Creator Talks Podcast

In less than 60 days the United States 2020 Election will take place and there could be no better time to present my next two guests.

Cynthia and Sanford Levinson are the authors of Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and The Flaws That Affect Us Today.

Their book will be as part of a line of civics graphic novels from the acclaimed publisher First Second.

Alley Shwed illustrated the 228-page graphic novel edition of Fault Lineson sale September 22nd.

Cynthia and Sanford explain how despite the Framers of the Constitution's best intentions, there are faults in the Constitution that still impact and impede our political process today.

Among the issues we discuss are the Electoral College system, the disproportionate representation between small and large states and a lack of representation of states' population diversity within the Senate.

With the current back the drop of the Black Lives Matter movement, I am very fortunate to have Cynthia also discuss two of her other booksWe've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's Marchand The Youngest Marcher: The Storyof Audrey Faye Hendricks.

Cynthia explains what compelled her to write these two books and how children made a difference in Black America's fight for equality and civil rights in the 1960s.

On a lighter note when I Kick Back With the Creator, I learn Cynthia and Sanford's island book and their beverage of choice. Pay attention, there are some great drink recipes I know I'm going to try!

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About Fault Lines In The Constitution

About Cynthia Levinson

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

September starts out strong for Creator Talks with another bonus podcast for the Labor Day Holiday.

Award-winning Australian writer/artist Chris Gooch joins me to discuss the making of his graphic novel Under-Earththrough Top Shelf/IDW on sale October 2020. This is the second of two graphic novels Certified Cool by Diamond Previews I teased on previous shows.

Diamond Preview's description ofUnder-Earth reads:

"The inmates of an expansive underground prison struggle to build meaningful lives in a broken system, in the most ambitious graphic novel to date from rising indie star Chris Gooch...Equal parts sincerity an violence, Under-Earth explores humanity's inextinguishable drive to find meaning, connection, and even family-and how fragile such constructions can be"

Chris' other notable and award-winning work includes Bottled and Deep Breaths. I discuss these works with Chris as well, and how he works on multiple projects in different stages of development, simultaneously, to keep his work fresh as he grinds through the finishing details.

We also talk about whom Chris considers his mentors, learning to work digitally and the movie that changed the way he thinks.

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About Under-Earth

More about Chris Gooch

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Sean Chen (artist of X-O, Iron Man, Wolverine and Batman Beyond) joins Creator Talks to discuss the September 1st only 24-hour digital drop of Wingman: Compendium of an Artist's First Writing Experience.

The book was inspired by the 1957 classic Swedish art film The Seventh Sealdirected by Ingmar Bergman.

The digital version of Sean's book is available free and in it's entirety on Nextchapter's Instagram @NextChapterPost.The physical copy will not only contain the story but also a page-by-page look at Sean's creative process.

Why did Sean decide to post the story on Instagram and partner with NextChapter for the physical edition rather than a launching a Kickstarter campaign?

Don't worry if you are listening to our interviewtoo late to get a physical copy. There is still a plenty of discussion of Sean's career, from Valiant to Marvel, and the lessons he has learned about making comics.

We talk about the first time I meet Sean during the Delaware Valley CBRI One Day Tour that was held Saturday February 27, 1993. He was promoting his first comic work for ValiantRai and The Future Force.

How did Sean get his first break working for Valiant Comics?

Sean learned a great deal at Valiant and tells how his art developed under the guidance of Art DirectorBarry-Windsor Smith and Editor-In-ChiefBob Layton.

When Sean made the jump to Marvel Comics1998 to illustrate Iron Manfor the launch ofMarvel'sHeroes Return,he had the opportunity to work with writer Kurt Busiek. Sean explains how writer/artist collaborations back then were different than how they are commonly done today.

Kick Back With the Creatorto learn how Sean likes to relax, his island book and the oddest job he ever had.

Plus: Sean reveals what he considers his missed opportunities that comic artists should take heed.

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Learn about NextChaptersPosts one-day sale!

Sean Chen's Instagram

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Koren Shadmiis an award winning writer/artist who has provided cover illustrations for Newsweek, LA Weekly, The Village Voice and other magazines.

He studied and now teaches at the Visual School of Arts in New York City.

As a teacher, Is Koren able to tell which of his students have the best chance of making a living as an artist? What skills do they need to develop to survive in the business world?

Koren has two graphic novels being released.

The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and The Birth of Television published by Humanoids. This 168 page black and white graphic novel will be available again in print this October.

Koren talks about the life ofRod Serling, the successes he achieved in television and the struggles he faced.

What makes the The Twilight Zonea timeless classic?

Koren's other work coming this October is Bionic, a full color 192-page graphic novel being published by Top Shelf / IDW.

