Tradecraft Podcast

JH WILLIAMS III returns to talk about starting his love-letter to comics, ECHOLANDS and where he and the story are four-years in. We get into his passion for pushing the envelope with his visual storytelling, subtext, writing stories in collaboration, and for others.

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jhwilliams3.bsky.social

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jhwilliamsiii/

* Website https://www.jhwilliams3.com/

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MICHEL FIFFE joins me to talk about his creative journey, wrapping-up his psycho-drama epic COPRA, and the internal conflicts and wealth of unknowns that arose in the wake of this massive change.

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/michelfiffe.bsky.social

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mfiffe/

* Website https://michelfiffe.com/

* Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MichelFiffe

* Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/CopraPress

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RON MARZ and I talk writing, and his amazing comic book career, on books like SILVER SURFER, BATMAN/ALIENS, GREEN LANTERN, DC vs. MARVEL, and WITCHBLADE. He clarifies the world of video game writing for me. We discuss the value of travel, creative relationships. his passion for prose, and how he remains engaged with his craft. We touch on his upcoming novel project, and have a good old-fashioned jaw about being a writer.

* BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ronmarz.bsky.social

* Website https://www.ronmarz.com/

* Wikipedia https://en...

DEXTER VINES, SANDRA HOPE, and KARL STORY join me to talk about the true art and value of traditional inking in an age when digital art dominates the medium and how they’ve stayed so employable.

With over a hundred years of comic book experience in this one, these pros tell stories and serve wisdom. These are some of the best inkers working in the business, and their longevity is testament to their craft. So grab a brush, and join in.

Dexter

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dexstarinks/

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JOHN WORKMAN joins me to talk about a life in comics, and other passions. We cover the highlights, like working for HEAVY METAL, lettering MÖBIUS, the ALIEN graphic novel, lettering THOR and RAGNAROK with Walter Simonson, and so many other stories that you’ll just have to listen ‘em all. sa

* Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Workman

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CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN joins me for as close to a Halloween Spookfest as it gets around here. We talk about his immense and impressive career as an author of so many loved—and feared—books. His latest novel THE NIGT BIRDS, the co-edited anthology THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT, with Brain Keene, and his thirty-year creative partnership with MIKE MIGNOLA.

* Website https://www.christophergolden.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christopher_golden

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/cgolden.bsky.social

* Facebook https://www.facebook.com...

SOPHIE CAMPBELL returns after four years to talk about life after TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, her writing duties on MOTHRA: QUEEN OF THE MONSTERS, and how things go as the writer/artist on SUPERGIRL. We catch up on lots of career and process stuff, plus talk about managing distractions, and much more.

* Patreon https://www.patreon.com/mooncalfe

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mooncalfe23/

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mooncalfe1.bsky.social

* Tumblr https://www.tumblr.com/mooncalfe-art

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Modern comicbook maverick, PAUL POPE joins me to talk about being an American manga artist, how he built his publishing career, and what he has in store. We discuss his process in-depth, BATTLING BOY, and the new collection of his seminal series, THB from 23rd St comics.

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/comicsdestroyer/

* Website https://paulpope.com/

* Store https://www.nakatomiinc.com/collections/paul-pope

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If you...

The super-talented, Chris Schweizer joins me for an in-depth conversation about his upcoming web-serialized graphic novel, OUTLAW’S APPRENTICE. We discuss story creation, writing, lettering, structure, panel and page format, crowdfunding, AND how the book will look in print. This one’s chock-a-block with great stuff.

* Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ChrisSchweizer

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/schweizercomics.bsky.social

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/schweizercomics/

* Website https://schweizercomics.com/

* Store https://crogan.bigcartel.com/products

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Jimmy Palmiotti and I weave through his career, and take stock of his work ethic, calculated risks, and the value personal relationships in the business of comics. We talk about his writing process, and how he approached comics like JONAH HEX, HARLEY QUINN, DAREDEVIL, DEADLY TALES of the GUNSLINGER, AND PUNISHER.

DEEP SEA Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/creatorownedheroes/deep-sea-graphic-novel

* Paper Films Website https://www.paperfilms.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jimmypalmiotti/

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/jimmypalmiotti.bsky.social

* Twitter https://x.com/jpalmiotti

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Nick Filardi returns to talk coloring, film, and his recent comic writing project for the ISLANDS IN THE SKY Kickstarter. He’s super busy with comics like POWERS 25, MURDER PODCAST, CAT NINJA, EC COMICS, TASTE OF JUSTICE, and CULT OF THE LAMB. While hard to spot on social media, Nick can be found on your LCS racks, and his Discord Server.

