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Collecting IssuesYour Monthly Comic Book Club Author: collectingissues
Welcome to Collecting Issues, the monthly comic book club podcast! Each month, we choose a single graphic novel and invite you, our community, to read along with us. We want you to share your thoughts, theories, and favourite moments on our Discord, and join the conversation.At the end of each month, we record an episode full of comic-loving fun, discussing the story, art, and everything in between.Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to comics, Collecting Issues is the perfect place to explore great reads and connect with fellow fans. Let's celebrate the world of comics together Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Arts, Books, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne
Episode 6
Thursday, 1 May, 2025
In this episode of Collecting Issues, Michael and Benjamin break down 8 Billion Genies, the complete 8-issue limited series from Image Comics by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne. What if every person on Earth was suddenly given a genie and one wish? This high-concept comic explores the global and personal chaos that follows—and we’re diving into all of it.From the explosive first eight seconds to the profound implications of the final wish, this episode explores themes of desire, power, world-building, and the consequences of getting exactly what you want. The hosts compare it to works by Robert Kirkman and Alan Moore, discuss the structure and visual style of the comic, and reflect on how this series delivers big ideas in a tightly-paced, character-driven format.Topics include:The wish-making mechanic and its implicationsRyan Browne’s distinctive art and design of the geniesThe storytelling technique of exponential time jumpsCultural commentary, character arcs, and final twistsPerfect for fans of speculative fiction, creator-owned comics, and smart sci-fi storytelling, this episode offers a thoughtful (and often hilarious) deep dive into one of Image Comics’ most creative modern titles.Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to 8 Billion Genies01:28 Premise of 8 Billion Genies01:51 Comparisons and Commentary02:50 Podcast Promotion and Support05:14 Genies and Their Personalities09:05 Creators and Their Works13:08 World Building and Rules30:26 Character Arcs and Tragedies38:21 The Dougland People and Human Cycles39:00 The Wish-Making Mechanic40:13 The Eternal Witness and World Building42:13 The Zhiang Family Arc44:42 Daisy's Development and Character Arcs47:40 Themes of Desire and Control59:59 The Final Wish and ConclusionFollow the Podcast:Join the Discord and read alongJoin the SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TiktokWatch us on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.