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In December of 1993, a small team of artists was handed an impossible assignment: take a direct-to-video project, pivot to a theatrical film, and deliver it in just eight months.

It should’ve been a disaster.

Instead, it became the gold standard.

This week on Back To Pop, we’re celebrating Batman: Mask of the Phantasm—a noir tragedy wrapped in a mystery, draped in Art Deco shadows that still haven’t faded. Decades later, fans don’t just call it a great animated film… many call it the most definitive Batman story ever put on screen.

And today, we’re joined by the architects who built it:

Alan Burnett (writer), Kevin Altieri (director), and Brad Rader (artist/storyboard).

We go deep on:

• The theatrical pivot: shifting from DTV to widescreen filmmaking under insane deadlines
• The graveyard sequence: crafting grief and guilt before a single line is spoken
• Andrea Beaumont’s “Bacall energy”: elegance, danger, and timing that sells the heartbreak
• Phantasm vs. Joker: silent mythic terror colliding with chaotic noir violence
• The World’s Fair finale: spectacle, storyboarding collaboration, and that haunting final image

By the end, we’re left with the question that still stings: did Batman win… or did Bruce lose everything?

Merry Christmas, Gotham. Go back to the graveyard. Go back to the World’s Fair. And go rewatch the masterpiece.

🎧 Listen now and celebrate Mask of the Phantasm with us.

Connect with Back to Pop:

• Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/

•   Composer Ron Wasserman 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid"  custom background song

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If you’re looking for comics then stop by Sean’s shop here’s the link.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1700957263/custom-listing-mc-the-last-will-and?click_key=10e3b2dbec164f3e4e3998d180f71c4828a47e9c%3A1700957263&click_sum=732fa5f1&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sts=1

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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You’ve heard this voice a hundred times… but chances are, you’ve never heard him.

Jason Paige is the voice of the original Pokémon anthem—a song that defined a global generation. But that’s just the cover. Peel it back, and you find a working artist with an astonishing body of work that you've probably never connected to his name.

From singing background for Michael Jackson to creating the earworm responsible for curing your heartburn ("Nausea, heartburn, indigestion..."), Jason has been the invisible soundtrack to your life for decades.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the man behind the voice. We strip away the nostalgia to discuss the "invisible work" of a session singer, the pressure of carrying a cultural legacy, and what happens when your voice becomes more famous than your name.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Origin Story: How Jason realized his voice was a tool, not just a talent.

• The Pokémon Phenomenon: The true story behind that 4-hour recording session and how he handles the weight of a billion childhood memories.

• The Commercial King: How to approach a Pepto Bismol jingle with the same artistic integrity as a pop ballad.

• The Legend: What it was really like to stand in the orbit of Michael Jackson.

⏳ Episode Chapters:

• (02:00) The Seed: First notes and realizing the power of the voice.

• (17:00) The Peel: The truth behind the Pokémon theme song session.

• (35:00) The Juice: The invisible work (Pepto Bismol, Mountain Dew, and MJ).

• (50:00) The Flesh: Who is Jason Paige today?

Connect with Jason Paige:

• Website: https://jasonpaige.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonpaige?igsh=ZGl1OGxzOW8wbm55

Connect with Back to Pop:

• Website: https://www.backtopopmedia.com/

•   Composer Ron Wasserman 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Alex Ray - "Galaxy Kid"  custom background song

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Dive sword-first into the world of Savage Crucible, the indie toy line that is redefining collectible fantasy art!

Join us as we welcome the visionary creator and founder of Harvinger Studios, William Post, for an exclusive, deep-dive interview.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The Shocking Collaboration: How William partnered with the Frank Frazetta Estate to transform the legendary fantasy artist's iconic paintings into stunning, highly-articulated action figures.

• The Genesis of a Mythos: From a successful Kickstarter to becoming a specialty retailer favorite, William shares the origin story of Savage Crucible and why he chose to go indie in a market dominated by major players.

• Translating Legends: The incredible design challenges of turning Frank Frazetta's raw, two-dimensional brushstrokes into three-dimensional, poseable figures while maintaining respect for the original masterpieces.

• Building a Universe: Learn about the deep lore, factions (Lemurians, Jaeger, Nashorn), and storytelling that give the Savage Crucible original characters real depth.

• What's Next? A sneak peek at the Lovecraftian Wave 3: Abyss Dreadnoughts and the future potential for even more legendary art collaborations!

If you're a fan of fantasy, high-end collectibles, or the immortal art of Frank Frazetta, this episode is an essential listen. Get ready to lose your mind!

https://www.instagram.com/savagecrucible?igsh=b2h1YXhrajA4cTJ5

https://savagecrucible.com/

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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 The Architect of Childhood - Margaret Loesch on  Saturday Mornings , X-Men, Power Rangers, and the Fox Kids Revolution

Margaret Loesch didn’t just give us shows. She gave us identity.

Before the MCU, before the streaming wars, Margaret Loesch was the driving force behind the greatest Saturday Morning and syndicated children's programming of the 1980s and 1990s. 

As the President of Marvel Productions (Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Jem) and under her leadership at Fox Kids came (X-Men: The Animated Series, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), her non-negotiable vision was to give kids serialized, emotional, and complex stories.

In this powerful, feature-length conversation, Margaret walks us through her entire career:

• The Origin Story: Her early years at ABC/NBC and what she learned about the potential of children's programming.

• The Dream Factory: Pushing for deeper narratives at Hanna-Barbera.

• The Marvel Years: Why she believed kids were ready for the deeper stories and the tragedy of Optimus Prime’s death in The Transformers: The Movie.

• Her Thoughts on Pryde Of The X-Men 

• The Revolution: Building Fox Kids from the ground up, fighting for X-Men '92 (tackling prejudice, trauma, and identity), and the biggest gamble that paid off: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

• A Love Letter: What she wants the millions of adults who grew up on her worlds to know today.

This is an essential history lesson, a vibrant homage, and a deeply moving thank you to the woman who shaped millions of imaginations.

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

Relive your childhood with the voice that defined a generation!

In this unforgettable episode, host Marc Childs steps Back to Pop with the multi-talented Patricia Patts, the original voice of the iconic tomboy, Peppermint Patty, in beloved Peanuts classics like You’re the Greatest, Charlie Brown and She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown.

But Patricia is much more than a famous voice. 

She takes us on a journey through her captivating career—from her starring turn as Annie in the national touring production of the hit musical, to the intimate stories of recording with the legendary Charles M. Schulz.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Spark: What drew a six-year-old Patricia to the bright lights of Broadway and the stage.

• A Good Skate: Behind-the-scenes secrets from the recording booth and how she connected with Patty’s confident yet vulnerable spirit.

• Beyond the Limelight: Patricia’s evolution from actress to songwriter, entrepreneur, and the inspiring reason she returned to the Peanuts world as the host of her own podcast, The Peanuts Gallery.

This is a heartfelt, joyful conversation that proves sometimes, the voices we grew up with still speak the loudest years later. Press play and step back into the golden age of pop culture!

Follow Patricia Patts:

• Podcast: 

The Peanuts Gallery Podcast 

https://open.spotify.com/show/4tpuWv6tMDgD5hISkJMNGC?si=OAhLkUQtTI2AIgofZnde8Q

• Socials: 

Patricia’s Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/patriciapeppermintpattypatts?igsh=MTdidzc1a2RuOGE2NQ==

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHHjyzrd7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Subscribe to Back to Pop for more trips down memory lane!

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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Join us for an extraordinary conversation with comic book legend Tom DeFalco, former Marvel Editor-in-Chief and co-creator of Spider-Girl.

In this 60-minute deep dive, Tom takes us through his remarkable journey from clipping newspaper strips in Queens as the oldest of seven kids to becoming one of the most influential figures in comics history.

We explore his early days breaking into the industry at Archie and DC Comics, his transition to Marvel where he launched Dazzler and wrote iconic runs on Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, and Fantastic Four, and his seven transformative years as Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief from 1987 to 1994.

Tom opens up about his creative philosophy, his legendary collaborations with artists like Ron Frenz and Paul Ryan, and what it took to guide Marvel through a period of massive expansion. We discuss the challenges of balancing editorial leadership with creative vision, address the controversial Clone Saga, and celebrate the unexpected triumph of Spider-Girl and the MC2 universe.

From the evolution of the comics industry across multiple decades to advice for aspiring creators today, this episode offers rare insights from a true architect of the Marvel Universe. Whether you’re a longtime comics fan or curious about the creative process behind beloved characters, Tom’s stories illuminate what it takes to craft lasting mythology in a collaborative medium.

Topics covered: Early career at Archie & DC • Launching Dazzler • Writing Spider-Man & Thor • Marvel Editor-in-Chief tenure • The Clone Saga • Co-creating Spider-Girl • Writer-artist collaborations • Industry evolution • Creator advice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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**He voiced your childhood hero. He survived a war. Now he’s breaking barriers in Hollywood.**

From the jungles of Cambodia to becoming one of the most versatile actors in modern entertainment, François Chau’s journey will leave you speechless. This is the story Hollywood didn’t want you to hear.

## The Man Behind Your Favorite Characters

Remember Quick Kick from **G.I. Joe**? The Shredder from **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II**? Dr. Pierre Chang’s mysterious Dharma videos in **Lost**? Jules-Pierre Mao’s chilling presence in **The Expanse**?

**They’re all the same person.** And his real story is more incredible than any character he’s ever played.

## From Survival to Stardom

In this explosive episode of **Back to Pop**, François Chau reveals what it took to escape Cambodia as a refugee, rebuild his life in America, and break into an industry that wasn’t ready for him. This isn’t just another Hollywood success story — it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and refusing to be invisible.

### 🔥 What You’ll Discover:

**The Untold Origin Story**

- How a Cambodian refugee became one of pop culture’s most recognizable voices
- The struggles and sacrifices that shaped his path to Hollywood
- Why his journey matters more now than ever

**Behind the Legends**

- Never-before-heard stories from the G.I. Joe and TMNT sets
- The truth about filming Lost’s iconic Dharma orientation tapes (yes, THOSE tapes)
- What really happens behind the microphone in Ghost of Tsushima

**Breaking Barriers**

- The evolution of Asian representation in Hollywood — from the inside
- Why versatility became his superpower across animation, film, TV, and gaming
- His groundbreaking role as Feng Zhao in HBO’s The Penguin

**The Future of Storytelling**

- Where the industry is heading (and what needs to change)
- His advice for the next generation of diverse storytellers
- What’s next for this unstoppable force

## This Episode Is For You If:

✅ You grew up obsessing over G.I. Joe on Saturday mornings  
✅ You’re still trying to solve the mysteries of Lost  
✅ You care about representation and diversity in media  
✅ You love behind-the-scenes stories from legendary franchises  
✅ You believe in the power of resilience and reinvention

## Why This Matters Now

At a time when authentic representation matters more than ever, François Chau’s story proves what’s possible when talent meets determination. This is the conversation the industry needs to hear.

**This isn’t just an interview. It’s a legacy.**

-----

## 🎧 Listen Now

**Available on:** Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | All Major Platforms

👉 **Visit BackToPopMedia.com** for exclusive content, upcoming guests, and behind-the-scenes access

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

Send us Fan Mail

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 Girls, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and beyond

🎮 Beyond Animation – Voice work in G.I. Joe, Halo 4, Batman: Arkham Knight, and dozens more
👨‍👩‍👧 A Creative Legacy – Raising Tony-nominated daughter Julia Lester (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Into the Woods)

Plus: The “love at first sight” moment that started it all, advice for aspiring actors, and what excites him about the future of entertainment.
Whether you know him as Dick Grayson, Fritz Hansel, or Roy from Peekskill—this is the conversation fans have been waiting for.

http://www.lorenlester.com/

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

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https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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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 about working with Steven Spielberg on the set of E.T., the physical and emotional intensity of filming Cujo (a performance Stephen King himself said deserved an Oscar), and her return to authentic horror with her latest project, Southern Scares.
But Dee Wallace is more than an actress. She’s a best-selling author, international speaker, and teacher of conscious creation who has dedicated her life to helping others manifest their deepest desires. We discuss her philosophy on self-creation, how she defied six specialists to create her daughter, and why she believes horror isn’t just about fear — it’s about healing it.
This conversation is part nostalgia, part masterclass in fearless living. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of her iconic roles or discovering her wisdom for the first time, Dee’s warmth, authenticity, and light will leave you inspired.
Topics Covered:
•Working on E.T. , Cujo, and more
•Behind the scenes of Southern Scares
•The healing power of horror
•Conscious creation and manifestation
•Staying creative in an ageist industry
•Asking for what you truly want

Guest: Dee WallaceHost: Marc ChildsDuration: ~45 minutes

Website: https://iamdeewallace.com/ 

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==

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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.

In this in-depth conversation, Joe opens up about:

🎨 His early start at Caliber Comics and the creation of the groundbreaking 

anthology Negative Burn

🩸 The moral and psychological layers behind Kilroy Is Here and Black-Eyed Kids

⚡ Founding Desperado and AfterShock Comics—and the lessons learned from building indie publishers from the ground up

🌑 His newest venture, Ninth Circle, and his new series Viking Moon—a mythic fusion of Vikings, werewolves, and human darkness which is available now check your local comic shop.  Don't forget to check out his Kickstarter for the upcoming https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1510966209/the-book-of-jusko 

If you love the craft, business, and heart of independent comics, this episode is a must-listen.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

Instagram/ 

https://www.instagram.com/backtopopmedia?igsh=MTd0dGNid2hjdWd5cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/4ronwasserman?igsh=MTR6ZGZ5dXJzYXN3eQ==

Support the show

Ever had an idea for an action figure, or maybe you just wish one had been made? Well at Lecroy Toys you don't have to wait anymore, head over and tell Matthew we sent you!  https://www.instagram.com/lecroystoys?igsh=MW1ndWE5cHhzaGQ3dw==