Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Dana Simpson (Part 1)

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We start a new conversation this week, this time talking to Dana Simpson, creator of “Ozy and Millie” (now Ozy and Milo), and the NYT Bestselling “Phoebe & Her Unicorn.”  This first part starts with her education, then her work on family-friendly “Ozy and Millie” and the political cartoon called “I Drew This.”

Head Unicorn herself, Dana Simpson

Normal? I don’t think so, but hey, who’d want to be that?

Walt Kelly was an influence? You don’t say…

First published almost exactly 19 years ago. Sigh. It’s just too true.

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Judd Winick (Part 3; Finale)

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We wrap up my interview with Judd Winick by starting on his decision to bring back Jason Todd (the 2nd Robin) from the dead as The Red Hood, then move on to his work during the New 52 at DC, the animated shows he worked on, and finally get to his decade-plus work writing and drawing the Hilo series of books. But first, a remembrance for another comics book professional who left us too soon.

Graphic novel and original movie: Judd wrote both.

The Jeff Smith quote is particularly apropos, considering how he helped inspire the series.

The show that Judd created, mixing mythology and modern adventure. (Yes, he calls out Buffy as an influence…)

R.I.P. Peter David (wearing a “Multiple Man” t-shirt, another character he redefined)

Welcome to Geektown Interviews (Judd Winick; Part 2)

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In this 2nd of three parts of my interview with Judd Winick, we talk about his time on The Real World, the doors that opened and how he grew as a storyteller from writing about his experiences, leading to his comic book work for DC (and a little Marvel).

I can spend that extra three cents. Give me the lowdown, Frump.

I can’t recommend reading this enough. One of the great autobiographical works, especially in graphic novel form.

Yeah, he’s basically a superhero. But no tights.

Well, there’s that song stuck in my head for a while…

Welcome to Geektown Interviews (Judd Winick; Part 1)

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Starting at the very beginning of Judd Winick’s life, part one of this interview continues through to his college days, the value of an art education, and his early comic strip, “Nuts & Bolts.”

The Unflappable Judd Winick. (Seriously, there’s no flapping this guy)

A collection of some of Judd’s early work. Good luck finding a copy!

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Darick Robertson (Part 3; Finale)

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In this final part of my interview with Darick Robertson, we start by discussing his work with Garth Ennis and a couple of other writers for a second stint at Marvel, then move on to Happy and The Boys, the latter of which you’ll hear how Darick has been involved in the adaptation process.  Finally we look to Darick’s future work, some of which actually involves going to his distant past.

Frank Castle, Vietnam War veteran. (From Punisher: Born)

Warning: This does not end well for Hughie (but worse for her…)

Well, more of a donkey/unicorn/pegasus hybrid (or donkey/alicorn hybrid if you really want to get technical).

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Darick Robertson (Part 2)

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In part two of this three-part interview, we mostly focus on The New Warriors run that was Darick’s first regular gig at Marvel, and then move into more of his creator-owned work, as well as discussing the differences between collaborating vs writing and drawing all on his own.

As mentioned in the pre-show introduction, please visit somanyofus.com to understand further why I felt it necessary to preface our discussion of his work with Warren Ellis.

The opening image I mention near the beginning of the interview.

Artwork from that same issue used in the original Marvel logo before the 2001 Spider-Man (among others).

From my personal collection, an image commissioned for me by Darick back in 1999, coincidentally combining the two main books we discuss in this episode.

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Darick Robertson (Part 1)

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In this first part of my interview with legendary artist Darick Robertson, we cover his early love of comics and drawing, how he got his first creator-owned comic book, Space Beaver, published, and how that led into his first bit of work for Marvel and DC.

The guest of honor, Darick, joining me in a Zoom meeting.

Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. Young Darick had good taste.

Fortunately, “Ten-Buck Comics” was just the company’s name.

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: J.M. DeMatteis (Pt 2; Finale)

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The last of the rerun episodes, as I wrap up my interview with J.M. DeMatteis. We talk Moonshadow, the Bwah-Ha-Ha era of JLI, his animation work, and other parts of his career.

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: J.M. DeMatteis (Pt 1)

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Before we start any new interviews (the first of which is already recorded…), we have a repeat of part 1 of my interview with legendary author J.M. DeMatteis, starting at the beginning and going through to the genre-defining “Kraven’s Last Hunt.” (Part 2 next week, or can still be found in the archives)

J.M. DeMatteis (Don’t worry. Proper pronunciation is the first question)

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Evan Skolnick (Pt 2)

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Continuing the re-run of older interviews in anticipation of the new interview format of the show, here’s part two of my talk with Evan Skolnick, focusing on his time with Marvel, and especially as the writer of the New Warriors.

Welcome to Geektown Interviews: Evan Skolnick (Pt 1)

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We’re re-running the interview episodes that have already aired in anticipation of the new interview format for the show. First up, Evan Skolnick: writer, editor, and professor of video games!

But first, an apology...

My first interview (well, for this podcast. My very first interview was with Megan Mullaly, but I don’t have those tapes)

An example of Evan’s self-deprecating humor, as he created Khaos, then sent him up the river in this roast…

A comparison of pre-computer coloring (left), and Marvel’s first computer colored book (right). Many more gradients, and that was just the start…