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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 Marvel with GI Joe: A Real American Hero, where he both penciled classic issues and storyboarded for the animated series.

But Mike’s most haunting legacy might be his work on Tales from the Crypt, where he illustrated 92 of the 93 covers and storyboarded the show’s wraparound sequences, bringing EC Comics’ horror tradition to a new generation. His talent for visual storytelling earned him an Emmy for directing HBO’s Spawn series, proving he could master both the page and the screen.

We also explore his feminist fantasy epic Sisterhood of Steel, his storyboard work on iconic music videos like Eminem’s “Stan” and Eve’s “Let Me Blow Ya Mind,” and what it takes to build a career that seamlessly moves between comics, television, animation, and film.

**In This Episode:**

- Launching a fanzine at 15 and breaking into underground comics
- Inside Marvel’s GI Joe empire: penciling and storyboarding
- Creating 92 spine-chilling covers for Tales from the Crypt
- Winning an Emmy for directing Spawn
- Storyboarding hip-hop’s most memorable music videos
- The story behind Sisterhood of Steel and taking control of publishing
- Hard-earned lessons on visual storytelling across mediums

Whether you grew up reading GI Joe, got nightmares from the Crypt Keeper, or marvel at the craft behind your favorite music videos, Mike Vosburg’s story is a masterclass in creative versatility and artistic longevity.

**Subscribe to Back to Pop and never miss an episode where we celebrate the artists who create the culture we love!**

Mike’s Website 

https://vozart.com/

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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 distinctive Batman artists of all time.

Kelley opens up about crafting horror within heroism — from Batman: Red Rain to Dark Joker the Wild, Swamp Thing, and Frankenstein Alive, Alive! — and how he balances the grotesque and the beautiful. We also dive into his latest project, Dracula: The Impaler under Orlok Press, co-created with Matt Wagner, where Dracula is reborn as a medieval warlord from hell.

If you’ve ever wondered how psychology, style, and sincerity intertwine to create lasting horror — this episode is your masterclass.

🦇 Topics Include:

• Marshall Rogers’ prophecy that came true
• The making of Batman: Red Rain
• The art of horror and clarity
• Collaborations with John Beatty, Doug Moench, and Matt Wagner
• Founding Orlok Press & Dracula: The Impaler
• Why “horror only works when it’s sincere”

Follow Kelley’s work and support Dracula: The Impaler on Kickstarter. 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/draculatheimpaler/dracula-book-3

📺 Watch, listen, and stay nostalgic — only on Back to Pop Media.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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:

• Catherine’s leap from London stage training to her spontaneous audition for The Apple (1980) that launched her career.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from The Last Starfighter (1984), one of cinema’s earliest CGI-driven adventures.
• Her unforgettable turn as Regina Belmont in Night of the Comet (1984), blending Valley-girl sass with end-of-the-world grit.
• Revisiting Nightflyers and Annihilator—cult gems that pushed sci-fi and horror into daring new territory.
• Laughs, chaos, and cultural legacy from Weekend at Bernie’s (1989).
• Reflections on ’80s stardom, the enduring power of cult cinema, and staying connected with fans through conventions and social media today.

🎙️ Catherine opens up about lessons learned from her very first audition, what it was like stepping into groundbreaking productions, and how it feels to see her work live on through passionate fan communities.

If you grew up on The Last Starfighter, quoted Night of the Comet, or laughed your way through Weekend at Bernie’s, this episode is a time capsule of ’80s pop culture you won’t want to miss!   

Website:

https://www.catherinemarystewart.com/

https://www.instagram.com/catherinemarystewart?igsh=NWhhazRmcDNmN2c3

Socials: 

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Lauren M. Antoine 

Website: 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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. We also explore the futuristic elegance of “Deep Freeze,” and the art of making every punch, pause, and shadow count.

Whether you’re a lifelong Bat-fan, an aspiring animator, or a director hungry for insight, this episode delivers a masterclass in animated storytelling.

🎧 Listen to learn:

• How Kevin sold a “70mm film look” to network executives
• The secrets behind BTAS’ signature noir lighting and dynamic action
• Why collaboration with storyboard artists, painters, and voice actors is key to animated world-building
• Lessons every modern animation director can take from Gotham’s Dark Knight

Pull up a chair at the poker table with Gotham’s rogues—and discover how Kevin Altieri helped create one of the greatest animated series of all time.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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

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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:

• The early spark that shaped his signature uplifting sound.
• Writing The Touch and its enduring legacy in Transformers and beyond.
• Scoring the rise of Jean-Claude Van Damme in Bloodsport and Kickboxer.
• Collaborating with legends like Jonathan Cain, Jim Vallance, and Paul Stanley.
• Revisiting cult classics with tracks like Thunder in Your Heart and The ’80s.
• Keeping the fire alive with modern anthems like Stand or Fall and Born to Win.

From movie marathons to gym playlists, Stan Bush’s songs remain the soundtrack of resilience and triumph. Tune in and rediscover why his music still makes us believe we’ve got the touch.

