IFC film critic, Podcast Host,  and Comics fan Matt Singer joins me to discuss the current era of comic book films. We discuss the questions of which directors, if any, have made their mark on comic book films. What are some of the guilty pleasure comic film failures, and early films that still hold up.

I welcome further discussion about this topic at our WB Message board, or via comments and e-mails.

Also, check out Matt's great IFC News Film podcast at http://www.ifc.com/news/podcast/

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, writer/artist Matt Wagner joins us for an interesting discussion that begins with a question. Will the 20th century superheroes be as easy to retcon and update in the decades to come? How well do modern versions of heroes like The Lone Ranger or Zorro work, without their 19th century settings and tools? Don't they need the horses and pistols? What about the Heroes created in the 20th century?

Matt asks this question not only about heroes he's currently working on like Zorro & his upcoming 2010 take on the Golden Age Green Hornet for Dynamite, who Matt thinks still works best in his golden age era .

We also talk about what he has planed for Zorro in the current arc Tales Of The Fox. Wagner says "General Moncado slowly starts to gather information about this rogue highwayman...and it's like Rashomon getting all these different points of view individual stories of who and what Zorro is. At this point he's still more of an Urban Myth."

On his Green Hornet plans with artist Aaron Campbell "I'm going to tell you why he does it...why does Britt Reid who has a way to fight 1930's social injustices through his newspaper still need to adopt this alternate identity? ...We also explore Kato's motivations He's Japaneese in my version, and I found a way to weave his origin into a very historical
event.. We learn why this very skilled martial artist would support and fight beside Britt."

We also discuss his Vertigo series Madam Xanadu which continues to interact with other Vertigo characters that have strong DC roots . Her main adversary through centuries on conflict is The Phantom Stranger.but there are other "easter egg"  character apperances that blur the line between the DCU and Vertigo.

Matt says, "Everyone asks me how I'm able to do it, and my response is, I'm just doing it. I don't ask (laughs). I do tend to keep those references as ones that fit into her charcter history and senarios,like Ertigan, Zatara, and detective Jim Corrigan (The Spectre). Or they happen almost "off camera".Like the mystic green lantern showing up in ancient China, or The Phantom Stranger refering obliquley to the helmet of Doctor Fate. In the Kaluta run we included the golden age Sandman because I needed a character like "The Shadow" and Wesley Dobbs fit.

This arc has some unique time shifting where Amy will be on for two issues, then representing a different era Joel Jones comes on for two issues, then back to Amy. In this arc, Madame Xanadu runs into another unexpected DC character."

The conversation with Marvel Group Editor Tom Brevoort starts with a look at the new mini series STRANGE written by Mark Waid, which puts the good Doctor on a new hero's journey.

Then we take advantage of Tom's perspective to look at today's Marvel. How has comic storytelling changed in the last 10 years? We look at the evolution of the relationship between Marvel & it's fans, from letter pages to today's blogs (including Brevoort's own) .

On this edition of the word balloon podcast, Marvel writer Matt Fraction comments on the startling events in The Invincible Iron Man #19.

We also talk about the new monthly cover design from Ryan Hughes, incorporating Savador Larocca's art, beginning this month in Iron Man #20, and the story Stark Disassembled.

We talk about his run on Uncanny  X-Men  and the focus on Magneto and Cyclop's relationship in the newly formed Nation X "Who these two men are now, and how these situtations force how they relate to each other is a big part of Nation X ."

Act-I-Vate is a comics creator community established by Dean Haspiel . A group of cartoonists, who use their site to promote their creator owned stories.

Last week IDW relaesed the ACT- I - VATE Primer, which has 16 stories that are companion pieces to the free stories they’re doing online. On this episode of Word Balloon, we talk to several Act I Vate creators, about their works, and what brought them together. All the comics at the Activate Comics Website. Visit activatecomix.com .

We talk to Dean Haspiel, Mik Cavlero, Simon Fraser, Tim Hamilton, Michael Fiffe, and filmmakers Se4th Kushner and Carlos Molina.

On this edition of Word Balloon, we present audio coverage from this weekend's Baltimore Comicon. Marvel scribe Brian Michael Bendis gives us details on The Siege story arc, which begins in December and runs through the start of 2010. The story as reported from the retailer summit features a major shift in all the Avengers titles, The Secret Warriors and Young Avengers, and the need for Marvel's hero trinity, Iron Man Thor and Captain America to finally re-unite. We also present audio from the Powers Panel, where Bendis and Powers Co-Creator Michael Avon Oeming discuss the first 10 years of the Powers comic, and look ahead with the new volume starting in November, the Powers Encyclopedia, and new details on where the future of The Powers TV series stands, at the FX Network.

Part 2 of our talk with writer Brian Michael Bendis, who answers more questions from the Jinxworld Message Board . Here are some tidbits from the Q & A session.

More discussion about the transition form Doctor Strange to Doctor Voodoo

Daredevil is "full front" in New Avengers #60.

Next Year Bendis teased he will again work with artist Howard Chaykin.

There's a new Ultimate Universe project coming in 2010.

You'll hear character discussions about DD, Wilson Fisk, and Norman Osborn

Plus, Bendis discusses some of his favorite meetings with Stan Lee, including his lunch with Stan last month, in which The Man asked  Brian "How did Norman Osborne get here?" 

Bendis said, " In preperation of the lunch, he read a few of my books, and He came prepared with  a question and I had better have had the right answer, and I think I did, because I got an got an 'OK Kid.' I had the feeling if I had answered wrong, we probably wouldn't have finished the lunch."

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, we pick up where we left off with writer Ed Brubaker. You’ll hear more about the characters of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes as they share the mantle of Captain America in The Captain America Reborn mini series , and what Ed has plans in the months ahead in both the regular CA series and the Cap One shot coming in December.

We look back at Ed’s 3 year run of Daredevil that ended this summer, and where he’s left the character for Andy Diggle to take over. Plus we discuss the significant DD cast members during Ed’s run, from Dakota North and Lady Bullseye to Mister Fear and Master Izo .

Plus more discussion on Criminal’s return in October, and the distribution of  Ed’s 2009 crime film Angel Of Death online, on DVD, and its cable airing on SPIKE-TV.

After along break in the Summer we resume our talk with Brian Bendis. In this part, Brian breaks down the differences between the new Spider-Woman motion comics available at ITunes, and The first issue, which debuted this week. We talk about the art changes made by Alex Maleev and the story's pacing from motion and dramatized sound, to static images and text .

We talk about what's been going on in the news of the comics world , including Marvel's acquisition of the rights to Marvelman, and how it affects The Sentry's place in the Marvel U.

