Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto launch new 'Avengers' #1 this November NiFe WARS launches NFC-authenticated collectibles platform with blind bags 'TMNT' #300 tops 200,000 orders as IDW prepares biggest Turtle story in years Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Billy Bat (Naoki Urasawa, Takashi Nagasaki) Spawn #376 (Matthew Rosenberg, Stephen Segovia) Alex:​​ IM CHEATING: The End Times #7 (Benjamin Percy, Stephen King) Only The Savage Are Left #1 (Zach Kaplan, Stefano Rafaelle) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: What If Uncanny X-Men (Gerry Duggan, Jan Bazaldua) Dave: Uncanny X-Men #29 (Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: The Nice House by the Sea #10 (Tynion, Álvaro Martínez Bueno) Dave: Tarzan Beyond #1 (Steve Orlando, Renato Guedes) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Daredevil #3 (Alexander Lozano Cover) Alex: X-Men #31 Alex Ross Marvel Dimensions variant Interview: Che Grayson - Absolute Catwoman - Out June 10th Absolute Catwoman hits the ground running with a fast pace and a globe-trotting setup. What was your approach to making this version of Selina feel immediately distinct from page one? This Selina feels very self-made, with high-tech gear and a life she's built outside Gotham. What interested you about exploring her at that stage in her life? The Absolute Universe already introduced Selina in Absolute Batman. How did you approach taking an established version of the character and expanding her into her own series? Speaking of collaboration, how do you and Scott split the writing duties? Are you breaking story together, or does one of you take the lead in certain areas? Bengal's art really sells the motion and the tech, especially in action scenes. How closely are you working with him in terms of visual storytelling, and were there any sequences you were especially excited to see him bring to life? The Calicos are a really intriguing addition, with that more classic Catwoman-inspired look. What can you tease about their role in Selina's past and how they shape who she is now? This version of Selina has some bold new elements, including her enhanced gear and abilities. Without spoiling too much, how far are you planning to push what Catwoman can be in the Absolute Universe?

Welcome to Star Wars Reactions!Hosts Aaron Harris and David Modders are back with the 11th volume of our Random Chatter series! This week, they are discussing various Star Wars topics including reactions to the new of the upcoming Star Wars: Zero Company gameplay trailer releasing June 5th and the Ocala Comic Con 2026 featuring Ahsoka and The Mandalorian cast members. Then they discuss their comic book subscriptions including Shadow of Maul and Galaxy's Edge series. They also discussed the recent announcement of a new The Ninth Jedi anime series coming this summer and  the end of Star Wars Insider magazine with its final issue 237.David and Aaron also announce for episode 250 they will be sharing their spoiler filled reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu.Of course,  Aaron closes us out with an all new Star Wars Dad Joke of the Week!Show Outline:Episode 249 IntroWhat is Random ChatterStar Wars: Zero CompanyOcala Comic Con 2026Comic BooksThe Ninth Jedi seriesRIP Star Wars InsiderEpisode 250 is comingClosingStar Wars Dad Joke of the WeekStar Wars Reactions: Elegant discussions for a more civilized age!Join the discussion! Click on any of the show links and send us your thoughts about this or any Star Wars topic!Visit our Reactions Outpost here!Click here to leave us a voicemail via SpeakPipe!Email us here!Follow us on X!Follow us on Facebook!Follow us on Instagram!Follow us on  TikTok!Follow us on Threads!Follow us on Bluesky!Follow us on Pinterest!Subscribe on YouTube!Follow Aaron and David on X!Follow Aaron and David on Instagram!Check out Aaron's new podcast, Mic'd Up Bros!

