The Source Material Comics Podcast

W2M Network
  • 4.6 (8)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Source Material Comics Podcast Since 2014, The Source Material Comics Podcast has been providing a discussion regarding the comic book medium on the Radulich In Broadcasting Network. Think of the show as a book club for comics where readers get together and talk about a single issue, a story arc, some news within the comic industry, and maybe even an interview every once in a while. Tune in and enjoy! You can find us on Twitter @sourcematcast and on Facebook @sourcematerialpodcast This channel also currently hosts the Unspoken Decade’s “Unspoken Issues” podcast dedicated to 90’s comics!

  1. Unspoken Issues #165.2 - Astro City #4-6 and #1/2

    4H AGO

    Unspoken Issues #165.2 - Astro City #4-6 and #1/2

    In this episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse, Dean, and Darry wrap up their deep dive into the first volume of Kurt Busiek’s Astro City—and discover just how layered, emotional, and thought-provoking superhero comics can truly be. Covering issues #4–6 and the legendary Wizard #½ issue, the discussion moves beyond simple heroics and into questions of identity, perspective, and what it really means to live in a world filled with gods, monsters, and everything in between. From Marta’s struggle between two worlds to the darkly humorous alien observer judging humanity, the hosts explore how Astro City continues to flip expectations. These stories aren’t just about saving the day—they’re about how people react to extraordinary circumstances. Whether it’s choosing between tradition and change, or watching a flawed hero like Crackerjack stumble his way through greatness, each issue reveals a different facet of life inside Astro City. The conversation highlights how Busiek builds a fully realized world where even the smallest characters feel meaningful and every story adds depth to the larger tapestry. The episode culminates in a powerful discussion of the Wizard #½ issue, The Nearness of You, widely regarded as one of the most emotional superhero stories ever told. Through a tale of lost love and fractured reality, the hosts unpack how Astro City transforms cosmic events into deeply personal consequences. It’s a story about memory, grief, and the idea that even if something is erased from existence, it can still matter. By the end of the episode, one thing is clear: Astro City isn’t just a great superhero comic—it’s one of the most human.

    1h 1m
  2. Unspoken Issues #165.1 - Astro City #1-3

    1D AGO

    Unspoken Issues #165.1 - Astro City #1-3

    In this part 1 episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse is joined by Dean Compton and Darry to tackle one of the most respected superhero comics of the 1990s: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City. Known for its thoughtful storytelling and deeply human approach to superheroes, Astro City stands as a sharp contrast to the era’s stereotype of pouches, extreme violence, and flashy gimmicks. The hosts explore the first volume of the series—issues #1–6 plus the famous Wizard #½ issue—and discuss why this book has remained such an influential and beloved title for nearly three decades. The discussion begins with the opening three issues, which perfectly establish the tone and mission of the series. From the exhausting daily life of Samaritan—Astro City’s Superman analogue—to a journalist struggling to report the impossible in a world full of miracles, these stories reveal the hidden emotional and societal layers of a superhero world. Instead of focusing only on battles and spectacle, Astro City asks deeper questions: What does it actually feel like to live in a city full of heroes? How does heroism affect ordinary people? And what happens when someone learns just a little too much about the people behind the masks? Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight the brilliance of Busiek’s writing, Brent Anderson’s storytelling, and Alex Ross’s iconic designs that help bring this world to life. They explore the book’s themes of responsibility, mythmaking, and everyday humanity while also celebrating standout characters like Samaritan and Jack-in-the-Box.

    44 min
  3. Unspoken Issues #164 - Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

    MAY 4

    Unspoken Issues #164 - Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

    In this epic installment of Unspoken Issues, the crew dives headfirst into one of the strangest and most ambitious experiments in the Star Wars universe: Shadows of the Empire. Released in 1996, this wasn’t just a comic—it was a full-blown multimedia event that attempted to deliver the experience of a Star Wars movie without ever hitting the big screen. From novels and video games to action figures and even an orchestral soundtrack, this project filled the gap between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi with a sprawling, interconnected story. Jesse and Chris unpack the comic series at the heart of it all, exploring how it fits into the larger narrative while juggling bounty hunters, double agents, and the criminal underworld led by the enigmatic Prince Xizor. Along the way, they reflect on their own Star Wars histories, from childhood VHS memories to late-night college rewatches, and discuss how Shadows of the Empire tried to expand the galaxy in ways both ambitious and, at times, frustrating. Does the comic stand on its own, or does it rely too heavily on the surrounding media? The conversation also digs into standout moments—like Boba Fett’s tactical brilliance, the introduction of Dash Rendar as a Han Solo stand-in, and the layered storytelling approach that splits key events across multiple formats.

    1h 13m
  4. Unspoken Issues #163.2 - Wizard Magazine #55

    APR 28

    Unspoken Issues #163.2 - Wizard Magazine #55

    Step back into the comic book boom of the mid-’90s as the crew cracks open Wizard Magazine #55—a time capsule packed with hype, speculation, and pure nostalgia. From the moment you see Jim Lee’s stunning Fantastic Four cover teasing the upcoming Heroes Reborn era, it’s clear this issue captures a pivotal moment when Marvel was pulling out all the stops to stay afloat. Jesse and Chris revisit what it felt like to get your comic news straight from Wizard’s pages and how this magazine shaped an entire generation of fans. The episode dives into the wild mix of content that made Wizard essential reading—fan casting calls, industry rumors, trading card crazes, and bold predictions that didn’t always age gracefully. Highlights include a hilariously ambitious X-Factor movie cast (yes, including Steven Seagal), early buzz around comic book films long before the superhero movie boom, and a snapshot of the collectible card game explosion led by Magic: The Gathering. Along the way, the hosts reflect on the cultural impact of these trends and how they influenced both comics and fandom at large. Of course, no Wizard deep dive would be complete without exploring the era’s biggest books and creators. From the rise of Todd McFarlane and Neil Gaiman to the dominance of titles like Gen 13 and Preacher, this episode paints a vivid picture of what comic fans were excited about in March 1996.

