One Superman Comic Disappoints, Another Delivers | Panel Chewing #152

This week on Panel Chewing #152, we're talking about disappointing comics, surprising discoveries, Halloween horror, and two outstanding Picks of the Week. We open with a conversation about the health of the comic book industry. Are comics thriving, or are the big superhero titles hiding problems facing smaller independent publishers? Then we jump into this week's reading. Steve finally reaches his breaking point with Absolute Superman #24. Despite enjoying the early issues, the series has lost the qualities that initially made it interesting. Is it time to move on? Jarrod has a similar experience with The Demon #1, a new DC series featuring Jason Blood and Etrigan. The character has a fascinating history, but does the artwork fit the darker storytelling? We also discuss Rob Liefeld's return to Evangeline, the disturbing body horror of Gastronomique, the Halloween special for Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Jeff Lemire's Minor Arcana, Michael Moorcock's Hawkmoon, Jonah Hex, Crowbound, and Midnight X-Men. Comics Reviewed Absolute Superman #24 The Demon #1 Evangeline #1 The Dirt Beneath the Devil #3 Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special Minor Arcana #19 Gastronomique #2 Hawkmoon: The Mad God's Amulet #1 Jonah Hex #1 Crowbound #2 Midnight X-Men #1 Picks of the Week Jarrod: Superman: The Stranger #2 Wes Craig continues his Depression-era Superman story, exploring a young Clark Kent who is still searching for his place in the world. Jarrod loves the noir atmosphere, artwork, and developing conflict with Lex Luthor. Steve: Hyde Street #13 The Butcher has arrived, and nobody feels safe. Geoff Johns continues building a disturbing, unpredictable world filled with morally complicated characters and unanswered questions. Steve considers this some of the best comic book storytelling currently available. Lone Wolf and Cub Read-Along Our ongoing group read continues with Volume 20. This volume introduces a particularly dangerous adversary: a master poisoner whose methods challenge Ogami Itto in ways traditional swordsmen cannot. We discuss the growing conflict between Retsudo Yagyu and his new ally, the exploitation of vulnerable people, the changing nature of Ogami's compassion, and how Daigoro may be influencing his father's humanity. Read along with us through Libby or Hoopla, subject to your library's collection. Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Support Page Chewing on Patreon Affiliate Links that support the show: Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKns Audible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vadd Kindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdD Amazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9 Join Captivate.fm Send a message via SpeakPipe