Gary Groth, publisher and founder of Fantagraphics joins Dave to reflect on 50 years of championing comics, the world's greatest cartoonists, and following conviction.

He talks about launching The Comics Journal at 21, meeting Robert Crumb, Harvey Kurtzman, Daniel Clowes, Todd McFarlane, Charles Schulz, and the defining moment Love and Rockets arrived, unsolicited in his mailbox.

The two discuss the tragic passing of artist Ed Piskor, the new Takumigraphics manga imprint, Kago Shintaro, and why Fantagraphics is doubling down on politically urgent work.fantagraphics.com

Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach joins Dave for a deep-dive conversation about comic book collecting, rock music, and creative inspiration. Bach shares his earliest comic memories, from Fantastic Four to Herb Trimpe’s Incredible Hulk, and how those stories shaped his lifelong taste as a collector. He recounts unforgettable rock tour road stories, including the legendary moment he bought Amazing Fantasy #15 alongside Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell on a fateful day in Omaha.

The two explore the power of comic book community, the creative fuel behind Jack Kirby, Gene Colan, and Spider-Man, iconic Spider-Man jackets, and why local comic shops remain a place of quiet refuge for artists, musicians, and fans alike. A must-listen episode for fans of hard rock, heavy metal, Marvel Comics, Spider-Man, and pop culture storytelling.

See Sebastian On The Road this year: https://www.sebastianbach.com/

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Cartoonist Brett Bean (Dungeon Crawler Carl, Rocket and Groot, Jim Henson Creature Shop) joins Dave to discuss D'ORC, his humorous, high-fantasy series with Image Comics.

Bean shares how he developed his protagonist from his own experience of never fitting in, his "controlled chaos" approach to both art and life, and the pivotal conversation that caused him to leave behind animation for comics.

The two discuss paying creative dues, the positivity of Matt Dinnaman, favoring creativity over chasing paychecks, and what watching Phoebe Bridgers play for tips at a farmers market says about the importance of starting small.

Check out Brett's work here : https://www.brettbean.com/

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