Dan Slott ushers in the new year teasing us with his plans for Spider-Man & The Silver Surfer 

Insight into the Film and TV geek revolution of 2015 from the creative people behind our favorite TV shows and Films. Mark Millar (Kingsman The Secret Service) , Marc Guggenheim (Arrow)  Andrew Kreisberg Greg Berlanti (Flash-Supergirl) Ali Adler, Melissa Benoist (Supergirl) Jeph Loeb and Joe Quesada (Marvel TV & Film) and Brian Micheal Bendis (Powers The Television Series) 

More of our conversation with the writer of classic dc comics, tv shows, and animation. Some of the topics include  more Alfred Hitchcock talk
the portrayals of Wonder Woman
Screenwriters Alan Brenert Bruce Landsbury and the Buck Rogers tv show
stories about old tv stars like former actress
and infamous playmate Dorothy Stratton, Gil Gerard, Jack Klugman
and Clayton Moore, the DC and Marvel film and tv universes
memories of the Batman Animated Series
and compiling the DC properties catalog creating one page treatments
of all the dc characters and features

B Clay Moore is back and so is his 2003 creation Hawaiian Dick. The Image series will return this spring , and an NBC TV series is in the works. Clay gives us the details. 

Last year Chip's Sex Criminals live Cincy Comicon panel With Matt Fraction delighted the local and podcast audience with his irreverent humor and upbeat attitude.

Today we get a little more inside Chip's process and point of view on many topics, including notes on the newspaper industry, and his collaborations with Kagan McLeod , Joe Quinones Matt Fraction , and Erica Henderson.

Plus Chip opens up on why he refused the Harvey Award this year for his work on Sex Criminals. 

 

 

00:00  Patty Farmer is the author of Playboy Swings, a great look at Playboy's prime decade the 1960;s which saw the magazine evolve into the definition of cool. We talk about the Playboy clubs and their influences in jazz music comedy and the emerging causes of civil rights and women's liberation.

45:00 Artist Reilly Brown is back to talk about hi current run on Marvels infinite comic featuring Deadpool and Cable. We talk about the evolving methods employed in making digital comics specifically for tablet and smart phone reading.

Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy this talk with Rucka about his books, current events and more! 

Jason is back to talk about his great run on Star Wars leading into the crossover with Marvel's Darth Vader book Vader Down.

We also discuss his new Image series The Goddmaned featuring warrior style drama set in bibilical times with familiar biblical heroes.

Plus news about Thor and Jason's secret war tie-ins THORS and WEIRDWORLD, and an update on Southern Bastards both comic wise and info about the FX TV series in development.

 

Jason is back to talk about his great run on Star Wars leading into the crossover with Marvel's Darth Vader book Vader Down.

We also discuss his new Image series The Goddmaned featuring warrior style drama set in bibilical times with familiar biblical heroes.

 Plus news about Thor and Jason's secret war tie-ins THORS and WEIRDWORLD.

and an update on Southern Bastards both comic wise and info about the FX TV series in development. 

First Best Of Enemies co-director Robert Gordon joins us to talk about the hotly engaged debates between intellectual giants Gore Vidal and William F Buckley. The two despised each other and their mutual hatred came out on live television during the 1968 presidential campaign. ABC hosted 10 live debates during the presidential convention season, and the two men sparred of over issues of the day, that still resonate in the political arena. Vidal was coming off his recent publocation of the political satire Myra Breckenridge, featuring a transgendered woman who takes revenge on the Hollywood insiders who screwed up her life when she was a man.Buckley was the leading voice of conservative thinkers . Both thought the others philosophies and ways of life would harm the American culture. The resulting debates were as compelling as any classic boxing match.

Then Lucha Mexico Filmmakers Alex Hammond & Ian Markowicz join us to talk about their excellent entry in this weekend's NYC DOC festival. The film explores the history and traditions of Mexican Wrestling and the Arena Mexico, home to the Lucha Libre telecasts and matches . We see the stories of current wrestlers like Shocker, Blue Demon Jr, Jon Strongman and others.

 

Tana Ford is a Gay Comics creator who's making her own comics like Duck and doing art duties for DC & Marvel on Strange Sports Stories and SILK . We talk about the slow but steady changes in diversity at the big two, her creator owned books, and a lot about star trek (this was recorded before CBS announced the new TV series) .

Kliph Nesteroff is a fan and historian of American Comedy. His new book The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, and the History of American Comedy is packed with anecdotes from his classic television show biz blog . Kliph has an archive of one on one oral history interviews with hundreds of comedy performers and behind the scenes participants. There is hours of incredible reading there. 

Sam Humphries talks about his new hilarious Presidential Image Comics satire with Tommy Patterson . What if a demon told a hapless half wit he could be the next US president? Has it already happened in real life?

We also talk about his current Marvel work on Star-Lord, Weirdworld, and his upcoming Boom Studios comedy Jonesy with Caitlin Rose Boyle 

The brothers discuss their new Grahic Novel Two Brothers adaptaed from the classic Brazilian Novel by Milton Hatoum ,

We also talk about their collaborations we Matt Fraction and Michael Chabon on Casanova, Mike Mignola on BPRD, and Gerard Way on the Umbrella Academy

On today's Word Balloon Podcast, Mark Millar (Kingsmen, Kick-Ass Wanted) is back talking about his new Millarworld Comic from Image HUCK, with art by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire) . We also talk about various Millarworld comics in film development like Chrononauts Nemesis and others. Mark was on back in June so we focused today on Huck and a few other topics, including his POV on the current comic market.

HALO 5 Guardians debuts this Tuesday, so today we prepresent a 2012 conversation with Steve Downes , who's played the voice of Master Chief since the Halo game was created. We learn about the character's creation and how it's evolved during these many years. 

Finally I moderated last month's Fables Writers Panel at the Cincy Comicon. Creator Bill Willingham, Mathew Sturges (Jack Of Fables & Wolf In The Fold) and Chris Roberson (Cinderella) talk about the creation and 150 issiue run of the main series, the sin off books, and many stories thru Fables 13 year run that wrapped up earlier this year. 

First, Monday's CBS Supergirl Press Conference featuring Executive Producers Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg, Ali Adler, and SUPERGIRL herself Melissa Benoist face the press and answer questions as we head toward next monday's world premiere. SUPERGIRL premieres Monday, Oct. 26 (8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT), and moves to its regular time period (8:00-9:00 PM) on Monday, Nov. 2 on the CBS Television Network.

 

Then Ande Parks joins us to talk about his writing and inking efforts of late includig crime books Ciudad from Oni Press, December's Seducton of The Innocent, and from Vertigo Slash And Burn.

 

Finally we wrap up with Brent Schoonover who talks about his work on the first issue of the new IDW Back To The Future Comic and next month from Marvel Howling Commandos with writer Frank Barberie

Kelly Sue DeConnick is back! Just in time for the release of the first Bitch Planet arc in graphic novel form, from Image Oct 7th. We review the first arc with a nod toward the upcoming 6th issue .

SPOILER WARNING from 31:33-35:45 Bitch planet spoiler stuff  during these few minutes if you haven't read the first 5 issues.

We also talk about the return of Pretty Deadly this November with artist Emma Rios, and have a frank discussion about diversity in comics. 

In the interview Kelly Sue mentioned an exceptional British WW2 spy Nancy Wake. As it says in the start of her Wasington Post Obit. "The Gestapo called her “The White Mouse” for the way she deftly avoided their traps." Read her incredible story here 

 

00:00-1:23:45

Our Cincy Comic Con coverage begins with 2 great panels loaded with candid conversation from creators who've struggled in the creator owned before hitting their goals. Some would say they're still struggling today after being in the biz for 30 years.

First up The Fear Agent 10th anniversary panel with Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers Captain America)  Tony Moore (The Walking Dead Punisher Ghost Rider) and Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool The Un-Men). Rick and Tony created the Fear Agent Heath Huston, space cowboy, interplanetary war vet, and killer of icky space creatures . The series was an homage to the 50's EC comics style of Sci-Fi, and the guys talk about the book's struggle over 32 issues and how it inspired many of their works that followed.

1:23:50-end of show

More Creator owned advice from this excellent panel featuring Evan Dorkin (Milk & Cheese, DC Comics World's Funniest) Zine editor publisher Sarah Dyer (Action Girl) Kickstarter Master Ryan Browne (God Hates Astronauts- Blast Furnace) and amazing illustrator Jeremy Bastion (Arcadia's Cursed Pirate Girl) . This information they share is extremely helpful to any aspiring creators. It's one of the best panels I've had the pleasure of moderating.

 

Great conversations this week. First Val Delandro tells us about his comics art career . From drawing backgrounds in a Toronto Studio to Marvel gigs like his long collaboration with Peter David on the X-men book X-Factor. Today Val is co creator of Bitch Planet, the Sci-Fi Prison World Sports epic written by the red hot scribe Kelly Sue DeConnick .

 

Then writer Heath Corson is back in studio to talk about his current run n the very funny Bizarro with dynamic art by Gustavo Duarte . Heath also talks about recent animated features that are on the market now, including the Tom & Jerry-Jonny Quest crossover SPY QUEST, and the latest Batman Unlimited & Arkham Asylum (the animated precursor to next year's SUICIDE SQUAD film) . Heath is also a great comics podcaster, and he talk about his show The Nerdist Writers Panel Comics Edition

• What was scheduled to be a Summer Review of Powers 1st season, Comic Con Stories and a look at Brian's Secret Wars Tie-Ins, all got interrupted with what may be a Major Sea Change in the way Marvel makes movies

• Big News broke this week that Marvel Film Honcho Kevin Feige has gained independence from Marvel's CEO Ike Perlmutter answering only to Disney CEO Alan Horn. A reported bi-product of this power shift was the apparent dissolution of The Marvel Creative Committee of Bendis, Marvel's Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada and Publisher Dan Buckley. What does this mean for the future Marvel films ? Wasn't the inclusion of input from the comic book makers the difference in Full Fledged Marvel Films versus the failures like Fantastic Four, The Andrew Garfield Spider-Man Films, etc? 
• During the first 35 minutes of this marathon edition of The Bendis Tapes, I ask Brian questions   regarding the news. Things like,  "How does it impact the future films ? How does his role at Mavrel change ? " . We also talk about new comics Bendis recommends, more Powers TV news and More. Then we present a talk we started to record last month featuring More Powers Behind the scenes talk including upcoming changes in the production of the series, including the inclusion of Comics and TV masterscribe Ben Edlund (The Tick, Buffy, Angel) on the writing staff. plus more talk about Brian's current and future books. It'll play like we're old and don't realize we were talking about these smae books an hour earlier, but the information is more detailed in this earlier conversation.
• Enjoy! 

Sanford Greene is back to talk about his current and future plans in comics and animation. We talk about his current Marvel Secret Wars series Runaways with Limberjanes co-creator Noelle Stevenson.

We also look at the coming Marvel Hip Hop Variant Covers . Sanford has drawn 2 so far, and has more on the way in addition to his role brining more  creators to this project and others at Marvel. The conversation gets into the current debate about diversity at the big 2 publishers. Greene has thoughts and says the Hip Hop Varriant are just the beggining of changes at Marvel . These changes are already happening in the TV and film divisions and the comics as well. 

We also look at Sanford's animation company Secret Sauce that has projects on the way comming to Netflix, and more. 

Judd Winick is back! We loved his superhero work for years at DC and Marvel (Batman: Under The Red Hood, Shazam, Exiles, The Outsiders, Green Lantern,) and running the alternate earth adventures of Marvel's Exiles, but it's been a long time since we've enjoyed the art and funny side of Winick's storytelling.

The man behind Frumpy The Clown and Barry Ween has put himself back behind the drafting table to draw and write this hilarious action adventure that will delight children and thoroughly entertain their parents with intense comic book style action . 

We talk about his feelings on this series compared to his superhero work, his work on The Hulu superhero parody The Awesomes created by Seth Meyers, and more .

 

Then Sci-Fi writer Duane Burghard brng his own military background into his new novel Gopto combining real world practicality with an alien conspiracy. Duane was also an online talk show host in the early pre-podcast net era, and he shares memories of some famous interviews he got to do in the sci-fi world

Two interviews that look at the art/alternative comix scene. How is it playing out while the superhero books are seeing massive attention at Conventions and from Film and TV projects?

 

First Dean Haspiel and Gregory Benton talk about their new books from Hang Dai studios. Haspiel is presenting his real life adventures moving to Brooklyn from Manhattan in Beef With Tomato. Benton has released an ambitious silent comic called Smoke. Hang Dai is also releasing Schmuck the graphic novel written by the late comics photo journalist Seth Kushner . The guys talk about Kushner's continued inspiration in the Hang Dai Studio, and how they plan to promote these books in the upcoming conventions and comic arts festivals. We also talk about Dean's love of superhero comics particularly the Fantastic Four amd Greg's current obsession with Jack Kirby's Fourth World. 

 

Then Comics Reporter  Tom Spurgeon joins us for a talk about his blog The Comics Reporter, and new patreon campaign to fund his new monthly online magazine The Comics Report  . It's a chance to compare notes on the changes we've both seen in the comics market. Tom is also organizing a Columbus, Ohio Comics Arts Festival in conjunction with Ohio State University CXC Festival. 

First Reggie Hudlin joins us to discuss the return of Milestone Media. Hudlin promises new projects are on the way, as well as the return of Static Rocket Hardware and the Dakota World. We also talk about his films House Party, Boomerang and producing D'Jango Unchained with Quentin Tarantino. 

 

Hudlin also wrote the D'Jango Vertigo comics adaptation (the series won an Eisner in 2014), plus Marvel runs of Black Panther and Spider-Man. Hudlin also produced the Marvel Knights Black Panther Animated series on BET where he also served as that network's president. Reggie gives us his POV on the current geek market, and a look back at the 70's style of heroes of color. 

 

 "I’m sorry to say that my day job has kept me away from hearing about the recent Marvel Hip Hop cover discussion and the questioning of Marvel's efforts to hire more creators of color until late last week. I’m also sorry to say I didn’t have the chance to talk about these issues directly with Reggie, though he did mention that Axel Alonso had helped him with his transition to writing comic books.

His and Denys Cowan’s quotes about Alonso’s active search for diverse creators in the interview link below represent the consistent opinions I hear from all creators who’ve worked with Axel at Vertigo & Marvel, and frankly Joe Q as well before Axel’s reign as Marvel’s editor in chief.

I think it’s important for all sides to be heard (or read) in such a discussion."

http://www.wearewakanda.com/post/125558434447/interview-reggie-hudlin-denys-cown-milestone-media

Then Bob Bretall, holder of the Guiness Book World Record as the owner of the world's largest private comic book collection . We'll talk about the Bronze and Silver Ages, our mutaul love of Steranko and Doc Savage, the best panels at this year's  and what you can do to make your collection as big as Bob's. Check out Bob's website too, at ComicSpectrum.com

First, Joe Quesada the man who helped revive Marvel starting from 1998 with the creation of Marvel Knights to his long run as Editor in Chief to the present as chief creative officer. Joe oversees the comics, films TV and more and we talk about what's been happening on screen and in the pages of Marvel. From Netflix to the ABC shows to this years films and the comic event Secret Wars. 

Then Jeremy Haun returns to talk about his Image Central series The Beauty, co-written with Jason Hurley debuting August 12th. It's a police procedural where cops are investigating a sexually transmitted disease that makes the victims more handsome of beautiful, before it kills them. How would today's world react to such an STD? Haun gives us a guided tour into the world of The Beauty.

We wrap up with the filmmakers behind Cicada The Movie. Producer Actor Jeff Kent, Director David Willis and actor Beau Crawford talk about their hilarious film project in the vein of Troma Films, and the classic 80's & 90's silly but fun horror films that filled the racks of video stores . They are in the final hours of their indie go go campaign, but if you go to their website, you'll see the trailer and find out why this is a film that needs to get made, and desrves your support! 

Rob Burnett is a film director resposible for the hilarious 1999 Star Trek Valentine Free Enterprise starring Eirk McCormack William Shatner and Rafer Weigel . Currently he's the directpor of Star Trek:Axanar the ground breaking independent Star Trek Film set 20 years before James T Kirk was Captain of the Enterprise. With a cast and crew of working hollywood professionals, who also love Star Trek They are in the midst of an indie go go fund rasing campaign to make this epic 2hr story. 

 

As a proof of concept, they made this 21 minute pseudo-documentary, Prelude To Axanar which chronicles the characters and battles leading up to the film . Featuring Star Trek Stars Tony Todd, JG Hertzler and Gary Graham Battlestar Galactica stars Richard Hatch and Kate Vernon, and introducing Alec Peters as Garth Of Izar. The visual effects, score, writing, and acting will blow you away . Trek fans know Capt Garth was a hero of Kirk's and an eventual original series enemy. Axanar tells the story of his historic battle against the Klingons.

 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1W1_8IV8uhA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

Rob also has created many documentaries and special features for films like X-Men, Lord Of The Rings, Aliens, Tron, and The Star Trek TV Shows TNG, Voyager, DS9, and Enterprise. As Rob explains,  we may be seeing an end to the era of great dvd and blu-ray speacial doumentaires and features. 

 

 

We also talk comic books, James Bond and ponder the question of how many of the younger geek fans have the interest and patience to sit through vinatge Sci-Fi films from the 1930's to the pre Star Wars 1970's? 

 

 

 

The head of Marvel Television comes back for a new in depth Loeb Report.  We get Jeph's observations on the Netflix shows Daredevil Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, plus a look back at ABC's Marvel Agents Of Shield, Agent Carter and what the future holds? Plus the 8 year wait is over as the Loeb-Tim Sale collaboration is on again with the long awaited tale of Captain America: White 

 

Then Greg Pak is back to talk about the new Status Quo Of Superman in his work on Action Comics with Aaron Kruder, plus the low powered Clark Kent Meets the new Batman, Jim Gordon in Pak's  Batman-Superman with artist Ardian Syaf. We also get the  low down on Greg's new creator owned projects, a kickstarter campaign to fund a very funny kids book ABC Disgusting with Takeshi Miyazawa , an exciting new western with a supernatural twist called Kingsway West from Dark Horse Comics, and there's going to be a new green goliath for Marvel comics courtesy of Greg and Frank Cho, who can this new Totally Awesome Hulk be? 

First Up Ales Kot returns to talk about his creator owned projects Wolf, reuniting with Zero collaborator Matt Taylor. We also discuss Material both from Image Comics. Kot also talks about Bucky Barnes The Winter Soldier, and why he's wrapping up his big 2 work to concentrate on creatot owned books.

 

Then Comics Historian Arlen Schumer profiles the unheralded work of Ira Schnapp DC letterer and the man responsible for the classic logos of The Flash Justice League Green Lantern and scores of other silver age comic series. Schnap's art is on display at The Type Directors Club of NY Schnapp event page: https://www.tdc.org/event/the-super-type-of-ira-schnapp/

 

We also talk about his book The Silver Age of Comic Book Art.

To order a signed & sketched-in hardcover, as well as an e-book version  http://www.arlenschumer.com

 

Arlen is on tour the next few weeks...

 

He'll be lecturing on Silver Age @ the Garden State Comic Fest (in Morristown, NJ) 7/25: http://www.gardenstatecomicfest.com/special-guests.html ​

 

and He's doing 3 lectures the 3 days of the Connecticut Comicon (8/14-16: Silver Age, Schnapp, & the Spirit’s 75th Anniversary: http://www.ctcomicon.com/events-and-panels.html

This year at Comic Con, I had the pleasure of moderating these 2 informative panels about the comic book and geek marketplaces, the changiong demographics and ways content creators manufacturuers and cartoonists are changing the ways they do business.

(7:41) First the 10th Annual Comic Book Podcaster Panel featured writer Greg Pak, who talked about how podcasts have evolved in helping him promote his works, along with podcasters John and Kay Mayo of Comic Book Page, and Publshers Weekly analyst/podcast host Calvin Reid.

(1:34:39) We wrap up with The Future Of Fandom Panel created by Author Rob Salkowitz (Comic Con and The Business Of Pop Culture) and featuring Heidi Mac Donald (Publisher of The Beat) and Brett Schenker of Graphic Policy, who's been breaking down facebook analytics to determine the demographics and buying habits of men and women who consider themselves geek fans.

 

We talk about Kieron's Kickstarter Campaign for West Portal. a crazy sci-fi take when a real world guy slips into alternate realities that look like pop culture tropes. From Space Opera to Kitty Manga to Jack T Chick end of the world propaganda comics, Dwyer sttrecthes his art styles in inventives ways. 

We also talk about his runs on Captain America, and Action Comics, plus past creator owned work with Rick Remender and Matt Fraction 

Rob Williams joins us to talk about his plans and POV on J'onn J'onnz , The Martian Manhunter in the new DC series. We also talk about his work at 2000AD and Hist Doctor Who run From Titan.

IDW's Chris Ryall talks about his 11 years at the company and his new SCi-Fi action series Onyx. 

 

Great catching up with Mark Millar who talks comics and film. We talk Chrononauts Jupiter's Circle and Jupiter's Legacy, Kingsmen:The Secret Service, Mark's collaborations with Director Mathew Vaughn, his film consulting work at 21st Century Fox.We compare the Fox filmmakers to the Marvel filmmakers and get his thoughts on the coming Fantastic Four film, and director Josh Trank.

 

Then, Gabe Hardman & Corrina Bechko return to talk about their Image Series Invisible Republic and the Upcoming Shadowline Treasury Edition sized graphic novel, The Crooked Man. 

Like our talk last month with Hilary Barta Gabe and Corrina and I do a mini scene missing , talking about recent films we've seen. 

A look at the new direction for Tony Stark when The Secret Wars end. The Former Ultimate Spider-Man team takes over Stark Industries in the Fall, and Wednesday they faced members of the comic book press who had plenty of questions. 

Great conversation starting with Crystal Skillman, fresh from the Denver Comic Con where women creators dissatisfied with a Women In Comics History panel made some history by putting together their own panel. Crystal talks about rallying the troops  including such creators as Trina Robbins Amanda Connor Joelle Jones and Marguerite Bennett. It's a great story and I'm glad she joins us to share it.

 

Hilary Barta is back to talk about 2 new books coming out in June. The Sponge Bob Annual from Bongo Comics, and The Garbage Pail Kids from IDW both with a science fiction flair.

 

Finally Brian "Pants" Christman from Comic Geek Speak is back to mshare his experiences iun the audience of Late Show With David Letterman, including last week's final broadcast.  

