Tonight Prophets Of Science Fiction -Issac Asimov

My debut on the Science Channel's Prophets Of Science Fiction is tonight at 10pm eastern, 9pm central.

Tonight it's all about robotics, and the amazing author Issac Asimov. It was a true honor to be part of this program, which also features our Fireside Chat pal Matt Fraction.

Watch it tonight! 

Before Watchmen Scott Porter Jim Henson's Tale Of Sand and Tom Fowler

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On this week's Word Balloon, we cover a lot of pop culture ground. First DC Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development John Rood and SVP of Sales Bob Wayne discuss The Before Watchmen project, and debate the question of what happens to creator owned deals that hinged on reverting back to the creators once a book's print run sold out now that digital books have infinite copies and would never "sell out" .

Then actor Scott Porter joins us. Scott played Cyclops on the G4 X-Men and Wolverine anime series and X-Men Destiny Video Game , but you might know him better in his TV roles as George Tucker on Heart Of Dixie, Friday Night Lights QB Jason Street , or as Rex Racer in the Wachowski's Speed Racer Film . As a huge comic fan, Scott is in a great position to give us his point of view on the current Hollywood -Superhero Genre relationship.

Keeping with the film discussion, Archaia's Editor In Chief Steve Christy and artist Ramon Perez are up next to talk about adapting the 1967 Jim Henson Jerry Juhl screenplay Tale Of Sand as an original graphic novel. We talk about the book, and a side of Filmmaker Jim Henson Muppet fans might not be aware of.

Finally artist Tom Fowler joins us to discuss Hulk Season One, the 100 page original graphic novel written by Fred Van Lente. Fowler talks about some unique ways he's addressing the art, plus we talk about his work on Venom with rick Remender, and loads of canadian pop culture talk.

Time Code
00:00 -  14:48 Wayne and Rood on Before Watchmen
14:49 -  51:42  Scott Porter On G4's  X-Men Anime, Speed Racer and More
51:43 - 140:39 Ramon Perez and Steve Christy On Jim Henson's Tale Of Sand
1:40:40- End Of Show Tom Fowler on Hulk Season One Venom and More

Time Out Chicago-Robert Feder Profiles Word Balloon

This was a real shock. Chicago Media critic Robert Feder has been a supporter of my radio work, since my days at the Score. When my partnership with Mike North ended, Feder was very kind on a phone call about my dismissal saying "You're a talented guy John, you'll bounce back."

Cut to 11 years later...

I wanted to make Robert aware of my upcoming appearance on The Science Channel's Profits Of Science Fiction Series (Next Wed at 10-9 Central) and had hoped to get a paragraph mention in a multi-item column. He quickly responded with a positive e-mail, and asked for more information about Word Balloon. The result? This flattering piece about the podcast and where we're at in the pop culture world.

Thanks Robert.

Walter Simonson on The Judas Coin-Mike Costa and Ryan Browne's Smoke and Mirrors

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On this episode of Word Balloon, Walter Simonson is back with details about his OGN The Judas Coin, coming out in October from DC Comics. Simonson explains the projects origins and inspirations.
Then lifelong pals Mike Costa and Ryan Brown discuss their new mini series coming out next month from IDW Publishing: Smoke And Mirrors. The book has magic, but with a real world twist as a stage magician from our world finds himself in an alternate universe earth, where real magic has evolved side by side with technology. The book even has real stage magic tricks that the reader will experience while reading the comic.
Mike also talks about the cancellation of Blackhawks from DC Comics, which ends with issue 8, and his work at IDW on G.I. Joe Cobra, while Ryan discusses his web comics God Hates Astronauts and Blast Furnace.

2012 Comic Book Industry watch With Stephen Wacker and Marty Pasko

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As always, great conversation in this Word Balloon double feature. First Marvel Editor Stephen Wacker joins us to talk about the books he oversees like the Spider-Man titles, Daredevil, The Punisher, and Moon Knight. We talk about the realities in today's market. Why some projects of the past couldn't get greenlit in this tighter economy. We also discuss Steve's days at DC including many stories about his work on the weekly all-star event 52. (This conversation was taped before the announcement that Moon Knight had been cancelled) Then Marty Pasko is back for an insight discussion about his observations of the current comic market. Marty has heard the phrase "comics are doomed." since he joined the business in the 1970's. While he believes there are big changes on the horizon, he's also optimistic enough too suggest a few ways the Direct Market stores can stay in the new expanding digital comics world. We also get more great anecdotes from Pasko's DC Bronze Age days, his work on The Batman Animated series, The Fox 1994 Animated Spider-Man series and as the liaison between Time Warner's various media divisions, Other TV Network and Film production companies, and DC Comics.

VIDEO-Kyle Baker TED Talk -The Care Of The Future Is Mine

Saw artist Gene Ha this past Saturday night and he clued me in to this great TED Talk from earlier this month, given by artist Kyle Baker ( Nat Turner, Deadpool Max, Plastic Man, Captain America: The Truth, & More). In 9 minutes Baker spells out the current plight of a cartoonist in this current economic era. Here's his plan to stay viable and profitable in these changing and challenging times.

Marvel News From Bunn Wacker Waid Rucka Dan Slott and Pt 2 of The Bendis Tapes

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On this episode of Word Balloon we bring you more press coverage of Marvel's Next Big Things, and conversations with some of your favorite creators. 

From last week, you'll hear writer Cullen Bunn talk about Captain America and Hawkeye #629, the new direction for the former Cap and Bucky title, which starting in April will be a Cap and whomever monthly Marvel team up book. 

Then editor Steve Wacker and writers Mark Waid and Greg Rucka conduct a free wheeling discussion about April's crossover event The Omega Factor, which takes place in Avenging Spider-Man, Daredevil and The Punisher. 

Next, Dan Slott joins us to gush about his latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man, out this week. It starts a 2 part time travel story that promises ripple effects for the weeks and months to come. 

Finally we bring you Part 2 of the latest Bendis Tapes, as Brian Michael Bendis answers more question from his Jinxworld Message board about all of his books, and the craft of comic book writing.


Time Code
Cullen Bunn 00:00- 10;19
Steve Wacker Mark Waid Greg Rucka 10:20-36:25
Dan Slott 36:26-1:16:29
Bendis Tapes pt 2 1:16:30-2:30:19

Breaking News Marvel Press Conference, DC VPs, Boom! Studios Ross Richie, and The Bendis Taoes pt 1

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The latest Word Balloon is chock full of news and conversation.

First, we take you inside Tuesday's Marvel press conference call, as they announced legendary Marvel artist Walter Simonson would be drawing Brian Michael Bendis' final Avengers arc starting with April's #25. You'll hear Bendis and Simonson talk about their first ever collaboration. Brian also previews April's new Avengers Assembled series with artist Mark Bagley .

Then DC Vice Presidents John Rood and Bob Wayne join us to talk about the Diamond Sales Numbers from December. The horse race between DC and Marvel stayed tight, with Marvel edging out DC, but there was plenty for DC to brag about, having 8 of the top 10 books including Justice League at number 1. We also talk about the new back-up features in Batman and Detective comics, and some retailer questions about what DC will be doing for the 4 months this year that have 5 Wednesdays, plus how the pre "New 52" trades will be marketed moving forward.

Next, BOOM! Studios publisher Ross Richie joins us to talk about the Ka-Boom! line of children's comics, like the new Peanuts monthly and the upcoming Adventure Time series. Ross also talks about licensed books like The Planet Of The Apes series, the re-release of Grant Morrison's British Avengers Steed and Mrs Peel, Too Much Coffee Man creator Shannon Wheeler's books, and more. Ross also assess the success and strategies of DC and Marvel, since becoming bigger parts of their corporate media synergy plans.

Finally, we begin a new Bendis Tapes session with questions from Brian's JINXWORLD message board .

Time Cues

00:00- 23:30     Marvel Press Conference

23:31- 41:12        DC Vice Presidents John Rood Bob Wayne

41:13- 1:37:23    Boom Studios Ross Richie

137:24-250:23     The Bendis Tapes Part 1

Follow along with  the questions asked here

Ed Brubaker and Greg Pak

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It's another Word Balloon double feature to start the new year right. First ed Brubaker gives us an inside look at his new Image horror/crime saga Fatale with co-conspirator Sean Phillips. We also discuss the latest Captain America arc with Alan Davis, and the upcoming Winter Soldier series which starts next month.

Then Greg Pak joins us to talk about his chilling 2011 mini series Red Skull Incarnate . We look back at the wrap ups to Herc and Alpha Flight, and his incredible run on HULK which included the critically acclaimed PLANET HULK and WORLD WAR HULK. Greg also previews his upcoming original graphic novel Doctor Strange Season One with Emma Rios.

New Years Eve Party w Brian Bendis Pt 2 Will Pfeiffer and Sal Abbinanti pt 2

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On this edition of Word Balloon, we wrap up 2011 with another multi guest show. We wrap up our last conversation of the year with Brian Michael Bendis who gives us updates on Takio, The Avengers Film, and his television projects like the Powers, pilot for FX, The Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon, and AKA Jessica Jones. We also talk about the recent cancellations of b-level character books, which begs the question “Can an ongoing c-level book survive in this current comic market?”

