R.L. Stine stumbles, a serial-killer comic intrigues, Brubaker delivers another Criminal winner, and then we go deep on The Outcasts — fascism, class systems, mutants, AI, and why some old comics still feel way too current. RSS Feed Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patron at http://patreon.com/MajorSpoilers. It will help ensure the Major Spoilers Podcast continues far into the future! Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF) REVIEWS LIFE AND DEATH OF LUCAS DREAMWALKER #1 Writer: RL Stine Artist: Francesco Francavilla Publisher: BOOM! Studios Cover Price: $5.99 Release Date: May 27, 2026 Journey with the Dreamwalker through new realms of terror! How many times can you be killed in a dream before you die? Legendary horror author R.L. Stine and award-winning artist Francesco Francavilla explore that very question as the mystery of Lucas's third death is foretold in this pulpy, noir, somnambulist adventure! Originally published in the hit horror anthology series Hello Darkness, this dreamy oversized issue collects Parts 1–3 of the nightmarish saga into one thrilling read! Rating: 2/5 You can purchase this issue via our Amazon affiliate link - https://amzn.to/4e1GLlS KILLER INFLUENCES #1 Writer: Joey Esposito Artist: Valeria Burzo Publisher: IDW Publishing Cover Price: $4.99 Release Date: May 25, 2026 Killer Influences follows Melvin, a serial killer who is aspiring to be one of the most infamous to ever do it, a true American nightmare. His problem? He's so efficient and methodical that he doesn't have a brand. No one has connected his crimes—except for Kylie, an aspiring true crime influencer who is flailing at a small-town newspaper. When she comes across Melvin's crimes and reaches out to him… she figures out how she's going to become a star. She will give Melvin the identity he needs to be the iconic serial killer he wants to be, while she follows his exploits on her channel and becomes famous. Kylie and Melvin make a pact that will make their dreams come true and destroy their lives in the process. Eisner Award nominee Joey Esposito (The Pedestrian, Batman: Urban Legends) and rising-star artist Valeria Burzo (Castle Full of Blackbirds, EC Comics) deliver a scathing and thrilling true crime serial killer saga with Killer Influences! Rating: 3.5/5 You can purchase this issue via our Amazon affiliate link - https://amzn.to/4tUNJxJ FIVE GEARS IN REVERSE Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Sean Phillips Publisher: Image Comics Cover Price: $22.99 Release Date: May 27, 2026 In one of the wildest, most action-packed books that Brubaker and Phillips have ever done, we delve deep into the life of one of CRIMINAL's most complex and tragic characters, Ricky Lawless as he tries to pay off a deep debt to a mobster, while things just keep going from bad to worse. Rating: 5/5 You can purchase this issue via our Amazon affiliate link - https://amzn.to/3RtjEIg TRADE DISCUSSION THE OUTCASTS Writers: John Wagner and Alan Grant Artist: Cam Kennedy Publisher: DC Comics Release Date 1987 The series takes place in a bleak world ruled by mega-corporations and corrupt politicians that prey on the weak and poor members of society. In this world, all manners of outrageous habits exists: Slaughterbowl (a hyper violent sport comparable to football) and government controlled euthanasia centers are among them. At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching require significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today. If you know someone who loves comics, share this post and episode with them!