 

Comics writer artist and photo journalist Seth Kushner has passed away. We listen back to past interviews from 2012 and 2014 remember him and his contributions to the comics community in his web comics like Schmuck, and his photographs of creators from the golden age to the present.

there is a go fund me acct set up for the Kushner family. 

http://www.gofundme.com/d8gc2o

 

New York Playwright Crystal Skillman is back! She and her husband comics writer Fred Van Lente wowed audiences and critics last year with the off-broadway debut of KING KIRBY, the biographical look at Jack Kirby's life.

Skillman brings her new play, ANOTHER KIND OF LOVE to Chicago's INFusion Theater company with a month long run at The Chopin Theater 1543 W Division.

We talk about the play featuring a grunge rock family group of women reuniting their band for a festival that celebrates the music of their Punk Rock Mother . I'm in  the play as the radio host Crash Murphy, whose festival news bulitens keep the real world moving along as the sisters work out old family issues.

We talk about the play, and the curent Geek Theater movement

00:00-5:50     Intro and show notes

  5:51-11:23   Rich Koz, AKA Svengoolie Me-TV's Legendary Horror Movie Host 

11:24-26:05   Fantasy Author Alane Adams (The Red Sun) , on her novel series Legends Of                                 Orkney, and incorporating mobile games to introduce and engage new readers to the                            books!

26:06-34:09   Dan Parent Archie Comics The creator of Kevin Keller, the newest member of the                              Riverdale High kids.

34:10-41;53   Israel Idonije Fmr Chicago Bear talks about his comic creation The Protectors from                        Athleta Comics making its motion comics debut on Madefire

41;54-50:31   Mike Choi Marvel Comics Artist (X-Men)  talks about returining to comics doing                             Iron Man Covers, doing creator owned vs corporate comics  and leaving the video game                       world

50:32-59:04   Onrie Kompin Comic writer talks about is creator owned comic series Yi Soon Shin                          the true life adventures of a Midieval Naval Korean Hero

59:05-104:45 Tony Bedard DC Comics Writer talks about his work on the DC Convergence books                        Aquaman Green Lantern, and more

104:45-end    Gail Simone talks Red Sonja Nightwing and Oracle and the evolution of Women                             Creators in Comics

Fun first chat with Jim as we talk about the wrap ups to Image's Skullkickers, IDW's Samurai Jack, and Dynamite's Conan/Red Sonja crossover , plus we talk about his new Images series Wayward. 

Playboy's Marc Bernardin talks about his Top Cow series Genius, who's first arc is collected in a trade comming up in June. We talk about Playboy.com's current status as a men's lifestyle site reclaiming the tradition Hef set up with the first issues. Marc has given the site a strong nerd culture voice, including making the Wil Wheaton-Patton Oswaltt coversation the January 2015 playboy interview. We also talk about Marc's podcasting with the Nerdist Writer's Panel and Kevin Smith's Fatman On Batman

The Hugo Award Nominations are discussed with auth Rob Salkowtiz. Rob has been a geek industry anaylist since the release of his book omic Con and The business Of Pop Culture. We talk about not only the infighting of geek factions, but how pollitical sites are using the "controversey as red meat to get their bases rilled up. Both left and right wing sites are stirring things up, and from our point of view its bad for all of geekdom.

Gene & I preview his C2E2 panel in a few weeks (which I'll be moderating) , and just talk 

Janelle Asselin (a former editor with DC Comics currently a senior editor at the Geek News site Comics Alliance) is back to talk about her kickstarter campaign for Fresh Romance, a new digital Anthology of romance comic stoires.

Asselin is an outspoken advocate for the employemnt of more women comic creators to the extent of starting a regular feature at CA called "Hire this woman" spotlighting emerging new creators. We discuss some of the recent issues that have popped up concerning the female readership and creators of comics. 

Matt Hawkins the publisher of Top Cow discusses the evolution of the company, from it's Darkness & Witchblade beginnings to the lean operation of today. Matt is a military tech enthusiast and uses that interest to inform his books like Wild fire and Think Tank, he also has a new cyber-caper heist story, The Tithe about cyber crimes at a Mega Church. Matt shares many writing tips, and lots of insight into today's comics market.

Tom King joins us to talk about Grayson, the DC book he co-writes wirth Tim Seeley, and gives us his impression of the recent DC talent summit in Burbank. Tom also tells us a bit about his plans for Teen Titans, co-written with Will Pfiefer and A revamp of The Omega Men 

Great chance to talk with 2 TV writer producers who are at the top of live action television and animation. Both will be at Long Beach Comicon this weekend and have great insight on the current superhero explosion television is experiencing. 

Writer- Exec Producer Marc Guggenheim talks about Arrow Flash. Given the success of both shows, it's no surprise that it was annouced this week that the characters Atom, Professor Stein and Black Canary are being devolped for their own future CW TV series. NOTE- This conversation took place before the announcement , but Marc did give insight about the success of introducing these new characters and in theory about expanding the DCU TV universe on The CW. 

Animation writer exec producer Greg Weissman looks back at Gargoyles, Young Justice, Spectacular Spider-Man, his current work with Star Wars Rebels, and the realities behind producing comic book/toy adaptaions for kids television. 

Kelly Sue DeConnick talks about her Image books Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly Her Marvel work and Women In Comics . Art & Franco talk about the Itty Bitty Universe Tiny Titans DC Super Pets Franco's Dino Mike book series and more !

First up, Scribd is a service like Netflix, that allows monthly subscribers to borrow unlimited e-books, audio and now comics. The company has made deals with publishers like Marvel IDW Top Shelf  BOOM! and Archie making over 10,000 graphic novel collections available to read on any phone or device. VP of Editorial and Marketing Julie Haddon joins us to explain the service.

(00:00-41:27)

 

Then Matt Brady the co-founder and former editor of Newsarama comes by . Matt has a new BOOM!Studios comic out in March The Big Con Job, co-written with Jimmy Palmiotti. We talk about the book (think Ocean's 11 meets Galaxy Quest) . Then we get into an indepth look at the history of the comic newsblog Newsarama from it's beginnings to the point in 2009 when Matt stepped away from comics journailism. A lot has changed with publishers and media companies involvement in the 5 plus years Matt's been away from the beat and he has thoughts and observations on DC Marvel and the ability to cover news now comapred to his 20 years doing it. (41:28- End Of Show)

Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort lays out the big picture on Secret War and lots more.

Tim beyeres looks at the current TV season upcoming films and what's going on omn the business side of Disney/Marvel Warners/DC and many other geek corporations. 

First a Marvel Press Conference With Rick Remender & Tom Brevoort on the reboot of Uncanny Avengers coming Jan 28th.

Then Howard Chaykin joins us from his drafting table to talk about The Shadow, Satellite Sam, and lots more.

Jimmy and Amanda talk Harley Quinn

Joe Quesada on the success of Guardians Of the Galaxy for Marvel Films

Axel Alonso on his big picture philosophies at Marvel

Diana Schutz Of Dark Horse on the perception of comics in the academic world and the mainstream pop culture

Great chat with Eric Powell about The Goon. He just wrapped up a pivotal story arc that leaves the Goon in a bad place to pick things up in February.

Then Mark Waid comes on to talk about the reboot of Archie and the Riverdale gang he's doing with Fiona Staples. Then we have Mark Art Baltazar & Franco talk with a fellow Superman fan about their favorite Superman runs, the daily comic strip from the 1960's, and Mark's observations on the latest Marvel summit.

The history of Hip Hop Music and Culture is explored in Pittsburg Cartoonist Ed Piskor's excellent weekly series, online at Boing Boing and in the gigantic treasury edition published format from Fantagraphics Books. We discuss the interesting performance art intersections that helped evolve the Hip Hop Movement from playing at rec rooms in the bronx, to the world wide phenomenon it became.

Ed talks about his big break working with Harvey Pekar, his self published work, and more.

Alex Segura From Archie Comics drops by to give the lowdown on the news of Fox developing a new live action tv series called RIVERDALE, and to go behind the scenes with Archie's Dark Circle line of Super Hero books.Upcoming reboots of The Black Hood & The Shield will join Dean Haspiel & Mark Waid's The Fox. Alex discusses the new directions and life at Archie Comics.We also talk about his crime novel SILENT CITY which has a follow up in the works. 

It's Time for The New York Comic Con, and Brian Bendis will be showing the first footage from the Powers TV show, and participating in Marvel 75th anniversary panels. Bendis joins us to tell stories about the pruduction of Powers hanging with the cast and crew and prepariing for the premiere coming in just a few months. bendis assures us that the 1st episode will be available free on many Sony online streaming platforms like crackle.com and others. 

There's lots of TV and movie talk, as the superhero genre prepares for a very crowded 2015. How has 2014 "set the table" for what's to come? Bendis even has positive thoughts about the upcoming Captain America 3 

We also talk in depth about his comic books Miles Morales Ultimate Spider-Man, The X-Men books, United States Of Murder Inc., and of course Guardians Of The Galaxy.

Plus, final thoughts on the closing of the Jinxworld Bendis Message Board, the 22 year old onlinbe community that launched many comic creator careers, and THIS VERY PODCAST! 

From Cincy Comicon, first a career spanning spotlight with Kelley Jones  the incredible Batman artist talks about his time with the caped crusader, his influences, love of Horror, and many other great works 

Then The Chew Revival Panel.The Image books crossed over this year, and then the creators joined me onstage to talk about their careers, books and view of today's comic book business. With Rob Gillory, Tim Seeley Mike Norton and Jenny Frison

2 Great panels from The Cincy Comicon 

Fraction and Zdarsky face a live audiebnce for a free wheeling sex criminals Q&A session.

Then the real Southern Bastards Jason Latour Tony Moore Mike Norton and Mark Kidwell talk about their southern roots, and how their heritage influences their art and stories. 

Andy Schmidt joins us to talk about his time editing Marvel Cosmic, including the formation of the current Guardians Of the galaxy Roster, and The Comics Experience Online School, which has a new project deal with IDW.

The Batman At 75 panel from Cincy Comic Con With Kelley Jones, Time Seeley, Ben Templesmith and Jeremy Haun. A great discussion about The Caped Crusader

Franco & Scoot McMahon from Aw Yeah comics tell us about Spot on Adventure , a new funny web comic with a novel story tellling approach that readers can guide through their participation via Patreon.

On this episode of Word balloon, it's back to school as we tour the Chicago campus of The International School Of Comics. Instructors Emma Rand Annalisa Vicari and Robin Mckay sat down to discuss the school's philosophy of how to teach commercial art to prospecrtive students.

Then Steve Bryant drops in to discuss the upcoming Dark Horse Comics Athena Voltaire Compendium, collecting and remastering the entire series to date,  including many new pages of story content.

Finally a new Scene Missing Segment recorded live at Challengers Comics in Chicago. We play movie trivia game show style with artists Jim Terry and Hilary Barta 

Happy To Bring You The Audio From The 9th Annual SDCC Podscasters Panel With Heath Corson, John Mayo Calvin Reid, Tim Beyers and Glenn Weldon

Plus The Future Of geek Panel With Rob Salkowitz, Heidi McDonald and Tim Beyers .

Both panels had great looks at the comic book and pop culture industires and where they're going.

We begin our coverage from this year's San Diego Comic-Con.

Days before the wide release of Guardians Of The Galaxy, Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada explains the origin of the comic and film. 

We have Image Expo Coverage featuring the keynote address by Image Publisher Eric Stephenson.

Michael Moreci talks about his new Image comic Roche Limit, his Planet Of The Apes comic from Boom! Studios, and writing the new Hack Slash comic, with Steve Seeley.

Ryan Browne talks about taking God Hates Astronauts to Image as an ongoing series.

Jim Heffron tells us about his kickstarter campaign for the Gangs Of Camelot OGN.

Not since ancient times has such an august group of greek geeks got together to talk about the Comics Market.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 10 scribe Gage joins us to talk about the current run, working with Xander (Nicholas Brendan) , and Dan Slott on Spider-Man .

Chris also has a Comix Experience Master Class Seminar coming up August 9th about staying in the comics biz after that first gig.

Chris Eliopoulos is back to talk about his I AM childrens books with Brad Meltzer, including the new one I AM ROSA PARKS. We talk about COWBOY, his 25 years as a letterer/production guy, and much more.

Writer Sam Humpries talks about the New Star Lord comic, debuting July 2nd. Are we on the verge of a new important Marvel hero, soon to be bolstred by The Guradian Of The Galaxy Movie opening August 1st?

 

 

To celebrate the podcast's 9th Anniversary we go back to a June 2008 conversation on the phone with Ed and Matt. They were just starting their new colaboartion on X-Men with issue 500 and wrapping up their Iron Fist work. 

Great chats about all their then current books, plus hilarious pop culture talk, including drunk Orson Welles, tv & movie reviews and more.

On Todays Word Balloon, we catch up with Matt Fraction for another Fireside Chat.Matt & Chip Zdarsky are enjoying massive popularity with their Image Book Sex Criminals, which is at the top of the NYT Best Seller List , not to mention Time Magazine's Comic Book Of The year, and even more mainstream press critical acclaim. We talk about the book, plus his other Image series Sattelite Sam co-created with Howard Chaykin , and the continuing Hawkeye series for Marvel with David Aja and Annie Wu.

Then an amazing Kickstarter campaign to support a play about the life and career of Jack Kirby is discussed with the husband & wife creators behind the project, Fred Van Lente & Playwright Crystal Skillman. We talk about KING KIRBY which is part of the Comic Book Theater Festival happening in June at The Brick in NYC. We talk about the unique challenges of presenting this as a stage play, Crystal's meeting with the legendary Producer/Director Hal Prince , and more.

We wrap up with writer Marc Andreyko, who amidst controversy has taken on the writing chores on Batwoman for DC, and delivering an excellent superhero rocedural with strong charcter moments . Marc talks about the book,and projects with Clive Barker for BOOM! , a fun spy book for IDW, and his Cinderella arc that just wrapped up in Vertigo's FAIREST.

 

 

On This episode of Word Balloon, Hasan Minajh talks about his project Stand Up Planet, a documentary series that debuts Wed May 14th at 7pm on the cable channels LINK TV, PIVOT, The So Cal Public TV tation KCET and streaming live at standupplanet.org. This 2 part docu takes an amazing look at stand up comedy in the third world, and is worth your attention. Featured in the show are comedians from India and South Africa, and words of wisodm from comedy legends Bill Cosby, Norman Lear (All In The Family) , and Carl Reiner (The Dick Van Dyke Show)

Comic Artist Steve Skroce joins us to talk about the return of Doc Frankenstien and his work with Filmmakers and Comic Book Vets The Wachowskis on his Burlyman Comics, and their films including The Matrix Trilogy, Cloud Atlas, V For Vendetta, and this summer's Jupiter Ascending.

We wrap up with a C2E2 Podcaters roundtable featuring Steve Dismie of Comic Book Queers Wendy Freeman of Double Page Spread , Chris Marshall of Collected Comic Library and John Mayo of Comic Book Page

On this episode of Word Balloon, we start with Phil Jimenez who's getting ready for his May 10th live art seminar for Comics Experience . We talk about the Master class on action and acting on the comic page . We also talk about Wonder Woman, Infinite Crisis and his take on the Marvel & DCU today .

The we wrap up our exclusive C2E2 floor interviews 

Gail Simone is back to talk about Batgirl, Red Sonja and Lara Croft.

Greg Pak talks Superman-Batman and Action Comics 

Charles Soule talks Swamp Thing Red Lanterns Superman-Wonder Woman, and Letter 44

Nicola Scott talks Earth-2 

Brit Neil Gibson discusses his horror anthologies Twisted Dark and the challenges of breaking intio the american comics market 

Artist Jim Trry talks about his Dark Horse Comics series The Sundowners with Tim Seeley

Tony Fleecs and Thom Zahler talk My Little Pony and Thom's upcoming episode of Ultimate Spider-Man 

 

Massive C2E2 Con Coverage with lot of in-depth interviews 

 

Time Cues 

Brian Michael Bendis 00:00-104:08

Amanda Connor & Jimmy Palmiotti 104:09-120:58

Mike Perkins On Deathlok 120:59-136:13

Kyle Higgins On Image's C.O.W.L. 136:14-155:52

Pro Wrestlers Chris Daniels & Kazarian 155:53-202:35

Pete Tomasi on Batman & Robin  202:35-210:41

Marvel Press Conf w Sam Humphries on Star Lord 210:42-248:39

Sean Dove On The Lat Days Of Danger Kickstarter 248:40 - 259:54 

Dave Gruba & Rene Castellano on the Tales Of The Wolfman Kicktarter 2:59:55-End Of Show 

 

 

Dark Horse Comics Editor/ Writer Scott Allie checks in to talk about 2 new books from the Hellboy Universe, the laytest isues of Abe Sapien (written by Scott)  and Hellboy In Hell written and drawn by Mike Mignola. We also previe what dark Horse is Doing at C2E2 next week.

Fred Van Lente joins us to talk about his new run on Conan The Avenger starting April 23rd. Plus a new 10th anniversary edition of Action Philosophers, his take on Magnus Robot Hunter Archer and armstrong and more!

Finally we present a portion of the next Aw Yeah Podcast with guest dan Wickline, who writes for Zenescope Top Cow and Bleeding cool. Dan has an episode of Metal Hurlant coming up on the Syfy channel this month, starring James Marsters too! 

On this episode of Word Balloon Archie CEO Jon Goldwater joins us to talk about the recent and future innovations the Riverdale gang has  implemented to revitalize the line of comics and promote in other media. From Lema Dunham's upcoming mini seris, to live and animnated tv and film projects, to the revival of The Archies as a force in the music industry. 

Tim Seeley joins us to talk about the upcoming Revival-Chew crossover, his work in Gotham as a co-writer on DC's Batman Eternal , and his new Dark Horse Comics series The Sundowners 

We listen in on a new Marvel Press Conference as Axel Alonso, and Tom Brevoort give us creative details on Original Sins, the companion anthology series to the Jason Aaron-Mike Deodato event. 

Seth Kushner joins us to talk about his serio-comedy OGN Schmuck, his new comics studio with Dean Haspiel Josh Neufeld and Gregory Benton called Hang Dai and the Kickstarter campaign that is  hopefull to fund it all. 

 

On this episode of Word balloon, Kaare Andrews joins us to discuss the debut of his take on Iron Fist, which debuts April 9th. Kaare tells us his take on Danny Rand which doesn't dismiss previous takes but builds on it, while giving the Immortal Weapon a new singular direction. We also talk about Kaare's film directing career, including his new film Cabin Fever Patient Zero which comes out this June. Kaare explains his experiences and the differences in Hollywood filmmaking and Canadian Filmmaking.

Then it's a new WB Scene Missing segment, as Gabriel Hardman and Hilary Barta join me to talk about a ridiculous amount of old movies in a speedy fashion. We talk about these films...

The Gambler, Gator, Sharky's Machine, Laura, Rough Cut, The Strange Loves Of Martha Ivers, To Catch A Thief, Stick, Dr Goldfoot , The Glass Wall, Mr. Moto , Charlie Chan, Danger Route, Deadlier Than The Male, i-spy, The Manchurian Candidate, Johnny Cool, The Untouchables, Johnny Stacatto, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Tall T, Comanchee Station, the films of Budd Bedecker, The films of Anthony Mann, McClintock, The Quiet Man, Wash The Blood Of My Hands, Sorry Wrong Number, The Prowler, Too Late For Tears, Out Of The Past, Ace In The Hole, The Passion Of Joan Of Arc, The Hildegard Withers series, The Penguin Pool Murders, The Andy Hardy Films, Woman Of The Year, Madame Satan, She, You Can’t Take It With You, Around The World In 80 Days, Bunny Lake Is Missing, The Secret Agent, Advise And Consent, Book: Five Came Back by Mark Harris, The Best Years Of Our Lives, It’s a Wonderful Life, It Happened One Night, Lady For A Day, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Last Hurrah, The Searchers, Casablanca, Sergeant Rutledge, Meet John Doe, Rocky, I Walk With A Zombie, Cat People, Moonrise, Night Tessa, Nightmare Alley, South Pacific, The Birds, Flight Of The Phoenix, Criss Cross, Black Angel, Along Came Jones, Chicago Calling, Son Of Dracula, Of Mice And Men, The Wolfman, Spider Baby, Cult film magazines Filmfax, Outre, Video Watchdog, Son Of Frankenstein, Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, Ghost Of Frankenstein, Freaks, Dracula, The Mummy, Escape Of The Planet Of The Apes

On Monday Marvel held a press conference that spelled out some of the details to the November 2014 Spider-Man event, which will feature Peter Parker teaming up with various versions of Spider-man from many alternative universes, from 1602, to What-If stories  to Spider-Ham! 

Creator Dan Slott and Editor Nick Lowe faced the press and our questions. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we take you back to last week's Marvel Press Conference where writers Brian Michael Bendis Joshua Hale Fialkov and Michel Fiffe spoke to the press about their plans for Marvel's Ultimate Comics Line. There are big changes ahead for Miles Morales, The very cosmic Ultimate Fantastic Four and the Street level hero New Ultimates .

Then artist JK Woodward is back to discuss his new Star trek project. He and Robert and Scott Tipton are adapting Harlan Ellison's original series classic CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER. Ellison's original screenplay was very different and far more expensive to make than what Trek fans have seen in the original episode, but thanks to comics unlimited imagination, his story can finally be told the way he wanted. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, John expected a conversation with writer Paul Jenkins about his next volume of the FairyQuest saga with art by Humbert Ramos, but Paul had more on his mind. Kickstarter has put him on an emotional rollercoaster with alternating highs and lows. He explains some uncommon pitfalls no outsider would ever think of having to consider. Given Jimmy Palmiotti's Kickstarter POV from last week's episode, this interview continues the conversation in an interesting way.

Then Devin Grayson joins John for the first time to talk about her involvement in Christy Blanch's new Super MOOC about social issues explored through comic books. The Massive Open Online Course at canvas.net starts this week, and Devin will once again be part of the course's message board community and act as Christy's TA . She's also writing a monthly column exploring some of the issues fans are bringing up in conventions and online. We talk about her work in comics, novels, and gaming and some of the controversies she's faced in her writing career. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we welcome back Jimmy Palmiotti , who is in the midst of his 6th Kickstarter campaign. This time for the post apocalyptic OGN DENVER. Jimmy tells us his KS strategies and about the highs and lows of making comic books in today's market From the frustrations of making IMAGE's  CREATOR OWNED COMICS anthology, to his current DC books ALL STAR WESTERN, HARLEY QUINN & BATWING. If you enjoy Jimmy and his Paper film teams stories head to their website Paper Films ,  and by a digital copy of one or more today!