Next Will Pfieffer joins us to talk about his new gig co-writing Iron Man 2.0 with Nick Spencer to close out the current series.  DC comics also has re-released Will’s Batman Legends Of The Dark Night story Blaze Of Glory drawn by Chris Weston . Plus he has a new Tor Books original graphic novel due out in March . It’s a sci-fi suspense thriller called The Advance Team.  Will’s day job is a DVD reviewer for the Rockford Register Star newspaper, so we go over some of the quirkiest DVD releases for 2011.

Finally Atomika creator Sal Abbinanti wraps up his talk about the art exhibition  of his paintings going on at Challengers Comics in Chicago through January 9^th.

In each interview, there's a lot of backmatter about Movies Television DVDs and the pop culture things we love. Enjoy, and Happy New Year! 

Time Code 

Brian Bendis     00:00-46:00

Will Pfeiffer      46:01-2:03:01

Sal Abbinanti  2:03:02-3:05:00

Holiday Cheer From Bendis Simonson Cornell and Abbinantti

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Happy Holidays! Here's a four guest spectacular to help you get through the travel times to and from your holiday destinations.

First Brian Michael Bendis joins us for the start of a 2 part talk. We discuss the upcoming 2012 event Avengers versus X-Men, what's happening with the return of Norman Osbourne and a new team of Dark Avengers , plus Moon Knight, and this week's issue of Ultimate Spider-man #5.

Walter Simonson is up next. He talks about stepping down as an art teacher to concentrate on some future creator owned projects. Plus we look back at this year's release of the IDW Simonson Mighty Thor Artist Edition . Walter takes us behind the scenes explaining the process of putting this incredible project together. He also tell us about the experience of being in this year's Thor movie. We also look back at Walter's first writing assignments which led to his adaptation of Raider's Of The Lost Ark, with artist John Buscema , and the details behind a Batman sketch that led to a classic cover and story.

Then Paul Cornell Joins us to talk about his work on DC's new 52. We discuss his run on Stormwatch, which ends with next month's issue #5. Then we examine in depth the ideas behind Demon Knights . Paul takes us through all the main characters and hints at the book's future direction. Cornell also previews his upcoming Vertigo book Saucer Country which debuts in March, and a new sci-fi-police procedural novel he describes as " Buffy meets The Sweeney".

Finally we check in with Sal Abbinanti , the creator of Atomika . Sal has an art show of original paintings of heroes and villains going on through January 9th at Challengers Comics Rouges Gallery in Chicago.

00:00-57:57- Brian Bendis

57:58-1:39:25- Walter Simonson

139:26-237:15- Paul Cornell

237:16-259:58 Sal Abbinanti

DC New 52 Talk With John Rood James Robinson And The Aquaman Art Team-Ivan Reis Joe Prado and Rod reis

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On this edition of Word Balloon, we spend a lot of time discussing the DC universe. First John Rood DC Entertainment's Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Development joins us to breakdown the November numbers from Diamond as the new 52 propels DC to another winning month, however the gap between them and Marvel comics and Marvel Comics is narrowing. Rood gives us an idea of what the buying trends are now that there is 3 months of New 52 data to examine. Plus, we get some demographics from The Nielsen Surveys DC conducted with consumers.

Then James Robinson joins us for his first full length WB chat. Robinson explains how he got into reading American comic books growing up in London England. We discuss The Shade Maxi Series, and his exploration of this new DC Universe. Plus we look back on his recent runs on Superman, and The Justice League. James explains his ideas of characterization for heroes Like Donna Troy, villains like Solomon Grundy, and fan reactions to those choices.

Finally, we have a transcontinental talk with the entire Brazilian art team on Aquaman. Penciller Ivan Reis, Inker Joe Prado, and Colorist Rod Reis talk about the Brazilian comics scene, and why they chose to go from working on Green Lantern to Aquaman. Despite speaking in a 2nd language rather than their native portuguese, all three creators conduct a very nuanced and complex conversation discussing their art and love of certain characters with full command of the english language.

Double Feature The Loeb Report And NickSpencer

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Giving Thanks With Rob Liefeld Alex Di Campi and Matt Fraction

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Here for your holiday pleasure, a Word Balloon triple feature. We wrap things up with Rob Liefeld, who talks about his work with Robert Kirkmanon The Infinite for Image Comics. Then Rob goes into detail with his full slate of books he'll be releasing in 2012 under the Extreme Imprint.Liefeld goes down the roster of creators on his various titles, which includes Erik Larsen writing and drawing SUPREME.


