Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Recorded live at Terrificon, this conversation brings together three of Marvel's most influential Bronze Age creators—Jim Starlin, Steve Englehart, and Al Milgrom—to share stories from the wild, experimental days of the 1970s comic book industry.From Starlin's cosmic epics with Captain Marvel and Warlock, to Englehart's politically charged Captain America and groundbreaking Avengers and Batman runs, to Milgrom's steady hand as artist, inker, and editor across Captain Marvel, and Avengers—this panel is packed with history, humor, and behind-the-scenes tales of working at Marvel during a time of radical creativity. Whether it's the birth of Thanos, the rise of long-form continuity, the shaping of Marvel's cosmic landscape, or the day-to-day chaos of 1970s bullpen life, this discussion is a must for fans of comics history.

This episode features acclaimed comics editor Will Dennis, whose career has been defined by bold storytelling and unforgettable collaborations. Will reflects on his longtime partnership with Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo, from the noir stylings of Joker and Luthor, to the provocative, supernatural edge of Batman: Damned for DC's Black Label, and the early days of Batman/Deathblow at WildStorm.We also dive into his moving editorial work on Where We Live, the Eisner-winning Las Vegas shooting tribute anthology, and his experience working with the legendary Joe Kubert on Sgt. Rock: Between Hell and a Hard Place and Kubert's final comics. Will also shares insight into the legacy of DC's classic war comics, recalling the influence of creators like Russ Heath and Robert Kanigher.It's a revealing conversation with one of comics' most fearless and influential editors.

Filmmaker Ken Viola joins us to discuss his rare 1987 documentary The Masters of Comic Book Art—a raw, unfiltered snapshot of comics history featuring candid interviews with legends like Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Neal Adams, Will Eisner, Art Spiegelman, Dave Sim, Frank Miller, and Bernie Wrightson. Narrated by Harlan Ellison, this film captures the voices of visionary creators at a turning point in the industry. Ken shares behind-the-scenes stories, what it was like filming these giants, and how the project came together. You can now watch the documentary online—don't miss this essential piece of comics history.

n this episode, we dive into the most talked-about—and polarizing—installment of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: “An Adventure in Space and Time.” Was it a lighthearted homage to Trek's origins, gently poking fun at William Shatner and Gene Roddenberry, or a snarky commentary dressed in retro cosplay? We debate whether the satire lands with love or leans too hard into mockery.We also unpack the increasingly odd portrayal of Mr. Spock—now depicted as a lovesick romantic entangled with La'an Noonien Singh. If this relationship is canon, why doesn't Spock even remember her name in “Space Seed”? Is this just sloppy continuity, or is something else going on?Then we shift gears for a full spoiler review of the brand-new Fantastic Four film—breaking down the performances, surprises, and whether Marvel's First Family finally got the treatment they deserve.Buckle up—this one's equal parts Trek talk, canon chaos, and superhero cinema smackdown.

More details of Bnedis and Oeming's nreturn to Powers, Fraction's upcoming Batman run, their thoughts and impt on Superman and Fantastic Four First steps, and the concerns about AI 

In Part 1 of this epic creator roundtable, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming dive into their long-awaited return to Powers, now published by Dark Horse. They reflect on the legacy of the groundbreaking series, why now was the right time to bring it back, and what's in store for Deena Pilgrim and a new generation of police officers.Meanwhile, Matt Fraction joins the conversation to share insights on launching his new Batman run,  It's a deep, candid, and funny chat among three of comics' most influential voices.

In this offbeat edition of Word ,Balloon's SCENE MISSING  Gabriel Hardman and I peel back the curtain on the gloriously chaotic making of Beat the Devil (1953), the cult classic that blended noir, comedy, and adventure long before it was fashionable.With a script co-written on the fly by Truman Capote, a sardonic performance from Humphrey Bogart, and the directing flair of John Huston, Beat the Devil was a film where nearly nothing went according to plan—and that's exactly what makes it legendary. We dig into the behind-the-scenes madness: from Bogart breaking his teeth in a car crash and dubbing lines with a lisp, to Capote allegedly writing pages each morning just before they were filmed.Shot on location in Italy with a freewheeling cast of characters—including Gina Lollobrigida, Robert Morley, and Peter Lorre—this film defied studio expectations and genre conventions. Whether you see it as a brilliant satire or an accidental masterpiece, Beat the Devil remains a time capsule of mid-century moviemaking gone delightfully rogue. Join us as we celebrate the charming chaos and unlikely alchemy that brought it to life.

A surprisingly polarizing episode. Were they loving parodies of Shatner and Roddenberry or mean swipes? Also, Spock is getting more romance action than Kirk on this show. 

In this episode, we catch up with legendary writer James Robinson to talk about his current Kickstarter campaign, Rogues' Kingdom, an epic new fantasy adventure created with artist Jeff Johnson — and with less than a week left to support, now's the time to back it!We also dive into his latest Dark Horse Comics projects and take a retrospective look at some of his landmark work, from The Golden Age, Starman, JSA, and Earth-2 at DC to his unique run on Marvel's Fantastic Four. James shares behind-the-scenes stories from his TV work on Stargirl, where he served as co-executive producer and writer, and discusses his time writing the cult films The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Comic Book Villains.It's a wide-ranging conversation with one of comics' most celebrated voices — don't miss it.

On this episode of Trek Watch, we're diving into the highs and lows of the current Star Trek landscape. First, we tip our hats to Strange New Worlds for delivering a surprisingly fun and freaky zombie episode—proving once again that Trek can still get weird in the best ways.But it's not all warp core breezes: we're scratching our heads at that baffling Season 4 teaser, where Captain Pike is… a puppet? Yep, that happened. And we're not thrilled. Add to that a Starfleet Academy trailer that feels more CW teen drama than classic Trek, and we've got some honest frustrations to beam up. It's a mix of praise and protest this week as we talk tone, direction, and what the franchise needs to stay boldly on course.

In Part 4 of our conversation with comics veteran Al Milgrom, we spotlight his collaboration with Jim Shooter on Secret Wars II—digging into how the massive crossover was shaped behind the scenes, what it was like coordinating with dozens of creators, and how editorial challenges turned into creative opportunities.We also go inside Al's time as editor of Marvel Fanfare, a title often misunderstood as a dumping ground for inventory stories. Al sets the record straight—it was actually a creative playground, where artists and writers could experiment with format, storytelling, and page layout. From unique one-shots to prestige-style presentations, Fanfare gave pros like Barry Windsor-Smith and Michael Golden the freedom to think outside the box and produce work that wouldn't fit the typical monthly grind.Plus: more classic Marvel Bullpen stories—from prank wars and personality clashes to the raw energy of a company bursting with creativity in the Bronze Age.

In Part 3 of our conversation with comic book veteran Al Milgrom, we dig into the stories behind the pages — and beyond them. Al shares his memories of the legendary style of Wally Wood and offers insights into the creative genius of Murphy Anderson.Then, the spotlight shifts to the editorial trenches at Marvel. Al opens up about his collaborations and clashes with Jim Shooter, especially during the turbulent production of Secret Wars II. From late scripts to deadline disasters, you'll get the unfiltered truth from a man who was right there when it all went down. This is the good stuff — creator drama, comic history, and behind-the-scenes gold.

In Part 2 of our deep dive with comics legend Al Milgrom, things get even more candid. Al shares shocking behind-the-scenes stories about some of the biggest names from the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages of comics—warts and all. From ego clashes to editorial chaos, you'll hear what really went down in the bullpen.We also detour into the strange world of obscure 1950s and 60s comic book publishers—including those that reprinted Golden Age stories with misleading new covers and numbering schemes, trying to pass them off as fresh material. Al offers insight into how these fly-by-night operations worked and what creators thought of seeing their work repackaged without credit or compensation.Plus: Al gives his reaction to seeing Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four: First Steps and offers a veteran's take on how it stacks up against the legacy of the First Family in comics. This one's loaded with comic book history, brutally honest insights, and a few surprises you won't hear anywhere else.Al wants you to know he's acailable for commisions and recreations if you email him at editorial@aol.com 

