The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Podcast

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist/writer/editor/designer RONALD WIMBERLY about his career and current work, including the new magazine LAAB, his webcomic/essay LIGHTEN UP, and his upcoming book SUNSET PARK. We discuss his inspirations, his thoughts on politics, art, and activism, and a dozen other fascinating tangents from one of the sharpest minds in comics.  TOPICS INCLUDE: Gekiga, Kreigstein, Zipatone, and BAD BRAINS.  The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with legendary publisher RON TURNER, starting with his early days as an activist, through the creation of foundational publishing house LAST GASP, the heyday of the Underground Comix movement, and a myriad of other topics from an amazing life. TOPICS INCLUDE: Amputation, Activism, Air Pirates, Ecology, and R. Crumb The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist.writer/editor SINA GRACE about his career and current work, including NOTHING LASTS FOREVER from Image Comics, and Marvel Comics' ICEMAN. We discuss his start in the industry, the various roles he has filled over the years, his creative process, and his approach to adult content. TOPICS INCLUDE: LONGSHOT, CHVRCHES, gentrification, and Jeffrey Brown  The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org NOTE: This episode contains language you will not hear on a prime-time network sitcom, and frank discussions of sex and sexuality.

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist R SIKORYAK about his latest book, THE UNQUOTABLE TRUMP, from Drawn & Quarterly. We discuss his career, his thoughts on activism, the variety of places he's been published, and the wide world of literature and comics he has managed to mush together, recontextualizing both in the process. TOPICS INCLUDE: Hostess Twinkies, X-Ray Specs, Picasso, and RAW. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist JEFFREY BROWN about his work, and the changes (and lack of changes) in his art and his interests over the years. We discuss as many aspects of his career as we could fit into 45 minutes, with is really just the tip of the iceberg. Brown is an enormously prolific artist, with a wide library including Clumsy, Unlikely, AEIOU (Any Easy Intimacy), Every Girl is the End of the World For Me, Little Things, Funny Misshapen Body, A Matter Of Life, Bighead, I Am Going To Be Small, Cat Getting Out Of A Bag, Kids Are Weird, and the series Incredible Change-bots. His career took a Lucas-y turn recently, with the immensely popular Darth Vader and Son, Vader's Little Princess, Goodnight, Darth Vader, Darth Vader and Friends, and three volumes in the Jedi Academy series. His current series is the wonderful Lucy and Andy Neanderthal. TOPICS INCLUDE: Autobiography, Bad Reviews, the Transformers, and being comics-typecast. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org    

In this episode, we speak with editor, publisher, writer, and translator ANNE ISHII about her current venture MASSIVE GOODS, and the world of gay manga. We discuss cultural differences with regards to erotica, gender politics, and pornography, niche subcultures, and take a diversion into our mutual love of the greatest Death Metal manga ever made. TOPICS INCLUDE: Yaoi/BL, Osamu Tezuka, Detroit Metal City FULL DISCLOSURE, this episode contains frank conversations about sex, sexuality, BDSM, sexual violence in literature, and pornography. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with writer MATTHEW ROSENBERG (We Can Never Go Hom, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank, Rocket Raccoon , Kingpin, 12 Reasons To Die) about his work, and the influence on his career of personal politics and activism. We discuss the early days of BLACK MASK STUDIOS, interacting with an angry audience, and maintaining nuance in politically divisive times. TOPICS INCLUDE: Raymond Chandler, OCCUPY COMICS, The NY Mets The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist and journalist SARAH GLIDDEN (ROLLING BLACKOUTS, HOW TO UNDERSTAND ISRAEL IN 60 DAYS OR LESS) about her work, and the evolution thereof. We discuss the process of becoming a journalist, and the role and responsibilities of reporters in the world. TOPICS INCLUDE: Birthright Trips, German Book Reviewers, Art School, Activism, Jill Stein The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist ED LUCE (WUVABLE OAF) about coming to comics from fine arts, educating a new generation, and life in the OAF-O-VERSE. We discuss his early inspirations, and how he has managed to find broad appeal with what was once considering niche content... TOPICS INCLUDE: Johnny Ryan, Shepard Fairey, Full Frontal Nudity, and Paper Dolls. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist GILBERT HERNANDEZ (LOVE & ROCKETS, BLUBBER) about his career, his work, and his early inspirations. We discuss reactions to his work and controversies therein, and his personal views on mature content in comics and elsewhere. TOPICS INCLUDE: HEAVY METAL, Steve Ditko, Katy Perry, Grindhouse cinema, CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org   ADDENDUM: Two corrections. Mr. Hernandez would like to clarify that Ditko wasn't offered $200 a page at Charlton, but $20 a page to do whatever he wanted. He also mistated Katy Perry, rather than Brittany Spears.