Then Alex Di Campi joins us to discuss her upcoming graphic novel Ashes with artist Jimmy Braxton. Ashes is a 252 page story which Alex is trying to fund via kickstarter. The story is a sequel to her Eisner nominated 2005 IDW story SMOKE. Di Campi has been a long time veteran in the digital comics market with the 2009 story Valentine. She talks about the successes and missteps she had with that book, and shares some innovative ideas on how self publishers can partner with comics stores on both the print and digital versions of a comic book. 


Finally Matt Fraction is back to wrap up his latest Fireside Chat with some TV and Film talk.

Rob Liefeld Speaks Out and The Rucka Debrief Part 2

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On this episode of Word Balloon, we begin our two part conversation with artist and Image Comics Co-Founder Rob Liefeld. In part 1 Rob talks about what it's like working as a free lance artist at Comics Big 2 publishers Marvel and DC. He just finished an 8 year stint at Marvel which included such projects as Onslaught Reborn, Deadpool Corps and many covers. Currently Rob is drawingHawk and Dove as part of DC's New 52 initiative. Rob compares the current strategies of the 2 companies as he sees them , including what's happening for both at the film and toy levels, which he sees as key indicators on where their publishing is currently focused. 

Then Greg Rucka is back for part 2 of The Rucka Debrief, answering fans questions about the current status of fan favorite projects like Queen And Country and Stumptown from Oni Press, along with reflecting observations on "52", the weekly DC event of 2006. Looking back, how would Greg describe the collaborative work with writers Grant Morrison, Mark Waid and Geoff Johns, artist Keith Giffen, and editors Steve Wacker and Michael Siglain? 

Lots of candid conversation in this episode of Word Balloon. 

The Rucka Debrief Pt 1 DC Comics October Surprise and The Prophets Of Science Fiction

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On this episode of Word Balloon, we speak with Dc Entertainment Vice Presidents Bob Wayne (Sales) and John Rood (Sales Marketing and Business Development) about DC Comics big sales for the month of October. Month 2 of the New 52 showed a
greater market share, with DC claiming about 50% of the total sales pie for single issues.

John and Bob Talk about some of the surprising sales trends both digitally and in the direct market.We also get more details about the 100 graphic novels and collected stories available on the new Amazon Kindle Fire device. You'll also hear about future plans and partnerships to promote Dc Comics and upcoming TV and film projects like Cartoon Network's DC Nation, and next summer's Batman film.

Then we begin a new 2 part Greg Rucka Debrief. In this episode Greg talks about his current work on The Punisher with Marco Checcetto. Greg gives an overview of his view on how Frank Castle operates in the 616 universe and what obstacles are inherent in a superhero filled world.

Rucka also discusses his new web comic with Rich Burchett Lady Sabre and The Pirates of the Ineffable Aether. The story marries steam punk swashbuckling pirates with a gun toting western duo all living on a fantastic planet of magic, floating ships and cities.
The twice weekly webcomic is starting it's 3rd chapter this Thursday. New readers can go the website and find archives of the firt 2 chapters plus character essays, maps and information that provide a rich backdrop for this rollicking adventure.

Then, a conversation with Kevin Tavolaro Nino Lopez and Joe Peicott , some of the producers behind the new Science Channel TV series Prophets Of Science Fiction, debuting tonight at 10pm eastern/pacific time. Filmmaker Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner) hosts this 8 part series features profiles on noted Sci-Fi creators who's dreams of the future inspired many real scientific advances. From Mary Shelly's Frankenstien, to George Lucas's Star Wars, you'll hear scientists, noted science

fiction authors and filmmakers give their thoughts on these remarkable thinkers. The show will feature comments film clips and images from people like writers Harlan Ellison and Robert Silverberg, Tv producers Brannon Bragga (Star Trek)
and Dan Vedders (Futurama), comic book creators Matt Fraction and Chirs Ware, plus a certain podcast host Word Balloon listeners may be familiar with.

Time Code

00:00-23:20 DC VPs John Rood & Bob Wayne

23:21-127:27 Rucka Debrief Part 1 

127:28-149:42 Prophets Of Science Fiction 

Matt Fraction Fireside Chat-Superhero Movie Talk with IFC's Matt Singer

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On this episode of Word Balloon, Matt Fraction willingly debates the story beats of Fear Itself.
All of the tough questions are asked. We talk about the recent trend of the event story epilogues
occurring outside of the actual series. Why kill Thor, when he just had just been resurrected, and
it's likely he'll be back in time for next summer's Avenger's film?

