Word BalloonMoment Windy City Comiccon

Less than a month away, The Spet 19th Windy City Comic Con is no small feat. My pals from Around Comics are putting on a big one day event sept 19th. special guests include richard starkings, tony moore, gene ha, geof darrow, tim seeley, mike norton, skottie young, david petersen, tony aikins, jeffery brown, and over 30 more solid dc marvel, top shelf, and image creators who've all have notable recent books . http://www.windycitycomicon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91&Itemid=60

Geek Syndicate UK interviews Jonathon Ross!

Get The mp3 here Being the anglophile I am, I was vey happy to learn that Barry & David got to speak with the very funny tv star Jonathon Ross on their Geek Syndicate podcast. For americans who don't know the name, "Wossy" is the David Letterman of the BBC, and has a great celeb talk show, plus he's a self admitted comic fan. So much so, that he narrated the excellent BBC documentary "In Search Of Steve Ditko" and is writing a comic book himself.

Deconstructing Comics Interview

Tim Young in Japan was kind enough to request an interview from me. We had a fun conversation

Word Balloon Moment With dan Slott pt 1

Dan talks about writing Amazing Spider-man #600, and tells us about his future plans on Spider-man The List, as Spidey faces Norman Osborne head-on.

Elliott Serrano Talks aboutr Conventions, Events, and Ash Saves Obama

download the show here Writer Elliot Serrano talks about his new mini series from Dynamite, plus we discuss his role as a comics/geek culture reviewer for the Chicago daily newspaper, Red Eye, and as a podcaster on the video casts Geek To Me, and Comic Culture Warrior, both available at youtube.

Wordballoon Moment With John Ostrander & Mike Gold

An updatef rom the guys as the Latest Grimjack Mini series debuts from IDW. We also discuss last saturday's live benefit auction for John, and where to bid on more items starting august 19th. visit this site for more info

3 things I Learned At The Chicago-Comic Con

1) You Want to speak to Cmdr Adama? Clear It With Col. Deering.

I decided to do video interviews at the con. I knew I'd only get 5-10 minutes with most folk, so what would make these more special than my usual lengthy phone chats with writers and artists? They're posting here at my site , and more are on the way. My buddy Kaz followed me Friday with his HD camera, and we talked to many comic creators. From George Perez, Jason Aaron, and Howard Chaykin to Dan Slott, Greg Horn, Freddie Williams, John Ostrander, Mike Gold and Mark Millar. All great chats, but in my 5th year of podcasting, I'm pleased to say, that these folk know who I am, and are always glad to oblige.

My hope was to talk with the one A-list actor at the con, Admiral Adama himself, Edward James Olmos . I had my doubts, given the best the PR dept could suggest was to try to approach him after his panel (uh, thanks ) . Early Friday afternoon, there was a lull at Olmos's table so I approached him to see if he'd be willing to do a 5 minuter interview. I knew he was there to promote the new BSG DVD The Plan, coming out Oct 27th, and had heard he was quite affable at the San Diego Comicon.

After explaining who I was and the podcast I do, I asked...

"Would you be willing to do a 5 minute interview?"

He thought for a second and said ...

" I'm not sure of my schedule, you'll have to clear it with Erin Gray."

"Erin Gray, really?"I couldn't help but smile

"Colonel Deering has to okay you doing this?"

Olmos laughed and said, "No really , she's my agent for these type of events."

It's true. Not only is Gray at these cons signing Buck Rogers and Silver Spoon photos. She runs the website heroes for hire, which reps many actors at convention tours. So I approached her table. She was all smiles until I explained I was press then she adopted a business like demeanor, and asked about the website I represented. I explained what I do, and she consented to the Olmos interview. You'll see it in a few days.

You'll also see an interview with Erin Gray herself, who frankly was a pleasure to speak with. Not only did we cover Buck Rogers and her memorable stint as Col. Wilma Derring, but she's one of the baddies in the new Ghostbusters Video game, and doing lots of other acting. She was also complimentary towards my interview skills.

Aw shucks, thanks Colonel.

2) What It Really Means When The Big Comic Publishers Don't Have Booths

Yes, I know. DC and Marvel had several top creators in attendance, and available for panels, autograph signings, and panels. However, the Con Floor Entrance looked empty.when you first walked in.

There were rows of celeb autograph tables , from Gil Gerard To The Honkytonk Man, to Todd Bridges and Rob Liefeld (who as always had tons of nice fans to talk to besides the one Yellow Hat Douche). Still there was no big walk in sensory BOOM of giant comic banners, loud pumping booth music or looped videos of new Film and Animated Trailers, plus the usual milling about and community hang out place for comic fans to squat. People wandered about aimlessly. Just like sniffing dogs, wondering what happened to the park bushes they're used to frequenting.

