Saladin Ahmed talks Cheetara’s new era and his X-Men corner

This week, Eisner Award-winning writer Saladin Ahmed joins the AIPT Comics podcast to talk about three very different heroes currently occupying his writing desk: Cheetara, Wolverine, and Bishop.With ThunderCats: Cheetara launching September 9, Ahmed discusses taking one of Third Earth’s most mysterious heroes into her own ongoing series, the troubling visions that challenge what she knows about ThunderCats history, working with artist Andrea Arcari, and the freedom Dynamite has given him to push and reshape the mythology.The conversation also returns to the X-Men universe, where Ahmed’s working on Wolverine and Bishop. We dig into where both characters currently stand, the distinct challenges of writing two veteran mutants, and what Ahmed is building toward in each series.Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!NEWSIndiana Jones hunts Marvel’s greatest artifacts in new variant coversBatman vs. Absolute Batman: DC reveals its big Batman Day 2026 specialBoom-Boom takes charge as Marvel announces ‘Fugitive X-Force’ #1Curt Pires and Jok unleash time-traveling monsters in ‘Creature Corps’Our Top Books of the Week:Dave:The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman)Superman: The Stranger (Wes Craig)Alex:​​The Legion of Super-Heroes #1 (Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman)Crowbound #1 (Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen)Standout KAPOW moment of the week:Alex: Captain America #15 (Zdarsky, Schiti)Dave: Doom Patrol #1 (Darcy Van Polgeest, Nico Henrichon)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKAlex: The Forever Home #1 (Christian Ward, Sami Kivelä)Dave: Six of Us #1 (Tom King, Gabriel Hernández Walta)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: Black Cat #14 (Josemaria Casanovas)Alex: The Karman Blade #1 (Ian Bertram)Interview: Saladin Ahmed - ThunderCats: Cheetara (FOC August 10, out September 2)1. Cheetara has always been one of the more mysterious ThunderCats because of her visions. What excited you about making those visions the engine of an ongoing series rather than just a supporting trait?2. The solicitation mentions voices that contradict the Book of Omens and even praise the Mu'Tants. Were you interested in exploring how faith or certainty can be challenged when someone suddenly has conflicting truths?3. One thing I've always liked about Cheetara is that she's often the calmest person in the room while everyone else is reacting emotionally. How did you approach giving her an internal journey that still feels true to that personality?4. This is your first project with Dynamite and your first time writing ThunderCats. What surprised you most once you started digging into the mythology? Was there a corner of the universe you found yourself unexpectedly fascinated by?5. Andrea Ancari is relatively new to American readers. What did you see in his storytelling that made him the right artist for a book balancing action, visions, and psychological mystery?6. ThunderCats has existed across cartoons, comics, and multiple reinterpretations over decades. Were there specific versions of Cheetara you found yourself drawing inspiration from, or did you intentionally try to build your own voice for her?Wolverine / X-Men questions1. One thing I've really enjoyed in your Wolverine run is seeing Logan genuinely vulnerable again. Between the broken claws and now the healing factor failing, what opportunities does a weakened Wolverine create that an invincible Wolverine simply can't?2. Wolverine #21 was almost a bottle episode, with Logan and Nightcrawler just trying to relax before everything goes wrong. How important are those quieter character issues when you're writing someone who's usually defined by violence?3. Julius Ohta has become a fantastic collaborator on the series. Are there moments where his storytelling or acting has changed the way you approached later scripts?Bishop / X-office questionWith both Wolverine and Bishop, you've been working inside a very interconnected X-Men line. How much collaboration happens behind the scenes? Bonus fun questionYou've now written everything from Miles Morales to Wolverine, Daredevil, and now Cheetara. Is there a dream character or franchise that still sits on your bucket list where, if the phone rang tomorrow, you'd immediately say yes?

