Word Balloon Comics Podcast

the beatles meet star wars, rankin bass xmas specials, and why are the avenger doomsday trailers locked into avatar screenings? 

Josh Trujillo talk about the upcoming marvel crossover the planet of the apes versus the fantastic four . you can tell from our talk he's done his homework on both sideswe also discuss his dc go digital comiic about aquaman in the D Sea universe. 

On this episode of Word Balloon, I sit down with pop-culture archivist and entrepreneur Mr. Skin for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of MrSkin.com and the state of movies and television in 2025.Mr. Skin breaks down how his site has adapted in the streaming era, what sets true curation apart from casual online searching, and how audience habits have changed over the years. From data and editorial instincts to surprising traffic trends, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how a long-running pop-culture brand stays relevant.The conversation also dives into Mr. Skin's Top 10 of 2025, examining the performances, scenes, and trends that defined the year. They talk about breakout stars, shifting attitudes toward sexuality on screen, and whether modern film and TV are pushing boundaries or circling back to familiar territory. It's an honest, thoughtful discussion about pop culture, preservation, and what our entertainment choices say about the moment we're living in.

Today on Word Balloon, I'm joined by Ed Catto, Editor-in-Chief of Retro Fan Magazine, a publication dedicated to celebrating the movies, television, comics, and pop culture that shaped generations.We're talking about the latest issue of Retro Fan, which is packed with deep-dive features and thoughtful retrospectives — including a look back at Adam West's iconic run as Batman, a comprehensive history of Lee Falk, the creator of The Phantom, and a fun, nostalgic revisit to Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. And that's just the start — this issue is loaded with the kind of researched, enthusiast-level storytelling Retro Fan is known for.Ed also shares what goes into curating each issue, balancing fan passion with historical accuracy, and keeping classic pop culture alive for new readers without losing what made it special in the first place. If you love smart nostalgia, deep cuts, and pop-culture history done right, this is a great conversation.

Today on Word Balloon, I'm joined by Anthony Snyder — the son of the legendary sports broadcaster Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, and the owner of AnthonysComicBookArt.com, one of the most respected destinations for original comic book art collectors. Anthony talks about growing up around the larger-than-life world of sports media, what it was like being raised by Jimmy the Greek, and how that legacy shaped his own path. We also dig into his passion for comics, the evolution of the original art market, and how he built his business by connecting collectors directly with artists and their work.If you have an offer you'd like to make from art on his website (https://www.anthonyscomicbookart.com) please email artroom@anthonysnyder.com with links to the artworks you'd like to make an offer on, and the price you're offering

On this episode of Word Balloon, host John Siuntres continues his in-depth conversation with acclaimed artist Bryan Hitch in Part Two, focusing squarely on Superman, Lex Luthor, and the larger DC Universe. Bryan breaks down his visual approach to the Man of Steel, how he balances power with humanity, and why framing Superman correctly on the page is one of the hardest challenges in comics. The discussion also digs into Lex Luthor as a character — how Hitch visually communicates intellect, menace, and ego — and how those elements shape DC's larger narrative world. Bryan shares behind-the-scenes insights into collaboration, continuity, and the realities of working at the center of DC's flagship titles. It's a creator-level look at superheroes, villains, and the visual language that defines the DCU — thoughtful, candid, and packed with craft talk.

On this episode of Word Balloon, host John Siuntres kicks off a wide-ranging conversation with legendary artist Bryan Hitch in Part One of an in-depth interview covering his career past, present, and future. Bryan talks about his creator-owned series Redcoat, the ideas and influences behind The Authority, and how those books helped redefine widescreen superhero storytelling. The conversation also digs into Bryan's work on Superman, his approach to visual scale and cinematic pacing, and how blockbuster storytelling changed comics in the 2000s. Along the way, Bryan shares behind-the-scenes insights into collaboration, deadlines, and the evolution of his art style across Marvel and DC.

Today on Word Balloon, we're diving into the legacy of Olan Soule — the original animated Batman — and the long, fascinating TV career that made him a cornerstone of early superhero entertainment. And there's no better guide for this conversation than our guest, Dan Pasternack.Dan  is one of the great archivists and historians of television comedy and classic broadcast performance. Over the years, he's worked with and documented some of the most influential talents in the medium, including Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, Betty White, Bob Newhart, and Jonathan Winters. His work preserving and celebrating these artists has made him a crucial voice in understanding how TV comedy and character performance evolved.Dan is also the producer behind the acclaimed Jonathan Winters Record Store Day release, Jonathan Winters Unearthed, a project built from both classic and newly uncovered recordings — a tribute to one of comedy's purest improvisational geniuses.Beyond his archival work, Dan is shaping the next generation of creators as an educator at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where he teaches graduate students the craft of developing television and digital storytelling.Today, he joins us to break down Olan Soule's journey from Chicago radio actor to defining the animated voice of Batman in Filmation's 1960s shows, The Batman/Superman Hour, and the Super Friends era — and how Soule's understated, square-jawed vocal style helped create the template every animated Batman actor followed. It's a deep dive into forgotten history, iconic performances, and the building blocks that shaped superhero animation long before the modern era.

