Best Hoopla Digital Podcasts (2025)

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Inside Hoopla: How Digital Comics Reach Your Library with Catherine Zappa, VP of Digital Acquisition at Hoopla Digital 56:32

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30d ago56:32

56:32

Hoopla gives readers free access to THOUSANDS of digital comics, manga, and graphic novels from publishers like Marvel, DC, Image, and more—all with just a library card. Catherine Zappa, VP of Digital Acquisition at Hoopla Digital, joins the show to share how comics make it onto the platform, the latest in digital reading trends, new features like …

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Patreon Unlocked - Deadpool vs Batman Review, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Drew's Farewell to Duval 41:37

2d ago41:37

41:37

This episode was originally released on Patreon last month, but now everyone gets to hear it! This episode (S.F.P. Ep. 33 for those keeping count) was recorded just a few hours before Drew left for Denver! We were inspired by a recent fan mail to get one more recording done before Drew took off (shout-out T Mixx!). In this episode, we talk about ev…

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The Straight Download About the Straight Download Podcast 0:30

6d ago0:30

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The Straight Download Podcast isn’t exactly LeVar Burton Reads or The NYT Book Review Podcast. And it’s definitely not Joe Rogan asking authors if they believe in aliens. But if you’re into libraries, digital strategy, and practical ideas that actually help them connect with and serve their communities—you might find it worth a listen. Check out th…

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Episode 6: The Straight Download on Reclaiming Control of Your Digital Library 26:18

7d ago26:18

26:18

Libraries are grappling with shrinking catalogs, rising license costs, and unsustainable holds. Ann Ford and Jeff Jankowski share how libraries can regain control through smarter budgeting, streamlined operations, and stronger patron engagement.By Hoopla Digital

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Coy Jandreau Reads Comics For A Living: An interview about DC Studios, Batman, and being a professional fanboy 1:22:53

9d ago1:22:53

1:22:53

Professional comic book enthusiast and talk show host, Coy Jandreau, joins the Short Box to talk about working on shows like DC Studios Showcase, and hosting the DC High Volume: Batman podcast. Coy also reveals that he reads about 70 comic books a week! Which prompts a deep dive into some of his favorite comics and a discussion about the Deadpool/ …

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SBX Classic: Interview with League of Comic Geeks Founder, Jordan Blanco 55:49

16d ago55:49

55:49

This episode was originally released in April 2022, as Ep. 356 Jordan Blanco is the creator of the ultimate social network for comic book fans: League of Comic Geeks. The platform helps collectors discover and discuss comics, organize their collections, and more. Jordan talks with me about the origin of the League, and how he's helping improve the …

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Catching up with Cesar: Comic Shop Haul Recap, Moebius Appreciation, and Comic Collecting For Dads 58:32

23d ago58:32

58:32

This episode was originally intended to be a Patreon exclusive episode, but it's been a while since Cesar joined the show, so here it is for everyone to enjoy! Cesar and I made a day trip to visit Cosmic Comics' new location, and hopped on the mics afterwards to talk about the comics we picked up (check out pictures of the haul, HERE). We also disc…

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Episode 5: The Straight Download About Smarter Library Decisions Through Data-Driven Tools 24:00

1M ago24:00

24:00

In this episode, we continue exploring how libraries can use data to drive impact. Our guest, Michael Holton, Vice President of Product Management at Hoopla, shares how tools like Enhanced Circulation Reporting and the Patron Growth Report help libraries make smarter decisions and better understand patron behavior. Tune in to discover how these inn…

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Fred Van Lente celebrates Jack Kirby's Birthday, and talks comic book history and new Die!namite series 1:04:52

1M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Six-time New York Times bestselling comics' writer, novelist, and playwright: Fred Van Lente, joins the show to talk about Jack Kirby, writing educational comics like Action Philosophers, the success of the YA graphic novel market, writing Archer & Armstrong, Marvel Zombies, Incredible Hercules, getting his own holiday (Fred Van Lente Day), and tal…

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Kyle Starks Knows Where The Monsters Lie: An Interview About Horror Comics, Peacemaker, and Kickstarter success 1:32:30

1M ago1:32:30

1:32:30

3x Eisner Nominated comic creator, Kyle Starks (Rick & Morty, Peacemaker Tries Hard, I Hate This Place), joins the show to talk about the new projects he's working on (Where the Monsters Lie: Dead End and Devil on My Shoulder), horror comics, the keys to a successful Kickstarter campaign, Peacemaker, his favorite C-list characters, tips for promoti…

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SBX CLASSIC: NYCC 2023 Panel: The Awesome Power of Comic Book Podcasts ft. Comic Book Couples Counseling and The Oblivion Bar podcasts, and Troy Jeffrey-Allen 59:20

2M ago59:20

59:20

Are you attending NYCC this year? If so, come join us for a LIVE COMIC BOOK CROSSOVER SHOW on Friday, October 10th at 12:45 PM at Javits Center, Room 1C03. The panel will ft. Badr, along with the hosts of the Comic Couples Counseling, The Oblivion Bar, and Off-Panel podcasts, talking about the best comics of the year so far! In celebration of said …

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Inside the Art of Mike Del Mundo: An Interview about Marvel Comics and Hip-Hop 1:19:46

2M ago1:19:46

1:19:46

Award-winning Marvel cover artist: Mike Del Mundo stops by the show to talk about his brand-new book: The Marvel Art of Mike Del Mundo. We talk about landing his first gig with Marvel after impressing editor C.B. Cebulski in 2010, collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights like Freddie Gibbs on Alfredo 2, creating legendary Marvel Hip-Hop Variant cove…

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Podcast Promo 0:30

2M ago0:30

0:30

Regarding digital publishing, there’s a great deal of chatter out there—unfortunately, most of it is inaccurate. If you're interested in hearing what’s truly happening within the industry, check out The Straight Download, hosted by Jeff Jankowski, Hoopla Founder and President, and Ann Ford, VP of Hoopla Sales and Support.…

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Episode 4: The Straight Download About Data, KPIs, & Evolving Library Strategy 22:28

2M ago22:28

22:28

In this episode, we explore why libraries need better KPIs to measure digital success and how traditional metrics like checkouts and door counts fall short. We discuss shifting focus toward community reach, engagement, and retention—while examining the impact of power users on usage data.By Hoopla Digital

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Catching up with Walt: Fantastic Four & Superman Movie reviews, Comic Book Kickstarters, and Is Real Hip-Hop back?! 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

This episode was originally released last week, exclusively for our Patreon subscribers (aka the Patronies!), but since I've been busy with Jax Podcast Camp for the last two weeks, here it is for everyone to enjoy! Everyone's favorite big homie, Walter Gant, and I jumped on the phone to talk about both Fantastic Four and Superman movies (SPOILER WA…

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Jeff Lemire Tells The Story Of Jeff Lemire: An Interview About 10,000 Ink Stains, Unreleased Projects, and Breaking Into Comics 1:03:42

3M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, Essex County, Green Arrow, Moon Knight) is on the podcast to talk about his new graphic memoir: 10,000 Ink Stains, a hardcover memoir collection which features a ton of essays, never-before-seen process material, and unpublished artwork. We discuss how the book came together, personal highlights from his long career in com…

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The Big Blue Boy Scout Returns! James Gunn's 'Superman': Movie Review and Breakdown 1:04:33

3M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

The Short Box Podcast: A Comic Book Talk Show - Ep. 466: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's a new Short Box Pod! Before making our way to First Coast Comic Con, Drew and I recorded a spoiler-filled review and breakdown of James Gunn's 'Superman' movie. SPOILER WARNING: We discussed everything from our favorite characters, stan…

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Jimmy Palmiotti And Amanda Conner Are Comics' Favorite Power Couple: An Interview About Marriage, Comic Con Life, And Harley Quinn 1:14:57

3M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

The Short Box Podcast: A Comic Book Talk Show - Ep. 465: Married couple and comic book icons: Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner join the show to talk about their life together as full-time comic creators, behind-the-scenes stories from cons, how therapy shaped their storytelling, meeting the real life Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and how they bala…

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Episode 3: The Straight Download About Utilization Rates 19:13

3M ago19:13

19:13

Ann and Jeff take a closer look at the utilization of the licenses being purchased by libraries—focusing on how utilization is measured, some of the factors that influence it, and the return on investment across different types of licenses. What are the hosts reading? Jeff is diving into the intrigue of Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, while…

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A Live Comic Podcast Crossover Event: The Short Box meets Comics Are Dope meets Cosmic Lion Productions at Heroes Con 2025 58:33

3M ago58:33

58:33

THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED AT HEROES CON 2025 The Short Box Podcast: A Comic Book Talk Show Ep. 464: Badr, BJ Kicks (Comics Are Dope), and Eli Schwab (Cosmic Lion Productions) meet IRL for the first time, in the most comic podcast way possible: At Heroes Con 2025, on a panel together talking about the year in comics so far. The trio discuss their fa…

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Promo: The Straight Download About Utilization Rates (Episode available 7/7/25) 0:30

3M ago0:30

0:30

In Episode 3 of The Straight Download Podcast, we explore a critical question: Are libraries getting their money’s worth from digital content licenses?By Hoopla Digital

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Heroes Con 2025 Through The Eyes Of First-Timers w/ Brad and Lisa Gullickson of Comic Book Couples Counseling Podcast 53:07

4M ago53:07

53:07

This episode was recorded at Heroes Con 2025! Brad & Lisa Gullickson, hosts of the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast, found time away from the busy convention floor to join me to talk about their first time experiencing Heroes Con. We discussed everything from the people we met, the art and merch we saw, the comics we found, white whale intervi…

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Mark Spears Turned Rejection Into a Horror Hit: From Monsters to McFarlane 1:20:56

4M ago1:20:56

1:20:56

Mark Spears, the artist behind the breakout horror hit: MARK SPEARS MONSTERS, joins The Short Box to talk about his rise from rejection to recognition. He unpacks the eerie origins of MONSTERS, and his early journey of trying to break into comics, as well as the cult-favorite (and sold-out!) MONSTERS trading cards, becoming Dynamite's go-to cover g…

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Inside the Mind of Zack Kaplan: Masterminds, Kill All Immortals, and the Freedom of Creator-Owned Comics 1:02:06

4M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Fan-favorite sci-fi comic writer: Zack Kaplan is back on the show for his third appearance to talk about his upcoming Masterminds comic (coming out through Darkhorse in August), the success of Kill All Immortals, the experience of comic to TV adaptations, and the freedom that comes with creator-owned comics. LINKS: Watch the uncut video version of …

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Episode 2: The Straight Download About Metered Licenses 9:42

4M ago9:42

9:42

In 2019, 76% of the audiobook licenses purchased by libraries were perpetual. By 2024, however, 64% of the licenses purchased were metered. A metered license is one that expires after a set period—typically 12 or 24 months—rather than being owned indefinitely. In this episode, Ann and Jeff discuss how this shift in licensing models affects cost per…

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Godzilla's New Shared-Universe: The Kai-Sei Era with IDW Comic Editor Jake Williams 1:18:45

4M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

IDW Comic Editor: Jake Williams, is on the show to talk about the new Godzilla comic book shared-universe: The Kai-Sei Era. It's an ambitious project which brings three new Godzilla comics series to life this summer: Godzilla, Godzilla: Escape The Deadzone, and Starship Godzilla. Jake spills the beans on what fans can expect from each series, what …

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From Comics to Animation and Back Again: An Interview with Greg Weisman about Gargoyles, Young Justice, and Fandom 1:05:02

4M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Greg Weisman, the creator and producer of the hit Disney cartoon series: Gargoyles, is on the podcast to talk about his new comic series: Gargoyles: Demona, and shares some details about the upcoming Gargoyles/ Fantastic Four crossover! Greg also shares some stories from working on shows like Young Justice, Gargoyles, and Star Wars: Rebels, and on …

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Promo: The Straight Download About Metered Licenses (Episode available 6/6/25) 0:30

5M ago0:30

0:30

Ann and Jeff are back to break down a topic of what’s draining library budgets everywhere. Metered licenses - what are they, why do they matter, and how are they reshaping the way libraries serve their communities? Whether you're a librarian, a budget hawk, or just curious about the cost behind your favorite audiobooks and eBooks, this episode deli…

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Mail Bag Episode: The Moon Is Following Us, Superman Trailer, and Ranking MCU Phase 5 34:25

5M ago34:25

34:25

Here's something a little different from normal, thanks to our awesome Patronies, we had a fun mail bag episode and talked about everything from the Superman Trailer, Andor season two, new comics, mental health, and MCU's Phase 5 lineup. Also, welcome to our newest Patrons: Dave Wilson, Kyle Conway, and Goncalo Fortes! Part two of this conversation…

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Invincible Comics Are Back! The Return of Battle Beast with Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley 25:08

5M ago25:08

25:08

Invincible Co-Creators, Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley are reunited once again for the brand-new Invincible Universe: Battle Beast series. (The first issue is in comic shops today!) Kirkman and Ottley reflect on the making of Battle Beast, the success of the Invincible animated show, their favorite Image Comic characters and creators, and talk abou…