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Hickman’s ‘Midnight X-Men’ is a ‘mutant, vampire epic’ with Krakoa-era DNA Midnight Previewssssss Marvel’s next Avengers vs. X-Men showdown is happening on the hockey rink Whatever this news is it sounds stupid Vault reveals ‘One Zero Zero One Saves the World’ from Jeremy Robinson and Tiago Palma Vault announces ‘Inanna: The Name She Lost’ from Inanna Sarkis, Tim Seeley and Ademir Leal Dark Horse spotlights Doctor Doom in ‘Marvel’s Most Villainous’ Volume 2 Dark Horse and Marvel celebrate classic X-Men history with ‘The Art of The Uncanny X-Men’ Dark Horse collects Jack Kirby’s Marvel Westerns in new three-volume series Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Operation: Iron Coffin #2 (Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon)   Hammerfist #1 (Rick Remender, Steve Epting) Alex:​​ Fireborn #4 (Curt Pires, Franklin Jonas, Patrick Mulholland) Absolute Wonder Woman #23 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: What If… Cassandra Nova Killed Charles Xavier? #1 (Sumit Kumar,  Ashley Allen) Dave: Godzilla Conquers the Multiverse #2 (Gerry Duggan, Javier Garron) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Crowbound #1 (Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen) & The Doom Patrol #1 (Darcy Van Poelgeest, Nico Henrichon) Dave: Marvel Dimensions (Alex Ross) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Cruel Kingdom #1 (Yanick Paquette) Alex: Legion of Super Heroes #1 (Hayden Sherman) DSTLRY - David Steinberger (co-founder and CEO) and Chip Mosher (co-founder and CCO) DSTLRY has settled into its partnership with Penguin Random House, and readers are starting to see a steadier publishing cadence again. Looking back, what did that transition teach the company, and how does it position DSTLRY differently heading into the rest of 2026? You've said from the beginning that DSTLRY wasn't trying to become "just another publisher." Now that the initial launch period is behind you, what do you think defines DSTLRY's identity today compared to when you first announced the company? We've seen collections like Warm Fusion and A Mischief of Magpies join the schedule alongside new single issues. How important is building a strong hardcover library for DSTLRY's long-term vision, especially as more readers discover these books after their initial release? Neon Ichiban has grown quickly from a digital comics platform into something that feels much more creator-focused. At what point did you realize the platform could become more than simply a place to read comics? The new partnership with Scott's Collectibles brings a huge roster of creators into Neon Ichiban's digital remarques program. Why was that collaboration the right next step, and how do you see it changing the experience for fans who collect sketches and signatures? One of the most intriguing ideas behind Neon Ichiban is the Digital Fast-Pass at conventions. Do you see this as solving a long-standing problem for fans who spend hours waiting in Artist Alley, or is the bigger goal expanding access to creators beyond the convention itself? You've spent years thinking about where comics are headed digitally, first at Comixology and now with Neon Ichiban. What do you think today's readers expect from a digital comic that they didn't expect even five years ago? Both DSTLRY and Neon Ichiban seem to share the same philosophy: giving creators more opportunities while giving fans new ways to engage with their work. Is there a bigger vision connecting those two efforts, and where do you hope they are a year from now after another SDCC has come and gone?

Marvel’s Midnight Universe is getting ready to open its doors, and this week we’re going straight to two of the writers helping build it. Benjamin Percy and Phillip Kennedy Johnson join the AIPT Comics Podcast for an extended conversation about Midnight Fantastic Four and Midnight Spider-Man, two of the three series launching Marvel’s new horror-infused universe on October 7. Along with Jonathan Hickman on Midnight X-Men, Percy and Johnson are helping to establish a world in which familiar Marvel characters are being rebuilt through body horror, cosmic terror, and some seriously disturbing new origins. Percy digs into the Lovecraftian nightmare behind his Fantastic Four, why their familiar powers are closer to curses, the influence of California's strange scientific and occult history, and just how grotesque Reed Richards' elasticity can become. Johnson takes us inside his radically different Peter Parker, the role Oscorp plays in his transformation, ScieTronc's horrifying designs, and why calling this version of Peter "Man-Spider" barely scratches the surface. The conversation also gets into the larger Midnight Universe, including how Percy, Johnson, and Hickman are coordinating their books, how carefully they're approaching other Marvel characters, plans for the universe to eventually expand, and yes, whether Hickman's beloved data pages are coming along for the ride. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Marvel November solicitations! Jean Grey returns! Marvel’s ‘Incursions’ one-shots revisit the road to ‘Secret Wars’ this November Marvel teases ‘Origin III’: Is Wolverine’s untold past about to be revealed? Official press release Marvel’s November 2026 solicitations reveal the post -‘ Avengers: Armageddon’ era Marvel retells Venom’s origin from the symbiote’s perspective in ‘Venom: POV’ Marvel’s free ‘Midnight Universe’ ashcan reveals creepy new details Marvel Comics sheds light on November 2026 variant series Momo-Tone covers Exclusive: Benjamin Percy and Raúl Fernández launch sci-fi horror series ‘Egg Hunt’ Exclusive: Brain Poison launches with three new sci-fi comics in shared universe Garth Ennis and John McCrea get weird with psychedelic horror tale ‘The Snail’ DC Comics Solicitations for November Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Punisher Vs. Spider-Man #2 (Dan Abnett, Matteo Della Fonte) Thor #800 Chris:​​ Nights #20 (Wyatt Kennedy, Luigi Formisano) The Last Driver #1 (Sean Murphy, Simon Gough) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Nights #20 (Wyatt Kennedy, Luigi Formisano)  Dave: Destination Kill #4 (Joe Palmer) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Minotaur #2 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling) Dave: Batman: Bad Seeds – Sunset #1 (Matt Fraction, G. Willow Wilson, Giuseppe) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Tomb of Apocalypse #1 (Pablo Villalobos) Chris: Next Level: One Shot #1 (Fernando Blanco Main Cover) Interview: Midnight Universe - Ben Percy (Midnight FF) and Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Midnight Spider-Man) - Out October 7, FOC Aug 31 You’re both taking characters whose origins are among the most familiar in comics and rebuilding them through horror. What was the first thing each of you identified in the classic Fantastic Four and Spider-Man origins that could become genuinely frightening in the Midnight Universe? Since this is horror, are you inverting who is the hero? I.e. is Spider-Man the villain and hsi rogues the bad guys, same for FF, or is that giving too much away? Ben, the Fantastic Four have always been explorers pushing into the unknown, but here that curiosity seems potentially catastrophic. How much of Midnight Fantastic Four is about Reed Richards being unable to leave certain doors unopened, even when every instinct should tell him to stop? Phillip, you’ve described wanting Peter Parker’s transformation to feel like something conceived by H.R. Giger and directed by David Cronenberg. Once Peter becomes this grotesque spider hybrid, how do you preserve the humanity and responsibility that make him recognizably Spider-Man? Both books seem fascinated with science going somewhere it absolutely should not go. How differently do Reed and Peter respond to the realization that scientific progress has created something horrifying, and do you see them as cautionary reflections of each other? The solicit for Midnight Fantastic Four #2 mentions revisiting and redefining the perils of the atomic age. Ben, what interested you about connecting the Fantastic Four to that particular period of scientific optimism, anxiety, and destruction? Phillip, Oscorp isn't simply responsible for Peter's transformation. They're apparently using what they learn from him to create more human-animal hybrids. Does that give this version of Spider-Man a different relationship with his rogues gallery, especially characters like the Lizard and Doctor Octopus? Kev Walker and ScieTronc have incredibly distinct visual identities. Were there moments when their designs or pages came back and actually changed your understanding of this universe, or pushed the horror further than what you'd originally scripted? Horror can become less frightening once readers understand its rules. With both of you planning potentially very long runs, how do you keep the Midnight Universe mysterious and unsettling after readers have spent 20, 30, or even 50 issues living inside it? I know your books haven’t launched just yet, but it’s hard not to be excited for your books to somehow connect, given Spidey and the FF are thoroughly linked in the 616. Have you dreamed up crossovers yet? Finally, the important Midnight Universe question: if Midnight Spider-Man and the Midnight Fantastic Four were trapped together in a horror movie, who dies first, who somehow survives, and who makes the catastrophically bad decision to say, “Let’s split up”?

