This week, we're thrilled to welcome legendary comic book inker Bob Almond! With over three decades of experience for Marvel, DC, and independent publishers, Bob takes us deep into the process of transforming rough pencils into print-ready illustrations. From his early days working on Warlock and the Infinity Watch to high-profile projects including Black Panther, Annihilation: Conquest - Quasar, Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions, and Heroes for Hire, he shares candid stories about collaborating with industry giants while championing the crucial role inkers play in the creative process. We also explore his founding of the Inkwell Awards in 2008, an organization dedicated to promoting the art of inking and recognizing outstanding achievements in the field.

You can follow Bob through his official site, almondink.com, or on Instagram @almondink. Be sure to also follow the Inkwell Awards at inkwellawards.com.

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Check out a video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits.

If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. And if you really like this podcast, support what we do as a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters: buzzsprout.com/1817176/support.

Looking for more ways to express your undying DBB love and devotion? Email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com. Follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook and Instagram, and @DBBandits on X.

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Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com.

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Whether it’s Power Records, Peter Pan Records or other companies that produced kid friendly albums from the 50’s through 80’s, Brian Washington is the guy to talk to! With his own incredible collection, he’s a walking encyclopedia for these audio treasures.

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Check out a video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits.

If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. And if you really like this podcast, support what we do as a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters: buzzsprout.com/1817176/support.

Looking for more ways to express your undying DBB love and devotion? Email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com. Follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook and Instagram, and @DBBandits on X.

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Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com.

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Today, we welcome acclaimed graphic novelist Craig Thompson to discuss his latest tome, Ginseng Roots. In this deeply personal book, Thompson returns to his rural Wisconsin roots to explore the fascinating world of ginseng cultivation that shaped his childhood. The conversation spans Craig's artistic evolution since his breakthrough memoir Blankets, his research trips to China that informed the book's historical elements, and how his early farming experiences continue to influence his creative process.

You can keep up with Craig's latest work and appearances through his official website craigthompsonbooks.com or by following him on Instagram @craigthompsonbooks.

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This week on Dollar Bin Bandits, we sit down with the multi-talented Tom Marvelli, a powerhouse creative whose fingerprints are all over some of the biggest superhero franchises of the last two decades. From his days at Marvel during its post-bankruptcy rebirth to shaping the futures of Hasbro’s legendary action brands, Tom’s career has been nothing short of epic.

Tom is now turning the page—literally—by launching a self-produced graphic novel series The Boy in the Bot from his new imprint, Another Door Comics. He’s bringing decades of industry experience to his own original storytelling, proving it's never too late to chase a creative dream.

You can follow Tom and Another Door at anotherdoorcomics.com or on Instagram @another_door_comics.

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Ralph Macchio spent over four decades at Marvel Comics, serving as a writer, editor, and eventually Executive Editor during some of the company's most transformative periods. Beginning his career in the 1970s as an assistant to Roy Thomas, Ralph went on to edit many of Marvel's flagship titles including Daredevil, Thor, and The Avengers, overseeing Frank Miller's revolutionary run on Daredevil, Walter Simonson's legendary work on Thor, and collaborating with legendary artists like John Buscema on Conan the Barbarian. In addition to his editorial work, Ralph wrote for several titles including Master of Kung Fu and Marvel Two-in-One. Throughout our conversation, Ralph shared fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from Marvel's history, offered insights into the evolution of the comic book industry from the Bronze Age through the modern era, and reflected on working with some of comics' greatest creators. Though largely retired from regular comic work now, Ralph occasionally contributes to special projects and historical retrospectives that draw on his unparalleled experience in the industry.

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In this episode, we roll out with Bob Budiansky and Simon Furman, the legendary minds behind the original Transformers comics from Marvel and Marvel UK respectively. With Skybound's massive compendiums reigniting interest in both series, we dive deep into how a Japanese toy line transformed into a pop culture juggernaut. Bob shares how Transformers first landed on his desk at Marvel and the challenges of writing 50+ issues while constantly introducing new characters. Simon discusses navigating the complexities of fitting UK stories around US continuity and eventually taking over the US title himself. Together, they reflect on their favorite characters, what made Transformers such a lasting property, and the creative synergy—and surprises—between their respective runs. It's a must-listen for fans who want to go beyond the robots in disguise and hear the human stories behind the mythos.

Skybound's Compendium Set Kickstarter campaign goes until May 7, so be sure to back it here before time runs out: http://kck.st/4i3ts31.

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It’s a project of epic proportions as writers and artists in the world of comics are taking part in a new comic featuring the creations of Don Simpson. Multimensions will see Megaton Man and other Simpson characters in the hands of various writers and artists in a new Kickstarter campaign!

Contributors Bob Kroll and Joe Ely Carrales III join the show to talk about their contributions and more. Check out the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostagents/megaton-man-multimentions.

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Check out a video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/dollarbinbandits.

If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. And if you really like this podcast, support what we do as a member of the Dollar Bin Boosters: buzzsprout.com/1817176/support.

Looking for more ways to express your undying DBB love and devotion? Email us at dollarbinbandits@gmail.com. Follow us @dollarbinbandits on Facebook and Instagram, and @DBBandits on X.

_____________________

Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com.

Support the show

Matt Wagner, creator of the legendary independent titles Grendel and Mage, shares his journey to become one of comics' most respected writer-artists. Our conversation explores the origins and complex publication history of his signature character Grendel, which debuted in Comico Primer #2, as well as the creative process and development behind the more personal Mage trilogy. Beyond his creator-owned work, Matt discusses his affinity for pulp characters like Batman, The Shadow, Green Hornet, and Zorro in his work for DC and Dynamite, explaining why these characters resonate with him stylistically and thematically, while also touching on his distinctive work on Demon. He shares the thinking behind DC's Trinity, and his current collaboration with Kelley Jones on the ambitious Dracula series.

You can follow Matt on his site, mattwagnercomics.art, on X @MattWagnerComic or on Instagram @mattwagnercomics.

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