Comic News Insider

In our 35th episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Jimmy and Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) are joined by Joe Grunenwald (The Beat Managing Editor) and Avery Kaplan (The Beat Features Editor) as they recommend some of their favorite graphic novels to buy as gifts for the holidays . We choose a wide variety of comics from mainstream to indie. And we are sure you will love them and put them on your...

Reviews: DC Nation Presents Future State #0, I Walk With Monsters #1, Power Pack vol. 4 #1, Adventure Time: Obsidian, Supernatural series finale, The Walking Dead: World Beyond season 1 finale  Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Ashley, Emily and Producer Joe. Producer Joe also steps in to work his editing magic on this episode as well.. Always such insightful...

In our 34th episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Jimmy and Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) are joined by Erin Crosby and Amy Wolk to discuss the 1954 classic film WHITE CHRISTMAS . How did the cast come together? Vera-Ellen sure could dance but could she sing? Rosemary Clooney sure could sing but could she dance? Why did Fred Astaire drop out making room for Danny Kaye to fill the role? Did Bing...

In another unplugged episode, Jimmy talks with his friend Brea Grant about her new graphic novel MARY:THE ADVENTURES OF MARY SHELLEY'S GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER and new film that she wrote/directed called 12 HOUR SHIFT . They also talk about her other recent film work as an actress, her podcast READING GLASSES, directing TV, traveling, life in a pandemic, Brea always dragging Jim...

In another unplugged episode, Jimmy talks with British cartoonist Katriona Chapman about her new graphic novel BREAKWATER . They also discuss her YouTube channel, cooking, traveling, working in theaters, life in lockdown and more! As usual, Jimmy's chat with Kat is more conversation than interview so we talk about a wide variety of things. A really fun and laid back time. Also, get a hold of us! T...

Reviews: A Dark Interlude #1, Barbalien #1, Sea of Sorrows #1, Animaniacs 2020, The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, and Ricky. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us know if you've read and/or watched what we reviewed and send us your thoughts! Thanks to Em...

In our 33rd episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Jimmy and Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) are joined by Joe Grunenwald (The Beat Managing Editor) and Avery Kaplan (The Beat Features Editor) to discuss the weird and wonderful TV specials that are THE STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL and the new THE LEGO STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL. Just what was the thinking behind the original? What is a "wookie ookie"...

Reviews: Dark Nights: Death Metal Infinite Hours Exxxtreme One-Shot, Dungeons and Dragons: At the Spine of the World #1, Kick-Ass vs Hit Girl #1, Scarenthood #1, Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons #1 Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, and Ashley. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much...

In our 32nd (and maybe longest) episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Jimmy and Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) are joined by Anthony Del Col ( Writer of Kill Shakespeare/Assassin's Creed: Gold) and Erin Crosby ( Pickles and Pies ) to discuss the 1946 Frank Capra classic IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE . Jimmy claims he could give a TED talk on this movie as it's his favorite ever. Does he teach anything n...

Reviews: Crossover #1, Mighty Morphin #1, Origins #1, Wolverine: Black, White & Blood #1 , Independence Day Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, Ashley and Emily. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us know if you've read and/or watched what we reviewed and send us your thoughts! Th...

In our 31st episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Jimmy and Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) are joined by Jon Hoche and cartoonist Tom Fowler to discuss the Roland Emmerich romp that is WHITE HOUSE DOWN . Was it better than Olympus Has Fallen? Just how much foreshadowing is there? Is it Chekhovian? Whom does Jimmy cast in his remake? Join us each week to listen in live. Send in topic ideas for fu...

Reviews: Giga #1, The Legacy of Mandrake the Magician #0 & #1, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin #1, The Mandalorian season 2 premiere, Truth Seekers season 1, Peninsula Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, Ashley and Emily. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us know if...

In our 30th episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Jimmy and Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) are joined by Eunsoo Jeong ( Koreangry ) and Jon Hoche to discuss the Korean zombie trilogy of films TRAIN TO BUSAN, SEOUL STATION (animated prequel) and PENINSULA (sequel). Why was Train to Busan such an international hit? What did the darker animated prequel add to the lore? Did the sequel live up to its...

