Another great conversation with yet another of Toronto's talented comic creators

Becka Kinzie is an accomplished cartoonist and freelance artist hailing from Ontario, Canada, where her vibrant creativity thrives. Her journey in the art world began with color flatting for numerous comic book artists, a role that allowed her to refine her skills and immerse herself in the dynamic realm of sequential art. However, it was in her spare moments that Becka truly flourished, channeling her passion into crafting her own unique comics and artwork. These personal projects became a canvas for her imagination, showcasing her distinctive style and storytelling prowess. As she honed her craft, Becka's talent garnered recognition, earning her a Joe Shuster Award!

Becka discusses winning the Gene Day Award, discovering horror movies and combining that love into the unique and darkly imaginative Gehenna: Death Valley!

A comics legend pops in to discuss his storied career.

Since the early 1980s, Stephen Grant has been a prominent figure in the comic book industry, gaining recognition for his work with Marvel Comics. Notable contributions include revitalizing characters like the Punisher and writing for titles such as Avengers, The Hulk, and The Defenders. Grant's creator-owned character, Whisper, debuted at Capital Comics in the 1980s, leading to her own ongoing series after being featured in First Adventures. He also wrote for titles like American Flagg! and Classics Illustrated during this time. At Dark Horse, Grant contributed to Comics' Greatest World, notably the series X. Transitioning to IDW Publishing, he worked on original comics featuring CSI characters and revisited Whisper in a one-shot for Boom! Studios. Additionally, Grant has penned novels for young adults under the pseudonym Frank W. Dixon and wrote the column "Permanent Damage" for Comic Book Resources since 2009.

Steven talks about working on Hardy Boys books, having his script turned into a movie and how Moon Knight's alter egos got their names!

André meets the man responsible for the book that inspired his favorite film!

Gary K. Wolf is a celebrated American writer renowned for his imaginative contributions to science fiction and fantasy. He gained fame with his novel "Who Censored Roger Rabbit?" later adapted into the iconic film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" Wolf's storytelling blends mystery, humor, and speculative fiction, captivating audiences with his unique narratives. With a diverse array of works, he continues to inspire readers and filmmakers worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling.

Gary discusses how his early creativity was hampered by a teacher, having his book read by The Pope and being on the set of the iconic film based on his novel.

A very cool artist who has some connections to past guests stops in to chat about his amazing work!

Dietrich O. Smith is a prolific comic book artist whose exceptional talent has graced the pages of industry giants such as Marvel, DC, Dynamite, Boom! Studios, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, Riot Games, and more. With a diverse portfolio spanning various genres and publishers, Smith has showcased his versatility and mastery of the medium through dynamic line work, and expansive character designs!

Dietrich talks meeting insane deadlines, working and animation and learning under some industry greats like Rob Liefeld and Jim Valentino!

This episodes guest is a man who has traversed several industries and made an indelible mark on each one.

Chuck Patton is a renowned comic book artist with a prolific career spanning several decades. His dynamic and expressive artwork has graced numerous titles across various genres, showcasing his versatility and skill. Patton is best known for his work on iconic superhero titles such as "Justice League of America" and "The Flash," where his distinctive style brought these characters to life with vivid detail and energy. In addition to his contributions to the comic book medium, Patton has also made a significant impact in the world of animation, lending his talents to projects such as "Spawn: The Animated Series" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." With a career defined by creativity and a commitment to excellence, Chuck Patton continues to be celebrated as a true visionary in the comic book and animation industries.

André and Chuck discuss working on the Spawn HBO series, leaving the comics world behind and how sometimes you just need to throw your hands in the air and say "That's Hollywood"

Our host speaks with the man he feels is responsible for one of the most disturbing scenes in comic book history!