A look at Jyn Erso's incarceration on Wobani is the story in Marvel's Star Wars: Rogue One -- Jyn Erso #1 one-shot, in a solid story that builds upon readers of Beth Revis' Rebel Rising will know by heart.Comics Discussed This Week:Rogue One -- Jyn Erso #1 One-ShotStar Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
None
News:Release Sept. 9 is the first of a seven-issue mini-series adaptation of Disney+'s The Book of Boba Fett by Rodney Barnes and Will Sliney. Covers for the first issue are on our social-media feeds.The fourth and final issue of Dark Horse Comics' The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents is now due out July 15.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:June 10 _ Shadow of Maul #4 (of 5)June 16 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga Vol. 1June 23 _ Star Wars Legends: The New Republic Omnibus Vol. 3 (Collects Star Wars: Crimson Empire (1997) #0-6, Star Wars: The Bounty Hunters - Kenix Kil (1999) #1, Star Wars: Crimson Empire II - Council of Blood (1998) #1-6, Star Wars: Crimson Empire III - Empire Lost (2011) #1-6, Star Wars: Jedi Academy - Leviathan (1998) #1-4, Star Wars: The Mixed-Up Droid (1995) #1, Star Wars: Union (1999) #1-4, Star Wars: Chewbacca (2000) #1-4, Star Wars: Invasion (2009) #0-5, Star Wars: Invasion - Rescues (2010) #1-6, Star Wars: Invasion - Revelations (2011) #1-5, Star Wars Handbook (1998) #2; material from Dark Horse Extra (1998) #21-24; Dark Horse Presents (2011) #1; Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 11, 16-19, 21)
June 24 _ Echoes of the Empire #3 (of 5), The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark One-ShotJuly 1 _ Rogue One: Saw Gerrera #1July 8 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #3 (of 6), Shadow of Maul #5 (of 5)July 14 _ The High Republic Adventures -- The Complete Phase III Part 2 (Collects The High Republic Adventures (Phase III) 11-20, Echoes of Fear 1-4, Dispatches From the Occlusion Zone 1-4 and the one-shots 2025 Annual, The Wedding Spectacular and The Battle of Eriadu); Star Wars: Visions: TsukumoJuly 15 _ Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5), Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 (of 4)
July 21 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”); Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)

July 29 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Aug. 5 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2, Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1)Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5)Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)

Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga)Sept. 30 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1
Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6 _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic Novel; Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN
Oct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 20 _ Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN; The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)
Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Xan finally reviews an iconic cornerstone of manga: Lone Wolf & Cub by Kazuo Koike with art by Goseki Kojima.   Now presented in a gorgeous new deluxe hardcover edition from Dark Horse Comics, this groundbreaking gekiga classic follows a disgraced samurai and his young son on a path of vengeance. Does it still hold up after all these years? We explore its enduring power. ----more---- In This Episode: Discussing why this genre-defining samurai epic remains essential reading. Appreciating the beautiful design of this new deluxe oversized hardcover edition. The latest manga news and headlines. Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon! Support the Show: Help us keep the classics alive: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "What's a classic manga series you'd love to see get a deluxe hardcover treatment?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #LoneWolfAndCub #KazuoKoike #GosekiKojima #Gekiga #SamuraiManga #DarkHorseComics #ClassicManga #DeluxeEdition Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

