Read the Freaking Comics!

Michael Regina
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Deep dive into single issues of comics from Marvel, DC, Epic, Valiant, Dark Horse and more. Understand the artists behind them and hopefully give you a unique view into the comic lore and business!

  1. Oct 28

    Shadowpact’s LAST STAND! The Epic Finale, Sales Crash & Creator Insights You’ve Never Heard!

    Step into the Oblivion Bar, because this is the ultimate deep dive into Shadowpact Vol. 1 #25 (2008) — the explosive, magic-soaked finale of one of DC’s most underrated supernatural teams. This isn’t just a recap… this is the full story: the creators, the history, the behind-the-scenes decisions, the sales collapse, the ads, the 2008 DC landscape, and the legacy that Shadowpact left behind across the DC Universe.In this video, I break down the final issue of the Burning Age era, exploring the god-level threat of the Sun King, Blue Devil’s brutal choice, the cross-time convergence of multiple Shadowpact teams, and how the magicians of DC literally join forces across centuries to stop the destruction of the universe.You’ll hear exclusive insights from the people who helped shape this comic — including writer Lilah Sturges and legendary letterer Sal Cipriano, who share memories of working on the book and how Shadowpact came together creatively.We also explore each creator’s history, including the careers of:Phil WinsladeMichael AtiyehTom DerenickWayne FaucherEditors Joey Cavalieri & Stephanie BuscemaExecutive Editor Dan DiDioAnd Shadowpact creator Bill WillinghamPlus:• Why Shadowpact was cancelled• What DC sales looked like in 2008• How Shadowpact fits into the magical lineage that eventually led to Justice League Dark• Where these characters appeared afterward• What the 2008 ads reveal about the era• The bizarre fact that Enchantress, Blue Devil, and Ragman all eventually reached live-action mediaI also share my own experience reading the full 25-issue run, why this finale worked, and why this team deserves a comeback.If you're a fan of DC’s occult corners — from Detective Chimp to Zauriel to Enchantress — you’re in the right place.Grab a drink at the Oblivion Bar and let’s break down the end of Shadowpact.💬 What’s your favorite Shadowpact character or storyline? Drop a comment!👍 Like, subscribe, and ring that bell so you don’t miss any future deep dives.📚 And as always… Don't forget to Read the Freaking Comics!#Shadowpact #DCComics #DCUniverse #BlueDevil #Enchantress #DetectiveChimp #Ragman #Zauriel #JusticeLeagueDark #DCMagic #ComicBookHistory #ComicDeepDive #ReadTheFreakingComics #LilahSturges #SalCipriano #PhilWinslade #MichaelAtiyeh #TomDerenick #WayneFaucher #DanDiDio #OblivionBar #SunKing #DoctorGotham #2000sComics #ComicBookAnalysisPhotos & ThanksA very special thanks to Lilah SturgesA very special thanks to Sal Ciprianohttps://dc.fandom.com/https://comichron.com/https://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/...https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomi...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dar...https://www.wired.com/2008/03/siegel-...https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...https://britishcomics.fandom.com/wiki...https://darkhorse.fandom.com/wiki/Dar...https://malibucomicsdatabase.fandom.c...https://www.stephaniebuscema.com/https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/join   • American West - Wyoming 4K -  Scenic Drive  https://www.google.com/maps/https://www.spellboundcasper.com/

    Shadowpact’s LAST STAND! The Epic Finale, Sales Crash & Creator Insights You’ve Never Heard!

  2. Oct 14

    Why G.I. Joe #4 MATTERS – Destro, Nano-Mites & The Revival of an Iconic Franchise

