Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Allison give a writers room perspective on the failing of strange new worlds

In this in-depth conversation, legendary painter and storyteller Alex Ross takes listeners behind the curtain of some of his most ambitious and thought-provoking projects across DC, Marvel, and Dynamite.Ross begins with the haunting Batman: Black and White – Case Study, written by Paul Dini, a noir-style exploration of Bruce Wayne's fractured psyche and the fine line between justice and obsession. He then turns to Avengers/Invaders, co-written with Jim Krueger, a modern-day saga where the original World War II Invaders are thrust into the present-day Marvel Universe. The time-displaced heroes clash with contemporary Avengers, forcing both eras to confront what it truly means to be a hero in vastly different moral landscapes.Next, Ross discusses JSA: Thy Kingdom Come, created with Geoff Johns, Dale Eaglesham, and Fernando Pasarin — a powerful spiritual sequel to Kingdom Come. The story brings the older, war-torn Superman of that alternate Earth into the mainstream DCU, confronting the Justice Society and reexamining faith, legacy, and the enduring cost of heroism.Finally, Ross reflects on his work at Dynamite Entertainment with Project Superpowers, where he and Jim Krueger resurrected and reimagined dozens of Golden Age public domain heroes — from the Green Lama to the Black Terror — breathing new mythic life into forgotten icons while exploring how timeless ideals can evolve for modern audiences.

In this episode of Word Balloon, cartoonist Dean Haspiel joins John to talk about his new Kickstarter anthology series, Antimatter — a collection spotlighting his signature creator-owned characters including Billy Dogma, The Red Hook, and Chest Face. Haspiel explains how Antimatter brings together stories from across his indie universe, blending love, heroism, and surreal New York energy.The conversation also detours into today's entertainment landscape, as John and Dean swap thoughts on recent hits and misses in movie theaters and on TV, and what makes storytelling resonate in any medium.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deanhaspiel/antimatter/?ref=kicktraq

Comics writer Jim Zub returns to Word Balloon to discuss his work on Conan the Barbarian #25 for Titan Comics, a milestone issue that celebrates both the Cimmerian's legacy and the current Titan era of storytelling. Zub talks about honoring Robert E. Howard's classic voice while keeping Conan fresh for modern readers, balancing sword-and-sorcery action with character depth. The conversation also dives into how this special issue bridges past and present creators, what makes Conan timeless, and how Titan's publishing approach keeps the Barbarian's adventures thriving for a new generation of fans.

In this 2013 Word Balloon conversation, artist Rags Morales discusses his pivotal work on Action Comics during DC Comics' New 52 relaunch. Morales reflects on collaborating with writer Grant Morrison to redefine Superman for a new generation—depicting a younger, more grounded Man of Steel in his early years as a social crusader. The discussion explores the creative process behind redesigning the character's look, the artistic challenges of working on such an iconic title, and how Action Comics helped set the tone for the New 52 era across the DC Universe.

This week on The Kinescope Podcast, John and the panel revisit the gripping 1957 Studio One production “The Night America Trembled.” Hosted by Edward R. Murrow and featuring a remarkable early cast — including Warren Beatty, Ed Asner, Warren Oates, James Coburn, and John Astin — the teleplay dramatizes the nationwide panic sparked by Orson Welles' infamous 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast. While the story amps up the hysteria for television, it remains a fascinating look at how a single night of radio blurred the line between fact and fiction for millions of listeners.

I embark on an off-ship solo mission to explore the first four episodes of Star Trek: Khan. The discussion dives into the heated fan debate over whether this Secret Hideout–produced audio drama truly belongs in Trek canon. Along the way, Me, Larry Young and memebers of the League weigh continuity questions, franchise history, and the larger implications of re-framing Khan's story within modern Star Trek lore.

