Ronda Rousey on 'Expecting the Unexpected' and writing comics
This week on the AIPT Comics Podcast, we’re joined by Ronda Rousey to talk about her very first graphic novel, Expecting the Unexpected. From the influence of martial arts films like The Raid and Kill Bill to her collaboration with artist Mike Deodato Jr., Rousey shares how the project grew from a personal story about motherhood into a high-octane action comic. We also break down the biggest comics news of the week, including the debut of the Invincible Woman in Ryan North’s Fantastic Four #6, the extension of the DC/Marvel crossover through 2026, Oni Press’ star-studded NYCC 2025 lineup, Comixology’s wild convention giveaways, and Marvel’s tease of a Knull vs. Queen in Black showdown.
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Show Notes
NEWS
- Superman and Spider-Man reunite: DC & Marvel extend crossover through 2026
- The Invincible Woman debuts in Ryan North’s ‘Fantastic Four’ #6
- Knull breaks free: Marvel teases epic showdown with the Queen in Black
- Oni Press brings secrets, surprises, and a star-studded lineup to NYCC 2025
- Win free comics, meet stars, and score a Kindle: Inside Comixology’s wild NYCC 2025 plans
Our Top Books of the Week
Dave:
- Starship Godzilla #1 (Chris Gooch, Oliver Ono)
- Department of Truth #0 (James Tynion, Scott Snyder, Joshua Hixson, Martin Simmonds)
Alex:
- X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture #1 (Jed MacKay, Ryan Stegman)
- The Author Immortal #1 (Frank J. Barbiere, Morgan Beem)
Standout KAPOW moment of the week:
Alex: Absolute Evil #1 (Al Ewing, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi)
Dave: Absolute Green Lantern #7 (Al Ewing, Riley Rossmo, Jason Howard)
TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEK
- Alex: Red Book #1 (Tynion IV, Michael Oeming) & The Power Fantasy #12 (Gillen, Caspar Wijngaard)
- Dave: DC K.O. #1 (Snyder, Javier Fernandez)
JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.
- Dave: Amazing Spider-Man Torn #1 (Adam Hughes)
- Alex: World of Revelation #1 (Giada Belviso Variant)
Interview - Ronda Rousey - EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED is in all bookstores on Tuesday, October 7
Ronda is attending NYCC with AWA — she will be at our booth for signings and a panel on Friday, October 10
- What inspired you to write Expecting the Unexpected?
- How did your experiences in UFC, WWE, and Hollywood inform the story and its tone?
- What was the most surprising or challenging part of making a graphic novel?
- What kind of tone or energy did you want the art to capture? Gritty realism, over-the-top stylized action, comedy?
- Do you see “Mom” as a reflection of yourself, a heightened version of you, or something else entirely?
- Do you see yourself writing more comics or expanding this universe into other media—film, animation, etc.?