On this episode of Talking Strange, host Aaron Sagers is joined by Rodney Barnes — the award-winning writer behind Killadelphia, Blacula, The Boondocks, and the new hardcover collection of the Batman vs. Werewolf book, Batman: Full Moon for DC Comics (available May 13). He's also the voice of the successful narrative horror podcast Run, Fool! and will soon be taking on new stories in the 30 Days of Night universe.

Barnes discusses how growing up as a Universal Monsters kid helped shape his creative voice and love of horror, and he shares stories of how the tradition of oral storytelling — especially spooky stories told by his grandmother — deeply influenced his perspective and writing.

From the gothic shadows of Dracula to the caped crusader battling werewolves, Barnes explores the intersection of pop culture, race, and the supernatural in his work. Whether you’re a comic book fan, a lover of monster movies, or someone who grew up hearing stories that made you look twice at the dark, this conversation is for you.

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More about Rodney Barnes:

Rodney Barnes is an award-winning writer, producer, and comic book creator whose vibrant, emphatic voice has established him as a Hollywood mainstay.

Barnes was most recently an executive producer and writer for HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, chronicling the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Showtime Lakers.

His publishing imprint, Zombie Love Studios, is dedicated to storytelling through unique BIPOC perspectives, including Killadelphia—nominated for an Eisner Award, Blacula: Return of the King—an adaptation of the cult horror classic, Monarch—an apocalyptic sci-fi adventure series following a group of Compton school kids in the midst of an alien invasion, and Florence & Normandie—a collaboration with artist/entertainer Xzibit.

Additionally, Barnes hosted the Winning Time Podcast, and is host & co-creator of the Run, Fool! podcast—a collaboration between MrBallen, At Will Media, and Campside Media with 800K downloads a month and ranked 38th in true crime fiction podcasts.

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The Talking Strange Show with Aaron Sagers is a weekly paranormal pop culture show featuring celebrity and author interviews, as well as experts in all things strange and unexplained. Talking Strange is a creation of Aaron Sagers with production help from Michael Ahr.

Host Aaron Sagers is a paranormal TV host and journalist who appears as host of 28 Days Haunted on Netflix, and on Paranormal Caught On Camera on Travel Channel, Discovery+, and MAX streaming service.

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Until Next Time:

Be Kind.

Stay Spooky.

Keep It Weird.

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