AIPT Comics

We're joined once again by New Avengers writer Sam Humphries, who returns to dig into the second story arc kicking off with issue #6. We talk about building a team of “bastards,” why Clea has quietly taken over the book, the horny horror of Guru Strange, and how the Killuminati twist classic Illuminati icons like Captain Britain and Medusa into Lord Britain and Rapunzel. Sam also gets into Bucky stepping aside for Natasha, the book’s Fast & Furious “family” vibes, and just how far he could take this series if he had unlimited runway.

We’re going full craft-nerd with a deep-dive interview you will not want to miss: Christos Gage joins us to unpack the making of Battleworld. We get into how the project came together (“Hank Pym and Marcus To” were basically the magic words), what it’s like playing with timelines instead of planets, how he balances deep-cut fan service (Starbrand! New Universe! CrossGen!) with accessibility, and why he built those text-heavy “tech pages” as a love letter to Marvel history.

Looking to treat yourself (or your favorite nerd) before the year wraps? We’ve put together a no-nonsense, highly clickable guide to the best comics, collectibles, and experiences you can buy right now or preorder for 2025. Every pick below is either already out in 2025 or available to lock in this year, so you won’t be chasing ghosts—or last year’s stock. We’ve split our recommendations into eight easy buckets—from Smart Buys that stretch your dollar (think chunky omnibuses and killer subs) to Shelf Candy that looks unreal on display, Hype Picks everyone’s buzzing about, and even a Rich Friend Buy for when money’s no object. You’ll also find deep-cut grails for collectors, interactive Experience Buys that deliver hours of engagement, perfect gifts for civilians, and a Wild Card section for the gloriously weird.

We’re bringing you the full, uncut interview with legendary cartoonist Paul Pope—the visionary creator behind Batman: Year 100 and Total THB. Pope joins us to talk about returning to Total THB after 30 years, how his early ideas about “small things exploding into big things” shaped his storytelling philosophy, and what readers can expect from the definitive edition hitting shelves on November 11. If you caught our written interview, you’ll want to tune in for this one—the podcast includes extended discussion about his creative process, artistic influences, and the craft of making comics that didn’t make it to print.

This week, we’re joined by Upper Deck VP of Product Development Grant Sandground, who breaks down how Batman is soaring into the SkyBox Metal Universe. From precious metal gems to glow-in-the-dark Riddler cards and autographs from comic legends like Paul Dini and Gail Simone, Sandground gives us an insider look at how Upper Deck is reshaping DC’s trading card future, and what’s coming next for collectors.