Word Balloon Comics Podcast

From 2017 In this special live recording from Salt Lake Comic Con’s FanX, legendary comic-book writer Marv Wolfman sits down with me for an expansive conversation spanning his remarkable career. Marv delves into his defining work on The New Teen Titans, the game-changing Crisis on Infinite Earths, his contributions to Blade and Tomb of Dracula, and more , all with the energy of a live audience fueling the discussion. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his storytelling or just discovering his impact on comics, this episode offers insight, history, and plenty of passion from one of the medium’s true icons.

We’re getting down and dirty in the sticky-floored, neon-lit world of grindhouse cinema with filmmaker and storyteller Michael Stradford. Michael and I dive headfirst into the raw, unapologetic energy that made grindhouse legendary. The regional theaters, the four-wallers, the double features that mixed western gun smoke with kung-fu fury and hard-hitting blaxploitation attitude.We talk about what made those movies work, why they still matter, and how that anything-goes spirit shaped generations of creators who grew up on outlaw cinema.Michael also shares his Top 5 essential grindhouse picks, spanning dusty revenge westerns, street-level blaxploitation classics, and bone-crunching martial arts imports that defined the late-night experience. These aren’t polite film-school choices. These are gut-punch, crowd-pleasing, projector-burned favorites. And we tease something big: Michael’s upcoming grindhouse-inspired graphic novel, set to drop later this year. It channels that same no-rules aesthetic , bold characters, heightened action, and a story that feels like it could’ve played between trailers for switchblade revenge flicks and dubbed karate epics.

Franco and Scoot present Ninja Kaiju from papercutz. 2 Mad scientists are battling for  secret formula that turns an unspespecting nmild mafnered Ninja into a raging giant monster. Hilarity ensues.

From 007. Today we dive into one of the true pillars of modern comics and animation , Dwayne McDuffie, the co-founder of Milestone Media and creative force behind Static Shock, Damage Control, and countless Justice League stories.In this episode we sit down with Dwayne to unpack his journey from groundbreaking comic book writer to influential TV producer, his passion for superhero storytelling, and how his work reshaped representation on the page and screen. We get into his creative process, the behind-the-scenes of the Justice League animated universe, his time bringing Static Shock to life, and why his approach to heroes ( both in comics and cartoons ) was never just about punches and capes, but about heart, diversity, and storytelling that matters.

Shelly Bond and Philip Bond join me to talk about their new Kickstarter project, 100 FAQs on Making Comics, a straight-shooting, experience-driven guide for anyone serious about breaking in or leveling up in the comics industry.Shelly brings decades of hands-on experience editing creator-owned books as well as shaping landmark work at Vertigo and IDW, giving her a front-row seat to what actually makes comics succeed creatively and commercially. Philip complements that insight with sharp storytelling instincts and his signature humorous illustrations that make the lessons land without feeling like homework. Together, they’re tackling the real questions creators ask about craft, pitching, collaboration, deadlines, and navigating the business, turning hard-earned industry wisdom into an accessible, entertaining playbook for the next generation of comics makers.support the campaign and buy the book here https://t.co/3Guqatubvi

In 1978 there was Cancel Culture, Of a Different Kind. In this wide-ranging conversation, Paul Kupperberg kicks things off by revisiting the chaos and opportunity of DC’s infamous Implosion, detailing how he helped salvage lost work through the two landmark volumes of Canceled Comic Cavalcade, a rare behind-the-curtain look at comics that almost vanished into history. From there, we dig into his run on Vigilante, where street-level justice met moral complexity, and his offbeat, character-driven take on Doom Patrol. Paul also shares sharp, funny stories from his time writing for Crazy Magazine and the gloriously absurd headlines of Weekly World News, revealing how satire sharpened his storytelling instincts. Along the way, he reflects on the industry’s evolution, the hustle of staying versatile, and even teases a few new projects that prove he’s still very much in the game.

Ed Catto, professor at Ithaca College and Editor-in-Chief of RetroFan Magazine joins us for a lively dive into the newest issue, packed with pure pop-culture comfort food. We talk Saturday morning cartoons and why they still matter, behind-the-scenes conversations with cast members from The Brady Bunch, and a terrific about Don Novello about the enduring appeal of Father Guido Sarducci.Ed also gives a forward-looking preview of Ithacon, Ithaca College’s long-running comic convention, sharing what fans can expect and why it continues to be a vital gathering spot for creators and enthusiasts alike.

Part three with Diana Schutz is where the long view comes into focus. She traces the beginnings of her friendship with Brian Michael Bendis , how that relationship started, why it endured, and what it says about spotting talent early and sticking with your people.From there, Diana talks about teaching at Portland State University, building a comics-focused class from the ground up, and eventually turning it over to Shelly Bond , another respected editorial voice. It’s about mentorship, paying it forward, and making sure the next wave understands both the craft and the business.Then she walks through her start at Dark Horse Comics in its early days , when the company was still defining itself and the independent boom was taking shape. Diana reflects on her enduring friendship with Bob Schreck after their divorce, proof that professional respect and personal history don’t have to collapse when relationships change. And finally, she discusses joining the judges committee for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Hall of Fame , helping shape how the medium honors its own history. It’s a fitting role for someone who has spent decades fighting for creators and preserving the integrity of the craft.