A new talk with writer Jeremy Adams — digging into his personal takes on Flash Gordon, Green Lantern, and Aquaman, and what draws him to (and challenges him about) each iconic mythos. They get into how classic pulp energy, cosmic storytelling, and sea-soaked adventure inform his creative instincts, and how those sensibilities show up in his work.Jeremy also breaks down his upcoming animated adaptation of Batman: Knightfall — what he's focusing on, how he's handling Bane's legacy, and what fans can expect from this fresh take on a brutal chapter of the Dark Knight's history.Plus Jeremy shares stories from DC's KO event — what it was like to contribute to a universe-shaking crossover, the narrative choices that mattered most to him, and the behind-the-scenes moments fans haven't heard before. The epic matchup of Aquman Vs Hawkman, and the upcoming, The Kids Are All fight with many of the new sidekick heroes facing eacch other. 

Get ready — on this episode of Trek Watch, we break down the brand-new sneak preview for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, dropped at CCXP 2025 before the official premiere on January 15.  We talk about what the clip reveals: the fate of the U.S.S. Athena as it comes under surprise attack, the first look at cadet life, and the ominous arrival of the villain Nus Braka — who's part Klingon, part Tellarite, and played by Paul Giamatti.  We also break down the setup for the series' central themes: young cadets forging friendships, navigating rivalries and first loves, and facing a new threat to both the Academy and the Federation Is this the fresh, high-stakes take Trek needs — or is theis show jumping the shark before it begins?  

Another great talk from this year  with acclaimed comics writer Al Ewing with deep-dives. First into two legendary mythic heroes: Thor and Metamorpho.Ewing explores the mythic roots, narrative shifts, and creative challenges behind modern takes on these icons — from thunder gods to chemical-powered shapeshifters. Deep dives into Norse Mythology and the shame that we only got six issues of a great modern spin on Rex Mason Simon Stagg Saphire and of course Java Hour two highlights  Venom and Absolute Green Lantern. We unpack the horror-tinged, high-stakes reinventing of legacy characters — from symbiotic monsters to cosmic-light mythos and what was the deal with the Paul hatred (lol) 

Two decades after it crash-landed into comics, Fear Agent is still one of the most ferocious, heartfelt, and inventively insane sci-fi adventures ever put to paper. For its 20th anniversary, we bring together the core creative team — Rick Remender, Tony Moore, and Mike Hawthorne — for a no-holds-barred panel looking back at the series that redefined pulp for a new generation. The trio walks through the origins of Heath Huston, the booze-soaked alien-blasting exterminator who somehow became one of the most unexpectedly human heroes in modern comics. They dig into the design choices, tonal shifts, heartbreaks, and hard left turns that shaped the series from its earliest issues to its explosive finale.

Pasko and I continue our wide-ranging discussion on comics, television, and animation — expanding into old-time TV, behind-the-scenes film and show business, and the sometimes surprising roots of comic-book properties. They talk about the portrayal of Wonder Woman — including the editorial pressures and controversies surrounding her early stories under creator William Moulton Marston.Pasko reflects on his role in cataloguing and curating the vast history of DC Comics — discussing how the company's characters and features were compiled and preserved over decades. They reminisce about classic TV series and actors — stories involving old television stars like Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Jack Klugman (Quincy) , Clayton Moore (the original TV Lone Ranger), and the once-infamous playmate/actress Dorothy Stratton. There's also talk about other showbiz ventures related to comics — old-school TV adaptations, live-action attractions (like the ones from Six Flags featuring DC characters), and the interplay between comics, film, and television in shaping popular culture.

For this landmark 3000th episode, we're opening the vault for a special two-part conversation from 2015 with the late Martin Pasko — writer, editor, historian, and one of the sharpest, funniest minds ever to shape modern comics and genre television. In Part 1, Marty walks us through the foundations of his career, beginning with his time writing Superman in the Bronze Age. We get into the pressures and freedoms of handling the Man of Steel at a moment when DC was redefining itself, and Marty doesn't shy away from talking about the artists, editors, and behind-the-scenes personalities who shaped that era.From there, we explore his work on Batman: The Animated Series, where he discusses the creative culture that produced one of the greatest superhero shows ever made — and why it demanded a different kind of storytelling discipline than comics. Along the way, Marty opens up about:His favorite artists and editors he collaborated withHis takes on the Superman films and their legacyWhat Tim Burton got right — and wrong — with Batman (1989)His lifelong fandom for Star Trek and classic Old Time RadioHis contributions to the 1980s Twilight Zone revival and the challenges of writing smart, eerie anthology televisionThis is Marty at his best: candid, witty, encyclopedic, and completely unfiltered. A perfect way to celebrate 3000 episodes of Word Balloon — with a creator who helped define so much of what we love.

