Word Balloon Comics Podcast
Word Balloon Comics Podcast is a one-on-one interview show featuring the creative minds behind comics, TV, film, novels, and animation. Hosted by Chicago pop culture expert John Siuntres, the podcast delves into the stories and processes of industry professionals. Each episode offers in-depth conversations about the art and business of storytelling across various media.
Episodes
Wes Craig Superman The Stranger
Wes Craig is one of the most distinctive visual storytellers working in comics today. His dynamic layouts and inventive storytelling helped define Deadly Class, the acclaimed Image Comics series he co-created with writer Rick Remender, which also made the leap to television.Now Wes is taking on one of the biggest icons in comics with Superman: The Stranger, a six-issue DC Black Label series that h
P Craig Russell Talks Night Music and Marvel Memories
Few artists in comics have brought the kind of elegance, imagination, and sheer visual storytelling that P. Craig Russell has delivered throughout his remarkable career. From his groundbreaking work on Marvel's Killraven with writer Don McGregor to his unforgettable interpretations of Doctor Strange, including the classic annual "What Is It That Disturbs You, Stephen?", Russell has always approach
WB League NYCC Review and More
Sunday Conversation Horror With Starkings and Harding
Time for another Sunday Conversation. Richard Starkings is back, and this time he's joined by his longtime collaborator, artist Abigail Jill Harding, to talk about their gothic horror fantasy, Parliament of Rooks, and its upcoming sequel, The White Rook, which launches on Kickstarter this October.Richard and Abigail have been working together for years, beginning with Abigail's contributions to Ri
Abbott and Costello Meet The Monsters
Monstrous Books is revititaizing the Universal film Crossovers, in Comic Book Form. James Aqulilone and JK Woodward Discuss, plus JK's Kickstarter on his series Behemoth
Scene Missing Colossus The Forbin Project 1970
Welcome to Scene Missing, where we revisit classic films and discover how their stories hold up today. This time, Lady Vee and I take a look at the 1970 science fiction thriller Colossus: The Forbin Project, directed by Joseph Sargent.Eric Braeden stars as Dr. Charles Forbin, the creator of Colossus, a massive supercomputer designed to control America's nuclear defenses and eliminate the possibili
Michael Jan Friedman A New Team Of Heroes
Mike has a new Kickstarter about a new Superhero Group The Company of Enhanced BeingsThe prose short-story adventures of a cadre of young space superheroes in a science fictional future!We discuss the kickstarter campaign, his ideas for the book, and of course reflect on his career writing Star Trek novels, including his crossover novel of The Next Generation Crew meeting up with The X-Men Of Marv
Jeremy Adams Batman Green Lantern and Emperor Aquaman
Jeremy talks about writing the first part of the animated adaptation of the Knightfall Bane story, plus updates us on the most powerful version of Auquaman ever, and what's happening with Kyle and Hal. We also get hs thoughts on the HBO show Lanterns
Controversies on Lanterns ep 8 Finale & Dr Who Xmas
we explore the controversies surrounding HBO's Lanterns and the aborted 2026 Doctor Who BBC Xmas special
aw yeah podcast -the fall will kill you
artie franco and his son nick join me . kickstarters , con reports, celeb encounters, and that sense of fall in the air
Sunday Conversation Boulet Bros Comics and Dragula
The Boulet Brothers are celebrating a major milestone as The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula turns 10 years old. Now heading into its seventh season, the series returns October 23rd on Shudder, continuing its singular mix of drag, horror, glamour, and the grotesque that has made it a cult phenomenon.But this conversation goes well beyond Dragula. Dracmorda and Swanthula are also lifelong comic-book fans,
Twilight Zone Star Trek and New Sci-Fi From Marc Scott Zicree
Marc Scott Zicree has spent decades thinking about science fiction. Where it’s been, where it’s going, and how you actually get it made.For generations of fans, Marc is perhaps best known as the author of The Twilight Zone Companion, the landmark guide to Rod Serling’s classic series that helped establish serious episode-by-episode scholarship about The Twilight Zone.But Marc is also a veteran tel
Matt Wagner Kelley Jones Dracula Vol 4
These two titans of Horro combine their distinct styles to create a singular vision in their four volume adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic. We talk horror tv and more.
