Word Balloon Comics Podcast
1 on 1 interview show featuring the creative minds behind Comics TV Film Novels & Animation. Hosted by Chicago Pop Culture expert, John Siuntres
Episodes
August 7, 2025 • 141 mins
Filmmaker Ken Viola joins us to discuss his rare 1987 documentary The Masters of Comic Book Art—a raw, unfiltered snapshot of comics history featuring candid interviews with legends like Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Neal Adams, Will Eisner, Art Spiegelman, Dave Sim, Frank Miller, and Bernie Wrightson. Narrated by Harlan Ellison, this film captures the voices of visionary creators at a turning point in the industry. Ken shares behin...
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August 6, 2025 • 114 mins
n this episode, we dive into the most talked-about—and polarizing—installment of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: “An Adventure in Space and Time.” Was it a lighthearted homage to Trek’s origins, gently poking fun at William Shatner and Gene Roddenberry, or a snarky commentary dressed in retro cosplay? We debate whether the satire lands with love or leans too hard into mockery.
We also unpack the increasingly odd portrayal of Mr. Spoc...
We also unpack the increasingly odd portrayal of Mr. Spoc...
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August 5, 2025 • 74 mins
More details of Bnedis and Oeming's nreturn to Powers, Fraction's upcoming Batman run, their thoughts and impt on Superman and Fantastic Four First steps, and the concerns about AI
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August 4, 2025 • 74 mins
In Part 1 of this epic creator roundtable, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming dive into their long-awaited return to Powers, now published by Dark Horse. They reflect on the legacy of the groundbreaking series, why now was the right time to bring it back, and what's in store for Deena Pilgrim and a new generation of police officers.
Meanwhile, Matt Fraction joins the conversation to share insights on launching his new Batm...
Meanwhile, Matt Fraction joins the conversation to share insights on launching his new Batm...
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August 3, 2025 • 72 mins
In this offbeat edition of Word ,Balloon's SCENE MISSING Gabriel Hardman and I peel back the curtain on the gloriously chaotic making of Beat the Devil (1953), the cult classic that blended noir, comedy, and adventure long before it was fashionable.
With a script co-written on the fly by Truman Capote, a sardonic performance from Humphrey Bogart, and the directing flair of John Huston, Beat the Devil was a film where nearly nothing...
With a script co-written on the fly by Truman Capote, a sardonic performance from Humphrey Bogart, and the directing flair of John Huston, Beat the Devil was a film where nearly nothing...
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August 2, 2025 • 145 mins
A surprisingly polarizing episode. Were they loving parodies of Shatner and Roddenberry or mean swipes? Also, Spock is getting more romance action than Kirk on this show.
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August 1, 2025 • 112 mins
In this episode, we catch up with legendary writer James Robinson to talk about his current Kickstarter campaign, Rogues' Kingdom, an epic new fantasy adventure created with artist Jeff Johnson — and with less than a week left to support, now’s the time to back it!
We also dive into his latest Dark Horse Comics projects and take a retrospective look at some of his landmark work, from The Golden Age, Starman, JSA, and Earth-2 at DC t...
We also dive into his latest Dark Horse Comics projects and take a retrospective look at some of his landmark work, from The Golden Age, Starman, JSA, and Earth-2 at DC t...
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July 31, 2025 • 129 mins
On this episode of Trek Watch, we’re diving into the highs and lows of the current Star Trek landscape. First, we tip our hats to Strange New Worlds for delivering a surprisingly fun and freaky zombie episode—proving once again that Trek can still get weird in the best ways.
But it’s not all warp core breezes: we’re scratching our heads at that baffling Season 4 teaser, where Captain Pike is… a puppet? Yep, that happened. And we’re ...
But it’s not all warp core breezes: we’re scratching our heads at that baffling Season 4 teaser, where Captain Pike is… a puppet? Yep, that happened. And we’re ...
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July 30, 2025 • 60 mins
In Part 4 of our conversation with comics veteran Al Milgrom, we spotlight his collaboration with Jim Shooter on Secret Wars II—digging into how the massive crossover was shaped behind the scenes, what it was like coordinating with dozens of creators, and how editorial challenges turned into creative opportunities.
We also go inside Al’s time as editor of Marvel Fanfare, a title often misunderstood as a dumping ground for inventory ...
We also go inside Al’s time as editor of Marvel Fanfare, a title often misunderstood as a dumping ground for inventory ...
