Today on Word Balloon, comics legends Larry Lieber and Danny Fingeroth join us for a fun and imaginative conversation about Larry’s new prose novel Chirps. The story centers on Chirps, a mutant budgie who can think and speak like a human being. Alongside his billionaire industrialist friend, Chirps finds himself pursued by dangerous forces determined to capture him and exploit the secrets behind his extraordinary intelligence. The novel blends science fiction adventure, humor, and old-school pulp storytelling in a way that feels very true to Larry’s classic comic book roots.

And what roots they are. Larry was one of the foundational writers of the early Marvel Universe, scripting the very first adventures of Iron Man, Thor, and Ant-Man. He also wrote countless giant monster stories during Marvel’s pre-superhero era, including the first appearance of Groot, and chronicled dozens of western adventures starring Rawhide Kid. Larry talks about creating the world and personality of Chirps, writing prose instead of comics, and building suspense around a tiny feathered hero caught between powerful allies and ruthless enemies.

Danny Fingeroth helps provide additional context throughout the conversation, including stories about working under Larry during their time together in the Marvel UK office and firsthand observations of Larry’s quiet but enormously influential role in Marvel history. Along the way, the conversation naturally drifts into comics history, Marvel memories, editorial war stories, and Larry’s remarkable body of work as one of the key creative figures from the early Marvel era.