Episode 78: Fred Van Lente
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!
Episode 77: Fabrice Sapolsky
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!
Episode 76: Erik Larsen
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!
Episode 75: Bradley Rader
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.
Episode 74: J.K. Woodward
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!
Episode 73: Mike Carlin
The Death of Superman was an event that rocked the comics world so hard the reverberations are still being felt to this day! On this episode we speak with the editor for Superman comics at that time and the man who made it possible!
Mike Carlin started out in the business at DC Comics as a high school intern in 1974 and was later hired by Marvel Comics as a writer and artist on Crazy Magazine. Rising to the rank of Editor for Marvel he eventually moved to DC comics where he oversaw the Superman Family of titles and then went on to be Creative Director of their Animation division before retiring in 2023.
Mike discusses being introduced to comics by his mother an avid Superman and EC horror fan, His friendship with Marc Gruenwald, Working with John Byrne and the pure insanity that was the media storm when his creative team decided to kill The Man of Steel.
Episode 72: Craig Miller
Two of André's worlds collide in one interview...marketing and movies!
Craig Miller is a well-known and respected writer/producer with over 200 credits. He has worked in live-action and animation, written scripts, developed series, pitched to studios and networks, produced, cast, approved storyboards, character designs, and animation – the entire gamut of what goes into creating, selling, and producing a TV series.
Craig talks about coming to movie marketing through conventions. A grassroots approach to getting eyes on films, transitioning into writing for animation and shares some amazing stories about many of the cult films he worked with!
Episode 71: Paris Alleyne
André once again dips into the extremely talented pool that is the Toronto based comic art scene to chat with a talented and vibrant creator!
Paris Alleyne is a Toronto-based comic-book artist. He has done work as a colourist for Ninja Turtle, Ghostbuster, GI Joe, Captain Canuck, and Riftworld comics. His art has appeared in Marvel, DC, IDW, Chapterhouse, Black Comix Returns and his own independent Haven comics.
Paris speaks about noticing the power of art in comics with an unconventional Superman story, why art was always his end goal and how important it was to him to carve his own path as an artist aside from his work as a colourist.
Episode 70: Rich Woodall
The world of alternate covers is a rich and vast one and on this episode we speak with a man who navigates it well!
Rich Woodall is best known for his creator owned books Johnny Raygun, Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl, Zombie Bomb, and The Electric Black. Rich's work can also be seen in the Savage Dragon, Invincible, Atomic Robo, and several sketch cards series from Upper Deck, Topps, and Rittenhouse Archives.
Rich discusses how comics gave him a sense of home as he traveled a lot growing up. Getting an unlikely start working for Fruit of the Loom and returning to his first love comic books and finding a sense of home once again.
Episode 69: Michael T. Gilbert
Mr. Monster has been an enduring figure in the minds of many comic fans our host included! André chats with the creator of that iconic figure Michael T. Gilbert!
Michael’s stories have been featured in Heavy Metal, Slow Death, Star*Reach, Quack!, Batman, The Spirit and Walt Disney’s Comics & Stories and American Splendor. Over the years he’s written or drawn comics starring Superman, Batman, Dr. Strange, Elric, The Simpsons, SpongeBob and the Disney characters. But Michael’s signature creation remains his fearless monster-fighting superhero, Doc Stearn … Mr. Monster! Mr. Monster celebrates his 40th birthday in 2024 with new Mr. Monster stories appearing in Dark Horse Presents.
The two talk about Michael's breaking into comics with Craig P. Russell and bonding over a love of Steve Ditko. Discovering sword and sorcery comics while working on Elric, breaking into Marvel Comics and a beautiful tribute to his premiere creation Mr. Monster coming hopefully in 2024!