Back To Pop
Back to Pop Podcast: Your All-Access Pass to Pop Culture IconsDive headfirst into the vibrant world of pop culture with the “Back to Pop Podcast,” where we celebrate the legends and lore of the entertainment universe. From the visionaries behind the scenes to the iconic faces in front of the camera, we bring you exclusive, heart-to-heart conversations with the diverse talents that have shaped our cultural landscape. “Back to Pop” is not just a podcast; it’s a vibrant dialogue with the movers and shakers of music, movies, TV, and comics. Each episode is a unique journey, offering you a front-row s...
The Loren Lester Story
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Holy career arc, Batman! This week on Back to Pop, we’re joined by the legendary Loren Lester—the voice behind Robin and Nightwing in the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. And more!
What You’ll Hear:
🎭 The Broadway Debut – How Loren made it to the Kit Kat Club in Cabaret after five decades in the business
🦇 Behind the Bat-Family – Inside stories from recording, plus returning as Nightwing years later
📺 Screen to Stage Journey – From The Facts of Life and Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Evil Speak, to Gilmore Gi...
Southern Scares, Cujo, and the Light Beyond E.T. — A Conversation with Dee Wallace
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She’s the mother who protected Elliott in E.T., the woman who fought a rabid Saint Bernard in Cujo, and the primal force behind The Howling. For over four decades, Dee Wallace has moved seamlessly between heartwarming classics and the darkest corners of horror, creating an unforgettable legacy on screen.
In this episode of Back to Pop, host Marc Childs sits down with the legendary actress to explore her remarkable journey — from her Kansas roots and early teaching days to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved Scream Queens. Dee opens up abo...
“Joe Pruett: From Flaming Carrot to Ninth Circle - A Life in Independent Comics”
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This week on Back to Pop, Marc Childs sits down with Joe Pruett — Eisner Award–winning writer, editor, and publisher whose career has shaped the independent comics landscape for over three decades.
From his early days assisting Bob Burden on Flaming Carrot to co-founding AfterShock Comics and now leading the horror imprint Ninth Circle, Joe has dedicated his career to empowering creators and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Mike Vosburg: From Underground Comics to Emmy Gold
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# Mike Vosburg: From Underground Comics to Emmy Gold
What happens when a 15-year-old comic fanboy launches his own fanzine and never stops creating? You get Mike Vosburg—a legendary artist whose pen has shaped everything from underground comics and Marvel’s GI Joe to HBO’s iconic Tales from the Crypt and Emmy-winning animation.
In this episode, we trace Mike’s extraordinary journey through five decades of pop culture. Starting with his DIY fanzine Masquerader in 1962, Mike rode the wave of underground comics in the ’70s before breaking into mainstream...
Kelley Jones: Shadows, Vampires & the Art of Fear
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What happens when the Dark Knight meets Gothic horror? You get Kelley Jones — the artist who turned Batman into a living nightmare and made the shadows themselves come alive.
From Micronauts to Red Rain, Kelley’s journey through comics has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, we explore his early days growing up in Citrus Heights, discovering Marvel reprints, and landing his first pro gig at Marvel. We dig into how a comment from Marshall Rogers set him on the path to becoming one of the most dist...
’80s Icon Catherine Mary Stewart on Cult Classics and Lasting Legacy
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From disco-fueled sci-fi musicals to zombie-fighting cult classics and outrageous dark comedies—Catherine Mary Stewart has done it all. In this episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with the actress who became an ’80s icon through some of the most beloved films of the decade.
✨ Highlights include:
Talking Bats with Director Kevin Altieri
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Step inside Gotham’s shadows with legendary animation director Kevin Altieri, the creative force behind some of Batman: The Animated Series’ most unforgettable episodes. In this deep-dive conversation, Kevin reveals the directing choices, visual techniques, and collaborative magic that helped redefine what television animation could be.
From the noir spectacle of “On Leather Wings” to the eco-horror of “Eternal Youth,” the madcap tension of “Harlequinade,” and the brutal showdown of “Bane,” Kevin shares how he balanced cinematic atmosphere with network restrictions—and why those bold decisions still influence today’s storytellers. W...
🎸 Stan Bush: Has The Touch and the strings to motivate
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This week, we sit down with Stan Bush, the Grammy-winning rocker whose anthems fueled everything from Transformers: The Movie to Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and beyond. With classics like The Touch, Dare, Fight to Survive, and Never Surrender, Bush’s music became the battle cry of underdogs and heroes across decades of pop culture.
In this conversation, Stan opens up about:
From Fan to Legend: The Story of Gerry Conway
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Before he was shaping the Marvel Universe, Gerry Conway was a teenager from Brooklyn with a letter printed in Fantastic Four #50. Just three years later, he was a published writer at DC Comics. By 19, he was scripting The Amazing Spider-Man—and soon after, he would pen one of the most pivotal moments in comic history: the death of Gwen Stacy.
In this episode of Back to Pop, Gerry takes us through his journey from wide-eyed fan to one of the most influential storytellers in comics. We explore the cr...
“Adrian Hough: Acting, Advocacy & the Heart of a Voice”
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Welcome to Back to Pop! I’m your host, Marc Childs — and today’s guest is an actor whose voice has crossed worlds of animation, live action, and video games.
You know him as Nightcrawler in X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97, as Haytham Kenway in Assassin’s Creed III, and as the mighty dragon Sol Regem in The Dragon Prince. But beyond the booth, Adrian Hough is a storyteller, a father, and a passionate protector of our forests.
In this episode, we dive into his early root...
“The Fan Who Became the Writer: John Jackson Miller’s Journey”
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Episode Description:
What happens when a comics fan becomes one of the most trusted voices in Star Wars storytelling—and then takes on Tim Burton’s Batman? This week, we’re joined by John Jackson Miller, the acclaimed author behind Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Kenobi, and the brand-new Batman: Resurrection.
Miller’s journey from running Comics & Games Retailer magazine to crafting beloved stories in iconic universes is anything but typical. We explore how his deep industry knowledge shaped his approach to licensed storytelling, from ancient...
The Love Goddess Lives On: Taylor Blackwell on Resurrecting Judy Tenuta
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What happens when you mix a Grammy-nominated accordion goddess, a fearless feminist firebrand, and the wildest stage presence to hit HBO in the ’80s? You get comedy legend Judy Tenuta — and today, we’re exploring her incredible legacy with filmmaker Taylor Blackwell.
Episode Highlights:
•The making of “It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story” — a vibrant mini-biopic that’s equal parts tribute and time machine
•Behind-the-scenes secrets from using Judy’s actual costumes and original accordion on set
•Working with Alan Tudyk and bringing together an incredible cast
•Judy’s groundbrea...
A Journey Through the Imagination of David Kirschner
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Get ready to rediscover the worlds that shaped your childhood—and the nightmares that still send chills down your spine. In this episode, we sit down with David Kirschner, the creative force behind An American Tail, Child’s Play, Hocus Pocus and so much more. Before he created pop‑culture icons, Kirschner designed album covers for Neil Diamond and worked with Jim Henson on Sesame Street and The Muppets . He later dreamed up the magical Rose‑Petal Place universe , and his success caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, leading to the Oscar‑nominated An America...
Inside the mind of Doug Stone on Character Creation and more !
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Ever wondered what it takes to voice an entire cast of characters in a single show? Or how an actor brings psychological terror to life as Metal Gear Solid’s unforgettable Psycho Mantis?
Join us for an extraordinary deep-dive with Doug Stone, the legendary voice actor who’s brought countless characters to life across animation, anime, and video games. From leading the heroic M.A.S.K. team as Matt Trakker (while simultaneously voicing seven other characters in the same series!) to delivering spine-chilling performances as gaming’s most mind-bending villai...
A Postcard That Changed Everything: Jim Salicrup’s Four-Decade Comics Career
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What if a postcard could change your life? Welcome to Back to Pop, the podcast that dives deep into the stories behind the stories in comics, pop culture, and the creative industry. Each episode features intimate conversations with the legends, innovators, and unsung heroes who shaped the entertainment we love.
From Marvel editors to European comic translators, from educational comic pioneers to digital media trailblazers, Back to Pop uncovers the human moments that transformed creative careers and influenced entire generations of fans. Whether you’re a longtime comic enthusiast or ju...
More Than a Voice: Gregg Berger on Heart, Heroes & Dinobots
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Before “Me Grimlock!” echoed across Saturday mornings, before Spirit walked calmly through the chaos of G.I. Joe missions, there was a young performer discovering the power of voice.
