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WEPA, Crusaders! Comic book history is about to step out of the shadows, tighten the cape, rattle the chains, and remind everybody why Todd McFarlane remains one of the most important creative forces in comics. Todd McFarlane returns to the Comic Crusaders Podcast for a brand new conversation centered on Spawn 77, the upcoming three-issue Spawn Universe mini-series co-written by McFarlane and Mark Spears, with Spears delivering fully painted interior artwork. This is not just another Spawn project. This is the first official comic book appearance of McFarlane's original 1977 Spawn design, a concept he created as a teenager long before Spawn #1 changed the comic book industry in 1992. That alone makes this one a major moment for fans, collectors, retailers, and anyone who loves seeing a creator revisit the original spark that started a universe. Nearly fifty years after that first design came to life in a young artist's imagination, Spawn 77 brings that early vision into the modern Spawn mythology with a new character, a new story, and a fully painted visual approach from one of the hottest artists in comics today. During this episode, Al Mega sits down with Todd to dig into the origins of the 1977 design, what it feels like to revisit that teenage creative energy decades later, and why now is the right time to officially bring this version of Spawn to the page. The conversation also explores Todd's collaboration with Mark Spears, how painted interiors change the tone of a Spawn story, and what fans can expect from this new corner of Hellspawn mythology. Of course, this being Comic Crusaders, we are also going beyond the press release. Al asks Todd about the growing Spawn Universe, the balance between mystery and expansion, the collector energy surrounding the massive cover lineup, the legacy of creator-owned comics, and yes, the long-awaited Spawn movie conversation. Because let's be real, fam — if Todd McFarlane is in the building, the people want to know what is going on with King Spawn. Spawn 77 #1 arrives in comic shops in September 2026 as an oversized 64-page debut issue. The book features covers by Mark Spears, Todd McFarlane, and Emma Ríos, along with multiple incentive and signed foil editions for collectors looking to lock down a piece of Spawn history. This is the kind of interview longtime Spawn fans will want to hear, but it is also a must-listen for creators. Todd's journey is a reminder that the wild idea you sketch at sixteen, the character you keep coming back to, the concept nobody else understands yet, that thing might become your legacy if you keep building. So pull up, Crusaders. The original Spawn is finally stepping onto the comic book page, and Comic Crusaders is taking you right into the fire. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmmOmL1b-f8 Check out the Spawn '77 #1 Preview Check out all things Spawn at: https://mcfarlane.com/ Follow Todd on X: @Todd_McFarlane / Instagram at @ToddMcFarlane | WhatNot The Crusade never ends! WEPAAAAAAA! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on X | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPAAAAAAA, Crusaders! Today on the Comic Crusaders Podcast, we are going behind the cape, behind the symbol, and straight into one of the most important creator-rights battles in pop culture history as bestselling author William Bernhardt joins us to discuss The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon. For generations, Superman has stood as the ultimate symbol of hope, morality, strength, and doing the right thing when the world gets heavy. But behind the Man of Steel is a very human story filled with ambition, creativity, heartbreak, legal battles, and the devastating cost paid by the young creators who helped change the world. In The Superman Wars, Bernhardt pulls back the curtain on Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the two young visionaries whose imagination gave birth to one of the most recognizable characters ever created. Their work helped define not just comic books, but modern entertainment itself. Yet their battle for recognition, ownership, and fairness became a decades-long fight that still echoes through the comics industry today. What makes Bernhardt's take so powerful is his ability to blend legal insight with deeply human storytelling. As a lawyer and bestselling author, he understands the contracts, the courtroom drama, and the cold machinery of corporate power. But he also understands the emotional weight of two creators watching their dream become an empire while they were left fighting for their place in its history. This is not just a Superman story. This is a creator story. This is a warning shot. This is a reminder that every comic, every character, every universe, and every cultural icon begins with someone brave enough to put an idea on the page. Bernhardt also places Superman's arrival in the larger historical moment of the late 1930s, a time of economic hardship, fear, and global uncertainty. America needed a hero. Readers needed hope. And suddenly, there he was: a figure who could leap tall buildings, stand up to bullies, and