Comics Are Dope (The Podcast)

A quick update about the status of the podcast, and how I'm dying to get back to it. Learn more about how you can support at http://comicsaredope.com/helpmeoutFollow the Podcast Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCiSN5Eiw4gasSYyjtCj9CyQ/ For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Priest broke the internet, and he's not stopping any time soon. Here, we chat about it. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

If you were going to save the comics industry from impending doom, how would you do it? How about a newsletter full of interviews, gags and anecdotes by Chip Zdarsky? Maybe you'd call it Zdarsky Comic News. Well... you would if your name was Chip Zdarsky.Listen to find out how ZCN came about, and how Chip decided to take a stab at writing Captain America. ZCN is available at your Local Comic Shop by special order. Just ask for it at the counter. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Today I'm talking with comic writer, journalist and co-host of the White People Won't Save You Podcast -- Jordan Clark. We talk about his journey from Audio Engineer to Comics Writer, how a chance meeting landed him his first writing gig, and kicking things up a notch after the Milestone Initiative. His debut creator-owned title, ANCESTRAL RECALL, hits shops in August. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Chris O'Hara returned to the podcast to talk REFUGE #1, an All-Ages comic like you've never seen before! We also talk about the amazing year he has had with his company Bent Box Comics. We talk about finding talent, the pros and cons of Kickstarter, and working to build a real economy for truly independent creators.  For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Sean Bartley is co-host of my favorite comics podcast, The Comics Pals. He's been in the game for over a decade, and has seen a lot of changes in the space. Today, we're talking about where it all began, how he's navigating the changing tide and what it all means to him. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Lumberjax creator MORGAN IVERSON returns to tease the campaign for his first ever Graphic Novel! Tap in to hear more about the creative process, Morgan's inspiration, and why this campaign is more important than any he's ever done. You can back the campaign at http://comicsaredope.com/lumberjax For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Greg Weisman joins to talk Gargoyles: Demona, THAT tease in the Free Comic Book Day preview, and how it feels to live with the characters he writes.   For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

David Pepose has had an amazing year since our last talk. He's back to fill us in on getting his dream project (Captain Planet), a new Space Ghost series, and his electrifying approach to Speed Racer.A former crime reporter turned Ringo Award-winning comic book creator, David Pepose has written on hit titles such as Punisher, Moon Knight: City of the Dead, Savage Avengers, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Avengers Unlimited, and Darth Vader: Black, White & Red, as well as launched critically acclaimed original series including Spencer & Locke, Going to the Chapel, Grand Theft Astro, The O.Z., Scout’s Honor, The Devil That Wears My Face, and more.David’s books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, ComicBook.com, and io9, and have ranked on Barnes & Noble’s Best Comics and Graphic Novels list. His writing has been called “stunningly subversive” by IGN and “an absurdly good time” by Nerdist, while Syfy has described his work as “utterly insane or pure genius (or admittedly, maybe both).”In addition to developing properties for comics, TV, and film, he has also worked for CBS, Netflix, and Universal Studios. Raised in St. Louis, David currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, where he lives with his understanding partner, their rambunctious terrier, and at least six deadlines. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Curt Pires stops by to tell us about his latest work, LOST FANTASY. In Lost Fantasy, there’s a magical world that lies beneath ours, and first contact was made over a hundred years ago between the two worlds due to a natural disaster, resulting in a schism that allowed monsters to break through. Since then, secret monster slayers, known as The Great Hunters, have been working with global leaders to police the border and to keep our world safe from the creatures that lurk in the shadows. But last night, something broke through, resulting in a mysterious mass killing in Montana, and causing things to shift in a way that will ripple through both worlds. Now it’s up to rookie monster hunter Henry Blackheart to stop it… For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Last fall, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Karla Medrano. By trade, Karla is a Nurse who spends her days and nights saving lives. But she's passionate about many things, including creative storytelling. After seeing the Black Panther film in 2018, Karla decided she had to stop keeping her creativity on the backburner and throw her hat into the ring. Thus, Luna: The Queen of Mahru was born.Since the breakout success of Luna, Karla has made it a constant practice to do all the things she feels called to. Together with Dr. Ebony Toussaint, she hosts the Ororo Comics Podcast, the show where health meets culture and culture meets comics. Last year, she headed up Digital Marketing efforts for the Epiphany Engine Kickstarter, earning her the title "Misty Knight of Marketing" from previous guest Joseph Illidge. She later packaged her knowledge and experience for a Comic Book Marketing course for creators.Check out this interview, finally being released from the vault, and be sure to follow Karla on Instagram to keep up with her day to day!  For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Hundreds of new comics come out every week. But it's not everyday that you come across someone trying to truly innovate in the Western Comics medium. Enter Matthew Medney. With a storied career including creative direction for Steve Aoki and creating custom comics for all sorts of major brands. His newest project, Gungnir Books feels like a much needed breath of fresh air for comics.Learn more at http://www.gungnirbooks.com For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Comics Are Dope will return soon. In the meantime, consider joining our community on Facebook or Discord for some great comics discussion! We'd love to see you there.  For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Today I'm recapping and saying thanks for an INCREDIBLE year. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

I recently got the chance to speak with All-Star writer Geoff Johns, and the only thing harder than keeping my composure in the conversation is trying to summarize it for the show notes. It's probably best you just listen. About Geoff Johns:Geoff Johns is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer, film and television producer, showrunner, and entrepreneur known for re-imagining superheroes and other iconic mythologies, past and present. Johns is best known for his work on properties such as Green Lantern, Aquaman, The Flash, Superman, Batman, Justice Society of America, and most recently, the creator-owned hit series GEIGER, currently being adapted for television at Paramount.Since the beginning of his creative career, Johns’ hallmark has been writing heroic and inclusive characters, including teenage hero Courtney Whitmore aka Stargirl, inspired by his real-life late sister; the Shazam Family, which he re-imagined into a diverse modern family of today; and the first Arab-American Green Lantern, Simon Baz, as well as the explosive multi-colored Lantern mythology that defined his decade-long bestselling Green Lantern run, among many, many others.Johns’ most recognized work in television is the critically acclaimed “Stargirl” series which he created and ran. Some of his film credits include “Wonder Woman” (executive producer), “Wonder Woman 1984” (also co-writer), “Aquaman” (also story) and “Shazam!” (executive producer), based on his graphic novel with longtime collaborator and modern legendary artist, Gary Frank.In 2023, Johns co-founded GHOST MACHINE, the first-of-its-kind creator-owned company. This groundbreaking collective includes some of the industry’s most legendary writers and artists, disrupting the old industry model by giving ownership to its creators, and paving the way for them to retain creative control and financial participation.Born in Detroit to a Lebanese father, Johns was honored with his own permanent section at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

After being plucked from the world of animation writing, Jeremy Adams has taken comics by storm! After several amazing yet underrated runs on The Flash, Green Lantern, and now Flash Gordon at Mad Cave Studios; he's set to level up even more with a brand new ongoing Aquaman series for DC Comics in January! The world is his oyster, and we are the pearls. Or are the residual checks pearls? Why is "the world is your Oyster" even a saying? Anyway, check out this interview. I know you'll love it.Follow All Things Jeremy Adams at https://www.spacekicker.com/ For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Today I'm joined by Peter Tomasi, Peter Snejberg and Francis Manapul as we celebrate the rollout of the Family Odysseys universe from Ghost Machine! The Rocketfellers #1 and Hornsby & Halo #1 are both out in comic shops everywhere right now! This episode is brought to you by GlobalComix. Get 30% off an annual Gold Pass at http://comicsaredope.com/global Want to talk comics with us all the time? Join us in the Comics Are Dope Community! Now available on two platforms: Facebook: http://bjkicks.link/ksquad Discord: http://bjkicks.link/discord Shop Comics Are Dope Merch: http://comicsaredope.com/shop For inexpensive comic recommendations, check out my Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/bjkicks For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