Funny tense exchanges came from the panels. While it didn't match the anger Congress is feeling at these Health Care Town Hall Meetings a few fans demanded answers from the Ian Sattlers and Jim McCanns who led their companies respective chats.

An angry fan would yell, "WHY ISN'T THERE A MARVEL BOOTH?"

(Substitute "DC" for Marvel, then repeat)

The MC answer was always the same

"I don't know, but we're here talking to you, and having a good time. Right?"

It was kind of like blaming your postman, for the cancellation of the Vegas Elvis stamp.

I'd have to say the panels were well attended and seemed to go well, with the one scheduling exception of Mike Choi being the only Marvel artist to show up at an artists panel. Choi rolled with it, and still had fun taking questions with those who hung around. My favorite post panel confrontation was when a "retailer" (R) confronted Jim McCann (JMC) to explain the hypocrisy of Marvel's 70th Anniversary.

Angry R: "How could this be the 70th Anniversary? Marvel Comics company didn't exist 70 years ago."

Smiling JMC: "The Human Torch & Sub Mariner debuted in Marvel Mystery Comics in 1939"

Angrier R: "THERE WAS NO MARVEL COMICS IN 1939 !"

Budinsky Me: " Timely Comics..."

R: "THAT'S RIGHT, THEN ATLAS..."

Me: (LOUDER) ...Timely Comics published a title called Marvel Comics in 1939. Don't be a nit picker.

The "Retailer" shot a dirty look my way, while Jim stood there smiling patiently at the guy, in the same way cops do when talking a jumper off of a building ledge.

3) Breakfast With Doug Jones Dave Barclay and Margot Kidder? $100 dollars .

Selling That As A "Special Ticketed VIP Event" ? Priceless.

Look I know this is a "consumer show", where the promoters and dealers want you to buy many things, but frankly the "Meet And Greet" events at the con were way over priced. $99 dollars to drink with Nichelle Nichols?

Sorry but I was just at the FX International Show in Orlando, and with no extra press or VIP privilages I got to hang at the bars and parties with Jonathon Frakes James Marsters , and Jewel Staite this year, George Takei, Greg Grunberg, The Soup Nazi and Adam West last year, and Zachary Quinto, Colin Ferguson, and Peter Graves the year before that. All for free.

There were free saturday drink ups with the comic guests and artists, but that was going to happen anyway at the Hyatt next door, just like it did thursday and friday nights. Just like it always has every year since the con moved to Rosemont.

Looking at these "VIP Events", I felt like Popeye being held upside down at the ankles by Bluto shaking every spare piece of change out of my pockets.

Word Balloon Moment With Mark Millar pt2

In part 2 of our conversation, Mark talks about ultimate Avengers, Upcoming plans for Millarworld, more creator owned comic projects, and the progress on Wanted 2. More Chicago Comic Con Videos are on the way.

Word Balloon Moment With Mark Millar pt1

Up in the green room, above the action at Chicago Comic Con, Mark told me about the progress on his film Kick-Ass directed by Mathew Vaughn, and starring Nicholas Cage. We also talk about the wrap up to his Fantastic Four Run and Old Man Logan.

Word Balloon Moment With Howard Chaykin

From The Chicago-Comic Con. Chaykin discusses his upcoming return to his Marvel creation Dominick Fortune. We also talk about past runs on Blade The Punisher, and future work on GI JOE for IDW.

Questions Of Character With PaulJenkins

Download The Episode From Here On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, writer Paul Jenkins is back to discuss his current work for Marvel Comics, including the current sci-fi story arc Problem Child, featuring Hiro Kala, from PLANET SKAAR AFTERMATH in SON OF HULK, and his upcoming 3rd one-shot of CAPTAIN AMERICA THEATER OF WAR. Jenkins promises we'll see more new work from him for Marvel in the coming months. "I'll let Marvel make the official announcements when they decide the time is right, but In general terms I have three different series lined up. One of them is set up like MYTHOS and the Captain America One-Shots. Dan Buckley had asked me to give some thought of coming to different cases in the Marvel Universe a finding away to tell single issue or short arc stories.The way Dan put it to me was this way. Everybody loves Daredevil and the way Brian (Bendis) and Ed Brubaker have been writing him in with that dark tone.There's no space to fix anything, it doesn't need to be fixed... but Dan said, 'What I want to see is Daredevil's one good day.'...That made me think of 55 story ideas for the Marvel universe... I'll go to the x-men say what i want, and be done with them, and I'll move on and go to Daredevil or Thor's universe...say what I want to with these characters, and move on, while still allowing the regular monthly books to carry the ongoing soap opera." You'll hear Paul views and insight on characters like Thor, Loki, Iron Man, Captain America and The Hulk. We discuss The Sentry and how his beginnings came from a superman/marvelman template, but what makes them all very different.Jenkins also re-addresses his humourous flap with fans over his character Sally Floyd's tirade against Captain America, from the mini series Frontline: Civil War. We also discuss the business side of Paul's career path which includes his work with Marvel, films, computer game animation for smart phones, and other current and future projects.