In this dark and thrilling episode, I sit down with comics legends Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones to talk about their gothic team-up on a new Dracula graphic novel series — a fresh, nightmarish take on the Lord of the Undead that blends Hammer horror, classic literature, and modern comics craft. We also dive deep into their iconic Batman work. Matt Wagner reflects on his acclaimed retellings of the Dark Knight's formative years in Batman and the Monster Men and Batman and the Mad Monk, grounded updates of the original Detective Comics stories that shaped Gotham's early shadows. Meanwhile, Kelley Jones revisits his unforgettable Batman: Red Rain, a horror-infused Elseworlds classic that reimagines Batman as a literal creature of the night — a vampire battling Dracula himself. Plus: Kelley's eerie, emotional Deadman mini-series, their shared love of horror as mythmaking, and what it means to push iconic characters into darker, more psychological terrain. A must-listen for fans of Batman, monsters, and the art of gothic reinvention.

In this haunting episode of Scene Missing, we dive deep into Charles Laughton's singular directorial masterpiece, The Night of the Hunter (1955). From its expressionist visual style to Robert Mitchum's chilling performance as the murderous preacher Harry Powell, we break down what makes this Southern Gothic thriller a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.We explore the film's dreamlike atmosphere, the fairy tale overtones, and how it slipped through the cracks in its time — only to be recognized decades later as one of the most influential American films ever made. Join us as we unpack its themes of good vs. evil, childhood innocence, and religious hypocrisy, all framed by some of the most striking black-and-white cinematography ever put on screen.

On this episode, we're joined by legendary comics historian, animation writer, and pop culture expert Mark Evanier to discuss his latest project from Abrams Books: The Essential Peanuts Collection. This beautifully curated volume brings together decades of Charles Schulz's iconic Peanuts comic strips, paired with insightful commentary and historical essays that spotlight the creative genius behind Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang. Mark reflects on Schulz's artistic evolution, the cultural impact of Peanuts from the 1950s through the 2000s, and how the strip mirrored American life over five decades.With his encyclopedic knowledge of 20th-century media, Mark also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his own career in comics and animation, including his time with Jack Kirby, his TV work, and his long-standing role as a chronicler of comic book history. For more of Mark's daily reflections on comics, entertainment, and pop culture past and present, visit his indispensable blog: NewsFromMe.com

On this episode of Word Balloon, I sit down with writer Chip Zdarsky to dig into his bold, current run on Captain America. Chip explains his vision for the Star-Spangled Avenger, including the introduction of a new Cap born in the wake of 9/11, during the years when Steve Rogers was still frozen in ice. We also dive into his celebrated DC work on Batman, where he created the relentless Failsafe, repositioned Vandal Savage as a core Gotham villain, and shook up the city's status quo with a brand-new police commissioner.But that's just the start—Chip and I explore his Marvel catalog as well, from the gritty, character-driven drama of Daredevil to the cosmic and family-centered Marvel Two-In-One with the Thing and the Human Torch. And of course, we talk about his creator-owned stories, where he continues to push boundaries and surprise readers with inventive, personal storytelling.

From February 2013, visionary animator Ralph Bakshi joined me to discuss his then-new project Last Days of Coney Island, now streaming on YouTube and Vimeo. The series marked Bakshi's return to gritty 1960s New York, promising raw stories of police corruption, gangs, prostitution, and the decade's disillusionment following the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy.Bakshi also teased potential new sequences for cult favorites like Wizards, Coonskin, and Heavy Traffic, including a long-imagined Wizards scene where the pacifist hero Peace halts a WWII German-style train full of captives. Bakshi shared candid updates on the rumored live-action remake of his 1983 fantasy Fire and Ice, co-created with Frank Frazetta. According to Bakshi, director Robert Rodriguez was eyeing a Sin City-style adaptation, aiming to begin shooting after wrapping Sin City 2.Along the way, Bakshi reflected on his groundbreaking career, from his early years at TerryToons to his enduring influence on animation. This conversation captures Bakshi at his fiery best—unfiltered, defiant, and still pushing boundaries.

