On this episode of Word Balloon Dan Slott joins us to talk about the Death Of Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man 700, wrapping up the series, and setting up Superior Spider-Man , which begins January 9th. Dan he process of creating the Dying Wish, and selling it to his editors and co-creators at Marvel. Dan explains why he chose to stay on Spider-Man, rather than take on a new title in the Marvel Now creative shift.  We answer reader questions , and end the talk with some thoughts on the Doctor Who Christmas special.

Then we start a look back at The Comic Book Market of 2012 with a series of interviews with comic journalists who cover the various publishers. First up Vaneta Rogers of Newsarama looks back at DC's 2012. From the successes and failures of specific books and initiatives, to the current management moves on the Vertigo Imprint, to departing creators and the recent Gail Simone-Batgirl drama.

Time Code

 00:00 - 132:44 Tony Harris & B Clay Moore talk about DC's The Whistling Skull

132:45 - 231:25 Mike Norton on Revival The Answer It Girl and Young Avengers

231:26- End       Nick Spencer & Tom Breevort On Secret Avengers

Today on Word Balloon We begin with a 2008 interview with outgoing Vertigo Editor Karen Berger. At the time, Berger was starting her 15th year leading the groundbreaking imprint. The interview serves as a profile of her editorial philosophy and experimentation resulting in greenlighting many provocative comic books for the last 2 decades.
Then, we talk to members of the creative team behind the upcoming anthology Bad Karma, writers Jeremy Haun (The Leading Man, The Beauty ) B Clay Moore (Hawaiian Dick Battle Hymn JSA THE LIBERTY FILES: THE WHISTLING SKULL) Alex Grecian (Proof, The Yard) and Seth M Peck (X-Men, Wolverine:Fear Itself, 76:COOL) The Bad Karma volume will contain 5 comic book stories and supplelmental short stories and art featuring stand alone crime stories set in various time periods with subtle  connecting themes and charcters that tell a larger stry about the Bad Karma Universe.

Jeremy Haun and Mike Tiserand's Chaos Agent
Alex Grecian and Phil Hester's Middleton
B Clay Moore and Chris Mitten's Old Dog
Seth M Peck And Tigh Walker's Hellbent
And all four writers collaborate on The Ninth Life Of Solomon Gunn, with art by Haun. Their Kickstarter campaign begins Monday.

We wrap up with  2 recent Marvel Now! Press conferences give us details on books that are shaking up the way superhero stories are told and made. First Dennis Hopeless gives us the lowdown on Avengers Arena . The series takes a page from the Battle Royale template of pitting 15 heroes against each other in deathmatches. Then, Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie and editor Lauren Sankovich talk about Young Avengers. The former team from Image's PHONOGRAM (including co-art chores from Mike Norton and Colorist Matt Wilson) take the YA team in a new direction with Kid Loki joining the roster, and a dynamic layout of action scenes.

On today's Word Balloon, we check in with Mark Waid to talk about Daredevil and the debut of Indestructible Hulk from Marvel. Then Bob Greenberger discuses his latest book Star Trek: The Complete Unauthorized History, and goes behind the scenes with little known tales from the franchise's history. Steve Hoveke joins us to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for The Steamworld Chronicles , and talks about the digital production on Walter Simonson's Thor Artist Edition from IDW and the Titan Books re-release of the 1980 Alien comic adaptation written by Archie Goodwin and drawn by Simonson. Finally, to wrap up, Kieron Gillen conducts his Marvel Phone Press Conference about the upcoming 2nd arc of Iron Man, which starts this February.

Time Code

00:00-37:22    Mark Waid on Hulk & Daredevil

37:23- 130:51  Bob Greenberger on Star Trek

130:52-205:00  Steve Hoveke On The Steamworld Chronicles

205:01-End     Kieron Gillen On Iron Man

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For The Black Friday Weekend, Word Balloon presents something to listen to through Local Biz Saturday, through Cyber Monday.

Brian Bendis conducts the Age Of Ultron Press Conference With To Brevort to give us details on Marvel's upcoming Spring Event.

Then author Andy Mangels shares Saturday Morning Cartoon stories about the Filmation company, and the creative force behind it, Lou Scheimer.

On this episode of Word Balloon we welcome back Brian Azzarello who's become coming back to Word Balloon since the very first episode in May of 2005. We talk about his latest collaboration with Eduardo Risso, the Vertigo Sci-Fi mini series Spaceman , now collected in hardcover format. Brian explains the inspiration behind the story and explains why he doesn't watch reality television. Then we talk about his 2 Before Watchmen mini series Comedian with JG Jones and Rorschach with Lee Bermejo. Azzarello goes in-depth about his approach to both characters and the whole controversy behind the project. We wrap up talking about Brian's take on Wonder Woman with artists Cliff Chang and Tony Akins.

Then we catch up with DC executives Bob Wayne & John Cunningham to talk about the October Diamond order numbers. We also discuss the recent decisions behind ending Hellblazer and rebooting the book as a DCU title Constantine. Plus information on the upcoming details of the 2nd DC audience survey conducted earlier this year.

