Podcast
AIPT Comics
Hosted by AIPT · EN
An exploration of the comic book art form via weekly insights, news, and creator interviews. Covering it all from Marvel Comics and DC Comics to indies publishers and creators too.
32episodes
Episodes
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Unearth the horror: Chris Condon and Charlie Adlard dig into the dread of Of the Earth
2w ago01:51:28Tap to summarizeVisit 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 to launch Midnight Universe August 2026 turning heroes into nightmares Marvel’s reveals DNX 'X-Men' event details for August 2026 Jubilee and Wolverine uncover the 'Tomb of Apocalypse' in new 2026 Marvel series Marvel sheds light on August 2026 'What If...?' titles Image announces "Summer of Youngblood" in a road to 100 DC announces 'Next Level One Shot' #1 with Deadshot leading major new storyline Popular comics piracy site disappears from the internet, sparking piracy debate among comic fans Netflix developing ‘Barbaric’ TV series based on Vault fantasy hit by Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden 2026 Eisner Awards nominations announced with DC leading Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Destination Kill #1 (Joe Palmer) Innards #1 (Rob Guillory, Sam Lotfi) Alex: Absolute Batman #20 (Snyder, Dragotta) Hidden Springs #1 (Rob Williams, Nil Vendrell Pallach) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: Uncanny X-Men #28 (Simone, Vecchio) Dave: Hidden Springs #1 (Rob Williams, Nil Vendrell Pallach) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Absolute Green Arrow #1 (Pichetshote & Albuquerque) Dave: Ultimate Impact: Reborn #1 (Chris Condon, Stefano Caselli) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Batman / Superman: World's Finest #51 (Dan Mora Cover) Alex: Odin #1 variants (Ward & Simmonds) Interview: Chris Condon (with Andrew Ehrich) - Charlie Adlard - of the earth - May 20 out 1. Opening hook / origin Chris, you’ve said that roadside coyote scene was the first thing you wrote, even before you knew the full story. What was it about that moment that felt like the right entry point into this world? 2. Tone and influences You’re blending eco-horror and neo-noir in a really striking way here. What’s each of your relationship to those genres—are there specific books or films that shaped how you approached them, or personal favorites that were on your mind while making this? 3. The prose chapter choice That opening prose chapter from Oilfield Graveyard: Tales of the Wildcatter Myth is such a bold structural swing. What does prose allow you to do that comics alone wouldn’t, especially in setting up the mythology? 4. The Wildcatter as a presence The Wildcatter evolves from something almost abstract in issue #2 to something disturbingly human in issue #3. How did you approach revealing it piece by piece without losing the mystery? 5. Character and transformation The grandmother’s descent is genuinely unsettling. How did you think about her transformation in relation to the oil itself, is it possession, corruption, or something more symbolic? 6. Visual storytelling and horror lineage Charlie, you spent years defining the visual language of long-form horror on The Walking Dead. When you approach a story like this, how does that experience inform your instincts—and where do you find yourself deliberately doing something different? 7. Pacing and silent storytelling Charlie, one thing that really stands out is how much space you’re given for quiet, atmospheric sequences—scenes that breathe and flow without a lot of dialogue or overt plot movement. How do you approach pacing those moments visually so they still feel propulsive, and what do you think comics can do in those silent stretches that other mediums can’t? 8. Fun / silly question: If the Wildcatter had a playlist, what’s the one song that absolutely has to be on it?
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Rob Williams on 'Hidden Springs' and writing regret
3w ago01:32:48Tap to summarizeOn this week’s AIPT Comics Podcast, we’re joined by writer Rob Williams to talk all about Hidden Springs, his wild new series that blends retired Hollywood legends, a baby kaiju, and a desperate race against the military. It’s a fun, heartfelt conversation about building flawed characters, mixing comedy with tragedy, and why stories about second chances hit harder when everything’s on the line. 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 teases a terrifying new universe with ‘Midnight’ as the Ultimate Universe ends Marvel reveals August 2026 ‘Queen in Black’ covers as Al Ewing teases massive event scope Kevin Smith brings Spider-Man and Hulk together for a wild exorcism story Mary Jane gets 60th anniversary special one-shot for August 2026 Thor is gone and Marvel is celebrating issue #800 with a very different hero Rick Remender and Steve Epting’s ‘Hammerfist’ starts turning heads after teaser drop ‘Assorted Crisis Events’ #8 gets Javier Pulido third printing cover 'Bug Wars' returns with 'The Coming of the Wardoom' in August 2026 Stjepan Šejić returns with 'Death Vigil' #1 from Image Comics and Top Cow this August DC’s Super-Family faces Zod in massive new crossover ‘Kingdom of Zod’ 'Witchblade/Vampirella' kicks off swap crossover similar to 'Superman/Spider-Man' Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Fantastic Four #10 (Ryan North, Humberto Ramos) Estuary #2 (David Andry & Tim Daniel, Maan House) Chris: Royals #2 (Derek Kirk Kim, Jacob Perez) Daredevil #2 (Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: MegaGhost Volume 2 #2 (Gabe Soria and Gideon Kendall) Dave: Absolute Superman #19 (Rafa Sandoval) Fantastic Four #10 (Ryan North, Humberto Ramos) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Destination Kill #1 (Joe Palmer) Dave: Innards #1 (Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Absolute Batman #20 (Skottie Young) Chris: Bleeding Hearts #4 (Juni Ba Variant) Interview: Robbie Williams - Hidden Springs - Rend and Tear and Tooth and Claw - Feature film Game 1. Hidden Springs has such a wonderfully strange premise: retired Hollywood legends protecting a baby kaiju. Where did the initial spark for this story come from, and when did you realize this was the right mix of heart, comedy, and monster chaos? 2. The cast of characters is incredibly eclectic, from a rocker reminiscent of Ozzy Osbourne to a classic Hollywood beauty, a trailblazing female director, a stand-up comedian, and a career TV star. How did you approach building such different personalities and making them feel like a believable found family? 3. Nil Vendrell Pallach is handling the art. What did Nil bring to the project visually that made them the perfect collaborator for a story that moves between comedy, nostalgia, and kaiju action? 4. There’s something inherently funny about ageing celebrities being the only ones capable of protecting a world-ending monster. What interested you about pairing the idea of aging, fading fame, and second chances with something as huge and destructive as a kaiju? 5. With all these Hollywood types, I was reminded of Caccoon, about a group of old folks who encounter an alien eggs that give them youth, with your new series on the way do you think this the old person encountering sci-fi elements is an underused corner of fiction? 6. What made dark horse the right publisher for this? 7. You’ve written everything from Judge Dredd to Petrol Head. Where does Hidden Springs sit for you creatively? Does it tap into a different storytelling muscle compared to your other work? 8. (Fun question) Your heroes include a rocker, a comedian, a movie star, and a legendary beauty escorting a baby kaiju across the countryside. If you had to add one more retired celebrity archetype to the team, who would it be and what ridiculous skill would they bring to the kaiju babysitting mission?
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Final Boss Comics talks growth, community, and what sells
4w ago01:34:19Tap to summarizeOwner Floyd and manager Griffin join us to talk about their upcoming expansion into a second-floor space, how they’ve turned their shop into a true community hub, and what it actually takes to run a successful comic store in 2026. 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 Comics legend Gerry Conway passed away at 73 New series 'Regicide' blends dracula and 'Berserk' for August 2026 release Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips are back for the wildest noir yet with 'Unfinished Tales' DC launches Building Bad Sweepstakes letting fans create a new Batman villain Marvel assembles Daredevil, Echo, and more for Disability Pride Month story Marvel pushes blind bags to the limit with 'DNX' #1 and ultra-rare surprise covers Marvel has revealed 'Avengers: Armageddon' #3 and 'Cap' #14, teasing a major team shakeup ahead New symbiote Symbie scores new one-shot 'It's Symbie' #1 Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Red Roots #1 (Lorenzo De Felici) Uncanny X-Men #27 (Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio) Chris: Is Ted OK? #3 (Dave Chisholm) Wrestle Heist #5 (Kyle Starks) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Is Ted OK? #3 (Dave Chisholm) Dave: Swamp Thing 1989 #1 (Rick Veitch, Michael Zulli) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: She-Spawn #1 (Gail Simone, Ig Guarra) Dave: If Destruction Be Our Lot #1 (Matthew Rosenberg, Andy MacDonald) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Daredevil #2 (Bill Sienkiewicz Virgin Cover) Chris: Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner #1 (David Aja Variant) Interview: Final Boss Comic Shop, Floyd - Manager / Griffin - New Jersey 1. Expansion & Growth You’ve been a staple since 2007, and now you’re expanding. What made this the right moment to grow, and what does expansion look like for Final Boss? 2. The “Final Boss Family” Identity You refer to your community as the “Final Boss Family.” What does that mean in practice, and how have you intentionally built that culture over the years? 3. Competing with Bigger Markets You’re not in NYC, but your signings can rival shops in major hubs. What’s your approach to events that helps you punch above your weight? 4. The State of the Industry From your perspective behind the counter, what’s working in comics right now, and what challenges are you seeing for shops like yours? 5. Book Club & Community Engagement Your monthly book club is a big part of your identity. How does something like that translate into both community building and business sustainability? 6. Curating the Shelves With so many publishers and titles, how do you decide what to stock, and what kinds of books tend to resonate most with your customers? 7. Lessons from Nearly Two Decades Since opening in 2007, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about running a successful comic shop? 8. Looking Ahead With expansion on the horizon, what’s your vision for Final Boss over the next 3–5 years, and what do you hope never changes?