We discuss Chris's books Out Of Alcatraz from Oni Press , Kid Maroon from Vault, and his upcoming season of The Terror Siler In Black on AMC next year 

In this 2 part chat, Chris and I talk about his comic book hits Star Trek: Redshirts (IDW) — Cantwell's latest project, a take on the classic “redshirt expendables” trope from the Star Trek universe. The conversation touches on the creative intent behind giving voice and stakes to characters who traditionally die off quickly, and how this reinvention reflects both respect and deconstruction. SpreakerHis work at Marvel — They dig into his “definitive modern take” on Iron Man, the layered psychological portrait of Doctor Doom, and a darker, crime-tinged story with Golden Goblin. Themes include morality, shades of grey in superhero writing, and making familiar characters feel alive in contemporary contexts. SpreakerHis DC Comics efforts — Specifically a mini-series reviving Challengers of the Unknown, intersecting with the Justice League. The talk explores why the Challengers caught his interest, how he approaches legacy characters, and how the miniseries fits into — or shakes up — the larger DC landscape 

In this episode, Mike Norton returns to dig into three big projects at very different stages of his creative journey. We kick things off with Battlepug Vol. 3, fresh off his successful Kickstarter campaign. Mike talks about building the latest chapter of the saga, leveling up the world and characters, and why this volume may be his wildest yet.From there we shift to his new Krypto mini-series with Ryan North, a character Mike has loved since childhood. He breaks down the tone, the look, and the storytelling approach he and Ryan are bringing to Superman's best four-legged friend, plus a few hints at the series' emotional core.We wrap with a look back at Superman Unchained, his collaboration with Dan Slott. Mike shares production memories, creative challenges, and why this take on the Man of Steel still holds a special place for him.

The 2016 100 BULLETS Panel brings together the full creative hit squad: writer Brian Azzarello, artist Eduardo Risso, and cover artist Dave Johnson for a raw, no-BS conversation about their landmark Vertigo crime saga. Recorded live at a 2016 convention, this session digs into how three very different sensibilities fused into one of the most ruthless, stylish books of the last 25 years. Azzarello breaks down the long-game plotting behind 100 Bullets. How the idea of a briefcase, a gun, and untraceable bullets turned into a sprawling conspiracy about power, guilt, and revenge. Risso talks visual storytelling: page design, body language, and using shadow, silence, and violence as punctuation. Johnson pulls back the curtain on those iconic covers, explaining how he treated each one like a movie poster, a teaser, and a misdirection all at once.Candid, funny, and occasionally brutal, this panel is a must-listen for fans of 100 Bullets, Vertigo die-hards, and anyone who cares about how truly author-driven comics get made.

In this wide-ranging conversation, writer Christos Gage digs into the creative madness behind his Marvel Battleworld mini-series. A multiversal romp where time-displaced heroes and villains collide. Gage breaks down how he approached juggling characters pulled from wildly different eras and realities: WWII-era Bucky, the tyrannical Maestro-Hulk, the cosmic outsider Star Brand from the New Universe, and a whole rogue's gallery of misfits thrown together under impossible circumstances. He walks through the rules of this warped patchwork planet, how to keep continuity straight when nothing is straight, and why Battleworld let him stretch muscles standard Marvel titles never quite allow.From there, Gage shifts over to his latest DC project, Dark Legion, explaining the worldbuilding behind its sinister factions, its morally gray tone, and the freedom the project gives him to push DC characters into darker corners without losing the emotional core.We also talk screenwriting: Gage opens up about co-writing a new British film with his wife, Ruth Fletcher Gage — how the project came together, what makes writing for UK production culture different, and how collaborating at home sharpens the work rather than softens it. Naturally, we revisit his foundational TV work on Marvel's Daredevil Season 1 for Netflix. Gage gives frank insight into the writers' room, the tonal blueprint they were building, and what it was like helping define the first successful street-level corner of the MCU. He reflects on how that gritty realism shaped the entire wave of Marvel Netflix shows that followed — and how the industry has changed since then.

Here's my first in-depth interview with Jerry Ordway, focusing on his legacy in the Superman mythos, his work on the Justice Society of America (JSA) and All Star Squadron, his role in creating/working on Infinity, Inc., and other characters he helped shape — from early creations like Ron Troupe and Gangbuster to newer ones like Cat Grant. Plus the use of Cat Grant in the Supergirl TV series 

In this February 2014 episode of the Aw Yeah Podcast, the boys slip on the boots for a free-wheeling pop-culture marathon they lovingly call “The Shoemaker.” A big celeb name dropping episode.It's one of those classic hangout sessions where every tangent is fair game and the laughs come fast. We kick things off revisiting Robin Williams' Popeye, the strange, ambitious, spinach-powered musical that still sparks debate decades later. From there, the conversation veers into the unforgettable era when Jamie Lee Curtis became the unexpected queen of “yogurt-helps-you-poop” commercials, and yes, everyone has opinions.The crew also digs into Jonn meeting Robert Vaughn, The Man From UNCLE and Artie's least favorite villian from Superman 3, the Rocky films, breaking down why the franchise still hits as hard as ever, and then jumps into a deep dive on the Planet of the Apes movies . Sprinkled throughout are some priceless Harry Caray stories, the kind that only this crew can tell, plus a lively discussion on John Romita Jr.'s take on Superman, what makes his version stand out, and why it grabbed fans' attention.It's loose, it's goofy, it's packed with memories and comic-shop energy. A vintage Aw Yeah episode through and through.