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How Radiant Black And The Massive-Verse Are Redefining The Superhero Genre - With Writer Kyle Higgins 1:03:04

5M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Comic writer and filmmaker, Kyle Higgins, joins the show to talk about the return of Radiant Black, and it's new Rebuild Arc. Kyle also shares details about the upcoming Radiant Black Audiobook (featuring Rider Strong & Will Friedle!), working with Dan mora on Immortal Legend Batman, hanging out with Kid Cudi, and talks about what's next for the in…

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Episode 1: The Straight Download About Hoopla 12:50

5M ago12:50

12:50

Ann and Jeff discuss the inspiration behind the Hoopla platform and its pay-per-use model. The discussion also touches on patron expectations, pricing, and how the service will continue to evolve. Learn more about Hoopla Average cost per circ on Hoopla (2013-2024) Platform dataBy Hoopla Digital

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Promo: The Straight Download 0:30

5M ago0:30

0:30

The Straight Download is a raw and informative podcast for library professionals, and anyone interested in the digital publishing industry.By Hoopla Digital

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Get Ready For Free Comic Book Day 2025 with Ben Kingsbury of Gotham City Limit! 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

Ben Kingsbury (Gotham City Limit Comic Shop) joins the show to talk about this year's Free Comic Book Day event (taking place Saturday, May 3rd). We discuss how GCL is celebrating the event, the free comics that will be available, the state of the comic book industry, hope for James Gunn's Superman movie, and the best comics to be collecting right …

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From Reveal to DC Comics: Al Letson Talks Reinventing Michael Holt in Mr. Terrific: Year One 1:05:03

6M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Al Letson — award-winning journalist, Godzilla: Monarch writer, and Emmy winning host of Reveal — joins the show to talk about his upcoming DC Comics debut: Mr. Terrific: Year One. We dive into the emotional inspiration behind the series, the differences between writing for TV and comics, and how Al is redefining Michael Holt’s origin story—just in…

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Trailer: The Short Box: A Comic Book Talk Show. A Comic Podcast Like No Other 0:38

6M ago0:38

0:38

The Short Box is the best way to get your weekly dose of comic shop vibes without ever leaving the house! Join your host, Badr Milligan, every Wednesday, for news, reviews, and interviews about comic books and comic culture, and hear exclusive conversations with the top comic creators in the world. Join the Short Box Nation on Patreon.com/theshortb…

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How Battle Quest Comics is Shaping All-Ages Adventures – With Publisher Andrew Kafoury 56:30

6M ago56:30

56:30

Battle Quest Comics Publisher, and writer, Andrew Kafoury stops by the show to talk about navigating Diamond Comics Distribution and the direct market as an indie publisher, creating fantasy/ sci-fi stories for all ages, and teaching morality through comics. He also gives an in-depth look into the Battle Quest line of comics. Check out the titles w…

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Talking Wall Comics, Marvel & DC Crossover ideas, and Daredevil: Born Again w/ Drew (Patreon Unlocked) 52:43

6M ago52:43

52:43

This episode was originally released last month for our Patrons: Drew and I talked about a new shop in town (Black Cat Comics), buying wall comics, the upcoming Marvel & DC crossover, and we also reviewed the first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again (SPOILERS!) Listen to our latest bonus episode, talking about the first issue of Hush 2: HERE, Be…

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Tim Seeley talks Red Sonja vs Army of Darkness, Peacemaker, Chicago pizza, and original comic art! 1:10:51

6M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Writer-slash-artist, Tim Seeley, is on the show this week to talk about his new comic projects, including: Red Sonja vs Army of Darkness crossover (in shops April 9th) and Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante / Eagly Double Feature, and his experience teaching art at Columbia College, tips for collecting original comic art (check out Panel Punk Comic…

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Manga Babies: An Interview w/ David Harper about Manga and where to start 1:20:20

7M ago1:20:20

1:20:20

David Harper (Off Panel, SKTCHD) is back on the show this week to talk all things manga! We discuss how we both got into manga, the manga we're reading, what we've learned about the art form, and explore some key differences and similarities between Manga and Western comics. Artwork by Salva Makoto Read David's articles about manga: Here and here L…

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Space Quest: An Interview with Joe Casey about Space Ghost and Jonny Quest, and America Chavez! 1:15:08

