Interviews with writers & artists who create comic books and graphic novels
Episodes
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
Thursday Aug 06, 2020
I continue to explore the Batman Family corner of the DC Universe with veteran writer / artist Dan Jurgens.
Among Dan's vast body of work is the 1992 classic Death of Superman, his run on Thor, Captain America and The Sensational Spider-Man. Dan is also the creator of the classic characters Doomsday and Booster Gold.
I check in with Dan to see how he is faring during the coronavirus pandemic and how he managed to safely connect with local fans at a Minnesota comic shop during a recent signing event.
Dan is working with former collaborator Sean Chen, one of the current artists on Batman Beyond. I asked Sean in advance to comment on working with Dan and shared his feedback.
Both creators have in common working for Valiant Comics during the 1990s. Dan reflects on a few highlights while writing Solar Man of the Atom.
Dan explains why every comic he writes still contains enough exposition to make the issue accessible to new readers.
We talk about comic book anniversaries and how they have lost some of their luster with the increasing frequency of these milestone issues. Dan explains what is key for him to make an issue worthy of containing extra pages that demand a higher price tag.
Dick Grayson returns as the titular hero in Nightwing this fall with issue #75.
Dick lost his memory from a gunshot to the head by KGBeast back in Batman #55 and his struggle continued beginning with Nightwing #50. Dan took over the reigns writing Nightwing with issue #59. He explains his approach to keeping the series a Nightwing comic book until the return of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.
Both Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond and Dick Grayson in Nightwing suffered from memory loss. Is there a connection between the two?
I ask Dan's his thoughts on Superman not being consider for another solo film, Henry Cavill in the title role and the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Zak Snyder Cut.
The final chapter of the Death of Superman was illustrated entirely with single panel pages. What ever happened to the original art from Superman #75?
When I Kick Back With the Creator, I ask Dan about his favorite birthday which digresses into a discussion of 8-track tapes. For his island book Dan picks an ideal comic omnibus.
All this and more is in this installment of Creator Talks.
Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab
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Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Thursday Jul 23, 2020
Wake the kids and phone the neighbors!
DC artist Jason Fabok joins Creator Talks to discuss Batman: Three Jokers. Years in the making and delayed two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issue #1 of this DC Black Label mini-series arrives on August 25th 2020.
Jason worked on titles Superman/Batman, Batman, Batman Eternal, Dark Knight, Detective Comics and Justice League. He won the 2019 Eisner Award for Best Short Story with Swap Thing Winter Special: The Talking of the Saints.
Why did Jason decided make a living illustrating comics after going to bible school for one year and how did this choice make his faith even stronger?
How did David Finch help Jason break into DC comics?
Jason's run with Geoff Johns on Justice League Darksied Wars ended with issue #50. Learn why they agreed their next story together had to be Batman: Three Jokers.
We also find out how The Killing Joke influences the layout and tone of Batman Three Jokers and why Jason insisted he illustrate all the variant covers for the three part series.
Jason also discusses working again with his collaborators from Justice League writer Geoff Johns and colorist Brad Anderson.
I close the interview Kicking Back With the Creator to discover Jason's island book, beverage of choice, action figure accessory and the Batman run that inspired him to be a profession comic book artist.
Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab
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More about Batman: Three Jokers
Thursday Jul 09, 2020
Thursday Jul 09, 2020
Thou demanded more and ye shall have it!
Stuart Moore joins me to continue exploring the world of AHOY Comics. We focus on two titles he is writing: Bronze Age Boogie (art Alberto Ponticelli) and Captain Ginger (art by June Brigman).
Stuart explains the challenges of building creative teams and keeping things running smoothly.
How did one whimsical illustration of cats by June Brigman ignite a creative spark that lead her joining forces with Stuart to tell the story of Captain Ginger?
Stuart is suspicious of nostalgia and explains why Bronze Age Boogie is not just a nostalgic trip. But there are some delightful 1970s references. We discuss a few of them, Chris busts out a few of his old 45s (singles records, that is :) and we share our memories of the 1970s.
Next we turn to the Bronze Age of comics. We have a pretty good idea when it ended, but what marked the beginning of the Bronze Age of comics? Stuart and I share our thoughts on the subject.
We discuss some comics from the 1970s including one Stuart was particularly fond of Marvel Previews #4. Why was that one so special?
We also talk about Stuart's experience of working with one of the best editors ever, Archie Goodwin.
