Creator Talks proudly presents the husband and wife team of writer Paul Tobin and artist Colleen Coover.  Together they created the costumed teen cat burglar Bandette.   Bandette began as a digital publication in 2012 on Comixology through Monkeybrain Comics. It was nominated for four Eisner’s Awards in 2013.     Not long after, Dark Horse Comics collected the single issues into soft and hard cover editions.   The next Bandette hard cover collection will be released by Dark Horse Comics on July 7th 2021 is Volume 4: The Six Finger Secret.   I discuss with Colleen how she illustrates Bandette and the reason for her bold primary color choices.   It would not be Creator Talks if I did not get personal with my guests so I ask the happy couple how they met. Did Cupid’s arrow strike and was it love at first sight?   Paul and Colleen once managed a comic book store in Iowa. Paul shares how he managed to build his comic book collection while he worked there as an employee and how comic shops have changed since the 1980s.   He is also an avid comic art collector. Paul talks about some of his favorite pieces of art and why he considers himself lucky to have them. What is it about these artists’ work that appeals to Paul? Which ones tuned him off as a youth but now from whom he has great admiration. His answers may surprise you.   How has collecting art become an education itself for Paul and Colleen as creators?   Paul and Colleen made several trips to France, which is the setting of Bandette’s adventures. They share some of their special memories of France and later their decision to move from Iowa to Portland, Oregon for the sake of their careers.   In closing I ask Paul and Colleen my Final Nine Questions including what they like to do for recreation, beverage of choice, pet peeve, missed opportunities and when they took a risk.   Fini   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Transition Music - French Music "Jazz In Paris" Media Right Porduction "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about Bandette: The Six Finger Secret   About Paul Tobin   About Colleen Coover      

Creator Talks Podcast

Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover on Bandette

Samuel George London is a comic book writer and podcast host based in the U.K. We discuss why he developed his relatively recent interest in comic books and how he conceived and launched his popular Victorian space adventure series Milford Greene. The focus of our conversation though will be his latest work being published through Action Lab Comics, The S-Factor. It is a four-part series launching in June about an under-appreciated super hero sidekick, Greyfox, who decides to re-brand him self through a new reality TV series for super heroes called The S-Factor.  Twelve super heroine contestants must fight for his affection. Samuel shares which show inspired The S-Factor as well as his own personal experience taking part in a reality TV show.  His insight into the machinations and manipulations by associate producers to heighten emotions and tensions among contestants was fertile ground for the development of The S-Factor. Samuel also goes behind the scenes of the making of The S-Factor: the good fortune that lead to the book deal with Action Lab Comics and the artist of the series Chris Panda. Samuel reveals the series rags to riches story and why he selected Chris to illustrate it. Samuel is also the host of Comics for the Apocalypse.  We talk about his imaginative interview podcast, one which ye old host has even made an appearance.  Don’t let that stop you though; it is well worth you time to give his podcast a listen. As we conclude our discussion I ask Samuel my Final Nine Questions, which include when he took a risk, his island book, recommended reading for comic book newbies and all about that missed opportunity.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Music Sample: "Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum)" by The Cheeky Girls "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass    Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   More about The S-Factor   Listen to Comics for the Apocalypse   About Samuel George London  

Samuel George London on The S-Factor

Ibrahim Mustafa joins Creator Talks to discuss his latest graphic novel Count being published through Humanoids.    This sci-fi revenge story is based on the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.     The original is not the swashbuckling tale those who have not read it may think it is.   Why did Ibrahim decide to make this story the foundation for his graphic novel?    Why does the coloring and lettering fit so well with Ibrahim’s art style?   And why is this graphic novel more satisfying for Ibrahim than a comic series or fill-in issue he has drawn?   Growing up Ibrahim’s favorite superhero was Superman, and he talks about how seeing Alex Ross’ Man of Steel influenced his own art style.   Ibrahim reveals his favorite to comic art tutorial books, and why he has decided not to launch a how-to YouTube Channel.   We also talk about his work on James Bond: Origin and Solstice for Dynamite comics, and why he thinks Timothy Dalton is the best James Bond.   Why does Ibrahim think Dalton’s James Bond was initially unjustly maligned by audiences but grew to be more appreciated as Agent 007.   We touch upon his 2017 Eisner Nominated digital comic Jaeger, the story of a World War II allied spy bent on revenge against his Nazi captors. The book is only available in print from Ibrahim’s website.    Ibrahim is also the Art Director for Colorcubic, consulting on job ranging from art designs to video games.  What has been his greatest challenge working as Art Director?   I conclude our interview with my Final 9 Questions, in which we learn about his hobby of making amazing custom action figures, his favorite once-in-a-lifetime birthday experience, and one of his pet peeves that involves smartphones.     Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Transition Music - "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Audio Clip - "Mustapha" by Queen from the album "Jazz"  Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Purchase the graphic novel Count   More about Ibrahim Mustafa  

Ibrahim Mustafa - Count

This episode is being released on Memorial Day.  In honor all service men and women who gave their lives in defense of their country, I am very pleased to welcome my special guest writer Garth Ennis. Garth Ennis’ body of work includes Judge Dredd stories for 2000 AD, The Punisher and Hitman.  His comic book series Preacher and The Boys were both adapted for television. He has been an avid reader of military comics and history since a young age. He has written several war-based comics including Battlefields, Johnny Red, War Stories, and Dreaming Eagles. His latest collection now available is The Tankies. The book is published through Dead Reckoning which is an imprint of The Navel Institute Press.   The Tankies is the story of British armored forces that fought during World War II and Koren War.  The connection among the three stories contained within this graphic novel is the British tank crews lead by Corporal Stiles. Many of the sequences in the book were taken from actual historical events. I ask Garth why both the British and American tanks were at a disadvantage against the German King Tiger Tanks. Why were tanks crews prohibited from clearing out tanks that fell in battle? I discuss with Garth his favorite Battle comics he grew up reading and as a professional getting the chance to work with one of his favorite artists, Carlos Ezquerra. The co-creator of Judge Dread and Strontium Dog, Carlos also penciled the gritty art for The Tankies.  Carols Ezquerra died in 2018. Garth shares his memories of Carols and the special contribution his art style made to The Tankies.  I conclude my interview asking Garth my Final 9 Questions including about that missed opportunity and the time he took a risk.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About The Tankies

Garth Ennis on The Tankies

There is much banter and merriment when Eric Grissom joins Creator Talks! Eric is a comic book author and co-host of The Old Doctor Who Show podcast.   Eric has a new middle grade graphic novel titled Goblin coming soon through Dark Horse Comics. The art is by Will Perkins who also collaborated on Eric's Gregory Suicide.  Goblin will be available through comic shops May 26 and June 8th wherever fine books are sold.   How did Valiant editor and former guest Heather Antos help Eric with his story pitch?   And when did The Wonder Twins Paige and Claire Connelly, also former guests of this show, work with Eric? Eric relates the story of finding the person whose work inspired his fantasy writing and why that discovery meant so much to him.   He has also developed companion game for the book The Realm of Goblin: Beware the Dark Sisterhood. This is Eric first time ever attempting to create a game.   How did he make sure the game would meet the high standard of frequent gamers?   Eric resides in Red Bank, New Jersey, which coincidently is also the location of The Secret Stash seen in AMCs The Comic Book Men. Eric shares his thoughts about the cast and ye old host describes his appearance on the show (-eh hem Home Town Heroes, Season 5 Episode 13 now available through Amazon Prime :) I discuss with Eric his podcast The Old Doctor Who Show and we share our thoughts on our favorite classic Doctor Who episodes. To wrap up our interview I ask Eric the Final 9 Questions I ask my guests, including when Eric took a risk. Warning: this is hilarious! Don't drink milk while listening or it will shoot out of your nose!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk Transition Music - "Spanish Flea"  by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About the Author To order Goblin Listen to The Old Doctor Who Show on Apple Podcasts        

