Word Balloon Comics Podcast

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 timelin...

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...

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—w...

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 reinvent...

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 an...

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 w...

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-ho...

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 M...

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.

"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...

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 a...

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 standou...

This episode is a special Pride Month encore from 2016—my very first conversation with writer Steve Orlando. Steve joined me back then to talk about his new BOOM! Studios book Namesake, a bold sci-fi adventure about a gay fireman who crosses into an alternate dimension to bury his fathers—and uncover the truth about his identity and past. We also dove into Steve’s impactful work in the DC Universe...

Robbie covers a lot of ground talking his comics books for Marvel like Spider-Man Deadpool DR Strange and for DC Suicide Squad and more. He's also got 2 IDW projects out Sin Bin a Hockey Player Father and his teen daughter go deamon hunting, and the Star Trek Strange New Worlds Comic starting in Auguest.  Speaking of Tek Robbie is on the writing staff of Strange New Worlds upcoming seasons 4 and 5...

Welcome to a Scene Missing edition of The Word Balloon Podcast! I’m John Siuntres, and today Gabriel Hardman and I are diving into the dusty trails of indie cinema with action star and filmmaker Alexander Nevsky, joined by his co-star Nick Balle, to talk about their new western, The Wide West, now streaming free on Xumo Play.  This isn’t your typical shoot-’em-up. The Wide West is inspired by a re...

Tim is back to discuss his Eisner nomination of his Alan Scott Green Lantern min series and the closeted life of a Gay Superhero in 1940s america. We also discuss his current run on IDW's Star Trek Lower Decks series his work on DC animated films about Superman Batman and DC Army heroes like the losers and Sgt Rock. 

Welcome to The Big Bout Podcast—part of the Word Balloon Network. Today we’re going ringside with one of the best boxing minds in the game—historian and author William Dettloff. We’re digging into the treasure trove of vintage fights now streaming on YouTube, reliving the glory days of the ring with expert insight and behind-the-scenes context you won’t find anywhere else. From underappreciated cl...

Lots of TV and film talk including a talk about the limits of streaming, where physical media will be in the future, and much more 

A 2012 interview with the producers of the 6 hour pbs documentary series Superheroes The Never Ending Battle . This documentary series features many legendary creators who thankfully were still alivbe to talk about their creations Joe Kubert (Hawkman) Joe Simon (Captain America) Jerry Robinson (Robin, The Joker) Stan Lee Neal Adams and countless more 

There are so many Roger Corman films we could've discussed but we throw a few curves and talk about some of the ones people miss on their Corman lists. From 1954's Highway Dragnet, which was Corman's first produced Screenplay to Frankenstien Unbound his last directed film from 1992

Mark Millar is back to talk about is new Kickstarter campaign for Psychic Sam co-created by John Romita Jr. The new book is already in the works as a film adaptation by the producer of Wrath Of Man and The Gentlemen Ivan Atkinson  We also talk about his Vatican City Dark Horse comic, an upcoming new volume of Nemesis, and other coming projects He also explains what happened to his plans to write a...

Go behind the scenes of SYFY’s haunting new series Revival in this exclusive interview with showrunners Aaron B. Koontz and Luke Boyce. Adapted from Tim Seeley and Mike Norton’s acclaimed Image Comics series, Revival isn’t your typical zombie tale—instead, the dead return to life just as they were, sparking a chilling murder mystery in the heart of rural Wisconsin. Whether you’re a longtime fan of...

Sure there were gay cartoonists before him, but Andy was the first openly gay writer doing superhero comic books in the 80s and it wasn't easy. He discusses his comics like Wonder Woman 77 Meets the Bionice Woman, writing ground breaking Star Wars stories, and his many Star Trek Books and Comics..

JrJr is back to talk about a new kickstarter and collaoration with Mark Millar on a new vigilante character Psychic Sam . Inked by Klaus Janson this will be a 3 part 50 pages each arc, that is also in development as an upcomming film by Ivan Atkinson (Wrath Of Man, The Gentleman)  Johnny talks about the new project teaming up again with Mark , past projects like Kick-Ass and his Daredevil and Spid...

It's part 1 of a 2 part Trek Watch where Franco and Wayne join me to add their thoughts on the Starnge New Worlds news and Dr Who Gatwa era. Plus our anticipation for the Superman film grows.