The Elusive State of Having Your Shit Together

Notes on BUG WARS #2 & loads of other new books, plus this weekend's Planet Comicon

Is it as elusive for you as it is for me? That feeling that you’ve got all the bases covered. That you have your arms around everything that’s important to you, work and life-wise. You’re caught up on answering emails. On top of your deadlines. Spending enough quality time with the people you love. Finding moments to sit and read all the things you really wanna get read.

That you’re living in the state of having your shit together.

I feel like no matter how much I work to reach that state, it’s always fleeting. A morning or an evening here or there where you get to catch your breath and look around at all those plates you’ve successfully kept spinning. But it’s always just a moment before one of those fuckers starts to wobble, and then you’re up and spinning all over again.

I think I always imagined that state of Zen getting easier to maintain the older I got. But if there’s a magic number where you reach the Age of Perpetually Having All Your Shit Buttoned the Fuck Up, I sure haven’t reached it yet. Instead, I’m starting to think that this is just what life is, chasing those moments again and again, brief as they may be, while gradually adding more and more plates to the routine. Maybe part of growing up is realizing that nobody ever fully has their shit together. Some people may say they do, but those tend to be the folks you gotta watch out for. The rest of us are just forever chasing that unreachable dream of an empty inbox.

All I really know is that writing has gotten me this far, wherever the fuck it is I am. And my only carved-in-stone plan is to keep writing until I take that last ride to the crematorium. Maybe in the end that’s all the Zen I’ll need.

Here’s hoping you find yours too.

Weird fucking way of telling you I’ve got a lot of books coming out now, right? What can I say, it’s been a long, cold winter.

The Bugs Are Back

BUG WARS #2 is in stores this week. And if you missed the sold out issue #1, the second printing of that one also went out last week. The response to this series has been pretty phenomenal so far. According to sales tracked at point-of-sale by the ComicHub system, as reported by ICv2, BUG WARS was the top-selling creator-owned comic book of February, so thank you for that.

Expect more gorgeous work from artist Mahmud Asrar and colorist Matthew Wilson in this issue, along with letterer and designer Becca Carey, as we follow Slade Slaymaker to the most lawless, most violent hive in all the Yard, the barbarian metropolis of Swarm City, home of the Beetle Clans, where something hungry waits within the Bludhole.

(See, it’s like a mudhole, but, you know, bloody. And as someone who spent their early teens as the world’s biggest hair metal fan, loving Ratt and Mötley Crüe, I do enjoy a good intentional misspelling.)

Here’s one of my favorite panels from BUG WARS #2, as Slade and his newfound allies enter the Bludhole. This is our first time meeting a Wasp Raider and one of the mysterious Wytches of Wyrdweb. I love how Becca popped Slade’s balloon behind the cage. Simple but so clever and effective.

And here’s a preview of what’s to come, in the form of Mahmud and Matt’s deeply gorgeous cover for issue #4, a story that takes us across the Yard, from the lawless frontier of Beetle Country to the deadliest realm of them all…the Mowed Lands.

Return to the Rez

Also in stores this week, you’ll find the second Omnibus Hardcover of SCALPED, collecting issues #30-60, which I think includes some of the book’s best stories, like “The Gnawing” and “The Unwanted,” the star-studded issue #50 and the stand-alone #35, “Listening to the Earth Turn,” as well as the series’ fiery climax. You also get a new intro by editor Will Dennis and more exclusive extras, including loads of unseen art from r.m.Guéra and my original script for the final issue.

SCALPED wasn’t how I broke into comics. But it was the book that gave me a career in comics. It opened the door for everything that came after. And as far as I’m concerned, this is its definitive version. It’s raw and loud and crude at times, but written with a deep, screaming passion, like a garage band belting its way through their debut record, and with a profound love for each and everyone of these characters, the citizens of the Prairie Rose rez, who, all these years later, haunt me still, and I expect always will.

Namor & the Multi-Artist Experiment

I also had a couple big books get released last week. NAMOR #8 was the conclusion of my exploration of Marvel’s undersea realms and the long, tragic history of the mighty Sub-Mariner. At a time when my ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN and TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES runs are soaking up a fair bit of spotlight, I think NAMOR has gotten a bit overshadowed. But it’s a book that’s been deeply important to me, and I’m really proud of the final product.

