Jace and Rocky talk about a very small week for DC Comics with only 3 titles dropping. We get the conclusion of the Red Hood story set in the Hill, plenty of Super-Pets abound in the Bitedentity Crisis and another Amazo robot is revealed in Task Force VII.
Jace chats with writers Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Nobody) and Robert Venditti (Tankers, Hank Howard, Pizza Detective) about their upcoming project from Bad Idea, Planet Death. Kolstad gives the origin of the project and how it went from story treatment to comic while Venditti talks about the excitement of helping to adapt the story from the start. Also the art work from Tomas Giorello is absolutely next level. There's a lot to unpack here so dig in!
Jace welcomes writer J.M Dematteis back to the show to talk about the second phase of his DeMultiverse project. In case you aren't familiar, J.M. reminds us what each of the books is about and the guys dive a little bit into the themes of the stories. With incredible narratives, spectacular linework and gorgeous colors these are stories that offer such a depth of story while providing so much variety. Be sure to listen in and go join the campaign.
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics titles for the week of July 24, 2024. It's the week of San Diego Comic Con so Jace kicks it off by wondering if this should be a skip week for the books as so much of the attention in the world of comics is focused on the biggest convention of the year. The guys then dive into the books as Absolute Power starts to ramp up, a new chapter of Nice House kicks off and the Batman of Dark Age gets a sidekick. Listen in for details on all these books, plus how have Jace's feelings for Amanda Waller changed? You didn't think it was possible, but it has happened!
Jace chats with Sara Kenney and Kiana Firouz about the recently released She Could Fly Documentary Escape Game. Inspired by the incredible She Could Fly comic by Christopher Cantwell and Martin Morazzo this game is designed to help dispel the misinformation and cliches associated with OCD. Drawing from documentary style clips from real people who live with OCD, the game is hugely educational and emotional at times. The puzzles are engaging and entertaining with proceeds going to programs to help strengthen mental health services.
Jace chats with Michael Calero and Kevin Roditeli from Massive Publishing about what sets them apart from other publishers. Also, they chat about some of the partnerships they have had so far and their upcoming partnership with Devil's Due for the Disavowed series that will make it's debut with an ashcan at SDCC 2024. Plus what other plans and exclusives are in store for comic con.
Jace and Rocky breakdown the October solicitations from DC Comics. With the release of these not only has DC confirmed the rumored creative teams for the new Absolute Universe, they have also revealed the new creative teams for many titles in the main line. Several titles will have the same creative teams returning and with few exceptions these seem to be the titles that are selling the best.
With these announcements it is clear that DC is, indeed, ALL IN on trying to revitalize a line that has been relatively well received critically over recent years, but as lagged in sales. It remains to be seen whether the excitement of this initiative can bring back lapsed readers, and more importantly, attract new fans.
The recent All In announcement on YouTube from Scott Snyder and Joshua Williamson appears to have meet with mostly a positive reaction. More details about what’s to come starting in October will be revealed at the rapidly approaching San Deigo Comic Con.
Jace is joined by filmmaker Julia Marchese to chat about her short-film, I Know What You Need. Made through Stephen King's “Dollar Baby” program, the film is styled as a 1970s after school special and uniquely, was actually shot at the University of Maine, in the exact locations mentioned in the story. The film has played in festivals worldwide, earning more than 15 awards to date. “Dollar Baby” was an arrangement in which iconic author Stephen King would grant permission to students and aspiring filmmakers theater producers to adapt one of his short stories for just $1.King retains the rights to his work, but as he began to experience commercial success, he decided to use his platform to help the next generation of creatives. When the program’s overseer retired, the program came to an end, making Marchese one of the final recipients of this generosity.
Synopsis: It's 1976, and popular college co-ed Elizabeth (Caroline Renee) meets an unusual boy, Edward (William Champion), who knows what she needs. But who is Edward really, and what secrets is he hiding? It's a love story, but a Stephen King love story, so things aren't always what they seem! Elizabeth doesn't know what she wants, but Edward knows what she needs.