Bionicis a near future coming-of-age story for the digital generation. Victor is geek and wants to win the love of the gorgeous Patricia – but she returns from a horrible accident with new robotic parts-and both their lives are changed, forever!

As our discussion comes to close,I Kick Back with the Creatorto ask Koren about his favorite birthday, beverage of choice, that missed opportunity and more.

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About Koren Shadmi

About The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and The Birth of Television

About Bionic

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Vali Chandrasekaran is a producer and comedy writer living in Los Angeles. His first work for NBCwas writing television scripts for My Name is Earl.

Two other programs he wrote for were 30 Rock and Modern Family, bothEmmy nominated multiple times for Best Comedy Series.

I discuss with Vali how he landed his first television work and how breaking into screen writing can be very competitive.

Vali spent some time in front of the camera on an episode of the The Office.

We go behind the scenes to learn how he landed the role and what the experience was like working with cast.

He has written his own comic, Genius Animals, which is available for free and in it’s entirety online at genuisanimals.net

Genius Animals is a comedic mystery about that situation where you think your relationship is going well, then one day your significant other disappears. When you try to figure out what happened, you can’t tell if you have been ghosted or have to save all of humanity.

Why did Vali decide to go from Hollywood scriptwriter to comic book writer?

What is his connect to the web comic’s artist Jun-Pierre Shiozawa?

What is the difference between writing for 30Rock characters and comics?

How is making a graphic novel both exactly like and very different from running a TV show?

All this plus a discussion on television shows screened before a live studio audience and the use of laugh tracks in a comedy series.

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

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Link to the web comics Genius Animals

I continue to explore the Batman Family corner of the DCUniverse with veteran writer / artist Dan Jurgens.

Among Dan's vast body of work is the 1992 classic Death of Superman, his run on Thor, Captain America and The Sensational Spider-Man. Dan is also the creator of the classic characters Doomsday andBooster Gold.

I check in with Dan to see how he is faring during the coronavirus pandemic and how he managed to safely connect with local fans at a Minnesota comic shop during a recent signing event.

Dan is working with former collaborator Sean Chen, one of the current artists on Batman Beyond. I asked Sean in advance to comment on working with Dan and shared his feedback.

Both creators have in common working for Valiant Comicsduring the 1990s. Dan reflects on a few highlights whilewriting Solar Man of the Atom.

Dan explains why every comic he writes still contains enough exposition to make the issue accessible to new readers.

We talk about comic book anniversaries and how they have lost some of their luster with the increasing frequency of these milestone issues. Dan explains what is key for him to make an issue worthy of containing extra pages that demand a higher price tag.

Dick Grayson returns as the titular hero inNightwing this fall with issue #75.

Dick lost his memory from a gunshot to the head by KGBeast back in Batman #55 and his struggle continued beginning withNightwing #50. Dan took over the reigns writing Nightwing with issue #59. He explains his approach to keeping the series a Nightwing comic book until the return of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.

Both Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond and Dick Grayson in Nightwingsuffered from memory loss. Is there a connection between the two?

I ask Dan's his thoughts on Superman not being consider for another solo film, Henry Cavill in the title role and the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of JusticeZak SnyderCut.

The final chapter of the Death of Superman was illustrated entirely with single panel pages. What ever happened to the original art from Superman #75?

When I Kick Back With the Creator, I ask Dan about his favorite birthday which digresses into a discussion of 8-track tapes. For his island book Dan picks an ideal comic omnibus.

All this and more is in this installment of Creator Talks.

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Please rate and reviewCreator Talks on Apple Podcasts

More about Dan Jurgens

I continue to explore the Batman Family corner of the DCUniverse with veteran writer / artist Dan Jurgens.

Among Dan's vast body of work is the 1992 classic Death of Superman, his run on Thor, Captain America and The Sensational Spider-Man. Dan is also the creator of the classic characters Doomsday andBooster Gold.

I check in with Dan to see how he is faring during the coronavirus pandemic and how he managed to safely connect with local fans at a Minnesota comic shop during a recent signing event.

Dan is working with former collaborator Sean Chen, one of the current artists on Batman Beyond. I asked Sean in advance to comment on working with Dan and shared his feedback.

Both creators have in common working for Valiant Comicsduring the 1990s. Dan reflects on a few highlights whilewriting Solar Man of the Atom.

Dan explains why every comic he writes still contains enough exposition to make the issue accessible to new readers.

We talk about comic book anniversaries and how they have lost some of their luster with the increasing frequency of these milestone issues. Dan explains what is key for him to make an issue worthy of containing extra pages that demand a higher price tag.

Dick Grayson returns as the titular hero inNightwing this fall with issue #75.

Dick lost his memory from a gunshot to the head by KGBeast back in Batman #55 and his struggle continued beginning withNightwing #50. Dan took over the reigns writing Nightwing with issue #59. He explains his approach to keeping the series a Nightwing comic book until the return of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.

