The Comic Source Podcast Jace Milam

Spawn #87 - Story - Todd McFarlane & Brian Holguin, Pencils - Greg Capullo, Inks - Danny Miki, Letters - Tom Orzechowski, Colors - Dave Kemp, Brian Haberlin & Dan Kemp
Ethan Crone's interest in the urban myth of a "Hellspawn" has grown into an obsession. When a series of interviews lead to uncertain conclusions, he takes matters into his own hands. While spending the night in Rat City, Ethan is terrorized by something he can't identify, but it may finally provide an ending to his search.

Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comic titles for the week of June 4, 2024. There is a huge fundamental change for Billy Batson and Shazam, while the Birds of Prey continue to hop around from one plane of existence to the next having no idea where they will end up after each jump. The My Adventures With Superman title is the equivalent of the Christmas Episode for fans of the show and should not be missed, while Zod confronts a surprise character who may be friend or foe. Finally we get the end of the Batman/Failsafe/Zur En Arrh story and the consequences for the Bat-Family remain to be seen.

Jace and Rocky have a quick chat about the recent Phoenix Fan Fusion Convention and then dive into the DC Comics titles for the week of May 28, 2024. Primer continues to be everything you want in a comic for new and veteran readers of all ages. The Penguin has succeeded in elevating its titular character to new heights in terms of his threat level in Gotham City. Speaking of Gotham, Mark Russell's alternate universe take on Batman in the Dark Age title feels both fresh and classic, with art to match. Finally the DC Pride anthology has some great stories and some others that don't resonate with the guys as much, but the emotional vulnerability, maturity and self-awareness Phil Jimenez brings to his autobiographical story is powerfully touching to say the least.

Jace chat with Patrick McEvoy about bringing back on of the earliest Kaiju, Gorgo. First seen in a classic British B-movie from 1961, the fil has gained a cult following in the ensuing years. Filled with interesting metaphors and set in the beginning of the Cold War, there is plenty to unpack in this one. Patrick gives us some insight into the story and setting, as well as, teasing how Gorgo fits into a larger shared universe he is developing.

Jace chats with Eisner, GLAAD and Ringo award-winning comic book writer Mark Russell about the Kickstarter campaign for his Eisner-nominated series TRAVELING TO MARS. This is your chance to get a beautiful hardcover edition of this incredible story that Mark describes as some of his best work ever. TRAVELING TO MARS tells the story of former pet store manager Roy Livingston, the first human to ever set foot on Mars. Roy was chosen for the unlikely mission for one simple reason: he is terminally ill and has no expectation of returning. Roy is joined on his mission by Leopold and Albert, two Mars rovers equipped with artificial intelligence, who look upon the dying pet store manager as a sort of God. Against the backdrop of not only his waning days but those of human civilization as well, Roy has ample time to think about where things went wrong for both and what it means to be a dying god. A riveting story of planetary exploration and of finding meaning in your final days. An incredible balance of emotion and relatability in the story lead to a profound sense of connection for the reader and fan reaction has shown that to be true. Presented in the format Mark loves best, this is a story that will have you thinking about it long after its over. Plus, if you are anything like Jace, it will be a story you can't wait to share with friends. Listen in on our chat with Mark for all the details.

Jace chats with New York Times best-selling cartoonist Ngozi Ukazu about her upcoming Young Adult graphic novel BARDA. Ngozi is a self-professed life-long DC Comics fan, so it was a dream come true for her to writer and illustrate this story. Taking inspiration from the legendary Jack Kirby, Ngozi weaves a wonderful Fourth World tale starring Big Barda as she begins to question the motivations of Apocalypse and meets Scott Free for the first time. Ngozi talks about her inspirations, the fun in writing the Female Furies and so much more. Be sure to listen in and pick up the graphic novel when it drops June 4th.