Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Today on Word Balloon, I’m joined by Ed Catto, Editor-in-Chief of Retro Fan Magazine, a publication dedicated to celebrating the movies, television, comics, and pop culture that shaped generations.We’re talking about the latest issue of Retro Fan, which is packed with deep-dive features and thoughtful retrospectives — including a look back at Adam West’s iconic run as Batman, a comprehensive history of Lee Falk, the creator of The Phantom, and a fun, nostalgic revisit to Sigmund and the Sea Monsters. And that’s just the start — this issue is loaded with the kind of researched, enthusiast-level storytelling Retro Fan is known for.Ed also shares what goes into curating each issue, balancing fan passion with historical accuracy, and keeping classic pop culture alive for new readers without losing what made it special in the first place. If you love smart nostalgia, deep cuts, and pop-culture history done right, this is a great conversation.

Today on Word Balloon, I’m joined by Anthony Snyder — the son of the legendary sports broadcaster Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, and the owner of AnthonysComicBookArt.com, one of the most respected destinations for original comic book art collectors. Anthony talks about growing up around the larger-than-life world of sports media, what it was like being raised by Jimmy the Greek, and how that legacy shaped his own path. We also dig into his passion for comics, the evolution of the original art market, and how he built his business by connecting collectors directly with artists and their work.If you have an offer you'd like to make from art on his website (https://www.anthonyscomicbookart.com) please email artroom@anthonysnyder.com with links to the artworks you'd like to make an offer on, and the price you're offering

On this episode of Word Balloon, host John Siuntres continues his in-depth conversation with acclaimed artist Bryan Hitch in Part Two, focusing squarely on Superman, Lex Luthor, and the larger DC Universe. Bryan breaks down his visual approach to the Man of Steel, how he balances power with humanity, and why framing Superman correctly on the page is one of the hardest challenges in comics. The discussion also digs into Lex Luthor as a character — how Hitch visually communicates intellect, menace, and ego — and how those elements shape DC’s larger narrative world. Bryan shares behind-the-scenes insights into collaboration, continuity, and the realities of working at the center of DC’s flagship titles. It’s a creator-level look at superheroes, villains, and the visual language that defines the DCU — thoughtful, candid, and packed with craft talk.

On this episode of Word Balloon, host John Siuntres kicks off a wide-ranging conversation with legendary artist Bryan Hitch in Part One of an in-depth interview covering his career past, present, and future. Bryan talks about his creator-owned series Redcoat, the ideas and influences behind The Authority, and how those books helped redefine widescreen superhero storytelling. The conversation also digs into Bryan’s work on Superman, his approach to visual scale and cinematic pacing, and how blockbuster storytelling changed comics in the 2000s. Along the way, Bryan shares behind-the-scenes insights into collaboration, deadlines, and the evolution of his art style across Marvel and DC.

Today on Word Balloon, we’re diving into the legacy of Olan Soule — the original animated Batman — and the long, fascinating TV career that made him a cornerstone of early superhero entertainment. And there’s no better guide for this conversation than our guest, Dan Pasternack.Dan  is one of the great archivists and historians of television comedy and classic broadcast performance. Over the years, he’s worked with and documented some of the most influential talents in the medium, including Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, Betty White, Bob Newhart, and Jonathan Winters. His work preserving and celebrating these artists has made him a crucial voice in understanding how TV comedy and character performance evolved.Dan is also the producer behind the acclaimed Jonathan Winters Record Store Day release, Jonathan Winters Unearthed, a project built from both classic and newly uncovered recordings — a tribute to one of comedy’s purest improvisational geniuses.Beyond his archival work, Dan is shaping the next generation of creators as an educator at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he teaches graduate students the craft of developing television and digital storytelling.Today, he joins us to break down Olan Soule’s journey from Chicago radio actor to defining the animated voice of Batman in Filmation’s 1960s shows, The Batman/Superman Hour, and the Super Friends era — and how Soule’s understated, square-jawed vocal style helped create the template every animated Batman actor followed. It’s a deep dive into forgotten history, iconic performances, and the building blocks that shaped superhero animation long before the modern era.