Fred Van Lente is a distinguished name in the comic book industry, celebrated for his versatile talents as a writer, historian, and storyteller. With a career spanning over two decades, Van Lente has established himself as a prolific and innovative creator across various genres and mediums. He is best known for his work on titles such as "Action Philosophers!" and "The Incredible Hercules," showcasing his ability to blend humor, action, and intellect seamlessly. Van Lente's deep appreciation for history and storytelling shines through in his captivating narratives, which often explore complex themes with wit and depth. In addition to his creative pursuits, Van Lente is also a respected historian, having authored several non-fiction books exploring historical events and figures. His contributions to the comic book industry and beyond have earned him widespread acclaim and admiration from both readers and peers alike. Fred Van Lente continues to inspire audiences with his imaginative storytelling and unwavering passion for the craft.

Fred chats about the Cowboys vs Aliens , translating studying film into comics and his long run with Marvel Zombies!

André chats with the co-creator of Spider-Man Noir to learn about the in depth world of comic books journalism.

Fabrice Sapolsky is a highly regarded figure in the world of comic books, recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a writer, editor, and publisher. With a career spanning over two decades, Sapolsky has left an indelible mark on the industry through his innovative storytelling and unwavering passion for comics. He is best known for co-creating the acclaimed series "Spider-Man Noir," which reimagines the iconic Marvel superhero in a gritty, noir-inspired setting. Sapolsky's unique narrative vision and attention to detail have earned him widespread acclaim among readers and critics alike. In addition to his creative endeavors, Sapolsky has made significant strides as an editor, overseeing numerous projects that have shaped the landscape of modern comics. His dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive storytelling has established him as a trailblazer in the industry.

Fabrice discusses the way his character was altered in the Spider verse films. The importance of representation in comic books and running his own graphic novel company as a publisher!

In this episode our host chats with a comic book legend! A consummate workhorse whose iconic creation of his own series set the benchmark for achievement in independent comic books!

Erik Larsen is a renowned comic book creator known for his influential work in the industry. As a founding member of Image Comics, Larsen's iconic series "Savage Dragon" blends superhero action with humor and social commentary, showcasing his distinctive artistic style marked by bold lines and dynamic action. Beyond "Savage Dragon," Larsen has made significant contributions to other acclaimed series like "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "Doom Patrol." His impact extends beyond his creative work, as he has played a key role in shaping Image Comics as a publisher. Larsen's lasting legacy as a visionary in the comic book world is defined by his boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium.

He discusses early rejections, taking over for Todd McFarlance on Spider-Man for Marvel Comics and moving The Savage Dragon to Canada!

 André chats with virtual royalty when it comes to animation Bradley Rader!

An Emmy® Award–winning animation artist Brad has worked in the TV animation industry as a storyboard artist on various animated series including Rainbow Brite, The Littles, The Real Ghostbusters, ALF and ALF Tails, Batman: The Animated Series, Biker Mice from Mars, Gargoyles, Men in Black: The Series, The Legend of Tarzan, Atlantis: Milo’s Return, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Stripperella, King of the Hill, and Bob’s Burgers, among others.  He also worked as a comic artist and animation director.

André and Brad discuss growing up in Alaska, bouncing between working in comics and animation, having a Freudian analyst as a father and being openly gay in the arts industry during the 1980's.

We like to think André often connects in some way with all his guest but this chat certainly was one that came easy to our host!

J.K. Woodward started illustrating comics in 2003 and has worked on many titles including CSI NY, G.I. Joe Cobra, Star Trek Next Generation, BOOM! Studios Eureka, POE and Zombie Tales. When Peter David was re-launching his creator owned series Fallen Angel at IDW, J.K. was a natural choice for Peter's dark world of magic, violence and redemption. In 2008 his painted work caught the attention of Marvel who chose him to illustrate X-men Origins: The Beast, but his most recent work on Star Trek/Doctor Who: Assimilation brought his art to the masses.

André and J.K discuss the extra work required to paint a comic, the revival of unique album covers in Germany and how J.K was able to give Brent Spiner's trainer something Mr. Spiner never could!