Pop!Whiz!Bang!

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A podcast about the theory, process, and tools behind the comics you love!

A comics conversation with Meggie Ramm and Patrick Lay


    • Jul 19, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 44 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Pop!Whiz!Bang!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Hiatus Announcement 7 - 19 - 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2019 9:55


    We are taking a break! We will return sometime soon with new topics, new guests and tons to talk about!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 43- A2CAF And Class

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2019 27:41


    Today we talk about our recent trips to A2CAF in Ann Arbor, MI and teaching a week-long comics class at CCA.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 42- Friends With Boys

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2019 33:18


    Today we are talking about Faith Erin Hicks' wonderful 2012 book, 'Friends with Boys'.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 41-CAKE 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2019 39:18


    Patrick was at CAKE 2019 for the first time, so we gave it a good run down! Never been to the show before? This is a pretty good primer.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 40-Anya's Ghost

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2019 50:31


    This week we return to the work of Vera Brosgol, in a coming of age story with an obsessed ghost, a surly protagonist, and a message about what we really want and who we really want to be.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 39- Alaska Robotics and VanCAF 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2019 47:15


    It's been a few, so let's look back at some more conventions we attended this spring! Specifically: Alaska Robotics Mini-Con and Comics Camp and VanCAF.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 38-Small Favors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2019 59:18


    Episode 38 is all about 'Small Favors' by Colleen Coover, a sexy, sexy comic that is also tons of fun. Justin Hall is back with us talking about one of his all-time favorites.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 37- Justin Hall and Erotic Comics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 60:23


    Episode 37- Justin Hall, comic historian, Fulbright scholar, and all-around excellent human joins us to talk about erotic comics. We talk about why erotic comics are overlooked in academia, the power of the erotic imagination and why you should make your own porn!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 36- On A Sunbeam

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2019 55:17


    Our book review today is the collected webcomic 'On a Sunbeam' by Tillie Walden! A powerhouse cartoonist delivering huge star-scapes, intimate characters, and small moments on a huge scale. We are joined again by librarian Jack Baur!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 35- Jack Baur Libraries And Comics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2019 63:29


    Berkeley librarian Jack Baur joins us to talk about comics in the library, how they are bought, how workshops and programming around comics come to be, and just about every other topic as well.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 34- Cleopatra in Space

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2019 60:44


    Thien Pham is back with us as we discuss the first volume of Mike Maihack's 'Cleopatra in Space'.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 33- Thien Pham

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2019 53:20


    We interview Thien Pham and talk about everything from publishing your first book to self publishing with the help of the building maintenance guy. Other highlights include the perils of working with Gene Yang (when you also work with him at your day job)and the power of the page turn.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 32- The Adventure Zone: Here there be Gerblins

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2019 48:58


    Today we talk about the comic adaptation of 'The Adventure Zone: Here there be Gerblins' written by the McElroy Brothers and Clint McElroy and illustrated by Carey Pietsch. We talk about the difficulties of taking a pure audio medium into comics, the big wins and the not-so-wins in the book.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang!- Episode 31 DINK Denver 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2019 59:04


    This week we talk our latest convention, DINK Denver 2019. We talk about the unique aspects, pro's and con's, the cool swag we got, and the cool people we met.

    whizbang dink denver
    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 30- El Deafo

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2019 48:19


    Cordelia McGee-Tubb is back in the studio with us, talking about one of her absolute favorites (and ours too)'El Deafo' by Cece Bell. We talk about being an awkward kid, Bell's brilliant cartooning, and the power of comics as a medium. Read the transcript here! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BHTFa2vFMzo6zVQcr32hQuuzx3GgvGOVNe9LhHx4ymU/edit?usp=sharing

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 29- Accessbility in Comics

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2019 59:26


    Pop!whiz!Bang! Episode 29- Accessibility in Comics with Cordelia McGee-Tubb. We talk about different ways comics can be accessible to people with vision impairments and how those methods affect storytelling. Read the transcript here! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fIUgELJNW6t8-7nARM9K-urWwjNMpHXN17LRF47OXyI/edit?usp=sharing

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 28- All - Star Superman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2019 54:07


    We take on a comic that is a challenge for both of us and only do a so-so job of staying objective. Maybe less than so-so, but when you are talk about All-Star Superman by Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly, opinions might be a good thing.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 27 - Convention Prep

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2019 44:38


    Today we are talking about getting ready for a convention; what to bring, tips on etiquette, and table set ups. Check out our Instagram for some examples: https://www.instagram.com/pop_whiz_bang/

    Pop!Whiz!Bang!Episode 26- The Prince And The Dressmaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2019 43:23


    We are joined by Lauren Davis to talk about the lovely Jen Wang book: 'The Prince and The Dressmaker'. Lively linework, incredible color choices, beautiful draftsmanship and a narrative about who are and who we choose to be.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 25- Applying to Conventions

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2019 40:21


    Today we talk to Lauren Davis who helps organize SF ZineFest about applying to conventions, what goes into a standard application, what you should include and what maybe to leave out.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 24-Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2019 37:03


    Today is a book review and the first volume of Ted Naifeh's gothy teen book 'Courtney Crumrin' is up! If you think having a new friend eaten by a goblin or babysitting a changeling that's sitting in for a baby sound like fun, then this episode is for you.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 23-Printing Your Comics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2019 35:10


    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 23- No matter how you made your comic, if you want to sell it at a convention or to friends, eventually you will have to print it. We talk about home printing, your local copy shop, and print-on-demand services.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang Episode 22-Fetch