Reviews: Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Songs of Glory #1, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Presents Madam Satan One-Shot, Dune: House Atreides #1, The Scumbag #1, The Witches Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, Ashley and Ricky. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us know if you've read...

In our 29th episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) and Jimmy are joined by The Beat staff writers Edie Nugent and Ricardo Alejandro Serrano Denis to discuss the cult Roger Corman film THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH . Why did Corman adapt the famous Edgar Allan Poe story? Did he stay true to the story? What was the significance of Hop-Toad? How does the film hold up and...

In another no frills chat, Jimmy and Producer Joe talk about the hit HBO show LOVECRAFT COUNTRY . We talk all of season 1 and that crazy finale.  Such incredible performances and writing throughout. Does everyone make it out alive? Does Christina get her comeuppance? Do Tic and Leti get a happy ending? Did showrunner Misha Green have any regrets? Did we like the finale? How is a shoggoth like Scoo...

In this episode, Jimmy recruits one of his favorite correspondents to conduct an interview. Melissa steps in the interview chair and has a fascinating discussion with writer Mariah McCourt about her hit comic series ASH& THORN from Ahoy Comics. They dig deep into the series, character development, art, recipes and more. (Including some adorable appearances by her little daughter.) Find out why it'...

Reviews: Commanders In Crisis #1, The Devil's Red Bride #1, Dracula, Motherf**ker!, Rorschach #1, Helstrom s1, Lovecraft Country season finale Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, Ashley and Ricky. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us know if you've read and/or watched what we rev...

In our 28th episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) and Jimmy are joined by Jill Pantozzi (Founder/Owner of The Nerdy Bird/Deputy Editor at io9 ) and Jennifer de Guzman to discuss the hit Tim Burton film BEETLEJUICE . What was the original more sinister take on the film? How was the famous dinner scene done? How was it cast? What is up with cousin Jane? And Jimmy doe...

Jimmy and Producer Joe celebrate their 1100th episode! In the before times, anniversary episodes were recorded live at a bar w/ multiple guests, songs, comedy bits and more. Alas, since we can't gather, we Zoomed it! They are joined by friends Michael Emerson, Monica Gallagher and Greg Pak. They chat about what they've been up to during lockdown and projects they are working on. Jimmy and Joe chat...

Reviews: Champions Vol 4 #1, Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues, Getting It Together #1, Neil Gaiman Norse Mythology #1, Star Wars Adventures Vol 2 #1, The Boys s2 finale Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Melissa, Jon, Marta, Emily, and Edward & Evan. Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us know...

In another no frills chat, Jimmy and Jon Hoche are back to talk about the last half of THE BOYS season 2. We covered the first 4 episodes and did not realize the wild ride we would be taken on! Well, we had an idea! Just how much more effed up can Homelander get? What is Stormfront's secret? Can Hughie and Starlight just be left alone to love? Who's the popper? So many questions and we (maybe) hav...

In our 27th episode of COMIC BEAT INSIDER (CBI), Heidi MacDonald ( The Beat Chief) and Jimmy are joined by Jon Hoche to discuss the cult hit UK comedy GARTH MARENGHI'S DARKPLACE. Heidi picked it and Jimmy and Jon are newbies to it. They also chat the spin-off MAN TO MAN WITH DEAN LEARNER. Did they like it? Could this be a perfect series? What are their favorite bits? How well did it skewer horror...

Jimmy invites father/son duo Edward and Evan on to discuss the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai . Jimmy and Edward are childhood friends and are pretty sure they saw the original The Karate Kid in theaters together. The three of them discuss the genesis of the series, legacy, characters, favorite parts, action, nostalgia and more! Does Johnny get his revenge? Is Daniel a good car salesman? What's up w...

Reviews: Goosebumps: Secret of the Swamp #1, Shang-Chi #1, South Park Pandemic Special, The Walking Dead: World Beyond series premiere, Woke season 1, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals Jimmy recruits some of his favorite audio reviewers again. Thanks to Jon, Emily, Marta, Steph, Edward & Evan! Always such insightful and great reviews and the powers that be at CNI appreciate them so much. Let us...