?????????: Recent Episodes
R. Alan Brooks
The MotherF**cker In A Cape podcast series is an informal chat moderated by R. Alan Brooks (writer & co-creator of The Burning Metronome comic book) and Jordan Froelich (the comics guru at Mutiny Information Cafe). We talk with comic book creators, nerd activists and key figures from areas of geek culture that aren't often explored. Geek culture is everywhere! MFIAC looks at where we can all fit into it.
Actor and comedian John Leguizamo talks about his graphic novel, "Ghetto Klown", in part 2 of my "Countdown to DINK" episodes. He also discusses how he's learned to deal with rejection in Hollywood, and what kind of art makes him feel alive. Recorded at DINK 2018! Don't forget to check www.dinkdenver.com for this year's line up!
James O'Barr, the creator of The Crow, talks with me, in the 1st of my "Countdown to DINK" episodes. This interview is from DINK 2018, and James and I discuss his new projects, why he doesn't have any internet at home, and what it was like to grow up in an orphanage. Plus, James does a Q & A with the audience!
I talk with writer Pat Shand (Afterglow, Prison Witch, Breathless) and artist Emily Pearson (The Wilds, Cult Classic: Zero Short). They discuss their upcoming comic from Black Mask Studios, Snap Flash Hustle, which Pat describes as "Breaking Bad by way of Sex In The City". It's about a ring of Instagram models who run drugs, and it's a dope read! (Pun intended!) Check it out!
Legendary comics creator, Alan Davis (artist of X-Men, X-Factor, ClanDestine, Captain Britain, and too many others to name), talks with me about what motivates his art, what he thinks of British royalty, and how present day comics have lost his attention. We also bond over the jacked-up ways that people spell "Alan". :)
Prolific comics creator Vita Ayala, writer of Wonder Woman, The Wilds, and Batman Beyond, talks with me about how they learned that Wonder Woman wasn't Puerto Rican, how they broke into the comics industry, and how they overcome self-doubt as a writer. Vita was cool as hell to talk to, so check this one out!
In this episode, I talk with two black men in the geek world (at Wizard World Iowa): Papa Bear, a talented cosplayer and activist, and Dale Campbell, the creator of animated series for children, which he uses to share his faith. Both of these gentlemen have significant things to say about their art, and how they use it to build community and effect change. So check it out!
I talk with the founders of Stranger Comics: Sebastian Jones, Darrell May and Joshua Cozine. We discuss what it takes for them to create a rich fantasy world in their comics, with black characters up front! We also talk about the debacle of the Legion of Superheroes character, Tyroc. Ha, you'll have to check that out for yourself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyroc This interview was right after Denver Comic Con 2018, at Mutiny Information Cafe. Remember to support Stranger Comics' latest Kickstarter, starting September 20th: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1182319554/1183580091?ref=484825&token=f2a99888 This interview also features my brother, Mason, who remains mysteriously silent until the end, when he feels moved to ask a question: https://ravencliffmedia.com
The legendary Nichelle Nichols and I discuss her career - as an actress and a musician, as well as some of the cultural impact of her work on Star Trek, and what's been most important to her. (You can see video of this interview at Nerdteam30.com, filmed by Parish Media LLC). Thanks to Zuzana Korda for facilitating this interview, and to Jerry Milani at Wizard World Iowa for helping to make it possible as well!
I speak with Marvel Comics artist Alitha Martinez, about her journey from being a child in a Latin family in Florida, to becoming an artist who has drawn some of the most popular characters in comics! We discuss some of her struggles with breaking through the "boy's club" of the 1990s comics industry. In her 20 year career, she's drawn everything from Black Panther to Batgirl, and she's continuing with her own series, Foreign, which you'll hear about here! http://www.ariotstorm.com/
I had a fun conversation with Charisma Carpenter (Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel), for a few moments at this year’s Wizard World Comic Con in Des Moines, IA. We talked about what motivates her as an artist, what kind of roles she finds fulfilling, and the charities she supports. We also discussed what lessons she learned for her own life during the years she played Cordelia on Buffy, and why she avoids hugs from strangers.
I sit down with Supernatural's Lisa Berry, to discuss everything from natural hair to Shakespeare, to what it means if you're black and haven't watched Black Panther yet. Recorded at Wizard World Comic Con Des Moines, through a collaboration with Nerd Team 30, this conversation with Lisa felt like I was chatting with an old friend, and her generous enthusiasm shined through. Check it out! Additional help on this episode was provided by Maia Parish of Parish Media, and a special thanks to Jerry Milani at Wizard World!
Renowned comics writer Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Wonder Woman, Batman) joins me in a bar, at Phoenix Comic Fest, for a conversation about everything from asshole vegans, to political extremism, to how important it is to be able to write characters who have viewpoints you don't agree with. We hear a bit about some of his upcoming work with DC Comics, and the advice that he gives younger writers there. Plus, we learn what questions NOT to ask him, because he hears them ALL THE TIME. So check it out!
Prolific writer Pat Shand (Van Helsing, Avengers & Guardians of The Galaxy novels) talks with me via phone. We discuss Afterglow, his new comic book with artist K. Lynn Smith (which has a Kickstarter campaign happening right now! Make sure to go support it!). We discuss how he broke into comics, how not to be an asshole to comics creators, and we also talk about some hip-hop shit! Check it out!
I sit down again with the founders of the Arise Music Festival, Paul Bassis and Tierro Lee, to discuss how a music festival can be full of art, meaning and activism. Paul and Tierro talk about some of their plans for this year's festival, some of the social justice components that'll be involved, and what they want people to get out of attending Arise. I'll be hosting the Main Stage at Arise this year again, over my birthday weekend, so come celebrate with me! Check it all out at www.arisefestival.com
In episode 3 of this special 3 part series examining sexual harassment, I speak with three men about times that they've harassed women, and what it took for them to realize that what they did was wrong. Two of these men didn't realize what they were doing at the time, but the third man talks about being raised to believe that harassing women was his right. We also learn how he came to change his views on this topic. Don't for forget to check out parts 1 & 2 of this series, where we talk with an anti-harassment expert, and women who've endured harassment.
In episode 2 of this special 3 part series examining sexual harassment, two women share their experiences with sexual harassment, and their perspectives on what motivates it. Their stories are very different, which provides an interesting range of experiences with this topic. Don't miss part 3 of this series, where I interview men who've harassed women, and learn what he hell they were thinking!
In episode 1 of this special 3 part series examining sexual harassment, anti-harassment trainer Sarah J. Berg talks with us about the legal definition of harassment. She also discusses strategies for fighting it, both as an individual and a community. (Also, her favorite comic character turns 40 this year.) Don't miss parts 2 & 3 of this series, coming each week! I learned some important things, and I imagine you will too.
Thea J. Hunt, who was on our "Ideas Ain't Shit" episode, has finally finished her comic book, "Amelia"! I take a few minutes to talk with her about finishing, and what it feels like for her to be premiering her comic book at DINK Comics and Art Expo!
Comics creators Thea Hunt and Dailen Ogden discuss the struggles that all artists face to move their projects from ideas to completion, and what they're doing to overcome those struggles.
Indie comics creators KARL CHRISTIAN KRUMPHOLZ (http://karlchristiankrumpholz.com/) and ALEX GRAHAM (http://www.alexngraham.com/) discuss their comics, the idea of using comics to tell stories that don't involve super-heroes, and how they got into comics!