Ed Brubaker Part 4 Si Spurrier and Brian Bendis

Download The MP3 Here On this episode of Word Balloon, we wrap up our marathon conversation with Ed Brubaker, just as his final issue of Captain America hits the stands. Ed has closing thoughts on his run, artist Steve Epting's incredible art for this last issue and teases what to expect in his last issues of Winter Soldier. Ed also made Hollywood headlines with two TV pilots getting picked up by NBC and FOX . We discuss both potential series plots and where they are in terms of development. Then it's 2 Marvel Next Big Thing Press Conferences as creators and editors discuss the directions of several Marvel NOW! Titles. First X-Men Legacy writer Simon Spurrier and Editor Daniel Ketchum tell us how mutant David Haller (Legion) finds his place in the X-Universe and deals with the death and legacy of his father, Professor Xavier. Then writer Brian Bendis And Editor Nick Lowe gives the broad strokes of All New X-Men, as the original 5 X-Men time travel to face their future and the present status of the Marvel Universe.

NYCC 2012 Wrap Up

Download The MP3 Here On today's Word Balloon podcast we present The NYCC 2012 panel "Comics And Film When Fanboys Collide " Featuring IndieWire.com film critic Matt Singer, Comic Book-Film Storyboard Artist Gabriel Hardman (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises , Hulk, Planet Of The Apes-Cataclysm ) comic book artist Janet K Lee (Return Of The Dapper Men) and Dapper Men co-creator writer Jim McCann (Mind The Gap) After the panel, Lee also gives us the details of her new collaboration with McCann for Image Comics Lost Vegas. Then television writer and host of The Nerdist Writers Panel Podcast Ben Blacker (Supernatural Supah Ninja) talks about his upcoming Marvel graphic novel Wolverine Season One co-written with his TV writing partner Ben Acker. Ben also promotes his Kickstarter campaign for a graphic novel anthology adaptation of the Thrilling Adventure Hour, a live LA comedy stage show/podcast that parodies old time radio dramas. The THA anthology will be published by Archaia and features new stories drawn by such comic book luminaries as Ben Edlund, Jackson Publik Tom Fowler, Dustin Weaver, Chris Moreno, Doc Shaner and more. Ben also gives us his observations about the current television season.

NYCC Unconventional With Mark Millar Jonathan Hickman DC Veeps and Ron Salas

Download The MP3 On this episode of Word Balloon, we present an UN-conventonial collection of conversations revolving around subjects likely discussed at this weekend's New York Comic -Con. First Mark Millar tells us about his new gig as Creative Consultant for 20th Century Fox's future Marvel Films. We also talk about his books Super Crooks and The Secret Service. Next DC Vice Presidents John Cunningham and Bob Wayne talk about the September Direct Market numbers and presentations they'll be moderating at the NYCC. Then we listen in on another Marvel press conference featuring writer Jonathan Hickman Tom Brevoort and Axel Alonso talking about Hickman's take over of the Marvel Now! titles Avengers and New Avengers . Hickman discusses the rosters and future plot subjects. Finally artist Ron Salas talks about his involvement in the upcoming anthology True Patriot featuring new superhero stories created by Canadian Comic creators . The book has a crowd funding drive happening at indiegogo . Time Code 00:00 - 42:55 Mark Millar On Film News Supper Crooks & The Secret Service 42:56 - 57:03 Bob Wayne John Cunningham DC Comics 57:04 - 137:57 Hickman Avengers Press Conference 137:58 - End Ron Salas on True Patriot

Marvel Exit Interview With Ed Brubaker, and Marvel Entrance Interview with Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan

Download The MP3 Here We continue our marathon conversation with Ed Brubaker about his upcoming departure from monthly Marvel Comics. Bru looks back at his lengthy run on Captain America and the creation of the Winter Soldier, plus we look back at some of his Batman work at DC including both monthlies and the revamp of Catwoman. Then we welcome comedians Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan as they start their run writing Deadpool next month as part of Marvel Now! They talk about collaborating with interior artist Tony Moore and cover artist Geof Darrow. The guys are longtime comic fans and they gush about this opportunity to do a lengthy run on The Merc with A Mouth. Although they promise humor in the book, they also can’t wait for readers to check out their action character and plot writing chops for the series. We also discuss the convergence of alternative comedy and the comic book culture. From Meltdown Comics evolution into a full time LA comedy club, to Posehn and Patton Oswalt’s 2001 Comedy Central pilot Super Nerds which also featured Duggan and Sarah Silverman.

Coming Up Brian Posehn & Gerry Duggan

Coming up, a great  conversation with Comedians Brian Posehn and Gerry duggan , poised to take over the reins writing Deadpool fior marvel.

In 2000 Brian Gerry and Patton Oswalt wrote and ;produced this Comedy Central Pilot called SUPER NERDS. A precursor of sorts to shows like THE BIG BANG THEORY.

Check it out, because we talk about it in our conversation. 

The Comic Book Business With Ed Brubaker, Sam Humphries and Josh Blaylock

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Today on Word Balloon more conversations about the how comic book business is changing and what factors new creators should consider as they try to put their books in the hands of consumers.

Ed Brubaker is back for part 2 of our marathon discussion , and he gives the reasons why he left DC to join Marvel in an exclusive deal, that inlcuded taking advantage of the ICON imprint , which led to books like Criminal and Incognito.

Sam Humphries talks about the new status quo in The Ultimates #16, as Captain America becomes president of the United States and takes a hands on approach to settling the current US Civil Wars. We also take a look at his BOOM! Studios sci-fi series Higher Earth.

In the pre-tablet world, My Space was a big player in the digital comics arena , and Humphries as manager of content developement was a big part of My Space Comics. He tells us about the heyday of the social media site, specific promotions involving Dark Horse Presents BOOM! Studios and Marvel, and what lessons can be learned from that digital initiative comparing it today's marketplace.

Josh Baylock , Publisher of Devils Due Publishing talks about his imprint's transformation into a "turn-key" operation set up to provide not only publsihing but other direct marketing services for a comics creator who wants to self publish.

He has a current Kickstarter project for the web comic western Plume by K Lynn Smith, and talks about how crowd funding has impacted the comic businesss.

Blaylock and DDP skyrocketed to audience awareness in the early 2000's when he got the GI JOE license to publish new comics from Hasbro and his DDP line expanded with more original titles along side the JOE books. He also created an early digital comic market called Pull Box Online , but factors from the US economic crash of 2008-09 including the eventual decline of bookstores like Borders left Blaylock with a list of creditors and creators who had to come to terms regarding DDP's outstanding debts. Blaylock says " It was combination of a lot of things. I can't go into details but I finally settled a lot of that stuff that allowed us to get back into distribution ."

Josh also wrote a book in 2006, How To Self Publish Comics , Not Just Create Them, and would hold convention seminars helping new creators get started in the field . The business has certainly changed since then, and Josh has updated the book for new print and digital editions debuting in October. He shares some of the revisions to the book and his observations on what today's challenges are for aspiring creators.

The Image Comics Revolution 3.0 with Ed Brubaker Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley

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On this episode of Word Balloon we begin a 3 part conversation with Ed Brubaker, who made it official a few weeks ago that he was leaving Marvel Comics to focus on film and tV work and his Image Comic Fatale with longtime collaborator Sean Phillips. In part 1 we talk about the first seven issues of Fatale, and some of the subjects Ed is exploring. He tells us why he chose the flashback time periods of the story, and what they represent. We also begin our discussion of where creator owned books are in today's comic market?

We continue the theme with our next guests writers Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley, as they discuss their Image book Hoax Hunters. Mike and Steve talk about their unique set of characters starting with the strangest astronaut ever called Murder.

It's interesting and educational  to explore the current comic business through the Image prism . We'll compare the 2 situations with the high selling success of Brubaker & Phillips Fatale and the strong but smaller sales performance of Hoax Hunters . Both books are enjoying out of the gate popularity, but is everybody quitting their day jobs?

BENDIS! on A v X #11 and the Death Of...? DC VEEPS and Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch

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On this episode of Word Balloon we not only wrap up the latest edition of the Bendis Tapes, we also talk to Brian one day after the shocking events of Avengers Vs X-Men 11. We talk about the story beats of the issue, and the ramifications of the issue's climax.
Check the Time Code below to avoid the spoiler details if you haven't read the issue yet, and have dodged the massive news coverage.

Then it's time for our monthly conversation with Bob Wayne and John Cunningham from DC Comics. We look back at the first year of "The New 52"

We wrap up with Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch who talks about the Marvel Now books she oversees like Captain America, Winter Soldier, Thor God Of Thunder, Journey Into Mystery and more. Lauren talks about the new creators on some of the books and new directions for the stoy arcs. We also talk about how Marvel's AR app is changing the way editors map out stories.

TIME CODE
00:00-31:58 Bendis Talks AvX 11 (SPOILER WARNING)
31:58-1:18:10 Bendis Tapes Part 3
1:18:11-1:33:24 DC Comics Bob Wayne and John Cunnigham
1:33:25- End Of Show Marvel Editor Lauren Sankovitch

Bendis Tapes Part 2 Chris Burnham Rick Remender & Tom Brevoort

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On this episode of Word Balloon we continue the latest edition of the Bendis Tapes . In Part 2, Bendis talks about the editorial process behind marvel's monthly double shipping issues. We discuss the gripes adult views have with the Ultimate Spider-Man Disney XD cartoon, then go into a behind the scenes look at the writers room. Brian addresses the difficulty of creating new stand alone characters for the big two that find success . He hypes Daredevil End Of Days, and  All New X-Men . Brian also talks about the likely scrutiny that his X-Men run will receive from hardcore X-Fans . We also talk about Bendis's recent year run on Moon Knight with Alex Maleve and it's role as a prequel to his upcoming Ultron War story.