Eric Grissom on Goblin, D&D and The Old Doctor Who Show

Creator Talks proudly presents: Alan Cowsill who worked as both a writer and editor for Marvel U.K. / Panini and Eagle Moss publishing.   We begin our discussion with how Alan started in the business as a young comic book dealer.  What did valuable experience did he gain dealing in comics? What were some of his most profitable acquisitions? Would he become a comic retailer in current state of today's market? The breaking news, however, is Alan's latest work The Martial Way: Marvel's Mightiest Martial Artists. In this hardcover book chock full of art from the comic books, discover the fighting styles, training techniques, and secret disciplines of Marvel Comics' mighty martial artists.  The book is slated for release on May 4, 2021. How did Alan decide which iconic art work included in the book and how did he make every effort to ensure the content was up to date with current Marvel continuity? Alan also wrote a handy reference guide DC Comics Year by Year. What is the underlying benefit of this book for the new or lapsed DC comic reader? We also talk about Alan's writing of the Spider-Man strip included in Spider-Man Adventures magazine. Why did Alan offer to write the script and why was the strip needed for the book in the first place?  Alan is a podcast host and I ask about the status of his show The Last Geek in Space and discuss some of his previous guests.  We discuss the  martial arts since Alan is a practitioner. We both share experience about the art of fighting without fighting, martial arts philosophy and health benefits.  As we conclude our interview, I ask Alan my Final 9 Questions including his guilty pleasure, a missed opportunity and when he took a risk.    Audio Clip: "Kung Fu Fighting" (1974) - Carl Douglas Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About the Guest More about The Way of the Warrior More about DC Year By Year The Last Geek in Space Podcast

Alan Cowsill: The Way of the Warrior and Marvel U.K.

Christopher welcomes returning guest Pornsak Pichetshote, the award-winning author of the Infidel (Image Comics).  Pornsak's sophomore comic effort The Good Asian is a nine-part series being published through Image Comics.  The creative team consists of Alexander Tefenkgi on interior art, color by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Jeff Powell.  The first issue goes on sale May 5th.  The Good Asian is an noir mystery set in 1936 Chinatown featuring Edison Hark a Chinese-American detective from Hawaii and the first generation of Chinese Americans to come of age under an immigration ban.  We discuss the real life influence behind the character Edison Hark, Hawaiian Detective Chang Apana who influenced the silver screen portrayal of Charlie Chan. Today, Charlie Chan movies are considered racist because of its use of Asians sterotypes.  I ask Pornsake about the current cancel culture and its impact on books and movies.  Should Charlie Chan movies, or any racist material, be erased from history? Pornsake has taken great care to get the historical details of the period correct working with historical consultant Grant Din. We discuss the historical background of the story including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, processing of Chinese immigrants through San Francisco's Angel Island and the formation of Paper Sons.    As we conclude our interview, I ask Pornsake about his guilty pleasure, a missed opportunity and when he took a risk.    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts About the Author More about The Good Asian

Pornsak Pichetshote's 1930s Noir: The Good Asian

Returning guest Laszlo Tamasfi discusses his new book, an English translation of the screenplay of and related articles about Dracula's Death. It is the first motion picture to feature the character Dracula. This Hungarian silent film made in 1921 does not adhere to Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. It was an original story about a young woman, who encounters the famous vampire during her stay at a mental asylum.  The film is long lost but a prose adaptation was published in 1924 that Laszlo has translated. Learn how national record keeping rules made it possible for the script to survive, and how Laszlo undertook his research and translation of the book. The book is published through Strangers From Nowhere and contains new illustrations by Jozsef Svab.  I discuss with Lazlo the reason why he decide to self-publish Dracula's Death though his own imprint rather than secure a publisher to do all of the heavy lifting involved in book's editing, printing, distribution, and promotion. What are the benefits of working through a publisher, and what compromises must be made for a book to be printed? How hard should a book's creator push back against changes required by the publisher?  We discuss these questions and more.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   About the author To obtain a copy of Dracula's Death   KickStarter Corner - Past Guest's New Projects! The Milford Green Saga - Samuel George London ThoughtScape Comics Anthology - Matt Mair Lowery  

Laszlo Tamasfi on the lost silent film Dracula's Death

----more----March is Women’s History Month and there is no better time to welcome my three guests Lauren Burke, Hanna K. Chapman and Kaley Bales, the creative team behind Why She Wrote. Their book examines 18 of the greatest women authors of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Some are familiar favorites; others have undeservedly fallen into obscurity. Their hardcover book is being published by Chronicle Books and will available on April 20th. Chapters written by Lauren Burke and Hanna K. Chapman include an introduction to author, fun facts, a bibliography of selected works and a comic followed by the artist Kaley Bales.   Why She Wrote will explore: Why did Jane Austin struggle to write for the first five years before her first novel was ever published? How did Edith Maude Eaton’s writing change the narrative around Chinese immigrant workers in North American? Why did the Brontë sisters choose to write under male pen names, and Anne Lister write her personal diaries in code? Also, we will learn the origin of Lauren and Hanna first meeting, how it led developing their podcast Bonnets at Dawn and ultimately their book Why She Wrote.  We will also learn about Lauren’s other recent work It’s Her Story: Rosa Parks, Hanna’s Comic Book Slumber Party anthology and Kaley’s illustrations and prints. I close out our interview asking my 9 Questions which include: their pet peeves, missed opportunities and when each took a risk.   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts More about and how to order Why She Wrote Bonnets At Dawn Podcast Kaley Bales' Store

