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
January 7, 2026 • 96 mins
On this episode, I’m joined by writer Chris Roberson for a wide-ranging conversation about Star Trek past, present, and occasionally frustrating. Chris discusses his Star Trek novella and his ambitious IDW Comics crossover teaming up the original series crew with the Legion of Super-Heroes, blending two classic sci-fi universes with big ideas and deep-cut continuity.
From there, the conversation expands to cover every era of Trek, a...
From there, the conversation expands to cover every era of Trek, a...
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January 4, 2026 • 86 mins
Today a discussion of one of the father's of pulp hero fiction. Edgar Rice Burroughs , honoring the legendary creator of Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, Carson of Venus, and a galaxy of other characters who helped define adventure and imaginative storytelling for generations of readers.. ERB was a pioneer in creator ownership of his heroes, and made a masswive media bltz in film radio and comics.
In this extended conversation, we expl...
In this extended conversation, we expl...
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January 3, 2026 • 90 mins
Welcome back to Word Balloon! Today, we’re diving deep into the Star Trek universe with one of its most accomplished storytellers — David Mack. You know his work from the Deep Space Nine episodes “Starship Down” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon”, two fan-favorite installments that captured the show’s emotional depth and moral complexity.
Since then, Mack’s become one of Star Trek’s defining novelists — the author behind landmark books li...
Since then, Mack’s become one of Star Trek’s defining novelists — the author behind landmark books li...
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January 2, 2026 • 146 mins
A look back with Art Baltazar Franco Scoot McMahon and Me
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January 1, 2026 • 70 mins
Powers. Black Hammer Minor Threats, and more. Dark Horse Comics editor Daniel Chabon joins the show for an in-depth conversation about shaping creator-driven comics in today’s industry. Daniel breaks down the editor’s role behind the scenes, from developing pitches and guiding visual storytelling to balancing creator vision with long-term publishing strategy.
We talk about Dark Horse’s approach to original series, working with both ...
We talk about Dark Horse’s approach to original series, working with both ...
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December 31, 2025 • 97 mins
In this episode, we sit down with one of the defining writers of modern Marvel to talk about what’s next, what still matters, and what didn’t quite land. Paul discusses his two new Marvel series coming in 2026, including his long-awaited return to The Sentry, launching this March. We dig into why this new Sentry story feels necessary now, how it builds on the psychological core that made the character unforgettable, and what Paul w...
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December 30, 2025 • 61 mins
Live from Terrificon, this panel reunites Ralph Macchio, Ann Nocenti, and John Romita Jr. to revisit one of Daredevil’s most memorable creative periods. Ralph sets the stage with behind-the-scenes stories of the handoff from writer Denny O’Neil to Frank Miller, and ultimately to Ann Nocenti, charting the evolution of the Man Without Fear through shifting creative visions.
Ann and John share how the grit, danger, and energy of New Yo...
Ann and John share how the grit, danger, and energy of New Yo...
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December 29, 2025 • 76 mins
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December 28, 2025 • 67 mins
Part three of ’Twas the Night Before Bendis,. This episode is one of those conversations that starts simple and then immediately spirals—in the good way. We get into secret identities. Do they still matter? Do they work the way they used to? Are they essential to superhero storytelling, or are they a storytelling device we’re all pretending still functions the same in a world of satellites, social media, and everyone live-streaming...
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December 27, 2025 • 62 mins
More on Bendis and Oeming's return to Powers in Powers 25 for Dark Horse, his Italy trip reuniting him with Ult Spider-man Artist and the co-creator of Miles Morales Sara Pichelli, fan questions anda preview of his Avengers story with Mark Bagley for #800
Part 3 tomorrow
Part 3 tomorrow
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December 26, 2025 • 68 mins
Part 1 of a three part chat. Mike Oeming and Taki Soma ended up joining us, obstensivley to talk about their new Powers 25 ongoing book from Dark Horse, but we instead did a lot of movie talk, and the threats of AI art. More tomorrow.
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December 25, 2025 • 117 mins
As we look back at some of the very best conversations of 2025, there was no way I could leave this one out. One of the standout talks of the year comes from an artist whose work consistently blends sharp storytelling, inventive visuals, and genuine heart. From Whiteout to Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, Steve Lieber has proven time and again that he’s one of the most thoughtful and versatile creators working in comics today.
In this B...
In this B...
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December 24, 2025 • 75 mins
My Buddy chicago rado legend and my forer partner Mike North joins me for some movie talk about old Hollywood
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December 23, 2025 • 70 mins
Once upon a time in the DC Universe, Santa Claus wasn’t just slipping down chimneys… he was training Batman and battling monsters with the world’s greatest heroes. And now in Jeff Parker’s wild 2024 yuletide epic, Santa Claus isn’t just on the nice list — he’s in the Justice League’s corner as the entire DCU faces supernatural threats and a mysterious new enemy in the holiday season’s coolest crossover.
In this episode, Jeff retur...
In this episode, Jeff retur...
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December 22, 2025 • 73 mins
Welcome to Word Balloon, the podcast that dives deep into the art and craft behind the comics you love. In today’s festive yet fierce chapter of the DC Universe, we’re exploring one of the most delightfully unexpected team-ups in comics history. Imagine the Dark Knight of Gotham City — brooding on rooftops, stalking shadows… now pair him with a man in a red suit who slides down chimneys and actually trained him once. Batman and San...
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December 21, 2025 • 83 mins
Welcome back to Scene Missing, the show where we dig past the highlight reels and get into the real story. This time, Gabriel Hardman, Ian Brill, and I take a hard, unsentimental look at the career of Burl Ives—a performer whose legacy is far bigger, messier, and more complicated than the warm baritone most people remember.
We start with the role that earned him Hollywood’s highest honor: his Oscar-winning turn as Rufus Hannassey in...
We start with the role that earned him Hollywood’s highest honor: his Oscar-winning turn as Rufus Hannassey in...
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December 20, 2025 • 140 mins
Today on Word Balloon, a best of talk with writer, producer, and comics industry fixture Andy Mangels It's a vital conversation about breaking barriers in geek culture. In this episode, Andy opens up about his experiences as an openly gay creator working in comics, television, animation, and fandom —
how he navigated an industry that wasn’t always welcoming, and how he helped push the door open for others through his writing, advoca...
how he navigated an industry that wasn’t always welcoming, and how he helped push the door open for others through his writing, advoca...
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December 19, 2025 • 97 mins
the beatles meet star wars, rankin bass xmas specials, and why are the avenger doomsday trailers locked into avatar screenings?
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December 18, 2025 • 70 mins
Josh Trujillo talk about the upcoming marvel crossover the planet of the apes versus the fantastic four . you can tell from our talk he's done his homework on both sides
we also discuss his dc go digital comiic about aquaman in the D Sea universe.
we also discuss his dc go digital comiic about aquaman in the D Sea universe.
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December 17, 2025 • 65 mins
On this episode of Word Balloon, I sit down with pop-culture archivist and entrepreneur Mr. Skin for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of MrSkin.com and the state of movies and television in 2025.
Mr. Skin breaks down how his site has adapted in the streaming era, what sets true curation apart from casual online searching, and how audience habits have changed over the years. From data and editorial instincts to surpris...
Mr. Skin breaks down how his site has adapted in the streaming era, what sets true curation apart from casual online searching, and how audience habits have changed over the years. From data and editorial instincts to surpris...
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