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2019 41:13


    Memoir gets us thinking about stories from our own lives, but after all that we talk about the spectacular 'Fetch' by Nicole Georges, a powerful cartoonist with lovingly crafted pages and sharply written narrative.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 21- Teaching Comics to Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2019 44:12


    Thinking about teaching a comics class or workshop for kids? We have some tips based on our experiences to help keep the classroom under control, design your classes, and hopefully give you the confidence to get in there!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 20- GB Tran-Writing and Planning for Visuals

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2019 59:01


    Our first guest is in the house and tapping the table (you'll get it, there are some taps) but it's all worth it because GB Tran is an amazing cartoonist that is dropping all kind of knowledge on how he plans his visually dense comics.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 19- Rickety Stitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2019 43:57


    This week we talk about the first volume of a book we both love: Rickety Stitch and The Gelatinous Goo-The Road to Epoli. Perfect for kids, but gnarly enough for adults, with some wonderful cartooning and interesting decisions, we get into what makes the book great!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 18-Emanata

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2019 39:12


    Today we talk that magical comic element that makes all the movement, sounds, and smells possible. Well, better anyway. Emanta! We talk about the lines and squiggles that make comics speak!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 17-Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2019 32:56


    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 17-Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse. We talk about the amazing comic references and tools in the new animated film, as well as the spectacular storytelling elements. We loved this movie!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 16- Tips for Starting a New Comic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2019 41:13


    This week we highlight our favorite tips for starting a new comic. Some are good for everyone and a couple are for beginners, but we all could use a reminder about the basics from time to time (especially before you start that new project).

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 15- Holiday Wish List Materials

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2018 37:42


    You are still shopping!!!? Good! Because we have some more recommendations, this time stuff for the comic creator in your life (which might be yourself). Some materials, some things that make the hours of hard artwork more comfortable, we are handing you some great gift options.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 14- Holiday Shopping List- Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2018 42:44


    If you are shopping for a comic lover, casual interester, or someone that might be into comics, if they just read a couple, then we have the right show for you. Recommendations for readers of all ages!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 13- Paper

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2018 41:51


    Look, paper isn't always at the top of the list when you think comics-making. But the list is usually written on some paper, so it's pretty dang important. We talk terminology, so you can buy the right product, and different kinds of paper people use to make comics. We even talk some alternative options so you can go nuts and try something new!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 12- Sheets

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2018 49:23


    Today we take on the beautiful and cozy 'Sheets' by Brenna Thummler. Not every aspect of the book works for us though, so we talk about what we loved, what we didn't and what we think might help those issues.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 11- Lettering and Speech Balloons

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2018 42:49


    Sure, pictures are all fine and good, but comics love text-image relationships. That means words! We talk lettering tips, ways to make your speech bubbles look more polished and our own personal lettering methods.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Epiosde 10- Beautiful Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2018 40:32


    Are you ready for this? 'Beautiful Darkness' by Fabien Vehlman and Kerascoet is a gorgeous but messed up book that we love and can't get enough of. We talk about the creators, the beautiful artwork, the disturbing and adorable characters and ask: what does it all mean?

    darkness epiosde whizbang fabien vehlman
    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 9- Panels and Layout

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2018 43:13


    Drawing your comic seems simple, but there are all these panels, where are you gonna put them? What's a panel anyways? We dig in to some theory and some process in today's episode.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 8- Be Prepared

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2018 45:25


    Do you want a story about an awkward kid? How about summer camp, missing hampsters, gross latrines, jerky kids, and midnight moose? Vera Brosgol's 'Be Prepared' has all of that and we try to talk about it all too.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 7- Scripting

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2018 38:55


    We go more in depth on scripting a comic- how to generate ideas, what to include, writing for yourself vs. writing for an artist and a bunch of other useful tools for getting a comic script on the page!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 6-Locke and Key

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2018 39:37


    Another book review! Locke and Key is an amazing book, with great characters, amazing layouts, and chilling moments. We give an overview of the book and talk about some of its best moments.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 5- Process Overview

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2018 42:10


    How do you even make comics, anyways? We are going to blaze through the steps that most comics go through to get made! From writing to flatting, we are going to hit the essentials so we are all on the same page.

    Pop! Whiz! Bang! Episode 4 - Bone Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2018 43:01


    Winter's Bone. The Lovely Bone. All good bones, but not as good as Jeff Smith's Bone! Episode 4 is part 4 of a conversation on Jeff Smith's 'Bone', an amazing work that Meggie and Patrick can't get enough of! Ad: Queer Cartoonists of Color Database (http://queercartoonists.com/) and Cartoonists of Color Database (http://cartoonistsofcolor.com/)

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 3 - Bone Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2018 34:54


    Let's talk about 'Bone' baby! Let's talk about hist-o-ree! Let's talk about self publishing, distributing, and drawing! Episode 3 is part 1 of a conversation on Jeff Smith's 'Bone', an amazing work that Meggie and Patrick can't get enough of!

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 2-Categories of Comics

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2018 35:50


    In Episode 2 we are talking categories! What is the difference between a newspaper strip and a webcomic? Graphic novel vs trade paper back? Why does any of it even matter? We'll well ya! Today's book/tool recommendations are the Pentel Waterbrush, Dr. PH Martin's Black Star Ink, and 'Sheets' by Brenna Themmler. Today's episode is brought to you by Sakura.

    Pop!Whiz!Bang! Episode 1-What Are Comics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2018 42:08


    Welcome to the first episode of Pop!Whiz!Bang!, a new podcast about theory and process around the comics you love. Today we tackle the ages old question: what are comics, anyway?

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