On this episode of Word Balloon, we start a 2 part talk with one of the true utility players of the Marvel Bullpen—Al Milgrom. From penciling and inking to editing and writing, Al did it all during a pivotal era at the House of Ideas.We dig into his early days at Marvel, when the bullpen was more than just a nickname—it was a real, bustling office of creative chaos. Al shares memories of hand-delivering artwork to John Romita Sr. and Virginia Romita, navigating the personality clashes of the era and working under the towering presence of Jim Shooter as Marvel evolved into a more corporate machine. We also get the inside story behind the launch of Marvel Fanfare, a passion project that let Al spotlight top-tier talent and showcase stories on high-quality paper—long before the era of prestige formats. Whether you're a fan of classic comics or just love hearing how the sausage got made in the Bronze Age, this conversation with Al Milgrom pulls no punches and delivers some terrific behind-the-scenes tales from a guy who lived it.

My thoughts on the latest MCU film. 

In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary comic creator Jerry Ordway, we pivot from Metropolis to Marvel as Jerry shares his candid thoughts on the legacy and missed opportunities of the Fantastic Four movies—especially from the perspective of someone who's spent time chronicling Marvel's first family on the page. We also get some memorable Stan Lee stories, offering insight into the man behind the myth from someone who's seen the industry evolve up close.But this episode isn't just nostalgia—we dive into the more complex aspects of comic book history, including how creators depicted people of color during the Golden and Silver Ages. Jerry speaks honestly about the era's blind spots and how the medium has both reflected and shaped cultural attitudes over time. It's a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with one of comics' most respected voices. 

Today on Word Balloon, we kick off Part 1 of a deep-dive conversation with legendary writer, artist, and inker Jerry Ordway. Jerry shares his thoughts on the new Superman film and reflects on his own legacy with the Man of Steel—both on the page and behind the scenes.We also dig into his acclaimed work on the Justice Society of America, a cornerstone of DC's Golden Age revival. But that's not all—we get into the nuts and bolts of comic book production, with Ordway breaking down how the cheap paper stock of the '60s through the '80s warped colors, muted tones, and frustrated artists. It's a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the technical and creative challenges of working in the pre-digital era of comics. Whether you're a Superman superfan or a student of the artform, this is a must-listen conversation with one of DC's most important storytellers.

On this episode of Word Balloon, writer Jeremy Adams returns to break down his high-octane run on Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, as well as his recent work on Aquaman. We dive deep into the cosmic drama brewing in the DC Universe, from Hal Jordan's personal battles to the Corps-wide crises reshaping intergalactic law and order.Plus, Jeremy teases major developments and reveals the big team events looming in each series — events that could change the status quo for Earth's emerald heroes and the King of Atlantis alike. Whether you're a die-hard GL fan or just jumping on board, this conversation is packed with insight, energy, and a creator's perspective on building modern mythology.

In this episode of Word Balloon, we sit down with a veteran of the comic book trench Keith Williams an accomplished inker whose brushwork has brought some of the most iconic characters to life. From helping define the look of the Black-suited Spider-Man during a pivotal era in Marvel history, to adding depth and shadow to the Man of Steel's adventures at DC, and even contributing to the legacy of The Phantom in the newspaper strips, this is a career that spans decades and genres.

On this episode of Word Balloon, we're talking with the legendary Beau Smith — a true cowboy of comics. From creating the cult favorite Wynonna Earp to seeing it ride high as a hit TV series, Beau's journey is as action-packed as his stories. We dig into the roots of Wynonna, and how he's now teaming up with the show's stars Melanie Scrofano and Tim Rozon to bring new adventures to the page.But that's just the start. Beau shares his unfiltered thoughts on the new Superman movie, and why he thinks the portrayal of Guy Gardner may be the most accurate DC Comics adaptation to date — especially considering he wrote the book on Guy. We also hit the DC vaults to revisit Beau's time writing Catwoman, Wildcat, and other unsung gems that show his knack for tough characters with heart. If you love straight-talking creators and behind-the-scenes insight from someone who's lived it, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Today we're talking digital comics, innovation, and disruption — past, present, and future. I'm joined by two key figures who changed the game once… and are looking to do it again. David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, the co-founders of Comixology, are here to talk about their bold new venture: Neon Ichiban — a next-gen digital comics marketplace built to empower creators, preserve ownership, and rebuild trust in the digital reading experience.In this conversation, we dig into their Comixology origin story, the Amazon acquisition and aftermath, and why they believe now is the time to reboot what digital comics should be. From creator-first economics to indie publishing opportunities, this is a candid, no-BS look at the challenges and potential of reinventing comics distribution from the ground up — again.