A new talk with writer Jeremy Adams — digging into his personal takes on Flash Gordon, Green Lantern, and Aquaman, and what draws him to (and challenges him about) each iconic mythos. They get into how classic pulp energy, cosmic storytelling, and sea-soaked adventure inform his creative instincts, and how those sensibilities show up in his work.Jeremy also breaks down his upcoming animated adaptation of Batman: Knightfall — what he’s focusing on, how he’s handling Bane’s legacy, and what fans can expect from this fresh take on a brutal chapter of the Dark Knight’s history.Plus Jeremy shares stories from DC’s KO event — what it was like to contribute to a universe-shaking crossover, the narrative choices that mattered most to him, and the behind-the-scenes moments fans haven’t heard before. The epic matchup of Aquman Vs Hawkman, and the upcoming, The Kids Are All fight with many of the new sidekick heroes facing eacch other.

Get ready — on this episode of Trek Watch, we break down the brand-new sneak preview for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, dropped at CCXP 2025 before the official premiere on January 15.  We talk about what the clip reveals: the fate of the U.S.S. Athena as it comes under surprise attack, the first look at cadet life, and the ominous arrival of the villain Nus Braka — who’s part Klingon, part Tellarite, and played by Paul Giamatti.  We also break down the setup for the series’ central themes: young cadets forging friendships, navigating rivalries and first loves, and facing a new threat to both the Academy and the Federation Is this the fresh, high-stakes take Trek needs — or is theis show jumping the shark before it begins?

Another great talk from this year  with acclaimed comics writer Al Ewing with deep-dives. First into two legendary mythic heroes: Thor and Metamorpho.Ewing explores the mythic roots, narrative shifts, and creative challenges behind modern takes on these icons — from thunder gods to chemical-powered shapeshifters. Deep dives into Norse Mythology and the shame that we only got six issues of a great modern spin on Rex Mason Simon Stagg Saphire and of course Java Hour two highlights  Venom and Absolute Green Lantern. We unpack the horror-tinged, high-stakes reinventing of legacy characters — from symbiotic monsters to cosmic-light mythos and what was the deal with the Paul hatred (lol)

Two decades after it crash-landed into comics, Fear Agent is still one of the most ferocious, heartfelt, and inventively insane sci-fi adventures ever put to paper. For its 20th anniversary, we bring together the core creative team — Rick Remender, Tony Moore, and Mike Hawthorne — for a no-holds-barred panel looking back at the series that redefined pulp for a new generation. The trio walks through the origins of Heath Huston, the booze-soaked alien-blasting exterminator who somehow became one of the most unexpectedly human heroes in modern comics. They dig into the design choices, tonal shifts, heartbreaks, and hard left turns that shaped the series from its earliest issues to its explosive finale.

Pasko and I continue our wide-ranging discussion on comics, television, and animation — expanding into old-time TV, behind-the-scenes film and show business, and the sometimes surprising roots of comic-book properties. They talk about the portrayal of Wonder Woman — including the editorial pressures and controversies surrounding her early stories under creator William Moulton Marston.Pasko reflects on his role in cataloguing and curating the vast history of DC Comics — discussing how the company’s characters and features were compiled and preserved over decades. They reminisce about classic TV series and actors — stories involving old television stars like Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Jack Klugman (Quincy) , Clayton Moore (the original TV Lone Ranger), and the once-infamous playmate/actress Dorothy Stratton. There’s also talk about other showbiz ventures related to comics — old-school TV adaptations, live-action attractions (like the ones from Six Flags featuring DC characters), and the interplay between comics, film, and television in shaping popular culture.

For this landmark 3000th episode, we’re opening the vault for a special two-part conversation from 2015 with the late Martin Pasko — writer, editor, historian, and one of the sharpest, funniest minds ever to shape modern comics and genre television. In Part 1, Marty walks us through the foundations of his career, beginning with his time writing Superman in the Bronze Age. We get into the pressures and freedoms of handling the Man of Steel at a moment when DC was redefining itself, and Marty doesn’t shy away from talking about the artists, editors, and behind-the-scenes personalities who shaped that era.From there, we explore his work on Batman: The Animated Series, where he discusses the creative culture that produced one of the greatest superhero shows ever made — and why it demanded a different kind of storytelling discipline than comics. Along the way, Marty opens up about:His favorite artists and editors he collaborated withHis takes on the Superman films and their legacyWhat Tim Burton got right — and wrong — with Batman (1989)His lifelong fandom for Star Trek and classic Old Time RadioHis contributions to the 1980s Twilight Zone revival and the challenges of writing smart, eerie anthology televisionThis is Marty at his best: candid, witty, encyclopedic, and completely unfiltered. A perfect way to celebrate 3000 episodes of Word Balloon — with a creator who helped define so much of what we love.

