This is truly one of my all time favorite conversations. Ed & Matt were just wrapping up Iron Fist, and Matt was about to join Ed writing X-Men starting with #500. We have a ball talking about Cap, DD Secret Invasion, Thor Iron Man, and hilarious TV & movie talk that's only funnier hearing it with 2014 ears.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Flashback 2008 After Dark With Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction
This is truly one of my all time favorite conversations. Ed & Matt were just wrapping up Iron Fist, and Matt was about to join Ed writing X-Men starting with #500. We have a ball talking about Cap, DD Secret Invasion, Thor Iron Man, and hilarious TV & movie talk that's only funnier hearing it with 2014 ears.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Matt Fraction, Fred Van Lente & Crystal Skillman , and Marc Andreyko
On Today's Word Balloon, we catch up with Matt Fraction for another Fireside Chat.
Matt & Chip Zdarsky are enjoying massive popularity with their Image Book Sex Criminals, which is at the top of the NYT Best Seller List , not to mention Time Magazine's Comic Book Of The Year, and even more mainstream press critical acclaim. We talk about the book, plus his other Image series Sattelite Sam co-created with Howard Chaykin , and the continuing Hawkeye series for Marvel with David Aja and Annie Wu.
Then an amazing Kickstarter campaign to support a play about the life and career of Jack Kirby is discussed with the husband & wife creators behind the project, Fred Van Lente & Playwright Crystal Skillman. We talk about KING KIRBY which is part of the Comic Book Theater Festival happening in June at The Brick in NYC. We talk about the unique challenges of presenting this as a stage play, Crystal's meeting with the legendary Producer/Director Hal Prince , and more.
We wrap up with writer Marc Andreyko, who amidst controversy has taken on the writing chores on Batwoman for DC, and delivering an excellent superhero rocedural with strong charcter moments . Marc talks about the book,and projects with Clive Barker for BOOM! , a fun spy book for IDW, and his Cinderella arc that just wrapped up in Vertigo's FAIREST.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Hasan Minahj On The Stand Up Planet Documentary , Steve Skroce's Doc Frankenstein Returns and The 2014 C2E2 Podcasters Roundtable
On This episode of Word Balloon, Hasan Minajh talks about his project Stand Up Planet, a documentary series that debuts Wed May 14th at 7pm on the cable channels LINK TV, PIVOT, The So Cal Public TV station KCET and streaming live at standupplanet.org. This 2 part docu takes an amazing look at stand up comedy in the third world, and is worth your attention. Featured in the show are comedians from India and South Africa, and words of wisodm from comedy legends Bill Cosby, Norman Lear (All In The Family) , and Carl Reiner (The Dick Van Dyke Show)
Comic Artist Steve Skroce joins us to talk about the return of Doc Frankenstien and his work with Filmmakers and Comic Book Vets The Wachowskis on his Burlyman Comics, and their films including The Matrix Trilogy, Cloud Atlas, V For Vendetta, and this summer's Jupiter Ascending.
Word Balloon Patreon Exclusive Robert Atkins Business Tips For Comic Book Artists
As promised we begin the feature "Private Talk In Public Places". These are WB interviews with creators and other good thinkers in the geek industry. Sometimes they'll just be fun talks, other times tips on craft and ways creators can improve their skills.
Robert Atkins is one of the smartest artists I know, in terms of treating his art like a small business. In this interview he maps out many ways he builds his audience. From selling/giving away his daily warm-up sketches to building his following by partnerships with creator owned books .
To get this exclusive conversation and future Private Talks, subscribe to Word Balloon for only $1 a month at the Patreon page http://www.patreon.com/wordballoon
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Phil Jimenez Gail Simone Greg Pak, Charles Soule Nicola Scott Neil Gibson Jim Terry Tony Fleecs Thom Zahler
Download The MP3 Here
On this episode of Word Balloon, we start with Phil Jimenez who's getting ready for his May 10th live art seminar for Comics Experience . We talk about the Master Class on action and acting on the comic page . We also talk about Wonder Woman, Infinite Crisis and his take on the Marvel & DCU today .
The we wrap up our exclusive C2E2 floor interviews
Gail Simone is back to talk about Batgirl, Red Sonja and Lara Croft.
