Collecting Issues

Happy Halloween, listeners! This month on Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book book club, Michael and Benjamin skirt the rules to cover an anthology: Come Find Me: An Autumnal Offering.This 2024 one-shot is published by the new, creator-owned DSTLRY Comics. It's an... interesting business model of limited digital runs and resellable digital rights. (Wait, did we just buy an NFT? Is this the blockchain?)Curated by horror maestro Becky Cloonan, Come Find Me is a collection of six chilling mini-stories steeped in folk and medieval horror. Join us as we apply "useful frameworks" (much to Michael's disgust) to break down every tale in this unnerving collection from a lineup of incredible female and non-binary creators.We discuss:"Devil's Trill" (Hamlet Machine): A sexy, weird, and wordless Faustian pact that sets a spectacular gothic tone."Portorium" (Becky Cloonan): A classic tale of grave robbery, Roman gods (hello, Orcus), and why you should never steal from the dead."Down by the Water" (Molly Mendoza): A beautiful, abstract, and unsettling story of gossip, grief, and... frog spawn?"Coal &Clover" (Vanessa R. Del Rey): A straightforward folk horror revenge story set in a brutal American company town. Don't make deals with the Fae!"La Chéta" (Celine Loup): The one that left us scratching our heads. A sketchy, Alpine tale of a sexy widow and... well, we're still not sure."Warmth of the Hunt" (E.M. Carroll): An absolute banger to finish the anthology. A stunning, timeless depiction of the Wild Hunt with tattoo-worthy art.Which stories gave us "oozing dread" and which one was less fright and more...?Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeNext Comic:Local Man, a deconstruction of the Big Guns and Pouch era of 90's comics by Tim Seeley and Tony FleecsTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 'Come Find Me'01:33 Overview of DSTLRY Comics04:01 Exploring the Anthology's Themes04:53 Spotlight on Becky Cloonan09:03 Diving into 'Devil's Trill'21:32 Analysis of 'Portorium'32:04 Molly Mendoza's 'Down by the Water'36:20 Unraveling the Mystery of the Drowned Lover38:33 The Grim Trysts and Henry's Dark Secrets39:54 The Frog Spawn Mystery and Henry's Duality44:17 Medieval Horror and the Tale of Coal & Clover44:37 The Dark Art of Vanessa Del Ray48:57 The Folkloric Influence in Horror Comics01:04:17 The Wild Hunt and the Art of EM Carroll01:10:32 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Reads

Welcome back to Collecting Issues, the comic book book club where this month we're pulling a rabbit out of a hat and diving into Zatanna: Bring Down the House! Join us as we review issues #1-5 of the 2025 DC Black Label series by the incredible team of Mariko Tamaki, Javier Rodriguez, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.Is this spooky, Halloween-adjacent tale a true horror comic or more "spider decoration spooky"? We break down this visually stunning "Year One" style origin story for DC's premier magician. From its unique narrative approach to its mastery of the female gaze, we explore how this comic redefines Zatanna for a new generation. Plus, we have to talk about that impossibly clean, muscular, and croissant-eating John Constantine.Tune in for a breezy, fun, and pop-art-infused discussion that's part comic review, part art appreciation, and part therapy session for our hosts' confused sexualities.In This Episode, We Discuss:The Art of Magic: A deep dive into Javier Rodriguez's spectacular, psychedelic, and masterful visuals. We explore his innovative panel layouts, mastery of colour (including that CMYK flashback style!), and pin-up aesthetic.A Millennial Magician: How Mariko Tamaki's writing transforms Zatanna into a relatable millennial hero grappling with imposter syndrome, parental legacy, and finding her own power.Narrative Tropes & Themes: We tackle the "Chosen One" narrative, the mystery of Zatara's dark past, and whether the story holds up to the incredible artwork.For the Female Gaze?: An exploration of how the comic flips the script on Zatanna's traditionally fetishised character design, creating a powerful and sexy story from a distinctly female perspective.That Constantine Cameo: Was John Constantine's appearance necessary, or did he just show up to ruin a perfectly good lesbian romance? We have thoughts.Follow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on YoutubeNext Comic:Get ready for Spooktober! We're reading "Come Find Me," an all-female descent into folk horror curated by Becky Cloonan, from the new publisher DSTLLRY.Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues00:51 Halloween Vibes and Spooky Stories02:46 Zatanna's Origin and Elevator Pitch06:51 The Creative Team Behind Zatanna08:38 Art and Visuals of Zatanna17:38 Narrative Tropes and Themes32:27 Zatara's Journey and Characterisation33:08 Millennial Themes and Imposter Syndrome33:42 Favourite Sequences and Dialogue35:20 Zatanna's Struggles and Power Fantasy37:49 The Phantom Stranger and Magic Councils42:31 Art Style and Visual Storytelling51:04 Magic Battles and Demon Designs58:38 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