Jordan Morris returns to the AIPT Comics Podcast this week to talk about his increasingly packed comics slate, including the upcoming Amazing Venom. Morris digs into how Luciano Vecchio’s red-and-blue Venom design evolved into a new 616 character, why Boomerang was ultimately chosen to bond with the symbiote, and the appeal of turning one of Spider-Man’s lovable D-list scumbags into a Venom. We also look back at Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity, including Norman Osborn’s questionable motives for training the next generation of Spider-heroes, writing the different voices and quips of its large cast, and why Spider-Gwen became a particular favorite for Morris to write. Morris also talks Predator: Bloodshed, his approach to juggling multiple monthly projects, and plenty more from his busy year in comics. Also, if you liked signed comics, buy all of Amazing Venom in advance, signed by Morris, here. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Warren Ellis returns to Image Comics with ‘Ghost Drive Station’ this November ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel collide for the first time in ‘Hope Assembles’ #1 X-Men's mystical side takes center stage in new 'X-Orcists' series this November 2026 Louise Simonson puts a Disney twist on a holiday classic in ‘Uncle Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’ #1 Marvel reveals new ‘Midnight’ variant covers ahead of October 2026 launch Ghost Rider: Kushala #1 collects Spirit Rider Infinity Comic this November ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’ #1 joins Marvel’s Midnight launch with special midnight release ‘The X-Files’ returns to comics with new series from Joe Harris and Riley Brown Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Of the Earth #4 (Chris Condon, Charlie Adlard) Absolute Batman #23 (Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta) Chris:​​ Regicide #1 (Patrick Kindlon, Ludovic Lalliat) Yumi: 00EX #1 (Doug Wager, Hoyt Silva) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Did You Hear About Mimi Green #3 (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon)  Dave: Infernal Hulk #10 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam Gorham) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Nights #20 (Wyatt Kennedy and Luigi Formisano) Dave: Lobo #6 (Skottie Young, Riley Rossmo) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #11 (Mateus Santolouco) Chris: Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief #4 (Aaron Campbell Main) Interview: Jordan Morris talks... Speed Racer: Tales from the Road – The Rook #1 — July 29 Spider-Versity #5 — August 22 Amazing Venom #1 — September 16 Predator: Bloodshed TPB — November 24 This has to be the most weekly comics you’ve written in your career yet. How has it been juggling so many projects? You're writing four wildly different books right now: the martial arts and horror of Predator: Bloodshed, the Spider-family training adventure of Spider-Versity, and, speedracer mixes cop drama with racing, the cosmic antihero comedy of Amazing Venom. What have you learned about your strengths as a writer from jumping between such different corners of the Marvel Universe and Speed Racer? Predator: Bloodshed drops a Yautja into an underground fighting tournament, which feels like a premise built to deliver spectacular action. Beyond the fights, what was the biggest storytelling challenge in making readers care about the human competitors? Bloodshed wraps up this week. Looking back on the series as a whole, was there a particular character, fight, or moment that surprised you while writing it? Spider-Versity puts Norman Osborn in the unusual role of teacher. What makes Norman uniquely qualified to train young Spider-heroes, and what makes him the absolute worst possible choice at the same time? Spider-Versity features a roster of younger Spider-characters who all have very different personalities and experiences. Was there one character whose voice came especially naturally to you? Speed Racer: Tales from the Road – The Rook #1 introduces a rookie cop going undercover in the dangerous world of Formula X racing. What drew you to telling a crime story through the lens of Speed Racer, and how did you balance the undercover-cop tension with the over-the-top spectacle fans expect from this universe? You've described Fred Myers (Web of Venom #1) as one of your favorite Marvel antiheroes. What is it about Boomerang that keeps drawing you back to the character? Amazing Venom pairs Fred with Passenger, who seems like the perfect source of both chaos and comedy. How did you approach building that relationship, and what makes them a fun duo to write? Fun question: Of all your current leads and villains—Boomerang, Passenger, Norman Osborn, Carnage, and a Predator—who would be the absolute worst roommate, and who somehow ends up being the best?

San Diego Comic-Con delivered one of the biggest news weekends of the year, and we're digging into all of it on this week's AIPT Comics Podcast. We break down DC's latest Next Level announcements, including new ongoing series for Vixen, Static, Batman, The Demon, and Jonah Hex, react to Marvel's Predator vs. Punisher, unpack Christian Ward's newly announced Pandemonium, and even talk about Ryan Gosling's surprising Ghost Rider reveal. If it made headlines at SDCC, we're giving it the full AIPT treatment. After that, David sits down with Christian Ward to discuss Forever Home, his ambitious new Oni Press series with Sami Kivelä. Ward explains how the story grew from a simple yet unforgettable premise: a house that survives climate collapse by falling outside of time, where every 20 minutes inside equals a year in the outside world. The conversation explores the book's emotional family drama, its retro-futuristic design, climate anxiety, billionaire bunkers, and why Kivelä's storytelling elevates every page. Ward also reflects on balancing writing and art, teases what's next in his career, and shares why Forever Home is one of his most personal creator-owned projects to date. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS SDCC post-event review Christian Ward concludes his ‘Event Horizon’ trilogy with ‘Pandemonium’ this December DC unveils new ongoing series for Vixen, Static, and Batman in latest Next Level wave DC announces ‘Batman of Two Worlds’ #1 for Batman Day 2026 James Harren unleashes a terrifying new era for ‘The Demon’ in DC’s Next Level line Michael Walsh brings horror to the frontier in ‘Jonah Hex and the Shadow of Death’ ‘Predator vs. Punisher’ pits Frank Castle against the galaxy’s deadliest hunter this November Marvel unveils three original WEBTOON series at SDCC, including Tony Stark romance and X-Men Korea Ryan Gosling is Ghost Rider Corin Howell’s hit horror series returns with ‘Lilith: Blood & Burlesque’ #1 this October 'Lost Fantasy' and 'Fireborn' collide in first-ever crossover 'SHOWDOWN' 'Wytches' returns this fall with expanded Pledged Edition ahead of TV adaptation Deadpool and Punisher's 'Big Guns' crossover expands with Bullseye, Black Hole, and new preview pages Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Doomquest #3 (Ryan North, Francesco Mobili) Queen in Black #1 (Al Ewing, Iban Coelo) Alex:​​ Is Ted Ok? #6 (Dave Chisholm) The Patron #1 (Christian Ward, John J. Pearson) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: Horror of Godzilla #1 (Ethan Parker, Griffin Sheridan, Tristan Jones) Dave: Queen in Black: Hela (Al Ewing, Carlos Magno) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: The Omega Book #1 (James Patrick, Pauli Junquera) Dave: Fort Psycho #1 (Matt Kindt, Brian Hurtt) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: The Deadman #3 - Cover D Tyler Boss  Alex: Uncanny X-Men #33 Alexander Lozano '80s Storm Variant AND Batgirl #22 Cover B KyuYong Eom Variant Interview: Christian Ward - The Forever Home (out Sept 9, FOC Aug 3rd) with Sami Kivelä  - Patron #1 (July 29) art by John Pearson

One of the biggest comics announcements of San Diego Comic-Con was the reveal that Matthew Rosenberg will become the next ongoing writer of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and this week he's here for his first in-depth interview about the series. Rosenberg opens up about initially turning down the job before IDW came calling a second time, why his run is inspired by the raw energy of the original Mirage comics, and how he plans to put the turtles through a relentless fight across New York City. We also discuss his love of Eastman and Laird's work, collaborating with artist Juann Cabal, bringing forgotten characters back into the spotlight, and why this story will embrace every corner of TMNT history while carving out its own identity. NEWS Marvel Comics solicitations October 2026 José Andrés joins Earth's Mightiest Heroes in 'Meals to Astonish: Avengers' #1 this October Marvel's Trick-Or-Read program returns with 'Infernal Hulk' and 'Spidey and His Amazing Friends' Punisher battles Black Widow, Wolverine, and Winter Soldier in new Marvel one-shot series Marvel and Williams Racing team up for 'Iron Man: Racing Towards Doom' #1 this October Captain Britain gets 50th anniversary special Rob Liefeld relaunches 'Avengelyne' with artist Daniel Mainé at Image Comics this November Lance Briggs, Kyle Higgins, and Danilo Beyruth announce sci-fi sports graphic novel 'The Trap' Exclusive: Dan Watters and Brian Level launch sci-fi horror series 'Mad Science Division' at Ignition Press Red Sonja and Barbarella unite for first-ever crossover series this November Archie celebrates 85 years with oversized anniversary special featuring comics all-stars Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Godzilla Conquers The Multiverse #1 (Gerry Duggan, Javier Garron) Terminal #1 (Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, Andy Kubert) Alex:​​ Uncanny X-Men (Gail Simone, Jim Towe, Roge Antonio, Federica Mancin) Sicko #1 (Tini Howard, Amilcar Pinna)  Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: x Dave: Superman #40 (Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Is Ted Ok? #6 (Dave Chisholm) Dave: The Horror of Godzilla #1 (Tristan Jones,  Ethan S. Parker, Griffin Sherida) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 (Mike Mignola Cover) Alex: X-Men 34 Alexander Lozano '80s Colossus Variant Interview: Matthew Rosenberg talks taking over TMNT You described your run as "The Warriors meets Daredevil: Born Again" with plenty of action and humor mixed in. Those are some massive touchstones. What qualities from those stories became your creative north star for this new era of TMNT? Your story begins immediately after Gene Luen Yang’s "The City That Never Dies" storyline, which sounds like it leaves the city fundamentally changed. How did Gene Luen Yang's finale create opportunities that wouldn't have existed otherwise? One of the biggest hooks is that the Turtles are being hunted over the course of a single night. What made that compressed timeline appealing, and how does it change the pacing compared to a more traditional TMNT story? You said the team hunting the Turtles is assembled specifically for this mission. Without spoiling who's involved, what makes this group uniquely equipped to challenge all four brothers at once? 10:59 Juann Cabal has shown he can handle kinetic action and expressive character work across Marvel and DC. What is it about his storytelling you’re excited to see in TMNT?  