Kevin Schaeffer and Will Rose dive deep into the world of comic books in this episode, hosting acclaimed comic creator Robert Venditti. They kick things off by exploring Venditti's impressive portfolio, which includes titles like "Superman 78" and "Green Lantern," before transitioning to his latest work, "Ordained." This new comic, set to shake things up, revolves around a priest who finds himself entangled with an Irish mobster, leading to a gripping tale of redemption and moral dilemmas. As they chat, Venditti shares his journey into the comic industry, offering insights into the creative process and the unexpected twists that come with it. The conversation is a delightful blend of humor and geek culture, making it a must-listen for fans of comics and storytelling alike.

In a vibrant episode of Systematic Geekology, hosts Kevin Schaeffer and Will Rose invite comic book writer Robert Venditti, renowned for his work on Superman 78 and Hawkman, to share his creative journey. The episode kicks off with nostalgic reflections on Kevin's early days as a budding journalist, interviewing Robert amid the chaos of college life. This sets a light-hearted atmosphere filled with anecdotes of technological mishaps and the awkwardness of learning the ropes in the digital age, making listeners feel as if they are eavesdropping on a friendly reunion.

Diving deeper, the trio transitions to discussing Venditti's latest project, 'Ordained', a compelling story that explores the complexities of faith and morality through the lens of a priest caught in a tumultuous situation. Rob recounts his unconventional path into the comic book world, revealing how he began writing in his mid-twenties and eventually landed his first gig with Top Shelf Productions. His journey is not just about professional success; it’s laced with personal anecdotes that highlight how family, particularly his grandfather, shaped his understanding of storytelling.

The conversation enriches as Venditti discusses how his character-driven narratives often challenge readers to reflect on their own beliefs and moral choices. Rob's insights into the creative process are invaluable, as he elaborates on the meticulous work involved in crafting stories that resonate with readers. The episode culminates with Rob's reflections on the adaptation of his work for the screen, particularly with 'The Surrogates', offering a glimpse into the surreal experience of watching his stories come to life beyond the comic book pages. With humor, heart, and a wealth of knowledge, this episode serves as both an entertaining listen and a source of inspiration for aspiring writers and comic enthusiasts alike.

Takeaways:

1. Robert Venditti shares his unexpected journey into comic book writing, starting only in his twenties.
2. The surreal experience of seeing his first comic, 'The Surrogates', become a Hollywood film adaptation blew Venditti's mind.
3. Venditti's new book 'Ordained' explores deep themes of faith and redemption through the lens of crime storytelling.
4. The unique collaboration between Venditti and Derek Kolstad, best known for 'John Wick', adds a cinematic flair to 'Ordained'.
5. Venditti highlights the importance of storytelling and character development, drawing from his grandfather's captivating tales.
6. The podcast showcases how Venditti balances his career while navigating the comic book industry and creative writing.

.

Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website:

https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/

.

Listen to the rest of our comicbook episodes:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/dfb78fea-afd0-4127-81d3-33919adc1e8e

.

Listen to every episode with Will:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/4559ab55-4b6a-4432-b0a7-b61540df8803

.

Check out other episodes with Kevin:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/84fd7d06-cf1f-48e5-b358-09a01c5a6bc9

.

Hear more from other great guests like Robert Venditti:

https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0d46051e-3772-49ec-9e2c-8739c9b74cde

Mentioned in this episode:

Become a Member of Systematic Geekology Today!

You can become a member of Systematic Geekology using the link below and gain access to free extra content, exclusive t-shirts, merchandise giveaways, and much more!

SG on Fourthwall

Anazao Podcast Network

Our show is part of the Anazao Podcast Network and you can find other great shows like ours by checking out the whole network with this link!

Anazao Podcast Network

Anazao Ministries Podcasts - AMP Network

Check out other shows like this on our podcast network!

Systematic Geekology

Our show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities.