The Corner Box

By David & John

Welcome to The Corner Box, where we talk about comic books as an industry and an art form. You never know where the discussion will go, or who’ll show up to join hosts David Hedgecock and John B

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FAQs about The Corner Box:

How many episodes does The Corner Box have?

The podcast currently has 108 episodes available.

The Corner Box episodes:

September 02, 2025Top 10 Hottest Artists Right Now! according to The Corner Box - S2Ep49
John and David get together for the first installment of The Corner Box Top 10 Hottest Interior Artists of the Moment, then they get into the prices of movies, AI, and marketing in 2025. Also, John loses his rails.
SUGAR BOMB Launches September 5th, 2025!
The Comic That Makes You Ask, "Is That A Freaking Dolphin?!"
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[00:37] There are no other Johns and Davids.
[01:57] The film to digital pipeline.
[02:48] Old men complaining about the prices of movies.
[05:05] Marvel fulfills David’s wishes.
[09:28] The Corner Box Hot Tops (?).
[12:06] Top 10 Qualifiers.
[13:26] #10 – Lewis LaRosa.
[15:56] #9 – Chris Samnee.
[18:41] #8 – Ryan Ottley.
[20:22] #7 – Hayden Sherman.
[23:15] Everybody starts somewhere.
[24:40] #6 – Gary Frank.
[27:13] #5 – Peach Momoko.
[30:09] Not Rob Liefeld.
[32:50] #4 – Nick Dragotta.
[34:15] #3 – Jason Fabok.
[36:21] #2 – Iban Coello.
[37:54] #1 – Marco Checchetto.
[39:48] John’s thoughts.
Notable Quotes
“I want to unsubscribe from that, immediately.”
“There’s too much stuff to be an expert in everything these days.”
“People are going to hate you and love you.”
Books Mentioned
Absolute Batman, by Scott Snyder, Nick Dragotta, & Frank Martin.
Absolute Wonder Woman, by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, & Jordie Bellaire.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2025- ).
Batman & Robin: Year One, by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee.
Batman: Three Jokers, Rook: Exodus, by Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, & Brad Anderson.
Brigade, Last Blood, Youngblood, by Rob Liefeld.
Drawing Powerful Heroes: Brutes and Babes, by Bart Sears.
CARBON BASED: THE ART OF LEWIS LaROSA Deluxe Art Book.
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43min
August 26, 2025Archenemy Dave Baker Attacks The Corner Box - S2Ep48
Episode Summary
Archenemy of the show, Dave Baker, joins hosts John and David to talk about the reality of comic book publishing, the real reason John is part of the show, the Fantastic Four movie vs the comics, and Dave’s new Halloween Boy issues. Also Dave starts a new career as a DJ, and Jim McCann may have had lunch.
SUGAR BOMB Launches September 5th, 2025!
The Comic That Makes You Ask, "Is That A Freaking Dolphin?!"
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Dave Baker Makes Comics!
www.heydavebaker.com
Timestamp Segments
[01:00] Dave’s DJ career.
[02:57] Reminiscing about 70s comics.
[04:02] The Nacelleverse happened.
[05:39] David’s Sugar Bomb.
[07:16] The importance of marketing.
[10:26] Unusual connections to comic books.
[13:06] Comics creators living the good life.
[17:47] Why John is still part of the show.
[21:00] The Fantastic Four movie.
[32:29] The movie vs the comics.
[45:28] Warren Ellis can do no wrong (in comics).
[50:47] Dave’s Halloween Boy.
[62:06] Jim McCann fun fact of the week.
Notable Quotes
“Comic book publishers still think it’s 2001.”
“This is why I let John Barber stay on the show.”
“I’m actually a real-life boy.”
Books Mentioned
Alec, The Goat Getters: Jack Johnson, the Fight of the Century, and How a Bunch of Raucous Cartoonists Reinvented Comics, by Eddie Campbell.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2014).