We also discuss the acquisition of Marvel by The Disney Corp, and how THAT affects the Marvel U. We'll talk about the shake-up at Time Warner regarding the re-organization of DC Entertainment.

Plus we catch up with The New Avengers, Dark Avengers (including a look at the teaser December cover released last week) and Ultimate Comics Spider-Man. After along break in the Summer we resume our talk with Brian Bendis. In this part, Brian breaks down the differences between the new Spider-Woman motion comics available at Itunes, and The first issue, which debuted this week. We talk aboutr the art changes made by Alex Maleve and the story's pacing from motion and dramatized sound, to static images and text .

We talk about what's been going on in the news of the comics world , including Marvel's acquisition of the rights to Marvelman, and how it affects The Sentry's place in the Marvel U.

We also discuss the acquisition of Marvel by The Disney Corp, and how THAT affects the Marvel U. We'll talk about the shake-up at Time Warner regarding the re-organization of DC Entertainent.

Plus with The New Avengers Dark Avengers and Ultimate Comics Spider-Man

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, we begin a two part talk with writer Ed Brubaker.

In part 1 you'll hear about the return of Criminal, with next month's opening chapter of "The Sinners" . Ed talks about future arcs, and what we'll find in the Criminal Omnibus , which comes out in November.

We'll also take a look at the wrap up of the  first Incognito arc, and discuss the progression of the Marvel Comics story events Captain America: Reborn, and the Marvels Project.

Rick Remender talks about what's coming up for charcters like Doctor Voodoo, The Punisher and The Thunderbolts, in books coming this fall.
You'll hear about his new series featuring the current Sorcerer Supreme of Marvel's 616 universe.

Plus The Punisher is heading toward a world of hurt in the months ahead, with bizare story arcs like Franken Castle with Tony Moore , and Punisher: The List, with classic Punisher draftsmen John Romita Jr and Klaus Janson.

We also go in depth on The Last Days Of Crime from Radical Publishing, with art by Greg Tocchini and covers by some guy named Alex Maleev

Plus, Rick talks about a special 40 page Thunderbolts issue, and the pending wrap ups to The End League With Eric Canette and Fear Agent with Tony Moore & Mike Hawthorne.

If you haven't checked them out, here's a bunch of audio from the video interviews I did on the floor at the Chicago Comicon.  All big name guests that can't wait for my slowness is posting the video

New stuff with Edward James Olmos, George Perez and Jason Aaron,plus Mark Millar, Dan Slott and Howard Chaykin.

More coming later this month!

No one really knows, but this deal spans all mediums, from comics to films, DVD,the digital world. What does it all mean? A speculative conversation with Newsarama reporter Vanetta Rogers

Comedian Patton Oswalt stars in the new film BIG FAN, written and directed by Robert Siegel , the man who wrote the screenplay for last year's
indie hit, THE WRESTLER.

There's funny stuff in this film , but like THE WRESTLER, BIG FAN is a realistic look at sports. This time the focus is on an obsessive football fan named Paul (Oswalt) , who's loner lifestyle is defined by his voice on the phone fandom persona as a regular caller to sports talk radio, He has an awkard hero worship moment with his favorite player that turns violently ugly, and upsets his cocoon like world.

Oswalt discuss the film's character and the obvious similarities of this sort of fan worship compared to pop culture fans.

We also talkabout his upcoming one shot Firefly story for Dark Horse Comics, and the realese of his new DVD MY WEAKNESS IS STRONG.

Six Hours and 3 Time Zones couldn't keep Paul and I apart from our conversation. We talk about him wrapping up Captain Britain and MI:13, and his new focus on The Dark X-Men, the complicated relationship between Namor & Emma Frost, and his November mini series featuring the origins and history of everyone's favorite Russian Super-Spy, The Black Widow. We also talk about his run on Young Avengers,and his prolific TV work, from Doctor Who, To Robin Hood, Primeval and beyond.

Elliot Serrano talks about his new mini series from Dynamite, plus we discuss his role as a comics reviewer for the Chicago daily newspaper, Red Eye, and podcaster on Geek To Me, and Comic Culture Warrior.

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, writer Paul Jenkins is back to discuss his current work for Marvel Comics, including the current sci-fi story arc Problem Child, featuring Hiro Kala, from PLANET SKAAR AFTERMATH in SON OF HULK, and his upcoming 3rd one-shot of CAPTAIN AMERICA THEATER OF WAR.

Jenkins promises we'll see more new work from him for Marvel in the coming months. "I'll let Marvel make the official announcements when they decide the time is right, but In general terms I have three different series lined up. One of them is set up like MYTHOS and the Captain America One-Shots. Dan Buckley had asked me to give some thought of coming to different cases in the Marvel Universe a finding away to tell single issue or short arc stories.The way Dan put it to me was this way.

Everybody loves Daredevil and the way Brian (Bendis) and Ed Brubaker have been writing him in with that dark tone.There's no space to fix anything, it doesn't need to be fixed... but Dan said, 'What I want to see is Daredevil's one good day.'...That made me think of  55 story ideas for the Marvel universe... I'll go to the x-men say  what i want, and be done with them, and I'll move on and go to Daredevil or Thor's universe...say what I want to with these characters, and move on, while still allowing the regular monthly books to carry the ongoing soap opera."

You'll hear Paul views and insight on characters like Thor, Loki, Iron Man, Captain America and The Hulk. We discuss The Sentry and how his beginnings came from a superman/marvelman template, but what makes them all very different.Jenkins also re-addresses his humorous flap with fans over his character Sally Floyd's tirade against Captain America,  from the mini series Frontline: Civil War.

We also discuss the business side of Paul's career path which includes his work with Marvel, films, computer game animation for smart phones, and other current and future projects.

The CEO Of Wizard Entertainment Joins Us To Discuss This Weekend's Chicago Comic-Con. We talk about the programing , and try to find out details of Shamus new master plan of business.From the recent acquisitions of many regional conventions, to the personnel changes at Wizard Magazine.

Shamus addresses questions about scheduling a convention in Anaheim/Long Beach CA up against the new C2E2 Chicago Convention in April. Aren't both shows going after the same entertainment guests?

We also discuss where Wizard Magazine fits into the new media playing field when it comes to breaking comic news stories. How does the monthly magazine re-position itself in the 24hr news cycle of web coverage?

Writer/Artist Jeff Lemire talks about his two current projects from Vertigo. The Nobody an OGN/mystery with an indie spin on the invisible man tale.

We also preview Sweet Tooth, his "Bambi meets The Road Warrior" action suspense series that debuts in September. This follows the post apocalyptic story of a mutated deer-boy and his bounty hunter protector  as they seek sanctuary and answers to the questions of this strange North American future.

Jeff also gives us details of the Essex County Trilogy Omnibus edition coming out from Top Shelf Productions .

