Word Balloon Comics Podcast

From Cincy Comic Con 2014 A celebratory, no-BS look at 75 years of the Dark Knight through four very different lenses.Tim Seeley digs into the controlled chaos of the weekly Batman Eternal writers’ room—how you pace Gotham for 52 issues and still land character beats that matter.Kelley Jones brings the gothic: big capes, bigger shadows, and why horror belongs at the heart of Batman.Ben Templesmith talks painting Gotham’s monsters and miracles with washes and texture, previewing the occult-crime vibe he brought to Gotham by Midnight.Jeremy Haun zeroes in on Arkham—madness, architecture, and the Jeremiah Arkham era he helped visualize—arguing that Gotham’s institutions are as potent as its villains. Together they chart how Batman flexes across tones—

In this 2007 conversation, writer Rick Remender opens up about his breakout creator-owned work and his forays into iconic franchises. He discusses the pulp-fueled intensity of Fear Agent, blending sci-fi adventure with personal tragedy, and the haunting horror of Sorrow, a tale of possession and small-town dread.Remender also previews The End League, his dark, subversive spin on the superhero genre, where flawed champions struggle to hold society together after the fall of the world.Alongside his creator-owned projects, he reflects on his contributions to beloved universes like Battlestar Galactica and Star Trek, sharing how he approached telling new stories in such well-established mythologies. Candid, energetic, and filled with creative insight, this talk captures Remender at a pivotal moment, on the cusp of becoming one of comics’ most daring voices.

Live from Terrificon, this panel reunites Ralph Macchio, Ann Nocenti, and John Romita Jr. to revisit one of Daredevil’s most memorable creative periods. Ralph sets the stage with behind-the-scenes stories of the handoff from writer Denny O’Neil to Frank Miller, and ultimately to Ann Nocenti, charting the evolution of the Man Without Fear through shifting creative visions.Ann and John share how the grit, danger, and energy of New York City’s real nightlife shaped their take on Matt Murdock’s world, infusing it with street-level authenticity and vivid, flawed characters like Typhoid Mary and Shotgun. The conversation takes a wild detour as the trio recalls their “freaky” trip to Paris representing Marvel — a surreal adventure filled with culture shock, unexpected encounters, and a dash of chaos. It’s a lively mix of comics history, personal anecdotes, and the creative alchemy that kept Daredevil swinging high.

Recorded live at Terrificon, this dynamic discussion brings together two of comics’ most celebrated storytellers — Dan Jurgens, the writer/artist behind defining eras of Superman, and Tom King, the Eisner Award–winning author of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Jurgens reflects on shaping the Man of Steel’s modern mythology, from “The Death of Superman” to guiding his evolution across decades, while King dives deep into his critically acclaimed reimagining of Kara Zor-El’s journey across the cosmos. Together, they explore what makes these Kryptonian icons timeless, how their stories inspire across generations, and the creative challenges of keeping them relevant in an ever-changing world. Packed with behind-the-scenes insights, humor, and heartfelt moments, it’s a must-listen for fans of Superman, Supergirl, and the enduring power of hope.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly explore their latest adventures in storytelling across the worlds of Star Trek and Marvel Comics. We begin with IDW's Star Trek: The Last Frontier, delving into the aftermath of “The Burn” and their bold revival of Captain James T. Kirk.The discussion then turns to Marvel’s Thunderbolts, where Bucky Barnes faces off against the formidable Doctor Doom in a tense battle of strategy and survival. From there, we venture into the cosmos with Luke Cage in an unexpected, galaxy-spanning saga, before grounding ourselves in the streets with NYX, led by Ms. Marvel, where youthful heroes navigate life, identity, and responsibility in New York’s shadows. It’s a deep dive into legacy, reinvention, and crafting unforgettable character arcs.

Comics power couple Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner sit down for a lively, career-spanning chat. Jimmy shares details on his upcoming Marvel Knights run on The Punisher with artist Dan Panosian, offering a peek at what fans can expect from this gritty new chapter. The duo reflect on their acclaimed collaborations, from their fan-favorite run on Power Girl to their industry-shaking Harley Quinn series. They discuss how their original character Sy Borg made the leap from comics to the Harley Quinn animated series, and the surprises that came with it. Wrapping things up, they talk about the business side of creativity — including their experiences using Kickstarter to crowdfund original projects and connect directly with fans.

In a captivating conversation, legendary artist and writer Mark Silvestri shares his incredible journey in the comics industry. He reflects on his early days at DC Comics and his impactful work at Marvel, highlighting the creation of iconic characters like Witchblade, Cyberforce, and The Darkness. Silvestri candidly discusses the formation of Image Comics, where he and other creators revolutionized the industry. He also explores the challenges of adapting comics for different media and the importance of collaboration in bringing characters to life.

Recorded live at Terrificon, this conversation brings together three of Marvel’s most influential Bronze Age creators—Jim Starlin, Steve Englehart, and Al Milgrom—to share stories from the wild, experimental days of the 1970s comic book industry.From Starlin’s cosmic epics with Captain Marvel and Warlock, to Englehart’s politically charged Captain America and groundbreaking Avengers and Batman runs, to Milgrom’s steady hand as artist, inker, and editor across Captain Marvel, and Avengers—this panel is packed with history, humor, and behind-the-scenes tales of working at Marvel during a time of radical creativity. Whether it’s the birth of Thanos, the rise of long-form continuity, the shaping of Marvel’s cosmic landscape, or the day-to-day chaos of 1970s bullpen life, this discussion is a must for fans of comics history.

This episode features acclaimed comics editor Will Dennis, whose career has been defined by bold storytelling and unforgettable collaborations. Will reflects on his longtime partnership with Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo, from the noir stylings of Joker and Luthor, to the provocative, supernatural edge of Batman: Damned for DC’s Black Label, and the early days of Batman/Deathblow at WildStorm.We also dive into his moving editorial work on Where We Live, the Eisner-winning Las Vegas shooting tribute anthology, and his experience working with the legendary Joe Kubert on Sgt. Rock: Between Hell and a Hard Place and Kubert’s final comics. Will also shares insight into the legacy of DC’s classic war comics, recalling the influence of creators like Russ Heath and Robert Kanigher.It’s a revealing conversation with one of comics' most fearless and influential editors.

Filmmaker Ken Viola joins us to discuss his rare 1987 documentary The Masters of Comic Book Art—a raw, unfiltered snapshot of comics history featuring candid interviews with legends like Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Neal Adams, Will Eisner, Art Spiegelman, Dave Sim, Frank Miller, and Bernie Wrightson. Narrated by Harlan Ellison, this film captures the voices of visionary creators at a turning point in the industry. Ken shares behind-the-scenes stories, what it was like filming these giants, and how the project came together. You can now watch the documentary online—don’t miss this essential piece of comics history.