James and I will be recording the Yearly Comics Spotlight #019 episode in late January 2026 covering comics released in 2025. This is partially due to me getting my books shipped monthly and needing a little time to read them after I get them.
The categories this year are consolidated this year.
When listing creators, it really helps if you include some of the titles that influenced your pick. For example, "FirstName LastName (Event title, Monthly title, obscure title)" is much more informative than just putting "FirstName LastName".
Likewise, when listing titles it helps to list the publisher, writer and artist. There are a ton of comics and creators out there. We don't know all of the creators on all of the titles and we can't always remember these ones we do know.
If you want to pick older material, please give an indication of when that material was originally published and which collected edition you are referring to. Feel free to give a brief explanation of why you selected your pick. That might onvince someone else to check it out.
Fill in as many categories below as you want. If you don't have a pick for some, that is fine. Just leave the square brackets empty.
An automated process will be compiling the notes we use for the episode using the square brackets as the delimiters for your responses.
Copy the text below and put your answers inside the square brackets.
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? []
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): []
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): []
Favorite Publisher: []
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) []
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: []
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? []
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? []
Prediction for next year: []
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? []
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? []
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? []
Additional Comments? []
Please have your entries in by 9am the morning of Monday, January 26th, 2026. Thanks for participating!
Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
Moderator: JohnMayo
-
Xmanpatrick
- Visitor
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2018 2:05 am
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Xmanpatrick]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [ok i have a few books that I read as soon as I get the book. From Image: Exquisite Corpses from James Tynion (Batman, batman vs tmnt, something is killing the children, department of truth, ect). The artist is Michael Walsh. The series is about the 12 wealthiest families send the worst or best chosen killer to represent them into a small town and the last one standing wins. The killer gets freed and the winning family gets something as well. Great story and a little gory. 2nd book from Image: Bug Wars by James Tynion also. Artist Mahmud Asrar. A mother and her two boys have to move into the house were their father was killed by insects. The older boy gets attacked by bigs while mowing the grass. The younger boy loves bugs and finds his dads hidden stash. A medallion makes him shrink and the adventures begin. Bugs killing bugs and a human boy is in the mess. Last one. Another Image Publishing title: Battle Beast. Writtenby Robert Kirkman and art by Ryan Ottley. They are well known creators. Battle Beast is hungry for a worthy battle to end his life. Since we already know what ends Battle Beast's life, this is just him being a bad A. Boarding a spaceship and killing its crew, the ships A.I. takes our gladiator around the galaxies to face the most formidable foes.]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [I would have to say for this year is James Tynion the 4th. Fav all time: Lee and Ditko for Spider-Man, Lee and Kirby for Hulk and Eastman and Laird for TMNT.]
Favorite Publisher: [This year was easy- Image]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I get it. Im the older generation that read late 80s stuff and grew up on Jim Lee's X-Men but im not the targeted audience anymore. But, being that generations behind me dont care for physical stuff, who are they writing for? If you ask Tom Brevoort, they are writing for tv and movies hence why the x books have been garbage. These kids grew up with the internet, cell phones and flat tvs that broadcast anything and everything they want. With all of that said we are a dying breed, literally. Probably comics too. Hard to find a comic with a complete storyline within 20 something pages and continue the larger plot. Gone are the days of writing great stories due to writers of the big 2 not getting royalties from toys, movies, tv, ect. One of the best Hulk writers died recently and they had to ask for donations to cover bills. Why create the next big thing for Disney or Warner Bros (as of today) for them to make all the profit and the creator to get little to nothing. To sum it all up, we are a dying breed and so is our version of comics.]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Movies? oh Super... nah. Oh maybe Fantas... nope. The best superhero thing i have consumed was Magic the Gathering Spider-Man and Dice Thrown with Marvel characters. No Hulk or Reg Spider-Man yet but i played as Gambit!!!! Dice Thrown is like Yatzee but each character does something different and each of the roles attack the other player(s). In the future we should be getting the Last Ronin in movie!]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [DEATH OF DIAMOND. Closing of Deep Discount. The retum of Blind Bags that are the biggest movers but is a facade of the health of the industry. ]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [The Recogning! We are realizing that our physical comics are going to bury us ha! I am understanding that i must collect and read what i really want and not all the other "filler" cause of my habbits and wants but not needs. No more covers cause they are cool. No more collecting the other parts of the event in other books. Eventually i will die and my kids have to offload all of my "baggage". I am slabbing my "expensive" books and selling the whole lot. I am collecting more trades and omnis which in my eyes may be easier to resell. Easier to sell one book than 30 single books per omnibus.]
Prediction for next year: [Comics as a physical medium ends. We go to graphic novels and digital suppliers.]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [Monthly review. I like hearing about the books you chose to read. Whats on the chopping block and what stands out. I enjoy the previews too. The love we all have for the comics we read.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [Im a Slacker! And try to send clips for previews when I can. ]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [20 percent do 80 percent of the work. The few of the listeners that try to participate in sending clips want the previews to keep going in one fashion or another. With the turmotuous year the comics are having I hope we can keep previews somehow. It is literally what got me back into comics.]
Additional Comments? [It's not all doom amd gloom. Independent comics have been the brightest spot this past year. Image, keenspot and massive bringing out some hitters. Some kickstarters have some interesting things. Conan lovers getting their fill too. Comics are for everyone. Maybe not in the huge chunks we had before but a few bright spots that make us want more. Whether John continues the previews or not we will still be here. Get on slack, fill out the forums on comicbookpage.com (while it works ha), and send a random clip of your comics once in a while. Tell us what you enjoy about this dying hobby of ours. Again, many thanks to jon and all the contributors. Prayers for our ailing creators and our elder readers.]
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Xmanpatrick]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [ok i have a few books that I read as soon as I get the book. From Image: Exquisite Corpses from James Tynion (Batman, batman vs tmnt, something is killing the children, department of truth, ect). The artist is Michael Walsh. The series is about the 12 wealthiest families send the worst or best chosen killer to represent them into a small town and the last one standing wins. The killer gets freed and the winning family gets something as well. Great story and a little gory. 2nd book from Image: Bug Wars by James Tynion also. Artist Mahmud Asrar. A mother and her two boys have to move into the house were their father was killed by insects. The older boy gets attacked by bigs while mowing the grass. The younger boy loves bugs and finds his dads hidden stash. A medallion makes him shrink and the adventures begin. Bugs killing bugs and a human boy is in the mess. Last one. Another Image Publishing title: Battle Beast. Writtenby Robert Kirkman and art by Ryan Ottley. They are well known creators. Battle Beast is hungry for a worthy battle to end his life. Since we already know what ends Battle Beast's life, this is just him being a bad A. Boarding a spaceship and killing its crew, the ships A.I. takes our gladiator around the galaxies to face the most formidable foes.]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [I would have to say for this year is James Tynion the 4th. Fav all time: Lee and Ditko for Spider-Man, Lee and Kirby for Hulk and Eastman and Laird for TMNT.]
Favorite Publisher: [This year was easy- Image]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I get it. Im the older generation that read late 80s stuff and grew up on Jim Lee's X-Men but im not the targeted audience anymore. But, being that generations behind me dont care for physical stuff, who are they writing for? If you ask Tom Brevoort, they are writing for tv and movies hence why the x books have been garbage. These kids grew up with the internet, cell phones and flat tvs that broadcast anything and everything they want. With all of that said we are a dying breed, literally. Probably comics too. Hard to find a comic with a complete storyline within 20 something pages and continue the larger plot. Gone are the days of writing great stories due to writers of the big 2 not getting royalties from toys, movies, tv, ect. One of the best Hulk writers died recently and they had to ask for donations to cover bills. Why create the next big thing for Disney or Warner Bros (as of today) for them to make all the profit and the creator to get little to nothing. To sum it all up, we are a dying breed and so is our version of comics.]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Movies? oh Super... nah. Oh maybe Fantas... nope. The best superhero thing i have consumed was Magic the Gathering Spider-Man and Dice Thrown with Marvel characters. No Hulk or Reg Spider-Man yet but i played as Gambit!!!! Dice Thrown is like Yatzee but each character does something different and each of the roles attack the other player(s). In the future we should be getting the Last Ronin in movie!]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [DEATH OF DIAMOND. Closing of Deep Discount. The retum of Blind Bags that are the biggest movers but is a facade of the health of the industry. ]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [The Recogning! We are realizing that our physical comics are going to bury us ha! I am understanding that i must collect and read what i really want and not all the other "filler" cause of my habbits and wants but not needs. No more covers cause they are cool. No more collecting the other parts of the event in other books. Eventually i will die and my kids have to offload all of my "baggage". I am slabbing my "expensive" books and selling the whole lot. I am collecting more trades and omnis which in my eyes may be easier to resell. Easier to sell one book than 30 single books per omnibus.]
Prediction for next year: [Comics as a physical medium ends. We go to graphic novels and digital suppliers.]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [Monthly review. I like hearing about the books you chose to read. Whats on the chopping block and what stands out. I enjoy the previews too. The love we all have for the comics we read.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [Im a Slacker! And try to send clips for previews when I can. ]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [20 percent do 80 percent of the work. The few of the listeners that try to participate in sending clips want the previews to keep going in one fashion or another. With the turmotuous year the comics are having I hope we can keep previews somehow. It is literally what got me back into comics.]