Both Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond and Dick Grayson in Nightwingsuffered from memory loss. Is there a connection between the two?

I ask Dan's his thoughts on Superman not being consider for another solo film, Henry Cavill in the title role and the upcoming Batman v. Superman: Dawn of JusticeZak SnyderCut.

The final chapter of the Death of Superman was illustrated entirely with single panel pages. What ever happened to the original art from Superman #75?

When I Kick Back With the Creator, I ask Dan about his favorite birthday which digresses into a discussion of 8-track tapes. For his island book Dan picks an ideal comic omnibus.

All this and more is in this installment of Creator Talks.

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Please rate and reviewCreator Talks on Apple Podcasts

More about Dan Jurgens

Wake the kids and phone the neighbors!

DC artist Jason Fabok joins Creator Talks to discuss Batman: Three Jokers. Years in the making and delayed two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issue #1 of this DC Black Label mini-series arrives on August 25th 2020.

Jason worked on titles Superman/Batman,Batman, Batman Eternal, Dark Knight,Detective ComicsandJustice League.He won the 2019Eisner Award for Best Short Story withSwap Thing Winter Special:The Talking of the Saints.

Why did Jason decided make a living illustrating comics after going to bible school for one year and how did this choice make his faith even stronger?

How didDavid Finch help Jason break into DC comics?

Jason's run with Geoff Johns onJustice LeagueDarksied Wars ended with issue #50. Learn why they agreed their next story together had to be Batman: Three Jokers.

We also find out how The Killing Joke influences the layout and tone of Batman Three Jokers and why Jason insisted he illustrate all the variant covers for the three part series.

Jason also discusses working again with his collaborators from Justice League writer Geoff Johns and colorist Brad Anderson.

I close the interview Kicking Back With the Creator to discover Jason's island book, beverage of choice, action figure accessory and the Batman run that inspired him to be a profession comic book artist.

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Please rate and reviewCreator Talks on Apple Podcasts

More aboutJason Fabok

More about Batman: Three Jokers

Wake the kids and phone the neighbors!

DC artist Jason Fabok joins Creator Talks to discuss Batman: Three Jokers. Years in the making and delayed two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issue #1 of this DC Black Label mini-series arrives on August 25th 2020.

Jason worked on titles Superman/Batman,Batman, Batman Eternal, Dark Knight,Detective ComicsandJustice League.He won the 2019Eisner Award for Best Short Story withSwap Thing Winter Special:The Talking of the Saints.

Why did Jason decided make a living illustrating comics after going to bible school for one year and how did this choice make his faith even stronger?

How didDavid Finch help Jason break into DC comics?

Jason's run with Geoff Johns onJustice LeagueDarksied Wars ended with issue #50. Learn why they agreed their next story together had to be Batman: Three Jokers.

We also find out how The Killing Joke influences the layout and tone of Batman Three Jokers and why Jason insisted he illustrate all the variant covers for the three part series.

Jason also discusses working again with his collaborators from Justice League writer Geoff Johns and colorist Brad Anderson.

I close the interview Kicking Back With the Creator to discover Jason's island book, beverage of choice, action figure accessory and the Batman run that inspired him to be a profession comic book artist.

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Please rate and reviewCreator Talks on Apple Podcasts

More aboutJason Fabok

More about Batman: Three Jokers

Thou demanded more and ye shall have it!

Stuart Moore joins me to continue exploring the world ofAHOY Comics. We focus ontwo titles he is writing:Bronze Age Boogie (art Alberto Ponticelli) and Captain Ginger (art by June Brigman).

Stuart explains the challenges of building creative teams and keeping things running smoothly.

How did one whimsicalillustration of cats by June Brigman ignite a creative spark that lead her joining forces with Stuart to tell the story of Captain Ginger?

Stuart is suspicious of nostalgia and explains why Bronze Age Boogie is not just a nostalgic trip. But there are some delightful 1970s references. We discuss a few of them, Chris busts out a few of his old 45s (singles records, that is :) and we share our memories of the 1970s.

Next we turn to the Bronze Age of comics. We have a pretty good idea when it ended, but what marked the beginning of the Bronze Age of comics? Stuart and I share our thoughts on the subject.

We discuss some comics from the 1970s including one Stuart was particularly fond of Marvel Previews #4. Why was that one so special?

We also talk about Stuart's experience of working with one of the best editors ever, Archie Goodwin.

In closing I Kick Back With The Creator and ask Stuart his island book, about one comic project that got away and Bronze Age technology he misses most.

Creator Talks Theme Song: "Jazz Relax" by LoopsLab

Interview Closing Song: "Everyone's a Winner" by Hot Chocolate

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About Bronze Age Boogie

About Captain Ginger