The Short Box Podcast: A Comic Book Talk Show
Can’t make it to your local comic shop? The Short Box Podcast brings the comic shop experience straight to your headphones! Join your friendly neighborhood podcast host: Badr Milligan, every Wednesday for news, reviews, and interviews about comic books. Learn how your favorite comics are made, with the creators who make them, and celebrate comic culture with other diehard fans. Whether you’re a longtime collector or a casual reader, The Short Box is essential listening on New Comic Book Day, and a must-listen comic book podcast for all fans. Don't forget to join The Short Box Nation on Patreo...
Jason Fabok Speaks On The Physical Toll of Drawing Comics, Life After Batman, and Ghost Machine
Jason Fabok (Batman: Three Jokers, Darkseid War, Detective Comics) joins the show for a candid conversation about the physical toll of drawing comics, leaving DC to help build Ghost Machine, creating the epic sci-fi series Rook: Exodus, surviving David Finch's art bootcamp, creative ownership, working with Geoff Johns, and drawing Batman for over a decade.
Watch the uncut video version of this episode: HERE
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Originally released in February 2016 , this classic episode of The Short Box (Ep. #122) features the world renowned Hip-hop artist and comic book enthusiast, the departed legend Paten Locke (RIP. 🅿️🔒 Forever) for a wide-ranging conversation about music and pop-culture
Paten joins Badr and Drew to talk about his journey through Hip-Hop as an independent artist, moving to Jacksonville and the early Duval Hip-Hop scene, his experiences performing and touring around the world, starting groups like Asamov, The Smile Rays, and the record label Full Plate, his new a...
Comics Rule Everything Around Zach Norris. An Interview About Hip-Hop And Comic Book Crossovers
What happens when two of the most expressive subcultures in pop culture collide? In Episode 509 of The Short Box, I sit down with Zach Norris—writer, comic shop manager at San Diego’s Now or Never Comics, and the creator behind the Hip-Hop and Comics zine series C.R.E.A.M. (Comics Rule Everything Around Me).
Zach breaks down his journey from writing for The Hundreds, the hidden links between 80s NYC graffiti culture, hardcore punk, and early comic art, Comic Book Easter Eggs and references in Hip...
Patrick Horvath talks Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees sequel, Samantha Strong, and new Halloween Special
This week on The Short Box, we’re bringing you an exclusive SDCC 2026 interview with Patrick Horvath, the mastermind behind IDW’s breakout horror hit Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees and its sequel Rite of Spring!
Patrick unpacks the delicate balance between 1980s/90s small-town nostalgia and visceral, upsetting horror. We also talk about the character dynamics, the strong fan reception to Samantha Strong, how graphic design and lettering elevate the storytelling, why horror fans and non-horror readers alike...
David Harper wins his first Eisner Award! SDCC 2026 Recap, SKTCHD, & Comic-Con Survival Tips
How do you go from covering the comic industry for more than a decade, to receiving one of the industry's highest awards? David Harper stops by to tell the story and give us the ultimate SDCC recap!
AWARD WINNING Comic Journalist, and Podcaster, David Harper (SKTCHD & Off Panel) joins me to celebrate his major win at the 2026 Eisner Awards. SKTCHD took home the trophy (Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism), and David talks about the big moment, the current state of comic journalism, the best news & announcements to come ou...
Manga Hunting in Tokyo, Travel Tales & X-Men ’97 Reactions w/ Drew (Unlocked Patreon Episode)
[UNLOCKED PATREON EPISODE] Every month, I record an exclusive spin-off show (with Drew) for SBX Patrons called Save For Pod—and today, we’re unlocking the latest episode for everyone
Enjoy a laid back conversation as Drew and I play catch-up on life, including the top moments from my trip to Japan & Sri Lanka (click here for photos). I talk about culture shock, manga hunting in Tokyo, and the comics I picked up overseas (click here for photos). To wrap things up, we share our unfiltered reactions to the first three episodes of X-Me...
