Word Balloon Comics Podcast

In this 2006 conversation, bestselling author Brad Meltzer joins me fresh off the release of his political thriller The Book of Fate, which hit #1 on the New York Times list. We talk about how the novel's mix of Washington intrigue, secret histories, and high-stakes drama reflects his passion for blending real-world politics with page-turning suspense.On the comics side, Meltzer dives into his acclaimed runs at DC. He discusses his relaunch of Green Arrow, where he re-established Oliver Queen as a gritty, street-level hero, and shares insights into his landmark miniseries Identity Crisis — exploring the emotional cost of heroism and the risks of reshaping icons. We also preview his then-upcoming Justice League of America run, including the Red Tornado storyline that re-examines the soul and humanity of one of DC's most underrated characters.It's a portrait of Brad Meltzer at a pivotal moment — redefining superheroes in comics while simultaneously cementing himself as one of the top thriller writers in prose.

After Denny O'Neill's passing in 2020 , I spoke with one of his comic book protoges Greg Rucka who discussed Denny's influences on his writing and on the whole DC line. 

From 2014, my only in depth interview with Peter, who discusses an upcoming seminar he did for the comics experience online school on writing. We talk about his Star Trek books, but also his Marvel work on Hulk Spider-Man and X-Factor 

Tilly and Susan Bridgess join me to discuss the new IDW Star Trek Voyager Mini Series that starts minutes after the final VOY episode. What happens next? 

we know the folk stories about Jim Shooter. SEcret Wars, The Black Spider-man costume, tough editor, writing Superboy/Legion Of Superherpes stores at 14, but who was Jim Shooter, the man?at terrificon's shooter tribute panel we assembled friends of Jim, to go beyond the legends to get some insight from the guys who worked with Shooter , and hung out with him socially Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man) Al Milrom (Marvel Fanfare) Brett Breeding (Superman) and Walter Simonson (Thor) 

In this wide-ranging talk, writer Paul Cornell dives into his latest projects and big-picture views on the worlds of comics and science fiction. We begin with his cheeky mystery Who Murdered Nessie?, then turn to his hard-hitting historical tale for Commando, exploring how he blends genre with grounded war storytelling. Cornell also reveals details of his bold new comic book company Cosmic Lighthouse-in partnership with Comixology, where he's recruiting acclaimed science fiction authors to create original comics set adjacent to their established universes—fresh stories that expand the imaginative space of their novels without being simple tie-ins. It's a creator-driven initiative aimed at building bridges between prose and comics. Of course, no conversation with Cornell would be complete without touching on Doctor Who and Star Trek. He shares his perspective on the futures of both franchises, the challenges of writing within their vast mythologies, and how fandom itself shapes their ongoing evolution. What emerges is a portrait of a creator restlessly innovating—whether he's writing a mystery about Scotland's most famous monster, reimagining World Wars through comics, or launching ambitious new publishing experiments that cross genres and mediums.

strange new worlds peacemaker alien earth, the super hero box office results and more 

At Terrificon, I moderated an unforgettable panel with four generations of Fantastic Four voices — Humberto Ramos, Walter Simonson, Steve Englehart, Chris Claremont, and C.B. Cebulski.Humberto Ramos, now illustrating Marvel's current Fantastic Four with writer Ryan North, shared how he's balancing the Kirby legacy with his energetic, modern style. He spoke about designing new adventures while keeping the Richards family's emotional core intact.Walter Simonson reflected on his late '80s run, when he boldly reshaped Reed Richards, experimented with the lineup, and injected the series with the same cosmic energy that defined his acclaimed Thor.Steve Englehart recalled his 1980s stories full of Skrull intrigue, soap-opera tension, and attempts to modernize the FF amid Marvel's editorial shifts.Chris Claremont, best known for X-Men, discussed his early 2000s tenure exploring Sue Richards' evolution as leader and giving fresh dimension to Ben Grimm's humanity.C.B. Cebulski, Marvel's Editor-in-Chief, rounded out the conversation by talking about the FF's place in Marvel's publishing future and the responsibility of shepherding “The World's Greatest Comic Magazine” in today's marketplace.Together, the panel offered candid stories, behind-the-scenes context, and a sweeping look at how the Fantastic Four has endured — and evolved — across decades of creators.

In this 2014 career deep-dive, Dark Horse Executive Editor Diana Schutz walks us through four decades in comics—with zero varnish. We trace her start behind the counter in Vancouver and at Comics & Comix in Berkeley, where she leveled up from retail to publishing, then the blink-and-you-miss-it Marvel stint and the formative Comico years shepherding creator-owned work.Finally, Diana lands at Dark Horse in 1990, rising to executive editor, championing auteurs, and launching the creator-driven Maverick imprint. Along the way we hit milestone collaborations—Frank Miller's Sin City and 300, Matt Wagner's Grendel, Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo, Harvey Pekar's American Splendor —and unpack her editor's playbook: protecting voice, negotiating deadlines without killing the art, and why “editor” means partner, not policeman. It's a masterclass in how careers are built, catalogs are curated, and why creator rights matter—told by someone who helped shape the modern indie era.

It's the Animated Amazon's Birthday week. To celebrate here's my first interview with Susan from 2014, which coinsided with word balloon's 11th anniversary week in 2016.lot's of justice league cartoon talk in this conversation. 

Joe Kelly and I unpack a lot in this one on one at TerrificonPart 1: Back to Spider-Man—"Amazing Spider-Man" Relaunch & Multidimensional StakesKelly explains why relaunching Amazing Spider‑Man with a fresh #1 isn't a reset—it's the next natural chapter in Peter's journey He teases bold new arcs that pull from Peter's adolescence—pre‑high school—to recalibrate how we see him, emotionally and psychologically Kelly gets real about the dual storyline hitting in September 2025, where Spider‑Man splits across two frontiers: one grounded on Earth, the other traversing the cosmic reaches—frankly, “there are two Spider‑Men now,” he confirms Part 2: Animation Landmark—Man of Action & The Evolution of the MediumHe reflects on the early days of Man of Action Studios and the wild success of Ben 10: co-creating universally beloved characters and building stories that bridge generations.Kelly doesn't sugarcoat how different today's landscape is—from the golden age of cable to today's streaming-dominated, content-saturated ecosystem. He talks about how creative freedom has evolved, from strict network pitches to the flexibility—and fierce competition—of streaming platforms and short length content.

This was my first con panel discussing  “The Comic Books” part of a 1978 (or possibly early 1979) Canadian TV documentary called The World of Comic Books, narrated by Jonathan Winters. The doc features insihts from Stan Lee, Archie Goodwin, Neal Adams Denny O'Neil,, Julie Schwartz, John Romita Jr Jack C Harris Mike Gold, Trevor Von Eden Frank Giacoia, Jim Steranko, and more.

No fluff—just the roadmap. Marvel EIC C.B. Cebulski hosts a sharp Fall preview anchored by headline books. Jonathan Hickman lays out the architecture and character heartbeat of Ultimate Spider-Man—how this relaunch reframes Peter, the scale of the new Ultimate line, and what's next. Joe Kelly digs into Spider-Man—voice, velocity, and how to keep the wall-crawler surprising without losing the core. Charles Soule covers three fronts: the moral grind of Daredevil, the horror-thriller pulse of Carnage, and galaxy-shaping storytelling in Star Wars—why each book matters now and six months from now.Expect first-look pages, honest craft talk, and a candid Q&A. If you want where Marvel is headed this Fall and beyond, this is the map

On this episode of Trek Watch, we review episodes 5 and 6 of SNW , and the attempt at a backdoor pilot for a TOS year one series. 

From Cincy Comic Con 2014 A celebratory, no-BS look at 75 years of the Dark Knight through four very different lenses.Tim Seeley digs into the controlled chaos of the weekly Batman Eternal writers' room—how you pace Gotham for 52 issues and still land character beats that matter.Kelley Jones brings the gothic: big capes, bigger shadows, and why horror belongs at the heart of Batman.Ben Templesmith talks painting Gotham's monsters and miracles with washes and texture, previewing the occult-crime vibe he brought to Gotham by Midnight.Jeremy Haun zeroes in on Arkham—madness, architecture, and the Jeremiah Arkham era he helped visualize—arguing that Gotham's institutions are as potent as its villains. Together they chart how Batman flexes across tones—