On this episode of the Word balloon podcast, part 3 of The Bendis Tapes with more questions for Marvel Writer Brian Michael Bendis.

You'll hear more on the Spider Woman motion comic trailer, Brian's Avengers books, The new role of Doctor Voodoo as Sorcerer Supreme, The List, and a surprise extended cameo from fellow Marvel writer Matt Fraction visiting Bendis while en route to this week's San Diego Comic-Con.

Click here To See The Video

A live chat with the renowned artist of Batman: Arkham Asylum , The Sandman, and fimmaker behind Mirror Mask joins John live at The Portage Theater In Chicago to discuss his series of Paintings called NITRATE inspired by silent horror films of the early 1900's.

2 master artists of horror talk about their current work, and their scheduled appearences at this week's San Diego Comicon. Hilary Barta talks about his new story in the debut issue of Creepy from Dark Horse Comics. If you love the magazine's past runs, you'll be pleased to see the new book contunes the Creepy tradition of high quality stories and art.

Also the audio version of my video interview with Dave McKean, on his recent paintings series called NITRATE, inspired by early 1900's silent horror films.

Part 2 Of our Conversation With Brian Bendis. We get details about the Evolution oF <arvel Boy, from Grant Morrison's Original Mini-Series to his current role in the Dark Avengers, Det6ails on Who's writing the back up features in Brian's Avenger books, and will the future plans of Jessica Jones
happen in the Max or 616 Marvel Universe?

On this Episode Brian Michael Bendis returns with an all new Q&A session that's answers the riddles of how long will Norman Osborn's Dark Reign endure, what are the future plans for Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers and The Spider-Woman motion comic, and what was the decision process leading to  Jerhico Drumm's selection as the new Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe?

Celebrating her Hellcat Trade Paperback, and start on Runaways writer Kathryn Immonen came to Challenger's comics store in Chicago for a signing barbeque , so I took Word Baloon on the road to have this live conversation.

FINALLY FOUND THIS LOST EPISODE FROM NOVEMBER  2005. THE MAN BEHIND GRIMJACK, DC'S SUICIDE SQUAD , THE KENTS, WASTELAND , AND THE SPECTRE JOHN TALKS ABOUT THE RETURN OF GRIMJACK AT IDW , HIS STAR WARS WORK FOR DARK HORSE , AND COLLABORATING WITH ARTISTS, LIKE TIM TRUMAN AND TOM MANDRAKE. PLUS 1980'S CHICAGO MEMORIES OF FIRST COMICS, WINDY CITY INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE BUCKET OF SUDS, AND THE COMEDY GENIUS OF THE SECOND CITY AND IMPROV OLYMPIC , MUNDEN'S BAR WRITER DEL CLOSE.

Gerry Conway is back writing comics. The man who gave birth to the Punisher and took the life of Spider-Man's first love Gwen Stacy is here to discuss his current DC mini series The Last Days Of Animal Man.

We'll talk about his return to comics, and look back at collaborations with artists like Gil Kane, John Romita and Ross Andru.

Like the espionage characters in his comics and novels Greg Rucka knows how much information to leak, and stay spoiler free in this in depth examination of his work. We discuss the 2 new series debuting today in Detective Comics. Batwoman with art by JH Williams, and The Question with Cully Hammer. Plus a thorough look at the Superman books Action with artist Eddty Barrows and co-writing New World Of Krypton with James Robinson and art from Pete Woods.

We also get an update on the new developments in Greg's popular British Spy comic and novel series Queen and Country from Oni Press and Bantam Books.

Jeph Loeb is back, to talk about Hulk #600 and what the future holds for the Red and Green Goliaths.

We also talk about Ultimatum, and get into some in depth discussions about the creation of the classic X-men arc The Age Of Apocalypse, the rebirths of Flash Captain America and more.

On this episode of word balloon we talk comics and television with writer/producer Jesse Alexander. Jesse wrote last month's one shot story Shotgun Opera. an untold WW2 adventure of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos. but the summer television season has begun and cable television reminds us that there's an equal amount of quality dramas this time of year as during the fall and spring.

Networks like FX the SciFi channel TNT ABC Family and USA trot out plenty of genre fiction, while the big 5 TV networks struggle to find the next Lost, or Smallville. Fringe made it to season 2. Reaper didn't make it past 2, neither did the Terminator. edged out by Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, it's own future to be determined this fall. Chuck and Heroes
are also returning, but on the bubble for NBC.

There are few guarantees from over the air networks to drama shows. The potential viewing audience is still larger than the basic cable shows and  the budgets are higher, but the network suits patience to grow a loyal and profitable audience is a risky guess.

Alexander is a verteran show runner and producer from 3 recent genre shows that made it past the sophmore slump. Alias Lost and Heroes. Jesse was let go from Heroes by NBC execs last winter, but a new regime at The Peacock has given him a green light for a new sci-fi series he's created coming in early 2010, Day One.

Some of the show's details are still under wraps,but Jesse gives us an idea of what the show is about, and discusses the chalenges of doing genre fiction in today's network television enviroment.
On this episode of word balloon we talk comics and television with writer/producer Jesse Alexander. Jesse wrote last month's one shot story Shotgun Opera. an untold WW2 adventure of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos. but the summer television season has begun and cable television reminds us that there's an equal amount of quality dramas this time of year as during the fall and spring.

Networks like FX the SciFi channel TNT ABC Family and USA trot out plenty of genre fiction, while the big 5 TV networks struggle to find the next Lost, or Smallville. Fringe made it to season 2. Reaper didn't make it past 2, neither did the Terminator. edged out by Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, it's own future to be determined this fall. Chuck and Heroes
are also returning, but on the bubble for NBC.

There are few guarantees from over the air networks to drama shows. The potential viewing audience is still larger than the basic cable shows and  the budgets are higher, but the network suits patience to grow a loyal and profitable audience is a risky guess.

Alexander is a verteran show runner and producer from 3 recent genre shows that made it past the sophomore slump. Alias Lost and Heroes. Jesse was let go from Heroes by NBC execs last winter, but a new regime at The Peacock has given him a green light for a new sci-fi series he's created coming in early 2010, Day One.

Some of the show's details are still under wraps,but Jesse gives us an idea of what the show is about, and discusses the challenges of doing genre fiction in today's network television enviroment.

Jeff is back to get us up to date on the Agents Of Atlas, Exiles, and Dark Reign The Hood For Marvel Comics, and his Wildstorm mini series Mysterius, The Unfathomable.

We also answer your questions, posted at the  Word Balloon Message Board.