Additional Comments? [It's not all doom amd gloom. Independent comics have been the brightest spot this past year. Image, keenspot and massive bringing out some hitters. Some kickstarters have some interesting things. Conan lovers getting their fill too. Comics are for everyone. Maybe not in the huge chunks we had before but a few bright spots that make us want more. Whether John continues the previews or not we will still be here. Get on slack, fill out the forums on comicbookpage.com (while it works ha), and send a random clip of your comics once in a while. Tell us what you enjoy about this dying hobby of ours. Again, many thanks to jon and all the contributors. Prayers for our ailing creators and our elder readers.]
-
comicfreak
- Visitor
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2008 12:01 pm
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
What should we call you when reading your picks? [
On slack and in the forum my username is Comicfreak. In real life my name is Erik. You can use either one.
]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [
I like a lot of Image comics, so if I have to choose one it'll be:
* For series either The Department Of Truth or Walking Dead Deluxe.
Both interesting one for the story and the other for the re-reading, the color and the backmatter
* For single issue The Giant-size Criminal
Brubaker/Phillips this time a single issue and no trade. But they're still kicking
]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [
I think I'm going to choose Robert Kirkman.
With Walking Dead Deluxe, Void Rivals, Transformers and G.I. Joe, he got a lot of my money.
]
Favorite Publisher: [
Well... with the collapse of Diamond a lot of indie publishers seem to be either out of business or not provinding comics.
So one of quote/unquote Indie Publishers that is still kicking around my choice will be: Image Comics.
With the gazillion Spawn-Universe series, the G.I. Hoe/Transformers/Skybound series I'm getting, it has to be that one!
]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [
Well for Marvel and DC, for me, It's a done deal. They'll have a pretty hard time getting me to try anything from them.
Especially with the umpteen crossovers both of them are rolling of the assembly-line. And it still looks like rehashing old stories. No not for me!
I hope some of the other publishers will return, as long as the majority of them will be 3.99, because a comic has to be really special if I'm willing to pay more than that.
Otherwise I'm going to the back issues.
]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [
Favorite Comic Movie? Not really anything. There wer some movies, but I couldn't be bothered to see them
Favorite Television Show? I like the series Tracker. A kind of "find the person of the week"-show
Favorite Book? Well I'm re-reading the Foundation Series from Isaac Asimov. Al least to get the bad taste from the TV-series out of my mouth.
Favorite Video Game? No I don't play games
]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [
Still the Diamond collapse and the fallout of this.
Also the Blind Bag hoopla. Hiked-up prices, bad packaging. It's like we're in the 90's variant era again!
]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [
"The sad end of the indie publisher"-era and "the mupltiple catalogs but nothing interesting in them"-era.
]
Prediction for next year: [
A lot of comics will obliterate the 3.99 price tag and subsequently will be cancelled due to low sales and low interest in them.
Also, i think, the end of the blockbuster (comic) movies.
Maybe Avengers: Doomday, but I'm not holding my breath.
]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [
I like the Astro City podcasts, the Q & A podcasts and the State of the Industry podcasts.
]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [
Sometimes I chime in on Slack, but other than that nothing
]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [
I'm watching some TV-serie from the 80's, 90's ans 2000's and some of them still are worth it.
Maybe a kind of "hindsight 20/20" look at old comicbook movies/TV-series and see how they stack up now.
]
Additional Comments? [
I find it strange that as soon as the discounts for getting physical comics is gone that a lot of posters on Slack are thinking about switching to digital.
To each their own.
I'm not from the USA so for me there's hardly any discount when I'm buying physical comics, but I'm still buying them.
Also I find it hard to pay for anything that I don't physically own, but than I'm in my fifties so I'm more used to physical things
Oh and I don't like reading from a tablet/phone/laptop/PC.
I like this: Thinking about what happened the last year!
So I'm always looking forward to hear what everybody else though about the previous year!
]
On slack and in the forum my username is Comicfreak. In real life my name is Erik. You can use either one.
]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [
I like a lot of Image comics, so if I have to choose one it'll be:
* For series either The Department Of Truth or Walking Dead Deluxe.
Both interesting one for the story and the other for the re-reading, the color and the backmatter
* For single issue The Giant-size Criminal
Brubaker/Phillips this time a single issue and no trade. But they're still kicking
]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [
I think I'm going to choose Robert Kirkman.
With Walking Dead Deluxe, Void Rivals, Transformers and G.I. Joe, he got a lot of my money.
]
Favorite Publisher: [
Well... with the collapse of Diamond a lot of indie publishers seem to be either out of business or not provinding comics.
So one of quote/unquote Indie Publishers that is still kicking around my choice will be: Image Comics.
With the gazillion Spawn-Universe series, the G.I. Hoe/Transformers/Skybound series I'm getting, it has to be that one!
]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [
Well for Marvel and DC, for me, It's a done deal. They'll have a pretty hard time getting me to try anything from them.
Especially with the umpteen crossovers both of them are rolling of the assembly-line. And it still looks like rehashing old stories. No not for me!