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Stephanie Stalvey unpacks faith, identity, and 'Everything in Color'
Apr 2601:24:12Tap to summarizeThis week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we interview cartoonist Stephanie Stalvey, diving deep into her graphic memoir Everything in Color. In the conversation, Stalvey opens up about growing up in an evangelical household, unpacking purity culture, and how motherhood reshaped her understanding of faith and identity. It’s an honest, vulnerable discussion about turning lived experience into art, and why telling these stories can resonate far beyond one person’s life. NEWS Marvel Solicitations for July 2026 Miles Morales faces his most personal threat yet in new 'Miles Morales: Spider-Man' #1 Red Hulk takes over the Marvel Universe in 'Avengers: Armageddon' and the preview reveals just how bad it gets 'Fantastic Four' #15 sends the team spiraling through time for a wild 65th anniversary story Doctor Doom takes over 616 Day with Blind Bags, rare comics, and surprise sketch covers Godzilla teams with Knull to conquer the Marvel Multiverse in explosive finale in Toho/Marvel collab First look at Marvel’s Pride special as Ultron crashes Wiccan and Hulkling’s anniversary and new Pride covers are revealed Predator crashes the Planet of the Apes in Marvel’s wild new crossover you didn’t see coming 'Do A Powerbomb' returns to comic shops with 'Black and White' #1 Vault announces weird western ongoing series ‘Dead Acre: Black Badge’ Rob Liefeld expands 'Youngblood' with 'Badrock' solo series Dark Horse announces Adam Frankenstein origin one-shot set in the Chaos Universe DC heroes meet NHL icons in final “Secret Identity” card drop from Upper Deck 'Minotaur' comic by Si Spurrier and Mike Dowling launches July 2026 from Ignition Press Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #1 (Jordan Morris, Joe Kelly, Pere Perez) Corpse Knight #1 (Michael Chaves, Matthew Roberts, Rico Renzi_ Alex: Absolute Wonder Woman #19 (Thompson, Sherman) Sorcerer Supreme #5 (Orlando, Bernard Chang) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: Exquisite Corpses #12 (James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh) Dave: Wolverine #19 (Saladin Ahmed, Martín Coccolo) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: The Sacrificers #21 (Rick Remender, Max Fiumara) & Is Ted OK? #3 (Dave Chisholm) Dave: Swamp Thing 1989 #1 (Rick Veitch, Michael Zulli) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Feral #22 (Tony Fleecs & Trish Forstner Weapons Homage Cover) Alex: Wiccan: Witches’ Road #5 (Karen S. Darboe variant) Interview: Stephanie Stalvey, EVERYTHING IN COLOR out 04/28/2026 Your book explores growing up in an evangelical community where love and obedience were deeply intertwined. When you look back now, how do you understand that relationship differently? One of the most striking ideas in the book is the notion that “our bodies belong to the authority figure.” How did unpacking that belief shape the emotional core of this memoir? Everything in Color is deeply personal, especially in how it portrays your relationship with your husband and your child. What was it like sharing drafts with your husband as you were creating the book? Your journey raises big questions about faith, doubt, and identity. Did you find yourself arriving at answers while making the book, or is it more about learning to live with the questions? The book touches on major shared moments like 9/11 and the COVID lockdown. How did anchoring your personal story to these larger events help shape the narrative? There’s a powerful shift in the book where love, especially through motherhood, reframes everything as sacred. When did that realization first begin to take hold for you? This is a massive and ambitious work. Was it always envisioned at this scale, and how long did it take you to bring it to life? The title Everything in Color feels like a mission statement for the book. At what point did you know that was the right way to describe this journey? The artwork blends intimacy with emotional weight throughout. How did you approach pairing your visual storytelling with such vulnerable subject matter?