Then filmmaker Brett Culp joins us to promote his excellent documentary LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT, featuring personal success stories of people inspired by BATMAN. Culp gives us a preview of the film's subjects, talks about the inspirational power of the Batman Mythos, and tell us how you can get a screening of the documentary for your town to support your favorite charity. Learn more at the film's website wearebatman.com

On this episode of Word Balloon, we welcmoe back Dark Horse Comics Executive Editor Diana Schutz. We talk about her 30 year career in comics startinbg as a retailer in Vancouver BC to her move to the states, stints at Marvel and Comico before joing Mike Richardson and making the move to the Portland area in the early 90's.

She talks about her work Editing Frank Miller Will Eisner, Milo Manera and Stan Sakai including The Sakai Project to benefit Stan and his Wife

We talk about the geek girl movement, and the advancement of womes in comics. Plus Diana discusses the evolution of comics gaining respect in the academic world. We talk about her teaching career and where comics are going in the classrooms.

Peter David joins us to talk about his March 8th writing seminar for Comics Experience on Character Development. Plus we discuss his runs on X-Factor, The Star Trek Pocket Books, and the challenges of staying popular in today's comic market.

We'll wrap up with last week's Marvel Press conference for the Spring/Summer event Original Sin . Jason Aaron, Tom Brevoort, and Axel Alonso face the comic press's questions and we lear about the events origins and the directions it will go . 

On this edition of Word Balloon , Greg Rucka returns with a newe Rucka debrief. We get the lowdown on Lazarus , Greg & Michael Lark's post appocalyptic Image Comics series that looks at hwat happens when countries fall apart and crime familes are running the world's economy. We also look at Greg's upcoming series Veil for Dark Horse, The new solo Cyclops series for Marvel, plus more news about upcoming Rucka projects.

Then David Marquez and RJ Ryan discuss their new archaia OGN The Joyners in 3-D. We discuss the special 3-d process devised for the book, talk about the story, and RJ praises David's Marvel work on books like Ultimate Spider-Man, All New X-men, and others. 

We get a State Of Marvel Conversation from EIC Axel Alonso

Dan Slott talks about wrapping up Superior Spider-Man, welcoming Peter Parker back, and previews his new Silver Surfer Book With Mike Allred

Writer Christy Blanch From Ball State University and Part Owner Of Alter Ego Comics talk about her new Massive Open Online Course which looks at social issues through studying comic books. Plus her Thrillbent Comic The Damnation Of Charlie Wormwood.  Find out more about Christy's new online course here

Jason Aaron is back and talks about his upcoming Marvel event Original Sin, and handing off Wolverine and The X-Men To his pal Jason Latour Plus we talk about Thor and Amazing X-Men.

Scott Allie gives us the lowdown on Dark Horse in 2014. A much more diverse line-up than you might expect.

We wrap up with Dan Goldman , whose Red Light Properties is another unique creator owned project that deserves your attention. The first collected graphic novel comes out in February from IDW 

On this episode of Word Balloon, it's a king sized episode, with a new edition of The bendis Tapes. Brian Michael Bendis lays out the blueprints for the new direction for Marvel's Ultimate Universe. From new creators to new team line-ups all starting in April. Bendis also talks X-Men Guradians Of The Galaxy , a new crime project with Michael Avon Oeming , television and film project updates including an animation series from FX and details of his upcoming book on writing WORDS FOR PICTURES . Finally we talk about the oscar contending films out in theaters now, because Brian gets dvd screeners...lucky bastard.

Janelle Asselin joins us to talk about her editorial adventures. From stints with DC and Disney, to her current work at Comics Allience , and The Mary Sue. She's also written a "how to read comics" for bitch.com 

We wrap up with a new edition of Scene Missingt as Hilary Barta Gabriel Hardman and Will Pfeifer run through opinons on dozens of old movies. Get your notepads ready for our old film recommendations. 

Time Cues

  00:00 - 2:14:00 Brian Michael Bendis

2:14:00- 2:52:09 Janelle Asselin 

2:52:10 -End Of Show Scene Missing With Hilary Barta Gabriel Hardman and Will Pfeifer 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we talk animation. First John DiMaggio joins us to talk about his career as one of the top voice over actors in the business. From his work on Futurama, Adventure Time and countless other projects. 
John has also just made a new documentary on the VO industry called I KNOW THAT VOICE, which features all the top voice artists and production people. It comes out Jan 7th via iTunes and video on demand outlets. for more information check out iknowthatvoice.com

Then Screenwriter Heath Corson Joins me in studio for a fun conversation. Corson has just written the upcoming DC animated film Justice League War, which adapts the first arc of the New 52 JLA written by Geoff Johns. Heath is a lifelong comics an, and co-host of The Nerdists Writers Panel Comics Edition with Ben Blacker Adam Beecham and Len Wein

On this episode of Word Balloon, We start with Vivek Tiwary, Broadway and Film producer who gives us all the facts behind his story, The Fifth Beatle from Dark Horse. The biographical graphic novel about their manager Brian Epstein . We examine the social struggle of Epstien's double life as the businessman who discovered the Beatles and as a secretly gay young jewish man living in an 1960s anti-semitic enviroment.

Then we talk to Ales Kot, the thought provoking creator of ZERO from Image. A realistic take on today's world of espionage. Plus we look at his work on secret avengers and preview Iron Patriot for Marvel. Kot's stories are riveting and have a lot of interesting ideas. glad to have this converstaion for part 2

Nick Spenser talks about supierior foes of spider-man , secret avengers morning glories and bedlam 

Media Business Analyst Tim Beyers Of The Motley Fool, gives us his POV on the Tv Film and comic moves of Dc & Marvel.

And, Marvel holds a tele press ocnference with rick Remender and Tom Brevort about the events of Uncanny Avengers #14

 

 

Rick previews Marvel's  Uncanny Avengers #14 and Image's Black Science #1.

Author Sara Ryan discusses her Dark Horse OGN Bad Houses drawn by Carla Speed McNeil

And Tom Fowler talks about Quantum & Woody The True Patriot Vol 2 Kickstarter and his thoughts on today's comic market

NPR contributor Glen Weldon talks about his great book Superman The Unauthorized Biography, but we also dive into some batman talk and where the Geek culture is today.

Art Baltazar reviews his 2013 reflecting on Aw Yeah Comics and Itty Bitty Hellboy, and previews 2014, including some insight on his and Franco's return to Tiny Titans. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we talk to cartoonist Dean Haspiel who's been tapped to bring back the MJL Red Circle Hero The Fox for Archie Comics, with scripting from Mark Waid. Fans of Dean's Billy Dogma stories will find a frenetic kinship , on top of rollicking Superhero action.

Dean gives us a history of the character and what he wants to do in this first 5 issue storyline, plus we talk the comics enviroment Dean grew up in, the current comics market, and some celeberty memories of hiss famous and multi talented godmother Shelly Winters .

Starting the month of Halloween with a look at the Sub Genres of Grindhouse Horror and War

First Alex Di Campi talks about her latest Dark Horse Comics . Her double OGN collection of SMOKE and ASHES, and her new monthly series Grindhouse starting this week with the "R" rated Bee Vixens From Marsdrewn by Chris Peters with a Francesco Francavilla cover

Chuck Dixon covers War with his new e-books Seal Team Six & Bad Times . Plus GI JOE THE PUNISHER and lots of BATMAN talk, including Chuck's POV on the still misundrestood 66 Adam West series.

Finally The Horror panel from CincyComiccon, with Tony Moore, Steve Niles Time Seeley & Mark Kidwell. The guys not only talk about their comics, but what in Horror Comics TV and Film scared them?

2 Great Cincy Comicon panels about making comics.

First The Writers Panel with Jason Aaron Dennis Hopeless Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley

Then Pencisl and Inks with Ryan Stegman Chris Burnham Mike Norton and Jay Leisten

From the back allay at Aw Yeah Comics In Skokie, Scott Allie & Mike Norton talk about Dark Horse . Editor in chief Allie talks about the DH line and the company's current push for new superheroes, reviving old ones, the Star Wars Books and Joss Whedon-verse.

Norton talks about Battlepug, and taking over art chores on Tim Seeley's Thwe Occultist.

Steve Seeley and Jenny Frison discuss Hoax Hunters from Image Comics.

Mike Gallagher talks about his podcast Film Jury and hisKickstarter campaign co-creating the Steampunk Heroine Annabelle From the back allaey at Aw Yeah Comics In Skokie, Scott Allie & Mike Norton talk about Dark Horse . Editor in chief Allie talks about the DH line and the company's current push for new superheroes, reviving old ones, the Star Wars Books and Joss Whedon-verse.

Norton talks about Battlepug, and taking over art chores on Tim Seeley's Thwe Occultist.

Steve Seeley and Jenny Frison discuss Hoax Hunters from Image Comics.

Mike Gallagher talks about his podcast Film Jury and his Kickstarter campaign co-creating the Steampunk Heroine Annabelle Avery

From the back allaey at Aw Yeah Comics In Skokie, Scott Allie & Mike Norton talk about Dark Horse . Editor in chief Allie talks about the DH line and the company's current push for new superheroes, reviving old ones, the Star Wars Books and Joss Whedon-verse.

Norton talks about Battlepug, and taking over art chores on Tim Seeley's Thwe Occultist.

Steve Seeley and Jenny Frison discuss Hoax Hunters from Image Comics.

Mike Gallagher talks about his podcast Film Jury and his Kickstarter campaign co-creating the Steampunk Heroine Annabelle Avery

On this episode of Word Balloon, it's another Scene Missing conversation with Gabe Hardman & Will Pfeifer as we discuss the Peter Bogdonavich film Targets, starring Boris Karloff and produced by Roger Corman

The Joe Mulvey talks about his Vegas heist comic SCAM from Comixtribe.

Finally, Drew Gaska is back to talk about his 1970's Shark Suspense novel FRENZY.

On this episode of Word Balloon, Steven Grant returns to discuss his graphic novel 2 GUNS and the new film adaptation from Universal, with Denzel Washington & Mark Wahlberg in theaters now. Grant who many might remember from his Marvel work on Punisher and The Life Of John Paul 2 for Marvel Comics, has been churning out creator owned comics since his days at FIRST in the 1980s. He talks about behind the scene details of the making of the film, and his new sequel series 3 GUNS also from BOOM!Studios, and other past and future comic book projects.

Next Kelly Sue DeConnick & Emma Rios talk about their new Western PRETTY DEADLY from IMAGE. We discuss their influences, and collaboration. Kelly Sue explains why it would really help the future of the comic, if readers would pre-order books, and who the real "customers" are from the publisher's POV.

Finally comic writer Kyle Higgins is also an aspiring filmmaker. We recently screened his student film THE LEAGUE, a superhero story set in 1960's Chicago at Aw Yeah Comics in Skokie, IL. You'll hear the film's post Q&A with Kyle, and his plans to further the story in a new creator owned series from Image Comics.

On this episode of Word Balloon the San Diego Comic Con coverage begins. First a Spotlight Panel Featuring Eisner award winner Mike Norton , with a look back on his entire career culminating in his 2 current works, The Web Comic BattlePug and Revival with Tim Seeley.

Then the 8th Annual Comic Book Podcaster Panel Featuring John Mayo, Jimmy Aquino Collin Kilpatrick Heidi MacDonald Ben Blacker Brian Christman and myself.

Finally a conversation with JK Woodward & Keith DeCandido about their Kickstarter Campiagn for tyhe Original Graphic Novel DRAGON PRECINCT

Time Cues

  00:00   SDCC Mike Norton Spotlight Panel

  53:29   SDCC Comic Book Podcast Panel

1:48:11  JK Woodward & Keith DeCandido

On this episode of Word Balloon we begin a 2 part talk with Matt Fraction. We discuss his current Marvel Now! books Hawkeye, Fantastic Four, and FF. Plus his new Image series with Howard Chaykin Satellite Sam .

Pop Culture Futurist Rob Salkowitz returns to talk about the changes in the Comic Book Market and Pop Culture industries, with observations on this week's Image Expo, the rise of Digital Comics, and Crowd Funding. We also talk about where Geek Culture is in today's society, and should we be fearing the eventual backlash?

We wrap up with artist Sanford Greene who is proting a Kickstarter campaign to fund his animation studio Secret Sauce's latest preoject 1000.

On this episode of Word Balloon we continue our conversation with Brian Michael Bendis wrapping up the Age Of Ultron event , and examining the new problems for the Marvel heroes in the wake of the Event's outcome. From Galactus finding himself in the Ultimate Universe, to Angela, a character fresh from the 90's and Spawn Comics crossing over to face The Guardians Of The Galaxy. Plus we check in on the All New & Uncanny X-Men.

Then we prresent a Marvel Press Conference from last Thursday featuring Bendis and Joshua Hale Fialkov talking about HUNGER the mini series which will deal with Galactus's shift into the Ultimate Universe. What does this mean for Miles Morales, Rick Jones and other heroes from The UU?

On this episode of Word Balloon We listen in on The Avengers Assemble Cartoon Press Conference as the Producers talk about Sunday's 1 hr sneak peak on Disney XD. Joe Quesada Joe Kelly and Cort Lane are on the call.

The High Crimes creative team of writer Chris Sebela and artist Ibrahim Moustafa talk about their innovative series from Monkeybrain Comics.

We wrap up with part 2 of our conversation with Comics and Pulp historian Anthony Tollin. More factiods about The Shadow, Doc Savage, The Lone Ranger and Old Time Radio tales. Plus previews of Anthony's upcoming pulp products from Sanctum Books.

On this episode of Word Balloon, we talk with Archie Comics Writer/Artist Dan Parent , who created Kevin Keller, the New Kid In Riverdale, and after 3 nominations won the GLADD award this week. We talk about Kevin, and all the other great ideas that have made Archie Comics one of the most innovative publishers in comics.

Gerry Conway returns to talk about his days at DC Comics, from his first works starting in 1969, and his early 70's return that included a lot of work on Superman.

More Bronze Age DC talk with former colorist Anthony Tollin. Today Anthony is the publisher that is re-presenting the original stories of THE SHADOW, DOC SAVAGE, and other pulp heroes.Check out his catalog of books here.

We wrap up with Mike Gold, who was the editor of great books at First Comics like GRIMJACK JON SABLE AMERICAN FLAGG, and then brought a bunch of talent to DC in the 80's for runs on HAWKWORLD, GREEN ARROW, SUICIDE SQUAD , WASTELAND and more! We talk about Mike's pop culture website COMICMIX , which is also getting into the business to help creators make their comic books dreams into reality.

On this episode of Word Balloon, we check in with Greg Rucka , who with artist Rick Burchett and webmaster Eric Newsom have begun their Kickstarter campign for the Web comic Lady Sabre and The Pirates Of The Ineffable Aether  . As of this posting they have exceeded their initial goal, but as Greg points out that means there are more books that can be published beyond the 192 page OGN. We also discuss Greg & Michael Lrk's new Image comic Lazarus, which begins in late June.

Then fresh from his FCBD siging in Chicago we catch up with Jamal Igle . His new female hero Molly bdanger also had a successful kickstarter campaign, and now the character made her print debut in Action Lab's FCBD book. We talk about how Jamal created the character, what he learned fom his KS experience, and what's next for both Jamal & Molly Danger.

Writer Charles Soule makes his Word Balloon debut, talking about his current work at DC (Swamp Thing & Red Lanterns) Marvel (Thunderbolts) and 2 exciting creator owned projects from Archaia (Strange Attractors out next week), and Oni Press (Letter 44 coming in October )

 

 

 

Our C2E2 coverage begins with floor interviews from Jimmy Palmiotti, Kyle Higgins, Doug Mahnke, and Scott Allie.

Then we check in with Mark Schultz who has a Kickstarter Campaign for a new collection THE ART OF MARK SCHULTZ CARBON and a hardcover edition of XENOZOIC.

More Kickstarter talk with Greg Pak & Jonathan Coulton as they combine their musical and comic book talents for the graphic novel CODE MONKEY SAVE WORLD.

We wrap up with the C2E2 Podcast panel featuring Wendi Friedman (Double Page Spread) Stevie Disme (Comic Book Queers) Chris Marshall ( Collected Comics Library ) Brian Pants Christman ( Comic Geek Speak ) , and Mike Pfeiffer ( Most People are DJs ) 

Writer Daniel Way returns to talk about his and artist Jon Proctor's Kickstarter campaign to finish their 2003 Crime comic Gun Theory.

We talk about the books 10 year journey to completion, and other creator owned ideas brewing in Way's mind, as his 10 year relationship with Marvel Comics is coming to a close.

We also discuss his run on Marvel's Thunderbolts. The Red Hulk Genral Thunderbolt Ross, leading a black opps para military group of Marvels who usually work alone. Elektra The Punisher Venom Deadpool and others.

On today's Word Balloon, Ethan Van Sciver talks about drawing BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT. He also looks back at his GREEN LANTERN run, and his point of view on today's comic market.

Writer Dan Jolley discusses the return of his character BLOODHOUND once a 2004 DC book, now resurrected for Dark Horse with a new story starting in Dark Horse Presents #23 this month followed by a June trade collecting the original 12 issue run.

Finally we celebrate Superman's 75th anniversary with clips from past WB interviews featuring  creators who've had great runs writing and drawing the man of steel. Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns, Alex Ross, Jeph Loeb, Greg Rucka and Kurt Busiek.

On this episode of Word Balloon, it's part 1 of  a new Bendis Tapes as writer Brian Michael Bendis joins us for a new look at All New X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Age Of Ultron, Ultimate Spider-Man and Powers Bureau. 

Then Jeffery Brown talks about his Star Wars humor books Darth Vader And Son, and Vader's Littlee Princess. What would it have been like if Darth Vader raised his 2 children ? Plus Jeffery talks about his film Save The Date which debuted at Sundance last year, and is coming out on DVD Tuesday April 16th. He also has a new book coming out from Top Shelf in June.

3 Great discussions with 3 talented writers...

Mike Carey, back from Fables Con talks about the event along with his new BOOM! STUDIOS book SUICED RISK. We also discuss his Vertigo books THE UNWRITTEN and LUCIFER

Frank J. Barbiere talks about the debut of his new Image Comic FIVE GHOSTS

and we wrap up with Andrew Gaska who's writing fantastic stories in the worlds of SPACE 1999 PLANET OF THE APES and BUCK RODGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY for Archaia . Drew also shares stories of his studies at the School Of Visual Arts learning from comic masters like Denny O'Neil and Joe Orlando.

Live from Aw Yeah Comics store in Skokie IL, Conversations with Mark Waid and James Robinson , Jann Robinson talks about creating the Johnny DC Kids line, bringing Art Baltazar & Franco and Mike Kunkel to DC, Paul Mounts talks about his Marvel work and his upcoming THRILLBENT digital comic, and Stevie Dismie From The COMIC BOOK QUEERS podcast gives his POV on what's going on in comics, including the Superman Orson Scott Card controversey.

Then Gabirel Hardman and Corinna Bechko discuss their new Star Wars Legacy book, featuring the debut of Solo, Han's distant descendent. The duo also talk about their Planet Of The Apes books for BOOM! Studios. We also manage to squeeze in some movie talk.

More Superman talk as the 75th anniversary year of the Big Blue's debut continues. Rags morales tells us what went into the design of Superman's new look for the New 52 Action Comics relaunch. We discuss Rags whole run on the book with Grant Morrison as the final arc comes to it's climax.

Then Elliot S! Maggin joins us to talk about his take and long history with the character that started in the 1970's and included two Superman novels LAST SON OF KRYPTON and MIRACLE MONDAY.

We wrap up checking in with Allison Baker & Chris Roberson , who give us an update on Monkeybrain Comics and the Digital Market.

00:00   -  120:55     Rags Morales

120:56 -  215:15     Elliot S Maggin

215:16-  End           Monkeybrain Comics Allison Baker and Chris Roberson

Judd Winick joins us to talk about his whole comics career. From Frumpy the Clown and Barry ween, to his DC work on Batman, Red Hood, Catwoman and Batwing. We even talk a bit about his time on MTV's The Real World in the infancy of modern reality TV.

Then Jai Nitz previews his great new comic fro Dark Horse Dream Thief , which debuts this May.

On this episode of Word Balloon, Tom taylor talks about his hit DC digital comic INJUSTICE which is one of the best Justice League stories in years. We also talk about his All Ages adventure comic from Gestalt THE DEEP. If you loved THE INCREDIBLES, you'll love THE DEEP.

John Ostrander is back to talk about his 2 current Star Wars comics for Dark Horse. The Spy adventures of Jayden Cross in AGENT OF THE EMPIRE and the beginings of the Star Wars Galaxy DAWN OF THE JEDI.

We wrap up with brothers Tim and Steve Seeley who have a new Kickstarter campaign with Steve's HOAX HUNTER collaborator Mike Moreci called MINI COMICS INCLUDED . An homage to the action figure mini comics sold in the 1980's, like HE-MAN , GI JOE & TRANSFORMERS.

James Robinson takes us behind the scenes of Earth-2 as he re-imagines DC's golden aged heroes into a modern day post appocalyptic world where Superman batman & Wonder Woman were killed. He also gives us details on Earth-2's new Batman , who debuts in April's E-2 Annual.

Dan Jurgens talks about his current run on Firestorn, and the job of taking over books in the New 52 . We also look back at his 90's run on Superman, comparing the man of tomorrow with the New 52 version of the character. We also talk about passt events like Zero Hour Death OF Superman and more looks at today's comics market.

Then 2 creators give self publishuing tips. First, Robbi Rodgriguez talks about his Acid Western Frankie Get Your Gun, and the new ep soundtrack for the comic that's out today. He also previews his new Vertigo series Colider written by Simon Oliver.

Then Ryan Browne talks about his kickstarter campaign for a hardcover collection of his web comic God Hates Astronauts, and his upcoming Image work on Manhattan Projects with Jonathan Hickman and Bedlam with Nick Spenser.

On this episode of Word Balloon, we check in with John Romita Jr. His current run on CAPTAIN AMERICA takes the character into Dimension Z on a cosmic odyssey with writer Rick Remender. Romita talks about deconstructing the super patriot. Plus we get an update on Kick Ass-2, and John reminisces about his early days in the Marvel Bullpen.

Then JT Krul joins us to promote some new projects at Aspen Comics. A new young adult novel called Lost Spark and a new project to be announced in April. We look at where aspen Comics is today as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary. JT also talks about his current run on SUPERMAN BEYOND , one of the best Superman stories you're not reading.

Art Baltazar & Franco ! join us to talk about their Kickstarter Campaign for AW YEAH COMICS their new kids line of comics starting this spring. We also talk about their current run on SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES which wraps up in May with some plots twists never seen before in any Superman Comics.

