For this quick drop, I talked with Will Dennis about the panel he's hosting at NYCC 2022. I hope to see some of our listeners there. 

Will's panel: HOW (NOT) TO SUCCEED IN COMICS (Without Really Trying!)
Friday 10/7/22 6:30 to 7:30:00
Industry 1-C03
Speakers: Will Dennis, Scott Snyder, Cliff Chiang, Stephanie Phillips, Brian Azzarello, and Pornsak Pichetshote

In CROPPED #19, Will Dennis and I chat with designer and letterer extraordinaire Jared Fletcher about working with Cliff Chiang, maintaining a 12-hour workday, and how the Joe Kubert School prepped him for the tech changes that hit the comic book industry. We also talk about ink saturation, how his job relates to what tech printers are using, and his workday schedule.

Finally, I find out who decides where word balloons go on the page.

This episode is a companion to the chat Will and I had with colorist Lee Loughridge in CROPPED #17.

My talk with Eric Harburn of BOOM! Studios covers on his adventures at 2022's San Diego Comic-Con, specifically his first Hall H experience, which was a doozy. We discuss how Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, and the rest of the creative team work together to get BRZRKR out. We also talk about the first moves on the development of Something Is Killing the Children, the reasons behind his promotion to executive editor, and not being frightened of ending a series when the time is right.

Will and I talk about the Eisner wins for THE GOOD ASIAN and SNOW ANGELS and his overall experience at San Diego Comic-Con 2022. He also hints at a few future projects and his plan to get an open bar at the Eisners.

Derf Backderf and I dive into the making of KENT STATE and the skill-building and knowledge of the comic book medium he developed that made it possible for him to produce such a complex and comprehensive OGN.

Regarding KENT STATE and MY FRIEND DAHMER, we talk about how he used the medium to create unseen moments. We also cover how he protects his physical and mental health while working on such dark topics, and look at today's social and political turmoil through the lens of the Kent State events in 1970.

Finally, we talk about the right-wing cultural warriors' attacks on MY FRIEND DAHMER, libraries, and LGBTQ themed graphic novels.

After two years, I catch up with Kiara Valdez, and we talk how an editor works to get a promotion in traditional publishing. We also cover the changes in payouts to talent, why they were stretched out, how the long tail benefits creators and publishers, and getting payments to creators—finally, we nerd out over the MCU's Moon Knight and Scarlet Witch.

Alex Antone and I discuss the freedom that comes with editing "second tier" series, his work on the Arrowverse line of comics, his mentors, Mark Chiarello and Ben Abernathy, and the differences in editing a DC Comic vs. an Image Comic. Also, we dig into what makes a Skybound and Skybound Comet comic and how Alex went about launching a new line in the YA market. Finally, he passes along the best way to fix a cover.

Not only do Duane Swierczynski and Sandy King talk about Duane's CIVILIANS, the new entry to the monthly anthology series--John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction. They also discuss how their working relationship has evolved and the insight into humanity needed to make science fiction work.

Morgan Rosenblum, Managing Editor and Art Director of Heavy Metal Magazine, and I talk about the organization, communication, and timing it takes to deliver a monthly anthology magazine like Heavy Metal. Then, in the second part, Jonny Handler, Morgan's writing and business partner, join us to talk about their series STABLE, which is available now, and WINDS OF NUMA SERA from Dark Horse which you can preorder now. 

Will Dennis and I talk with one of the best and busiest colorists in the comics-- Lee Loughridge. We cover everything from his day-to-day and monthly schedules, creating a palette for a new series, the physical toll of coloring, the early days of digital coloring, and working at home.