Word Balloon Comics Podcast

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1 on 1 interview show featuring the creative minds behind Comics TV Film Novels & Animation. Hosted by Chicago Pop Culture expert, John Siuntres

John Siuntres


    • Jun 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 28m AVG DURATION
    • 2,839 EPISODES

    4.7 from 431 ratings Listeners of Word Balloon Comics Podcast that love the show mention: john siuntres, jeph, bendis, matt fraction, word balloon, wordballoon, comic creators, greg rucka, interviews with creators, loeb, great comic podcast, john gets, comic industry, graphic novels, charlie rose, comic fan, 70's, comic book fan, best comic book podcast, interview show.


    Ivy Insights

    The Word Balloon Comics Podcast is a must-listen for any comic book enthusiast. Hosted by John Siuntres, this podcast offers in-depth interviews with a wide range of comics creators, providing listeners with insights into the craft and industry. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just starting to explore the world of comics, this podcast offers something for everyone.

    One of the best aspects of The Word Balloon Comics Podcast is its deep conversations with comics creators. Siuntres has a knack for getting his guests to open up about their creative process, their influences, and their experiences in the industry. Listeners get to hear firsthand from some of the most talented and influential people in comics, gaining valuable insight into how these creators approach their work.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its variety. Siuntres covers a wide range of topics, from superhero comics to indie titles, from mainstream publishers to self-published works. This diversity ensures that there's always something new and interesting to listen to, no matter what your preferences are as a reader.

    However, it's worth noting that not all episodes may be equally engaging for every listener. Some conversations may veer into topics that are not as personally interesting or relevant. Fortunately, Siuntres releases so many episodes that there's always something else to listen to if one particular episode doesn't catch your interest.

    In conclusion, The Word Balloon Comics Podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in comics and graphic novels. With its informative and entertaining interviews, hosted by the knowledgeable John Siuntres, this podcast offers valuable insights into the world of comics and provides listeners with hours of engaging content. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the medium, this podcast is definitely worth checking out.



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    Latest episodes from Word Balloon Comics Podcast

    Crime comics and upcoming TV from Christopher Cantwell pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 42:29


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

    Marvel DC and Star Trek with Christopher Cantwell pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 58:01


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

    Steve Orlando Talks Supergirl Apollo Midnighter JLA and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 71:36


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

    Robbie Thompson writing heroes for comics and TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 66:39


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

    Scene Missing Alexander Nevsky The Wide West

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 76:14


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

    Talking Trek Toons DC and More With Tim Sheridan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 130:48


    Tim is back to discuss his Eisner nomination of his Alan Scott Green Lantern min series and the closeted life of a Gay Superhero in 1940s america. We also discuss his current run on IDW's Star Trek Lower Decks series his work on DC animated films about Superman Batman and DC Army heroes like the losers and Sgt Rock. 

    Canvas Classics With Boxing Historian Bill Dettloff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 89:59


    Welcome to The Big Bout Podcast—part of the Word Balloon Network.Today we're going ringside with one of the best boxing minds in the game—historian and author William Dettloff. We're digging into the treasure trove of vintage fights now streaming on YouTube, reliving the glory days of the ring with expert insight and behind-the-scenes context you won't find anywhere else. From underappreciated classics to legendary brawls, we're throwing it back and breaking it down. Then, we shift gears and look ahead—previewing the big matchups on the horizon, from rising stars to long-awaited grudge matches, and what fight fans should be watching for in the coming months. So lace up—The Big Bout starts now.

    TV and Movie Talk With The Trek Watch Guys

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 107:58


    Lots of TV and film talk including a talk about the limits of streaming, where physical media will be in the future, and much more 

    WB 20 Superheroes A Never Ending Battle Doc 2012

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 38:56


    A 2012 interview with the producers of the 6 hour pbs documentary series Superheroes The Never Ending Battle . This documentary series features many legendary creators who thankfully were still alivbe to talk about their creations Joe Kubert (Hawkman) Joe Simon (Captain America) Jerry Robinson (Robin, The Joker) Stan Lee Neal Adams and countless more 

    Scene Missing Roger Corman Our Favorites

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 71:20


    There are so many Roger Corman films we could've discussed but we throw a few curves and talk about some of the ones people miss on their Corman lists. From 1954's Highway Dragnet, which was Corman's first produced Screenplay to Frankenstien Unbound his last directed film from 1992

    Mark Millar's New Side Hustle Psychic Sam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 72:56


    Mark Millar is back to talk about is new Kickstarter campaign for Psychic Sam co-created by John Romita Jr.The new book is already in the works as a film adaptation by the producer of Wrath Of Man and The Gentlemen Ivan Atkinson We also talk about his Vatican City Dark Horse comic, an upcoming new volume of Nemesis, and other coming projectsHe also explains what happened to his plans to write a new Superman story and an epuc Marvel crossver, plus we get a glimpse of what a public domain Supermanstory by Mark will look like in 2034