    In this deep-dive we crack open G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero 4 from #Image Comics & Devil’s Due Publishing and go everywhere — the art, the writing, the behind-the-scenes creators, and the way this issue connects to the classic 80s roots we grew up with.• We’ll explore how Cobra resurfaces under a disguised Destro, how nano-mites threaten both technology and bodies, and how the Joes get blindsided by a coast-to-coast blackout and a battle at the White House.• Then we’ll look at far more than just the story: we’ll dig into the creative team — Josh Blaylock, Steve Kurth, John Larter, J. Scott Campbell, David Michael Beck, SFC Brian Savage Peterson — and what each brought to this revival.• We’ll also look at the larger continuity: how the 2001 mini-series fits into the long journey of the G.I. Joe comic brand, from the 80s animated series to the toy line, to the license shifts (Marvel → Devil’s Due → IDW → now Skybound).• Finally, we’ll talk collector context: what this issue meant then, what it means now, and whether it’s a must-have for your collection.If you enjoyed this breakdown, smash that Like button, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don’t miss any future comic dives. Seriously – you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.And as always: don’t forget to Read the Freaking Comics!🔔 Watch more! Check out my channel: Read the Freaking Comics!Let me know in the comments: Who was your favourite “Joe” from the 80s? Which revival arc surprised you the most?#GIJoe #GIJoeHero4 #GIR​ealAmericanHero #ComicBookDeepDive #ComicBookCollectors #2001Comics #ImageComics #DevilsDuePublishing #JoshBlaylock #SteveKurth #JohnLarter #JScottCampbell #DavidMichaelBeck #ComicBookArtists #Cobra #Destro #NanoMites #MilitaryComics #80sNostalgia #ToyLineRevival #ComicBookHistory #CollectibleComics #JoeVsCobra #ComicBookAnalysis #readthefreakingcomics Photos & Thankshttps://imagecomics.fandom.comhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G.I._Jo...https://www.comics.org/issue/86019/https://imagecomics.fandom.com/wiki/G...https://comicvine.gamespot.com/gi-joe...http://www.fantomcomics.com/https://gijoe.fandom.comhttps://www.davidmichaelbeck.com/

    Why G.I. Joe #4 MATTERS – Destro, Nano-Mites & The Revival of an Iconic Franchise

  3. Sep 30

    Is All-Star Superman The GREATEST Superman Story Ever Told? (with Interviews!)

    When Lex Luthor sends Superman into the heart of the sun, he doesn’t destroy him — he transforms him. All-Star Superman #1 (2006) launches one of the most celebrated Superman stories ever told, written by Grant Morrison with stunning art by Frank Quitely and colors by Jamie Grant.In this episode of Read the Freaking Comics!, we dive deep into how this masterpiece redefined the Man of Steel for a new era — with exclusive quotes from two of the creators themselves, revealing untold stories from behind the scenes of this Eisner Award–winning series.Discover how Morrison’s cosmic vision, Quitely’s iconic artwork, and Grant’s painterly colors created the definitive modern Superman. We’ll also explore the historical context of 2006, DC’s massive creative output that year, and how All-Star Superman stood apart from the chaos of “Infinite Crisis” and “52.”Whether you’re a lifelong Superman fan or diving into this series for the first time, this video gives you everything you need to appreciate why All-Star Superman remains a timeless classic — nearly twenty years later.👉 Featuring exclusive insights from creators like Phil Balsman and Dan DiDio, plus behind-the-scenes stories on the All-Star Superman logo by Chip Kidd.💬 Comment below: What’s your favorite Superman story, and does All-Star Superman capture the true essence of the character?📺 Subscribe for more deep-dive comic history, creator interviews, and rare insights — every week!And as always… don’t forget to Read the Freaking Comics!#AllStarSuperman #Superman #GrantMorrison #FrankQuitely #JamieGrant #PhilBalsman #DanDiDio #ChipKidd #DCComics #SupermanComics #ManOfSteel #ComicBookHistory #ReadTheFreakingComics #ComicBookAnalysis #ComicBookCommunity #SupermanFans #DCUniverse #AllStarSupermanExplained #ComicDeepDive #SupermanStory #EisnerAward #Morrisonverse #ComicCollectors #SuperheroComics #AllStarSuperman2006Photos & ThanksA very special thanks to Phil Balsman (https://ballsyart.carbonmade.com/)A very special thanks to Dan DiDiohttps://dc.fandom.com/https://marvel.fandom.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/https://superman.fandom.com/wiki/Leo_...  / honest_confession_i_legitimately_thought_t...  https://community.cbr.com/threads/all...https://comicvine.gamespot.com/leo-qu...https://www.cbr.com/superman-suns-ora...https://henchman4hire.com/2024/04/10/...https://comichron.com/

    Is All-Star Superman The GREATEST Superman Story Ever Told? (with Interviews!)

