Episode Details

The AIPT Comics Podcast returns with episode 399! This week, David Brooke sits down with cartoonist Leah Hayes to discuss her haunting new graphic novel, Identical, from Fantagraphics. Inspired by her experiences as an identical twin, Hayes explores family, identity, and the unsettling possibilities of artificial intelligence. We discuss the story's personal inspiration, her distinctive art style, and plans for a potential film adaptation.

Before the interview, David and co-host Alex Schlesinger break down the biggest news from NYCC 2026, including Grant Morrison's James Bond series, Marvel's Webtoon shakeup, and major announcements from Marvel and DC.

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NEWS

1. NYCC news!
   1. Grant Morrison takes on James Bond in new IDW comic series ‘Sunbreaker’
   2. WEBTOON and Marvel launch new Marvel Comics app November 16 as Marvel Unlimited shuts down
      1. Exclusive: ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ is coming to WEBTOON
   3. NYCC 2026: Marvel announces new ‘Captain Marvel’ series, ‘Daredevil’ #700, and more at Bullpen Bulletins panel
   4. NYCC 2026: Marvel reveals terrifying new X-Men designs, Midnight Doctor Octopus, and more
   5. Marvel teases mysterious June 2027 event with ‘Tomorrow Is One Day Away’ at NYCC 2026
   6. IDW Goes Dark in 2027 with horror takes on TMNT, Sonic, Godzilla and more
   7. Stan Sakai and Soo Lee team up for ‘TMNT: The First Ronin’ in March 2027
   8. NYCC 2026: DC Black Label/Vertigo reminds fans there’s more to DC than Batman
   9. NYCC 2026: DC announces ‘Absolute Justice,’ teases major Batman twists and more
   10. NYCC 2026: DC Next Level reveals new Starfire, Swamp Thing, and Superboy-Prime comics, plus major Batman updates
   11. EXCLUSIVE Ignition Press Series Announcement: ‘The Caretaker’ #1
2. Gates McFadden to write ‘Star Trek: Crusher’ comic for IDW
3. Oni Press resurrects ‘Dr. Syn’ for new series from Michael E. Uslan and Steven S. DeKnight

Our Top Books of the Week:

Dave