Giant Size

"Batman (Without Batman)" comics, especially Gotham Central and Arkham Asylum: Living Hell, the brand-new Gotham Academy and Arkham Manor, as well as great collected series from the last two decades and a light primer on the work of Ed Brubaker. Brought to you by * IDW Publishing: Check out Ripley's Believe It or Not!: The Classic Cartoons and Wonder Woman: The Classic Cartoons. Special Guests * Ed Brubaker (comic book db/twitter/wikipedia) Did some of the most-acclaimed writing of the last ten years at The Big Two before recently signing five-year exclusivity with Image. His co-creation of The Winter Soldier and massive run on Captain America were covered lovingly on the longest episode of Giant Size that'll ever exist. * David Loehr is playwright-in-residence at Riverrun Theatre, radio playwright-in-residence for The Incomparable, and is @dloehr Related Episodes * Extras 17: after-show discussion of Marvel/DC movie slates * Bonus episodes like the

Among other things, Kevin Maguire talks with John and Moisés about his "signature shot", how Godzilla began and ended his movie career (for now!), the frustrating logic that drives internet insta-controversies in comics, and what he's driven to do next in his career. This is the first time we've recorded an entire episode "table-side" at a convention. Let us know what you think. Brought to you by * Harry's: they're already disrupting the entire shaving industry. Use code GIANT for $5 off. John made a Vine of his first Harry's shave. * IDW Publishing: Check out Popeye Classics #27 and the new volume of the classic Chester Gould Dick Tracy strips out this week. Special Guest * Kevin Maguire (comic book db/twitter/wikipedia) in addition to having illustrated a wide range of superhero comics for DC, Marvel, and others, he has also drawn some of the most memorable, "well-acted" covers seen from both publishers over his career. We'll dig deeper into his work its

We discuss the "origin stories" of how John came to love Swamp Thing,  Howard the Duck, and The Thing. From movies on cable and Saturday morning cartoons to reprints and recommendations from friends, we get to better know John's tastes and his "human experience" as "this fan, this podcaster." Brought to you by * Drobo: use coupon code MOISES at checkout to get $50 off Drobo 5D or 5N. * IDW: Ghostbusters #20 ends the long, great run we've recommended over the life of the podcast, and Weird Love might be the "Trojan Horse" read that'll get a friend or loved one into trying comics in the first place. Related Episodes * Extras 12: "Mister Belvedere on a Tablet", the post-show ramblings for this episode. * (depending on audio quality) Artist Edition: "Steve's Voice", the pre- and post-show Q&A with Val Mayerik from our Giant Size Presents screening of Howard the Duck (1986). * Electric Shadow 13: "I'll Never Be Venkman", where John and Moisés

The Power of-, Trials of-, and Magic of Shazam are all on the table this week, as we look at one of John's favorite characters. Old-school fans may know Billy Batson's alter-ego better as The Superhero Formerly Known As Captain Marvel. Exclusive Sponsor * IDW has a great array of Ghostbusters comics that are coming to an end with the direct-sequel-to-the-movie-canon Mass Hysteria. Were you a fan of The Maxx (comics or on MTV)? Try their The Maxx: Maxximized  "director's cut". Related Episodes * Giant Size Origins 7: Men of Iron and Steel, originally an episode of The Comic Shack, found us discussing good Iron Man and Superman jumping-on points in the wake of Iron Man 3 and Man of Steel. * Giant Size Origins 8: Superman Wearing a Superman Shirt is an all-Superman show, and marked major milestones in "Volume 1", aka All-Old Giant Size, including the shift to the intended-all-along panel format and the first appearance of John Gholson. * Slightl

How to get into Batman, with both older and newer modern-era takes on the Caped Crusader. It's probably best to start with Year One instead of The Dark Knight Returns. This is "Volume 1" in a series of Bat-shows to come. A version of this episode originally ran as episode #27 of The Comic Shack  on 5by5 in March of 2013. Go back in time to witness the origin of our terrific twosome team as perfect podcasting pals...right before your very ears! Exclusive Sponsor * IDW Publishing: What if a legendary spy had a bunch of illegitimate kids that had to team up to save their moms...? New this week is a hardcover collecting The Illegitimates, written by SNL's Taran Killam and comics vet Mark Andreyko. Also out this week: the third issue of  Super Secret Crisis War, a Cartoon Network Universe mega-crossover written by Louise Simonson!

This is the "Big Damn" Frank Miller episode. We look at his entire body of work while at once barely touching on Sin City or 300. In particular, more attention should be paid to his collaborations with David Mazzuchelli, Geof Darrow, Chris Claremont, Dave Gibbons, Klaus Janson, and Bill Sienkiewicz. Meanwhile, John culls his collection by hundreds of comics, and we discuss the hard choices we make going digital. Excerpted Interview * Bill Sienkiewicz (website, wiki, comicbookDB) will be the focus of a future episode. He spoke with Moisés for a total of over half an hour. The uncut version of that interview will eventually be available as an Artist Edition extra. Sponsors * NEED: Place an order and send an email to hello@neededition.com  mentioning ESN in some way to get 25% off your next order and extras freebies sent your way in the meantime. * Harry's: they're already disrupting the entire shaving industry. Use code GIANT for $5 off. John made a Vine of

Val Mayerik (co-creator of Howard the Duck) discusses his career, work with friends like Steve Gerber and Bill Mantlo, untold tales of "The Duck", and his interest in getting back into comics. Cameo appearance by Larry Hama! To contribute to the ongoing care of Bill Mantlo, go here. This episode immediately spoils the post-credits sequence for Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy. Original Howard the Duck art above by Val Mayerik. Brought to you by * IDW Publishing: Regular recommendations Haunted Horror and Popeye Classics both have new issues this week, as well as the milestone issue #205 of Larry Hama's G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series. If you read G.I. Joe in the 80's and loved it, that universe continued right where it left off! Check out the TPBs and catch up . Special Guests * Val Mayerik (website, comicbook db) has been an actor, martial artist, horseman, and just so happens to have co-created various characters and series over the course of

In this year's San Diego Comic-Con special, we further meditate on the balance of forces in fandom. The mainstream has fully invaded comics via TV and movies. Could it be that's how women (both characters and creatives) have gained traction in recent years? Featuring an interview with legendary designer and author Chip Kidd and the majority of the audio from this year's "Superheroines" panel, with Faith Erin Hicks, Marjorie M Liu, Jules Rivera, Joanna Estep, Dr. Andrea Letamendi, Marguerite Bennett, and moderator Dariane Nabor. Brought to you by * Harry's: they're already disrupting the shaving industry by offering a much better shaving experience at a much better value. Use promo code GIANT for $5 off. * IDW Publishing: Jump into Super Secret Crisis War, a Cartoon Network Universe mega-crossover by the great, wise, and powerful Louise Simonson! It's seven-year-old safe, for those looking for more that's ok for kids. Special Guests * Chip Kidd (twitter) is a

Our Spider-Man Spectacular continues, with Moisés, John, and Todd taking a much deeper focus on more from the modern era of Spider-stories, the work of Dan Slott in particular. We also hear more from the historic "Stan n' Dan" Q&A. Part 2 of 2The full Stan Lee/Dan Slott Q&A will be available uncut very soon in the Artist Edition feed (and the Giant Size "Plus" feed that includes the main show an all related "extras"), complete with instructions on how far to jump ahead.EXCLUSIVE SPONSORIDW: the new Jim Steranko Artist's Edition (art discussed on our Captain America episode) is absolutely gorgeous, and will be available along with their Mike Mignola/Hellboy Artist's Edition at their San Diego Comic Con booth (and online). They are worth budgeting for, just like the wide array of great comics and archival editions that IDW makes.PANELISTSCo-host John Gholson has been doing movie reviews in comic strip form. He's been posting mo

