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
July 15, 2025 • 78 mins
In this third installment of The Loeb Report, writer and producer Jeph Loeb returns to talk with John about the evolving world of superhero television and film—where it’s been, where it is, and where it’s headed.
Loeb gives a candid look at the realities behind the scenes of Marvel TV, discussing the creative and financial challenges that came with making shows like Daredevil, Agent Carter, and more. From tight budgets to balancing ...
Loeb gives a candid look at the realities behind the scenes of Marvel TV, discussing the creative and financial challenges that came with making shows like Daredevil, Agent Carter, and more. From tight budgets to balancing ...
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July 14, 2025 • 47 mins
In Part 2 Loeb discussed his return to Marvel Comics, explaining that he was approached by CB Cebulski Marvel's editor-in-chief, to write a new X-Men story. Loeb shared his histto run Marvel Television. He expressed interest in writing a story that would affect the main X-Men continuity, rather than creating a separate dream sequence.
Loeb and Tom Brevoort,Marvel editor, discussed how to integrate the story of the Age of Apocalypse...
Loeb and Tom Brevoort,Marvel editor, discussed how to integrate the story of the Age of Apocalypse...
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July 14, 2025 • 65 mins
In Part 1 Jeph discussed his return to Batman comics, sharing insights on his creative process, collaborations with artists, inspired by a tribute to the late Tim Sale. He explained how he approached 10 different artists, all friends of Sale's, to contribute to "Last Halloween". For "Hush 2," with Jim Lee, which will be released as a 12-part story split into two six-issue arcs.
Loeb emphasized that the story will not interfere with ...
Loeb emphasized that the story will not interfere with ...
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July 13, 2025 • 52 mins
Today, we’re throwing it back to a special conversation recorded in 2020 during the virtual Baltimore Comic Con. My guests are the legendary team of J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire, two of the creative forces—alongside Keith Giffen—behind one of the most beloved and influential Justice League runs of all time.
Their groundbreaking late-‘80s take on Justice League International reinvented the team book with heart, humor, and charact...
Their groundbreaking late-‘80s take on Justice League International reinvented the team book with heart, humor, and charact...
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July 12, 2025 • 54 mins
Today’s episode is a deep dive with writer James Robinson, recorded back in 2011 during a fascinating stretch of his DC Comics career. We cover a lot of ground—from his return to one of his most beloved characters in The Shade, spinning off from the Starman mythos, to the behind-the-scenes realities and editorial limitations that shaped his Justice League of America run.
Robinson opens up about his creative choices during the Flashp...
Robinson opens up about his creative choices during the Flashp...
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July 11, 2025 • 54 mins
Today, we’re diving into a no-spoiler review of the brand-new Superman film from writer-director James Gunn. This marks the dawn of a new DC cinematic era, and all eyes are on how Gunn reintroduces the Man of Steel to a modern audience.
We’ll talk tone, performances, world-building, and how this version stacks up against previous big-screen takes and beyond. No plot points ruined, no twists revealed—just honest impressions of the f...
We’ll talk tone, performances, world-building, and how this version stacks up against previous big-screen takes and beyond. No plot points ruined, no twists revealed—just honest impressions of the f...
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July 10, 2025 • 75 mins
Today I’m joined by writer Sam Humphries, who's bringing big energy to Marvel’s latest New Avengers series. We dive into his approach to the team, the surprises in store, and how he's shaking up the lineup.
But that’s just the start—Sam also talks about his work in audio storytelling, including his Audible dramas, and reflects on standout runs at DC Comics, from the cosmic challenges of Green Lanterns to the chaotic charm of Harley ...
But that’s just the start—Sam also talks about his work in audio storytelling, including his Audible dramas, and reflects on standout runs at DC Comics, from the cosmic challenges of Green Lanterns to the chaotic charm of Harley ...
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July 9, 2025 • 121 mins
Today as we anticipate the opening of James Gunn's new Superman film, we’re flying into a deep discussion on 2013's Man of Steel, the divisive Zack Snyder film that reimagined Superman for a new era.
And joining me are two longtime friends of the show and Superman storytellers in their own right—Art Baltazar and Franco, the award-winning creative duo behind Tiny Titans, Superman Adventures, and Superman of Smallville. We compare th...
And joining me are two longtime friends of the show and Superman storytellers in their own right—Art Baltazar and Franco, the award-winning creative duo behind Tiny Titans, Superman Adventures, and Superman of Smallville. We compare th...
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July 8, 2025 • 112 mins
This week on Word Balloon, it’s a pop culture roundup as we dive into the latest film and TV buzz. From James Gunn’s Superman reboot and the long-delayed Nautilus series finally surfacing, to the creepy Revival and the absurd action of FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger—there’s a lot to break down.
We’re also reviewing Marvel’s Ironheart, discussing where it fits in the post-Wakanda Forever timeline,Jurasic World, and taking a pit st...
We’re also reviewing Marvel’s Ironheart, discussing where it fits in the post-Wakanda Forever timeline,Jurasic World, and taking a pit st...
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July 6, 2025 • 69 mins
In this 2006 conversation, legendary writer and editor Denny O’Neil joins Word Balloon to revisit his groundbreaking 1980s run on The Question, a series that helped redefine the character for a new generation. Originally created by Steve Ditko for Charlton Comics, Vic Sage found new life under O’Neil’s pen—philosophical, gritty, and deeply human.
We also explore Denny’s novel Helltown, which digs into Vic Sage’s origin story in a bo...
We also explore Denny’s novel Helltown, which digs into Vic Sage’s origin story in a bo...
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July 5, 2025 • 185 mins
Today, we go back to 2021 with an epic chat featuring writer Dan Slott—the man who brought his unique voice to Spider-Man, She-Hulk, and of course, Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four. As the FF celebrated their 60th anniversary, Dan reflects on their legacy, his run on the title, and why they still matter in today’s pop culture landscape.
But this conversation doesn’t stop at Yancy Street—we also dive into Doctor Who, one of ...
But this conversation doesn’t stop at Yancy Street—we also dive into Doctor Who, one of ...
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July 4, 2025 • 98 mins
today we bring you Part 3 of my Summer 2011 conversation with the late, great Marty Pasko. In this installment, we explore Marty’s work from the 1980s, including his run on Blackhawk, and get his sharp perspective on what was then the big unknown — the launch of DC’s New 52. Marty had a lot to say about how that relaunch might alter the company’s history and how it stacked up against past reinventions of the DC Universe.
We also tak...
We also tak...
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July 3, 2025 • 81 mins
Welcome back to Word Balloon — the comic book conversation show. I’m John Siuntres, and this is Part 2 of my deep-dive with the late, great Martin Pasko. As the saying goes, you don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. And nobody knew the road behind — or the road ahead — at DC Comics better than Marty.
In this episode, we go beyond his 1970s Superman Retroactive story and dig into his role as one of DC’s m...
In this episode, we go beyond his 1970s Superman Retroactive story and dig into his role as one of DC’s m...
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July 3, 2025 • 86 mins
today we’re going back to 2011 for a special talk with the late, great Martin “Marty” Pasko — one of the definitive Superman writers of the Bronze Age. In this conversation, Marty and I discuss his return to the Man of Steel in Superman Retroactive: The '70s, a one-shot that let him revisit the era — and the version of Superman — that helped shape his career.
With sharp insight and his trademark wit, Marty dives into the editorial l...
With sharp insight and his trademark wit, Marty dives into the editorial l...
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July 2, 2025 • 72 mins
The summer box office is heating up, and film critic Michael Kus joins John Siuntres on Word Balloon to break down what’s worth your time — and what might flop harder than a CGI explosion. From superhero fatigue to surprise indie hits, we dive into the big-budget battleground of 2025’s summer movie slate. Which franchises are running on fumes, and which directors still have the magic? It’s a no-holds-barred preview filled with shar...
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July 1, 2025 • 80 mins
Comic book writer and editor Jim Beard joins the show to discuss his new book JACK OF ALL COMICS — Tales Inspired by the Master, a tribute collection featuring essays by top comic creators influenced by Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking work. Also joining us is longtime DC Comics writer Paul Kupperberg, who dives deep into Kirby’s experimental 1970s DC projects like Spirit World and In the Days of the Mob.Paul also wrote Kirby's last mon...
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June 30, 2025 • 59 mins
So Sad to hear The Infamous DC and Marvel writer and Editor in Chief has passed away. In tribute here's my 2022 conversation with Jim recorded at Terrificon in 2022. He will be missed. From writing DC stories at 13 to Marvel, Secret Wars, Valiant and The Comic Books 90s Implosion, Jim discusses it all.
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June 30, 2025 • 91 mins
"This is Word Balloon — the comic book conversation show. Today, we take a journey through the shadows of Gotham, guided by some of the greatest creative minds to ever leave their mark on the Dark Knight. From the revolutionary work of Neal Adams, whose dynamic art redefined Batman for a generation, to the gripping noir of Steve Englehart, who helped bring the Caped Crusader back to his pulp roots in the 1970s. We also remember the...
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June 28, 2025 • 42 mins
Welcome back to Word Balloon for Part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed TV writer and comic book master Christopher Cantwell.
In this episode, we spotlight two of his exciting new creator-owned projects: Out of Alcatraz from Oni Press, co-created with artist Tyler Crook — a haunting, genre-bending tale set in the shadow of the infamous prison — and Kid Maroon from Vault Comics, a twisted noir adventure brought to life with co-cre...
In this episode, we spotlight two of his exciting new creator-owned projects: Out of Alcatraz from Oni Press, co-created with artist Tyler Crook — a haunting, genre-bending tale set in the shadow of the infamous prison — and Kid Maroon from Vault Comics, a twisted noir adventure brought to life with co-cre...
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June 28, 2025 • 58 mins
Today on Word Balloon, I'm joined by acclaimed TV writer and comic book creator Christopher Cantwell. You know him as the co-creator of AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, but today we’re diving into his latest project: the brand-new IDW Star Trek series, Redshirts — a sharp, subversive take on the classic Trek trope that finally gives the most expendable crew members their due. We also explore his standout Marvel runs, including a definiti...
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