We're delivering the fireworks early, as we sit down with acclaimed artist Terry Dodson to explore his remarkable 30+ year career! From the early days breaking in during the 90s to his current collaboration with Matt Fraction on the pulp-inspired Adventureman , Terry opens up about developing his signature style, his creative partnership with wife Rachel, and the challenges of drawing some of comics' most beloved characters including Wonder Woman , Spider-Man , and Harley Quinn . We dive deep in...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 5Ep. 60
In this episode, we welcome back legendary comic book artist and writer Jerry Ordway to celebrate and discuss the 30th anniversary of his defining work on DC's The Power of Shazam! The graphic novel and subsequent ongoing series helped revitalize the World's Mightiest Mortal for a new generation, and Jerry shares the creative challenges of modernizing the classic Fawcett Comics characters while maintaining their timeless appeal and family-friendly tone. He discusses how his approach balanced the...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 5Ep. 59
In this episode, we welcome comic book creators Vince Sunico and Terry Kavanagh to talk about their exciting new Kickstarter project, Heroes Be Damned . Vince, known for his dynamic artwork and storytelling, teams up with Terry, whose extensive career includes work on major Marvel titles like X-Men and Spider-Man , to bring fans a dark and gritty tale that turns the superhero genre on its head. The duo discusses their creative process, the challenges of launching an independent comic in today's ...
Jun 25, 2025•37 min•Season 5Ep. 58
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Jaws , we're joined by Marty Milner to discuss his work on Steven Spielberg's legendary thriller. Marty takes us behind the scenes of one of cinema's most influential films, sharing insights into the production challenges, the infamous mechanical shark "Bruce," and the innovative filmmaking techniques that helped create a summer blockbuster phenomenon. We explore how the film's troubled production on Martha's Vineyard ultimately led to some of its great...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 5Ep. 57
Writer Mark Russell joins us to discuss his path into comics, beginning with his breakthrough work God Is Disappointed in You , a satirical retelling of the Bible with cartoons by Shannon Wheeler that launched his unique career. We explore Mark's knack for breathing new life into seemingly impossible properties, from the reboot Prez and his surprising take on The Flintstones to his bold reimagining of Snagglepuss as a gay playwright facing McCarthyism in Exit, Stage Left!: The Snagglepuss Chroni...
Jun 18, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 56
Brazilian creator Sam Fonseca joins us to discuss his journey from discovering comics to becoming a distinctive voice in the cartooning community. We explore his early days self-publishing in São Paulo's independent scene and how those formative experiences shaped his creative perspective. Sam walks us through his acclaimed works including the HQMix Prize-nominated Age of Rust and the lighthearted webcomic Dynamite & Laser Beam , before diving deep into his latest graphic novel Shadowplay: M...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 5Ep. 55
Today we welcome acclaimed Australian comic book artist Nicola Scott to discuss her journey from Sydney theater and costume design to becoming one of the most celebrated artists in the American comic book industry. With a history in theater and costume design, Nicola started pursuing a comics career in 2001 and by 2006 was the first Australian to become a staple of the U.S. mainstream, establishing herself through stunning work on DC titles including Birds of Prey, Secret Six, Teen Titans, and E...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 5Ep. 54
Today, we've got accomplished Marvel artist and character creator Tom Rasch to explore his diverse career spanning film, video games, and comics. Tom shares his journey from penciling titles like Punisher 2099 to becoming a sought-after concept artist for video games and film projects, including his redesign of the Hardy Boys for Nancy Drew Games and his work on Sony PlayStation Network titles. Tom discusses his transition into creating original intellectual properties, particularly his breakout...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 53
In this episode, we sit down with veteran writer/editor Tom Peyer for a career-spanning conversation that traces his remarkable journey from underground cartoonist to one of today's most innovative publishers. Beginning with his early years in underground papers and the Syracuse New Times , we delve into his pivotal editorial years at DC and Vertigo during the transformative 90s era. Tom shares insights from his beloved tenure on Legion of Super-Heroes , his creative vision for reviving Hourman ...
Jun 04, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 52
3...2...1...Ignition! Today, we welcome Filip Sablik and Jeremy Haun to discuss their ambitious new venture, Ignition Press . Launched in late 2024, the company represents a bold new chapter for Filip, who departed his role as President of Publishing & Marketing at BOOM! Studios after 12 years, and Jeremy, the acclaimed creator known for works like The Beauty . Joined by former IDW Editor-in-Chief Jamie S. Rich and film producer Eric Gitter, the team has assembled to create something differe...