Next Chicago Bear Defensive Lineman Israel Idonije joins us to talk about his plans for a new comic book company and Superhero series called The Protectors. Idonije wrote the series bible and is collaborating with Ron Marz and Bart Sears  on the comic. Izzy tells about his long love of comics and what he wants to do with the series. We also sneak in a little NFL talk.

Finally Jesse Blaze Snider joins the show to talk about his current comic work which fans of his Muppets and Toy Story comic book work for BOOM! Studios might think is a 180 degrees turn. Jesse has rebooted the Evil Ernie series for Dynamite and talks to us about his plans for the series, and redsigning the entire EE universe for a 21 century audience. Snider has great love for Ernie's creator Brian Pulido and all he accomplished in the Chaos Comics days, but felt the charcters needed some tweaks for todays fans, and to stand on their own, rather than old roles serving as support to Pulido's Lady Death series.

TIME CODE

BRIAN AZZARELLO   00:00  -   115:12
DC VEEPS             115:13  -   134:10
Israel Idonije       134:11  -    201:30
Jesse B Snider      201:30  -  End Of Show

and to stand on their own, rather than old roles serving as support to Pulido's Lady Death series. 

On this episode of Word Balloon we start things off with Jeff Lemire, who made news this week as DC announced him taking over Green Arrow .We also cover Jeff's work on Justice League Dark , Animal Man and his Top Shelf OGN The Underwater Welder.

Next writer JM Dematteis returns to discuss his new book from IDW Adventures Of Augusta Wind , an inventive new fantasy series drawn by Vasillis Gogtzilas . DeMatteis has a 16 page story coming up in Amazing Spider-Man 700 from Marvel, and previews some new animation projects coming up in 2013.

Jason Aaron is back in another Marvel Next Big Thing Press conference to explain the new direction for Thor: God Of Thunder. He's joined by artist Esad Ribic and editor Lauren Sankovich.

Finally Tony Moore talks about his involvement in a new convention he's setting up for Cinncinatti . He and local retailer Kendall Swafford explain their plans for the September 2013 show and their current kickstarter campaign . Then, Tony gives us details  about his current work on Deadpool for Marvel, the upcoming Fear Agent Omnibus , and his thoughts on today's creator owned comics market.

Time Code  

00:00  -  55:19     Jeff Lemire

55:20   - 149:23   JM DeMatties

149:24  - 236:43  Jason Aaron Esad Ribic & Laruen Sankovich

236:44 - The End  Tony Moore

236:44 - End        Tony Moore

On this episode of Word Balloon Writer-Artist Jason Latour joins us to talk about his upcoming run on Marvel Comics Winter Soldier. Jason is taking over when Ed Brubaker leaves the series in late December, and talks about his collaboration with artist Nic Klien and his thoughts on the stage stage of Bucky Barnes life. Jason is also involved in DC's coming adaptation of D'Jango Unchanied , doing flashback sequences as a co-artist with RM Guerra and tells us about the exciting challenges of presenting the speghetti western in comic form. We also talk about a 2-part comic Latour is making with Mike Mignola and John Acurdi in the Hellboy/BPRD universe called Sledgehammer. It's a World War 2 story that Jason took on as artist, after the passing of John Severin earlier this year. This Dark Horse Project will debut in March.

Then 2 more Marvel NOW! press conferences. First Rick Remnder and John Romita Jr. discuss the November 21st debut of their Captain America run. Both are very excited about the new cosmic adventure they have layed out for the Star Spangled Avenger.
Then Jason Aaron Nick Bradshaw and Nick Lowe discuss the new direction for Wolverine And The X-Men that began this week with this week's issue #19.

Finally some speculation about Disney's aqusition of Lucas Films, and the announcement of a  new Star Wars film in 2015, with Art Balazar and Franco! , the creative team behind Tiny Titans and Superman family Adventures. Art & Franco are die hard Lucas fans, and beside themselves with excitement postulating the possibilities.

Time Code

Jason Latour  00:00-101:50

Rick Remender & John Romita 101:51-156:20

Jason Aaron & Nick Bradshaw  156:21-252:21

Art Baltazar & Franco!                252:22-End Of Show

On this episode of Word Balloon, we wrap up our marathon conversation with Ed Brubaker, just as his final issue of Captain America hits the stands. Ed has closing thoughts on his run, artist Steve Epting's incredible art for this last issue and teases what to expect in his last issues of Winter Soldier. Ed also made Hollywood  headlines with two TV pilots getting picked up by NBC and FOX . We discuss both potential series plots and where they are in terms of development.

Then it's 2 Marvel Next Big Thing Press Conferences as creators and editors discuss the directions of several Marvel NOW! Titles.

First X-Men Legacy writer Simon Spurrier and Editor Daniel Ketchum tell us how mutant David Haller (Legion) finds his place in the X-Universe and deals with the death and legacy of his father, Professor Xavier.

Then writer Brian Bendis And Editor  Nick Lowe gives the broad strokes of All New X-Men, as the original 5 X-Men time travel to face their future and the present status of the Marvel Universe.