Greg Pak talks Superman-Batman and Action Comics
Charles Soule talks Swamp Thing Red Lanterns Superman-Wonder Woman, and Letter 44
Nicola Scott talks Earth-2
Brit Neil Gibson discusses his horror anthologies Twisted Dark and the challenges of breaking intio the american comics market
Artist Jim Terry talks about his Dark Horse Comics series The Sundowners with Tim Seeley
Tony Fleecs and Thom Zahler talk My Little Pony and Thom's upcoming episode of Ultimate Spider-Man
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast C2E2 wrap w Brian Bendis Amanda Connor Jimmy Palmiotti Kyle Higgins Sam Humphries Mike Perkins & More
Massive C2E2 Con Coverage with lot of in-depth interviews on the floor and on the phone
Time Cues
Brian Michael Bendis on The Powers TV show, Uncanny X-Men and Guardians Of The Galaxy 00:00-104:08
Amanda Connor & Jimmy Palmiotti On Harley Quinn 104:09-120:58
Mike Perkins On Deathlok 120:59-136:13
Kyle Higgins On Image's C.O.W.L. 136:14-155:52
Pro Wrestlers Chris Daniels & Kazarian 155:53-202:35
Pete Tomasi on Batman & Robin 202:35-210:41
Marvel Press Conf w Sam Humphries on Star Lord 210:42-248:39
Sean Dove On The Last Days Of Danger Kickstarter 248:40 - 259:54
Dave Gruba & Rene Castellano on the Tales Of The Wolfman Kicktsarter
2:59:55-End Of Show
Friday, April 25, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Scott Allie Fred Van Lente and Dan Wickline
Download The MP3 Here
Dark Horse Comics Editor/ Writer Scott Allie checks in to talk about 2 new books from the Hellboy Universe, the laytest isues of Abe Sapien (written by Scott) and Hellboy In Hell written and drawn by Mike Mignola. We also previe what dark Horse is Doing at C2E2 next week.
Fred Van Lente joins us to talk about his new run on Conan The Avenger starting April 23rd. Plus a new 10th anniversary edition of Action Philosophers, his take on Magnus Robot Hunter Archer and armstrong and more!
Finally we present a portion of the next Aw Yeah Podcast with guest dan Wickline, who writes for Zenescope Top Cow and Bleeding cool. Dan has an episode of Metal Hurlant coming up on the Syfy channel this month, starring James Marsters (Spike from Buffy & Angel) too!
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Subscribe To Word Balloon via Patreon & New PayPal Premiums
Join The League Of Word Balloon Listeners.
Subscribe To The Podcast via PATREON
Go to the WB page at www.patreon.com/wordballoon
For years listeners have told me if I had a method that they could use to subscribe to word balloon on a monthly basis , they would. So, I have set up a page at www.patreon.com/wordballoon
I'm asking for $1 per month. Please note, Word Balloon is still a free podcast, but this is a way people can help the show on a regular basis, if they choose.
In addition, if you wish to give more on a one time singular payment, I'm offering these 2 premiums
NOTE-FOR THESE 2 PREMIUMS, PLEASE USE THE PAYPAL DROPBOX HERE AT
wordballoon.com , under The League Of Word Balloon Listeners Logo
For a one time $14.99 amount I will make a fully produced character voice mail greeting for you. Examples will be posted in the days ahead.
For a single $19.99 pledge you can be part of a planned monthly Word Balloon Town Hall Meeting, in which I will host a roundtable chat with listeners about the big stories of the month. Story events, TV shows, films, gossip. The meeting will air as a segment on the podcast, and will from time to time feature creator and journalist guests joining the conversation.
Watch the video below for more details, and as always thanks for your continued support!
Monday, April 07, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Archie CEO Jon Goldwater, Tim Seeley, Axel Alonso Tom Brevoort, Seth Kushner
Download The MP3 Here
On this episode of Word Balloon, Archie CEO Jon Goldwater joins us to talk about the recent and future innovations the Riverdale gang has implemented to revitalize the line of comics and promote in other media. From Lema Dunham's upcoming mini seris, to live and animnated tv and film projects, to the revival of The Archies as a force in the music industry.
Tim Seeley joins us to talk about the upcoming Revival-Chew crossover, his work in Gotham as a co-writer on DC's Batman Eternal , and his new Dark Horse Comics series The Sundowners
We listen in on a new Marvel Press Conference as Axel Alonso, and Tom Brevoort give us creative details on Original Sins, the companion anthology series to the Jason Aaron-Mike Deodato event.