Testing my Blackberry in the field, here's the few first minutes of the taping of Around Comics podcast , hosted by Chris Neesman and Tom Katers , joined by fellow Chgo podcasters John Siuntres and DC artist Mike Norton

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, writer Brian Wood previews Thursday's release of Northlanders 17. In this self contained story, Wood and artist concurrently weave the elements of a fierce blood match, a History channel style commentary of weaponry and warriors, and a plain speaking narrative that showcases the adventure behind epic poetry. The result is a excellent one-shot that defines the qualities of the series and allowss the curious to jump in to it's unique excitement .

"This story is an overview of as many aspects of Viking warfare as I could fit into a 22 page sword fight...I wanted to slow the pace of the battle...to give it a kinetic Manga style...that's when i could fold in all the technical information, and there's also the story of these two champions in battle...this is where i love working in this format of comics, because you can't really do it anywhere else.If anyone is curious to see what this book is about this a good sample issue.

It's no secret that I do a lot of research, but it's with this issue
where I have reached the glorious tipping point... where I stopped
having to find things in books...but knew the details about weapons I'd need  forthis story."

Wood discusses the challenge of crafting personal stories of the
real people of the age, combing the research of epic Norse mythology with his own dramatic suppositions of character motives and plot conclusions.

"I've kind of figured that formula out.....the poems aren't always very easy to read.  It's like reading Beowulf...reading about them is always more interesting...The next few issues of Northlanders are more stand alone...different voices and radically different context...the next issue, #18  focuses on the wives of slain Vikings, from their point of view...Who really knows what viking wives were thinking about? they weren't considered in the sagas... the histories are epic poems written centuries later...so I really had to tell their story about not being free to be anything, without being chauvinistic ...and I walked a careful line so i don't offend anybody... that's why this book is so fun for me ...cause in every new arc, I can start over again."

We also discuss his other Vertigo series DMZ, and many of his past and future works. Some other quotes from the conversation....

On DMZ...

"DMZ was always meant to run a vertigo length of 70 issues... once i reached that halfway point of 35 to create an end point...what I'd like to do is a few spin-offs on the side to get to what i want to do that are non Matty stories...keep going back to that issue 12 that was written like a magazine and pulling characters out of that.

It took me forever for my subconscious to let me know that Matty is like a blogger, with all their flaws...Not to diss on them, but they're like independent guys like Matty who messes up, and still has to battle the media giants...Ryan Kelly is doing 3 issues of DMZ starting with #42 ...issue 49 is the crazy cliffhanger of the series, which I've been calling The Rise and Fall of Matty Roth ...from 51 to the end it's like the fallout of the events that happen there. "

Wood is writing stories for the second volume of Demo with artist Becky Cloonan
.
"We're on issue 3, but the schedule hasn't been announced yet,  so it won't start till at least January 2010. "

Any future ideas for The Couriers ?

Rob G and I have an agreement that should The Couriers film ever go into production, we'd be fools not to do a sequel. We've read the film script and it's good, but still no director has been attached, so I think it's a way's off."

What's planned for more Local with artist Ryan Kelly?

"Local is a favorite of mine... I do have an idea in my head...we're doing Demo now which is scratching that sort of itch...I feel like I have to something more with Oni again, because they did such a great job with Local. "

Any mainstream/superhero projects in the future?

There is something in the works for DC that I'm halfway done writing...I'm actually worried because people are already talking about it online, and i think that some people are gonna be bummed (laughs)...it's an old book that I love...and have been chasing it for the entire 14 years that I've been in the comics business....I'm also the millionth person to have pitched an Inferior Five idea that was rejected. "

Geoff Johns is juggling 3 Epic stories from DC Comics. We talk about all of them. You'll hear behind the scene details of Flash Rebirth, Green Lantern The Blackest Night, and Legion oF 3 Worlds. You'll hear character discssions of all the major players, from the reborn Flash family to the GL Corps, and previews of what's to come in Adventure Comics and Superman : Secret Origin.


Here are some quotes from the conversation.

Answering the concerns that Johns current portrayal Of Barry Allen is so different from his silver and bronze age characterization.

“Everyone is in a very different place at the beginning of  Flash Rebirth to the end, because I didn’t want to open up with a big Flash parade, and Barry running in with a big smile,. I might as well have started with Flash #1 and we’d be off and running, but there were other emotional explorations with Barry Allen and the Flash team. I wanted to go against expectations and do a 180 on everything. Flash is back, but Barry Allen isn’t…that’s what the story is about.

The great thing about it is it allows me to explore him emotionally... I love the discussion and debates, because I know where this story is going …I remember when we did The Sinestro Corps Wars, and Kyle at the end of the first issue was possessed by Parallax. People went crazy! They couldn’t believe how we could do this (laughs) …and Ethan was saying ‘We should tell them that he’s not going to be Parallax,.’ And I said “No! Let them get riled up, because they should, but we know where this story ends.’ … In Flash Rebirth Barry is searching for the same answers…this story is trying to solve a crime, but Barry is moving much too fast to do that.”

 

On Blackest Night’s further exploration of the multi colored Lantern Corps. “Every one of my artists has brought their own take  on the designs for each of the various corps and characters…Doug Mahnke’s first issue Green Lantern #43 is an all Black Hand issue. It’s one of the creepiest issues you’ll read.”

 

On the upcoming Blackest Night crossover stories, and how this GL story has morphed into a major DCU event.

 

“ Events are just big stories…sometimes there’s a bad connotation to that “event” term…You always want it to be good, and as a writer you want to protect your own story…with Blackest Night there’s just more story potential, so when (The Editors)  wanted to make it bigger and explore it more , it made sense to me, because you’re gonna have DCU characters face dead ones, and Black Lanterns on all sorts of levels…”

On this edition of The Word balloon podcast, a conversatio with the creative team on Supergirl, Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle. They discuss Supergirl, from the recent reveal that Lucy Lane is the new Superwoman, to the death of Zor-El, and the fallout from New Krypton. There's plenty of chracter dissections of Lana Lang, Allura Cat Grant and Kara Zor-El herself, and their views on where all these strong women fit, in this corner of the DC Superverse.

Some quotes from the conversation...

On Lucy Lane/Superwoman's role as Kara's new enemy.

Gates: "I wanted a villain that can act as a Lex Luthor type...when New Krypton
was told to me, I thought it was a master stroke on Geoff (Johns)  and James(Robinson's) part having General Lane be the main bad guy...what great drama you get having Lois's
family be against the Superman family?...There's some more crazy stuff coming up with Superwoman."

On the character designs for the leading women in the series..

Igle: When It comes to Supergirl the very first conversation I had with Matt Idelson He said, 'I don't want to see Supergirl's panties again,' and I agreed ...I think there should be a coy sexiness about her but I don't think it should be as overt as it's been drawn...it just didn't fit my image of what a teenaged Supergirl is supposed to be...she's Superman's cousin, and should be, even by default, sort of a role model to young girls..."

