AWESTRUCK NEWS-DAY & ROB’S HAUL: E143 MARVEL’S NEW UNIVERSE? /IMAGE’S HAMMERFIST/KINGDOM ZOD/MOTU

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On May 12, 2026
2026, awestruck comics podcast, marc the merc

Awestruck Comics Podcast E143 – AWESTRUCK NEWS-DAY & ROB’S HAUL

Another banger episode for Marc The Merc and Rob’s for packed episode of the Awestruck Comics Podcast! This one is loaded with hot takes: Marvel’s rumored new “Midnight Suns”-style universe (vampire Storm, Hickman’s Midnight X-Men, and why it feels off), Image’s Hammerfist announcement and the art switch disappointment, Kingdom Zod hitting Superman books, MOTU fatigue, Rob’s foil-heavy comic haul, J. Scott Campbell covers, customer education at the shop, Dan Mora’s Superman, Death Vigil, and plenty of tangents.

If you love unfiltered comic talk, industry skepticism, haul reveals, and creator retrospectives, this episode delivers.

[00:00:00]
The podcast opens with a casual introduction referencing a recurring segment focused on Transformers, setting a lighthearted tone. The hosts prepare to discuss various topics including industry news, comic hauls, and personal anecdotes. This establishes a conversational and informal framework for the show.

[00:00:32]
Rob shares a story involving a comic book store visit by his daughter’s friend. The girl purchased multiple copies of Amazing Spider-Man #28 (three times), along with other Spider-Man titles, all featuring J. Scott Campbell covers. Rob notices the redundancy and takes an educational approach to explain the differences between titles and issues to the young buyer, emphasizing the importance of understanding comic variations before purchase. This segment highlights a common retail challenge: educating new or young customers about comic series complexity to avoid unnecessary spending and confusion.

Key points:
The girl bought three copies of the same Spider-Man issue (#28) across different titles.
Rob explains there are multiple Spider-Man titles with different numbers and storylines.
The girl appreciates J. Scott Campbell’s art style, showing early brand/art recognition.
Importance of retailers guiding newcomers to foster informed and lasting customers.

[00:02:46]
Discussion continues about the necessity of guiding new comic readers, especially those unfamiliar with variant covers or multiple series. The hosts suggest that stores should provide context, especially for landmark story arcs such as Death Spiral part 9, Maximum Carnage, or Maximum Clonage, which are more engaging entry points for newcomers.

Suggestions for better customer experience:
Introduce special or key story arcs instead of redundant copies.
Use variant covers as a teaching tool, explaining their purpose and rarity.
Focus on building long-term customers by curating recommendations.

[00:04:34]
The conversation shifts to Marvel Comics Presents a new universe initiative, tentatively called Midnight Suns or similar, with skepticism about its direction and execution.

Key observations:
The new Marvel initiative involves three creative teams and titles, including Midnight X-Men by John Hickman and Matteo Delonte.
Storm is portrayed as a vampire, raising questions about continuity within the Marvel Universe.
The hosts express doubt about the cohesiveness and appeal of the new line, suggesting it lacks innovation or strong narrative hooks.
Hickman’s prior works, such as the Wolverine miniseries and the out-of-continuity Spider-Man story, are criticized for lack of clarity and constraints imposed by Marvel editorial.
The team feels Marvel is “darkening” existing characters without strong justification or fanfare, exemplified by a vampire Storm and Spider-Man in a “hidden corner” of the universe.
Creative and editorial concerns:
Marvel’s restrictive editorial decisions potentially stifle creative freedom, especially for out-of-continuity stories.
The overlap or cancellation of Hulk titles (current book, Infernal, one-shots) indicates instability in their publishing strategy.
Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Invincible Hulk is praised for its distinct tone and setting, suggesting Hulk works best as a lone, desert-walking antihero.

[00:11:03]
The hosts express reservations about Marvel’s Hammerfist series, initially expected to feature artist Dan Panosian, but instead showcasing Steve Epting’s art. This results in disappointment as the tone and style feel less fitting for the concept.

Artistic observations:
Epting’s art is described as “normal” and less fantastical, with muted colors reminiscent of John Way’s wash style.
The series is perceived as a “bad idea book”, lacking the expected iconic imagery like Hammerfist’s signature weapon.
There’s hope the series will improve or reveal more exciting elements as it progresses.

[00:13:24]
Attention turns to The Mandalorian comics, noting that Disney-licensed stories from other companies (e.g., Dark Horse) tend to be stronger than Disney’s in-house productions. The art by Ariana Florian is praised for its quality and appeal, although the comics may be short-format manga-style volumes.

[00:14:17]
Showcase of sketches from a Batman-related project, highlighting a style that blends influences from Darwyn Cooke, Bruce Timm, Frank Miller, and Warren Johnson. The art is lauded for capturing the animated Batman aesthetic, and there is curiosity about the extent of character designs included.

[00:16:36]
Discussion about upcoming Hulk and Spider-Man collaborations, including one by Kevin Smith paired with an artist from The Tonight Show. The hosts remain cautiously optimistic about Smith’s writing improvement but are uncertain about the overall execution.

[00:17:34]
Brief mention of Superman casting news, specifically Matthew Lillard joining Superman: Man of Tomorrow. Lillard is praised for his affability and professionalism. The hosts note his recent successful projects, including Five Nights at Freddy’s movies and a stint on Daredevil. The segment also touches on James Gunn’s recent comments about canceling The Authority series, expressing skepticism about the project’s timing and relevance.

[00:21:11]
The hosts express fatigue with the ongoing “Reign of the Super Boys” crossover event in Superman comics, noting they have only kept up with Superman itself. The crossover’s complexity and length reduce engagement, underscoring the challenges of crossover fatigue in comics.

[00:21:58]
A look back at Death Vigil (2014) by Stephen Steed, acknowledging its success in a niche adult comic market (BDSM, swinger themes). The hosts note that such niche genres often find better audiences outside traditional comic shops and emphasize the importance of targeting the right subcultures for commercial success.

[00:24:03]
The conversation shifts to Ultimate Hulk Annual and the changes in the Ultimate Universe lineup, highlighting artist changes and editorial shifts that have impacted continuity and fan reception.

[00:24:31]
Discussion on a Mary Jane 60th anniversary special, with speculation about its timing and purpose. The hosts note some confusion about character relationships and editorial control but acknowledge the ongoing marketing efforts to promote legacy characters.