I hope some of the other publishers will return, as long as the majority of them will be 3.99, because a comic has to be really special if I'm willing to pay more than that.
Otherwise I'm going to the back issues.
]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [
Favorite Comic Movie? Not really anything. There wer some movies, but I couldn't be bothered to see them
Favorite Television Show? I like the series Tracker. A kind of "find the person of the week"-show
Favorite Book? Well I'm re-reading the Foundation Series from Isaac Asimov. Al least to get the bad taste from the TV-series out of my mouth.
Favorite Video Game? No I don't play games
]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [
Still the Diamond collapse and the fallout of this.
Also the Blind Bag hoopla. Hiked-up prices, bad packaging. It's like we're in the 90's variant era again!
]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [
"The sad end of the indie publisher"-era and "the mupltiple catalogs but nothing interesting in them"-era.
]
Prediction for next year: [
A lot of comics will obliterate the 3.99 price tag and subsequently will be cancelled due to low sales and low interest in them.
Also, i think, the end of the blockbuster (comic) movies.
Maybe Avengers: Doomday, but I'm not holding my breath.
]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [
I like the Astro City podcasts, the Q & A podcasts and the State of the Industry podcasts.
]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [
Sometimes I chime in on Slack, but other than that nothing
]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [
I'm watching some TV-serie from the 80's, 90's ans 2000's and some of them still are worth it.
Maybe a kind of "hindsight 20/20" look at old comicbook movies/TV-series and see how they stack up now.
]
Additional Comments? [
I find it strange that as soon as the discounts for getting physical comics is gone that a lot of posters on Slack are thinking about switching to digital.
To each their own.
I'm not from the USA so for me there's hardly any discount when I'm buying physical comics, but I'm still buying them.
Also I find it hard to pay for anything that I don't physically own, but than I'm in my fifties so I'm more used to physical things
Oh and I don't like reading from a tablet/phone/laptop/PC.
I like this: Thinking about what happened the last year!
So I'm always looking forward to hear what everybody else though about the previous year!
]
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Drew]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [Absolute Batman, Criminal One-Shot]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Scott Snyder - he's still got it]
Favorite Publisher: [DC]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [drop digital pricing of a single issue comic please - you dont have to print or ship my book - pass the savings on to me]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Superman (DC Studios)]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [Death of Diamond ]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [Yet another year of transition for comics - concern for the future viability of the medium rises ]
Prediction for next year: [everybody goes digital]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [State of the Industry episodes - Eric's perspective on the retailer side of thing is always a good listen ]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [Sporadic Spotlighter, timing just has to be right]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [dig into some comicshub or bookscan data and resurrect the sales episodes - not apples to apples i know but might be a nice episode]
Additional Comments? [Congratulations on 2400 plus episodes and 20 years of podcasting-I limped across the 1000 episode threshold this year and it was hard work! - kudos and hats off to you!]
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Drew]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [Absolute Batman, Criminal One-Shot]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Scott Snyder - he's still got it]
Favorite Publisher: [DC]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [drop digital pricing of a single issue comic please - you dont have to print or ship my book - pass the savings on to me]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Superman (DC Studios)]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [Death of Diamond ]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [Yet another year of transition for comics - concern for the future viability of the medium rises ]
Prediction for next year: [everybody goes digital]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [State of the Industry episodes - Eric's perspective on the retailer side of thing is always a good listen ]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [Sporadic Spotlighter, timing just has to be right]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [dig into some comicshub or bookscan data and resurrect the sales episodes - not apples to apples i know but might be a nice episode]
Additional Comments? [Congratulations on 2400 plus episodes and 20 years of podcasting-I limped across the 1000 episode threshold this year and it was hard work! - kudos and hats off to you!]
Comics For Fun and Profit(also available on iTunes and Stitcher)
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Niklas]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue):
[I only check the marvel and image solicits posted online so that kind of limits the selection I order from but I manage to get quite a few titles still... So Favorite ComicS:
From star wars after they finished storylines up to the original movies the main star wars line haven´t done much, I enjoy Dr Aphra chaos agent but the rest could be more exciting. On the other hand I have been buying most of the High republic stuff, I love this star wars lore stuff, shame they have sliced it up in so many different series.
X-men are very different from the Krakoa era and I understand its not for everyone. But they had to do something completely different after being more or less immortal and unstoppable for a few years, they pulled a peter-parker on the whole X-Men way of life so they´re at the bottom again and problems and casts are smaller in scale which I think is a nice change from the last few years (I guess for a very long time now that I think of it) before things spiral out of control again. While Uncanny and adjectiveless xmen have been ok I´d like to mention Storm as the number one and Magic as a fresh newcomer (I don't remember reading any Magic solo series like this before).
The marvel space verse can be fun and the Imperial miniseries and tie-ins was entertaining.
