Pine Cone Comics Club

The PCCC is back for another roundtable comics discussion at the Pine Cone Cafe. In this episode the gang raps about Scott Snyder's upcoming, Batman: Zero Year, Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere" radio play, and Comixology's recent Marvel meltdown. Our feature discussion revolves around the first 8 issues of Matt Fraction's Hawkeye, in which we cover everything from Tracksuit Draculas to potential triangular love situations. Additionally, we answer listener questions and ponder a few hypothetical battles in a segment that we are calling the Pine Cone Fight. Also, Champ calls Jessica Drew, Jessica Drake, like a million times, because he's a total noob. We hope you enjoy!

Legendary comics writer and novelist, Steve Englehart takes some time to talk with the PCCC in our seventh installment. Steve chats about his early days in the comics business, his work on Batman and Captain America and beyond, as well as his experiences in the film industry. Universally acclaimed as one of comics’ great scribes, Steve has a unique perspective on the evolution of the industry, and the current state of the comics biz. Steve explains why he made the jump from comics writer to novelist, and give some insight on what it would take to lure him back into the paneled page. It was an honor to speak with him, and a thrill to share our chat with our wonderful listeners! Find Steve Englehart at Steveenglehart.com! Find the PCCC on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube Subscribe to the Pine Cone Comics Club Podcast in iTunes!

Fellow Son of Tacoma, Fred Van Lente hops on the blower with the PCCC to talk G.I. Joe, Marvel Zombies, Deadpool, Hercules, and the dangers of writing comics about comics history. Fred talks about his plans for the newly-rebooted IDW ongoing G.I. Joe title, and why he will need a 1000-issue run, in order to feature your favorite Joe. He also shares his frustration with the movie version of Cowboys and Aliens, and how it relates to the broader problem that plagues many a superhero movie. From 12-page, hand-written, angry fan letters, to why you should never argue Spider-Man vs. Batman in a pub, Fred keeps it real –as is to be expected from anyone born under our beloved Tacoman sky. Find Fred Van Lente at Fredvanlente.com and on Twitter! Find the PCCC on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube Subscribe to the Pine Cone Comics Club Podcast in iTunes!

Phoenix Jones, the Guardian of Seattle & leader of the Rain City Superhero Movement, takes some time to chat with the PCCC about his life as a real-life costumed crime-fighter. Jones shares with us some of his greatest successes, as well as some of his failures along his super-hero’s journey. He chats about his relationship with the Seattle Police Department, and gives some insight into his crime-fighting philosophy. We learn about the inner-workings of the Rain City Superhero Movement, as well as the dangers of pepper spray and net guns. Phoenix also talks candidly about his struggle with dyslexia, and his connection with his fans, who have had to overcome similar challenges in their own lives. We get an update on the progress of the inevitable Phoenix Jones comic book, and the PCCC is extended an invite to hit the streets with the Rain City Superheroes! We are considering... and training. Find Phoenix Jones on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube! Find the PCCC on Twitter, 

The PCCC spends some time on the Cone Phone with legendary comic book writer, Chuck Dixon. Well-known for his prolific output, Chuck has left indelible impressions on iconic characters like Batman, The Punisher, GI Joe, Robin, Iron Man, and many others. Along with longtime collaborator Graham Nolan, Chuck created the popular Batman villain, (and celebrated freestyle rapper) Bane. In addition to his dynamic work and legendary work ethic, Chuck is known for being an always outspoken, and sometimes controversial figure in the comics industry. Chuck speaks very candidly with us about his feelings on the current state of the comics medium and the industry itself, his acrimonious split with DC, his thoughts on the Batman movies, and what it feels like to hand off his creations to other writers. We talk briefly about DC's Orson Scott Card controversy, why Die Had 3 was a better Batman movie than Batman: Forever, and the prospects of a Mr. T and th

In the third installment of the PCCC Podcast, the gang gathers at the world-famous Pine Cone Cafe, in order to talk comics and comic-related media (as is our way). Among the topics discussed are DC's Orson Scott Card controversy, January sales figures, and the prospective "Young Han Solo" movie in the works at Disney. We also chat about what we are reading, tackle the topic of the Joker's sanity, and pontificate on the benefits of long-run writers. Finally, in the Pine Cone Fight, we pit our favorite comic book characters against each other in glorious battle, and see who prevails. Galactus vs Unicron? You'll have to tune in to find out! (SPOILER ALERT: Galactus totally eats Unicron.) Recorded February 10th, 2013. Subscribe to the Pine Cone Comics Club Podcast in iTunes!

Staying true to our comics geek roots, the PCCC skips the Super Bowl to speak with “legendary icon and iconic legend”, Mark Waid. Mark and Geoff discuss Thrillbent, and life on the digital comics frontier, before diving headlong into Daredevil, Indestructible Hulk, Kingdom Come, Irredeemable, Empire, and the breadth of Mark’s body of written work. MW talks about his approach to to writing authentic and substantive characters, and we learn once and for all, who the smartest scientist in the Marvel U is (spoiler alert: it’s not the AIM intern, from Avengers #4). Visit Thrillbent to check out what’s happening on the digital comics vanguard. Mark recommends Steve Gerber’s run on Omega the Unknown as a hidden gem for comics fans. 

In our inaugural episode, the PCCC chats up comic book artist, Freddie E. Williams II. Fred and Geoff talk digital art, comic book movies, the New 52, the merits of art school, the wisdom of Internet trolls, and what it’s like to go from sandwich artist to the hardest working man in the comic biz. Recorded December 13, 2012.