Part 2 of our Superman movie review extravaganza!I've assembled a Fortress-worthy roundtable of Superman experts and superfans to unpack every detail — the triumphs, the missteps, the Easter eggs, and the big swings this movie takes with the Man of Steel. Joining me are former Superman comic creators Art Baltazar and Franco, the award-winning duo behind Tiny Titans, Superman of Smallville, and Superman Family Adventures. We're also joined by Scoot McMahon, cartoonist and die-hard Superman fan, Terrificon founder and host Mitch Hallock, and our Canadian correspondent and longtime Word Balloon contributor, Wayne from Canada.From legacy nods to cinematic risks, from casting choices to Kryptonian lore — nothing is off-limits as we break it all down over two jam-packed episodes. So grab your cape, turn on the spoiler shield, and let's dive into Part 2 of our Superman movie review extravaganza!

today we're kicking off a special two-part deep dive into the most talked-about superhero film of the summer — the brand new Superman movie. And let me be clear: this one is spoiler-heavy, so if you haven't seen the film yet, you've been warned.I've assembled a Fortress-worthy roundtable of Superman experts and superfans to unpack every detail — the triumphs, the missteps, the Easter eggs, and the big swings this movie takes with the Man of Steel. Joining me are former Superman comic creators Art Baltazar and Franco, the award-winning duo behind Tiny Titans, Superman of Smallville, and Superman Family Adventures. We're also joined by Scoot McMahon, cartoonist and die-hard Superman fan, Terrificon founder and host Mitch Hallock, and our Canadian correspondent and longtime Word Balloon contributor, Wayne from Canada.From legacy nods to cinematic risks, from casting choices to Kryptonian lore — nothing is off-limits as we break it all down over two jam-packed episodes. So grab your cape, turn on the spoiler shield, and let's dive into Part 1 of our Superman movie review extravaganza!

The stunning crossover of the league of word balloon listeners and the bendis discord join forces to discuss the first volume of brian k vaughn and fiona staples sci-fi epic. 

n Part 2, Alex opens up about the growing role of AI in art and how it raises serious concerns for creators like himself. We also take a nostalgic turn as he shares his childhood memories of 1960s Japanese animation — Speed Racer — and his thoughts on the rise of modern American adult animation.Alex reflects on the long-overdue recognition of classic comic book creators in today's Marvel and DC films, and what it meant to meet legends like Jack Kirby and Neal Adams. We revisit the origin stories behind Marvels and Kingdom Come, and reveal a near-miss — when Alex almost helped design a new Gatchaman team for an American rights holder. And for fans of Fantastic Four, Alex shares the story behind his Earth X visions of Marvel's First Family, and how it continues to influence his creative work.

In Part 1 of our deep-dive conversation, I'm joined by one of the most influential visual storytellers in comics — Alex Ross. We begin with a look at Alex's current exhibit, “Heroes and Villains”, now on display at the Dunn Museum in Libertyville, Illinois. It's a stunning showcase of his iconic artwork, celebrating both the legendary figures of comics and the craftsmanship behind them.From there, we dive into Alex's work spotlighting public domain superheroes of the 1940s, and we discuss the looming creative shift coming in the 2030s, when characters like Superman and Batman may enter the public domain — and what kind of storytelling opportunities or chaos that might unlock. We also revisit Alex's graphic novel Fantastic Four: Full Circle, talk about his thoughts on the new Superman movie, and touch on his conversations with Marvel Studios creatives about the evolution of the MCU. Finally, we explore Alex's candid thoughts on the rise of AI in film and television, its potential dangers for artists, and how creators need to prepare for this rapidly changing landscape. It's a wide-ranging conversation with one of comics' true visionaries.