(For Lana's Asian influenced outfits) My wife Corrine works in the fashion industry for a company that does a lot of photo touch ups for Vouge, Cosmo, Louis Viton...
so I get to see all these fashion materials... I was thinking more in terms of something a little eclectic but business like...with Cat, it's all Victoria Secret and Fredrick's of Holywood...the sluttiest dresses I can find (laughs)."

Gates: "I guess that means write more Cat Grant scenes."

On The Death of Zor El

Gates: "Going in, Geoff and James really said we need to upset
things. This can't ne a predictable Superman story and I think the death
of Zor El made New Krypton completley unpredictable, because you realize,
'holy crap, no one is safe.'

Igle: With Supergirl 36, I think that  was one of the highlights for me working on the book
...when I was a teenager I lost a friend to gun violence so I was able to channel
all of those feelings in that opening scene.

Gates: .(Kara) doesn't get to (Zor) for nine pages,and she doesn't have powers, and is running across an open battlefield to get to him before he dies, to either save his life or talk to him one last time.....I lost my father when I was 17 not to violence but a massive heart attack...in those moments when Supergirl is holding Zor-El , and he's says 'I'm proud of
you.',  that was something as I held my father, I wanted him to say,and he couldn't. He was already gone

Given the scene in the Origins and Omens of Lana Lang spitting up some blood
how's her future looking?

"Lana Lang has her own set of problems coming up that we won't come to a head until Supergirl 47."

On Kara's new civilian identity as Lana's niece...

Gates: "Linda Lang is not going away...it kinda got side tracked with all the New Krypton stuff...I was happy to see Linda Lang appear in Superman Batman...as long as it happens elsewhere in the DCU, it's a real thing...We're going to do a story about her in the Supergirl Annual ...that's tenatively called Linda Lang Day One."

The editor Of the critically acclaimed Image anthology of comic stories based on the songs of Tori Amos, Rantz Hosley stops by to talk about the book.

We discuss how he and Tori got together on the project, wrangling all the artist and writer talent to put the book together, and gives his views and cautionary tales of self publishing in today's comics market.

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, we present a
conversation with artist Kevin O'Neil, to discuss this month's
release of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Vol III):
Century #1 ("1910") drawn by O'Neil and written by Alan Moore.

Kevin discusses the background of the story, and his views on past characters like
Mister Hyde Mina Murray, the mysterious Orlando, and the Family line of Captain Nemo.
His thoughts on the LXG film, and the origins and future plans of his co-creation with Pat Mills, Marshal Law .

The interview does cover plot points and setting that have been discussed in other preview
articles and reviews of the book, so beware.

Her are some non spoiler quotes from the talk...

On the inclusion of Nemo's daughter in the 1910 League.

"She occupies a great part of the story, and we will follow her in later books."

On the process of putting the literary cameos and pop culture easter eggs in a subtle way.

"We just have to tread a careful line as to how we populate the book..
as we proceed with incredible numbers of different characters in street scenes
and backgrounds or newspaper headlines ...it's a lot of work, but we realize
we have these Jess Nevins books analyze every single panel and we know
a lot of people who like that  it...however if you don't know the references,
it won't spoil the enjoyment of the story, it's just another layer of
fictional stuff going on alongside the main story."

On the creation of Marshall Law,  and could such a story be told today?

"I scribbled out an idea of the name, and rough character sketch for Marshall Law and sent we sent it as a "Mad Max" type of thing for Epic to Archie Goodwin. Archie had warned us that Marvel will take a hell of a longtime to do creator contracts...it ended up taking a year , during which Dark Knight and Watchemen were released...during the interim Pat said 'Why don't we do Marshall Law as a super hero hunter I said 'well don't you mean super-vilians?'  and Pat said , 'No superheroes, I hate them." (laughing)

I felt the energy of that loathing, and that's what we did...Chris Staros did the first ever 1987 review of Marshal Law in his pre internet era Staros Report... cut to us doing League for Top Shelf . Chris asked who owned the rights to Marshal Law, and I told we did (Pat Mills & O'Neil). op Shelf will do a big slipcase edition of Marshal Law featuring every story appearance of the character to be released hopefully later this year...and now reviewing the stuff for the Top Shelf collection I'm surpirised at how strong it was and how far it went becuase i think it would be harder to get that material passed today."

More of Word Balloon's audio coverage from the floor of April's  FX International convention in Orlando  .Featuring one on one talks with Olivier Coipel (THOR, HOUSE OF M) , Matt Kindt (PISTOL WHIP, SUPER SPY), Tony Bedard (REBELS) Chuck Dixon (GI JOE, The Simpsons), Steve Rude (NEXUS), and Arthur Suydam (MARVEL ZOMBIES, CHOLLY & FLYTRAP).

Here are some quotes and tidbits from the conversations...

Expect The announcement of what's next for Coipel and Marvel during
this summer's con season.

Matt Kindt's new OGN 3-Story The Secret History of the Giant Man
will be out from Dark Horse ."It's a weird story that takes place
in the 40's,50's and 60's with the narrative from the POV of his Mother,
His Wife, and his daughter."

Tony Bedard on REBELS: "I think we've had enough with stories that are so
intertwined, they never get a chance develop their own personality.
We want to give these characters a chance to develop on their own terms
and give them their own corner of the DC universe to play with...it's
one of those books where you really don't know who will survive in a
given issue...Vryl Dox wants to do good, but6 he doesn't mind if you.
die in the process."

Chuck Dixon is taking over chronicling the tales of "The Man With No
Name" in the soon to be retitled The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from
Dynamite.

Steve Rude:  Lots of Nexus Product Nexus The Origin: Remastered ,
"Nexus: As it Happened Volume 1" a black and white Archive, and the
long-awaited conclusion of Nexus: Space Opera due out in July.

Arthur Suydam: For Radical Working on Hercules Aladdin and Shrapnel
they're also releasing Cholly and Flytrap Center City featuring
Suydam's post apocalyptic sci-fi duo . It comes out in June.

In part 2 Dan talks about the events in Mighty Avengers, from the revelation that Loki has been manipulating the Mighty and Dark Avengers, to the Mighty teams upcomingencounter with the Fantastic Four.

On Mighty Avengers and Dan's choice to make Hank Pym leader of the Avengers"It will get more messed up as we go along...for all of Hank's fault he is a geniusand has a very non linear way of thinking...but he's still that messed up freak who built Ultron...the question is how do you redeem him...some stink doesn't go away no matter how hard you try...it's nice to have Hank on this redemptive path... he may never get rid of his past sins, but his trying makes him heroic."

On this edition of The Word Balloon podcast, we present a 2 part
conversation with Dan Slott.

In part 1 Dan discusses the current events in Amazing Spider-Man.

On Amazing #600 and the return of Doctor Octopus "One of the things
we wanted to do was take the villains off the board for awhile so
when they come back it's big...John Romita Jr and I get to tell this
60 page story...We're building towards season 2 of Spidey which begins
after we wrap up some stuff in issue #600."

On the mysterious background of Mister Negative "I can't wait fir people to know more about him...I gave Fred Van Lente some big for his upcoming Mister Negative mini series...but there's more coming including ties to previously established spider-man characters. Let's leave it at that. "

On this edition of Word Balloon, Sal Abbinanti creator of Atomika
the alternate history of Russian superheroes and villains.

Sal explores the iconic images of the former USSR, combined with
Russian mythology, but is the first to say this isn't a pro-soviet
polemic. "At least once a con a guy wants to argue with me
about Communism...or say how are things in Russia and I say 'Guys,
come on, Gene Simmons really wasn't a serpent. It's just an act.' "

He gives tips to aspiring creators about marketing an independent
comic in the current market. "You gotta hustle...I tried going to
cons, all over the country like Loretta Lynn with the records
and my husband (working) out of the car...doesn't work...I tell
new creators, don't release the book until you have 5 issues in the
can, you never realize how much time it takes to promote the thing...
plus dealing by yourself with colorists,inkers and printers...you
never realize how much time it will take."

Sal also discusses future projects like The Hostage based on  
true crime Brazilian kidnappings and the sci-fi comedy Dagos On The Moon.

We talk Scalped, Wolverine Weapon X, His wrap up on The Ghost Rider series, and his upcoming origin of one of the immortal weapons, Fat Cobra.

On this edition of Word Balloon, coverage of this year's FX International Con in Orlando, Fl.

You'll hear floor chats with Jeremy Haun, who talks about drawing the Batman-Battle For The Cowl One-Shot Arkham Asylum, written by David Hine, and drawing the Top Cow series Berserker written by Rick Loverd . Haun calls the arkaham One-Shot "A great hooror
story.I got to draw some of my favorite villians...it does focus on the events after Arkham explodes in the first issue of Battle For the Cowl...with hints of what we'll see in the future (Bat books) ."

Marvel writer Jonathon Hickman talks about Secret Warriors & his work on the Fantastic Four Dark Reign series and taking over the main FF book following Mark Millar and Brian Hitch "After the events of Civil War and Secret Invasion I thought there was a real oppourtunity to do a lot of FF closure in the Dark reign series . The first arc of the regular series will be called "solve everything", and Reed sets out to do so."

Artist Ben Templersmith talks about his IDW work on Wormwood, Doctor Who, and Groom Lake, plus answers the perenial question will he and writer Warren Ellis be doing more issues of their Image series Fell?
"There is more Fell(to come), whenever Warren wants to do it, I'm doing it."

Writer Christos Gage discusses his IDW GI Joe work, his coming Avatar series Absolution, His WIldcats wrok for Wildstorm, and Marvel books.

On Avengers: The Initiative "Somehow a rumor got started that the Initiative was being cancelled, but that's not true, the only way it will be cancelled is if people think it's cancelled and stop buying it...We're actually starting an exciting period...the initiative is now run by Norman Osborn, so they're now training villians to be dark avengers and appear to be heroic while still being bad on the downlow...Some former members are going underground to rebel against the new initiative directive. Tigra will be looking for some payback after her beating from The Hood."

On the upcoming mini series House Of M:Masters Of Evil "What were the villians doing in the House Of M world. The Hood has assembled a gang of villians including Asorbing Man Titania, Crossbones The Sandman, Batroc The Leaper...they get together to steal, in a world where Magneto's army comes down on them hard...the non mutant world starts to mistake their rebellion as being heroic, so they start to plan the scam of a lifetime."

Avatar comics publisher William Christensen talks about Wareen's Ellis's Ignition City, Freak Angels, and how Avatar has chnaged their image from the "Bad Girl" books, to their current line of unfettered stories by today's top creators. Writer artist Mike Wolfer talks about his work with Eillis on the Avatar Series Gravel .

And, Jim McCann checks in to discuss his New Avengers:The Reunion mini series for Marvel.

Ivan Brandon and Nic =Klien debut their Image series Vikings on April 22nd. The First Issue has already sold out with retailers, and Ivan Talks about the series particulars.

We also look at his upcoming mini series for DC, featuring Nemesis, Final Crisis Aftermath : Escape, and his recent appearence on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice

In this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, Marvel writer Brian Reed checks in to talk about all the big changes in Ms Marvel, and his two new projects, Timestorm 2099 and Dark Reign The Sinister Spider-Man. Some quotes from the audio interview…

On Moonstone taking over the mantle as Ms Marvel I think this question of who am I comes from leading two lives…and now when you have bad guys playing good guys, it’s layers upon layers of itself. The first issue that focuses on her is the Government comes in and demands psych evaluations of the Dark Avengers to make sure they have the right people doing these jobs, so Norman wants to have a psychiatrist talk to a psychiatrist first.. The whole story arc revolves around what make Karla Sofer the person she is…while writing it I realized we’re going to have an interesting dark storyline for awhile.”

“Timestorm 2099 is The present day Marvel slamming headlong into the future 2099 Marvel…these characters are still a lot of fun, but we’ve got to update it. All science fiction eventually shows its age. In the original run The Pixel company sounded really cool in 1993…that’s the danger of writing science fiction, unless your name is Douglas Adams …I wanted it to be loyal, but I also wanted it to be new…the facts behind the story are all entirely new, we see names and designs we recognize …as we were talking about characters we wanted to give a spit polish to, to a man, all of us said we’re not touching (the look of ) the 2099 Spider-Man. We’ll be following the present day Spider-Man and Wolverine, but most of the New Avengers will be making cameos , and some of the Dark Avengers.”

On Sinister Spider-Man –“ This is a bad joke that I think has gone too far and someone approved it (laughs) . Someone said this needs to be a fractured fairy tale this is a Spider-Man book , but starring Mac (Venom) Gargan, and who would Peter be if he didn’t have all the responsibilities, with that power. Matt Fraction pointed out that I’m the wrist writer to have written the script line “Spider-Man is getting a lap dance.” (laughs) …When Norman first got them the job as avengers he said ‘none of you talk to the press, stick around the tower and behave .’ Well Mac said, “ It’s not like there’s a bunch of spider-men out there you can replace me with, so I’m going to do what I want..” So there’s a real animosity between him and Norman . Mac will be dealing with Norman, the City of New York , and something else he’ll have cooking..”