On today's Word Balloon podcast we present The NYCC 2012 panel "Comics And Film When Fanboys Collide " Featuring IndieWire.com film critic Matt Singer, Comic Book-Film Storyboard Artist Gabriel Hardman (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises , Hulk, Planet Of The Apes-Cataclysm ) comic book artist Janet K Lee (Return Of The Dapper Men) and Dapper Men co-creator writer Jim McCann (Mind The Gap) After the panel, Lee also gives us the details of her new collaboration with McCann for Image Comics Lost Vegas.

Then television writer and host of The Nerdist Writers Panel Podcast Ben Blacker (Supernatural Supah Ninja) talks about his upcoming Marvel graphic novel Wolverine Season One co-written with his TV writing partner Ben Acker. Ben also promotes his Kickstarter campaign for a graphic novel anthology adaptation of the Thrilling Adventure Hour, a live LA comedy stage show/podcast that parodies old time radio dramas. The THA anthology will be published by Archaia and features new stories drawn by such comic book luminaries as Ben Edlund, Jackson Publik Tom Fowler, Dustin Weaver, Chris Moreno, Doc Shaner and more. Ben also gives us his observations about the current television season.

On this episode of Word Balloon, we present an un-conventonial collection of conversations revolving around subjects likely discussed at this weekend's New York Comic -Con.

First Mark Millar tells us about his new gig as Creative Consultant for 20th Century Fox's future Marvel Films. We also talk about his books Super Crooks and The Secret Service.

Next DC Vice Presidents John Cunningham and Bob Wayne talk about the September Direct Market numbers and presentations they'll be moderating at the NYCC.

Then we listen in on another Marvel press conference featuring writer Jonathan Hickman Tom Brevoort and Axel Alonso talking about Hickman's take over of the Marvel Now! titles Avengers and New Avengers . Hickman discusses the rosters and future plot subjects.

Finally artist Ron Salas talks about his involvement in the upcoming anthology True Patriot featuring new superhero stories created by Canadian Comic creators . The book has a crowd funing drive happening at indiegogo .

  00:00  -   42:55  Mark Millar On Film News Supper Crooks & The Secret Service

  42:56  -  57:03   Bob Wayne John Cunningham DC Comics

  57:04  - 137:57  Hickman Avengers Press Conference

137:58  -  End      Ron Salas on True Patriot

We continue our marathon conversation with Ed Brubaker about his upcomig departure from monthly Marvel Comics. Bru looks back at his lengthy run on Captain America and the creation of the Winter soldier, plus we look back at some of his Batman work at DC including both monthlies and the revamp of Catwoman.

Then we welcome comedians Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan as they start their run writing Deadpool next month as part of Marvel Now! They talk about collaborating with interior artist Tony Moore and cover artist Geof Darrow. The guys are longtime comic fans and they gush about this oppurtunity to do a lengthy run on The Merc with A Mouth. Although they promise humor in the book, they also can't wait for readers to check out their action character and plot writing chops for the series.

We also discuss the convergence of alternative comedy and the comic book culture. From Meltdown Comics evolution into a full time LA comedy club, to Posehn and Patton Oswalt's Comedy Central pilot Super Nerds which also featured Duggan and Sarah Silverman.

On this epiode of Word Balloon we begin a 3 part conversation with Ed Brubaker, who made it official a few weeks ago that he was leaving Marvel Comics to focus on film and tV work and his Image Comic Fatale with longtime collaborator Sean Phillips. In part 1 we talk about the first seven issues of Fatale, and some of the subjects Ed is exploring. He tells us why he chose the flashback time periods of the story, and what they represent. We also begin our discussion of where creator owned books are in today's comic market?

We continue the theme with our next guests writers Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley, as they discuss their Image book Hoax Hunters. Mike and Steve talk about their unique set of Characters starting with the strangest astronaut ever called Murder.

It's interesting and educational  to explore the current comic business through the Image prisim . We'll compare the 2 situations with the high selling success of Brubaker & Phillips Fatale and the strong but smaller sales performance of Hoax Hunters . Both books are enjoying out of the gate popularity, but is everybody quitting their day jobs?

On this episode of Word Balloon we not only wrap up the latest edition of the Bendis Tapes, we also talk to Brian one day after the shocking events of Avengers Vs X-Men 11. We talk about the story beats of the issue, and the ramifications of the issue's climax.

Check the Time Code below to avoid the spoiler details if you haven't read the issue yet, and have dodged the massive news coverage.

Then it's time for our monthly conversation with Bob Wayne and John Cunningham from DC Comics. We look back at the first year of "The New 52"

We wrap up with Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch who talks about the Marvel Now books she oversees like Captain America, Winter Soldier, Thor God Of Thunder, Journey Into Mystery and more. Lauren talks about the new creators on some of the books and new directions for the stoy arcs. We also talk about how Marvel's AR app is changing the way editors map out stories.