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist and writer KATIE SKELLY (NURSE NURSE, OPERATION MARGARINE, MY PRETTY VAMPIRE) about two classic European comic creators; Guido Crepax and Milo Manara. Katie discusses the craft, context, and legacy of these two masters of erotica (and more). TOPICS INCLUDE: Jeff Koons, Fellini, Frank King, Bondage (Full disclosure, explicit content discussed at length.)    The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak with author CHUCK PALAHNIUK (FIGHT CLUB, FIGHT CLUB 2, CHOKE), who has just completed writing FIGHT CLUB 2, as a graphic novel, with artist Cameron Stewart. TOPICS: Kolchak the Night Stalker, EC Comics, radiation poisoning, and more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, CBLDF Editorial director BETSY GOMEZ talks with artist BRIAN STELFREEZE (BLACK PANTHER, DAY MEN), hot off the launch of the what is likely the year's biggest release, the new BLACK PANTHER series from Marvel Comics with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. TOPICS: Blaxploitation, self-censorship, costume design, and more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we are LIVE from Charm City! CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox talks with Vivek Tiwary (THE FIFTH BEATLE), Ron Marz (WITCHBLADE, GREEN LANTERN, SILVER SURFER), and Dirk Wood (IDW PUBLISHING) in a thrilling conversation! TOPICS: KISS, Mutant Turtles who are Teenage Ninjas, Diversity and Representation, Comic Book Rockstars, Marriage Equality, PINK FLOYD, and a STAR WARS ring-tone! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, CBLDF Editorial Director Betsy Gomez speaks to cartoonist Raina Telegemeier (DRAMA, SMILE, SISTERS) and CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox talks with ARCHIE COMICS Senior VP of Publicity and Marketing, Alex Segura. TOPICS: Kevin Keller, Libraries, PREDATOR, Wally West, Film Noir, Orthodontary. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

Join the CBLDF Staff for a quick preview of everything happening at COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL 2015, in San Diego, from July 8th to July 12th! IDW Editor Sarah Gaydos also joins us to discuss a Very Special Variant Cover! More information can be found at cbldf.org!

In this episode, CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein speaks to Image Comics Publisher (and author of NOWHERE MEN, and THEY'RE NOT LIKE US) Eric Stephenson. The writing process, influences, views on censorship and free expression, and Eric's personal history ion the comics industry are all discussed. TOPICS: being offended, being offensive, bawdy humor, satire, the Beatles, breastfeeding, and more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we come to you from Seattle, Washington, with a live recording from Emerald City Comic Con! Our panel includes Josh Fialkov (ELK'S RUN, PUNKS, THE BUNKER, ULTIMATE FF), Ed Luce (WUVABLE OAF), and IDW Publishing's VP of Marketing, Dirk Wood. We discuss: Libraries, Chest Hair, The Kroll Show, Gengoroh Tagame, PALESTINE, and much more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak to author and CBLDF Advisory Board Co-Chair (as well as CBLDF Board of Directors Alumni) NEIL GAIMAN. Neil is one of the most popular authors working today, a ground-breaking graphic novelist, a humanitarian deeply involved in multiple charitable projects, and a winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards, as well as the Newbery and Carnegie medals. He has been a tireless voice for free expression over the years, and is one of the most passionate voices in the literary world when it comes to fighting censorship. We discuss: Charlie Hebdo, British Censorship, Libraries, Icky Speech, and much more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. Books (and other items) signed by Mr. Gaiman can be found at http://cbldf.myshopify.com/collections/neil-gaiman, available to support the work of the CBLDF. More information can be found at cbldf.org

In this episode, we speak to Brian Heater; journalist, podcaster, comic critic, and all-around Big Thinker when it comes to comics, comic art, and the comic industry. Check out Brian's regular podcast, RIYL,  at http://riylcast.tumblr.com/ We discuss: THE SCULPTOR, Roz Chast, CHARLIE HEBDO, tablets, Raina Telgemeier, comics journalism, and much more. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbldf.org