Chris Roberson Dave Elliot & Jason Aaron pt 2

Download The MP3 Here On this episode of Word Balloon, Chris Roberson talks about his Dynamite mini-series Masks featuring a crossover of pulp heroes like The Shadow, The Green Hornet & Kato, Zorro, The Spider, and more. We also talk about how Chris and his wife Allison Baker’s digital imprint MonkeyBrain Comics has been doing since it’s July 2012 launch. We also get a few words from Allison about the state of the company, it’s critical response, and Chris’s own MB book, Edison Rex.

Then writer Dave Elliot joins us to talk about his creator owned plans for 2013. Chris has been editing and packaging recent issues of Heavy Metal (259 & 260) as a dress rehearsal for the return of his A1 Comics anthology, debuting this June from Titan Books.

Finally we wrap up our conversation with Jason Aaron, talking non-comics subjects like TV, music, and sports.

Brad Meltzer Brian Bendis Steve Wacker, David Marquez and Jay Faerber

Download The MP3 Here On this episode of Word Balloon, 4 great conversations about books that are on the racks and coming up in the weeks ahead. Brad Meltzer joins us to discuss his latest novel The Fifth Assassin out this week. It explores the 4 US presidential asassinations from Lincoln to JFK and postulates a serial killer connection to them all. Brad also has an update on his History Channel show Decoded and talks about an upcoming childrens book project he has collaborating with cartoonist Chris Elliopolis .

We go behind the scenes with a nother Marvel Now Press Conference as Brian Michael Bendis and Editor Steve Wacker discuss the new Guardians Of The Galaxy comic which debuts in February, drawn by Steve McNiven.

Artist David Marquez talk about jumping from Bendis's Ultimate Spider-Man to All New X-Men starting with this week's issue #6. We also discuss his new Archaia graphic novel with writer RJ Ryan called The Joyners In 3-D.

Finally, Jay Faerber is here to talk about his new digital comic for MonkeyBrain Comics that debuts next week. Denali with artist John Broglia . A post apocalyptic setting with a female warrior and her minions on a mission. The book is a one-shot pilot concept that could become an ongoing series. Jay also talks about the upcoming trade for his Image mini-series Point Of Impact and we talk about the current television season.

Jason Aaron DC Veeps and Augie DeBlieck

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On this episode of Word Balloon, Jason Aaron starts a 2 part conversation about his current work on Thor God Of Thunder, Wolverine and The X-Men and the wrap ups tp his Vertigo series Scalped with RM Guerra, and HULK.

DC Vice presidents John Cunningham and Bob Wayne discuss DC's 2012 performance in the comic market.

And we wrap up with a year in review look at Image Comics in 2012 with Augie DeBlieck Jr, Pipeline columnist for Comic Book Resources.

Jeph Loeb and Kiel Phegley

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On this episode of Word Balloon we welcome back Jeph Loeb, and another edition of the Loeb Report. Jeph talks about his new Nova comic series with Ed McGuiness. Loeb is also head of Marvel television, and he tells us about the slate of animated programs scheduled for 2013. From the second season of Ultimate Spider-Man to new series, like Hulk and The Agents Of S.M.A.S.H. and Avengers Assembled. There’s news about new full length animated films and more Marvel Knights animated adaptations. Plus news on the live action front as the production of the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series rolls on.

Then we continue our look at the 2012 comic book market. Kiel Phegley of Comic Book Resources joins us to talk about Marvel Comics in 2012. You’ll hear about the end of runs from creators like Brian Bendis, Jonathan Hickman, Matt Fraction, and Ed Brubaker, to the new creative directions on Marvel NOW!.

Dan Slott Talks ASM #700 and The 2012 Comic Book Market Part 1 With Vaneta Rogers

Download The MP3 Here On this episode of Word Balloon Dan Slott joins us to talk about the Death Of Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man 700, wrapping up the series, and setting up Superior Spider-Man , which begins January 9th. Dan he process of creating the Dying Wish, and selling it to his editors and co-creators at Marvel. Dan explains why he chose to stay on Spider-Man, rather than take on a new title in the Marvel Now creative shift. We answer reader questions , and end the talk with some thoughts on the Doctor Who Christmas special. Then we start a look back at The Comic Book Market of 2012 with a series of interviews with comic journalists who cover the various publishers. First up Vaneta Rogers of Newsarama looks back at DC's 2012. From the successes and failures of specific books and initiatives, to the current management moves on the Vertigo Imprint, to departing creators and the recent Gail Simone-Batgirl drama.

Holiday Cheer From Tony Harris & B Clay Moore, Mike Norton and Nick Spencer

SORRY THE INITIAL POST HAD A GLITCH ABOUT 90 MINUTES IN, BUT ITS FIXED! Download The FIXED MP3 Here Happy Holidays from Word Balloon! Here are 3 hours of conversation to keep you company while traveling this holiday weekend. Time Code 00:00 - 132:44 Tony Harris & B Clay Moore talk about DC's JSA Liberty Files : The Whistling Skull 132:45 - 231:25 Mike Norton on Revival and It Girl From Image The Answer From Dark Horse and Marvel's Young Avengers 231:26- End Nick Spencer & Tom Breevort On Marvel's Secret Avengers

Wayne and Cunningham on Vertigo's Future Kyle Higgins, Kelly Sue DeConnick & Phil Noto, and Brian M Bendis

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Time Code

00:00 - 19:26 DC's Vice presidents Bob Wayne & John Cunnigham on Vertigo's Future

19:26 - 53:47 Kyle Higgins on Nightwing vs The Joker In Death Of The Family

53:48 - 222:55 Kelly Sue DeConnick & Phil Noto Talk Dark Horse's Ghost, Avengers assemble and more.

222:56 - End   Brian M Bendis's Marvel Press Conference On Uncanny X-Men & All New X-Men

Karen Berger Leaves VERTIGO, The Bad Karma Team's Kickstarter Dennis Hopeless On Avengers Arena Kieron Gillen Jamie Mckelvie and Lauren Sankovich on Young Avengers

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On this Word Balloon, we begin with a 2008 interview with outgoing Vertigo editor, Karen Berger. At the time, Berger was starting her 15th year leading the groundbreaking imprint. The interview serves as a profile of her editorial philosophy and experimentation, resulting in green lighting many provocative comic books over the last two decades.

Then, we talk to members of the creative team behind the upcoming anthology Bad Karma, with writers Jeremy Haun (The Leading Man, The Beauty), B. Clay Moore (Hawaiian Dick, Battle Hymn, JSA Liberty Files: The Whistling Skull), Alex Grecian (Proof, The Yard) and Seth M Peck (X-Men, Wolverine:Fear Itself, 76). The Bad Karma volume will contain 5 comic book stories and supplemental short stories and art featuring stand alone crime/supernatural stories set in various time periods with subtle  connecting themes and characters that tell a larger story about the Bad Karma universe. Here are some art examples from their stories...

Jeremy Haun and Mike Tiserand's Chaos Agent


Alex Grecian and Phil Hester's Middleton


B Clay Moore and Chris Mitten's Old Dog


Seth M Peck And Tigh Walker's Hellbent


And all four writers collaborate on The Ninth Life Of Solomon Gunn, with art by Haun

Their Kickstarter can be found here.

We wrap up with 2 recent Marvel NOW! press conferences that give us details on books that are shaking up the way superhero stories are told and made. First Dennis Hopeless gives us the lowdown on Avengers Arena. The series takes a page from the Battle Royale template of pitting 15 heroes against each other in death matches. Then, Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, and editor Lauren Sankovich talk about Young Avengers. The former team from Image's Phonogram (including co-art chores from Mike Norton and Colorist Matt Wilson) take the YA team in a new direction with Kid Loki joining the roster, and a dynamic layout of action scenes.

Mark Waid Robert Greenberger Steve Hoveke and Kieron Gillen

Download The MP3 Here On today's Word Balloon, we check in with Mark Waid to talk about Daredevil and the debut of Indestructible Hulk from Marvel. Then Bob Greenberger discuses his latest book Star Trek: The Complete Unauthorized History, and goes behind the scenes with little known tales from the franchise's history. Steve Hoveke joins us to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for The Steamworld Chronicles , and talks about the digital production on Walter Simonson's Thor Artist Edition from IDW and the Titan Books re-release of the 1980 Alien comic adaptation written by Archie Goodwin and drawn by Simonson. Finally, to wrap up, Kieron Gillen conducts his Marvel Phone Press Conference about the upcoming 2nd arc of Iron Man, which starts this February.

Time Code 00:00-37:22 Mark Waid on Hulk & Daredevil 37:23- 130:51 Bob Greenberger on Star Trek 130:52-205:00 Steve Hoveke On The Steamworld Chronicles 205:01-End Kieron Gillen On Iron Man

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?