Portrait of an Editor

Even though there has been a bit of a gap between episodes, I've been hard at work getting interviews. In fact, I have a new three-part interview with Stephanie Phillips, with Will Dennis co-hosting. We spent our time talking about how to approach building and maintaining a writing career in comic books.

In this episode, my friend Alex Schumacher returns to discuss his new Original Graphic Novel, The Effects of Pickled Herring. In 2024, his OGN won two national JewCE Awards from The Center for Jewish History in the categories of "All Ages" and "Autobiographical/Biographical Content." We talk about his long trek to get his OGN into readers' hands. An update-- The past 50 or so episodes are now on YouTube for free. When you get there, please like and subscribe.

I'm sorry for the months-long gap between episodes. Unfortunately, getting my podcasting muscle back into shape took much longer than expected. Hopefully, this recent break helped me recharge.My conversation with Will Dennis during this week's episode should get us caught up. 2025 is shaping up to be a challenging year for comics. However, the medium came into its own during the Great Depression, so bring it on tough times. An update-- The past 50 or so episodes are now on YouTube for free. When you get there, please like and subscribe. As a matter of fact, please like and subscribe to whatever podcasting app you use. It helps a lot in the motivation department. Thank you. A reminder that there is a Portrait of an Editor Patreon page where you can find older interviews. I just moved a bunch of my interviews to Patreon and added new outtakes, so check it out for a buck a month.

I'm sorry for the months-long gap between episodes. Unfortunately, getting my podcasting muscle back into shape took much longer than expected. Hopefully, this recent break helped me recharge.My conversation with Will Dennis during this week's episode should get us caught up. 2025 is shaping up to be a challenging year for comics. However, the medium came into its own during the Great Depression, so bring it on tough times. An update-- The past 50 or so episodes are now on YouTube for free. When you get there, please like and subscribe. As a matter of fact, please like and subscribe to whatever podcasting app you use. It helps a lot in the motivation department. Thank you. A reminder that there is a Portrait of an Editor Patreon page where you can find older interviews. I just moved a bunch of my interviews to Patreon and added new outtakes, so check it out for a buck a month.

Will Dennis and I talk about the screening of MILLER'S CROSSING that he's guest hosting. We also cover how great THE BATMAN is and written dialogue vs. comic book dialogue.

Will Dennis and I talk about the screening of MILLER'S CROSSING that he's guest hosting. We also cover how great THE BATMAN is and written dialogue vs. comic book dialogue.

I had a great conversation with Will Dennis and Pornsak Pichetshote about their new publishing venture -- THE HORIZON EXPERIMENT from Image Comics. We discussed how they work together as editors and the punk attitude they brought to the project. FYI- The FOC for THE MANCHURIAN is September 2.

I had a great conversation with Will Dennis and Pornsak Pichetshote about their new publishing venture -- THE HORIZON EXPERIMENT from Image Comics. We discussed how they work together as editors and the punk attitude they brought to the project. FYI- The FOC for THE MANCHURIAN is September 2.

With this episode, I reconnect with Amanda Meadows to discuss her new gig, acquisitions, and the upsides of having an agent. And an update on MUTINY: BLACK GILR MAGIK from Fairsquare Comics.

With this episode, I reconnect with Amanda Meadows to discuss her new gig, acquisitions, and the upsides of having an agent. And an update on MUTINY: BLACK GILR MAGIK from Fairsquare Comics.

Instead of our regular debrief of San Diego Comic-Con, Will and I talk about his prep for 2024's SDCC. We also discuss his expectations for this year's Eisners, how to get his week's calendar in order, how not to miss a meeting, and why the success of a con is the best revenge. Finally, Will reveals when he will need a walker.

Instead of our regular debrief of San Diego Comic-Con, Will and I talk about his prep for 2024's SDCC. We also discuss his expectations for this year's Eisners, how to get his week's calendar in order, how not to miss a meeting, and why the success of a con is the best revenge. Finally, Will reveals when he will need a walker.

