The Best of 2025

The dust has finally settled on 2025, and what a year it was for storytelling! In this special year-end wrap-up, the Hardcover Hideout crew—Jerod and Chris—sit down to count down their favorite comics, movies, and TV shows from the past twelve months.

This week, the Hideout crew is diving deep into the world of comics and wrapping up a major sci-fi series.

• We kick things off with a discussion on the DC Absolute Series. We break down what makes this DC initiative so compelling, the new takes on these iconic characters, and where we think the line is headed next.

• Then, we swing into the world of Amazing Spider-Man and share our takes on Peter Parker's current struggles, and character developments,

• The moment we've been waiting for is here: We discuss the conclusion of the TV show Alien Earth. Did the finale stick the landing? We unpack the final twists, character fates, and give our overall series review—spoiler-filled, of course!

• Finally, join us for a fun segment where we play the classic word game "Before and After" using only comic book characters! Get ready for some ridiculous combinations and see if you can guess the answers before Chris does!

This episode of the Hardcover Hideout podcast delves into a wide range of comic book topics, with a special focus on collected editions and new series.

The hosts begin by discussing the Lucifer comic series, a spin-off of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. They explore the story of Lucifer Morningstar after he abdicates his rule of Hell, examining the intricate plot and the character's unique pride in always keeping his word.

Next, the conversation turns to the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics, reviewing recent hardcover compendiums and the overall evolution of the series.

The podcast also features a segment on Kevin Smith's Quick Stops comics, an anthology series that expands on the "Askewniverse" characters from his films like Clerks, Mallrats, and Dogma. The discussion touches on the humor and nostalgic feel of these new stories.

Hello and welcome to Hardcover Hideout, the podcast where we dive into the wild and wonderful world of comic books!

On today's show, we're pitting two titans of the DC Universe against each other as we crack open the pages of Absolute Superman and Absolute Batman. We'll talk about what makes these editions so special and why they're must-reads for any serious fan.

Then, we'll take a sharp turn into the unexpected with the epic crossover event Archie Meets Jay and Silent Bob. We'll explore this hilarious and bizarre collaboration and try to figure out just how these two worlds collided.

And to wrap things up, we're putting our comic book knowledge to the test with a new game we're calling Which Comic Book Character Came First? Stay tuned to see who wins!

Now let's get into it!

Join Jerod and Chris as they discuss the new graphic novel by Pat O'Malley. In the glitter-stained gutters of Los Angeles, Pinky—a masked vigilante with a vendetta—launches a brutal, blood-splattered mission of revenge. Her target? The man who destroyed her life and built his career off the backs of the broken: her own father, a powerful movie producer hiding behind red carpets and industry fame.

Join us as we change the format and name of the Hardcover Hideout. Hardcover Hideout has ended but with the closing of this podcast we open the door to a new podcast What's My Lane Again? Where we discuss pop culture in general and no longer just review a book from beginning to end. Also we are joined by a new host Shawn who will join Jerod, Chris, and Tasha in the conversation.

Join me as I discuss the comics I read including: Planet Hulk by Greg Pak, The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz, Tokyo Ghost by Rick Remender, We Stand on Guard by Brian K Vaughn, and American Cult: A Graphic History or Religious Cults in America from The colonial Era to today. Story and Art by Robyn Chapman.

Join us as we discuss "Teen Titans Robin" and "Teen Titans Starfire". Story by Kami Garcia and Art by Gabbriel PicoloI. Dick Grayson just wants to know what happened to his brother, Damian. Is Damian okay? Does he need help? Why hasn’t he been in contact? And why did his tracking device go silent? Kori Anders’ summer job at a ritzy Santa Monica beach club is fun, but she doesn’t feel like she belongs there. She never breaks the rules, she doesn’t care about keeping up with the current trends, and she can’t be bothered rushing around to make an appearance at all the parties—in fact, Kori avoids rushing at all costs because of her Ehlers Danlos Syndrome diagnosis. What she does feel is an inexplicable draw to the stars.