    40 min
  5. Unspoken Issues #163.1 - Hitman #1

    APR 27

    Unspoken Issues #163.1 - Hitman #1

    In this episode, the crew dives headfirst into the gritty, chaotic world of Hitman #1—the surprise winner of their fan poll with a commanding 63% of the vote. Created by Garth Ennis and John McCrea, this cult-favorite series introduces Tommy Monaghan, a wisecracking Gotham City hitman with a bizarre twist: he’s packing X-ray vision and telepathy thanks to a strange alien encounter. From the very first page, the tone is set—this is no superhero story, but something far more violent, irreverent, and darkly comedic. Jesse and Chris break down the issue’s wild mix of street-level crime, over-the-top satire, and unexpected DC Universe connections. From Tommy’s brutal takedown of the hilariously expendable “Shadow Force” team to his uneasy moral code—no innocents, no cops—the conversation explores how Ennis flips traditional superhero storytelling on its head. The guys also dig into the dynamic barroom camaraderie at Noonan’s, where hitmen swap stories like blue-collar workers, adding a surprising layer of humanity to an otherwise ruthless world. Of course, no Gotham tale is complete without the Dark Knight himself. When Tommy accepts a million-dollar contract on the Joker, it puts him on a collision course with Batman in a short but memorable rooftop showdown. Along the way, the hosts unpack Ennis’ signature style—equal parts satire, shock value, and social commentary—while debating whether this infamous writer deserves his polarizing reputation.

    36 min
  6. Unspoken Issues #162 - Fantastic Force #1

    APR 20

    Unspoken Issues #162 - Fantastic Force #1

    This week on Unspoken Issues, the poll loser becomes the poll winner as the crew dives into 1994’s Fantastic Force #1 — a shiny, gimmick-cover slice of peak ‘90s Marvel experimentation. Born out of Tom DeFalco’s Fantastic Four run and released during a turbulent era for the franchise, this issue asks a bold question: What happens when the Fantastic Four are gone… and someone else has to step up? Enter Psi-Lord — a future version of Franklin Richards clad in psycho-armor and carrying the weight of destiny. Alongside the fierce Huntara, the vibrationally gifted Wakandan warrior Vibraxas, and the volatile Inhuman Devlor, a fractured new team begins to take shape. But they’re not exactly polished heroes. Internal tension, distrust, and raw inexperience define their first outing — and when Klaw attacks, it becomes painfully clear they’re not ready for prime time. Evan, Chris, and Jesse break down the very ‘90s aesthetic, the X-Men-adjacent vibe, and the broader context of Marvel trying to shake up the Fantastic Four brand. Is this a bold reinvention? A product of its era? Or an overlooked gem hiding in the bargain bins? From shiny covers to team dynamics to Black Panther swooping in at the last second, the hosts unpack what works, what doesn’t, and whether Fantastic Force deserves another look.

    37 min
  7. SNAP Material - Top 5 Cards We Forgot Existed

    APR 13

    SNAP Material - Top 5 Cards We Forgot Existed

    In this episode of the Snap Material Podcast, Jesse Starcher and Evan Bevins bring the fun with a creative and highly relatable topic: the Top 5 Marvel Snap cards we forget even exist. What starts as a simple idea quickly turns into a deep (and hilarious) exploration of overlooked, underplayed, and occasionally baffling cards that slip through even the most dedicated players’ memories.

    26 min
  8. Source Material #418 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell (2019, IDW)

    APR 13

    Source Material #418 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell (2019, IDW)

    In this episode of Source Material, Jesse and Mark dive into the IDW comic *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder in Hell*, a visually striking and deeply introspective story that explores the infamous villain’s journey through the afterlife. What begins as a simple villain spotlight quickly becomes something much stranger as the hosts unpack the book’s heavy themes, surreal storytelling, and ambitious attempt to transform Shredder into a more reflective and human character.  Along the way, Jesse and Mark debate whether the comic’s artistic ambition works in its favor or creates barriers for readers unfamiliar with the broader TMNT continuity. With plenty of humor, blunt criticism, and thoughtful analysis, the discussion examines the balance between concept and execution—and whether this unusual Ninja Turtles story is more rewarding as a conversation piece than a reading experience.

    34 min
See All (468)

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Source Material Comics Podcast Since 2014, The Source Material Comics Podcast has been providing a discussion regarding the comic book medium on the Radulich In Broadcasting Network. Think of the show as a book club for comics where readers get together and talk about a single issue, a story arc, some news within the comic industry, and maybe even an interview every once in a while. Tune in and enjoy! You can find us on Twitter @sourcematcast and on Facebook @sourcematerialpodcast This channel also currently hosts the Unspoken Decade’s “Unspoken Issues” podcast dedicated to 90’s comics!

Information