[00:26:12]
The hosts discuss Mad Cave Publishing’s graphic biographies of comics pioneers, specifically focusing on Ruth Roche, a female co-creator of Phantom Lady and a significant early female comics writer in the 1940s. They reflect on the challenges she faced as a woman and possibly LGBTQ+ individual working in a male-dominated industry, highlighting the importance of recognizing early diversity in comics history.

[00:28:25]
They share nostalgic commentary on the Mortal Kombat 2 movie, noting its improved reception and better storytelling compared to the first film. The hosts compare characters like Johnny Cage to Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China and discuss the casting of Carl Urban, including his accent choices and prior roles.

[00:31:42]
A brief retrospective on local Philadelphia TV channels and their history with shows like Young Hercules and Star Trek Voyager provides cultural context to the hosts’ backgrounds and influences.

[00:32:34]
Returning to the Midnight Suns discussion, the hosts reveal doubts about the concept of “hidden corners” of the Marvel universe and the difficulty in sustaining interest in niche titles like Nova, She-Hulk, or Imperial Guardians. They critique Marvel’s strategy of launching new lines without strong fan bases or clear direction.

[00:36:43]
Revisiting J. Scott Campbell’s Spider-Man covers, the hosts underscore Campbell’s consistent appeal and brand strength. They contrast with other artists like Adam Hughes, noting Campbell’s enduring popularity.

[00:38:28]
Discussion of Drawn Blood, a comic series mixing fictional autobiography with wild storytelling, highlighting its unique narrative style and artistic influences. The hosts joke about the life events of the main character and the meta nature of the comic.

[00:39:20]
The hosts highlight a cover by Nick Klein for Infernal Hulk, praising its striking visuals. They also discuss a censored She-Hulk poster by Joe Jusko, noting humorous reasons for the censorship and the 1990s aesthetic style of the characters’ hair.

[00:41:05]
Introduction of Rocketeer whiskey, noting the product’s branding and design. The hosts briefly comment on licensing trademarks related to the Rocketeer franchise.

[00:41:34]
The Killing Joke camera edition is featured as a bizarre, high-priced collectible ($1,712), with skepticism about its market and purpose. The hosts lament the lack of clear information on proceeds or charitable benefits.

[00:42:23]
Updates on the Darth Maul animated series (four episodes available) are provided, with mixed reactions to casting and public controversies surrounding Ray Park.

[00:43:19]
Mention of Robert Kirkman’s involvement in comics, noting his transition from artist to writer, and a humorous comparison of different art styles across titles.

[00:43:47]
Discussion about Marshall Sylvester’s work on Young Blood, reflecting on his reconciliation with Rob Liefeld and the significance of Sylvester drawing superheroes outside his typical darkness-themed works.

[00:46:25]
Tom McFarland’s Golden Age Action Comics Superman first appearance cover is praised, with hopes for more diverse licensed content. The hosts note minor inconsistencies in coloring and variant covers.

[00:46:54]
The recent Hellboy McFarland issue is discussed, noting its high retail price online ($40 to $80) and uncertain availability.

[00:47:48]
Praise for Dan Mora’s art on Superman comics, especially for elevating the book’s quality. The hosts appreciate the meta aspects involving Superboy Prime and the Kents, highlighting effective character dynamics.

[00:48:12]
A nostalgic look at Midtown Comics is offered, noting changes in store demographics over decades, including the emergence of more female comic readers.

[00:50:05]
Reflection on Jason Todd’s early portrayal in Detective Comics, noting how his character evolved from a relatively uncontroversial Robin to a more complex antihero over time. The hosts discuss various creative approaches to Jason Todd, including Alan Moore’s writing and the character’s absence in some adaptations.

[00:51:27]
Thumbnail sketches from Young Blood and other related titles are showcased, emphasizing the artistic process and character development across different issues and creators.

[00:52:26]
The hosts highlight early Thor designs by Brian Biffold, noting the interesting fact that DC published a Thor comic before Marvel did, illustrating the complex history of superhero IPs.

[00:53:47]
More Young Blood concept art is displayed, including character designs and story layouts, emphasizing the collaborative nature of comic creation.

[00:54:22]
The hosts discuss plans to revisit complete runs of certain comics, such as Brigade, while avoiding others like Terrific Comics due to their poor impact on the brand and industry reputation.

[00:55:14]
They delve into the failures of Terrific Comics, detailing the publisher’s mismanagement, non-payment of creators, and unsuccessful attempts to revive multiple licensed properties simultaneously. The hosts mention specific creators affected and the broader impact on their careers.

[00:58:30]
Skepticism about upcoming He-Man and Mandalorian projects is expressed, with uncertainty about their ability to generate enthusiasm amid overall market fatigue and pandemic-related disruptions.

[00:59:25]
The hosts critique sanitized biopics such as recent Michael Jackson and Freddy Mercury movies, highlighting their lack of conflict and emotional depth, favoring instead more unconventional and candid portrayals like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.

[01:01:33]
Rob presents his comic haul, featuring notable foil covers including:

Comic/Item	Details	Notes
Absolute Superman #1	Jim Lee foil, first print	Expensive, collectible
Detective Comics reprint	McFarland foil cover	High quality
Deadpool Team Up #1	Foil cover	From Mexico
Spider-Man #13 (Spanish)	Foil cover	Spanish language
Rise Above It All	Recolored foil cover	Background recolored

Additionally, he discusses:

Using Mylar and clear backings for preservation.
A Golden Age Superman box holder from 2017 Loot Crate, now well suited for Mylar-protected comics.
Other acquisitions include Matt Kent and Ronville Lobos comics (#3 & #4), Entity 1/2 with exclusive Nero and Matt Martin stories, and physical or digital copies of Zen-related titles like Near X and Usagi Yojimbo (noting out-of-order collections).
Upcoming Head Lopper foil remarks limited to 500 copies with hand-drawn art by Andrew McLean.
Commentary on the Star Wars manga adaptations, praising Adam Warren’s cover art on collections despite inconsistent series production.

[01:09:37]
The hosts reflect on artist Rick Mays, his work on Nomad (including a notable crossdressing issue), and his replacement of Adam Hughes on Savage Dragon Annual. They highlight Larson’s accommodating yet firm editorial approach, especially regarding mature content in comics like Sex and Violence.