Our Amazing Spider-Man Spectacular begins here, True Believers! We've got good jumping-on points, what we like about ol' webhead, and weird one-off stories (like that time Peter Parker made his own detergent). Todd Nauck, Stan Lee, Dan Slott, and Howard Mackie guest in Part 1 of 2!SPONSORSTransporter: personal cloud storage that lives in your house. Use offer code ESN10 to get 10% off any Transporter model at FileTransporter.comIDW Publishing: Jump into Super Secret Crisis War, a Cartoon Network Universe mega-crossover by Louise Simonson (seven-year-old safe!), or the soon-ending-and-awesome Ghostbusters written by Erik Burnham!PANELISTSA Todd Nauck panel interview was excerpted on our Dallas Comic-Con Special, and he joins us as a panelist this time to discuss his love of the character, drawing the famous "Obama-Spidey Team-Up", and much more. He's currentl

Our Dallas Comic Con Special is full of very special guests and a look at the world of convention-going. Is haggling allowed? What about pet pigs?Stan Lee and Dan Slott will return in our next two episodes for our Giant Size Spider-Man extravaganza.SPONSORSTransporter: personal cloud storage that lives in your house. Use offer code ESN10 to get 10% off any Transporter model at FileTransporter.comIDW Publishing: The Ben 10 Vol. 1 TPB is now out, and Super Secret Crisis War, a Cartoon Network Universe mega-crossover by Louise Simonson (which is also ok for kids), is coming very soon!Umbral: Vol. 1 "Out of the Shadows": a great new creator-owned comic by Antony Johnston (Wasteland, Daredevil, The Fuse) and Christopher Mitten. Think big world like Saga crossed with dark fantasy like Dark Crystal. Use #UmbralTPB on Twitter and you might win a free copy!

Rich Stevens and Merlin Mann join Moisés and John to discuss the state of digital comics, content discovery, and recommend some good reads.SPONSORSTransporter: personal cloud storage that lives in your house. Use offer code ESN10 to get 10% off any Transporter model at FileTransporter.comBackblaze: unlimited, secure, online back up your computer for just $5/month. Visit this link to support the show and learn more.IDW Publishing: Check out Weird Love, a new bimonthly collection of awful (but great) vintage romance comics from the same editor as John's beloved Haunted Horror. It includes stories like I Fell For a Commie! By the day of posting, the Jim Steranko Captain America Artist's Edition should be available at your local shop.PANELISTSCo-host John Gholson has been reviewing movies in comic strip form for Movies.com of late (Amazing Spider-Man 2, God

This intro to Captain America gets into why he’s great and great jumping on points for the Sentinel of Liberty. Panelists Brad Graeber and Amanda Schuckman help us cover everything from Kirby's Mad Bomb to The Winter Soldier and everything in-between.Creator Interview: Current Cap writer Rick Remender (comicbookdb/website/twitter) talks about his origin story as a fan of the character and comics in general. (uncut Artist Edition Interview 49: Challenging Authority [Rick Remender])SPONSORSTransporter: personal cloud storage that lives in your house. Use offer code ESN10 to get 10% off any Transporter model at FileTransporter.comIDW Publishing: everything from amazing Artist's Editions of classic comic art to Popeye Classics to John's beloved Haunted Horror. Leave an iTunes review and email it through our contact form by 25 April 2014 to win a copy of the new Haunted Horror&nb

Full of spoilers and speculation about Captain America: The Winter Soldier. You really should avoid this one until you've seen the movie.Originally posted as Extra 7 on 4th April 2014, as a post-show for Giant Size 5.

We recap comics-related happenings from SXSW 2014 and since, from Greg Pak, Jonathan Coulton, and Code Monkey to ComiXology Submit, The Bunker, and Doc Unknown to the digital/app/API revolution we welcome with open arms. Post-Show A: Extras 6: From TV's "The Sarah Connor Chronicles" -Emerald City Con & loose chatter Post-Show B: Extras 7: Throws His Mighty Shield -SPOILER TALK: Captain America: The Winter Soldier SPONSORS * Squarespace: everything you need to get started making a website. Visit the link and use the offer code in the show (part of the show's name) for 10% off * Drobo: mass storage for the masses. Use offer code MOISES for $50 off any model including the new Drobo 4-bay (normally just $349)