TIME CODE

00:00-31:58 Bendis Talks AvX 11 (SPOILER WARNING)

31:58-1:18:10 Bendis Tapes Part 3

1:18:11-1:33:24 DC Comics Bob Wayne and John Cunnigham

1:33:25- End Of Show Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch

On this episode of Word Balloon we continue the latest edition of the Bendis Tapes . In Part 2, Bendis talks about the editorial process behind marvel's monthly double shipping issues. We discuss the gripes adult views have with the Ultimate Spider-Man Disney XD cartoon, then go into a behind the scenes look at the writers room. Brian addresses the difficulty of creating new stand alone characters for the big two that find success . He hypes Daredevil End Of Days, and  All New X-Men . Brian also talks about the likely scrutiny that his X-Men run will receive from hardcore X-Fans . We also talk about Bendis's recent year run on Moon Knight with Alex Maleve and it's role as a prequel to his upcoming Ultron War story.

Then Chris Burnham sits down for a live interview done at Aw Yeah Comics Store in Skokie, IL. We talk about his run on Batman Incorporated , and how he approaches the character.

Finally we listen in on last week's Marvel Next Big Thing Press Conference as Rick Remender and Tom Brevort breakdown what to expect from Uncanny Avengers.

Just in time for the Holiday Weekend, Word Balloon presents this convention for your ears, with great guests and conversation.

We start a new Bendis Tapes as Brian Michael bendis answeres more questions from his JINXWORLD Message Board and gives us insight on his upcoming run on the X-Men. We also discuss other facets of Marvel Now, his wrap up to the avenger books, what's going on in Ultimate Spider Man & Spider-Men , and more.

Then it's time for an edition of Word Balloon Internationale as we speak to several color artists from Brazil. Rod Reis (Aquaman Nightwing) Cris Peter (Casssanova FF Captain America) and Marcello Enriquie (I Vampire) talk about their art experiences on their mainstream books and other projects.

Finally, we present a recent Marvel press conference on Kathryn Immonen's new gig as writer for Journey Into Mystery starting this November. Kathryn is joined by Editor Lauren Sankovich, and they both field reporter questions about the new direction of the book as Sif takes the spotlight .

On this episode Of Word Balloon. We welcome back Bill Willingham, who tells why this past San Diego Con is likely his last for a while. He's putting together a fantasy genre based convention in Minnesota, and tell us all about it. We also get Bill's perspective of the current creator owned era, and how he sees the differences between today, and the 80's black and white boom, or the 90's Image Revolution. Of course we talk about what's coming up in Fables and Fairest, and his new Fables OGN Werewolves Of The Heartland.

Artist Gene Ha tells us about his upcoming issues in Fables, and we look back at some of his 2011 work, including the Flashpoint Superman mini series and the New 52 Justice League.

We wrap up with Tiziano DeSantis, the Comics Talent Coordinator for Toronto's Fan Expo, happening this weekend. Tiz gives us an idea of what panels they'll be presenting. We also take a moment to talk about the passing of Joe Kubert and his legacy in Comics.

On this episode of Word Balloon artists Art Baltazar and Mike Norton sit down for a casual conversation about last week's convention. We talk to Mike about wwinning his first ever eisner for his digital comic Battlepug, which is being collected by Dark Horse Comics. Art shares some celeberty sightings and the usual crazy activity around his booth on the Con Floor.

Then we present this year's comic book podcasting panel featuring Josh Flanagan (ifanboy) Pat Loika (Loikamania) Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider) Bob Bretal (Comic Book Page)  Brian "Pants" Christman (Comic Geek Speak) , and Cameron Hatheway (Cammy's Comics Corner) .

To get you into that San Diego Comic Con mood, Word Balloon presents another Un-Conventional episode, featuring virtual panels with the type of information and conversation you'd get by attending a convention.

First DC vice presidents Bob Wayne and John Cunningham discuss the June store numbers from Diamond, and preview the salte of DC and Time Warner panels.

Then we attend this past Monday's Daredevil End Of Days press conference. Creators Brian Michael Bendis, David Mack Klaus Joanson and Bill Sienkiewicz.

Finally A Master Class Session With P Craig Russell,who has an informative Kickstarter campiagn to teach aspiring artists about graphic storytelling. We aslo talk about his latest Neil Gaiman adaptation a two volume graphic noveliazation of The Graveyard Book, featuring an all star line up of comic book artists like Tony Harris Kevin Nowland Jill Thompson and others.

On this episode of Word Balloon, Amanda Conner joins us to talk about her Before Watchmen series Silk Spectre co-written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. We also talk about Amanda's work on DC's digital Ame Comi Girls Wonder Woman.

Author Rob Salkowitz discusses his new book Comic=-Con and the Business Of Pop Culture from McGraw-Hill. Rob is a business futurist and a hard core comics fan who uses the prisim of Comic-Con to explore where the comic business is today. He also give ssveral scenarios of what the future may hold for publishers retailers creators and consumers as we enter the digital age of comics.

Finally we listen in to last week's Marvel telephone press conference announcing changes for the Daredevil creator line-up. Mark Waid Paulo Rivera, Chris Samnee Mike Allred and Editor Steve Wacker give us the details.

First up Mike Perkins talks about drawing Astonishing X-Men. today's issue #51 is a classic marvel marriage moment that has cracked thru to the mainstream media world. mike tells us what's like to draw this kind of major release when everyone is looking over his shoulder. Perkins also talk about finishing the art choress on the adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand comic seres, and what it was like during the title's four year run, catering to the King-Bookstore patrons as well as the comics buying direct market.

