Comic Book Central

William Shatner returns to Comic Book Central!

Bill reflects on the difficult years following Star Trek's cancellation, his remarkable journey from Captain Kirk to cultural icon, and the enduring legacy of Gene Roddenberry's groundbreaking series.

In this episode:

Wisdom & Worries — Available now from Open Road Integrated Media and major booksellers.

Love & Other Mysteries — Featuring collaborations with Brad Paisley and other acclaimed musicians. Listen on Spotify.

William Shatner Live On Stage

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Screenwriter ZAK PENN returns to the Lair for PART TWO of his Comic Book Central conversation!

Zak takes us behind the scenes of the wildly inventive Big Bang Theory spinoff, revealing how an unlikely friendship with Chuck Lorre led to their collaboration with Bill Prady, and how the three creators combined sitcom comedy, science fiction, and comic-book mythology into one outrageous adventure.

We're talking comic-book Easter eggs, alternate universes, Green Lantern, The Flash's cosmic treadmill, and the secrets behind Episode 9, "Spoiler: We Couldn't Get Green Lantern!" Zak also reveals his unexpected on-screen contribution to the series and some incredible memorabilia from his Hollywood career.

And what about Season Two? Zak drops some fascinating clues about the mysterious Adversary, reveals that certain universes aren't what they appear to be, and teases some surprising developments ahead. Plus, could we see more familiar faces from The Big Bang Theory? And did Stuart REALLY burn down his comic book store?!

Then it's time for the COMIC BOOK CENTRAL SPEED ROUND!

Marvel or DC? X-Men or Avengers? Favorite comic-book villain? Best superhero casting of all time? Most underrated comic-book movie? Zak tackles those questions and more, including his favorite Spielberg film and whether the Hulk is more dangerous than a Chuck Lorre notes session!

It's Zak Penn on Comic Book Central, Episode 541, Part Two!

Catch Part One in Episode 540.

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Screenwriter Zak Penn enters the Lair!

Zak talks about breaking into Hollywood with Last Action Hero, the film’s unlikely journey from box-office disappointment to cult favorite, and why he now believes it really was ahead of its time.

Then we dive into the superhero universe! Zak reveals that one of the first things he asked after getting an agent was, “What’s going on with the X-Men?” He shares memories of working alongside a young Kevin Feige, his approach to X-Men, the Marvel characters he never got the chance to tackle, and the unmade ROM: Spaceknight screenplay still sitting in the vault.

Plus, Zak tells the fascinating story of writing The Hulk in the 1990s, then being asked years later to essentially rewrite himself for The Incredible Hulk. He explains how the Bill Bixby television series influenced his darker, lonely “man on the run” approach to Bruce Banner, and looks back at what went wrong with Elektra and the R-rated, Frank Miller-inspired version he originally envisioned.

And right off the top, we talk Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the insanity of Season One, that comic-book universe, the sitcom universe, and where things stand with Season Two!

Zak Penn on Comic Book Central – Part One!

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The Warner Bros. vault is still open, and in Part 2, George Feltenstein is going UNCENSORED!

I jump right back into my conversation with the Warner Archive legend with one of the most controversial topics in animation history: The Censored 11. George reveals the fascinating history behind the infamous group of cartoons, explains why far more than 11 shorts eventually disappeared from circulation, and discusses whether these films could someday be released in their proper historical context.

Then it’s time to raid another corner of the vault! George talks Hanna-Barbera, including Quick Draw McGraw, Huckleberry Hound, The Banana Splits, and the challenges of reconstructing classic television the right way. Plus, there’s a major update on the restoration of the legendary 1960 Bugs Bunny Show, which George calls a “Holy Grail.”

And then...we go SUPER!

George discusses the long-unavailable Filmation Superboy series and the possibility of bringing more classic DC animation to Blu-ray. He also shares an emotional behind-the-scenes story about Richard Donner and his involvement with Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, talks about the chances of an expanded Superman IV, and reveals that previously unseen George Reeves Superman material could potentially find its way out of the vault!

Finally, George faces the Comic Book Central Speed Round, with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Chuck Jones, Tex Avery, Huckleberry Hound, Superman, and more!

The Censored 11. Hanna-Barbera. Superboy. Donner. George Reeves. And plenty more surprises from the Warner Archive vault. Part 2 is packed!