How to Navigate the Comic Market & Value Your Comic Collection with CovrPrice Founders Matt DeVoe & John Sulaitis
What makes a modern comic book a true "grail," and how do you separate genuine value from market hype?
This week, I sit down with John Sulaitis and Matt DeVoe, the co-founders behind CovrPrice—the ultimate comic book collection management and pricing tool. Together, they break down how real sales data can make you a smarter collector, share advice on how to build a collection without falling into speculator fatigue, and what to expect from this year's SDCC exclusive variants and blind bags!
Check out the most co...
How to pitch your indie comix: A convo with Eli Schwab about portfolio tips, IC3, and Cosmic Lion Productions
Recorded at the inaugural First Coast Comic Con and Indie Comic Creator Con (IC3) show in Jacksonville: Cosmic Lion Productions founder and indie-comic-champion Eli Schwab jumps on the mic to talk about what's new at CLP, attending conventions as an independent publisher, advice for pitching your comic, comic con travel tips, and defines what it means to be "indie"
Watch the uncut video version of this episode: HERE
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Get access to COVRPRICE for $1: HERETake your comic shopping experience to the limit, by shopping online atKenny Porter & Tyrell Cannon are out for bloody revenge: An interview about Dracula, Superhero comedies, and Operation: Iron Coffin
Comic duo: Kenny Porter & Tyrell Cannon are on the show to talk about their collaborative process on titles like the superhero body-swap comedy: The Schlub, and what readers can expect from their brand-new horror action series: Operation: Iron Coffin - Issue one is already being described as a bloody mashup of Castlevania, Metal Gear, and Hellboy!
Watch the uncut video version of this episode: HERE
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Get access to COVRPRICE for $1: HERETake your comic shopping experience to the limit, by shopping online at Gotham City L...Erica Schultz keeps it 100% real about working in comics. An interview about writing, X-23, and making history with Spawn
Erica Schultz has worn a lot of different hats throughout her 25+ yr career in the comic industry (including writer, letterer, colorist, teacher, editor), and she's not shy about sharing the ups & downs of that journey. In this interview, the award winning writer talks about what it takes to succeed in comics, lessons she learned from Neal Adams, working on early Marvel Motion Comics, craft and career tips for aspiring writers, leaving her mark on characters like Rogue and Laura Kinney X-23, Vampirella's upcoming Summer Special, and how she made history as the first woman to write Spawn
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Kasra Ghanbari is the Comic Con whisperer. An Interview about Indie Comic Creator Con, Comic Art Fans , and the Jack Kirby Awards
Kasra Ghanbari might just be the most interesting man in comics. He's been: a Biotech CEO, a cancer and Alzheimer's researcher, written comics for IDW, an art agent to industry titans like: Scott Radke & Clive Barker, and now he's the organizer of several comic art shows like Original Art Expo (OAX) and Indie Comic Creator Con (IC3). Kasra is on the show to talk about his journey from Biotech to the Dark Arts, the upcoming IC3 and First Coast Comic Con collabo event, the vision behind the Jack Kirby Awards, how Comic Art Fans (CAF) changed his life, and h...
Mike Del Mundo: Back Like He Never Left. An interview about Marvel art, 3 Worlds / 3 Moons, and working with Nas
Mike Del Mundo makes a return visit to talk about what's changed in his life and career since his last visit. He's also got new comics and projects coming out this summer, including: the release of his first ever art book: The Marvel Art of Mike Del Mundo, the public debut of the sci-fi/ fantasy comic universe he's been cooking up with Jonathan Hickman these last three years: 3 Worlds/ 3 Moons, variant covers for Mass Appeal and Nas' album, and his first official DC work! We talked about it all and then some
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The Short Box celebrates 500! A king-size podcast about Archie Comics, Universe of Superheroes, and the good old days
This is a King-size episode 14 yrs in the making! Badr, Drew, and Walt are reunited again to celebrate the podcast's 500th episode. Starting with a roundtable discussion about the most famous 500th issue comics books of all time, including: Archie #500, Amazing Spider-Man #500, Detective Comics #500, Iron Man #500, and X-Men #500, followed by a trip down memory lanes featuring stories about working at the comic shop together, becoming friends, comics then vs now, and recording for the first time
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This episode was originally released in October 2020, as Ep. 300
This is it, our milestone 300th episode! Not only do we discuss Venom's first full appearance in the iconic Amazing Spider-Man #300, but also past guests and friends of the show call in to celebrate with us. We also get into fan mail, Champion Season, and share a few heartfelt words on what you can expect in the next season
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Get access to COVRPRICE for $1: HERETake your comic shopping experience to the limit, by shopping on...Joshua Williamson is mapping the future of comics. An interview about Iron Man, G.I. Joe, and the summer of Superboy
NYT Bestselling comic writer and world builder, Joshua Williamson (DC K.O., Superman, The Flash,) joins me for a conversation reflecting on how he broke into comics, and going from indie creator superstar (Nailbiter, Birthright) to becoming one of the modern architects of DC Comics. We also talk about juggling an ambitious workload on current runs like G.I. Joe, Iron Man, and Superman
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Get access to COVRPRICE for $1: HERETake your comic shopping experience to the limit b...SBX Classic: The Roast of Badr Milligan: A 400th Episode Celebration of Friends & Comics
This episode was originally released in September 2023, as Ep. 400
The SBX finally made it to the 400 Club! In this episode: Badr, Cesar, and Ed reviewed the best comics to ever reach 400 issues, discussed one of the weirdest X-Men stories possibly ever written, listened to some voicemails left by friends & family, and Cesar hosted an epic Roast of Badr.
Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube
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Get access to COVRPRICE for $1: HERETake your comic shopping ex...From Ghostface to Spawn to Abe Lincoln: An Interview with writer Matthew Rosenberg
Writer Matthew Rosenberg (4 Kids Walk Into A Bank, We Can Never Go Home, DC vs Vampires) stops by to talk about his new sci-fi adventure series in shops today, called IF DESTRUCTION BE OUR LOT. We also talk about what it was like getting the call from Todd McFarlane to be the new writer of Spawn, collaborating with Ghostface Killah on the Twelve Reasons To Die album and comic, hosting the comic podcast: IDEAS DON'T BLEED, channeling the spirit of NYC into comics, and finding life's answers via an Animatronic Abe Lincoln
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Ben Kingsbury previews Free Comic Book Day 2026, and Crowns the Best Comics of 2026 (so far)
Every comic fan's favorite time of year is here: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2026 is happening at local comic shops across the country this Saturday, May 2nd. I sat down with the owner of my LCS, Ben Kingsbury (Gotham City Limit) to talk about this year's event and the state of the comic industry from a retailer perspective. We also preview the free comics being offered this year, and discuss the top selling comics of the April, whether comic trends like retailer incentive covers, facsimiles and blind bags are helping or hurting the industry, the differences in owning...
Hyperspecific Things About Comic Books That We Love with David Harper & Brad Gullickson
Brad Gullickson (Comic Book Couples Counseling Podcast) and David Harper (SKTCHD, Off-Panel Podcast) join me for the second annual "Hyperspecific Comic Book Fantasy Draft", a celebration about the niche and esoteric things in comics and comic culture that we can't get enough of (like Dollar-Bin competition, themed sketchbooks, and Marvel Superhero Island) . We also chat about comic journalism's print resurgence, CBCC's new YT series: The Stacks (aka the Criterion Collection for comics), and David's new SKTCHD Book 2025
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Jay Howell, Andrew Robinson, and Mike Spicer talk comics and art, and Bob's Burger - Interviews from Collective Con 2026
Recorded at this year's Collective Con, here's three back-to-back-to-back interviews starting with Bob's Burger character designer Jay Howell about zine culture and working in animation, and then artist/ painter Andrew Robinson speaks on longevity and the art of creating covers, and last but not least, comic colorist Mike Spicer talks about Transformers and Batman, and being Daniel Warren Johnson's right-hand man
Watch the uncut video versions of this interviews on YouTube
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Join our Patreon Community, and get access to bonus episodes, free comics, and...Rapper Ben Reilly reveals the origin of HEROMAN, Spider-Man influences, and SAVE! The Album
Fresh off his Walk...Before You Fly Tour, Rapper Ben Reilly joins the show to talk about his favorite comics, and the origin of his superhero alter ego: HEROMAN. We also discuss his critically acclaimed album: SAVE!, securing a "Stan Lee" cameo, growing up on Spider-Man, the upcoming Spider-Man Noir TV series, and the origin of his East Coast meets down South rap style.
Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube
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Join our Patreon Community, and get access to bonus episodes, free co...Dave Johnson explains his "billboard" philosophy, Soviet Superman, and designing 100 covers for 100 Bullets (Collective Con 2026 Panel)
Dave "The Reverend" Johnson (100 Bullets, Superman: Red Son, Pop Kill) joined me on stage for a live Q&A discussing his career as one of the most in-demand cover artists of all time. We discussed his "Billboard" philosophy for comic covers, his new Superman/ Spider-Man cover, coming up with the design of Soviet Superman, drawing 100 covers for 100 Bullets, the truth about designing the original Ben 10, and his new violent espionage comic: Pop Kill
Watch the uncut video version of the panel on YouTube
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Join our Patreon Community, an...A $1M Frazetta masterpiece is going to auction. An interview with Chuck Costas of Propstore about original comic art and preserving movie magic
Joining us is Chuck Costas, an OG comic art collector and VP of Business at Propstore—one of the world’s premier auction houses for entertainment memorabilia—to preview their massive 3-day Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction happening in Los Angeles and online this March 25–27. We dive into the "holy grail" items hitting the block, including iconic props and costumes from Batman Begins, Blade, and Arrow, as well as the auction's crown jewel: Frank Frazetta’s hand-painted masterpiece, "Captive Princess." Chuck also breaks down the meticulous process of preserving movie history and explains what puts Frazetta’s legendary fantasy artwork in a league...
Lessons from year one of owning a comic shop: An interview with Daniel Hastings of Black Cat Comics
Daniel Hastings is the owner of Jacksonville's newest comic shop in town: Black Cat Comics, and having just celebrated the shop's first anniversary, Dan sits down with us to pull back the curtain on his first 365 days in business. We talked about the challenges and rewards of being a first year comic shop owner, and Jacksonville's rich comic shop history. Dan also breaks down the current state of the industry—discussing the best-selling books of 2025 vs. now, the impact of the speculator bubble, and the surprising resurgence of physical media in the digital age, as well as the sleeper co...
Stephen Bissette is bringing Tyrant back! The co-creator of John Constantine talks Dinosaurs, Swamp Thing, and indie publishing
A true architect of modern horror comics: Stephen Bissette (Swamp Thing, Taboo, Tyrant) joins the show to discuss his incredible journey from the first graduating class of the Joe Kubert School to becoming a pioneer of independent publishing. Steve is also working with Lighthouse Press to officially bring back his prehistoric masterpiece, Tyrant. We talk about the origin of this meticulously researched T-Rex biography, why he’s bringing it back for a modern audience now via Kickstarter, and how his 15 years teaching at the Center for Cartoon Studies shaped his perspective on the industry today.
...Everything you missed at Original Art Expo with West Coast Davengers: Original Comic Art, Kirby Awards, and More
Everyone's favorite comic YouTuber, Dave from West Coast Davengers, joins me live from Original Art Expo in Orlando, to record a recap of the event. We talk about our experiences at the convention as a first-timer and a seasoned attendee, the incredible original comic art we saw, the difference between collecting and engaging with art, the inaugural Kirby Awards, tips for new art collectors, and Dave lists the mandatory comic shops you have to visit next time you're on the West Coast.
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Michael Cho is channeling the King: An interview about Jack Kirby, Silver Age comics, and Thundarr
World renowned illustrator and cartoonist, Michael Cho joins the show to talk about his new comic covers for Thundarr The Barbarian and Space Ghost (for Dynamite Entertainment). We also deep dive into his artistic process, Jack Kirby and Silver Age comic influences, "meeting" Captain America in The Avengers in the Verocity Trap, and Mike takes a moment to remember his friend Darwyn Cooke.
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Join our Patreon Community, and get access to bonus episodes, free comics, an...Comic News Recap: Sal Buscema Tribute, Supergirl goes global, and Absolute reprints
Edmund Dansart is back from hiatus to join the show for a special tribute episode. In this one, we celebrate the life and career of comics fast and furious artist Sal Buscema, followed by recapping comic news from the year so far, like the global Supergirl anthology and the Absolute Universe's latest reprint run. Ed also chimes in with his favorite comics at the moment (Universal Monsters: The Invincible Man, James Stokoe's Orphan in the Five Beasts, This Ends Tonight)
Check out patreon.com/theshortbox for pt. 2 and more comic news recap!
Calling all c...
Doug Wagner is locked and loaded: An interview about 12-Gauge Comics, Narco, and the Materials Universe
Doug Wagner (writer of PLASTIC, PLUSH, VINYL) joins the show to discuss writing dark comedy horror comics like I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer, and the latest addition to his Image Comics Materials-Universe: Narco, the story of a narcoleptic man attempting to solve the grisly murder of his neighbor. Doug also elaborates on his time working at Malibu Comics, his favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, starting 12-Gauge Comics and writing the black & white anthology series: The Ride, and shares stories about working with Brian Stelfreeze and Cully Hamner
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Cliff Chiang is planning his next big thing: An interview about process, Paper Girls, and DC Comics
Award-winning comic artist, Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman, Paper Girls) joins the show to talk about what it's like being in-between projects and gearing up for the next big thing. We also talk extensively about his creative process, influences and mentors, working in DC editorial, Paper Girls live-action show, how Catwoman: Lonely City came together, manga he's reading, and discuss the upcoming Vertigo relaunch.
Watch the unedited video version of this episode: HERE
Photo Credit: Luigi Novi. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:8.1.19CliffChiangByLuigiNovi1.jpg”
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Buy Short Box mer...Catching up with Walt: Black Panther 2's original script, how to improve digital comics, and Cyclops was right
Another January means another annual trip to visit the big homie, Walt. We hit the ground running so fast this episode, that we didn't even have time to record a proper intro. We talked about a bit of everything, including Walt's pull-list, Ryan Coogler's original script for Black Panther 2, things we'd change about digital comics, Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee's legacy, Avenger's: Doomsday, and we defended Cyclops' honor. This episode also includes a special cameo via phone towards the end 😉
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Buy Short Box merch like hats & shirts: HEREJoin our <...Jim Zub The Barbarian: An interview about Conan, Dungeons & Dragons, and the power of storytelling
World renowned comic writer, Jim Zub (Avengers, Conan, Skullkickers), joins the show for a conversation that really covers it all. Jim talks about writing the flagship Conan comic series for Titan Comics, working with rising comic artist Roberto de la Torre, Robert E. Howard's legacy, Dungeons & Dragons, and the power of storytelling, working at Udon with Capcom, and he also shares a heartfelt story about attending GenCon with his brother.
Watch the video version of this episode, HERE
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Buy Short Box merch like hats & shirts:Best of 2025: Ben Kingsbury recaps the best comic books, creators, and comic trends of 2025
Ben and I continue our annual tradition of recapping the best comics of the year with a special 2025 farewell episode, recorded live from Gotham City limit comic shop. We answer some fan mail questions, and talk about the comics, creators, and trends that made this a great year for comic fans, and the things we're excited about for 2026.
