This Comic COOKS

Vactor

This Comic Cooks is the podcast that helps you fall in love with comic books—without wasting your time or money. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just comic-curious, host Trent Vactor brings you passionate reviews, personal stories, and honest conversations that highlight the emotional power and storytelling magic of comics. No gatekeeping. No fluff. Just one mission: to show you why comics might be the greatest storytelling medium ever invented. If you’ve ever wondered what to read next—or why a single panel can hit harder than an entire movie—this is the show for you.

  1. 4D AGO

    This Month In Superman (January 2026)

    What were the best Superman comics in January 2026?In this episode of This Month in Superman, we break down Absolute Superman #15, Superman #34, Superman Unlimited #9, and the latest DC KO tie-ins — and pick the best Superman book of the month.We discuss:• Absolute Superman #15 (Jason Aaron)• Superman #34• Superman Unlimited #9 (Dan Slott)• DC KO #3 and DC KO Boss Battle• Supergirl movie 2026 hype & trailer reactionsIs Absolute Superman becoming the definitive version of Clark Kent? Has Dan Slott found his footing on Superman Unlimited? And what does DC KO mean for the future of the DC Universe?If you're looking for the best Superman comic to read this month, this episode is your guide.Subscribe for monthly Superman comic breakdowns and reviews.

    27 min

  2. JAN 13

    Ben Mauro on Creating HUXLEY, AI, and Why Physical Comics Still Matter

    In this in-depth conversation, Ben Mauro — legendary concept artist behind Halo, Elysium, and Chappie — joins This Comic Cooks to talk about the creation of HUXLEY, his deeply personal sci-fi graphic novel universe. We explore why Mauro chose comics over film, how HUXLEY grew from a solo passion project into a global bookstore release, and what it means to create something physical in an increasingly digital world. We are talking: How HUXLEY was built one page at a time Why physical books still matter in 2026 The role of AI in modern science fiction Mauro’s influences (Akira, Moebius, Dune) How HUXLEY: The Oracle expands the universe What makes meaningful sci-fi timeless If you love science fiction, graphic novels, worldbuilding, or thoughtful conversations about creativity and craft, this episode is for you. 📘 HUXLEY - https://amzn.to/3NhDu7a HUXLEY: The Oracle - https://amzn.to/4pWyEdj are available worldwide in bookstores and online. 🔔 Subscribe to This Comic Cooks for more creator interviews and reader-first comic recommendations.

    36 min

  3. JAN 7

    This Month In Superman (December 2025)

    Honorable mentions:Supergirl #8Justice League Unlimited #14Justice League Red #5The Bat-Man: Second Knight #2Welcome back to This Month in Superman — the show where we celebrate the best Superman comics we read each month.This episode is our December 2025 Superman wrap-up (and the final episode of 2025!), featuring special guests Tim Tangent and Frank Ramblings from Beer with Geeks. We break down the standout reads of the month, why Mark Waid continues to write elite Superman, and which books you can hand to someone as the perfect “this is what Superman is” recommendation.📚 In this episode we cover:Action Comics and the young Clark / Smallville-era morality angleSuperman: The Kryptonite Spectrum and why it feels like an all-timerBatman/Superman: World’s Finest (The “Merger” arc, Joker/Lex madness, and pure Silver Age fun)Why Superman stories hit harder when you’re thinking about fatherhood, morality, and doing the right thingHonorable mentions + what we’re excited for in January 2026 and beyondIf you love Superman, Mark Waid, DC Comics, or just want a monthly reading guide from real fans — you’re in the right place.🎧 Follow / Subscribe for monthly Superman picks, deep dives, and reader-first recommendations.#Superman #DCComics #ThisMonthInSuperman #MarkWaid #WorldsFinest #ActionComics #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #BeerWithGeeks

    32 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    This Month In Superman (November 2025)