On this episode, we check in with writer JM DeMatteis. JM is known for groundbreaking character studies in arcs like "Spider-Man: Kraven's Last Hunt", and his memorable Joker story "Going Sane". Today JM discusses his new IDW mini series THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SAVIOR 28, with artist Mike Cavallaro. A compelling portrait of a long time patriotic super hero who questions his role of aggressor in the never ending battle. His story begins in the late 30's and progresses through the post 9-11 21st century. Superhero fans will appreciate the nods to familiar moments of real world and comics history, that play out in a very different way than they are used to.

On his upcoming collaboration with his Bwa-ha ha pals Keith Giffen and Kevin McGuire on Metal Men , in the back of Giffen's Doom Patrol .
" Every once and awhile Keith will call me up and say "Wanna do this?" and I always say 'Yeah!" What Keith does is he puts down this rock solid foundation of a story...you get the basic of the plot and characterization, a few one liners and then I come in and fill up as many word balloons as I can!"

We also discuss DeMatties role as editor-in-chief of Ardden Entertainment, including the new Flash

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, DC artist Ethan Van Sciver talks about the well received debut of Flash Rebirth, drawn by Ethan,and written by Geoff Johns., and his recent released teaser images of Black Lanterns Aquaman and The Earth-2 Superman.for the GL Summer event Blackest Night.

 

We talk about the first Flash issue, with minor spoilers about images and basic ideas of the plot so far. The topics include a artists commentary on the opening action sequence, comparing the attitudes of Barry and Wally when facing the Flash Rouges, Wally's eventual "new look", Barry's observations on the changing speed of the world around him, and more.

 

Ethan also discusses his thoughts that went into the Black Lantern designs for Blackest Night, and his respectful but slight jealousy that Ivan Reis is drawing the story.

 

Here are some quotes form the conversation...

 

On Barry's Origin stemming from the accidental lightning storm/chemical bath.

 

"It's close to a Marvel Origin...most DC characters are these self determined
heroes...Marvel charcters get into these stupid accidents, and if the 2 universes
co-existed the Marvel Heroes wouldn't have happened because the DC heroes would've
prevented all the accidents from happening...Superman would've been in space to stop Reed Richards rocket 'What's wrong with you sir, taking your wife up here.' ...'Bruce Banner want to not wander around the bomb testing site?'...Daredevil look out for that truck!'

 

The strange Central City public sentiment of The Flash Museum as a tourist attractiobn.

 

"What's that about? It doesn't have any artifacts of Flash's deeds...It's just big statues of the local murderers...like the citizens wouldn't be terrorized or embarassed that their city gave birth to these killers... i'm guilty of contributing to the myth but will continue to treat it as warm and cute place, but it's strange to me.

 

On retturning to draw Bart (Impulse/Kid Flash ) Allen.

 

"Bart's so awesome. He is the character I drew when I had my son...Bart being treated wellis important to me...When drawing him as Kid Flash I've just aged him a little bit, I'm trying to keep part of that Humberto Ramos cartoony feel, and make him look familiar to Impulse fans ...I know him like the back of my hand.

 

On his future tenure on more Flash books...

 

I'm challenging myself to become a monthly artist...my attitusde was I won't be
a monthly artist...but I realized I'm a storyteller and I really want to tell
a lot of stories... there are shortcuts that I could take but I refuse to take but the story will still be told well...I'm very snotty that way...(by being this way) I'm missing out on the oppourtunity to learn to draw quickly and well...there's a future for the flash, and the only person keeping me from being a big part of that is me,.

 

So I'm going to try hard, and Flash Rebirth is a great way to try... normally I might do 8 quality pages a month while trying to maintain a happy family life, but on The Flash  last month iI did 17 good pages and a cover... I'm trying to get closer to the monthly requirements an artist has to fufill.

 

This weekend Ethan is heading on a Trans-Continental publicity tour to South Africa

 

"A store in Johanasberg contacted me and said 'There are a lot of comic book fans here, but we haven't had anyone from DC to come over to see us.' It was really flattering, they chose me!...They sold tickets to raise money to fly us out there. so I'll be drawing free sketches. They sent over pictures of south african fans wearing Green Lantern shirts in Johanasburg ...really they put in a lot of effort to bring me over, and not only that, how cool is it to go to Africa?...It's a rare chance to step on another Continent and to be able to bring my son who's 10 years old... its a privilage."

 

The writer of Boom Studio's Farscape Comic talk's about the franchise's comic book future, including upcoming arcs , and his working relatioship with the creator of John Crichton's alien adventure, Rockne O'Bannon.

We also discuss Keith's extensive work as a writer and editor of the Star Trek Pocket Book novels, featuring new original tales set in every era of the Trekverse.

Here's two short talks at Wonder Con, where I am more of an observer than the actual interviewer or host as the other players in each part are heard giving their side of the story.

First Ross Richie, Publisher of Boom Studios and Eric Lieb of Fox Atomic Studios are cross examined by Newsarama's Matt Brady . Matt & I try to get more information out of the guys regarding their announcment that Boom and Fox Atomic will be publishing new books based on the FAS film properties. Which ones? We won't know until this years San Diego Con.

Then Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker talk about their slate of projects on the way...

The old link to this show is broken, and a new JM interview is coming too
so I figured I'd re=post pour first talk...

IT'S BEEN A LONG HARD ROAD FOR ABADAZAD AND ITS CREATORS ARTIST MIKE PLOOG AND WRITER DEMATTIES TO SEE THEIR CREATION COME TO LIFE .

LISTEN, AS JM DESCRIBES THE REAL LIFE FAIRY TALE THAT PUT THE CHILDREN'S BOOK WHERE IT BELONGS, THE CHILDREN'S BOOK SECTION . LOTS OF INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY THAT SHOULD BE ON EVERY CHILD'S READING LIST.

JM IS ALSO SERVING THE SUPERHERO FANS WITH THE BWA-HA-HA HUMOR OF PLANETARY BRIGADE , CO WRITTEN WITH KEITH GIFFEN.

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT OTHER JM STORIES LIKE HIS GROUND BREAKING ADULT FAIRY TALE MOONSHADOW, THE BATMAN-JOKER CLASSIC GOING SANE, HIS CAPTAIN AMERICA RUN, AND STILL SQUEEZE IN KRAVEN'S LAST HUNT, AND JUSTICE LEAGUE TALK.

Here are my interviews with the cast , Director Zack snyder, and Watchmen Co-Creator Dave Gibbons.

If you missed my previous interview with Gibbons check it out here...

http://wordballoon.blogspot.com/2008/10/whos-watching-dave-gibbons.html

On this edition of The Wordballoon Podcast more tales from the blue carpet, as we present the audio from my newsarama video interviews from this year's new york comicon.