Some of Ben's comic picks:
Sisterhood: A Hyde Street StoryCheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice LeagueAbsolute BatmanOrdained Arcadia Exquisite CorpsesSkinbreakerOur Soot Stained HeartRed VectorAmerican CaperWatch the video version of this episode, HERE<...
Aaron Hazouri is a Company Man: An interview about NECA, TMNT Toys, and Sesame Street
Aaron Hazouri (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toaster Guy, NECA) returns to the show after almost 12 yrs since his first appearance on the podcast! He's back to talk about his new career as a concept artist and illustrator for NECA toys, doing production art for their TMNT line of figures and collectibles, meeting Kevin Eastman, working on Sesame Street, and talks about his upcoming in-person signing at Black Cat comics this Saturday, December 20th.
Watch the video version of this episode, HERE
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Buy Short Box merch li...Aaron Bartling live from Gotham City Limit: An interview about variant covers, Death metal, and TMNT: Last Ronin
This episode was recorded at Gotham City Limit comic shop, last month, where superstar comic-cover-artist, Aaron Bartling was celebrating the release of his Final Boss shop exclusive variant. Aaron was kind enough to chat with me about his life and career, working in the Death metal scene with bands like Impending Doom, his creative process and favorite tools of the trade, advice for new artists, and discussed the cover that put him on the map: TMNT: Last Ronin
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, here
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Torunn Grønbekk is feeling festive: An interview about Catwoman, Jason Aaron, and Christmas in Norway
Comic writer Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman, Carnage, Thor) joins the show to talk about her new ongoing comic series: The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Shiver of Christmas Town, and explains how she broke into the comic industry, Co-writing Thor with Jason Aaron, and explains what life is like for a comic writer living in Norway.
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, here
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Buy official Short Box Merch: HEREJoin our Patreon Community, and get access to bonus episodes, free comics, and...SBX Classic: Comic Book Auctions Explained: Inside Heritage Auctions with Brian Wiedman
This episode was originally released in September 2023, as Ep. 401
Brian Wiedman a Comic Book Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions, joins the show for episode #401, to talk about the busy life of a comic auctioneer, setting a world record for the highest Batman comic ever sold, and gives a tour of some rare comics and original artwork that will be going up for auction in the Comic & Comic Art Signature Auction #7341
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, here
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Buy official Short Box...SBX Classic: Operation: Doomsday! An Interview with Sanford Greene about Dr. Doom, MF DOOM, and Bitter Root
This episode was originally released in May 2024, as Ep. 427
Sanford Greene joins the show to talk about his new Marvel comic: Doom #1, a passion project and love letter to Marvel's top super villain and monarch. Sanford also talks about the comic scene in the Carolinas, his early career, finding influence from MF DOOM's music, co-writing with Jonathan Hickman, and what makes Dr. Doom one of the best characters of all time. He also gives an update on the return of Bitter Root!
Watch the video version of this episode on our Yo...
MC Esoteric gets esoteric about comics & hip-hop. An interview about Czarface and fatherhood
Rapper, producer, and comic writer: Esoteric (of 7LES & Czarface) is on the show to talk about all things comic books and hip-hop. Eso breaks down the origin of Czarface and the group’s comic book influences, his writing/ creative process, fatherhood, working with LaMour Supreme, MF DOOM and Ghostface, meeting comic book royalty like Todd McFarlane, his friendship with Tom Hardy (and Frankie Pulitzer), and talks about his new Czarface comic series: Stress Fracture (out now on czarcomics.com)
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: HERE
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Chip Mosher and David Steinberger are shining a neon spotlight on digital comics. An interview about DSTLRY, creator equity, and Neon Ichiban
DSTLRY founders and Comixology pioneers, David Steinberger and Chip Mosher, are on the show to talk about their new digital comics platform: Neon Ichiban, and what comic fans can expect from the digital storefront and their patent-pending feature: Neon Ichiban Remarques. David and Chip also settle the digital collectibles vs NFT debate, reflect on the golden years of Comixology, champion creator rights and equity, and discuss what the future holds for DSTLRY.
Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: HERE
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