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Slasher Green Arrow? 'Absolute Green Arrow' creative team interview
Apr 1901:34:20Tap to summarizeThis week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we’ve got a full-length interview with Pornsak Pichetshote and Rafael Albuquerque all about Absolute Green Arrow, their bold new take that turns Oliver Queen into something far more dangerous. It’s a deep dive into the horror influences, the mystery at the heart of the story, and how the duo is reshaping one of DC’s most iconic heroes. 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 ‘DNX’ pits X-Men and Fantastic Four against a virus in 5-issue event, with new blind bags revealed Marvel’s 'Queen in Black' gets new blind bag covers and bizarre Venomworld Bouncers Rocket Raccoon gets 50th anniversary special 'Rocket Rewind' #1 for July Marvel adds even more Doctor Doom to release slate with 'Challenges of Doom' starting July 2026 Spider-Man and Punisher’s first team-up goes off the rails in new series in time for 'Brand New Day' Marvel layoffs! Dark Horse brings Marvel Comics villains into focus with new 'Most Villainous' collections Dark Horse announced even more Marvel Comics horror collections: The Best of Marvel's Vampire Tales Mike Mignola returns to Hellboy Universe with 'The Foundry: In Peril on the Seas' #1 this August Ring Magazine and Dark Horse launch boxing comic series 'The Man Who Beat The Man' by Gail Simone DC Comics solicits July 2026 A hidden traitor and a war from the deep threaten to tear ‘Dark Knights of Steel II’ apart Lono returns as '100 Bullets' enters its most dangerous chapter yet with 'The US of Anger' #1 DC releases even more 'Absolute Batman' #19 covers with official Absolute Robin designs First look: DC reveals The Art of Supergirl book bridging comics and the upcoming film DC unveils noir horror 'Clayface: Celebrity Dirt' focused on Basil Karlo out July 98th Meet the New Jersey killer who was supposed to be a star in ‘Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy’ #1 Dynamite sets July 22th for 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' return Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Absolute Batman #19 (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta) Alias: Red Band #2 (Sam Humphries, Geraldo Borges) Alex: Fireborn #1 (Curt Pires, Franklin Jonas, Patrick Mulholland) The Thing on the Doorstep (Simon Birks, Willi Roberts) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: Magik & Colossus (Ashley Allen, German Peralta) Dave: Lobo #2 (Jorge Corona, Skottie Young) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: In Your Skin #1 (Aditya Bidikar, SOM) & Absolute WW #19 (Thompson, Sherman) Dave: The Amazing Spider-Man #27 (Joe Kelly and Friends) & Spider-Man/Superman #1 (Various) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3 (Ryan Stegman) Alex: Sorcerer Supreme #5 1:25 Mingyi Gan Variant Interview: PORNSAK PICHETSHOTE and RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE - Out May 20 - (FOC April 27) For Pornsak Pichetshote: This book leans hard into urban horror and murder mystery. What drew you to reimagining Green Arrow through that lens rather than a more traditional superhero approach? For Rafael Albuquerque: The visuals carry a lot of mood and unease. How did you approach designing a version of this world that feels grounded but still heightened enough for horror? Trick arrows, yes or no? For Pornsak: Dinah Lance is effectively our entry point into this mystery. What made her the right character to lead the story instead of Oliver himself? For Rafael: This series deals with violence in a more unsettling, investigative way. How do you balance making those moments impactful without overwhelming the reader? For Pornsak: The suspect list of archers is a clever way to tap into DC history. How did you decide which characters to include, and how do you make each feel distinct within the mystery? For both: This series is arriving after several Absolute titles have already established the tone and expectations of the line. How did you think about fitting into that larger world while still carving out your own identity? For Pornsak: There’s a question at the heart of issue #2 about whether the killer is something to stop or understand. How important is moral ambiguity to this version of Green Arrow? For Rafael: Oliver Queen’s presence looms large even in death. How did you approach visual storytelling around a character who is central but not always physically there? Fun question for both: If you had to survive in this world and pick one DC archer to have your back, who are you choosing… and who are you absolutely avoiding?