May 30, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 51
In this episode, we sit down with legendary artist-writer Phil Jimenez for an in-depth conversation spanning his remarkable three-decade career. From his early discovery of comics to his incredible break into the industry with four pages in DC's War of the Gods crossover, Phil shares his journey of sequential art success. We explore his evolution from artist to artist-writer with Tempest , his relationships with mentors Neal Pozner and George Perez , and his following in Perez's footsteps on ico...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 5Ep. 50
In this episode, we dive deep into the creative mind of Eisner Award-winning artist Gideon Kendall , whose diverse career has spanned books, illustrations, comics, and animation for a few outfits you might have heard of: MAD Magazine , Penguin/Putnam, Disney, Comixology/Kitchen Sink, IDW, Dark Horse , Cartoon Network, Scholastic, and The New York Times . Gideon has made significant contributions to both children's and adult comics, earning critical acclaim as the artist of Harvey Kurtzman's Marl...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 49
He's baaaaaaaaack! The legendary Roy Thomas returns to the DBB hot seat, and Oren gets his crack at the writer/editor's career. It's a deep dive into Roy's writing approach, style, and craft, so get to listening, Banditos! Support the show ___________________ Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube : youtube.com/dollarbinbandits ! If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episode. And if you really like this p...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 48
Dan "The Man" Brereton is back with the Bandits, this time talking up his new art book, Nocturnals 31 . Just in time for the "Halloweeniversary" of Dan's hit monster noir comic, The Nocturnals , this book is chock full of all the supernatural goodness you've come to expect. It's got the monsters, it's got the babes, it's got that haunting atmosphere that takes your breath away. You've got only a few days left to back Nocturnals 31 on Kickstarter here: http://kck.st/42RqwlG ! And you can always f...
May 16, 2025•48 min•Season 5Ep. 47
This week, we're joined by acclaimed comic book writer Todd Dezago ! Known for his character-driven storytelling and gift for collaboration, Todd takes us behind the scenes of his influential run on Sensational Spider-Man with Mike Wieringo that redefined Peter Parker for a generation of readers. We explore the creation of their creator-owned fantasy epic Tellos , a vibrant world of swashbuckling adventure that showcased both creators at the height of their powers while tragically serving as one...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 46
Jim Roche might have the coolest job as one of the executive producers on the hit show Svengoolie . In that time on the program, he and Rich Koz (Svengoolie) have become extremely close friends. But did you know Jim is also a huge comic book fan? He’s practically another Dollar Bin Bandit with his love of old and modern books found in those treasured bins. Support the show ___________________ Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube : youtube.com/dollarbinbandits ! If you l...
May 09, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 45
This week, we're thrilled to welcome legendary comic book inker Bob Almond ! With over three decades of experience for Marvel, DC, and independent publishers, Bob takes us deep into the process of transforming rough pencils into print-ready illustrations. From his early days working on Warlock and the Infinity Watch to high-profile projects including Black Panther, Annihilation: Conquest - Quasar, Archer & Armstrong: First Impressions, and Heroes for Hire , he shares candid stories about col...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 5Ep. 44
Whether it’s Power Records , Peter Pan Records , or other companies that produced kid friendly albums from the 50s through 80s, Brian Washington is the guy to talk to! With his incredible collection, he’s a walking encyclopedia for these audio treasures. Support the show ___________________ Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube : youtube.com/dollarbinbandits ! If you like this podcast, please rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you found this episod...
May 02, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 43
Today, we welcome acclaimed graphic novelist Craig Thompson to discuss his latest tome, Ginseng Roots . In this deeply personal book, Thompson returns to his rural Wisconsin roots to explore the fascinating world of ginseng cultivation that shaped his childhood. The conversation spans Craig's artistic evolution since his breakthrough memoir Blankets , his research trips to China that informed the book's historical elements, and how his early farming experiences continue to influence his creative...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 42
This week on Dollar Bin Bandits , we sit down with the multi-talented Tom Marvelli , a powerhouse creative whose fingerprints are all over some of the biggest superhero franchises of the last two decades. From his days at Marvel during its post-bankruptcy rebirth to shaping the futures of Hasbro’s legendary action brands, Tom’s career has been nothing short of epic. Tom is now turning the page—literally—by launching a self-produced graphic novel series The Boy in the Bot from his new imprint, An...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 41
Ralph Macchio spent over four decades at Marvel Comics , serving as a writer, editor, and eventually Executive Editor during some of the company's most transformative periods. Beginning his career in the 1970s as an assistant to Roy Thomas, Ralph went on to edit many of Marvel's flagship titles including Daredevil , Thor , and The Avengers , overseeing Frank Miller's revolutionary run on Daredevil , Walter Simonson's legendary work on Thor , and collaborating with legendary artists like John Bus...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 40
In this episode, we roll out with Bob Budiansky and Simon Furman , the legendary minds behind the original Transformers comics from Marvel and Marvel UK respectively. With Skybound 's massive compendiums reigniting interest in both series, we dive deep into how a Japanese toy line transformed into a pop culture juggernaut. Bob shares how Transformers first landed on his desk at Marvel and the challenges of writing 50+ issues while constantly introducing new characters. Simon discusses navigating...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 39
It’s a project of epic proportions as writers and artists in the world of comics are taking part in a new comic featuring the creations of Don Simpson . Multimensions will see Megaton Man and other Simpson characters in the hands of various writers and artists in a new Kickstarter campaign! Contributors Bob Kroll and Joe Ely Carrales III join the show to talk about their contributions and more. Check out the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostagents/megaton-man-multimentions...
Apr 18, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 38
Matt Wagner , creator of the legendary independent titles Grendel and Mage , shares his journey to become one of comics' most respected writer-artists. Our conversation explores the origins and complex publication history of his signature character Grendel, which debuted in Comico Primer #2, as well as the creative process and development behind the more personal Mage trilogy. Beyond his creator-owned work, Matt discusses his affinity for pulp characters like Batman, The Shadow, Green Hornet, an...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 37
The works of Jon Dexter are varied and wonderfully written. From the canine adventures Alpha Dogs to the noir Dime-Store Detective , fans revel in his imaginative stories. You can find the complete Alpha Dogs graphic novel from Simon & Shuster or wherever books are sold: simonandschuster.com/books/Alpha-Dogs . And soon, you'll be able to catch up on the Detective series and back issue 5 with Jon's upcoming Kickstarter here: kickstarter.com/projects/dimestoredetective1/dime-store-detective-is...
Apr 10, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 36
Brett Booth has established himself as one of the industry's most dynamic and energetic artists, known for his kinetic action sequences and distinctive character designs that have graced the pages of numerous titles for both DC and Marvel. Beginning his career at Jim Lee's Homage/Wildstorm studio in the early 90s, Brett co-created Backlash and had a long run on his solo series before moving on to work for the big two. His runs on books including Fantastic Four , X-Men Unlimited , Teen Titans , a...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 5Ep. 35
Keith Arem and Chris Yates join us to discuss their new Kickstarter project, Frost Road , a visually stunning psychological thriller. Keith, known for his extensive work directing video game performances for franchises like Call of Duty and Titanfall , and Chris explain how they developed this atmospheric tale of horror, illustrated by Christopher Shy . Frost Road tells of a desperate search for survivors in an isolated Alaskan town following a catastrophic event of potentially extraterrestrial ...
Apr 06, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 34
Jim Calafiore has established himself as one of comics' most distinctive and versatile artists over a career spanning three decades. Known for his dynamic layouts and expressive character work, Jim first gained recognition at Valiant in the early 90s, working on titles like Armorines and Magnus, Robot Fighter . From there, it was on to DC and Marvel, where he contributed to series including Aquaman , Deadpool , Secret Six with writer Gail Simone, and a defining run on the X-men offshoot Exiles. ...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 33
Larry Lieber , the legendary artist and writer who contributed to the early Marvel Universe alongside his brother Stan Lee, joins us to discuss his new book CHIRPS . After briefly touching on his storied career—which includes co-creating Iron Man, Thor, and Ant-Man , and his long run on The Rawhide Kid —Larry dove into this ambitious literary departure that combines elements of fantasy, family saga, and action thriller. CHIRPS follows the extraordinary journey of a genetically advanced parakeet ...
Apr 02, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 32
Ed Catto is back, this time talking about the 2025 edition of Ithacon ! It's coming up this weekend, April 5-6, at Ithaca College , and Ed get into all the details: the guests, the panels, the swag, and more. You can follow Ed on X @EdCatto and Instagram @EdCatto3 , and find out more about Ithacon and get tickets here: ithacon.org ! Support the show ___________________ Check out video versions of this and other episodes on YouTube : youtube.com/dollarbinbandits ! If you like this podcast, please...
Mar 31, 2025•29 min•Season 5Ep. 31