We talk a bit about Alter Ego, the follow-up novel to Alex Segura's 2022 novel Secret Identity. Then we jump into talking about Mad Cave's Dick Tracy. FYI, issue two hits stores on 6/12. Also, if you missed the first issue, a second printing is available.

We talk a bit about Alter Ego, the follow-up novel to Alex Segura's 2022 novel Secret Identity. Then we jump into talking about Mad Cave's Dick Tracy. FYI, issue two hits stores on 6/12. Also, if you missed the first issue, a second printing is available.

In this Portrait of an Editor, Sarah Litt and I discuss her work at Ahoy Comics and The Clash and how being an Ex-Pat influences her work and outlook on life. Ahoy Comics has been on my radar since they started out, and I suggest checking out the comics Sarah edits and other books in the Ahoy line-up. They are producing some funny and thought-provoking books—basically, what outstanding comic books should be.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20.

In this Portrait of an Editor, Sarah Litt and I discuss her work at Ahoy Comics and The Clash and how being an Ex-Pat influences her work and outlook on life. Ahoy Comics has been on my radar since they started out, and I suggest checking out the comics Sarah edits and other books in the Ahoy line-up. They are producing some funny and thought-provoking books—basically, what outstanding comic books should be.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20.

Will and I talk about editors delivering bad news to creators, including canceling books, firings, and passing on pitches.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20.

Will and I talk about editors delivering bad news to creators, including canceling books, firings, and passing on pitches.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20.

In this Portrait of an Editor, Dave Wielgosz discusses his move from the East Coast to the West Coast and his journey from editor to writer. Along the way, we cover what could help you become an editor at DC Comics or Marvel and the support he got from his folks in his hometown. Dave let me ramble on about my obsession with DC's 80-page Giants and the importance of short stories like them for a writer's profile and for an editor to test talent.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20.

In this Portrait of an Editor, Dave Wielgosz discusses his move from the East Coast to the West Coast and his journey from editor to writer. Along the way, we cover what could help you become an editor at DC Comics or Marvel and the support he got from his folks in his hometown. Dave let me ramble on about my obsession with DC's 80-page Giants and the importance of short stories like them for a writer's profile and for an editor to test talent.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20.

This ep covers a lot! Will Dennis and I address one of the core reasons for this podcast by discussing Roy Thomas taking co-creator credit for Wolverine and Will's own experiences with creator-owned material, specifically the origins of Vertigo's SCALPED. We also discuss deadlines and how Batman's penis changed the course of DC's Black Label.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20. The code is valid forever and offers 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.

This ep covers a lot! Will Dennis and I address one of the core reasons for this podcast by discussing Roy Thomas taking co-creator credit for Wolverine and Will's own experiences with creator-owned material, specifically the origins of Vertigo's SCALPED. We also discuss deadlines and how Batman's penis changed the course of DC's Black Label.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20. The code is valid forever and offers 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.

The Dead the Damned could be 2024's theme for the comics industry. For now, it's the title of Goats Flying Press's first release. After a two-year break, I talked with Sebastian Girner about his new publishing venture, Goats Fly Press, and whether it was a smart idea to launch a new company during these crazy times for comic book publishing. Sebastian really gets into the details about his present and future plans and the attitude he's taking. It's an honest and optimistic conversation. We even try to figure out if Marvel and DC Comics are relevant nowadays.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20. The code is valid forever and offers 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.

The Dead the Damned could be 2024's theme for the comics industry. For now, it's the title of Goats Flying Press's first release. After a two-year break, I talked with Sebastian Girner about his new publishing venture, Goats Fly Press, and whether it was a smart idea to launch a new company during these crazy times for comic book publishing. Sebastian really gets into the details about his present and future plans and the attitude he's taking. It's an honest and optimistic conversation. We even try to figure out if Marvel and DC Comics are relevant nowadays.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20. The code is valid forever and offers 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.

I've heard many people say no one buys comic book anthologies. Well, that might not be so true. For several years, DC Comics has had a successful run with its 80-Page Giant seasonal anthologies. Alex Antone, who edited some of the earlier issues, joined me in discussing why these anthologies are so fun and successful.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20. The code is valid forever and offers 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.

