Comics Discourse 114

Sometimes a comic book character gets an extreme makeover and it works. Other times, it fails completely. And then there were the ’90s!

Brian and Hassan look back at some of their favorite extreme makeovers from Marvel and DC Comics, along with some of the changes they would rather forget.

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Marvel Fanfare 10 kicks off a classic four-part Black Widow story!

While Nick Fury and the leadership of S.H.I.E.L.D. discuss the Black Widow’s complicated past and argue over whether to send her on a dangerous new mission, Natasha has problems of her own. She’s attacked in her own home, leading to an action-packed fight and one hell of a way to start this story!

The Black Widow story is written by Ralph Macchio and co-plotted by George Pérez, with art by Pérez, Bob Layton...

The stacks are full, and it’s time for another Top of the Stack, with a special focus on new #1s! We dive into our recent comic book reads from publishers including DC, Marvel, Abrams, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, IDW, and many more. Plus, Hassan shares stories from Baltimore Comic-Con.

We bring plenty of books to the stack, with The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe, Doom Patrol, Teen Titans, Alex Ross’s Marvel Dimensions, Spawn ’77, Bug Wars, Superman: The Stranger, Six of Us, Hammerfist, Absolute Cassandra Cain, and more. Plus, Hassan brings two very different manga to the...

Marvel Fanfare 9 has a giant sized Man-Thing, and Brian and Ants are exactly as mature as you would expect.

In “Rock ’n’ Soul,” a struggling rock band decides summoning a demon might be their ticket to success. Surprisingly, this turns out to be a bad idea. Luckily, Man-Thing is there to lend a…hand.

The backup takes us back to the jungle for the next chapter of Gil Kane and P. Craig Russell’s gorgeous adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

And Butch Guice provides this issue’s portfolio, featuring Wolverine, Kitty Pryde, Pow...

What would have happened to the DC Universe if Superman had never been adopted by the Kents?

We explore that question with special guest Shane from Comic Geek Speak, our resident Justice League expert, as we dive into the DC Comics Elseworlds classic Justice League of America: The Nail by the legendary Alan Davis.

#GreenLantern #Batman #WonderWoman #Flash #Aquaman

In Marvel Fanfare 8, an amateur occult ritual goes horribly wrong and unleashes the Slitherer in Shadow! Luckily, Doctor Strange is around to deal with the mess. The story is brought to us by Peter Gillis, with Carmine Infantino on pencils and P. Craig Russell on inks.

Then things take a very different turn as Gil Kane and P. Craig Russell bring us the first chapter of an adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Yes, The Jungle Book. In Marvel Fanfare.

And finally, we get the first Marvel Fanfare artist portfolio, with five gorgeous pi...

Ignition Press Publisher Filip Sablik joins us to talk about the launch of Ignition Press, reflecting on their first anniversary, the current lineup of books, and what the publisher has planned for the future.

We discuss how Ignition Press came together, the approach behind building a new comic book publisher, and some of the books that have defined its first year, before looking ahead at Ignition’s new and upcoming books, including Prima Apparata, Dinner Date, 12-Foot Skeleton, Mad Science Division, and Rampant Swine.

In Marvel Fanfare 7, the Hulk stumbles across Blob and Unus the Untouchable at a circus. Unus’ powers have gone haywire, making him so untouchable he can’t even eat! Luckily, the Blob is the one person who can get close enough to help. Then the Hulk shows up. What could go wrong?

The backup takes a much darker turn as Daredevil promises a blind boy he will find his missing seeing-eye dog. Let’s just say this one does not end the way you expect a superhero story to end.

The Hulk story is brought to us...

The hosts are not lost, but deep into DC Comics’ Legion of Super-Heroes! Special guest Raj returns as we discuss the classic Legion Lost by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with art primarily by Olivier Coipel.

In addition, we talk about the brand-new Legion of Super-Heroes #1 from DC Comics’ Next Level line by writer Joshua Williamson and artist Hayden Sherman. Long Live the Legion!

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Marvel Fanfare #6 is full of magic and amazing art packed inside one of the best covers ever!

