What were the best Marvel Snap cards released this past year? Jesse and Evan close out by counting down their Top 5 Cards of the Year — from November 2024 through October 2025 — and it's a chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious debate packed with personal picks, controversial cuts, and unexpected love for shirtless sorcerers.

The duo reflect on the cards that defined the evolving meta and their personal Snap experiences. Along the way, they touch on deck strategy, balance tweaks, unforgettable card animations, and even how certain releases sparked backlash from the Snap community. 

As always, the discussion is loaded with insights, personal stories, and offbeat pop culture tangents (anyone remember Terminal Velocity with Nastassja Kinski?). Plus, Jesse surprises Evan with an AI-generated “Top 5” compiled from 11 months of transcripts. Did the AI nail it? Did it expose any hidden biases? You’ll have to listen to find out.

The web is wide, weird, and wild this month on Snap Material, as Jesse and Evan break down the launch of Marvel Snap’s “Arachnid Anarchy” season! From Spider-Punk’s power-thieving antics to the game-changing combo potential of Man-Spider, this episode dives deep into the eight-legged madness spinning through Snap’s latest update.

The hosts cover every new card introduced so far, giving hot takes and combo ideas for powerful additions like Superior Spider-Man, Hydro-Man, The Prowler, and the much-anticipated Chameleon. Deck synergy, strategy theorycrafting, and lots of laughs are on full display as they explore how these cards fit into existing archetypes and where they might redefine the meta.

You’ll also get a rundown of the new skill cards like Web Sling, Deafening Chord, and the suite of thief-themed tools from The Prowler. Plus, they break down the new locations Mosh Pit and Parker Industries, discussing who shines where (hint: bring Captain Carter and Sebastian Shaw to the front row).

Snap Material is back  — and this time, we’re digging into unlocks, decks, and the ever-shifting meta. Jesse and Evan compare notes on their seasonal pulls, including some wild variants (Disco Venom? Infinity Ultron Chibi? Pantsless Kraven?!), and walk through how those cards factored into their gameplay—or didn’t.

Jesse shares the struggle of building around underwhelming new unlocks like Red Wing and Morgan Le Fay, while Evan recounts his success (and frustration) with zombie decks, destruction synergy, and surprise plays with Jocasta and Invisible Woman First Steps. We also hear how cards like Zombie Captain Marvel, Armor, and Headpool played pivotal roles in countering or enabling some of the more popular builds of the month.

Later in the episode, the guys dig into Marvel Snap’s Sanctum Showdown and Grand Arena events. From Evan’s strategic use of Zorn, Tron, and Kingpin to Jesse’s deck experimentation with swarm mechanics and Black Swan combos, the discussion reveals how flexible and chaotic this season’s meta really was.

It’s spooky season in the Snap-verse, and Jesse and Evan are back on the Snap Material Podcast to celebrate three years of Marvel Snap with a deep dive into last season: Undead Horde! This jam-packed episode breaks down every creepy card, examines the rise (and occasional stumble) of zombie-themed decks, and delivers thoughtful insights on which new strategies are actually worth your energy cubes. 

From the mechanics of the new Horde card and the synergy around Zombie Scarlet Witch and Merlin, to the quirky utility of Headpool and the hit-or-miss experience with Zombie Galacti, the hosts unpack what worked, what didn’t, and how the evolving meta shaped their builds. Evan shares his experiments with destruction decks powered by cards like Moira X and Killmonger, while Jesse reveals how Zombie Captain Marvel became his go-to playmaker—even if Infinite rank stayed just out of reach. 

Also on the table: surprising thoughts on cards like Colonel America, Zombie Mr. Fantastic, and Zombie Giant-Man. The hosts even spotlight how limited support early in the season created challenges for Horde synergy, and whether the undead archetype has staying power or is destined to rot until next October.

On this emotional and reflective episode of the Source Material Comics Podcast, Jesse and Mark begin their deep dive into Daytripper, the award-winning 2010 Vertigo comic by Brazilian creators Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá. In Part 1 of this multi-episode journey, the hosts explore the first three issues of the series — a comic that asks bold questions about life, death, and the value of every moment. And yes, along the way, there’s talk of gay chicken, failed relationships, and the existential dread of turning 49.

At the heart of Daytripper is Brás de Oliva Domingos, an obituary writer who dreams of being a novelist. In each issue, we glimpse a pivotal day in Brás’ life — whether it’s a quiet walk with his dog, a beachside romance, or a moment of hope after heartbreak — only for each chapter to end with his sudden and unexpected death. There’s no time travel, no cosmic explanation. These repeated deaths are symbolic, a powerful narrative device meant to highlight how fragile and meaningful even the most ordinary day can be.