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with voice acting legend Gregg Berger—the man behind Grimlock, Spirit, Firefly, Ripcord, Long Haul, Odie, and more—to explore the emotional depth, discipline, and imagination it takes to bring iconic characters to life.
💥 Inside This Episode:
From Staten Island Screams to Emotional Truth—Inside the Mind of Horror Star Allison Pitte
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In this raw and revealing episode, we dive deep with Allison Pittel, breakout star of indie horror hits Stream and Screamboat. From her leap to NYC’s acting grind to the Meisner method that shaped her craft, Allison unpacks the real journey behind the scream queen spotlight.
🎬 SEGMENTS INCLUDE:
The Storyteller Behind Jem, Conan, Babylon 5: and More Christy Marx Unplugged
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In this powerhouse episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with legendary writer Christy Marx—the visionary behind Jem and the Holograms, a creative force on G.I. Joe, Spider-Man, Babylon 5, Conan the Adventurer, and so much more.
From pioneering emotional storytelling in Saturday morning cartoons to building entire worlds in comics like Sisterhood of Steel, Red Sonja, and Elfquest, Christy Marx has always championed character-driven narratives rooted in empathy, identity, and purpose.
🎧 In this episode:
Let’s Talk JoeFest: The Story Behind the Ultimate G.I. Joe Convention
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This week on Back to Pop, we’re diving into the origin story of one of the most beloved fan events in the country: JoeFest.
Host Marc Childs sits down with JoeFest founder Ed Schumacher to unpack how a small toy show in an Augusta, Georgia hotel ballroom evolved into a full-scale convention center experience with thousands of fans, celebrity guests, and a collector culture that rivals anything Hasbro could dream up.
🎙️ From humble beginnings to massive growth
🎨 The art of curating t...
“Cam Clarke Unmasked: TMNT’s Leonardo, Liquid Snake & the Secret Legacy of the King Family”
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Dive deep into the legendary voice behind your favorite childhood heroes! 🐢🎮
Join us on Back to Pop as we go behind the microphone with Cam Clarke, the iconic voice actor who brought Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life and created the chilling presence of Liquid Snake in Metal Gear Solid. But this conversation reveals so much more than just voice acting mastery.
Discover the untold story of one of America’s greatest musical dynasties - the King Family - as Cam shares intimate details from his new...
“Jim Valentino: Co-Founder of Image Comics to Guardians of the Galaxy Architect - 40 Years of Comic Book Revolution”
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In this exclusive Back to Pop interview, we sit down with Jim Valentino, co-founder of Image Comics, creator of ShadowHawk, and the visionary who reimagined Guardians of the Galaxy for a new era. From his roots, to helping launch one of the most influential independent publishing movements in comic book history, Jim brings the receipts on four decades of boundary-pushing storytelling.
Inside the episode:
• How Guardians of the Ga...
THE COBRA’S PATH: SEAN KANAN ON KARATE KID, SOAP OPERAS, SELF-MASTERY & HOT SAUCE
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In this powerhouse episode of Back to Pop, we sit down with Sean Kanan — the actor, author, and entrepreneur best known as Mike Barnes from The Karate Kid Part III and Cobra Kai, as well as his legendary roles on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful.
Sean opens up about his evolution from martial arts villain to motivational author with his bestselling “Way of the COBRA” philosophy, and how he’s channeling that same energy into his bold new brand, Bad Boy Hot Sauce.
From Goonies to Free Willy: Mark Marshall’s Magical Hollywood Journey
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Ever wonder who keeps child actors in line on massive movie sets? Or how iconic franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter come to life behind the scenes?
This week on Back to Pop, we pull back the curtain with Hollywood legend Mark Marshall – the unsung hero behind some of your favorite childhood films. From his accidental start as Steven Spielberg’s assistant to wrangling the iconic cast of The Goonies and working on the first Harry Potter film, Mark’s four-decade career has touched every corner of pop culture.
J...
“From Jem to Transformers: Samantha Newark Spills Secrets of a Truly Outrageous 80s Icon
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Hey Pop Culture Time Travelers! Ready to rewind the cassette and plug into the electrifying 80s?
This week on Back to Pop, we're joined by a truly, truly, truly outrageous icon whose voice defined a generation: the incredible Samantha Newark!
Get ready to go behind the microphone as Samantha shares her journey, from a global childhood spanning London and Africa to becoming the unforgettable speaking voice of Jerrica Benton AND her sensational alter-ego Jem in the beloved series Jem and the Holograms.
