Episode Details

Steve Orlando is one of the busiest writers in comics right now, and this week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we’re running our full, uncut conversation with him. Earlier this week, we published a written feature focused on his Scarlet Witch run, but this episode expands far beyond that, covering everything from Deadweight with Bobby Lee to Valiant Beyond: X-O Manowar, DC x AEW, his chance to judge on Dragula Titans season 2, Tarzan Beyond, X-Men Infinity, and even a teased return to Midnighter!

If you wanted the complete Orlando download, this is it.

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NEWS

1. ‘Sonic vs. Godzilla’ is finally happening, and it’s bigger than you think
2. See new Origin Box characters Hostilicus and Wonder Man from 'Reborn: Ultimate Impact'
3. Marvel’s WHAT IF? returns with wild twists for its 50th anniversary
4. Marvel brings 'Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man' art to new variant covers
5. 'JLA/Avengers' is coming back to comic shops this summer 2026
6. Oni Press unveils bold fall 2026 graphic novel lineup

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave:

1. Infernal Hulk #4 (Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Nic Klein)
2. The Mighty Thor #7 (Al Ewing, Pasqel Ferry)

Alex:​​

1. Power Fantasy #16 (Gillen, Wijnegaard)
2. Absolute Wonder Woman #17 (Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman)

Standout KAPOW moment of the week:

Alex: Sorcerer Supreme #3 (Bernard Chang, Ruth Redmond)

Dave: Hulk Smash Everything #3 (Ryan North, Vincenzo Carratu)

TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK

• Alex: Moonstar #1 (Ashley Allen, Edoardo Audino) & Narco #1 (Doug Wagner, Daniel Hillyard)
• Dave: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite of Spring #6 (Horvath Cover)

JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.

• Dave: The Amazing Spider-Man #23 (Taurin Clarke Cover) Or Maybe
• Alex: X-Men #26 (Gurihiru Marvel Monster Variant)

Interview: Steve Orlando

Deadweight (GUNGNIR Publishing) (with Bobby Lee & Matthew Medney)

1. Deadweight sounds completely unhinged in the best way, blending martial arts chaos, horror, and absurdist comedy. When you’re co-writing something that springs so directly from Bobby Lee’s comedic voice, how do you balance honoring that raw unpredictability while still building a story with emotional stakes and structure?

Valiant Beyond: X-O Manowar (out Feb 18)

1. In Valiant Beyond: X-O Manowar, Aric joins the PunX after millennia of isolation, and suddenly honor is tied to community rather than conquest. How has it been carvi