Writer and radio broadcaster Steve Darnall joins us to talk about his past works in comics. Steve worked in the fringe genres as the comics market struggled to survive after the speculation era went bust. You'll hear about his collaboration with Alex Ross on the 2 part UNCLE SAM prestige series , to his parody of classic romance comics for Slave Labor Graphics and his own companmy Funny Valentine.

We also talk about Steve's current job hosting 2 radio shows which present classic Old Time Radio programs Those Were The Days and Yesterday USA, where he puts a historical context while presenting dramas comedies and documentaries made from the 1930s-1950s. As opposed to a nostalgic "Remember When" angle that older hosts use for a geritatric audience, Steve's show is one of discovery for a younger generation who come to these programs with a fresh perspective.

Then we talk about the radio superheroes some of which predate the 1938 debut of Superman. Darnall talks about the origins of The Lone Ranger and Green Hornet, created by Detroit radio station WXYZ owner Geoge W Trendle and writer Fran Striker. We also look at the 1940 Superman radio serial. You'll learn how many of the common phrases and plot points of the comics originated on radio like Jimmy Olson, kryptonite, and the infamous lines from Metropolis  citizens "Look, up in the sky ..." .

On this episode ogf Word Balloon Brad Meltzer is back to discuss the 2nd season of
Brad Meltzer's Decoded which premieres tonight at 9pm Easter/Pacific On The History
Channel. Brad recaps some of the highlights of season one, and a preview of this season.
The show goes global to investigates mysteries surrounding The Vatican, Fort Knox and more.

Plus Brad promises for JSA fans,the real story behind Adolph Hitler and The Spear Of Destiny.

We also talk about The Inner Circle Meltzer's latest novel, now available in paperback.

On this edition of the Word balloon podcast, we begin our C2E2 convention coverage with three guetss.

From the con floor artist Cliff Chiang talks about the new issue of Brave And Bold #33, on sale today featuring a girls night out between Zatanna, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman, written by J Michael Straczynski., plus Greendale, his upcoming original graphic novel, based on the music of Neil Young, written by Joshua Dysart.

We wrap up our talk with Matt Fraction, because we had to hold back our discussion about Casanova's move to Marvel's Icon inprint, it's conversion to color, and what it's like working with the Brazilian Brother art team of Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon.

Finally Brian Bendis is back to talk about his new creator owned Icon series Scarlet with co-creator Alex Maleve . We also talk about the IPad, and other digital issues regarding Spider-Woman, Powers, The Ultimate Universe,  and The Avengers .