In our first "Creator Sampler" episode, we discuss and recommend the work of Chip Zdarsky, Francesco Francavilla, and Kate Leth. BONUS: Interviews with all three! EXTRA BONUS: Moisés gets thrown out of a comic shop! uncut Artist Edition Interviews 45: Chip Zdarsky - (Not) Dick and Boob Jokes 46: Francesco Francavilla - Igniting Your Imagination 47: Kate Leth - I

David Sparks and Casey Liss talk about being new and aspiring comics readers as adults. Moisés & John give them a varied pile of recommendations for adults that aren't...adult. Writer/illustrator Terry Moore talks Rachel Rising.Comics aren't just about guys in underwear punching each other. Find your own Kate Bishop, forsake your box of QVC Spawn, and discover your Coalition of Broken People. uncut Artist Edition Interview: #44 - Scary Things in the Closet (Terry Moore)This episode's Recommended Reading includes a ton more than the books listed below.SPONSORSTransporter: personal cloud storage that lives in your house. Use offer code ESN75 (through end of March 2014) to get Transporter Sync for $75 at FileTransporter.comSmile: Visit smilesoftware.com/giant for details and a brief video introduction to the PDFPen family.Igloo: try an intranet that you'll actually like usi

The creators of The Joyners in 3D join Moisés and John to talk 3D comics, how they got in as fans, and the unique (lengthy) process of making their new Original Graphic Novel.Panelists & GuestsJosh (R.J.) Ryan (ComicBookDB, Twitter) is the co-writer of The Joyners in 3D)David Marquez (ComicBookDB, Tumblr, Twitter) is co-writer and the illustrator of The Joyners in 3D.Tara Rhymes (Twitter) is the colorist & dimensionalist of The Joyners in 3D.Ian Churchill created Marineman as a throwback to the fun comics he loved as a kid.Related EpisodesArtist Edition 43: Inject Some Fun (Ian Churchill)Extras 4: Reds and OrangesSponsorsSmile: Visit smilesoftware.com/giant for details and a brief video introduction to the PDFPen family.Transporter: personal cloud storage that lives in your house. Use offer code ESN75 (through end of March 2014) to get Transporter Sync for $75 at FileTransporter.comSquarespa

Merlin Mann joins Moisés and John to discuss the X-Men, from reading recommendations and iconic storylines to why they really are so “Gifted” as a team.GuestMerlin Mann (twitter, website) co-hosts Roderick on the Line and Back to Work. He used to be that guy who'd talk into his shoe.Creator InterviewHerb Trimpe co-created Wolverine and regularly attends comic conventions. Seek him out and have a conversation with him. He's one of the kindest, sweetest people you can meet at a comic convention.His interview is available uncut as Artist Edition #42: Herb Trimpe - The Human ElementBrought to you bySquarespace: everything you need to get started making a website. Use the offer code mentioned in the show for 10% offSmile: get PDFPen Scan+ in the App Store for $4.99Drobo: smart storage to protect what matters. Use offer code MOISES for $50 off any Drobo model at Drobostore.comShow Notes and LinksReading List for storyli

Antony Johnston (Umbral, Wasteland) returns and joins Geoff Barrall (CEO of Drobo) to give Moisés a truly Giant-Size primer on Judge Dredd and 2000AD. Colorist Elizabeth Breitweiser (Image's Velvet) talks about the intricacies and nature of her job, an essential role in modern comics. PANELISTS & GUESTS * Antony Johnston (Twitter, Tumblr, website) currently writes Umbral  (which has a Tumblr and Twitter) and The Fuse. He's finishing up Wasteland. * Geoff Barrall (About.me) runs Drobo and Transporter. They sponsor our shows, but he's only here because he's an enormous nerd with a degree in cybernetics who loves comics. * Elizabeth Breitweiser (Twitter, deviantART, website) is an outstandingly talented colorist. She and her husband have recently taken a concerted turn into creator-owned, along with collaborators like Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting (The Winter Soldier).