From Image the new book I'm enjoying is Hornsby and Halo, nice art, maybe more aimed for younger. Lazarus is in the read pile but is hopefully amazing. As always honorable mention to Monstress, could add Undiscovered Country that looks more and more like something that could be prophetic.
Summary: Star Wars High Republic comics, Storm, Magic, Imperial, Hornsby and Halo, Lazarus, Monstress]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Hickman]
Favorite Publisher: [Marvel]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I´ve been getting lots of Doom, Black Cat and Mary Jane lately so I cant complain]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Star trek strange new worlds]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? []
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [One world under Doom]
Prediction for next year: [A new girlfriend for Peter Parker?]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [Since I'm behind on the comics reading I'm mostly doing the movie and tv series spotlights, anything star trek, star wars and marvel is good for me]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? []
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? []
Additional Comments? [I´m so far behind on my reading so I still have plenty to read from 2025, Lazarus:Fallen is still waiting for example and I´ve only just begun with world under doom and its tie-ins... (sooo far behind...) That also means I have no idea of the comics I read this year actually came out in 2025...]
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Niklas]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue):
[I only check the marvel and image solicits posted online so that kind of limits the selection I order from but I manage to get quite a few titles still... So Favorite ComicS:
From star wars after they finished storylines up to the original movies the main star wars line haven´t done much, I enjoy Dr Aphra chaos agent but the rest could be more exciting. On the other hand I have been buying most of the High republic stuff, I love this star wars lore stuff, shame they have sliced it up in so many different series.
X-men are very different from the Krakoa era and I understand its not for everyone. But they had to do something completely different after being more or less immortal and unstoppable for a few years, they pulled a peter-parker on the whole X-Men way of life so they´re at the bottom again and problems and casts are smaller in scale which I think is a nice change from the last few years (I guess for a very long time now that I think of it) before things spiral out of control again. While Uncanny and adjectiveless xmen have been ok I´d like to mention Storm as the number one and Magic as a fresh newcomer (I don't remember reading any Magic solo series like this before).
The marvel space verse can be fun and the Imperial miniseries and tie-ins was entertaining.
From Image the new book I'm enjoying is Hornsby and Halo, nice art, maybe more aimed for younger. Lazarus is in the read pile but is hopefully amazing. As always honorable mention to Monstress, could add Undiscovered Country that looks more and more like something that could be prophetic.
Summary: Star Wars High Republic comics, Storm, Magic, Imperial, Hornsby and Halo, Lazarus, Monstress]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Hickman]
Favorite Publisher: [Marvel]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I´ve been getting lots of Doom, Black Cat and Mary Jane lately so I cant complain]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Star trek strange new worlds]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? []
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [One world under Doom]
Prediction for next year: [A new girlfriend for Peter Parker?]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [Since I'm behind on the comics reading I'm mostly doing the movie and tv series spotlights, anything star trek, star wars and marvel is good for me]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? []
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? []
Additional Comments? [I´m so far behind on my reading so I still have plenty to read from 2025, Lazarus:Fallen is still waiting for example and I´ve only just begun with world under doom and its tie-ins... (sooo far behind...) That also means I have no idea of the comics I read this year actually came out in 2025...]
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Jason]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [Savage Sword of Conan and Conan the Barbarian series continue to be stellar. I’m glad that we have Jim Zub at the helm as the main writer for Conan, but also glad that we get stories in Savage Sword magazine from other creators as well. Another series that I enjoyed was the Space Quest series (with Jonny Quest and Space Ghost). I think they did a great job of capturing the original Hannah Barbara characters in these two series.]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Jim Zub who I hope continues to stay on Conan for years to come.]
Favorite Publisher: [Titan Comics with Conan books and Elric books and collected editions.]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [Honestly, I am not sure. I feel like with both Marvel comics and DC comics that the characters have the same face or names but most of them I do not recognize and it makes it difficult to pick up new books of characters that I used to love. JSA is one of the few exceptions, along with Moon Knight by Jed MacKay, though they have rebooted his series about four times now with the same creative team so that is certainly drawing some ire for me. I honestly think that most of the comics out there are not deserving of an ongoing series and they should decrease the amount of titles. I am basically reading more epic collections and DC finest collections instead of modern comics for the most part.]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [None, as sadly I’ve not been to see any comic movies, and do not have any streaming services such as Disney+ or the one to see DC movies on. I also have less interest in newer movies and television overall.]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [The biggest story has to be the end of diamond comics as we know it and a continual plethora of Comic catalogs in which I have significant fatigue and searching through the multiple catalogs to find things that I like. I am basically just looking at the companies that I usually get books from and ignoring the rest. Rising Comic costs and decreased discounts across the board has been continuing to shrink any potential books that I would normally get.]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [This was another challenging year for Comic’s with the breaking up of diamond comics distribution and the further splintering of distribution companies. It reminds me of when people began to cut the cord in terms of cable and stopping satellite purchases and then going to streaming services. Now, there are so many streaming services that I realize many people are paying more than they were before with one service where they just had that one stop shop.]