    Revival On SYFY The Showrunners Speak

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 66:03


    Go behind the scenes of SYFY's haunting new series Revival in this exclusive interview with showrunners Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce. Adapted from Tim Seeley and Mike Norton's acclaimed Image Comics series, Revival isn't your typical zombie tale—instead, the dead return to life just as they were, sparking a chilling murder mystery in the heart of rural Wisconsin.Whether you're a longtime fan of the comics or new to the world of Revival, this episode offers an insider's look at the making of one of SYFY's most anticipated series—where every resident, living or undead, has secrets to keep and stories to tel

    Breaking The Gay Geek Glass Ceiling Andy Mangels

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 140:36


    Sure there were gay cartoonists before him, but Andy was the first openly gay writer doing superhero comic books in the 80s and it wasn't easy. He discusses his comics like Wonder Woman 77 Meets the Bionice Woman, writing ground breaking Star Wars stories, and his many Star Trek Books and Comics..

    John Romita Jr New Millar Kickstarter Marvel Days and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 67:19


    JrJr is back to talk about a new kickstarter and collaoration with Mark Millar on a new vigilante character Psychic Sam . Inked by Klaus Janson this will be a 3 part 50 pages each arc, that is also in development as an upcomming film by Ivan Atkinson (Wrath Of Man, The Gentleman) Johnny talks about the new project teaming up again with Mark , past projects like Kick-Ass and his Daredevil and Spider-Man days at Marvel, thooughts on the adaptations of his work in film and tv and More Back the kickstarter here Psychic Sam - Vol. 1 of 3 by Side Hustle Comics — Kickstarter

    Star Trek SNW Preview Dr Who Wrap Up and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 103:05


    It's part 1 of a 2 part Trek Watch where Franco and Wayne join me to add their thoughts on the Starnge New Worlds news and Dr Who Gatwa era. Plus our anticipation for the Superman film grows. 

    Training Dragons and Comics With Richard Ashley Hamilton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 81:13


    Richard spent years at Dreamworks writing for the How To Train Your Dragon Franchise making VR senarios and episodes of The Netflix series. Todaay he's writing great YA graphic novels for Mad Cave's Imprint Maverick 3 volumes of Scoop a cross between the X-Files and Veronica Mars, and Tech-Tiv, a young woman who love pulp detective stories solving a mystery in a post apocalyptic world. 

    Sean Phillips The Return Of Criminal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 63:04


    Criminal is back with a new graphic novel in August by Sean and Ed Brubaker. Sean teases the story, plus talks about the upcoming tv adaptation from Amazon Prime. We also talk about his art process, working with his colorist and son Jacob, and a kickstarter campaign that features Sean's early work in UK comics 

    Crystal Skillman Comic Book Playwright

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 69:59


    Crystal is an accomplished off broadway playwright with a new play called OPEN an LGBTQ story about love and magic. We discuss the play, her writing seminars, historic broadway stories, and George Clooney's GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK, about the war between Communist witch hunter Senator Joe Mccrathy and CBS new anchor Edward R Murrow. Crystal also shared some rare Peter David encounters, and the recent loss of Jules Feiffer who made comics and wrote the first great superhero coffee table book The Great Comic Book Heroes in the 1970s. 

    Robert Greenberger and The Legacy Of Peter David

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 67:41


    Bob worked with Peter for years as his editor on Star Trek Comics and a co writer of the Crazy 8 collective . He has Marvel DC and Star Trek stories about Peter and more . Is there a final David novel si the works? 

    Tim Sheridan Alan Scott The Green Lantern

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 116:15


    Tim and I discuss his work on Alan Scott in anticipation for his 2024 Green Lantern mini series.plus we discuss other DC Pride heroes . We also talk about Tim's animation work. 

    More Doctor Who Thoughts From Paul Cornell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 11:06


    More Who Obsevation from Paul including his audio Who Dramas for Big Finish, the TV adaptation of his Doctor Who Novel Human Nature, and the height of the 2010s British made Sci-Fi TV shows because of the success of Doctor Who. Torchwood,Primeval and more.

    Doctor Who Speculation and Paul Cornell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 68:48


    Stanford Carpenter and Comicpalooza University

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 58:56


    On this episode of Word Balloon we're joined by Dr Stanford Carpenter the driving force behind ComicPalooza University. He has big Juneteenth plans and gives us the details

    Steve Lieber Talks Metamorho and Jimmy Olsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 117:36


    From Art and comic biz tips to hating to draw tranpfmers Steve makes me cry laughong 

    What I Really Want To Talk About Is TREK with Tim Monroe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 54:02


    I gguested on my buddy Tim Monroe's great podcast 

    Mike Norton Talks Revival SYFY Krypto and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 80:07


    Mike Norton is back and has a bunch of stuff to talk about. His indie comic series Revival co-created with writer Tim Seeley has been adapted as a new SYFY tv series starting June 12thHe's drawing a new Krypto series for DC starting this month.And returning to his long running adventure series Battle Pug, with a newe graphic novel in the works. 