Sean McKeever talks about the upcoming Titans/Vigilante crossover he's
writing with Marv Wolfman, Writer/Editor Scott Allie gives us the lodown on the Buffy comics and the Robert E Howard books, from Dark Horse Comics, Rick Remender talks about his craetor owned series, and The Punisher, Brian Bendis talks about his announcements, The legendary Gene Colan talks about his new Captain America story, along with his reprinted Creepy stories from Dark Horse.

Actor Phil Morris, who pays J'onn Jonzz the Martian Manhunter on the CW's Smallville , Vertigo EIC Karen Berger, Greg Rucka, Matt Fraction, and Daniel Way

In case you haven't seen the video interviews I did at this year's New York Comicon, here are the audio versions. So far, these haven't been posted at Newsarama,

I talk with Jeff Parker (Agents Of Atlas) , Leonard Kirk (Capt Britain & MI:13) Len Wein (Creator Of Wolverine) Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), Dan Jurgens (Creator Of Booster Gold) , Jonathon Hickman (Secret Warriors) , David Lloyd (Co Creator V For Vendetta), David Mack (Kabuki Daredevil ) Jon Ostrander & Jan Durresma (Star Wars Comics) , Chris Ellipolous (Pet Avengers), and Dan DiDio (Exec Editor DC Comics)

Bendis was part of a Marvel creative group, that met with Kenneth
Branaugh to discuss his film plans for Thor. "It was a great day, on par with the
day we met with (Jon) Faverau. Whew!... I'm not kidding I've been
in non-marvel hollywood meetings where the people say, I'm not even
going to read the damn comic.".

On The Spider-Woman motion comic

Casting the voice of Jessica Drew "You're looking for
the voice in your head...that smokey marlboro voice that isn't
trying to be sexy. I had written dialogue that I was quite happy
to hear out loud ...but some actors saw the bio which says she's
from Wundagore Mountain, so they'd do a bulgarian accent which was
like, holy lord in heaven!"

Bendis has written 10 scripts for Spider-Woman He compared it to
the motion comics
It's being produced for the motion comic itself,not as an afterthought
and it's in continuity . Whatever the language of the motion comic
will be, it's going to be exciting to see Spider-Man, The Thunderbolts,
Agent Brand and The Avengers and everyone up and around in motion
comics. You're going to see something very different.

In Dark Avengers #3, a major chapter in the Sentry mystery
will be revealed.

On Ultimate Spider-Man post Ultimatum there will be a couple of
requiem specials

The acclaimed TV/Comics writer talks aboout Doctor Who,and Capt. Britain & MI:13

http://www.newsarama.com/common/media/video/player.php?aid=26076#playerTop

Here's my 2 part chat with "The Bear"

Part 1 all about the new Batwoman series, with art by JH Williams

Part 2 all about Greg's work in Action Comics, Queen and Country, and Stumptown from Oni Press, and his upcoming Atticus Kodiak novel Walking Dead, out April 28th.

http://www.newsarama.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=NA_090212_Greg_Rucka1

http://www.newsarama.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=NA_090212_Greg_Rucka2

be sure to keep checking the video section of Newsarama for most of my NYCC interviews, but I also made time to check in with some past guests to talk about their current projects.

On this edition of the Word Balloon Podcast, we speak with
writer Jen Van Meter. In Dc Comics Bi-Weekly Mini series Black
Lightning Year One Van Meter and artist Cully hammer flesh out the
early career of the Suicide Slum hero. Black Lightning debuted
in April 1977 by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden.

Jen goes behind the scenes,discussing how she has connected the dots
of Jefferson Pierce's complicated contuniuty. How did the street fighter
of the 1970's become the button down family man and husband seen in
today's stories. We discuss her collaboration with Hammer, and her
writing process for the project, including layered insight in Jeff's
homelife.

We hear updates on future Van Meter creator owned series from Oni Press
including a new Hopeless Savages story.

animator jake hughes joins us for a conversation about
the watchmen motion comic. jake proposed the project to
warners and the result has been a new way to present the
story and art to an audience pre-sold on the forthcoming zack
snydeer film.

jake gives us an indepth behind the scenes look, from dave gibbons
involvement, to the original musical score performed by a 50 piece orchestra,

A conversation with the writer about his upcoming book from Oni Press Billy Smoke.

With the Dark Reign story arc, it's a new year and fans are seeing a new direction for the Avengers titles and the entire Marvel Universe. On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast , we sit down with Dark Reign's creator Brian Michael Bendis for another edition of the Bendis Tapes, as he takes fan questions posted at Brian's Jinxworld.com  message board.

 
Also with a special cameo appearance, David Mack joins us to discuss his work on a Philip K Dick comic adaptation, the next steps for Kabuki, and behind the scenes details of his co-writing project with Bendis, Daredevil:End Of Days.

On this editon of the Word Balloon podcast,
we talk with artist Skottie Young about his interpretation
of L Frank Baum's Wonderful Wizard Of Oz for Marvel Comics.
"if you do this you're going to have free reign
in designing this vision of Oz.

We get into a discussion about the oz mythos,
and it's various representations in other media.
the play and novel version of wicked to todd mcfarland's
twisted land of oz statue.

you'll hear about his collaborotive process with writer
and fellow oz enthusiast eric shanower.

we also discuss skottie's comedy/music podcast the devil and me
co-hosted with casey mcauley. there's also an informal talk
about where comics are going in 2009, digitally and the
collected trade versus the monthly magazine.

On this edition of the Word Balloon podcast, we sit down with artist Art Baltazar, who's Tiny Titans has proved to be an all ages hit for DC Comics. You'll hear about what's in store for the Titans, including Art's gentile satiric take on the current events of the DCU. Darkseid is taking over the Titans school, and detention will never be the same.

We discuss Art and his co-writer Franco Aureliani's writing and art process, from their brainstorm sessions, to the fully produced page. We also talk about their contribution to this week's DC Holiday Special , a Nightwing-Robin story, with art from Tim Levins.

You'll hear more about Art's original characters and trade collection from his electric milk imprint. Check out Art's work, at his website, http://www.artbaltazar.com/

apologies folks, but after what was a hugely busy nov at my day gig, I got a nasty infection last thrusday, that threw me into the hospital. i'm generally fine, and the infection has almost cleared enough for them to send me home fri or sat. i have several fine current talks which were planned for early dec release, and they will be out starting at some point this wknd, if all goes to plan. thanks for listening, and being patient, of a different kind. j

We finally wrap up our 100 questions for Jeph, regarding Heroes, The Red Hulk, Ultimatum and more .

Note: This was recorded weeks before Jeph was let go as Co Exec Producer Of Heroes.