Word Balloon Comics Podcast

Dennis Hopeless Just Brutal

In this episode of Word Balloon, I’m joined by writer Dennis Hopeless for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about career pivots, creative freedom, and why he’s done pitching new ideas to Marvel.Dennis breaks down what pushed him toward the creator-owned route and why Ignition Press is the right home for his new series Just Brutal. The book flips classic sword-and-sorcery on its head, following a modern family of adventurers who battle barbarian-style monsters while dealing with very real, very human dynamics. It’s big, bloody, and grounded in character. Exactly the kind of project that benefits from full creator control. We also look back at some of Dennis’s most high-profile Marvel work, including Avengers Academy, and he speaks candidly about the backlash, hate mail, and social-media blowback that came with writing teen heroes during a volatile moment in fandom. It’s a clear-eyed discussion about creative risk, audience expectations, and the personal toll of working inside big IP.

Crossover With Sal Crivelli pt 2

The crossover continues as I join Sal Crivelli for Part Two, where the conversation zeroes in on specific creative flashpoints in current comics, and a shared love of pop-culture comfort food. We compare Joe Kelly’s and Zeb Wells’ respective runs on Amazing Spider-Man, breaking down what worked, what frustrated readers, and why Spidey remains one of the toughest characters to steer long-term. We also look ahead to the upcoming Superman/Spider-Man crossovers by Mark Waid and Brad Meltzer, and why these projects feel like a genuine event rather than a nostalgia cash-in. On the DC side, we talk about the strong momentum behind DC KO and the DC Absolute lines, why those initiatives are connecting with readers, and what they suggest about DC’s current editorial confidence.And because not everything has to be a debate, we wrap by bonding over our mutual love of Mystery Science Theater 3000, celebrating the joy of smart riffing, bad movies, and shared fandom.

Crossover With Sal Crivelli pt 1

In this first half of the Word Balloon / ComicPop crossover, I’m joined by Sal Crivelli for a straight-up, no-nonsense conversation about the current state of comic books, specifically the ongoing competition for readers between Marvel and DC.We dig into how both publishers are trying to hold attention in a crowded market, what strategies are actually working, and where each company may be losing ground. From creative directions and line-wide initiatives to accessibility for new readers and long-time fan fatigue, it’s an honest look at how the Big Two are fighting for relevance in 2026. It’s a smart, fan-focused discussion between two hosts who grew up loving these characters and still care deeply about where the industry goes next.

Speed Racer and SCOOP with Richard Ashley Hamilton

We kick off with a look under the hood of Speed Racer: Tales from the Road, Richard’s recent one-shot that brings new energy and heart to the iconic franchise.  Then we shift gears to SCOOP, his gripping YA graphic novel series that follows teen reporter Sophie Cooper through political intrigue, celebrity secrets, and paranormal mysteries. Part Nancy Drew, part All the President’s Men, and part Buffy, SCOOP is a smart, fun, and socially aware series that Richard describes as a love letter to journalism and Gen Z curiosity.We also tap into Richard’s experience as a former DreamWorks Animation veteran to discuss the current state of the animation biz. From the streaming shakeups and project cancellations to the challenges facing animation writers and how creators are coping in a shifting media landscape.

UPDATED Wilder Accusations and Boxing Talk With Bill Dettloff

Welcome to a special edition of Word Balloon, doubling as a new installment of The Big Bout Podcast, where I get to scratch that old boxing reporter itch and dive deep into the sweet science.This time, I’m joined by one of the most respected voices in boxing journalism: Bill Detloff. A longtime writer and editor for The Ring magazine, Bill’s been ringside for some of the sport’s most pivotal moments and has chronicled both its legends and its lost souls with unmatched insight.We’ll be talking about his latest book, Ring Theory, a sharp, thought-provoking collection of essays that digs into boxing’s culture, characters, and contradictions.From reflections on heavyweight mythology to the changing face of modern pugilism, Bill brings decades of experience and a genuine love for the fight game to the conversation. Whether you’re a hardcore historian or just catching up on the current scene, this one’s for anyone who still believes in the power of two fighters and one ring. Let’s talk fights.