Random Acts of Comics

A random hiatus is imminent. 

Brittany Holzherr grew up reading comics in a household where they were always around ‘cause her Dad had been into them. Her brother's name is Kent ‘cause her Mom loved the Superman TV show. Just they dug comics. Like most of us in the business, Brittany still finds it a little surreal that's she's IN the business. We're all just very glad she is.

  Doug and Todd Talk About Stuff~!   We're technically calling it a "Pass Week" as we take a slight break this week to get  ahead of schedule -- but Doug and I wanted to at least give you something to listen to while you patiently anticipate next week's episode. So here's Todd and Doug talking about Daredevil, Damian Wayne, and why the people in line at the DMV just come in expecting to be abused. But they weren't. The people behind the glass were very nice to everyone.

So here's the part that I think is so impressive; of the seven original Image founders, Erik Larsen is the only one who wrote, drew, and published his breakout hit, The Savage Dragon, and got it out on a ...fairly...monthly basis, AND STILL DOES TO THIS DAY! He loves comics, loves making comics, and he'd love you to listen to us talk!    Join our Patreon Community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Dan Schkade is a terrific artist/writer who is currently drawing the Flash Gordon daily strip for King Features. He's also written and drawn a lot of other cool stuff including The Spirit, Battlestar Galactica, Impossible Jones, and his creator-owned titles; Saint John and Lavender Jack. But what you need to know most it's pronounced "SHKah - dee." Like Scotty. Like the dog. Or the Chief Engineer.

We've been doing this podcast thing for almost a year now and it amazes me how, after talking about their lives and careers for the majority of each episode,  nearly every guest suddenly becomes a 12 year old kid again when asked about their favorite comics, their favorite characters. Jim Calafiore is no different and I was happy to be in the room when he started talking about his favorites! Good on you, Jim! And you...what's your favorite...?   Join our Patreon Community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Todd's best friend and Perhapanauts partner, Craig, returns to the show to chat up what's going on with the various cool projects he's working on and talks about the visualization process when it comes to bringing a comic plot to life. I mean, it seems pretty cut and dried, right...? But it's not. It can be a bear. It's all very interesting stuff and you should listen.

Tom Reilly is a dynamic artist whose work has brought to life The Thing, Ant Man, and now the exciting new G.I. Joe series! We talk about all kindsa things, but especially about The Thing. We love The Thing. It's one of the Things we have in common. I'm not trying to do this, it just happens. Anyway, one of the long-running debates in comics is ... does The Thing have teeth? Some artists draw him with, some draw him without. Whadda you think? ( now you need to go Google Ben Grimm Thing teeth or no teeth so you can see for yourself, right...? )

Mike Marts should teach a class on being positive and productive. In his long career as an editor at Marvel and then DC Comics and then back to Marvel again and then at Acclaim and Aftershock, and now at MadCave Studios, he's the guy everyone wants to work with and everyone wants to work for. He knows how to not burn bridges or close any doors. Although, if there's a fire, you should close the doors to try to cut off the oxygen that feeds the fire. Anyway, here's me and Mike Marts.    Join our Patreon community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Eric Henson has worn many hats. He's been a soldier, a preacher, an artist, and a writer. In 2011 he was the subject of the Morgan Spurlock documentary , Comic-Con IV : A Fan's Hope. He is also Todd's friend. And for the past year or so, they have been working on a secret project that is slated to come out sometime in 2026. Well, secret until now, I guess. You should listen...