Today, I'm joined by one of the architects of modern Superman lore — Dan Jurgens. From crafting The Death of Superman to introducing two of the most iconic villains in the mythos — Doomsday and Hank Henshaw, the Cyborg Superman — Dan's work continues to define the Man of Steel for generations of readers.We break down his brand-new 80-page, treasury-sized Superman special, drawn by Bruno Redondo, and how this oversized story captures the timeless ideals of truth and hope at the heart of the character.We also talk about James Gunn's new Superman film, how it reflects or deviates from the core mythology, and Dan's thoughts on Superman's evolving presence in pop culture. Plus, a sneak peek at Dan's upcoming DC mini-series "Bat-Man: The Second Knight" with artist Mike Perkins — an Elseworlds-style tale that takes 1930 Bruce Wayne down a dramatically different path.

In this third installment of The Loeb Report, writer and producer Jeph Loeb returns to talk with John about the evolving world of superhero television and film—where it's been, where it is, and where it's headed.Loeb gives a candid look at the realities behind the scenes of Marvel TV, discussing the creative and financial challenges that came with making shows like Daredevil, Agent Carter, and more. From tight budgets to balancing quality with studio expectations, it's an eye-opening look at the business of superhero storytelling. They also dive into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, unpacking the uncertainty left by the departures of Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans. Loeb shares his thoughts on the looming risks tied to upcoming projects like Fantastic Four, Avengers: Doomsday, and Secret Wars, and the franchise's urgent need for a new leading figure.Plus, more reflections on the Superman film, memories of Smallville, and broader thoughts on the impact of streaming platforms on television production. It's an unfiltered and insightful chat about an industry in transition—from someone who helped shape it.

In Part 2 Loeb discussed his return to Marvel Comics, explaining that he was approached by CB Cebulski  Marvel's editor-in-chief, to write a new X-Men story. Loeb shared his histto run Marvel Television. He expressed interest in writing a story that would affect the main X-Men continuity, rather than creating a separate dream sequence.Loeb and Tom Brevoort,Marvel editor, discussed how to integrate the story of the Age of Apocalypse characters into the main Marvel Universe. The new story will feature characters from different X-Men timelines meeting in the present day.

In Part 1 Jeph discussed his return to Batman comics, sharing insights on his creative process, collaborations with artists, inspired by a tribute to the late Tim Sale. He explained how he approached 10 different artists, all friends of Sale's, to contribute to "Last Halloween". For "Hush 2," with Jim Lee, which will be released as a 12-part story split into two six-issue arcs.Loeb emphasized that the story will not interfere with Matt Fraction's Batman run and will end with a cliffhanger. He also noted that "Hush 2" will be released monthly, with the second half likely coming out after a few month's break 

Today, we're throwing it back to a special conversation recorded in 2020 during the virtual Baltimore Comic Con. My guests are the legendary team of J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire, two of the creative forces—alongside Keith Giffen—behind one of the most beloved and influential Justice League runs of all time.Their groundbreaking late-‘80s take on Justice League International reinvented the team book with heart, humor, and character-driven storytelling. It was a bold departure from grim and gritty trends, instead focusing on the humanity—and hilarity—of heroes like Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Martian Manhunter, and Guy Gardner. And now, decades later, the spirit of that run has resurfaced in a major way, inspiring the tone and team dynamic of the Justice Gang in the new Superman film from James Gunn's DCU.

Today's episode is a deep dive with writer James Robinson, recorded back in 2011 during a fascinating stretch of his DC Comics career. We cover a lot of ground—from his return to one of his most beloved characters in The Shade, spinning off from the Starman mythos, to the behind-the-scenes realities and editorial limitations that shaped his Justice League of America run.Robinson opens up about his creative choices during the Flashpoint event, particularly his darker take on The Outsider, and how the Superman stand-in Mon-El came to headline the Superman books during a major story pivot.We also talk about the launch of the New 52, and his reimagining of the Justice Society of America and Earth-2, showing how he brought fresh perspective to classic Golden Age characters under a new editorial mandate. Throughout the conversation, James shares his passion for DC's B- and C-list heroes—characters like Solomon Grundy, Donna Troy, and Congorilla—and how he always strived to give them depth and relevance.And for fans of comics history, there's a charming detour into his childhood in England, and how kids in the '70s got their hands on American superhero books across the pond.It's a candid, passionate, and sometimes frustrating look at what it means to write in a shared universe—and what it takes to elevate the characters that don't always get the spotlight.

