The comic industry is buzzing, but is it about to burst? This week on Beyond the Pull List, we’re diving into the heavy hitters and the hard truths facing our favorite hobby.

​Inside this episode:

• ​Absolute Batman #19: We break down the start of "The Straw Man" arc. Scott Snyder just delivered a shock to the system for the Dark Knight—what does this mean for the Absolute Universe?
• ​The Weekly Pull: Quick hits on The Flash and the symbiotic chaos of Venom: Death Spiral.
• ​The Ultimate Showdown: Does Invincible actually have what it takes to take down Thragg, or are the Viltrumites just too powerful?
• ​The Big Debate: We tackle the elephant in the room—is a comic book industry collapse imminent? We look at the data, the trends, and whether we're headed for another 90s-style crash.

​Are we crazy, or is the writing on the wall? Let’s go Beyond the Pull List!

Welcome back to Beyond the Pull List, Paul's view on Venom has finally been unchained, and he rips into Al Ewing and Marvel Editorial. Following this, Clayton gives us a fresh review of Transformers issue 31, and Paul reviews the second half of Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral! Finally wrapping up with a review of episodes 5 and 6 of INVINCIBLE! Sit down, have your collection ready, as we go Beyond the Pull List!

Join us today on Beyond the Pull List as Clayton's excitement for Superman, Spider-Man #1 starts to fade, what could this mean? Was the wait for this historic release worth it? Also, we break down the Spider-Man Brand New Day trailer, and what threat is incoming for our favorite web head. And by popular request, we review the first half on INVINCIBLE season 4. Let's get Pulling!

Comic fans are deeply divided about Ultimate Spider-Man — and in this episode, we dig into why.

Clayton and Paul sit down for a long-form comic discussion covering several of the biggest books on the stands right now, including Transformers #30, Absolute Batman #18, Absolute Superman #17, and Death Spiral #1.

But the heart of the conversation centers on the biggest debate in modern Spider-Man fandom: Why does Ultimate Spider-Man have readers so split?

Is it the slower pacing?
The heavy dialogue?
Is it the way the story focuses on Peter Parker’s life and relationships rather than constant action?

Or is this exactly what makes the series special?

We talk about storytelling weight, character development, and what fans actually want from a Spider-Man comic.

Whether you love the book or struggle with it, this episode explores both sides of the debate and why this run has become one of the most talked-about Spider-Man series in years.

Join the conversation and let us know where you land.

Is this the future of Spider-Man storytelling… or a swing that misses?

In our first episode of Beyond the Pull List, we dive into Ultimate Spider-Man (2026) #24, then we shift gears to Absolute Batman #17 and Absolute Batman Annual #1.  

From story structure to character moments, we break down what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters. 

This episode is full of our honest reactions, strong opinions, and the kind of comic shop debate we’ve been having for years, but now recorded! 

 Welcome to Beyond the Pull List. 

Two longtime comic fans finally hit record.

Beyond the Pull List is a new podcast where we talk Marvel, DC, comic book movies, and everything in between — the way we always have. 

Real opinions. No script. Just pure fun!

Episode one drops this Friday, February 20th!

 Subscribe now so you don’t miss episode one.