Jesse and Mark reflect on how the comic resonates with their own experiences — from young love and career hopes to the sharp turns that life takes. They dig into themes of emotional transformation, the non-linear storytelling structure, and the gut-punch endings that come just as Brás seems to be on the brink of something new. It’s an episode that balances laughter and literary insight, including the surprisingly profound wisdom of Jorge’s birthday card and the relatable pain of watching a relationship implode under the weight of adulthood.

With Vertigo’s trademark freedom to tell unconventional stories, Daytripper proves that comics can be just as introspective, heartbreaking, and beautiful as any literary novel. And this podcast episode captures that spirit — with plenty of honesty, introspection, and, of course, banter.

The massacre ends — but the scars run deep. In Part 5 of our Midnight Massacre retrospective, Jesse, Evan, and Chris break down Ghost Rider/Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #13, the fiery final chapter where Switchblade (Blade corrupted by the Darkhold) storms Dr. Strange’s Sanctum with one goal: end all supernatural existence. What follows is a visually explosive climax packed with mystical warfare, infernal shotgun blasts, and a last-ditch gambit that might just cost a soul.

As Ghost Rider attempts a final stand against the hell-charged vampire slayer, he’s quickly dismantled — literally — by the lobster-clawed nightmare Blade has become. But when Blade siphons the Penance Stare, the weight of every soul he’s murdered detonates inside his mind. With a single spell, Louise Hastings saves the day… at great cost. The fallen Midnight Sons — Morbius, Hannibal King, Montesi, and even Blade — are restored. But trust is shattered, alliances fray, and the true evil (hint: Lilith's still smiling) is only beginning to stir.

From the over-the-top action to the subtle, haunting quiet moments — like a single tear on Louise’s cheek — the hosts reflect on what worked, what fizzled, and what still lingers in the dark. It's a fitting, fast-paced end to a brutal arc, and the Unspoken Issues crew celebrates it with deep comic dives, shellfish jokes, and one last trip to the flaming edge of Marvel's horror universe.

The flames burn higher and the stakes grow deadlier in Part 4 of Midnight Massacre, as Jesse, Evan, and Chris dive fang-first into Morbius: The Living Vampire #12. This issue doesn't hold back — with werewolf mutilation, vampiric rage, and one of the most devastating two-page death spreads in '90s comics, the body count climbs ever higher. Switchblade has gone full god-tier, and not even Marvel’s most tortured anti-heroes can slow him down.

As the team recaps the action, they explore Morbius’s struggle with his lilin-tainted blood, his tragic final moments, and how Gregory Wright and Ron Wagner manage to give this supernatural brawl some emotional weight. The death of Werewolf by Night via pumpkin bomb-to-the-mouth is as gruesome as it sounds, but it’s Mobius’s final stand — and what comes after — that hits hardest. A red-tinged, rage-filled transformation leads to a desperate assault… only for Switchblade to reduce Morbius to ash and bones with a hellish barrage of supernatural fury.

Of course, no episode would be complete without some levity — including a running analysis of Mandy’s wildly inappropriate workplace behavior, a rogue “planet gave us AIDS” dialogue drop, and speculation on whether Martine’s ghost is a comfort or a cosmic gaslight. It’s another hard-hitting, fast-talking episode that proves this horror crossover never takes its foot off the pedal.

Things get brutally magical in Part 3 of our Midnight Massacre deep dive as Jesse, Evan, and Chris wade through the supernatural chaos of Darkhold #11. The cursed vampire hunter Switchblade has already racked up a body count, but now the power level — and the stakes — skyrocket. As Ghost Rider limps into the scene (after catching a blade to the ribs), the Darkhold Redeemers must rally and brace for a confrontation with a villain whose arsenal now includes hellfire, vampirism, pumpkin bombs, and a dangerously unstable thirst for mystic domination.

But the real showstopper? Mordred — or rather, Modred the Mystic — the leather-jacketed, no-shirt sorcerer who brings skyscraper-level power to the fight. What follows is the most brutal, knock-down drag-out battle in the series so far. From a midtown tower collapse to a Central Park beatdown, Modred and Switchblade throw everything from mystical glass storms to spine removals in a showdown for the ages. And just when it seems like the Darkhold-fueled Blade might finally meet his match, the unthinkable happens.

