Word Balloon Comics Podcast

In this in-depth conversation, writer and franchise caretaker Andrew E.C. Gaska joins John Siuntres to discuss his work revitalizing three of science fiction’s most enduring universes — Planet of the Apes, Buck Rogers, and Space: 1999.Gaska talks about balancing canon, continuity, and creativity as he builds connective tissue between classic stories and modern reimaginings. For Planet of the Apes, he explains how his novels Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes and Death of the Planet of the Apes expand the original film mythology, deepening the lore around the astronauts, the forbidden zone, and the political world of the apes. Turning to Buck Rogers, Gaska outlines his efforts to restore the franchise to its pulp and serial roots, steering away from camp and back toward the raw, forward-looking adventure of Philip Francis Nowlan’s original creation. He also teases his plans for reconnecting Buck’s 20th-century origins with a plausible 25th-century future.Finally, Gaska delves into Space: 1999, discussing his work on To Everything That Was and the Aftershock and Awe graphic novel, which translate the cult 1970s series into a coherent expanded universe. He breaks down the philosophical themes of isolation, humanity’s place in the cosmos, and the Cold War anxieties baked into the show’s DNA — and how he modernized them for today’s audience.The conversation highlights Gaska’s approach as both a fan and historian, preserving the essence of each franchise while giving it new life.

In this 2018 Word Balloon conversation, comedian, writer, and producer Dana Gould joins John Siuntres for a deep dive into his creative journey adapting Rod Serling’s original Planet of the Apes screenplay into a graphic novel for BOOM! Studios. Gould discusses how Serling’s early drafts differed from the final 1968 film — delving into the satire, social commentary, and Cold War paranoia that Serling originally intended.The interview also explores Gould’s other creative outlets, including his acclaimed “Dana Gould Hour” podcast, where his sharp wit and fascination with old Hollywood, horror, and pop culture shine through. Rounding out the discussion, Gould talks about his work on IFC’s Stan Against Evil — the offbeat supernatural comedy he created and starred in — and how it channels his lifelong love of classic horror and monster movies. It’s a lively, funny, and insightful chat with one of the sharpest minds blending comedy, commentary, and the weird corners of genre storytelling.

Allison give a writers room perspective on the failing of strange new worlds

In this in-depth conversation, legendary painter and storyteller Alex Ross takes listeners behind the curtain of some of his most ambitious and thought-provoking projects across DC, Marvel, and Dynamite.Ross begins with the haunting Batman: Black and White – Case Study, written by Paul Dini, a noir-style exploration of Bruce Wayne’s fractured psyche and the fine line between justice and obsession. He then turns to Avengers/Invaders, co-written with Jim Krueger, a modern-day saga where the original World War II Invaders are thrust into the present-day Marvel Universe. The time-displaced heroes clash with contemporary Avengers, forcing both eras to confront what it truly means to be a hero in vastly different moral landscapes.Next, Ross discusses JSA: Thy Kingdom Come, created with Geoff Johns, Dale Eaglesham, and Fernando Pasarin — a powerful spiritual sequel to Kingdom Come. The story brings the older, war-torn Superman of that alternate Earth into the mainstream DCU, confronting the Justice Society and reexamining faith, legacy, and the enduring cost of heroism.Finally, Ross reflects on his work at Dynamite Entertainment with Project Superpowers, where he and Jim Krueger resurrected and reimagined dozens of Golden Age public domain heroes — from the Green Lama to the Black Terror — breathing new mythic life into forgotten icons while exploring how timeless ideals can evolve for modern audiences.

In this episode of Word Balloon, cartoonist Dean Haspiel joins John to talk about his new Kickstarter anthology series, Antimatter — a collection spotlighting his signature creator-owned characters including Billy Dogma, The Red Hook, and Chest Face. Haspiel explains how Antimatter brings together stories from across his indie universe, blending love, heroism, and surreal New York energy.The conversation also detours into today’s entertainment landscape, as John and Dean swap thoughts on recent hits and misses in movie theaters and on TV, and what makes storytelling resonate in any medium.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/deanhaspiel/antimatter/?ref=kicktraq

Comics writer Jim Zub returns to Word Balloon to discuss his work on Conan the Barbarian #25 for Titan Comics, a milestone issue that celebrates both the Cimmerian’s legacy and the current Titan era of storytelling. Zub talks about honoring Robert E. Howard’s classic voice while keeping Conan fresh for modern readers, balancing sword-and-sorcery action with character depth. The conversation also dives into how this special issue bridges past and present creators, what makes Conan timeless, and how Titan’s publishing approach keeps the Barbarian’s adventures thriving for a new generation of fans.

