Robots From Tomorrow!

[This episode is a remastered version of number 104 in a series, originally released on July 21, 2014.]

We usually follow up a spotlight episode with either a Previews exploration or a free-for-all. But this week is different because Jim Rugg himself stopped by our center-of-the-earth recording studio to drop some truth about Street Angel and his career.

Jim is one of the most flat-out creative talents working in comics and design today, and we couldn't be more thrilled to bring you this wide-ranging conversation. His latest book is a re-release of his first published work: Street Angel. It's available from Ad House Books and finer comic shops everywhere.

00:00 - Intro 03:06 - Street Angel Returns 04:42 - AdHouse Reprint Plan 09:20 - Design as Object 11:10 - Paper Stock Deep Dive 15:55 - Street Angel's Influences 20:30 - Lettering and Sound Effects 25:57 - From Mini Comics to Slave Labor 34:13 - Pink Upfront, Homage In The Back 39:20 - Fight Scenes and Page Chaos 44:45 - Scaling Line Weight 45:06 - Gallery Viewing Distance 44:45 - Books vs Wall Pieces 47:23 - Why Make Zines? 50:09 - Zines Inform Everything 51:08 - Work Zine Production 52:47 - Silhouette Zine Aftermath 54:52 - Free Online vs Print Costs 56:47 - Funding Big Ideas 57:38 - Copacetic Archive Book 01:02:04 - Jason Karnes Collection 01:04:01 - Finding New Cartoonists 01:08:03 - Internet Shelf Life 01:11:32 - Locust Moon Nemo Design 01:12:41 - Adventure Time House Style 01:18:28 - Outro

Cartoonist Kit Anderson's first graphic novel Second Shift was first mentioned on the back back in episode 817, where Avery Hill co-publisher Ricky Miller talked about working with her and bringing the book to his London-based company. But today's episode dives into the book with the author herself, which is good news for Greg because he read the book multiple times getting ready for this interview and…he has questions. Second Shift was preceded by a number of short stories and mini-comics, including the Ignatz-nominated "Weeds". "Weeds" and that other work has been collected in the anthology Safer Places, also out from Avery Hill.

She has an MFA from the Center for Cartoon Studies and has, among other things, also worked as the Production Manager for friend of the show Josh O'Neill's BEEHIVE BOOKS. So suffice it to say that Kit Anderson knows her way around a comic book, and that is definitely on display with Second Shift.

(We're not the only ones who think that – the New York Public Library put Second Shift on their list of 50 Best New Comics for Adults in 2025!)

[This episode is number 827 in a series.]

00:00 - Intro 03:52 - Getting Into Comics 07:17 - CSC Days 09:07 - Finding a Home at Avery Hill Publishing 10:48 - Visual Scripting 20:54 - Refining SECOND SHIFT 23:43 - Ambiguity vs. Missing Pieces 30:40 - The ALIEN In The Room 32:39 - Is SECOND SHIFT a Horror Book? 35:07 - The Bradbury Of It All 37:07 - Birdie's Arc 39:08 - Analog vs. Digital 40:53 - Color 43:14 - Building TerraCorps 47:13 - Ranking the ALIEN Films 51:20 - What's Next 52:54 - Outro

Today's guest is on the show to pick up a conversation we started last October when he screened his first feature film, SHOPPING FOR SUPERMAN, at Baltimore Comicon. He is a filmmaker - director / writer / editor / showman / dreamer / and many other things. His nearly 20 years in the film business has produced a CV too extensive to list here, so just take my word for it, this man knows his way around getting things out of the ether and on to the screen.

SHOPPING FOR SUPERMAN, a documentary that took almost a decade to see to fruition, is a love letter to the friendly neighborhood comic store and is both a wonderful reminder for some, and instruction to others, at just how important these places have been for getting comics to this point AND in taking comics into the future we all know they can reach.

The film is available to watch on various streaming platforms and on Blu-Ray from shoppingforsuperman.com, and it goes without saying we highly recommend you do so.

The director is Wes Eastin, and this episode has him sitting down with Greg to talk about the film and its subject matter so near and dear to both their hearts: the local comic book store.

[This episode is number 826 in a series.]

00:00 - Preamble 02:16 - Roles in Film Production 05:26 - The Passion Behind the Project 08:13 - Building the Documentary 13:25 - Interviewing Comic Shop Owners 17:14 - Creating a Comic Book Shop Set 23:03 - Challenges and Changes 25:59 - Future Projects and Reflections 36:12 - Remote Filmmaking and Technological Advances 36:54 - Building a Film on a Budget and Friendships 38:16 - Challenges and Experiences of Remote Interviews 41:07 - Incorporating Historical Elements in the Film 47:22 - The Role of Comic Shops in the Industry 55:16 - Personal Comic Shop Experiences 01:10:43 - Future Projects and Reflections 01:15:00 - Outro

Greg and the DC3Cast's very own Vince Ostrowski continue their dive into gem after Caped Crusader gem of the best Batman stories of the Seventies to mid-Eighties!