remind people that justice still mattered. But the irony hits hard. Superman stood for truth and justice while his own creators had to fight for both. That is why The Superman Wars matters now. In an era where comics, films, streaming, games, and digital media continue turning creative ideas into billion-dollar properties, the questions raised by Siegel and Shuster's story are still alive and screaming louder than a Daily Planet headline. Who owns the dream? Who profits from the dream? And who gets remembered when the dream becomes larger than life? Today's conversation with William Bernhardt is going to dig into all of it: Superman's creation, the legal battles, the creator-rights lessons, the cultural impact, and why fans, writers, artists, and publishers should know this history. Because if you love comics, you owe it to yourself to understand the real war behind the world's greatest superhero. Tune in, pull up, and get ready. This one is not just hot, it is super-powered! YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfoAOjzwak The Crusade never ends! WEPAAAAAAA! Check out our review HERE Get your copy NOW: https://amzn.to/4uSEVsA Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPPAAAA! Comic Crusaders Podcast welcomes back acclaimed YA author and pop-culture writer Preeti Chhibber for a spell-slinging conversation about SCARLET WITCH: HOUSE OF HARKNESS, the upcoming Marvel graphic novel from Graphix, illustrated by Jodi Nishijima and Kiichi Mizushima. This new adventure reimagines Wanda Maximoff as a sixteen-year-old witch-in-training entering the legendary House of Harkness, a magical school filled with secrets, rivalry, legacy pressure, and enough chaos to make detention feel like a supernatural event. Waiting for Wanda is Agatha Harkness, heir to the school's powerful name and not exactly thrilled about a new student shaking up the magical food chain. In this episode, Al Mega dives deep with Preeti about returning to Comic Crusaders, writing Wanda for younger readers, building a magical-school Marvel universe, balancing humor with emotional stakes, and exploring the complicated tension between Wanda and Agatha. The conversation also touches on legacy, ambition, friendship, outsider energy, and how powerful young characters learn who they are before the world tells them who they should become. SCARLET WITCH: HOUSE OF HARKNESS arrives July 7, 2026, from Graphix. Marvel fans, young readers, witchy-read lovers, and anyone who enjoys magical mayhem with heart—this one belongs on your radar. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q4KrXnAU9A The Crusade never ends. WEPA! Get your copy at: https://amzn.to/4vIMYd7 On Sale: July 7, 2026 Like, subscribe, comment, and join the Crusade! Visit Preeti's Website at: http://www.preetichhibber.com Folow on Social Media on Bluesky: @runwithskizzers.bsky.social & Instagram: @runwithskizzers Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPPAAAAA, Crusaders! Today we go dark, dangerous, and full-moon feral as Al Mega sits down with acclaimed Spanish comic book writer, artist, and illustrator Victor Santos to discuss his upcoming Titan Comics graphic novel, Moon Eaters. If you know Victor Santos, you already know the man brings style with teeth. He is the Harvey and Eisner-nominated creator behind Polar, the graphic novel series adapted into the Netflix film starring Mads Mikkelsen, and his work carries that hard-boiled noir punch that makes every shadow feel like it's hiding a bad decision. Moon Eaters drops readers into one savage night where freedom barely gets a chance to breathe. Tommy Blackfoot, fresh out of prison, heads to a roadside motel to finally meet June, the woman whose letters helped keep him alive behind bars. But romance gets body-slammed by horror when the Children of Hati, a wolf-obsessed cult, crash the night and turn that motel into a battleground of secrets, betrayal, mythology, and survival. This is not your cozy "meet cute." This is noir with claws. Horror with swagger. Mythology with a switchblade. Today's conversation dives into Victor's creative journey, his love of black-and-white storytelling, the raw energy of cult horror, the emotional weight behind Tommy and June, and how Moon Eaters blends crime, monsters, pulp attitude, and cinematic action into one brutal graphic novel experience. So pull up, Crusaders. The moon is high, the wolves are hungry, and Comic Crusaders is bringing the WEPA. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RWt4ztbHDE Pre-order Moon Eaters from Titan Comics and ask your local comic shop to add it to your pull list! Follow Victor on Instagram : @victorsantoscomics | X: @Polarcomic Website: https://victorsantoscomics.blogspot.com/ Moon Eaters from Titan Comics On sale: October 6, 2026 Visit Titan Comics at https://titan-comics.com Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Ay yo, Crusaders, dust off the VHS, tighten the helmet, check the bike chain, and make sure your knees still bend like they did in 1986, because RAD is back in the conversation in a big way. Today on the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega sits down with Bill Allen, Todd Seligman, and Steve Stern to talk about RAD!: HELLTRACK, the new comic book expansion of the beloved BMX cult classic RAD. And let's be real, this one is not just another nostalgia lap around the block. This is legacy on two wheels. This is a beloved underdog story finding a new lane. This is Helltrack coming back with dirt, heart, and comic book thunder. For fans who grew up with RAD, Cru Jones was never just a character. He was that kid with the dream, the guts, the bike, and the nerve to go after something bigger than what the world told him he was allowed to chase. Bill Allen's performance gave fans a hero who felt scrappy, sincere, and wildly determined. Decades later, that same spirit is finding new life through HELLTRACK, where Cru Jones steps into a mentor role and helps guide a new generation toward the legendary race that helped define him. That generational handoff is the magic here. HELLTRACK is not simply asking fans to remember the past. It is asking them to ride with it into the future. That is where Todd Seligman and Steve Stern come in, helping shape the project into a comic book experience that honors the original film while expanding the world for readers, collectors, BMX lifers, and newcomers who may be discovering RAD for the first time. During the conversation, the trio breaks down the emotional weight of returning to this universe, the challenge of bringing BMX motion to the comic page, and the importance of keeping the underdog heart of RAD alive. Because let's not play games, fam: translating a BMX race into sequential art is not easy. You need speed. You need danger. You need rhythm. You need that feeling of dirt flying into your teeth while your inner child yells, "Do the jump!" like they have zero concern for medical bills. HELLTRACK also arrives with the kind of fan-first energy that makes Kickstarter the perfect home for it. This is a project built for the people who remember the movie, quoted the movie, watched the movie until the tape begged for mercy, and still get that spark when they hear the name Cru Jones. It is also built for comic fans who love legacy storytelling, sports drama, high-action visuals, and projects with a real emotional engine under the hood. The big win is that RAD!: HELLTRACK feels like it understands why RAD mattered in the first place. It was never only about racing. It was about belief. It was about choosing your lane when everybody else wants to put a wall in front of you. It was about community, courage, and the wild power of being young enough to think the impossible is just another ramp. Now, 40 years later, that ramp is back. RAD!: HELLTRACK is currently live on Kickstarter, and fans can support the campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/helltrack/helltrack-a-rad-graphic-novel-on-the-40th-anniversary?ref=9x9anb So pull up, back the campaign, share it with the BMX crew, the comic crew, the 80s movie crew, and that one friend who still owns a vintage bike and says things like "they don't make pads like they used to." This is the kind of project that deserves noise, love, and a full-speed push across the finish line. RAD is back. HELLTRACK is waiting. The Crusade Never Ends. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34u7BgqfB_c Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Wepa, Crusaders! Today we are stepping into the frozen north, where the snow is deep, the shadows are long, and the old blood is waking with a serious attitude problem. Comic Crusaders Podcast welcomes Danish writer and storyteller Aksel Studsgarth to discuss his upcoming Titan Comics graphic novel, Alva in the Dark, a dark and myth-infused Scandi-noir horror story co-created with artist Daniel Hansen. This is not your cozy candle-lit witch tale, fam. This is folklore with ice in its veins, danger in the woods, and a young thief caught in the middle of ancient power, violent history, and people who absolutely refuse to let sleeping witches lie. Alva in the Dark follows Alva, a thief who has survived by staying unseen. That changes when her bloodline ties her to the Fell, a near-extinct witch-tribe whispered about in Scandinavian myth. After a break-in unlocks something that should have stayed buried, Alva and her friend Mini are thrown into a ruthless chase across winter-bound Scandinavia. Closing in behind them are the Craftsmen, a deadly force determined to claim the magic rising in Alva's blood. That premise alone hits like a snowstorm through a broken window, but the real magic of Alva in the Dark is how it blends genres without losing its soul. There is crime energy, horror energy, mythology, action, weird humor, and a deeply personal story about identity and belonging. Alva is not some polished chosen-one hero standing under a spotlight with a destiny speech in her pocket. She is messy, guarded, funny, scared, sharp, and constantly forced to decide whether to run from what she is or finally face it. Aksel Studsgarth's storytelling background makes this conversation especially exciting. His work blends crime, horror, and mythic imagination, and Alva in the Dark feels like a major creative statement: a graphic novel that uses Scandinavian folklore not as