[01:11:16]
The episode closes with the hosts wrapping up the news segment, noting ongoing industry developments, creator interviews, and plans for future content. The casual tone remains consistent, maintaining engagement with their audience.

Key Insights and Themes:

Customer education is vital in comics retail to prevent duplicate purchases and build knowledgeable fans.
Marvel’s recent Midnight universe initiative faces skepticism due to perceived lack of originality and editorial constraints.
The Hulk character thrives best in isolation and unique settings, with Invincible Hulk receiving positive recognition.
Artist and creative team changes impact fan reception and continuity, exemplified by Hammerfist, Ultimate Hulk, and others.
Niche markets (e.g., BDSM-themed comics) require targeted marketing beyond traditional comic shops.
Nostalgia and creator retrospectives remain popular, with deep dives into past comic runs, art processes, and industry history.
The comic collecting community values foil covers, preservation methods, and limited editions highly.
The hosts demonstrate a strong connection to both mainstream superhero culture and independent/alternative comics, offering a broad perspective on industry trends.

This episodes transcript

00:00:00
Megatrons Megatron tail across the galaxy. We’ll do Spock. We’ll do Spock. Whoa. Everybody, it’s all truckings podcast. We always start with the show or at some part of the show we typically do some type of uh Transformers the movie recital. You know, we just cannot stop it. >> It’s just what happens. Just what happens. But we’re going to hook it up. We got some news news some things. Rob’s got a mini haul, you know. >> Mhm. >> Uh right now. You got beef.

00:00:32

I got beef. Oh man, it’s a good show. >> Season three. Season three. You’re season three. >> Let’s Let’s get it on. Well, it’s definitely be season three. It’s definitely a third thing. It’s a third eye blind beef. >> Third eye blind. >> Yeah. I’ll start off the show with it. >> Here’s what it is. >> My daughter’s best friend goes down to visit her dad in Maryland. She’s cool. She’s I’ve taken her to see Spider-Man

00:00:55
movies. Cool. Cool little girl. She goes to Thirdey Blind Comics and Laya’s my daughter’s like, “Hey, Rob.” Riley wants to show you what she got. And she says, “Oh, cool. Here’s a here’s an Amazing Spider-Man 28 Campbell cover. Cool. Here’s another book. It’s like sensational Spider-Man. They just like she gets like a Spider Girl, Sensational Spider-Man, Spider-Man. >> Another Amazing Spider-Man. A third Amazing Spider-Man. All three Amazing Spider-Man were 28.

00:01:22
You see a girl in your store, like how about you have a little conversation with her? Say, “Hey, what do you want? What do you really like about Spider-Man? Do you like Spiderverse? Do you want SpiderGwen? >> You know, hey, you’re buying the same comic three times, >> right? You just wasting 66% of her money like on the same item. >> I felt bad for her. I’m like, “They’re the same comic.” So, I had to explain to her and I and so I’m talk teaching her.

00:01:43
I’m like, “Listen, you know, these are these are the numbers. These are different titles. It’s not all one Spider-Man book. There’s 10 of them.” So, like, and Third Eye Blind, I respect those guys. I like them. They’re >> what? >> You keep saying Thy Blind like the like the >> Third Eye Blind. I’m gonna say like the band. You know what? The hell of that band. >> Yeah. >> No, Third Eye comics. Um, thanks for pointing that out. Thanks for

00:02:04
embarrassing me, Mark. >> Sorry. I’ll dump it over. >> Yeah, I just wasn’t happy. I And I feel bad for the girl cuz what are these comics? Four or$5 dollars? I mean, I’m going to give her I always give her like free comic book day stuff. Like I I I hook all my daughter’s friends up with whatever they seem to be interested in. So, I explained her and she did notice like that the Venom cover and the Amazing Spider-Man cover look similar. I’m like, “Well, yeah, that’s right.”

00:02:26
Because they’re both J. Scott Campbell and this other cover you have is also J Scott Campbell. She has like four different Jay Scott Campbell covers and she’s like, “I like his style.” I was like, “That’s interesting. You’ve already discovered that you like something.” >> Right. Right. Right. Yeah. >> But yeah, a little disappointed them for like brand new customer. Just lead them a little bit, you know? Don’t let them buy. >> Make sure they’re buying different

00:02:46
stuff. Yeah. Make sure they’re buying different stuff. You know what I mean? Unless there’s a reasoning behind that. Like if you’re buying a number one and then you have different versions. You explain their different versions but still the same issue. That’s different to buy multiples. I get that. But just like a number 28. >> Yeah. And and maybe here’s a good point. Here’s a good starting point. Start right here. >> You give her Death Spiral part 9. That’s

00:03:07
what they did. They gave her death spiral part 9. >> Yes. There is death throws. There is death spiral part 9. >> Good job. >> Uh it was Amazing Spider-Man 28. It was three copies of Amazing Spider-Man 28. But you would figure that they have I mean if you I mean listen there’s nothing wrong with doing the death spiral but like do give her give her the special give her the Mcenna special right they probably don’t have it you know what I mean but like that’s what I mean is like you give for part one like

00:03:28
like what if you got like maximum clonage part one or maximum carnage like you know what I mean like >> that’s fun stuff that’s the equation of this that was the that was the goal of that run >> that’s like give it Yeah maximum clonage omega here’s a maximum clonage omega >> yeah give >> that doesn’t help give us max give us maximum clonage about that. That’s a cool chromium cover. That’s kind of something fun to have. >> Yeah. >> And I think Robert Brown drew part of

00:03:50
it. So it looks even has some cool looking art in it. >> The second one. Yeah. So I don’t know. >> So >> I don’t know. So anyway, you know, and and maybe the store was busy, >> you know, maybe the store was busy. Maybe they just weren’t paying attention. But like every customer, >> you know, every person could walk in that store, get garbage, and leave. Or you could give them the right stuff, and you might have a customer for life. She goes down and lives with her dad a month

00:04:12
every summer. She wants to buy comics. I’m trying to point her out now where to go to. You know, I’ll probably take her to my Glasbro store because that’s closest, >> right? >> But she also lives in Turnersville, but I still rather take her to Glassboro than right up the street to Bill. So, all the teaser Marvel Comics presents a terrifying new universe. >> Now, somebody put in the chat, I think it was I think it was Milligan, Brian, I think he put in like, “Don’t mention new

00:04:34
universe.” So, press release comes out today. I’m looking at it on ICV2. Well, you know, it’s funny because it says Marvel Comic Presents. Cool. That’s cool. We love Marvel Comic Presents. >> New Universe. Nobody loves it. Midnight. Cool. Midnight Suns. You know, maybe it’s an R-rated take. Red Red Band. Midnight Suns. You know, it’s it’s not worth the the teams you have on it, but you know, we’ll we’ll step back. But what is it, Mark? Is it Midnight Suns?

