Direct Edition

Steve Skroce From Designing The Matrix To Tales Of Wonder, A Journey From Comics To Hollywood And Back!

Cartoonist Steve Skroce joins Dave to discuss Tales of Wonder, his new five-issue series with Image comics. Skroce shares how comedic films like Galaxy Quest and Tropic Thunder shaped the book's DNA, the creative falling out that inspired its themes, and why creative collaboration is always worth protecting. The two discuss Skroce’s years storyboarding all four Matrix films with the Wachowskis, how Geof Darrow's mentorship transformed his artistic approach, and the current resurgence of energy in comics. directeditionpodcast.com Join the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

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Nick Thorburn (Islands) Talks Pear Shape & Creating Underground Comics For Current Times & Creem Taste Of Cherry

Cartoonist and musician Nick Thorburn (Islands, The Unicorns) joins Dave to talk about his new book Pear Shape from Fantagraphics, and Taste of Cherry, the debut album from his band The Creem. Thorburn talks about his creative approach to writing both comics and songs, the lifelong pull toward gallows humor and tenderness, and the freedom of letting stories reveal themselves as he works. The two discuss the early influence of Fantagraphics, the power of light-and-dark contradictions in art, Canada, and why comics remain a limitless medium for creators. https://www.fantagraphics.com/collections/nick-thorburn?srsltid=AfmBOormMRB3XNjyWlPg_44AF2xYoGQEakXLr68FTaqcHA0FfeV235Bs Join My patreon! https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition directeditionpodcast.com

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Nick Thorburn's Pear Shape, The Funniest Comic Book Of 2026 (Islands, The Creem, Unicorns)

Cartoonist and musician Nick Thorburn (Islands, The Unicorns) joins Dave to talk about his new book Pear Shape from Fantagraphics, and Taste of Cherry, the debut album from his band The Creem. Thorburn talks about his creative approach to writing both comics and songs, the lifelong pull toward gallows humor and tenderness, and the freedom of letting stories reveal themselves as he works. The two discuss the early influence of Fantagraphics, the power of light-and-dark contradictions in art, Canada, and why comics remain a limitless medium for creators. https://www.instagram.com/thorburndraws/ directeditionpodcast.com Join my patreon, help support the podcast https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

Jim Ward on Sparta's Cut A Silhouette, The Current State Of Touring, And Women Who Rock!

Jim Ward returns to talk with Dave about Sparta's new album Cut a Silhouette, out now on Equal Vision Records. Ward shares how a manager's blunt critique sparked three of the record's best songs, working with Jawbox founder and producer J. Robbins as a shepherd and mentor, and bridging his earliest work with who he is now. The two discuss the ticket price fatigue reshaping the touring industry, co-founding the Girls Rock camp in El Paso, Hayley Williams, and the elusive "Jims" supergroup featuring Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World. https://www.sparta.band/ directeditionpodcast.com Join The Patreon - www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

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Che Grayson - Absolute Catwoman, Scott Snyder Collaboration, and Horror Movies

Writer and Filmmaker Che Grayson joins Dave to discuss Absolute Catwoman, the DC project they're co-writing with Scott Snyder and artist Bengal. Grayson shares how their indie roots and pandemic-era Zoom calls with Snyder led to the collaboration, and the creative energy that has allowed the Absolute line to resonate. The two discuss Easter eggs hidden in the first two issues, the essential role of horror films in shaping their creative voice, and why great art should always have something to say. Plus, Bagels. Follow Che on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chehaunts/?hl=en https://directeditionpodcast.com/ Join my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition

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Daniel Warren Johnson Returns With CHAINKATA - Chainsaw Sci-Fi Epic!

Cartoonist Daniel Warren Johnson joins Dave to announce Chainkata, his ambitious, decade-in-the-making new sci-fi series from Image. Chicks with chainsaws! Johnson shares the origin of the book's chainsaw-wielding heroine and the experimental color techniques that brought it to life. The two discuss inspiration drawn from Richard Corben and manga masters, the emotional weight of his Eisner winning Absolute Batman Annual, and the meditative pull of the golf course. Plus, Long Island Bagels, Joe Madureira, Original art, and Frank Thorne's Red Sonja. Chainkata will be available through Image comics in November 2026. Join the Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition directeditionpodcast.com

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Ytasha Womack : How Miles Morales Changed The World Of Spider-Man

Award-winning author and cultural critic Ytasha Womack joins Dave to discuss Spider-Man: Miles Morales, An Exploration, her new book from the Marvel Age of Comics series examining the character's cultural significance. Womack shares how her work on Afrofuturism led her to Miles, why the character's vulnerability resonates far beyond superhero fandom, and the layered symbolism baked into everything from his hoodie to the number 42. The two discuss the deep ties between Brooklyn hip-hop and comics storytelling, why cities shape kids into fluid identity-shifters, and the musical DNA that connects Miles Morales to Miles Davis. https://www.ytashawomack.com/ directeditionpodcast.com https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition

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Miles To Go with Brian Michael Bendis (Spider-Man, Jessica Jones & Powers!)

Legendary writer Brian Michael Bendis joins Dave to discuss his return to Marvel, and the upcoming animated series of Powers in development at Netflix. Bendis reflects on co-creating Miles Morales, Jessica Jones, and Riri Williams (Ironheart), the Jewish roots of American comics from Kirby to Eisner, and the early-2000s Marvel bullpen with Joe Quesada. The two discuss the nuances of Bendis' process, the importance of collaboration, and how independent horror films like Obsession are echoing the scrappy independent films that reshaped Hollywood in the 1970s. Check out Brian's work - https://www.jinxworld.com/ Follow Brian on IG https://www.instagram.com/brianmbendis Directeditionpodcast.com https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

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My Tokyo Summer - How Punk & DIY Inspired Abby Denson To Publish A Comic In Japan!

Cartoonist and author Abby Denson joins Dave to discuss 'My Tokyo Summer', her new graphic memoir, illustrated by Utomaru from Scholastic .Denson talks about the early influence of the DIY punk scene on her work, how a zine she made in the 90s sparked a lifelong friendship, the vastness of Japan's doujinshi culture, and the power of art and friendship to transcend barriers. The two talk about their shared love of Japan and the differences in everyday life and culture between Japan and America. https://www.abbydenson.com/https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com/

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Geof Darrow Brings Shaolin Cowboy Back To Fight AI !

Legendary artist Geof Darrow joins Dave to discuss Shaolin Cowboy: Stayin' A.I.Live, the latest installment of his cult series from Dark Horse. They discuss some of the amazing artists tapped for variant covers including Peach Momoko, Daniel Warren Johnson, and Ryan Ottley.Darrow talks about his refusal to work digitally, the why-not philosophy that fuels his art, and working at a pace fit for a mangaka. The two discuss Darrow’s possibly upcoming New York City art show, his love affair with Asian action cinema (Furious, The Night Comes For Us) , Moebius, and the dump-taking dogs that remain his go-to for any quiet panel.See Geof at San Diego Comic Con this year with his daughter Alice, who put a great book out called Tramps Of The Apocalypse!

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Chew Creators John Layman & Rob Guillory Return With Ghost Brawler : Ghostbusters Meets Raging Bull!

Writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory (Chew) join Dave to discuss their new collaboration Ghost Brawler, the Bruiser Edition live on kickstarter now! The two share the blistering writing pace of the series, how the setting draws from the cinematic style of Martin Scorsese, and the creative shorthand of a decade working together. The pair discuss the Chew television adaptation at Blumhouse, share memories of the late Sam Kieth, Signed Boxing gloves, creative teams, and explain why Kickstarter rewards collectors in ways corporate imprints can't. For fans of Goodfellas, Rocky, Raging Bull, Ghostbusters, and CHEW!BACK THE KICKSTARTER HERE - https://tinyurl.com/4kttuys4https://www.robguillory.com/ My Website : directeditionpodcast.comPATREON https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition

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Nick Dragotta Brings Manga Influence To ABSOLUTE BATMAN With Scott Snyder!

Superstar Artist Nick Dragotta joins Dave to discuss the breakout success of DC's Absolute Batman. Dragotta shares the project’s Frank Miller-meets-manga blend of influences, his "yes and" collaboration with Scott Snyder, and the bold visual decisions that shaped the book's identity. The two discuss the cartoonists setting the gold standard for visual storytelling , Alex Toth, Japanese comics culture, Kentaro Miura, and why now is the only point in his career Dragotta could have made this book. directeditionpodcast.com https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition

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Jim Rugg's New Book On Wolverine Weapon X - A Deep Dive Into The Marvel Age Of Comics

Cartoonist Jim Rugg joins Dave to discuss The Marvel Age of Comics: Weapon X, his deep-dive into Barry Windsor-Smith's seminal 1991 Wolverine story, originally serialized in Marvel Comics Presents. Rugg talks about the project's origin, why he considers it one of Marvel's all-time greatest works, and how Windsor-Smith's pre-digital coloring techniques remain unmatched. The new book is a comic companion to the Bloomsbury music book series : 33 1/3 The two discuss where Weapon X fits alongside Dark Knight and Watchmen as bronze age touchstones, the story's hidden religious symbolism, Retro Causality, and why a naked killer with claws is scarier than a clothed one. Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirecteditionFind Jim Rugg here: https://www.jimrugg.com/https://www.instagram.com/jimruggart/?hl=enhttps://powerpulpcomics.com/ directeditionpodcast.com

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Alex Pardee - Bleeding Dreams Onto Canvas, Obsession, & Sam Kieth

Artist Alex Pardee (The Used, Aesop Rock) joins Dave to discuss Dream Bleeder, his new gallery show at Harman Projects in New York City. Pardee discusses his creative process, finding inspiration in anxiety and his Disneyland meets natural history museum approach to building immersive worlds. The two discuss Sam Kieth’s mentorship, Curry Barker's Obsession, elevated horror movies, how YouTube is quietly making Hollywood obsolete, and Alex’s prophetic dream about Crystal Pepsi. Thumbnail Photo by Birdman https://www.alexpardee.com/ https://www.harmanprojects.com/exhibitions/101-alex-pardee-dream-bleeder/ directeditionpodcast.com https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