You've mentioned your love for Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird's Mirage Studios era. Were there specific themes or storytelling techniques from those early comics that you wanted to bring back for modern readers? Your comics often balance brutal action with sharp humor and strong character voices. How do you approach writing the Turtles so each brother feels distinct, especially when they're under constant pressure? You've written everything from street-level crime stories to huge superhero events. Where does TMNT fit creatively for you, and does it scratch a different storytelling itch than books like What's the Furthest Place From Here? or your Marvel work? You're taking over with issue #25, which already feels like a milestone. Looking ahead, what do you hope readers say about your TMNT run after they've finished that first story arc? If Destruction Be Our Lot #4 -  Aug 19, 2026 King Spawn #58 - Aug 26th, 2026 Spawn #378 - Aug 26th, 2026 

This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're bringing you the full, uncut conversation with Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, and Andy Kubert about Terminal, Skybound's ambitious new superhero series. We dive into how the project came together, why the series embraces mystery and rotating protagonists, the thinking behind its striking character designs, and yes, the return of blind bag comics. It's a fun, wide-ranging discussion packed with insight into one of the year's biggest new launches. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Marvel Comics relocating to Burbank, names Stephen Wacker new editor-in-chief Marvel unveils ongoing variant cover program for Midnight Universe titles Sam Alexander returns to stop the Ten Rings in 'Nova: Return of the Rings' #1 DC extends 'Absolute Green Arrow' to 12 issues following fan response Dark Horse Comics reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 signing and panel schedule IDW unveils packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with TMNT #300, Godzilla, Hello Kitty, Sonic, and more Image Comics reveals massive San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans Exclusive: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes returns with time-travel graphic novel and Kickstarter campaign EC Comics spotlights artists in new 'Artists From the Abyss' anthology series Bit Bot unveils first look at ‘Final Boss’ video game adaptation with official screenshots 'Archie vs. The Terminator' brings John Connor to Riverdale this October Vampirella and Morrigan collide in first-ever 'Vampirella vs. Darkstalkers' crossover Greg Pak headlining a bold new era for ThunderCats this October 2026 ‘Ice Cream Man’ #1 returns with interactive “Chocolate/Vanilla Twist” edition this October TOP 50 COMICS - JUNE 2026 Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Si Spurrier, Matías Bergara) Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence) Absolute Green Arrow #3 (Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque) Chris:​​ Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling) Punisher vs.The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Dan Abnett, Matteo Della Fonte) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Tigress Island #5 (Patrick Kindlon, EPHK)  Dave: Assorted Crisis Events #9 (Deniz Camp, Eric Zawadzki) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Sicko #1 (Tini Howard, Amilcar Pinna) Dave: Giant Robot Hellboy Returns #1 (Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Uncanny X-Men #32 (Alexander Lozano '80s Rogue Cover) Chris: Star Trek: Red Shirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #1 (Chris Burnham variant) Interview: Robert Kirkman, Andy Kubert, Joe Casey Terminal #1 out July 22, 2026 Terminal is going to also feature a line bag program, what we can tell you right now, in true Robert Kirkman style, it is a blind bag with three surprise books in it unlike anything we've or anyone else has done before. Terminal throws readers right into a chaotic, violent world. When you were building the first issue, how did you approach onboarding readers without giving too much away? The book opens with some striking and surreal imagery, especially the eye and the idea of Maculox. What was the origin of that concept, and how central is it to the larger mythology? There’s a clear tension between evolution and destruction running through the story. How did you want to frame that conflict without falling into a simple good versus evil dynamic? The first issue makes some bold narrative choices in terms of expectations around who the story might follow. Without getting into spoilers, should readers expect that kind of unpredictability to be a core part of the series? Robert and Joe, how does your collaboration work on a project like this? Are you breaking story together, dividing scripts, or building off each other’s strengths in a specific way? Andy, the character designs, especially on the more villainous side, feel really eclectic and distinct. What were your inspirations when developing the look of this world and its characters? There’s a bit of a “hidden world” structure here, where a regular person is pulled into something much bigger. What drew you to that kind of setup, and how do you keep it feeling fresh? The series feels like it has big, long-term potential, but also a very focused central idea. Is the plan for Terminal to be a long-running series, or are you working toward a more defined endpoint? For all three of you, what was the moment in developing Terminal where you realized this was something special or different from other superhero books you’ve worked on or read?