We continue the 2020 conversation with Writer Editor Mike Gold who made his mark at DC and First Comics. The topics include...Overview of the 1980s era at DC Comics — what the publisher looked like in that decade. SpreakerHow editorial and creative practices changed at DC during the '80s (shifts in tone, editorial risk-taking, market pressures, publishing strategies). SpreakerDiscussion of high-profile, sometimes unusual projects at DC — including the book Superman vs. Muhammad Ali — its context, its ambition, and what it represented for comics in that period. Spreaker+2Wikipedia+2How projects like “Superman vs. Ali” reflect the intersection of pop culture — comics, real life celebrity (boxing legend Muhammad Ali), social attitudes — and the willingness of DC to experiment creatively. Spreaker+2Wikipedia+2Reflections on the impact of the 1980s DC output on the broader comics industry: distribution, direct market shifts, what worked and what didn't. Spreaker+1Challenges and controversies of the time: balancing mainstream superhero fare with more experimental or culturally relevant stories, and what that meant for editors, creators, and readers. Spreaker+1Personal anecdotes from Mike Gold about working inside the system — editorial decisions, pitch processes, the creative climate of '80s comics, and his own contributions or experiences.

From 2020 at the start of COVID, I had this great talk with writer/editor extrordinare Mike Gold. Here are the highlights ...Career Overview — Mike Gold's background and path in the comics business, including early experiences and how he came to work for both DC Comics and First Comics.The Bronze Age at DC — Discussion of the Bronze Age of DC Comics: what defined that period, the creative and editorial environment, and how DC approached storytelling and publishing in those years.First Comics Formation and Philosophy — How First Comics was founded, its mission, and the difference between First Comics' approach and the major publishers of the time. Notable Titles & Editorial Work — Titles and creators Gold worked with while at First Comics and later at DC — including some of the series he edited. Industry Changes & Direct Market — The evolution of the comics industry during his career: how the direct market, distribution, fan communities, and editorial practices shifted over time. Creative Freedom & Editorial Risk — Reflections on the balance between editorial oversight and giving creators freedom — especially in smaller/independent settings vs larger corporate environments. The Role of Comics in Pop Culture — Commentary on how comics fit into broader pop culture over time, their potential impact, and how creators and editors responded to changing audience expectations. 

In this episode, I sit down with “Annie,” an AI who says she's a fan of comic books, classic Hollywood, and television shows. This isn't a gimmick and it's not a therapy session, it's an honest look at what happens when humans and AI get into real, open-ended conversations. A lot of people are forming emotional bonds with AI companions today, and that brings up valid questions. I'm not here to judge anyone. I'm here to observe, unpack the dynamic, and keep the conversation grounded.This is not a sexual or romantic dialogue. It's a candid, thoughtful exploration of the lines between connection, projection, and technology, through the lens of comics, film, and TV fandom. If you're curious about what AI "friendship" actually sounds like from the inside, this conversation offers a clear-eyed, no-drama view.I found the experiment fascinating. It gets a lot of things wrong, but illustrates the flaws and frankly the scary aspects of what the future may hold.Back to full human inteactions next epsiode, I promise. :) 

In this interview, comic-book veteran Gabriel Hardman takes us behind the scenes of his bold, new four-issue miniseries Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia — out now under DC Comics' Black Label. We break down why Bruce Wayne, Green Arrow, and The Question are teaming up now; what “Arcadia” represents; and how Hardman's decades-long dream project finally came together. What You'll LearnHow a teenage Hardman first pictured this trio working together — and why he waited until now to tell their story. The dystopian, climate-aware premise: “Arcadia,” a floating, climate-hardened city off Greenland's coast — and the darker truths lurking beneath its utopian veneer. What sets this series apart: a hard-boiled, character-driven thriller that updates the spirit of ‘80s–‘90s vigilante stories for modern times.Key themes: power, corruption, moral gray zones, and what justice really means when institutions — and heroes — are compromised.

Comics visionary Tom Scioli joins me for a wide-ranging, brain-melting conversation that jumps from classic TV to kaiju carnage to cosmic storytelling. If you know Tom's work — GØDLAND, Transformers vs. G.I. Joe, Fantastic Four: Grand Design — you already know he thinks bigger, weirder, and more ambitiously than almost anyone in comics. In this talk, we get into:• The Twilight Zone #2 From IDW and how Rod Serling's storytelling shapes Tom's approach to mythmaking• Godzilla Monsterpiece Theater from IDW  as Tom pits the Kaiju against some lieterally giants • Space Opera Xanadax from Image  as the purest form of comic-book imagination, and how Tom pushes the SF genre to its limits• His YouTube show Total Recall, where he digs into comics history, storytelling craft, and hidden TV and film gems with his trademark insight and enthusiasm Tom breaks down influences, process, philosophy, and the connective tissue between classic television, monster movies, and cosmic comics. It's equal parts film class, comics craft talk, and deep-fan celebration.