On this week's AIPT Comics Podcast, we're joined by writer Zack Kaplan to talk about two ambitious new projects that tap into some of today's biggest anxieties. First up is Only the Savage Are Left, Kaplan's new post-apocalyptic series with Stefano Raffaele, which imagines a world overrun by a virus that transforms people into monsters. During the conversation, Kaplan digs into the moral dilemmas at the heart of the series, the challenge of creating a new kind of monster apocalypse, and why the story's central romance is just as important as its horror. We also discuss The Smart Division, his upcoming AI-driven crime thriller with John Pearson, exploring how rapidly advancing technology, generational divides, and questions about institutional trust shaped the book's premise. 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 Stan Lee returns through AI as ElevenLabs launches voice, image, and music partnership Money Shot is getting its wildest crossover yet with Patton Oswalt returning for ‘The F* Offs' #1* Get Hype: Marvel's terrifying new Midnight Universe gets 'Midnight X-Men' #1 preview Book of Boba Fett series announced Dark Horse employees announce unionization effort with CWA Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Doomquest #1 (Ryan North, Francesco Mobili) Infernal Hulk #7 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam Gorham) Alex:​​ Absolute Wonder Woman #20 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman) Did You Hear About Mimi Greene? (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: The Infernal Hulk #7 (PKJ, Adam Gorham) Dave: Escape #7 (Daniel Acuna, Rick Remender) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Uncanny X-Men #29 (Wilson, Vecchio) & What If...? Uncanny X-Men #1 (Gerry Dugan, Jan Bazaldua) Dave: Deadman #1 (Martin Morazzo, W. Maxwell Prince) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: The Twilight Zone #7 (Juni Ba connecting cover) Alex: Poison Ivy #45 Cover B Noobovich Variant Interview: Zach Kaplan (art by Stefano Raffaele) talks Only the Savage Are Left (Out June 3) The Smart Division out August 5, FOC Jun 29th Only the Savage Are Left presents a world where survival itself requires violence. What was the starting point for the virus concept, and how did you land on the idea that the “cure” is tied to killing another infected person? There's an early suggestion in the book that civilization didn't collapse because people failed to work together, but because they turned on each other. How much of this story is meant to reflect real-world anxieties about how fragile social order really is? You've described the idea that “civilized society is a failed experiment.” How does that philosophy shape Ryder's journey, especially as someone who begins the story outside that cycle of violence? Ryder starts off relatively sheltered, living behind a wall and seemingly untouched by the infection. What interested you about telling a story through a character who hasn't yet been forced to compromise his morality? The relationship that pulls Ryder out into the world feels central to the emotional core of the book. How did you approach balancing that love story with the brutality of the setting? Without spoiling too much, how does the virus actually work on a thematic level? Is it purely biological, or is it also meant to represent something more psychological or societal? As Ryder encounters other survivors and “monster-killers,” how do you approach defining who the real monsters are in this world? Shifting to The Smart Division, the idea of an AI being involved in a “perfect murder” is chillingly plausible. What kind of real-world advancements in AI or predictive tech inspired this story? The pairing of a Gen-Z savant and a veteran FBI agent feels like a classic odd-couple dynamic. What makes that contrast especially interesting in a story about artificial intelligence and crime? Fun one: if you had to survive in the world of Only the Savage Are Left, what's your strategy in the first 24 hours… and are you making it out alive?

Writer/Artist Steve Bryant has appeared on our podcast more times than any other guest, and we are thrilled to bring him back for another appearance! This time around Steve returns to discuss his best known work, Athena Voltaire! Athena is a globetrotting aviatrix who takes on Nazis, secret societies, mythical beasts, and unspeakable occult creatures in the 1930s! Launched online in 2001, the series has earned an Eisner Award nomination, a Russ Manning Award nomination, and three Harvey Award nominations. Athena's exploits have previously been published by Speakeasy Comics, Ape Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics, and Action Lab Entertainment. Athena Voltaire is now 100% back in Steve's hands and he has an active Kickstarter campaign to fund Athena Voltaire:The Complete Adventures Volume 1! This collection will compile and remaster the Athena stories The Brotherhood of Shamballa, The Feathered Serpent, The Isle of the Dead, The Vampire Queen, and The Immortal Power in a 256-page deluxe oversized (7.5" x 11") hardcover. Steve gives us the lowdown on all things Athena and links to the Kickstarter and to Steve's website are on our social media accounts and below! But there's more to this episode! Steve, Caleb and Bill Z also chat about other books in the back half! Absolute Green Arrow #1 (DC), Action Comics #1097 (also DC), Nate Powell's graphic novel Fall Through (Abrams ComicsArts) and Sina Grace's remarkably touching Life On Paws are talked about during our roundtable! So hit play and, like Ms. Voltaire, let us help you fly away for a bit!    