Today, we're diving into a no-spoiler review of the brand-new Superman film from writer-director James Gunn. This marks the dawn of a new DC cinematic era, and all eyes are on how Gunn reintroduces the Man of Steel to a modern audience. We'll talk tone, performances, world-building, and how this version stacks up against previous big-screen takes and beyond. No plot points ruined, no twists revealed—just honest impressions of the filmmaking, the cast, and whether this Superman feels like the hero we've been waiting for. If you're on the fence about seeing it, or just want a vibe check before heading to the theater, this episode's for you.

Today I'm joined by writer Sam Humphries, who's bringing big energy to Marvel's latest New Avengers series. We dive into his approach to the team, the surprises in store, and how he's shaking up the lineup.But that's just the start—Sam also talks about his work in audio storytelling, including his Audible dramas, and reflects on standout runs at DC Comics, from the cosmic challenges of Green Lanterns to the chaotic charm of Harley Quinn. Plus, we revisit his time in front of the camera as one of the hosts of DC Daily, where he brought comic book news and commentary to screens around the world.Comics, audio, screen—Sam's done it all, and this is a wide-ranging, high-energy conversation you won't want to miss.

Today as we anticipate the opening of James Gunn's new Superman film,  we're flying into a deep discussion on 2013's Man of Steel, the divisive Zack Snyder film that reimagined Superman for a new era.And joining me are two longtime friends of the show and Superman storytellers in their own right—Art Baltazar and Franco, the award-winning creative duo behind Tiny Titans, Superman Adventures, and Superman of Smallville. We compare their vision of the character—lighthearted, hopeful, and kid-friendly—with the darker, more intense take seen in Man of Steel. It's a fun and thoughtful chat about what makes Superman Superman, and how different creators interpret the Last Son of Krypton.Whether you love Snyder's film or had issues with it, this conversation offers a fresh perspective from two guys who love the character and have helped pass him on to a whole new generation.Up, up, and let's get into it.

This week on Word Balloon, it's a pop culture roundup as we dive into the latest film and TV buzz. From James Gunn's Superman reboot and the long-delayed Nautilus series finally surfacing, to the creepy Revival and the absurd action of FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger—there's a lot to break down. We're also reviewing Marvel's Ironheart, discussing where it fits in the post-Wakanda Forever timeline,Jurasic World, and taking a pit stop to look at F1, the new racing film aiming to rev up the summer box office. Insight, laughs, and no punches pulled—this is the Word Balloon take on what's hot (and what's not) in the world of screens, big and small.

In this 2006 conversation, legendary writer and editor Denny O'Neil joins Word Balloon to revisit his groundbreaking 1980s run on The Question, a series that helped redefine the character for a new generation. Originally created by Steve Ditko for Charlton Comics, Vic Sage found new life under O'Neil's pen—philosophical, gritty, and deeply human.We also explore Denny's novel Helltown, which digs into Vic Sage's origin story in a bold new way. Longtime fans will notice some departures from past continuity, but the spirit—and sharp commentary—are pure O'Neil.Plus: Denny shares stories from his early days in comics, working under editors like Julie Schwartz and Stan Lee, and yes, there's some great Batman talk too—no surprise from the man who helped shape the Dark Knight for over three decades. A must-listen for fans of classic comics, noir storytelling, and one of the true legends of the mediu

Today, we go back to 2021 with an epic chat featuring writer Dan Slott—the man who brought his unique voice to Spider-Man, She-Hulk, and of course, Marvel's First Family, the Fantastic Four. As the FF celebrated their 60th anniversary, Dan reflects on their legacy, his run on the title, and why they still matter in today's pop culture landscape.But this conversation doesn't stop at Yancy Street—we also dive into Doctor Who, one of Dan's lifelong fandoms, and get his take on the show's recent direction. And then it gets a little spicy as we discuss Star Trek: Discovery and where that show may have gone off the rails. Plus a good dose of Star Wars talk. It's comics, sci-fi, and brutally honest fandom with one of the sharpest writers in the business.

today we bring you Part 3 of my Summer 2011 conversation with the late, great Marty Pasko. In this installment, we explore Marty's work from the 1980s, including his run on Blackhawk, and get his sharp perspective on what was then the big unknown — the launch of DC's New 52. Marty had a lot to say about how that relaunch might alter the company's history and how it stacked up against past reinventions of the DC Universe.We also take a hard look back at the Silver and Bronze Age stewardship of Superman under controversial editor Mort Weisinger — including Weisinger's infamous treatment of co-creator Jerry Siegel and his iron grip on the Man of Steel's mythos.Plus, you'll get a behind-the-scenes peek at the origins of DC's beloved reprint formats — the 80-Page Giants and 100-Page Spectaculars. Where did the idea come from? Why did they work? And what legacy did they leave? This is essential listening for anyone who loves DC Comics history — as told by someone who lived it.

Welcome back to Word Balloon — the comic book conversation show. I'm John Siuntres, and this is Part 2 of my deep-dive with the late, great Martin Pasko. As the saying goes, you don't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been. And nobody knew the road behind — or the road ahead — at DC Comics better than Marty.In this episode, we go beyond his 1970s Superman Retroactive story and dig into his role as one of DC's most trusted historians. Marty helped shape The DC Vault in 2007 and contributed key research to Taschen's massive 75 Years of DC Comics anniversary book. We cover it all — the decades of change and innovation that redefined DC's biggest icons. You'll hear wild behind-the-scenes stories, from the editorial panic caused by William Moulton Marston's risqué Wonder Woman tales, to how a young Pasko and Cary Bates were tasked with tutoring The Godfather's own Mario Puzo in Superman lore while he worked on the screenplay for the 1978 Donner film.Marty also shares the real story of how editor Julie Schwartz gave Batman a sharp new direction in 1966 — just in time to catch the eye of producer William Dozier and spark the campy but iconic Batman TV craze, and how it influenced the Joel Schumacher Batman films more than the gritty comic books.  This one's a goldmine for comic book historians and longtime Super fans.

today we're going back to 2011 for a special talk with the late, great Martin “Marty” Pasko — one of the definitive Superman writers of the Bronze Age. In this conversation, Marty and I discuss his return to the Man of Steel in Superman Retroactive: The '70s, a one-shot that let him revisit the era — and the version of Superman — that helped shape his career.With sharp insight and his trademark wit, Marty dives into the editorial landscape of the 1970s, working under Julius Schwartz, collaborating with writers like Cary Bates, and navigating the evolving tone of superhero storytelling during that time. We also dig into the deeper mythology of Superman — how the character reflects the shifting ideals of American culture, from New Deal crusader to conflicted godlike figure. Marty had a deep understanding of what makes Superman tick, and he wasn't afraid to critique modern interpretations, while still holding out hope that each generation can rediscover the character's timeless core. This one's a masterclass in comic book history, character analysis, and creative reflection. 

The summer box office is heating up, and film critic Michael Kus joins John Siuntres on Word Balloon to break down what's worth your time — and what might flop harder than a CGI explosion. From superhero fatigue to surprise indie hits, we dive into the big-budget battleground of 2025's summer movie slate. Which franchises are running on fumes, and which directors still have the magic? It's a no-holds-barred preview filled with sharp takes, behind-the-scenes buzz, and bold predictions We discuss F1 Superman, Fantastic Four First Family and The Naked Gun among others . 

Comic book writer and editor Jim Beard joins the show to discuss his new book JACK OF ALL COMICS — Tales Inspired by the Master, a tribute collection featuring essays by top comic creators influenced by Jack Kirby's groundbreaking work. Also joining us is longtime DC Comics writer Paul Kupperberg, who dives deep into Kirby's experimental 1970s DC projects like Spirit World and In the Days of the Mob.Paul also wrote Kirby's last monthly comic DC SUPER POWERS featuring The Justice League against Darkseid 

So Sad to hear The Infamous DC and Marvel writer and Editor in Chief has passed away. In tribute here's my 2022 conversation with Jim recorded at Terrificon in 2022. He will be missed. From writing DC stories at 13 to Marvel, Secret Wars, Valiant and The Comic Books 90s Implosion, Jim discusses it all.