Finally Bob Wayne And John Cunningham of DC Comics join us to talk about the January Sales numbers and the WTF cover promotion happening in April.

On today's Word Balloon podcast, we catch up with Jonathan Hickman , who's taking the Avengers into new directions. New Avengers #3 had a startling finish and we talk about it. We also discuss his Image books The Manhattan Projects East Of West (which debuts next month) and the current status/fate of the espionage book Secrets .

Then Ball State University Lecturer Christy Blanch talks about her new MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) Gender Through Comics Books. The course will look at how men and women were depicted in comics from the 1930's to today. Blanch will have many guest speakers for the class, and the subjects discussed involve comic book history and a sharp look at characters like Lois Lane and Wonder Woman , who both started as capable strong rolemodels in the 1940's only to become lonley-heart single women desperate to marry their beaus in the 1950's. What happened? The male superhero stereotypical portrayals are also examined.

Today on Word Balloon, legendary filmmaker Ralph Bakshi joins us to discuss his Kickstarter campaign for a new animated series called Last days Of Coney Island.

The series sees Bakshi return to familiar territory New York in the 1960's. Bakshi promises scenes and stories about police corruption, gangs, prostitutes and the enui of the decade as the country suffered urban decay and the losses of leaders like John and Robert Kennedy.

Bakshi also dorps news about making sequel scenes for some of his cult classic films after he completes The Last Days Project. He talks about making new sequences for his films Wizards Coonskin, and Heavy Traffic.

For yeras he's talked about a new sequence for the 1977 film Wizards, involving the character Peace saving a train boxcar filled with draves being taken to their death, ala the real life WW2  refugees taken by the Nazis to concentration camps. Says Bakshi " I love Peace...it's an incredible action sequence ...it's a violent scene... so (explitive)  if you want to see Wizards 2 get Last Days going."  Number 3, I'd do Coonskin 2 ..and then Heavy Traffic and what I'm saying is  I can contunie to do more with these films, and release them on the net. " Bakshi would release the films on his website and a Bakshi channel he's developing.

Bakshi also updates us on the potential live action Robert Rodgriguez remake of his 1983 film Fire and Ice co-concieved by Frank Frazetta and written by Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas. Says Bakshi "  I had spoke last week obver emails that he wants to shoot it next summer...I get a nice fee if he shoots it . He came to me and wanted to do it. He wants to make it live action which is fine, cause I'd never re do it. I said make it like Sin City and Frazetta (style) he's says he would ...He's says he's shooting it  next summer, he's now shooting Sin City 2, so unless he feels the need to lie to me, that's his intention."
Bakshi also talks about his years at Terrytoon films which taught him the tricks to make animation at a cheaper cost. We also discuss his work on the Spider-Man Animated series, and his friendship with Frazetta.

Then we catch up with Rick Remender who's taking bold direction in his 2 Marvel Now! books Captain America and Uncanny Avengers. We talk about the ideas in the comics that have polarizing reactions from fans  but Rick is quick to say these are long story arcs that will reveal themselves over time. Rick also talks about the delightful success the Fear Agent Onibus is having , and announces some new creator owned projects for 2013.

Chris Roberson talks about his Dynamite mini series Masks featuring a crossover of pulp heroes like The Shadow, The Green Hornet & Kato Zorro The Spider and more. We also talk about how Chris and his wife Allison Baker's digital imprint MonkeyBrain Comics has been doing since it's July 2012 launch. We talk about the state of the company, it's critical response and Chris's own MB book, Edison Rex.

Then Dave Elliot joins us to talk about his creator own plans for 2013. Chris has been editing and packaging recent issues of Heavy Metal (259 & 260) as a dress rehersal for the return of his A1 comics anthology, debuting this June from Titan Books.

Finally we wrap up our conversation with Jason aaron, with non comics subjects like TV Music and Sports.

On this episode of Word Balloon, 4 great conversations about books that are on the racks and coming up in the weeks ahead.

Brad Meltzer joins us to discuss his latest novel The Fifth Assassin out this week. It explores the 4 US presidential asassinations from Lincoln to JFK  and postulates a serial killer connection to them all.

Brad also has an update on his History Channel show Decoded and talks about an upcoming childrens book project he has collaborating with cartoonist Chris Elliopolis .

We go behind the scenes with a nother Marvel Now Press Conference as Brian Michael Bendis and Editor Steve Wacker discuss the new Guardians Of The Galaxy comic which debuts in February, drawn by Steve McNiven.

Artist David Marquez talk about jumping from Bendis's Ultimate Spider-Man to All New X-Men starting with this week's issue #6. We also discuss his new Archaia graphic novel with writer RJ Ryan called The Joyners In 3-D.

Finally, Jay Faerber is here to talk about his new digital comic for MonkeyBrain Comics that debuts next week. Denali with artist John Broglia . A post apocalyptic setting with a female warrior and her minions on a mission. The book is a one-shot pilot concept that could become an ongoing series. Jay also talks about the upcoming trade for his Image mini-series Point Of Impact and we talk about the current television season.

On this episode of Word Balloon, Jason aaron starts a 2 part conversation about his current work on Thor God Of Thunder, Wolverine and The X-Men and the wrap ups tp his Vertigo series Scalped with RM Guerra, and HULK.

DC Vice presidents John Cunningham and Bob Wayne discuss DC's 2012 performance in the comic market.

And we wrap up with a year in review look at Image Comics in 2012 with Augie DeBlieck Jr, Pipeline columnist for Comic Book Resources.

On this episode of Word Balloon we welcome back Jeph Loeb, and another edition of the Loeb Report.
Jeph talks about his new Nova Marvel Now comic series with Ed McGuiness, Loeb is also head of Marvel Television., and he tells us about the slate of animatied programs scheduled for 2013. From the second season of Ultimate Spider-Man to new series, like Hulk and The Agents Of S.M.A.S.H. and Avengers Assembled. There's news about new full length animated films and more Marvel Knights animated adaptations. Plus news on the live action front as the production of the SHIELD tv series rolls on.

Then we continue our look at the 2012 Comic Book Market.  Kyle Phegley  of Comic Book Resources joins us to talk about Marvel Comics in 2012. You'll hear about  the end of runs from creators like Brian Bendis Jonathan Hickman Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker, to the new creative directions on Marvel Now.

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.

On this edition of Word Balloon, we wrap up 2011 with another multi guest show. We wrap up our last conversation of the year with Brian Michael Bendis who gives us updates on Takio, The Avengers Film, and his television projects like the Powers, pilot for FX, The Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon, and AKA Jessica Jones. We also talk about the recent cancellations of b-level character books, which begs the question “Can an ongoing c-level book survive in this current comic market?”

Next Will Pfieffer joins us to talk about his new gig co-writing Iron Man 2.0 with Nick Spencer to close out the current series.  DC comics also has re-released Will’s Batman Legends Of The Dark Night story Blaze Of Glory drawn by Chris Weston . Plus he has a new Tor Books original graphic novel due out in March . It’s a sci-fi suspense thriller called The Advance Team.  Will’s day job is a DVD reviewer for the Rockford Register Star newspaper, so we go over some of the quirkiest DVD releases for 2011.

Finally Atomika creator Sal Abbinanti wraps up his talk about the art exhibition  of his paintings going on at Challengers Comics in Chicago through January 9^th.

In each interview, there's a lot of backmatter about Movies Television DVDs and the pop culture things we love. Enjoy, and Happy New Year! 

Time Code 

Brian Bendis     00:00-46:00

Will Pfeiffer      46:01-2:03:01

Sal Abbinanti  2:03:02-3:05:00

 

Happy Holidays! Here's a four guest spectacular to help you get through the travel times to and from your holiday destinations.

First Brian Michael Bendis joins us for the start of a 2 part talk. We discuss the upcoming 2012 event Avengers versus X-Men, what's happening with the return of Norman Osbourne and a new team of Dark Avengers , plus Moon Knight, and this week's issue of Ultimate Spider-man #5.

Walter Simonson is up next. He talks about stepping down as an art teacher to concentrate on some future creator owned projects. Plus we look back at this year's release of the IDW Simonson Mighty Thor Artist Edition . Walter takes us behind the scenes explaining the process of putting this incredible project together. He also tell us about the experience of being in this year's Thor movie. We also look back at Walter's first writing assignments which led to his adaptation of Raider's Of The Lost Ark, with artist John Buscema , and the details behind a Batman sketch that led to a classic cover and story.

Then Paul Cornell Joins us to talk about his work on DC's new 52. We discuss his run on Stormwatch, which ends with next month's issue #5. Then we examine in depth the ideas behind Demon Knights . Paul takes us through all the main characters and hints at the book's future direction. Cornell also previews his upcoming Vertigo book Saucer Country which debuts in March, and a new sci-fi-police procedural novel he describes as " Buffy meets The Sweeney".

Finally we check in with Sal Abbinanti , the creator of Atomika . Sal has an art show of original paintings of heroes and villains going on through January 9th at Challengers Comics Rouges Gallery in Chicago.

00:00-57:57-     Brian Bendis

57:58-1:39:25-  Walter Simonson

139:26-237:15-  Paul Cornell

237:16-259:58   Sal Abbinanti

237:16-259:58   Sal Abbinanti

On this edition of Word Balloon, we spend a lot of time discussing the DC universe. First John Rood DC Entertainment's Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development joins us to breakdown the November numbers from Diamond as the new 52 propels DC to another winning month, however the gap between them and Marvel comics and Marvel Comics is narrowing. Rood gives us an idea of what the buying trends are now that there is 3 months of New 52 data to examine. Plus, we get some demographics from The Nielsen Surveys DC conducted with consumers.

Then James Robinson joins us for his first full length WB chat. Robinson explains how he got into reading American comic books growing up in London England. We discuss The Shade Maxi Series, and his exploration of this new DC Universe. Plus we look back on his recent runs on Superman, and The Justice League. James explains his ideas of characterization for heroes Like Donna Troy, villains like Solomon Grundy, and fan reactions to those choices.

Finally, we have a transcontinental talk with the entire Brazilian art team on Aquaman. Penciller Ivan Reis, Inker Joe Prado, and Colorist Rod Reis talk about the Brazilian comics scene, and why they chose to go from working on Green Lantern to Aquaman. Despite speaking in a 2nd language rather than their native portuguese, all three creators conduct a very nuanced and complex conversation discussing their art and love of certain characters with full command of the english language.

Here for your holiday pleasure, a Word Balloon triple feature. We wrap things up with Rob Liefeld, who talks about his work with Robert Kirkman on The Infinite for Image Comics. Then Rob goes into detail with his full slate of books he'll be releasing in 2012 under the Extreme Imprint.Liefeld goes down the roster of creators on his various titles, which includes Erik Larsen writing and drawing SUPREME.

Then Alex Di Campi joins us to discuss her upcoming graphic novel Ashes with artist Jimmy Braxton. Ashes is a 252 page story which Alex is trying to fund via kickstarter. The story is a sequel to her Eisner nominated 2005 IDW story SMOKE. Di Campi has been a long time veteran in the digital comics market with the 2009 story Valentine. She talks about the successes and missteps she had with that book, and shares some innovative ideas on how self publishers can partner with comics stores on both the print and digital versions of a comic book. 

Finally Matt Fraction is back to wrap up his latest Fireside Chat with some TV and Film talk. 

Time Code 

00:00-132:59 Rob Liefeld 

133:00-210:14 Alex De Campi

210:15-The End Matt Fraction 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we begin our two part conversation with artist and Image Comics Co-Founder Rob Liefeld. In part 1 Rob talks about what it's like working as a free lance artist at Comics Big 2 publishers Marvel and DC. He just finished an 8 year stint at Marvel which included such projects as Onslaught Reborn, Deadpool Corps and many covers. Currently Rob is drawing Hawk and Dove as part of DC's New 52 initiative. Rob compares the current strategies of the 2 companies as he sees them , including what's happening for both at the film and toy levels, which he sees as key indicators on where their publishing is currently focused. 

Then Greg Rucka is back for part 2 of The Rucka Debrief, answering fans questions about the current status of fan favorite projects like Queen And Country and Stumptown from Oni Press, along with reflecting observations on "52", the weekly DC event of 2006. Looking back, how would Greg describe the collaborative work with writers Grant Morrison, Mark Waid and Geoff Johns, artist Keith Giffen, and editors Steve Wacker and Michael Siglain? 

Lots of candid conversation in this episode of Word Balloon. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we speak with Dc Entertainment Vice Presidents Bob Wayne (Sales) and John Rood (Sales Marketing and Business Development) about DC Comics big sales for the month of October. Month 2 of the New 52 showed a

greater market share, with DC claiming about 50% of the total sales pie for single issues.

John and Bob Talk about some of the surprising sales trends both digitally and in the direct market.We also get more details about the 100 graphic novels and collected stories available on the new Amazon Kindle Fire device. You'll also hear about future plans and partnerships to promote Dc Comics and upcoming TV and film projects like Cartoon Network's DC Nation, and next summer's Batman film.

Then we begin a new 2 part Greg Rucka Debrief. In this episode Greg talks about his current work on The Punisher with Marco Checcetto. Greg gives an overview of his view on how Frank Castle operates in the 616 universe and what obstacles are inherent in a superhero filled world.

Rucka also discusses his new web comic with Rich Burchett "Lady Sabre and The Pirates of the Ineffable Aether" . The story marries steam punk swashbuckling pirates with a gun toting western duo all living on a fantastic planet of magic, floating ships and cities. The twice weekly webcomic is starting it's 3rd chapter this Thursday. New readers can go the website and find archives of the firt 2 chapters plus character essays, maps and information that provide a rich backdrop for this rollicking adventure.

Then, a conversation with Kevin Tavolaro Nino Lopez and Joe Peicott , some of the producers behind the new Science Channel TV series Prophets Of Science Fiction, debuting tonight at 10pm eastern/pacific time. Filmmaker Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) hosts this 8 part series features profiles on noted Sci-Fi creators who's dreams of the future inspired many real scientific advances. From Mary Shelly's Frankenstien, to George Lucas's Star Wars, you'll hear scientists, noted science fiction authors and filmmakers give their thoughts on these remarkable thinkers.

The show will feature comments film clips and images from people like writers Harlan Ellison and Robert Silverberg, Tv producers Brannon Bragga (Star Trek) and Dan Vedders (Futurama), comic book creators Matt Fraction and Chirs Ware, plus a certain podcast host Word Balloon listeners may be familiar with.

Time Code

00:00-23:20 DC VPs John Rood & Bob Wayne

23:21-127:27 Rucka Debrief Part 1 

127:28-149:42 Prophets Of Science Fiction 

On this episode of Word Balloon, Matt Fraction willingly debates the story beats of Fear Itself. 

All of the tough questions are asked. We talk about the recent trend of the event story epilogues 

occuring outside of the actual series. Why kill Thor, when he just had just been ressurected, and 

isn't it likely he'll be back in time for next summer's Avenger's film? 

You'll also hear what's coming next in Casanova, Iron Man and Tanarus God Of Thunder, plus an informative preview

of The Defenders. Matt expands on what we've seen in the Fear Itself epilogue, and how the Hulk hands this

new Defenders line up it's first problem. You'll heardetails on the team's line-up, plus Fraction discusses his

decision to write this book in a modified Marvel style collaboration with Terry Dobson, as opposed to

the usual full script.

For aspiring writers Matt goes in detail about the different disipline of writing 20 page issues 

compaed to the former 22 page comic. It's more compliated than just cutting 2 pages from each chapter. 

Then IFC Film Critic Matt Singer joins me to talk about this years slate of comic book films. 

From The Green Hornet, The Marvel films Thor Captain America,X-Men First Class,  Green Lantern, 

Cowboys and Aliens, to the coming Tin Tin movie, We'll discuss the successes and failures. Plus we 

preview next year's slate of movies.

On this edition of Word Balloon, we check in with writer Chris Roberson to talk about his new IDW DC Comics crossover between the Original Crew Of Star Trek, and The Legion Of Superheroes. We also look at his Vertigo Books like I Zombie with Mike Alred and His work in The Fables Universe on the Cinderella mini series From Fabletown With Love drawn by Sean McManus . Her fairy tale spy adventures will continue next year with a new 2012 6 part story, Fables Are Forever.

Chris also gives details about the tough task of taking over the last 7 parts of J Michael Straczynsk's aborted Superman 12 part story Grounded. We discuss the one chapter of his story depicting a muslim super hero inspired by Superman, that was deemed too controversial to be published , and what it's future fate might be.

Then Jeremy Haun is back to promote his new book for Top Cow's Pilot Season called The Beauty, co-written with Jason Hurley. Jeremy is also wrapping up his work on The Top Cow Event Artifacts with Ron Marz, and soon takes over art chores on The Darkness teaming up with new writer David Hine. Haun and Hine worked on Batman in Detective Comics and last year's Arkham Reborn mini series.

On this epsisode of Word Balloon we hit the floor of last week's New York Comic Con and speak with a number of creators.
You'll hear talks with Frank Quitley (Batman & Robin Multiplicity) , Chris Burnham (Batman Leviatham) Matt Wagner (Legendary Comics) , Shane Davis (Superman Earth One Vol 2)  Gabriel Hardman (Betrayal Of The Planet Of The Apes, Secret Avengers) Mahmud Asrar (Supergirl) Tom Fowler (Venom) Fred Van Lente (Alpha Flight, Comic Book Comics ) Ryan Dunleavey ( Comic Book Comics , MTV Comics)  Brent Schoonover (Mr. Murder is Dead, Astronaut Dad) Jon and Matt Roscehtti (Venture Bros, Growing Up Comics) and Dave Elliott  (Marksmen Red Spike Heavy Metal) 

Time Code

Intro 00:00-01:45

Frank Quitley, Chirs Burnham, & Matt Wagner 01:46-10:13

Gabriel Hardman 10:14-15:47

Mahmud Asrar 15:48-18:55

Fred Van Lente & Ryan Dunleavy 18:56-29:57

Shane Davis 29:58-46:31

Tom Fowler & Tom King 46:32-57:16

Brent Schoonover 57:17-105:52

Jon & Matt Roschetti 105:53-111:50

Dave Elliot 111:51-136:12
Close 136:13-137:20

The comic news blogosphere has erupted this week in editorials and op-ed pieces over the depiction of Starfire in the DC Comic Red Hood And The Outlaws and The first issue of Catwoman, which ends with a sex scene involving Batman. Too much for mainstream comics? I debate the subject with Vaneta Rogers . We also talk about the overall success of DC's new 52, and their employing the Nielsen Company to conduct reader surveys.

Today's show features creators who are spotlighting their current books, but also give writing art and publishing tips for aspiring creators.

Mark Waid discusses his work for Boom Studios and writing Daredevil for Marvel, but he also discusses how he approaches writing established charcters , from figuring Superman out, to still being uncomfortable writing Thor and Wonder Woman.

Robert Atkins talks about his art on IDWs GI JOE COBRA COMMANDER with writer Chuck Dixon, and an upcoming original graphic novel with Larry HAma, but also talks about using his blog and social networking to expand his fan base.

Finally Sam Humphries and Steve Sanders join us to talk about their controversial sci-fi sex parody Our Love Is Real . This summer the duo self published the comic and discuss the platforms and distribution avenues they took to market andsell their book. Their befforts got Image Comicsattention and the book is being realesed in November, but that version has its own method of distribution, and the guys tell us how their selling process continues to evolve.

A timely news triple feature. First up DC Comics vice presidents John Rood and Bob Wayne discuss the debuting success of DC Comics New 52. The first 3 weeks of releases have sold out at the retailer level, and Rood and Wayne talk about what's next.

The Gabriel Hardman and Corrina Bechklo discuss their new mini series for Boom Studios Betrayal Of The Planet Of The Apes. The creators talk about this prequel to the original film series, which features a young Dr. Zaius freshly elected to the governing council.

The Duo has also a story in Four Star Studio's Digital Comic Double Feature. A tight spy thriller called The Liar, plus Gabe talks about his wrap-up on HULK with Jeff Parker.

Finally Podcaster and long time DC reader Tom Katers (Tom Vs Aquaman) discusses the recent transition from Flashpoint to the New 52.

Time Cues

Intro 00:00-3:07

John Rood and Bob Wayne 3:08-20:24

Gabe Hard-Corrina Bechko 20:25-1:25:00

Tom Katers 1:25:01-2:02:35

Close 2:02:36-2:03:52

Close 2:02:36-2:03:52

On this portion of the Bendis Tapes, we discuss the craft of comic book writing as Brian 

takes more questions from his Jinxworld message board.

In addition you'll hear more details of his work on the creative commitee for the Marvel Movies,

His work on the upcoming Marvel MMMO, and more story details on the Avenger books, Ultimate Spider-Man 

and other comics.  

Plus Brian gives his opinion on DC Comics NU 52, and how he sees comic book storytelling changing 

in the immediate future.

In part 1 of the latest Bendis Tapes we go over Brian's Summer vacation. You'll hear about the Powers TV pilot shoot in Chicago, and his adventures in the Windy City. Then we get behind the scene details of the developments in Ultimate Spider-Man. Brian tells us what led to the creation of Miles Morales and the controversey thart followed. We also get details on what's coming up in the pages of Bendis's Avengers titles, from working with Neal Adams and the return of Gabriel Del Otto, to Daredevil joining the team.

Then, G4's Fresh Ink comics reviewer Blair Butler has joined the ranks of comic book writers with Heart, a new Image mini series co-created by artist Kevin Mellon. The two join me to talk about this MMA comic, the inspiration behind it, and the challenge of capturing the fastest growing sport in comic book form. We also discuss the current news and trends in the comic book market.

A quick but great talk with the 100 Bullets crew Brian Azzarello Eduardo Risso and Dave Johnson , who just wrapped up the best FLASHPOINT tie-in story. The instant Batman classic, Knight Of Vengance, which tells the alternate universe story of Thomas Wayne taking up the mantle of The Bat, and how he dealt with the death of his son Bruce on that fateful night in crime alley. 

The guys give us a preview of their new VERTIGO series SPACEMAN, and talk about ther future projects, like Dave Johnson's work on the upcoming new season of the Venture Bros on Adult Swim.

Note- The recording of the talk was compromised, so there is some background surface noise, but you can still hear everyone clearly. 

On this episode of Word Balloon we check in with writer Robert Kirkman . You'll hear about the genesis of his new series with Rob Liefeld The Infinite from Image, plus an update on the status of their coloboration on KILLRAVEN for Marvel comics.
We also go in depth on The Walking Dead , discussing the differences in working on the TV show, and writing the comic. Robert takes us into the writing room, and production process with some details on season 2.

Note-This was recorded before the departure of Frank Darabont as the day to day show runner producer on The Walking Dead.

Then we wrap up or talk with Marty Pasko, which continues to explore little known facts about DC Comics in publishing television and film. Pasko try figure out  the answers to the questions of why is The DC reboot happening, why are the Retroactive books happening now? We also talk about Marty's TV and animation work on shows like GI JOE, and The Twilight Zone .
Note- That amazing Pasko Portrait was created by Michael Netzer

As the saying goes you don't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been. We explore the past and future changes at DC Comics. Pasko wrote the history for the 2007 DC Vault, and researched more material for last year's 75th anniversary Tashen book. You'll hear about Marty's 1970's DC retroactive Superman story, but also learn about deacdes of chnages and innovations to many of DC's top stars. From the stress filled stomach aches suffered by Wonder Woman editors when they got salacious stories from her creator William Moulton Martsers. Pasko and Cary Bates were given the task of coaching Mario Puzzo in Superman lore while Puzzo prepared to write the 1978 first screenplay draft for the Richard Donner film. You'll learn how editor Julie Schwartz revamped Batman in 1966, to catch the eye of television producer William Dozier and led to him craeting the ABC Batman TV show.

Then Vaneta Rogers Of Newsarama is back to talk about the coming changes in the DCNU. Rogers has interviewed nearly all of the craetors involved in the relaunch,and between us we try to put the pieces together to figure out what may be in store for readers this September.

Our San Diego Comic Con coverage begins with the 2 panels I was honored to moderate. First up Jonathan Hickman's Spotlight. This was Hickman's first SDCC in 5 years, and it was a chance to field craft questions from fans about his past Image and Marvel books, and a look at FF Secret Warriors and SHIELD , plus the New books The Red Wing, Feel Better Now, and his upcoming run on Ultimates.

Jon was candid about career ven gave an enthusiastic shout out to DC's new 52 !

Here's a  giant sized Word Balloon to have something to listen to, while you're traveling to the San Diego Comic-Con, taking a long plane/train/car trip, or spending the day running errands for hours. Nearly 4 hours of fantastic comic talk in one podcast! 

First up, Dan Slott gives us the low down on Spider Island, the coming event in Amazing Spider-Man, Venom, and several other Marvel comics in the next 3 months. It all starts with next week's ASM #666. 

Then, Gail Simone joined Art Baltazar and Franco!  on the Aw Yeah Podcast, and dropped some behind the scene clues about her books Batgirl and Firestorm. Both are part of the DCNU 52 title initiative happening in September. She talks about the transition Barbara Gordon will make from Oracle to her return to the bat tights. Gail also tells us how her Firestorm Co-Writer Ethan Van Sciver got her excited about writing the further adventures of Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch .

Finally Marty Pasko returns to talk about his new Superman Retroactive 1970's book. We start to compare the coming Man Of Steel reboot to the Bronze age re-boot, when Clark Kent went from Daily Planet Reporter, to WGBS Newscaster, and a worldwide chain reaction caused all of the kryptonite to change to iron. 

Plus, being the DC historian who helped create the DC VAULT and Taschem's DC 75th Anniversary books, Mary can't help but digress into great anecdotes about many writers artists and editors. You'll hear stories about every decade of the companies rich history. 

Because we're giving you so much to enjoy on this episode, here's a time code for all the guests and information. 

Open, including John's SDCC Schedule 00:00-2:49

Dan Slott 2:49-1:38:50

Gail Simone 138:50-2:23:47

Marty Pasko 2:23:47-3:50:08

A great conversation with 3 of today's hottest creators. First up, Kelly Sue DeConnick talks about her current run on Supergirl, which wraps up the character in the current DC continuity. Would you be surprised to learn Kelly Sue is only the 2nd female writer to pen the Supergirl monthly? DeConnick also expands on the fact that despite Gail Simone being the only female writer involved in DC's Nu 52, she was approached to pitch. She explains why she had to decline the offer., and the inevitable 'are there enough women in comics?" discussion ensues.

 

On  this episode of Word Balloon, its another double feature of top creators in conversation. First Brian Azzarello talks about his FLASHPOINT BATMAN mini series with Eduardo Risso, and the differences between Thomas and Bruce Wayne . We compare the different Batman stories Azzarello has told, from JOKER, BROKEN CITY and the weekly Wednessday comics We also discuss His new Vertigo science fiction series with Risso SPACEMAN. It premiered in the STRANGE ADVENTURES anthology and will begin it's first arc in the fall.

Brian also talks about the coming DC Reboot, and his thoughts on if his storytelling would change to cater to this new potential digital audience.

Then, Phil Hester talks about co-writing the new Bionic Man comic series, adapted from a unproduced Kevin Smith screenplay. Just like their Green Hornet collaboration, Hester and Smith tweak the script and Jonathan Lau handles the art chores.

Phil also talks about his continuing work on The Green Hornet, which he now co-writes with his regular
inking partner Ande Parks . He discusses the wrap ups to his run on The Darkness (which ends with issue 100)  to Wonder Woman Oddessy  and the transition to the DC Reboot., plus his work on IDWs Godzilla with Eric Powell .

 On this episode of Word Balloon we presenty a double feature with two artistc masters.

First up, part one of a conversation with John Romita Jr. We talk about his current run on Avengers
with Brian Bendis and Kick Ass 2 with Mark Millar. John also previews a creator owned series in the works
with Howard Chaykin. A 1970's New York crime/fantasy pastiche called Schmuggy anfd Bimbo.

Then Milestone founder Denys Cowan heads a panel recorded at this past weekend's Summit City Comioc Con
with fellow artists Angel Gabriel and Jeff Newman. Cowan and company recall their early days assiting Deathlok
creator Rich Buckler when Denys was 14.

Our reaserch exposed a dark secret to the audience, forcing Gabriel and Cowan to confess to their time in the 80's
in regional TV Wrestling on a show called POWERSLAM with infamous stars like Dick The Bruiser and Ox Baker.Gabriel was known as
THe Dark Angel, and Denys was a manager (check you tube)

Then Denys talks about his days on titles like The Question, Black Panther, Power Man
and Iron Fist, and a classic Batman run with Sam Hamm (the screenwriter of the 1989 Tim Burton Batman film).
He also tells the story of the formation of Milestone and the creation of their line of multi-racial heroes.

He reminices about his friend the late Dwayne McDuffie, who was the first creator he approached to join the venture,
and talks about the succeses and struglles that came after the company debuted. The panel talk about the creation of
Hardware and the symbolic metaphor of the glass celing struggle the creators dealt with.
 
Then Denys hints at 2 new upcoming projects a 5 part Batman story about the 5 phases of accepting death by Paul Levitz,
and a new Vertigo mini series with Selwyn Hinds, who worked on Case 21 with Cowan in the recent STRANGE ADVENTURES anthology.

A timely double feature, as Jeff Lemire talks about his DC flashpoint mini series featuring Frankenstein and The Creature Commandos, which spins off into one of the new 52 DC Reboot titles, plus his coming take on Animal Man. We also talk about his continuing Vertigo saga Sweet Tooth, and wrapping up his run on Superboy. Jeff tells us about learning that his take on Connor was coming to a close, and the excitement of pitching the new take on The Creature Commandos . We aslo talk about his great new origin of Ultra The Mutil Alien, in the recent Strange Adventures anthology.

Plus interviews with the stars and producers of TNT's new Sci-Fi summer series Falling Skies, featuring actors Noah Wiley and Moon Bloodgood, plus Co-Executive Producer Mark Verheiden, and Director Greg Beeman. You'll hear about the sow, and the comic book prequel currently online and coming in print from Dark Horse Comics . The show debuts this Sunday at 9pm Eastern/Pacific on TNT.

Finally, comic artist Francesco Francavilla joins us for a nice converstaion about his process, from his pencils
inking and coloring. We talk about his incredible recent work on books like DC's Detective Comics with Scott Snyder on the long awaited returnof James Gordon Jr,and Marvel's The Black Panther Man Without Fear series with David Liss.

We also talk about his Zorro work for Dynamite with Matt Wagner, his western story in Image Comics Outlaw Territory,
His story for the Jim Henson Storytellers Anthology from Archaia and his covers for The Lone Ranger-Zorro crossover.

Francesco describes the comic art studios of Italy, and how they are able to do monthly comics
that are 96 pages per issue.

Plus we discuss Francavilla's website Pulp Sunday, featuring more sketches web comics and lobby card
designsand his contributions to the artists blog Comic Twart. Check out his amazing art at his website .

Marty Pasko joins us as he returns to Metropolis writing  the 70’s DC Retroactive issue of Superman, drawn by Eduardo Barreto . We talk about the still amazing world of Superman. We ‘ll discuss the career of the late Jackie Cooper who played Perry White in the first 4 modern Superman films . Despite a good working relationship with Cooper on Simon & Simon in  the 80’s Pasko confesses he wasn’t crazy about the casting of Cooper  as Perry. Marty also describes the editorial philosophy of Julie Schwartz, and goes into interesting detail about how DC’s Silver and Bronze age books were written .

You’ll get insights into the cast of the 50’s Adventures Of Superman, Superman regulars like Mike Carlin, and Cary Bates  We also discuss the way DC and Warner Bros interacted in the 90’s , because Marty had the job as liason between the divisions of Warner  Film TV and animation with DC.

As the opening weekend of the Thor film approaches  Joe Quesada joins us for a candid look at his position as Chief Creative Officer at Marvel.  We talk about how the position has changed since Avi Arad had the title 10 years ago, and the lessons learned from the Marvel films of the last 10 plus years. Joe tells us why Kenneth Branaugh is a great collaborative director , how Robert Downey Jr has influenced Tony Stark’s persona in comics and animation.

Plus we explore questions regarding the monthly comic products. Have we reached a price ceiling at 3.99 for a 22 page comic? How will the conversion to digital effect the price point of single chapters and the current 5-6 part structure of story arcs?  Can Marvel take a longer gestation risk on a new ongoing title beyond the store order numbers of a first issue?

We also discuss the Marvel Television projects. From the animated Ultimate Spider-Man to live action projects like Jessica Jones, and the challenges of bringing spandex clad heroes to the small screen.

Hickman is back to finish the Q&A session we started earlier this month. More discussion of FF, Secret Warriors SHIELD and the new Plus books Hickman has planned to start coming out from Image later this year, including The Red Wing coming in July.

It's a new edition of APE TALK as Daryl Gregory writer of Boom Studios new Planet Of The Apes Comic series joins us. The new ongoing series is set in thne classic POTA film continuity and has an intersting starting point. Daryl tells us about his plans for the series plus we talk about his other sci-fi/comic book work.

On this episode of Word Balloon we present another chapter of The Bendis Tapes. You'll hear more about Bendis and Mark Bagley's new creator owned series Brilliant, The Death Of Spider Man story in Ultimate Spider Man, spoiler free wrap ups to Ultimate Doom and the first 5 issues of his Icon Series Scarlett, his point one avengers issues plus how his Avenger books will tie into Fear Itself,and result in big line-up changes for the 2 main Avenger teams.

We get a new TV update of Brian's work on The Ultimate Spider Man TV series,Powers, and the Jessica Jones series. Plus Brian takes more listener questions about the craft of writing comics and screenplays.

Jonathan Hickman begins his answers to your questions on FF, SHIELD, SECRET WARRIORS and more! We discuss his upcoming creator owned books , and discuss some recent comic book news.

Hours after the Marvel press releases told readers about a new Captain America issue one coming to coincide with the film's release, Ed Brubaker returns to Word Balloon, to give us the low down on how the book will play off charcters and ideas explored in the film.

Plus Ed's just wrapped up the latest Incognito arc. We discuss the story and the series future. Ed previews the return of Criminal with the new arc Last Of The Innocent, a genre mashup up of Crime, 50's teen comics, and Dr Fredrik Werthan's worst case scenarios of juvenal delenquency leading to adult deviance.

Wrapping up the coverage from this year's con chatting with Nick Spenser (Iron Man 2.0, FEAR ITSELF Secret Avengers)Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunleavy (Comic Book Comics) Jai Nitz (Tron 2.0) Paul Storrie, Jeremy Bastion & Josh Elder

A good discussion was had amongst various hosts of many of the top comic book podcasts. You'll hear candid comments from Moderator Chris Nesemen (11 o'clock  Comics) Josh Flanagan (iFanboy) Brion Salazar (Around Comics) Chris Marshall (Collected Comics Library) Jim Segulin  (Raging Bullets) Peter Rios (Comic Geek Speak) Stevie Disme (Comic Book Queers), and yours truly .

Our C2E2 coverage begins with floor talks featuring Paul Cornell (DC Action Comics,  Knight and Squire) Jesse Blaze Snider (Dynamite's Evil Ernie) Frank Tieri (Marvel Wolverine-Hercules, Captain America) Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt (Oni Press The Sixth Gun) Chris Samnee ( Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man and Thor/Captain America) and John Ostrander (Dark Horse Star Wars Legacy and  Agent Of The Empire)

A great treat to talk with fellow podcaster and Comedian Scott Auckerman the host and co-founder of Comedy Death Ray Radio, one of the funniest and hippest podcasts out there. Scott is bringing his live show to C2E2, featuring Patton Oswalt with special guests Dan Telfer and Joe Mande.

Today we talk about the creation of the show, plus Scott's other comedic endeavors like producing Zach Galifanakis's hilarious Between Two Ferns talk show at <a href="http://www.funnyordie.com/between_two_ferns">Funny Or Die</a> , screenwriting and creating live and sketch comedy albums sold at his website <a href="http://www.earwolf.com/">earwolf.com</a>

On part 2 Bendis answers more fan questions and drops the following news tidbits ...

Bendis is announcing a new creator owned project at C2E2. Brian Hitch and Bendis have a 2012 project in the works. Spider-Woman will be featured prominently in Avengers 12.1 , and wait till you see Hitch’s Spider-Woman. Bendis is trying to get Romita to stop drawing Jessca Drew’s hair-do like Snooki’s.

On Moon Knight’s move to Los Angeles, Bendis hints there’s already been some LA world building going on to further exploit in Moon Knight, and no that doesn’t mean The Pride from Runaways will be featured.

Pkus Bendis explains why he'll no longer be part of THE SOCIAL NETWORK known as Facebook

On this edition of Word Balloon, Dan Slott is back to answer your questions, and because he can’t wait for everyone to check out this week’s Amazing Spider-Man 655. Dan calls it “the best issue I’ve ever worked on.”

Combined with the double page scene montage in the back of ASM 654.1 and the cover previews for the next 4 issues, there are plenty of telltale signs for the future of the Spiderverse. Dan’s shares what few details he can with us, from Spidey taking the Human Torch’s place in the new FF, to hints of a future ASM event called Spider-Island.

Very sad to hear we've lost Dwayne today. Last night, I just finished watching All Star Superman, which Dwayne had adapted from Grant Morrision's comic. It was another instant classic.

In tribute here is Dwayne's 2006 Word Balloon conversation. We talk a lot about his animation work on Static Shock and JLU, but also get into many of his comic creations for Milestone DC and Marvel.

Dwayne was a pleaure to speak to at cons and here in this conversation. Rest in Peace.

Ande is best known for his inking , collaborating with his longtime pal Phil Hester, but Parks has been honing his writing skliils on specials and annuals at Marvel, OGNs at Oni and now monthly series at Dynamite.

Currently Ande is all over the Kevin Smith Green Hornet Universe writing KATO and Green Hornet-Blood Ties, plus he's writing the Lone Ranger crossover The Death Of Zorro.

We discuss these heroes, plus look back at some of our favorite moments from a mutual real life hero, Orson Welles.

On this opening salvo to this season’s Bendis Tapes, we start with a closer look at the new Moon Knight series beginning in May. After a mixed reaction to last week's Marvel press conference Bendis addresses the initial concerns old time Marc Spector fans have with the idea that his 3 multiple personalities have doubled to include Steve Rogers, Spider-Man and Wolverine .

We talk about Takio the all ages graphic novel from Brian and his Powers co-collaborator Mike Oeming

On the Marvel movie front, Bendis gives a non detail disclosing thumbs up to the Thor film, and more importantly describes the environment of the meetings with Thor director Kenneth Branaugh . You’ll also hear behind the scenes details of the last Marvel retreat, which was the first led by new Editor In Chief Axel Alonso.

We also get updates on the many TV projects Bendis has in the works. You’ll hear about Powers at FX, AKA Jessica Jones at ABC and Ultimate Spider-Man at Disney XD.

Finally, we begin to answer question posted at Brian’s Jinxworld message board, which cover big picture topics like how social media has improved the comics fandom -creator relationship.

On this episode of Word Balloon Stuart Immonen checks in and previews his new Marvel event coming this April, FEAR ITSELF written by Matt Fraction. The conversation then explores the various art styles Stuart has experimented with through the years. We discuss his early DC work on The Legion Of Superheroes, his Superman run as an artist and writer, andhis 1996 event The Final Night with Karl Kessel.

We also update the potential of any new NEXTWAVE material coming from him and Warren Ellis, look back at SHOCKROCKETTS and SUPERSTAR from he and Kurt Busiek, and discuss upcoming new projects with his wife Kathryn. 

Re-Posting this episode with Marvel artist Gabe Hardman. The sound is a little muffled in the interview, but I did my best to clean it up.

We talk about Gabe's work on HULK, and his and Jeff Parker's Plan's to broaden the Red Hulk's (General Thunderbolt Ross) rogues gallery. Plus we talk about the wrap-up to ATLAS, and Gabe's work as a storyboard artist in Hollywood.

Did you know Gabe was the brains behind an amazing sequence from a recent Super hero film?

Director Bryan Singer came to Gabe with the vague direction "Superman saves people in a plane" for Superman returns. Gabe and the technical crew came up with arguably the best sequence of the entire film.

Let's start petitioning the Hollywood brass to get Gabe in the director's chair!

 

 

We continue our 2 part conversation with Marvel writer Jeff Parker. Jeff discusses his 2010 Oni book with Steve Lieber UNDERGROUND, and how a leaked pdf of the book at 4chan ended up being a positive publicity happening resulting in new readers and sales for the overlooked project.

We also discuss the X-Men First Class Film, and Jeff's minor advisory involvement, more Thunderbolts talk including future guest stars and more on Man-Thing's unique role on the team.

We discuss the old guard of comic creators like Alex Toth, Al Williamson and Burne Hogarth . The Will Eisner documentary . Adventure comic strips like Steve Canyon, Rip Kirby, Prince Valiant, and Flash Gordon from old and current creators Milton Cannif, Hal Foster, Alex Raymond, Mark Schultz and Gary Gianni .

We talk about fantasy books, from The Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books,  to The Hobbitt and disgraced author James Frey's I Am Number Four . Plus loads of old movie talk. From the implausability of Dean Martin making good westerns, (Rio Bravo & Bandollero) to the best John Ford films like The Searchers, The Last Hurrah, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance .

In Part One Jeff tallks about The Red Hulk, his new direction for the Thunderbolts, and we look back at the wrap up to The Agents Of Atlas. We discuss the story contributions from Jeff's collaborators Gabe Hardman, Kev Walker and Declan Shalvey.

Plus we debut the Word Balloon Hotline, and start taking your weekly calls about the comic book news, past guests and any questions you have about the show. To make a call for a future episode, call 312-841-7025.

 

Paul Kupperberg joins us to talk about my favorite book in 2010. Life With Archie, The Married Life. In 2009 Archie Comics finally addressed the possibilites of what would happen if Archie chose Veronica over Bettty and visa versa, but the Michael Uslan mini series was only the beginning.

Archie The Married Life is a straight up soap opera without ever losing the Archie charm and sentiment. Oldtime characters are at the same time true to their Riverdale roots, while facing adult problems that are heavier than who’s going to the dance Saturday night. One of the Archie regulars even passed away in the December issue. But despite the drama  there’s still plenty of humor and satirical nods to modern pop culture that make this a great read month in and out.

We talk about Paul’s succsess taking over the adult Archie storyline, and the publisher’s fearless embrace of the modern comics era. From digital day and date release of brand new monthlies simultaneous with the direct store market at half the paper price, and  the promise of more new titles and experimentation with the Archie brand.

We also look back at some of Paul’s  memorable stories and characters at DC Comics, from killing Aquababy, and Vigilante, to creating Checkmate and Arion, Lord Of Atlantis.  Arion fans may also enjoy Paul’s latest e-books through Buffalo Avenue Books and Smashwords: Two Tales Of Atlantis and the anthology collection In My Shorts plus you'll hear about his stint as editor of the Weekly World News .

This was a 2010 Xmas extra...Music Historian Jeff Marcus joins me to talk about his 2 new books celebratng the lost art of 45 rpm picture sleeves. for decades they were an important part of popular music publicity, and are still widely collected today.

We talk about the whole history of the vinyl 45 records and how they changed the music business.

Some words of wisdom from a number of Word Balloon guests from 2010 episodes. Their thoughts not only focus on some of the biggest stories of 2010, they provide perspective on the year to come.

Featuring Brian Bendis, Greg Rucka, Steve Englehart, Jeph Loeb, Mark Millar, Ed Brubaker Robert Kirkman,  Jimmy Palmiotti, Matt Fraction and many more .

 

Matt's back to finish the questions posted at iFanboy, and gives us more details about Iron Man, Thor Cassanova, and this spring's Marvel event FEAR ITSELF

On this edition of Word Baloon writer Jay Faerber is back to talk about next week's Dynamo 5 Holiday Special from Image . The one shot picks up the D5 story after the events of this year's SINS OF THE FATHER storyline, with an all new story, plus 5 epilouges that llead into next years D5 mini series and beyond.

As a creator who has many creator owned properties, Jay also talks about the availability of his past works as digital comics and explains the realities behind tranfering these works from print to digital.

We also talk about Jay's admission into the Warner Television Writers Workshop, which leads to a talk about american television , and screenwriting.

On this episode of Word Balloon writer Paul Cornell is back to talk about his DC books. We'll discuss today's release of The Knight and Squire #3 plus Cornell's 3 issue run on Batman And Robin and his continuing story in Action Comics featuring Lex Luthor.

We also discuss his work Soldier Zero from Boom Studio's. Paul talks about writing under the editorial imput of Stan Lee  who is not ust lending his name to the project. In Cornell's own word's "...half of the first issue's script are Stan's words." How does the 21st century Lee oversee a comic script for a modern audience?
Plus there's a full discussion about writing for  television. We talk about the role of the "Show Runner " producer.  Last week's rumors about The Walking Dead producers firing their season one writing staff and adopting a british model of freelance writers turning in season two scripts is discused. It's the system Cornell has worked under for shows like Doctor Who, Primeval, and others. Paul claims no inside information about the AMC-Walking Dead situation, but explains the differences between having a writers room to lean on versus the solitary life of a freelancer.