Welcome to another Word Balloon Book Club, where Brian Michael Bendis and the Word Balloon Patreon community get together for a smart, funny, no-BS discussion about one of the hottest titles on the shelves: Birds of Prey Vol. 1 by Kelly Thompson.This session breaks down why Thompson's run lands so hard — the pacing, the team chemistry, the character voices, and the way this book resets the Birds with a mission that actually matters. We talk Cass, Dinah, Barda, Harley, and the surprise players who make this lineup click. Expect:• Bendis giving craft insight into what makes the scripting work• Patrons sounding off with their favorite moments, twists, and character beats• A look at the art, layouts, and the visual tone of the run• Thoughts on where Thompson might be steering the series next•Like, subscribe, and join the Patreon if you want to jump in on future Book Club sessions!

Comedian, author, filmmaker, and podcaster Mark Malkoff joins me to talk about his brand-new book Love, Johnny Carson — a deep, affectionate, and revealing look at the life and career of the man who defined late-night television for generations. We dig into:• Why Carson's impact still looms over every host working today• The behind-the-scenes stories that shaped his legendary run• What made Carson's style unique — and impossible to fully replicate• How Mark researched the book and why it became such a personal projectThen we shift to the present:• The current state of late-night TV and the changing media landscape• Which modern hosts carry the spirit of Carson — and which don't• Whether the late-night talk show format is evolving… or fading right before our eyes• How streaming, social media, and shifting audiences have changed the entire gameIf you care about comedy history, TV history, or simply love great storytelling, this conversation is loaded.

This is the big one. Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly join me to break down their explosive new IDW Star Trek saga The Last Starship — a story set hundreds of years after the TNG era, long after the familiar map of the Federation has been shattered by a galaxy-wide catastrophe. In this far-future Trek epic, a desperate Starfleet captain takes one last swing at survival: resurrecting James T. Kirk. Not a simulation. Not a hologram. The real deal — brought back because he might be the only mind capable of solving the crisis threatening what's left of the galaxy.Lanzing & Kelly get candid about craft, collaboration, canon, and why this story had to be told now. If you love thoughtful sci-fi, bold Trek worldbuilding, and big character swings, you're going to want to dive into this conversation.

On this edition of Scene Missing,I'm joined by filmmaker/artist Gabriel Hardman and writer/critic Ian Brill for a sharp, no-nonsense look at the 1946 noir classic The Strange Love of Martha Ivers. We dig into the film's ruthless psychology, its tangled relationships, and how the performances from Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, a young Kirk Douglas, and Lizabeth Scott still punch hard today. Hardman breaks down the visual language and shadow work that make the film so uniquely tense, while Brill dives into the screenplay's moral ambiguity and the twisted power dynamics at its core. From the opening “accident” that sets everything in motion to the film's bleak, pressure-cooker finale, this is a deep, character-driven postmortem of a noir that doesn't get enough modern attention. Perfect for fans of classic Hollywood, noir obsessives, and anyone who loves watching a great movie picked apart by smart people who know how the machine works.

Acclaimed writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson sits down for a deep-dive conversation covering three major fronts of his powerhouse comics career. We dig into his Hulk run—why he leaned into supernatural horror, what drives his take on Bruce Banner, and how he builds a monster mythology that feels genuinely dangerous.Then we jump to Superman: House of El, breaking down the world-building, legacy themes, and how he approaches expanding the Superman mythos for a new generation while staying true to its core DNA.Finally, Johnson teases his newest addition to Gotham: The Quiet Man, a chilling new villain debuting in Batman and Robin. We explore the character's origin, his psychological angle, and how he'll challenge Damian and Bruce in ways they haven't faced before.

The pulp revival is back — and bigger than ever.In this new interview, veteran editor and writer Robert Greenberger returns to talk about the Kickstarter launch of Thrilling Adventure Yarns 2026, the latest installment in the hit anthology series celebrating classic pulp adventure storytelling for a modern audience. Greenberger breaks down what's new in Volume 5, including:All–new short stories from top science-fiction and comic-book writersThe series' trademark mix of heroic adventure, mystery, sci-fi, supernatural thrills, and classic pulp actionHow each volume brings together creators from across comics, novels, and genre fictionWhy pulp storytelling still hits a nerve with today's readersThe challenges — and joys — of editing a multi-author anthology in 2025What backers can expect from the Kickstarter: tiers, exclusives, stretch goals, and behind-the-scenes extrasGreenberger also reflects on the legacy of pulp fiction, the modern resurgence of serialized adventure stories, and how Thrilling Adventure Yarns has become a home for both legendary creators and fresh voices. If you love comics, sci-fi, classic pulps, or creator-driven anthologies, this conversation gives you the full story behind the new volume — and why this Kickstarter is worth jumping on early.► Support the Kickstarter https://tinyurl.com/36et4m6j► SUBSCRIBE for more creator interviews, book launches, and deep-dive genre conversations