Legendary writer John Ostrander takes us on a tour of his greatest comic book triumphs. From co-creating The Modern Suicide Squad—and later seeing his creations explode onto the big screen—to redefining The Spectre, reviving Heroes for Hire, and crafting the sweeping Western saga The Kents, Ostrander's impact is undeniable.He also dives into his years shaping the Star Wars expanded universe, launching Grimjack and breaking new ground at First Comics. Beyond comics, Ostrander shares stories from his earlier life as an actor and playwright in Chicago, painting a vivid picture of a career that spans stages, panels, and galaxies far, far away.

A Conversation With The Creators of the new Time Traviling Audio Drama, and their Kickstarter Campaign.Hear the pilot now https://media.rss.com/cheating-history/feed.xmlhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheatinghistory/cheating-history-season-oneBios Of The Creators... Jennifer Sterner is a screenwriter and producer with a mix of academic and creative experience. she's developed a manga for Seven Seas Entertainment, created the web series Searching for Eden, and wrote on the YouTube drama Apartment 30. She serves as Associate Chair of Screenwriting at the New York Film Academy, where she teaches courses on storytelling.Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir are a writing duo known for their acclaimed runs at Marvel and DC, as well as creator-owned projects like Skinwalker and Three Strikes from Oni Press. Beyond comics, they've brought their storytelling skills to television on HBO's Arli$$ and serve as educators at the New York Film Academy, where they mentor aspiring writers.

In this exclusive Word Balloon conversation, I sit down with writer David Pepose to talk about his exciting new projects bringing back some of the most iconic heroes of all time. Pepose is tackling Speed Racer, Space Ghost, and Captain Planet, reimagining these classic characters for today's audience while honoring the legacy that made them timeless.We dig into how he balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, the challenges of updating pulp and animated icons for modern readers, and what fans can expect from his bold takes on these beloved franchises. From high-octane racing to cosmic adventure and environmental heroism, Pepose shares his vision for breathing new life into these properties while keeping their heart intact. If you're a fan of classic cartoons, Saturday morning heroes, or the modern comics scene, this interview is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and exciting teases of what's to come.

On this episode of Scene Missing, I sit down with writer–artist and filmmaker Gabriel Hardman to dive into the legendary film and television work of Robert Redford. From his breakout charm in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to his understated power in The Way We Were , and his later turns as both actor and director, Redford has carved out a career that blends charisma, craft, and cultural impact. Gabriel and I share our personal favorite Redford performances and projects, looking at what made him such a timeless figure on screen—and why his influence still resonates in today's Hollywood.

In this edition of the Word Balloon / Bendis Discord Book Club, we dive deep into 100 Bullets Vol. 1 by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. First published in 1999, this groundbreaking Vertigo series set a new standard for crime comics with its hard-boiled storytelling and stark, cinematic visuals.We break down the writing choices that made Azzarello's scripts so sharp and dangerous, the noir-infused art style that Eduardo Risso brought to the page, and why this book still stands as one of the most influential titles of the late '90s. Along the way, we share our own reviews, insights, and reactions to the characters, themes, and morality play at the heart of the story.Whether you're discovering 100 Bullets for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, this discussion highlights why Vol. 1 remains such an essential piece of modern comics history. 

In this conversation, I sit down with comic writer and filmmaker Rylend Grant, the force behind Half Evil Comics. Rylend is currently running a Kickstarter campaign for an all-new Evel Knievel comic, created with artist Dave Acosta, and he takes us inside the creative spark and daredevil energy fueling the project.But Rylend's storytelling doesn't stop with comics—we also dive into his film career, including his work on movies starring Emile Hirsch and Nicolas Cage. From the high-wire act of crowdfunding to the art of writing for both panels and the big screen we cover it all in this conversation. 

In Part Two of our conversation, Greg Pak takes us back to one of the defining stories of his career — the original Planet Hulk saga. He shares behind-the-scenes insights into crafting the epic that redefined the Green Goliath, and teases a brand-new chapter arriving this fall, reuniting the full creative team that launched the original classic.We also dive into the origins of Amadeus Cho, the boy genius who would become the Totally Awesome Hulk, and discuss the character's impact on readers and representation. Greg speaks candidly about the sense of responsibility that comes with writing modern takes on Asian heroes, balancing authenticity with the larger-than-life demands of superhero storytelling.

Few writers move as seamlessly between genres and mediums as Greg Pak. In this special two-part conversation, we dive deep into the latest chapters of his ever-expanding career. First, Greg walks us through his brand-new Dungeons & Dragons run for Dark Horse, where he blends his gift for character-driven storytelling with the boundless imagination of tabletop fantasy.From there, we shift to his work on Dynamite's Supernatural comic, a series rooted in the show's first year that captures the raw energy of Sam and Dean's earliest battles with the things that go bump in the night.We also revisit his acclaimed Superman run in Action Comics during DC's New 52 era, exploring how he brought both epic spectacle and heartfelt humanity to the Man of Steel.And no Greg Pak talk would be complete without a look back—he shares heartfelt memories of the late, great Peter David, reflecting on their shared legacy as writers of Marvel's Incredible Hulk and how David's example continues to inspire his own craft. Planet Hulk is celebrating it's 20th anniversary with a new one shot chapter of the epic story. Details on that in Part 2

In this conversation, veteran animation writer and producer Alan Burnett reflects on his groundbreaking work shaping Batman: The Animated Series, the show that redefined superhero storytelling for television. Burnett walks us through the creative challenges of translating Gotham City's noir-infused atmosphere and complex characters into a format that spoke to both kids and adults, setting a new standard for superhero animation in the 1990s.We also dive into his collaboration with Paul Dini on DC Comics' adaptation of the series, where the two carried the show's tone and visual style onto the comic page. Burnett explains how the book's run—often praised for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the animated classic—expanded the mythology, introduced new dimensions to fan-favorite villains, and helped bridge the gap between animation and comics. This interview offers rare insight into how Burnett balanced studio mandates, creative instincts, and long-term storytelling, all while working alongside some of the most influential voices in modern Batman history.

Today on Word Balloon, we're joined by a voice familiar to anyone who loves smart, insightful pop culture commentary — Glen Weldon, longtime NPR contributor and co-host of Pop Culture Happy Hour. Glen is also the author of The Caped Crusade: Batman and the Rise of Nerd Culture, a sharp, witty, and deeply researched look at how the Dark Knight has evolved across comics, TV, and film — and how fandom itself has grown right alongside him.From campy '60s TV to grim '80s reinventions, and into Batman's role as a billion-dollar movie icon, Glen traces how this one character became a mirror for changing tastes, anxieties, and obsessions in American culture. We'll dig into what makes Batman such a singular figure, what The Caped Crusade uncovers about us as fans, and where Gotham's greatest detective might be headed next. This talk happened in 2016

Plus Star Trek Khan, Spinal Tap 2 Gen V Season 2 ep 1 and other tv and film tthoughts

More questions on camera nd from the live chat. We get more into comics, trek podcasting and more 

It's my version of the mailbag page at the back of old comic books. In this on-camera AMA with my Patreon supporters and live chat audience, we dug into every corner of geek and sports culture:Boxing: The big focus was on the much-anticipated Canelo vs. Crawford bout, with breakdowns of styles, stakes, and legacy.Comics: We spanned the decades — from the Silver Age of the 1960s through today's modern runs, talking creators, characters, and the shifts in storytelling across generations.Television: Plenty of love for sci-fi and genre TV — Star Trek, Babylon 5, classic reruns, and today's wave of streaming shows.Film: We reflected on the passing of the legendary Robert Redford, looked ahead at some of the biggest upcoming releases, and revisited the old-school geek movies that set the stage for today's pop culture landscape.It was a lively back-and-forth with fans driving the discussion, mixing history, commentary, and plenty of fun tangents — the perfect example of what happens when the Word Balloon community gets together to talk shop.