...
The Grell Method: A Comic Book Legend Revealed
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Dive deep into comic book history with legendary artist and writer Mike Grell in this captivating episode of The Grell Method. Join us for an exclusive interview with the creative force behind iconic works like Tyroc, The Warlord, Jon Sable Freelance, and the revolutionary Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters.
Grell shares his journey from Air Force veteran to transforming comic book storytelling across multiple decades. Hear firsthand accounts of his groundbreaking work that redefined Oliver Queen, his pioneering creator-owned series, and how his realistic artistic style changed superhero comics forever.
This e...
Neil Ross: The Voice of Heroes, Villains, and Vocal Recall
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Get ready for a trip down memory lane! Legendary voice actor Neil Ross (Shipwreck, Springer, Rambo, Mean Gene Okerlund, and so many more) joins Back to Pop. Hear incredible stories about voicing heroes and villains for G.I. Joe and Transformers, the hilarious origins of some iconic voices, wild studio sessions for Rock 'n' Wrestling, and the surreal experience of voicing Rambo.
Neil also shares insights from his must-read memoir, "Vocal Recall." Tune in for nostalgia, laughs, and a masterclass in voice acting!
Grab Neil's book, "Vocal...
The Toon Behind the Curtain: Gary K. Wolf on Creating Roger Rabbit
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Step into Toontown with us as Back to Pop welcomes the legendary Gary K. Wolf, the creative mind who brought Roger Rabbit to life and forever changed the way animation meets reality. From his humble beginnings in Earlville, Illinois to his time flying missions in the Air Force, Gary’s journey is anything but ordinary.
In this deep-dive episode, we trace the evolution of Who Censored Roger Rabbit? from page to screen and explore the seismic impact of Who Framed Roger Rabbit—a film that broke barriers, won Osca...
Will Meugniot puts on his e-frame and talks the Legacy of Exo-Squad
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The 90s took animation in a direction of more adult themes, then there was Exo-Squad—a bold, serialized animated series that tackled war, politics, and identity with the depth of adult sci-fi and the heart of Saturday morning cartoons. In this season premiere, we sit down with the man at the creative core of it all: Will Meugniot.
From designing iconic E-Frames to guiding the show’s layered characters and mature themes, Meugniot helped shape a series that never talked down to its audience. We dive deep into the making of Exo...
Bonus Ep: Michelle Danner: Behind the Scenes with Hollywood’s Acting Coach
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What does it take to guide a performance from good to unforgettable? In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed acting coach and director Michelle Danner, whose work behind the scenes has helped shape some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Michelle pulls back the curtain on the actor’s process, what she looks for in raw talent, and how the emotional truth of a scene is built moment by moment. A must-listen for actors, directors, and storytellers alike.
For more info on Michelle Danner
https://www.michelledanner.com/
Aud...
Bonus Ep: Michelle Danner: Behind the Scenes with Hollywood’s Acting Coach
Send us a text
What does it take to guide a performance from good to unforgettable? In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed acting coach and director Michelle Danner, whose work behind the scenes has helped shape some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Michelle pulls back the curtain on the actor’s process, what she looks for in raw talent, and how the emotional truth of a scene is built moment by moment. A must-listen for actors, directors, and storytellers alike.
For more info on Michelle Danner
https://www.michelledanner.com/
Aud...
Bonus Ep: Jonathan Bowen: Comic Shops, Creativity & the Magic of Storytelling
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In this episode of Back to Pop, filmmaker Jonathan Bowen joins us to talk about his upcoming movie and the deep influence of comic shop culture on his creative journey. We explore how these nostalgic spaces shaped his storytelling, the power of indie filmmaking, and the future of geek-driven cinema. Whether you’re a film buff, comic fan, or just love a good origin story—this conversation is for you.
Audio edited by: Gabe Fletcher
Support the show
If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s...
Bonus Episode: Chaos, Cameras, and the Cost of Journalism”
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Richie McGinniss has stood in the middle of American flashpoints — Kenosha, Portland, the Capitol steps on January 6 — not behind a Zoom lens, but with his boots on the ground and his camera rolling.
He’s been a witness, a documentarian, and at times…a character in the very stories he’s trying to tell.
He’s also the author of RIOT DIET, a raw, unfiltered journal of his time spent embedded in the American unrest of 2020 and beyond.<...
STONE BY NIGHT: GARGOYLES UNLEASHED
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Join us this week as we sit down with animation legend Frank Paur, the visionary director who helped bring Disney's "Gargoyles" to life. Frank takes us behind the scenes of this groundbreaking series that defied expectations with its mature storytelling and cinematic approach.
In this episode, Frank reveals the origin story of Angela, Goliath's daughter who became a fan-favorite character during the iconic Avalon World Tour. Discover the creative decisions that shaped her design, personality, and the powerful father-daughter relationship that added new emotional depth to the series.
<...
Behind the Mask: Zach Hoffman on Voicing Zartan
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Episode Description
Join us for an extraordinary deep dive into the world of voice acting with Zach Hoffman, the talented artist who brings the notorious master of disguise, Zartan, to life. In this exclusive interview, Hoffman pulls back the curtain on his fascinating journey into voice acting and shares the intricate process of creating one of animation's most complex villains.
Throughout our conversation, Hoffman reveals:
- The unexpected path that led him to become the voice of Zartan
- His unique approach...
Drawing Through Decades - Animation Legend Keith Tucker
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Drawing Through Decades - Animation Legend Keith Tucker
Get ready for an animation masterclass! This week on Back to Pop, we're diving deep into the art of animation with industry legend Keith Tucker, whose incredible talent has shaped some of the most iconic animated series of our time!
From the dark seas of Pirates of Dark Water to the mutant-filled world of X-Men, from the medieval mysteries of Gargoyles to the sci-fi battles of Exo-Squad, Keith Tucker's pencil has brought countless adventures to life. But that's just scratching the s...
From Panel, To Dojo, To Studio: The Michael Watkins Story
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# From Panel to Studio: The Michael Watkins Story
Step into the vibrant world of comic book artistry with Michael Watkins, a veteran illustrator whose pencil strokes have shaped some of the most iconic characters in the industry. In this captivating episode, we explore the journey of an artist who's left his mark on everything from the lightning-fast world of Sonic the Hedgehog to the metallic majesty of the Transformers universe.
Michael pulls back the curtain on his evolution from aspiring artist to studio founder, sharing candid insights about his...
King Of Nerds
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🎙️ Join us on Back to Pop as we dive into the hilarious, heartfelt, and iconic legacy of “Revenge of the Nerds” with none other than Robert Carradine! Known to fans worldwide as the quintessential nerd, Lewis Skolnick, Robert brings us behind the scenes of the 80s comedy that changed the way we see nerd culture forever. We explore what’s made Revenge of the Nerds endure across generations, from its themes of acceptance and resilience to its unforgettable party scenes and memorable pranks.
Fro...
Drawing in the Dark: How Bill Finger Built Batman"
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🦇 THE DARK KNIGHT'S HIDDEN CREATOR: A Conversation with Athena Finger
In this compelling episode, we pull back the curtain on one of comic book history's most fascinating untold stories. Join us as we welcome Athena Finger, granddaughter of Bill Finger – the long-uncredited co-creator of Batman.
For decades, the true origin story of Batman's creation remained in the shadows. Now, Athena shares intimate insights into her grandfather's genius and his pivotal role in crafting the Dark Knight's world. From designing Batman's iconic costume to creating unforgettable villains like the Joker, Bill...
Behind the Mask: The Creation of Darkwing Duck
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*Get dangerous with this exclusive deep dive into one of Disney's most beloved animated series!*
In this special episode, we pull back the purple cape on the creation of everyone's favorite ego-driven superhero, Darkwing Duck., Our guest Tad Stones the shows creator takes us through the fascinating journey of bringing Drake Mallard and his colorful world to life.
Discover the creative sparks that ignited this unique blend of superhero action and comedy, including:
- The original pitch that convinced Disney to take a chance on a...
The X-Men "Uncanny Reunion: The Minds Behind X-Men '92"
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The X-Men '92
Calling all mutants and 90s animation fans! Get ready for a nostalgic journey as "Back To Pop" brings you an unprecedented reunion of the creative minds behind the iconic X-Men animated series.
In this electrifying episode, we're assembling an all-star team of X-Men '92 creators:
- Eric Lewald (Writer)
- Larry F. Houston (Director)
- Rick Hoberg (Character Designer/Storyboarder)
- Will Meugniot (Producer/Director)
Join us as we dive deep into the world of Marvel's merry mutants and u...