When I was little there were a pair of twins in my Mom's Sunday school class. They were kinda wild and my Mom, not wanting to blame the wrong one when disciplining them, would secretly find some way to "accidentally" mark one of them with a magic marker right at the beginning of class so she'd know them apart. When their Mom asked my Mom about it, my Mom timidly admitted to the deed...and their Mom called her a genius. They then started letting the other one know who was marked and where. Bobby Timony is a twin. Let's take it from there.   Follow Our Patreon Community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast    

Fred Chamberlain and Todd have been friends since waaay back, meeting on the Marvel message boards ( look it up ) and connecting over comics, comedy, and cartography. ( maybe not so much with the cartography ) Here they talk about all those things and more and you are cordially invited to listen in, which you'll do, because we're all just amateur spies eager to eavesdrop on people, aren't we...?   Follow our Patreon Community for exclusive content!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast  

Roy Richardson is his own worst enemy. He KNOWS he shouldn't go on the Jack Kirby Discussion Boards and talk about the King. He KNOWS the internet was created just to give people a place to stir each other up. He KNOWS he'll come back frustrated and pissed at how ignorant some people can be. But he does it anyway. Oh, well -- I guess we all have our vices. For me, it's the ponies.

Megan Huang is new to the comics world. Fairly new. She is a funny, wonderfully charming person, an artist with a bright style and a bright future, and my new pal. Today we're talking about what it takes to get in --  and stay in --  the comics business. Next time we're gonna talk about bears.

At the Baltimore Comic Con each year, Katie Cook's table is always right across from mine. We always say hello, exchange pleasantries, and smile and wave over at each other throughout the course of the show. But we never seem to get a chance to settle in for a real conversation. Why, you ask? Because Katie's table is ALWAYS surrounded by throngs of her adoring fans, all eager to chat and catch up with their favorite creator/cartoonist!! She is fun and positive and enchanting and here I finally get a chance to have that conversation.

Tom Raney is an excellent comic book artist. He is also an excellent person. No, really! He even won an award for it! At the 2024 Ringo Awards, Tom was given the Brogan Fidelity Award for his continuous dedication to the Hero Initiative, providing care and support to financially impacted comic book professionals in need of health and care services. Just...the nicest guy.   Join our Patreon Army!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Jeff Parker is an artist, a writer, a husband, a father, a friend. He is a charming fellow and, if you ever have the chance to meet him, I think you'd feel the same. A quick wit, a roguish smile, Jeff can do close-up magic tricks using virtually any random household item. He has a remarkable singing voice. He is our guest on this week's Random Acts of Comics.   Check out our Patreon Community! https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

"Your twenties are for crappy jobs, crappy apartments, and crappy relationships -- do 'em all." This and so many more truly precious gems fall out of writer/editor Terry Kavanaugh's mouth during his chat with your host, Todd Dezago. You should listen.   Join our Patreon Community  https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

If you polled all of the artists working in comics today and asked them if they ever took anything away from the instructional art column, Brutes and Babes, featured in Wizard Magazine back in the day, the number would be staggering! BART SEARS has influenced THAT MANY people!  Also, he drew so many awesome comics, too many to list, but here are a few of my favorites... Invasion, Justice League Europe, X-O Manowar, Captain America and the Falcon, Weapon X.  So many.   Join our Patreon Community!  https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast   * "Asphalt Tango" by Fanfare Ciocarlia  

When Todd and writer/artist/creator Carla Speed McNeil get talking it's usually about books and authors and story. Not stories, but STORY --  not just the tale, but how the tale is told. Here, Carla and Todd discuss some of the authors favorite titles and authors outside of comics and Todd explains why everyone should check out Carla's exquisite FINDER series.   Join our Patreon Community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

So, I'll let you guess. What if I say he wrote Avengers, Defenders, Captain America and the Hulk at Marvel…? How about Justice League, Green Lantern Corps, and Detective Comics at DC…? No…? The Joker Fish…? Amazing Adventures featuring The Beast…? Oh, that did it. Yeah, it's Steve Engelhart! And now you wanna go re-read all those comics, don't you? Yeah…me too.       Join our Patreon Community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

  Tom Sniegoski and Jeanine Acheson dated in high school. Then college and life came along and they went their separate ways. Five years ago, both married with families, they reunited and shortly thereafter began writing novels and comic books together. Really. Lifetime is making a rom-com about them. Not really --  that's a lie. But they do write Vampirella together and that's bloody cool.     https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast  