Spotlight on Women's History Month: Why She Wrote GN

Ezekiel “Zeke” King is back for another Midnight Mystery! Returning guest Bernie Gonzalez is the creator, writer and artist of his horror noir comic Midnight Mystery.   Originally published through Alterna Comics, Bernie has gripped the reins and is now handling Midnight Mystery's printing and distribution.  Bernie explains why he stepped away from Alterna, took a break from making comics and felt it was the right time for Zeke's return. His previously published Midnight Mystery comics are re-mastered and collected in 8" x 10 1/2" trade paperbacks and expanded with additional material.  By day, Bernie works in marketing. Although he is passionate about making comics, he finds self-promotion more of a chore.  As we discuss why this is the case, Bernie also shares his thoughts on what it takes to makes a great comic, and even a great podcast.  Discover how Bernie uses social media to share with followers what interest him, and how helps with soft promotion of Midnight Mystery. We share thoughts on our favorite classic horror TV series Kolchak: The Night Stalker, Dark Shadows and more. Warning: be sure to have a box of tissues near by before listening. We tell painful stories of culling our physical media collections, upgrading DVDs, and the uniqueness of those old VHS tapes used to record broadcast television shows.   What forgotten treasures might be found on these analogue recordings not available on retail DVDs and Blu-ray disks?     Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts Order Midnight Mystery from Bernie Gonzalez

Bernie Gonzalez's Midnight Mystery Back in Print

Gregg Schigiel began his professional career in 1997 working as an assistant editor for Marvel Comics, was character artist for Nickelodeon in 2000, and from 2010-2018 was a regular contributor to SpongeBob Comics.  One would think with such an impressive resume and experience, people would know how to pronounce his name. But no. We begin our discussion with an easy way to remember the correct pronunciation of Schigiel. With the formalities out of the way, things get personal.  I recall with Gregg the circumstances under which we first met, and the impact his work has had on my two boys.   Why are kids, and adults, attracted to Gregg's comics? How does he do it? In part, it's because Gregg never forgot what it was like to be a kid.   But there are things we do forget, and we recount some of the memories that come flooding back when we re-discover books that we read many, many years ago as kids.  Turning our attention to Gregg's books, we talk about his coloring books Zooperhero Universe and Uniquecorns. Why does Gregg make coloring books now?  We also discuss his latest graphic novels Pix: One Weird Weekend and Pix: Too Super For School. How is Pix like Spider-Man crossed with fairy princess? Why would Gregg create such a character since, as we learn, he not a big fan of "hard" fantasy? And what does Gregg eschew had fantasy. In addition to comic shops and bookstores, Gregg explains why libraries are such an important brick and mortar location to reach, and teach, kids about making art and sharing his work. Gregg also has a podcast all about Tom Cruise movies titled Crusin' Together. We share about some of our favorite, and not so favorite, Tom Cruise films. Did you know that Gregg's art is also wearable? He has a creative tee-shirt line celebrating the films and many characters of an American treasure, Tom Hanks.  I close our interview with Gregg answering the fun questions I ask all my guest including the toughest of them all for Gregg, what would be his one his island book. Only one book, and Tom Hank's is not on the island as a source of entertainment. "Wilson!!!"   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Gregg Schigiel's comics & coloring books   Gregg Schigiel's Hanks A Lot Tees   Gregg's Podcast Crusin' Together        

Gregg Schigiel on his Coloring and Children's Books

Laurence Luckinbill is an actor, playwright and director best know for his one-man plays in which he portrayed President Theodore Roosevelt, Clarence Darrow, Ernest Hemingway and President Lyndon Johnson.  Laurence is best known by science fiction fans as Spock's half-brother Sybok in the motion picture Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989). Laurence's first graphic novel Teddy is based on his one-man play Teddy Tonight! The graphic novel adaptation was illustrated by artist Eryck Tait and published by Dead Reckoning.  We learn the story of Theodore Roosevelt's life and why Laurence decided to set his play Teddy Tonight! during a speech T.R. had to deliver in July 1918. What event did he just learn about the changed the course of his speech? I ask Laurence how he kept his live performances night after night fresh and if he ever needed to adjust a portrayal based on audience feedback.  Of course we talk about Star Trek V, why Laurence was offered the part, and what he told the director William Shatner about how he wanted to play the part of Sybok.  When I Kick Back With The Creator, we discuss how Laurence keeps fit and healthy at 86 years of age and how to have a happy marriage!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Link to video of performances by  Laurence Luckinbill   Link to buy Teddy the graphic novel    

Laurence Luckinbill on his Graphic Novel Teddy!