We also go in depth discussing Doctor Who, from the current success of producer Steven Moffat and star Matt Smith to a look back at the 1969-1978 Terrence Dicks show runner era. In particular we talk about Paul's episode Plus we discuss other Brit-TV, like the Moffat produced SHERLOCK series, Primeval, and others.

Tim Seeley is back to talk about his new Marvel mini series Ant Man & The Wasp, with issue 2 out this Thursday. Seeley wrote and pencilled the 3 part story, and talks about the fresh character dynamic between Hank Pym and Eric O'Grady.

We also talk about Tim's creator owned series Hack Slash , and this month's release of the third HS Omnibus, and the trade relase of the Cassie Hack prequel story My First Maniac.

Remender is here just in time to talk about Uncanny X-Force. Issue 2 comes out tomorrow. We also talk about his Punisher finale In The Blood, wrapping up the Fear Agent saga, and more

Firebreather's co-creators Phil and Andy discuss the upcoming Cartoon Network animted film, debuting Wednesday Nov 24th at 7pm eastern . To celebrate the film's debut, a new Firebreather four part mini series also debuts Wednesday from Image Comics.

Plus, Phil talks about his new role taking over writing chores on  the Wonder Woman monthly comic from J Michael Stracyznski.

Both also have stories that will appear next year in a Disney Pirates Of The Caribbean trade collection that serves as a bridge to the next Pirates film.

Today on Word Balloon, Dan Slott joins us with details of his plans on Amazing Spider-Man. The new Spidey status quo, called BIG TIME debuts this week. Dan talks about upcoming plots guest stars , and ideas which begin with issue . We also talk about Dan’s .1 issue coming in February, the Avengers
Cartoon on Disney XD, and more.

On this episode Nick Spencer joins us to talk about his mainstream work on Jimmy Olsen, Supergirl, and The Thunder Agents for DC, and War Machine for Marvel.

Plus we talk about his popular Image series Morning Glories, and his future mini series Infinite Vacation.

On This episode of Word Balloon, it's part 2 of The Rucka Debrief. Writer Greg Rucka talks more about his
upcomiong novel series for Alpha. You'll hear about the digital plans for Greg's Oni books,  We also hear
about Greg's "passion project" American Soldier with artist Rick Burchett, and we look back at Greg's art collaborators on the Queen and Country Comic Series.

One word of caution. Being the poltical news junkies Greg and yours truly are , the conversation turned to the coming mid-term elections, not in specifics but the general idea that we live in a highly partisan enviroment. The discussion came up inspired by a listener asking about where gets his news. Still, some listeners just want to hear about comics. 

For those who would like to pass on the political portion of our discussion, skip from 22:18-30:55

On this episode of Word Balloon, we begin a 2 part conversation with Greg Rucka. Today his new Queen And Country novel THE LAST RUN from Bantam Books is out, and next week, Greg will begin a multi city tour promoting the book. For full rundown of signings visit Rucka’s website.

We talk about the book and where the Q&C series goes after the novel as Greg calls this story “The end of Q&C volume 1.”

Greg also discusses his departure earlier this year from DC Comics, explaining why he left, and what projects are in the near and distant future. You’ll hear his thoughts on the future of Characters he’s created like Batwoman , and Renee Montoya

We also begin answering your questions for Rucka.

An all star list of creators are on tap on this episode of word balloon, .libve from the floor of this year's New York Comcicon.

Billy Tucci talks about his work on the DC war books, and rebooting his creator owned series Shi for the 21st century, beginning next year.

Nicola Scott previews her upcoming run on Teen Titans with JT Krul.

Ryan Dunleavy and Fred Van Lente preview issue 5 of their history of comics documentary
Comic Book Comics.

Trevor Goring discusses his new IDW 3 part WW2 series Iron Siege starting in December.

Colorist Paul Mounts talks about his work on Fantstic Four Cpatain America, and the transition from
hand coloring books, to learning the digital process.

The entire creative team from Vertigo’s Scalped  writer Jason Aaron, and artists RM Guerra, and Giulia Brusco discuss how they were put together by editor Will Dennis .

Stuart Moore discusses his IDW Star Trek One Shot on Captain Pike, His Spider-Man Howard The Duck Special Back in Quack! The monthly Namor series, and a new OGN Shadrach Stone, a paranormal adventure story from Penny Farthing Press. With artist Jon Proctor.

Walter and Louise Simonson discuss recent and future works coming from DC and Marvel.

John Paul Leon  previews a new Batman mini series with Kurt Busiek , and talks about last years
Sgt Fury & The Howling Commandos Shotgun Opera with Jesse Alexander.

Cliff Chang preview his upcoming run on Zantana with Paul Dini, and hints at a 2011 project that reunites him with Brian Azzarello.

Jamal Igle talks about wrapping up his run on Supergirl with issue #59.

Christos Gage talks about his Marvel books, the Vertigo Crime Novel Area 10 with Chris Samnee, his Avatar superhero series Absolution , and his work on the new Captain America video game.

From 2000AD Robbie Morrison and Simon Frazier discuss their new Nikolai Dante graphic novel Amerika , plus Simon talks about his Lily Mackenzie series featured in the 2000AD Megazine.

On this episode of the podcast, Brian Bendis goes into detail about all of his NYCC announcements of current and future projects with Marvel and ICON.

In a full disclosure discussion we had prior to the convention , you’ll hear all about Taki O, the new creator owned all ages project from Bendis and Mike Oeming , how Brian's daughter played an importatnt role in creating the concept, and how it will impact future arcs of their other creator owned series Powers.

We also discuss, Bendis’s new reboot of Moon Knight with Alex Maleev, all of Brian’s Avengers books, including a preview of the next arcs in New Avengers and Avengers, the joy of working with Alan Davis on the well received Avengers Prime, and  welcoming Sara Pichelli who will alternate arcs with David LaFuente Ultimate Spider-Man. 

Then we cut to a brief floor conversation from last Friday at the con with talk about Scarlett, the 150 issue plans for Ultimate Spider-Man, and next years Avengers annuals which will have a linking storyline. Bendis also teases a 2011 Avengers story drawn by Brian Hitch 

Time for part 2 of our conversation with Ed Brubaker. We finish up some listener questions, and transition into our usual random discussion about foreign crime films and television that might’ve flown under the general audience radar. We also talk about some of the golden and silver age great moments of forgotten comics. From Gil Kane’s HIS NAME IS SAVAGE, to Johnny Craig’s EC CRIME AND SUSPENSE STORIES and his Warren work on CREEPY and EERIE . We remember the Marvel Black and White magazines , including their PLANET OF THE APES original stories by Doug Moench .

Ed also compares his collaborative runs writing with Greg Rucka on DC’s GOTHAM CENTRAL to writing IRON FIST and UNCANNY X-MEN with Matt Fraction.

 

On this episode we wrap up a 2 part talk with artist Tony Harris. In part 2 Tony explains his pursuit to create a freelance guild for comic book writers and artists to get better wages health benefits and retirement security . The Guild is called SAEG, the sequential arts and entertainment guild.

 

Tony gives us an update on War heroes his Image comics mini series with Mark Millar. Tony explains the reasons behind the delays and the plan moving forward on the series.

 

Then we talk about Tony’s love of pulp hero fiction from the 1930’s and 40’s. It inspired the 2 JSA projects he did with writer Dan Jolley,  The Liberty Files and The Unholy Three. Harris’s love of pulps inspired his next project with writer B Clay Moore which was slated for Wildstorm, The Whistling Skull . According to recent tweets by Moore, the project will move forward despite the recent news that the Wildstorm imprint was wrapping up.

 

Note: Our talk with Tony took place before the Wildstorm announcement. Attempts made to get an update comment from Tony regarding the publishing plans for The Whistling Skull were unsuccessful. 

Audio glitches fixed -apologies 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we begin another 2 part talk with writer Ed Brubaker. Ed answers some Word Balloon listeners questions, and previews the new arc of Incognito with artist Sean Phillips premireing next month from Icon. Ed talks about the pulp history articles in the back of each issue by Jess Nevins, and why he thinks at 3.50 the book is one of the better values on the comic book stands today.

We also talk about Secret Avengers looking back at the first story arc, and the secret Life Of Max Fury issue, with former Iron Fist collaboators David Aja and Michael Lark. 

Plus lots of analysis of Ed’s Captain America run, uncluding the current Steve Rogers Super Soldier mini series, and the upcoming Trial Of Captain America story. Also Ed reveals his personal feelings about event books, including his unique take on one of the classic 80’s crossover tales.

We conclude with a short talk with Jeremy Bastian creator of The Cursed Pirate Girl and his current kickstarter program.

On this episode of Word Balloon  we begin a 2 part talk with artist Tony Harris. Tony and Brian K Vaughn have just wrapped up their Wildstorm comic Ex-Machina. We talk about what it’s like to live with drawing the same book month after month for a long period of time.

 

Tony also takes us through his comic career, from co-founding Gajin Studios, to hooking up with James Robinson  to do 40 issues of Starman . Tony fondly reflects on working with Starman editor Archie Goodwin, and how Goodwin’s adaptation of Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back with artist Al Williamson was  responsible Tony’s first attempt at drawing comics.

 

We discuss Ex-Machina, from Tony’s first discussions with Vaughn, and the early designs for The Great Machine’s costume, to the very last issue. Tony talks about the careful attention detail he put into designing  the art, to make their fictional New York feel right for the NYC locals.  He also discusses the life-like process of casting his friends at a local Christmas party , to pose for modeling as the characters in Ex-Machina . Tony would hand the Robinson script to his models and they would “act” out the poses like a stage play.

 

Next week in part 2, we discuss Tony’s attempts at getting a comics creators guild organized, and what’s in his future , now that Ex-Machina has wrapped up?

 

Note: This interview took place before the DC entertainment announcement of Wildstorm’s demise as an imprint. Attempts at a direct comment from Harris are still in process. 

Word Balloon presents part two of our conversation with writer Mark Millar. This time Mark tells us a bit more about his low budget comic book film Miracle Park, which he's been shooting in his spare time in between writing comic scripts, and supervising the production of his new men's magazine CLINT. Mark also gives us his view of the Super Hero Film Genre and what his future involvement might or might not be in Marvel's Film advisory team. You'll hear films status updates on Wanted 2 and Nemesis plus a few more Millar films in development . 

We also preview Mark and Leinil Francis Yu's next comic project Superior from Icon , which debuts next month, plus more talk about Nemesis, Kick Ass, and Mark's future Marvel plans beyond the Ultimate Avengers comic. 

Artist Dean Haspiel and writer Tim Hall discuss the notion of giving free content to build an audience for their paid work.

Tim has just created a new literary website UNDIE PRESS, which features the debut of Haspiel's first prose novel, Post-Disater Adventure Chronicles, along with free audio books, podcast interviews and essays. 

We also talk about Dean's EMMY winning art for the HBO series BORED TO DEATH, new books from Marvel, IDW and this week the Vertigo OGN CUBA My Revolution written by Inverna Lockpez. 

We wrap up with their thoughts on the Passing of Haspiel's frequent collaborator, Harvey Pekar 

On this episode of Word Balloon writer Jen Van Meter is back to discuss why she has more fun writing conflicted villains than heroes, as evidenced in her two current serial stories Liberty Belle and Hourman facing their moral opposite couple   The Icicle and The Tigress in DC’s JSA All Stars, and the Black Cat mini series for Marvel.

We also get an update on the coming Hopeless Savages collection from Oni Press and much more. 

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, we've uncovered a lost Q&A session that focused on the subject of creative tips for newcomers. Writer Robert Kirkman recorded this on a sleepy August night, but answered many questions about starting out in the comics business. We discuss the merits of creating a series bible, versus a story by story approach.  What goes into creating characters?  Is there a definitive end story for Walking Dead in the back of his mind? Plus thought on collaborating with Todd McFarland, and his views on creating a comic property for the sole purpose of getting a Film or TV deal. 

On this edition of the show, we get a brief conversation with writer Mark Millar, who's on a whirlwind tour promoting the UK release of the Kick Ass DVD.

We discuss the debut of CLINT magazine this Thursday . A 100 page anthology of comics articles and comedy from UK stars like Jonathon Ross and Frankie Boyle, Mark compares his new venture to it’s Uk preedecessors from The Eagle and 2000AD on the comics side, to the Lad magazines of today like FHM and Maxim. We discuss the content , distribution and the very notion of starting a new paper magazine while others are going out of business every month.

 

A full episode of the new Aw Yeah Podcast With the Tiny Titans creative team of Art Baltazar & Franco! This time the guys talk about their convention adventures meeting celebrities like Vanna White, Adam West, Michael Hogan, Lorenzo Lamas and more. Plus Art wonders which Muppet movie is the best to show his kids to introduce them to their greatness, more Star Wars Celebration talk, and Franco prepares for a vacation at Martha's Vineyards where he expects to run into the Obamas, just like he did last year. Thanks to friend of the program Patrick Scullin(Super Siblings)  for the fantastic sketch of the Aw Yeah Team .

From last weekend’s Wizard World Chicago Comicon I moderated this panel with DC artist Ethan Van Sciver . In addition to words about his early art beginnings , Ethan looks back at his original creation Cyberfrog, creating new villians for The Flash and Green Lantern, his transformation of Sinestro into the modern threat he represents to current DC continuity and discusses his future plans which include some writing such as a new story in October’s Untold Tales Of The Blackest Night .

In addition Ethan arranged for a baby grand piano for the room, and performed several f his original songs about Wolverine , Star Trek, The BP Oil disaster , and a post nuclear war future.

By the way, in the center that's the recently convicted Illinois ex-govenor Rod Blagoevich, flanked by Ethan and his pal Gil.

Part 2 of our conversation with DC Comics artist Francis Manapul is all about his new reality tv show Beast Legends, currently airing on History Television Canada. The show's US debut is September 9th on Syfy. Francis discusses his role on the show as on the scene sketch artist, bringing mythical creatures to life in his sketchbook.

You'll hear all about his hilarious globetrotting adventures, in search of Grifiths, Dragons, Krakens and more.

The Word Balloon Network of podcasts is expanding, and I'm pleased to present a preview of the brand new AW YEAH PODCAST with Art Baltazar and Franco (Tiny Titans, Billy Batson and The Magic Of Shazam and Young Justice)

On Their first epsiode there was a little static, so please bear with it, but enjoy the freewheeling conversation.

Then a great con panel from May's Summit City Comicon featuring Art Baltazar, Mike Norton (Green Arrow, Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam) Dan Davis (Scooby Doo, Sponge Bob Squarepants) and Dave Losso (The Great sandwich Detective)

On this episode of Word Balloon, we begin a 2 part conversation with artist Francis Manapul, and discuss his dazzling art on books like the Flash and Adventure Comics with Geoff Johns. You'll hear abourt his takes on Connor Kent, and Barry Allen and the evolution of his art style from his days at Top Cow, to the present.

Francis tells us about his comic beginings, the influences on his art from the Image founders to Mike Weirringo, and we discuss the role philipino artists have played in american comic books, going back to the bronze age.

 

I was honored to host this spotlight panel focusing on the careers of Kathryn and Stuart Immonen from their beginnings in the late 1980’s black and white independent comics scene in Toronto.  We talk about their first joint project Playground a punk rock murder mystery , and subsequent work for Vortex Calibre and Revolutionary Comics .

They also go in-depth about their new graphic novel Moving Pictures from Top Shelf, which collects the entire story that was first presented as a weekly web comic. Stuart discussed how he arrived at the style for the web comic, which he could conform to without straying too far from his daily drawing style for books like Ultimate Spider-Man and New Avengers .  You’ll also hear about their next collaboration which is just getting started called Russian Olive To Red King.

You’ll hear about Kathryn’s latest writing efforts  from the recent weekly 5 part mini series Heralds for Marvel , her Shamrock story in Girls Comics drawn by Colleen Coover, and call backs to her work on Runaways with Sara Pichelli and Hellcat with David LaFuente . Kathryn promises more Patsy Walker/Hellcat in the near future.

Stuart also discusses the prospects of more Nextwave from himself and Warren Ellis, and his current work on New Avengers with Brian Bendis.

On this episode of the Word Balloon Podcast we present another San Diego Panel moderated by yours truly.

For the fifth time the San Digo Comic con hosted a panel dedicated to comic book podcasts. Joining me on the panel were iFanboy's own Josh Flanagan, along with Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider), Brian "Pants" Christman (Comic Geek Speak), Bob Bretall (The Comic Book Page), and Cameron Hatheway (Cammy's Comic Corner).

The topics ranged from the most significant events in the last 5 years of the comics industry, a digital comics debate, the most impressive creators of the era, and where each host drew the line in terms of journalistic ethics, critiquing comics, and the podcaster's role in industry punditry. Recorded Thursday July 22nd 2010

Word Balloon is proud to present our San Diego Comicon coverage, begining with the spotlight panel on Brian Michael Bendis. During thsi live presentation of the Bendis Tapes Featuring questions from the con audience, Brian recieved the con's prestigious Inkpot Award from Comicon's director of print and publications Gary Sassaman , Jeph Loeb asks Brian to be the executive producer of the upcoming ultimate spider-man animated series, and fielded many questions about his marvel and creator owned books.

Here’s part 2 of my summer conversation with Jason Aaron. We talk about Jason’s views on the relationship between Spider-Man and Wolverine and the vibe he’s trying to cinvey in their team-up book.

We talk abut Scalped and where the story is in terms of it’s series arc. Jason compares the editing styles of Axel Alonso and Will Dennis , and talks about the evolution of Vertigo Comics.  We also discuss the differences between Vertigo and Marvel’s MAX line.

Like many returning guests of Word Balloon, the conversation turns to our favorite Movies, TV and Music. We talk about Tv shows like Michael Mann’s Crime Story, the FX series Justified, and the films of William Petersen , and Jason’s love of country music.

Matt Kindt about his new Vertigo Graphic Novel Revolver. A great chasing end of the world action thriller that has a twist of science fiction at its core.

On this edition of the Loeb Report we get into the questions from our word balloon listeners. We’ll hear more about the creation of Ultimate X with Art Adams , and story points from HULK and New Ulltimates. We’ll learn about  the current status of works in progress, like Captain America White with Tim Sale and the yet unnamed Spider-Man project with J Scott Campbell. And Jeph looks back  revisiting details on Batman: Hush and Ultimatum, how he originally got the job writing Cable in 1994. You’ll find out Jeph’s view on this years slate of comic book films, what pieces of original art he owns from past collaborators, and the difficulties of writing Spider-Man’s quips, and the toughest story Loeb ever wrote., and the seemingly unending  teen devotion to his work as screenwriter on the films Commando and Teen Wolf.

Sean McKeever is here to discuss the new Marvel book, The Young Allies, whose 2nd issue debuts today, with a 2nd printing of issue #1 . Sean talks about the formation of the ensemble and quick to correct you if you call this a team book. We discuss the entire group of individuals put together in this story situation, along with a look at the one shorts short stories and minis that led up to the YA series.

Today Allan Heinberg is back to talk about avengrs the childrens crusade. The 9 part bi-monthly series begins this week, and re-unites the young avengers creative team of Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung.  The story is a self contained event the crosses the Avengers and -X-men worlds, as Young Avenger Wiccan searches for the women he believes is his mother , Wanda the Scarlet Witch . The longtime Avenger’s mind seemed to shatter as she killed Avenger teamates and Mutants in the mid 2000 events Avengers Disassembled and House Of M .

Allan talks about writing a story that will stand the test of time, while  trying not to conflict with the current month
to month continuity.

We also discuss his 4 years of work on the popular tv series Grey’s Anatomy comming to a close and the similarities and differences of the TV writers room, compared to the Marvel creative summits .

Plus a short talk with web comic creator Patrick Scullins who discusses his two connected features Supersiblings, and his family web strip

Time for a new Loeb report. Jeph made news this week  when he was named Vice President of Marvel TV and explains what the job entails in the first part of our episode. You’ll also hear plenty of up to date information on Jeph’s current books, Hulk New Ultimates and Ultimate X

We go into detail on Hulk #23, and answer the question “Where does General Ross’s mustache go when he turn into the Red Hulk?” Jeph goes behind the scenes on Ultimate X #2 & #3 and what his Ultimate universe philosophy is on the surviving Mutants and Heroes in the post Ultimatum world.

On this episode of Word balloon, Jason Aaron is back to talk about finding the voices of the characters he writes. From discovering his take on Spider-Man for the Astonishing Spider-Man Wolverine book, and the current arc in Wolverine Weapon X. You'll hear plenty about the current Deathlok/Captain America story.  We also talk a lot about the upcoming reboot of the Wolverine solo book in September, including the opening arc called "Wolverine In Hell". You'll hear about Jason's versions of a senior citizen Frank Castle, and year one depictions of The Kingpin and Bullseye in The Max Punisher series, and why Aaron felt the tone of the Max book had to change from Garth Ennis's run. Plus details about Scalped, Jason's ongoing crime series for Vertigo. 

We go into detail about The Jonah Hex movie. Plus discuss the best selling sucsess of the New Hex OGN,
No Way Back. An artistic overview of the diverse artists
who’ve contributed to Jimmy and co-writer Justin Grey’s run. From regular artist Jordi Bernet, to co-creator Tony DeZuniga . 3 Bernet stories in the drawer, and JH Williams returning to the book.

We also talk about Jimmy and Justin’s OGN Random Acts Of Violence and the uphill battle of doing quirky little genre books. Translating the Torpedo Crime comics for IDW, His upcoming projects like WW2 espionage adventure Time Bomb, drawn by Paul Gulacy, the new Freedom Fighters for DC, and celebrate the incredible work of Amanda Conner with Jimmy and Justin on Power Girl & the Supergirl strip for Wednesday’s Comics. 444

Plus with a home on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, Jimmy
talks about the BP oil spill and reminds us this gigantic environmental crisis is a problem we all share.

Our Jinworld Q&A continues with more info on New Avengers Vol2 #1, information on  Bendis's san diego panels, and more

On this edition of Word balloon , it’s part four of The Bendis Tapes. More talk about Avengers Prime and New Avengers #1 plus you’ll hear about Brian’s one on one interview with writer/director David Mamet some San Diego announcements and recollections of  little known career moments. Like the fact that Bendis was offered the chance to write the Dick Tracy Comic strip with art by Mike Oeming, but Warren Beatty’s long standing option on the Tracy license squashed the plan. You’ll hear about his early days in Cleveland assisting Mike Gustovich on things like The Justice Machine. Plus  turning down such industry jobs as making foot fetish comics, and saying no to Mexican vampire comics which he would’ve drawn under the name “Manuel Sanchez “…it’s true.

This was supposed to be a friendly conversation with Mark Schultz, to discuss his work on DC books like The Spirit with Moritat, Mark's scripting of the Sunday Prince valiant newspaper comic strip with Gary Gianni, and past and future Schultz projects.

Then we learned of the death of artist Al Williamson Sunday.  Mark was good friends with Al and his wife Cori. The good news is Mark and I spent part of conversation talking about Al's seminal work on Flash Gordon. Last Year Mark wrote the Flesk publication collection of Al’s version of Flash.

In addition I wanted another guest to talk about more of Willamson’s incredible art, so I roped Athena Voltaire creator Steve Bryant into a short interview about Al.

The result ? A history lesson of Williamson, Comic Strips, and great comic works from the 50's through the 90's , and a very special WB episode.

We debut Word Balloon Unversity, with a course in Web Comics from the Summit City Comicon Panel. ​
Featuring Katie Cook (Clone Wars- Gronk!) , Dave Wachter (Guns Of Shadow Valley)  Mike Schwartz (Oceanverse) , and Andrew Fraizer (Bridgette's Belly)

On this edition of the podcast, ​more questions answered by Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis as we continue to discuss his runs on the Avenger titles, Ultimate Spider-Man , his creator owned properties and more. In this part, you'll hear more background on the first chapter of the Oral History Of The Avengers, Why the Next Avengers were chosen for their role in the first Avengers Arc, Comparisons of the Scarlet Witch and The Sentry’s mental breakdowns, which hero was let down more by their compatriots?  The continuing discussion of the $3.99 monthly comic book price. Movie talk about Spider-Man 4 ,  and an offer from Warner Bros to write the Flash movie? Pranks played on DC creators at Con Panels , and another healthy dose of pop culture talk.

Kelly Sue is here to talk about her recent run of stories happening at Marvel, from her One-Shots featuring Sif and Pepper Potts (Rescue) , plus stories happening in The Heroic Age & Girl Comics. Plus I feel compelled to get into a discussion about a subject that I thought wasn't relevent anymore.

 ​Is there still a glass ceiling when it comes to women creators in comics? Don't we laud several accomplished writers and artists?
Are women being denied the chance to make books, because of gender?

Kel isn't her to speak "for all womankind" , but I did want her POV, and we get it. Plus the type of random pop culture fun I'd expect from a woman who's married to Matt Fraction. Crazy timing on this talk. Kel was days away from giving birth to their daughter Tallulah . Welcome to the nuthouse kid, and good luck.

IFC Film Podcast Host and Critic Matt Singer is back to talk about this seasons new comic book films. We discuss Kick ass The Losers and Iron Man 2 . How did they do and what were the studio's expectations on these and the upcoming films like Jonah Hex & Scott Pilgrim Vs The Universe. We also talk about the comic book  films in production, Thor, Green Lantern & Captain America, The First Avenger, Plus Matt recommends some more lousy films to laugh at .

More of Bendis's Q&A from his Jinxworld Message Board . You'll learn more about his current runs on the Avenger books, Ultimatepider-Man Powers, his creator owned series Scarlett and Powers. Plus plenty of pop culture talk.

Marvel writer Matt Fraction is here to discuss his current books, the craft of comic writing , and answer a ton of fan questions.
The Fraction family is expecting their 2nd child, any day now, so Matt wanted to check in before he's elbow deep in diapers and formula (which is similar to when he visits Bendis ) and talk about what's ahead. We begin a 2 part word balloon conversation that will conclude next tuesday.

In part 1 of Matt's Fireside chat,we pay tribute to the passing of artist/editor Dick Giordano.You'll learn the origin of The Doctor America story he co-created with Brendan McCarthy for "Who Won't Wear The Shield?" We discuss Matt's Iron Man/Thor Free Comic Book Day issue, with John Romita Jr.

Fraction also takes us through his earliest editorial cues through Civil War, and all events that led to the upcoming Heroic Age.  he explains the nature of iron man's series having a science fiction feel. What kind of leader has Scott Summer's become in
the wake of the mutant war? How will he reconcile Psylocke's white and asian backgrounds? Matt also tells us what's next for the X-Men after second coming , gives new creators tips on where to look for young artists,  and hints at some creator owned projects ion the way

The Top Cow Publisher talks about the entire line and previews books like Broken Trinity Pandora's Box, Artifacts, and More

On this episode, writer Steve Englehart joins us to talk about his two novels out from Tor Books, The Point Man & The Long Man, a political intrigue/mens adventure/fantasy  series featuring the immortal hero Max August. We talk about the similarities and differences of this take pn magic in the "real world" compared to his work on doctor strange.

We also talk about Captain America comapring Steve's 1970s secret Empire/Watergate story, and the flap over the Teabaggers in Ed Brubaker's Cap 602. Steve also gives us something to think about as he compares the unpublished third chapter of his and Marshal Rogers Batman: Dark Detective story and some of the plot details in the film Batman: The Dark Knight. Interesting views from Englehart.

On this episode I cover some WB news, and re-present this feb 2006 talk with keith, who was in the midst of doing the weekly breakdowns on DC's 52. We also cover the bwa-ha-ha style of humor he, JM DeMatties & Kevin Maguire did for the Justice League, and other team books. Plus we talk about the JSA in the 1970's All-Star Comics , including the debut of Power Girl. You'll hear about his work on the Blue Beetle, with John Rogers and Cully Hamner, marvel work with the Defenders and more.

Jeremy Haun is back to talk about the Bat-verse. From his work on Manhunter the Co Feature Of Streets Of Gotham , to his upcoming run on Detective with David Hine, Haun gives us the lowdown on what's coming up for Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne .

Plus we talk about the Top Cow series Bezerker, and Haun's 2010 convention plans which include the debut of his deluxe sketchbook PORTAL, looking back at his last 10 years, featuring his work at DC, Marvel, Oni Image Wildstorm & more.

Image comics is releasing GODLAND Celestrial Edition Vol 2 very soon, so I thought it would be a good time to revisit this 2005 talk with writer Joe Casey. We talk about his coloaboration with artist Tom Scioli and their love of the Kirby cosmic era brought to life in this incredible series.

We also look back at Automatic Kafka with Ashley Wood, Batman Faces with Cully Hamner, Joe's run on Superman, and his 2005 mini series with scot Kollins, Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

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A great conversation with artist Ethan Van Sciver. We talk about the delays that happened during his work on Flash Rebirth. The final issue comes out at the end of this month.Ethan gives an apology to his readers, with no excuses, but an explanation.

We also discuss his view that artists may not have equal power in today's comic creative process. Has the pendulum swung to writers in the same disproportionate way artists led during the 90's?

Plus we talk about his designs for The Flash and Green Lantern universes, from what happened to Wally West's "new look" , to the new Impluse, Jessie Quick, and the contrasts to Ethan's Green Lanteern work.

Marvel writer Jonathon Hickman discusses his current and future plans for books like The Fantastic Four, Secret Warriors, and the upcoming debut of his April SHIELD origin series.

 

 

Neal Holman, the Art Director of the new FX animated series ARCHER joins us for a look at the show, his histry working on Sealab 2021 and Frisky Dingo, and what to expect as Archer's first season rolls on. Archer stars E Jon Hofman, Jessica Walters Chris Parnell Judy Greer, and Aisha Tyler , and airs Thursday nights at 10 E/P on FX

On this episode of the word balloon podcast,a conversation with the two producers of the Cartoon Network animated series Batman: The Brave And Bold, James Tucker and Michael Jellenic. We get previews of plots and characters that are coming up in this new second season. The series airs new epsiodes Friday Nights at 7:30 e/p

Through the conversation the guys get into many details about the previous DC animated series, and answer the questions of why shows Justice League and Teen Titans ended, despite their high levels of popularity with geek fandom.

Wanted to get this sneak preview of the next Word Balloon episode out, so you can hear the details before tonight's all new episode of Batman: The Brave and Bold airs on Cartoon Network. Show Producers James Tucker and Michael Jelenic gave great details of which golden age characters you can expect to see. From the Jay Garrick Flash, Wildcat, and two generations of Black Canaries, to the pre-title sequence featuring Detective Chimp, you'll hear a lot about the plot of tonight's story "The Golden Age Of Justice". The full WB episode with Tucker and Jellenic, which features more preview details of the new B&B season will be posted Monday.

On this episode of the word balloon podcast, writer JT Krul talks about his current and future projects. We discuss his successful mini series Blackest Night Teen Titans and subsequent Titans stories featuring Deathstroke, Jericho and Ravager We'll also preview his 40 page one shot Justice league Rise and Fall, the upcoming Arsenal mini series Justice League The Rise Of Arsenal and JT's run on Green Arrow beginning with issue #31 JT will also preview his new Aspen Comics modern day espionage series Mindfield, which debuts with a #0 issue in April. " We wrap up talking about JT's TV days on the production crew of Seinfeld, and his view of where network episodic television is, and may be going in the seasons to come.

The creative team behind The Punisher's strange new direction join me for a Frank (Castle) discussion about turning the Mob's most feared enemy into the hero of Marvel's subterranean Monster community.

2010 will be a pivotal year in comics, as Disney takes over Marvel, and Time Warner takes more direct control over DC Entertainment. I thought this was a good timeto re-post another "lost episode" from 2005.

Gerard Jones wrote an incredible history of comics fornative years, called Men Of Tommorow. The book focused on the creation of Superman, and the creative and business men behind DC comics, All American, and plenty of other publishers of the golden age.

Tim Seeley helps us close out the year, by looking ahead to his 2010 projects, including taking over the art chores on WILDCASTS for Wildstorm this January, with stories by Adam Beecham.

We'll also discuss Tim's latest concept inspired by his love of action figures and late night cable films. The "teen sex comedy meets fantasy warrior" story, Colt Noble and The Megalords. The 44 page story is available online at nerdcityonline.com, but Tim will release a 64 page Colt one-shot from Image, which includes an additional brand new story.

Plus Tim previews the next arc in his Devils Due horror action series Hack Slash,

From a 2002 3part audio documentary made for the sporting news radio network, the real an reellife story of Primo Carnera and Max Baer. Two heavyweight champions that were part of the 1930's sports and crime scene.

Their unique story told by guests Bert Sugar (Ring Mafgazine) Academy award wining screenwriter-novelist Budd Schulberg, and actor Max Baer Jr

It's Part 2 of our talk with Greg Rucka. We discuss The Question co-feature in Detective Comics with artist Cully Hamner. Rucka previews the one-shot Blackest Night The Question #37 co-craeted with teh 1980's Question creative team of Denny O'Neil and artist Denys Cowan .

Plus we discuss Greg's homage to the tv private eye genre Stumptown from Oni Press, drawn by Mathew Southworth .You'll hear about the Superman books Action Comics & Superman: World Of New Krypton , and we'll get a status update on the upcoming Queen and country novel The Last Run.

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From January 2006,another lost Word Balloon Podcast is found!

Jimmy Palmiotti ralks about his writing process with co creator Justin Grey, The Jonah Hex Revival, His take On Power Girl,with Amanda Connor, Hawkman, The Monolith, The Punisher, The New West and Daughters Of The Dragon . You'll hear about him working with Garth Ennis, Paul Gulacy, and others.

While we wait for the newest Rucka Debrief, enjoy this Nov 2005 talk with Greg, our first WB interview.Originally released as a 45 minute episode, this full version feature 40 extra minutes of interview conversation.

On this special edition of The Word Balloon podcast, we speak with
Writer/performer Kevin mUrphy best known to fans as the voice of Tom Servo,the Gumball machine shaped robot sidekick to humans Joel Hodgeson and Mike Nelson (and follow robot Crow) on the 90's cable comedy show Mystery Science Theater 3000.

"I started playing Tom Servo in the 2nd season, the first year on the Comedy Central, but I was involved with every episode of MST3k from the pilot of the local tv show, to the last episode aired on the Sci-Fi Channel."

Murphy is still cracking wise, firing one-liners at the screen, while
fans view films from the cheesiest black and white b-movies to today's
box office hits as a member of RiffTrax.com with former MST3K co-hosts and writers Mike Nelson and Tom Corbett (The 2nd actor who played Crow)

Just like their cable shows, rifftrax sells .mp3 performances of the
trio lampooning sci-fi staples like Plan 9 From Outer Space and newer films like The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, The Harry Potter films,and even The Dark Knight.

"We're the commentary that isn't available on your DVD, but should be."

Kevin also talks about the upcoming nationwide live Christmas Rifftrax show December 16th, and an encore presentation the 17th beaming to nearly 500 theaters in the country.

IFC film critic, Podcast Host,  and Comics fan Matt Singer joins me to discuss the current era of comic book films. We discuss the questions of which directors, if any, have made their mark on comic book films. What are some of the guilty pleasure comic film failures, and early films that still hold up.

I welcome further discussion about this topic at our WB Message board, or via comments and e-mails.

Also, check out Matt's great IFC News Film podcast at http://www.ifc.com/news/podcast/

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, writer/artist Matt Wagner joins us for an interesting discussion that begins with a question. Will the 20th century superheroes be as easy to retcon and update in the decades to come? How well do modern versions of heroes like The Lone Ranger or Zorro work, without their 19th century settings and tools? Don't they need the horses and pistols? What about the Heroes created in the 20th century?

Matt asks this question not only about heroes he's currently working on like Zorro & his upcoming 2010 take on the Golden Age Green Hornet for Dynamite, who Matt thinks still works best in his golden age era .

We also talk about what he has planed for Zorro in the current arc Tales Of The Fox. Wagner says "General Moncado slowly starts to gather information about this rogue highwayman...and it's like Rashomon getting all these different points of view individual stories of who and what Zorro is. At this point he's still more of an Urban Myth."

On his Green Hornet plans with artist Aaron Campbell "I'm going to tell you why he does it...why does Britt Reid who has a way to fight 1930's social injustices through his newspaper still need to adopt this alternate identity? ...We also explore Kato's motivations He's Japaneese in my version, and I found a way to weave his origin into a very historical
event.. We learn why this very skilled martial artist would support and fight beside Britt."

We also discuss his Vertigo series Madam Xanadu which continues to interact with other Vertigo characters that have strong DC roots . Her main adversary through centuries on conflict is The Phantom Stranger.but there are other "easter egg"  character apperances that blur the line between the DCU and Vertigo.

Matt says, "Everyone asks me how I'm able to do it, and my response is, I'm just doing it. I don't ask (laughs). I do tend to keep those references as ones that fit into her charcter history and senarios,like Ertigan, Zatara, and detective Jim Corrigan (The Spectre). Or they happen almost "off camera".Like the mystic green lantern showing up in ancient China, or The Phantom Stranger refering obliquley to the helmet of Doctor Fate. In the Kaluta run we included the golden age Sandman because I needed a character like "The Shadow" and Wesley Dobbs fit.

This arc has some unique time shifting where Amy will be on for two issues, then representing a different era Joel Jones comes on for two issues, then back to Amy. In this arc, Madame Xanadu runs into another unexpected DC character."

The conversation with Marvel Group Editor Tom Brevoort starts with a look at the new mini series STRANGE written by Mark Waid, which puts the good Doctor on a new hero's journey.

Then we take advantage of Tom's perspective to look at today's Marvel. How has comic storytelling changed in the last 10 years? We look at the evolution of the relationship between Marvel & it's fans, from letter pages to today's blogs (including Brevoort's own) .

A great discussion with the newsarama columnist 

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On this edition of the word balloon podcast, Marvel writer Matt Fraction comments on the startling events in The Invincible Iron Man #19.

We also talk about the new monthly cover design from Ryan Hughes, incorporating Savador Larocca's art, beginning this month in Iron Man #20, and the story Stark Disassembled.

We talk about his run on Uncanny  X-Men  and the focus on Magneto and Cyclop's relationship in the newly formed Nation X "Who these two men are now, and how these situtations force how they relate to each other is a big part of Nation X ."

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Act-I-Vate is a comics creator community established by Dean Haspiel . A group of cartoonists, who use their site to promote their creator owned stories.

Last week IDW relaesed the ACT- I - VATE Primer, which has 16 stories that are companion pieces to the free stories they’re doing online. On this episode of Word Balloon, we talk to several Act I Vate creators, about their works, and what brought them together. All the comics at the Activate Comics Website. Visit activatecomix.com .

We talk to Dean Haspiel, Mik Cavlero, Simon Fraser, Tim Hamilton, Michael Fiffe, and filmmakers Se4th Kushner and Carlos Molina.

On this edition of Word Balloon, we present audio coverage from this weekend's Baltimore Comicon. Marvel scribe Brian Michael Bendis gives us details on The Siege story arc, which begins in December and runs through the start of 2010. The story as reported from the retailer summit features a major shift in all the Avengers titles, The Secret Warriors and Young Avengers, and the need for Marvel's hero trinity, Iron Man Thor and Captain America to finally re-unite. We also present audio from the Powers Panel, where Bendis and Powers Co-Creator Michael Avon Oeming discuss the first 10 years of the Powers comic, and look ahead with the new volume starting in November, the Powers Encyclopedia, and new details on where the future of The Powers TV series stands, at the FX Network.

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Part 2 of our talk with writer Brian Michael Bendis, who answers more questions from the Jinxworld Message Board . Here are some tidbits from the Q & A session.

More discussion about the transition form Doctor Strange to Doctor Voodoo

Daredevil is "full front" in New Avengers #60.

Next Year Bendis teased he will again work with artist Howard Chaykin.

There's a new Ultimate Universe project coming in 2010.

You'll hear character discussions about DD, Wilson Fisk, and Norman Osborn

Plus, Bendis discusses some of his favorite meetings with Stan Lee, including his lunch with Stan last month, in which The Man asked  Brian "How did Norman Osborne get here?" 

Bendis said, " In preperation of the lunch, he read a few of my books, and He came prepared with  a question and I had better have had the right answer, and I think I did, because I got an got an 'OK Kid.' I had the feeling if I had answered wrong, we probably wouldn't have finished the lunch."

 

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, we pick up where we left off with writer Ed Brubaker. You’ll hear more about the characters of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes as they share the mantle of Captain America in The Captain America Reborn mini series , and what Ed has plans in the months ahead in both the regular CA series and the Cap One shot coming in December.

We look back at Ed’s 3 year run of Daredevil that ended this summer, and where he’s left the character for Andy Diggle to take over. Plus we discuss the significant DD cast members during Ed’s run, from Dakota North and Lady Bullseye to Mister Fear and Master Izo .

Plus more discussion on Criminal’s return in October, and the distribution of  Ed’s 2009 crime film Angel Of Death online, on DVD, and its cable airing on SPIKE-TV.

After along break in the Summer we resume our talk with Brian Bendis. In this part, Brian breaks down the differences between the new Spider-Woman motion comics available at ITunes, and The first issue, which debuted this week. We talk about the art changes made by Alex Maleev and the story's pacing from motion and dramatized sound, to static images and text .

We talk about what's been going on in the news of the comics world , including Marvel's acquisition of the rights to Marvelman, and how it affects The Sentry's place in the Marvel U.

We also discuss the acquisition of Marvel by The Disney Corp, and how THAT affects the Marvel U. We'll talk about the shake-up at Time Warner regarding the re-organization of DC Entertainment.

Plus we catch up with The New Avengers, Dark Avengers (including a look at the teaser December cover released last week) and Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. After along break in the Summer we resume our talk with Brian Bendis. In this part, Brian breaks down the differences between the new Spider-Woman motion comics available at Itunes, and The first issue, which debuted this week. We talk aboutr the art changes made by Alex Maleve and the story's pacing from motion and dramatized sound, to static images and text .

We talk about what's been going on in the news of the comics world , including Marvel's acquisition of the rights to Marvelman, and how it affects The Sentry's place in the Marvel U.

We also discuss the acquisition of Marvel by The Disney Corp, and how THAT affects the Marvel U. We'll talk about the shake-up at Time Warner regarding the re-organization of DC Entertainent.

Plus with The New Avengers Dark Avengers and Ultimate Comics Spider-Man

More On Capt. America  Rebprn, The marvels project, and Criminal 

Rick Remender talks about what's coming up for charcters like Doctor Voodoo, The Punisher and The Thunderbolts, in books coming this fall.
You'll hear about his new series featuring the current Sorcerer Supreme of Marvel's 616 universe.

Plus The Punisher is heading toward a world of hurt in the months ahead, with bizare story arcs like Franken Castle with Tony Moore , and Punisher: The List, with classic Punisher draftsmen John Romita Jr and Klaus Janson.

We also go in depth on The Last Days Of Crime from Radical Publishing, with art by Greg Tocchini and covers by some guy named Alex Maleev

Plus, Rick talks about a special 40 page Thunderbolts issue, and the pending wrap ups to The End League With Eric Canette and Fear Agent with Tony Moore & Mike Hawthorne.

In this exclusive interview, the Image writer discusses details about his new books debuting this fall. Haunt, the new horror/espionage ongoing series co-developed with Todd McFarland . Image United , the 6 part epic featuring art from all the Image founders. and a script from Kirkman. And from Top Cow this year's concepts for Pilot Season co-developed with Mark Silvestri .

We also talk about Robert's ongoing series The Walking Dead, Invincible and The Astounding Wolf-Man.

If you haven't checked them out, here's a bunch of audio from the video interviews I did on the floor at the Chicago Comicon.  All big name guests that can't wait for my slowness is posting the video

New stuff with Edward James Olmos, George Perez and Jason Aaron,plus Mark Millar, Dan Slott and Howard Chaykin.

More coming later this month!

No one really knows, but this deal spans all mediums, from comics to films, DVD,the digital world. What does it all mean? A speculative conversation with Newsarama reporter Vanetta Rogers

Comedian Patton Oswalt stars in the new film BIG FAN, written and directed by Robert Siegel , the man who wrote the screenplay for last year's
indie hit, THE WRESTLER.

There's funny stuff in this film , but like THE WRESTLER, BIG FAN is a realistic look at sports. This time the focus is on an obsessive football fan named Paul (Oswalt) , who's loner lifestyle is defined by his voice on the phone fandom persona as a regular caller to sports talk radio, He has an awkard hero worship moment with his favorite player that turns violently ugly, and upsets his cocoon like world.

Oswalt discuss the film's character and the obvious similarities of this sort of fan worship compared to pop culture fans.

We also talkabout his upcoming one shot Firefly story for Dark Horse Comics, and the realese of his new DVD MY WEAKNESS IS STRONG.

Six Hours and 3 Time Zones couldn't keep Paul and I apart from our conversation. We talk about him wrapping up Captain Britain and MI:13, and his new focus on The Dark X-Men, the complicated relationship between Namor & Emma Frost, and his November mini series featuring the origins and history of everyone's favorite Russian Super-Spy, The Black Widow. We also talk about his run on Young Avengers,and his prolific TV work, from Doctor Who, To Robin Hood, Primeval and beyond.

Elliot Serrano talks about his new mini series from Dynamite, plus we discuss his role as a comics reviewer for the Chicago daily newspaper, Red Eye, and podcaster on Geek To Me, and Comic Culture Warrior.

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, writer Paul Jenkins is back to discuss his current work for Marvel Comics, including the current sci-fi story arc Problem Child, featuring Hiro Kala, from PLANET SKAAR AFTERMATH in SON OF HULK, and his upcoming 3rd one-shot of CAPTAIN AMERICA THEATER OF WAR.

Jenkins promises we'll see more new work from him for Marvel in the coming months. "I'll let Marvel make the official announcements when they decide the time is right, but In general terms I have three different series lined up. One of them is set up like MYTHOS and the Captain America One-Shots. Dan Buckley had asked me to give some thought of coming to different cases in the Marvel Universe a finding away to tell single issue or short arc stories.The way Dan put it to me was this way.

Everybody loves Daredevil and the way Brian (Bendis) and Ed Brubaker have been writing him in with that dark tone.There's no space to fix anything, it doesn't need to be fixed... but Dan said, 'What I want to see is Daredevil's one good day.'...That made me think of  55 story ideas for the Marvel universe... I'll go to the x-men say  what i want, and be done with them, and I'll move on and go to Daredevil or Thor's universe...say what I want to with these characters, and move on, while still allowing the regular monthly books to carry the ongoing soap opera."

You'll hear Paul views and insight on characters like Thor, Loki, Iron Man, Captain America and The Hulk. We discuss The Sentry and how his beginnings came from a superman/marvelman template, but what makes them all very different.Jenkins also re-addresses his humorous flap with fans over his character Sally Floyd's tirade against Captain America,  from the mini series Frontline: Civil War.

We also discuss the business side of Paul's career path which includes his work with Marvel, films, computer game animation for smart phones, and other current and future projects.

The CEO Of Wizard Entertainment Joins Us To Discuss This Weekend's Chicago Comic-Con. We talk about the programing , and try to find out details of Shamus new master plan of business.From the recent acquisitions of many regional conventions, to the personnel changes at Wizard Magazine.

Shamus addresses questions about scheduling a convention in Anaheim/Long Beach CA up against the new C2E2 Chicago Convention in April. Aren't both shows going after the same entertainment guests?

We also discuss where Wizard Magazine fits into the new media playing field when it comes to breaking comic news stories. How does the monthly magazine re-position itself in the 24hr news cycle of web coverage?

Writer/Artist Jeff Lemire talks about his two current projects from Vertigo. The Nobody an OGN/mystery with an indie spin on the invisible man tale.

We also preview Sweet Tooth, his "Bambi meets The Road Warrior" action suspense series that debuts in September. This follows the post apocalyptic story of a mutated deer-boy and his bounty hunter protector  as they seek sanctuary and answers to the questions of this strange North American future.

Jeff also gives us details of the Essex County Trilogy Omnibus edition coming out from Top Shelf Productions .

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2 master artists of horror talk about their current work, and their scheduled appearences at this week's San Diego Comicon. Hilary Barta talks about his new story in the debut issue of Creepy from Dark Horse Comics. If you love the magazine's past runs, you'll be pleased to see the new book contunes the Creepy tradition of high quality stories and art.

Also the audio version of my video interview with Dave McKean, on his recent paintings series called NITRATE, inspired by early 1900's silent horror films.

Part 2 Of our Conversation With Brian Bendis. We get details about the Evolution oF <arvel Boy, from Grant Morrison's Original Mini-Series to his current role in the Dark Avengers, Det6ails on Who's writing the back up features in Brian's Avenger books, and will the future plans of Jessica Jones
happen in the Max or 616 Marvel Universe?

On this Episode Brian Michael Bendis returns with an all new Q&A session that's answers the riddles of how long will Norman Osborn's Dark Reign endure, what are the future plans for Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers and The Spider-Woman motion comic, and what was the decision process leading to  Jerhico Drumm's selection as the new Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe?

Celebrating her Hellcat Trade Paperback, and start on Runaways writer Kathryn Immonen came to Challenger's comics store in Chicago for a signing barbeque , so I took Word Baloon on the road to have this live conversation.

FINALLY FOUND THIS LOST EPISODE FROM NOVEMBER  2005. THE MAN BEHIND GRIMJACK, DC'S SUICIDE SQUAD , THE KENTS, WASTELAND , AND THE SPECTRE JOHN TALKS ABOUT THE RETURN OF GRIMJACK AT IDW , HIS STAR WARS WORK FOR DARK HORSE , AND COLLABORATING WITH ARTISTS, LIKE TIM TRUMAN AND TOM MANDRAKE. PLUS 1980'S CHICAGO MEMORIES OF FIRST COMICS, WINDY CITY INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE BUCKET OF SUDS, AND THE COMEDY GENIUS OF THE SECOND CITY AND IMPROV OLYMPIC , MUNDEN'S BAR WRITER DEL CLOSE.

Gerry Conway is back writing comics. The man who gave birth to the Punisher and took the life of Spider-Man's first love Gwen Stacy is here to discuss his current DC mini series The Last Days Of Animal Man.

We'll talk about his return to comics, and look back at collaborations with artists like Gil Kane, John Romita and Ross Andru.

Like the espionage characters in his comics and novels Greg Rucka knows how much information to leak, and stay spoiler free in this in depth examination of his work. We discuss the 2 new series debuting today in Detective Comics. Batwoman with art by JH Williams, and The Question with Cully Hammer. Plus a thorough look at the Superman books Action with artist Eddty Barrows and co-writing New World Of Krypton with James Robinson and art from Pete Woods.

We also get an update on the new developments in Greg's popular British Spy comic and novel series Queen and Country from Oni Press and Bantam Books.

Jeph Loeb is back, to talk about Hulk #600 and what the future holds for the Red and Green Goliaths.

We also talk about Ultimatum, and get into some in depth discussions about the creation of the classic X-men arc The Age Of Apocalypse, the rebirths of Flash Captain America and more.

On this episode of word balloon we talk comics and television with writer/producer Jesse Alexander. Jesse wrote last month's one shot story Shotgun Opera. an untold WW2 adventure of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos. but the summer television season has begun and cable television reminds us that there's an equal amount of quality dramas this time of year as during the fall and spring.

Networks like FX the SciFi channel TNT ABC Family and USA trot out plenty of genre fiction, while the big 5 TV networks struggle to find the next Lost, or Smallville. Fringe made it to season 2. Reaper didn't make it past 2, neither did the Terminator. edged out by Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, it's own future to be determined this fall. Chuck and Heroes
are also returning, but on the bubble for NBC.

There are few guarantees from over the air networks to drama shows. The potential viewing audience is still larger than the basic cable shows and  the budgets are higher, but the network suits patience to grow a loyal and profitable audience is a risky guess.

Alexander is a verteran show runner and producer from 3 recent genre shows that made it past the sophmore slump. Alias Lost and Heroes. Jesse was let go from Heroes by NBC execs last winter, but a new regime at The Peacock has given him a green light for a new sci-fi series he's created coming in early 2010, Day One.

Some of the show's details are still under wraps,but Jesse gives us an idea of what the show is about, and discusses the chalenges of doing genre fiction in today's network television enviroment.
On this episode of word balloon we talk comics and television with writer/producer Jesse Alexander. Jesse wrote last month's one shot story Shotgun Opera. an untold WW2 adventure of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos. but the summer television season has begun and cable television reminds us that there's an equal amount of quality dramas this time of year as during the fall and spring.

Networks like FX the SciFi channel TNT ABC Family and USA trot out plenty of genre fiction, while the big 5 TV networks struggle to find the next Lost, or Smallville. Fringe made it to season 2. Reaper didn't make it past 2, neither did the Terminator. edged out by Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, it's own future to be determined this fall. Chuck and Heroes
are also returning, but on the bubble for NBC.

There are few guarantees from over the air networks to drama shows. The potential viewing audience is still larger than the basic cable shows and  the budgets are higher, but the network suits patience to grow a loyal and profitable audience is a risky guess.

Alexander is a verteran show runner and producer from 3 recent genre shows that made it past the sophomore slump. Alias Lost and Heroes. Jesse was let go from Heroes by NBC execs last winter, but a new regime at The Peacock has given him a green light for a new sci-fi series he's created coming in early 2010, Day One.

Some of the show's details are still under wraps,but Jesse gives us an idea of what the show is about, and discusses the challenges of doing genre fiction in today's network television enviroment.

Jeff is back to get us up to date on the Agents Of Atlas, Exiles, and Dark Reign The Hood For Marvel Comics, and his Wildstorm mini series Mysterius, The Unfathomable.

We also answer your questions, posted at the  Word Balloon Message Board.

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Geoff Johns is juggling 3 Epic stories from DC Comics. We talk about all of them. You'll hear behind the scene details of Flash Rebirth, Green Lantern The Blackest Night, and Legion oF 3 Worlds. You'll hear character discssions of all the major players, from the reborn Flash family to the GL Corps, and previews of what's to come in Adventure Comics and Superman : Secret Origin.


Here are some quotes from the conversation.

Answering the concerns that Johns current portrayal Of Barry Allen is so different from his silver and bronze age characterization.

“Everyone is in a very different place at the beginning of  Flash Rebirth to the end, because I didn’t want to open up with a big Flash parade, and Barry running in with a big smile,. I might as well have started with Flash #1 and we’d be off and running, but there were other emotional explorations with Barry Allen and the Flash team. I wanted to go against expectations and do a 180 on everything. Flash is back, but Barry Allen isn’t…that’s what the story is about.

The great thing about it is it allows me to explore him emotionally... I love the discussion and debates, because I know where this story is going …I remember when we did The Sinestro Corps Wars, and Kyle at the end of the first issue was possessed by Parallax. People went crazy! They couldn’t believe how we could do this (laughs) …and Ethan was saying ‘We should tell them that he’s not going to be Parallax,.’ And I said “No! Let them get riled up, because they should, but we know where this story ends.’ … In Flash Rebirth Barry is searching for the same answers…this story is trying to solve a crime, but Barry is moving much too fast to do that.”

 

On Blackest Night’s further exploration of the multi colored Lantern Corps. “Every one of my artists has brought their own take  on the designs for each of the various corps and characters…Doug Mahnke’s first issue Green Lantern #43 is an all Black Hand issue. It’s one of the creepiest issues you’ll read.”

 

On the upcoming Blackest Night crossover stories, and how this GL story has morphed into a major DCU event.

 

“ Events are just big stories…sometimes there’s a bad connotation to that “event” term…You always want it to be good, and as a writer you want to protect your own story…with Blackest Night there’s just more story potential, so when (The Editors)  wanted to make it bigger and explore it more , it made sense to me, because you’re gonna have DCU characters face dead ones, and Black Lanterns on all sorts of levels…”

On this edition of The Word balloon podcast, a conversatio with the creative team on Supergirl, Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle. They discuss Supergirl, from the recent reveal that Lucy Lane is the new Superwoman, to the death of Zor-El, and the fallout from New Krypton. There's plenty of chracter dissections of Lana Lang, Allura Cat Grant and Kara Zor-El herself, and their views on where all these strong women fit, in this corner of the DC Superverse.

Some quotes from the conversation...

On Lucy Lane/Superwoman's role as Kara's new enemy.

Gates: "I wanted a villain that can act as a Lex Luthor type...when New Krypton
was told to me, I thought it was a master stroke on Geoff (Johns)  and James(Robinson's) part having General Lane be the main bad guy...what great drama you get having Lois's
family be against the Superman family?...There's some more crazy stuff coming up with Superwoman."

On the character designs for the leading women in the series..

Igle: When It comes to Supergirl the very first conversation I had with Matt Idelson He said, 'I don't want to see Supergirl's panties again,' and I agreed ...I think there should be a coy sexiness about her but I don't think it should be as overt as it's been drawn...it just didn't fit my image of what a teenaged Supergirl is supposed to be...she's Superman's cousin, and should be, even by default, sort of a role model to young girls..."

(For Lana's Asian influenced outfits) My wife Corrine works in the fashion industry for a company that does a lot of photo touch ups for Vouge, Cosmo, Louis Viton...
so I get to see all these fashion materials... I was thinking more in terms of something a little eclectic but business like...with Cat, it's all Victoria Secret and Fredrick's of Holywood...the sluttiest dresses I can find (laughs)."

Gates: "I guess that means write more Cat Grant scenes."

On The Death of Zor El

Gates: "Going in, Geoff and James really said we need to upset
things. This can't ne a predictable Superman story and I think the death
of Zor El made New Krypton completley unpredictable, because you realize,
'holy crap, no one is safe.'

Igle: With Supergirl 36, I think that  was one of the highlights for me working on the book
...when I was a teenager I lost a friend to gun violence so I was able to channel
all of those feelings in that opening scene.

Gates: .(Kara) doesn't get to (Zor) for nine pages,and she doesn't have powers, and is running across an open battlefield to get to him before he dies, to either save his life or talk to him one last time.....I lost my father when I was 17 not to violence but a massive heart attack...in those moments when Supergirl is holding Zor-El , and he's says 'I'm proud of
you.',  that was something as I held my father, I wanted him to say,and he couldn't. He was already gone

Given the scene in the Origins and Omens of Lana Lang spitting up some blood
how's her future looking?

"Lana Lang has her own set of problems coming up that we won't come to a head until Supergirl 47."

On Kara's new civilian identity as Lana's niece...

Gates: "Linda Lang is not going away...it kinda got side tracked with all the New Krypton stuff...I was happy to see Linda Lang appear in Superman Batman...as long as it happens elsewhere in the DCU, it's a real thing...We're going to do a story about her in the Supergirl Annual ...that's tenatively called Linda Lang Day One."

The editor Of the critically acclaimed Image anthology of comic stories based on the songs of Tori Amos, Rantz Hosley stops by to talk about the book.

We discuss how he and Tori got together on the project, wrangling all the artist and writer talent to put the book together, and gives his views and cautionary tales of self publishing in today's comics market.

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, we present a
conversation with artist Kevin O'Neil, to discuss this month's
release of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Vol III):
Century #1 ("1910") drawn by O'Neil and written by Alan Moore.

Kevin discusses the background of the story, and his views on past characters like
Mister Hyde Mina Murray, the mysterious Orlando, and the Family line of Captain Nemo.
His thoughts on the LXG film, and the origins and future plans of his co-creation with Pat Mills, Marshal Law .

The interview does cover plot points and setting that have been discussed in other preview
articles and reviews of the book, so beware.

Her are some non spoiler quotes from the talk...

On the inclusion of Nemo's daughter in the 1910 League.

"She occupies a great part of the story, and we will follow her in later books."

On the process of putting the literary cameos and pop culture easter eggs in a subtle way.

"We just have to tread a careful line as to how we populate the book..
as we proceed with incredible numbers of different characters in street scenes
and backgrounds or newspaper headlines ...it's a lot of work, but we realize
we have these Jess Nevins books analyze every single panel and we know
a lot of people who like that  it...however if you don't know the references,
it won't spoil the enjoyment of the story, it's just another layer of
fictional stuff going on alongside the main story."

On the creation of Marshall Law,  and could such a story be told today?

"I scribbled out an idea of the name, and rough character sketch for Marshall Law and sent we sent it as a "Mad Max" type of thing for Epic to Archie Goodwin. Archie had warned us that Marvel will take a hell of a longtime to do creator contracts...it ended up taking a year , during which Dark Knight and Watchemen were released...during the interim Pat said 'Why don't we do Marshall Law as a super hero hunter I said 'well don't you mean super-vilians?'  and Pat said , 'No superheroes, I hate them." (laughing)

I felt the energy of that loathing, and that's what we did...Chris Staros did the first ever 1987 review of Marshal Law in his pre internet era Staros Report... cut to us doing League for Top Shelf . Chris asked who owned the rights to Marshal Law, and I told we did (Pat Mills & O'Neil). op Shelf will do a big slipcase edition of Marshal Law featuring every story appearance of the character to be released hopefully later this year...and now reviewing the stuff for the Top Shelf collection I'm surpirised at how strong it was and how far it went becuase i think it would be harder to get that material passed today."

More of Word Balloon's audio coverage from the floor of April's  FX International convention in Orlando  .Featuring one on one talks with Olivier Coipel (THOR, HOUSE OF M) , Matt Kindt (PISTOL WHIP, SUPER SPY), Tony Bedard (REBELS) Chuck Dixon (GI JOE, The Simpsons), Steve Rude (NEXUS), and Arthur Suydam (MARVEL ZOMBIES, CHOLLY & FLYTRAP).

Here are some quotes and tidbits from the conversations...

Expect The announcement of what's next for Coipel and Marvel during
this summer's con season.

Matt Kindt's new OGN 3-Story The Secret History of the Giant Man
will be out from Dark Horse ."It's a weird story that takes place
in the 40's,50's and 60's with the narrative from the POV of his Mother,
His Wife, and his daughter."

Tony Bedard on REBELS: "I think we've had enough with stories that are so
intertwined, they never get a chance develop their own personality.
We want to give these characters a chance to develop on their own terms
and give them their own corner of the DC universe to play with...it's
one of those books where you really don't know who will survive in a
given issue...Vryl Dox wants to do good, but6 he doesn't mind if you.
die in the process."

Chuck Dixon is taking over chronicling the tales of "The Man With No
Name" in the soon to be retitled The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from
Dynamite.

Steve Rude:  Lots of Nexus Product Nexus The Origin: Remastered ,
"Nexus: As it Happened Volume 1" a black and white Archive, and the
long-awaited conclusion of Nexus: Space Opera due out in July.

Arthur Suydam: For Radical Working on Hercules Aladdin and Shrapnel
they're also releasing Cholly and Flytrap Center City featuring
Suydam's post apocalyptic sci-fi duo . It comes out in June.

In part 2 Dan talks about the events in Mighty Avengers, from the revelation that Loki has been manipulating the Mighty and Dark Avengers, to the Mighty teams upcomingencounter with the Fantastic Four.

On Mighty Avengers and Dan's choice to make Hank Pym leader of the Avengers"It will get more messed up as we go along...for all of Hank's fault he is a geniusand has a very non linear way of thinking...but he's still that messed up freak who built Ultron...the question is how do you redeem him...some stink doesn't go away no matter how hard you try...it's nice to have Hank on this redemptive path... he may never get rid of his past sins, but his trying makes him heroic."

On this edition of The Word Balloon podcast, we present a 2 part
conversation with Dan Slott.

In part 1 Dan discusses the current events in Amazing Spider-Man.

On Amazing #600 and the return of Doctor Octopus "One of the things
we wanted to do was take the villains off the board for awhile so
when they come back it's big...John Romita Jr and I get to tell this
60 page story...We're building towards season 2 of Spidey which begins
after we wrap up some stuff in issue #600."

On the mysterious background of Mister Negative "I can't wait fir people to know more about him...I gave Fred Van Lente some big for his upcoming Mister Negative mini series...but there's more coming including ties to previously established spider-man characters. Let's leave it at that. "

On this edition of Word Balloon, Sal Abbinanti creator of Atomika
the alternate history of Russian superheroes and villains.

Sal explores the iconic images of the former USSR, combined with
Russian mythology, but is the first to say this isn't a pro-soviet
polemic. "At least once a con a guy wants to argue with me
about Communism...or say how are things in Russia and I say 'Guys,
come on, Gene Simmons really wasn't a serpent. It's just an act.' "

He gives tips to aspiring creators about marketing an independent
comic in the current market. "You gotta hustle...I tried going to
cons, all over the country like Loretta Lynn with the records
and my husband (working) out of the car...doesn't work...I tell
new creators, don't release the book until you have 5 issues in the
can, you never realize how much time it takes to promote the thing...
plus dealing by yourself with colorists,inkers and printers...you
never realize how much time it will take."

Sal also discusses future projects like The Hostage based on  
true crime Brazilian kidnappings and the sci-fi comedy Dagos On The Moon.

We talk Scalped, Wolverine Weapon X, His wrap up on The Ghost Rider series, and his upcoming origin of one of the immortal weapons, Fat Cobra.

On this edition of Word Balloon, coverage of this year's FX International Con in Orlando, Fl.

You'll hear floor chats with Jeremy Haun, who talks about drawing the Batman-Battle For The Cowl One-Shot Arkham Asylum, written by David Hine, and drawing the Top Cow series Berserker written by Rick Loverd . Haun calls the arkaham One-Shot "A great hooror
story.I got to draw some of my favorite villians...it does focus on the events after Arkham explodes in the first issue of Battle For the Cowl...with hints of what we'll see in the future (Bat books) ."

Marvel writer Jonathon Hickman talks about Secret Warriors & his work on the Fantastic Four Dark Reign series and taking over the main FF book following Mark Millar and Brian Hitch "After the events of Civil War and Secret Invasion I thought there was a real oppourtunity to do a lot of FF closure in the Dark reign series . The first arc of the regular series will be called "solve everything", and Reed sets out to do so."

Artist Ben Templersmith talks about his IDW work on Wormwood, Doctor Who, and Groom Lake, plus answers the perenial question will he and writer Warren Ellis be doing more issues of their Image series Fell?
"There is more Fell(to come), whenever Warren wants to do it, I'm doing it."

Writer Christos Gage discusses his IDW GI Joe work, his coming Avatar series Absolution, His WIldcats wrok for Wildstorm, and Marvel books.

On Avengers: The Initiative "Somehow a rumor got started that the Initiative was being cancelled, but that's not true, the only way it will be cancelled is if people think it's cancelled and stop buying it...We're actually starting an exciting period...the initiative is now run by Norman Osborn, so they're now training villians to be dark avengers and appear to be heroic while still being bad on the downlow...Some former members are going underground to rebel against the new initiative directive. Tigra will be looking for some payback after her beating from The Hood."

On the upcoming mini series House Of M:Masters Of Evil "What were the villians doing in the House Of M world. The Hood has assembled a gang of villians including Asorbing Man Titania, Crossbones The Sandman, Batroc The Leaper...they get together to steal, in a world where Magneto's army comes down on them hard...the non mutant world starts to mistake their rebellion as being heroic, so they start to plan the scam of a lifetime."

Avatar comics publisher William Christensen talks about Wareen's Ellis's Ignition City, Freak Angels, and how Avatar has chnaged their image from the "Bad Girl" books, to their current line of unfettered stories by today's top creators. Writer artist Mike Wolfer talks about his work with Eillis on the Avatar Series Gravel .

And, Jim McCann checks in to discuss his New Avengers:The Reunion mini series for Marvel.