Then we wrap up the latest Matt Fraction Fireside Chat. This week Matt give 's us his point of view on The Avenger's film impact on this summer's other upcoming superhero films. Fraction wonders if the lighter action tone of The Avengers will hurt the mainstream audience reaction to The Dark Knight Rises ?

Finally Ed Catto of The Bonfire Agency joins us. Catto is part of the team that is reviving the Captain Action franchise through new toys and the upcoming Dynamite comic book series . Catto also talks about Bonfire, and some of the ways he's bringing advertisers to the consumers of genre fiction and the geek market.

On this edition of Word Balloon, we talk with DC vice presidents Bob Wayne and John Cunningham about the Diamond Top 10 sales numbers of comic books from May, plus the first reactions to DC's 2nd Wave titles, Before Watchmen and further details about the Zero Issues and 3rd Wave of new DC books coming in September.

Then we start a 2 part Matt Fraction Fireside Chat. Matt shares insight on the current and future storylines of Thor, Iron Man and The Defenders. There are trippy dreamwalking moments and self realization ideas happening in all three books, but Fraction is adressing the same plot devices in very different ways in each of these titles.

Finally JK Woodward joins us to talk all things Trek and Whovian, as we discuss IDW's Star Trek TNG-Doctor Who crossover mini series.

On this episode of Word Balloon, Dave Gibbons is back to talk about The Secret Service, his new Icon mini series with Mark Millar. Of course this being the debut week of the Before Watchemn prequels, we ask Dave to comment on the ongoing debate over whether these projects should happen or not. We also talk about bwhere creator owned projects are in the post Watchemen era, and get an idea of some of Gibbons future digital plans.

Greg Rucka finishes the latest Rucka Debrief, with talks about The Punisher, his steampunk swahsbickling web comic Lady Sabre and the Pirates Of The Ineffable Aether with artist Rich Burchett , plus more classic detective debate about the many film and tv versions of Sherlock Holmes and Philip Marlowe.

Finaly we take you inside a recent Marvel telephone press conference featuring Christos Gage and Neal Adams talking about their First X-Men mini series debuting this August. Adams and Gage field questions about this continuity implant that tells the earliest tales of Charles Xavier's attempt to save Mutants in the years before founding his school for the gifted. The creators taklk about their takes on Magneto Wolverine Sabretooth, and several new charcters created for the series.

On this episode of Word Balloon, Greg Rucka returns for the start pf a new 2 part Rucka debrief. In part one, we talk about Rucka's latest novel ALPHA from Mulholland Books. Greg introduces a new action hero Jad Bell, and his challenge is a terrorist threat in a huge theme park with personal and professional stakes on the line. Greg talks about his world building here and creating this new hero who differs in many ways from Greg's past comic and novel heroes. (part 2 will cover Greg's comic doings)

Jeff Parker is back to talk about the  transition form his run on Thunderbolts to the title becoming Dark Avengers with T-Bolt artists Kev Walker and Declan Shalvey . Parker's run on the Red Hulk continues with Haunted Hulk, featuring Red exploring the monster corner of the Marvel U. We also talk about Bucko Jeff and Erika Moen's webcomic, soon to be released in a September trade collection by Dark Horse Comics. Jeff's been busy with a diverse run of short works too like his work with Colleen Coover in CREEPY #8, an upcoming DC digital Batman story with Gabe Hardman, and a short feature in the BOOM! Planet Of The Apes Annual in August.

Finally comic artist Sal Abbinanti is back to promote a live panel he'll be doing to benefit Chicago Public Radio this weekend. The subject: Have Hollywood and TV drastically changed the mythologies behind Superhero origins?

On This episode of Word Balloon Jeph Loeb is back with a new edition of The Loeb Report. The Vice president Of Marvel TV is here to talk about the 1-hour block of Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers Earth’s Mightiest heroes on Disney XD. Loeb talks about the obvious positive impact THE AVENGERS film has had on the TV side of Marvel’s live action shows in development including THE HULK and addresses the rumors that the Avengers current cartoon might be cancelled after this current season.

Then Dean Haspiel and Seth Kushner return to Word Balloon to discuss the TRIP CITY website, a multimedia hub for many Brooklyn creative artists.  Dean has been co-hosting the Trip City podcast featuring peer-to-peer conversations between comic book creators.

Seth contributes to the podcast and site, but also here to talk about his photographic work in the new comics history book Leaping Tall Buildings written by Christopher Irving. He and Kushner created an excellent look at creators from golden age stalwarts like Joe Simon Irwin Hassen and Jerry Robinson, to today’s web comic innovators. From mainstream to underground no era or genre of comics is ignored, and the profiles presented by Irving and Kushner are unparalled.

Kushner also talks about his

Haspiel also talks about current projects like making the 6 page digital comic for THE DOORS mobile app, which depicts the band’s official point of view of the infamous Miami concert of March 1^st, 1969. Dean also has a Godzilla Legends issue this month from IDW written by Bobby Kurnow, and a quirky upcoming 8 page Spider-Man story for Marvel later this year.