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Franklin Jonas talks Fireborn, music, and breaking into comics
Apr 1201:14:25Tap to summarizeEpisode 374 of the AIPT Comics podcast puts a major spotlight on a surprising and passionate new voice in comics: Franklin Jonas. Best known for his music career, Jonas joins the show to talk about co-writing Fireborn within the Lost Fantasy universe, offering a candid look at how a lifelong love of comics turned into a full-fledged creative pursuit. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Marvel Comics releases all 'Queen in Black' solicits for titles out July 2026 Queen in Black grows with 'Venom Unchained' miniseries Marvel Comics’ ‘Queen in Black’ Blind Bag gets bigger with ‘True Believers Display Boxes’ Marvel teases a new mystery hero who may outpower Red Hulk in ‘Avengers: Armageddon’ Marvel Comics teases a cryptic new threat: DNX Marvel’s What If…? returns with multiverse twists for its 50th anniversary Batman vs. FIVE Robins?! 'Absolute Batman' #20 cover reveal changes everything Aquaman and Jeff team up now available on Marvel Unlimited DC and Marvel reveal 'Supergirl/Blade' digital crossover launching April 2026 Top 50 March sales is live Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief #1 (Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell) Uncanny X-Men #26 (Gail Simone, Luciano Vecchio) Chris: Punk'n Heads (Dave Baker and Nicole Goux) Bleeding Hearts #3 (Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief #1 (Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell) Dave: Amazing Spider-Man #26 (Joe Kelly, Francesco Manna) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Tigress Island #2 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK) Dave: Super Creepshow #2 (info) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Lobo #2 (Lee Bermejo) Chris: Narco #2 (Daniel Hillyard and Dave Stewart) Interview: Franklin Jonas - Out April 15, FOC March 23rd - Artist: h with Curt Pires co-writing You’re stepping into Curt Pires’ Lost Fantasy world—what excited you most about co-writing in an established universe, and how did you find your voice within it? As someone who works in music, where rhythm, pacing, and emotion are everything, did that background influence how you approached writing Fireborn—especially in terms of momentum, dialogue, or how scenes “flow” on the page? Aaron Hillburg is introduced as a “rich-kid failson,” which is such a loaded archetype—what made him the right entry point for a story that quickly becomes this massive, magical chase? The dragon egg bonding to Aaron is such a striking image—what did you want that relationship to represent, both visually and emotionally, as the series unfolds? Patrick Mulholland’s art brings a kinetic, almost explosive energy to the concept—how closely did you collaborate on visual storytelling, especially with something as wild as a floating dragon egg? 11:10 Dark Reign war machine 11:45 Fear Itself This feels like a story about inheritance in more ways than one—family, power, responsibility—what themes were most important for you to explore through Aaron’s journey? For readers who haven’t touched Lost Fantasy before, how accessible is Fireborn as a jumping-on point, and what kind of experience were you aiming to deliver in issue #1? If Aaron had to survive in New York for 24 hours before the egg bonded to him, what’s the most “failson” decision he’d make that would somehow make everything worse?
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From retail to writing: Timmy Heague on 'Lost Fantasy' and breaking into comics
Apr 501:27:30Tap to summarizeThis week’s spotlight interview is with Timmy Heague, co-writer of Lost Fantasy #9, and is especially revealing, not just because of the wild hooks (Nazi dinosaurs, bazooka swords, monster hunting), but because of the unique vantage point he brings as both a writer and a longtime comic shop owner. That dual perspective shapes everything, from how he thinks about audience expectations to how stories are built to connect on the shelf. This interview goes far beyond Lost Fantasy #9. Timmy Heague digs into his unlikely path from comic shop owner to working writer, how collaborations with Curt Pires and Franklin Jonas actually function behind the scenes, and why being on the retail front lines gives him a sharper read on what fans want than most creators. You’ll also hear about the realities of breaking in, the push and pull of co-writing, and the mentors who helped shape his voice. It’s part origin story, part industry insight, and a candid look at how comics really come together. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Hellfire Gala turns deadly: Marvel reveals a murder will change the X-Men forever Marvel reveals new characters Sightseer and Mogul from ‘Reborn: Ultimate Impact’ series 'Queen in Black' gets 3-part tie-in 'Defenders of Light and Dark' And gets 2 one-shots Marvel sneaks Charlie Cox, Jon Bernthall, and Frank Miller sketches in 'Daredevil' #1 Blind Bags Marvel and Magic the Gathering collab for free promo card with 'Avengers: Armageddon' #1 Marvel celebrates Rogue One’s 10th anniversary with new one-shots for key characters ‘Nights’ kicks off new story arc this July with #19 James Tynion IV launches new Brooklyn Comics nonprofit with major festival plans Marvel’s weirdest monsters return in massive 400-page deluxe collection Mike Mignola's 'Uri Tupka and the Devils' follow up Lands Unknown coming November 2026 Free LEGO Batman comic revealed for Free Comic Book Day with a surprising nod to his very first appearance FCBD 'Energon Universe Special 2026' gets 5 new covers and a major first look at M.A.S.K. Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: MAD About DC #1 (Various) Lands Unknown: Uri Tupka and the Gods (Mike Mignola) Chris: Royals #1 (Derek Kirk Kim, Jacob Perez) Daredevil #1 (Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Bizarro: Year None #1 (Kevin Smith, Eric Carrasco, Nick Pitarra, Michael Garland) Dave: Venom #256 (Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Estuary #1 (Tim Daniel, David Andry, Maan House) Dave: Sai: Dimensional Rivals #4 Giuseppe Camuncoli, Phil Noto, Jim Mahfood JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Black Cat #9 (Variant by Kris Anka) Chris: Iron Man #4 (Ryan Stegman-Frank Martin Main Cover) Interview: Timmy Heague on Lost Fantasy #9, mixing craft, collaboration, and story teases: You’re stepping into Lost Fantasy #9 during a moment where Henry is already physically and emotionally battered. What interested you most about picking up his story at this breaking point? You’re working with Eamon Winkle on the Bombshell story. What makes Bombshell a compelling lens into this world, and how does her story complement or contrast Henry’s? You’re co-writing this issue with Curt Pires and Franklin Jonas, while also contributing to a backup that ties into Fireborn. How did you all divide the storytelling responsibilities, and what did that collaboration look like on the page? You’ve recently come off co-writing Archie vs. Minor Threats with Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum, which thrives on tonal contrast. Did that experience influence how you approach tone here, especially with the mix of action, sci-fi, and character work? The solicit teases Henry being pulled into a new case while still recovering. How do you balance forward momentum with giving weight to his injuries and trauma? The issue introduces the “Cyber-Ronin,” which is an instantly striking concept. What was the creative spark behind that character, and how does he challenge the world of hunters in a new way? Lost Fantasy blends genres in a big way, from cyberpunk elements to mythic hunting lore. When you’re writing in that kind of sandbox, how do you keep the story grounded and emotionally clear? Fun one: if you had to drop Bombshell into another comic universe for a one-shot, where would you send them and why?
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No reboot, just evolution: Matthew Rosenberg on Spawn and 'If Destruction Be Our Lot'
Mar 2901:44:57Tap to summarizeOn this week’s AIPT Comics Podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Rosenberg to talk about one of the most ambitious creator-owned books on the horizon: If Destruction Be Our Lot. For a story about the end of humanity, this one is surprisingly full of life. We dig into how the series came together, from its strange and instantly compelling premise of a robotic Abraham Lincoln wandering a post-human world, to the deeper themes driving it. Rosenberg opens up about how the book grew out of his own creative evolution, how it responds to the current moment for artists, and why this isn’t a bleak dystopia so much as a story about connection, purpose, and trying to find meaning when the system no longer makes sense. We also get into the craft behind it all, including the long development process, the collaboration with his brother Mark Elijah Rosenberg, and why artist Andy Macdonald might be doing some of the most exciting work in comics right now. Of course, we also talk Spawn and what it means to step into that world, but the heart of this conversation is If Destruction Be Our Lot and why it might be Rosenberg’s most personal and layered work yet. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Sam Keith passed away Claremont returns to tell Gambit's origin in 'Gambit: Wanted' #1 Marvel sheds light on 'Queen in Black' #1 blind bags covers and shares interior pages Marvel Stormbreakers ‘What If…?’ variant covers celebrate 50 years of alternate marvel stories Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Sai: Dimensional Rivals #3 (Momoko, Mundo, Casagrande, Bengal) Iron Man #3 (Joshua Williamson, Carmen Carnero) Alex: Is Ted Ok? #2 (Dave Chisholm) Absolute Wonder Woman #18 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman) Sai: Dimensional Rivals #3 (Mike del Mundo story) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: Punisher #2 (José Luis Soares Pinto) Dave: Knull #3 (Al Ewing, Tom Waltz, Juanan Ramírez) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Daredevil #1 (Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett) Dave: Uri Tupka and the Gods: Another Story from Lands Unknown (info) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Bizarro: Year None #1 (Nick Pitarra Cover) Alex: Batman / Superman: World's Finest #50 Cover F Rahzzah Variant Interview: Matthew Rosenberg - Out May 6, FOC Apr 13th If Destruction Be Our Lot imagines a world where humanity is gone and robots are left behind. What drew you to telling a story from that perspective rather than focusing on the fall itself? Can you talk a little about your collaboration with Mark Elijah Rosenberg? Andy Macdonald’s art brings a lot of personality to these robots. How closely did you collaborate to shape the look and feel of this world? Abe, a robotic Abraham Lincoln, is such a strange and compelling lead. What made him the right lens for exploring meaning, purpose, and identity in this world? There’s a strong theme of searching for connection, even in a world without humans. What does “friendship” look like in a story populated entirely by machines? You’ve tackled everything from crime to dark comedy. Where does this series sit creatively for you, and does it feel like a departure or a natural evolution? On Spawn You’re stepping into Spawn with a major time jump and a new status quo. What excited you most about taking on such an iconic title at this moment? Favorite Spawn character? Where are you at with In Good Hands With Bad Company? We're Taking Everyone Down With Us Would you call A Rook Spy Thriller a label under your brand? Fun / Silly Question If Abe could befriend any object or appliance in this world, what would be his ultimate ride-or-die companion and why?
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Everyone in ‘American Caper’ is a disaster (and that’s the point)
Mar 2201:48:55Tap to summarizeWe break down the biggest comics news and releases before diving into one of the wildest books on the stands right now. American Caper is messy, violent, hilarious, and packed with characters who seem one bad decision away from total collapse and that is exactly what makes it work. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Marvel Comics 2026 June solicitations! Doctor Doom returns and drags Captain America into a new war ahead of ‘Avengers: Armageddon’ 'Amazing Spider-Man' #30-31 reveal Spore debut and major twist ahead of issue #1000 Marvel reveals 'Avengers: Armageddon' variants and Comics Giveaway Day preview ‘Jeff the Land Shark: Superstar’ announced by Marvel with Mojo and new X-Men cast Marvel reveals Wolverine's claws will shatter in June 2026 'Wolverine' series Marvel’s Swimsuit Special returns this July with new ‘Beach Day’ and must-see pinups Full June 2026 DC Comics solicitations: DC just flipped Superman’s origin and threw Supergirl into a nightmare universe DC announces Summer of Supergirl Special #1 with all-star creative team DC Pride 2026 reveals 'Justice League: Dream Girls' event starring Galaxy and Dreamer Every monster imaginable takes over the world in Dark Horse’s new horror series ‘Kingdom of Earth’ The Rocketeer goes undercover in new WWII espionage series 'Infiltrator!' Image Comics has a Spawn shake-up, as Todd McFarlane & Brett Booth leave early for a new creative team and a time jump Joshua Williamson turns the Wolf Man into his most brutal and heartbreaking story yet 'The Eye Collector' preview reveals eerie new cosmic horror out June 2026 Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Lobo #1 (Skottie Young, Jorge Corona) Sentry #1 (Paul Jenkins, Christian Rosado) Alex: Absolute Flash #13 (Lemire, Haining) Exquisite Corpses #11 (Che Grayson, Gavin Fullerton) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: Super Creepshow #1 (Kieron Gillen, Rossi Gifford) Dave: Infernal Hulk #5 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Kev Walker) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Is Ted Ok? #2 (Dave Chisholm) Dave: DC/Marvel: Superman / Spider-Man #1 (Many) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Iron Man #3 (Josemaria Casanovas) Alex: Superman #36 (Rod Reis) American Caper Interview: Producer & Additional Writing Lazlow, Editor Shelly Bond, and Finishes Chris Anderson 1. Dan Houser described American Caper as being fueled by his fascination with “hypocrites, sociopaths, political idiots, dysfunctional families, and violence.” When you first saw the concept for this story, what immediately stood out to you as something that felt especially relevant to the moment we’re living in? 2. The series pulls together a wild mix of characters. A Mormon hitman, a gambling-addicted lawyer, escaped convicts in love, a billionaire playing cowboy. How did you approach balancing such a large ensemble so the story feels chaotic in a good way rather than overwhelming? 3. Verona, Wyoming feels like a pressure cooker where crime, politics, and personal drama all collide. What was important to you in making this small town feel believable while still allowing it to host such extreme characters and situations? 4. The book leans hard into satire, sometimes feeling like it’s taking shots at every side of the political spectrum. Was there ever a concern about walking that line between satire that provokes thought and satire that might alienate readers? 5. The story’s interconnected crimes and morally gray characters gave me flashes of crime epics like 100 Bullets, where one event ripples across many lives. When building a narrative this tangled, how do you keep track of the cause and effect between characters? 6. Lazlow, your background includes storytelling in massive open-world games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. Did working on a comic require a different approach to pacing and structure compared to interactive storytelling? 7. (Fun question) If each of you had to survive in Verona, Wyoming for a week, which of these characters would you trust the most to have your back, and which one would you avoid at all costs?
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Christian Ward uncut: Inside his next cosmic horror epic Event Horizon: Inferno
Mar 1501:17:31Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of the AIPT Comics Podcast, we’ve got something special for you. We’re running the full, uncut interview with Christian Ward, where the acclaimed writer and artist dives deep into his upcoming project: Event Horizon: Inferno! We unpack his creative process behind his storytelling and the big ideas driving his latest work. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about craft, comics, and the strange corners of genre storytelling that Ward continues to explore. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Ram V, Evan Cagle, and Anand RK reveal 'Deicidium' graphic novel coming to Image in 2026 Marvel reveals the tragic origin of Shalla-Bal in new 'Fantastic Four: First Foes' one-shot Tegan Quin of Tegan and Sara makes Marvel Comics writing debut in Pride special Marvel reveals 'X-Men ’97: Season Two' prelude, continuing the animated series’ shocking cliffhanger TOP 50 COMICS - FEBRUARY 2026 Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Sirens: Love Hurts #2 (Tini Howard, Babs Tarr) Absolute Batman #18 (Scott Snyder, Eric Canete) Chris: Die: Loaded #5 (Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans) X-Men United #1 (Eve Ewing, Tiago Palma) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: A Quiet Place: Storm Warning #1 (Phil Hester, Ryan Kelly) Dave: Sirens: Love Hurts #2 (Tini Howard, Babs Tarr) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Lobo #1 (Skottie Young, Jorge Corona) Dave: Sentry #1 (Paul Jenkins, Christian Rosado) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: X-Men #27 (Gerald Parel Cover) Chris: Dead Teenagers #1 (Caitlin Yarsky's Variant) Interview: Christian Ward - FOC Mar 16th - Out - Apr 22, 2026 1. You’re returning to the world of Event Horizon after Dark Descent. At what point did you know you had the green light to continue this story, and was Inferno always part of your long-term plan, or did it grow out of the response to the first series? 2. The solicitation pitches this as “Aliens meets Dante’s Inferno.” That’s a big swing. How consciously are you leaning into the structure or themes of Dante’s Inferno, and does this story descend through its own version of circles of Hell? 3. Setting the story two hundred years after the original incident gives you a massive time jump. What does that distance allow you to explore that you could not in Dark Descent? 5.5. You have a compelling mix of characters working for the billionaire. How do you balance their personalities and backstories? Do you flesh out a cast, then go, “hmmm i’m mixing X”? 4. The idea of a billionaire assembling a private star fleet to plunder the wreckage feels very modern in its cynicism. Were you intentionally tapping into contemporary anxieties about unchecked wealth and corporate ambition? 6. The gravity drive has always been the heart of the horror in Event Horizon. In Inferno, does the focus shift more toward the metaphysical implications of interdimensional travel, or are we going even harder into physical, visceral terror? 7. Rob Carey joins you on art for this series. What does he bring visually that makes this version of Event Horizon feel distinct from Dark Descent? 7.5. Love the suits these characters wear. How do you design something that’s new, but also as cool as something we’ve seen in a sci-fi movie before? 8. After revisiting this universe twice now, how do you personally define what “Hell” is in Event Horizon? Is it a place, an entity, a force of nature, or something humanity carries with it into the stars?
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