    In this episode, Vactor, Frank, and Tim break down every major Superman-related issue this month — from Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #4 to DC KO #2, World’s Finest #45, Superman #32, Book of El, Absolute Superman, and more.Whether you read every issue or haven’t picked up a comic yet, this episode is designed to help you understand what’s worth reading — and why these stories matter for Superman’s ongoing mythology.We also dive into:🟦 Why Kryptonite Spectrum #4 might be the best Superman issue of the year🟩 The case for why Superman might have become President (according to Snyder & Williamson)🟥 Superboy-Prime breaking the fourth wall🟧 Lex Luthor’s surprising role in DC KO #2🟪 The joy of Silver Age chaos in the Fifth Dimension🟨 How World’s Finest #45 brings back classic Joker/Luthor chemistry🟫 Why Superman #32 is the perfect companion issue to KOHonorable mentions:Justice League Red #4Batman and Robin #27Supergirl #7Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #5If you want to know which Superman comic you should read this month — we’ve got you covered.

    52 min

  5. 11/05/2025

    This Month In Superman (October 2025)

    Because that’s the way the Superman crumbles. Welcome back to This Month in Superman—the show where we break down the best Superman comics on the stands and tell you what actually cooks.This episode: • Superman #31 (Joshua Williamson, art by Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira) — a DCKO tie-in that adds character and lore (Apokolips “heart,” Superboy-Prime’s meta sting, strong Lois Lane beats at the Fortress). • Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #3 (DC Black Label, by the Ice Cream Man team W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo, Chris O’Halloran) — Superman de-aged, Shazam team-up, Toyman & Doctor Sivana hijinks, big Batman/Superman trust moment, Silver-Age whimsy with modern heart. • DC K.O. #1 (Scott Snyder & co.) — a surprise: hopeful Superman thrown into a tournament built to crown King Alpha against Darkseid’s King Omega. Wild roster choices, Booster Gold revelations, and the question: Who can actually beat Darkseid?We also talk the James Gunn Superman DNA quietly seeping into current books, Lois & Clark as the ultimate co-op, and why Spectrum reads like “All-Star energy meets Black Label weirdness.”Chapters:00:00 Cold Open – Why these 3 issues cook00:42 Frank’s Pick: Superman #31 (DCKO tie-in that matters)05:28 Lois at the Fortress — reporting vs. Jor-El’s program07:53 Tim’s Pick: Kryptonite Spectrum #3 (kid Clark, Shazam, Toyman/Sivana)10:18 Batman’s “my best guess” — trust/tactics12:45 Black Label primer & Ice Cream Man shout14:33 Vactor’s Pick: DC K.O. #1 (hope vs. King Omega Darkseid)18:35 Can anyone out-scale Darkseid’s power?22:30 Roster talk: Super-Family, Jaro/Starro, Barda, Lobo, Swamp Thing28:03 Booster Gold twist & where this could go31:20 Scott Snyder’s craft pod/Substack (behind-the-scenes)33:50 Beer With Geeks plug + Frank’s Beatles TikTok35:26 Wrap — October’s must-reads & what’s nextListen next / support• ‪@BeerwithGeeks‬ (Tim & Frank): great geek talk on Trek, Star Wars, LOTR, more.• Frank on TikTok —   / frankramblings   elite Beatles micro-docs.• Subscribe for monthly Superman breakdowns + Super-Family highlights.New Comic Book Releases:Oct 1 -Absolute Superman #12Adventures of Superman – The Book of El #2 Oct 8 -SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM #3DC K.O. #1 Oct 15 - BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD’S FINEST #44 Oct 22 - SUPERMAN #31SUPERMAN UNLIMITED #6 JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #12 Oct 29 -ACTION COMICS #1091Superman Red & Blue 2025 Special #1Honorable mentions:SUPERGIRL #6KRYPTO: THE LAST DOG OF KRYPTON #5JUSTICE LEAGUE VS. GODZILLA VS. KONG 2 #5BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT – A LEAGUE FOR JUSTICE #4JUSTICE LEAGUE RED #3NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE #4Titans #28Flash #26

    34 min

  6. 10/09/2025

    This Month In Superman (September 2025)

    Welcome back to This Month in Superman, your monthly breakdown of the best Superman comics on the stands!Vactor, Tim Tangent, and Super Frank dive deep into every Super-title hitting shelves — from Superman #30 to The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 and Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 — analyzing storylines, art, and what they mean for the Man of Steel’s legacy.🦸‍♂️ In This Episode: • Frank’s Pick: Superman #30 — Booster Gold, Superboy Prime, and multiversal chaos collide! • Tim’s Pick: Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 — Philip Kennedy Johnson brings cosmic scope and emotional depth. • Vactor’s Pick: Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 — A psychedelic, Silver Age-inspired masterpiece exploring what new shades of Kryptonite can do. • Bonus Talk: Doomsday as the Time Trapper?! Meta humor, continuity chaos, and where Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman might go next.🧩 Topics Covered • Superboy Prime’s fourth-wall humor and Crisis references • Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Superman family storytelling • The creative brilliance behind Kryptonite Spectrum (W. Maxwell Prince & Martín Morazzo) • Silver Age influences, Alice in Wonderland parallels, and why Superman still inspires us today • Predictions for DC KO #1 and Superman Red & Blue (2025 Special)📚 Honorable Mentions • Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #4 • Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4 • Supergirl #5 • Justice League Red (Power Girl spotlight)⸻ 🔗 Links: 🎧 Listen to Beer With Geeks (Frank & Tim’s podcast): beerwithgeeks.com 🐦 Follow Vactor: @vactor 📱 Watch Frank’s Beatles TikToks: @FrankRamblings 📘 Read more comics talk: This Comic Cooks Substack

    43 min

  7. 09/30/2025

    This Month In Superman (August 2025)

    Summary In this engaging conversation, the hosts celebrate the exciting developments in the Superman comic universe for 2025, discussing various titles, including Superman Unlimited and the Kryptonite Spectrum. They delve into the dynamics of the Justice League, the artistry behind the comics, and the impact of storytelling. The discussion also touches on the Beer with Geeks podcast, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and shared passion for comics. Chapters: 00:00 Superman Fans Unite: A Celebration of August 2025 04:46 Honorable Mentions: Exploring the Superman Universe 09:36 Spotlight on Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum 14:27 Superman Number 29: A New Favorite Emerges 16:25 Exploring Fourth Wall Breaks in Comics 19:26 The Impact of the Legion of Superheroes 22:06 Justice League Unlimited: A New Era 24:22 Batman and the Ethics of Superhero Vigilantism 26:54 The Evolution of Superman's Character 29:36 The Importance of Community in Comic Discussions

    32 min

  8. 09/29/2025

    This Month In Superman (July 2025)

    Summary In this episode, Vactor and Tim Tangent discuss the latest Superman comics released in July, highlighting their favorite moments, honorable mentions, and picks of the month. They delve into various Superman titles, including Superman Number 28 and Cal-El-Fornia Love, while sharing their thoughts on the evolving narratives and character developments within the Superman universe. The conversation also touches on the impact of different artists and writers on the storytelling, as well as the overall excitement surrounding the Superman franchise. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to This Month in Superman 02:16 Honorable Mentions and Superman Family Updates 05:36 Deep Dive into Superman Comics 10:19 Exploring Superman Unlimited and Justice League Unlimited 15:28 Picks of the Month: Superman Stories 24:23 Wrap-Up and Future Superman Adventures

    31 min
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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

This Comic Cooks is the podcast that helps you fall in love with comic books—without wasting your time or money. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just comic-curious, host Trent Vactor brings you passionate reviews, personal stories, and honest conversations that highlight the emotional power and storytelling magic of comics. No gatekeeping. No fluff. Just one mission: to show you why comics might be the greatest storytelling medium ever invented. If you’ve ever wondered what to read next—or why a single panel can hit harder than an entire movie—this is the show for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Vactor
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    209
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vactor
  • Show Website
    This Comic COOKS