Come for the Archie Goodwin goodness, stay to find out more about the artistic evolution of Walt Simonson, which of the two hosts is coolest on Marshall Rogers, the correct length of the Bat-Ears, what happens when the Bruces of two different comic book universes collide, the one-stop-comicbooking-shop that is Jim Aparo, Joe Staton and the Justice Society, just how hard Dick Giordano is to pronounce, and much more. All that, and the man who stalks the most dangerous game alive in today's episode!

[This episode is number 825 in a series.]

00:00 – Preamble 03:29 – Part 2 Manifesto 10:51 – Goodwin on DETECTIVE COMICS 13:40 – Jim Aparo and The Ears 23:00 – Using Every Tool in the Toolbox 25:20 – A Batman Story vs A Story With Batman In It 32:41 – MANHUNTER and Walt Simonson 48:06 – Englehart & Rogers' DARK DETECTIVE 57:28 – I Now Pronounce You Bat-Mite! 01:00:45 – DEATH STRIKES AT MIDNIGHT AND THREE 01:04:37 – Joe Staton and the Earth-2 Batman/Huntress 01:11:14 – Untold Legends of Byrne and Aparo 01:17:22 – Thompkins, Brennert, Simonson, Giordano 01:27:14 – When Bruces Collide (BATMAN VS THE INCREDIBLE HULK) 01:34:39 – Recap and The DC3Cast 01:43:00 – Outro

The specific comics referred to in this episode are:

• Adventure Comics #461-463
• Batman #321
• Detective Comics #437-443, 457, 469-476, 478, 482, 500
• DC Super-Stars #17
• DC Special Series #15
• The Untold Legend of Batman #1-3
• Batman versus The Incredible Hulk

All these are available as individual issues on the DC Universe Infinite service, except for DC Special Series #15 and Batman versus The Incredible Hulk.

The two relevant stories from DC Special Series #15 are available in the Batman Arkham: Ra's Al Ghul collection ("I Now Pronounce You Batman and Wife!") and Tales of the Dark Knight: Marshall Rogers collection ("Death Strikes at Midnight and Three"),

Batman versus The Incredible Hulk is not available online but was reprinted most recently in the 2025 DC Versus Marvel Omnibus.

Join Greg and Zach Wilkerson, one-third of the DC3Cast, as they delve deep into the Justice League Unlimited episode 'For the Man Who Has Everything,' adapted from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' classic Superman Annual #11. How deep you ask? Well, audio commentary-level deep!

Join Greg and Zach Wilkerson, one-third of the DC3Cast, as they delve deep into the Justice League Unlimited episode 'For the Man Who Has Everything,' adapted from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' classic Superman Annual #11. How deep you ask? Well, audio commentary-level deep! The two's discussion topics range from major differences between the episode and the original comic, to continuity within the DCAU, to the story's emotional impact. Was removing Robin for the JLU episode a smart move? What could this story have looked like if it showed up during Justice League, when each story was a 44-minute two-parter instead of a 22-minute bullet train of an animated episode? Additionally, they take the opportunity to reflect on the DC3Cast's 10-year (and counting) journey, favorite projects, and upcoming plans. **The commentary-only version of this episode can be found here: ** [This episode is number 824 in a series.]

CHAPTERS

00:00 Preamble

00:12 Special Guest Introduction

00:32 Catching Up with Zach

02:14 Discussing DC Three Cast

03:33 Reflecting on Podcasting Journey

16:48 Parenthood and Comics

19:52 Justice League Unlimited Commentary

37:44 The Beginning of the End

38:11 Superman's Perfect World Shattered

39:56 Wonder Woman's Role and Adaptation Choices

42:21 Superman's Emotional Climax

43:46 Batman's Best Day and the Black Mercy

44:50 The Final Battle and Conclusion

56:01 Reflections on Adaptation and Comic Comparisons

01:02:10 The DC3Cast and Future Projects

In this panel discussion Greg moderated from this year's Baltimore Comicon, renowned cartoonist Stan Sakai discusses his celebrated career, particularly focusing on his iconic creation, Usagi Yojimbo. The conversation covers various aspects of Sakai's journey, from his early inspirations and the development of the character, to his unique storytelling techniques and processes. He also shares anecdotes about his collaborations, his publishing journey, and the importance of maintaining control over his work. Sakai offers insights into his meticulous research trips to Japan and hints at future storylines, while reflecting on his relationships with industry peers. The episode provides a deep dive into the life and work of a creator who has become a legend in the world of comics.

[This episode is number 823 in a series.]

