Word Balloon Comics Podcast

In Part 3 of our conversation with comic book veteran Al Milgrom, we dig into the stories behind the pages — and beyond them. Al shares his memories of the legendary style of Wally Wood and offers insights into the creative genius of Murphy Anderson.Then, the spotlight shifts to the editorial trenches at Marvel. Al opens up about his collaborations and clashes with Jim Shooter, especially during the turbulent production of Secret Wars II. From late scripts to deadline disasters, you'll get the unfiltered truth from a man who was right there when it all went down. This is the good stuff — creator drama, comic history, and behind-the-scenes gold.

In Part 2 of our deep dive with comics legend Al Milgrom, things get even more candid. Al shares shocking behind-the-scenes stories about some of the biggest names from the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ages of comics—warts and all. From ego clashes to editorial chaos, you’ll hear what really went down in the bullpen.We also detour into the strange world of obscure 1950s and 60s comic book publishers—including those that reprinted Golden Age stories with misleading new covers and numbering schemes, trying to pass them off as fresh material. Al offers insight into how these fly-by-night operations worked and what creators thought of seeing their work repackaged without credit or compensation.Plus: Al gives his reaction to seeing Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four: First Steps and offers a veteran's take on how it stacks up against the legacy of the First Family in comics. This one’s loaded with comic book history, brutally honest insights, and a few surprises you won’t hear anywhere else.Al wants you to know he's acailable for commisions and recreations if you email him at editorial@aol.com

On this episode of Word Balloon, we start a 2 part talk with one of the true utility players of the Marvel Bullpen—Al Milgrom. From penciling and inking to editing and writing, Al did it all during a pivotal era at the House of Ideas.We dig into his early days at Marvel, when the bullpen was more than just a nickname—it was a real, bustling office of creative chaos. Al shares memories of hand-delivering artwork to John Romita Sr. and Virginia Romita, navigating the personality clashes of the era and working under the towering presence of Jim Shooter as Marvel evolved into a more corporate machine. We also get the inside story behind the launch of Marvel Fanfare, a passion project that let Al spotlight top-tier talent and showcase stories on high-quality paper—long before the era of prestige formats. Whether you’re a fan of classic comics or just love hearing how the sausage got made in the Bronze Age, this conversation with Al Milgrom pulls no punches and delivers some terrific behind-the-scenes tales from a guy who lived it.

My thoughts on the latest MCU film.

In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary comic creator Jerry Ordway, we pivot from Metropolis to Marvel as Jerry shares his candid thoughts on the legacy and missed opportunities of the Fantastic Four movies—especially from the perspective of someone who’s spent time chronicling Marvel’s first family on the page. We also get some memorable Stan Lee stories, offering insight into the man behind the myth from someone who’s seen the industry evolve up close.But this episode isn’t just nostalgia—we dive into the more complex aspects of comic book history, including how creators depicted people of color during the Golden and Silver Ages. Jerry speaks honestly about the era’s blind spots and how the medium has both reflected and shaped cultural attitudes over time. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with one of comics’ most respected voices. 

Today on Word Balloon, we kick off Part 1 of a deep-dive conversation with legendary writer, artist, and inker Jerry Ordway. Jerry shares his thoughts on the new Superman film and reflects on his own legacy with the Man of Steel—both on the page and behind the scenes.We also dig into his acclaimed work on the Justice Society of America, a cornerstone of DC’s Golden Age revival. But that’s not all—we get into the nuts and bolts of comic book production, with Ordway breaking down how the cheap paper stock of the '60s through the '80s warped colors, muted tones, and frustrated artists. It’s a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the technical and creative challenges of working in the pre-digital era of comics. Whether you're a Superman superfan or a student of the artform, this is a must-listen conversation with one of DC's most important storytellers.

On this episode of Word Balloon, writer Jeremy Adams returns to break down his high-octane run on Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps, as well as his recent work on Aquaman. We dive deep into the cosmic drama brewing in the DC Universe, from Hal Jordan’s personal battles to the Corps-wide crises reshaping intergalactic law and order.Plus, Jeremy teases major developments and reveals the big team events looming in each series — events that could change the status quo for Earth’s emerald heroes and the King of Atlantis alike. Whether you're a die-hard GL fan or just jumping on board, this conversation is packed with insight, energy, and a creator’s perspective on building modern mythology.

In this episode of Word Balloon, we sit down with a veteran of the comic book trench Keith Williams an accomplished inker whose brushwork has brought some of the most iconic characters to life. From helping define the look of the Black-suited Spider-Man during a pivotal era in Marvel history, to adding depth and shadow to the Man of Steel’s adventures at DC, and even contributing to the legacy of The Phantom in the newspaper strips, this is a career that spans decades and genres.

On this episode of Word Balloon, we're talking with the legendary Beau Smith — a true cowboy of comics. From creating the cult favorite Wynonna Earp to seeing it ride high as a hit TV series, Beau’s journey is as action-packed as his stories. We dig into the roots of Wynonna, and how he’s now teaming up with the show's stars Melanie Scrofano and Tim Rozon to bring new adventures to the page.But that's just the start. Beau shares his unfiltered thoughts on the new Superman movie, and why he thinks the portrayal of Guy Gardner may be the most accurate DC Comics adaptation to date — especially considering he wrote the book on Guy. We also hit the DC vaults to revisit Beau’s time writing Catwoman, Wildcat, and other unsung gems that show his knack for tough characters with heart. If you love straight-talking creators and behind-the-scenes insight from someone who's lived it, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.