Two new comics this week and both are justifiably laden with adventure, with Dark Horse Comics' The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #2 (of 6) taking readers to a place outside of space?In Marvel's Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #2 (of 5), Darth Vader is in Black Spire and loyalties are divided. Will he take Leia, Luke and Chewbacca into custody?Comics Discussed This Week:The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #2 (of 5)Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #2 (of 5)Star Wars Comics New to Marvel Unlimited This Week:
Star Wars (Vol. 4) #10 (of 10)
News:Release Sept. 9 is the first of a seven-issue mini-series adaptation of Disney+'s The Book of Boba Fett by Rodney Barnes and Will Sliney. Covers for the first issue are on our social-media feeds.Due out Sept. 9 from Dark Horse Comics is Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6) written by George Mann, illustrated by Vincenzo Riccardi and Jagdish Kumar, colored by Michael Atiyeh and lettered by Comicraft. The cover's by Jake Bartok.Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu -- Danger in the Dark #1 One-Shot From Papercutz by Delilah S. Dawson, Arianna Florean and Mario del Pennino has been moved up to JUne 24 from July 22. The issue can be had via comic shops or directly from Papercutz's web site. It will also be available as a digital PDF. Covers are by Florean, Brent Schoonover and Ramon Rosanas.The covers for Dec. 22's Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 by Jan Duursema and Ramon Bachs (direct-market only) are on our social-media feeds. This omnibus collects Jango Fett -- Open Seasons 1-4, Star Wars 7-35 and material from Star Wars Tales 8, 13 and 21-24, along with material from Dark Horse Extra 35-37 and Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000.Upcoming Star Wars comics, graphic novels, omnibuses and manga:May 26 _ The High Republic Adventures -- The Complete Phase III Part 1 (Collects The High Republic Adventures Phase III 1-10, Saber for Hire 1-4 and the Crash Landing and Crash and Burn one-shots)
May 27 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #2 (of 5), The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #2 (of 6)
June 3 _ Rogue One — Jyn Erso #1 One-Shot
June 10 _ Shadow of Maul #4 (of 5)June 16 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga Vol. 1June 23 _ Star Wars Legends: The New Republic Omnibus Vol. 3 (Collects Star Wars: Crimson Empire (1997) #0-6, Star Wars: The Bounty Hunters - Kenix Kil (1999) #1, Star Wars: Crimson Empire II - Council of Blood (1998) #1-6, Star Wars: Crimson Empire III - Empire Lost (2011) #1-6, Star Wars: Jedi Academy - Leviathan (1998) #1-4, Star Wars: The Mixed-Up Droid (1995) #1, Star Wars: Union (1999) #1-4, Star Wars: Chewbacca (2000) #1-4, Star Wars: Invasion (2009) #0-5, Star Wars: Invasion - Rescues (2010) #1-6, Star Wars: Invasion - Revelations (2011) #1-5, Star Wars Handbook (1998) #2; material from Dark Horse Extra (1998) #21-24; Dark Horse Presents (2011) #1; Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 11, 16-19, 21)
June 24 _ Echoes of the Empire #3 (of 5), The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark One-ShotJuly 1 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #3 (of 6), Rogue One: Saw Gerrera #1July 8 _ Shadow of Maul #5 (of 5)July 14 _ The High Republic Adventures -- The Complete Phase III Part 2 (Collects The High Republic Adventures (Phase III) 11-20, Echoes of Fear 1-4, Dispatches From the Occlusion Zone 1-4 and the one-shots 2025 Annual, The Wedding Spectacular and The Battle of Eriadu)July 15 _ Galaxy's Edge -- Echoes of the Empire #4 (of 5), Hyperspace Stories: The Bad Batch -- Rogue Agents #4 (of 4)
July 21 _ Star Wars Legends: The Newspaper Strips Omnibus (Collects Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures (1994) #1-9, Classic Star Wars: Han Solo at Stars' End (1997) #1-3, Classic Star Wars (1992) #1-20, Classic Star Wars: A New Hope (1994) #1-2, Classic Star Wars: The Vandelhelm Mission (1995) #1, Star Wars newspaper strips "The Constancia Affair," "The Kashyyyk Depths" and "Planet of Kadril”); Star Wars Modern Era Epic Collection: The Screaming Citadel (Collects Star Wars (2015) #31-43, Star Wars Annual (2015) #3, Star Wars: The Screaming Citadel (2017) #1, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2016) #7-8)

July 29 _ The High Republic Adventures — Pathfinders #4 (of 6)Aug. 5 _ Rogue One: Chirrut & Baze #1Aug. 12 _ The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (of 5)Aug. 18 _ The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope -- The Manga Vol. 2, Star Wars -- Dark Droids Omnibus (Collects Dark Droids 1-5, D-Squad 1-4, Star Wars (Vol. 3) 37-50, Darth Vader (Vol. 3) 37-50, Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) 35-40, Revelations #1 and Free Comic Book Day 2024 #1)Aug. 19 _ Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 (of 5)Sept. 8 _ Star Wars: Poe Dameron Omnibus (Collects 1-31, Annuals 1, 2)Sept. 9 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders #5 (of 6), Book of Boba Fett #1 (of 7)