  4. Sep 16

    Inside Marvel’s STRANGEST Era: Hawkeye’s Circus Past & Wonder Man’s Hollywood Mayhem!

    1988 was peak Marvel weirdness — and Solo Avengers #13 proves it. This issue gave us two off-the-wall stories that capture everything wild, creative, and experimental about late-‘80s Marvel.Hawkeye hunts a motorcycle-riding art thief from his circus past — while Wonder Man’s Hollywood stunt gig turns into full-on alien chaos, complete with a giant energy bunny explosion.Behind the madness? Tom DeFalco, Ralph Macchio, Butch Guice, Ron Lim, and a young Janet “JayJay” Jackson shaping Marvel’s late-‘80s aesthetic. We’ll dig into their work, the bullpen energy of the era, and how Solo Avengers bridged Marvel’s old-school anthology roots with the rise of the West Coast Avengers.Plus: we’ll talk vintage ads, rare appearances (like The Bullet Biker!), and what this comic’s $5 bin status says about collector nostalgia today.If you love deep dives into forgotten Marvel gems — hit that like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don’t miss the next issue breakdown. From bold experiments to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re covering it all here on Read the Freaking Comics!👇 Comment below: Which story hit harder for you — Hawkeye’s chase or Wonder Man’s cosmic chaos?#ReadTheFreakingComics #SoloAvengers #MarvelComics #Hawkeye #WonderMan #ButchGuice #TomDeFalco #RalphMacchioMarvel #RonLim #JayJayJackson #BobLayton #MarkGruenwald #1980sComics #MarvelHistory #WestCoastAvengers #ComicBookHistory #RetroComics #MarvelBullpen #ComicCollecting #AvengersComics #ClassicMarvel #ComicDeepDive #EnergyBunnyExplosion #ForgottenMarvel #ComicBookYouTubePhotos & ThanksA Very Special Thanks to Bob Laytonhttps://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Solo_A...By Pat Loika - https://www.flickr.com/photos/patloik..., CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...[[File:Cropped Photo of Jackson Guice.jpg|thumb|Cropped Photo of Jackson Guice]][[File:Jack Morelli (KidsComicCon, 2011).jpg|thumb|Jack Morelli (KidsComicCon, 2011)]]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solo_Av...https://www.comics.org/issue/43741/https://marvelheroeslibrary.com/comic...https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/...https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Solo_A...https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?TI...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Gr...

    Inside Marvel’s STRANGEST Era: Hawkeye’s Circus Past & Wonder Man’s Hollywood Mayhem!

  5. Sep 2

    The Phoenix Five Unleashed! Avengers vs. X-Men #8 Deep Dive | Marvel’s 2012 Game-Changer

    What happens when the Phoenix Force doesn’t choose one host… but FIVE? Cyclops, Emma Frost, Colossus, Magik, and Namor become the Phoenix Five — unstoppable, world-shaping gods who start as saviors but soon reveal the corruption of absolute power.In this deep dive, we’re exploring Avengers vs. X-Men #8 — the pivotal issue where Marvel’s biggest 2012 crossover changed forever. Namor wages war on Wakanda, loyalties fracture within the Phoenix Five, and the Avengers are pushed to their breaking point in one of the most explosive battles of the series.But this isn’t just about epic splash pages — we’ll dig into the behind-the-scenes creators who shaped this story, from Brian Michael Bendis and Adam Kubert to the legendary Tom Brevoort, who called this the fulcrum of the entire event. We’ll uncover the legacy this issue left behind, how it sold, where it sits in comic history, and why it remains one of Marvel’s most debated storylines.If you love comic history, storytelling analysis, and rare creator insights, this video is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep-dive comic breakdowns every week. And as always… read the freaking comics!#AvengersVsXMen #PhoenixFive #Cyclops #EmmaFrost #Namor #Colossus #Magik #ScarletWitch #PhoenixForce #MarvelComics #MarvelHistory #ComicBookBreakdown #AvX #Bendis #AdamKubert #XMen #Avengers #ComicDeepDive #MarvelEvents #Wakanda #ProfessorX #TomBrevoort #MarvelLegacy #ComicAnalysis #readthefreakingcomics Photos & Thankshttps://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Larry_Molinarhttps://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Larry_...https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/people...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solus_%...https://www.cbr.com/avx-commentary-tr...https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomi...https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Ave...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_...https://www.wired.com/2012/03/marvel-...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_P...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_F...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Que...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axel_Al...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Buc...https://www.comichron.com/monthlycomi...https://www.diamondcomics.com/Article...https://www.cbr.com/thor-namor-imperi...