In this 2007 conversation, writer Rick Remender opens up about his breakout creator-owned work and his forays into iconic franchises. He discusses the pulp-fueled intensity of Fear Agent, blending sci-fi adventure with personal tragedy, and the haunting horror of Sorrow, a tale of possession and small-town dread.Remender also previews The End League, his dark, subversive spin on the superhero genre, where flawed champions struggle to hold society together after the fall of the world.Alongside his creator-owned projects, he reflects on his contributions to beloved universes like Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek, sharing how he approached telling new stories in such well-established mythologies. Candid, energetic, and filled with creative insight, this talk captures Remender at a pivotal moment, on the cusp of becoming one of comics' most daring voices.

Live from Terrificon, this panel reunites Ralph Macchio, Ann Nocenti, and John Romita Jr. to revisit one of Daredevil's most memorable creative periods. Ralph sets the stage with behind-the-scenes stories of the handoff from writer Denny O'Neil to Frank Miller, and ultimately to Ann Nocenti, charting the evolution of the Man Without Fear through shifting creative visions.Ann and John share how the grit, danger, and energy of New York City's real nightlife shaped their take on Matt Murdock's world, infusing it with street-level authenticity and vivid, flawed characters like Typhoid Mary and Shotgun. The conversation takes a wild detour as the trio recalls their “freaky” trip to Paris representing Marvel — a surreal adventure filled with culture shock, unexpected encounters, and a dash of chaos. It's a lively mix of comics history, personal anecdotes, and the creative alchemy that kept Daredevil swinging high.

Recorded live at Terrificon, this dynamic discussion brings together two of comics' most celebrated storytellers — Dan Jurgens, the writer/artist behind defining eras of Superman, and Tom King, the Eisner Award–winning author of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Jurgens reflects on shaping the Man of Steel's modern mythology, from “The Death of Superman” to guiding his evolution across decades, while King dives deep into his critically acclaimed reimagining of Kara Zor-El's journey across the cosmos. Together, they explore what makes these Kryptonian icons timeless, how their stories inspire across generations, and the creative challenges of keeping them relevant in an ever-changing world. Packed with behind-the-scenes insights, humor, and heartfelt moments, it's a must-listen for fans of Superman, Supergirl, and the enduring power of hope.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly explore their latest adventures in storytelling across the worlds of Star Trek and Marvel Comics. We begin with IDW's Star Trek: The Last Frontier, delving into the aftermath of “The Burn” and their bold revival of Captain James T. Kirk.The discussion then turns to Marvel's Thunderbolts, where Bucky Barnes faces off against the formidable Doctor Doom in a tense battle of strategy and survival. From there, we venture into the cosmos with Luke Cage in an unexpected, galaxy-spanning saga, before grounding ourselves in the streets with NYX, led by Ms. Marvel, where youthful heroes navigate life, identity, and responsibility in New York's shadows. It's a deep dive into legacy, reinvention, and crafting unforgettable character arcs.

Comics power couple Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner sit down for a lively, career-spanning chat. Jimmy shares details on his upcoming Marvel Knights run on The Punisher with artist Dan Panosian, offering a peek at what fans can expect from this gritty new chapter. The duo reflect on their acclaimed collaborations, from their fan-favorite run on Power Girl to their industry-shaking Harley Quinn series. They discuss how their original character Sy Borg made the leap from comics to the Harley Quinn animated series, and the surprises that came with it. Wrapping things up, they talk about the business side of creativity — including their experiences using Kickstarter to crowdfund original projects and connect directly with fans.

In this exclusive Terrificon one-on-one, legendary aFrom DC to Marvel, Image, and Beyondrtist and writer Mark Silvestri takes the audience through his remarkable comics journey. He shares how he first broke into the industry at DC Comics under the guidance of editor Joe Orlando, then moved to Marvel where his dynamic art left its mark on Uncanny X-Men and other titles. Silvestri recalls becoming one of the original Image Comics founders, helping reshape the comics industry in the '90s. He also details the creation of his own studio, Top Cow Productions, and the birth of fan-favorite characters and series like Witchblade, Cyberforce, and The Darkness. It's a candid, career-spanning conversation from one of comics' most influential creators.

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.