Stay in touch with all things Stan Bush and grab a copy of his new album here: https://stanbush.com/

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

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Composer Ron Wasserman 

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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 creation of iconic characters like The Punisher, Firestorm, and Killer Croc, the emotional core behind Fire & Ice and Conan the Destroyer, and the unmade live-action X-Men film that could have changed everything.

From TV scripts to comic scripts, from archetypes to anti-heroes, Gerry’s career is a masterclass in storytelling across mediums. This is the story of a writer who gave us grief, rage, hope—and heroes who still resonate today.

We miss you rest in peace. Thanks for memories and the stories.

New episodes of Back to Pop drop every Thursday at 6:00 AM ET.

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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 roots, the craft behind creating unforgettable voices, the return of Nightcrawler after three decades, the unique demands of video game performance, and how his environmental advocacy shapes his artistry.

It’s a conversation about legacy, technique, and purpose — all through the lens of one of pop culture’s most versatile performers.

Websites 

Learn more: 

https://www.endangeredecosystemsalliance.org/news/ogbc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realadrianhough?igsh=MXE3dGVtcHJ0a2FsdQ==

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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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 Jedi temples to the Gothic shadows of Burton’s Gotham.

In this episode:
• How documenting comics history prepared Miller for creating within beloved franchises

• The unique challenges of writing in the Old Republic era versus closer to the films• Why Batman: Resurrection required 12 theatrical viewings of Burton’s 1989 masterpiece

• Capturing Burton’s Gothic sensibility in prose while exploring urban trauma

• How Gotham itself becomes a character processing post-Joker trauma

• Miller’s creative process across novels, comics, and different universes

Miller discusses the delicate balance of respecting established lore while pushing creative boundaries, and reveals what’s coming next in Batman: Revolution. Whether you’re a Star Wars devotee, a Batman enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the craft of licensed storytelling, this conversation offers rare insights into creating within worlds we already love.

Links & Resources:
• Batman: Resurrection - Available now

• John Jackson Miller’s official website: See Faraway Press 

• Follow JJM on social media 

https://www.instagram.com/johnjacksonmiller?igsh=NmkzOXNjYXZwN2Jp

• Faraway Press: https://farawaypress.com/

•Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

•Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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Timestamps:
[00:00] Opening & introductions
[08:00] Foundation in comics retail & journalism[18:00] Building Star Wars galaxies
[30:00] Entering Burton’s Gotham
[45:00] Psychology of trauma in Gotham City
[53:00] Craft, technique, & creative process
[61:00] Looking ahead to Batman: Revolution
Runtime: 1 hour, 11 minutes

Tags: #StarWars #Batman #TimBurton #ComicsHistory #LicensedFiction #Storytelling #KnightsOfTheOldRepublic #Gotham #WritingProcess #PopCulture

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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 groundbreaking career — from Second City to touring with George Carlin, conquering HBO, and becoming a queer icon
•Why this story matters now — reclaiming forgotten female trailblazers in comedy
Taylor Blackwell didn’t just write and direct this film — they starred in it, channeling Judy’s fearless energy while honoring her authentic voice. This isn’t just a biography; it’s a resurrection of a comedy icon who paved the way for generations of performers.
Perfect for listeners who love: Comedy history, filmmaking stories, LGBTQ+ icons, feminist pioneers, and anyone curious about the fearless performers who changed entertainment forever.

Guest Bio:
Taylor Blackwell is the writer, director, and star of “It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story.” Working closely with Judy’s estate, Taylor created a heartfelt tribute that captures both the humor and humanity of the Love Goddess herself.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp93cylB7rI

The Pope Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6YIS6cJiTY

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3512832/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_in_0_q_taylor%2520blackwell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themusicalmushroom/?hl=en

Duration: 32 minutes
Listen now to discover why Judy Tenuta’s legacy is more relevant than ever — and how one filmmaker is making sure the Love Goddess lives on.

Theme music composed by Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Gabefletch.net 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

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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 American Tail .

From Fievel’s Hope to Chucky’s Horror

This conversation travels from the heartfelt story of Jewish‑Russian immigrants in An American Tail to the darkly comic terror of Child’s Play, where the freckled menace Chucky went on to headline seven films and a hit TV series . Kirschner explains how a fear of his sister’s dolls inspired the franchise and why the character still endures. We also dive into the unfinished fantasy epic The Pirates of Dark Water, the environmental parable of The Pagemaster, and the cult rise of Hocus Pocus. You’ll hear how the Sanderson Sisters went from box‑office curiosity to Halloween royalty and why a third film is now in development .

Why You Should Listen Now

If you ever sang “Somewhere Out There,” hid your toys after watching Chucky, or still quote “It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus,” this episode is for you. Kirschner shares behind‑the‑scenes secrets, creative strategies, and the personal experiences that fueled his characters. We’ll explore the common thread that ties together Fievel’s quest, Chucky’s mayhem, and the Sanderson Sisters’ mischief. Don’t miss this masterclass in storytelling—tune in, share with your tribe, and join us as we celebrate the visionary whose imagination continues to enchant and thrill audiences .

Theme music composed by 

Ron Wasserman 

Audio composed and edited by 

Gabe Fletcher 

Website: 

https://gabefletcher.net/

Composer Ron Wasserman 

Back To Pop 

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