Prediction for next year: [I believe people will continue to shift to collected editions instead of expensive single issues.]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [The Legion Spotlight is my favorite series, closely followed by the Warlord and Monthly Comics Spotlight. The state of the industry/roundtable discussions are also awesome and I hope you keep those going as the comic book industry continues to change. I am least interested in the television or movies Spotlight episodes.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [I try to stay active on the slack channel as much as I can. I also was sending in previews spotlight clips of books that I was interested in and got into such a rhythm and routine that I look forward to doing it every month. This is coming from someone who was initially very shy about ever sending in any clips that had my voice on it. I love the idea of joining the book club but many times am unable to join due to family commitments. I’m not really sure what would encourage me to participate more as there doesn’t seem to be any opportunities overall for listeners to have Clips or input of any kind on the podcast anymore about what they are reading or what series they are looking forward to, aka previews picks. I tried to throw out a few ideas for listener participation, but no one seemed to be interested. If anyone out there has any ideas for more listener participation that would replace the previews spotlight,I would love to hear it.]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [I would love to have more opportunities for listeners to be able to record or voice things that they are really enjoying not just on the Slack channel, but potentially as part of a podcast episode.]
Additional Comments? [Thanks John for continuing to produce, record, edit, etc. all of these podcast episodes. There’s so many hours of enjoyment and I appreciate all your hard work over the years. We are very thankful to have you and you are a great voice in the comic book community.]
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Jason]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [Savage Sword of Conan and Conan the Barbarian series continue to be stellar. I’m glad that we have Jim Zub at the helm as the main writer for Conan, but also glad that we get stories in Savage Sword magazine from other creators as well. Another series that I enjoyed was the Space Quest series (with Jonny Quest and Space Ghost). I think they did a great job of capturing the original Hannah Barbara characters in these two series.]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Jim Zub who I hope continues to stay on Conan for years to come.]
Favorite Publisher: [Titan Comics with Conan books and Elric books and collected editions.]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [Honestly, I am not sure. I feel like with both Marvel comics and DC comics that the characters have the same face or names but most of them I do not recognize and it makes it difficult to pick up new books of characters that I used to love. JSA is one of the few exceptions, along with Moon Knight by Jed MacKay, though they have rebooted his series about four times now with the same creative team so that is certainly drawing some ire for me. I honestly think that most of the comics out there are not deserving of an ongoing series and they should decrease the amount of titles. I am basically reading more epic collections and DC finest collections instead of modern comics for the most part.]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [None, as sadly I’ve not been to see any comic movies, and do not have any streaming services such as Disney+ or the one to see DC movies on. I also have less interest in newer movies and television overall.]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [The biggest story has to be the end of diamond comics as we know it and a continual plethora of Comic catalogs in which I have significant fatigue and searching through the multiple catalogs to find things that I like. I am basically just looking at the companies that I usually get books from and ignoring the rest. Rising Comic costs and decreased discounts across the board has been continuing to shrink any potential books that I would normally get.]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [This was another challenging year for Comic’s with the breaking up of diamond comics distribution and the further splintering of distribution companies. It reminds me of when people began to cut the cord in terms of cable and stopping satellite purchases and then going to streaming services. Now, there are so many streaming services that I realize many people are paying more than they were before with one service where they just had that one stop shop.]
Prediction for next year: [I believe people will continue to shift to collected editions instead of expensive single issues.]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [The Legion Spotlight is my favorite series, closely followed by the Warlord and Monthly Comics Spotlight. The state of the industry/roundtable discussions are also awesome and I hope you keep those going as the comic book industry continues to change. I am least interested in the television or movies Spotlight episodes.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [I try to stay active on the slack channel as much as I can. I also was sending in previews spotlight clips of books that I was interested in and got into such a rhythm and routine that I look forward to doing it every month. This is coming from someone who was initially very shy about ever sending in any clips that had my voice on it. I love the idea of joining the book club but many times am unable to join due to family commitments. I’m not really sure what would encourage me to participate more as there doesn’t seem to be any opportunities overall for listeners to have Clips or input of any kind on the podcast anymore about what they are reading or what series they are looking forward to, aka previews picks. I tried to throw out a few ideas for listener participation, but no one seemed to be interested. If anyone out there has any ideas for more listener participation that would replace the previews spotlight,I would love to hear it.]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [I would love to have more opportunities for listeners to be able to record or voice things that they are really enjoying not just on the Slack channel, but potentially as part of a podcast episode.]
Additional Comments? [Thanks John for continuing to produce, record, edit, etc. all of these podcast episodes. There’s so many hours of enjoyment and I appreciate all your hard work over the years. We are very thankful to have you and you are a great voice in the comic book community.]
-
ChrisMyers
- Contributor
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:27 pm
- Location: troy ny
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
Copy the text below and put your answers inside the square brackets.
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Chris Myers]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [Viking Moon, a five issue series written by Joe Pruett, published by Image comics]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [For writer it's a tie between Mark Waid and Geoff Johns. For artist, again a tie between Chris Samnee and Gary Frank ]
Favorite Publisher: [Since they are the home of Batman and Superman I have to go with DC]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I wish that publishers, especially Marvel would stop producing books for the audience they either think they have or wish they had and focus on the audience that actually wants to read good comic book stories]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [my favorite movie was Superman, it wasn't perfect but a lot better than anything DC has put out since Batman 89. I didn't watch comic related TV shows]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [The collapse of Diamond ]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [Considering that I read 80 percent less comics this in 2025 compared to 2024 I'd sum it up as “blah” ]
Prediction for next year: [Sadly more of the same, but I hope that I'm wrong. ]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [The Monthly Comic Spotlight has been and continues to be my favorite podcast of any I listen to. Keep up the good work.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [I participate on Slack and I'm part of the Book Club.]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [Don't give up, even if they don't say much people are listening and what you have to say is worth hearing.]
Additional Comments? [If anyone wants to get more out of your reading I would recommend joining the Book Club. Being able to talk about what you are reading was always the best part of the visit to the local comic shop and in a way that is what Book Club is, it's the virtual comic shop. Come join us. ]
Please have your entries in by 9am the morning of Monday, January 26th, 2026. Thanks for participating!
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Chris Myers]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [Viking Moon, a five issue series written by Joe Pruett, published by Image comics]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [For writer it's a tie between Mark Waid and Geoff Johns. For artist, again a tie between Chris Samnee and Gary Frank ]
Favorite Publisher: [Since they are the home of Batman and Superman I have to go with DC]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I wish that publishers, especially Marvel would stop producing books for the audience they either think they have or wish they had and focus on the audience that actually wants to read good comic book stories]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [my favorite movie was Superman, it wasn't perfect but a lot better than anything DC has put out since Batman 89. I didn't watch comic related TV shows]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [The collapse of Diamond ]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [Considering that I read 80 percent less comics this in 2025 compared to 2024 I'd sum it up as “blah” ]
Prediction for next year: [Sadly more of the same, but I hope that I'm wrong. ]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [The Monthly Comic Spotlight has been and continues to be my favorite podcast of any I listen to. Keep up the good work.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [I participate on Slack and I'm part of the Book Club.]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [Don't give up, even if they don't say much people are listening and what you have to say is worth hearing.]
Additional Comments? [If anyone wants to get more out of your reading I would recommend joining the Book Club. Being able to talk about what you are reading was always the best part of the visit to the local comic shop and in a way that is what Book Club is, it's the virtual comic shop. Come join us. ]
Please have your entries in by 9am the morning of Monday, January 26th, 2026. Thanks for participating!
Re: Yearly Comics Spotlight #19: 2025 (Deadline: Mon 9AM Janaury 26, 2026)
You:
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Doctor Mo]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [DC – Titans 2025 Annual #1 Written and Drawn by Phil Jimenez. The focus on Donna Troy was a treat for fans of Marv Wolfman and George Perez’s New Teen Titans. The issue stayed with me for a long time after reading the issue. | Marvel - Aliens vs. Avengers TBP Written by Jonathan Hickman and Illustrated by Esad Ribić. Hickman’s ability to take properties to new heights was on full display. I have loved Esad Ribić since he was on Uncanny X-Force with Rick Remender. | Other Publisher – Redcoat published by Image Comics Written by Geoff Johns, Penciled by Bryan Hitch, and Inked by Andrew Currie and Bryan Hitch. Consistently my favorite Image Comics series.]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Writer – Mark Waid for Justice League United, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, Batman and Robin Year One, Action Comics, New History of the DC Universe, and Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor. The majority of my new comics purchases each month are written by Mark Waid. Artist – Bryan Hitch for Redcoat and Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor. Even though Redcoat is not a monthly title, when it comes out I am always memorized by the details he puts into the pages.]
Favorite Publisher: [DC Comics – Even though I have reduced the number of new titles I am purchasing, the bulk of those books are from DC.]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I hope DC follows through with its plans to release a new Legion of Super-Heroes title. In be careful what you wish for, Rob Liefeld released new issues of Youngblood but I the issues were not engaging. I only bought issues one and two of the new volume.]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Favorite Comic Television Show - Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney+, the show did a really great job of portraying an expansive Marvel Universe while subverting expectations especially for a kids show. | Favorite Comic Book Movie – Superman (2025) Written and Directed by James Gunn, a fun superhero movie that was not afraid to be bright colored and highlight the wackiness of the DC Universe.]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [Since Diamond Comics’ downfall is the obvious choice, I will mention two highlights. First, Marvel Cinematic Universe’s box office struggles in 2025 - https://variety.com/2025/film/news/box- ... 236608453/ | https://www.polygon.com/2025-marvel-cin ... ox-office/. Highlight two, DC Comics’ publishing successes - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/busin ... 236458286/]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [The old direct market system is official dead with the demise of Diamond Comics.]