7M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

Longtime comic writer, and animation scribe, Joe Casey (Superman, X-Men, Avengers, Wildcats) joins the show this week to talk about his upcoming Space Ghost & Jonny Quest crossover comic: Space Quest (issue one available 4/23!). Joe also recounts how he broke into the comic industry, and talks about the influence of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, the geni…

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Daredevil: Born Again - Comic Review Live Show! [Short Box Classic] 1:29:13

7M ago1:29:13

1:29:13

This episode was originally recorded and released in November 2018. The SBX Crew put Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli's Marvel classic: Daredevil: Born Again, under the microscope in front of a live audience at Coliseum of Comics! Join Badr, Cesar, Ashley, and Ed as they talk about how the comic came to be, Miller & Mazzuchelli's partnership, and…

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Special-Annual-Giant-Sized-Anniversary 450th Episode! 1:17:47

7M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

This is the one you all have been waiting for — the return of Ashley, Cesar, and Ed! The band's back together this week, to celebrate the show's milestone 450th episode. Ashley and Cesar reveal what they've been up to since becoming parents (check out Cesar's band: Peyote Coyote), Ed shares his favorite comics from last year (Final Cut & Dynamite D…

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Mailbag Episode - Bad Bunny, Daredevil: Born Again, and Politics in Comics (Patreon Preview) 42:38

8M ago42:38

42:38

Here's a preview of last month's Patreon bonus episode: Badr & Drew answer some questions submitted by listeners about the new Bad Bunny album, Daredevil: Born Again, and politic's place in comics…before going off into some interesting tangents about the ideal comic shop experience, playing Marvel Rivals for the first time, and the ultimate mashup …

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Watch It In Theaters or Wait For Streaming? Captain America: Brave New World - Movie Review 1:02:34

8M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Is Captain America: Brave New World worth seeing in the theater, or should you wait to watch it on streaming? Chris Hacker (The Oblivion Bar) and Blythe Milligan (Everything is Logistics) join me this week to talk about the good, the bad, and ugly. (SPOILER WARNING!) We also discuss the movie's pre- & post-production drama and reshoots, Harrison Fo…

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Comic News Recap: Is Marvel Using AI? Will Tariffs change comics? 59:57

8M ago59:57

59:57

Joining the show this week, is the return of Chris Hacker (The Oblivion Bar), and Edmund Dansart! We discuss a trifecta of recent comic news and headlines, including: accusations against Marvel for using AI art in Fantastic Four promo, Massive Publishing's new indie label, the ongoing Diamond Comics DIstribution shakeup, and how potential tariffs c…

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Storyboard Time with Jeff Parker! An Interview about Animation, Agents of Atlas, and Studio Life 1:16:50

8M ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Jeff Parker, writer of comics such as Agents of Atlas, X-Men First Class, Batman '66, Aquaman, Future Quest, Thunderbolts and Hulk, is on the podcast this week to talk about his extensive career. We get into his time working in animation, drawing storyboards for Big Guy and Rusty The Boy Robot (and Nelly music videos?!), the Portland comic scene, h…

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Comics Are Dope: An Interview with BJ Kicks about Comic Collecting, Budgeting, and Comics YouTube 1:13:07

8M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

BJ Kicks, host of Comics Are Dope, joins me this week for an honest conversation about being a comic podcaster, our comic collecting habits, budgeting for comics, representation, and finding community at comic shops, and Ben from Gotham City Limit calls in with his Top 3 Comic Picks for February (Pop Kill, Through Red Windows, and Doctor Strange of…

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Wings of Silver, Nerves of Steel: An Interview with Ed Brisson about SilverHawks, Video Games, and Canada 1:05:58

9M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

Ed Brisson (Iron Fist, Batman, Comeback) is on the show to talk about his new SilverHawks comic series from Dynamite Entertainment. Issue one comes out January 29th, and it's the first SilverHawks anything in nearly 40 yrs! Ed also breaks down his career working as a comic book writer, growing up in Canada, writing for video games, and talks about …

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Short Box Classic: Bill Watterson Artist Spotlight & Calvin Hobbes Retrospective 1:34:23

9M ago1:34:23

1:34:23

This episode was originally released in January 2023 as Ep. 379. Dust off your favorite Calvin and Hobbes book, and join us for the latest installment of our artist spotlight series! Today, we're analyzing the life and career of one of comic's most private and beloved creators: Bill Watterson. Hear us talk about our first exposure to Calvin & Hobbe…