Sal Abbinanti, a favorite guest of comic book podcasts, makes his Creator Talks debut. Sal is the art representative for master comic book artists Alex Ross and Bill Sienkiewicz. Sal is the creator of the comic series Atomika (2005) which was self-published through his imprint Mercury Comics.  We discuss Sal's first Kickstarter The Hostage, a story that draws from his experience in Rio de Janeiro and the religious culture of the city. How did that experience change his life...forever? We also talk about Sal's first published Marvel work that was released the same month as his first Kickstarter.   Sal contributed the art for "I Am a Revoltin' Development", written by Alex Ross and published in Marvel #4. Sal grew up reading Marvel Comics and is a huge fan of Jack Kirby and John Buscema's art.   What did Jack Kirby say about comics that inspired Sal to try to break into the business? Why did Marvel Comics' editors repeatedly reject Sal's art portfolio in the 90's?  We also talk about life in cold, windy Chicago and warm, sunny Las Vegas. When I Kick Back with The Creator, Sal answers such questions as: his favorite island book, posters he had on his bedroom wall as a pre-teen and his guilty pleasure. Plus how to avoid marital arguments... and extend your life!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Link to The Hostage Kickstarter which ends February 25, 2021       

Sal Abbinanti on The Hostage and Marvel

In honor of Black History Month, Creator Talks is joined by Ken Quattro, long-time comic book reader, collector and writer of history.   Ken discusses his recent published work Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books.  Researched over two decades using original source materials, including official documents, contemporaneous newspaper articles and comics, Ken examines the lives of black men who worked in comic art shops during the Golden Age of Comics.  Ken writes in his book: "One thing they shared was for too long they lingered, out of mine and out of sight of their light-skinned peers, evading the scrutiny of historians and the eyes that looked past them, to everyone who saw only their skin color and then saw nothing more. Without body or substance. As if they were invisible."  We learn how some of these artists denied their heritage, while others embraced it.  Most led two professional lives, one working in comics and the other outside of the medium. After discussing his book, we turn to the subject of his life long passion, comic books. We cover: The dawn of the Marvel Age of Comics in 1961, and Ken was there. What is the difference between writing and story telling? What issue explains the greatness of comics in just five pages?  Why are we both vehemently opposed to "slabbing" comics? Why has there never been a highly successful Fantastic Four movie? Ken has the answer, and it lies in embracing the FF's Silver Age roots. All this and more packed into this 45-minute interview, commercial free!    Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   Now available Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artist of Comic Books   Ken Quattro's companion Invisible Men Blog                        

Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books

Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals, Daredevil) and Jason Loo (The Pitiful Human Lizard) spend time with Creator Talks to talk about their Comixology original Afterlift, available for the first time in print in books stores  February 2nd and in comic shops through Dark Horse Comics on February 3rd, 2021.  The Eisner and Shuster Award winning comic is about Janice Chen who works for the ride sharing app CABIT.  She picks  up a man who insists she stop for a young woman on the way to his final destination. Janice learns he is a demon named Dumu who wants a ride to The Midway, the first step in the afterlife, to cross the River Styx into Hell.  The print edition is loaded with Chip's commentary and Jason's design sketches.  Chip and Jason talk about their first impression of each other and working on Afterlift. We also discuss why some people who read comics digitally double dip for the print copy. Chip know why, because he does too. Will this be the future of comics, from digital edition to print trade?  I also ask Chip and Jason their thoughts on what lies beyond this life. Is it anything like Afterlift ?  When I ask my guests nine fun questions, I discover what is their favorite birthday, beverage, island book and guilty pleasure!   Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" from LoopsLab  Creator Talks logo by The Design Punk   Please rate and review Creator Talks on Apple Podcasts   About Afterlift   

Chip Zdarsky and Jason Loo on Afterlift

Interviews with writers & artists working in comic books and other mediums.

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Creator Talks Podcast

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