COMIC BROS Podcast

In Episode 040, the COMIC BROS discuss their decision to wrap-up their podcast due to changes in their personal lives, the potential loss of the 2020 convention season, and other upheaval related to the Coronavirus pandemic. They briefly review Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns," and reminisce over the past five years, as well as their plans for the future.

In Episode 039, the COMIC BROS review the graphic novel "Maus" by American cartoonist Art Spiegelman. "Maus" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about Spiegelman's relationship with his father, and his father's experiences as a Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor. They also discuss dead-tree printing options for beginning and self-publishing independent creators.

In Episode 038, the COMIC BROS brave events in the news, exhaustion, and ennui to discuss their recent conventions and shows. They then recommend some comic books and graphic novels for your holiday gift-buying needs!

In Episode 037, Jin catches up with a short discussion about convention plans, getting back in touch with her political side, and weaving together the over-arching message and meaning of her work. Root is back on the job hunt and cranking out mini-comics, while Mark has shifted some of his focus over to traditional inking and lettering. Finally, Root and Mark share their tale of tabling together at ZINEFEST Houston! We'd buy that for a dollar!

In Episode 036, Mark interviews Chris Nicholas, known as "Uncle Staple," founder of STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo held annually in Austin, Texas. STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo is the premiere event in the Southwest for independently created comics, zines, art, crafts, games and more. This year's STAPLE! is coming soon on October 12-13, visit https://staple-austin.org/ for more information!

In Episode 035, Josh Lesnick returns along with special guest Chopsy for another BATTLE ROYALE episode of the Comic BROS podcast! After the usual pleasantries, Root and Mark have each been given three terrible 25-cent box comics to convince both of our guest hosts that they should read!

In Episode 034, Mark Wise interviews Jim Rugg, creator of "Street Angel," "Afrodisiac," artist of "The PLAIN Janes," and half of the "Cartoonist Kayfabe" podcast alongside Ed Piskor. They discuss his influences, artistic process, and the new "Street Angel" book currently available for pre-order.

In Episode 033, the COMIC BROS host a special convention report of Jin's SURPRISE trip to San Diego Comic-Con International! The bros discuss her impression of the show as a newbie, some of the challenges as an exhibitor, and getting to meet Bill Sienkiewicz and Jim Steranko, among others!

In Episode 032, Mark, Jin, and Root record together for the first time since February to catch up on their personal and professional progress this year. That is followed by a discussion about how their artistic and creative process has changed since starting the podcast almost four years ago.

In Episode 031, Josh Lesnick returns along with special guest Chopsy for another BATTLE ROYALE episode of the Comic BROS podcast! After the usual pleasantries, Root and Mark have each been given three terrible 25-cent box comics to convince both of our guest hosts that they should read!

In Episode 030, Jin returns for the COMIC BROS' annual review episode. Jin, Mark, and Root all take a look back at their accomplishments and progress in 2018, and discuss their goals and plans for the coming year.

In Episode 029, Josh Lesnick guest hosts for a BATTLE ROYALE episode of the Comic BROS podcast! After the usual pleasantries, Root and Mark have each been given three terrible 25-cent box comics to convince Josh that he should read. It's a slag-off of the worst 80s and 90s comics have to offer!

In Episode 028, all three of the COMIC BROS update on their recent art, show, and reading activity. They then have a lengthy discussion about "must read comics" and their influence on comics media as a whole. Jin finishes the show with an energetic rant about the marriage of Batman and Catwoman.

JIN IS BACK! In Episode 027, after missing a month, Jin has defeated the dreaded "con plague" to rejoin COMIC BROS Mark and Root. She discusses her breakneck first half of 2018, MSP Comicon, colouring book, plans, and other projects. Mark has purchased a tent and expanded his show range to outdoor venues, while both Mark and Root still struggle with work/art/life balance. Then the BROS talk about self-promotion with social media!

In COMIC BROS Podcast Episode 026, Mark and Root take charge of the show to discuss the projects they're working on. (Jin has sat this episode out for a mental health break.) Yes, despite all of his claims otherwise -- Root IS doing stuff! The conversation then moves to their favorite guilty pleasure comics, which as it turns out, is a lot of shouty and punchy stuff.

In COMIC BROS Podcast Episode 025, Jin starts out with a discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of a ketogenic diet, finding purpose, beginning Queen of Assholes, and the unspoken fear of success. Root is on top of the world with a glass of wine and a new job that has him energized both creatively and personally. Mark was recently promoted to Art Director and has new enamel pins, but is struggling to balance family life and his artistic ambitions. This episode's main subject is a conversation about #Comicgate, social justice issues in comics, and the current state of corporate comics as primarily IP farms while they face declining floppy sales and aging customers. Jin plans to join the ranks of the 90s male autobiographers and "Smash the patriarchy by proving that women can be just as loathesome as men."

In this third year-in-review episode, the COMIC BROS discuss their accomplishments and feelings wrapping up 2017. Mark and Root have been pounding the pavement at Insomnia shows and Zinefest in Houston, chipping away at personal goals and milestones. Will Mark finally make it to STAPLE? What will Root drink next?! Jin prepares her hermitage, minimalist lifestyle, questions sacrificing love and personal life for career goals, and shares her thoughts about being stuck in a rut and leaving your comfort zone.

Mark MEOW and Root survived Hurricane Harvey in Houston, and are MEOW back together with Jin in COMIC BROS Podcast Episode 023! Mark and Root have MEOW done multiple shows over the summer with more on MEOW the way, while Jin wrapped up her convention season with lessons learned MEOW and a clearer path forward. The BROS toss around MEOW thoughts on work-life-balance and whether MEOW grinding is necessary for success. After a brief discussion of our MEOW reading lists, including WATCHMEN, a discussion ensues about the morality and MEOW legality of selling fan artwork. NOW WITH CAT.

Neither intermittent power outages, procrastination, or Jin's fidget spinner can stop the bros! In COMIC BROS Podcast Episode 22, Mark updates us on his latest work with the Insomnia shows, Jin elaborates in more depth on the progress of Queen of Assholes, and Root might do a thing! Then the bros have a conversation about working in black and white versus colour.

Mark and Root get together in-studio in Houston, and overcome the long delay of technical difficulties to record COMIC BROS podcast Episode 021! Root is gradually consumed by his day job, while Mark and Jin discuss their most recent conventions and shows. Jin is ALL FIRED UP for a talk about motivation, kickstarting productivity, and breaking out of creative ruts!

In this encore special episode of the COMIC BROS podcast, Jin returns to the studio of fellow Saint Paul cartoonist and podcaster Lance Ward to share a conversation and interview. Jin and Lance discuss the similarities between their work -- and how autobiographical material has affected their lives.

On this episode of The COMIC BROS Podcast Mark sits down with Derf Backderf. After Mark settles down, they talk about Derf’s career, his comics and even throw out some thoughts on the state of the floppy Superdude industry.

In this special episode of the COMIC BROS podcast, Jin sits down in the studio of fellow Saint Paul cartoonist and podcaster Lance Ward. They are both interviewed by Lance's millennial daughter, Ruth Ward. She has many curiosities as a developing young artist! Jin's Note: I really enjoyed Ruth's questions, and this is easily my favourite interview I have ever done.

This month the COMIC BROS are personal! Root's been busy with the day job, while Mark and Jin discuss issues with the Pancakes & Booze art shows. Jin talks about her upcoming project in detail, along with a source of current inspiration -- fellow Saint Paul cartoonist Lance Ward. This segways into a conversation about the nature of autobiographical material, boundaries, consent, and the other pitfalls of sharing one's life with strangers.

"The house is burning down, and everyone is arguing over who set the fire." The COMIC BROS return for the first episode of 2017, and it's gone political! We catch up with what Mark, Jin, and Root have all been doing, discuss the post-apocalyptic manga Battle Angel Alita, and then have a conversation about how art and comics are influenced by dark and difficult times.

A month without the bros? Oh no! The COMIC BROS are back after an attempt to record live in Houston, thwarted by technical difficulties! Mark's schedule is overflowing with freelance work and shows, Jin rambles about her artistic and personal growth, and Root likes to fondle fine papers. Then they come together to review the timely webcomic, The Last Halloween!

The ghosts of the Internet lash out in CBP Episode 014! Mark talks the Cheap Date Art Show, Jin regales us with tales of art shows in the Twin Cities, and Root jabbers about his new stash of indie comics. Then the whole gang sits down to discuss Kill 6 Billion Demons, to be published by IMAGE!

In CBP Episode 13, Mark, Jin, and Root are back after a fun-filled hiatus! We're old, cranky, and bad at coordinating schedules! Mark's work is growing along with his repeat show venue at Insomnia in Houston. Root has a new job and money to buy comics! Jin talks shows, MSP Comicon, and Minnesota. Then the BROS have an inconclusive discussion about how positive and negative opinions of an artist influence the ability to enjoy their work.

Mark Catches up with another old friend from College, Mario Mora: The Artisan Rouge. They reminisce about college and professors who made an impression on them, discuss Mario's current project Pagan Zoetrope and talk about the pros and cons of fan art. All while avoiding the epic flooding that was referenced in our last podcast!

The gang is back together for CBP Episode 11! Mark and Root chat about the what they haven't been doing, while Jin has turned full-bachelor, existing mainly off hot dogs from the gas station. Our topic this month is comic book movies -- have you seen 'em, which are the good ones? BATMAN!

YET ANOTHER INTERVIEW EPISODE!? Root sits down and gabs with Magic Whistle creator, and former Spongebob scribe, SAM HENDERSON about the rebirth of his flagship title, the challenges of being an indy artist, comics, vintage cartoons, that ONE prank, and archiving American humor.

In CBP Episode 009, Mark, Jin, and Root discuss all the usual topics, then explore their experiences breaking into the local art and comics scene.

*WISE WORDS WITH MARK WISE* In this supplemental episode Mark sits down with Joshua W. Cotter, creator of Nod Away. They talk about Josh's process, finding a publisher, the oddity of having the internet in your pocket at all times, and what makes really compelling sci-fi.

It’s CBP Episode 007 – the tangents episode! We attempt to discuss New Year’s Resolutions, time management, and how to avoid burnout. We mostly chat about what we haven’t been doing and haven’t been reading! And Jin speaks candidly about her struggles with anxiety and being a has-been.

It's the first annual low-to-no-effort holiday episode of the COMIC BROS podcast! Mark and Root revisit the birthplace of the COMIC BROS, and Jin tells adventures of life in Minnesota. We also give out the CBAFSWLs, or COMIC BROS Awards For Stuff We Liked. Root AND Jin are drinking!

In CBP episode 005, Mark and Root haven't been up to much, while Jin waxes philosophical about chopping off her hair. Root steals the show over discussion of our different writing processes. HOT KENTUCKY BROWN!

In CBP episode 004, special guest bro Josh Lesnick sits down with us to recommend comics appropriate for the Halloween season! We also discuss our work process when creating comics, while Jin gets a little sidetracked about the meaning of her autobiographical comics work. Good times!

In this episode, Jin and Root are angry -- ANGRY -- about newspaper comic strips!

This episode was all about the Benjamins!

It's all greasy butts and robot penis on this first episode of the COMIC BROS Podcast!