The Panel Garden
92 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsIt's an interview show where we talk to comics and nerd culture media creators about their passions, careers, and creative journies. What fuels creativity? What does creative genius look like up close? What inspires the art and artists that make it? We aim for interviews that crackle with creative energy and excitement. It's about the process, the craft, and the dreams behind the things we love.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
JJ Walsh on Comics and Progressive thought
April 25, 2021 16:30 - 51 minutes - 118 MBJJ and Eva had a great conversation about his new book, the Chowderhead Crusade, and the lifetime of comics reading, as well as the political outlook that inspired it. It's a great conversation about comics, collaborations, and the things that make us. Bio: J. J. Walsh is a superhero science fiction nerd novelist and owner of the San Francisco-based advertising agency Iron Creative Communication. He lives in San Francisco, with his wife, two boys, and their Labrador Retriever. So far his com...
Heather Antos on editing, team building, representation, and the beautiful alchemy of comics
April 24, 2021 16:45 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBHeather joins Eva for a discussion about editing, the process of building a team, and casting a book, as well as her new project Shadowman from Valiant. As well as her new upcoming role at IDW, working on the Marvel books again. Heather is a delightful optimistic voice in the industry -- you'll have fun with this one. Bio: Heather Antos is an award-winning comic book editor and writer most known for her work on Marvel's Star Wars and Deadpool lines, Image's Redlands, Injection, and Bitter Ro...
Blake McCarthy on life, family, and personal growth through storytelling
April 23, 2021 16:45 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBBlake McCarthy sits down with Eva to explore the story behind the story of his new comic, Territory, life as a first-time comics creator, family, personal growth and character development, and so much more. This is Blake's first interview anywhere! Get it here first! Note: This interview was recorded in February, and was always supposed to be timed to coincide with the launch of the book. Now that the book is coming out, it's time to drop the interview. You'll notice this one uses the older ...
Karla Nappi on Creativity, Screenwriting, Comics, Marketing, and Motherhood
April 18, 2021 17:34 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBKarla talked to Eva about her exciting new book Duplicant, published by Second Sight Publishing. As well as some of her experiences around the creative process, storytelling, and marketing -- as well as being the mother of a rambunctious creative three-year-old. This one goes to some thoughtful and interesting places. Bio: A Disney|ABC Writing Program semi-finalist, Karla Nappi has worked in writer rooms and on film/tv sets in both New York City and Los Angeles. She's collaborated with Tony...
Tom Brevoort on the creative decision making process at Marvel, Mantles, and casting a comic
April 17, 2021 20:35 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBComics legend Tom Brevoort sits down with Eva to share his experience working as a long-time editor on Marvel comics. He talked about the decision-making process, the nature of ideas, and things associate editors learn on the job. It's a thought-provoking look behind the curtain at Marvel by one of its premier senior editors. Bio: Tom Brevoort is the code name for America’s daring, highly-trained special mission force. Its purpose: to defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless terrorist ...
Rachael Smith on Comics, mental health, and surviving Quarantine
April 16, 2021 20:00 - 40 minutes - 37 MBRachael Smith joins Eva to talk about mental health, comics, and the response to her incredibly relatable and personal memoir, Quarantine Comix. We covered the beginnings of her career, her artistic inspirations, and what it felt like to be cooped up for a year in her flat. Bio: Rachael Smith is a comic artist and writer. She’s created many critically acclaimed graphic novels including Wired Up Wrong, Stand in Your Power, Artificial Flowers and The Rabbit, which was nominated for Best Book i...
Joe Aubrey on comics, collaboration, capitalism, and the gig economy
April 11, 2021 10:36 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBEva and Joe talked about Space Bastards, an exciting comic published by Humanoids, as well as the intricacies of comics production, good collaborations, and how to be taken seriously as a new comics creator. Joe provides insights from his own experiences. Get the inside scoop on Space Bastards, world-building, and how the project evolved. Bio: Joe Aubrey is the co-writer and co-creator of Space Bastards. When not thinking of new ways to kill futuristic postal workers, he can be found eating, ...
Abigail Harding on comics, creativity, collaborations, and quality tea
April 10, 2021 04:54 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBThe incredible Abigail Harding joins Eva to talk about her experience working in comics art, and the makings of high-quality collaborations. They talked about her work doing covers for Elephantmen and Titan Comics, Yorkshire tea, and her unusually sneaky, but sort of awesome superpower. Abigail is currently working on Cry for Mercy on Comixology Originals. Bio: Abigail Jill Harding is a Comic-book Artist and Illustrator based in York, UK. Co-creator and Artist of Comixology Originals’ ‘ASK ...