John McCrea Horror and Hitman's return
Ushering in horror month with John McCrea, who has a new horror story with Garth Ennis coming out in November... and the return of Tommy Monaghan the funniest badd-ass of Noonan's Bar in a new untold Hitman one shot Xmas special with Garth, coming from DC
Mark Waid Batman Robin Justice League and More
In addition to talking about Mark's latest book, we also discuss several comic book artists that don't get their due
Lanterns Ep 7 Strange New World Ep 10 Reviews
Sunday Conversation: Al Milgrom, Pt.2
In Part 2 of our conversation with comic book veteran Al Milgrom, we dig into the stories behind the pages , and beyond them. Al shares his memories of the legendary style of Wally Wood and offers insights into the creative genius of Murphy Anderson.Then, the spotlight shifts to the editorial trenches at Marvel. Al opens up about his collaborations and clashes with Jim Shooter, especially during t
Sunday Conversation: Al Milgrom, Pt. 1
Remember waiting at the drugstore for the news distributor’s truck, then watching the druggist fill the spinner rack with fresh comics? In this two-part Word Balloon conversation, Al Milgrom takes us from that thrill of discovering new books into the Marvel Bullpen, where he worked as a penciler, inker, editor, and writer during a pivotal era.In Part 1, Al remembers hand-delivering artwork to John
TCM Host Eddie Muller and Comics
On this episode of Word Balloon, I’m talking with Eddie Muller, the host of Noir Alley on Turner Classic Movies. We get into his lifelong love of comic books and the connection he sees between comics and film noir: the crime stories, the striking visuals, and the characters who don’t always make the right choices. Eddie also tells me about the Film Noir Foundation, which he founded to preserve and
Matt Fraction Batman Bad Seeds and Beyond
e-motion love boat ep 6 review
It's another e-motion sickness Love Boat re-watch with Franco and Guest passengers Allison Baker and Gabriel Hardman In this episode, identical twins Ellen and Helen Edwards, both played by Diana Canova, have only one ticket and carefully take turns leaving their cabin, using an alarm wristwatch to keep their scheme straight, which leads to plenty of confusion for Doc, played by Bernie Kopell, as
James Tucker Batman Caped Crusader
Exceutive Producer James Tucker talks about the secend season Of Batman Cape Crusader. Will there be a third season?
Lanterns Ep 6 Strange New Worlds Ep 9 Reviews
sunday conversation mike gold
Mike Gold and I relive the 70s and 80's in comics Chicago and broadcasting
Batman Bond and More With Jeff Parker
Batman 66, Hanna Barbera DC Crossovers, John Carter VS Mars Attacks and James Bond Origins Talk with Jeff
Trek Crossover With The Tachyon Pulse Podcast
Jay from the Tachyon Pulse Podcast was so frustrated by the latest episode of Sta Trek Starngew Worlds, he asked for a new talk. I obliged. I also convinced Jay to start his own audio podcast, checck it out https://www.spreaker.com/episode/star-trek-snw-what-is-the-point-live--75190493
IDW Star Trek's New Comic Directions
Christopher Cantwell and Charlie Jane Anders join mr to talk about Star Trek #1 featuring Seven Of Nine as Captain of The Enterprose G, and Charlie Janes's Star Trek Zero Point #1 featuring Raffi as Captain of her own ship.
Darkseid vs the World Sanford Greene
Sanford previews next month's DC one shot he's made with Scott Snyder that tells us what Darkseid has been up to since DC KO We also get some Bitter Root news and Sanford had some major design contributions to the next Spider Verse animated film.
