In this in-depth conversation, Ben Mauro — legendary concept artist behind Halo, Elysium, and Chappie — joins This Comic Cooks to talk about the creation of HUXLEY, his deeply personal sci-fi graphic novel universe.

We explore why Mauro chose comics over film, how HUXLEY grew from a solo passion project into a global bookstore release, and what it means to create something physical in an increasingly digital world.

We are talking:

• How HUXLEY was built one page at a time

• Why physical books still matter in 2026

• The role of AI in modern science fiction

• Mauro’s influences (Akira, Moebius, Dune)

• How HUXLEY: The Oracle expands the universe

• What makes meaningful sci-fi timeless

If you love science fiction, graphic novels, worldbuilding, or thoughtful conversations about creativity and craft, this episode is for you.

📘 HUXLEY - https://amzn.to/3NhDu7a

HUXLEY: The Oracle - https://amzn.to/4pWyEdj are available worldwide in bookstores and online.

🔔 Subscribe to This Comic Cooks for more creator interviews and reader-first comic recommendations.

Honorable mentions:Supergirl #8Justice League Unlimited #14Justice League Red #5The Bat-Man: Second Knight #2Welcome back to This Month in Superman — the show where we celebrate the best Superman comics we read each month.This episode is our December 2025 Superman wrap-up (and the final episode of 2025!), featuring special guests Tim Tangent and Frank Ramblings from Beer with Geeks. We break down the standout reads of the month, why Mark Waid continues to write elite Superman, and which books you can hand to someone as the perfect “this is what Superman is” recommendation.📚 In this episode we cover:Action Comics and the young Clark / Smallville-era morality angleSuperman: The Kryptonite Spectrum and why it feels like an all-timerBatman/Superman: World’s Finest (The “Merger” arc, Joker/Lex madness, and pure Silver Age fun)Why Superman stories hit harder when you’re thinking about fatherhood, morality, and doing the right thingHonorable mentions + what we’re excited for in January 2026 and beyondIf you love Superman, Mark Waid, DC Comics, or just want a monthly reading guide from real fans — you’re in the right place.🎧 Follow / Subscribe for monthly Superman picks, deep dives, and reader-first recommendations.#Superman #DCComics #ThisMonthInSuperman #MarkWaid #WorldsFinest #ActionComics #ComicBooks #ComicPodcast #BeerWithGeeks

In this episode, Vactor, Frank, and Tim break down every major Superman-related issue this month — from Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #4 to DC KO #2, World’s Finest #45, Superman #32, Book of El, Absolute Superman, and more.Whether you read every issue or haven’t picked up a comic yet, this episode is designed to help you understand what’s worth reading — and why these stories matter for Superman’s ongoing mythology.We also dive into:🟦 Why Kryptonite Spectrum #4 might be the best Superman issue of the year🟩 The case for why Superman might have become President (according to Snyder & Williamson)🟥 Superboy-Prime breaking the fourth wall🟧 Lex Luthor’s surprising role in DC KO #2🟪 The joy of Silver Age chaos in the Fifth Dimension🟨 How World’s Finest #45 brings back classic Joker/Luthor chemistry🟫 Why Superman #32 is the perfect companion issue to KOHonorable mentions:Justice League Red #4Batman and Robin #27Supergirl #7Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 #5If you want to know which Superman comic you should read this month — we’ve got you covered.

Welcome back to This Month in Superman, your monthly breakdown of the best Superman comics on the stands!Vactor, Tim Tangent, and Super Frank dive deep into every Super-title hitting shelves — from Superman #30 to The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 and Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 — analyzing storylines, art, and what they mean for the Man of Steel’s legacy.🦸‍♂️ In This Episode: • Frank’s Pick: Superman #30 — Booster Gold, Superboy Prime, and multiversal chaos collide! • Tim’s Pick: Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 — Philip Kennedy Johnson brings cosmic scope and emotional depth. • Vactor’s Pick: Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 — A psychedelic, Silver Age-inspired masterpiece exploring what new shades of Kryptonite can do. • Bonus Talk: Doomsday as the Time Trapper?! Meta humor, continuity chaos, and where Jason Aaron’s Absolute Superman might go next.🧩 Topics Covered • Superboy Prime’s fourth-wall humor and Crisis references • Philip Kennedy Johnson’s Superman family storytelling • The creative brilliance behind Kryptonite Spectrum (W. Maxwell Prince & Martín Morazzo) • Silver Age influences, Alice in Wonderland parallels, and why Superman still inspires us today • Predictions for DC KO #1 and Superman Red & Blue (2025 Special)📚 Honorable Mentions • Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #4 • Krypto: The Last Dog of Krypton #4 • Supergirl #5 • Justice League Red (Power Girl spotlight)⸻

🔗 Links:

🎧 Listen to Beer With Geeks (Frank & Tim’s podcast): beerwithgeeks.com

🐦 Follow Vactor: @vactor

📱 Watch Frank’s Beatles TikToks: @FrankRamblings

📘 Read more comics talk: This Comic Cooks Substack

Summary

In this engaging conversation, the hosts celebrate the exciting developments in the Superman comic universe for 2025, discussing various titles, including Superman Unlimited and the Kryptonite Spectrum. They delve into the dynamics of the Justice League, the artistry behind the comics, and the impact of storytelling. The discussion also touches on the Beer with Geeks podcast, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and shared passion for comics.

Chapters:

00:00 Superman Fans Unite: A Celebration of August 2025

04:46 Honorable Mentions: Exploring the Superman Universe

09:36 Spotlight on Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum

14:27 Superman Number 29: A New Favorite Emerges

16:25 Exploring Fourth Wall Breaks in Comics

19:26 The Impact of the Legion of Superheroes

22:06 Justice League Unlimited: A New Era

24:22 Batman and the Ethics of Superhero Vigilantism

26:54 The Evolution of Superman's Character

29:36 The Importance of Community in Comic Discussions

Summary

In this episode, Vactor and Tim Tangent discuss the latest Superman comics released in July, highlighting their favorite moments, honorable mentions, and picks of the month. They delve into various Superman titles, including Superman Number 28 and Cal-El-Fornia Love, while sharing their thoughts on the evolving narratives and character developments within the Superman universe. The conversation also touches on the impact of different artists and writers on the storytelling, as well as the overall excitement surrounding the Superman franchise.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to This Month in Superman

02:16 Honorable Mentions and Superman Family Updates

05:36 Deep Dive into Superman Comics

10:19 Exploring Superman Unlimited and Justice League Unlimited

15:28 Picks of the Month: Superman Stories

24:23 Wrap-Up and Future Superman Adventures

Vactor and Emmy (aka the EMCU) break down Fantastic Four: First Steps — from emotional family dynamics to multiverse madness. We discuss Sue Storm’s standout scenes, Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, the new Silver Surfer, and what this movie means for the future of the MCU. Plus, we theorize about Galactus, Doom, incursions, and Franklin Richards’ surprising role. This MCU reboot hit us in the feels — let’s talk about why.

🔗 Follow Emmy: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmy.deleon🌸 Reinventing her life one TikTok at a time