00:05:03

No. I mean, it’s so I don’t know if you’re if you say like I get I don’t know. I don’t know what I wanted. I don’t know what I wanted, but to me, I feel that like the Hickman stuff that he’s done so far, the Wolverine miniseries didn’t make any sense. Apparently, the Pet the Spider-Man one coming out is out of continuity still. And then he said yesterday in some interview how this is Hickman, he talked about, “Oh, I wanted to go further in that and that wasn’t allowed.” So, cool.

00:05:26
So, now you’re telling me that you pitched some stuff of an out of continuity Spider-Man story and then Marvel said, “No, that’s okay. Pull that back.” >> Cool. Don’t tell me that. Just don’t even tell me. can’t do more in an out of continuity story. The whole point of out of out of continuity what if you know is anybody holding back Snider? >> No. >> That’s you know what I mean? Exactly. What if he is though? >> Yeah. Make sure >> what has

00:05:50
Yeah. What if what if that is not getting away with right now >> in in p issue one like almost page one? You know what I mean? Like it’s like there’s there’s a lot. But I mean here’s the thing is that they they this is the same. Now, I listen, they got to give Philip Kenny Johnson something, right? So, here’s a Midnight X-Men. Let me let me get to the teams. Where’s the teams? Where’s the teams? I I just don’t know. Three creative teams. Uh, three initial titles.

00:06:15
Midnight X-Men. >> All right, pause for a second. Midnight X-Men by who? >> By John Hickman. Matteo Delonte. You know, Matteo, you know. Uh, >> so John Hickman. So, so you got to pay the a right the A-listister. So, you may not recognize the artist. >> Now, Storm is a Storm is a >> a Dracula. She’s a vampire. >> Yeah. >> Was is that like the Was there what if what if Storm was like >> remained a vampire? >> Wasn’t I don’t know. I mean, is is still

00:06:48
a vampire? >> Mutant X. Mutant X. She was a vampire. >> Right. Right. Right. Yeah. Right. There’s nothing new. There’s nothing new, man. This is not good. This isn’t good. So it’s just it’s just flat, you know. Kev Walker is B plus >> and that’s like four versus Kev Walker. >> Yeah, but now we lose him as the B artist on Hulk >> or is the artist on Hulk. >> Well, if you got Adam Gorum as a B artist on Hulk, so that’s he’s more I I

00:07:13
feel like Kev Walker should do Hulk uh talking heads five pages in issue. So Nick Klein can draw 10 pages of crazy Hulk [ ] and then maybe Adam Warren draws like middle [ ] you know? Like I feel like that that they can’t. It’s impossible to get Hulk out on time with with Nick Klein’s art. I understand. I get it. It’s fine. >> Yes, I understand. >> We we get it. No, we see it. It’s holy crap. >> But they also they have to they have some type of like Hulk lean where they

00:07:42
they have they want to do like a Hulk year. So that So they’ve already they’re already canceling the current Hulk book to do Infernal. Well, they already did it. They can’t to cancel to Infernal to a bunch of one shots. So they’re canceling Infernal also. And then they have one after Infernal. Cool. which will get cancelled or they’ll just keep changing the name. So, I just don’t I just don’t know. >> And the Eternal >> Hulk like >> I do like Listen, I do like the the

00:08:07

Invincible Hulk. Oh, they should do the Invisible Hulk. >> Yeah, I do like the Hulk. Like, but see, like I like Hulk that it’s like it’s like Hellboy. It’s like he’s in his own like separate little universe. So, like what are they what are they going to do? I feel like that’s when Hulk’s the best. Sulk’s the best when he’s when he’s out in the middle of nowhere and then people kind of like when he’s in the desert walking and stuff like just just bring

00:08:27
just do that. >> No, cuz we grew up on his TV show which is just hitchhiking through towns, you know, a little we’ve gotten Elanor’s Gothic, you know, uh in the past couple years, his swamp thing kind of we kind of got that feeling for Hulk. Then we take him to the desert where the Hulk was had his origin, you know, there’s demons. It’s interesting. Um, Philip Kenny Johnson is doing a good job. >> Yeah, I >> like Marvel, let’s not let’s not mess with it. Don’t mess with it. Let’s not

00:08:54
have a second book to take away some of the spotlight. Oh, too late. >> I haven’t read that other book. Have you? >> No. Well, what I Here’s the thing. They have I I almost feel like Yeah, the Hulk smash everything. You mean that that was the Ryan North? It’s supposed to be just fine. It’s that’s that’s fodder because you’re not you have to put out a book for the end caps at Barnes & Noble, right? Like that’s not it’s supposed to be fine stories, but

00:09:21

I don’t believe that anymore. >> Everyone comes up with um with the Kevin coming up. >> The end caps at Barnes & Noble are now manga. >> Well, >> there’s no Marvel caps anymore. >> Well, if they pay for it, but they have that product. If someone says, “I want more Hulk stuff.” You want to have fresh product there. get that, you know, or you do it a year late like you did with the Century miniseries that’s really good that’s coming out right now. Should

00:09:42
have been out before with Thunderbolts. Way to go. Or you make a Wonderman series after Wonderman is done. >> We’ll do. >> We’ll do, Spock. Um I don’t know. I don’t need these to be, you know, A-list titles, you know, like I don’t need these to be you’re you’re taking like X-Men’s not good. So you’re going to have like a different X-Men. Is this going to be like what is this Fantastic 4? So, is this going to be in conjunction with >> it’s all what

00:10:10

for is this all the same universe or is it three different universe? I hope it’s all the same universe. >> It’s all the same universe, but it they’re not saying >> if continuity really I don’t think it is. >> Storm’s a vampire. How could she be in continuity? >> The horror, you know, Marvel the Marvel can have a horror verse. They had a zombie verse. >> Midnight Spider-Man. Who’s that artist? I don’t know him at all. >> No, it’s not. That’s who knows. someone

