Portrait of an Editor: Recent Episodes
Antix Press
Portrait of an Editor interviews comic book editors from around the world. During it we discuss an editor’s origin story, mentors, tricks of the trade, and the people skills and unique creativity an editor brings to his or her job.
SDCC2023, Barcon, John Byrne, COVID, BARNSTORMERS, Fabio Moon, and we spent some serious time discussing all the covers for DSTRLY's Devil's Cut and how they came to be. (FYI - This was recorded a bit before the SAG-AFTRA strike.)
Robyn Chapman discusses her work on First Second's release of HOMICIDE: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, which is an adaptation of David Simon's nonfiction book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, which also was the source material for the award-winning TV show Homicide: Life on the Streets.Robyn provides some great info on the unique journey Philippe Squarzoni's detailed adaptation took from the States to France and back. She also details all the hard work the First Second crew did to realize this impressive two-part graphic novel.
My quick tour of Marvel's Avengers Heroes office wraps up. This time I talked with Annalise Bissa about her career's progress from intern to editor. By discussing her background, mentors, and various responsibilities at the House of Ideas for the past few years, she provides an excellent overview of how her take on editing has developed.
At NYCC 2022, I reconnected with Heavy Metal's executive editor Joseph Illidge. We talked about George Perez's takes on Scarlet Witch and Wonder Woman, the deaths that hit the industry in 2022, and the exciting future for Heavy Metal with its partnership with Whatnot Publishing which launches in February.
Here's my sixth NYCC 2022 interview. I caught up with Greg Lockard about his editing work with James Tynion. We got a bit fanboy over Michael Avon Oeming's work with James on BLUE BOOK. We also discuss how an editor can help a creator avoid burnout, Greg's agenda for NYCC 2022, and how he approaches pitching to editors.
Here's my fifth NYCC 2022 interview. I caught up with Tyler Jennes, who works with Will Dennis and Scott Snyder. Tyler provided an update on the Wytches TV show at Amazon and his professional agenda for a convention like New York Comic Con.
Here's my fourth interview from New York Comic Con 2022. This time I talked with Sandy King, founder of Storm King Comics. I apologize for the sound on this one. Still, I had to release it for Halloween. Happy Halloween, everyone!
Here's the third conversation I had while at New York Comic Con. The last time I talked with TKO's Editor-in-Chief, Sebastian Girner, was in January 2021 so we caught up. In addition to today's new chat, there are three previous interviews with Sebastian still available for free.
Here's the second interview I did during New York Comic Con 2022.
This time I talk with Pornsak Pichetshote about a bunch of things, including THE GOOD ASIAN's Harvey Awards win for Book of the Year.
I took Portrait of an Editor on the road to New York Comic Con. It gave me the chance to catch up with previous guests on the podcast and see what they were doing at the con and beyond. First up-- IDW's Senior Editor Heather Antos.
For this quick drop, I talked with Will Dennis about the panel he's hosting at NYCC 2022. I hope to see some of our listeners there.
Will's panel: HOW (NOT) TO SUCCEED IN COMICS (Without Really Trying!)
Friday 10/7/22 6:30 to 7:30:00
Industry 1-C03
Speakers: Will Dennis, Scott Snyder, Cliff Chiang, Stephanie Phillips, Brian Azzarello, and Pornsak Pichetshote
For this quick drop, I talked with Will Dennis about the panel he's hosting at NYCC 2022. I hope to see some of our listeners there.
Will's panel: HOW (NOT) TO SUCCEED IN COMICS (Without Really Trying!)
Friday 10/7/22 6:30 to 7:30:00
Industry 1-C03
Speakers: Will Dennis, Scott Snyder, Cliff Chiang, Stephanie Phillips, Brian Azzarello, and Pornsak Pichetshote
In CROPPED #19, Will Dennis and I chat with designer and letterer extraordinaire Jared Fletcher about working with Cliff Chiang, maintaining a 12-hour workday, and how the Joe Kubert School prepped him for the tech changes that hit the comic book industry. We also talk about ink saturation, how his job relates to what tech printers are using, and his workday schedule.
Finally, I find out who decides where word balloons go on the page.
This episode is a companion to the chat Will and I had with colorist Lee Loughridge in CROPPED #17.