Avengers Annual #7, Marvel Two-in-One Annual #2, by Jim Starlin & Joseph Rubinstein.
Biker Mice from Mars, by Melissa Flores & Daniel Gete.
C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa, by Matt Hotson & Juan Gedeon.
The Darkstars (1992-1996).
Fantastic Four (#48, #49, #50), by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby.
Flinch.
From Hell, by Alan Moore & Eddie Campbell.
The Great Garloo, by Leon Reiser & AJ Jothikumar.
Halloween Boy Vol.7, by Dave Baker.
Iron Man: The Art of Iron Man 2, by John Barber.
Kate Carew: America's First Great Woman Cartoonist, by Eddie Campbell & Christine Chambers.
The Magic Order.
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1h 3min
August 19, 2025The Tooth Fairy Doesn't Collect Comics on The Corner Box - S2Ep47
Chase Marotz joins hosts John and David wrapping up their conversation about their recent favorite comics, discovering new artists, what happens when comic creators get older, and John and David’s growing tooth collections?
SUGAR BOMB Launches September 5th, 2025!
The Comic That Makes You Ask, "Is That A Freaking Dolphin?!"
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[00:41] David’s Pick #2: Little Bird.
[07:00] Chase’s Pick #3: All-Star Superman.
[07:50] John and David collect teeth.
[09:55] Superman’s character.
[11:42] John’s Pick #3: Heavy Metal & Metal Hurlant.
[21:02] David’s Pick #3: RoboWolf.
[25:46] Bonus Pick: Narutobus.
[33:26] When people get older.
Notable Quotes
“This is one of the most baffling things I’ve ever purchased.”
“Maybe that’s the end state we should hope to get to.”
Books Mentioned
Absolute Batman, by Zack Snyder & Nick Dragotta.
All-Star Superman, by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely, Jamie Grant, Neal Adams, & Travis Lanham.
Bowery Boys, by Cory Levine, Ian Bertram, Brent McKee, & Rodrigo Aviles.
Cerebus, Cerebus in Hell Presents: Narutobus, by Dave Sim.
DC One Million.
Godzilla: War for Humanity, by Jake Smith, Andrew MacLean, & Matt Frank.
Head Lopper, by Andrew MacLean & Jordie Bellaire.
Heavy Metal Magazine.
Is Man Good? By Moebius.
Little Bird, Precious Metal, by Darcy van Poelgeest, Ian Bertram, & Matt Hollingsworth.
Metal Hurlant.
My Friend Dahmer, by Derf Backderf.
Rare Bit Fiends, by Rick Veitch.
RoboWolf, by Jake Smith.
Star Trek: New Visions, by John Byrne.
The Strange Death of Alex Raymond, by Dave Sim & Carson Grubaugh.
Superman & Batman: Generations (
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36min
August 12, 2025Comics! Get Yer Comics Here! on The Corner Box - S2Ep46
Editor-in-Chief of Fun Time Go, Chase Marotz, joins John and David for a thrill-a-minute talk about their recent favorite comic books and artists, their exciting experiences at SDCC 2025, and the podcasts new archenemy. Also, Mickey Mouse makes a brief appearance.
SUGAR BOMB is ALMOST HERE!
The Comic That Makes You Ask, "Is That A Freaking Dolphin?!"
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[01:02] Chase, the one-man band.
[01:44] SDCC 2025.
[13:24] Chase’s Pick #1: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees.
[17:21] John’s Pick #1: Goes Like This.
[22:02] David’s Pick #1: Helen of Wyndhorn.
[27:01] Chase’s Pick #2: Ginseng Roots.
[30:50] John’s Pick #2: This Place Kills Me.
Notable Quotes
“Not particularly involved, but forced to deal with it.”
“We were both wearing Hawaiian shirts that day.”
Books Mentioned
The Avengers in the Veracity Trap!, by Chip Kidd & Michael Cho.
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, by Patrick Horvath & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
Blankets, Ginseng Roots, Good-bye, Chunky Rice, by Craig Thompson.
Brigade, by Rob Liefeld.