With discussions ranging from the evolving horror aesthetics of Blade’s rotting transformation to the oddly endearing absurdity of checking a skeleton’s pulse, this episode hits hard. The team breaks down the action, the mythological roots of the "geas" curse, and the storytelling behind one of the most chaotic moments in Marvel’s ‘90s horror boom. It’s grim, gory, and full of sorcery — just the way we like it.

The darkness deepens in Part 2 of our Midnight Massacre retrospective as the Unspoken Issues crew dissects Ghost Rider #40 — a brutal, action-heavy installment where Switchblade (formerly Blade) continues his relentless crusade to wipe out anything remotely supernatural. Now fully corrupted by the Darkhold, Blade stalks the streets of New York like a vampiric predator, cutting down anyone touched by mysticism… one flaming glider or pumpkin bomb at a time.

Jesse, Chris, and Evan dive into the intense rooftop showdowns, gory splash pages, and the fate of Demogoblin, who learns the hard way that allying with a supernatural serial killer is a bad idea. Ghost Rider and Frank Drake arrive on the scene, but even their combined strength may not be enough to slow down a villain who’s now absorbing the powers of everyone he kills. The team also breaks down Ron Garney’s vastly improved artwork, the strange mechanics of the Exorcist Gun (aka “Linda”), and why club bouncers probably shouldn’t try to stop a hell-charged vampire hunter. 

Of course, there’s also time for window-smashing terminology, Teen Wolf references, and the creation of the greatest new podcast bingo term. It’s another jam-packed episode full of horror comics nostalgia, sharp insights, and chaotic fun. Get ready for supernatural carnage — the body count is rising, and we’re just getting started.

Grab your trench coat and hellfire shotgun — it's time to head back into the eerie world of the Midnight Sons! In this special October episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse, Evan, and Chris resurrect Marvel’s supernatural horror crossover, Midnight Massacre, starting with a deep dive into Nightstalkers #10. What begins as a straightforward hunt for a page of the cursed Darkhold quickly spirals into a blood-soaked rampage, as Blade succumbs to dark temptations and takes a terrifying new turn that shocks even his closest allies.

The trio break down the haunting atmosphere of the storyline, the brutal action sequences, and the thematic depth of Blade’s descent into darkness. With a deadly new alias, Switchblade, the vampire hunter turns on his former comrades, resulting in one of the most violent and unexpected shakeups in the Midnight Sons saga. From Ghost Rider’s flaming motorcycle to Hannibal King’s shocking demise, no character is safe in this gruesome kickoff.

In this luminous and thought-provoking episode of Source Material Comics Podcast, Jesse Starcher and Mark Radulich take a heartfelt dive into The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, the Eisner Award-winning comic from writer Ram V and artist Filipe Andrade. With its poetic storytelling, vibrant visuals, and deep philosophical themes, this book is anything but ordinary—blending Hindu mythology, existential wonder, and the color-soaked streets of Mumbai into a modern fable about mortality and meaning.

The story begins with the goddess of death being fired from her divine duties, rendered obsolete by the birth of a boy destined to invent immortality. Cast into the mortal body of Laila Starr, she descends to Earth, determined to stop this invention. But her journey—marked by repeated deaths, rebirths, and encounters with the boy Darius at different stages of his life—becomes less about vengeance and more about understanding the human experience.

Jesse and Mark unpack the emotional core of this story, exploring questions like: Does death give life meaning? What happens when grief fuels obsession? Can acceptance triumph over control? They also touch on the book’s painterly art style, its thematic parallels to The Crow, and how its final moments deliver a soft yet powerful message about letting go. It’s a beautiful meditation on life’s impermanence—and one of the most profound comics the podcast has covered.

Before Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith suited up and neuralyzed their way into pop culture history, The Men in Black began as a gritty, black-and-white comic series published by Aircel in 1990. In this episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse takes listeners on a deep dive into the origins of the iconic franchise, dissecting issues #1–3 of the original Men in Black comics. From sinister cults and berserker drugs to interstellar treaties and demonic incursions, the series is packed with bizarre plotlines that go far beyond alien policing.

Listeners will hear how the comics differ from the blockbuster films, especially in tone and character dynamics. Kay is colder, more manipulative, and downright ruthless, while Jay emerges as the moral center, trying to hold onto his humanity amid mind-wipes, supernatural threats, and bureaucratic gray zones. From Oklahoma farms to Ohio suburbs, the Men in Black face drug-fueled cults, bug-eyed extraterrestrials, and even demonic RPG monsters summoned from dice rolls. It’s a chaotic ride—and that’s before we even get to the neuralizers.

To cap it off, Jesse reads a fascinating interview with creator Lowell Cunningham, who reveals the real-life paranormal inspirations behind the series, including UFO folklore and strange-but-true news headlines. This episode offers a rare look into the darker, weirder world of The Men in Black—a world where monsters live next door, and the only thing keeping order is a pair of guys in black suits and Ray-Bans.

In this deeply personal episode of Source Material Comics Podcast, Jesse Starcher and Mark Radulich dive into the haunting, emotional powerhouse that is The Crow by James O’Barr. Originally published in the late ‘80s, this cult classic graphic novel tells the story of Eric—a man brutally murdered alongside his fiancée, Shelly, and supernaturally resurrected by a mysterious crow to avenge her death. But beneath its stylized violence and goth noir aesthetic lies a work of raw emotional therapy, born out of O’Barr’s own real-life grief.

Jesse and Mark explore the book’s heavy themes—trauma, unconditional love, rage, and healing—unpacking how O’Barr channeled his sorrow over the loss of his fiancée into one of the most enduring graphic novels of its era. The episode doesn’t just stop at analyzing the book’s powerful romance and grim justice; it also reflects on how The Crow became a goth subculture icon, the tragic mythos surrounding the film adaptation and Brandon Lee’s death, and why the source material is still so emotionally resonant decades later.

Together, they examine the book’s striking black-and-white visuals, its poetic narrative structure, and the deeply cathartic yet paradoxically self-destructive process O’Barr underwent in bringing this vision to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or reading The Crow for the first time, this episode offers a thoughtful, emotional, and occasionally humorous take on one of the most iconic indie comics of all time.

In this episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse Starcher and Chris Armstrong dive deep into the chaotic and fascinating debut of Siren #Infinity—one of the more obscure and unexpectedly compelling offshoots of Marvel's Black September initiative. Originally a minor Ultraverse character, Siren is suddenly thrust into the Marvel 616 universe, and this issue marks a pivotal shift in her evolution. The hosts take you through her bewildering new reality, where she wakes up in Taskmaster’s twisted dojo and quickly finds herself fighting for survival and identity in a world that barely knows her name.

Jesse and Chris break down the creative team behind the book while exploring how Siren's transformation (and that eerie white makeup becoming a part of her skin) mirrors the uncertainty surrounding the Ultraverse’s integration into Marvel’s continuity. From a brutal bout with Mad Dog to an explosive clash with Diamondback, the story is packed with action, intrigue, and uneasy alliances. The episode also discusses how Siren's past, filled with cosmic encounters and team-ups, is both her baggage and her armor as she navigates new threats under Taskmaster’s watchful eye. 

The conversation goes beyond the page, offering context around the Ultraverse’s abrupt shift, the broader implications of Marvel’s acquisition of Malibu, and the lasting impact (or lack thereof) of Black September. Jesse and Chris don’t shy away from critiquing the narrative missteps and editorial decisions that led to the Ultraverse’s fade into obscurity—but they also highlight how Siren #Infinity serves as a rare example of a successful, new-reader-friendly introduction amidst the chaos. If you're a fan of comic book history, forgotten characters, or just curious how Marvel nearly absorbed an entire universe, this episode delivers a passionate, thoughtful, and entertaining deep dive.

The letter and response read near the end of the podcast is from "Ultraforce #Infinity"

Spooky season has arrived in the world of Marvel Snap, and hosts Jesse Starcher and Evan Bevins are embracing the fear… of nerfs! In this hilarious and insightful episode of Snap Material, the duo countdown their Top 5 Cards They're Afraid Will Be Nerfed—and they’re not messing around. From game-changing synergy to oppressive power swings, these are the cards that keep deckbuilders up at night, not because they’re overpowered—but because the next patch could strike them down.

In this episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse and Chris dive into Night Man #Infinity, a pivotal installment from the Ultraverse that collides with the wider Marvel multiverse during the dramatic Black September event. Published in 1995 and written by legendary comics scribe Steve Englehart, this issue pits two versions of Night Man against each other in a mystical, reality-fracturing confrontation with the sorceress Rhiannon at the center. 

The hosts break down the story's intense themes of duality, morality, and identity as “Good Night Man” and “Bad Night Man” wrestle with their own nature and the seductive pull of power. As the battle escalates at Stonehenge—complete with Celtic rituals, spectral beasts, and even the horned god Cernunnos—one Night Man is cast into the Marvel Universe while the other remains, altered and mysterious. Jesse and Chris dissect the twist ending and how it tees up the transition to Night Man/Wolverine.