My talk with Eric Harburn of BOOM! Studios covers on his adventures at 2022's San Diego Comic-Con, specifically his first Hall H experience, which was a doozy. We discuss how Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, and the rest of the creative team work together to get BRZRKR out. We also talk about the first moves on the development of Something Is Killing the Children, the reasons behind his promotion to executive editor, and not being frightened of ending a series when the time is right.
Will and I talk about the Eisner wins for THE GOOD ASIAN and SNOW ANGELS and his overall experience at San Diego Comic-Con 2022. He also hints at a few future projects and his plan to get an open bar at the Eisners.
Derf Backderf and I dive into the making of KENT STATE and the skill-building and knowledge of the comic book medium he developed that made it possible for him to produce such a complex and comprehensive OGN.
Regarding KENT STATE and MY FRIEND DAHMER, we talk about how he used the medium to create unseen moments. We also cover how he protects his physical and mental health while working on such dark topics, and look at today's social and political turmoil through the lens of the Kent State events in 1970.
Finally, we talk about the right-wing cultural warriors' attacks on MY FRIEND DAHMER, libraries, and LGBTQ themed graphic novels.
After two years, I catch up with Kiara Valdez, and we talk how an editor works to get a promotion in traditional publishing. We also cover the changes in payouts to talent, why they were stretched out, how the long tail benefits creators and publishers, and getting payments to creators—finally, we nerd out over the MCU's Moon Knight and Scarlet Witch.
Alex Antone and I discuss the freedom that comes with editing "second tier" series, his work on the Arrowverse line of comics, his mentors, Mark Chiarello and Ben Abernathy, and the differences in editing a DC Comic vs. an Image Comic. Also, we dig into what makes a Skybound and Skybound Comet comic and how Alex went about launching a new line in the YA market. Finally, he passes along the best way to fix a cover.
Not only do Duane Swierczynski and Sandy King talk about Duane's CIVILIANS, the new entry to the monthly anthology series--John Carpenter's Tales of Science Fiction. They also discuss how their working relationship has evolved and the insight into humanity needed to make science fiction work.
Morgan Rosenblum, Managing Editor and Art Director of Heavy Metal Magazine, and I talk about the organization, communication, and timing it takes to deliver a monthly anthology magazine like Heavy Metal. Then, in the second part, Jonny Handler, Morgan's writing and business partner, join us to talk about their series STABLE, which is available now, and WINDS OF NUMA SERA from Dark Horse which you can preorder now.
Will Dennis and I talk with one of the best and busiest colorists in the comics-- Lee Loughridge. We cover everything from his day-to-day and monthly schedules, creating a palette for a new series, the physical toll of coloring, the early days of digital coloring, and working at home.
In my talk with Fabrice Sapolsky, we discuss what it takes to get an issue of Mutiny out, cover his productive relationship with Diamond, what he's learned from Kickstarter campaigns, the importance of relationships in comics, and all the exciting things he has packed into issue 2 of Mutiny.
MUTINY MAGAZINE #2 drops this month. Retailers should start receiving it the week 3/23. You can also purchase it directly from FairSquare Comics via their website.
We cover a lot here, but it all branches out from Joe Illidge's personal history with Heavy Metal and how it has all paid off in the present with him as the magazine's executive editor.
Along with traveling down magazine memory lane as we talk about Marvel's Bizarre Adventure, Epic Illustrated, and The Savage Sword of Conan, we also discuss Dwayne McDuffie's take on character driven stories, and the effect of COVID and supply chain challenges on Heavy Metal's production.
Finally, as executive editor, Joe reveals what he would like to see more of in Heavy Metal.
Will Dennis and I discuss how winter affects his editing and how it sets up the rest of his year when it comes to editing projects. We also discuss how to hold onto real estate in comic book stores, how to deal with breaks in publishing schedules, and the brave new world of comic book writers showrunning TV shows. Also, Will talks about what he's looking forward to reading in 2022. And I call The Mandalorian boring.
Paul Goodenough, the mastermind behind The Most Important Comic Book on Earth, and Sarah Florence Lord, an editor on the anthology, join Portrait of an Editor for a second discussion about this vital anthology and the Rewriting Extinction campaign to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
Sarah discusses the medium of webcomics and their role in the comic book's success and the campaign's messaging. Paul talks about his philosophy of change, the many people who donated time to the anthology, and the impact it has already had on our planet.
Here's the first of two interviews about the anthology graphic novel, The Most Important Comic Book on Earth: Stories To Save The World.
In this interview, I talk with Michael Perlman, Tyler Jennes & Will Dennis about their work and the rest of the editorial team's work on the anthology. We cover the mechanics of getting such a huge project up and running on the editorial side. How their work on earlier anthologies prepared them for this project, and the impact they are hoping The Most Important Comic Book on Earth will have on its audience and the world.
In September, I talked with Greg Lockard about his experiences with Substack and several new series he’s editing for Image. However, it took me a while to post that interview, so I am having some fun with a sort of year-end following up to see how his various endeavors have evolved since we first talked.
Also, thank you for listening and your support throughout 2021. Downloads pretty much doubled over 2021, so please keep up the listening and word of mouth.
With Image Comics's staff organizing the Comic Book Workers United and new calls for DC Comics and Marvel to fairly compensate creators whose imaginations fuel their money-making franchises, the need for fair pay and just fair play has never been more serious.
In this special episode, I talk with Dexter Adriano and Roger Ghaman, two film and TV editors from IATSE local 700, about their recent experience in the historic negotiations and strike vote during IATSE negotiations with Hollywood production companies and what type of role their union has played in their lives.
We dive into Editor-in-Chief Adrian Wassel's reasons for living in different locations of the United States and how they inform his outlook, his creativity with both the written word and visuals, and energize his overall approach to editing comics. We also discuss his philosophies toward word building, how to knock a character out of their comfort zone, and Vault's overall take on the genres they publish. There's a lot of great stuff here regarding what makes a Vault Comic.
Greg Lockard and I talked for PoE at the start of September, then local politics took over my life, but our talk is still timely, especially with Image employees forming a union. We also cover the loss of talent because a career in comics is rarely financially sustainable. Then we discuss his work with James Tynion under the new Substack deal and how that has changed his approach to editing.
It's dropping a bit later than I wanted it to, but Will Dennis fills me in on all the things I missed at New York Comic-Con 2021.
Pornsak Pichetshote and Will Dennis discuss their work on Image Comics' THE GOOD ASIAN. They look back at their days at Vertigo and how that time established their approach to storytelling today.
We also covered what made a successful pitch for a Vertigo series, talked about the development of the mystery aspect of THE GOOD ASIAN, Pornsak's writing habits, and the other talented members of the series' creative team.
In this episode, I have a great conversation with Tyler Jennes, who has been working in comics for about a year and a half as Will Dennis’s Assistant.
In this Q & A, Tyler talks about his origin story and how he got his assistant editing gig with Will. We also talk about writing solicitation copy, how his film school experience translated over to being an editor, the intimacy of comics vs. other mediums, and his work on the upcoming anthology of REWRITING EXTINCTION.
Will Dennis and I go full-on fanboy as we discuss John Byrne's work and what it meant to us as fans years ago and means to us as pros today. Will reflects on the inspiration that is Byrne's work. We guess a bit at his work ethic and learn a bit about Joe Kubert's. Also, Will rhapsodizes about his favorite panel-- the silhouette shot.
This week Scott Snyder announced a big deal with ComiXology, so I gave Will Dennis, the deal's editor, a call to extract more info about it all. We cover everything from Dark Horse's role to Scott's vision of the future of comics.
Here's my third and final interview with one of the folks from Random House Graphic. This time I reconnect with RHG's Senior Editor Whitney Leopard. I spoke with Whitney for the first time about a year ago, and you can still find that interview in the show's catalog. This time we talk about the changes RHG has gone through since its launch during the pandemic, how that has changed her approach to picking up new titles, maintaining a creator's vision, and we talk a bit about all the new RHG titles coming out.
For July's Portrait of an Editors, I'm shining the POE spotlight on some of the folks at Random House Graphic. This is the second of three interviews, and for this one, I had a chance to talk with the company's Publishing Director, Gina Gagliano. She covers everything from her start in publishing at First Second Books to creating and running the day-to-day of RHG and other things like designing covers and being part of a big publishing house.
For the next three episodes of Portrait of an Editor, I'm interviewing the folks at Random House Graphic.
Typically, I work my way through a publisher's editing team haphazardly, but this time I get to train what's left of my focus on back-to-back interviews of the folks at RHG.
Up first is Patrick Crotty, who is RHG's Senior Designer. We run through his approach to designing covers, working with editors and creators, and the Swedish comics scene.
Alex and I reminisce over our five-year run on DECADES OF (in)EXPERIENCE. He also talks about his mentor Morrie Turner. But, more importantly, we talk about his relaunch of the MR. BUTTERCHIPS published via SLG Publishing. It's a new weekly run of insanity and is hilarious and a must-checks-out at the SLG site.
