Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Shades Of Batman from the 60s to the 2000s Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

"This is Word Balloon — the comic book conversation show. Today, we take a journey through the shadows of Gotham, guided by some of the greatest creative minds to ever leave their mark on the Dark Knight. From the revolutionary work of Neal Adams, whose dynamic art redefined Batman for a generation, to the gripping noir of Steve Englehart, who helped bring the Caped Crusader back to his pulp roots in the 1970s. We also remember the late Martin ‘Marty’ Pasko, not only a Bronze Age Batman writer, but also the story editor behind Batman: The Animated Series — the groundbreaking FOX Kids cartoon that raised the bar for superhero storytelling on television. And finally, we talk with Jeph Loeb, the screenwriter-turned-comics powerhouse behind the best-selling modern classics Hush and Hush Returns, collaborations that reshaped Batman for the 2000s. It’s a celebration of four generations of creators who each helped shape the legend of the Batman — in the comics, on TV, and beyond. This is a Gotham deep dive you won’t want to miss.

Crime comics and upcoming TV from Christopher Cantwell pt 2 Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Word Balloon for Part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed TV writer and comic book master Christopher Cantwell.
In this episode, we spotlight two of his exciting new creator-owned projects: Out of Alcatraz from Oni Press, co-created with artist Tyler Crook — a haunting, genre-bending tale set in the shadow of the infamous prison — and Kid Maroon from Vault Comics, a twisted noir adventure brought to life with co-creator Victor Santos.
We also get a sneak peek at Chris’s upcoming work on seson 3 of the AMC+ horror anthology The Terror, where he’s helping shape a chilling new chapter in one of TV’s most underrated series. It’s creator-owned comics, serialized horror, and sharp storytelling — all in Part 2 of our deep dive with Christopher Cantwell, right now on Word Balloon.

Marvel DC and Star Trek with Christopher Cantwell pt 1 Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

Today on Word Balloon, I'm joined by acclaimed TV writer and comic book creator Christopher Cantwell. You know him as the co-creator of AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, but today we’re diving into his latest project: the brand-new IDW Star Trek series, Redshirts — a sharp, subversive take on the classic Trek trope that finally gives the most expendable crew members their due. We also explore his standout Marvel runs, including a definitive modern take on Iron Man, the psychological complexity of Doctor Doom, and the gritty crime world of Golden Goblin. Plus, we get into his recent DC Comics work, where he brings the Challengers of the Unknown back into the spotlight in a wild miniseries featuring the Justice League. From Trek casulties to the far corners of the DC and Marvel multiverses — it’s all coming up today on Word Balloon. Part 2 follows

Steve Orlando Talks Supergirl Apollo Midnighter JLA and More Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

This episode is a special Pride Month encore from 2016—my very first conversation with writer Steve Orlando. Steve joined me back then to talk about his new BOOM! Studios book Namesake, a bold sci-fi adventure about a gay fireman who crosses into an alternate dimension to bury his fathers—and uncover the truth about his identity and past.
We also dove into Steve’s impactful work in the DC Universe, including Supergirl, Midnighter & Apollo, and his ambitious plans for the then-upcoming Justice League of America launch in January.
It’s a great time capsule of Steve’s early rise—and the kind of inclusive storytelling he’s continued to champion ever since. Let’s rewind to 2016 and celebrate Pride with Steve Orlando.

Robbie Thompson writing heroes for comics and TV Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Robbie covers a lot of ground talking his comics books for Marvel like Spider-Man Deadpool DR Strange and for DC Suicide Squad and more.
He's also got 2 IDW projects out Sin Bin a Hockey Player Father and his teen daughter go deamon hunting, and the Star Trek Strange New Worlds Comic starting in Auguest.
Speaking of Tek Robbie is on the writing staff of Strange New Worlds upcoming seasons 4 and 5 .
We alos discuss his tv work on Supernatural and the forgotten NBC Superhero series THE CAPE

Scene Missing Alexander Nevsky The Wide West Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to a Scene Missing edition of The Word Balloon Podcast! I’m John Siuntres, and today Gabriel Hardman and I are diving into the dusty trails of indie cinema with action star and filmmaker Alexander Nevsky, joined by his co-star Nick Balle, to talk about their new western, The Wide West, now streaming free on Xumo Play.
This isn’t your typical shoot-’em-up. The Wide West is inspired by a real historical event from 1907, when Japanese sumo wrestlers met President Theodore Roosevelt in a diplomatic exhibition—a forgotten slice of international history that sparks the film’s wild premise.
Even better? The movie features real sumo wrestlers bringing raw physicality and authenticity to the screen. We talk about the real-life origins, the challenges of mixing action and historical fiction, and what it takes to make a western in the 21st century with indie muscle and global ambition. It’s a showdown you didn’t see coming—this is The Wide West on Word Balloon.

Talking Trek Toons DC and More With Tim Sheridan Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Tim is back to discuss his Eisner nomination of his Alan Scott Green Lantern min series and the closeted life of a Gay Superhero in 1940s america. We also discuss his current run on IDW's Star Trek Lower Decks series his work on DC animated films about Superman Batman and DC Army heroes like the losers and Sgt Rock.

Canvas Classics With Boxing Historian Bill Dettloff Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to The Big Bout Podcast—part of the Word Balloon Network.Today we’re going ringside with one of the best boxing minds in the game—historian and author William Dettloff. We’re digging into the treasure trove of vintage fights now streaming on YouTube, reliving the glory days of the ring with expert insight and behind-the-scenes context you won’t find anywhere else. From underappreciated classics to legendary brawls, we’re throwing it back and breaking it down. Then, we shift gears and look ahead—previewing the big matchups on the horizon, from rising stars to long-awaited grudge matches, and what fight fans should be watching for in the coming months. So lace up—The Big Bout starts now.

TV and Movie Talk With The Trek Watch Guys Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

Lots of TV and film talk including a talk about the limits of streaming, where physical media will be in the future, and much more

WB 20 Superheroes A Never Ending Battle Doc 2012 Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

A 2012 interview with the producers of the 6 hour pbs documentary series Superheroes The Never Ending Battle . This documentary series features many legendary creators who thankfully were still alivbe to talk about their creations Joe Kubert (Hawkman) Joe Simon (Captain America) Jerry Robinson (Robin, The Joker) Stan Lee Neal Adams and countless more

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected