Episodios

  • Celebrating 50 Years of Kolchak: The Night Stalker

    Celebrating 50 Years of Kolchak: The Night Stalker
    Oct 20 2025
    In this 2022 discussion, editor and writer James Aquilone joined Word Balloon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kolchak: The Night Stalker — the cult-classic TV franchise that helped define the modern supernatural investigator genre. Aquilone talked about the enduring influence of Darren McGavin’s Carl Kolchak, from The Night Stalker’s 1972 TV movie origins through its single-season series and lasting impact on shows like The X-Files.

    The conversation also covered Aquilone’s work curating and editing the Moonstone Books graphic novel anthology, a Kickstarter-backed project that united top writers and artists to tell new Kolchak stories spanning five decades of the character’s career — from classic newspaper-era mysteries to modern paranormal cases. He discussed collaborating with Moonstone’s long-time Kolchak publisher, coordinating contributions from creators across genres, and ensuring the stories captured the tone and noir-horror style of the original show. Aquilone reflected on Kolchak’s place in pop culture history, the challenge of blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling, and how the 50th anniversary served as both a tribute to Jeff Rice’s original creation and a reintroduction of the Night Stalker to new generations of fans.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Ed Brubaker on Destroy All Monsters and the Evolution of Criminal

    Ed Brubaker on Destroy All Monsters and the Evolution of Criminal
    Oct 19 2025
    In this 2021 Word Balloon conversation, acclaimed writer Ed Brubaker joins John Siuntres to discuss his Eisner-winning crime graphic novel Destroy All Monsters, the third volume in the Reckless series created with longtime collaborator Sean Phillips. Brubaker explains how Destroy All Monsters expands the world of 1980s Los Angeles through the eyes of Ethan Reckless, the one-man fixer caught between Hollywood corruption, fading ideals, and his own haunted past.

    He talks about how the story draws from the noir tradition of Ross Macdonald and the downbeat realism of 1970s thrillers — but told through the sleek, cinematic storytelling he and Phillips have perfected. The conversation explores how the Reckless books evolved out of Criminal, Fatale, and Kill or Be Killed, why he and Phillips pivoted to the original graphic novel format, and how working with Sean’s son Jacob Phillips for color and design gave the series a distinctive look and rhythm.

    Brubaker also opens up about his creative process, writing discipline, and the freedom of publishing through Image Comics, where he and Phillips maintain full ownership and complete artistic control. It’s a candid, craft-focused talk with one of comics’ finest storytellers — part writing masterclass, part look inside modern noir’s most successful creative partnership.
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    1 h y 34 m
  • Trek Watch — “Khan Ep 6, Starfleet Academy News & SNW Season 4 Teaser”

    Trek Watch — “Khan Ep 6, Starfleet Academy News & SNW Season 4 Teaser”
    Oct 18 2025
    This week on Trek Watch, John dives into the latest developments from the Star Trek universe. We start with a breakdown and review of Star Trek: Khan — Ceti Alpha V Episode 6, analyzing how the story continues to chart Khan’s descent from visionary leader to vengeful exile. We look at the writing, performances, and how the series ties into both The Original Series and Wrath of Khan.

    Next, dissecting the brand-new Starfleet Academy trailer, exploring what it reveals about tone, setting, and cast. From the post-Burn timeline to the training-day dynamics, we discuss how this series could expand the modern Trek landscape while reconnecting to the franchise’s roots in mentorship and idealism.

    Finally, we break down the NYCC 2025 teaser clip from Strange New Worlds Season 4, which teases character arcs, new worlds, and a tonal shift that could set up the series’ boldest season yet. Expect speculation, continuity talk, and a few of our trademark Trek deep cuts along the way.
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    44 m
  • david lapham stray bullets and more

    david lapham stray bullets and more
    Oct 17 2025
    Acclaimed writer–artist David Lapham joins Word Balloon for an in-depth conversation about his decades in comics and the craft of visual storytelling. Lapham reflects on his early days at Valiant Comics, where he learned the fundamentals of pacing, clarity, and narrative economy under Jim Shooter’s mentorship — lessons that would shape his distinctive storytelling voice.