Hitmen and Humor Kyle Starks
Kyle Starks is back, and as usual, he’s got a lot going on.Right now on Kickstarter, Kyle is bringing Louise Sprouse Stole My Heart (And I Have Two Hours to Get It Back) to print. It’s a 48-page, done-in-one story about a professional hitman on the run who returns to the vacation spot of his childhood and unexpectedly comes face-to-face with his first love.So, naturally, it’s got romance, memori
Reviews Lanterns Ep 5 & SNW ep 8 Badmiral
With guest analysis from Lady V
trek 60 david mack the khan podcast
star trek author david mack discusses his strsnge new worlds novels and the star trek khan audio drama he co-wrote with kirtsen byers . we also clear up some uestions tying the story to star trek 2's wrath of khan
trek 60 garak secrets andrew robinson
Andrew and I go through some of his greatest moments on DS9 and other big roles in his past.
trek 60 house of quark armin shimerman
Armin talks about DS9 his novels and other TV work.
trek 60 nana visitor
major kira of deep space nine checks in from 2024.
Trek 60 Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes talks Next Generation Straange New Worlds The Orville and more . From 2022
Trek 60 What's wrong with Nu Trek
Joined By Laarry Young and Scott Larson we breadown the latest SNW episode, and Nu Trek In General
James Aquilone Kolchak and running Monstrous Books
James is having a ball at Monstrous Books Bringing bak Kolchak The Night Stalker and Titles like the anthologies Ceepshow and Weird Tales.
Joe Casey Talks Ben 10 Automatic Kafka and 2000s Nostalgia
Joe Casey talks about the comic book reboot of Ben 10 by the Men Of Action for Dynamite.He's also re-releasing his and Ashley Wood's mind bending Automatic Kafka for Image in November.We also talk about his DC mini series Knee Before Zod and his Skybound series with Robert Kirkman Terminal
Trek 60 SNW ep 7 Lanterns reviews
some hot debate about trek, in the first hour
Star Trek 60 SNW Spock and Uhura Live On Stage
Today we’re heading back to Terrificon 2024 for a Star Trek: Strange New Worlds panel featuring Ethan Peck,Mr Spock, and Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura.At the time, Season Two had wrapped, and fans were still buzzing over that very strange and very funny “Four and a Half Vulcans” teaser scene that Paramount had just unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con.Ethan and Celia took my questions and plenty
The Milestone Story pt 1 Reggie Hudlin
This is Part One of The Milestone Story, looking at the history, legacy, and continuing evolution of one of the most important comic book companies of the last thirty-plus years.We begin with Reginald Hudlin, filmmaker, producer, writer, and one of the driving forces behind the modern revival of Milestone Media.Reggie talks about his relationship with Milestone’s original founders, and how the com
The Milestone Story pt 2 Denys Cowan
This is Part Two of The Milestone Story, and this time the spotlight is on Denys Cowan ,Milestone co-founder, artist, editor, and one of the most distinctive visual storytellers in comics.We continue the story of Milestone from Denys’s perspective: how the company came together, what he and the other founders wanted to change about the comics business, and why the characters they created still res
Ram V The Black Tower New Gods and More
Ram V and Mike Perkins have started a new vertigo series.He joined us to talk about it
Genre Splicing Lessons From Rick Remender
Today, it’s long overdue new conversation with Rick Remender, and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.We talk about his latest creator-owned books, including Hammerfist, Escape, and The Sacrificers, and how Rick continues to mix genres, build new worlds, and find the right artistic voice for each project.Rick also looks back at his years at Marvel and explains why, despite some major successes ther
Pornsak Pichetshote Absolute Green Arrow
Pornsak is back to talk about the mystery he's spinning regarding the death of Oliver Queen in the Absolute DC universe , and who is this Green Arrow?
Trek Crossover With The Tachyon Pulse Podcast
Jay from the Tachyon Pulse Podcast Joins me to talks about Star Trek Strange New Worlds and Nu Trek in genral, it's future plus some Stargate and Docotor Who Talk.
SNW Ep 7 and Lanterns ep 3 Reviews
Reviewing the Trek SNW episode Off Hour and Lanterns ep 3, plus my thoughts on Coyote Vs Acme.