Few modern writers have embraced sword-and-sorcery with the same passion and craftsmanship as Jim Zub, whose work on Conan the Barbarian for Titan Comics has been nothing short of a masterclass in honoring Robert E. Howard's legendary creation while pushing the stories into bold new territory. Zub's tales balance the grit and savagery fans demand with a keen sense of pacing and character that feels both timeless and fresh.With next month's Conan the Barbarian #25, he delivers a special, self-contained story—an epic one-book adventure that promises to showcase everything readers love about the Cimmerian warrior in a single, unforgettable issue. It's the perfect jumping-on point for new fans and a rich reward for long-time readers.Jim and I had some technicla issues on youtube, so we'll do part 2 later this week

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pinky and the Brain, the beloved Animaniacs spin-off that gave the world two of animation's most unlikely lab partners.At the heart of the series' enduring charm is the voice of Rob Paulsen, the endlessly versatile actor who brought the dim-witted yet lovable Pinky to life with his unforgettable “Narf!” catchphrase. But Pinky is only one jewel in Paulsen's long career behind the microphone.From his heroic turns as Raphael (and later Donatello) in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to the wisecracking wit of Yakko Warner in Animaniacs, Paulsen's voice has become an essential part of the soundtrack to multiple generations' childhoods. In this interview, he reflects on the legacy of Pinky and the Brain, shares stories from his many other iconic roles, and reminds us why, after decades in the booth, he remains one of animation's most beloved and prolific performers.

In this second half of our conversation, Sterling dives deeper into his run on Supergirl alongside artist Jamal Igle. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about crafting Kara's voice, working hand-in-glove with Igle to re-define her place in the DC Universe, and why their collaboration remains one of the character's most beloved eras.Sterling opens up about the challenges of balancing editorial direction with his and Jamal's creative instincts, and how they fought to give Kara her own identity separate from Superman. From comics, we shift back to television as Sterling talks about his time writing for The Flash on The CW.He expands on his contributions to the ambitious Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, explaining the difficulties of squeezing the vast scope of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez's 1985 comic series into a handful of TV hours. Sterling reveals which classic comic beats he tried to sneak into the script.Sterling also discusses his most recent creative venture: filmmaking. His short film Just the Janitor has begun its run on the festival circuit and at comic conventions, and he talks candidly about making the leap from comics and TV to directing this riveting action film. He shares the story behind the film, the lessons he's learning as a first-time filmmaker, and why he believes conventions are the perfect place for genre fans to discover it. This continuation showcases Sterling Gates as a storyteller constantly moving between mediums, bringing the same passion to a 22-page comic, a TV superhero epic, or a low-budget short action film.

In this first installment of my conversation with comics and TV writer Sterling Gates, we dive into his celebrated run on Supergirl with Jamal Igle . Sterling talks about how his stories are finding new life in print—starting with the reissue of his Bizarro Supergirl arc, and continuing next year with his contributions to the New Krypton saga omnibus, co-written alongside James Robinson and Greg Rucka. We also look at the various actors who've played the woman of tomorrow, including Gates's work consulting on the Flash film's alternate earth Supergirl.Sterling also reflects on how he first broke into writing Supergirl and later The Flash for the CW, bringing his comic book sensibilities into live-action storytelling.We look back at the ambitious Crisis on Infinite Earths TV crossover, where Sterling played a key role in guiding actor John Wesley Shipp through an emotional moment—reprisal of his 1990s Barry Allen Flash and the character's poignant final scene. This episode captures Sterling's unique perspective bridging the worlds of comics and television, while celebrating both the legacies of Supergirl The Flash and the enduring power of DC's multiverse storytelling.

Comics writer Mark Russell joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about his brand-new Mad Cave series spotlighting Racer X from Speed Racer. This isn't just high-octane racing—it's a crime-noir thriller that digs deep into the ex-racer's mysterious past and explores how he became the legendary masked driver. Mark shares how he blended the danger of the track with the grit of noir storytelling to reimagine one of anime's most iconic characters.We also preview his upcoming collaboration with Mike and Laura Allred on Wonder Woman Golden Age, where Russell puts his spin on Diana's earliest stories through a 1985 crisis alternate earth  lens, paired with the Allreds' unmistakable pop-art visuals.Along the way, Mark and I revisit highlights from his past work: the biting satire of his AHOY comedy comics (Second Coming, My Bad, Billionaire Island), his sharp reinterpretations of Hanna-Barbera icons (The Flintstones, Snagglepuss Chronicles), and his heartfelt take on DC's Wonder Twins. Plus, he teases a bold new sci-fi anthology series coming from Mad Cave Studios—Vanishing Point.

In this candid second half of our talk, Greg Rucka opens up about why he walked away from DC Comics during earlier eras, and how those frustrations with co-writers and editors caused him to have serious personal issues and leave in digust to focus on creator owned projects.But it's not all doom and gloom — Greg is genuinely excited about his latest DC work, the upcoming Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League, with his usual collaborator Nicola Scott. Greg makes it clear how much better the current editorial regime feels, compared to the past.We also dive into Greg's prose side, where he's just finished a brand-new Atticus Kodiak novel ready to hit publishers, and he teases the possibility of new Queen & Country stories on the horizon. He addresses the current state of the book market. On top of that,Greg shares fresh updates on Lazarus, his long-running Image Comics series with Michael Lark, and reflects on how that world continues to devolve. It's a mix of hard truths, exciting projects, and the kind of thoughtful perspective you only get from a creator like Greg Rucka and a show like Word Balloon 

We also address possible sequels to the old guard his thoughts on Superman and The Marvels films, a return to novel riting and more. The DC talk is coming in part 2 

Enemy Mine, and 4 other Trek episodes seemed very similar. 

3 new titles including a kickstarter from Franco featuring luchadores, an indiana jones style flyboy and... a ninja kaiju ? 

In the second half of my conversation with Matt Fraction, we shift gears to talk about his ever-evolving writing process, from Batman to his Eisner-winning work on Jimmy Olsen and other standout projects from across his career.Fraction digs into how his approach to storytelling has changed over the years, balancing structure with spontaneity, and what keeps him inspired as both a writer and a fan.We also dive into today's movie and TV landscape—what's working, what isn't, and how the comics medium continues to shape (and sometimes outshine) its Hollywood adaptations.To wrap things up, Matt and I swap some of our favorite cult film recommendations—deep cuts and offbeat classics that deserve a spotlight. It's a wide-ranging, candid discussion that blends comics craft, pop culture commentary, and cinephile passion.

In this exclusive conversation, Matt Fraction joins me to discuss the launch of Batman #1 and the beginning of his ambitious new run at DC Comics. Fraction pulls no punches as he talks about his bold reinterpretation of Gotham City and its darkest corners.We dig into his surprising new take on Killer Croc, explore the emotional fallout of Batman's ongoing struggle without Alfred, and break down the striking redesign of Gotham as a city under siege.Fraction also teases the shocking status quo shift for Jim Gordon—demoted to beat cop—and how Vandal Savage has twisted his way into control of both the Gotham Police and the city itself.This is the start of what promises to be a sweeping, character-driven saga that redefines the Dark Knight's world from the ground up.

In this episode, I talk with writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson about his latest projects across Marvel and DC. We start with his run on The Incredible Hulk, exploring the dark, horror-driven arc that leads directly into the upcoming title change, Infernal Hulk.From there, we turn to Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1, which continues the epic saga Johnson began in Warworld, bringing Superman's story into bold new territory.Finally, we preview next week's release of Batman and Robin #25, featuring a new Penguin story and the debut of Gotham's latest street-level menace — a mysterious new foe known only as The Quiet Man. It's a deep dive into character, mythology, and the art of reshaping icons with one of today's most ambitious superhero writers.

In this episode, I sit down with comic book writer Eric Palicki to talk about his latest Kickstarter project — a new edition of his horror-adventure Atlantis Isn't Built for Tourists. Now reimagined as a digest-sized graphic novel, the collection includes the original story plus two brand-new tales expanding the world.We also take a look back at Eric's earlier creations, including Black's Myth for Ahoy Comics, a sharp supernatural noir, and No Angel, his collaboration with his sister, actress Adrianne Palicki. It's a wide-ranging conversation about horror, mythology, family, and the craft of building lasting indie comics.

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.