Erica Schultz on working professionally in comics, teaching, breaking in, and taking the medium seriously
April 04, 2021 19:17 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBLegendary comics writer Erica Schultz sits down with Eva to talk about the realities of working in comics, teaching comics, the mechanics of storytelling, and how to break into the industry. Erica provides her years of first-hand experience and technical insights as sort of a roadmap for new creators. Join us for one of the most interesting and inspiring episodes of Titular Characters to date! Host Notes: If you're interested in breaking into the comics, creating a new comic, or surviving in ...
Issue #30 > Eric Peterson on Love and comics, the craft of storytelling, and making comics at scale
March 27, 2021 22:57 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBEva and Eric talked about Space Bastards, an exciting comic published by Humanoids, as well as some of the things that inspired it like 2000AD, and similar works. Eric is a big fan of English writers and likes all the good ones. They went over his creative process as well as the things that he finds interesting or inspiring. This one's fun. Bio: Eric Peterson has written some independent comic books, including Jesus Christ: In the Name of the Gun. It isn’t as good as Space Bastards though. R...
Issue #29 > Igniting your creative super power: Ibrahim Moustafa on world building, comics production
March 22, 2021 06:05 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBEva joins Ibrahim Moustafa to talk about comics, writing, art, world-building, and the creative process. They covered a lot of ground in this one, with topics ranging from creative control to diversity, and vegetarianism. Bio: Ibrahim Moustafa is an illustrator and comic book writer/artist from Portland, Oregon. Best known for his Eisner-nominated comics Jaeger and High Crimes as well as his work on titles such as James Bond and DC’s Mother Panic, he has been published by DC Entertainment, M...
Issue #28 > Erik Larsen on art, comics, and impactful storytelling
March 22, 2021 01:15 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBErik Larsen sits down with Eva to talk about producing comics, art, and storytelling. It's a really solid show. Bio: Erik Larsen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a child growing up in Bellingham, Washington and Albion, California, Erik Larsen created numerous comic books featuring versions of a character named ‘Dragon’. At the age of 19, Erik self-published a fanzine called Graphic Fantasy, which featured his character the Dragon and it led to his doing professional work on a comic book...
Issue #28 > Erik Larsen on art, comics, and impactful storytelling
March 22, 2021 01:15 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBErik Larsen sits down with Eva to talk about producing comics, art, and storytelling. It's a really solid show. Bio: Erik Larsen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a child growing up in Bellingham, Washington and Albion, California, Erik Larsen created numerous comic books featuring versions of a character named ‘Dragon’. At the age of 19, Erik self-published a fanzine called Graphic Fantasy, which featured his character the Dragon and it led to his doing professional work on a comic bo...
Issue #27 > Letting inspiration strike: Kat Calamia on storytelling, instinct, marketing, and making comics
March 21, 2021 04:23 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBKat sits down with Eva to talk about her new project, The Dancer (now on Kickstarter) and her perspectives on the world of writing, marketing, storytelling and so much more. It's a fun and informative interview with one of the great minds in modern comics. Bio: Kat is the writer for indie comic books Like Father, Like Daughter and They Call Her...The Dancer. Next to her weekly comic book reviews on Comic Uno, Calamia also currently works for Newsarama and DC Comics’ DC Universe with bylines w...
Issue #26: Tumbling into the Creative -- Through the looking glass with Kwanza Osajyefo
March 15, 2021 03:09 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBKwanza sits down with Eva to talk about his critically acclaimed series Black, and his career in general. He provides insights about the creative works he loves and appreciates, as well as his early days in the industry. Bio: Creator and author of BLACK, a comic series that explores: what if only black people had superpowers, Kwanza has worked in comics for nearly two decades. He began his career in Marvel’s online department before moving into other media roles. He later returned to comics t...
Issue #25: Lucy Sullivan on art, intersectional feminism, zines, graphic novels and creative storytelling
March 13, 2021 21:03 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBLucy Sullivan sits down with Eva to explore the medium of comics and storytelling, imparting her personal experiences as a fan, and talking about some of her unique challenges and accomplishments as a comics creator. They also talked about queer trans rights issues, particularly in the UK. Bio: Lucy Sullivan is an Artist, Author & Animator based in London, UK. Since gaining a Degree in Illustration/Animation she has co-directed and animated music videos created pre-visuals & storyboards for F...