I've heard many people say no one buys comic book anthologies. Well, that might not be so true. For several years, DC Comics has had a successful run with its 80-Page Giant seasonal anthologies. Alex Antone, who edited some of the earlier issues, joined me in discussing why these anthologies are so fun and successful.Portrait of an Editor has a sponsor: Magic Mind, an excellent productivity elixir. The show's discounts are available at https://www.magicmind.co/portraitofaneditor with discount code ANTIX20. The code is valid forever and offers 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions.

Here's a bonus interview with Amanda Meadows about Fairsquare Comics' new Kickstarter project -- Mutiny: Black Girl Magick. A heads-up. This ep contains two or three f-bombs.  Mutiny Black Girl Magick Kickstarter Page https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1hitwonder/mutiny-black-girl-magik1/comments

Here's a bonus interview with Amanda Meadows about Fairsquare Comics' new Kickstarter project -- Mutiny: Black Girl Magick. A heads-up. This ep contains two or three f-bombs.  Mutiny Black Girl Magick Kickstarter Page https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1hitwonder/mutiny-black-girl-magik1/comments

Will Dennis and I connect to talk about a few things 2023 and a few things 2024. We cover NYCC 2023, Thought Bubble, Roger Stern, Will's favorite comic of 2023, Moonshine, the loss of editorial institutional knowledge, and the demise of comics in 2024.

Will Dennis and I connect to talk about a few things 2023 and a few things 2024. We cover NYCC 2023, Thought Bubble, Roger Stern, Will's favorite comic of 2023, Moonshine, the loss of editorial institutional knowledge, and the demise of comics in 2024.

Post San Diego Comic-Con 2023, I had a great conversation with Denton Tipton about the new version of Magma Comix. We cover Denton's and Magma's past, present, and future and what keeps him going through the ups and downs that come with working comic books.

Post San Diego Comic-Con 2023, I had a great conversation with Denton Tipton about the new version of Magma Comix. We cover Denton's and Magma's past, present, and future and what keeps him going through the ups and downs that come with working comic books.

First, DSTRLY's anthology, THE DEVIL'S CUT, which Will Dennis discusses in this ep, was released last week. So scoop up your copy before it sells out. Along with talking about 2023's San Diego Comic-Con, we also review Will's past and discuss his future with Comixology, the digital vs. physical reading experience, being part of yet another Eisner win, and the success of DSTERLY's booth.Finally, Will reveals "the magic sauce" needed for a publishing start-up to go from a conversation to a booth at San Diego in one year.

First, DSTRLY's anthology, THE DEVIL'S CUT, which Will Dennis discusses in this ep, was released last week. So scoop up your copy before it sells out. Along with talking about 2023's San Diego Comic-Con, we also review Will's past and discuss his future with Comixology, the digital vs. physical reading experience, being part of yet another Eisner win, and the success of DSTERLY's booth.Finally, Will reveals "the magic sauce" needed for a publishing start-up to go from a conversation to a booth at San Diego in one year.

SDCC2023, Barcon, John Byrne, COVID, BARNSTORMERS, Fabio Moon, and we spent some serious time discussing all the covers for DSTRLY's Devil's Cut and how they came to be. (FYI - This was recorded a bit before the SAG-AFTRA strike.) 

SDCC2023, Barcon, John Byrne, COVID, BARNSTORMERS, Fabio Moon, and we spent some serious time discussing all the covers for DSTRLY's Devil's Cut and how they came to be. (FYI - This was recorded a bit before the SAG-AFTRA strike.) 

Robyn Chapman discusses her work on First Second's release of HOMICIDE: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, which is an adaptation of David Simon's nonfiction book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, which also was the source material for the award-winning TV show Homicide: Life on the Streets. Robyn provides some great info on the unique journey Philippe Squarzoni's detailed adaptation took from the States to France and back. She also details all the hard work the First Second crew did to realize this impressive two-part graphic novel.

Robyn Chapman discusses her work on First Second's release of HOMICIDE: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, which is an adaptation of David Simon's nonfiction book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, which also was the source material for the award-winning TV show Homicide: Life on the Streets. Robyn provides some great info on the unique journey Philippe Squarzoni's detailed adaptation took from the States to France and back. She also details all the hard work the First Second crew did to realize this impressive two-part graphic novel.