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The Warner Bros. vault is OPEN!

In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, I welcome George Feltenstein, longtime champion of classic film and animation preservation and a driving force behind the Warner Archive Collection.

George takes us inside the new Looney Tunes Collector’s Vault Volume 3, featuring 50 restored cartoons spanning nearly 40 years of Warner Bros. animation history. He reveals what goes into selecting, restoring, and preserving these classic shorts, why getting them into the hands of collectors can sometimes be a battle, and why there is still so much left in the vault waiting to be rediscovered.

George also looks back at his early days at MGM/UA Home Video, his decades-long friendship and collaboration with animation historian Jerry Beck, and the six-year fight that eventually helped give birth to the landmark Looney Tunes Golden Collection. Plus, George talks physical media, the future of the Collector’s Vault series, lost animation history, and the childhood obsession with cartoons that ultimately became his career.

And just wait until Part 2, when the conversation turns to The Censored 11, Hanna-Barbera, The Bugs Bunny Show, Filmation’s Superboy, Richard Donner, Superman, George Reeves, and much more!

It’s time to crack open the vault with George Feltenstein!

Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life!

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STUART BLOOM IS BACK...AND HE’S GOT A UNIVERSE TO SAVE!

Kevin Sussman returns to Comic Book Central to take us inside the wildly inventive Stuart Fails to Save the Universe!

Kevin reveals how the Big Bang Theory spinoff finally came together, what it was like stepping back into Stuart’s shoes, keeping track of multiple universes (yes, there was a chart!), and reuniting with familiar faces including Kunal Nayyar and Kaley Cuoco.

Plus, we dig into the secrets of the Comic Center of Pasadena, what Kevin may have snagged from the set, hopes for the future of the series, and MUCH more!

And stick around for the SUSSMAN SPEED ROUND! Batman or Superman? Betty or Veronica? Mel Brooks or Gene Wilder? Doctor Doom or Lex Luthor?

️The latest episode of Comic Book Central is streaming NOW. Subscribe & don’t miss it!

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She's been a Bond girl. A Smallville villain. A doctor. A mystery solver. And now... she's finally on Comic Book Central!

This week, I'm joined by the legendary Jane Seymour for a career-spanning conversation celebrating an incredible body of work, including:

Plus, stick around for a fun Speed Round featuring coffee vs. tea, mystery vs. romance... and the toughest choice of all: Superman or James Bond?

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Barry Kripke's story continues!

John Ross Bowie returns to Comic Book Central for Part 2, and we're diving even deeper into The Big Bang Theory universe!

John shares the story behind his memorable audition, reveals how Barry Kripke came to life, and looks back on some of his favorite moments from one of television's biggest sitcoms.

We also preview his upcoming political thriller The Brink of War, talk more about HBO Max's Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and wrap things up with a hilarious Speed Round you won't want to miss!

If you loved Part 1, don't miss the conclusion!

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Barry Kripke is back!

Actor John Ross Bowie joins me for Part 1 of an all-new Comic Book Central as we head back into the world of The Big Bang Theory and look ahead to HBO Max's highly anticipated new series, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe!

John shares what it was like reuniting with his Big Bang cast mates, how this ambitious new series takes the franchise in an entirely different direction, and the surprising new challenges that came with stepping into a world of sci-fi, action, visual effects...and yes, even stunts! Plus, we look back at John's unforgettable run as Barry Kripke, one of television's most memorable sitcom rivals.

If you're a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you won't want to miss this one! Part one is streaming now.

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Hey hey...it's MICKY DOLENZ!

Monkees legend Micky Dolenz joins Comic Book Central to celebrate 60 Years of The Monkees, his brand-new EP TIMELESS, and the heartfelt new single "Terri."

But this isn't your typical Monkees interview...

We also dive into Micky's lifelong love of comic books, Monkeemania, nostalgia waves performing today, voicing characters on The Tick and Batman: The Animated Series, and a fun speed round that reveals his first comic book, his favorite Monkees song to perform...and, yes, who he thinks was the cutest Monkee.

Whether you've loved The Monkees since 1966 or discovered them through reruns and streaming, you'll love this conversation with one of pop culture's true icons.

Micky's new EP, TIMELESS, arrives September 4.

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