00:10:35
they found on >> squat trunk sky trunk >> squ What’s what’s the EC squant >> so I just I just don’t I don’t know I don’t know we’ll see we’ll see some >> Hey you know what Mark there’s been times where we’re like what the hell is this garbage then we read it we’re like yeah that was awesome good job >> they’re just not good at promoting what they do have so >> no hammerfist we talked about this a little bit last week um

00:11:03
but we’re a little where both of us are kind of weirded out by it because we kind of thought it was going to be like this seems like all the the original art that they put out was all the Ponosian art. >> Yes. >> It seemed like that’s what they were doing >> and then it comes out that it’s you know and I like Steve Epting a lot but I really feel like they should have had that his art for a while >> I first was a little let down that it wasn’t a Dan Ponian full-on project. I

00:11:26
like Remeder. I like everything but this would have been an awesome Ponian book. I mean it’s right up his alley. There’s a look like a beatd down dude, you know, like a, >> you know, it’s like a slot style dude, superhero, you know. >> Yeah. I don’t know what I’m looking at here. This is the This is the normal Epting stuff. That’s >> you know, I mean, it listen, it is well, not exactly a C. They both did Captain America’s at different at different times, right? Because he was the

00:11:49
Brewbaker artist. >> Yes. >> And then but remember did I think a really good run with JRJR and Pacho, Carl Pacho after that. I like that run a lot. No one likes that run. Um, that’s with like future future cap Nomad, you know, bastard child of the future. Way to go. But this looks fine. It it kind of doesn’t look like it doesn’t look like everything. Like when I looked at this, I’m like, this doesn’t look fantastical. This looks like either like stray bulls. It looks like a bad idea

00:12:15
book, right? This doesn’t look like an image book. Like the coloring is a little bit more washed out, which is kind of like the John Way shack when he does the like the wash colors. So, I kind of feel like this looks like a bad idea story almost. It’s like, you know, like it and and I don’t you know what I don’t see yet? I don’t see any fantastic element. I don’t see his red hand. >> You don’t see his hammer fist. >> Where’s the hammer fist? Where’s that

00:12:36

El hammerfist? >> And maybe we’ll get to it, but like this this just was a very strong image to >> You think it’ll be the last page where he hammers up? >> Maybe. >> Say hammer time or hammer time. >> Pena. This is There’s uh that’s Nickline there. There we go. Nickline. Nickine, everybody. Um I did like that in the logo. I think that looks great. It heats up, you know. >> Yeah, maybe. I don’t know. Again, we don’t really know anything about it.

00:12:59

Oh, it does lava. >> So, >> it’s lava. >> Yeah. I mean, >> it’s time we make love. Hot lava. >> I hope it’s going to work. I I want it. You know what I mean? Um, >> we’re going to read it. >> Yeah. The Mandalorian Grou headed to paper cuts. I find it really fascinating that every Disney story that’s worth reading is by other companies. Like I think I’ve told you if you’ve read any of the the Young Adventures or the the

00:13:24
um what is it called? Tales of Vader’s Castle, they’re always good. They’re like any of the Dark Horse or who who was doing that. Onie, I forget who was doing that. Like whoever was doing that, whoever they licensed that to that was all good. Um, that’s very good. The only thing the thing that made me happy about this, even though it is coming out like a month after the movie is that it has it has this is the artist who’s drawing it, Ariana Florian, which looks pretty good. And it’s a shame they didn’t do,

00:13:53

you know, that that’s >> that’s good. It’s cute. >> Yeah, that’s a Ricardo Rosanna’s cover. So, I mean, these are just going to be one like an 80 page like the little manga, you know what I mean? But here’s a Juni Ba >> giant Juni Ba fan. But that’s a perfect I would love to see that. >> I would love >> I hope that scene is in the movie. I want that scene in the movie. >> It’s possible, you know, we’ll see. But this is uh again, I I went online. I

00:14:17
don’t know if this is in I have to look to see if this is in the Boy Wonder like Elseorlds they did a couple years ago. um which kind of went through Damian going through and and meeting all the other Robins. But here’s a bunch of his uh sketches. This is You could easily make this a cartoon Batman. That’s >> the freaking Batman. I’ll take that. >> Well, what’s so crazy? It’s like it’s like Darwin Cook. It’s uh you know, Bruce Tim and um you know, like that’s

00:14:44
like a Frank Miller. >> It’s the modern Yeah, it’s it’s the right but it’s also the uh >> the Warren Johnson uh meets animated. This was such a good book. That was such a that that book I really enjoyed. That’s just a >> quick one. Yeah, there was some >> That’s cool. >> This was in Yeah, these are just unlettered pages. Great. Here we go. Boom. So, is he just going to draw every character for this? This is the uh Shadow Hall. >> That is

00:15:12

Image Founder series, >> which is cool. Tom McFarland’s going to do a toy of all the Image Founders. That is a pinup, I thought. Right. I thought it was a pinup. Or is that from a different angle? >> I don’t know. >> There’s a Valentino drew a pinup that I think McFarland inked in one of the early Shadow Hawks. >> Uh maybe that’s >> so uh I don’t I don’t know if that’s it. Yeah, I didn’t I didn’t know otherwise I would have looked it up. I I believe I

00:15:38
do have a stapler. Yeah, my stapler. So yeah, I’ll That’s cool. Yeah, I mean it looks good. I mean I don’t know. I’m not sure. And I guess it comes with Is that It says Shadow Hall Gallery. Or is that going to be the Shadow Hall Gallery with the text textier and Malcolm Jones and Kevin Sam Keith and stuff which are from Shadow Hall cards? >> Yeah, >> I don’t know. I don’t know. It looks okay. I I really feel like something should be done here though, right? Like

00:16:08
it just it’s such a flat chest. There’s no logo. >> It’s a little Yeah, the costume it’s like it’s body armor. So you could have made it look like more peckish, you know? I’m a wee bit peckish. Yeah, I don’t I don’t know. Got the pouches. I don’t remember the pouches being brown. I guess that’s right. I don’t know. It’s just a little underwhelming. Um, this is u the Kevin Smith, Hulk. Again, Hickman’s doing a book where it’s Hulk uh Punisher

00:16:36
Spider-Man. Then you’re going to have a Hulk Spider-Man story. I don’t know, man. You know, like I >> don’t know. I think the more Kevin Smith writes, the better he seems to be getting. Well, he’s writing with people, so he’s writing with someone who works on the Tonight Show on this one. And I do like it’s RB. >> That’s not always great. >> Yeah, I don’t know. I’m not sure, you know, but you know, >> we’ll see. Again, I feel like this is

00:17:03
some good RBar, dude. >> That is some good art. >> Pretty pretty good. >> Yeah, I’ll take it. >> Uh, this was kind of a pain. Like I I didn’t I couldn’t find the image for this, like the wide image of this. in like a high >> res. >> So I guess we’re doing a >> kingdom of I mean that’s cool. Kingdom of excuse me kingdom of Zod I guess. >> No Superman. >> Yeah. You know it would be good in Superman. Superman. >> Oh you didn’t see that that they uh that

00:17:34
Shaggy got cast in and Superman the man tomorrow. Shaggy. >> Oh yeah I did see that. >> So I don’t know what they’re doing. >> Good. Oh he’s had a he’s had a good couple years. First off. You know why? People like him a lot. people like Matthew Lillard gets along with people. >> He’s very affable. He’s really nice. He does he goes above and beyond for signatures. I don’t know if we caught that on the show before, but I think I was telling you >> had a friend. He he stuck around like a

00:17:56
really nice guy. >> You know, he he’s done the the Five Nights at Freddy’s movies. You know, they they he did a stint on Daredevil. >> So, you know, James James Gun does like good people. >> Under the gun. That’s what we should call That’s what we call our James Gun section. Under the gun. What’s under the gun this week, Mark? Oh. He >> he he cancelled well he like he talked briefly about cancelling the authority or something. There was a couple things

00:18:22
that came out last week when he >> a bunch of rapid fire stuff but >> and you know what he’s not wrong even though authority really excited me. I’m like how is he going to do authority? >> I was excited about the idea. >> Yeah. But you know >> if it does happen listen it’s fine. Let let things happen organically because the authority only really means something if the Justice League means something. Yeah. It’s It’s funny that that Lillard gets cast though because I feel like

00:18:47
after after that like the Tarantino comment that got like went like went like viral and stuff. I feel like people are It’s kind of the same thing with um Brendan Frasier and and what’s his name? Like he and Kuan like I think they got jobs out of Goodwill because they’re good. You know what I mean? Like they they’re good at stuff. >> Right. Right. >> So I think >> I like that Brendon Frasier’s trying to get back in shape for the mummy. I think they’re not talking about Mummy 3. Like

00:19:12
Mummy 3 didn’t happen because it’s like a different love interest. >> Oh, is it really? I don’t I don’t remember Mommy. I barely remember Mummy 3. >> I I might have seen it. >> Was there three and four? What? No, four is Jet Lee, right? Four. Three is Jet Lee, >> right? Three is Jet Lee, right? The the uh >> Scorpion King’s The Terracotta, >> right? Even though Scorpion King did get his own movie, right? Three was like the Terracotta Army, right? Isn’t that

00:19:35
right? >> I don’t think I saw three. Yeah. I like to tell people that Tom Cruz is the grandson of Brendon Fraser’s character and Tom Cruz is a mummy movie. It’s not true, but I like to tell people that anyway. >> I never saw that, you know. I never saw Was it Dracula Unbound or something? >> Oh, I actually like that with >> Dracula Unbound. But there there’s an there’s a postredit sequence of Charles Dance and he’s like the game is on. He says something and you’re just like oh

00:20:00
yeah. >> They tried to make that the beginning of the univer. They’re always trying to make a universal monsters Marvel universe. >> Yeah. That it just doesn’t work. >> Yeah. What was that? That photo you had like, you know, cuz you had what? You had Dr. Jackal, Mr. Hyde in in The Mummy, right? >> Yes. Yeah. Was that Russell Crow, right? >> Yeah, it’s Russell Crow. God, it’s bad. What a bad idea. Um I I don’t know. I I just I want I don’t want like James

00:20:25
Gunnish characters where they just throw a character in. Like that’s what they did with him. I feel like the the character in Daredevil was supposed to be someone else and they couldn’t figure it out and they just kind of like made it a different character, you know? I don’t know. I saw someone theorize on what character it was probably supposed to be and they couldn’t do it so they just moved around it. Maybe it was maybe it was a Spider-Man thing. I’m not sure. Um >> Oh, maybe.

00:20:48

Yeah. So, I’m not sure about they still can’t use a Daily Bugle, right? >> I don’t think so. Yeah. So, what do they call it? Is it Is it I don’t know what they call it. >> I don’t know. daily. I forget. They they had a different name for it, but I I don’t The Tribune, maybe the New York Tribune, something. >> Yeah. I just I don’t want this. Uh I’m kind of I’m already tired of The Reign of the Super Boys a little bit. I feel like I got it. I got the idea. And I

00:21:11
don’t know how many months going to be. >> Are you reading them all? Like, are you just tired of it from not reading it? >> I don’t want I I’ve read Superman. I like Superman. That’s it. I like Superman. Action I kind of fell off >> and Unlimited I just stopped reading. I don’t know. I don’t know. I should go back. This is going to cross over into Unlimited. So, I’m I’m curious on, you know, it’s a shame because I think Slot kind of had like a good start. I

00:21:32
probably just didn’t have the attention span for it and then then Superman’s gone. So, I’m just like, I don’t care. So, do it live. Doing it live. Um, I never read this when it came out. This came out apparently in like 14. I found like I found an older version of it. This is Death Vigil. Stephen Steedic. I can never say his name. There’s a bunch of >> Yeah, I remember this book. >> This is back in Yeah, this came out in 14 2014. that before all his swinger comics and BDSM comics.