decoration, but as a living, breathing force. The world of the Fell, the Svartedal witches, the Aldinn, and the Craftsmen feels ancient but immediate, like history has been buried under the snow and is now clawing its way back up. Artist Daniel Hansen brings a brooding, cinematic visual language to the book, filling the pages with texture, mood, shadow, and stark atmosphere. The result is a graphic novel that looks cold enough to give your eyeballs frostbite, but moves with the urgency of a thriller. It is horror, yes, but it also has wit, personality, and that street-level character chemistry that keeps the story from becoming just another dark fantasy wall of fog and doom. During the interview, Al Mega and Aksel dig into the creation of Alva, the power of Scandinavian folklore, the emotional weight of hidden history, the balance between horror and humor, and what it means to launch the first graphic novel in a planned Scandi-noir horror trilogy. They also explore Aksel's creative journey, his collaboration with Daniel Hansen, and why mythology still speaks so loudly in modern storytelling. If you are a fan of European comics, supernatural thrillers, witchcraft, folk horror, dark fantasy, or stories about outsiders discovering that their past is way bigger and stranger than they ever imagined, Alva in the Dark deserves to be on your radar. Pull up, Crusaders. The north is calling, the witches are watching, and Comic Crusaders is bringing the heat to the cold. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX2-xg8q5_o Pre-Order Your Copy of Alva in the Dark at: https://amzn.to/4vZOt6g Follow Aksel on Instagram: @aksel_studsgarth Visit Titan Comics at: https://titan-comics.com/ Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Maddy Mania Hits the Comic Crusaders Podcast: Maddy Myer Celebrates Fandom, Pop Culture, and the Beautiful Madness of Loving What You Love WEPAAAAAAA, Crusaders! Pull up, lock in, and bring your fandom energy, because this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast is for everybody who has ever cared "too much" about a character, a song, a match, a movie, a comic, a Broadway number, a superhero trailer, a K-pop comeback, or a fictional relationship that absolutely had no business breaking your heart at 2:00 in the morning. Today, we welcome Maddy Myer, the creator, host, editor, and producer of Maddy Mania, a fan-first pop culture podcast built for the people who don't just watch entertainment they live inside it, breathe it, quote it, debate it, defend it, and occasionally spiral into a full thesis statement in the group chat. And honestly? That is the magic. Maddy Mania is not just another pop culture show trying to chase trends like a raccoon chasing a hot dog wrapper in Times Square. This podcast comes from a place of genuine love for fandom. It celebrates the emotional connection people build with the entertainment that shapes them. Whether the conversation is about WWE, Broadway, DC superheroes, the MCU, Ariana Grande, K-pop, movies, television, sports, or the next major cultural moment ready to shake the timeline, Maddy approaches it all with curiosity, humor, and respect for the fans who make these worlds matter. What makes this conversation hit differently is Maddy's background. As an entertainment publicist and journalist, she understands both sides of the pop culture machine. She knows the work that goes into shaping stories, building momentum, supporting talent, and connecting audiences to the moments they care about. But with Maddy Mania, she also steps fully into the fan-first seat, creating a space where passion does not need to be watered down, explained away, or apologized for. That right there is the sauce. During the episode, Maddy and I dig into the journey behind launching the podcast, including the bold daily episode rollout that kicked off the show on March 5. That was not a soft launch. That was a fandom cannonball into the pool. The first week spotlighted everything from wrestling and Broadway to superheroes, music, K-pop, and beyond, establishing right away that Maddy Mania is here to celebrate the full buffet of pop culture. The conversation also explores why fandom is more than casual entertainment. For many people, fandom is community. It is language. It is comfort. It is identity. It is the reason strangers become friends, timelines become neighborhoods, and fictional worlds become emotional landmarks. Yeah, some people say fans are dramatic. But let's be real, mi gente sports fans paint their chests in freezing weather and nobody calls that weird. Let a comic fan wear a cape once and suddenly everybody becomes a psychologist. Stop playing. Maddy's show pushes back against that tired idea that caring deeply is embarrassing. Instead, Maddy Mania embraces the people who feel everything at full volume. The fans who remember release dates like anniversaries. The fans who know every lyric, every storyline, every casting rumor, every entrance theme, every emotional betrayal, and every scene that changed their brain chemistry forever. This episode is funny, thoughtful, heartfelt, and full of the kind of energy that reminds us why pop culture matters. It