The Mooks are back in a very special episode of Grown Man Watching Cartoons! Although not technically a cartoon, Doug made us sit through Roger Corman's unreleased lemon "The Fantastic Four" (1994)    Join our Patreon Community!    https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast 

Scott Kress is not so much a comics fan as he is a fan of the art.  And the artists. Starting out as a comics dealer he soon graduated to the position of art dealer, representing some of the biggest names in the industry. Here's us talking.   *Stay tuned for a conversation with Todd and Doug (on three hours sleep!) that begins with smack talk about a local park grounds keeper and ends with safe cracking.    Join our Patreon Community! https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast   Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/todddezago/  

Yeah, that Adam Hughes. The creator of so many of your favorite comic book covers, Adam Hughes is a talented artist, a personable fellow, and a funny, funny guy. But, life coach…? Listen to Adam lay down for us why it's important — for both giver and getter — to learn to receive compliments. Didn't think you'd be learning anything today, huh…?   Join our Patreon community!  https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Featuring Matt Wieringo and Doug Wortel    This seasons brings stories of witches and ghosts  Of vampires, werewolves, and ghouls For this we've assembled these three gruesome hosts To offer some horror film jewels   Some of them funny and some filled with dread And some that are slathered in gore On the edge of your seat, it's a trick or a treat We just need them to keep making more!    * Intro music by Tim Blevins    * Correction : I didn't attend the Pet Semetary opening. It was the premiere for Creepshow 2. - Doug     

Marc Storrs is one of the hosts of Todd's favorite podcast, The Cryptonaut podcast, which features stories and discussions about the strange and bizarre creatures that may be lurking in the darkest woods. Todd is a huge fan and fanboys out a little and, frankly, it's a bit embarrassing. Come join Todd and Marc in a conversation about both comics and cryptids.  Join our Patreon Community!  https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Rich Case is a comic book artist best known for his work on Doctor Strange and the ultra-bizarre Grant Morrison scripted Doom Patrol. He was also the Inker on Sensational Spider-Man when I was writing it. One time, when we were in San Diego  on a shuttle bus to the convention, Rich and I came up with what we were certain would be the greatest Batman villain ever. But once we got off the bus, both of us promptly forgot it, so now we'll never know.   *includes excerpt of "Arabian Knights" by Siouxsie and the Banshees  Check out our Patreon community!  https://www.patreon.com/c/randomactsofcomicspodcast 

Dan Brereton is, simply put, a terrific artist. Inspired by some of the early painters drawn to comic book work in the early 90s, Dan brought an entirely new look to Superman and Batman, Robin, and Batgirl, to name a few. He wrote and painted his own creator-owned team called The Nocturnals and continues to stun with his unique, inimitable style.   includes excerpt of "Atomic" by Blondie    Join our Patreon Gang!  https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast

In this special bonus episode we're calling "Grown Men Watching Cartoons," Todd is joined by his mooks, Walt Curley and producer, Doug Wortel to talk about the animated Warner Brothers feature, Batman: The Killing Joke - based on the 1988 DC graphic novel written by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. It's a fun conversation!   Join our Patreon!  https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast    "Grown Men Watching Cartoons Theme" by Doug Wortel 

With most guests, when I ask them about their favorite comic or character, I have an idea as to what their answer might be. ‘Cause I know them, and probably have for some time. I've known Shane Simek for more than 20 years. He's a fellow comic book fan and a long-time collector of original artwork in the form of the commissions he gets at the various conventions we go to. And he's always happy to share with me and Craig the truly awesome pieces from some of the truly awesome artists he's befriended. I did not anticipate his choice for favorite comic.     * This episode includes an excerpt of "You Only Live Once" by The Strokes      Join our Patreon community!  https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast  

