Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Batman #1 — A New Era Begins with Matt Fraction pt 1 Sep 04, 2025

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In this exclusive conversation, Matt Fraction joins me to discuss the launch of Batman #1 and the beginning of his ambitious new run at DC Comics. Fraction pulls no punches as he talks about his bold reinterpretation of Gotham City and its darkest corners.
We dig into his surprising new take on Killer Croc, explore the emotional fallout of Batman’s ongoing struggle without Alfred, and break down the striking redesign of Gotham as a city under siege.
Fraction also teases the shocking status quo shift for Jim Gordon—demoted to beat cop—and how Vandal Savage has twisted his way into control of both the Gotham Police and the city itself.
This is the start of what promises to be a sweeping, character-driven saga that redefines the Dark Knight’s world from the ground up.

Superman, Infernal Hulk & Gotham’s Quiet Man — Phillip Kennedy Johnson Sep 03, 2025

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In this episode, I talk with writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson about his latest projects across Marvel and DC. We start with his run on The Incredible Hulk, exploring the dark, horror-driven arc that leads directly into the upcoming title change, Infernal Hulk.
From there, we turn to Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1, which continues the epic saga Johnson began in Warworld, bringing Superman’s story into bold new territory.
Finally, we preview next week’s release of Batman and Robin #25, featuring a new Penguin story and the debut of Gotham’s latest street-level menace — a mysterious new foe known only as The Quiet Man. It’s a deep dive into character, mythology, and the art of reshaping icons with one of today’s most ambitious superhero writers.

Expanding Atlantis: Eric Palicki’s Horror Adventure Returns Sep 02, 2025

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In this episode, I sit down with comic book writer Eric Palicki to talk about his latest Kickstarter project — a new edition of his horror-adventure Atlantis Isn’t Built for Tourists. Now reimagined as a digest-sized graphic novel, the collection includes the original story plus two brand-new tales expanding the world.
We also take a look back at Eric’s earlier creations, including Black’s Myth for Ahoy Comics, a sharp supernatural noir, and No Angel, his collaboration with his sister, actress Adrianne Palicki. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about horror, mythology, family, and the craft of building lasting indie comics.

“Brad Meltzer: Inside Identity Crisis and His Justice League Run” Sep 01, 2025

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In this 2006 conversation, bestselling author Brad Meltzer joins me fresh off the release of his political thriller The Book of Fate, which hit #1 on the New York Times list. We talk about how the novel’s mix of Washington intrigue, secret histories, and high-stakes drama reflects his passion for blending real-world politics with page-turning suspense.
On the comics side, Meltzer dives into his acclaimed runs at DC. He discusses his relaunch of Green Arrow, where he re-established Oliver Queen as a gritty, street-level hero, and shares insights into his landmark miniseries Identity Crisis — exploring the emotional cost of heroism and the risks of reshaping icons. We also preview his then-upcoming Justice League of America run, including the Red Tornado storyline that re-examines the soul and humanity of one of DC’s most underrated characters.
It’s a portrait of Brad Meltzer at a pivotal moment — redefining superheroes in comics while simultaneously cementing himself as one of the top thriller writers in prose.

From Gotham to the World: Rucka Reflects on Denny O’Neill’s Impact Aug 31, 2025

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After Denny O'Neill's passing in 2020 , I spoke with one of his comic book protoges Greg Rucka who discussed Denny's influences on his writing and on the whole DC line.

Peter David Marvel and Trek Aug 30, 2025

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From 2014, my only in depth interview with Peter, who discusses an upcoming seminar he did for the comics experience online school on writing. We talk about his Star Trek books, but also his Marvel work on Hulk Spider-Man and X-Factor

Star Trek Voyager Homecoming With The Bridges Aug 29, 2025

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Tilly and Susan Bridgess join me to discuss the new IDW Star Trek Voyager Mini Series that starts minutes after the final VOY episode. What happens next?

what was jim shooter really like Aug 28, 2025

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we know the folk stories about Jim Shooter. SEcret Wars, The Black Spider-man costume, tough editor, writing Superboy/Legion Of Superherpes stores at 14, but who was Jim Shooter, the man?
at terrificon's shooter tribute panel we assembled friends of Jim, to go beyond the legends to get some insight from the guys who worked with Shooter , and hung out with him socially
Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man) Al Milrom (Marvel Fanfare) Brett Breeding (Superman) and Walter Simonson (Thor)

Paul Cornell Builds Worlds: From Commando to Nessie to Comics’ Next Wave Aug 27, 2025

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In this wide-ranging talk, writer Paul Cornell dives into his latest projects and big-picture views on the worlds of comics and science fiction. We begin with his cheeky mystery Who Murdered Nessie?, then turn to his hard-hitting historical tale for Commando, exploring how he blends genre with grounded war storytelling.
Cornell also reveals details of his bold new comic book company Cosmic Lighthouse-in partnership with Comixology, where he’s recruiting acclaimed science fiction authors to create original comics set adjacent to their established universes—fresh stories that expand the imaginative space of their novels without being simple tie-ins. It’s a creator-driven initiative aimed at building bridges between prose and comics.
Of course, no conversation with Cornell would be complete without touching on Doctor Who and Star Trek. He shares his perspective on the futures of both franchises, the challenges of writing within their vast mythologies, and how fandom itself shapes their ongoing evolution. What emerges is a portrait of a creator restlessly innovating—whether he’s writing a mystery about Scotland’s most famous monster, reimagining World Wars through comics, or launching ambitious new publishing experiments that cross genres and mediums.

tv talk with the trek watch guys Aug 26, 2025

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strange new worlds peacemaker alien earth, the super hero box office results and more

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