Guest Shot On The Crankcast

Chris Crank and Mike Norton were kind to invite me back on The Crankcast this week.

Here is The Link 

Radio's Superheroes With Steve Darnall

Download The MP3 Here Writer and radio broadcaster Steve Darnall joins us to talk about his past works in comics. Steve worked in the fringe genres as the comics market struggled to survive after the speculation era went bust. You'll hear about his collaboration with Alex Ross on the 2 part UNCLE SAM prestige series , to his parody of classic romance comics for Slave Labor Graphics and his own companmy Funny Valentine. We also talk about Steve's current job hosting 2 radio shows which present classic Old Time Radio programs Those Were The Days and Yesterday USA, where he puts a historical context while presenting dramas comedies and documentaries made from the 1930s-1950s. As opposed to a nostalgic "Remember When" angle that older hosts use for a geritatric audience, Steve's show is one of discovery for a younger generation who come to these programs with a fresh perspective.

Decoding Histories Mysteries With Brad Meltzer

Download The MP3 Here On this episode of Word Balloon, Brad Meltzer is back to discuss the 2nd season of Brad Meltzer’s Decoded which premieres tonight at 9pm Easter/Pacific On The History Channel. Brad recaps some of the highlights of season one, and a preview of this season. This year the show goes global to investigates mysteries surrounding The Vatican, Fort Knox and more. Plus Brad promises for JSA fans,the real story behind Adolph Hitler and The Spear Of Destiny. We also talk about The Inner Circle Meltzer’s latest novel, now available in paperback.

Sexuality In Comics With Vaneta Rogers

Download The MP3 Here The comic news blogosphere has erupted this week in editorials and op-ed pieces over the depiction of Starfire in the DC Comic Red Hood And The Outlaws and The first issue of Catwoman, which ends with a sex scene involving Batman. Too much for mainstream comics? I debate the subject with Vaneta Rogers . We also talk about the overall success of DC's new 52, and their employing the Nielsen Company to conduct reader surveys.

Take DC Comics Nielsen Survey

DC has hired the Nielsen ratings and survey company to conduct focused fan reactions to the Nu 52.

This is your chance to speak directly to DC and make your suggestions on what you like or dislike, and want from them.

Link to Survey

Pro Tips From Mark Waid, Robert Atkins, Sam Humphries and Steven Sanders

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Today's show features creators who are spotlighting their current books, but also give writing art and publishing tips for aspiring creators. Mark Waid discusses his work for Boom Studios and writing Daredevil for Marvel, but he also discusses how he approaches writing established characters , from figuring Superman out, to still being uncomfortable writing Thor and Wonder Woman.

Robert Atkins talks about his art on IDWs GI JOE COBRA COMMANDER with writer Chuck Dixon, and an upcoming original graphic novel with Larry Hama, but also talks about using his blog and social networking to expand his fan base.

Finally Sam Humphries and Steve Sanders join us to talk about their controversial sci-fi sex parody Our Love Is Real . This summer the duo self published the comic and discuss the platforms and distribution avenues they took to market and sell their book. Their effort's got Image Comics attention and the book is being released in November, but that version has its own method of distribution, and the guys tell us how their selling process continues to evolve.

New WB Network ShowThe Big Bout Podcast

Thanks to the great artist Kyle Latino for our awesome logo! Why a Boxing/MMA podcast? Many longtime followers might know I covered boxing from 1989-2005 In the pages of Boxing Illustrated and ring Magazines, plus broadcasting on TV for Fox Sports Network and Sports Channel Chicago, and on radio WSCR, WMVP and The Sporting News Radio Network. Lately I got the itch to do new interviews, and my new found love for MMA and The UFC prompted me to get back to doing interviews on a rgular basis. I've posted two shoows that are boxing centric, but the MMA stuff is coming next. Check them out here

Triple Feature John Rood And Bob Wayne , Gaabe Hardman & Corinna Bechklo, and Tom Katers

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A timely news triple feature. First up DC Comics vice presidents John Rood and Bob Wayne discuss the debuting success of DC Comics New 52. The first 3 weeks of releases have sold out at the retailer level, and Rood and Wayne talk about what's next.
The Gabriel Hardman and Corrina Bechklo discuss their new mini series for Boom Studios Betrayal Of The Planet Of The Apes. The creators talk about this prequel to the original film series, which features a young Dr. Zaius freshly elected to the governing council.
The Duo has also a story in Four Star Studio's Digital Comic Double Feature. A tight spy thriller called The Liar, plus Gabe talks about his wrap-up on HULK with Jeff Parker.
Finally Podcaster and long time DC reader Tom Katers (Tom Vs Aquaman) discusses the recent transition from Flashpoint to the New 52.