Sept. 22 _ Star Wars: Galactic Tales of Terror Library Edition (Collects Tales from the Rancor Pit, Tales from the Death Star and Tales from the Nightlands 1-3)Sept. 29 _ Star Wars: Thrawn (The Manga)Sept. 30 _ Rogue One: Darth Vader #1
Oct. 3 _ Star Wars Comics Library Vol. 1 1977-1979 (Collects Star Wars Vol. 1 1-23)Oct. 6 _ Smugglers & Scoundrels: The Race for Jabba's Bounty Original Graphic Novel; Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN
Oct. 13 _ Boba Fett — Black, White & Red Treasury Edition (Collects 1-4)Oct. 20 _ Hyperspace Stories -- Mace Windu OGN; The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 1 and the Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 2Nov. 3 _ The Bad Batch — Rogue Agents TPB (Collects 1-4)Nov. 24 _ Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection: The Chosen One (Collects Darth Vader Vol. 2 1-12, Annual #2)
Dec. 1 _ Shadow of Maul TPB (Collects 1-5)Dec. 22 _ The High Republic Adventures -- Pathfinders TPB (Collects 1-6); Star Wars Legends: The Menace Revealed Omnibus Vol. 1 (Collects Star Wars: Jango Fett - Open Seasons (2002) #1-4, Star Wars (1998) #7-35; material from Star Wars Tales (1999) #8, 13, #21-24; Dark Horse Extra (1998) #35-37; Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)Jan. 19 _ Star Wars Legends The Clone Wars Omnibus Vol. 1Feb. 9 _ The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 3 and The Mandalorian: Season One (The Manga) Vol. 4March 9 _ Tales From the Outer Rim: The Legend of Beggar's Canyon Original Graphic Novel----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

With The Mandalorian and Grogu only a few days away, Ryan Daly felt compelled to talk about... Boba Fett! Joining Ryan on this sort-of movie tie-in episode of Give Me Those Star Wars is brand new guest Captain Entropy. Together, they'll discuss the short story "Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction" originally serialized in Star Wars Galaxy Magazine before being collected by Dark Horse Comics. What does the deadliest bounty hunter in the galaxy do when someone tries to steal his identity and reputation? C'mon, do you really need to ask? Tune in to find that answer and more! Let us know what you think! Leave a comment or send an email to: RDalyPodcast@gmail.com. Like the GIVE ME THOSE STAR WARS Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/givemethosestarwars Subscribe and follow dead_bothan_spy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dead_bothan_spy/ This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK. Visit our WEBSITE: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/ Follow us on TWITTER – https://twitter.com/FWPodcasts Like our FACEBOOK page – https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork Use our HASHTAG online: #FWPodcasts Subscribe to GIVE ME THOSE STAR WARS on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/give-me-those-star-wars/id1081853177 Or subscribe via Apple Podcasts as part of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-fire-and-water-podcast/id463855630 Support GIVE ME THOSE STAR WARS and the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts Thanks for listening… and May the Force be with you!

The phone calls could be harsh. Daniel Freedman talked to a lot of shop owners. They told him anthologies didn't sell. He explained that Stimulus was not an anthology; it was a short story collection. They continued to express cynicism. He went ahead and assembled an astonishing array of stories, galloping through numerous tones and showcasing an awesome stable of collaborators. Stimulus flaunts the heights that this medium can soar, and obliterates house style tastes. It's on those LCS shelves now. Here's your chance to prove the glass-half-empty folks that audiences crave structures free from corporate designs. The comics in Stimulus should have your mouth watering. They're science fiction and fantasy slanted idea outburts illustrated by - hold your breath - Robert Sammelin (Kali), Tomm Coker (Black Monday Murders), Filya Bratukhin(Nature's Labyrinth), Amilcar Pina (Galactic), Dilraj Mann (Dalstron Monsterzz), Lorenzo Nuti (Dragonero/Conan), Arianna Farricella (College Apocalypse), Gavin Dias (PENTHOUSE Comics), Debbie Tsoi (Split Fiction), Stefano Realdini (Captain Gaia), Dan Morison (HELL-BENT), and Henrik Sahlstrom (Mirror's Edge: Exordium). This week, we had a blast chatting with Daniel Freedman about Stimulus. The short story collection spans more than ten years of his life, and each tale explores Freedman working himself out as well as the world he finds himself trapped in. We discuss the autobiographic nature of all storytelling, the power of a short story collection, and why comics allow him to create where other mediums do not. And before all that, our kid on the beat cub reporter, Brad, regales Lisa with his journey to the Lower East Side and the Jack Kirby Way street-naming ceremony on May 11th. He discusses what and who he saw on Essex Street and even offers audio recordings of Jack Kirby Way presenters Roy Schwartz, NYC Council Member Christopher Marte, Tom Brevoort, Paul Levitz, and Jim Steranko. The King of Comics finally getting his name on an NYC street is a historic moment. Let's all celebrate as comic book readers. Stimulus is out now in trade paperback from Dark Horse Comics. Make sure you're following Daniel Freedman on Instagram. This Week's Sponsors The Future is Calling! 2000 AD is the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, with new issues published every single week! Every 32-page issue of 2000 AD brings you the best in sci-fi and horror, featuring characters like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, and more. Get a print subscription to 2000 AD and it'll arrive to your mailbox every week - and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, and you can download DRM-free copies of each issue for only $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe' now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today! Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics Previously on CBCC: Todd McFarlane on Spawn Jack Kirby Way, as reported by The Beat Comic Book Club: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow at Meanwhile...Coffee in Herndon, Virginia, on 5/3 at 3:30 PM Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