Goes Like This, Non, by Jordan Crane.
Halloween Boy, by Dave Baker.
Helen of Wyndhorn, by Tom King, Bilquis Evely, Matheus Lopes, & Clayton Cowles.
Universal Monsters: Dracula, by James Tynion IV & Martin Simmonds.
Reborn, by Mark Millar, Jonathan Glapion, & Greg Capullo.
RoboCop VS The Terminator, by Frank Miller, Walter Simonson, & Steve Oliff.
Silver Surfer: The Ultimate Cosmic Experience, by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby.
Snake Eyes: Deadgame, by Rob Liefeld & Chad Bowers.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, by Tom King, Bilquis Evely, & Matheus Lopes.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April, by Mariko Tamaki & Irene Koh.
T
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36min
August 05, 2025What the Fans Want on The Corner Box - S2Ep45
John and David question what modern audiences want from their superhero comic books, discuss successful Non-Marvel/DC superhero comics, the level of new artistic talent in the industry, and what Legion of Super-Heroes would look like today. Also, David has a "controversial" opinion on Moulin Rouge.
SUGAR BOMB is Coming!
The Comic That Makes You Ask, "Is That A Freaking Dolphin?!"
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[00:40] The hottest of hot comic book news.
[01:33] The voice of Gary Owens.
[03:03] David’s new comic book.
[05:19] What are people looking for in a superhero book?
[07:48] Making a superhero comic.
[10:38] Comics that push the envelope.
[12:02] Superhero parody comics.
[14:31] Non-Marvel/DC successes.
[17:21] What it takes to succeed.
[18:32] David sees a theatrical play.
[19:38] Up-and-coming talent.
[23:19] How would John relaunch Legion of Super-Heroes?
[29:34] John’s Star Wars hot take.
[34:07] How would David relaunch Legion of Super-Heroes?
Notable Quotes
“We’re pushing beyond what most people would find in good taste.”
“Maybe James Gunn will make a movie of it.”
“We’re going to talk about planetesimals and stuff like that.”
Books Mentioned
52.
Absolute Batman, by Zack Snyder, Nick Dragotta, & Frank Martin.
Absolute Wonder Woman, by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, & Jordie Bellaire.
Avengers (1963-1996).
The Boys, by Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson.
Crisis on Infinite Earths, by Marv Wolfman & George Perez.
Invincible, by Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, & John Rauch.
Jeff the Land Shark, by Kelly Thompson, Tokitokoro, & Gurihiru.
Justice League Unlimited.
Kick-Ass, by John Romita Jr & Mark Millar.
Legion of Super-Heroes.
Miracleman.
My Hero Academia, by Kohei Horikoshi.
One-Punch Man, by One & Yusuke Murata.
Savage Dragon, by Erik Larsen.
Space Ghost Annual #1, by David Pepose & Jonathan Lau.
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41min
July 29, 2025Superman and San Diego Comic-Con 2025 on The Corner Box - S2Ep44
John and David get together to discuss the new Superman movie, the San Diego Comic-Con, how Howard the Duck earned its R-rating, and learning to embrace change. Also, David finally earns his greatest treasure—his Gas Pass.
Relevant Links
SUGAR BOMB is Coming!
The Comic That Makes You Ask, "Is That A Freaking Dolphin?!"
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[00:44] David’s Pass Pass.
[04:27] San Diego ComiCon.
[08:55] Duck breasts.
[10:14] Thoughts on Snyder’s movies.
[14:15] Is newer better?
[16:35] Superman Spoilers.
[23:41] What bothered John?
[29:05] John has a hunch.
[30:13] Ma and Pa Kent.
[36:03] Writing larger issues.
[39:54] The movie’s one death.
[40:53] Lex Luthor’s mistake.
[42:27] Does anyone like Hawkman and Hawkgirl?
[47:55] Superman’s real superpower.
[49:00] David’s favorite superhero movies.
[50:42] David’s thoughts on Lex Luthor.