Plus here's 2 cover images from upcoming DC issues Exclusive to Word Balloon Green Lantern #4 and Justice League #4!

Time Cues
Intro 00:00-3:07
John Rood and Bob Wayne 3:08-20:24
Gabe Hard-Corrina Bechko 20:25-1:25:00
Tom Katers 1:25:01-2:02:35
Close 2:02:36-2:03:52
Close 2:02:36-2:03:52

The Bendis Tapes Part 2 Let The Q and A Begin

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On this portion of the Bendis Tapes, we discuss the craft of comic book writing as Brian 

takes more questions from his Jinxworld message board.

In addition you'll hear more details of his work on the creative committee for the Marvel Movies,

His work on the upcoming Marvel MMMO, and more story details on the Avenger books, Ultimate Spider-Man 

and other comics.  

Plus Brian gives his opinion on DC Comics NU 52, and how he sees comic book storytelling changing in the immediate future.

Double Feature The Bendis Tapes Pt1 and G4's Blair Butler and Kevin Mellon

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In part 1 of the latest Bendis Tapes we go over Brian's Summer vacation. You'll hear about the Powers TV pilot shoot in Chicago, and his adventures in the Windy City.

Then we get behind the scene details of the developments in Ultimate Spider-Man. Brian tells us what led to the creation of Miles Morales and the controversies that followed. You'll get Bendis's rebuttals to claims made by right wing pundits like Matt Drudge and Glen Beck.

We also get details on what's coming up in the pages of Bendis's Avengers titles, from working with Neal Adams and the return of Gabriel Del Otto, to Daredevil joining the team.

Then, G4's Fresh Ink comics reviewer Blair Butler has joined the ranks of comic book writers with Heart, a new Image mini series co-created by artist Kevin Mellon. The two join me to talk about this MMA comic, the inspiration behind it, and the challenge of capturing the fastest growing action sport in comic book form. We also discuss the current news and trends in the comic book market.

Time Code

Bendis Tapes Part 1   00:00-1:18:55

Blair Butler-Kevin Mellon 1:19:00 to 2:23:11

Chicago Comic-Con Risso Johnson and Azzarello talk Batman and Spaceman

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A quick but great talk with the 100 Bullets crew Brian Azzarello Eduardo Risso and Dave Johnson , who just wrapped up the best FLASHPOINT tie-in story. The instant Batman classic, Knight Of Vengance, which tells the alternate universe story of Thomas Wayne taking up the mantle of The Bat, and how he dealt with the death of his son Bruce on that fateful night in crime alley. 

The guys give us a preview of their new VERTIGO series SPACEMAN, and talk about ther future projects, like Dave Johnson's work on the upcoming new season of the Venture Bros on Adult Swim.

Note- The recording of the talk was compromised, so there is some background surface noise, but you can still hear everyone clearly. 

Robert Kirkman And Marty Pasko pt 3

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On this episode of Word Balloon we check in
with writer Robert Kirkman . You'll hear about
the genesis of his new series with Rob Liefeld
The Infinite from Image, plus an update on the

status of their coloboration on KILLRAVEN for
Marvel comics.

We also go in depth on The Walking Dead ,
discussing the differences in working on the
TV show, and writing the comic.

Robert takes us into the writing room, and
production process with some details
on season 2.

Note-This was recorded before the
departure of Frank Darabont as the day
to day show runner producer

on The Walking Dead.

Then we wrap up or talk with Marty Pasko,

which continues to explore little known facts
about DC Comics in publishing television and film.
Pasko tries to figure out  the answers to
the questions of why is The DC reboot
happening, why are theRetroactive books
happening now? We also talk about Marty's

TV and animation work on shows like
GI JOE, and The Twilight Zone .