Then Chris Burnham sits down for a live interview done at Aw Yeah Comics Store in Skokie, IL. We talk about his run on Batman Incorporated , and how he approaches the character.

Finally we listen in on last week's Marvel Next Big Thing Press Conference as Rick Remender and Tom Brevoort breakdown what to expect from Uncanny Avengers.

Artwork

The Bendis Tapes Part 1 Brazilan Color Artists, and Kathryn Immonen

Download The MP3 Here Just in time for the Holiday Weekend, Word Balloon presents this convention for your ears, with great guests and conversation. We start a new Bendis Tapes as Brian Michael Bendis answers more questions from his JINXWORLD Message Board and gives us insight on his upcoming run on the X-Men. We also discuss other facets of Marvel Now, his wrap up to the avenger books, what's going on in Ultimate Spider Man & Spider-Men , and more. Then it's time for an edition of Word Balloon Internationale as we speak to several color artists from Brazil. Rod Reis (Aquaman Nightwing) Cris Peter (Casssanova FF Captain America) and Marcello Maiolo (I Vampire) talk about their art experiences on their mainstream books and other projects. Finally, we present a recent Marvel press conference on Kathryn Immonen's new gig as writer for Journey Into Mystery starting this November. Kathryn is joined by Editor Lauren Sankovich, and they both field reporter questions about the new direction of the book as Sif takes the spotlight.

Bill Willingham Gene Ha and Tiz DeSantis

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Greg Rucka DC VPs Kelly Sue DeConnick and Joshua Fialkov

Download This MP3 Here First Greg Rucka checks in to talk about his new Image book, Lazurus, drawn by Michael Lark and debuting in 2013. Greg gives us a preview, and talks about his ongoing web comic with Rich Burchett Lady Sabre and The Pirates of the Ineffable Aether. Then we go behind the scenes at DC and Marvel. First DC Entertainment Vice Presidents John Cunningham and Bob Wayne check in for our monthly conversation. Then we listen in to a Marvel Press Conference discussing the new creative team on Avengers Assemble. Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick was joined by editors Lauren Sankovich and Tom Breevort. We learn about the upcoming first arc, but Breevort also gives a macro point of view for the direction of all the new Avengers books in the upcoming Marvel NOW! era. Finally Joshua Fialkov joins us to talk about I, Vampire one of the best surprises of DC’s new 52. Josh tells us about a new direction for the book that starts in issue #12, as Andrew Bennett and his immortal love Mary switch sides as hero and villain, and what that means in the issues to come.

Matt Fraction and Ben Edlund

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On this episode of Word Balloon it's another Matt Fraction fireside chat as we discuss this week's debut of Hawkeye #1 reuniting the Immortal Iron Fist creator team of Fraction artist David Aja and color artist Matt Holingsworth . We give a spoiler free look at the book and tone of the new ongoing. Matt also looks back at Casanova Vol 3 with artists Gabriel Ba and colorist Chris Peter .
We also discuss the new story arc starting in The Defenders with issue 9 . As Fraction says "It's the closest chance I get at telling a 1968 Nick Fury story". All the super-spy 60's tropes are well represented , plus a re-working of a little known 60's good girl comics character from Marvel's forgotten Mens Magazine era.

Fraction's Thor  and Iron Man runs are wrapping up and we talk about where those current stories are, and the idea that all the Marvel creators are getting a chance to wrap up their takes on the heroes before the big shift into the Marvel Now! Era

NOTE- This Fraction interview took place days before the announcement of him taking over The Fantastic Four title with Mark Bagley.

Then Ben Edlund joins us for a car phone conversation on his way to the writing room of the CW TV series Supernatural . Ben's been a key writer/producer for the show since season 2, and we talk about his influence on the show and his sense of humor that elevates the series beyond it's ghost hunter format and continues to delight longtime viewers with quirky plot directions and characters . We also discuss the dramatic tv landscape and how  the over the air networks handle their programs versus the basic cable networks.

Comic fans know Edlund for his irreverent hero The Tick and we talk a bit about it's creation and that ever elusive next issue that percolates in Ben's mind

Creator Owned Comics With Steve Niles Tony Harris and Stuart Moore

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SDCC Wrap Up With Art Baltazar and Mike Norton and The 2012 SDCC Comics Podcast Panel

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On this episode of Word Balloon artists Art Baltazar and Mike Norton sit down for a casual conversation about last week's convention. We talk to Mike about winning his first ever Eisner award for his digital comic Battlepug, which is being collected by Dark Horse Comics. Art shares some celebrity sightings and the usual crazy activity around his booth on the Con Floor.