Will Dennis and I discuss the creation of SNOW ANGELS by Jeff Lemire and Jock published by ComiXology.
First, a warning, there are a couple of f-bombs when Tom Brevoort is talking about Tom DeFalco’s advice. Along with discussing advice from DeFalco, we cover a lot, including Mark Gruenwald's persona and his signature editorial style, what made a Julie Schwartz comic, Tom's days as a Marvel intern, and his approach to problem solving. This interview packs in a lot.
I first met Lysa Hawkins at 2018's New York Comic Con 2018. She had just joined valiant Comics then. Three years later and a pandemic, I finally get to talk to her about her career from when she first started in the Marvel Bullpen to her present as Senior Editor at Valiant. We also discuss the status of Valiant Comics, and Anthony Bourdain's comics.
Brian and I discuss the origins of the new DC Comics' CRIME SYNDICATE mini-series. We talk plots vs. scripts and why he feels there's an upside to using a plot in this collaborative medium, especially when giving artists choices. Finally, he reveals what he learned from Paul Levitz when it comes to writing and juggling the massive cast of The Legion of Super-Heroes.
It was a lot of fun talking with Desiree Rodriquez. Of course, we talked about editing, including encouraging artists to get out of their comfort zone, email vs. phone calls when it comes to communicating and keeping continuity straight in Lion Forge's Catalyst Universe. More importantly, we just had a lot of fun geeking out over George Perez's work on the New Teen Titans.
Adam and I delve into the making of the anthology THE GOOD FIGHT. He reflects on editing a comic for the first time, and his new perspective on what it takes to be an editor. And I geek out a bit with him about Spider-Woman. For the completist listening, this interview pairs well with the Portrait of an Editor interview with Michael Perelman. We talk about THE GOOD FIGHT there too.
I reconnect with Chuck Austen to discuss his new Comixilogy series EDGEWORLD, full scripts, working with editor Bis Stringer Horne, how Patrick Olliffe approaches acting in his art, and the upside of limitations.
Will Dennis and I discuss various political comics. Also, Will talks about his work on Vertigo's DMZ and Image Comics' UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY and how he navigates editing a series that directly reflects our modern political environment.
We talk location, location, location, and how it may or may affect publishing. Micro vs. macro losses when it comes to the damage done by COVID to New York City. Alex provides a great explanation of how to deliver notes to creators and how his time at The Beat informed his editing approach. There's also some Moon Knight appreciation.
We talk about the importance of color in his work, illustrating covers, leaving room for the fortunate mistake, dealing with the physical demands of drawing, and of course, his image series with Matt Fraction, ADVENTUREMAN.
Sebastian Girner is back to talk about TKO-Studios’ Third Wave, which is available now. We also talk about his very cool Vault Comics' The Devil’s Red Bride, which he wrote. We dive in to his process, Sanpei Shirato's influence, working with an editor, pitching to artists and publishers and how he balances writing with being TKO's Editor-in-Chief. Sebastian provides some really great detail on his approach to writing so this interview is great for the editors and writers out there.
Will Dennis and I look back and look into the future in this CROPPED. He also talks pasts and futures with Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Scott Snyder, and Rick Remender.
THE GOOD FIGHT and WHERE WE LIVE are two massive anthologies addressing two critical issues of our time. You might have seen Michael Perlman's name in connection to them as a managing editor. Today Michael and I discuss his job in making sure these anthologies and others come together and arrive on time. We go fanboy talking about Mike Grell, and how genuinely great the comic book anthology format is.
I reconnect with Denton Tipton and see what he's up to nowadays with Heavy Metal's new imprint, Magma Comix. Along with that, we talk about how he approaches writing with an eye to making the world a better place, how genres fit into that approach, pitching, working with Butch Guice, and we reminisce about Mike Grell's amazing Jon Sable.
Seeing no one could attend New York Comic-Con this year and I couldn't get my usual short interviews, I'm reaching out to some of the folks I know I would have talked to that weekend.
In this episode, I have a great talk with friend of the podcast and Boom! Studio's editor extraordinaire, Dafna Pleban. We cover SEVEN SECRETS and THE POWER RANGERS and talk about how vital Darwyn Cooke's THE NEW FRONTIER is to her when editing superhero comics.
Finally, I get what Dafna thought of the GODFATHER TRILOGY, which she just saw for the first time.