Note- That amazing Pasko Portrait was
created by Michael Netzer

The DCU Past Present And Future With Marty Pasko and Vaneta rogers

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As the saying goes you don't know where you're going if you don't know where you've been. We explore the past and future changes at DC Comics. Pasko wrote the history for the 2007 DC Vault, and researched more material for last year's 75th anniversary Tashen book. You'll hear about Marty's 1970's DC retroactive Superman story, but also learn about deacdes of chnages and innovations to many of DC's top stars. From the stress filled stomach aches suffered by Wonder Woman editors when they got salacious stories from her creator William Moulton Martsers. Pasko and Cary Bates were given the task of coaching Mario Puzzo in Superman lore while Puzzo prepared to write the 1978 first screenplay draft for the Richard Donner film. You'll learn how editor Julie Schwartz revamped Batman in 1966, to catch the eye of television producer William Dozier and led to him craeting the ABC Batman TV show.
Then Vaneta Rogers Of Newsarama is back to talk about the coming changes in the DCNU. Rogers has interviewed nearly all of the craetors involved in the relaunch,and between us we try to put the pieces together to figure out what may be in store for readers this September.

SDCC panels Jonathan Hickman Spotlight-6th Annual Podcast Panel

Download The MP3 here Available at 10am eastern time

Word Balloon's San Diego Comic Con coverage begins with the 2 panels I was honored to moderate. First up Jonathan Hickman's Spotlight. This was Hickman's first SDCC in 5 years, and it was a chance to field craft questions from fans about his past Image and Marvel books, and a look at FF Secret Warriors and SHIELD , plus the New books The Red Wing, Feel Better Now, and his upcoming run on Ultimates.
Jon was candid about career ven gave an enthusiastic shout out to DC's new 52 !

Word Balloon Triple Feature Dan Slott Gail Simone & Martin Pasko

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Here's a  giant sized Word Balloon to have something to listen to, while you're traveling to the San Diego Comic-Con, taking a long plane/train/car trip, or spending the day running errands for hours. Nearly 4 hours of fantastic comic talk in one podcast! 

First up, Dan Slott gives us the low down on Spider Island, the coming event in Amazing Spider-Man, Venom, and several other Marvel comics in the next 3 months. It all starts with next week's ASM #666. 

Then, Gail Simone joined Art Baltazar and Franco!  on the Aw Yeah Podcast, and dropped some behind the scene clues about her books Batgirl and Firestorm. Both are part of the DCNU 52 title initiative happening in September. She talks about the transition Barbara Gordon will make from Oracle to her return to the bat tights. Gail also tells us how her Firestorm Co-Writer Ethan Van Sciver got her excited about writing the further adventures of Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch .

Finally Marty Pasko returns to talk about his new Superman Retroactive 1970's book. We start to compare the coming Man Of Steel reboot to the Bronze age re-boot, when Clark Kent went from Daily Planet Reporter, to WGBS Newscaster, and a worldwide chain reaction caused all of the kryptonite to change to iron. 

Plus, being the DC historian who helped create the DC VAULT and Taschem's DC 75th Anniversary books, Mary can't help but digress into great anecdotes about many writers artists and editors. You'll hear stories about every decade of the companies rich history. 

Because we're giving you so much to enjoy on this episode, here's a time code for all the guests and information. 

Open, including John's SDCC Schedule 00:00-2:49

Dan Slott 2:49-1:38:50

Gail Simone 138:50-2:23:47

Marty Pasko 2:23:47-3:50:08

Triple Feature Kelly Sue DeConnick Stuart Immonen Francis Manapul

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AVAILABLE AT 930am US CENTRAL TIME 

A great conversation with 3 of today's hottest creators. First up, Kelly Sue DeConnick talks about her current run on Supergirl, which wraps up the character in the current DC continuity. Would you be surprised to learn Kelly Sue is only the 2nd female writer to pen the Supergirl monthly? DeConnick also expands on the fact that despite Gail Simone being the only female writer involved in DC's Nu 52, she was approached to pitch. She explains why she had to decline the offer., and the inevitable 'are there enough women in comics?" discussion ensues.

