Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

On Rewind, a sit down with filmmaker, writer, podcaster, and pop‑culture ambassador Kevin Smith to revisit the creation and legacy of his AMC reality series Comic Book Men. Running from 2012 to 2018, the show became a celebration of fandom, friendship, and the magic of the local comic shop — all rooted in Kevin’s real‑life store, Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Recorded at New York Comic-Con, this conversation captures Kevin at his most candid and enthusiastic as he reflects on how a simple idea — turning the everyday life of his comic shop into a TV series — became a six‑season phenomenon.

The Origin Story
Before it became Comic Book Men, the series was originally titled Secret Stash, named after Kevin’s beloved shop. It was a natural fit: Kevin owned the store, the staff were characters in their own right, and the world of comics was exploding into mainstream culture.

The timing was perfect. AMC wanted a companion series to follow The Walking Dead, and Kevin’s blend of geek culture, humor, and heart made the Stash the ideal setting.

The Series at a Glance

Premiered: 2012

Original Title: Secret Stash

Final Title: Comic Book Men

Format Evolution:

Season 1: Six one‑hour episodes

Season 2: Expanded to sixteen half‑hour episodes

Total Run: Six seasons

Season 7: Confirmed in 2018 but ultimately cancelled before production

Across its run, the show blended Pawn Stars‑style collectibles, comic book history, fan culture, and the unmistakable chemistry of Kevin’s longtime friends and Stash staff — Walt Flanagan, Bryan Johnson, Mike Zapcic, and Ming Chen.

 
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In this episode, a sit down with acclaimed costume designer Natalie Bronfman, whose work spans some of the most visually striking and emotionally charged productions of the last decade. From the dystopian iconography of The Handmaid’s Tale, to the tactile, world‑building detail of See Season Two, to the stylized tension of the recent Psycho Killer, Bronfman’s designs reveal a deep understanding of character, culture, and the power of clothing to shape story.

Our conversation was recorded a few years ago at San Diego Comic-Con, where Natalie reflected on the winding, hands-on journey that led her to become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary costume design.

About Natalie Bronfman
Natalie’s path into costume design wasn’t linear — and that’s part of what makes her work so layered. She learned the craft from the ground up, absorbing everything from textile knowledge to tailoring, from historical research to the psychology of color and silhouette. That breadth of experience informs her ability to design costumes that feel lived-in, symbolic, and emotionally resonant.

Her credits include:

The Handmaid’s Tale — redefining modern dystopian costuming with garments that became global cultural symbols

See (Season Two) — crafting a tactile, post-apocalyptic world built around blindness, texture, and survival

Psycho Killer — bringing a sharp, stylized edge to a contemporary thriller

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Tony Tellado chatted with actor, director, and now novelist Lou Diamond Phillips to explore the sweeping sci‑fi epic at the heart of his book Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira. 

At the center of this universe is Everson, a young man who never wanted to be a soldier but was forced into service by his parents. His very first battle goes catastrophically wrong, leaving him stranded on an enemy world where every step could be his last. What follows is a journey of survival, identity, and destiny.

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Inside the Chaos, Craft, and Creative Fire of Genre Filmmaking
Audio courtesy of 20th Century Fox

For this special Byte episode, from the red carpet at Beyond Fest, one of the world’s most beloved celebrations of genre cinema. From breakout performers to the creative minds shaping the look, feel, and sound of the films, this episode captures the pulse of a festival where horror, sci‑fi, and bold storytelling reign.

🎙️ Featured Red Carpet Conversations
Georgina Campbell
Grace Dove
James Preston Rogers
Stephen Adekolu
🎨 Behind the Scenes: Crafting the World
Natalie Bronfman — Costume Designer
Roger Fires — Production Designer
Sven Faulconer — Composer
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Audio courtesy of Starz

In this special episode of Byte, Tony brings together the cast of Outlander for a heartfelt, spirited, and often hilarious conversation as they answer fan questions and reflect on the journey to their final season. This isn’t just a press stop — it’s a gathering of a family looking back on a decade of storytelling, connection, and time‑bending adventure.

🎙️ Featured Comments From

Sam Heughan — Jamie Fraser

Caitríona Balfe — Claire Fraser

Sophie Skelton — Brianna Fraser

Richard Rankin — Roger MacKenzie

John Bell — Young Ian

David Berry — Lord John Grey

Charles VanderVaart — William Ransom

Izzy Meikle‑Small — Rachel Hunter

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