Issue #24: Diversity and Dracula, art, film, comics, writing and the creative process with Ricardo Delgado
March 09, 2021 19:48 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBRicardo Delgado talks to Eva about his latest project, career, and some of the challenges involved in creating diverse fiction in victorian settings. Bio: One of Hollywood’s leading conceptual designers, Ricardo Delgado, is about to unleash his bold and bloody take on the Prince of Darkness, just in time for the 90th anniversary of the release of Universal Studios’ Dracula. Ricardo Delgado has been the storyboard artist and character designer for films including The Incredibles, Men in Black,...
Issue #23: Producing comics in the 21st century, superhero storytelling, and loving the medium with Tom Peyer
March 08, 2021 05:23 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBEva talks to comic book creator and editor Tom Peyer of Ahoy Comics. The discussion started by being about the creative process and then moved into a broader talk about the medium in general, and some of Tom’s experiences from his 30+ years in the field. Pretty good for someone who’s still remarkably in their 20’s. Bio: This slope-shouldered industry veteran was a long-running writer on DC’s Legion of Super-Heroes, a founding editor at their Vertigo imprint, and the proud writer of their wors...
Issue #22: Pioneering the digital landscape, font development, Astro City, and Elephantmen with John Roshell
March 01, 2021 00:47 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBEva talks to legendary comic book letterer John Roshell. John has worked with DC and Marvel on comics in the past and was involved in defining the modern process for lettering in comics. John talks about how he got into lettering and the kind of tools he's used over the years, including some discussion on Quark Express, Fontographer, Glyphs and Adobe products such as Illustrator. There's some talk of great letters and techniques -- and we learn what drives him creatively. Bio: John Roshell ha...
Issue 22: Pioneering the digital landscape, font development, Astro City, and Elephantmen with John Roshell
March 01, 2021 00:47 - 53 minutes - 39.8 MBEva talks to legendary comic book letterer John Roshell. John has worked with DC and Marvel on comics in the past and was involved in defining the modern process for lettering in comics. John talks about how he got into lettering and the kind of tools he's used over the years, including some discussion on Quark Express, Fontographer, Glyphs and Adobe products such as Illustrator. There's some talk of great letters and techniques -- and we learn what drives him creatively. Bio: John Roshell ...
Issue #21: Underground Comics, children’s books, and writing from the human experience with Alex Schumacher
February 24, 2021 23:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBTalked to Alex Schumacher about his journey in comics, and the things that shape the way he sees comics, creativity, and the world. This interview runs pretty deep and explores syndicated comics, underground comics, the drive to create, politics, personal struggle, and living the creative life. Bio: Alex Schumacher is an author/illustrator whose list of work includes THE UNEMPLOYMENT ADVENTURES OF AQUALUNG graphic novel for Arcana Studios (2013), THE WORLD'S CRUMMIEST UMBRELLA picture book f...
Issue #20: Comics, technology, and the power of family with DC Hopkins
February 14, 2021 12:00 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBEva talks to letterer DC Hopkins about comics, freelancing, lettering, and the joys of family life. DC dives deep in the science and technology of modern lettering, providing advice on what the field looks like, the software involved, and the satisfaction of seeing a finished page up close. Bio: DC Hopkins is a professional letterer & designer working for clients such as AWA Studios, BOOM!, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dynamite, Heavy Metal, Humanoids, IDW, Image, Lion Forge/Oni, Scout, Vault, and ...
Issue #19: Exploring the joy of comics, telling stories for all ages, and comics in primary education with Ellie Egleton
February 10, 2021 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBEllie describes her journey with comics, and the joy of creating and selling her comics for an all-ages market. Ellie lives through the joy of comics, spreading it to the people she talks to, and children she teaches in primary school. It’s a positive and uplifting interview with an up and coming personality in the industry. Bio: The first comic book ever read to me was Batman #500. It was a time when Bruce Wayne was not wearing the cape and cowl. Since then, comic books have been at the hear...
Issue #18: Contemplating the multiverse, playing in hell, and bending the medium of comics with Mike Phillips
February 06, 2021 19:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBEva Talks to Mike Phillips about his work at the Sequart Organization, as well as his comics Necropolitan, and Tessellation. The conversation spans contemplating the multiverse, music, imagining hell, and the things that make Mike tick as a creative talent. We learn about his love of comics, and his teaching career, as well as insights about love, family, and storytelling. Bio: Mike Phillips is the editor-in-chief of Sequart Organization. He's produced books like Grant Morrison: The Early Yea...
Issue #17: Epilepsy awareness positivity overcoming adversity and telling your story in comics with Ryan Sawyer
February 03, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MBEva talks to Ryan Sawyer, creator of Lightning Monk about Epilepsy and disability awareness in comics, building an authentic story, and growing up with a chronic health condition. Ryan discusses going through life with his disability, and what inspired him to create the Lightning Monk comic book. He also talks about his philosophy, and the value of positivity, and tells stories about working in the printing and graphic design sectors, as well as being a full-time RV'er in Arizona. Bio: Ryan h...