CHAPTERS

00:00 Preamble 00:00 Introduction and Panel Setup 01:23 Stan's Early Career and Inspirations 03:38 The Creation of Usagi Yojimbo 06:15 Research and Real-Life Inspirations 10:29 Balancing All-Ages Storytelling 15:31 Crafting Stories and Artistic Process 19:43 Favorite Samurai Movies and Influences 20:31 Supporting Characters and Spin-offs 21:39 Creators and Publishers: A Journey 22:15 Ownership and Control: The Power of Owning a Character 23:19 Editorial Freedom and Marvel Collaborations 24:04 The Long Storyline of Usagi 25:12 The Role of Editors: A Tribute to Diana Schutz 28:35 Color vs. Black and White: Publishing Decisions 30:04 Returning to Dark Horse: Reasons and Relationships 32:45 The Evolution of Publishing Rights 38:03 Favorite Collaborations and Characters 39:50 Future Storylines and Inspirations 41:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this panel moderated by Greg at HeroesCon 2024, veteran comic book letterers Rick Parker, John Workman, and Kevin Nowlan, as well as coloring guru and production master Steve Oliff share their experiences and techniques as cartoonists working in the art of lettering. Here's how the show described the panel:

GREG MATIASEVICH (Multiversity Comics) sits down with letterers JOHN WORKMAN, KEVIN NOWLAN, and RICK PARKER to talk about a job that involves much more than just typing with a pen. Listen to them swap stories about balancing their own careers as cartoonists; while placing word balloons, drawing sound effects, and designing logos for some of the best books in comics. PLUS: A special guest appearance by colorist (and cartoonist in his own right) STEVE OLIFF for a different perspective on the demands of comics production work.

[This episode is number 822 in a series.]

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions 00:45 Rick Parker's Journey in Lettering 03:09 John Workman's Lettering Insights 05:09 Kevin Nowlan's Perspective on Lettering 07:01 Steve Oliff's Experience and Contributions 09:10 Audience Q&A: Techniques and Tools 24:29 Critique of Winsor McCay's Lettering 26:20 Personal Experience with Lettering 27:23 Techniques and Tools for Lettering 28:13 Anecdotes and Industry Stories 31:54 The Importance of Lettering in Comics 39:12 Challenges in Comic Book Production 42:46 Outro

In this panel discussion Greg moderated from this year's Baltimore Comicon, cartoonists Zoe Thorogood, Jeff Smith, David Petersen, and Stan Sakai talk about the tools they use to bring their Eisner-winning comic book stories out of their heads and on to the page. From scouting art shops for discontinued pens to building architectural models to using school supplies and family members (two-legged or four-legged) and all points in-between, these four go far and wide with their advice on what helps them keep bringing the comic booking goodness to us all, page after page, and year after year.

[This episode is number 821 in a series.]

CHAPTERS

00:00 Preamble 02:17 Intro 03:36 Essential Tools for Comic Creators 06:20 Pencils vs. Inking: The Creative Process 11:05 Adapting to Changing Tools 17:45 Maintaining Consistency in Comic Settings 23:26 Setting the Scene: Drawing Techniques and Tools 24:20 Historical Research and On-Site Visits 25:16 Time Management Strategies for Artists 30:11 Balancing Creative and Business Responsibilities 35:54 Digital vs. Traditional Art: Making the Choice 37:20 Achieving Artistic Vision: Practice and Persistence 42:42 Emotional Challenges and Self-Care for Artists 47:08 Outro

Writer Samuel Teer is back to finish out the RFT trilogy dedicated to Brownstone, his collaboration with cartoonist Mar Julia.

Since his last visit, Brownstone won the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, and Samuel goes into detail about the impact that accolade has had on his career and mental health. The discussion doesn't shy away from the darker aspects, including Samuel's tumultuous relationship with HarperCollins, the industry's shortcomings in supporting creators of color, and the emotional toll of navigating publisher gaslighting. Samuel also sheds light on his upcoming projects, like Castles to Cholos with Alex Moore and Pok-ta-Pok, a three-volume sports manga series with Abrams, as well as give some other recommended Latinx reads for Latino Heritage Month.

Through it all, Samuel's resilience and dedication to improving the comics landscape shine through, making this a must-listen in-depth exploration of his fight to make his voice heard and make the comics world better than he found it.

[This episode is number 820 in a series.]

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Preamble 03:18 - Winning an Award But Leaving HarperCollins 09:24 - Printz Award Pedigree 10:18 - Challenges with HarperCollins 18:39 - The Printz Award Ceremony31:46 - The Speech 46:46 - ALA Conference, Post-speech 54:22 - Depression 55:38 - The Call 01:04:30 - Fallout and Support 01:06:26 - Mental and Physical Health Struggles 01:08:42 - Understanding Harper Collins' Structure01:09:45 - Larry Young Recharge01:12:32 - Latino Heritage Snub01:15:18 - Advice for Young Creators 01:23:39 - Creatives versus Labor01:34:28 - The Value of a Good Literary Agent01:39:47 - Book Recommendations and the Importance of Buying Books 01:42:09 - Outro