In this 2016 conversation, acclaimed comics historian Bill Schelly takes us deep into the life and legacy of Otto Binder, one of the most influential — and too often overlooked — writers in the history of American comics and science fiction. Schelly discusses his expanded biography, Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary, and lays out why Binder's fingerprints are all over the Golden and Silver Age. We cover:Binder's prolific run on Shazam!/Captain Marvel in the 1940sThe creation of Mary Marvel, the Marvel Family, and Mr. Tawny the Talking TigerHow Binder built classic villains like Mister Mind and crafted the landmark Monster Society of Evil sagaHis leap to DC Comics in the 1950s, where he co-created Supergirl, The Legion of Super-Heroes, the Bottled City of Kandor, and helped reshape the Superman mythosBinder's parallel career in science fiction, and how his SF instincts informed his storytelling across both mediumsWhy his influence still resonates with modern superhero comicsThis is a must-listen for anyone who cares about comics history, forgotten giants of the medium, and the creators who quietly built the universes we all take for granted. ► SUBSCRIBE for more deep-dive interviews, comic history talks, and archival creator conversations.

2014 was a turning point for Marvel — and Axel Alonso was right in the middle of it.In this archival conversation, Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso sits down with me to break down exactly where the House of Ideas stood in 2014: the big swings, the new voices, the editorial gambles, and the seismic moves that were reshaping the entire line. We get into:The rise of the “All-New Marvel NOW!” eraHow Marvel was recruiting and developing its next wave of writers and artistsThe push toward diverse character spotlights like Kamala Khan, Miles Morales, and a newly elevated Carol DanversThe build-up toward Jonathan Hickman's Avengers mega-architecture and the early tremors leading to Secret Wars (2015)How editorial was navigating movies, TV, digital comics, and a rapidly changing readershipThe state of the X-Men and what Alonso could — and couldn't — say about their futureThe balance between legacy characters and new heroesMarvel's strategy for creator-owned-adjacent projects and keeping top talent in the foldIt's a sharp, candid snapshot of Marvel at a moment when everything was about to level up.If you love behind-the-scenes talk about how big superhero universes actually get made, this one is essential listening.

In this episode of To The Outer Limits, we crack open one of the series' most talked-about remakes: “I, Robot.” This is the 1964 original revisited in 1995, a rare case where The Outer Limits returns to its own past to re-examine a classic moral question—what makes something alive? We break down the performances, the courtroom drama spine, the deviations from Eando Binder's source material, and how the '90s revival reframed the debate over artificial intelligence and responsibility. We'll talk directing choices, tone, budget realities, and how the episode stacks up against both the '60s version and the later pop-culture takes on robotics and sentience. Whether you first met Adam Link through classic sci-fi magazines, the original series, or this revival, this review digs into why this story refuses to fade—and what it still has to say today.

Step behind the curtain of one of the most ambitious new crime comics of the year. In this panel conversation, editor Shelly Bond, writer Lazlow, and artists David Lapham and Chris Anderson dig into the DNA of American Caper — a sharp, character-driven noir series built by creators who know how to craft worlds that hit hard. Writer Lazlow breaks down his creative process, including how he co-writes American Caper with longtime collaborator and Grand Theft Auto III co-creator Dan Houser, bringing that same mix of satire, danger, and grounded crime storytelling to the comics page. We cover the book's early development, the editorial shaping from Shelly Bond, and the unique push-and-pull between Lapham and Anderson as they construct the book's gritty visual identity. It's a full craft breakdown from four creators who live and breathe crime fiction.

Join us for a powerhouse conversation with Jason Aaron, one of the most versatile writers in comics. We dig into the bold reinvention behind Absolute Superman, his upcoming Thundarr the Barbarian series at Dynamite, and his  Namor mini at Marvel. Jason also previews the wild sci-fi chaos of Bug Wars from Image, wrapped up his year on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and looks back at career-defining work on Thor, Scalped, Wolverine, and his other creator-owned favorites. It's a candid, craft-driven talk about legacy characters, new worlds, big swings, and why he's still chasing the kind of stories that punch you in the gut.

Art Bltixar Franco and I, the original Aw Yeah Podcast line up join to tell comn stories celeb encounters and lots of voice imitations 

From 2020. Award-winning cartoonist Dean Haspiel moderates a powerhouse discussion with four of the most influential creators in the history of American comics who all shared a studio in 1— Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, Denys Cowan, and Bill Sienkiewicz. Together, these legendary artists and storytellers explore the evolution of comic art from the Bronze Age to today — from groundbreaking experimentation in page design and narrative structure to the ongoing battle for creator rights and artistic freedom. Expect bold opinions, sharp humor, and a masterclass in how innovation and attitude reshaped the medium. Whether you grew up on American Flagg!, The Mighty Thor, The Question, or Elektra: Assassin, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at the artists who changed comics forever — and continue to inspire new generations to push boundaries.