We discuss Chris's books Out Of Alcatraz from Oni Press , Kid Maroon from Vault, and his upcoming season of The Terror Siler In Black on AMC next year

In this 2 part chat, Chris and I talk about his comic book hits Star Trek: Redshirts (IDW) — Cantwell’s latest project, a take on the classic “redshirt expendables” trope from the Star Trek universe. The conversation touches on the creative intent behind giving voice and stakes to characters who traditionally die off quickly, and how this reinvention reflects both respect and deconstruction. SpreakerHis work at Marvel — They dig into his “definitive modern take” on Iron Man, the layered psychological portrait of Doctor Doom, and a darker, crime-tinged story with Golden Goblin. Themes include morality, shades of grey in superhero writing, and making familiar characters feel alive in contemporary contexts. SpreakerHis DC Comics efforts — Specifically a mini-series reviving Challengers of the Unknown, intersecting with the Justice League. The talk explores why the Challengers caught his interest, how he approaches legacy characters, and how the miniseries fits into — or shakes up — the larger DC landscape 

In this episode, Mike Norton returns to dig into three big projects at very different stages of his creative journey. We kick things off with Battlepug Vol. 3, fresh off his successful Kickstarter campaign. Mike talks about building the latest chapter of the saga, leveling up the world and characters, and why this volume may be his wildest yet.From there we shift to his new Krypto mini-series with Ryan North, a character Mike has loved since childhood. He breaks down the tone, the look, and the storytelling approach he and Ryan are bringing to Superman’s best four-legged friend, plus a few hints at the series’ emotional core.We wrap with a look back at Superman Unchained, his collaboration with Dan Slott. Mike shares production memories, creative challenges, and why this take on the Man of Steel still holds a special place for him.

The 2016 100 BULLETS Panel brings together the full creative hit squad: writer Brian Azzarello, artist Eduardo Risso, and cover artist Dave Johnson for a raw, no-BS conversation about their landmark Vertigo crime saga. Recorded live at a 2016 convention, this session digs into how three very different sensibilities fused into one of the most ruthless, stylish books of the last 25 years. Azzarello breaks down the long-game plotting behind 100 Bullets. How the idea of a briefcase, a gun, and untraceable bullets turned into a sprawling conspiracy about power, guilt, and revenge. Risso talks visual storytelling: page design, body language, and using shadow, silence, and violence as punctuation. Johnson pulls back the curtain on those iconic covers, explaining how he treated each one like a movie poster, a teaser, and a misdirection all at once.Candid, funny, and occasionally brutal, this panel is a must-listen for fans of 100 Bullets, Vertigo die-hards, and anyone who cares about how truly author-driven comics get made.

In this wide-ranging conversation, writer Christos Gage digs into the creative madness behind his Marvel Battleworld mini-series. A multiversal romp where time-displaced heroes and villains collide. Gage breaks down how he approached juggling characters pulled from wildly different eras and realities: WWII-era Bucky, the tyrannical Maestro-Hulk, the cosmic outsider Star Brand from the New Universe, and a whole rogue’s gallery of misfits thrown together under impossible circumstances. He walks through the rules of this warped patchwork planet, how to keep continuity straight when nothing is straight, and why Battleworld let him stretch muscles standard Marvel titles never quite allow.From there, Gage shifts over to his latest DC project, Dark Legion, explaining the worldbuilding behind its sinister factions, its morally gray tone, and the freedom the project gives him to push DC characters into darker corners without losing the emotional core.We also talk screenwriting: Gage opens up about co-writing a new British film with his wife, Ruth Fletcher Gage — how the project came together, what makes writing for UK production culture different, and how collaborating at home sharpens the work rather than softens it. Naturally, we revisit his foundational TV work on Marvel’s Daredevil Season 1 for Netflix. Gage gives frank insight into the writers' room, the tonal blueprint they were building, and what it was like helping define the first successful street-level corner of the MCU. He reflects on how that gritty realism shaped the entire wave of Marvel Netflix shows that followed — and how the industry has changed since then.