In many ways, NAMOR is my spiritual follow-up to PUNISHER: KING OF KILLERS. A dark exploration of a tragic, troubled character and a recontextualization of their present day status quo. With NAMOR, I also set out to remake Atlantis itself and build a bit more of a roadmap for the undersea kingdoms.

Another thing NAMOR has in common with PUNISHER, as well as my ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE END OF THE WORLD series for Boom, is its use of thirty page issues featuring multiple artists drawing different time periods. PUNISHER was my first time experimenting with that sort of set-up, and every part of the experience felt fucking luxurious. With ONCE UPON A TIME, I took things up a notch, from two artists to three, with each artist handling their own five issue arc. But by the end of that series, we had all three artists working on the same issues, weaving their time periods together in ways I felt were really provocative and exciting.

Like PUNISHER, NAMOR employs two artists, with Paul Davidson handling the present day, and Alex Lins drawing the flashbacks. Paul’s style is perfectly suited to a somber, war-torn version of the undersea world, as we find the oceans reduced to a state of ruin, with various would-be rulers waging battle beneath the blood-soaked waves. Alex’s flashbacks are to an earlier age when the oceans were much brighter and full of life, when a young Namor began his promising journey to the throne, determined to be a better ruler for his people than his despotic grandfather. Though over time, we see young Namor hardened by his experiences, pushed to darker personal depths, so by the time he finally sits the throne, he’s completely lost his way. Meanwhile, in the blood-drenched days of the present, Namor is fighting with all his might to try and save Atlantis from utter destruction, maybe even finding some redemption for himself along the way.

That all comes to a head in issue #8. The issue opens with a flashback, once again drawn by Alex, where newly-crowned King Namor first leads his troops into battle against the surface world. Then, in the midst of that same scene, the artists switch, leaving Paul to draw the battle’s aftermath, as Namor sees the carnage he’s caused, but is too blinded by rage to realize he’s leading his path down a long and deadly path. In that moment, our timelines shift. We see Namor’s dark days begin, while in the present, he finally manages to bring them to an end. So when we unveil a new version of Atlantis, a lush, idillic, underwater island, home to all free people and beasts of the seas, it’s drawn by Alex. The hopeful days of the past have finally born fruit in the future. After that, the series ends with one more scene from Paul, but I’d rather let you read the story for yourself to understand the significance of that one.

The point is, I thoroughly enjoyed these various multi-artist experiments. To my mind, they greatly enhanced the read for each of those books, especially since all involved artist did such amazing work. I don’t currently have another such multi-artist project in the works, but I do think it’s something worth exploring even further, to see what other sort of interesting effects it can bring to the narrative.

NAMOR #8 variant by Pete Woods.

Krypton Went Kablooey

Also in stores last week was the tragic finale of the first arc of ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN. It was an issue that was hard for me to write, in a good way, I think, in that I loved those Krypton scenes so much, it was hard to sit back and watch it all explode. But one of the important parts of this new version of Kal-El is that he comes to earth with a firmly-established immigrant identity, so expect to see the influence of Krypton and Kal’s life there continue to be a big part of the book.

Thank you again for the incredible response to this series. Issue #1 is up to a fourth printing! I really appreciate how people have embraced this new take on Superman. And believe me, there is much, much more to come.

Dan Mora’s cover for ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #1 Fourth Printing.

Planet Comicon Is This Weekend in KC

As usual, you can find me at my local con this weekend, but unlike previous years, I won’t have my own table at Planet Comicon. Instead I’ll be signing at the Elite Comics booth, #3115, on Saturday and Sunday from 12-2:00 pm. Autographs will be $5 with a book purchase, $10 for your own book, with all proceeds going to benefit Children's Mercy Hospital. Please, no CGC.

As I’ve done in previous years (like 2022 and 2024), I like to offer suggestions for food and drink spots you should check out if you’re coming to town.

This year, I’ll recommend Acre in Parkville for what’s without a doubt the best steaks in the KC metro.

The Restaurant at 1900 on Shawnee Mission Parkway has probably become my favorite overall KC food spot, where the menu is always so packed with interesting choices that it’s hard to decide.

If you’re looking for something more low key, try Disco Burger in the River Market or Tacos Valentina in the Torn Label brewery (I recommend the crispy Kansas City taco). For beer, the Boulevard Beer Hall remains one of my favorite spots in town, with gorgeous views of the city (and you may still be able to grab their delicious, Hulk-green Pandan Coconut Doughnut Ale, made in conjunction with Slow Rise donuts). For beer enthusiasts, I also recommend Vine Street Brewing Company in the historic 18th and Vine jazz district and Sandhill Brewing in Mission, Kansas.

My favorite cocktail spot remains Drastic Measures in Shawnee, though they also now have a sister spot next door, Wild Child, that specializes in low/no alcohol drinks, and unlike Drastic, takes reservations. Fern Bar is a top notch cocktail joint in the Crossroads district, not far from the convention center. It’s a bit more out of the way, down in the East Bottoms, but the Hey Hey Club in the basement of the Rieger Distillery is always a good time. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, John Brown’s Underground in Lawrence, Kansas is a cocktail spot that is absolutely worth every second of the 40 minute drive.

Notes & Links & Things & Stuff

—I thought this was cool. The Prehistoric Avengers from the MARVEL LEGACY one-shot and my AVENGERS run are now featured in the Marvel Snap game. I have no idea what that is, but it looks like it features some sweet Alex Horley art.

—TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES continues to be one of the best reviewed comics I’ve ever been a part of, thanks in no small part to the incredible artwork of the badass Juan Ferreyra, like this spread from issue #8. Coming to stores April 16.

“destined for Eisner glory” - Get Your Comic On

“one of the best books on shelves” - Pop Culture Philosophers

“at the absolute top of the pile” - Comics Are Dope

“a series that can’t be missed” - Graphic Policy

—A couple new interviews:

The Aspiring Kryptonian — Breaking Down ‘Absolute Superman’ And His Villains With Writer Jason Aaron.

—Hey, look, it’s me in the wild, from a couple weeks ago, signing comics for the lovely folks of Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the amazing comic store, Impulse Creations.

—I recently got my copies of the BATMAN OFF-WORLD trade paperback, which is the story of a young Batman’s first adventure in outer space and my first time getting to write the Dark Knight. Think Batman but by the guy who brought you that STAR WARS comic that sold a million copies. Featuring Ione the Stormchaser (inspired by my love of Dart from ATARI FORCE and Starfire from NEW TEEN TITANS), the nefarious bounty-hunter known only as the Thanagarian, the insidious Blakksun Twins and of course the mighty Punch-Bot, DC’s punchiest new droid. It’s all brought to life through the mind-melting art of Doug Mahnke, with inks by Jaime Mendoza and colors by David Baron. Coming your way April 1.

This has been Beard Missives, direct from the face of the guy who saw Tim Burton’s BATMAN twice on opening day.

This week’s newsletter has been brought to you by Skittles jellybeans, Starburst jellybeans, SweeTARTS jellybeans and of course, the long running favorite, Jolly Rancher jellybeans (hello Easter season, you greatest of all candy holidays you), plus drinks at Lava and Tonic, best tiki bar in the state of Kansas.

Cheers, friends. Stay worthy out there.

Jason Aaron

KC, March 20, 2025

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Books Mentioned in This Post That You Can Buy Right Now

Signed and Unsigned copies of BUG WARS #1

Signed copies of BATMAN OFF-WORLD

Signed Copies of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1

PUNISHER: KING OF KILLERS Vols. 1-2 trade paperbacks

ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE END OF THE WORLD Vols. 1-3 trade paperbacks

More collections and comics are available from my online store.

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Things to Come

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #6 — April 2, 2025

AVENGERS FOREVER BY JASON AARON OMNIBUS — April 9, 2025

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #8 — April 16, 2025

WOLVERINE BY JASON AARON Omnibus Hardcover Vol. 1 (New Printing) — April 16, 2025

BUG WARS #3 — April 23, 2025

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #7 — May 7, 2025

EC COMICS EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS Vol. 1 Trade Paperback — May 7, 2025

BUG WARS #4 — May 21, 2025

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #9 — May 28, 2025

WOLVERINE GOES TO HELL Omnibus Hardcover (New Printing) — July 23, 2025

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Where I’ll Be

Planet Comicon, Kansas City, Missouri — March 21-23, 2025

C2E2, Chicago, Illinois — April 11-13, 2025

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