The main story pits Spider-Man against the Scarlet Witch in a fantasy dimension. What has caused these two heroes to fight each other? Or maybe that should be who?

The magic continues in the backup story as a new magician challenges Doctor Strange for the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme.

The main story was written by Mike W. Barr and Sandy Plunkett, who did the pencils with inks by P. Craig Russell.

The backup was...

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day bringing Spider-Man and the Punisher together on the big screen, we take a look back at Peter and Frank’s relationship through the decades in Marvel Comics.

We start where it all began with Amazing Spider-Man #129 by Gerry Conway and Ross Andru, featuring the first appearance of the Punisher and the Jackal. Then we jump to Punisher War Journal #14–15 by Carl Potts and David Ross, Punisher #2 by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, and Amazing Spider-Man #577 by Zeb Wells and Paolo Rivera. Four stories across four decades featuring two of Marvel Comics’ most popula...

In Marvel Fanfare Issue 5, Clea’s nemesis, Nicodemus breaks into the Sanctum to steal the power of the Sorcerer Supreme! Since you’ve probably never heard of him, I bet you know how that works out.

In the far fetched backup, Captain America fights Nazis in modern day America.

The main story is brought to you by Chris Claremont, Marshall Rogers, and Craig Russel. The back up was by the recently departed Roger McKenzie and Luke McDonnell.

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We spotlight rising comic book publisher Ignition Press, exploring its growing lineup of creator-owned comics.

We discuss Arcadia, Murder Podcast, The Patron, The Other/Half, Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief, Dispatched, Just Brutal, The Dogsitter, Bad Thoughts, Deluge, Voyeur, Minotaur, and more as we take a look at what Ignition Press has been building and which books have caught our attention.

Featuring work from creators including Roy Miranda, Inaki Miranda, Jeremy Haun, Mike Tisserand, Christian Ward, John J. Pearson, Jim McCann, Joe Eisma, Tim Seeley, Aaron Campbell, B. Clay Moore, Daniel Gete, Dennis Hopeless, Brahm...

In this episode of Side Stack, we cover Marvel Fanfare 4 and wrap up the Savage Land adventure with Paul Smith going all out on the art with Chris Claremont writing. Abs and glutes galore! Can Ka-Zar and Angel save the X-Men from the clutches of Sauron? Of course they can. Do they look amazing while doing it? Hell yes!

The backup has scientists playing twisted mind games on a Deathlock, by David Kraft and Michael Golden.

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Also...

It's time for Top of the Stack, where we go through our recent comic book reads, including Skybound’s big new launch, Terminal, by Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, Andy Kubert, David Finch, and Art Adams.

Books include Gotham Central, the Ghost Machine SDCC Ashcan, Trillion Dollar Kid, The Twilight Zone, Fort Psycho, Is Ted OK?, Moon Knight, Innards, Dark Knights of Steel, and many more from Image Comics, Ignition Press, IDW, Mad Cave, Oni, and Dark Horse. Oh, yeah and a few books from little known publishers like DC Comics and Marvel.

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In Marvel Fanfare 3, Spider-Man high tailed it out of the Savage Land, so Angel calls in his buddies from the X-Men; Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler! And Marvel called in famed X-Men artist Dave Cockrum to team up with Chris Claremont to continue this adventure!

In the back up, Charlie Boatner and Trevor Bon Eeden gives us Hawkeye, Corporate Shill!

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Based on listener feedback, we dive into the first story arc of East of West, the creator-owned Image Comics series from the legendary creative team of Jonathan Hickman (X-Men) and Nick Dragotta (Absolute Batman). Joining us for the journey through this apocalyptic alternate America is special guest Russ from Gotham by Geeks.

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Issue two of Marvel Fanfare is action packed! Where else are you going to see were-pterodactyls, Sabertooth tigers, mutates, giant spiders, and chickens? All brought to you by Claremont and Golden.

And in the back up Reed Richards forgets his anniversary…again. But it’s for a good reason, he swears! That lost tale of the Fantastic Four was created by McKenzie and Von Eeden.

