Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Steve Niles New Frights On The Way Jun 19, 2026

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Steve Niles has spent decades redefining horror comics, from 30 Days of Night and Criminal Macabre to a long list of stories that brought genuine scares back to the medium. Today, Steve returns to Word Balloon to talk about two exciting new projects that showcase both sides of his storytelling talents.
First, we discuss Heartbreak Manor, his new graphic novel with artist Damien Worm, currently seeking support through crowdfunding. We'll talk about the origins of the project, the unique blend of horror and emotion at its core, and why Damien's atmospheric artwork makes him the perfect collaborator for the story.
We also look ahead to a new prose collection featuring one of Steve's signature creations, supernatural detective Cal McDonald. For years, Cal has battled monsters, demons, and the darkest corners of the paranormal world in comics and prose alike. Steve shares what's in store for the latest collection and why he continues to be drawn back to the troubled investigator and his haunted world.

Absolute Jeff Lemire-Flash Firestorm JSA and more Jun 18, 2026

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WB Playhouse Stacked Deck Vincent Price Jun 17, 2026

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Welcome to Word Balloon Playhouse: Western Edition. Where through the magic of audio editing, I get to act with some of my favorite film stars in a short scene.
Today we present Stacked Deck, starring Vincent Price. Price plays a smooth-talking gambler who arrives in town with a winning smile, a quick wit, and a reputation that makes honest men nervous. But when the stakes rise and tempers flare, the question becomes whether he's simply the luckiest card player in the territory,or if he's got a little more up his sleeve than a hidden ace.

Kelly Thompson Absolute Wonder Woman Buffy and Jeff Jun 16, 2026

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Along with the obvious detail about her Absoulute Wonder Woman run, Kelly previews her Buffy Angel cooks coming for Dynamite, a new Jeff Summer Special in July, and a lot about soap operas

The Secrets Of Lex Luthor By Eliot S! Maggin Jun 14, 2026

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Maggin has rleased his 3rd superman universe novel Lex Corp, a first person narritive of Luthor telling his own story. Now He also is reading the book chapet by chapter as a free weekly podcast. You can also hera him read his ast Son Of Krypton and Miracle Monday books as well.

Jacob Edgar Talks Rocketeer and The Ones Jun 13, 2026

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Artist Jacob Edgar has a cartoony style that evokes the work Bruce Timm. We talk about his worl with Bendis on The Ones for Dark Horse and The Rocketeer : The Island With John Layman for IDW

The Punisher and DC Westerns With Jimmy Palmiotti Jun 12, 2026

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Jimmy Palmiotti has worn just about every hat in comics, artist, writer, editor, publisher, and creator, but today we're focusing on some of the stories that have defined his career and some exciting new work hitting shelves right now.
Jimmy joins us to talk about his latest return to Marvel's hardest-edged vigilante in the new Punisher miniseries with artist Dan Panosian. We'll discuss Frank Castle's latest mission, the collaboration with Dan, and what makes the Punisher such a compelling character decades after his debut. We'll also dive into Jimmy's Daredevil/Punisher crossover series, bringing together two heroes whose ideas of justice couldn't be more different.
Then we'll look back at one of Jimmy's most celebrated runs, his long partnership with Justin Gray on Jonah Hex and All-Star Western. From weird western adventures and horror stories to the streets of Gotham in the Old West, those books helped redefine what a western comic could be and remain fan favorites to this day.
And we'll wrap up with Denver, the acclaimed creator-owned graphic novel from Jimmy and Justin Gray that's now back in print through Mad Cave Studios. We'll talk about revisiting the book, why its themes still resonate, and what it means to see a new generation of readers discover the story.

Masters Of The Universe With Tim Sheridan Jun 11, 2026

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Tim Sheridan is back with a tie-in MOTU Dark Horse Mini series

Mike Reiss The Simpsons and other misadventures Jun 10, 2026

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One of the cornerstone creators on The Simpsons and Co-Creator Of The Critic Mike Reiss is back !
He has a new travel book Bad Trips which is collection of his Substack essays about his trips to some of the scariest ports of call. From Iran and Iraq to The Ill Fated Titanic Submarine Tours.
He scares us with tales of ABBA , the best food in the worst country, lots of Simpson and Johnny Carson TV writing tales, and more.

The Origin Of CBR With Jonah Weiland Jun 09, 2026

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For nearly three decades, Comic Book Resources was one of the most influential destinations in comics journalism. What began as a fan-driven website in the mid-1990s grew into a daily stop for comic book news, creator interviews, reviews, industry rumors, and commentary, helping shape the way fans followed the business and culture of comics online.
Today we're talking with the man who started it all, Jonah Weiland. We'll go back to the early days of the internet, when comics fandom was finding its voice online, and discuss how CBR evolved from a labor of love into one of the most recognized comic book media brands in the world. We'll talk about the site's groundbreaking columns, its relationships with publishers and creators, the challenges of covering an ever-changing industry, and what it was like building a digital comics community long before social media existed.
But Jonah's story doesn't end with CBR. He also spent time at DC Comics working in publicity, giving him a unique perspective from both sides of the comics media landscape. We'll discuss that chapter of his career, what he learned promoting some of the industry's biggest projects, and how the business of comics has changed over the years.
These days Jonah has turned his attention to the stage as an actor and playwright. We'll talk about his creative journey beyond comics and his latest play, Coffee Date, currently being performed at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

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