Batman and Bodybuilding Stan Berkowitz and Tegan Clive
Today, I’ve got a conversation with Emmy Award-winning writer Stan Berkowitz and his wife, Tegan Clive. Two people with fascinating careers that have taken them through some very different corners of popular culture.Stan is a veteran of television animation, with credits on Batman Beyond, Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and many other shows that helped define a generation of superhe
Voices Of Kirby pt 4 Alex Ross
This time, we’re joined by Alex Ross for a conversation about Fantastic Four: Full Circle, his graphic novel that reaches directly back to the imagination and visual energy of Jack Kirby.Alex talks about revisiting the classic Fantastic Four, drawing inspiration from the Lee and Kirby era, and finding a way to honor that groundbreaking work .We’ll get into the design, the storytelling, the psyched
Voices Of Kirby pt 3
We’re continuing our celebration of Jack Kirby’s incredible legacy with two conversations that explore very different corners of the worlds he helped create.First, we go back to the Baltimore Comic-Con’s virtual 2020 convention, held during the COVID lockdown, for a discussion of Kirby’s Fourth World. Writer Tom King and Cecil Castellucci join moderator Robert Meyer Burnett to talk about the ideas
Voices Of Kirby pt 2
Three conversations with 3 writers who took Kirby's 4th World ideas to new places.Ram V Talks New GodsCecil Castalucci On The Female FuriesWalt Simonson on Thor and Orion
Voices Of Kirby Pt 1
Celebrating Kirby's 109th Birthday today. From 2025 Comic book writer and editor Jim Beard joins the show to discuss his new book JACK OF ALL COMICS — Tales Inspired by the Master, a tribute collection featuring essays by top comic creators influenced by Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking work at Marvel and DC. Also joining us is longtime DC Comics writer Paul Kupperberg, who dives deep into Kirby’s exp
The History of Hester - Phil Hester
Green Arrow Superman The Coffin Firebreather, The Bionic Man. Just a few of the books we discuss from Phil's 40 yar career in comics. Happy Birthday too Phil!
Phillip Kennedy Johnsom Midnight Spider-Man & Hulk
Phillip teases as much he can about the new Midnight Spider-Man coming in October and The Coming Infernal Hulk War with the Marvel Universe, starting with Wolverine Sept 9th.
Trek Review Kiss The Puppet
we review the trek muppet episode, but also talk about the Lanterns HBO serries.
The Fantasy Worlds Of Thane Benson
Thane Benson combines comic book story telling with multiple games in each story/graphic novel. His latest is a choose your own adventure Pirate Myster called Murder On The High Seas. The kickstarter runs through Thursday.
Dan Slott Spectacular Spider-Man thank you pt 2
We continue the Superman Unlimited chat started in part 1
Dan Slott Spectacular Spider-Man thank you pt 1
Dan Slott is back on Word Balloon for a two-part conversation, and we start with a big thank-you to the Spider-Man fans who showed up for Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day and made sure the book was waiting for them on their comic-shop pull lists.Dan talks about the response to the series, revisiting that corner of Spider-Man history, and what it means to see readers supporting the book at the
the Ditko Dialouge with Dr Zack Kruse
Zack Kruse is one of the talking heads in the Talasq Art Acedemy's documentary Steve Ditko Beyond The Myth that I narrated on youtube but he's been studying Ditko for decades. He wrote Mysterious Travelers: Steve Ditko and the Search for a New Liberal Identity , and had numerous letter conversations . We do a deep dive including previewing Zack's own doc DITKO coming later this year.
Brett Bean D'ORC spotlight
Brett gives us his origin story and his take on the D&D fantsy world in this Terrificon Spotlight panel
Jeremy Haun Ignition Press The Beauty and More
new books from lanzing and kelly Trek Dungeons And Dragons and More
Dtar Trek The Last Starship #10 out today, plus a new IDW Dark series In October and They debut on Dungeons and Dragons from Dark Horse n November
scott larson's new superheroes in sidetracked
trek watch snw season 4 eps 3 and 4
we recap the two eps and wayne has a trek vegas con report, while we also talk about terrificon and fan expo chicago conventions
The Art Of JK Woodward
JK and I talk about a new sci-fi noir , plus painting Peter David's final story. We also talk abou Star Trek Comics and books.