In this new interview, I talk with Bis Stringer Horne, whose credits include comiXology's EDGEWORLD and FUNNY CREEK. We talk about the importance of empathy, the excellent Thought Bubble Festival, comiXology, and their mentors, Will Dennis, Chip Mosher, and Tula Lotay.
Will Dennis and I talk about all things horror comics in this episode and why it is an evergreen genre for the comics medium. Happy Halloween, everyone!
We talk about the Kickstarter campaign Will Dennis just wrapped up for Scott Snyder and Tony Daniel's NOCTERRA. Where does Kickstarter fit in this brave new world?
In my second conversation about Titan's release of "The Cutting Edge," I talk with Titan editor, Jake Devine, about the steps he took to become an editor, Marvel's "The Ultimates", the status of Statix Press, and, of course, "The Cutting Edge." Remember, it is available for pre-order this month through Diamond's Previews.
Mario talks about his work and how it has evolved over the years and his love of Spider-Man. We also talk translations, especially the English translation of The Cutting Edge for Titan Comic/Statix Press release. Remember, The Cutting Edge is available for order this month.
Here's a quick catch up with Eduardo Ancer, editor on Aztlán, which is wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign in the next twenty-four hours.
It's fully funded, but they're trying to get to 1,100 backers to release that incentive. Check it out at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aztlan/aztlan-graphic-novel
We catch up on the status of editing for Will Dennis and talk about what things look like for 2021. For our main topic, we talk about what it's like to take over an established series' editorial reins and how even a dream job can get a bit rote.
Bonus Episode! Fabrice Sapolsky and TC Harris talk about their new anthology, NOIR IS THE NEW BLACK. It's on Kickstarter, and the campaign ends Thursday, August 21.
We discuss the best way to approach acquisitions, the old rules that govern publishing, burnout, how people can or cannot advance their careers, and her use of Twitter.
We start off talking about inking and take off from there. Even though Pornsak has moved on to screenwriting, he talks a lot about his love for the controlled chaos of editing, Karen Berger's influence, motivating talent, and helping Frank Quietly survive the production of WE3 and the excellent Unknown Soldier series by Dysart and Poticelli.
Heather and I discuss 2020's con season, internships, the art of asking, working with Declan Shalvey, and her obsession with true crime.
Not only do we discuss the status of BAD IDEA, we also have a great conversation about the financial pressures of working in comics, and would a union help?
In part one of this deep dive interview, Warrens Simons covers his days at Marvel and Valiant, including the vetting process to get hired, absorbing the skills it takes to be a great editor, and relaunching the Valiant Universe.
Will Dennis and I talk about our encounters with Denny O'Neil and his influence on editing. Also, we deep dive into one of Denny's greatest editorial successes--Batman Year One.
I catch up with Frank Gogol about his new mini-series NO HEROINE, which Source Point Press plans to publish on June 24.
As a matter of fact, the Final Order Cutoff for issue 1 is Friday, May 29.
We also talk about studying the narrative of various video games, James Bond, does the presence of an editor allow a writer to take more risks, and rave about the magic colorist bring to comics.
Whitney provides an excellent overview of her evolution as an editor and a glimpse into the system that BOOM! Studios has established for its editors. Also, we talk about the mindset and approach needed to edit kids and YA graphic novels for Random House Graphic. Finally, we geek out about the X-Men.
Will Dennis and I talk about the multiple issues facing the rest of the 2020 convention season and how it's a hit, not only to the bank accounts of creators and publishers but also to the slow burn of creativity that happens at cons, which leads to new titles. We also present a possible way to fill the vacuum.
We spend a good amount of time talking about Hannah's approach to editing Graphic Novels. Also, discuss the superhero genre and its various evolutions, and Hannah’s stint at Heavy Metal where she unleashed the hilarious "Soft Wood" magazine.
TKO’s Editor-in-Chief Sebastian Girner and I talk about TKO's Wave Two, his editing approach, Wave 3 and much more. FYI--TKO now dedicates 50% of the Purchase Price to your Comic Retailer of Choice from any Purchases you make off TKO’s Site.Go to TKO Presents.com for Details.
Will Dennis and I recorded this episode on Friday, 3/27/20. In the week since then, my pie-in-the-sky attitude has taken a severe beating. However, as we talked, Will does present some compelling ideas for how comics could regroup and help out retailers after we get through this pandemic.