The guys also discuss the Before Watchmen- Jack Kirby Avengers controversies, digital comics and more.

Finally Steve Bryant joins us to discuss his breaking good news as BOOM! Studios announced his appointment as the artist on their new ongoing Steed and Mrs. Peel series starting with a zero issue in August written by Mark Waid. Bryant is also preparing an Athena Voltaire Omnibus volume for Dark Horse’s 

On this episode of Word Balloon Fred Van Lente discusses the IDW release of The Comic Book History Of Comics, written by Fred and drawn by Ryan Dunleavy . The talk leads to the debate about fine artist Roy Lichenstien' s pop art paintings that were based on real comic book panels. Were these painting fine art celebrating design , like Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Can paintings, or outright plagiarizing comic artists like Mike Sekowsky and Russ Heath? Van Lente is also part of the Valiant Comics revival writing Archer and Armstrong coming out in August. We also talk about Fred's upcoming Hulk work, on the HULK Season One OGN with Tom Fowler , to this month's HULK SMASH #5 with Mike Oeming. 

Then the team behind Vertigo's new war OGN Shooters writers Eric Trautmann Brandon Jerwa and artist Steve Lieber join us to talk about the complicated life of a corporate contract soldier working for the US in current forgien conflicts. It's a very personal story for Trautmann, who based the story on his brother-in-law Dave. he trio talk about the book, and discuss their other recent projects including Jerwa's comic book film documentary, he and Trautmann's Dynamite books like Flash Gordon and Vamperella, and Lieber talks about the piracy experience he and Jeff Parker had with their Oni press mini series Underground. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, Rob Liefeld returns to talk about 3 DC titles he's taking over in May, with the challenge of resurecting interest and sales. They are The Savage Hawkman with art chorse by  Joe Benitez, Deathstroke, and Grifter with scripting help from Frank Tieri.

Liefeld talks about what his plans are for all three titles, including Deathstroke's hunt for the space criminal Lobo, which will introduce the character in the new 52 DC continutiy. Liefeld promises that this Lobo will not be the cartoony parody charcter he was in previous stories.

We also talk about the critical aclaim his charcaters are getting in his revamped Extreme line of book.s like Prophet, Supreme, and Glory. Also, Rob gives his views on writing decompressed stories in today's comic book market

Live From last weekend's C2E2 Word Balloon presents the first panel exploring the 1979 Lost Comic Book Documentary. You'll hear audio from the documentary which gives a great behind the scenes look at the offices of DC and Marvel. Guests on the panel were Mike Gold former editor and DC Comics public relations man when the documentary was made, and artist Douglas Klauba (The Phantom, Project Superpowers) who discovered the film.

In the documentary, you'll hear details about the Superman Vs Muhammed Ali book, Jim Steranko gives his point of view on crime comics while explaining his art process making the 1976 graphic novel CHANDLER:RED TIDE, Stan Lee and Archie Goodwin go over designs on a new Marvel Comics Hero, The Human Fly, Trevor Von Eden and editor Jack Harris prepare the first issue of Black Lightning and more.

Plus in the panel's q&a  session Mike shares stories about Joe Kubert, Neal Adams, Joe Orlando, Steve Ditko and other bronze age memories.

Then podcasters  Jim Seguland (Raging Bulletts) and Brian "Pants" Christman (Comic Geek Speak) join us for a quick update on their shows.

The plight of creating an ongoing series featuring 2nd and 3rd tier heroes is discussed on this episode of Word Balloon.

First DC Vice presidents Bob Wayne and John Cunningham join us to discuss the monthly numbers, but also talk about the re-tooling of some of DC's New 52 titles that are seeing creative changes. Will thye be enough to boost sales?

Then writer Kelly Sue DeConnick talks about her new series Captain Marvel. Carol Danvers is getting a promotion, and a new monthly series, but the life expectancy for Marvel books that don't feature Spider-Man Wolverine isn't promising. Deconnick discusses the challenge of starting this type of book, plus we talk about her new Dark Horse series with Phil Noto Ghost, and a new Castle OGN from Marvel coming this fall.

Then we wrap up with solo talks featuring Art Baltazar and Franco. The duo has just wrapped up the Tiniy Titans series with issue 50, and begin their new kids comic Superman Family Adventures with a preview that was featured in that last TT issue . The guys are notorious for clowning when their together, but I forced them to talk seperatley to get a more serious look at the wrap up of their New York Times best selling series, and the challenge of doing a new all ages title featuring Superman.

On this edition of Word Balloon, we continue to talk with creators who are experimenting with creator owned ideas in print and the digital markets .

First Mark Waid joins us to talk about his foray into the digital comic relm. His blog, markwaid.com launched today to be an open forum showing his process and ideas on his approach to comic storytelling on this platform. You can download his first digital pdf LUTHER  Also Mark reveals his plans to fund the venture, which includes putting his huge comic book collection up for sale that goes back to the 1950's. We talk about some of the unique items in his collection and how you can purchase some of these books.