Check out the trailer HERE
“I Know What You Need” will have its Comic-Con debut at their film festival section on Friday, July 26 at 1:45 PM in Grand Ballroom 6 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis. In addition, it will be added to ArrowPlayer, the streaming home to cult cinema, on Friday, July 12.
Marchese is additionally the host on three popular podcasts, Horror Movie Survival Guide, JodoWOWsky and The Loser's Club. She also co-hosts Horror X, a video show collaboration between The George A. Romero Foundation and Horror Movie Survival Guide, celebrating women in horror.
Jace welcome writer Samuel Sattin to the show to talk about his reimagining of the classic Osamu Tezuka mange Unico. A daunting task for any writer, we talk with Samuel about the challenge of ensuring his story honors the original story of the "Godfather of Manga". The guys also chat about the universal themes of the story and the brilliance of Tezuka's original vision for the story. There are lots of influences in both the original and the soon to be released Unico: Awakenings, but Disney is clearly one of them, so be sure to listen to this awesome conversation that includes Samuel's plans for San Diego Comic Con 2024.
Jace is joined by Tommy Vargas from Factory Entertainment to chat about the exclusives that will be available at SDCC 2024 and on the website all during Comic Con Week also. Plus tommy talks about the role Factory Entertainment plays in the collectible marketplace and how everyone at the company is a fan first. This helps ensure that the collectibles made by them are of the highest quality.
Jace welcomes writer Joe Henderson to the show to chat about his debut DSTLRY title The Big Burn. Joe is re-teaming with artist and fellow storyteller Lee Garbett to give us the ultimate heist story. What do you do when the devil has your soul, hell is a casino and you are a master thief? You recruit a crew of your fellow damned criminals and you plan a heist to steal them back! Filled with incredible line work from Lee and all out action in the narrative this is a must-read series. Joe brings the emotion as always and we can't wait to see where this story goes. Join us as Joe breaks it all down and tells us how the project got started.
Jace welcomes Charles Soule back to the show to chat about his incredible concept album for Curse Words. Drawing from Charles's extensive background in music the album draw from many influences to bring the wild and humorous story that is Curse Words to life in song. Charles talks about his musical journey which began at the age of 3 with the violin and how how coming back to music after some time away was immensely rewarding. There's talk of Star Wars, the Shrouded College, Eight Billions Genies and other comic work also. Be sure to go check out the campaign for the album, it will blow you away!
Jace and Ricky chat about the DC books for the week of July 17, 2024. Superman ties into Absolute Power in the best possible way and we get a look at how the event is impacting a lot of different characters. We return to the Dark Knights of Steel corner of the DC universe for the start of a very dark tale and Hellblazer continues his dark journey as well. Speaking of journeys Dick Grayson is in search of a cure for his inability to leap and that quest is taking him far from Bludhaven. Get our thoughts on all these books and more in this episode.
Jace welcomes Michael Hirsh to the show to chat about his book Animation Nation. Michael is the award-winning creator of many animated TV series that have left an indelible mark on pop culture. He shares his journey that led him to animation at a relatively young age, give his thoughts on the best advice for the aspiring animators of today and talk about the evolving role technology has had in developing and producing animated content. Plus, find out where you can find Michael at SDCC 2024. You can read details about Michael's SDCC appearance and the full press release for Animation Nation and below.
Jace is joined by actor, writer and self-described nerd boy, Todd Stashwick to talk about his Kickstarter Campaign for Progcore Fantasy: The Dark Age of Theer. This is an EPIC crowdfunding effort filled to overflowing with multiple layers of fantasy greatness designed to immerse its community in the joy of storytelling. Starting with a foundation of a Table Top Role Playing Game, the campaign will offer tips and advice on how to inject any TTRPG or RPG Campaign with a Progcore Fantasy feel. If you are wondering what ProgCore is, Todd does an excellent job of breaking it all down in the episode, but let's just say it is a way to both get back to the roots of TTRPG while also trying to ensure that anyone and everyone have a seat at that table. If that sounds ambitious, it is ... but you haven't heard anything yet! In addition to establishing the philosphy of ProgCore Fantasty, Todd and his creative collaborators have built the world of Theer. Currently in a Dark Age, the world of Theer will offer a rich new setting for this style of gameplay. Building on the immersive feel with music, an animated short and incredible art, you don't have to be a gamer to dive deep in the fantastic world of Theer. Join us to learn all about the campaign, Todd's creative collaborators and the importance of story for us all.