We also talk about her Marvel mini series Osborn, and the upcoming Castle original graphic novel, co-written by Brian Michael Bendis.

The live from last week's art gallery show in Chicago, Stuart Immonen talks about his amazing work on FEAR ITSELF with Matt Fraction. The mini series has showcased some of Stuart's best work, and that's saying something, when you consider his recent runs on Ultimate Spider-Man and New Avengers.

Then Francis Manapul joins Art Baltazar and Franco, in a segment of the Aw Yeah Podcast to discuss the transition from artist, to writer artist on THE FLASH for DC. We go behind the scenes discussing Francis's process, and the exciting challenge of sharing writing and art duties with Brian Buccellato.

Double Feature Brian Azzarello and Phil Hester

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On this episode of Word Balloon, it's another double feature with top creators in conversation. First Brian Azzarello talks about his Flashpoint: Batman Knight of Vengeance mini series with Eduardo Risso, and the differences between Thomas and Bruce Wayne. We compare the different Batman stories Azzarello has told, from Joker, Broken City, and the weekly Wednesday Comics. We also discuss his new Vertigo science fiction series with Risso, Spaceman. It premiered in the Strange Adventures anthology and will begin its first arc in the fall.

Brian also talks about the coming DC Reboot, and his thoughts on if his storytelling would change to cater to this new potential digital audience.

Then, Phil Hester talks about co-writing the new Bionic Man comic series, adapted from a unproduced Kevin Smith screenplay. Just like their Green Hornet collaboration, Hester and Smith tweak the script and Jonathan Lau handles the art chores.

Phil also talks about his continuing work on The Green Hornet, which he now co-writes with his regular inking partner Ande Parks. He discusses the wrap ups to his run on The Darkness (which ends with issue #100) to Wonder Woman: Odyssey and the transition to the DC reboot., plus his work on IDWs Godzilla with Eric Powell.

Summitt City Con Digital Panel

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Gene Colan RIP 1926-2011 Master Artist

Gene Colan , a photo by Word Balloon, with John Siuntres on Flickr.

Listen To My 2005 Talk with Gene http://media.libsyn.com/media/wordballoon/WBgenecolan05.mp3

or watch a 2009 video interview with Gene from NYCC  http://t.co/imfR4JS

Double Feature John Romita Jr Part One - Denys Cowan Panel from Summit City Con

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On this episode of Word Balloon we present a double feature with two artistic masters.

First up, part one of a conversation with John Romita Jr. We talk about his current run on Avengers
with Brian Bendis and Kick Ass 2 with Mark Millar. John also previews a creator owned series in the works
with Howard Chaykin. A 1970's New York crime/fantasy pastiche called Schmuggy and Bimbo. Part of the Romita interview will be recorded later this month.

Then Milestone founder Denys Cowan heads a panel recorded at this past weekend's Summit City Comic Con with fellow artists Angel Gabriel and Jeff Newman. Cowan and company recall their early days assisting Deathlok creator Rich Buckler when Denys was 14.

Our reaserch exposed a dark secret to the audience, forcing Gabriel and Cowan to confess to their time in the 80's in Regional TV Wrestling on a show called POWERSLAM with infamous stars like Dick The Bruiser and Ox Baker.Gabriel was known as The Dark Angel, and Denys was a manager.

Then Denys talks about his days on titles like The Question, Black Panther, Power Man
and Iron Fist, and a classic Batman run with Sam Hamm (the screenwriter of the 1989 Tim Burton film).

He also tells the story of the formation of Milestone and the creation of their line of multi-racial heroes He reminisces about his friend the late Dwayne McDuffie, who was the first creator he approached to join the venture,and talks about the successes and struggles that came after the company debuted. The panel talk about the creation of Hardware and the symbolic metaphor of the glass ceiling struggle the creators dealt with.

Then Denys hints at 2 new upcoming projects a 5 part Batman story about the 5 phases of accepting death by Paul Levitz, and a new Vertigo mini series with Selwyn Hinds, who worked on Case 21 with Cowan in the recent STRANGE ADVENTURES anthology.