Off Panel: A Comics Interview Podcast

Writers Joshua Williamson and Kelly Sue DeConnick joined me at San Diego Comic Con for a special episode where we talk about why they love comics. Up first, Williamson shares why he loves comics, how his life affects his love, the creator that sealed the deal for him, whether he looks at comics the same as a reader and creator, self-imposed limitations, maintaining his passion for the medium, and more. Then, DeConnick joins to discuss why she loves comics, the medium's flexibility, its punk rock nature, reader brain vs. creator brain, experimenting with the medium, backmatter and community, expanding your horizons, and more.

Artist Andy Kubert joins the show to talk about his life and career in comics and his new series Terminals. Kubert discusses his schedule oriented approach, how he thinks about the job, what he learned from his father Joe, becoming an artist, his time at The Kubert School, figuring out his voice as an artist, the Kubert Triple Threat, his time on X-Men, the origins of Terminal, the project's lead time, the artists on the book, going the creator-owned route, the roots of Ka-Zar, the evolution of being an artist, a tip for artists, and more.

The Beat's Heidi MacDonald joins the show to talk about Marvel's explosive news and where things are as we head into San Diego Comic Con in an episode that was recorded across two days. MacDonald discusses Steve Wacker taking over as Marvel's Editor in Chief, Marvel's move to Burbank, what it all means, the C.B. Cebulski of it all, comic con plans and expectations, where the direct market is, why Absolute popped, the state of the single issue, Marvel's status, publishers we have an eye on, how the business is evolving, what Heidi is looking for this year, Robert Kirkman's impact, and more.

Writer and artist Frank Miller joins the show to talk about his views on comics and art as well as his new memoir, Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing and the Art of Storytelling. Miller discusses the joy he gets from art and comics, his approach to art, his preferred projects, collaboration, Calvin & Hobbes, the importance of curiosity, Forbidden Planet's arrival, how he views art, the impact of the people in his life, process vs. outcome, the power of the trash can, success as a driver, his views of his own work, being open to change, a tip for storytellers, and more.

Writer and actor Iman Vellani joins the show to talk about her life, career, and new Image Comics series Chachu. Vellani discusses the buildup to Chachu, her writing experience, her comic origins, jumping into the middle of comics, her career and comic guides, her path to Ms. Marvel, how Chachu came together, working with Tiny Onion, the appeal of the 1970s, the story's multigenerational side, figuring out scripting, putting the creative team together, the difference between writing superheroes versus creator-owned, turning influence into art, testing her imposter syndrome, whether she wants to keep writing comics, figuring out her life, and more.