This week on Collecting Issues, we're diving headfirst into the dense, brutal, and brilliant world of 20th Century Men, the six-issue epic from Deniz Camp, Stipan Morian, and Image Comics. It’s an alternate history where the Cold War got much, much hotter, fought with super-soldiers, giant mechs, and broken ideals in the mountains of Afghanistan.WARNING: This is a full-spoiler discussion! We highly recommend you read 20th Century Men #1-6 before listening. Go on, get out of here! Scram! Taste the wilderness... and then come back for the listens.Join us as we unpack this "impenetrable but so worth it" modern classic. We dissect Deniz Camp’s complex, non-linear narrative that jumps through time and perspectives, comparing his style to legends like Alan Moore, Warren Ellis, and Grant Morrison. We also explore Stipan Morian's stunningly varied—and sometimes jarring—artwork, from Frank Frazetta-esque battle scenes to surreal, Bill Plympton-inspired visuals.Is this the best comic of 2025? Is it a spiritual successor to Watchmen? And after all the propaganda, war crimes, and failed utopias, we ask the eternal question: War, huh? What is it good for?Tune in to hear our thoughts on:The Unholy Trinity: A deep dive into the core characters: the crumbling Soviet ideal of The Iron Star, the brutal American imperialism of President Goode, and the human cost embodied by Azra.Artistic Chaos: Why Stipan Morian's shifting art styles are both the comic's greatest strength and its most challenging feature.Deconstructing History: How the comic uses superheroes to explore the real-world horrors and myth-making of the Soviet-Afghan War.Legendary Influences: We discuss the heavy shades of Planetary, The Authority, and Watchmen that run through this series.The Best and Worst of Humanity: From the terrifying super-soldier Six Bill to the tragic journalist Kyril, we break down the unforgettable supporting cast.If you love politically charged, artistically ambitious comics that challenge you at every turn, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 20th Century Men00:49 Comic Book Spoilers Ahead!02:46 The Complexity of War in Comics12:07 Art and Storytelling in 20th Century Men16:32 Character Analysis: Heroes and Anti-Heroes27:37 The Symbolism of the Collected Man33:56 Side Stories and Paradise34:10 Azra's Practical Paradise34:56 John Rambo's Disruption35:04 Thomas Goode's American Supremacy36:09 Time Jumps and Narrative Techniques39:13 Art and Visuals in Comics43:15 Character Perspectives and Artistic Styles50:54 The Human Toll of War55:41 Modern Political Crises and Myth Making01:07:54 Spooky Season RecommendationsFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube

This week on Collecting Issues, we step into the ring for Do a Powerbomb! (issues #1-7), the 2023 masterpiece from Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer for Image Comics. Get ready for a cosmic slobberknocker that's one part The Wrestler, one part Dragon Ball Z, and all parts heartbreaking, kinetic action.Join us as we continue our Daniel Warren Johnson odyssey and explore why he's one of the most exciting creators in comics today. We discuss the series' surprising emotional core, a journey of grief and family set against the backdrop of an interdimensional wrestling tournament. We'll break down the concept of kayfabe, the incredible splash pages, the shocking twists, and why this comic is a true love letter to pro wrestling and its fans.MAJOR SPOILER WARNING! We cover the entire story from the first bell to the final, emotional finish. We highly recommend reading the comic before listening.In this episode, we discuss:The unique blend of high-octane action and devastating emotional stakes.How Daniel Warren Johnson's kinetic art and page layouts capture the motion of wrestling like never before.The themes of family, loss, and what it means to "lick the mats for the fans."The shocking character reveals, the incredible tournament matchups, and the absolutely wild ending where our heroes wrestle God.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 'Do a Power Bomb'00:44 Comic Book Education and Daniel Warren Johnson01:21 Wrestling and Comic Book Crossovers02:20 Plot Overview and Themes05:08 Spoilers and Wrestling Terminology07:13 Art and Visuals in 'Do a Power Bomb'10:04 Daniel Warren Johnson's Wrestling Journey13:23 Emotional Depth and Character Arcs20:51 Wrestling Tropes and Realism32:04 The Big Twist and Its Impact35:44 The Evolution of Wrestling: From Extreme to PG Era36:45 The Art of Wrestling: Capturing Kinetic Moments40:05 Iconic Wrestling Photography: Geoff Winningham's Legacy43:12 Wrestling's Emotional and Physical Toll48:23 The Cosmic Scale of Wrestling: Wrestling God01:04:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming EpisodesFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube

his week on Collecting Issues, we're opening the archives to bring you our classic deep dive into Kingdom Come, the legendary 1996 DC Elseworlds series by Mark Waid and Alex Ross. Originally recorded in March 2021, this episode is as relevant as ever.Join Mick and Ben as they explore how Kingdom Come served as a powerful critique of the '90s comic book "dark age"—an era defined by pouches, excessive violence, and gritty anti-heroes like Cable and Deadpool. We dissect the clash between a new, reckless generation of superhumans, led by the aggressive Magog, and the return of DC's classic icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, who come out of retirement to restore order and meaning to the word "hero."In This Episode, We Discuss:The Twilight of the Hero: What was happening in '90s comics that prompted Waid and Ross to create Kingdom Come?The Art of Gods: An analysis of Alex Ross's iconic, painted art style. Is it timeless iconography, or has its realism dated?Clash of the Titans: We break down some of the most memorable moments, including the legendary battle between a world-weary Superman and a brainwashed Shazam (Captain Marvel).A Controversial Take: Was Wonder Woman done dirty? We examine her characterisation as a ruthless warmonger and the villain of the piece.Enduring Legacy: How Kingdom Come drew inspiration from stories like Watchmen and Squadron Supreme and went on to influence comics like Civil War and video games like Injustice.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to the Episode00:43 Overview of Kingdom Come02:17 The Dark Ages of 90s Comics05:08 Alex Ross and the Realistic Consequences of Superheroes05:59 The Distinction Between Marvel and DC07:03 Norman McKay and the Framing Narrative09:16 The Twilight of the Classic Heroes09:53 The Rise of the New Anti-Heroes15:17 The Big Superhero Showdown19:16 The Aftermath and Conclusion20:38 Nonstop Motion: The Hero's Relentless Journey21:19 Wonder Woman's Controversial Portrayal24:40 The Art of Alex Ross28:48 Influences and ComparisonsFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube

In this episode of Collecting Issues, we blast off into Marvel’s cosmic corners to discuss Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star – Collecting issues #1–5 of Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s 2021 miniseries. This listener-recommended pick follows fan-favourite, horse-faced hero Beta Ray Bill on a heavy-metal space odyssey of broken hammers, busted pride, and one very big sword.We cover it all:How Argent Star fits into Marvel continuity after Thor: Prey.Wrestling moves in space (yes, suplexes included).The tragic humour of Bill’s journey and refusal to grow.Scuttlebutt’s role as both sentient starship and scene-stealer.The gorgeous kinetic art style of Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer – and its heavy-metal album cover vibes.Is this the most metal Marvel comic ever? Does Bill ever truly find himself? And why is Argent Star the perfect example of a “quest for all the wrong reasons”?Whether you’re a Thor comics veteran, a Daniel Warren Johnson fan, or new to Marvel’s stranger side, this spoiler-filled review is your ticket to one of the most unique cosmic adventures in recent comics.The Thor Prey EpisodeTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star00:21 Comic Book Education and Podcast Dynamics01:02 Beta Ray Bill's Space Odyssey02:42 Listener Recommendations and Social Media Shoutouts04:45 Beta Ray Bill's Struggles and Motivations10:54 The Hero's Journey and Weapon Quest17:27 Scuttlebutt and Beta Ray Bill's Transformation23:37 The Transformation of Flat Face Bill24:01 Bar Encounters and Alien Reactions25:08 Artistic Impressions and Comparisons29:10 Wrestling Moves and Comic Influences31:21 Exploring the Nine Realms33:42 Character Designs and Inspirations35:28 Scuttlebutt and Heavy Metal Imagery42:47 Final Showdown and ReflectionsFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube

This week on Collecting Issues, we’re talking about The One Hand and The Six Fingers—two five-issue series from Image Comics (2024) by Ram V, Dan Watters, Laurence Campbell, Sumit Kumar, Lee Loughridge, and Tom Muller.Set in the gritty, retro-future city of Neo Novena, these stories unfold from two perspectives: a weary detective facing a familiar case on the eve of retirement, and a brilliant student who wakes up with memories of a murder. What starts as a ritual killing slowly unspools into something much stranger—where nothing is real, everything loops, and the world might just be a cage.We’re talking:Murder, glyphs, and glitching cogsNoir tropes used with purpose—not ironyRobots doing people jobs, people thinking like machinesHow these two comics were written in conversation, not collaborationThe big existential ending (and why it works)If you like Blade Runner, The Matrix, Memento, or Dark City, this one’s worth your time. But seriously—read the comics before listening. It’s impossible to talk about them properly without giving things away.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 'The One Hand and the Six Fingers'01:13 Spoiler Alert: Read Before Listening01:30 Engaging with the Audience04:22 Plot Overview: The Future and Parallel Stories05:00 Detective Ari Nasser's Last Case05:49 Johannes Vale's Mysterious Journey07:04 Creative Teams and Artistic Styles08:08 The Noir Aesthetic and Setting10:09 The Mystery Deepens30:54 Existential Revelations and The Matrix38:14 Literary Influences and Themes40:01 Post-Capitalist Themes and Inspirations40:42 Philosophy Bites and Post-Work Societies42:17 The Sunset Limited and Philosophical Debates43:05 Comic Book Collaboration and Glyph System47:27 Art and Visuals in the Comic59:20 Character Analysis and Stereotypes01:04:18 Final Thoughts and Upcoming ReadsFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead Our SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube

In this episode of Collecting Issues, we dive headfirst into Thor: Prey, collecting issues #7–14 of Donny Cates’ 2020 run with art by Nic Klein, colours by Matthew Wilson, and covers by Olivier Coipel. This mythic, messy, and often horrifying arc explores what happens when the forgotten alter ego, Donald Blake, returns—with a scalpel and a grudge.We break down:How Thor: Prey explores the consequences of playing GodThe madness of Donald Blake and his eerie transformationThe best-ever comic book appearance of Throg, Frog of ThunderMythology, body horror, and the absurd brilliance of modern Thor comicsNic Klein’s stunning panel work and Matthew Wilson’s dimensional colour artistryPlus, we unpack why Thor might be the most unfixably broken character in comics—and why that makes him so damn fun.Whether you’re here for frogs with hammers, cosmic serial killers, or simply to ask “Where the hell is Donald Blake?”, you’re in the right place.00:00 Introduction to Thor Prey02:13 Creative Team and Art Style04:29 Publication Context and Thor's Journey07:10 Thor's Identity and Worthiness08:26 Donald Blake's Return10:01 Thor's Legacy and Influence26:02 Monthly Comics and Storytelling33:31 The Power of Throg34:06 Throg's Epic Battle37:24 Donald Blake's Transformation40:32 Norse Mythology in Comics45:56 The Madness of Donald Blake53:35 Art and Color in Comics58:27 Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongRead our essay on the Perfect Panel in Thor Prey on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube

In this episode of Collecting Issues, Michael and Benjamin break down 8 Billion Genies, the complete 8-issue limited series from Image Comics by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne. What if every person on Earth was suddenly given a genie and one wish? This high-concept comic explores the global and personal chaos that follows—and we’re diving into all of it.From the explosive first eight seconds to the profound implications of the final wish, this episode explores themes of desire, power, world-building, and the consequences of getting exactly what you want. The hosts compare it to works by Robert Kirkman and Alan Moore, discuss the structure and visual style of the comic, and reflect on how this series delivers big ideas in a tightly-paced, character-driven format.Topics include:The wish-making mechanic and its implicationsRyan Browne’s distinctive art and design of the geniesThe storytelling technique of exponential time jumpsCultural commentary, character arcs, and final twistsPerfect for fans of speculative fiction, creator-owned comics, and smart sci-fi storytelling, this episode offers a thoughtful (and often hilarious) deep dive into one of Image Comics’ most creative modern titles.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 8 Billion Genies01:28 Premise of 8 Billion Genies01:51 Comparisons and Commentary02:50 Podcast Promotion and Support05:14 Genies and Their Personalities09:05 Creators and Their Works13:08 World Building and Rules30:26 Character Arcs and Tragedies38:21 The Dougland People and Human Cycles39:00 The Wish-Making Mechanic40:13 The Eternal Witness and World Building42:13 The Zhiang Family Arc44:42 Daisy's Development and Character Arcs47:40 Themes of Desire and Control59:59 The Final Wish and ConclusionFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongJoin the SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube