Dollar Bin Bandits

Today we sit down with Dick DeBartolo—longtime MAD Magazine writer and “The Giz Wiz”—for a lively conversation that bounces between comics, comedy, and gadgets. Dick shares how he broke into MAD during its legendary era, what it was like working alongside icons like Al Jaffee and Don Martin, and how the magazine's anything-goes humor shaped his creative instincts. He also digs into his parallel career in tech and radio, explaining how his love of quirky gadgets led to his long-running “Giz Wiz” persona. Throughout the interview, DeBartolo's trademark wit and self-deprecating humor shine through, offering both a nostalgic look at MAD's golden age and a reminder of how curiosity and comedy can fuel a decades-long career. You can follow Dick on Instagram @thegizwiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Comics legend Jim Starlin returns to talk about the latest chapter in his ongoing Dreadstar revival — Dreadstar vs. Dreadstar, the newest original graphic novel in a series he's been building through Kickstarter since his triumphant return to the character in 2021. The conversation covers the full arc of Dreadstar's history — from its origins as the first title ever published under Marvel's Epic imprint, through its run at First Comics and brief Malibu revival, to the decision to bypass the big publishers entirely and build a new audience directly through crowdfunding. Jim talks about what it's like to have creative ownership over Vanth Dreadstar in a way he never quite had with Thanos, why the Kickstarter model has given him a freedom he never expected at this stage of his career, and what he still has left to say with a character he's had mapped out for at least five more graphic novels. You only have a few days left to back Dreadstar vs. Dreadstar here: http://kck.st/3Nn0EJM! You can follow Jim on Instagram @jimstarlin or Facebook @JimStarlinfanpage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ray Reynet, a Miami-based writer, illustrator, animator, and founder of Farlook Studios, stops by to talk about building an entire indie comics universe from the ground up — starting from sketching characters as a self-taught kid in South Florida all the way to self-publishing a growing catalog that includes the mythology-fueled adventure series Junket: Hidden Worlds Revealed, The Dwellers, Gunny, and his newest project The Groundsmen. We dig into what it actually looks like to wear every hat at once — writing, illustrating, animating, designing, marketing, and running successful crowdfunding campaigns entirely on your own — and how Ray has managed to keep expanding his creative output while developing a distinct brand identity across multiple genres and formats. You can follow Ray on farlookstudios.com or on Instagram @rayreynet. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

North Carolina-based artist Rodney Bennett joins the show to talk Legend of the Black Starr, his self-published indie superhero series set in 1938 and published through his own Vision Alive Studios. The guys dig into the book's first story, "No Rest for the Weary," a pulp-flavored blend of horror, sci-fi, and superhero action that follows a young vigilante called the Black Starr as he infiltrates a mortuary to rescue an abducted girl — only to stumble onto zombie attacks, weird science, and a full-blown government cover-up. Rodney talks about his background as a Studio Art graduate from North Carolina Central University and career as an art educator, and how decades of teaching painting, drawing, and sculpture to youth eventually led him back to his childhood love of comics and character creation. The conversation covers the rich cast of characters he's built out — from the morally ambiguous Golden Crusader to the villainous Wallace Tweed — and what it looks and feels like to world-build an entire superhero universe entirely on your own terms. You can follow Rodney and Black Starr on his site legendoftheblackstarr.com or on Instagram @legend_of_the_black_starr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Writer Carlos Yacolca and editor Alberto Rayo join the show to talk Before We Sail, a post-apocalyptic graphic novella set in a crumbling Lima, Peru. Yacolca, making his comics-writing debut, explains how the whole project was sparked by a chance tweet from Rayo offering free editorial mentorship to the first person who replied — and how what began as a sprawling, geopolitical zombie story gradually evolved, through months of intensive feedback from Rayo and legendary V for Vendetta co-creator David Lloyd, into something leaner and more emotionally driven. The guys dig into what that editorial gauntlet looked like and how Yacolca's own experience living with chronic depression quietly shaped the story's themes of endurance and fragile hope. Rayo, whose credits include Heavy Metal Magazine, talks about what drew him to champion the project and what he looks for when working with debut creators. You can follow Carlos and Alberto on Instagram: @carlos_yacolca and @rayointhebottle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 A self-taught artist, Dakota Alexander has carved out a distinctive niche as a cover and pin-up artist with a deep passion for Golden Age characters and vintage aesthetics. On this episode, Dakota walks us through his path into comics — from posting artwork on Facebook and Reddit during the pandemic to landing commissions through projects like The Liberty Brigade and The Masters series, where his character sheets appear across multiple issues. Dakota also breaks down his meticulous process for recreating period-accurate Bronze Age art, from emulating the Kane/Romita Sr. Spider-Man house style to adding weathered newsprint textures and tweaking color balance to evoke faded, off-the-spinner-rack authenticity. You can follow Dakota on Etsy and Instagram @drumsoftheserpent. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Stephen Bissette and Chris Stevens join us to discuss the long-awaited return of Tyrant, Bissette's deeply personal, unfinished dinosaur epic from the 1990s, and the journey to finally bring it back through a new Kickstarter campaign. The conversation explores how Tyrant—a raw, almost documentary-style story following a Tyrannosaurus Rex's struggle to survive—became a cult favorite despite its original short run and lack of commercial success, as well as why Bissette had long resisted revisiting the project until renewed fan interest and Stevens' persistence convinced him the time was right. They dive into the painstaking process behind the deluxe editions, including high-end art reproduction from original pages and the inclusion of long-lost material, framing the project as both a restoration and a definitive presentation of a “lost masterpiece.” To learn more or support the project, check out the Tyrant Deluxe Editions Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/comicslighthouse/bissette-tyrant-deluxe-editions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Returning guest Chris Yates dives into his current Kickstarter campaign for Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol, a kinetic sci-fi comic that blends hard-hitting action with compelling world-building in a dangerous future landscape. Chris reveals where the concept originated, introduces his creative team and their collaborative process, and explains the themes he's exploring while describing the tone readers can expect from the series. He also shares lessons learned from previous Kickstarter experiences that he's applying to this launch while addressing what sets Marcus Walker apart from other sci-fi comics.  Go back Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol now: kck.st/4rUgASU! And you can follow Chris on Instagram @cyg47. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Spears joins us to reflect on his #comics career, including his extensive cover work—highlighting favorite pieces and his approach to creating compelling cover art that differs from interior storytelling—and the creation of his hit series Monsters that helped shape his creative journey. Mark shares insights on balancing roles as both writer and artist, the biggest challenges he's faced in the industry, and celebrates the release of Midknight Man #1, revealing the inspiration behind the distinctively-spelled hero, the concept and themes he's exploring, and what readers can expect from the debut issue. Go get Midknight Man #1 today (3/25/26) at your LCS! You can follow Mark and his work on the markspearsmonsters.com or by following him on Instagram @markspearsart. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former member of the DC Comics publicity team Michael Shelling pulls back the curtain on what it's like generating buzz for major comic book launches and universe-wide events, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from campaigns he worked on and explaining the day-to-day responsibilities of comic book publicity in an increasingly crowded media landscape. Michael reveals the relationship between publicity teams and creative talent, discusses campaigns that exceeded expectations alongside those that didn't go as planned and the lessons learned, and reflects on the most challenging aspects of marketing comics versus other entertainment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hive Head Studios founder Dennis Robinson recounts how he went from #comics fan to creator, explaining the vision behind launching his own studio and introducing Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey, an epic supernatural adventure following the world's first werewolf, Solomon, on a journey that blends horror and action-adventure. Dennis details what backers can expect from Chapter 4—currently live on Kickstarter—including where it fits in the overall story arc and whether he's building toward a definitive ending or crafting an ongoing saga. He also introduces his creative team, describing their collaborative process from script to finished art, and shares what distinguishes his take on werewolf mythology from other supernatural comics. Go back Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey Chapters 1-4 right now: http://kck.st/4rIDtbA. You can follow Dennis and Hive Head at hiveheadstudios.com or on Instagram @hiveheadstudios or @worldsmostokayestdm. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Malibu Comics founder and Platinum Studios CEO Scott Mitchell Rosenberg traces his path from launching one of the most innovative independent publishers of the 80s and 90s—pioneering computer coloring technology and creating the ambitious Ultraverse shared superhero universe—to becoming a major player in Hollywood adaptations with properties like Men in Black and Cowboys & Aliens that became blockbuster films. Scott reveals the story behind Malibu's groundbreaking titles, the decision to sell the company to Marvel in 1994, and his strategic pivot to founding Platinum Studios with a focus on developing intellectual properties specifically designed to work across both #comics and film/television. He reflects on memorable collaborations, projects that never made it to screen, what he's most proud of from the Malibu era, the biggest lessons learned from running a comic company during the industry's tumultuous 90s, and how the relationship between comics and Hollywood has evolved. You can follow Scott and Platinum Studios at platinumstudios.com or on Instagram @scottrosenberg. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Forged in Fire judge and blade expert Doug Marcaida, known for his iconic "It will KEAL" catchphrase, shares how he transitioned from martial arts and weapons expertise into creating comics. He introduces his series Lineage, which blends his authentic knowledge of combat and edged weapons into a compelling narrative with rich world-building and mythology. Doug explains the concept and inspiration behind Lineage, introduces the main characters and tone of the book, and details his current Kickstarter campaign for issues #2-4. He addresses how his expertise influences the authenticity of the action sequences, the challenges of creating his own comic series, and potential expansion into other media like games or animation. You can back Lineage on Kickstarter until 3/16 here: http://kck.st/4s63TE2. And you can follow Doug practically everywhere, including his site, dougmarcaida.com, Facebook @kuyaDougMarcaida, and Instagram @dougmarcaida. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special combined two-part interview, manga pioneer and Antarctic Press founder Ben Dunn shares the story of establishing one of America's first manga-focused publishers in 1984 and creating the long-running Ninja High School series in 1987. He reflects on how American audiences responded to manga-style storytelling in the 80s and 90s versus today and the challenges of sustaining a creator-owned series for over 100 issues. Ben also talks about his diverse body of work including Warrior Nun Areala—which was adapted into a Netflix series—and his innovative educational manga teaching spelling and grammar, while explaining Antarctic Press's approach to discovering and developing talent over nearly four decades. He offers perspective on the biggest challenges of running an independent publisher, what he's most proud of in his career, his view of the current state of manga and manga-inspired comics in America. You can follow Ben on his site, bendunncomics.com, on Facebook @BenDunn or on Instagram @bendunn25. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Returning guest Joseph Illidge reflects on his deep roots with the groundbreaking Milestone initiative that launched in 1993 with iconic characters like Static, Icon, and Hardware, tracing the lineage from the original Milestone Media through its integration into the DC Universe. We focus heavily on his just-released History of the DC Universe: Dakota Incident, which bridges different eras and continuities, breaking down what the "Dakota Incident" refers to and its significance to the Milestone story, his collaboration with other creators, and what both new readers and longtime fans will discover in the book. He addresses why Milestone's legacy remains vital to comics history, the challenges of keeping it alive and relevant over the years, and what he hopes audiences will take away from this latest chapter. You can follow Joe on his site, josephillidge.com, or on Instagram @illmasterone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

World-renowned candy and snack food historian Jason Liebig, featured expert on the History Channel, discusses his journey from discovering #comics to building one of the most extensive vintage candy and snack packaging collections in existence. Liebig explores the strong connection between comics and candy culture through vintage advertisements and character tie-ins and shares memorable and surprising items from his collection, including the weirdest time-specific products he's uncovered. He also reveals the grail items still on his wish list, discusses what drives him to preserve this often-overlooked pop culture history through his website and social media, and offers advice for aspiring collectors. You can follow Jason on his site, jasonliebig.com, or on Instagram @collectingcandy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's interview, Steve Houston of Torpedo Comics discusses his journey from comic book collector to shop owner and television expert. He shares the origin story of Torpedo Comics and what makes his Las Vegas store unique, particularly his specialization in high-value and graded books that led to his role as the go-to comics expert on History Channel's Pawn Stars. Steve reveals memorable moments from the show including rare and valuable finds, explains how appearing on one of television's most popular programs has changed his business, and breaks down his process for authenticating and appraising high-value comics. He highlights undervalued books and creators people should watch, addresses common misconceptions about the business, and reflects on how the industry has evolved. You can follow Steve on Instagram @stevesaysboom and Torpedo Comics virtually everywhere @torpedocomics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special crossover event, Brad and Lisa Gullickson of the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast discuss their unique approach blending relationship dynamics with comic book analysis, sharing heated on-air debates and titles they've both loved. We give special focus to their YouTube series The Stacks, which recently returned for a second season and features creators discussing their favorite #comics. Brad and Lisa explain their guest selection process, memorable and unexpected answers they've received, how the series has changed their thinking about comics fandom, and their dream guests for future episodes. CBCC is headquartered at comicbookcouplescounseling.com, and you can find the latest episodes of The Stacks on their YouTube channel:   youtube.com/@comicbookcouplescounseling. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this interview, writer, editor, and publisher James Aquilone discusses his journey into horror and weird fiction, founding Monstrous Books, and creating projects like the noir-horror-comedy Dead Jack, Zombie Detective alongside major anthologies such as Classic Monsters Unleashed and the Kolchak: The Night Stalker 50th Anniversary graphic novel. Aquilone reflects on what reviving the legendary Weird Tales brand means to him personally, details his new Kickstarter project including his approach to selecting contributors and the tone backers can expect, addresses the challenges of producing a legacy anthology in today's publishing landscape, and shares his Bram Stoker Award experience. Go back Weird Tales now at http://kck.st/3ZFaj0S! You can follow James at his site jamesaquilone.com or on Instagram @james_aquilone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's interview, authors Jim Amash and Eric Nolen-Weathington discuss their new book, Jim Aparo: Brave & Bold Artist, exploring why they wanted to shine a spotlight on the legendary but perhaps underappreciated artist whose distinctive style—characterized by crisp inking, dramatic shadows, and expressive faces—defined Batman and other DC characters for generations of readers. The collaborators share insights from interviews and research into Aparo's life and career, highlighting his iconic run on The Brave and the Bold alongside essential work on Aquaman, Phantom Stranger, and The Spectre, while revealing lesser-known facts and surprises they uncovered about his creative process and collaborations. They discuss what readers can expect from the book, including rare original art and archival material, how Aparo adapted his approach to different characters, and what set him apart from his contemporaries. The book just came out this week (2/18/26 to be specific), and you can buy it on publisher TwoMorrows's site or wherever you get your books! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we sit down with artist and writer Rae Allen to discuss her new series Carmen Red Claw: Belly of the Beast, co-written with Mike Mignola and set in the Hellboy Universe. Rae shares how she built Carmen, a supernatural gun-for-hire in the 1870s Southwest, from a tiny piece of Lobster Johnson lore that caught Mignola's attention, discussing her striking visual design and shoulder demon, her research into Lakota folklore, and the experience of creating inside the beloved Hellboy Universe. Issue #2 drops today (2/18/26), so go get it! You can follow Rae on her site, raeallenart.com, and on Instagram and X @raeallenart. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Indie creator Russ Kazmierczak is back on the Bandits, celebrating his crossing the 55-issue milestone of Amazing Arizona Comics, reflecting on how the series has evolved since his last appearance, and the challenges of maintaining a long-running independent series. Russ also dives deep into his 10th year participating in the 24-Hour Comic Challenge, explaining the concept, his process of balancing planning versus spontaneous creation during the grueling 24-hour window, and how his efficiency has improved over a decade. We also discuss this year's challenge issue specifically—including moments when he doubted he'd finish—while sharing advice for aspiring challengers and teasing what's next for his series. Check out back issues of Amazing Arizona Comics here: etsy.com/shop/KaraokeFanboyPress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this middle episode of Indie Week, Snake (Scott Matthew Watson) discusses his journey from discovering comics to developing his own distinctive voice as a creator to detailing his new series Grinding Against the Marrow, a dark and visceral story that defies easy genre classification. Watson breaks down the striking title's meaning, introduces the series' key characters and their driving motivations, and discusses his collaboration with artist Mauro De Falco as well as the challenges and rewards of operating as a fully independent creator. He touches on his crowdfunding efforts, his own imprint, the reception the book has received within the indie comics community, and shares his long-term vision for the series. You can follow Snake on Instagram and Threads @snake87smw. And check out Grinding Against the Marrow here: globalcomix.com/read/43484e15-2bcb-4cfc-853d-201474665cb5/1. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's interview, indie creator Marvin Wynn discusses creating The Edge, a series blending elements of The Bourne Identity, The Fugitive, and Justice League of America that centers on characters with varied superpowers gained through exposure to a mysterious genetic-altering substance spreading globally. Marvin details his collaboration with Philippines-based artist Mark Vuycan Kiat since 2012, balancing comics creation between a second job and hobby, his involvement with the ComicsBurgh collective, and how the series has evolved from a planned 25-issue run to an ongoing story he'll continue as long as readers remain engaged. You can follow Marvin and The Edge on his site, theedgecomic.com, and on Instagram @theedgecomic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Vintage toy collector and pop culture historian Brian Heiler pops by to discuss his collecting journey, explaining how his fascination with 70s and 80s ephemera led him to create Plaid Stallions, an extensive online archive that has become an invaluable resource for researchers and nostalgic fans alike. Heiler shares his process for acquiring and digitizing rare materials, reveals some of the weirdest and most obscure toy lines he's uncovered, and explores the deep connection between toy marketing and comic book characters during the golden age of action figures. He reflects on his favorite eras and toy lines, the holy grail items still on his wish list, and how the internet has transformed toy collecting communities. You can follow Brian on the Plaid Stallions website, plaidstallions.com, on YouTube @brickmantooth, or on Instagram @plaidstallions. Get his book, Knock-Offs: Totally Unauthorized Action Figures, on Amazon or wherever you get your books. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this interview celebrating the 25th anniversary of Ultimate Spider-Man, legendary artist Mark Bagley reflects on his career from winning the Marvel Try-Out Book contest through defining runs on New Warriors, Amazing Spider-Man, Thunderbolts, and his iconic collaboration with Brian Michael Bendis on Ultimate Spider-Man. Mark discusses the creative rhythm of working with Bendis for 111 issues, redesigning Peter Parker for a new generation, the groundbreaking decompressed storytelling that influenced his layouts, and the emotional depth that set the series apart. We also get into what makes his renditions of Spider-Man, Venom, and Carnage resonate with audiences, how his artistic process has evolved over the years, and his pride in Ultimate Spider-Man's lasting impact on comics. You can follow Mark on Facebook @MarkBagleyOfficial and Instagram @officialmarkbagleyart. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we welcome Keith Finch to discuss his journey from #comics fan to creator, the founding of Full Service Comics, and his ambitious project adapting the obscure 1985 Morphodroids toy line into a comic book series. Finch explains the meta-narrative where the toys existed within the comic's universe, distinguishing Morphodroids from Transformers, and how he assembled an international team of twenty artists led by Sergio Ríos. He also describes how he connected with the toy line's creator to digitize vintage footage while incorporating extensive backmatter and crowdfunding through Kickstarter to bring this passion project to life. You can follow Keith on Instagram @realkeithfinch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our second editors roundtable episode, DC Comics veterans Paul Levitz, Mike Carlin, and Jack C. Harris discuss the realities of editorial work, from assembling creative teams and managing personalities, to the daily struggles that fans sometimes romanticize about the job. The three editors reflect on decisions they knew would be debated for decades, highlight each other's editorial strengths, and examine how DC's legacy characters and continuity both served and complicated storytelling over the years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the final installment of One of Us Week, Chris Piers of the Comic Tropes YouTube channel discusses his journey from a former real-life superhero to launching his educational and entertaining video series covering comic book trends and themes, creator histories, and lesser-known series and storylines. Chris details his research process, how he balances insightful analysis with comedy, and reflects on the show's evolution from focusing on recurring storytelling devices to broader comic analysis all while addressing the challenges of running a #comics YouTube channel. You can find Chris and Comic Tropes on YouTube (of course!), on Facebook @ComicTropesShow, on Instagram @comic_tropes, and on X @CTropes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In our second edition of One of Us Week, hosts Robb Milne, Bryan Stratton, and Jamie Wenger of the Marvel by the Month podcast drop by to discuss their ambitious chronological journey through Marvel Comics history. They explain how they came together to launch the show, their approach to tackling Marvel's publication timeline month by month, their research process and selection criteria, and how chronological reading has reshaped their understanding of Marvel's creative evolution. We also discuss balancing guest interviews with monthly comic coverage,  favorite eras, surprising discoveries, and the practical challenges of their format—from handling months with varying publication densities to navigating complex crossovers. Follow their adventures at marvelbythemonth.com and anywhere you get podcasts! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the inaugural episode of One of Us Week, host Dave Wexler opens up about how he built and manages two different comic shows — his West Coast Davengers YouTube channel, where he blends weekly live comic sales, guest interviews, and on-location con coverage with a fan-first energy, and his Direct Edition podcast, a weekly, free-form show that features in-depth conversations with creators and thinkers across the industry. Dave shares the origin stories of both shows, how he approaches making each episode, the lessons he's learned from interviewing comic legends, and what keeps him excited to create and connect with the community every week. You can keep up with Dave at his website, westcoastdavengers.com, look for West Coast Davengers on YouTube, and check out Direct Edition on all major podcast platforms! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As one of the Dollar Bin Bandits earliest guests, independent comic creator Len Mihalovich has been very busy in the past few years. With his popular creations Section 12 and Tracksuit Man under his banner Lenovations Press, he is now growing his brand bringing on new artists and writers. Some of those projects include Red Mask, The Wild West Adventures of Buffalo Bill and others. To learn more check out: http://www.lenovationspress.com/lp1/main/index.asp Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we sit down with acclaimed writer Jason Aaron for a wide-ranging, creator-focused conversation about craft, collaboration, and longevity in comics. Jason reflects on defining runs like Thor, Wolverine and the X-Men, and Absolute Superman, breaking down how he approaches character- and world-building, as well as big stories that still feel personal. He also discusses what continues to drive his storytelling after decades in the industry, from embracing creative risk to refining his process with each new project, before closing with a look at his upcoming 2026 releases, Thundarr the Barbarian and the Bug Wars Special. You can follow Jason on his website jasonaaron.info, on Instagram or X @jasonaaron, or on Bluesky @jason-aaron. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we sit down with indie creator James Coats to talk shop about building comics from the ground up, from his creator-owned projects Dino Beasts and Galaxy Gods to his role in co-founding Power Pulp Comics. Coats breaks down how his love of big concepts, retro genre energy, and hands-on collaboration shapes both his own books and the wider Power Pulp lineup. The conversation digs into the realities of indie publishing, cultivating a shared creative vision, and why grassroots comics communities remain vital to the medium's future. You can follow James on Instagram @jacoats and Power Pulp at powerpulpcomics.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special Dollar Bin Bandits roundtable episode, legendary Marvel editors Tom DeFalco, Terry Kavanagh, and Ralph Macchio return to reflect on their shared history shaping Marvel Comics during some of its most influential eras. The trio swap behind-the-scenes stories about editorial life, breaking in new creators, and steering major characters and events, while offering candid insights into how Marvel's editorial process has evolved over the years. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a lively episode, we're joined by veteran actor Julian Glover to dig into his legendary film career. Julian reflects on how he first fell for stories and characters as a kid, and then traced his path from British theater to iconic roles in The Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, For Your Eyes Only, Game of Thrones, and more. He shares funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his time on set and talks about the emotional craft of playing villains versus heroes. Support the show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We sit down with legendary artist Geof Darrow to discuss the new Dark Horse collection, The Shaolin Cowboy: Beginning of the End Results--21 Years of Blood, Sweat, and Chainsaws HC, celebrating over two decades of his hyper-detailed, Eisner Award-winning series about an unnamed former Shaolin monk wandering with his talking mule. Geof shares how the series was inspired by Kung Fu, Kurosawa's Yojimbo, and Zatoichi, his collaboration with Frank Miller who advised against putting "cowboy" in the title (which he ignored), his Matrix storyboard work with the Wachowskis who wrote the opening dialogue for the original Burlyman run, and his approach to creating densely detailed pages filled with absurd violence like battling a giant shark using two chainsaws tied to a stick. We get into his "I thought it would be funny" creative philosophy and celebrate what 21 years of this gonzo series means in one definitive collection. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we welcome back Tom Marvelli, head of Another Door Comics, to discuss his newest project, Apparition Metempsychosis: Book One – The Moment of Sin, the first installment of a supernatural thriller trilogy. Tom shares details about this all-new story that explores the world of Michael Landry, a mercenary whose life is mystically saved after a mission but who returns consumed by overwhelming darkness. We discuss Tom's dual role as both publisher and creator, the Kickstarter campaign that closes tomorrow, his collaboration with Portuguese artist Daniel Maia, and how this 48-page graphic novel (plus extras) sets the foundation for the larger trilogy. You have until tomorrow (12/20/25) to back Apparition here: kck.st/4oX8Uh2! And you can always find more about Tom and Another Door Comics at their website, anotherdoorcomics.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a lively episode, we're joined by veteran actor Julian Glover to dig into his legendary film career. Julian reflects on how he first fell for stories and characters as a kid, and then traced his path from British theater to iconic roles in The Empire Strikes Back, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, For Your Eyes Only, Game of Thrones, and more. He shares funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his time on set and talks about the emotional craft of playing villains versus heroes.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

We sit down with legendary artist Geof Darrow to discuss the new Dark Horse collection, The Shaolin Cowboy: Beginning of the End Results--21 Years of Blood, Sweat, and Chainsaws HC, celebrating over two decades of his hyper-detailed, Eisner Award-winning series about an unnamed former Shaolin monk wandering with his talking mule. Geof shares how the series was inspired by Kung Fu, Kurosawa's Yojimbo, and Zatoichi, his collaboration with Frank Miller who advised against putting "cowboy" in the title (which he ignored), his Matrix storyboard work with the Wachowskis who wrote the opening dialogue for the original Burlyman run, and his approach to creating densely detailed pages filled with absurd violence like battling a giant shark using two chainsaws tied to a stick. We get into his "I thought it would be funny" creative philosophy and celebrate what 21 years of this gonzo series means in one definitive collection.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Today we welcome back Tom Marvelli, head of Another Door Comics, to discuss his newest project, Apparition Metempsychosis: Book One – The Moment of Sin, the first installment of a supernatural thriller trilogy. Tom shares details about this all-new story that explores the world of Michael Landry, a mercenary whose life is mystically saved after a mission but who returns consumed by overwhelming darkness. We discuss Tom's dual role as both publisher and creator, the Kickstarter campaign that closes tomorrow, his collaboration with Portuguese artist Daniel Maia, and how this 48-page graphic novel (plus extras) sets the foundation for the larger trilogy.You have until tomorrow (12/20/25) to back Apparition here: kck.st/4oX8Uh2! And you can always find more about Tom and Another Door Comics at their website, anotherdoorcomics.com.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Today, we sit down with prolific artist Scott Koblish, who entered comics through Marvel's Romita Raiders program  and built a 15-year inking career before transitioning to penciling in 2008. Scott talks about his work on hundreds of comics across Marvel, DC, Image, and more, including his acclaimed six-year run on Deadpool and the Guinness World Record–breaking Deadpool #27 cover. We also get into his darkly funny project The Many Deaths of Scott Koblish, collaborations with Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn, and his approach to densely detailed crowd covers, like his recent New History of the DC Universe series.You can follow Scott on Instagram @scottkoblish. Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We wrap up our miniseries on Bloomsbury's Marvel Age of Comics books with a deep dive into returning guest Chris Ryall's take on Daredevil: Born Again. Chris walks us through what pulled him toward revisiting the Miller–Mazzucchelli classic and why the arc's themes of identity, faith, and total breakdown still hit so hard. He sheds light on the creative partnership behind the original story, digs into the roles of Kingpin and Karen Page, and shares some behind-the-scenes insights and visual details fans may have overlooked. You can listen to Chris's first interview here: buzzsprout.com/1817176/episodes/15757310. And his second interview here: buzzsprout.com/1817176/episodes/16202747.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

We welcome back Stuart Moore to discuss his new Marvel Age of Comics book, Doctor Strange: A Decade of Dark Magic. Stuart explores Doctor Strange's first ten years from his 1963 debut through the early '70s, examining how the Steve Ditko/Stan Lee stories' trippy, philosophical approach influenced 1960s counterculture, and how that counterculture in turn shaped the minds of later creators like Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner. We dive into his research on the East Village location of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the succession of writers and artists including Roy Thomas, Gene Colan, Gardner F. Fox, and Marie Severin who expanded on Ditko's mind-bending concepts, and Strange's evolving roles as mystic, super hero, and leader of the Defenders. Take a listen to Stuart's first DBB appearance: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1817176/episodes/15313491.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Kicking off our Marvel Age of Comics miniseries, we talk with writer and historian Paul Cornell, about his new book, Marvel Age of Comics: The Mighty Avengers vs. the 1970s, which explores how Marvel's flagship heroes evolved against a decade defined by social upheaval, cultural reinvention, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Cornell discusses the creative forces that shaped the era, the team dynamics that reflected changing American attitudes, and how the Avengers of the '70s both embraced and bucked the trends of the time. Blending deep research with a fan's enthusiasm, he offers fresh insight into why this period remains one of Marvel's most fascinating and transformative chapters.You can follow Paul on his website, paulcornell.com, or on Instagram @paulcornell2096. Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

We sit down with Emilio Velez Jr., the award-winning writer and illustrator behind The Dodgeball Teens. Emilio shares his journey from overcoming a cognitive learning disability and defying expectations to pursuing his passion for comics in the last decade. With his mother's support and years of hard work, he transformed his dream into reality—creating twelve issues and a graphic novel—while spreading a message of perseverance through his work as a motivational speaker.You can find and follow Emilio Velez Jr. and The Dodgeball Teens online — check out his work at thedodgeballteens.com and follow him on Instagram @emiliovelezjr for updates, artwork, and inspirational content.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

In today's episode, comic book writer and artist Andy Lanning reflects on his path into the industry, the creative influences that shaped him, and the long-running partnership with Dan Abnett that redefined Marvel's cosmic universe through Annihilation, Nova, and Guardians of the Galaxy. He discusses the surprising longevity of their cosmic stories, his personal connections to characters like Star-Lord and Nova, and the unique creative energy behind projects such as Resurrection Man and Legion Lost. Lanning also shares insights from working across Marvel and DC, how his artistic background informs his writing, the changing landscape for creators today, and what current projects he's involved in. You can find and follow him on Instagram @andylango and on X and Bluesky @andylanning. Check out his Ideas & Inks storytelling business with Ant Williams at ideasandinks.com.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Today, we welcome six-time New York Times bestselling comics writer Fred Van Lente to discuss his career, starting with Action Philosophers, moving throughhis acclaimed Marvel and Valiant work, and focusing on his ambitious new project The Future is ******. We get into his early work with Platinum Studios, Marvel titles like Marvel Zombies and his acclaimed Incredible Hercules run with Greg Pak, plus his Harvey Award-nominated Archer & Armstrong at Valiant. We then dive into the new work, a 60-issue cyber-sci-fi epic that fuses elements from Mr. Robot, The Matrix, and Ghost in the Shell. We discuss working with Rekcah Comics, why he committed to such a massive story, and balancing creator-owned work with other projects. You can follow Fred on his site, fredvanlente.com, or on all the socials @fredvanlente.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Today we've got writer and publisher Dennis Mallonee, who moved from CalTech economics to #comics by pitching story ideas to Bill Mantlo and helping develop the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe with Rick Hoberg. Dennis recounts launching The Champions at a 1985 SDCC panel, first publishing through Eclipse, and then forming his own imprint that evolved into Heroic Publishing. We dig into the complicated licensing history with Hero Games, the disputes over tone and pinup art that led to revoked rights and renamed characters (Marksman → Huntsman, Foxbat → Flying Fox), and the 1988 ruling confirming Marvel had abandoned the Champions trademark. Dennis also touches on publishing 100+ comics, his 2009–2012 Flare newspaper strip, and building a unique #superhero universe.You can follow Dennis and his Heroic exploits on his site, heroicmultiverse.com, on X @heroicpublish, and on his own YouTube interview show, The Heroic Voice.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Today we sit down with legendary cartoonist Gilbert Hernandez, who was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2017, to discuss his newest Love and Rockets book, Lovers and Haters. First, we explore the early years of L&R, and how Gilbert and his brothers, Jaime and Mario, created a world unlike any other in comics. We talk about Gilbert's Palomar saga as well as his standalone graphic novels that adapt fictional B-movies in this world. Gilbert then shares why and how he put together Lovers and Haters, a "sleazy" collection of Palomar stories, focusing on 50-year-old cult movie actress Fritz as she battles alcoholism, a controlling lover, a jealous rival, Fritz imitators, a sex cult, and mad scientists. You can find Lovers and Haters, as well as many other Love and Rockets collections and more, at Fantagraphics: fantagraphics.com.Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.

Today, we welcome veteran animation writer and story editor Stan Berkowitz to discuss his career spanning decades of superhero animation. Stan shares his experiences working on the DC Animated Universe including Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, and Batman Beyond, where he served as series story editor. He also worked on shows like Static Shock, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited, and even wrote the animated movie Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. We explore his work beyond DC including multiple Ben 10 series, The Super Hero Squad Show, G.I. Joe: Renegades, Avengers Assemble, and Transformers: Robots in Disguise. We get into his approach to story editing, the evolution of superhero animation, and what it's like to be nominated for an Emmy.You can pick up Stan's book, Beyond the Bat, on Amazon or wherever you get books!Support the show___________________Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits!If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this podcast, become a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters on Patreon: patreon.com/DollarBinBoosters.You can follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky, or @DBBandits on X. You can email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com.___________________Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com. ___________________ Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.