    The Phoenix Five Unleashed! Avengers vs. X-Men #8 Deep Dive | Marvel’s 2012 Game-Changer

  6. Aug 19

    Spider-Man Noir Vol. 2 #1 (2020) | Pulp Mystery & Pandemic Comics in this MARVEL Classic!

    Step into the shadows of 1939 Manhattan, where Spider-Man isn’t swinging through skyscrapers—he’s chasing down criminals as a hardboiled private eye. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the 2020 revival of Spider-Man Noir Vol. 2 #1, uncovering its pulp-inspired origins, connections to the 2009 classic, and Nicolas Cage’s unforgettable take from Into the Spider-Verse.We’ll spotlight creators Margaret Stohl and Juan Ferreyra, plus hear exclusive insights from cover artist Dave Rapoza. Along the way, we’ll examine the history behind the cars, guns, planes, and even the Met Museum featured in the story. You’ll also learn how the pandemic shaped comics when this issue hit shelves, and why Spider-Man Noir remains one of Marvel’s most fascinating alternate universes.This isn’t just a recap—it’s a cinematic journey through history, art, and comic book legacy.💥 If you love comics, pulp mysteries, and Spider-Man history, this one’s for you!#SpiderManNoir #SpiderMan #MarvelComics #ComicBookHistory #IntoTheSpiderVerse #NicolasCage #MargaretStohl #JuanFerreyra #DaveRapoza #Marvel2020 #ComicBookReview #ComicBookDeepDive #ReadTheFreakingComics #SpiderManComics #ComicCollectors#MarvelHistory #NoirComics #SpiderVerse #MarvelLegacy #ComicBookArt #PulpComics #ComicAnalysis #SpiderManFans #ComicBookCommunity #MarvelCinematicPhotos & ThanksA very special thanks to Juan Ferreyra & Dave Rapoza   • Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse but only ...     • Margaret Stohl & The Life of Captain Marve...  https://www.marvel.com/articles/comic...https://www.marvel.com/articles/comic...https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/8...https://www.marvel.com/articles/comic...https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/8...https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/9...https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/...https://www.cavletter.com/a-perfect-s...https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/...https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/...https://www.emeraldcitycomiccon.com/https://icv2.com/image/55334/2

    Spider-Man Noir Vol. 2 #1 (2020) | Pulp Mystery & Pandemic Comics in this MARVEL Classic!