In closing I Kick Back With The Creator and ask Stuart his island book, about one comic project that got away and Bronze Age technology he misses most.
Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab
Interview Closing Song: "Everyone's a Winner" by Hot Chocolate
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Friday Jul 03, 2020
Friday Jul 03, 2020
Extra! Extra! A bonus episode to kick off the holiday weekend, because we could all use a little fun during this difficult time.
Terry Dodson, artist known for his artwork on X-Men, Spider-Man, Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman joins Creator Talks.
Terry discusses his creator own series Adventureman (Image Comics) written by Matt Fraction and his work on the mini-series X-Men/ Fantastic Four (Marvel) written by Chip Zdarsky.
We dig into the genesis of each series. Why did the first issue of Adventureman need to be super-sized? And will the fall out from the events of the X-Men/Fantastic Four mini-series matter in the grand scheme of Marvel universe?
Rachel Dodson, Terry's wife, inks both series and most of Terry's other comic work. We discuss the joys of working from home with our spouses and the secret to making it work.
Terry pulls double duty by penciling and coloring Adventureman. Why did he decide to take the series palette into his own hands?
Terry was a co-founding member Mercury Studios (now Helioscope Studious) and he explains how it remains an invaluable resource for him.
With no convention appearances planned this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, how is Terry still able to connect with fans?
We share our thoughts and concerns about comic book shops surviving the double whammy of the Coronavirus pandemic and DC's split from Diamond. Is the end of comics nigh (again)?
I close the interview by Kicking Back with the Creator when Terry answers the question: What was his comic career high, low and adventure!
Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab
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The Official Terry Dodson Page
About X-Men/Fantastic Four (Marvel)
Thursday Jun 25, 2020
Thursday Jun 25, 2020
Tom Peyer, Editor-in-Chief of Ahoy Comics, joins Creator Talks.
We begin highlighting some of Tom's past work admired by Ye Podcast Host, including Hourman, Marvel Team-Up, and Magnus Robot Fighter. I ask Tom about working with Mark Waid, his co-writer on Captain Kid (Aftershock).
Learn the reason for founding AHOY Comics in 2018 and some of the titles published in the past, present and future.
Comics spotlighted in our interview include Edgar Allan Poe's Snifter of Terror, High Heaven, The Wrong Earth and Captain Ginger. Taking a deeper dive into High Heaven, we sink our teeth into the subject of L-Meat.
What is the common thread that runs throughout all Ahoy publications?
Why are the series written as seasons?
What does the future hold for publishing AHOY Comics post-pandemic?
How will the comics industry be changed, forever, post-pandemic?
During the signature feature of the podcast Kicking Back With the Creator, I ask Tom what was the one project that got away and what book changed the way he thinks.
After the interview, get out your calendar and follow along as I cover the Summer 2020 release schedule for AHOY Comics!
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About Tom Peyer and AHOY Comics
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Adam Wallenta is the co-creator of Punk Taco, the 2019 Ringo Award winner for Best Kids Comic or Graphic Novel. His co-writer is son Makana who was just five years-old when the book was written.
Who is Punk Taco?
"... a lovable, sentient, alien-taco, who rocks out across the galaxy with his band of misfits whom he calls family. Together they spread peace and love through the power of their music, help those in need and battle bullies and evil tyrants wherever they may be.
Written by Adam Wallenta and his 5-year-old son, Makana, Punk Taco is a brand new all-ages sci-fi, humor, adventure, graphic novel series meant to encourage kids to read, laugh and love. Punk Taco is appropriate for libraries, schools and great for kids to read with their parents" - Comixology.
Adam is busy at work on volume two and three of Punk Taco. What were some of the difficulties he faced distributing volume one before winning the Ringo Award and what challenges did he encounter during the Covid-19 pandemic during the temporary closure of Diamond Distributors?
I discuss with Adam his study of art in the 1990s and his subsequent internship at Marvel Comics working as an assistant editor. We also talk about the importance of communication and follow-up with creators, his love of original art and hip-hop music.
Adam wrote a mini-series about a ground-breaking hip-hop group that he would open for at concerts. Why did Adam turn down Marvel's offer to publish the series?
Learn about these subjects and more as I conclude our interview with the podcast's signature segment Kicking Back With The Creator.
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More about Adam Wallenta and Punk Taco
Thursday May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
Brent Schoonover (artist on Batman '66, The Phantom) visits with Creator Talks to discuss his new comic book project coming in June titled Devil's Highway.
