Creator Talks Podcast

Creator Talks proudly presents the husband and wife team of writer Paul Tobin and artist Colleen Coover.  Together they created the costumed teen cat burglar Bandette.   Bandette began as a digital publication in 2012 on Comixology through Monkeybrain Comics. It was nominated for four Eisner's Awards in 2013.     Not long after, Dark Horse Comics collected the single issues into soft and hard cover editions.   The next Bandette hard cover collection will be released by Dark Horse Comics on July 7th 2021 is Volume 4: The Six Finger Secret.   I discuss with Colleen how she illustrates Bandette and the reason for her bold primary color choices.   It would not be Creator Talks if I did not get personal with my guests so I ask the happy couple how they met. Did Cupid's arrow strike and was it love at first sight?   Paul and Colleen once managed a comic book store in Iowa. Paul shares how he managed to build his comic book collection while he worked there as an employee and how comic shops have changed since the 1980s.   He is also an avid comic art collector. Paul talks about some of his favorite pieces of art and why he considers himself lucky to have them. What is it about these artists' work that appeals to Paul? Which ones tuned him off as a youth but now from whom he has great admiration. His answers may surprise you.   How has collecting art become an education itself for Paul and Colleen as creators?   Paul and Colleen made several trips to France, which is the setting of Bandette's adventures. They share some of their special memories of France and later their decision to move from Iowa to Portland, Oregon for the sake of their careers.   In closing I ask Paul and Colleen my Final Nine Questions including what they like to do for recreation, beverage of choice, pet peeve, missed opportunities and when they took a risk.   Fini   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Transition Music - French Music "Jazz In Paris" Media Right Porduction "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about Bandette: The Six Finger Secret   About Paul Tobin   About Colleen Coover      

Samuel George London is a comic book writer and podcast host based in the U.K. We discuss why he developed his relatively recent interest in comic books and how he conceived and launched his popular Victorian space adventure series Milford Greene. The focus of our conversation though will be his latest work being published through Action Lab Comics, The S-Factor. It is a four-part series launching in June about an under-appreciated super hero sidekick, Greyfox, who decides to re-brand him self through a new reality TV series for super heroes called The S-Factor.  Twelve super heroine contestants must fight for his affection. Samuel shares which show inspired The S-Factor as well as his own personal experience taking part in a reality TV show.  His insight into the machinations and manipulations by associate producers to heighten emotions and tensions among contestants was fertile ground for the development of The S-Factor. Samuel also goes behind the scenes of the making of The S-Factor: the good fortune that lead to the book deal with Action Lab Comics and the artist of the series Chris Panda. Samuel reveals the series rags to riches story and why he selected Chris to illustrate it. Samuel is also the host of Comics for the Apocalypse.  We talk about his imaginative interview podcast, one which ye old host has even made an appearance.  Don't let that stop you though; it is well worth you time to give his podcast a listen. As we conclude our discussion I ask Samuel my Final Nine Questions, which include when he took a risk, his island book, recommended reading for comic book newbies and all about that missed opportunity.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Music Sample: "Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)" by The Cheeky Girls "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about The S-Factor   Listen to Comics for the Apocalypse   About Samuel George London  

Ibrahim Mustafa joins Creator Talks to discuss his latest graphic novel Count being published through Humanoids.    This sci-fi revenge story is based on the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.     The original is not the swashbuckling tale those who have not read it may think it is.   Why did Ibrahim decide to make this story the foundation for his graphic novel?    Why does the coloring and lettering fit so well with Ibrahim’s art style?   And why is this graphic novel more satisfying for Ibrahim than a comic series or fill-in issue he has drawn?   Growing up Ibrahim’s favorite superhero was Superman, and he talks about how seeing Alex Ross’ Man of Steel influenced his own art style.   Ibrahim reveals his favorite to comic art tutorial books, and why he has decided not to launch a how-to YouTube Channel.   We also talk about his work on James Bond: Origin and Solstice for Dynamite comics, and why he thinks Timothy Dalton is the best James Bond.   Why does Ibrahim think Dalton’s James Bond was initially unjustly maligned by audiences but grew to be more appreciated as Agent 007.   We touch upon his 2017 Eisner Nominated digital comic Jaeger, the story of a World War II allied spy bent on revenge against his Nazi captors. The book is only available in print from Ibrahim’s website.    Ibrahim is also the Art Director for Colorcubic, consulting on job ranging from art designs to video games.  What has been his greatest challenge working as Art Director?   I conclude our interview with my Final 9 Questions, in which we learn about his hobby of making amazing custom action figures, his favorite once-in-a-lifetime birthday experience, and one of his pet peeves that involves smartphones.     Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Transition Music - "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Audio Clip - "Mustapha" by Queen from the album "Jazz"  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Purchase the graphic novel Count   More about Ibrahim Mustafa  

This episode is being released on Memorial Day.  In honor all service men and women who gave their lives in defense of their country, I am very pleased to welcome my special guest writer Garth Ennis. Garth Ennis’ body of work includes Judge Dredd stories for 2000 AD, The Punisher and Hitman.  His comic book series Preacher and The Boys were both adapted for television. He has been an avid reader of military comics and history since a young age. He has written several war-based comics including Battlefields, Johnny Red, War Stories, and Dreaming Eagles. His latest collection now available is The Tankies. The book is published through Dead Reckoning which is an imprint of The Navel Institute Press.   The Tankies is the story of British armored forces that fought during World War II and Koren War.  The connection among the three stories contained within this graphic novel is the British tank crews lead by Corporal Stiles. Many of the sequences in the book were taken from actual historical events. I ask Garth why both the British and American tanks were at a disadvantage against the German King Tiger Tanks. Why were tanks crews prohibited from clearing out tanks that fell in battle? I discuss with Garth his favorite Battle comics he grew up reading and as a professional getting the chance to work with one of his favorite artists, Carlos Ezquerra. The co-creator of Judge Dread and Strontium Dog, Carlos also penciled the gritty art for The Tankies.  Carols Ezquerra died in 2018. Garth shares his memories of Carols and the special contribution his art style made to The Tankies.  I conclude my interview asking Garth my Final 9 Questions including about that missed opportunity and the time he took a risk.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About The Tankies

There is much banter and merriment when Eric Grissom joins Creator Talks! Eric is a comic book author and co-host of The Old Doctor Who Show podcast.   Eric has a new middle grade graphic novel titled Goblin coming soon through Dark Horse Comics. The art is by Will Perkins who also collaborated on Eric's Gregory Suicide.  Goblin will be available through comic shops May 26 and June 8th wherever fine books are sold.   How did Valiant editor and former guest Heather Antos help Eric with his story pitch?   And when did The Wonder Twins Paige and Claire Connelly, also former guests of this show, work with Eric? Eric relates the story of finding the person whose work inspired his fantasy writing and why that discovery meant so much to him.   He has also developed companion game for the book The Realm of Goblin: Beware the Dark Sisterhood. This is Eric first time ever attempting to create a game.   How did he make sure the game would meet the high standard of frequent gamers?   Eric resides in Red Bank, New Jersey, which coincidently is also the location of The Secret Stash seen in AMCs The Comic Book Men. Eric shares his thoughts about the cast and ye old host describes his appearance on the show (-eh hem Home Town Heroes, Season 5 Episode 13 now available through Amazon Prime :) I discuss with Eric his podcast The Old Doctor Who Show and we share our thoughts on our favorite classic Doctor Who episodes. To wrap up our interview I ask Eric the Final 9 Questions I ask my guests, including when Eric took a risk. Warning: this is hilarious! Don't drink milk while listening or it will shoot out of your nose!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Transition Music - "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About the Author To order Goblin Listen to The Old Doctor Who Show on Apple Podcasts        

Creator Talks proudly presents: Alan Cowsill who worked as both a writer and editor for Marvel U.K. / Panini and Eagle Moss publishing.   We begin our discussion with how Alan started in the business as a young comic book dealer.  What did valuable experience did he gain dealing in comics? What were some of his most profitable acquisitions? Would he become a comic retailer in current state of today's market? The breaking news, however, is Alan's latest work The Martial Way: Marvel's Mightiest Martial Artists. In this hardcover book chock full of art from the comic books, discover the fighting styles, training techniques, and secret disciplines of Marvel Comics' mighty martial artists.  The book is slated for release on May 4, 2021. How did Alan decide which iconic art work included in the book and how did he make every effort to ensure the content was up to date with current Marvel continuity? Alan also wrote a handy reference guide DC Comics Year by Year. What is the underlying benefit of this book for the new or lapsed DC comic reader? We also talk about Alan's writing of the Spider-Man strip included in Spider-Man Adventures magazine. Why did Alan offer to write the script and why was the strip needed for the book in the first place?  Alan is a podcast host and I ask about the status of his show The Last Geek in Space and discuss some of his previous guests.  We discuss the  martial arts since Alan is a practitioner. We both share experience about the art of fighting without fighting, martial arts philosophy and health benefits.  As we conclude our interview, I ask Alan my Final 9 Questions including his guilty pleasure, a missed opportunity and when he took a risk.    Audio Clip: "Kung Fu Fighting" (1974) - Carl Douglas Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About the Guest More about The Way of the Warrior More about DC Year By Year The Last Geek in Space Podcast

Christopher welcomes returning guest Pornsak Pichetshote, the award-winning author of the Infidel (Image Comics).  Pornsak's sophomore comic effort The Good Asian is a nine-part series being published through Image Comics.  The creative team consists of Alexander Tefenkgi on interior art, color by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Jeff Powell.  The first issue goes on sale May 5th.  The Good Asian is an noir mystery set in 1936 Chinatown featuring Edison Hark a Chinese-American detective from Hawaii and the first generation of Chinese Americans to come of age under an immigration ban.  We discuss the real life influence behind the character Edison Hark, Hawaiian Detective Chang Apana who influenced the silver screen portrayal of Charlie Chan. Today, Charlie Chan movies are considered racist because of its use of Asians sterotypes.  I ask Pornsake about the current cancel culture and its impact on books and movies.  Should Charlie Chan movies, or any racist material, be erased from history? Pornsake has taken great care to get the historical details of the period correct working with historical consultant Grant Din. We discuss the historical background of the story including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, processing of Chinese immigrants through San Francisco's Angel Island and the formation of Paper Sons.    As we conclude our interview, I ask Pornsake about his guilty pleasure, a missed opportunity and when he took a risk.    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About the Author More about The Good Asian

Returning guest Laszlo Tamasfi discusses his new book, an English translation of the screenplay of and related articles about Dracula's Death. It is the first motion picture to feature the character Dracula. This Hungarian silent film made in 1921 does not adhere to Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. It was an original story about a young woman, who encounters the famous vampire during her stay at a mental asylum.  The film is long lost but a prose adaptation was published in 1924 that Laszlo has translated. Learn how national record keeping rules made it possible for the script to survive, and how Laszlo undertook his research and translation of the book. The book is published through Strangers From Nowhere and contains new illustrations by Jozsef Svab.  I discuss with Lazlo the reason why he decide to self-publish Dracula's Death though his own imprint rather than secure a publisher to do all of the heavy lifting involved in book's editing, printing, distribution, and promotion. What are the benefits of working through a publisher, and what compromises must be made for a book to be printed? How hard should a book's creator push back against changes required by the publisher?  We discuss these questions and more.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   About the author To obtain a copy of Dracula's Death   KickStarter Corner - Past Guest's New Projects! The Milford Green Saga - Samuel George London ThoughtScape Comics Anthology - Matt Mair Lowery  

----more----March is Women’s History Month and there is no better time to welcome my three guests Lauren Burke, Hanna K. Chapman and Kaley Bales, the creative team behind Why She Wrote. Their book examines 18 of the greatest women authors of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Some are familiar favorites; others have undeservedly fallen into obscurity. Their hardcover book is being published by Chronicle Books and will available on April 20th. Chapters written by Lauren Burke and Hanna K. Chapman include an introduction to author, fun facts, a bibliography of selected works and a comic followed by the artist Kaley Bales.   Why She Wrote will explore: Why did Jane Austin struggle to write for the first five years before her first novel was ever published? How did Edith Maude Eaton’s writing change the narrative around Chinese immigrant workers in North American? Why did the Brontë sisters choose to write under male pen names, and Anne Lister write her personal diaries in code? Also, we will learn the origin of Lauren and Hanna first meeting, how it led developing their podcast Bonnets at Dawn and ultimately their book Why She Wrote.  We will also learn about Lauren’s other recent work It’s Her Story: Rosa Parks, Hanna’s Comic Book Slumber Party anthology and Kaley’s illustrations and prints. I close out our interview asking my 9 Questions which include: their pet peeves, missed opportunities and when each took a risk.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about and how to order Why She Wrote Bonnets At Dawn Podcast Kaley Bales' Store

Ezekiel “Zeke” King is back for another Midnight Mystery! Returning guest Bernie Gonzalez is the creator, writer and artist of his horror noir comic Midnight Mystery.   Originally published through Alterna Comics, Bernie has gripped the reins and is now handling Midnight Mystery's printing and distribution.  Bernie explains why he stepped away from Alterna, took a break from making comics and felt it was the right time for Zeke's return. His previously published Midnight Mystery comics are re-mastered and collected in 8" x 10 1/2" trade paperbacks and expanded with additional material.  By day, Bernie works in marketing. Although he is passionate about making comics, he finds self-promotion more of a chore.  As we discuss why this is the case, Bernie also shares his thoughts on what it takes to makes a great comic, and even a great podcast.  Discover how Bernie uses social media to share with followers what interest him, and how helps with soft promotion of Midnight Mystery. We share thoughts on our favorite classic horror TV series Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Dark Shadows and more. Warning: be sure to have a box of tissues near by before listening. We tell painful stories of culling our physical media collections, upgrading DVDs, and the uniqueness of those old VHS tapes used to record broadcast television shows.   What forgotten treasures might be found on these analogue recordings not available on retail DVDs and Blu-ray disks?     Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts Order Midnight Mystery from Bernie Gonzalez

Gregg Schigiel began his professional career in 1997 working as an assistant editor for Marvel Comics, was character artist for Nickelodeon in 2000, and from 2010-2018 was a regular contributor to SpongeBob Comics.  One would think with such an impressive resume and experience, people would know how to pronounce his name. But no. We begin our discussion with an easy way to remember the correct pronunciation of Schigiel. With the formalities out of the way, things get personal.  I recall with Gregg the circumstances under which we first met, and the impact his work has had on my two boys.   Why are kids, and adults, attracted to Gregg's comics? How does he do it? In part, it's because Gregg never forgot what it was like to be a kid.   But there are things we do forget, and we recount some of the memories that come flooding back when we re-discover books that we read many, many years ago as kids.  Turning our attention to Gregg's books, we talk about his coloring books Zooperhero Universe and Uniquecorns. Why does Gregg make coloring books now?  We also discuss his latest graphic novels Pix: One Weird Weekend and Pix: Too Super For School. How is Pix like Spider-Man crossed with fairy princess? Why would Gregg create such a character since, as we learn, he not a big fan of "hard" fantasy? And what does Gregg eschew had fantasy. In addition to comic shops and bookstores, Gregg explains why libraries are such an important brick and mortar location to reach, and teach, kids about making art and sharing his work. Gregg also has a podcast all about Tom Cruise movies titled Crusin' Together. We share about some of our favorite, and not so favorite, Tom Cruise films. Did you know that Gregg's art is also wearable? He has a creative tee-shirt line celebrating the films and many characters of an American treasure, Tom Hanks.  I close our interview with Gregg answering the fun questions I ask all my guest including the toughest of them all for Gregg, what would be his one his island book. Only one book, and Tom Hank's is not on the island as a source of entertainment. "Wilson!!!"   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Gregg Schigiel's comics & coloring books   Gregg Schigiel's Hanks A Lot Tees   Gregg's Podcast Crusin' Together        

Laurence Luckinbill is an actor, playwright and director best know for his one-man plays in which he portrayed President Theodore Roosevelt, Clarence Darrow, Ernest Hemingway and President Lyndon Johnson.  Laurence is best known by science fiction fans as Spock's half-brother Sybok in the motion picture Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989). Laurence's first graphic novel Teddy is based on his one-man play Teddy Tonight! The graphic novel adaptation was illustrated by artist Eryck Tait and published by Dead Reckoning.  We learn the story of Theodore Roosevelt's life and why Laurence decided to set his play Teddy Tonight! during a speech T.R. had to deliver in July 1918. What event did he just learn about the changed the course of his speech? I ask Laurence how he kept his live performances night after night fresh and if he ever needed to adjust a portrayal based on audience feedback.  Of course we talk about Star Trek V, why Laurence was offered the part, and what he told the director William Shatner about how he wanted to play the part of Sybok.  When I Kick Back With The Creator, we discuss how Laurence keeps fit and healthy at 86 years of age and how to have a happy marriage!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Link to video of performances by  Laurence Luckinbill   Link to buy Teddy the graphic novel    

Sal Abbinanti, a favorite guest of comic book podcasts, makes his Creator Talks debut. Sal is the art representative for master comic book artists Alex Ross and Bill Sienkiewicz. Sal is the creator of the comic series Atomika (2005) which was self-published through his imprint Mercury Comics.  We discuss Sal's first Kickstarter The Hostage, a story that draws from his experience in Rio de Janeiro and the religious culture of the city. How did that experience change his life...forever? We also talk about Sal's first published Marvel work that was released the same month as his first Kickstarter.   Sal contributed the art for "I Am a Revoltin' Development", written by Alex Ross and published in Marvel #4. Sal grew up reading Marvel Comics and is a huge fan of Jack Kirby and John Buscema's art.   What did Jack Kirby say about comics that inspired Sal to try to break into the business? Why did Marvel Comics' editors repeatedly reject Sal's art portfolio in the 90's?  We also talk about life in cold, windy Chicago and warm, sunny Las Vegas. When I Kick Back with The Creator, Sal answers such questions as: his favorite island book, posters he had on his bedroom wall as a pre-teen and his guilty pleasure. Plus how to avoid marital arguments... and extend your life!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Link to The Hostage Kickstarter which ends February 25, 2021       

In honor of Black History Month, Creator Talks is joined by Ken Quattro, long-time comic book reader, collector and writer of history.   Ken discusses his recent published work Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books.  Researched over two decades using original source materials, including official documents, contemporaneous newspaper articles and comics, Ken examines the lives of black men who worked in comic art shops during the Golden Age of Comics.  Ken writes in his book: "One thing they shared was for too long they lingered, out of mine and out of sight of their light-skinned peers, evading the scrutiny of historians and the eyes that looked past them, to everyone who saw only their skin color and then saw nothing more. Without body or substance. As if they were invisible."  We learn how some of these artists denied their heritage, while others embraced it.  Most led two professional lives, one working in comics and the other outside of the medium. After discussing his book, we turn to the subject of his life long passion, comic books. We cover: The dawn of the Marvel Age of Comics in 1961, and Ken was there. What is the difference between writing and story telling? What issue explains the greatness of comics in just five pages?  Why are we both vehemently opposed to "slabbing" comics? Why has there never been a highly successful Fantastic Four movie? Ken has the answer, and it lies in embracing the FF's Silver Age roots. All this and more packed into this 45-minute interview, commercial free!    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Now available Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artist of Comic Books   Ken Quattro's companion Invisible Men Blog                        

Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals, Daredevil) and Jason Loo (The Pitiful Human Lizard) spend time with Creator Talks to talk about their Comixology original Afterlift, available for the first time in print in books stores  February 2nd and in comic shops through Dark Horse Comics on February 3rd, 2021.  The Eisner and Shuster Award winning comic is about Janice Chen who works for the ride sharing app CABIT.  She picks  up a man who insists she stop for a young woman on the way to his final destination. Janice learns he is a demon named Dumu who wants a ride to The Midway, the first step in the afterlife, to cross the River Styx into Hell.  The print edition is loaded with Chip's commentary and Jason's design sketches.  Chip and Jason talk about their first impression of each other and working on Afterlift. We also discuss why some people who read comics digitally double dip for the print copy. Chip know why, because he does too. Will this be the future of comics, from digital edition to print trade?  I also ask Chip and Jason their thoughts on what lies beyond this life. Is it anything like Afterlift ?  When I ask my guests nine fun questions, I discover what is their favorite birthday, beverage, island book and guilty pleasure!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   About Afterlift   

Joining Creator Talks is Brandon Montclaire who has written a graphic novel anthology with Frank Marraffino titled Ludwig van Beethoven - The Final Symphony (Z2 Comics). It features dozens of artists and sports a cover by David Mack.  2020 was the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven. We discuss Beethoven's influence on pop culture and cite a few examples from the 20th century.  Brandon also explains the development of the graphic novel, how he and Frank split writing duties and some of the artists on the book. We talk about how early performances of Beethoven's music changed how the public approached listening to classical music, and we digress about our own experience listening to and collecting vinyl records.  Brandon discusses his previous work for Marvel Comics writing Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, the end of the series and it's continued growth through trade paperbacks and a cartoon in production for Disney.   We conclude our discussion with the 9 Questions I ask my guests including "the one that got away" and the time Brandon took a risk buying a comic shop.    Audio Clips: A Charlie Brown Christmas - Bagatelle No. 25 "Fur Elise" A Clock Work Orange - Beethoven's 9th Symphony Soylent Green - “Pastoral” from Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 A Fifth of Beethoven - Walter Murphy   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Order Ludwig van Beethoven - The Final Symphony    

Celebrate the New Year with this special bonus interview! The last interview with writer Zack Kaplan was on my 12th episode. Zack returns to Creator Talks to kick off 2021 by discussing his latest trade paperback Join The Future (Aftershock Comics).  It is a Sci-Fi Western about ultra-modern megacities rewarding millions of their citizens with a completely funded life, with every need met, from food to housing and healthcare, in order to compete in an economic power struggle in which population is key.      We talk about Join The Future and the artists Zack has collaborated with on all his comic book series.   Zack's prior work Eclipse (Top Cow 2016), Port of Earth (Top Cow 2018) and The Lost City Explorers (Aftershock 2018) have been optioned for TV series development. I ask Zack, are comics getting optioned for television really that common? As I learned in our first interview Zack loves to play poker.  How much of Poker's strategy is based on psychology, i.e., reading the other person? In Zack's opinion, has any book or film portrayed a realistic game of Poker ? How would Zack re-write a script for game of Poker for a James Bond film? Zack also answers nine fun questions I ask including: What's his beef? What is his guilty pleasure? When did he take a risk?   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Join The Future      

Tony Isabella began working for Marvel Comics on October 31, 1972.  He shares his thoughts about working at Marvel and about some of the people he worked alongside.    What was it like working for editors Roy Thomas, Stan Lee and Len Wein?  Among the Marvel Comics we discuss that Tony wrote are Ghost Rider, The Champions, Luke Cage, Power Man and Black Goliath. Learn why one of his characters in Ghost Rider was changed at the end of story. Tony also wrote for DC and shares his thoughts about working for the publisher over the years. Tony pitched Black Lightning to DC when asked to write for another character.   Why did DC prefer his idea for Black Lightning rather than the other pitch?  Why did Tony initially leave the series in 1978 and what were his ultimate plans for the series villain during its 1995 revival?   Tony explains why he has a problem with the way Black Lightning has been portrayed in other DC magazines and why his 2018 six-part story Cold Dead Hands is true to the character's core values.  We also discuss the future of single-issue comics, Super Hero movies, Tony's Blog and series of books he plans to write about cheesy monster movies! All of this in this jam-packed interview plus my Kicking Back With the Creator questions.    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts Read more from Tony at tonyisabella.blogspot.com    

My guest Birdie Willis is a queer, non-binary comic book writer. Birdie's latest work is Seen: Rachel Carson scheduled for release through Boom! Studios March 2021 . Rachel Carson was a Marine Biologist who fought against the environmental crisis which ultimately lead to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One of her biggest contributions was alerting the world about the environmental impact of fertilizers and pesticides. One of her most popular books published in 1962 on the subject was Silent Spring.  Seen: Rachel Carson is the 2nd in a series of graphic novels spotlighting true stories of ground breakers who changed our world for the better. We talk about writing Seen: Rachel Carson and the book's illustrator Rii Abergo. Birdie also provides answers to difficult questions we face today including: How we can become more aware of those who are marginalized and subsets of society? What do we say to those who hold onto the past and believe their way of life is threatened by the marginalized? How can we learn to better understand and respect each other? We also discuss Birdie's other work Over the Garden Wall: Soulful Symphonies (BOOM!) and next project Of Her Own Design (Mad Cave Studios) with Jess Taylor and Stephanie Palladino. All this plus the fun questions when we Kick Back With The Creator! Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Birdie Willis More about Seen: Rachel Carson  

Élodie Durand is a French cartoonist who has written and illustrated several children's books including Les grandes années. Élodie's published her black and white graphic novel Parenthesis in 2011.  It is the story of Julie, barely out of her teens, when she develops a brain tumor that leads to seizures, memory gaps and a loss of self.   The opening of parenthesis that may never close interrupts the sentence of her normal life. Parenthesis is actually a memoir based on Élodie's real life experience of her own brain tumor.  It was her debut title and was awarded the Revelation Prize of the Angoulême International Comics Festival. Parenthesis is schedule for release for  the first time in English through Top Shelf/IDW publishing January 12th, 2021.   Élodie Durand resides in Marseille, France and joins me for this interview with her friend and translator Lena. Learn from the source what Élodie's experience was like, how she managed to close the parenthesis and the advice she has for others suffering from a sense of loss. Before we conclude our interview I Kick Back With the Creator and ask Élodie about her favorite birthday, her beverage of choice, life in Marseille and her next project.    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Élodie Durand More about Parenthesis        

My guest Zack Keller is the writer of Cuphead Volume 1: Comic Capers and Curios released July 2020 and Cuphead Volume 2: Cartoon Chronicles and Calamities coming in February 2021 (Dark Horse Comics). Based on the wildly popular and very challenging video game, Cuphead is illustrated in the rubber hose style of animation used in cartoons of the 1930s produced by Fleischer Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios.  Shawn Dickinson illustrates both books and the second volume introduces a new character Miss Chalice.  In addition to discussing the new adventures of Cuphead, Zack talks about his early work writing adventure video games for the Tell-Tale Series and his multi-award winning YouTube animated series that he co-created with Ed Skidder titled Dick Figures. When I Kick Back With The Creator, learn how Zack has been spending his off time fishing, baking bread, brewing beer, about the wonderful caffeinated drink he discovered during a trip to Japan and the what comic work he has planned for 2021.  Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Audio Clips: Dick Figures episode #25 Planet A$$Hole Theme music from Cuphead Announcement Trailer for Xbox   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Zack Keller More about Cuphead and Mugman

I bid you… welcome... to Creator Talks 2020 Halloween Special! My special guest is Kerry Gammill, perhaps best known for his illustration of Power Man and Iron Fist and Superman comics in the 1980s and 1990s.We start our conversion discussing the comic legends’ work he admired as a youth and the conversations he later had as an adult with Jack Kirby and John Buscema.Kerry reveals why he decided it was time to move on from comics and work as a special effects concept designer and storyboard artist for television and film.Learn which television project was Kerry’s favorite and why.Kerry is also a big fan of classic Universal Horror movies.  Growing up in Texas in the 1950s he would catch them on television and Saturday evenings watch his favorite local horror show Nightmare Theater hosted by Bill Camfield as Gorgon. We discuss why Kerry thought Gorgon was the one of best horror show hosts ever.Did you know Kerry has written and illustrated several horror works since leaving the world of monthly comics?Learn about his book with J. David Spurlock The Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos and why Basil did not want one of his illustrations included in the book.Kerry also took a stab his own comic series in the spirit of the now classic Creepy and Eerie black and white horror magazines titled Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave, which ran four issues and is available on Comixology.His latest work is Bram Stoker’s Dracula Starring Bela Lugosi, which he served as art director and is illustrated by El Garing. Find out Kerry’s role as art director on Dracula then Kick Back With the Creator as I ask Kerry’s the fun questions I ask all my guests plus a few other surprises. Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab Creator Talks logo by The Design PunkAudio Clips:Dracula (1931)Nightmare Theater (Late 1950s)Bride of Frankenstein (1935)Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)The Three Stooges Idle Roomers (1944) Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple PodcastsAbout Bram Stoker’s Dracula Starring Bela LugosiAbout Kerry Gammill 

Dave Baker is a writer living in Los Angels and co-creator of Action Hospital, F*ck Off Squad and contributed one of the stories contained in Star Trek: Waypoint (IDW). Dave is a big fan of the Star Trek franchise and is the writer of the forthcoming mini-series in November Star Trek Voyager: Seven's Reckoning (IDW).   This is the first Star Trek Voyager series in nearly 10 years and set within Voyager continuity.  Dave's co-collaborator is artist Angel Hernandez (Star Trek: Picard Countdown and Star Trek /Green Lantern). Dave discusses the critical role of his co-collaborators on the titles he writes and his issue with some journalists and publishers placing the all emphasis on the writer of a title. We discuss some of Dave's favorite comics, including Jack Kirby's Captain Victory. Learn why of all Kirby's creations, Jack's later work from the mid-80 and early 90s are Dave's favorite.  Dave also explains his theory why bad movies are so popular, and it not because people particularly like bad movies.   When we get into the mini-series Seven's Reckoning, Dave tells us why Seven of Nine was first introduced into the Voyager television series, what her place is in his comic mini-series and the new alien race Dave created for it. When I Kick Back With The Creator, Dave reveals which Star Trek movie was his favorite growing up, and it wasn't The Wrath of Khan! What was it about his pick that had him so obsessed with it?  Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Dave Baker's comics More about Star Trek Discovery  Seven's Reckoning                

Steve Ditko was a legendry artist and storyteller who co-created such characters as Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, The Question and The Creeper.   Join me for this special interview with David Currie, author of the upcoming book published through Hermes Press Ditko Shrugged: The Uncompromising Life of The Artist Behind Spider-Man and The Rise of Marvel Comics.   It is the first in depth biography of comics-legend Steve Ditko, in his own words, taken from many years of correspondence with author and endorsed by the Ditko family.   In his book, David Currie tells the stories of Steve Ditko’s contemporaries, from Jack Kirby to Wally Wood, and the struggles they all faced working in the comic industry.   David describes some of the topics he discussed with Steve Ditko in their correspondence as well as some of Ditko’s well-known, and not so well-known, comic work. Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about Ditko Shrugged: The Uncompromising Life of The Artist    

My guest  Leah Moore is the daughter of Alan Moore who is known for such titles as V for Vendetta, The Killing Joke, Swamp Thing and From Hell. Leah has written comic series with her husband John Reppion including The Trial of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes-The Liverpool Demon (Dynamite Entertainment). Leah is writing the graphic novel Morrison Hotel, a celebration of The Doors album by the same name. The book is due for released in October. The anthology is written in collaboration with the surviving members of The Doors Robby Krieger and John Densmore. Artists from around the world including Colleen Doran, Marguerite Sauvage and more are illustrating the book. Leah describes her reaction as a teenager in the early 90s listening to The Doors music she discovered among her parent’s vinyl record collection. Co-founding member of The Doors Ray Manzarek once said, “Jim Morrison wasn’t a showman, he was a shaman.”  Leah Moore describes what made Jim Morrison and The Doors distinct among rock bands of the 1960s and how they were at the forefront the decade’s a social and cultural revolution. We also talk about how the album Morrison Hotel was a departure from their previous album The Soft Parade. Morrison Hotel was a return to their earlier roots as a blues rock band playing at clubs such as The Whiskey a Go-Go. Leah explains how the Morrison Hotel GN is a concerted effort to go beyond simply translating each track into its own short story. Stories include will also provide historical context for the songs included on Morrison Hotel. As we conclude our interview I Kick Back with The Creator and ask Leah about her favorite birthday, beverage of choice and if she could, the one question she would ask Jim Morrison.   The Doors Song Clips: “People Are Strange”- Strange Days “Wishful Sinful” – The Soft Parade “You Make Me Real” – Morrison Hotel “Peace Frog” – Morrison Hotel “Roadhouse Blues” – Morrison Hotel   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   About Leah Moore   About the Morrison Hotel GN      

In less than 60 days the United States 2020 Election will take place and there could be no better time to present my next two guests. Cynthia and Sanford Levinson are the authors of Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and The Flaws That Affect Us Today.  Their book will be as part of a line of civics graphic novels from the acclaimed publisher First Second. Alley Shwed illustrated the 228-page graphic novel edition of Fault Lines on sale September 22nd. Cynthia and Sanford explain how despite the Framers of the Constitution's best intentions, there are faults in the Constitution that still impact and impede our political process today.   Among the issues we discuss are the Electoral College system, the disproportionate representation between small and large states and a lack of representation of states' population diversity within the Senate. With the current back the drop of the Black Lives Matter movement, I am very fortunate to have Cynthia also discuss two of her other books We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March and The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey  Faye Hendricks.  Cynthia explains what compelled her to write these two books and how children made a difference in Black America's fight for equality and civil rights in the 1960s. On a lighter note when I Kick Back With the Creator, I learn Cynthia and Sanford's island book and their beverage of choice. Pay attention, there are some great drink recipes I know I'm going to try!   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About Fault Lines In The Constitution About Cynthia Levinson Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab       

September starts out strong for Creator Talks with another bonus podcast for the Labor Day Holiday.  Award-winning Australian writer/artist Chris Gooch joins me to discuss the making of his graphic novel Under-Earth through Top Shelf/IDW on sale October 2020. This is the second of two graphic novels Certified Cool by Diamond Previews I teased on previous shows.  Diamond Preview's description of Under-Earth reads: "The inmates of an expansive underground prison struggle to build meaningful lives in a broken system, in the most ambitious graphic novel to date from rising indie star Chris Gooch...Equal parts sincerity an violence, Under-Earth explores  humanity's inextinguishable drive to find meaning, connection, and even family-and how fragile such constructions can be" Chris' other notable and award-winning work includes Bottled and Deep Breaths. I discuss these works with Chris as well, and how he works on multiple projects in different stages of development, simultaneously, to keep his work fresh as he grinds through the finishing details.  We also talk about whom Chris considers his mentors, learning to work digitally and the movie that changed the way he thinks.   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About Under-Earth More about Chris Gooch Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab     

Sean Chen (artist of X-O, Iron Man, Wolverine and Batman Beyond) joins Creator Talks to discuss the September 1st only 24-hour digital drop of Wingman: Compendium of an Artist's First Writing Experience.  The book was inspired by the 1957 classic Swedish art film The Seventh Seal directed by Ingmar Bergman. The digital version of Sean's book is available free and in it's entirety on Nextchapter's Instagram @NextChapterPost. The physical copy will not only contain the story but also a page-by-page look at Sean's creative process. Why did Sean decide to post the story on Instagram and partner with NextChapter for the physical edition rather than a launching a Kickstarter campaign? Don't worry if you are listening to our interview too late to get a physical copy. There is still a plenty of discussion of Sean's career, from Valiant to Marvel, and the lessons he has learned about making comics. We talk about the first time I meet Sean during the Delaware Valley CBRI One Day Tour that was held Saturday February 27, 1993. He was promoting his first comic work for Valiant Rai and The Future Force. How did Sean get his first break working for Valiant Comics?  Sean learned a great deal at Valiant and tells how his art developed under the guidance of Art Director Barry-Windsor Smith and Editor-In-Chief Bob Layton.  When Sean made the jump to Marvel Comics 1998 to illustrate Iron Man for the launch of Marvel's Heroes Return, he had the opportunity to work with writer Kurt Busiek.  Sean explains how writer/artist collaborations back then were different than how they are commonly done today.  Kick Back With the Creator to learn how Sean likes to relax, his island book and the oddest job he ever had.   Plus: Sean reveals what he considers his missed opportunities that comic artists should take heed.   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts Learn about NextChaptersPosts one-day sale! Sean Chen's Instagram   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab   

Koren Shadmi is an award winning writer/artist who has provided cover illustrations for Newsweek, LA Weekly, The Village Voice and other magazines. He studied and now teaches at the Visual School of Arts in New York City.  As a teacher, Is Koren able to tell which of his students have the best chance of making a living as an artist? What skills do they need to develop to survive in the business world? Koren has two graphic novels being released. The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and The Birth of Television published by Humanoids. This 168 page black and white graphic novel will be available again in print this October. Koren talks about the life of Rod Serling, the successes he achieved in television and the struggles he faced.   What makes the The Twilight Zone a timeless classic? Koren's other work coming this October is Bionic, a full color 192-page graphic novel being published by Top Shelf / IDW.  Bionic is a near future coming-of-age story for the digital generation. Victor is geek and wants to win the love of the gorgeous Patricia – but she returns from a horrible accident with new robotic parts-and both their lives are changed, forever! As our discussion comes to close, I Kick Back with the Creator to ask Koren about his favorite birthday, beverage of choice, that missed opportunity and more.    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   About Koren Shadmi   About The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and The Birth of Television   About Bionic   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab   

Vali Chandrasekaran is a producer and comedy writer living in Los Angeles. His first work for NBC was writing television scripts for My Name is Earl.  Two other programs he wrote for were 30 Rock and Modern Family, both Emmy nominated multiple times for Best Comedy Series. I discuss with Vali how he landed his first television work and how breaking into screen writing can be very competitive. Vali spent some time in front of the camera on an episode of the The Office.  We go behind the scenes to learn how he landed the role and what the experience was like working with cast. He has written his own comic, Genius Animals, which is available for free and in it’s entirety online at genuisanimals.net Genius Animals is a comedic mystery about that situation where you think your relationship is going well, then one day your significant other disappears. When you try to figure out what happened, you can’t tell if you have been ghosted or have to save all of humanity.   Why did Vali decide to go from Hollywood scriptwriter to comic book writer?    What is his connect to the web comic’s artist Jun-Pierre Shiozawa?   What is the difference between writing for 30Rock characters and comics?    How is making a graphic novel both exactly like and very different from running a TV show?   All this plus a discussion on television shows screened before a live studio audience and the use of laugh tracks in a comedy series.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Link to the web comics Genius Animals

I continue to explore the Batman Family corner of the DC Universe with veteran writer / artist Dan Jurgens.   Among Dan's vast body of work is the 1992 classic Death of Superman, his run on Thor, Captain America and The Sensational Spider-Man.  Dan is also the creator of the classic characters Doomsday and Booster Gold.   I check in with Dan to see how he is faring during the coronavirus pandemic and how he managed to safely connect with local fans at a Minnesota comic shop during a recent signing event.   Dan is working with former collaborator Sean Chen, one of the current artists on Batman Beyond.  I asked Sean in advance to comment on working with Dan and shared his feedback.    Both creators have in common working for Valiant Comics during the 1990s. Dan reflects on a few highlights while writing Solar Man of the Atom.   Dan explains why every comic he writes still contains enough exposition to make the issue accessible to new readers.    We talk about comic book anniversaries and how they have lost some of their luster with the increasing frequency of these milestone issues.  Dan explains what is key for him to make an issue worthy of containing extra pages that demand a higher price tag.   Dick Grayson returns as the titular hero in Nightwing this fall with issue #75.     Dick lost his memory from a gunshot to the head by KGBeast back in Batman #55 and his struggle continued beginning with Nightwing #50. Dan took over the reigns writing Nightwing with issue #59.  He explains his approach to keeping the series a Nightwing comic book until the return of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.   Both Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond and Dick Grayson in Nightwing suffered from memory loss.  Is there a connection between the two?   I ask Dan's his thoughts on Superman not being consider for another solo film, Henry Cavill in the title role and the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Zak Snyder Cut.    The final chapter of the Death of Superman was illustrated entirely with single panel pages. What ever happened to the original art from Superman #75?    When I Kick Back With the Creator, I ask Dan about his favorite birthday which digresses into a discussion of 8-track tapes. For his island book Dan picks an ideal comic omnibus.   All this and more is in this installment of Creator Talks.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about Dan Jurgens          

Wake the kids and phone the neighbors!   DC artist Jason Fabok joins Creator Talks to discuss  Batman: Three Jokers. Years in the making and delayed two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issue #1 of this DC Black Label mini-series arrives on August 25th 2020.     Jason worked on titles Superman/Batman, Batman, Batman Eternal, Dark Knight, Detective Comics and Justice League. He won the 2019 Eisner Award for Best Short Story with Swap Thing Winter Special: The Talking of the Saints.    Why did Jason decided make a living illustrating comics after going to bible school for one year and how did this choice make his faith even stronger?     How did David Finch help Jason break into DC comics? Jason's run with Geoff Johns on Justice League Darksied Wars ended with issue #50.  Learn why they agreed their next story together had to be Batman: Three Jokers.   We also find out how The Killing Joke influences the layout and tone of Batman Three Jokers and why Jason insisted he illustrate all the variant covers for the three part series.    Jason also discusses working again with his collaborators from Justice League writer Geoff Johns and colorist Brad Anderson.    I close the interview Kicking Back With the Creator to discover Jason's island book, beverage of choice, action figure accessory and the Batman run that inspired him to be a profession comic book artist.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Jason Fabok More about Batman: Three Jokers           

Thou demanded more and ye shall have it!   Stuart Moore joins me to continue exploring the world of AHOY Comics. We focus on two titles he is writing: Bronze Age Boogie (art Alberto Ponticelli) and Captain Ginger (art by June Brigman). Stuart explains the challenges of building creative teams and keeping things running smoothly.  How did one whimsical illustration of cats by June Brigman ignite a creative spark that lead her joining forces with Stuart to tell the story of Captain Ginger?   Stuart is suspicious of nostalgia and explains why Bronze Age Boogie is not just a nostalgic trip. But there are some delightful 1970s references. We discuss a few of them, Chris busts out a few of his old 45s (singles records, that is :) and we share our memories of the 1970s. Next we turn to the Bronze Age of comics.  We have a pretty good idea when it ended, but what marked the beginning of the Bronze Age of comics?  Stuart and I share our thoughts on the subject.  We discuss some comics from the 1970s including one Stuart was particularly fond of Marvel Previews #4.  Why was that one so special? We also talk about Stuart's experience of working with one of the best editors ever, Archie Goodwin.  In closing I Kick Back With The Creator and ask Stuart his island book, about one comic project that got away and Bronze Age technology he misses most.    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab Interview Closing Song: "Everyone's a Winner" by Hot Chocolate   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About Bronze Age Boogie About Captain Ginger  

Extra! Extra! A bonus episode to kick off the holiday weekend, because we could all use a little fun during this difficult time. Terry Dodson, artist known for his artwork on X-Men, Spider-Man, Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman joins Creator Talks. Terry discusses his creator own series Adventureman (Image Comics) written by Matt Fraction and his work on the  mini-series X-Men/ Fantastic Four (Marvel) written by Chip Zdarsky. We dig into the genesis of each series. Why did the first issue of Adventureman need to be super-sized? And will the fall out from the events of the X-Men/Fantastic Four mini-series matter in the grand scheme of Marvel universe?   Rachel Dodson, Terry's wife, inks both series and most of Terry's other comic work. We discuss the joys of working from home with our spouses and the secret to making it work.  Terry pulls double duty by penciling and coloring Adventureman.  Why did he decide to take the series palette into his own hands? Terry was a co-founding member Mercury Studios (now Helioscope Studious) and he explains how it remains an invaluable resource for him.  With no convention appearances planned this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, how is Terry still able to connect with fans?  We share our thoughts and concerns about comic book shops surviving the double whammy of the Coronavirus pandemic and DC's split from Diamond. Is the end of comics nigh (again)?  I close the interview by Kicking Back with the Creator when Terry answers the question: What was his comic career high, low and adventure!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts The Official Terry Dodson Page About Adventureman (Image) About X-Men/Fantastic Four (Marvel)    

Tom Peyer, Editor-in-Chief of Ahoy Comics, joins Creator Talks. We begin highlighting some of Tom's past work admired by Ye Podcast Host, including Hourman,  Marvel Team-Up, and Magnus Robot Fighter. I ask Tom about working with Mark Waid, his co-writer on Captain Kid (Aftershock). Learn the reason for founding AHOY Comics in 2018 and some of the titles published in the past, present and future.   Comics spotlighted in our interview include Edgar Allan Poe's Snifter of Terror, High Heaven, The Wrong Earth and Captain Ginger.  Taking a deeper dive into High Heaven, we sink our teeth into the subject of L-Meat. What is the common thread that runs throughout all Ahoy publications?  Why are the series written as seasons? What does the future hold for publishing AHOY Comics post-pandemic? How will the comics industry be changed, forever, post-pandemic? During the signature feature of the podcast Kicking Back With the Creator, I ask Tom what was the one project that got away and what book changed the way he thinks. After the interview, get out your calendar and follow along as I cover the Summer 2020 release schedule for AHOY Comics! Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About Tom Peyer and AHOY Comics  

Adam Wallenta is the co-creator of Punk Taco, the 2019 Ringo Award winner for Best Kids Comic or Graphic Novel.  His co-writer is son Makana who was just five years-old when the book was written.   Who is Punk Taco?  "... a lovable, sentient, alien-taco, who rocks out across the galaxy with his band of misfits whom he calls family. Together they spread peace and love through the power of their music, help those in need and battle bullies and evil tyrants wherever they may be. Written by Adam Wallenta and his 5-year-old son, Makana, Punk Taco is a brand new all-ages sci-fi, humor, adventure, graphic novel series meant to encourage kids to read, laugh and love. Punk Taco is appropriate for libraries, schools and great for kids to read with their parents" -  Comixology. Adam is busy at work on volume two and three of Punk Taco. What were some of the difficulties he faced distributing volume one before winning the Ringo Award and what challenges did he encounter during the Covid-19 pandemic during the temporary closure of Diamond Distributors? I discuss with Adam his study of art in the 1990s and his subsequent internship at Marvel Comics working as an assistant editor. We also talk about the importance of communication and follow-up with creators, his love of original art and hip-hop music. Adam wrote a mini-series about a ground-breaking hip-hop group that he would open for at concerts.  Why did Adam turn down Marvel's offer to publish the series?  Learn about these subjects and more as I conclude our interview with the podcast's signature segment Kicking Back With The Creator. Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts  More about Adam Wallenta and Punk Taco  

Brent Schoonover (artist on Batman '66, The Phantom) visits with Creator Talks to discuss his new comic book project coming in June titled Devil's Highway.   This five-part comic series is written by Benjamin Percy (Green Arrow, Nightwing) and colored by Nick Filardi. It's being published by AWA Studios, a new business venture captained by former Vice President of Marvel Bill James and former Marvel Editor-In-Chief Axel Alanso. Why did the did they decide to launch a new comic book publishing company? What makes AWA Studios different from other publishers, and why have they decides to release Devil's Highway digitally first then print later? Other comic book publishers have been reluctant to release their titles digitally in advance since the Covid-19 pandemic which forced the closing of non-essential businesses including our beloved comic book shops. How did Axel's editorial experience influence Devil's Highway and how did Brent's suggested changes to the script add to the first issue's stunning cliff-hanger? (Not to worry - no spoilers revealed during the interview). I discuss with Brent some of his other work outside of mainstream comics including a movie house festival poster, a rock legend's concert tour poster, and connecting covers for a television-based comic series.  During the Kicking Back With The Creator segment, Brent reveals his favorite form of recreation, beverage of choice and the ones that got away...the comic projects that almost happened. Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Brent Schoonover More about Devil's Highway and AWA Studios      

Not going anywhere this three-day weekend?  Let's visit Spain for this special edition of Creator Talks to meet artist Benito Gallego. Benito studied art at Faculty of Fine Arts in Spain and is a huge fan of legendary Silver Age and Bronze Age artist John Buscema (The Avengers, Silver Surfer, Savage Sword Conan, Tarzan). Having a style which harkens back the powerful style of John Buscema, Benito has illustrated comics and strips scripted by the great Roy Thomas including the World War II super-hero team Anthem and The New Tales of Tarzan. Benito also illustrated the entire run of the Bronze Age flavored super-hero comic Apama, The Undiscovered Animal. This multi-talented artist who also has colored and lettered his own work has made many contribution to horror tales in The Creeps! written by Don Glut, including one of Benito's personal favorites Maciste Against Dracula! The work that Benito is most proud of is The Life of Bob Marley, which he drew, colored and lettered.  We learn from Benito what is the fate of the Anthem series, hints about new projects in the works, and the one project that got away! Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts  About Benito Gallego Heroic Publishing fund raiser for Anthem #6 More about The New Adventures of Tarzan  

Heather Antos was recently promoted to Senior Editor at Valiant Comics and joins Creator Talks for this interview.   Once Heather discovered editing comics was what she wanted to do as career, she felt it was too late to break into the business.   How did she overcome the odds to land a job at Marvel?  How does she harness Twitter as a force for good? And what the heck does that mean? We discussed some of the things an editor looks for in telling a story through comics books and gives an example of the perfect application of these techniques that blend script and sequential art.  Among Heather's editorial duties are overseeing the relaunched Shadowman and X-O Manowar series. We take a deep dive into the creative team on each series and their new direction. Heather has worked for Image and Marvel as well.  What new found freedom does she have at Valiant as an editor? We conclude by Kicking Back With the Creator as I ask Heather all my fun question including about the one that got away. Hear it here first, the one comic from Marvel that almost happened. Have a box of tissues near, this one is going to break your heart.     Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts Heather Antos on Everything You Need to Know About Editing Valiant Entertainment      

Chris Condon is the author of That Texas Blood (Image Comics) due out June 24th and is my guest on this installment of Creator Talks.  This neo-noir crime comic book series opens with 70 year-old Texas Sheriff Joe Bob Coates and the search for a casserole dish.  Chris Condon explains what makes his comic book a neo-noir crime story and how it has changed throughout its development from film to comic. I learn from Chris why Ambrose County, Texas is the perfect setting for the story, from it's unique culture to its haunting landscape. He also shares the experience of growing up in the small town of Metuchen, NJ including: who were some of the famous people that lived there and its food scene. Chris had a different childhood from the other kids in his neighborhood. His parents raised him on 1950s television and movies which had a significant impact on his writing style. Another major influence on Chris' writing was the unique educational experience he received working for director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Howling). Chris explains what made that opportunity one of the best decisions he made on his path to becoming a professional writer. Jacob Phillips (son of artist Sean Phillips) is the artist on this new series. Jacob was the colorist of Ed Brubaker's most recent Criminal series.  That Texas Blood is Jacob's first solo work. Chris talks about how he  joined forces with Jacob and what he brings to the series. In closing I Kick Back With The Creator to learn more about Chris and his other interests and experiences both inside and outside of comics. Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about That Texas Blood      

My guest Veilbor Stanjavic, aka Well-Bee for Marvel's X written by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger.  Well-Bee grew up in Serbia during the 1990s and he shares how difficult it was during that period of the country's history. We discuss how he managed to get into comic despite their sporadic distribution during the war years, talk about his father's Western comic book collection, and going to school to study art.  Well-Bee was not always encouraged to pursue his dream to be a comic book artist and we find out why.  What comics did Well-Bee enjoy reading? How was he introduced to the Earth X comic books and how did he brake into comics professionally? I close the interview Kicking Back With The Creator and ask Well-Bee the fun questions I ask all my guests.  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts  More About Well-Bee

Let's get away from all the Covid-19 talk and go back to happier days for my fun interview with artist Bob Q.   This one is sure to lift your spirit! Bob is currently working on Captain America (Marvel Comics) and Red Sonja (Dynamite Entertainment). Besides that he is the got-to-guy when publishers need to get the art on a comic book done and done right. Bob has also illustrated other series including Lone Ranger: The Devil's Rope, James Bond Origin, and Green Hornet 66 Meets The Spirit for Dynamite Entertainment. We talk about a cool museums we have visited, how L.A. has changed since Bob moved there many years ago and the comic conventions we had planned to visit this spring which are now being rescheduled.   I discuss with Bob some of his other projects, including his creator-owned work and the art he designed for a unique brand of coffee. We also talk about two other projects  Bob's Drawing Challenge on YouTube and as a helping hand behind-the-scenes for Ms. Q's podcast Boos and Brews. I wrap up Kicking Back With the Creator and ask Bob the fun questions I ask all my guests.  Enjoy! Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts  More about Bob Q

Sam Johnson is back to tell us how to get on board the Geek-Girl Kickstarter running through March 31st 2020for issues 6 & 7. Wait, there's more. A plethora of special variant covers, a trade collection of previous issues and digital editions offered as well.  And you don't even have to leave you house to get 'em!  Geek-Girl has been part of the independent comic super-hero landscape for over 10 years. What is the secret to Sam's success? Hint: there is no substitute for planning, promotion and hard work. Just for fun we also talk about Brexit, the woes of technology and  some of the mainstream comics Sam is currently reading.  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts  About the Kickstarter Tights n' Capes