Seth Kushner joins us to talk about his serio-comedy OGN Schmuck, his new comics studio with Dean Haspiel Josh Neufeld and Gregory Benton called Hang Dai and the Kickstarter campaign that is hopefull to fund it all.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Kaare Andrews Talks Iron Fist and Candian Filmmaking versus Hollywood Filmmaking, Scene Missing With Gabriel Hardman and Hilary Barta
On this episode of Word balloon, Kaare Andrews joins us to discuss the debut of his take on Iron Fist, which debuts April 9th. Kaare tells us his take on Danny Rand which doesn't dismiss previous takes but builds on it, while giving the Immortal Weapon a new singular direction. We also talk about Kaare's film directing career, including his new film Cabin Fever Patient Zero which comes out this June. Kaare explains his experiences and the differences in Hollywood filmmaking and Canadian Filmmaking.
Then it's a new WB Scene Missing segment, as Gabriel Hardman and Hilary Barta join me to talk about a ridiculous amount of old movies in a speedy fashion. We talk about these films...
The Gambler, Gator, Sharky's Machine, Laura, Rough Cut, The Strange Loves Of Martha Ivers, To Catch A Thief, Stick, Dr Goldfoot , The Glass Wall, Mr. Moto , Charlie Chan, Danger Route, Deadlier Than The Male, i-spy, The Manchurian Candidate, Johnny Cool, The Untouchables, Johnny Stacatto, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Tall T, Comanchee Station, the films of Budd Botticher, The films of Anthony Mann, McClintock, The Quiet Man, Kiss The Blood Of My Hands, Sorry Wrong Number, The Prowler, Too Late For Tears, Out Of The Past, Ace In The Hole, The Passion Of Joan Of Arc, The Hildegard Withers series, The Penguin Pool Murders, The Andy Hardy Films, Woman Of The Year, Madame Satan, She, You Can’t Take It With You, Around The World In 80 Days, Bunny Lake Is Missing, The Secret Agent, Advise And Consent, Book: Five Came Back by Mark Harris, The Best Years Of Our Lives, It’s a Wonderful Life, It Happened One Night, Lady For A Day, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Last Hurrah, The Searchers, Casablanca, Sergeant Rutledge, Meet John Doe, Rocky, I Walked With A Zombie, Cat People, Moonrise, Night Tessa, Nightmare Alley, South Pacific, The Birds, Flight Of The Phoenix, Criss Cross, Black Angel, Along Came Jones, Chicago Calling, Son Of Dracula, Of Mice And Men, The Wolfman, Spider Baby, Cult film magazines Filmfax, Outre, Video Watchdog, Son Of Frankenstein, Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, Ghost Of Frankenstein, Freaks, Dracula, The Mummy, Escape Of The Planet Of The Apes
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Breaking News Spider-Man Spiderverse Press Conference W Dan Slott & Nick Lowe
Download The MP3 Here
On Monday Marvel held a press conference that spelled out some of the details to the November 2014 Spider-Man event, which will feature Peter Parker teaming up with various versions of Spider-man from many alternative universes, from 1602, to What-If stories to Spider-Ham!
Creator Dan Slott and Editor Nick Lowe faced the press and our questions.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Bendis Fialkov & Fiffe On The Marvel Ultimate Line and JK Woodward adapts Harlan Ellison's Star Trek Classic
Download The MP3 Here
On this episode of Word Balloon, we take you back to last week's Marvel Press Conference where writers Brian Michael Bendis Joshua Hale Fialkov and Michel Fiffe spoke to the press about their plans for Marvel's Ultimate Comics Line. There are big changes ahead for Miles Morales, The very cosmic Ultimate Fantastic Four and the Street level hero New Ultimates .