Before Christian Ward joins us for a full-spoilers conversation about Event Horizon: Inferno, we get lost in a lengthy discussion about Stephen King's The Stand. We promise, however, that both stories tie nicely together and circle the vast concerns many of us are feeling in 2026. Event Horizon #1 is now available in comic book shops everywhere, thanks to IDW Publishing, and this week's podcast is a full-spoilers conversation all about it, digging deep into modern anxieties while also celebrating kick-ass monsters and scary horror movie violence. As the solicits say for this surprise comic book sequel, Event Horizon: Inferno is indeed Aliens meets Dante's Inferno. Get ready now. Set 200 years after the film and its comic book prequel, Event Horizon: Dark Descent, Event Horizon: Inferno introduces a new crew of desperate humans and demonic antagonists. Christian Ward and artist Rob Carey (plus, colorist Xenon Honchar and letterer Alex Ray) profoundly expand the Event Horizon universe, taking it to realms barely hinted at in the original nineties scare fest. As Ward mentions, he's giving Event Horizon the same treatment that Dark Horse Comics gave the Aliens and Predator franchises back in the nineties. If you remember those comics, damn, you're probably pretty darn excited at the notion. This week, we get ponderous about hell, heaven, and their servants. We dig into how this series demands expansion and the freedom in which the publisher and studio gave Ward and his collaborators. We consider how Event Horizon: Inferno reflects the world outside our window and what we can do to alleviate real-life dread. Buckle up, friends. We're all on this ship together. Again, Event Horizon #1 is out now from IDW Publishing. It's written by Christian Ward, illustrated by Rob Carey, colored by Xenon Honchar, and lettered by Alex Ray. Variant Cover (see art above) by Eamon Winkle. Continue this conversation with Christian Ward by visiting his Website and following him on Blue Sky and Instagram. This Week's Sponsors Everyone loves to talk and debate about comics, but few people get to see what it's actually like behind the scenes. Now, IDW Publishing is changing that with the launch of IDW Studios. The first monthly show is CreatorxCreator, a free-flowing, fun, and honest chat between two comic book creators as they discuss their craft, process, inspiration, and what life is really like as a creative. The second monthly show, Superlatives, brings IDW's knowledgeable and spirited editors head-to-head to debate each of these categories, with another editor stepping in as the moderator to pick the winner once the pros have made their arguments. The Future is Calling! 2000 AD is the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, with new issues published every single week! Every 32-page issue of 2000 AD brings you the best in sci-fi and horror, featuring characters like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, and more. Get a print subscription to 2000 AD and it'll arrive to your mailbox every week - and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, and you can download DRM-free copies of each issue for only $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe' now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today! Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics Watch Christian Ward in The Stacks Previously on CBCC: Christian Ward on Event Horizon: Dark Descent Comic Book Club: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees at Meanwhile...Coffee in Herndon, Virginia, on 5/3 at 3:30 PM Comic Book Film Club: Paying For It on 4/26 at the Alamo Drafthouse in Winchester, Virginia. Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.