    He then traces the creation and evolution of his award-winning crime saga Stray Bullets, from its underground indie roots to its enduring influence on modern noir comics. Lapham discusses how he and his wife Maria Lapham have built a true creative partnership, collaborating on everything from story development to production, keeping the series uncompromisingly personal and authentic.

    The conversation also explores his time writing and illustrating for the Big Two, including his gritty takes on Batman and Wolverine, where he brought his signature tension and character-driven realism to mainstream heroes.

    Finally, Lapham gives a preview of his latest and upcoming work at Dark Horse Comics, Bad Idea, and Oni Press, sharing insight into how
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    1 h y 21 m
  • Mike Kunkel on Herobear’s Return, Krypto & Scooby-Doo, and Shazam

    Mike Kunkel on Herobear’s Return, Krypto & Scooby-Doo, and Shazam
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode, I catch up with writer–artist Mike Kunkel, the Eisner Award–winning creator of Herobear and the Kid. Mike talks about the new volumes of Herobear from Papercutz, revisiting his beloved, hand-drawn world of childhood wonder, imagination, and heroism — and how he’s bringing fresh emotional depth and visual storytelling to the series.

    We also get into his Capstone Books work with Krypto the Superdog and Scooby-Doo, where Mike brings his trademark humor and warmth to stories for younger readers, combining classic mystery fun and superhero action with the same heart that defines his independent work.

    Finally, Mike shares insights from his run on Shazam! at DC Comics, discussing how he infused Billy Batson’s adventures with his signature animation-inspired energy and heartfelt optimism.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Origins Of Peacemaker and Checkmate With Paul Kupperberg

    Origins Of Peacemaker and Checkmate With Paul Kupperberg
    Oct 14 2025
    1 h y 14 m
  • Andrew E.C. Gaska on Apes, Buck Rogers & Space: 1999

    Andrew E.C. Gaska on Apes, Buck Rogers & Space: 1999
    Oct 12 2025
    In this in-depth conversation, writer and franchise caretaker Andrew E.C. Gaska joins John Siuntres to discuss his work revitalizing three of science fiction’s most enduring universes — Planet of the Apes, Buck Rogers, and Space: 1999.

    Gaska talks about balancing canon, continuity, and creativity as he builds connective tissue between classic stories and modern reimaginings. For Planet of the Apes, he explains how his novels Conspiracy of the Planet of the Apes and Death of the Planet of the Apes expand the original film mythology, deepening the lore around the astronauts, the forbidden zone, and the political world of the apes.

    Turning to Buck Rogers, Gaska outlines his efforts to restore the franchise to its pulp and serial roots, steering away from camp and back toward the raw, forward-looking adventure of Philip Francis Nowlan’s original creation. He also teases his plans for reconnecting Buck’s 20th-century origins with a plausible 25th-century future.

    Finally, Gaska delves into Space: 1999, discussing his work on To Everything That Was and the Aftershock and Awe graphic novel, which translate the cult 1970s series into a coherent expanded universe. He breaks down the philosophical themes of isolation, humanity’s place in the cosmos, and the Cold War anxieties baked into the show’s DNA — and how he modernized them for today’s audience.

    The conversation highlights Gaska’s approach as both a fan and historian, preserving the essence of each franchise while giving it new life.
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    1 h y 21 m
  • Dana Gould on Rod Serling, Apes, and the Art of Dark Comedy

    Dana Gould on Rod Serling, Apes, and the Art of Dark Comedy
    Oct 11 2025
    In this 2018 Word Balloon conversation, comedian, writer, and producer Dana Gould joins John Siuntres for a deep dive into his creative journey adapting Rod Serling’s original Planet of the Apes screenplay into a graphic novel for BOOM! Studios. Gould discusses how Serling’s early drafts differed from the final 1968 film — delving into the satire, social commentary, and Cold War paranoia that Serling originally intended.

    The interview also explores Gould’s other creative outlets, including his acclaimed “Dana Gould Hour” podcast, where his sharp wit and fascination with old Hollywood, horror, and pop culture shine through. Rounding out the discussion, Gould talks about his work on IFC’s Stan Against Evil — the offbeat supernatural comedy he created and starred in — and how it channels his lifelong love of classic horror and monster movies. It’s a lively, funny, and insightful chat with one of the sharpest minds blending comedy, commentary, and the weird corners of genre storytelling.
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    1 h y 3 m