Then artist JK Woodward is back to discuss his new Star trek project. He and Robert and Scott Tipton are adapting Harlan Ellison's original series classic CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER. Ellison's original screenplay was very different and far more expensive to make than what Trek fans have seen in the original episode, but thanks to comics unlimited imagination, his story can finally be told the way he wanted.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Paul Jenkins and Devin Grayson
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On this episode of Word Balloon, John expected a conversation with writer Paul Jenkins about his next volume of the FairyQuest saga with art by Humbert Ramos, but Paul had more on his mind. Kickstarter has put him on an emotional rollercoaster with alternating highs and lows. He explains some uncommon pitfalls no outsider would ever think of having to consider. Given Jimmy Palmiotti's Kickstarter POV from last week's episode, this interview continues the conversation in an interesting way. We talk about the help Paul is getting from Boom! Studios, plans to expand the FairyQuest story and universe
Then Devin Grayson joins John for the first time to talk about her involvement in Christy Blanch's new Super MOOC about social issues explored through comic books. The Massive Open Online Course at canvas.net starts this week, and Devin will once again be part of the course's message board community and act as Christy's TA . She's also writing a monthly column exploring some of the issues fans are bringing up in conventions and online. We talk about her work in comics, novels, and gaming and some of the controversies she's faced in her writing career.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Jimmy Palmiotti and Batman Documentarian Brett Culp
On this episode of Word Balloon, we welcome back Jimmy Palmiotti , who is in the midst of his 6th Kickstarter campaign. This time for the post apocalyptic OGN DENVER. Jimmy tells us his KS strategies and about the highs and lows of making comic books in today's market From the frustrations of making IMAGE's CREATOR OWNED COMICS anthology, to his current DC books ALL STAR WESTERN, HARLEY QUINN & BATWING. If you enjoy Jimmy and his Paper film teams stories head to their website Paper Films , and by a digital copy of one or more today!
Then filmmaker Brett Culp joins us to promote his excellent documentary LEGENDS OF THE KNIGHT, featuring personal success stories of people inspired by BATMAN. Culp gives us a preview of the film's subjects, talks about the inspirational power of the Batman Mythos, and tell us how you can get a screening of the documentary for your town to support your favorite charity. Learn more at the film's website wearebatman.com
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Diana Schutz Peter David and Marvels' Original Sin Press Conference
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On this episode of Word Balloon, we welcmoe back Dark Horse Comics Executive Editor Diana Schutz. We talk about her 30 year career in comics startinbg as a retailer in Vancouver BC to her move to the states, stints at Marvel and Comico before joing Mike Richardson and making the move to the Portland area in the early 90's.
She talks about her work Editing Frank Miller Will Eisner, Milo Manera and Stan Sakai including The Sakai Project to benefit Stan and his Wife
We talk about the geek girl movement, and the advancement of womes in comics. Plus Diana discusses the evolution of comics gaining respect in the academic world. We talk about her teaching career and where comics are going in the classrooms.
Peter David joins us to talk about his March 8th writing seminar for Comics Experience on Character Development. Plus we discuss his runs on X-Factor, The Star Trek Pocket Books, and the challenges of staying popular in today's comic market.
We'll wrap up with last week's Marvel Press conference for the Spring/Summer event Original Sin . Jason Aaron, Tom Brevoort, and Axel Alonso face the comic press's questions and we lear about the events origins and the directions it will go .
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
McGee's C2E2 Pre Party Photos
Last week I was at McGee's in Chicago for C2E2's Heroes and Villains drink up.
Guests included Art Baltazar Hilary Barta and Paul Mounts, who were cranking out amazing sketches.
Here's a couple photos but see more courtesy of Sara Photocat at Facebook
Guests included Art Baltazar Hilary Barta and Paul Mounts, who were cranking out amazing sketches.
Here's a couple photos but see more courtesy of Sara Photocat at Facebook
Hear Me interviewed on The Robots From Tomorrow Podcast
My guys Greg and Mike asked me to do an episode of their podcast, and we recorded this weekend.
Take a listen, as I get candid about books I like, and my observations on Podcasting and the current comics market.
You can find the episode here
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast The Rucka Debrief Plus Comics From The 3rd Dimension With David Marquez & RJ Ryan
Download The MP3 Here
Then David Marquez and RJ Ryan discuss their new archaia OGN The Joyners in 3-D. We discuss the special 3-d process devised for the book, talk about the story, and RJ praises David's Marvel work on books like Ultimate Spider-Man, All New X-men, and others.
As a bonus, here's last year's C2E2 panel with Me Dave & Josh talking about the history of 3D comics.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Word Balloon Podcast Marvel Press Conference Wolverine With Paul Cornell & Ryan Stegman, Reilly Brown and Dan Slott Part 2

Download The MP3 Here
Today's Word Balloon begins with a Marvel Press Conference About Wolverine #1. Creators Paul Cornell & Ryan Stegman talk about Logan's new direction and adversaries as he seemingly has gone rogue to the villian side of the Marvel Universe .
Reilly Brown talks about his innovative work in digital comics, from his creator Owned Book Power Play, to his current run on the Deadpool Infinite Comic
We wrap up with Part 2 of Our Dan Slott talk , but beware, it's all british tv talk about Doctor who and Sherlock, so if you're not caught up, there's spoilers ahaed!!!!
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