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Before Injustice. Before The Boys. There was Destiny’s Hand, an incredible epic where the Satellite Era JLA members have become an authoritarian force that rules the world and only the newly formed Justice League, led by Wonder Woman in the aftermath of The Death of Superman, can stop them. Special guest Shane Kelly from Comic Geek Speak joins us to revisit this classic story by Dan Jurgens, originally told in Justice League America #72–75.

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In the inaugural issue of Marvel Fanfare, Spider-Man and Angel team-up for a trip to the Savage Land, brought to us by Chris Claremont and Michael Golden. Their mission, help a woman whose love is lost there. The problem, he is the alter ego of Sauron. What could go wrong?

The backup story brings us the first published work of artist Paul Smith, where Daredevil saves Christmas!

Marvel Comics. Comic books

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We revisit two legendary Marvel Comics from two of the comic book’s most iconic creators: X-Force 1- 4 by Rob Liefeld and Spider-man 16 by Todd McFarlane. Join us as we explore the launch of X-Force from the ashes of The New Mutants, featuring Cable, Domino, Deadpool, Weapon X, Juggernaut, and a Spider-Man team-up. Plus, Bryan makes us all incredibly jealous as he shares stories from San Diego Comic-Con, including his chance to meet Todd McFarlane.

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Join Brian and Anthony as they start their Marvel Fanfare journey. In this zero episode they discuss what Marvel Fanfare is, how it came to be, the editorial and creative teams behind it, and just why they are doing this!

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It’s Episode 200! Who doesn’t love a milestone episode?!

Anthony G returns to help us celebrate by hosting a Q&A about comic books, manga, and the podcast itself. Where does the “114” come from? Which creators have gone to the next level since we started the show? What has been Hassan’s favorite creator interaction over the years? How does Brian prepare for each episode? What annoys Bryan about Brian? How have our reading habits changed over the years? What are the plans for the show’s future? Will the show survive the chaos of Anthony G? Listen to...

Brian and Hassan shuffle the stack to discuss their latest comic book reads, including the conclusion of Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez; the launches of two new events, Avengers: Armageddon from Marvel Comics and Who Are the Unbelieveables? from Ghost Machine; and a whole lot more from DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel and other publishers, including Infernal Hulk, Deadman, Firestorm, End of Life, Odin, Of the Earth, If Destruction Be Our Lot, and more.

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A...

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.

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We are joined by writer Dave Wielgosz to discuss his Showdown series from Ignition Press, his upcoming Batman story in the Detective Comics Annual 2026, his contribution to the New History of the DC Universe, his experiences as a former editor at DC Comics editor, and our mutual love of comic books.

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The road to Episode 200 continues as Hassan introduces the guys to one of his all-time favorite anniversary comics: Justice League of America #200. Written by Gerry Conway with stunning artwork by George Pérez and contributions from a who’s who of legendary comic creators, this landmark DC Comics issue celebrates the history of the Justice League.

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In this one-shot special, Brian and Hassan recap their trip to Heroes Con 2026! They share stories about the creators they met, the comic books and original art they picked up, the DC Comics Absolute panel, catching up with friends, and plenty of other convention adventures. Plus they review the new Image Comics and Skybound Rom comic from the Mask blind bag and discuss the latest DC Comics Next Level announcements, including the return of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Doom Patrol, and Teen Titans!  

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We conclude our comic book monthly spotlight on Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama. Special guest and Brimmed Cap Frank joins us to discuss Volumes 4 and 5 (Chapters 18–29), which conclude the series’ first major story arc and correspond to the first season of the Crunchyroll anime. As the Second Atelier Exam unfolds, the Brimmed Caps launch a shocking attack on Qifrey, Coco, Agott, Richeh, Euini, and the other witches, changing the course of the book.

Plus, we talk manga with After God, Manhole, Dungeon Tower, Record Journey, AfterGlow, Land of the Lustrous, and Tonight, I Have a Date with...

We’re joined by special guest Darrell Taylor from Gotham by Geeks to discuss Jim Lee’s first X-Men story arc in Uncanny X-Men #256–258 from Marvel Comics.