Notable Quotes
“I’ve never been happier that someone wasn’t going to San Diego ComiCon.”
“Potentially, you’re putting your life in jeopardy just by saying you have that.”
“Most of his time is spent trying to save people or squirrels.”
“There are some baddies in that movie, man.”
Books Mentioned
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, & Lynn Varley.
Batman: Hush, by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, & Scott Williams.
Batman: The Long Halloween, by Jeph Loeb & Tim Sale.
Black Panther (1977-1979).
Hawkworld, by Timothy Truman, Enrique Alcatena, & Sam Parsons.
JSA, by Geoff Johns.
New History of the DC Universe, by Mark Waid, Jerry Ordway, Todd Nauck, Giovanna Niro, Chris Samnee, Matt Herms, & John Kalisz.
Signa, by John Barber & Andrew Griffith.
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56min
July 22, 2025The Real Money in Comics on The Corner Box - S2Ep43
John and David get into comic book making processes, what it takes to get big-name artists on a book, the value of comic book art, John gives his thoughts on the new Superman movie, David has a gripe with Silver Surfer, and Jim McCann features as a fun fact.
David's First Super-Power Comic is Coming!
Sugar Bomb launches soon!
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[01:15] David archives Conan.
[03:32] John’s process for putting together a team.
[06:09] Getting any artist at Marvel.
[14:46] The economics of making a comic book.
[16:50] Taking a budget-first approach.
[23:10] Are comic art auctions getting out of hand?
[31:57] John sees Superman.
[36:49] Who is the real Silver Surfer?
[43:40] Fun fact about Jim McCann.
Notable Quotes
“The comic book creative community is always pooped on.”
“Realism in my dog superpowers is what I always hoped for.”
“Nobody talks about how Black Panther had the worst CG rhinos of any Marvel movie.”
Books Mentioned
Action Comics #1.
Captain America (2002-2004).
CBGB.
Cholly & Flytrap, by Arthur Suydam.
Civil War (2006-2007), by Mark Millar & Steve McNiven.
Crossed, by Garth Ennis.
The Dark Tower, by Stephen King, Robin Furth, Peter David, Jae Lee, & Richard Isanove.
Detective Comics #880, by Scott Snyder, Jock, David Baron, & Jared Fletcher.
Gatchaman.
Invincible, by Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, & John Rauch.
JSA, by Geoff Johns.
Legion of Monsters (2011-2012), by Dennis Hallum & Juan Doe.
Marvel Team-Up (2004-2006).
Marvel Zombies.
New Mutants #98, by Rob Liefeld & Fabian Nicieza.
newuniversal (2006-2007), by Warren Ellis & Salvador Larroca.
Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. (2006-2010), by Warren Ellis & Stuart Immonen.
The Nightly News, by Jonathan Hickman.
Phonogram, by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie.
Saga, by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples.
Ultimate Fantastic Four
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45min
July 15, 2025Jim Shooter's Secret Wars on The Corner Box - S2Ep42
John and David catch up on the comics industry news—the ripple effects of Diamond’s closure, the reminiscences pouring in after the passing of Jim Shooter, how he reshaped the entire comic book industry, the success of the Secret Wars formula, and the acid-induced comics of the 1970s, and John is terrified by X-Men.
David's First Super-Power Comic is Coming!
Sugar Bomb launches soon!
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Timestamp Segments
[01:21] Is this it for Dynamite?
[04:26] RIP Jim Shooter.
[08:47] How Jim Shooter changed the trajectory of comic books.
[12:33] Jim’s career arc.
[16:27] Valiant’s great success.
[19:07] The memo.
[20:09] Reminiscences from around the industry.
[28:01] The Jim Shooter ideal.