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July 29, 2025 • 45 mins
In Part 3 of our conversation with comic book veteran Al Milgrom, we dig into the stories behind the pages — and beyond them. Al shares his memories of the legendary style of Wally Wood and offers insights into the creative genius of Murphy Anderson.
Then, the spotlight shifts to the editorial trenches at Marvel. Al opens up about his collaborations and clashes with Jim Shooter, especially during the turbulent production of Secret W...
Then, the spotlight shifts to the editorial trenches at Marvel. Al opens up about his collaborations and clashes with Jim Shooter, especially during the turbulent production of Secret W...
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July 28, 2025 • 65 mins
In Part 2 of our deep dive with comics legend Al Milgrom, things get even more candid. Al shares shocking behind-the-scenes stories about some of the biggest names from the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages of comics—warts and all. From ego clashes to editorial chaos, you’ll hear what really went down in the bullpen.
We also detour into the strange world of obscure 1950s and 60s comic book publishers—including those that reprinted Gol...
We also detour into the strange world of obscure 1950s and 60s comic book publishers—including those that reprinted Gol...
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July 27, 2025 • 60 mins
On this episode of Word Balloon, we start a 2 part talk with one of the true utility players of the Marvel Bullpen—Al Milgrom. From penciling and inking to editing and writing, Al did it all during a pivotal era at the House of Ideas.
We dig into his early days at Marvel, when the bullpen was more than just a nickname—it was a real, bustling office of creative chaos. Al shares memories of hand-delivering artwork to John Romita Sr. a...
We dig into his early days at Marvel, when the bullpen was more than just a nickname—it was a real, bustling office of creative chaos. Al shares memories of hand-delivering artwork to John Romita Sr. a...
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July 27, 2025 • 46 mins
My thoughts on the latest MCU film.
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July 26, 2025 • 82 mins
In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary comic creator Jerry Ordway, we pivot from Metropolis to Marvel as Jerry shares his candid thoughts on the legacy and missed opportunities of the Fantastic Four movies—especially from the perspective of someone who’s spent time chronicling Marvel’s first family on the page. We also get some memorable Stan Lee stories, offering insight into the man behind the myth from someone who’s seen t...
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July 26, 2025 • 78 mins
Today on Word Balloon, we kick off Part 1 of a deep-dive conversation with legendary writer, artist, and inker Jerry Ordway. Jerry shares his thoughts on the new Superman film and reflects on his own legacy with the Man of Steel—both on the page and behind the scenes.
We also dig into his acclaimed work on the Justice Society of America, a cornerstone of DC’s Golden Age revival. But that’s not all—we get into the nuts and bolts of c...
We also dig into his acclaimed work on the Justice Society of America, a cornerstone of DC’s Golden Age revival. But that’s not all—we get into the nuts and bolts of c...
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July 25, 2025 • 90 mins
On this episode of Word Balloon, writer Jeremy Adams returns to break down his high-octane run on Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, as well as his recent work on Aquaman. We dive deep into the cosmic drama brewing in the DC Universe, from Hal Jordan’s personal battles to the Corps-wide crises reshaping intergalactic law and order.
Plus, Jeremy teases major developments and reveals the big team events looming in each series — ev...
Plus, Jeremy teases major developments and reveals the big team events looming in each series — ev...
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July 24, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of Word Balloon, we sit down with a veteran of the comic book trench Keith Williams an accomplished inker whose brushwork has brought some of the most iconic characters to life. From helping define the look of the Black-suited Spider-Man during a pivotal era in Marvel history, to adding depth and shadow to the Man of Steel’s adventures at DC, and even contributing to the legacy of The Phantom in the newspaper strips...
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July 23, 2025 • 67 mins
On this episode of Word Balloon, we're talking with the legendary Beau Smith — a true cowboy of comics. From creating the cult favorite Wynonna Earp to seeing it ride high as a hit TV series, Beau’s journey is as action-packed as his stories. We dig into the roots of Wynonna, and how he’s now teaming up with the show's stars Melanie Scrofano and Tim Rozon to bring new adventures to the page.
But that's just the start. Beau shares hi...
But that's just the start. Beau shares hi...
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July 21, 2025 • 64 mins
Today we’re talking digital comics, innovation, and disruption — past, present, and future. I’m joined by two key figures who changed the game once… and are looking to do it again. Co-Founder David Steinberger and Chip Mosher vp marketing of Comixology, are here to talk about their bold new venture: Neon Ichiban — a next-gen digital comics marketplace built to empower creators, preserve ownership, and rebuild trust in the digital r...
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