Bret Blevins is an artist's artist having worked in comic strips, comic books, animation, and illustration. He is my same age and lives in the American southwest. Bret and I met years ago on an ill-fated project that never saw the light of day but wasn't our fault. We stand by that. Here's my conversation with my dear friend, Bret Blevins, artist on The New Mutants, The Buzz Chronicles, and Batman: Shadow of the Bat, to name a few.   * Stay tuned for the fellas recap of The Mad Magazine exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum 

  Jimmy Palmiotti is a true maverick in the world of comics, having been in advertising, production, an inker, an editor, a writer. And here's a thing; he grew up in the same neighborhood as Doug! Flatbush! I always thought that was just a place Bugs made up. Like, they know a lot of the same places! And some of the same people! Brooklyn in the house~!!! You're gonna like this one.   This episode includes an instrumental exerpt of "Brooklyn Baby" by Lana Del Rey  Join our Patreon Community @ https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast 

This week, to coincide with the "Celebration of the Life and Art of Ramona Fradon" at the Baltimore Comic Con, we're releasing this post-interview conversation Ramona and I had after the episode. This is the kind of chat Ramona and I usually had, playful and fun. This is the last one.   This episode features an excerpt of :  "All The Things You Are" by Charlie Parker "Shame Shame Shame" by Tina Turner and Cher | Live On The Cher Variety Show on April 27, 1975   

  Jamar Nicholas is one of those people who simply radiates good will and good vibes. His varied career in comics has taken many shapes over the years; writer, artist, creator, teacher, administrator, he's worn many hats. But also, that one hat. Here's my chat with my dear friend, Jamar. And also listen for Doug's impassioned plea for more of the artist's Detective Boogaloo: Hip Hop Cop! Not even a little cringey, Doug.  This episode features an excerpt of "East River Drive" by Grover Washington Junior Join our Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast 

Marc Nathan opened his Baltimore-based comics shop, Comics, Cards, and Collectibles, in 1994. Five years later, he launched the Baltimore Comic Con, one of the top fan-favorite comic book conventions in the country. In 2017 he instituted the Ringo Awards, an annual celebration of the year's best comics and the people who make them. And on top of all that, he was once the mascot for a popular major league baseball team! Now that's a resume.

Doug chimes in with a series of exciting announcements in the world of Random Acts Of Comics!    Check out our Patreon @ https://www.patreon.com/randomactsofcomicspodcast

Ernie Cooper is a writer that Todd connected with at HeroesCon way back at the turn of the century. The two have been friends and encouraged one another over the years and here's them talking about writing and comics and all the really random things they have in common. I mean, really...it's spooky.   *This episode includes an instrumental clip of "Everyday I Write The Book" by Elvis Costello & The Attractions 

Joe Staton has been a journeyman in his career, being the professional, dependable, go-to guy at various times for Charlton, Marvel, and DC Comics. And talented! At one time or another he has drawn every character at every company! Hilarie has made her career writing and editing various educational texts and manuals and has the unique perspective of being married to a guy who draws funny books. Let's go.    Production notes : Todd had to record the intros and outro from his office over Streamyard. This episode features an excerpt of "E-Man Boogie" by The Jimmy Castor Bunch  When Joe references, "Suffer The Children" he is talking about "Death Of The Innocents" published by DC Comics in 1996 by Dennis O'Neil, Joe Staton, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Ian Laughlin.   

Randy Martin is one of those comics fans who has had his hand in just about every aspect of the industry. He's a long time fan, a short-time professional, a hard-working art rep, and an original art collector. He's one of those people who sees a thing, say, “I can do that.” and then does it. Successfully. He's one of a kind and here's Todd talking with him.   * This episode features an excerpt of "The Core" by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 

On Tuesday night, Warner Brothers dropped part one of their new animated adaptation of Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons' masterpiece, The Watchmen. Todd and Doug watched it and immediately ran to the studio to talk to you all about it.  The Watchmen Chapter 1 is currently available to buy digitally. The Blu-Ray comes out August 27th.  