ISLANDS IN THE SKY Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/appalachiacomics/appalachia-comics-project

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/nickfil.bsky.social

Discord Server https://discord.com/channels/312406015771410432/523525307827748880

Yo...

Nick Filardi returns to talk coloring, film, and his recent comic writing project for the ISLANDS IN THE SKY Kickstarter. He’s super busy with comics like POWERS 25, MURDER PODCAST, CAT NINJA, EC COMICS, TASTE OF JUSTICE, and CULT OF THE LAMB. While hard to spot on social media, Nick can be found on your LCS racks, and his Discord Server.

ISLANDS IN THE SKY Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/appalachiacomics/appalachia-comics-project

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/nickfil.bsky.social

Discord Server https://discord.com/channels/312406015771410432/523525307827748880

Yo...

Shelly Bond joins me to talk about editing, Bowie, Vertigo, The Clash, AND the magic of comics. We also talk about her brilliant, and sorely needed book on editing comics, FILTH & GRAMMAR from Off-Register Press. We also threaten to settle the Oasis/Blur debate once and for all, but wisely get back to talking ’bout comics.

https://www.offregister.press/product-page/filth-grammar-softcover-book

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sxbondimprimatur/

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/sxbond.bsky.social

* Website https://www.offregister.press/

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Shawn Crystal joins me to talk about his creative life as a comic book artist and illustrator, long-time podcaster with INKPULP, burgeoning path as tattoo artist. We dive into the mental side of the career, and Shawn generously shares his efforts to develop multiple revenue streams to grow his creativity.

Since there’s been a nine-month gap since the original recording, and Shawn is in the middle of his first INKPULP Kickstarter campaign with his craft book, CYAN, it was the perfect time to reconnect and hear an update on how his plans ha...

The madly talented Ryan Sook returns to the podcast to talk about his new limited series, BLACK CANARY, with Tom King, for DC Comics. We shop nearly the entire episode, and trade some of the highs and lows of our careers.

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rsookart/

* Felix Art https://www.felixcomicart.com/artistgalleryroom.asp?artistid=600

Past guest, Andrew Robinson (episode 159) and his family lost their home in the Eaton fire that devastated Altadena, CA. While he and his family are safe, Andrew lost his studio and artwork in...

Paul Azaceta joins me and we talk about everything in this one. Paul shares his thinking and loves when it comes to comics. We talk about his work on OUTCAST, and his forthcoming Image title THE SEASONS, with Rick Remender. He also shares a lot about the yet to be titled limited series Paul wrote and drew!

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/paulazaceta/

* Twitter https://x.com/paulazaceta

* Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paul.azaceta/

* Substack https://substack.com/paulazaceta

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Welcome to Season 16!

Ignatz nominated, M.S. Harkness joins me to do what she does best, share amazing tales of her life, and talk process. We discuss her nominated graphic novel, Time Under Tension, and her next book, which—if we promise to be good—she'll title, Rogue One.

If you’ve read Time Under Tension, please request an Ignatz Award ballot, from the link below, and cast your vote for her book.

* Website https://www.msharkness.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m.s.harkness/

* Tw...

Settle in for a lively talk with Ben Caldwell as we track his creative journey and process, loves, and un-loves. And yes, we talk about his forthcoming THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS UNIVERSE, CARRIE KELLY, Robin comic with Frank Miller.

This is a fun one, with one of my favorite creators!

* Big Cartel https://bencaldwell.bigcartel.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bencaldwellart/

* Twitter https://twitter.com/bencaldwellart

* Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ben.caldwell.5205

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Elsa Charretier joins me to talk managing the highs and lows of a creative career. Though in the midst her fantastic run on the wonderful LOVE EVERLASTING, she questioned her work in comics. Elsa has since found joy in the work, and—more importantly—her life.

Make sure to follow her on social media and sign up for her newsletter, and be first to her details about her—yet to be announced—project. Enjoy!

* Website https://www.elsacharretier.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elsacharretier/

* Twitter https://twitter...

Daniel Warren Johnson joins me to talk comics, school me in manga, and tie it all back to music, vans, and wrestling. We talk about his recent experience winning a pair of Eisner Awards, and his upcoming series with Riley Rossmo, THE MOON IS FOLLOWING US, out in September.

We geek out on APPLESEED, and Daniel talks about the pitch process DO A POWERBOMB, WONDER WOMAN; DEAD EARTH, BETA RAY BILL, and his current run on TRANSFORMERS. It’s a lot, but he has more in store for his fans soon.