This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we're joined by Scott Snyder for one of our favorite conversations of the year. We dive deep into Absolute Batman, the newly announced animated series, why he believes monthly comics need to embrace what makes the medium unique, and the creative philosophy driving one of comics' biggest successes. It's a candid, wide-ranging discussion on storytelling, the future of superhero comics, and why taking big swings matters more than ever. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS Judge Dredd and Biker Mice From Mars collide in new comic crossover and collectibles partnership Daniel Warren Johnson reveals new project 'Chainkata' for November 2026 Details Michael Walsh's 'Universal Monsters: Frankenstein' returns in remastered black-and-white edition Tradd Moore's first creator-owned solo comic, 'Touch Me Someplace Nowhere' announced Mike Mignola's new art book 'Circus of Bones' showcases over 145 original works Lara Croft joins G.I. Joe in first-ever 'G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero' crossover Rocketship Entertainment partners with Moulin Rouge for graphic novels, manga, and tabletop games Meet the players of ‘Zero Instance’ where a video game boss invades the real world DC reveals packed San Diego Comic-Con 2026 lineup Skybound unveils San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans and exclusive collectibles Marvel reveals full San Diego Comic-Con 2026 plans with Hall H, Midnight Universe, and X-Men '97 panels Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Witness Point #1 (Nathan Fillion, Heath Corson, Soo Lee) Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 (Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Fran Galán) Chris:​​ Twilight Zone #9 (Juni Ba) Dispatched #1  (B. Clay Moore, Daniel Gete) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Chris: Did You Hear About Mimi Green? #2 (Connor Goldsmith, Josh Cornillon) Dave: Operation: Iron Coffin #1 (Kenny Porter, Tyrell Cannon) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Chris: Minotaur #1 (Si Spurrier, Michael Dowling) Dave: Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 (Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: A Mischief of Magpies #1 (Bilquis Evely) Chris: Nightwing #140 (Jorge Fornes Main) Interview: Interview: Scott Snyder 1. Manga storytelling influence Joe Kelly recently mentioned how manga like One Piece can devote entire chapters to a single action sequence, something that's harder to replicate in American comics because of page counts and production realities. Is manga storytelling an influence on your work, and do you find yourself thinking about how to capture that same sense of scale and rhythm within Western comics? 2. Marvel and DC I recently spoke with Josh Williamson about writing Iron Man, and it was fascinating hearing how he's consulting on DC projects while also becoming part of Marvel's plans. Seeing creators move more freely between publishers these days, does that ever make you want to jump back into Marvel for another major project? 3. Harley Quinn and Joker The revelation that Joker is Harley's father completely reframes both characters. What made that the right relationship for the Absolute Universe, and what storytelling opportunities does it create that couldn't exist with their traditional dynamic 4. Designing Gotham's monsters Body horror and transformation have become defining visual elements of Absolute Batman. What are your guiding principles when reinventing characters like Poison Ivy, Clayface, and others while still making them instantly recognizable? 8. Absolute Batman animated series You're serving as showrunner on the newly announced Absolute Batman animated series. How does that creative role differ from making comics, and what has surprised you most about translating this version of Batman to animation? 10. Court of Owls Finally, the Court of Owls has entered the picture. Without spoiling anything, what can readers expect from your take on one of the most important Batman concepts you've ever created?