"This is Word Balloon — the comic book conversation show. Today, we take a journey through the shadows of Gotham, guided by some of the greatest creative minds to ever leave their mark on the Dark Knight. From the revolutionary work of Neal Adams, whose dynamic art redefined Batman for a generation, to the gripping noir of Steve Englehart, who helped bring the Caped Crusader back to his pulp roots in the 1970s. We also remember the late Martin ‘Marty' Pasko, not only a Bronze Age Batman writer, but also the story editor behind Batman: The Animated Series — the groundbreaking FOX Kids cartoon that raised the bar for superhero storytelling on television. And finally, we talk with Jeph Loeb, the screenwriter-turned-comics powerhouse behind the best-selling modern classics Hush and Hush Returns, collaborations that reshaped Batman for the 2000s. It's a celebration of four generations of creators who each helped shape the legend of the Batman — in the comics, on TV, and beyond. This is a Gotham deep dive you won't want to miss.

Welcome back to Word Balloon for Part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed TV writer and comic book master Christopher Cantwell.In this episode, we spotlight two of his exciting new creator-owned projects: Out of Alcatraz from Oni Press, co-created with artist Tyler Crook — a haunting, genre-bending tale set in the shadow of the infamous prison — and Kid Maroon from Vault Comics, a twisted noir adventure brought to life with co-creator Victor Santos.We also get a sneak peek at Chris's upcoming work on seson 3 of the AMC+ horror anthology The Terror, where he's helping shape a chilling new chapter in one of TV's most underrated series. It's creator-owned comics, serialized horror, and sharp storytelling — all in Part 2 of our deep dive with Christopher Cantwell, right now on Word Balloon.

Today on Word Balloon, I'm joined by acclaimed TV writer and comic book creator Christopher Cantwell. You know him as the co-creator of AMC's Halt and Catch Fire, but today we're diving into his latest project: the brand-new IDW Star Trek series, Redshirts — a sharp, subversive take on the classic Trek trope that finally gives the most expendable crew members their due. We also explore his standout Marvel runs, including a definitive modern take on Iron Man, the psychological complexity of Doctor Doom, and the gritty crime world of Golden Goblin. Plus, we get into his recent DC Comics work, where he brings the Challengers of the Unknown back into the spotlight in a wild miniseries featuring the Justice League. From Trek casulties to the far corners of the DC and Marvel multiverses — it's all coming up today on Word Balloon. Part 2 follows 

This episode is a special Pride Month encore from 2016—my very first conversation with writer Steve Orlando. Steve joined me back then to talk about his new BOOM! Studios book Namesake, a bold sci-fi adventure about a gay fireman who crosses into an alternate dimension to bury his fathers—and uncover the truth about his identity and past.We also dove into Steve's impactful work in the DC Universe, including Supergirl, Midnighter & Apollo, and his ambitious plans for the then-upcoming Justice League of America launch in January.It's a great time capsule of Steve's early rise—and the kind of inclusive storytelling he's continued to champion ever since. Let's rewind to 2016 and celebrate Pride with Steve Orlando.

Robbie covers a lot of ground talking his comics books for Marvel like Spider-Man Deadpool DR Strange and for DC Suicide Squad and more.He's also got 2 IDW projects out Sin Bin a Hockey Player Father and his teen daughter go deamon hunting, and the Star Trek Strange New Worlds Comic starting in Auguest. Speaking of Tek Robbie is on the writing staff of Strange New Worlds upcoming seasons 4 and 5 .We alos discuss his tv work on Supernatural and the forgotten NBC Superhero series THE CAPE 

Welcome to a Scene Missing edition of The Word Balloon Podcast! I'm John Siuntres, and today Gabriel Hardman and I are diving into the dusty trails of indie cinema with action star and filmmaker Alexander Nevsky, joined by his co-star Nick Balle, to talk about their new western, The Wide West, now streaming free on Xumo Play. This isn't your typical shoot-'em-up. The Wide West is inspired by a real historical event from 1907, when Japanese sumo wrestlers met President Theodore Roosevelt in a diplomatic exhibition—a forgotten slice of international history that sparks the film's wild premise.Even better? The movie features real sumo wrestlers bringing raw physicality and authenticity to the screen. We talk about the real-life origins, the challenges of mixing action and historical fiction, and what it takes to make a western in the 21st century with indie muscle and global ambition. It's a showdown you didn't see coming—this is The Wide West on Word Balloon.