Standing At The Caldron With Wizard CEO Gareb Shamus

Download the mp3 here The CEO Of Wizard Entertainment Joins Us To Discuss This Weekend's Chicago Comic-Con. We talk about the programing , and try to find out details of Shamus new master plan of business.From the recent acquisitions of many regional conventions, to the personnel changes at Wizard Magazine. Shamus addresses questions about scheduling a convention in Anaheim/Long Beach CA up against the new C2E2 Chicago Convention in April. Aren't both shows going after the same entertainment guests?

We also discuss where Wizard Magazine fits into the new media playing field when it comes to breaking comic news stories. How does the monthly magazine re-position itself in the 24hr news cycle of web coverage?

Jeff Lemire "Where Sweet Tooth Goes Nothing Grows"

Download the Mp3 Here Writer/Artist Jeff Lemire talks about his two current projects from Vertigo. The Nobody an OGN/mystery with an indie spin on the invisible man tale. We also preview Sweet Tooth, his "Bambi meets The Road Warrior" action suspense series that debuts in September. This follows the post apocalyptic story of a mutated deer-boy and his bounty hunter protector as they seek sanctuary and answers to the questions of this strange North American future. Jeff also gives us details of the Essex County Trilogy Omnibus edition coming out from Top Shelf Productions

The Bendis Tapes pt 3 Comic Slumber Party W Matt Fraction

Download the mp3 from here On this episode of the Word balloon podcast, part 3 of The Bendis Tapes with more questions for Marvel Writer Brian Michael Bendis. You'll hear more on the Spider Woman motion comic trailer, Brian's Avengers books, The new role of Doctor Voodoo as Sorcerer Supreme, The List, and a surprise extended cameo from fellow Marvel writer Matt Fraction visiting Bendis while en route to this week's San Diego Comic-Con.

Word Balloon Moment With Dave McKean

Click on The Link To See This Video A live chat with the renowned artist of Batman: Arkham Asylum , The Sandman, and fimmaker behind Mirror Mask joins John live at The Portage Theater In Chicago to discuss his series of Paintings called NITRATE inspired by silent horror films of the early 1900's.

The Road To SDCC/Hilary Barta & Dave McKean

download the mp3 from here 2 master artists of horror talk about their current work, and their scheduled appearences at this week's San Diego Comicon. Hilary Barta talks about his new story in the debut issue of Creepy from Dark Horse Comics. If you love the magazine's past runs, you'll be pleased to see the new book contunes the Creepy tradition of high quality stories and art. Also the audio version of my video interview with Dave McKean, on his recent paintings series called NITRATE, inspired by early 1900's silent horror films. Check Out The video version of Dave's talk in the post above.

The Bendis Tapes Pt 2 Norman's In Charge

Download the Pt 2 .mp3 here Part 2 Of our Conversation With Brian Bendis. We get details about the Evolution oF Marvel Boy, from Grant Morrison's Original Mini-Series to his current role in the Dark Avengers, Details on who's writing the back up features in Brian's Avenger books, and will the future plans of Jessica Jones happen in the Max or 616 Marvel Universe?

Bendis Tapes Pt 1 Paging Dr. Voodoo

Download the MP3 here Brian Michael Bendis returns with an all new Q&A session that's answers the riddles of how long will Norman Osborn's Dark Reign endure, what are the future plans for Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers and The Spider-Woman motion comic, and what was the decision process leading to Jerhico Drumm's selection as the new Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe?

Kathryn Immonen's Hellcat Runaway

download the mp3 here Celebrating her Hellcat Trade Paperback, and start on Runaways writer Kathryn Immonen came to Challenger's comics store in Chicago for a signing barbeque , so I took Word Balloon on the road to have this live conversation

LOST EP FOUND! JOHN OSTRANDER

download the mp3 from here FINALLY FOUND THIS LOST EPISODE FROM NOVEMBER 2005. THE MAN BEHIND GRIMJACK, DC'S SUICIDE SQUAD , THE KENTS, WASTELAND , AND THE SPECTRE. JOHN TALKS ABOUT THE RETURN OF GRIMJACK AT IDW , HIS STAR WARS WORK FOR DARK HORSE , AND COLLABORATING WITH ARTISTS, LIKE TIM TRUMAN AND TOM MANDRAKE. PLUS 1980'S CHICAGO MEMORIES OF FIRST COMICS, WINDY CITY INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE BUCKET OF SUDS, AND THE COMEDIC MENTOR OF THE SECOND CITY AND IMPROV OLYMPIC , MUNDEN'S BAR WRITER AND WATELAND CO-CREATOR DEL CLOSE.