My quick tour of Marvel's Avengers Heroes office wraps up. This time I talked with Annalise Bissa about her career's progress from intern to editor. By discussing her background, mentors, and various responsibilities at the House of Ideas for the past few years, she provides an excellent overview of how her take on editing has developed.

My quick tour of Marvel's Avengers Heroes office wraps up. This time I talked with Annalise Bissa about her career's progress from intern to editor. By discussing her background, mentors, and various responsibilities at the House of Ideas for the past few years, she provides an excellent overview of how her take on editing has developed.

Marvel's Executive Editor Tom Brevoort and I discuss the genesis, execution, and response to two unique Marvel series--AVENGERS BEYOND and NAMOR: CONQUERED SHORES. Tom explains why Marvel's Two-In-One and Team-Up series might not work in today's market. Also, we talk about the unique campaign to save Spider-Girl that her extraordinary fans managed to pull off.

Marvel's Executive Editor Tom Brevoort and I discuss the genesis, execution, and response to two unique Marvel series--AVENGERS BEYOND and NAMOR: CONQUERED SHORES. Tom explains why Marvel's Two-In-One and Team-Up series might not work in today's market. Also, we talk about the unique campaign to save Spider-Girl that her extraordinary fans managed to pull off.

First, a huge congratulations to Alex Segura for winning the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Prize for the Mystery/Thriller category for SECRET IDENTITY.As for this interview, it's a companion piece to my interview with Cliff Chiang, in which I get to talk with a former editor and see how their days as an editor influenced their creative process today as a writer. Also, of course, we talk about SECRET IDENTITY, and Alex provides hints about his next novel's storyline.  

First, a huge congratulations to Alex Segura for winning the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Prize for the Mystery/Thriller category for SECRET IDENTITY.As for this interview, it's a companion piece to my interview with Cliff Chiang, in which I get to talk with a former editor and see how their days as an editor influenced their creative process today as a writer. Also, of course, we talk about SECRET IDENTITY, and Alex provides hints about his next novel's storyline.  

No intro with this episode of CROPPED because I wanted to jump right into the Q&A with Will Dennis about his role with DSTLRY. And I asked him to explain what the hell is a Founding Editor.

No intro with this episode of CROPPED because I wanted to jump right into the Q&A with Will Dennis about his role with DSTLRY. And I asked him to explain what the hell is a Founding Editor.

Comixology Originals' EDGEWORLD relaunched a few months back. Three new issues from this new arc are already available. I caught up with series writer and co-creator Chuck Austen to discuss this arc's direction.Of course, sticking with the show's central theme, Chuck and I discuss Felix Horne's editorial contributions to what Chuck, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne have delivered.We also discuss how binge watching has changed writers' approaches to scripting and pitching.

Comixology Originals' EDGEWORLD relaunched a few months back. Three new issues from this new arc are already available. I caught up with series writer and co-creator Chuck Austen to discuss this arc's direction.Of course, sticking with the show's central theme, Chuck and I discuss Felix Horne's editorial contributions to what Chuck, Patrick Olliffe, Lee Loughridge, and Jodi Wynne have delivered.We also discuss how binge watching has changed writers' approaches to scripting and pitching.

Will Dennis and I journey down memory lane and review the nine issues of Captain America (#247 to #255) that Roger Stern and John Byrne pretty much teased readers with in 1980. We ask "What If" and "What Could Have Been" a lot regarding their way too short run on Cap.

Will Dennis and I journey down memory lane and review the nine issues of Captain America (#247 to #255) that Roger Stern and John Byrne pretty much teased readers with in 1980. We ask "What If" and "What Could Have Been" a lot regarding their way too short run on Cap.

I had a great talk with Cliff Chiang in which we discussed how his editing work at Vertigo Comics reverberates throughout his career right up to CATWOMAN: LONELY CITY. He also dived into the creative and somewhat laborious process he took to make Lonely City.