In this 2013 Word Balloon conversation, artist Rags Morales discusses his pivotal work on Action Comics during DC Comics’ New 52 relaunch. Morales reflects on collaborating with writer Grant Morrison to redefine Superman for a new generation—depicting a younger, more grounded Man of Steel in his early years as a social crusader. The discussion explores the creative process behind redesigning the character’s look, the artistic challenges of working on such an iconic title, and how Action Comics helped set the tone for the New 52 era across the DC Universe.

This week on The Kinescope Podcast, John and the panel revisit the gripping 1957 Studio One production “The Night America Trembled.” Hosted by Edward R. Murrow and featuring a remarkable early cast — including Warren Beatty, Ed Asner, Warren Oates, James Coburn, and John Astin — the teleplay dramatizes the nationwide panic sparked by Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast. While the story amps up the hysteria for television, it remains a fascinating look at how a single night of radio blurred the line between fact and fiction for millions of listeners.

I embark on an off-ship solo mission to explore the first four episodes of Star Trek: Khan. The discussion dives into the heated fan debate over whether this Secret Hideout–produced audio drama truly belongs in Trek canon. Along the way, Me, Larry Young and memebers of the League weigh continuity questions, franchise history, and the larger implications of re-framing Khan’s story within modern Star Trek lore.

In this dark and thrilling episode, I sit down with comics legends Matt Wagner and Kelley Jones to talk about their gothic team-up on a new Dracula graphic novel series — a fresh, nightmarish take on the Lord of the Undead that blends Hammer horror, classic literature, and modern comics craft. We also dive deep into their iconic Batman work. Matt Wagner reflects on his acclaimed retellings of the Dark Knight’s formative years in Batman and the Monster Men and Batman and the Mad Monk, grounded updates of the original Detective Comics stories that shaped Gotham’s early shadows. Meanwhile, Kelley Jones revisits his unforgettable Batman: Red Rain, a horror-infused Elseworlds classic that reimagines Batman as a literal creature of the night — a vampire battling Dracula himself. Plus: Kelley’s eerie, emotional Deadman mini-series, their shared love of horror as mythmaking, and what it means to push iconic characters into darker, more psychological terrain. A must-listen for fans of Batman, monsters, and the art of gothic reinvention.

In this haunting episode of Scene Missing, we dive deep into Charles Laughton's singular directorial masterpiece, The Night of the Hunter (1955). From its expressionist visual style to Robert Mitchum’s chilling performance as the murderous preacher Harry Powell, we break down what makes this Southern Gothic thriller a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.We explore the film’s dreamlike atmosphere, the fairy tale overtones, and how it slipped through the cracks in its time — only to be recognized decades later as one of the most influential American films ever made. Join us as we unpack its themes of good vs. evil, childhood innocence, and religious hypocrisy, all framed by some of the most striking black-and-white cinematography ever put on screen.

On this episode, we're joined by legendary comics historian, animation writer, and pop culture expert Mark Evanier to discuss his latest project from Abrams Books: The Essential Peanuts Collection. This beautifully curated volume brings together decades of Charles Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strips, paired with insightful commentary and historical essays that spotlight the creative genius behind Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang. Mark reflects on Schulz’s artistic evolution, the cultural impact of Peanuts from the 1950s through the 2000s, and how the strip mirrored American life over five decades.With his encyclopedic knowledge of 20th-century media, Mark also shares behind-the-scenes stories from his own career in comics and animation, including his time with Jack Kirby, his TV work, and his long-standing role as a chronicler of comic book history. For more of Mark’s daily reflections on comics, entertainment, and pop culture past and present, visit his indispensable blog: NewsFromMe.com

On this episode of Word Balloon, I sit down with writer Chip Zdarsky to dig into his bold, current run on Captain America. Chip explains his vision for the Star-Spangled Avenger, including the introduction of a new Cap born in the wake of 9/11, during the years when Steve Rogers was still frozen in ice. We also dive into his celebrated DC work on Batman, where he created the relentless Failsafe, repositioned Vandal Savage as a core Gotham villain, and shook up the city’s status quo with a brand-new police commissioner.But that’s just the start—Chip and I explore his Marvel catalog as well, from the gritty, character-driven drama of Daredevil to the cosmic and family-centered Marvel Two-In-One with the Thing and the Human Torch. And of course, we talk about his creator-owned stories, where he continues to push boundaries and surprise readers with inventive, personal storytelling.

From February 2013, visionary animator Ralph Bakshi joined me to discuss his then-new project Last Days of Coney Island, now streaming on YouTube and Vimeo. The series marked Bakshi’s return to gritty 1960s New York, promising raw stories of police corruption, gangs, prostitution, and the decade’s disillusionment following the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy.Bakshi also teased potential new sequences for cult favorites like Wizards, Coonskin, and Heavy Traffic, including a long-imagined Wizards scene where the pacifist hero Peace halts a WWII German-style train full of captives. Bakshi shared candid updates on the rumored live-action remake of his 1983 fantasy Fire and Ice, co-created with Frank Frazetta. According to Bakshi, director Robert Rodriguez was eyeing a Sin City-style adaptation, aiming to begin shooting after wrapping Sin City 2.Along the way, Bakshi reflected on his groundbreaking career, from his early years at TerryToons to his enduring influence on animation. This conversation captures Bakshi at his fiery best—unfiltered, defiant, and still pushing boundaries.

Legendary writer John Ostrander takes us on a tour of his greatest comic book triumphs. From co-creating The Modern Suicide Squad—and later seeing his creations explode onto the big screen—to redefining The Spectre, reviving Heroes for Hire, and crafting the sweeping Western saga The Kents, Ostrander’s impact is undeniable.He also dives into his years shaping the Star Wars expanded universe, launching Grimjack and breaking new ground at First Comics. Beyond comics, Ostrander shares stories from his earlier life as an actor and playwright in Chicago, painting a vivid picture of a career that spans stages, panels, and galaxies far, far away.

A Conversation With The Creators of the new Time Traviling Audio Drama, and their Kickstarter Campaign.Hear the pilot now https://media.rss.com/cheating-history/feed.xmlhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheatinghistory/cheating-history-season-oneBios Of The Creators... Jennifer Sterner is a screenwriter and producer with a mix of academic and creative experience. she’s developed a manga for Seven Seas Entertainment, created the web series Searching for Eden, and wrote on the YouTube drama Apartment 30. She serves as Associate Chair of Screenwriting at the New York Film Academy, where she teaches courses on storytelling.Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir are a writing duo known for their acclaimed runs at Marvel and DC, as well as creator-owned projects like Skinwalker and Three Strikes from Oni Press. Beyond comics, they’ve brought their storytelling skills to television on HBO’s Arli$$ and serve as educators at the New York Film Academy, where they mentor aspiring writers.

In this exclusive Word Balloon conversation, I sit down with writer David Pepose to talk about his exciting new projects bringing back some of the most iconic heroes of all time. Pepose is tackling Speed Racer, Space Ghost, and Captain Planet, reimagining these classic characters for today’s audience while honoring the legacy that made them timeless.We dig into how he balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, the challenges of updating pulp and animated icons for modern readers, and what fans can expect from his bold takes on these beloved franchises. From high-octane racing to cosmic adventure and environmental heroism, Pepose shares his vision for breathing new life into these properties while keeping their heart intact. If you’re a fan of classic cartoons, Saturday morning heroes, or the modern comics scene, this interview is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and exciting teases of what’s to come.

On this episode of Scene Missing, I sit down with writer–artist and filmmaker Gabriel Hardman to dive into the legendary film and television work of Robert Redford. From his breakout charm in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to his understated power in The Way We Were , and his later turns as both actor and director, Redford has carved out a career that blends charisma, craft, and cultural impact. Gabriel and I share our personal favorite Redford performances and projects, looking at what made him such a timeless figure on screen—and why his influence still resonates in today’s Hollywood.

In this edition of the Word Balloon / Bendis Discord Book Club, we dive deep into 100 Bullets Vol. 1 by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. First published in 1999, this groundbreaking Vertigo series set a new standard for crime comics with its hard-boiled storytelling and stark, cinematic visuals.We break down the writing choices that made Azzarello’s scripts so sharp and dangerous, the noir-infused art style that Eduardo Risso brought to the page, and why this book still stands as one of the most influential titles of the late ’90s. Along the way, we share our own reviews, insights, and reactions to the characters, themes, and morality play at the heart of the story.Whether you’re discovering 100 Bullets for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, this discussion highlights why Vol. 1 remains such an essential piece of modern comics history.