Prediction for next year: [One, the return of DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint will be well received. Two, I believe that 2026 is a make-it or break-it year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Finally, David Tennant will return to Doctor Who for the December 2026 Christmas Special.]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [Retailer Spotlight #009: Kowabunga Comics - Hearing from Eric is always such a treat and I always learn something.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [When I participate, it has primarily through the forum though I submitted clips for the Previews Spotlight episodes. I believe John is doing everything he can to encourage more participation.]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [I think John is doing a great job pivoting and changing up the content when necessarily. I would prefer fewer episodes covering content that engages John and his co-presenters.]
Additional Comments? [I appreciate John and his co-presenters for continuing to bring listeners engaging episodes each week. I may not always agree with folks’ opinions but value their positions.]
What should we call you when reading your picks? [Doctor Mo]
Comics:
Favorite Comics/Collected Editions (Series/Story Arc or Single Issue): [DC – Titans 2025 Annual #1 Written and Drawn by Phil Jimenez. The focus on Donna Troy was a treat for fans of Marv Wolfman and George Perez’s New Teen Titans. The issue stayed with me for a long time after reading the issue. | Marvel - Aliens vs. Avengers TBP Written by Jonathan Hickman and Illustrated by Esad Ribić. Hickman’s ability to take properties to new heights was on full display. I have loved Esad Ribić since he was on Uncanny X-Force with Rick Remender. | Other Publisher – Redcoat published by Image Comics Written by Geoff Johns, Penciled by Bryan Hitch, and Inked by Andrew Currie and Bryan Hitch. Consistently my favorite Image Comics series.]
Favorite Creator (Writer/Artist/etc): [Writer – Mark Waid for Justice League United, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, Batman and Robin Year One, Action Comics, New History of the DC Universe, and Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor. The majority of my new comics purchases each month are written by Mark Waid. Artist – Bryan Hitch for Redcoat and Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor. Even though Redcoat is not a monthly title, when it comes out I am always memorized by the details he puts into the pages.]
Favorite Publisher: [DC Comics – Even though I have reduced the number of new titles I am purchasing, the bulk of those books are from DC.]
What changes do you think the publishers should make to the line up? (What should they stop publishing, start publishing or otherwise change?) [I hope DC follows through with its plans to release a new Legion of Super-Heroes title. In be careful what you wish for, Rob Liefeld released new issues of Youngblood but I the issues were not engaging. I only bought issues one and two of the new volume.]
2025:
Favorite Comic Movie/Television Show/Book/Video Game: [Favorite Comic Television Show - Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney+, the show did a really great job of portraying an expansive Marvel Universe while subverting expectations especially for a kids show. | Favorite Comic Book Movie – Superman (2025) Written and Directed by James Gunn, a fun superhero movie that was not afraid to be bright colored and highlight the wackiness of the DC Universe.]
What did you think was the biggest news story/highlight of the year for comics? [Since Diamond Comics’ downfall is the obvious choice, I will mention two highlights. First, Marvel Cinematic Universe’s box office struggles in 2025 - https://variety.com/2025/film/news/box- ... 236608453/ | https://www.polygon.com/2025-marvel-cin ... ox-office/. Highlight two, DC Comics’ publishing successes - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/busin ... 236458286/]
How would you sum up this past year for the Decade in Review? [The old direct market system is official dead with the demise of Diamond Comics.]
Prediction for next year: [One, the return of DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint will be well received. Two, I believe that 2026 is a make-it or break-it year for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Finally, David Tennant will return to Doctor Who for the December 2026 Christmas Special.]
Comic Book Page podcast:
What has been your favorite Comic Book Page episode and why? [Retailer Spotlight #009: Kowabunga Comics - Hearing from Eric is always such a treat and I always learn something.]
How do you participate in the Comic Book Page community (Slack/forum/Previews Spotlight/book club/other)? What would encourage you to participate more? [When I participate, it has primarily through the forum though I submitted clips for the Previews Spotlight episodes. I believe John is doing everything he can to encourage more participation.]
What suggestions do you have for the Comic Book Page podcast? [I think John is doing a great job pivoting and changing up the content when necessarily. I would prefer fewer episodes covering content that engages John and his co-presenters.]
Additional Comments? [I appreciate John and his co-presenters for continuing to bring listeners engaging episodes each week. I may not always agree with folks’ opinions but value their positions.]