Then direct from last weekend's ECCC convention, a crime comics panel featuring Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, who start with their crime story influences , and talk a lot about their creation of the DC comic Gotham Central. Plus Ed talks about his current success with the Image book FATALE and Greg previews his next spy novel ALPHA due out in May.

Finally direct from their Four Star Studio, Tim Seeley and Mike Norton talk about their new Image series Revival , which they describe as a Farm Noir tale. Tim updates us on his other Image books  Hack-Slash, Bloodstrike and Top Cow's Witchblade, while Mike tells us about the plan to collect his web comic Battle Pug as a trade collection in July, from Dark Horse.

Four Star Studio has been pulishing their digital comics Double Feature for about a year. 2 8 page stories for 99 cents in various genres.  The guys tell us how that venture has gone so far.

Time Code      00:00 -  48:55                    Mark Waid
                            48:56 - 1:44:11                 ECCC Crime Comics Panel
                                                                          With Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka
                           144:12- End Of Show      Tim Seeley & Mike Norton

On this episode of Word Balloon, Jonathan Hickman is back to tell us about the wrap up to his epic 3 year story in Fantastic Four. He's not done with the Four, or the Future Foundation (FF), and tells us what to expect in the months to come. You'll hear about his writing chores on the upcoming Avengers VS X-Men projects, and what it was like co writing with his Architect buddies Brian bendis Jason Aaron Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction  We also discuss SHIELD and his run on The Ultimates. 

Then we go in depth on Jonathan's creator owned books past and present at Image Comics. From the debut issue of The Manhattan Projects drawn by Nick Pitarra to next month's start of the spy series Secret with artist Ryan Bodenheim. Hickman also made a big splash at Comixology releasing all of his earlier creator owned works as digital products, including one big bundle of all 5 works The Nightly News, PAX ROMANA, Red Mass From Mars, Transhuman and The Red Wing  . He gives us all the details in his decision to release them now, and in the formats he chose .

Then, artist writer Francis Manapul is back to tell us what's been happening in the pages of The Flash for DC Comics. We talk about his unique art choices to display the hero's super speed, and The Flash's point of view when faced with the choices of how to stop a crime or disaster from happening.  Francis also talks about his writing process with his co-writer and colorist Brian Buccelatto, and what it's like to have put The Flash back in the top 10 of comics ordered by direct market stores.

On this edition of Word Balloon writer Jeff Lemire talks about his work on current and upcoming comics. You’ll hear about his current runs on DC’s Animal Man and Frankenstein Agent Of SHADE . Jeff tells us about the excitement coming in his AM/Swamp Thing crossover with Scott Snyder, and why he’s chosen to leave writing Frankenstein , and handing off the book to Matt Kindt with issue 10.

Jeff is leaving the monster team book to take over Justice League Dark with issue 9 . He discusses the new team members and the more adventure based direction for the book. What makes this book and team a “Justice League series ” are the questions Jeff tries to answer, with his choices of where the stories are going.

We also talk about his upcoming Top Shelf OGN project The Underwater Welder .

Then Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir talk about their Oni Press series Bad Medicine, a supernatural police procideral drawn by Christopher Mitten which debuts as Oni’s Free Comic Book Day entry in May. Plus, we talk about some young adult comics they’ve made with female heroines. The high school baseball story Play Ball from Oni drawn by newcomer Jackie Lewis, and a newly re-imagined and designed Avalon Chronicles Vol 1 drawn by Emma Vieceli.

On this edition of Word Balloon writer Scott Snyder joins us to discuss his incredible run on Batman which continues with the Court Of Owlssaga. We look back at last years Detective Comics arc The Black Mirror and look ahead to the back up Owl stories in Batman and the coming crossovers in the Bat family books. We also discuss his new take on Swamp Thing and it’s coming crossover with Animal Man written by Snyder’s good friend Jeff Lemiere.

Mark Waid is back to talk about wrapping up his Boom Studios books Irredeemable and Incorruptible . We dissect his current run on Daredevil for Marvel comics, plus Mark gives us his view of how the comic book business has changed in the ast 10 years. Mark also teases his creator owned digital comic book plans which will be announced at this year’s Wonder-Con in Anaheim later this month.

We wrap up with writer Jay Faerber , whose crime comic Near Death has just finished its first arc with the first trade available in stores and issue 6 debuts later this month. Jay is also on the writing staff of Sarah Muchelle Geller’s CW TV series Ringer, and he tells us behind the scene details of the show as they await word on if we’ll get a second season or not. Jay also talks about his 10 plus years at Image Comics, and compares the current creator owned digital comics scene to what’s happening in television drama and it’s new platforms beyond network and Cable TV.

Time Code 

 00:00 -  30:39             Scott Snyder

 30:40 - 118:15             Mark Waid

118:16-End Of Show   Jay Faerber

On this episode of Word Balloon, legendary artist Neal Adams is back to discuss many issues of the current comic book scene. From finding a neutral way to help Gary Friedrich's financial situation, without taking sides in the Disney-Friedrich-Ghost Rider lawsuit, to DC and Marvel's new place in their corporate parents business.