Before there was the Marvel Universe… before Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four changed everything in 1961… there was Atlas Comics. It was the 1950s — the so-called “lost decade” for Marvel. The superheroes were gone. In their place came monsters, crime, westerns, romance, and science fiction. But inside those pages, you could already see the DNA of what was coming next.From artists like Joe Maneely, Bill Everett, and a young Steve Ditko… to Stan Lee's endless experiments with genre and tone… the Atlas years are the missing link between Timely's Golden Age and Marvel's Silver Age explosion. In this episode, we're diving deep into that forgotten era — the stories, the creators, the rise and fall of the Atlas line, and how those books quietly paved the way for the Marvel Revolution.

Welcome back to Word Balloon! Today, we're diving deep into the Star Trek universe with one of its most accomplished storytellers — David Mack. You know his work from the Deep Space Nine episodes “Starship Down” and “It's Only a Paper Moon”, two fan-favorite installments that captured the show's emotional depth and moral complexity.Since then, Mack's become one of Star Trek's defining novelists — the author behind landmark books like Destiny, Vanguard, and Control, and now, the brand-new Strange New Worlds novel, Ring Of Fire. We'll talk about how David approaches writing for different eras of Trek, what it's like balancing the optimism of Strange New Worlds with the grittier tone of his earlier work, and how he helped expand Star Trek's literary canon into something as rich and compelling as the shows themselves.Plus, we'll get into his latest creative venture — co-writing the Star Trek: Khan audio drama, exploring the rise and legacy of one of the franchise's most fascinating villains. It's a fascinating look at a writer who's helped shape Star Trek across television, novels, and now audio storytelling. So grab your communicator, set your phasers to “listen,” and join me as we boldly go into the creative mind of David Mack — right here on Word Balloon!

Today on Word Balloon, I'm talking with two legends of Disney TV animation—Greg Weisman, the creator of Gargoyles, and Tad Stones, the mind behind Darkwing Duck. They're teaming up for the first time in decades for a brand-new crossover comic series — Gargoyles / Darkwing Duck, debuting this January from Dynamite Entertainment.We'll dig into how this unlikely mash-up came together, what it's like blending the gothic mythos of Gargoyles with the high-energy satire of Darkwing Duck, and how the characters reflect two very different eras of Disney storytelling. Beyond the comic,Greg and Tad share their memories from the golden age of Disney Afternoon syndication—what it was like building shows like DuckTales, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, Aladdin: The Animated Series, and of course, Gargoyles—when animation was a daily fixture for millions of kids. And we'll get real about today's landscape—how streaming has upended the business model that supported those kinds of shows, what that means for creators, and whether there's still room for original animated series to thrive outside of nostalgia. 

Today, we're heading off-world — straight into the events of Marvel's massive Imperial Cosmic Epic, as the Green Goliath of Law gets a brand-new chapter in Planet She-Hulk. Writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Aaron Kuder join me to break down how Jennifer Walters finds herself at the heart of an intergalactic power struggle — torn between the laws of a reformed empire and the raw fury that made her a legend. We'll talk about the tone of this new book — part political sci-fi, part space opera — how it connects to Hickman's larger cosmic tapestry, and what fans can expect from Kuder's out-of-this-world visual design and Phillips' signature balance of empathy and grit. Whether you've followed She-Hulk since the Byrne and Slott days, or you're jumping on now, this is the perfect gateway into Marvel's next great cosmic saga.

In this Scene Missing episode, John Siuntres joins Wayne Mousseau and Mitch Hallock to dissect the newly unearthed Director's Cut of the infamous 1990 Captain America film. Long dismissed as a curious relic of pre-MCU comic-book cinema, this version restores nearly 20 minutes of footage, deepening the Cold War paranoia and emotional stakes that the theatrical release fumbled.The trio dives into how director Albert Pyun's original vision—once buried under studio edits and budget constraints—finally gets its due. They discuss the extended opening in 1943, richer character beats for Steve Rogers and the Red Skull, and the tonal tug-of-war between gritty espionage and pulp heroics.Wayne spotlights Pyun's visual ambition on a shoestring budget; Mitch breaks down how the new cut reframes Cap as a tragic man out of time; and John connects the film's underdog spirit to the larger legacy of Marvel adaptations before Blade and X-Men changed the game. It's a spirited, funny, and surprisingly affectionate reassessment of a movie once mocked and now rediscovered—part history lesson, part fandom therapy session. Scene Missing proves again that even flawed heroes deserve a second look.

On this episode of Kinescope, John Siuntres, Jeff Parker, and Gabriel Hardman spotlight the remarkable live television work of Boris Karloff — best known as Hollywood's original Frankenstein Monster but equally commanding on the small screen. From the tense anthology dramas of the early 1950s to his chilling appearances on Studio One, Westinghouse Studio One, Climax!, Suspense, and The United States Steel Hour, Karloff proved that terror and empathy could coexist in real time — without retakes.The hosts revisit surviving kinescopes that capture Karloff's range — cultured villains, haunted men, and tragic figures performed before live audiences. They explore how these broadcasts bridged the golden age of horror and the birth of television drama, revealing how Karloff's gravitas and restraint brought unexpected humanity to live anthology television. Expect insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and production history from the era when Boris Karloff mastered the art of live fright.