is not "just entertainment." It is how people connect, dream, heal, laugh, argue, imagine, and find their people. So whether you are a wrestling fan, a Broadway kid, a comic book lifer, a Marvel/DC warrior, a music stan, a K-pop detective, a movie lover, a TV binger, or just someone who has ever yelled "WAIT, I HAVE THOUGHTS" during a trailer drop, this episode is calling your name. Check out Maddy Mania at maddymaniapodcast.com, follow the show, support Maddy's work, and keep celebrating the fandoms that make life louder, brighter, and way more fun. Because around here, being "too much" is NOT the problem. It is the superpower! The Crusade Never Ends. WEPAAAAAAA! YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2i5vVtjnw8 Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Comic Crusaders Podcast welcomes comic book creator Matt Stevens to discuss Panopticon, a mature sci-fi prison mystery set inside a timeless single-chamber prison where inmates never know when, or even if, they are being watched. Matt breaks down the oppressive psychology of the panopticon, the role of unreliable memory, the cost of loyalty, and how mystery shapes the structure of this ambitious graphic novel. The conversation also dives into the project's interactive elements, including a reader-created inmate/avatar system and companion game that allow fans to step deeper into the world of Panopticon. With Act One launching the story and future acts expanding the mystery, this is an indie comics project built for readers who love psychological sci-fi, layered worldbuilding, and bold experimentation. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ers5ZvdoUs Follow along on : panopticoncomic.com thedarkwebcomics.com thedigitalpools.com Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Tom Sniegoski & Jeannine Acheson Return to Comic Crusaders to Unleash Nothing Can Stop . . . The APE! WEPAAAAA! The Comic Crusaders Podcast is swinging into full cosmic chaos as Al Mega welcomes back the incredible creative duo of Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson to discuss their new Papercutz/Mad Cave Studios graphic novel, Nothing Can Stop . . . The APE! This bold, energetic, all-ages adventure follows 12-year-old Maxwell Morgan, a young hero suddenly thrown into a world-shaking conflict involving ancient gods, elemental warriors, dangerous choices, and one very loyal French bulldog. When Maxwell's mother becomes possessed by Thuuna, a primordial goddess obsessed with order and perfection, Maxwell may have to make the worst decision imaginable: freeing Ghraagg'Endah, the Gorilla God of Chaos. Yeah. That is not a bad day. That is a cosmic-level "somebody please call an adult" situation. Joined by artist Craig Rousseau, colorist Tom Gaadt, and letterer Taylor Esposito, Sniegoski and Acheson deliver a story packed with Saturday morning cartoon swagger, mythic stakes, big laughs, and heartfelt adventure. It is the kind of graphic novel that knows all-ages does not mean "small story." It means big imagination, clear emotion, wild action, and characters readers can cheer for from page one. On this episode, Al Mega dives into the making of the book, the creative partnership between Tom and Jeannine, the balance between chaos and order, writing young heroes with real agency, and how the team built a brand-new mythology that feels classic, fresh, funny, and wonderfully explosive. Tune in, share the episode, and get ready because once the Ape is loose… nothing can stop him. Pre-Order Nothing Can Stop… the Ape! – Vol. 1 in Shops 07/21/2026 Now: https://papercutz.com/product/nothing-can-stop-the-ape-vol-1/ Follow Tom on: FB: Thomas Sniegoski Instagram: tsniegoski Threads: tsniegoski Twitter: @TomSniegoski Bluesky: http://bluesky.com/@tomsnig.bsky.social Website: sniegoski.com Follow Jeannine on: FB: Jeannine Thomas (Jeannine Surette Acheson) Instagram: jsuretteacheson (Jeannine Thomas) Threads: Jeannine Thomas (jsuretteacheson) Bluesky: @jsuretteacheson.bsky.social Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Joshua Spiller is stepping into the comics spotlight with the kind of momentum every emerging creator dreams about but only earns through persistence, craft, and surviving the long haunted hallway of submissions, revisions, rejections, and creative self-belief. On this episode of Comic Crusaders, Al Mega welcomes comics writer Joshua Spiller to discuss a major breakthrough moment in his career: his first professional comics stories landing with BOOM! Studios, Oni Press/EC Comics, and Humanoids. For any writer fighting to move from "I'm working on something" to "my work is on shelves," Josh's journey is the kind of real-world creator story that hits with inspiration and honesty. Josh's story "Sweet Couple, Sick Society" appears in BOOM! Studios' Hello Darkness #21, a mystery and thriller-themed anthology issue featuring a lineup of sharp creative talent. His work also appears in EC – Cruel Universe 2 #11 from Oni Press, continuing the bold new era of EC Comics storytelling with sci-fi dread, cosmic horror, technological unease, and that classic EC reminder that humanity is often its own worst monster. The conversation dives into what it takes to write short comics that land fast and hit hard. Anthology storytelling is a unique beast. There is no room for wasted motion, no space for a slow warmup, and absolutely no mercy for flabby ideas. Every panel has to work. Every line has to carry weight. Every ending has to feel earned. Josh and Al discuss the craft behind that pressure, the joy of collaboration, the challenge of trusting artists and letterers, and how a writer learns to leave room for the visual magic that makes comics comics. They also talk about the larger comics industry, especially what it means for newer voices trying to break in today. From indie projects and UK comics roots to American publishers and upcoming work with Métal Hurlant through Humanoids, Josh represents a creator path built not on overnight success, but on endurance, curiosity, and the willingness to keep putting stories into the world until the right doors open. This is a conversation for writers, artists, comic fans, anthology lovers, horror readers, sci-fi freaks, and every creator sitting on a script wondering if the next submission could be the one. The answer is simple: keep going. The page only works if you show up. Listen to the full conversation with Joshua Spiller on Comic Crusaders and make sure to support Hello Darkness #21 from BOOM! Studios and EC – Cruel Universe 2 #11 from Oni Press/EC Comics. The next wave of comics voices is already here, and Josh Spiller is one to watch. Website: joshuaspiller.com X: @joshspiller Instagram: joshua_spiller Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share the Crusade! The Crusade Never Ends! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

WEPA! The Comic Crusaders Podcast is going back to school but this time, the field trip comes with half-baked superpowers, supernatural chaos, and one very serious reminder that extra credit should come with a liability waiver. On this episode, Al Mega sits down with Eisner, Ringo, and GLAAD-nominated colorist/writer Lee Loughridge and Brooklyn-raised illustrator/comic artist Marz Jr. to talk about their Comixology Originals series, The Adequates. The comic follows a group of awkward freshmen at Savannah High who gain unusual powers after a haunted field trip and soon find themselves caught between school bullies, social cliques, personal insecurities, and a demonic threat lurking much closer than expected. What makes The Adequates stand out is not just the supernatural hook—it is the emotional honesty underneath the chaos. These are not polished heroes with perfect costumes and billion-dollar headquarters. They are kids trying to survive high school, figure out who they are, and maybe save the day without completely embarrassing themselves in the process. That balance of comedy, horror, heart, and underdog superhero energy makes the series feel fresh, funny, and deeply relatable. During the interview, Lee and Marz discuss the origin of the series, the creative collaboration behind the book, the 90s flavor that shapes the world, the importance of flawed powers, the role of school cliques, and why awkward characters often become the most memorable heroes. They also dig into how comedy and horror share timing, how digital comics allow room for experimentation, and what readers can expect as The Adequates continues to unfold. If you love misfit teams, supernatural school stories, offbeat superhero concepts, 90s nostalgia, and comics that lead with personality, The Adequates deserves a spot on your reading list. Watch/listen to the full interview with Lee Loughridge and Marz Jr. on the Comic Crusaders Podcast, then go read The Adequates and support the creators bringing this wonderfully weird world to life. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZxNoT4Iv-A The Crusade Never Ends! Read The Adequates on Comixology/Amazon: https://amzn.to/49RT55S and check out Comic Crusaders' coverage and review. Follow Lee on Instagram at @leeloughridge Follow Marz on Instagram at @marzjr Visit Comixolgy at https://amzn.to/3PQGYzi Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share the Crusade! The Crusade Never Ends! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Greg Broadmore returns to the Comic Crusaders Podcast for a deep dive into One Path Book Two: The White King, the next brutal and breathtaking chapter in the prehistoric survival epic published by Mad Cave Studios. This new volume pushes One Path deeper into a savage world where survival is law, mercy can be fatal, and hope is hunted across forests, valleys, mountains, and myth. Fleeing her tribe with a child they have condemned as cursed, One Path races toward the Towers, a mysterious destination rumored to hold life-giving treacle that may save the infant. At her side is a fierce young Runtling, and behind her is Una, her own sister, leading a relentless war-band bound by brutal tradition. But the chase becomes even more dangerous when an ancient albino T-rex known as the White King awakens. Drawn to the child's power, the White King cuts a path of ruin across the land, turning One Path's desperate escape into a mythic battle for survival. In this episode, Al Mega talks with Greg Broadmore about the evolution of One Path, the emotional and moral weight behind the story, the creation of the White King, the challenge of building a world that feels both primal and deeply sophisticated, and the years of craft required to bring this savage odyssey to life. For readers who love high-stakes graphic novels, dinosaur-driven danger, mature storytelling, and comics that refuse to play it safe, One Path Book Two: The White King is a must-watch conversation and a must-read book. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26iz8ZTw_gE Follow Greg on Social: @greg_broadmore Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega Want to create amazing live streams like ours? Then look no further than StreamYard! The BEST and EASIEST to use Streaming Solution on Earth! Check it out at: : https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6492786798886912

On this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega welcomes National Emmy-winning investigative reporter Chris Papst of Fox45 and Project Baltimore to discuss his explosive book, Failure Factory: How Baltimore City Public Schools Deprive Taxpayers and Students of a Future. After years of investigating Baltimore City Public Schools, Papst digs into one of the most disturbing education stories in America: a system with a massive budget, devastating academic outcomes, and serious questions about data, accountability, school safety, grading practices, and where the money actually goes. This conversation goes beyond Baltimore. It is a warning for parents, taxpayers, teachers, and communities across the country. How do school systems hide failure? What should parents look for? What questions should taxpayers ask? And what happens when bureaucracy becomes more important than students? Grab the book, follow the work, and get ready for a conversation that pulls no punches. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDS9ICLH0s8 www.chrispapst.com X: https://x.com/chrispapst FB: https://www.facebook.com/chris.papst.7 Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega Want to create amazing live streams like ours? Then look no further than StreamYard! The BEST and EASIEST to use Streaming Solution on Earth! Check it out at: : https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6492786798886912

WEPAAAAAA! On this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega welcomes HUGO award-nominated cartoonist Taki Soma and writer Mark Schey to talk about their original graphic novel, Parapsychologist. This supernatural comedy, family drama, and mystery follows Dr. Ron Richards, a therapist whose patients just happen to be paranormal beings with very human problems. From poltergeists with agoraphobia to werewolves struggling with toxic masculinity, Parapsychologist uses monsters, humor, and heart to explore mental health, loneliness, trauma, family, and healing. We dig into the creative journey behind the book, Taki and Mark's collaboration, the balance between comedy and emotional truth, working with artist Cat Farris, and why comics are the perfect medium for a story this weird, funny, and deeply relatable. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzQFVJKqS7Q Support the creative team and check out Parapsychologist from Comixology Originals. Subscribe to Comic Crusaders for more creator interviews, comic book news, reviews, crowdfunding spotlights, and pop culture conversations. The Crusade Never Ends! Get your copy at : https://amzn.to/4umivQe Follow Taki on Instagram at @takisoma Follow Mark on Instagram at @marks22 Visit Comixology at https://amzn.to/43plmNv Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega Want to create amazing live streams like ours? Then look no further than StreamYard! The BEST and EASIEST to use Streaming Solution on Earth! Check it out at: : https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6492786798886912

WEPA! On this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega welcomes back indie comics creator Jorge Medina to talk about his latest Kickstarter campaign, The Shameless Plug is back! This full-color graphic novel follows Joaquin, a young boy trying to fit into a new world, and Pana, The Shameless Plug, the wildly imaginative hero who helps him find courage, confidence, and the power to be himself. Al and Jorge dive into the creative journey behind the project, the evolution from first chapter to full graphic novel, the emotional heart behind the comedy, the madness of crowdfunding, and why indie comics continue to be one of the most exciting spaces in storytelling today. YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vndVySL_Rec Back the Kickstarter and support indie comics! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wonder-duck/the-shameless-plug-is-back Website: www.getyourmedz.com Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share! The Crusade Never Ends! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Host: Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: / comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Main Site: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega #KickstarterComics #ComicCrusaders #IndieComics