  7. Aug 5

    🔥 DV8 #2 (1996) | Warren Ellis, Humberto Ramos & Image’s Wild 90s Chaos

    Step into the wild world of 90s comics with DV8 Vol. 1 #2 (1996) — a chaotic mix of underaged super-teens, bar fights, cross-company cameos (Spawn! Spider-Man! Savage Dragon!), and behind-the-scenes WildStorm drama. In this video, we’ll explore Warren Ellis and Humberto Ramos’ early work, the collapse of Image’s sales bubble, and why DV8 went from hot debut to forgotten relic. Packed with history, creators, sales analysis, and 90s nostalgia, this deep-dive is your ultimate guide to one of Image Comics’ most gloriously messy titles.#DV8 #ImageComics #WildStorm #WarrenEllis #HumbertoRamos #90sComics #ComicBookHistory #ForgottenComics #ComicBookCommunity #Spawn #SavageDragon #SpiderMan #FantasticFour #Stormwatch #Gen13 #ComicDeepDive #ComicCollectors #ComicAnalysis #ComicBookReview #IndieComics #ComicNostalgia #ComicBookCulture #90sNostalgia #ComicInvesting #ReadTheFreakingComicsPhotos & Thankshttps://comicvine.gamespot.com/sal-re...https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/reg...https://www.comics.org/issue/61193/  / salregla     • Video  Here are the sources I used in plain URL form:https://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/201...https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/people...https://comicvine.gamespot.com/wendy-...https://kleinletters.com/Blog/more-19...https://aspen-mlt.fandom.com/wiki/Jason\_Gorderhttps://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Jason\_Gorderhttps://comicbookcreators.fandom.com/...\_Gorderhttps://www.librarything.com/author/g...https://www.comicartfans.com/comic-ar...\_Gorder.asp?m=newarthttps://www.bailsprojects.com/whoswho...https://www.comics.org/issue/1146775/https://gocollect.com/comic/dv8-1https://www.comicsbeat.com/former-wil...https://www.bedetheque.com/auteur-644...https://www.comics.org/issue/274261/https://www.comics.org/issue/272287/https://www.comichron.com/https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comics...https://www.comicasylumpalmdesert.com/https://www.bbc.com/bbcthree/article/...https://dc.fandom.com/https://marvel.fandom.com/https://imagecomics.fandom.com/

    🔥 DV8 #2 (1996) | Warren Ellis, Humberto Ramos & Image’s Wild 90s Chaos

  8. Jul 22

    Heroineburgh #1 | Indie Superheroines Take Pittsburgh by Storm! | Comic Deep Dive & BTS

    What happens when a meteor unleashes superpowers on select women in Pittsburgh? Welcome to Heroineburgh, a bold indie superhero universe where shadow demons, electric shocks, and giant mutant lizards are just part of daily life! 🌆⚡🦎 In this video, we dive into: The high-stakes battles of The Pittsburgh Heroine LeagueVillains like Mesmera and Serpenta causing chaosIconic Pittsburgh landmarks like The Cathedral of Learning, CMU’s The Cut, and Hamerschlag HallBehind-the-scenes with creators like Manny Theiner , Benjamin Zeus Barnett, Jason Wright, Marcel Walker, Wayne Brown, and more!The indie comic scene in Pittsburgh and the connection to the live-action Heroineburgh video seriesDiscover how decades of comic love shaped this one-of-a-kind series, blending local pride, superhero action, and passionate storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of indie comics, superheroine action, or Pittsburgh culture, this video is a must-watch!🛒 Get the comics: Issues 1–4 available at heroineburgh.com or local comic shops in PA, OH, NY, TX, and beyond. 📍 Recommended shop: New Dimension Comics, Homestead, PA ndcomics.com If you loved this deep dive, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and ring the bell for more comic analysis! Share with fellow comic fans and comment your favorite Heroineburgh moment! ⁠#Heroineburgh⁠ ⁠#IndieComics⁠ ⁠#Superheroines⁠ ⁠#PittsburghComics⁠ ⁠#ComicBookReview⁠ ⁠#FemaleSuperheroes⁠ ⁠#Comicsburgh⁠ ⁠#IndieSuperheroes⁠ ⁠#SuperheroAction⁠ ⁠#MannyTheiner⁠ ⁠#BenjaminZeusBarnett⁠ ⁠#JasonWright⁠ ⁠#MarcelWalker⁠ ⁠#WayneBrown⁠ ⁠#ComicsOfInstagram⁠ ⁠#ComicCreators⁠ ⁠#LocalComics⁠ ⁠#GeekCulture⁠ ⁠#ComicBookUniverse⁠ ⁠#HeroineLeague⁠ ⁠#SuperheroineAction⁠ ⁠#IndieComicScene⁠ ⁠#PittsburghCulture⁠ ⁠#MutantPowers⁠ ⁠#ReadTheFreakingComics⁠

    Heroineburgh #1 | Indie Superheroines Take Pittsburgh by Storm! | Comic Deep Dive & BTS
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About

Deep dive into single issues of comics from Marvel, DC, Epic, Valiant, Dark Horse and more. Understand the artists behind them and hopefully give you a unique view into the comic lore and business!

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Regina
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael Regina
  • Show Website
    Read the Freaking Comics!