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC Comics titles for the week of July 10, 2024. The second volume of Primer arrives and does not disappoint. Green Lantern is writer Jeremy Adams at his finest showing DC why he should be getting a lot more work. Action Comics kicks off a new era that feels very fun, while the latest chapter of Absolute Power is a bit of a disappointment. Join us to hear our thoughts on these books and more.
To celebrate the launch of the DeMultiverse Phase 2, Jace and Rocky talk about the debut issues for each of the four series that were a part of the first DeMultiverse campaign; Layla in the Lands of After, Anyman, Godsend and Wisdom, plus the bonus book The Edward Gloom Mysteries. The guys talk about each story in depth including the overall themes, visuals and story and then it's time to rank them. Will they agree on the list or will they be completely different? You'll have to listen to find out. Also be sure to check out the campaign for the second issues of these stories, if you missed out in the first issues, you will certainly want to catch up and get the second installments!
LAYLA IN THE LANDS OF AFTER is the story of a 13-year-old girl who finds herself transported to a magical land where trees read your thoughts, rivers sing, and animals talk. But Layla soon discovers that this isn’t Oz or Wonderland. She’s dead—and this is the Afterlife. Refusing to accept her fate, and with the help of a few friends she meets along the way -- both old and new -- Layla is determined to return to the land of the living and the loved ones she left behind. But will the creatures lurking in the darkness let her?
In the late 1960s, ANYMAN, a hero from millions of years in the past arrives to rescue a modern world in crisis. Over five decades, Anyman becomes the inspiring symbol of all that’s good in humanity, the superhero the entire world reveres. There’s just one problem... Everything we know about him is a lie! Who is Anyman really? (Or, perhaps, the better question is: Who are THEY?) And who is the savage doppelgänger intent on destroying Anyman and his mysterious creators?
GODSEND begins with the sudden appearance of a celestial being who might be a force for global salvation or global destruction. Who is this being? Where did it come from? And why is insecure and unremarkable junior high school teacher Eric Small so obsessed with it? Even Eric’s not sure. Maybe the half-turtle, half-man currently standing in Eric’s living room will have answers. GODSEND is a reality-shredding story with echoes of Jack Kirby’s New Gods, Philip K. Dick, and The Matrix.
WISDOM is the tale of Gabriel Wisdom: A devoted husband and father. Middling Shakespearean actor and magician. And, in time, a murderous gunfighter and formidable sorcerer, tasked with saving the planet from a supernatural war that could consume all of humanity. But Gabriel cares less about the world and more about the wife and daughter who have been kidnapped, and corrupted, by dark forces. It’s Deadwood meets The Lord of the Rings in an epic fantasy played out against the backdrop of the Old West.
Jace is joined by writer/artist Michael Connors to talk about his current Kickstarter campaign for Conrad Van Cottonmouth. A super-intelligent rabbit with the ability to teleport who find himself in a unique position to save the world. The guys chat about Michael's process, the story in general and Michael's hopes of turning this story into a franchise. Join us for the fun and go support this very affordable campaign.
Jace and Rocky chat about the DC titles for the week of July 3, 2024. We get the first issue of Absolute Power with Waller making a big move. The latest issue of Batman ties into Absolute Power also. The second issue of My Adventures of Superman ramps up the action while keeping the feel of the cartoon. Get details on these titles and more.
Matt Kindt returns to the show to chat about his upcoming project that he has co-written with his mother Margie, Gilt Frame. Drawing from a love of story and history that goes back to Matt's youth, that his mother helped foster, this murder mystery stars two characters that have a lot in common with the co-writers themselves. It's clear these two had a blast creating the comic as they both gained a new appreciation of the creative process and the unique way that comics melds visual and narrative storytelling. Don't miss this incredible conversation about this new series from Dark Horse that has plenty of wonderful tidbits from Matt's childhood.