Then we present this year's comic book podcasting panel featuring myself, Moderator Josh Flanagan (iFanboy) Pat Loika (Loikamania) Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider) Bob Bretal (Comic Book Page)  Brian "Pants" Christman (Comic Geek Speak) , and Cameron Hatheway (Cammy's Comics Corner) .

Un Con Ventional 2012 With DC Veeps Bendis! Mack Janson Sienkiewicz and P Craig Russell

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To get you into that San Diego Comic Con mood, Word Balloon presents another Un-Conventional episode, featuring virtual panels with the type of information and conversation you'd get by attending a convention.

First DC vice presidents Bob Wayne and John Cunningham discuss the June store numbers from Diamond, and preview the salte of DC and Time Warner panels.

Then we attend this past Monday's Daredevil End Of Days press conference. Creators Brian Michael Bendis, David Mack Klaus Joanson and Bill Sienkiewicz.

Finally A Master Class Session With P Craig Russell,who has an informative Kickstarter campiagn to teach aspiring artists about graphic storytelling. We aslo talk about his latest Neil Gaiman adaptation a two volume graphic noveliazation of The Graveyard Book, featuring an all star line up of comic book artists like Tony Harris Kevin Nowlan Jill Thompson and others.

Chris Roberson & Allison Baker -PBS Filmmakers Michael Kantor and Larry Massilon

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On this episode of Word Balloon, Chris Roberson and Allison Baker of Monkey Brain books discuss their launch of the new Monkey Brain Digital Comics initiative that began this past Wednesday. We discuss the first 5 books, including Chris's own title Edison Rex, plus he talks about his recent decision to leave DC Comics in the wake of the Before Watchmen books.

Then filmmakers Michael Kantor and Larry Masslon talk about their upcoming 3 hour comics history documentary A Never Ending Battle which will air on PBS stations in the fall of 2013. The guys share some details about the project , including some fun interviews with Adam West and Stan Lee.

Amanda Conner Rob Salkowitz and Marvel's Daredevil creative team Waid Rivera Samnee Allred and Wacker

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On this episode of Word Balloon, Amanda Conner joins us to talk about her Before Watchmen series Silk Spectre co-written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. We also talk about Amanda's work on DC's digital series Ame Comi Girls Wonder Woman.

Author Rob Salkowitz discusses his new book Comic=-Con and the Business Of Pop Culture from McGraw-Hill. Rob is a business futurist and a hard core comics fan who uses the prism of Comic-Con to explore where the comic business is today. He also give several scenarios of what the future may hold for publishers retailers creators and consumers as we enter the digital age of comics.

Finally we listen in to last week's Marvel telephone press conference announcing changes for the Daredevil creator line-up. Mark Waid Paulo Rivera, Chris Samnee Mike Allred and Editor Steve Wacker give us the details.

MIKE PERKINS MATT FRACTION PT 2 ED CATTO

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First up Mike Perkins talks about drawing Astonishing X-Men. today's issue #51 is a classic marvel marriage moment that has cracked thru to the mainstream media world. mike tells us what's like to draw this kind of major release when everyone is looking over his shoulder. Perkins also talk about finishing the art choress on the adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand comic seres, and what it was like during the title's four year run, catering to the King-Bookstore patrons as well as the comics buying direct market.

Then we wrap up the latest Matt Fraction Fireside Chat. This week Matt give 's us his point of view on The Avenger's film impact on this summer's other upcoming superhero films. Fraction wonders if the lighter action tone of The Avengers will hurt the mainstream audience reaction to The Dark Knight Rises ?

Finally Ed Catto of The Bonfire Agency joins us. Catto is part of the team that is reviving the Captain Action franchise through new toys and the upcoming Dynamite comic book series . Catto also talks about Bonfire, and some of the ways he's bringing advertisers to the consumers of genre fiction and the geek market.

MATT FRACTION FIRESIDE CHAT Pt 1 DC VEEPS WAYNE & CUNNINGHAM AND JK WOODWARD

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On this edition of Word Balloon, we talk with DC vice presidents Bob Wayne and John Cunningham about the Diamond Top 10 sales numbers of comic books from May, plus the first reactions to DC’s 2nd Wave titles, Before Watchmen and further details about the #0 Issues and 3rd Wave of new DC books coming in September.

Then we start a 2 part Matt Fraction Fireside Chat. Matt shares his insight on the current and future storylines ofThor, Iron Man and The Defenders. There are trippy dream walking moments and self realization ideas happening in all three books, but Fraction is employing these similar plot devices in very different ways in each title.

Finally JK Woodward joins us to talk all things Trek and Who, as we discuss IDW’s Star Trek TNG-Doctor Whocrossover mini series. Plus JK gives us an update on IDW’sFallen Angel series with Peter David.