Written by Chris Claremont, this Acts of Vengeance crossover features Wolverine, Psylocke, Jubilee, the Hand, Forge, Storm, Banshee, and the first and only appearance of the Mandarin in an X-Men story

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We explore characters created specifically for comic book events from DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Joining us for the discussion is special guest Peter Rios from Comic Geek Speak as we look at the characters introduced during these events, how they impacted the stories they debuted in, whether they ever returned afterward, and which ones ultimately became bigger than the event itself.

We touch upon Secret Wars, Crisis of Infinite Earths, Fear Itself, Age of Apocalypse, Legends, Millennium, Infinite Crisis, Final Crisis, Blackest Night, and many more.

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This month’s recent comic book reads episode spans major new #1 issues, British and European comics, manga, Kickstarter projects, and plenty of comic book discussion touching on publishers including DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, Ignition Press, Tiny Onion, Bad Idea, Magnetic Press, Rebellion, and more.

Leading this month’s Top of the Stack is one of the year’s biggest new launches, Absolute Green Arrow. Our discussion also dives into several other new releases, including Odin, Showdown, Inwards, The Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the newest DC Next Level book, Barbara Gordon: Breakout.

We als...

Image Comics has been on a hot streak lately, so we’re tackle some of the publisher’s newest releases, along with a couple books that recently wrapped up their runs. We discuss recent Image titles including D'Orc, She-Spawn, White Sky, If Destruction Be Our Lot, The Royals, Narco, Red Roots, Fireborn, Lost Fantasy, plus final issue discussions for I Hate Fairyland and Sacrificers. Which of these new Image books do we think are worth adding to your pull list? We break down the hits, surprises, and books we’ll be watching closely.

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We continue our monthly spotlight on Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama. Special guest Frank joins us to discuss Volumes 2 and 3 (chapters 8–17).  We continue the journey of Coco, Qifrey, Agott, and the other witches as the world expands with the Knights Moralis, Tarth, and more on the mysterious Brimmed Caps. Plus, we discuss the anime adaptation on Crunchyroll.

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It’s a Daredevil and Marvel Comics episode as we dive into the classic and brutal Without Fear story by Ed Brubaker, Michael Lark, and Stefano Guadiano (Daredevil Vol, 2 100 -105), featuring Mister Fear, the Hood, Dakota North, The Enforcers, and Milla Donovan, Matt Murdock’s often- forgotten wife. Plus we discuss Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 on Disney + and Jessica Jones Blind Spot by Kelly Thompson and Mattia De luis.

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We begin to see the patterns as we journey into the past to explore Batman: Dark Patterns, the DC Comics limited comic book series and new collection by Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman. Set early in Batman’s career, this series dives deep into the horrors lurking within Gotham City, told across four interconnected stories. 

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It’s time for another Top of the Stack. we we dive into highlights of our comic book recent reads and industry news from DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Abrams Books, and others. 

This episode, we break down the absolute chaos of Absolute Batman 19 from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, discuss the comics journalism and Top Ten lists with the new fun Comics! The Magazine, the upcoming new book from Skybound, Terminal, and explore a packed slate of reads including The Undertaker, Alien: King Killers, TMNT, Punisher, Royals, Invincible Universe: Battle Beast, MAD About DC...

We are joined by special guest Frank as we start a new monthly comic book spotlight, or should we say manga, as we journey to world of the Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama. Plus more manga and anime talk including Drifting Dragons, Delicious in Dungeon, Frieren, and Dorohedoro!

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Throughout comic book history, publishers have relaunched characters or concepts into new books, but not every character gets the comeback that they deserve. This episode, we play publisher of every comic book company (Marvel, DC Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics and even companies that do not exist anymore) and draft the characters or series we’d bring back to the spotlight. Who would make the cut?  From forgotten favorites to overdue revivals, we build our dream line-up.

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We take a deep dive into one of our favorite comic book creators: writer and artist Phil Jimenez! From Team Titans to Wonder Woman, Donna Troy, Infinite Crisis, Historia, Spider-Man, and his creator-owned Vertigo title Otherworld, we explore his career across the industry. Join us as we discuss his work at both DC Comics and Marvel, and the impact he’s made on modern comics.

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Al...