word balloon podcast Bendis Talks Age Of Ultron and Andy Mangels on Saturday Morning Cartoons and The Filmation Generation

Download The MP3 For The Black Friday Weekend, Word Balloon presents something to listen to through Local Biz Saturday, till the end of Cyber Monday. Brian Bendis conducts the Age Of Ultron Press Conference With Marvel Editor Tom Brevort to give us details on Marvel's upcoming Spring Event. Then author Andy Mangels shares Saturday Morning Cartoon stories about the Filmation company, and the creative force behind it, Lou Scheimer.

00:00 Marvel Press Conference Age Of Ultron With Brian Bendis & Tom Brevort

41:52 Andy Mangles Talks About The History of Filmation Cartoons

Brian Azzarello On Spaceman Before Watchemen and Wonder woman Plus The DC Execs Talk Hellblazer's demise, NFL Star Israel Idonije and Jesse Blaze Snider reboots Evil Ernie

Download The MP3 here On this episode of Word Balloon we welcome back Brian Azzarello who's become coming back to Word Balloon since the very first episode in May of 2005. We talk about his latest collaboration with Eduardo Risso, the Vertigo Sci-Fi mini series Spaceman , now collected in hardcover format. Brian explains the inspiration behind the story and explains why he doesn't watch reality television. Then we talk about his 2 Before Watchmen mini series Comedian with JG Jones and Rorschach with Lee Bermejo. Azzarello goes in-depth about his approach to both characters and the whole controversy behind the project. We wrap up talking about Brian's take on Wonder Woman with artists Cliff Chang and Tony Akins. Then we catch up with DC executives Bob Wayne & John Cunningham to talk about the October Diamond order numbers. We also discuss the recent decisions behind ending Hellblazer and rebooting the book as a DCU title Constantine. Plus information on the upcoming details of the 2nd DC audience survey conducted earlier this year. Next Chicago Bear Defensive Lineman Israel Idonije joins us to talk about his plans for a new comic book company and Superhero series called The Protectors. Idonije wrote the series bible and is collaborating with Ron Marz and Bart Sears on the comic. Izzy tells about his long love of comics and what he wants to do with the series. We also sneak in a little NFL talk. Finally Jesse Blaze Snider joins the show to talk about his current comic work which fans of his Muppets and Toy Story comic book work for BOOM! Studios might think is a 180 degrees turn. Jesse has rebooted the Evil Ernie series for Dynamite and talks to us about his plans for the series, and redesigning the entire EE universe for a 21st century audience. Snider has great love for Ernie's creator Brian Pulido and all he accomplished in the Chaos Comics days, but felt the characters needed some tweaks for today's fans, and to stand on their own, rather than old roles serving as support to Pulido's Lady Death series.

TIME CODE BRIAN AZZARELLO 00:00 - 115:12 DC VEEPS 115:13 - 134:10 Israel Idonije 134:11 - 201:30 Jesse B Snider 201:30 - End Of Show

Jeff Lemire JM DeMatteis Jason Aaron Esad Ribic and Tony Moore

Download The MP3 here On this episode of Word Balloon we start things off with Jeff Lemire, who made news this week as DC announced him taking over Green Arrow .We also cover Jeff's work on Justice League Dark , Animal Man and his Top Shelf OGN The Underwater Welder. Next writer JM DeMatteis returns to discuss his new book from IDW Adventures Of Augusta Wind , an inventive new fantasy series drawn by Vasillis Gogtzilas . DeMatteis has a 16 page story coming up in Amazing Spider-Man 700 from Marvel, and previews some new animation projects coming up in 2013. Jason Aaron is back in another Marvel Next Big Thing Press conference to explain the new direction for Thor: God Of Thunder. He's joined by artist Esad Ribic and editor Lauren Sankovich. Finally Tony Moore talks about his involvement in a new convention he's setting up for Cinncinatti . He and local retailer Kendall Swafford explain their plans for the September 2013 show and their current kickstarter campaign . Then, Tony gives us details about his current work on Deadpool for Marvel, the upcoming Fear Agent Omnibus , and his thoughts on today's creator owned comics market. Time Code 00:00 - 55:19 Jeff Lemire 55:20 - 149:23 JM DeMatties 149:24 - 236:43 Jason Aaron Esad Ribic & Laruen Sankovich 236:44 - End Tony Moore

Jason Latour Rick Remender John Romita Jason Aaron Nick Bradshaw Nick Lowe and Lucas Films Disney talk With Art & Franco

Download The MP3 Here On this episode of Word Balloon Writer-Artist Jason Latour joins us to talk about his upcoming run on Marvel Comics Winter Soldier. Jason is taking over when Ed Brubaker leaves the series in late December, and talks about his collaboration with artist Nic Klien and his thoughts on the stage stage of Bucky Barnes life. Jason is also involved in DC’s coming adaptation of D’Jango Unchanied , doing flashback sequences working with lead artist RM Guerra and colorist Guilia Brusco.

He tells us about the exciting challenges of presenting the spaghetti western in comic form. We also talk about a 2-part comic Latour is making with Mike Mignola and John Acurdi in the Hellboy/BPRD universe called Sledgehammer ’44. It’s a World War 2 story that Jason took on as artist, after the passing of John Severin earlier this year. This Dark Horse Project will debut in March. Plus 2 more Marvel NOW! press conferences. First Rick Remender and John Romita Jr. discuss the November 21st debut of their Captain America run. Both are very excited about the new cosmic adventure they have laid out for the Star Spangled Avenger. Then Jason Aaron Nick Bradshaw and Nick Lowe discuss the new direction for Wolverine And The X-Men that began this week with this week’s issue #19. Finally some speculation about Disney’s acquisition of Lucas Films, and the announcement of a new Star Wars film in 2015, with Art Balazar and Franco! , the creative team behind Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures. Art & Franco are die hard Lucas fans, and are beside themselves with excitement, postulating the possibilities. Time Code Jason Latour 00:00-101:50 Rick Remender & John Romita 101:51-156:20 Jason Aaron & Nick Bradshaw 156:21-252:21 Art Baltazar & Franco! 252:22-End Of Show

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.