You’ll also get background on Steve Englehart’s prolific comic legacy, artist Dean Zachary’s clean storytelling style, and how this issue fits into the larger tapestry of the Ultraverse. If you’ve ever wondered which Night Man is “real” or just want to hear about mystical blade fights, this episode has all the answers—and even a shoutout to Bone Claw Wolverine (nose intact!).

In this episode of SNAP Material, Jesse and Evan sink their teeth into the Undead Horde season of Marvel Snap, a spine-chilling update that resurrects Marvel Zombies in time for Halloween. They question the name choice—why not just call it Marvel Zombies?—before diving deep into the new Horde mechanic, analyzing how it shapes gameplay and whether it’s a gimmick or a game-changer. 

With a slew of new undead-themed cards dropping—Zombie Scarlet Witch, Headpool, Colonel America, Zombie Mr. Fantastic, and more—the hosts weigh their strategic impact on current metas. Evan shares his reluctant admiration for the destroy-heavy direction while Jesse considers becoming a full-blown anti-zombie menace. The conversation blends strategic theory with pop culture commentary, all while keeping things sharp, snarky, and entertaining.

And it wouldn’t be a SNAP episode without a sidetrack into Risk on the Sega Genesis, surprise Marvel deep cuts like Horticulture and Elsa Bloodstone, and a shoutout to Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness. 

In this episode of Unspoken Issues, Jesse and Chris plunge fang-first into one of the most brutal and visually arresting issues from the Ultraverse: Black September relaunch — Rune Infinity. Released in September 1995, this comic showcases twisted body horror, dual identities, and apocalyptic energy clashes, all wrapped in Kyle Hotz’s gloriously grotesque artwork and Len Kaminski’s cyber-horror storytelling. 

The story centers around genetically-engineered twins, Eric and Noel — products of Aladdin’s superhuman experimentation — who now share a single monstrous body. One is a bloodthirsty predator; the other, a helpless conscience trapped inside. Their brutal psychic battle for control unfolds alongside Adam Warlock’s resurrection in a distant cocoon, linking Marvel’s cosmic legacy with the Ultraverse’s raw, chaotic energy. 

In this jam-packed follow-up episode of SNAP Material, Jesse and Evan dive deep into the evolving Marvel Snap meta and unlocks from the September 2025 season. With fresh reworks shaking up gameplay and card dynamics, the duo explores how characters like Kang and Adam Warlock have gone from benchwarmers to must-plays. Evan shares his excitement over Kang's revitalized versatility, especially in surfer decks, while Jesse reflects on how this rework breathes new life into the card’s original premise. 

The conversation doesn't stop there. Pixie gets a spotlight as a quiet game-changer, enabling chaotic yet effective combos like a one-cost Giganto or Hulk. The hosts also delve into how “High Voltage” is affecting alliance rewards and reward structures—leading to Reddit-fueled debates and player frustration over unreachable final rewards without spending gold. If you’re navigating Marvel Snap this season, this discussion is your roadmap through the chaos.

As always, the episode closes with a fun and detailed rundown of each host’s unlocks—ranging from Dan Hipp favorites and pixel gems to wild variants like lucha libre Sabretooth and the ever-hilarious “dating profile” Strong Guy. 

In this explosive continuation to the Black September retrospective, Jesse and Chris dive into one of the most controversial titles of the Marvel/Malibu relaunch: Mantra: Infinity. The gloves are off as they explore the strange, shocking, and somewhat disturbing directions this series took in its attempt to reboot a fan-favorite character—and why it’s still talked about (and side-eyed) 30 years later.

The episode kicks off with background on the original Mantra—Lucas, the immortal male warrior reincarnated into the body of Eden Blake—and how that identity crisis played into early Ultraverse lore. But with Mantra: Infinity, all of that changes. Jesse and Chris unpack a story that replaces Eden with a new teen protagonist, Lauren, who’s suddenly thrust into magical chaos involving a reality-warping event, a possessed little boy (Gus), and a whole lot of mystical devastation.

The hosts don’t shy away from the issue’s more problematic elements either. From bizarre “bad girl” tropes to highly questionable depictions of teen characters and a jarring tone shift, this issue proves to be one of the most uncomfortable—and unintentionally fascinating—entries in the Black September line. With critiques of story choices, art, tone, and editorial direction, this is a no-holds-barred breakdown that Ultraverse fans and 90s comic buffs won’t want to miss.