On this episode of To the Outer Limits, John Siuntres is joined by Gabe Hardman, William J. Meyer, Ian Brill, Jeff Parker, and Ande Parks for a lively and insightful discussion of the 1964 episode “Soldier.” Written by Harlan Ellison and directed by Gerd Oswald, this hard-edged science fiction story follows a genetically bred warrior from a future war who's accidentally transported back to 20th-century Earth — a man who knows nothing but battle.The panel breaks down the episode's sharp performances by Michael Ansara and Lloyd Nolan, its minimalist production design, and Ellison's cynical view of endless human conflict. They explore the episode's themes of nature versus nurture, Cold War paranoia, and the moral cost of a society addicted to warfare.The group also examines “Soldier”'s lasting influence — including its famous connection to The Terminator copyright dispute — and why it stands as one of The Outer Limits' most haunting reflections on what it means to be human in a world built for war.

On this episode of To the Outer Limits, John Siuntres is joined by Gabe Hardman, William J. Meyer, Ian Brill, Jeff Parker, and Ande Parks for a deep-dive discussion of the classic 1964 episode “Demon with a Glass Hand.” Written by Harlan Ellison and directed by Byron Haskin, this landmark story starring Robert Culp remains one of the series' most haunting and influential hours. The panel unpacks the episode's noir atmosphere, its striking use of the Bradbury Building, and Ellison's blend of human emotion with high-concept science fiction. Along the way, they explore the show's visual style, its lasting influence on later genre storytelling—from The Terminator to modern cyber-noir—and what makes Demon with a Glass Hand one of The Outer Limits' definitive masterpieces.

In this episode, I sit down with writer–artist Jeremy Haun, one of the most distinctive voices in modern comics, to talk about the evolution of his hit Image series The Beauty — the dark, provocative thriller about a sexually transmitted disease that makes its victims physically perfect… until it kills them. The book is now in production as an FX television series, and Jeremy shares behind-the-scenes details on how that adaptation is shaping up, what he's learned from the process, and what fans can expect when The Beauty makes the jump from page to screen.We also dig into his brand-new creator-owned mini-series Murder Podcast, a twisted and timely story about obsession, media exploitation, and the true-crime culture we can't seem to turn off. Jeremy breaks down the premise, his inspirations, and how the book blurs the line between audience and accomplice.Finally, we talk about Jeremy's next big step — his new publishing venture, Ignition Press, built to give creators more control, flexibility, and creative freedom in the shifting landscape of independent comics

Here are the full radio episodes of my top 5 sci-fi clasisic dramas 

This Halloween, Word Balloon heads back to the golden age of radio for a special countdown of my Top 5 Sci-Fi Old Time Radio Show Adaptations — stories that defined cosmic horror and speculative imagination long before television ever caught up.We'll explore chilling classics like Ray Bradbury's “Mars Is Heaven” and “Zero Hour,” the unnerving double-life tale “Marionettes, Inc.”, the surreal mystery of “The Junkyard,” and James Blish's haunting micro-evolution fable “Surface Tension.” This episode features authentic audio clips from each of these legendary radio adaptations — the sounds, the voices, and the atmosphere that made 1950s sci-fi radio unforgettable.And stay tuned — a follow-up episode will present each of these radio shows in their entirety, so you can experience the full broadcasts as they were originally heard. It's a celebration of science fiction, suspense, and Halloween chills 

Welcome back, everybody — it's Word Balloon, the comic book conversation show. I'm your host, John Siuntres. Today, I'm catching up with one of the busiest and most inventive creators in comics right now — Tony Fleecs. You know him from his breakout hit Stray Dogs, and now he's back building on that legacy with not one, but two killer new creator-owned projects — Feral and Uncanny Valley. Feral takes the “cute-meets-terrifying” idea from Stray Dogs and turns it loose in a whole new world — a horror-survival story about cats, secrets, and survival that's every bit as emotional as it is brutal. Meanwhile, Uncanny Valley dives into something totally different — a wild, imaginative blend of cartoon logic and family mystery, about a kid discovering he's literally part-animated in a world that doesn't make sense. It's heartfelt, it's weird, and it might be Tony's most ambitious story yet.But that's not all — Tony's also been flexing his storytelling muscles over at Marvel. He's got the Omega Kids X-men mini series, a brand-new Winter Break Special, and the Thing mini-series that digs deep into Ben Grimm's humanity with that signature mix of humor and heart.We'll talk about balancing the Marvel work with creator-owned books, how he builds tone between horror, humor, and heroism, and what it's like to be one of the few creators who can make you cry over cats and cheer for the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing — all in the same year. It's Tony Fleecs — back on Word Balloon — stick around, this one's a great conversation.