Issue 16: Deconstruction, finding the redemptive curve, and the mechanics of great storytelling with David Pepose
January 30, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBEva talks with David Pepose. David is the writer of comics such as The O.z and Spencer and Locke. David talks about some of the inspiration behind his comics as well as his upcoming comic Scout's Honor. They cover the creative process and discuss David's beginnings as a reviewer and editor for Newsarama. Comic books and personal marketing ideas, as well as personal brand building, are also discussed. On this episode of the Titular Characters podcast, Eva talks with David Pepose! David is the ...
Issue #15: Inclusive RPG game design, storytelling frameworks, and making monsters with Jim Seals
January 24, 2021 19:00 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBEva is joined by writer and game designer Jim Seales. Jim is known for creating tabletop RPG games, as well as his work in academia. They discussed some of the challenges of building a modern RPG, how to have positive inclusivity within them and how Jim found himself working in the field. Jim discusses his inner superhero and gives us a taste of his superhero team with Jason Tondro. Do you want to get involved with the questions? Just follow Eva on Twitter @EvaIsAdorable and keep a lookout f...
Issue #14 Positivity, self-discovery, and learning to see the world through comics with Mikefox
January 18, 2021 19:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBFabulous interview with illustrator Mikefox about his work, and the personal journey of his life through comics. Bio: Mikefox is a digital illustrator and comics artist. They produce primarily queer and anthro themed work with a bend toward romance and sex positivity. Primarily the idea of explicit consent can be found in their work with Lt. Freya comix, an adult sci-fi space opera. Find Mikefox on Twitter @JenPallante https://twitter.com/JenPallante Find Mikefox's comics at www.spacesmutcomi...
Issue #13: Representation, the love of comics, and knowing your audience with Joe Glass
January 10, 2021 18:38 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBIt was fun to sit down and talk about comics with Joe Glass. We talked about comics, writing, the creative process, and effective queer representation. Don't tell Joe, but I fangirled a little. It's a really good show. Bio: Joe is a comics writer from the deepest, darkest South Wales Valleys in the UK. He is mostly known for his ComiXology Originals, LGBTQ+ superhero series, The Pride, Acceptable Losses and Glitter Vipers, all available now!Joe has worked in the past a comics news reporter a...
Issue #12: The Creative Process with Derek Moreland
December 27, 2020 21:41 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MBDerek Moreland, writer of Space is Awful stops by to talk about comics, writing, and the creative process. Bio: Derek Moreland *REMEMBER TO INSERT SELF DEPRECATING BUT HUMOROUS WITTICISM HERE* He lives in Texas. His novel, SONGWEAVER, is available on Kindle. His comic, SPACE IS AWFUL, is available on Comixology. He himself is available for parties. Links and other good stuff: Facebook: http://facebook.com/blahblahpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/blahblahpod Instagram: https://www.instagra...
Issue #11: Comics, Tv Nostalgia, and more with Doctor Comics
December 20, 2020 19:05 - 1 hour - 69.6 MBJason Tondro returns to talk about interesting, obscure, and progressive comics. We also talked about formative television, including The Greatest American Hero and more! Bio: Jason Tondro is a developer at Paizo, where he helps to make the Starfinder RPG. He’s a former English professor who has taught and written on comics, film, and the literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. He continues to write and design tabletop roleplaying games and is a huge nerd. Follow Jason on Twitter: http...
Issue 10: Doug Kayne, Comics, Improv Comedy, Teaching, and Heckling Sharks
December 14, 2020 04:52 - 1 hour - 29.1 MBHad a fabulous chat with Doug Kayne about comedy and comics! This one's a fun one to listen to. Bio: Doug Kayne is an award-winning improv comedian and one-third of the comedy trio, Those Four Misfits (http://ThoseFourMisfits.com). He has been performing improv comedy professionally in one form or another since 1994. In addition, he has created web series (”Turning the Page”, “Janey and Ira”), written a made-for-TV movie (”Romantic Comedy 101), and spent countless hours on the comedy st...
Issue 10: Doug Kayne, Comics, Improv Comedy, Teaching, and Heckling Sharks
December 14, 2020 04:52 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBHad a fabulous chat with Doug Kayne about comedy and comics! This one's a fun one to listen to. Bio: Doug Kayne is an award-winning improv comedian and one-third of the comedy trio, Those Four Misfits (http://ThoseFourMisfits.com). He has been performing improv comedy professionally in one form or another since 1994. In addition, he has created web series (”Turning the Page”, “Janey and Ira”), written a made-for-TV movie (”Romantic Comedy 101), and spent countless hours on the comedy stag...