Agent Of SHIELD Jim Steranko
Green Lantern Earth One Gabriel Hardman Corrina Bechko
From 2015So glad to welcome Gabe and Corinna back to praise their latest efforts. Green Lantern Earth One is a great new spin on the GL origin, with real surprises suspense and a great launching point tpo tell future stories. We also get into their first 3 volumes of Invisible Republic a great complex political sci-fi story that despite first coming out in 2015 resonates more in today's US climate
terrificon the (jeph) loeb report live
We talk Hush Civil War : Fallen Son, Agents Of Shield, and Michael J Fox and Schwarzenegger movie tales. Lots more.
Terrificon Dan Slott Spotlight
Dan talks Superman and Spider-Man and takes great audience questions in this lively panel.
Terrificon Tim Seely Spotlight
I sit down with one of my oldest friends in comics. Tim has a new mini series from Dark Horse, The Big Shakedown, with Jordan Blum and Scott Koblish. We also look at his career and talk GI Joe Money Shot, He-Man, Godzilla, Turning Dick Grayson into a Super-Spy, The Revival Comic and TV show (Syfy) and X-Force.
House Of X Claremont Simonson Nicieza
At Terrificon, three legendary X-Men writers Chris Claremont, Louise Simonson, and Fabian Nicieza came together for a wide-ranging conversation about the history, evolution, and controversies surrounding Marvel’s mutantsaWhat do they tink of the recent eras? John Byrne's new 3 volume story, and more.
Diedrich Bader Terrificon Playing Batman Two Face and more
From Terrificon Bader talks about hs Batman roles In The Brave and Bold and Batman Caped Crusader. We go deep with hilarious stories about The Drew Carey show, Napoleon Dynamite Office Space, The Beverly Hilbilies and more.
The Bill Sienkiewicz Doc with Sal Abbinanti
Producer Sal Abbinanti discusses his film about legendary comic artist, and friend of the show Bill Sienkiewicz. Sal also reps Alex Ross and we compare Sal's previous film, The Legend Of Kingdom Come
Caped Crusader Talk With Ed Brubaker
Batman The Brave and Bold Tucker and Jelenic
From 2010 a great chat with Brave and Bold Producers James Tucker and Michael Jelenic This weekend at Terrificon, I'll have a chat with the star of Batman: The Brave And Bold Dedrich Bader
Jordan Blum and Scott Koblish talk Minor Threats and The Big Shakedown
trek watch and spider-man reviews
Alex Ross: Marvel in Another Dimension Pt 2
In part 2 we discuss Steve Darnall’s new prose novelization of Alex and Kurt Busiek’s landmark series Marvels, along with Jack Kirby and the Fantastic Four, Superman, superhero movies, public-domain characters, artificial intelligence, and the changing relationship between comics and Hollywood.As always with Alex, the conversation is thoughtful, candid, passionate, and filled with the kind of arti
Alex Ross: Marvel in Another Dimension Pt 1
In this special two-part conversation, Alex joins me to discuss his brand-new graphic novel, Marvel Dimensions, written and fully illustrated by Alex for Marvel and Abrams ComicArts. It’s his second book in the Marvel Arts line, following Fantastic Four: Full Circle, and it arrives September 1st.The story begins as a sweeping journey through the classic origins of the Marvel Universe. Spider-Man,
The Toys and Docs That Made Us Brian Volk Weiss
Brian Volk Weiss of The Nacelle Company discusses his seminal Netflix series The Toys That Made us, now in the midst of a Kickstarter Campain for a 2 volume book set The Art Of The Toys That Made Us. Brian also tells us what to expect in seasons 3 and four of the series, coming soon. We talks abot that and his other great series Icons Unearthed and teases new series of those.He also holds the righ
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