    Book Club Criminal With Bendis and King

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 102:19


    Me and The League Of Word Balloon Listeners had our first Book Club. Joining Us were Brian Michael Bendis and Tom King ,to discuss Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips First Volume Of Criminal from 2006 . Lots of fun insights from everyone. 

    Docotr Who Finale SPOILERS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2025 16:31


    What did that ending really mean? My thoughts 

    Aw Yeah Podcast Touched By Jane Seymour pt2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 66:39


    More TV and Movie talk including our hopes for the Superman Movie and More 

    Aw Yeah Podcast All About Hats pt1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 66:50


    Baseball Hats, Naming a car after a batman bad guy, and a 3rd mama mia movie, all part of the discussion on this edition of the aw yeah podcast 

    hats naming aw yeah podcast
    Bob Schreck Talks Editing Batman Green Arrow and more

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 76:48


    Morgan Siebert and The Superman Museum Metropolis IL

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 57:25


    Morgan shares the exhibits of The Super Musuem inm Metroplois IL and promotes June's Superman Festival which will feature stars and creators connected to the Man Of Steel 

    WB Book Club Preview Criminal With Ed Brubaker

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 106:59


    In anticipation of next Sunday's WB live book club, here's my first 2006  interview with Ed Brubaker about Criminal Vol 1.The subject of our book club episode. We also talk daredevil Captain America The X-men and Iron Fist

    A Salute to Andrea Romano DC Animation Boondocks and more

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 67:49


    a profile of voice director andrea romano who guided many great hanna barbera and warner bros animted series.first a 2008 chat about the boondocks the jl new frontier movie and morefollowed by a short 2013 red carpet chat saluting the batman brave and bold cartoon at ny's paley centerthen from 2020 a zoom table read of a scene from a justice league cartoon featuring the entire seven cast members, and clancy brown as luthor. 

    WB 20 Kinescope The First James Bond

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2025 65:49


    this week we look at The First James Bond adaptation created 8 years before 1962's Dr. No starring Sean Connery.It's Casino Royale from the CBS Anthology Show Climax! Starring Barry Nelson as American Spy Jimmy Bond, and Peter Lorre as Le Chiffre

    The Western Films Of Burt Kennedy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 84:10


    On This edition of Scene Missing Gabe Hardman Jeff parker and I talk about one of our favorite western film writers and sometimes director

    western films burt kennedy
    Al Ewing Talks Venom and Absolute Green Lantern pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 64:34


    Al Ewing Talks Thor and Metamorpho pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 66:42


    Dan Slott DC and Superman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 73:34


    Dan Slott gives us heavy details on his new Superman Unlimited. It's his first DC book in 20 years 

    Fred Van Lente's new sci-fi epic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 73:52


    Fred's new book, The Future Is **** is a great new ambitious scf-fi epic. 

    WB 20 Neal Adams Look at the Comics Biz 2013

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 97:44


    Over the years I was lucky to have sevral talks with the Iconic artistIn this wide spanning talk from 2013...Neal  Adams discussed Gary Friedrich's need for financial help, when Marvel lawyers were telling him to stop usimg images of Ghost Rider at his con table. He gave hsi view of DC and Marvel Movies at that momentHe talked about his Dark HGorse Comic Blood and The Batman Odessey maxi series he wrote and drewAnd his Continuity Work on Motion comics and animatics for commercial campaigns 

    Tales Of Vertigo with Shelly Bond and Vita Ayala

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 65:17


    The Toxic Avenger Returns With Matt Bors

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 77:00


    Matt Bors is writing the new Toxie comic book for Agoy Comics 

    Ram V Talks New Gods and Resurrection Man

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 82:36


    Ram V is back to discuss his corners of the DC universe  Bringing Jack Kirdby's New Gods back with a fresh interpretation, and Resurrection Man through a meta phsysical journey 

    Trailer Talk Superman FF Ironheart and more

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 12:51


    Some thoughts on the current crop of trailers and a couple other films

    Gavin Guidry Covers it all

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 105:45


    Gavin Guidry on JSA Superman 78 X-Men and Gambit, plus he has a new kickstarter campaign for a fun indie book. 

    wb 20 Paul Levitz

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 21:25


    From 2009 A Great Chat with the Former Publisher and longtime DC Comics Writer

    Age Of Ultron With The Splash Pages Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 152:47


    I was a guest on the Splash Pages podcast. We talked about many subjects Like conventions, upcoming comic books and variant covers and more 

    Kingdom Come Q A Screening

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 33:12


    A live post screening q and a with Director Remsi Atasi and Producer Sal Abibinanti at Chicago's Music Box Theater 

    Spider-Man Wolverine Star Wars with Marc Guggenheim and Kaare Andrews

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 92:38


    A Sci Fi Epic With Brian Bendis and André Lima Araújo pt2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 71:10


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