No one in comics has a career quite like Denys Cowan's. From studying at the feet of Neal Adams, to breaking out with his legendary run on The Question, and co-creating an entire universe of diverse superheroes with Milestone Media. Finally, all these achievements and more are being celebrated in a first of its kind art book, live on Kickstarter now. Today, I'm joined by the legend himself, along with author Michael Stradford as they talk about putting this enormous project together.Back the Campaign at http://comicsaredope.com/denyscowanartAbout Denys Cowan:Denys Cowan is an accomplished and celebrated comic and animation creator and illustrator. Founder of Milestone Media, which sold over 10 million copies of ground breaking comic books, Cowan has numerous credits to his name, including: Black Racer, Deathstroke, Black Lightning & Hong Kong Phooey, Batman: Lovers & Madmen, Blind Justice, Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers, The Question, Hardware, and Static.Static became one of the most beloved characters in the Milestone Universe, spawning a hugely successful animated series, Static Shock. During its run, the series was the only animated show not produced by Nickelodeon to dominate ratings. Denys directed and produced the series, which was nominated for an Emmy.As Senior Vice President of Animation at BET, Cowan was responsible for the creation, development and production of animated programming for the network. This included the development and production of the Black Panther animated series. Prior to his time at BET, Denys was instrumental in developing and Producing the first season of the prime time animated series, The Boondocks. Serving as Senior Vice President of Motown Animation and Filmworks, he created and developed a number of shows with Fox, ABC, Disney and Nickelodeon. Cowan also co-created the character of Henri Ducard, as played by Liam Neeson in Batman Begins.Cowan drew the cover art of the GZA/Genius of the Wu-Tang Clan’s platinum selling hip-hop album Liquid Swords. Denys illustrated the successful run of You Can’t Handle the Truth, a monthly full-page comic strip for Ebony magazine. More recently, Denys Cowan illustrated the Django Unchained graphic novel, which was inspired by the Oscar-winning film by Quentin Tarantino. Denys also created illustrated posters for Marvel’s Black Panther and John Wick 2.Among comic book readers and collaborators, Denys Cowan is the stuff of legend. Denys Cowan comic books have gone on to sell millions. Cowan remains a prolific creator, illustrator, and producer. He is the recipient of the Humanitas Award, and he has been nominated for a number Eisner awards throughout his illustrious career. Denys is also featured in Robert Kirkman’s “Secret History of Comics” in the episode titled “The Color of Comics” focusing on the history of Milestone Media.About Michael Stradford:Michael Stradford is a seasoned entertainment executive with a career spanning radio, music, and film. Starting as a radio announcer in the Midwest, he later programmed top stations like KKBT in Los Angeles. Stradford worked as a senior executive at Quincy Jones’ Qwest Records and later led Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s DVD Special Features department and original programming for Crackle.com. After producing award-winning content for Warner Bros. Pictures, he founded Gizmoe Press in 2023, channeling his lifelong passion for comic books into the successful crowdfunding of the graphic novel ‘Fargo: Hell on Wheels,’ set for release in 2024. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

The last time I had Joe Illidge on the show, I couldn't believe the secret he kept from us. He's writing The Shadow Cabinet! But now, just a week ahead of release, Joe is free to tell all. Well, all he can tell us without spoiling the first issue. Listen to hear why EVERY MOMENT MATTERED, and just what this new series means for the Dakota Universe.Back Graphic Samurai: The Art of Denys Cowan on Kickstarter here.About Joseph P. Illidge:Joseph started his editorial career at Milestone Media, Inc., the influential comic book publisher profiled in the MAX documentary “Milestone Generations”His groundbreaking editorial runs on the Batman line of comic books for DC Comics and Lion Forge’s “Catalyst Prime” superhero imprint featured in The Hollywood Reporter  reflect Joseph’s expertise in curating inclusive hero fiction.Profiled as one of the “Best Editors” in comics, Joseph was featured in the History Channel documentary series, “Superheroes Decoded”, discussing popular heroes from Superman to The Black Panther.Joseph is a member of the Board of Directors for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and the recipient of a Citation from the New York State Assembly for exemplary community service through career achievement. For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by artist Asia Simone! We talk about being inspired by animation, what she hopes to leave readers feeling from her work, and how she's balancing being a teacher with her pursuit of a career as an artist.About Asia: Asia Simone received her BFA in Illustration and minor in creative writing from the University of the Arts. She’s a digital artist whose love for animation and comics/manga can be seen in her work, including her newest graphic novel release, Marvel’s Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur: Wreck And Roll. Asia's goal is always to draw whimsically expressive characters and create stories and worlds that feel magical, whether contemporary or not. Her love for character acting can be seen in her co-illustrated middle-grade book, Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz. She uses vibrant colors, shapes, and light to express fantasy in reality and to showcase positive representations of underrepresented people and stories. With two books under her name, Asia continues to develop her sense of storytelling with personal comics and characters she continues to create. Keep up with her latest on IG: @asia_simone405 or Twitter: asiasimone405 For More from Comics Are Dope:Get This Week in Comics, our weekly e-mail newsletter: http://thisweekincomics.comSubscribe on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@comicsaredopeJoin our online Discussion Communities:Facebook - http://bjkicks.link/communityDiscord - http://bjkicks.link/discord