Matt Wieringo is a hugely successful in advertising and occasionally draws comics in his ever-dwindling spare time. He and Todd are close comrades, comic book conspirators, and collectors of all the classics. Here they talk about all that and a little about the brother they both lost, This episode includes an excerpt of "Scrapple From The Apple" by Charlie Parker You don't want to miss the story at the end of the episode. 

Todd and Doug talk about their visit with the Simonsons. 

Louise Simonson   When people use the phrase, “triple threat,”  I always picture Louise Simonson. Not just a legendary writer on comics like X-Factor, New Mutants, and Superman, she created the wonderful Power Pack 40 years ago with artist June Brigman! As an editor, she guided the X-Men to new heights and wrangled the Warren line of magazines — Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella — when they., too, were at their height. One of the nicest people I've ever met, I am honored to be her pal and honored that she came in and had a chat with me!   This episode features an excerpt of "Misterioso" by Thelonious Monk 

Walter Simonson   Any conversation you may be fortunate enough to have with Walter Simonson is a treat —  but for us to get him all to ourselves here in the studio for an hour or so was magic. Walter regales us with tales of his youth, his passion for art —  and dinosaurs — and how he got into the business. Well, barely. We barely got into his career. Which is why he's gonna have to come back soon. I'm calling this episode one of…I'm gonna guess 15…?   *This episode features an excerpt of "The Dinosaur Song" by The Paul Cornish Trio  * The "Terry" mentioned several times throughout the episode is Terry Austin 

  Derek Jason Bush and John Fletcher Pasquini are a couple of comic book super fans who happen to be best friends. Together the two have supported several Kickstarter campaigns over the years for creator owned projects before creating the characters who would headline their own comicbook called, Packrat and Thunderbunny. This is their story.   The episode features an excerpt of “Time Will Tell” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers  

Walt Curley holds the record for listening to Todd prattle on for hours. It's 7 and 2/3rds hours. Walt has been Todd's comic book soulmate for years and this is them talking about their time together on the brutal frontlines of retail comic book sales. Don't interrupt them -- just listen.   * This episode features an excerpt of "B For My Name" by Beastie Boys 

Rich Woodall   Rich Woodall is a writer/artist/publisher/creator…Jeez, Rich, got enough hats? He's also a great friend. His self-published Johnny Raygun dripped with all the things Rich loves about comics and his Kyrra, Alien Jungle Girl — co-created with Craig Rousseau — at Dark Horse Comics, was the epitome of the sci-fi adventure serial! Here we gush over the comics we love and the people who make ‘em.   This episode features an excerpt of "Dracula" by Medeski, Martin and Wood 

J.M. DeMatteis has a long list of credits to show for his forty plus years in the business. He's written extensively for Marvel and DC Comics, been responsible for some truly epic tales along the way, including runs on Spider-Man, The Justice League, etc. He's the creator of the acclaimed series Moonshadow and Brooklyn Dreams and is currently creating his own universe at Spellbound Comics. He is also one of the Three Musketeers who battled alongside Todd in the Clone Saga. Producer's note : There is a bit of line interference on Mr. DeMatteis' channel that comes in and out sporadically throughout the broadcast. This episode includes an excerpt of "High Life" by Pharoh Sanders 

Doug Wortel is the producer Random Acts Of Comics. He produces several other podcasts as well, but honestly who cares? He is a musician and composer whose work has appeared on the radio, stage, Internet, Television and even university lecture halls but the latter is a long story. His interests include -but are not limited to- comic books, novels, music, film, and brutally humiliating anyone who remotely has a hint of comicsgate/4Chan culture in them.    This episode includes an excerpt of the 1963 alternate version of "Haitian Fight Song" entitled, II B.S by Charles Mingus.  

Producer Doug Wortel comes on to set up this episode and announce why Todd isn't in the studio/Todd gives us a little slice of history while teaching us how a comic book is made.    This episode features an excerpt of "Manoir De Mes Rêves" by Django Reinhardt"