You'll also hear what's coming next in Casanova, Iron Man and Tanarus God Of Thunder, plus an informative preview of The Defenders. Matt expands on what we've seen in the Fear Itself epilogue, and how the Hulk hands this new Defenders line up it's first problem. You'll hear details on the team's line-up, plus Fraction discusses his decision to write this book in a modified Marvel style collaboration with Terry Dobson, as opposed to the usual full script.

For aspiring writers Matt goes in detail about the different discipline of writing 20 page issues
compared to the former 22 page comic. It's more complicated than just cutting 2 pages from each chapter.

Then IFC Film Critic Matt Singer joins me to talk about this years slate of comic book films.
From The Green Hornet, The Marvel films Thor Captain America,X-Men First Class,  Green Lantern,
Cowboys and Aliens, to the coming Tin Tin movie, We'll discuss the successes and failures. Plus we
preview next year's slate of movies.

Double Feature Chris Roberson And Jeremy Haun

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On this edition of Word Balloon, we check in with writer Chris Roberson to talk about his new IDW DC Comics crossover between the Original Crew Of Star Trek, and The Legion Of Superheroes. We also look at his Vertigo Books like I Zombie with Mike Alred and His work in The Fables Universe on the Cinderella mini series From Fabletown With Love drawn by Sean McManus . Her fairy tale spy adventures will continue next year with a new 2012 6 part story, Fables Are Forever.

Chris also gives details about the tough task of taking over the last 7 parts of J Michael Straczynsk's aborted Superman 12 part story Grounded. We discuss the one chapter of his story depicting a muslim super hero inspired by Superman, that was deemed too controversial to be published , and what it's future fate might be


Then Jeremy Haun is back to promote his new book for Top Cow's Pilot Season called The Beauty, co-written with Jason Hurley. Jeremy is also wrapping up his work on The Top Cow Event Artifacts with Ron Marz, and soon takes over art chores on The Darkness teaming up with new writer David Hine. Haun and Hine worked on Batman in Detective Comics and last year's Arkham Reborn mini series.

TV Alert Watch Prophets Of Science Fiction starting Nov 9th

This 8 part documentary on The Science Channel features in depth looks at some of the greatest Sci-Fi creators of all time. People like Jules Verne, HG Wells, Robert Heinlien, Issac Asimov, Philip K Dick, Arthur C Clarke, and George Lucas

Ridley Scott hosts this series, that features expert comments from such people as Sci-Fi writers Harlan Ellison and Robert Silverberg, Star Trek Producer Brannon Bragga, Comic Book writer Matt Fraction...and Me.

I spent a day in Los Angeles filming my comments on several of the subjects. It was great fun, and the producers of the show were gracious and fun to work with.

Check out these preview videos of the show. I think it looks amazing.

Here's Ridley Scott showing a clip of the first episode featuring author Mary Shelly (Frankenstein) airing Nov 9th at 10pm eastern, 9pm Central On The Science Channel

And here's a 1 minute Show Promo

NYCC 2011 A View From The Floor

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On this episode of Word Balloon we hit the floor of last week's New York Comic Con and speak with a number of creators.

You'll hear talks with Frank Quitely (Batman & Robin, Multiplicity), Chris Burnham (Batman Leviathan),  Matt Wagner (Legendary Comics) , Shane Davis (Superman Earth One Vol 2)  Gabriel Hardman (Betrayal Of The Planet Of The Apes, Secret Avengers) Mahmud Asrar (Supergirl) Tom Fowler (Venom) & Tom King,  Fred Van Lente (Alpha Flight, Comic Book Comics ) Ryan Dunleavy ( Comic Book Comics , MTV Comics)  Brent Schoonover (Mr. Murder is Dead, Astronaut Dad) Jon and Matt Roscetti (Venture Bros, Growing Up Comics) and Dave Elliott  (Marksmen Red Spike Heavy Metal)

Time Code

Intro 00:00-01:45

Frank Quitely, Chirs Burnham, & Matt Wagner 01:46-10:13

Gabriel Hardman 10:14-15:47

Mahmud Asrar 15:48-18:55

Fred Van Lente & Ryan Dunleavy 18:56-29:57

Shane Davis 29:58-46:31

Tom Fowler & Tom King 46:32-57:16

Brent Schoonover 57:17-105:52

Jon & Matt Roscetti 105:53-111:50

Dave Elliot 111:51-136:12

Close 136:13-137:20