Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is Star Trek Khan Canon Oct 04, 2025

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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.

Dracula Batman, Deadman Kelley Jones and Matt Wagne Oct 03, 2025

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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.

scene missing the night of the hunter Oct 02, 2025

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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.

Unpacking Peanuts With Mark Evanier Oct 01, 2025

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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

Chip Zdarsky on Captain America, Batman and Beyond Sep 30, 2025

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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.

Ralph Bakshi Unfinished Animation Classics Sep 29, 2025

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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.

Untold Stories of John Ostrander Suicide Squad Grimjack Star Wars Sep 28, 2025

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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.

Cheating History Podcast Drama Time Travel Thrills Sep 27, 2025

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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.xml
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheatinghistory/cheating-history-season-one
Bios 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.

Go Speed Racer With David Pepose Sep 26, 2025

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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.

Scene Missing: The Robert Redford Files Sep 25, 2025

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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.

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