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Derek Kirk Kim On Royals & The Last Mermaid - Storytelling, Comics & Loss

Derek Kirk Kim, Eisner and Harvey-winning comics creator, joins Dave from London to discuss Royals, his Koren-American new noir thriller. Derek shares the joy of writing a comic for another artist. Kim shares how a decade directing and storyboarding in animation saved him during a dark period, and how losing both parents brought him back to comics with The Last Mermaid. The two discuss cold-messaging artist Jacob Perez on Instagram, Edgar Wright's influence, the Beatles' White Album vs. Sgt. Pepper's, the future of The Last Mermaid, and why Korean rice cakes make great weapons. Follow Derek on Instagram to keep up with his comics - https://www.instagram.com/derekkirkkim/?hl=en https://www.derekkirkkim.com/ Directeditionpodcast.com Join The Patreon

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Matt Fraction And Chip Zdarsky : Mad About DC, Batman & Avengers Armageddon

Writer Matt Fraction (Batman, Hawkeye) and Canadian Chip Zdarsky (Captain America, Daredevil) join Dave for the 100th episode. The chums talk about Mad Magazine, Sex Criminals, Avengers Armageddon, and the business end of Marvel and DC comics. The two discuss shared influences, from Don Martin to Dan Clowes, Chip's cover recreation project, and why Batman has never experienced an orgasm. Also, Amazon sex toys, bookcase coffins, the Woke Lolita Kickstarter, memes, and Bruce Wayne’s mustache. Thank you to everyone who's been a part of the podcast as a guest or audience, here's to 100 more, See you for season 6! directeditionpodcast.com If you would like to support the podcast please consider joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition

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Atsushi Kaneko's Search And Destroy : Anger, Punk & Manga (An Interview)

Mangaka Atsushi Kaneko (Bambi and Her Pink Gun, Deathco, Soil, Evol) joins Dave to discuss Search and Destroy, his modern tribute to Osamu Tezuka's Dororo, published by Fantagraphics. Kaneko shares how Sex Pistols and Stanley Kubrick shaped his teenage years, discovering Daniel Clowes and Charles Burns via Iggy Pop during Japan's lowbrow art boom, and the records that still inspire his work—from The Cramps to Public Image Limited. He explains his shift to digital art, why he's been asked "why are you so angry?" his entire life, and teases two English-language projects in the works. Thank you to Aki Yanagi for translating! directeditionpodcast.com https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition https://www.fantagraphics.com/collections/atsushi-kaneko?srsltid=AfmBOophR-PL5cfY0RNXxgFrOYRY6C_0G519Sz7fglu2V95iuusP9b9w

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Connor Valentin Of Dissentience - The Crossroads of Music, Art & Kaiju

Guitarist and frontman Connor Valentin (Dissentience) joins Dave to chat about the band's new EP 'Kaiju' . They talk about giant monsters, comics, and the crossover between art and music. Valentin shares how McFarlane toys and Marvel Legends action figures shaped his early creative interests, filling his vintage Marvel tryout book with work from Mark Bagley and Erik Larsen, and the inseparable art-music connection of Pushead, Raymond Pettibon, and Derek Riggs. The two discuss Godzilla Minus One, the underrated Heisei era films, why the best monster movies aren't really about the monster, and hatch plans for an unlikely collaboration. https://www.dissentience.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@dissentience/videos https://westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast/ Patreon https://www.patreon.com/DavengersDirectEdition

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Gary Groth : Fantagraphics 50 Years Of The World's Greatest Cartoonists

Gary Groth, publisher and founder of Fantagraphics joins Dave to reflect on 50 years of championing comics, the world's greatest cartoonists, and following conviction. He talks about launching The Comics Journal at 21, meeting Robert Crumb, Harvey Kurtzman, Daniel Clowes, Todd McFarlane, Charles Schulz, and the defining moment Love and Rockets arrived, unsolicited in his mailbox. The two discuss the tragic passing of artist Ed Piskor, the new Takumigraphics manga imprint, Kago Shintaro, and why Fantagraphics is doubling down on politically urgent work.fantagraphics.com

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Sebastian Bach : From Skid Row To The Spider-Man , Sebastian is one of us!

Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach joins Dave for a deep-dive conversation about comic book collecting, rock music, and creative inspiration. Bach shares his earliest comic memories, from Fantastic Four to Herb Trimpe’s Incredible Hulk, and how those stories shaped his lifelong taste as a collector. He recounts unforgettable rock tour road stories, including the legendary moment he bought Amazing Fantasy #15 alongside Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell on a fateful day in Omaha. The two explore the power of comic book community, the creative fuel behind Jack Kirby, Gene Colan, and Spider-Man, iconic Spider-Man jackets, and why local comic shops remain a place of quiet refuge for artists, musicians, and fans alike. A must-listen episode for fans of hard rock, heavy metal, Marvel Comics, Spider-Man, and pop culture storytelling. See Sebastian On The Road this year: https://www.sebastianbach.com/ https://www.westcoastdavengers.com/direct-edition-podcast https://www.patreon.com/davengersdirectedition

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