This five-part comic series is written by Benjamin Percy (Green Arrow, Nightwing) and colored by Nick Filardi.
It's being published by AWA Studios, a new business venture captained by former Vice President of Marvel Bill James and former Marvel Editor-In-Chief Axel Alanso.
Why did the did they decide to launch a new comic book publishing company?
What makes AWA Studios different from other publishers, and why have they decides to release Devil's Highway digitally first then print later?
Other comic book publishers have been reluctant to release their titles digitally in advance since the Covid-19 pandemic which forced the closing of non-essential businesses including our beloved comic book shops.
How did Axel's editorial experience influence Devil's Highway and how did Brent's suggested changes to the script add to the first issue's stunning cliff-hanger? (Not to worry - no spoilers revealed during the interview).
I discuss with Brent some of his other work outside of mainstream comics including a movie house festival poster, a rock legend's concert tour poster, and connecting covers for a television-based comic series.
During the Kicking Back With The Creator segment, Brent reveals his favorite form of recreation, beverage of choice and the ones that got away...the comic projects that almost happened.
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More about Devil's Highway and AWA Studios
Monday May 25, 2020
Monday May 25, 2020
Not going anywhere this three-day weekend? Let's visit Spain for this special edition of Creator Talks to meet artist Benito Gallego.
Benito studied art at Faculty of Fine Arts in Spain and is a huge fan of legendary Silver Age and Bronze Age artist John Buscema (The Avengers, Silver Surfer, Savage Sword Conan, Tarzan).
Having a style which harkens back the powerful style of John Buscema, Benito has illustrated comics and strips scripted by the great Roy Thomas including the World War II super-hero team Anthem and The New Tales of Tarzan.
Benito also illustrated the entire run of the Bronze Age flavored super-hero comic Apama, The Undiscovered Animal. This multi-talented artist who also has colored and lettered his own work has made many contribution to horror tales in The Creeps! written by Don Glut, including one of Benito's personal favorites Maciste Against Dracula!
The work that Benito is most proud of is The Life of Bob Marley, which he drew, colored and lettered.
We learn from Benito what is the fate of the Anthem series, hints about new projects in the works, and the one project that got away!
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Heroic Publishing fund raiser for Anthem #6
More about The New Adventures of Tarzan
Thursday May 14, 2020
Thursday May 14, 2020
Heather Antos was recently promoted to Senior Editor at Valiant Comics and joins Creator Talks for this interview.
Once Heather discovered editing comics was what she wanted to do as career, she felt it was too late to break into the business.
How did she overcome the odds to land a job at Marvel?
How does she harness Twitter as a force for good? And what the heck does that mean?
We discussed some of the things an editor looks for in telling a story through comics books and gives an example of the perfect application of these techniques that blend script and sequential art.
Among Heather's editorial duties are overseeing the relaunched Shadowman and X-O Manowar series.
We take a deep dive into the creative team on each series and their new direction.
Heather has worked for Image and Marvel as well. What new found freedom does she have at Valiant as an editor?
We conclude by Kicking Back With the Creator as I ask Heather all my fun question including about the one that got away. Hear it here first, the one comic from Marvel that almost happened. Have a box of tissues near, this one is going to break your heart.
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Heather Antos on Everything You Need to Know About Editing
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Chris Condon is the author of That Texas Blood (Image Comics) due out June 24th and is my guest on this installment of Creator Talks.
This neo-noir crime comic book series opens with 70 year-old Texas Sheriff Joe Bob Coates and the search for a casserole dish.
Chris Condon explains what makes his comic book a neo-noir crime story and how it has changed throughout its development from film to comic.
I learn from Chris why Ambrose County, Texas is the perfect setting for the story, from it's unique culture to its haunting landscape.
He also shares the experience of growing up in the small town of Metuchen, NJ including: who were some of the famous people that lived there and its food scene.
Chris had a different childhood from the other kids in his neighborhood. His parents raised him on 1950s television and movies which had a significant impact on his writing style.
Another major influence on Chris' writing was the unique educational experience he received working for director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Howling).
Chris explains what made that opportunity one of the best decisions he made on his path to becoming a professional writer.
Jacob Phillips (son of artist Sean Phillips) is the artist on this new series. Jacob was the colorist of Ed Brubaker's most recent Criminal series.
That Texas Blood is Jacob's first solo work. Chris talks about how he joined forces with Jacob and what he brings to the series.
In closing I Kick Back With The Creator to learn more about Chris and his other interests and experiences both inside and outside of comics.
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