Comic Book Club Bonus: Patrick A. Reed
Aug 31, 2026 · 33m
Summary
Hosts Alex and Justin welcome guest Patrick A. Reed to discuss his new book, *Spider-Man: Total Universe*, a comprehensive guide to over 60 years of Spider-Man comics. Reed shares insights on curating Marvel exhibitions and the challenge of condensing thousands of stories into an accessible narrative for both fans and newcomers. The conversation explores Spider-Man’s enduring cultural appeal, the evolution of the character from his 1962 debut, and the creative process behind organizing such a massive amount of source material.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Freestyle Libre and Midas Tires
Welcome Patrick Reed and his career in curation
Introducing Spider-Man: Total Universe
Curating the narrative and editorial challenges
Design, accessibility, and personal taste
The writing process and defining Spider-Man
Are Spider-Man comics good? The early evolution
The Clone Saga and using the book as a reference
Why Spider-Man resonates across generations
Would he do it again? Future editions and ideas
Upcoming exhibitions and closing thoughts
Sponsor: Sleep Number Mattress
Sponsor: Midas Tires
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