Dave, Alex, and Chris are back for a mid-year review of the best comics of the year so far. Like any art, it's subjective as we pick our three favorite comics, biggest surprise, weirdest comic, best graphic novel, and more! Best comics of the year….SO FAR Alex: Pick 3 series: Is Ted Ok? (Dave Chisholm) Fireborn (Franklin Jonas, Curt Pires, Patrick Mulholland) Sai: Dimensional Rivals (Peach Momoko, et al.) Pick a graphic novel or collection: Pig Wife (Abbey Luck) Biggest Surprise of the Year: Poison Ivy being elected Mayor of Gotham (G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara) The "Please Never End" Award: The Power Fantasy - Kieron Gillan Caspar Wijngaard Weirdest Comic: The Eye Collector (GMB Chomichuk, Jonathan Ball), shoutout to High Strangeness #5 from Daniel Noah/Christian Ward Dave: Pick 3 series: Absolute Batman Infernal Hulk Escape Pick a graphic novel or collection:  Memories of Giselle Biggest Surprise of the Year: Absolute Green Arrow The "Please Never End" Award: Exquisite Corpses Weirdest Comic: Red Roots Chris:  Pick 3 series: The Deadman Lobo White Sky Pick a graphic novel or collection: Gigs  Biggest Surprise of the Year: Death Fight Forever The "Please Never End" Award: Toxic Avenger Comics Weirdest Comic: The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre

This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, writer Mark Russell joins the show to discuss The Forgotten Divine, his new graphic novel from Ahoy Comics, now available to back via Kickstarter. Russell digs into the inspirations behind the story, why he wanted to explore the appeal of cults from the inside out, and how the project ultimately became one of his most personal works yet. We also discuss creativity as a form of belief, and the challenges of telling a complete story in one sitting. Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon! NEWS 'Absolute Batman' is getting an animated series, with Scott Snyder serving as showrunner Marvel clears up confusion over 'Amazing Spider-Man' #1000's two main covers 'Daredevil' is a hit, gets #1-3 reprints with new 'Daredevil: Born Again' variant covers Eliot Rahal and Mattia Monaco launch buddy-crime comic 'Crimes Against Nature' at Image Who is Fox Mask Killer? New Exquisite Corpses series promises answers 'That Texas Blood' returns with new story arc 'Hell Comes to Allison Ranch' this September IDW Dark announces horror mystery 'You'll Never Leave This Place Alive' for October Vault announces time-traveling cryptid adventure ‘Project Perseus’ launching this September EXCLUSIVE: David Dastmalchian's 'The Accessories' gives horror's forgotten sidekicks their own story Our Top Books of the Week: Dave: Escape #8 (Rick Remender, Daniel Acuna) Venom #259 (Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez) Alex:​​ Is Ted OK? #5 (Dave Chisholm) Captain America #12 (Zdarsky, Schiti) Standout KAPOW moment of the week: Alex: In Your Skin #3 (Aditya Bidikar) Dave: The Eye Collector #1 (Jonathan Ball, GMB Chomichuk) TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK Alex: Absolute Martian Manhunter #12 (Deniz Camp, Javier Rodriguez) Dave: What If...? Secret Wars #1 (Alex Paknadel, CAFU) JUDGING BY THE COVER JR. Dave: Iron Man #7 (1:25 Dave Rapoza Variant) Alex: The Deadman #2 (Alex Eckman-Lawn variant) & The Mortal Thor #12 (Alex Ross) Interview: Mark Russell - The Forgotten Divine Ahoy Kickstarter Link.  The Forgotten Divine digs into why people are drawn to cults and belief systems. What was the starting point for you, and what did you want to understand or say about that impulse? Rodney feels like a very grounded, human entry point into a story that quickly spirals into something much bigger. How did you approach building him so readers stay with him even as things get more extreme? There’s a real balance here between empathy and critique. You can understand why these characters believe what they do, even as things go off the rails. How do you walk that line without judging them or letting them off the hook? The preview pages have some striking bits of philosophy, like “the secret to happiness is low expectations.” How do those ideas emerge for you, and are they things you believe or more reflections of the characters’ mindset? The idea that “where you are is who you are” feels especially loaded, almost like a commentary on class, fate, and identity. Was that always baked into the concept, or did it grow as you developed the story? When we glimpse the alien world, it feels almost overwhelming, with that massive eye and the intense color palette. What were your conversations like with Russ Braun in shaping how that world should feel versus how the “real” world reads? You’ve done a lot of satire, but this feels like it leans harder into psychological and emotional territory. Did this project push you in new directions as a writer? AHOY has built a reputation on smart, risk-taking books, and this is their first Kickstarter. How does that format change how you think about the book, if at all? The story seems to ask whether there’s something real behind the visions or if belief itself is the point. How important was it to keep that tension alive rather than give clear answers? Fun one to close: If you started having Rodney’s dreams tonight, what’s the first sign you’d think, “Okay, I might actually be starting a cult”?