* We...

Greg Rucka joins me to talk writing. We delve into pens, keyboards, comics, movies, and novels. Greg’s works, like Whiteout, The Old Guard, Stumptown, Queen & Country, and the Atticus Kodiak novels range from gritty crime-riddled shadows to far-flung fantastic tales.

* Website https://www.gregrucka.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ruckawriter/

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/ruckawriter.bsky.social

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Adriano Di Benedetto joins me to talk about the art of inking, and how he built a career in an increasingly digital world. We fan out over amazing inkers, and praise brushes with a fair number of curses. His work as graced the pages of Daredevil, Wonder Woman, the X-Men, and Batman for Marvel and DC. Meet your new favorite inker.

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adriano.dibenedetto/

* Twitter https://twitter.com/Adr_Ben

* Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/dibenedetto.bsky.social

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Marc Guggenheim joins me to share his experience in film, television, and comics. We talk about how exposure to mind-blowing work at an early age set us on a path to make our own. We also chat about his latest’s novel, IN ANY LIFETIME, available for pre-order now. (link below)

Marc is an honest and generous storyteller, with a rich body of writing. This is a great talk, for fans of any one of his amazing projects.

* Pre-Order IN ANY LIFETIME https://a.co/d/0ipc299w

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Jared Cullum joins me to talk painted comics, plein-air painting, master painters, Xerox-era Disney movies, and the brilliance of Studio Ghibli. We talk about the importance of obsessive focus to develop craft, and his work on KODI and the upcoming KODI 2 from Top Shelf.

If you’re not familiar with Jared’s work, I can’t wait for you to listen to this great conversation and discover his work.

* Website https://jaredcullum.com/

* Patreon https://www.patreon.com/jaredlovestodraw

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jaredcullum

* Twitte...

Matthew K. Manning joins me to tell stories, talk toys, James Jean, Tom Taylor, the desire to push structure and form, the educational benefits of comics, developing a comic pitch, allowing the story to tell itself, and trusting the characters. We cover a lot.

We also touch on some of his 100 books and dozens of comics for DC, Marvel, IDW, Skybound, Abrams,  Scholastic, Disney, DK Publishing, like, Batman/TMNT Adventures, Marvel Action: Avengers, DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman, Batman: The Ultimate Guide, and Spider-Man: A History & Celebration of the Web-Slinger.

* W...

Keith Browning and I wrap up our talk, on how he treated his interest in getting into comics like a job, and how he seeks feedback for his work. Keep an eye out for Keith’s work in Stardust, the Super Wizard anthology, and Fantomah, both coming out this year.

* Big Cartel https://keithbrowning.bigcartel.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keithbrowningart

* Cara https://cara.app/keithbrowning

Want to support TRADECRAFT and be awesome? Consider buying me a coffee, I'll be forever grateful!

* ht...

Keith Browning and I sat down to talk comics, influences, and how this affects our process. We talk about his indie books and his work in Scott Snyder’s Tales from the Cloakroom Vol. 2 as well as the upcoming Stardust the Super Wizard anthology. This conversation went deeper and longer than expected, so here’s part one.

* Big Cartel https://keithbrowning.bigcartel.com/

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keithbrowningart

* Cara https://cara.app/keithbrowning

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Danny Earls and I dive into the hard work he puts in every day to be a comic book artist and we carry on about the inspirations that drive him. This is an open and unvarnished talk, filled with laughs, from the perspective of a man living a second dream career.

* Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dannyearls16/

More Danny Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a free podcast, I do as a hobby, but would love your support. If you like this, or other episodes, why not...

Jonathan Marks Barravecchia joins me to get all painterly about comics. He’s an artist and illustrator using pencil, inks, watercolors, and oils to tell stories. And his latest comic from Image, BEAR PIRATE VIKING QUEEN is a glorious example of his craft.

* Website https://www.jonathanmarksart.com/

More Johnathan Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a free podcast, I do as a hobby, but would love your support. If you like this, or other episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee for $3 to offset the monthly production costs. It...

Rich Douek joins me for a personal talk about following his heart into comics. How he built his initial story ideas of GUTTER MAGIC into an actual comic, and how he unintentionally became known as a horror guy after the sucess of the ROAD OF BONES comic.

* Website http://www.rdouek.com/

More Rich Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a free podcast, I do as a hobby, but would love your support. If you like this, or other episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee for $3 to offset...

Tommy Lee Edwards and me talk about how his childhood love of cars and planes, plus discovering Speed Racer on Detroit television changed his life. We also get into how writing Gatchaman, for Mad Cave, is a dream comic book project.