J.M. DeMatteis joins Creator Talks to tease us about his upcoming Star Trek one-shot Hell's Mirror available March 18th through IDW.  We learn about working series artist Matthew Dow Smith and what else may be on the horizon for these two creators.   J.M. shares his throughs about the Original Star Trek Series and seeing the great William Shatner perform at a Star Trek convention.  Also discussed is J.M.'s CW Seed animated story Deathstroke "Knights and Dragons" and his upcoming animated adaptation of Superman: Red Son. Get J.M.'s thoughts on writing characters with whom he was not initially familiar and how that challenge further developed his writing skills. J.M. talks about the character with whom he is most familiar, Spider-Man, and which story he wrote was his favorite. Hint: it was not Kraven's Last Hunt, this story is not available as a trade.  Want it to be? We tell how fans can help make that happen! Christopher also talks about one his favorite Captain America stories featuring Deathlok. J.M. explains how Mark Gruenwald had a hand in making that run happen. Finally I Kick Back With The Creator for all of my fun questions to learn more about J.M.  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More About Hell's Mirror    

Nicola Cuti had a creative carrier that spanned over 50 years. He wrote hundreds of horror stories for Warren Magazines Creepy, Eerie and Vampirella.  Nick was also the co-creator of E-Man published through Charlton Comics. In addition, he was created Moon Child, Starflake, and Captain Cosmos.  Nicolas Cuti left our world on Friday, February 21st 2020, after a battle with cancer.  This interview with Creator Talks took place on the evening of Friday, January 17th and Sunday morning, January 19th 2020.  During our interview, I learned how Nick first became a storyteller out of necessity as a young boy. Nick shares how he made his first break into comics with the story Grub and favorite horrors stories he wrote for Warren Publishing. What was it like working at Charlton Comics in the early 1970s and how did the development of E-Man come about with co-creator Joe Staton? We also talk about his cult sci-fi classic Spanner's Galaxy illustrated by Tom Mandrake.  Nick recalls many of the people he has the pleasure to work with including Louise Simonson, Russ Heath, Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson, Tom Mandrake and Joe Staton. Did you know Nick was an animation background designer for several major studios?  He reflect upon that period of his career. When I Kick Back With The Creator, Nick answers the questions I like to ask all my guests, including how Nick would want to be remembered.  Nick will have stories published in future issues of The Creeps and Warrant's new magazine Carmilla coming in November 2020.  Given the prolific story teller that Nick was, I hope there will be new stories of his published for years to come. Closing music is from Captain Cosmos. Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about science fiction writer Nicola Cuti

My guest is none other than Evan "Doc" Shaner. Doc was the artist on issues of Adventures of Superman, Doom Patrol, Future Quest and The Terrifics.  Before he became exclusive to DC, Doc also drew Flash Gordon and Kings Watch for Dynamite Entertainment, Does Doc like being an exclusive artist for DC? Does he find it limiting? We talk about one dream project he would love to do for DC and a dream cross-over with another publisher. Doc has worked with several very talented colorist over the years. Why did he decide to color the twelve-part series Strange Adventures himself? He talks about working on the book with writer Tom King, artist Mitch Gerads and how he and Mitch's art will work together to tell the story.  We also talk about his favorite newspaper comic strips growing up and what he reads today. Why did Doc decide to switch his career path from playing trumpet to becoming an artist? And how did he get the nick name "Doc"? When I Kick Back With The Creator I learn what would be Doc's action figure accessory (it's not a pencil!), his beverage of choice and what he knows now he wished he knew when he was younger. Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Strange Adventures#1 on sale March 4th 2020 More about Evan "Doc" Shaner  

 Matt Mair Lowery returns to Creator Talks to let us in on what is happening with Lifeformed published though Dark Horse Comics.  We learn about on the online short story Party Crasher and the second volume of Lifeformed: Hearts and Minds released September 2019. What's new? Matt worked with two new collaborators on the short stories Adorable Orphans and Drones.  Both of these, as well as Party Crasher, will be available at Emerald City Comic Con 2020 art Matt's table. If you are going to the con, stop by Matt's table say hi and get these limited editions!  How does original Twilight Zone influence Matt's writing? We discuss the impact of this classic sci-fi series and why it is still relevant today. When I Kick Back With The Creator, Matt answers a few of my latest fun questions, plus find which moment was a turning point in his life.   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about Matt Mair Lowery   More about Lifeformed Hearts and Minds

Todd Nauck is feverishly working away on a new Gwen Stacy series and he joins Creator Talks to give us an update. The series is the origin of Gwen Stacy, before she met Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man #31. Gwen Stacey is written by Christos Gage with interior art by Todd and covers by Adam Hughes. Issue #1 goes on sale February 12, 2020.   Will Spider-Man, his friends and foes appear in the series? Find out here! If Todd were to make a comic book of his origin story, what would he include? Todd and I discuss how he creates his comic art, his home studio and his YouTube channel.  We also talk about the reading, caring and feeding of our comics and collecting original art.  What special page of original comic art does Todd cherish?  When I Kick Back With The Creator I ask Todd what he likes for recreation, his favorite birthday, beverage of choice, and what advice he would give to young Todd Nauck. And what moment was a major turning point in his life?    All this is much more on this episode of Creator Talks.   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Gwen Stacy #1 Todd Nauck Art Videos 

Dave Chisholm earned a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music, a professional trumpet player and the writer/artist of Canopus being published through Scout Comics. The first issue of this four-part series is on sale February 12, 2020.  Canopus about an amnesiac astronaut,Helen Sterling,  who wakes up 3,000 light years from earth with a vague memory of an extinction level urgency to return to earth. Trying to return by collecting materials on the planet to repair her ship she encounters her memories in the form of monsters.  The comic has received praise from J.H. Williams III (Batwoman, Promethea Where We Live)  How did Dave connect with J.H.? Why did Dave decide to start making his own comics? What book did he read that changed the way he thinks? What moment was a turning point in his life?  And we Kick Back with the Creator to learn even more about Dave.  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About Dave Chisholm About Canopus    

Join host Christopher Calloway and artist Emily Pearson for the Creator Talks last podcast of 2019! Emily's first professional comic art assignments had her join forces with writer Vita Ayala on The Wilds and Pat Shad on Snap Flash Hustle (Black Mask Studios). Emily also contributed covers to Going to the Chapel (Action Labs) written by David Pepose. We discuss her next big project coming in 2020, Bonding, written Matthew Erman.  Bonding is part of Vault Comics new MYRIAD line which consists of middle grade (MG) and young adult (YA) graphic novels. Emily contributed to two Kickstarters, which addressed physical and mental illness: Corpus and Everything is Going Wrong: Comics on Punk and Mental Illness. Why were these projects special to Emily? We talk about breaking comfort zones at comic cons and what are some of the ones coming up on the West Coast next year. All this plus: The real reason Christopher watched The Munsters as a kid, Going to California, Kicking Back With The Creator and Baby New Year makes an unscheduled cameo! Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about Emily Pearson            

Danny Fingeroth joins Creator Talks to discuss his latest book A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee. Danny was the group editor for Spider-Man comics in the 1980s, wrote Deadly Foes of Spider-Man, Lethal Foes of Spider-Man, Dazzler, Venom: Deathtrap - The Vault and the entire 50 issue run of Darkhawk in the 1990s.  We discuss how Danny began working at Marvel for Larry Lieber, his mentor and the brother of Stan Lee. Danny also was the reprint editor for Marvel Comics and explains what the challenge was working with reprints.  What was the first Marvel Comic Danny read, and how do barber shops connect with his comic reading? What is the challenge to writing a good Spider-Man story? When we talk about A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee, we discuss how Danny addressed co-creator credit, how Lee collaborated with Steve Ditko, and how Stan Lee's own life was reflected in the cast of Spider-Man comics. When I Kick Back With The Creator, among the questions I ask Danny are what would be his island book, his beverage of choice, how Danny wants to be remembered and who was Stan Lee to him.  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts To order A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee More about Danny Fingeroth