Here's my first in-depth interview with Jerry Ordway, focusing on his legacy in the Superman mythos, his work on the Justice Society of America (JSA) and All Star Squadron, his role in creating/working on Infinity, Inc., and other characters he helped shape — from early creations like Ron Troupe and Gangbuster to newer ones like Cat Grant. Plus the use of Cat Grant in the Supergirl TV series

In this February 2014 episode of the Aw Yeah Podcast, the boys slip on the boots for a free-wheeling pop-culture marathon they lovingly call “The Shoemaker.” A big celeb name dropping episode.It’s one of those classic hangout sessions where every tangent is fair game and the laughs come fast. We kick things off revisiting Robin Williams’ Popeye, the strange, ambitious, spinach-powered musical that still sparks debate decades later. From there, the conversation veers into the unforgettable era when Jamie Lee Curtis became the unexpected queen of “yogurt-helps-you-poop” commercials, and yes, everyone has opinions.The crew also digs into Jonn meeting Robert Vaughn, The Man From UNCLE and Artie's least favorite villian from Superman 3, the Rocky films, breaking down why the franchise still hits as hard as ever, and then jumps into a deep dive on the Planet of the Apes movies . Sprinkled throughout are some priceless Harry Caray stories, the kind that only this crew can tell, plus a lively discussion on John Romita Jr.’s take on Superman, what makes his version stand out, and why it grabbed fans’ attention.It’s loose, it’s goofy, it’s packed with memories and comic-shop energy. A vintage Aw Yeah episode through and through.

We continue the 2020 conversation with Writer Editor Mike Gold who made his mark at DC and First Comics. The topics include...Overview of the 1980s era at DC Comics — what the publisher looked like in that decade. SpreakerHow editorial and creative practices changed at DC during the ’80s (shifts in tone, editorial risk-taking, market pressures, publishing strategies). SpreakerDiscussion of high-profile, sometimes unusual projects at DC — including the book Superman vs. Muhammad Ali — its context, its ambition, and what it represented for comics in that period. Spreaker+2Wikipedia+2How projects like “Superman vs. Ali” reflect the intersection of pop culture — comics, real life celebrity (boxing legend Muhammad Ali), social attitudes — and the willingness of DC to experiment creatively. Spreaker+2Wikipedia+2Reflections on the impact of the 1980s DC output on the broader comics industry: distribution, direct market shifts, what worked and what didn’t. Spreaker+1Challenges and controversies of the time: balancing mainstream superhero fare with more experimental or culturally relevant stories, and what that meant for editors, creators, and readers. Spreaker+1Personal anecdotes from Mike Gold about working inside the system — editorial decisions, pitch processes, the creative climate of ’80s comics, and his own contributions or experiences.

From 2020 at the start of COVID, I had this great talk with writer/editor extrordinare Mike Gold. Here are the highlights ...Career Overview — Mike Gold’s background and path in the comics business, including early experiences and how he came to work for both DC Comics and First Comics.The Bronze Age at DC — Discussion of the Bronze Age of DC Comics: what defined that period, the creative and editorial environment, and how DC approached storytelling and publishing in those years.First Comics Formation and Philosophy — How First Comics was founded, its mission, and the difference between First Comics’ approach and the major publishers of the time. Notable Titles & Editorial Work — Titles and creators Gold worked with while at First Comics and later at DC — including some of the series he edited. Industry Changes & Direct Market — The evolution of the comics industry during his career: how the direct market, distribution, fan communities, and editorial practices shifted over time. Creative Freedom & Editorial Risk — Reflections on the balance between editorial oversight and giving creators freedom — especially in smaller/independent settings vs larger corporate environments. The Role of Comics in Pop Culture — Commentary on how comics fit into broader pop culture over time, their potential impact, and how creators and editors responded to changing audience expectations.