* Website http://www.tommyleeedwards.com/

More Tommy Lee Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a free podcast, I do as a hobby, but would love your support. If you like this, or other episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee for $3 to offset the monthly production costs. It’s...

André Lima Araújo joins me to talk about how things like film comics, video games, and anime swayed him from a respectable architect's life into the seedy underbelly of comics. We delve into his latest three-volume graphic novel series, PHENOMENA w/Brian Michael Bendis.

* Website https://www.andrelimaaraujo.com

More André Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a free podcast, I do as a hobby, but would love your support. If you like this, or other episodes, why not Buy Me a Coffee for $3 to offset the monthly pro...

Pye Parr joins me to talk about a passion for the arts, turned design career, turned comic book artist. How he applies his design sensibilities and process into his comic pages. And how his new Image comics series, PETROL HEAD, came from drawing exactly what he wanted to and attracting the interest of a writer friend.

* Website https://www.pyeparr.com/

* LinkTree https://linktr.ee/pyeparr

More Pye Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a free podcast, I do as a hobby, but would love your support...

Brian Level joined me for “the talk,” but straight-off, we got really into our thoughts and feeling about freelancing, comics, creativity, and [much] deeper subjects.

Brian effortlessly moves between writing and drawing on projects like SAINT JANE OF THE ORCHARD SILK HILLS, CHAINED TO THE GRAVE, THE MANTLE, and THE BROTHERS JAMES. We were so caught up in our talk that we never touched on his latest Kickstarter comic campaign, THE UNSLEEPING EYE. A A 40-page B&W horror comic by Brian and co-creator and KURT BELCHER.

* Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com...

Rico Renzi joins me to talk about the DIY ethic, the magic of Kinkos, and the power of objects. We chat about his coloring philosophy, gel print work, con table set-up, and the amazing-ness (official word) of Brian Stelfreeze and Mark Chiarello. We also talk cooking.

* Website https://www.nolongermint.com/

More Rico Links Below

TRADECRAFT is a reader & listener-supported publication & podcast. Please consider becoming a free subscriber to receive new posts and episodes, or paid member at $6/mo, or $60/year to support...

Marc Laming returns to talk about the much anticipated release of EDEN, the graphic novel from Humanoids, written by Christopher Sebela. Marc and I talk Star Wars, music, our love of laying out and the curse of making everything “right” in the art.

* Website https://www.marclaming.com/

* EDEN drops Apr 09, 2024: https://www.humanoids.com/book/1171

TRADECRAFT is a reader & listener-supported publication & podcast. Please consider becoming a free subscriber to receive new posts and episodes, or paid member at $6/mo, or $60/year...

Ryan Cody joins me to talk about his comic convention, AZ CAF happening on March, 9th, in Phoenix—and the business of comics. We have a lively talk about freelance career challenges, our love for the medium, and how important relationships with fellow creators are.

* Linktree linktr.ee/ryancody

* AZ CAF Convention Website https://azcomicartfest.com/

* Website https://super75studios.com

TRADECRAFT is a reader & listener-supported publication & podcast. Please consider becoming a free subscriber to receive new posts and ep...

Beth Hetland joins me to talk about her new graphic novel Tender, from Fantagraphics. But we get into way more, as we track her theater, maker, and art background to her love of comics and journey into academia. We talk about her shadow life as a book conservator, and gush over the book binding supply company, Talas. It’s a proper geek-out.

* Website https://www.beth-hetland.com/

* Linktree https://linktr.ee/bethhetland

* Pre-Order Tender https://www.fantagraphics.com/collections/beth-hetland/products/tender

More Be...

Declan Shalvey returns to talk about the upcoming Thundercats comic from Dynamite, but I distract him to talk about a hundred other things when it comes to making comics and podcasts. Check out the link to Tape Dec on YouTube, below. We also talk about how important Old Dog is to him, and how much fun he had co-writing Time Before Time.

* Website: https://www.declanshalvey.com/

* Tape Dec Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@dshalvey

More Dec links below!

TRADECRAFT is a reader...

Bob FIngerman joins me to talk about his 40 year career as a cartoonist and writer. He’s also here to talk about That’s Some Business You’re In, Bob’s bound retrospective that’s live on Zoop! We really dig into motivations, and professional connections, his books like Minimum Wage, Pariah, and his novels! Listen for the laughs, stay for the purpose.

* Website https://www.bobfingerman.com

* That’s Some Business You’re In on Zoop! https://zoop.gg/c/bobfingerman

More Bob links below!

TRADECRAFT i...