Issue #9 - Murder Mystery Theater & The Trans Experience, Queer Media with Casper Oliver
December 13, 2020 01:31 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBHad an amazing talk about murder theater, the trans experience, and queer media with Casper Oliver. Bio: Casper Oliver (they/he), is a podcaster, actor, & writer. With the focus on building a platform for queer voices & talent and a passion for performing and entertainment, Casper focuses on creating queer-led projects within various genres, platforms, & audience levels. Find Casper at: https://instagram.com/casperolivervo/ https://patreon.com/jarofrebuke https://twitter.com/casperoliverVO h...
Issue #8: Talking Animation, Star Trek, Politics, and Doctor Who with Josh MacPhearson
December 05, 2020 01:55 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBSat down with my pal Josh MacPhearson to nerd out, and cover a variety of nerdy topics, ranging from the mechanics of large scale animation, to non-binary representation in science fiction today with author, animator, and creative genius Josh MacPhearson, creator of the Mysterious Mrs. E and owner of the NJ4k youtube channel. Find out more about Josh at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRwxE9hCt_acUBjNvQ_XmQ And keep up with the Mysterious Mrs. E at https://www.facebook.com/themysteriousmrs...
Issue #7: Comics, Coming Out, and Building LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Spaces in Fandom with Rhi Spawn
December 02, 2020 00:06 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBStreamer, content creator, and prolific interviewer Rhi Spawn joins the Titular Characters family with an amazing conversation about media, building queer-friendly spaces in comics, coming out, quantum computing, and the right music to have someone play as they follow you through the grocery store. She was charming, and the show was awesome. Check it out. Check out Rhi's youtube channel, I freaking love comics on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP8OZilXmMWX7js6HEc5ocw --- Support...
Issue #6 Costumes, The Immortal Hulk, Astrocity, and more with Special Guest Kurt Onstad
November 26, 2020 10:01 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBKurt Onstad from the Welcome Geektown Podcast joined us to talk about superhero costumes, what he's reading, and the comics he enjoys. Find Kurt on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GeektownPodcast Welcome to Geektown's website can be found at https://www.welcome2geektown.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/titular-characters/support
Issue #5 Talking Comics, and stuff we're Reading with Ren Chandler
November 13, 2020 17:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBHad an amazing talk with comic book fan, blogger, and film historian Ren Chandler, where we talked about comics, the MCU, trans issues, and more. Follow Ren on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ren_Chandler4 Read her blog at: https://confessionsclutteredmind.blogspot.com/ Eva's original interview with Ren: https://youtu.be/-6UpyIWNfXU --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/titular-characters/support
Issue #4: Superhero Costumes, Politics, and Color Theory with Jason Tondro
November 07, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBIn this issue, we're going to talk about superhero costumes, the world, technology, and what it's like to teach a course about comics in academia. This one's full of thrills and chills and prescient insights about the way comics work! Follow Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctorcomics [ICONS]The Super Villain Handbook Deluxe Edition https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/181639/ICONSThe-Super-Villain-Handbook- Deluxe-Edition Superheroes of the Round Table: Comics Connections to M...
Issue #3, The Honor of Attribution with Brian Frye
November 01, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBSat down and had a remarkably insightful conversation with Brian Frye. Wherein we talked about the mechanics of plagiarism in academia, ghostwriting, intellectual property, the power of tradition, and the most effective ways of submitting your papers to law journals. Had a really good time. We hope you enjoy it. For more information about Brian Frye: He can be found on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/brianlfrye He recommends reading his scholarly papers at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/...
Issue #1: Comics, Intellectual Property Popular Myth with Zack Vine
October 28, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 29.4 MBZack and I discussed intellectual property, comics, and the power of the things we love. In this episode, we talked about Superman, Spider-man, Captain Marvel, The Thunder Agents, Squirrel Girl, Sandman, the Punisher, and more.
Issue #2: What is the Power of your Story? An interview with David Avallone
October 28, 2020 16:00 - 1 hour - 96.4 MBWe did this absolutely fantastic interview with David Avallone. We covered a lot of ground, ranging from the craft and art of comic book writing to the elements that make films memorable. David was charming, thoughtful, and laugh out loud funny. David can be found on twitter at: https://twitter.com/DAvallone His website: http://www.davidavallonefreelance.com/Home.html The cover art this week is by https://twitter.com/EmpressLuxiva --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/titular-charac...