Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne

Author: collectingissues
Published: Thu 01 May 2025
Episode Link: https://shows.acast.com/collecting-issues/episodes/eight-billion-genies-by-charles-soule-and-ryan-browne

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 implications
Ryan Browne’s distinctive art and design of the genies
The storytelling technique of exponential time jumps
Cultural commentary, character arcs, and final twists

Perfect 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 Genies

01:28 Premise of 8 Billion Genies

01:51 Comparisons and Commentary

02:50 Podcast Promotion and Support

05:14 Genies and Their Personalities

09:05 Creators and Their Works

13:08 World Building and Rules

30:26 Character Arcs and Tragedies

38:21 The Dougland People and Human Cycles

39:00 The Wish-Making Mechanic

40:13 The Eternal Witness and World Building