Neal talks about the recent Comic Book films based on DC Marvel and Dark Horse properties, and asks why wasn't John Stewart in the Green Lantern movie, given his prominent place on TV's Justice League series, which had a built in audience of millions?

You'll also hear a good dose of comic book history. From Neal's point of view of the Pinoy artist invasion of the 1970's with guys like Tony De Zuniga and Alfredo Alcala, plus other Adams peers like John Buscema, and Gene Colan.

We discuss Batman Odyssey and Neal's Dark Horse Presents serial Blood. Plus some current and future projects including hints at a new Marvel project. We wrap up with an interesting look at how the idea of the motion comic has evolved into Neal's work in animatics for the motion picture industry.

Then Tony Akins talks about joining the creative team on DC's Wonder Woman sharing alternate art chores with Cliff Chaing. Tony and WW writer Brian Azzarello are longtime Chicago Comic creator pals, going back to the days of companies like Now comics and Comico, and they've been trying to work together on various Vertigo projects for years. The former Jack Of Fables artist admits he's not a big super hero fan these days, but this warrior versus horror villains take on WW intrigued Tony enough to take himself out of the running for some other big ticket books.

Being a working vet of the Chicago Comics scene for over 20 years, Tony talks about the old days of Chicago's thriving comic book publishing scene in the 80'sand 90's, and looks ahead to his pending move to Seattle later this year.

Time Code

00:00 -  14:48 Wayne and Rood on Before Watchmen

14:49 -  51:42  Scott Porter On G4's  X-Men Anime, Speed Racer and More

51:43 - 140:39 Ramon Perez and Steve Christy On Jim Henson's Tale Of Sand

140:40- End Of Show Tom Fowler on Hulk Season One Venom and More

On this episode of Word Balloon, Walter Simonson is back with details about his OGN The Judas Coin, coming out in October from DC Comics. Simonson explains the projects origins and inspirations.

Then lifelong pals Mike Costa and Ryan Brown discuss their new mini series coming out next month from IDW Publishing: Smoke And Mirrors. The book has magic, but with a real world twist as a stage magician from our world finds himself in an alternate universe earth, where real magic has evolved side by side with technology. The book even has real stage magic tricks that the reader will experience while reading the comic.

Mike also talks about the cancellation of Blackhawks from DC Comics, which ends with issue 8, and his work at IDW on G.I. Joe Cobra, while Ryan discusses his web comics God Hates Astronauts and Blast Furnace.

As always, great conversation in this Word Balloon double feature. First Marvel Editor Stephen Wacker joins us to talk about the books he oversees like the Spider-Man titles, Daredevil, The Punisher, and Moon Knight. We talk about the realities in today's market. Why some projects of the past couldn't get greenlit in this tighter economy.

We also discuss Steve's days at DC including many stories about his work on the weekly all-star event 52.

(This conversation was taped before the announcement that Moon Knight had been cancelled)

Then Marty Pasko is back for an insight discussion about his observations of the current comic market. Marty has heard the phrase "comics are doomed." since he joined the business in the 1970's. While he believes there are big changes on the horizon, he's also optimistic enough too suggest a few ways the Direct Market stores can stay in the new expanding digital comics world. We also get more great anecdotes from Pasko's DC Bronze Age days, his work on The Batman Animated series, The Fox 1994 Animated Spider-Man series and as the liaison between Time Warner's various media divisions, Other TV Network and Film production companies, and DC Comics.

On this episode of Word Balloon we bring you more press coverage of Marvel's Next Big Things, and conversations with some of your favorite creators. 

From last week, you'll hear writer Cullen Bunn talk about Captain America and Hawkeye #629, the new direction for the former Cap and Bucky title, which starting in April will be a Cap and whomever monthly Marvel team up book. 

Then editor Steve Wacker and writers Mark Waid and Greg Rucka conduct a free wheeling discussion about April's crossover event The Omega Factor, whuch takes place in Avenging Spider-Man, Daredevil and The Punisher. 

Next, Dan Slott joins us to gush about his latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man, out this week. It starts a 2 part time travel story that promises ripple effects for the weeks and months to come. 

Finally we bring you Part 2 of the latest Bendis Tapes, as Brian Michael Bendis answeres more question from his Jinxworld Message board about all of his books, and the craft of comic book writing. 

Time Code 

Cullen Bunn 00:00- 10;19

Steve Wacker Mark Waid Greg Rucka 10:20-36:25

Dan Slott 36:26-1:16:29

Bendis Tapes pt 2 1:16:30-2:30:19

It's another Word Balloon double feature to start the new year right. First ed Brubaker gives us an inside look at his new Image horror/crime saga Fatale with co-conspiritor Sean Phillips. We also discuss the latest Captain America arc with Alan Davis, and the upcoming Winter Soldier series which starts next month.

Then Greg Pak joins us to talk about his chilling 2011 mini series Red Skull Incarnate . We look back at the wrap ups to Herc and Alpha Flight, and his incredible run on HULK which included the crtically accliamed PLANET HULK and WORLD WAR HULK. greg also previews his upcoming original graphic novel Doctor Strange Season One with Emma Rios.