00:21:58

Yeah, but I I I imagine that they make money. >> Matt Hawkins, >> but I they have to make Sunstone and stuff. >> Probably just take it to like the uh one of the swinger crews or whatever. Yeah. All that stuff, >> but they just they keep printing it. Like I mean Top Cow keeps they keep they do new versions of it all the time. So >> listen man, if if you you find that other audience >> who is uh not Mike Re who does like the western comic or something, but he he sells it at in like

00:22:25
through like western magazines. It’s not Mike, it’s the other guy. >> Uh Tim Truman. >> Tim Truman. Yeah, he’s got like a western comic or something and he sells it through like other we don’t even know about it. >> No. >> He goes, “Yeah, but I make all my money.” because all these adult men who are into this whatever >> you know you sell it for that. So if you got a comic about swingers or BDSM don’t waste it don’t waste it on comic guys. I

00:22:50
mean there’s yeah comic guys who are interested there’s guys who just follow his art period. The guy’s a huge He-Man fan. His He-Man artwork is incredible. >> But there’s a whole other subculture out there of people. If you get in on that that’s great. Crossover appeals like how you really sell your comic. >> Yeah. So I wonder I wonder if this is like his project that he really liked you know. I do like the logo. I think it looks I think this looks really good. I’ve always liked to it well his style

00:23:15

and was it Marco Jurgovich who doesn’t draw anymore, >> but he he did mainly covers for Marvel. He did a ton of Daredevil covers. Did a bunch of connecting covers. >> I think he did one issue of Thor or something like that and he drew >> so good. >> Yeah. And he and he and he inked it and it was like >> Didn’t he do an annual or two? >> I think so. Yeah. >> I think he came back for an annual too. I know we did the the second half of the

00:23:36
Ultimate Hulk annual which McGinness drew the first 10 pages cuz it was supposed to be Ultimates 4 by Jeff Loe. >> Do you know this? >> I don’t think I know this now. >> Yeah. Ultimates 3 was Jeff Lo Joe Mera and then they announced Ultimates 4 which was going to be Jeff Loe Ed McGinness but something happened. They changed the whole line of the Ultimate Universe and Jeff Loe was now going in the ultimatum direction. So they took what McInness had done for Ultimate 4 and just turned

00:24:03
it into the beginning of a Hulk annual, an Ultimate Hulk annual. Then had a Durkovic finish it. And it’s it’s a really nice annual. It’s fun. >> Georgic. Georgia. >> Yeah. It’s weird that I think they both have wives that draw just like them, too. Because I’m pretty sure he has, you know, I don’t know. Maybe they’re in the same country. His wife. Yeah, maybe. >> Yeah. I never read this, though, but it’s it’s it’s curious. Here’s um I

00:24:31
All right. So, they’re doing a Mary Jane 60th anniversary special. I don’t know what these specials are doing. They’re not good. >> Well, the >> There’s a reason to put out There’s a There’s a reason to put out a Mary Jane special right now. >> Yeah, >> maybe there’s a possible reason to put out a Mary Jane special in July. >> Cuz Mary Jane’s in Spider-Man. >> Well, I I didn’t say I’m not saying that. >> It’s Jean Gray.

00:24:56
She’s not married. >> Not what I’m talk Not what I’m talking about, Mark. >> Oh, well, now I don’t know what you’re talking about. >> Good. >> Good. All right. Well, >> someone else was seen. Someone else was seen on set. >> This is a great Okay. I don’t want to I’m not I’m not listening. Not listening. >> It’s good. >> Um, yeah, there’s a great Jim Chung. This doesn’t really to me seem This is more of like a Gwen Stacy style. So, I

00:25:20
don’t really like this. I think it’s fine. I do think it’s >> Why’ she steal Why’d she steal Madame Webb’s jacket? >> Yeah. I don’t know. It’s just right. Exactly. I don’t know. >> If she were wearing the glasses, wouldn’t she just look like Madame Web? >> All I think you got to have the bangs right. I think you have to do >> I think you have to do it right. I don’t know. >> It’s fine. I mean, again, I don’t think

00:25:41
there’s any I don’t think there’s any editorial control on any of the stuff, you know, even to DC at some point because I feel like half the covers for absolute Green Arrow. Green Arrow is consistent, but not um uh Black Canary. Black Canary and some looks like a dude, like a like an M MMA fighter, and the other one she’s super phenomenon. So, I’m like, you got to figure out your lane on that. You should have you should already have your Raphael Albuquerque model and then he should be able to give

00:26:12
that out and that’s not what I’m saying. So, so this I mean but again I really don’t think anyone’s getting a phone call. I don’t know. Have you ever heard of this person? This is uh so Mad Cave is publishing graphic bio biographies of comics pioneers which I think is kind of a good that’s a good thing. Um but this is Ruth Roshi Ro. >> Yes. Yeah, I’ve heard of her. She co-created Phantom Lady and >> she was a [ __ ] Is that the girl I’m thinking of? >> Oh my god.

00:26:42

No, there’s one that was like a real jerk, but she was a really good writer, but she didn’t like really want to write comics, but she was really good at it. And I think she would If it’s the woman I’m thinking of, there’s not a lot of women in comics in the 40s, >> I think. So, well, yeah, she joined the Iger studio um after Wisner left. >> So, I don’t know. It just it all it does really goes into I’m curious. >> Don’t forget everyone is the the uncle

00:27:08
of Bob Iger of Disney. >> Is that really right? God damn it. >> Nepo babies. Nepo babies all around. >> So yeah. I don’t It’s interesting. I mean she co-created a lot of these a lot of these characters. Family is very very confusing to me, right? Because I always thought lady was DC character but not a DC character or a purchase into DC character. Yeah, she was on she Net or Fox. >> I don’t know. >> And who who was the artist that drew her? >> Who was the African-American homosexual?

00:27:40

Yeah, Matt. >> It’s super interesting. I’m saying this in a positive way cuz like there’s no way this guy should have been getting work back then, but he did. And I think that’s amazing. It’s because of his talent. So, it’s crazy to think a guy in the 40s was black and homosexual and like managed to like That’s amazing. >> And then this woman, right? So, like it’s like it’s like the opposite of >> what was going on right at that point.

00:28:01

She she might have been gay as well. >> She might have she might have been a a pen name, too. They might not have been under her. >> That possible, too. >> Yeah, >> Jack had pen names and stuff or they didn’t print it or they wouldn’t have it. So, the team’s interesting. We already went over the Mid Knight. What’s this about? >> Um, here’s some extra new posters. >> Do you feel like anyone wants to see >> Oh, that’s awesome. He’s in a battle

00:28:25
armor. I want to see it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I I Yes. Yeah. I don’t think we’ve seen that before. >> 40 to 50 year old men, a weird amount of women were also into it. Like my little sister liked it and not because of me because she would go over my grandma’s like years later and she watched in reruns. My daughter said it looks really cool. Laya uh Callie’s like Callie’s going to be away that weekend. She doesn’t care either way. I don’t know how it’s going to hit. Um these are all

00:28:51
cool. I don’t know how the Mortal Kombat 2 movie did, but it was actually really good. 40. It was tracking for 48, made 40, and it did 26 overseas. >> I think it’s going to get good word of mouth. I told my friend, he’s like, I was thinking about >> when when is when is Street Fighter coming out. I feel like they’re too close for each other. >> I feel like the fall. >> Okay. All right. >> But but Street Fighter, see this thing about Mortal Kombat movie is it came out

00:29:13
like a Marvel movie. It’s funny. It’s got It’s actually really funny. It’s got the right amount of violence, super graphic, whatever. It’s good. It’s better than the last one. The last one was okay, but it’s got a really dull middle, >> right? >> Yes. The cover one, correct? >> This one doesn’t really ever like there’s no real boring parts of it. >> Street Fighter looks like it’s a joke and they’re in on it. >> By the way, Mortal Kombat 2, Mortal

00:29:36
Kombat, the people who did Mortal Kombat 2 knew what they were doing and they they got the joke, too. They they >> they took the notes from the first one from what I heard that they they pretty much people talked about the first one, they took all the notes and they just did that. They have they actually have a protagonist, but they tell me if this is true is like is is Johnny Cage basically like Jack Burton like the other there’s another character who’s like the main character basically and that’s okay. You know what

00:30:01
I mean? That’s okay. I never thought about that when I was a kid, but someone said it one time and now I can’t watch that movie without thinking that Jack Burton’s the side character. Also, Jack Burton has every line he has. There’s a super cut of it. I’ll see if I can find it and send it to you. It’s It says like Jack Burton had zero idea what’s going on in the entire movie because every scene he’s in, he’s like, “What’s going on?” Like every every every single scene

00:30:25
he says, >> “What? What are we saying?” Like it’s it’s he never knows what’s happening. The whole >> Jack Burton’s a good a good comparison. Jack Burton because it’s every man see crazy [ __ ] >> And of course to tie it together, you know, when when when Johnny Cage sees uh Raiden, he’s like, “What is this?” >> Big trouble with Little China. You know, >> I was always funny. Yeah. There you go. >> Immediate call back. You did it.

00:30:48

You did it. >> You did it. Carl Urban. Is that Carl Urban? No, >> it is. >> What’s his name? >> Carl. >> Awin. Awin. >> Was he his His his New Zealand accent only came out like once, I think. He’s doing American accent the whole time, so it’s really funny. He’s like because it just sounds off a little bit but it’s fine. >> One thing we didn’t talk about is what is the opinion? >> He was in Zena first, right? >> I think he was on like an episode of

00:31:13
Zena. >> That’s funny. >> I didn’t know. We didn’t know him. I personally didn’t know him until Lord of the Rings. >> Wasn’t Ryan Gosling and Zena too or something like that as a >> He was He was young. Yeah, he was young Hercules. He had his own show. >> Wow. I don’t >> Ryan Gosling had his own show called Young Hercules on channel 17. PHL17 for us. That was before it was even at the WB. >> That was before WB. Before CW, >> before 17.

00:31:42

UPN is 57, Mark. Totally different. >> 57 was >> for for the five of you that don’t live near Philadelphia. Philly 57 as it was called was a super UHF channel. And then uh Paramount bought it and made it UPN. And that’s where we that’s where they put a Star Trek Discovery. >> That’s right. >> Not Discovery. Voyager. Star Trek Voyager. >> The bad. >> I gota be careful because when I was listening to our show last week to to hear my mistakes, I made like two where

00:32:12
I like called I called Rich Woodall Rich uh >> Rich Johnson. >> Rich? No. Rich uh Marvel artist Kirby clone Buckler. I called Rich Woodall Rich Buckler. >> Oh, right. >> I’m like like I can’t believe I said that. But you know what? Like when we’re talking, I’m barely thinking. I’m just basically replying. >> That’s good. That’s what you want to That’s what you want to put out there. Um, just to talk about the Midnight Stuff real fast. So, this is the

00:32:34
Midnight Suns back and and I think the first thing I put in the chat when the Midnight Stuff got teased to the to the group chat, I was saying like, well, if we give us Blade, can you make it and I’ve said this a couple times, can you make it not be Wesley Snipes Blade? This was This was post uh green jacket blade but pre Wesley Snipes blade here. >> Pre- sunglasses blade. >> Pre sunglasses blade. Yeah. So now it’s complete always. >> So what is this? Is this is this Andy

00:33:01
Cubert in by Joe Cubert? What are we looking at here? >> Yeah, this is sales to I actually have this. This is if you remember they went to Heroes World or there was only two issues. There’s a 10 there’s a 2099 issue and then this issue. These are technically like the Midnight Sun first appearance in print. Same thing with 2099 is a 2099 appearance in print. >> And this is a not a promotional comic. It’s more like a a re a >> It was a catalog. Yeah, >> it’s a catalog for

00:33:26

Yeah. >> for Marvel, I guess, Heroes World at that time. Like for it was only there for it was only two two issues ever. Um >> but it’s a cool cover. I mean, you know, you got Johnny Blaze and Danny Catch Ghost Rider and MorbiiUs because it’s Morvin time. >> I I just I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s possible. Like I understand what Midnight’s doing. It’s like, okay, well, we’re going to just kind of, I guess, darken up these. Like, that’s what I’m

00:33:50
saying. You’re you’re literally saying like hidden corners, but let’s take the most popular character, like the hidden corners of the Marvel universe. You’re just going to put Spider-Man in a hidden corner and be like, “There he is.” Like, I just >> put Spider-Man in the corner. >> I don’t get it. I don’t know. I I don’t know what they’re doing. I I again, the the world isn’t strong enough. It wasn’t strong enough for a Nova book, She-Hulk

00:34:11
book. They cancelled Imper Imperial Guardians was out, but then they cancelled. What was it? What was the one they didn’t publish? They did a they did a special >> uh Exiles. Was it something >> Exiles? Yes. >> Yeah. So, they they did a special, but then >> I don’t know. >> It said it’s set up for it, but that never came out. So, and then everyone’s second story line, >> I think Stephanie Phillips put up like her second story line, then she’s like,

00:34:33
“Then I had to make it one issue for the end of uh of Hulk.” I feel bad for her because she’s getting like good trends for like Daredevil. I haven’t read the second one yet, but she’s getting like high, you know, high marks for that. And the first one I thought was just fine. I think two is supposed to be better. Um, but it’s just a shame because I like that plan book. I thought it was actually really good. >> I I think it’s really good, too. >> It’s over.