Word Balloon Comics Podcast

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.

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