The Stack: Absolute Batman, Ultimate Wolverine And More
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The Stack episode dives into a rich tapestry of new comic releases across DC, Marvel, Image, and other publishers, spotlighting major titles like Absolute Batman #19, Ultimate Wolverine #16, and Venom 257. The hosts, Alex and Justin, deliver sharp, humorous, and insightful commentary on each book, highlighting bold narrative choices, standout art, and thematic depth. They praise the high-stakes drama in Absolute Batman, where Jim Gordon’s shocking death and the arrival of Deathstroke signal a seismic shift in Gotham’s mythos. In contrast, they express disappointment in the rushed conclusion of Ultimate Wolverine, feeling the end of the Ultimate Universe lacks the momentum it built. The episode also explores the chaotic energy of Lobo #2, the intimate horror of Smile: Number Two, and the inventive storytelling in Night City #3 and End of Life #3. Throughout, the hosts balance critique with genuine enthusiasm, celebrating creative risks and standout visuals while reflecting on broader industry trends like the cancellation of Starfleet Academy and the evolving nature of superhero storytelling.
Absolute Batman #19 delivers a high-octane, emotionally devastating arc with Jim Gordon’s shocking death and the arrival of Deathstroke, signaling a bold new direction for the character.
The Ultimate Universe’s conclusion feels underwhelming and rushed, despite strong individual issues, highlighting a disconnect between meticulous construction and a slapdash finale.
Lobo #2 excels through loose, improvisational storytelling and Jorge Corona’s dynamic art, perfectly capturing the character’s chaotic energy.
Smile: Number Two effectively blends fashion world intrigue with supernatural horror, creating a tense, intimate atmosphere that works even without prior knowledge of the film series.
Night City #3 stands out as a trippy, focused story that reimagines Superman’s identity through a dreamlike narrative, reminiscent of classic Silver Age comics.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
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Welcome to The Stack & The Absolute Batman Arc
“This book has its balls on the wall. It lives. Its balls live on the wall. It's crazy how much it's – It's balls crawling all the way up the wall going up to the ceiling and then coming back down to the other wall.”
Ultimate Wolverine & The End of the Ultimate Universe
“The Ultimate Universe feels like it's this balloon that got blown up and blown up and blown up and blown up. And then Marvel about three months ago was like, we let go of the balloon! And the balloon was like... and just fizzing away into the distance.”
Venom, G.I. Joe, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
The hosts discuss Venom 257’s tight focus on the villain Torment, praising its compelling character and narrative restraint. They critique G.I. Joe #21’s silent interlude format as overused, while expressing disappointment in Starfleet Academy’s cancellation and mixed feelings about the comic’s horror-tinged tone.
Deathstroke, X-Men United & Fireborn
Deathstroke #2 is lauded for its cinematic action and Carmine DiGiandomenico’s stunning visuals, especially the light effects. X-Men United #2 is critiqued for veering too quickly from its strong premise into unrelated plotlines. Fireborn #1 is seen as a visually strong but confusing spinoff with too many genre references.
“Tom King with his book is doing like the most subtle satire that I've seen in a while. Like the Disneyfication of the White House is so Trump fucking up the White House.”
“This book has its balls on the wall. It lives. Its balls live on the wall. It's crazy how much it's – It's balls crawling all the way up the wall going up to the ceiling and then coming back down to the other wall.”
“The Ultimate Universe feels like it's this balloon that got blown up and blown up and blown up and blown up. And then Marvel about three months ago was like, we let go of the balloon! And the balloon was like... and just fizzing away into the distance.”
Hosts
Justin
person
Alex
person
Absolute Batman
other
Jim Gordon
person
Torment
person
Deathstroke
person
Lobo
person
Venom
other
Ultimate Wolverine
other
Scott Snyder
person
Comic Book Club: Skottie Young Is The Main Man
Comic Book Club • 1h 27m • 4/1/2026
The Stack: Venom, MAD About DC, And More
Comic Book Club • 1h 2m • 4/1/2026
Comic Book Club Bonus: Dan Watters Wears The M.A.S.K.
Comic Book Club • 23m • 4/3/2026
Comic Book Club Bonus: Brandt&Stein
Comic Book Club • 25m • 4/6/2026
Comic Book Club: Jordan Morris Enrolls In Spider-Versity
Comic Book Club • 34m • 4/7/2026
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