[29:37] X-Men terrifies John.
[33:18] Secret Wars firsts.
[36:01] The cosmic 70s.
[43:30] Valiant’s statement.
[47:07] RIP Michael Madsen.
Notable Quotes
“I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for Jim Shooter.”
“The dinosaurs died from an asteroid and then Jim Shooter became Editor-in-Chief of Marvel.”
“1984 was a wild time.”
Books Mentioned
Adventure Comics #380.
Archer & Armstrong.
Avengers (1963-1996).
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, & Lynn Varley.
The Boys.
Camelot 3000, by Mike Barr & Brian Bolland.
Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Daredevil (1964-1998).
ElfQuest, by Wendy Pini & Richard Pini.
Elric of Melniboné, by Michael Moorcock.
Fantastic Four (1961-1998).
G.I Joe, by Larry Hama.
Iron Man (1968-1996).
Jaws, by Peter Benchley.
Justice League International, by Keith Giffen, JM DeMatteis, & Kevin Maguire.
Legion of Super-Heroes.
The Marvel Saga: The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.
Master of Kung Fu.
New Teen Titans, by Marv Wolfman & George Perez.
Nintendo Comics System.
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49min
July 08, 2025Jim McCann's Triumphant Return on The Corner Box - S2Ep41
Writer Jim McCann joins hosts John and David to talk about his journey from writing soap operas to comics, coming up with some of the most memorable marketing slogans in Marvel Comics history, the exciting upcoming launches from Ignition Press, why everyone needs a good editor, and Jim’s brand-new newsletter!
David's First Super-Power Comic is Coming!
Sugar Bomb launches soon!
John is at PugW!
Pug Worldwide
Jim McCann has a newsletter!
jimmccann.beehiiv.com
Timestamp Segments
[01:25] Jim’s secret origin story.
[11:05] Writing soap operas.
[14:13] Going part-time at Marvel.
[18:02] Returning to Return of the Dapper Men.
[22:28] John really loves an idea.
[23:47] The Civil War pitch.
[24:45] Jim’s greatest slogans.
[27:02] Building comics around slogans.
[30:53] Ignition Press putting creators first.
[33:22] The importance of good editors.
[35:38] What’s next for Jim?
[36:24] Ignition’s ComiCon pop-up.
[36:49] Jim's new newsletter.
Notable Quotes
“Good editors are great. Not all editors are built the same.”
“Batman doesn’t sit.”
Books Mentioned
Astonishing X-Men (2004) #4, by Joss Whedon & John Cassaday.
Avengers Disassembled.
Civil War.
Dazzler (2010), by Jim McCann & Kalman Andrasofszky.
Final Crisis.
Hawkeye: Blindspot, by Jim McCann & Mike Perkins.
Hawkeye: The Reunion.
Hawkeye & Mockingbird, by Jim McCann, David Lopez, & Paul Renaud.
Mind the Gap, by Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, & Sonia Oback.
Morning Glories, by Joe Eisma, Nick Spencer, & Rodin Esquejo.
Murder Podcast, by Jeremy Haun & Mike Tisserand.
New Avengers: The Reunion, by Jim McCann, Jo Chen, & David Lopez.
Return of the Dapper Men, by Jim McCann & Janet Lee.
Return of the Thin Man, by Dashiell Hammett.
Secret Invasion.
Secret Invasion: Black Panther, by Jason Aaron, Jefte Palo, & Jason Pearson.
Signa, by John Barber & Andrew Griffith.
Star Trek: Year Five.
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41min
July 01, 2025 Peanut Butter Has Three Potty Words on The Corner Box - S2 Ep40
David and John dive headfirst into a collector’s dream haul of vintage Avengers comics, mourn the untimely demise of Marvel’s Spider-Boy series, and dissect the ambitious (but uneven) rollout of the Nacelleverse and the bold launch of the Neon Ichiban digital comics platform. Plus, a peanut butter joke that might just change the way you say lunch.
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1h 2min

FAQs about The Corner Box:

How many episodes does The Corner Box have?

The podcast currently has 108 episodes available.