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Let's Talk Comics

Jim Viscardi

Comic creator interviews beamed directly into your ears. Learn the ins and out of the comics industry from those trying to break in, are already in, and have been in the business for a while. Host Jim Viscardi (VP of Business Development at Image Comics) has over 15 years of experience in the business and is your guide on this journey of inspiration, reflection and motivation for one of the greatest American art forms in history, comic books.

Let's Talk Comics logo designed by Adam Barnhardt

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26 episodes
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S1 · E56
Yesterday · 46 min· Video
Mirka Andolfo Talks MERCILESS and the Characters She Couldn't Leave Behind
Mirka Andolfo joins Let's Talk Comics this week to talk about her journey from growing up reading Disney comics in Naples to creating UNNATURAL, SWEET PAPRIKA, MERCY and of course her upcoming book - MERCILESS. We go through how breaking in as a colorist (and getting to work on her childhood favorite series) taught her what she needed to know about the business, and then how how sharing her art online helped her break into American comics. Mirka also explains how her stories often begin with a character sketch she can't stop drawing, and once getting those characters off the ground, what creating her own worlds means to her. Then, we get to MERCILESS, the sequel to MERCY that follows a grown-up Rory returning to the town she hoped to leave behind. She discusses why she knew there was more story to tell before finishing the original series, and what working with her collaborator Lidia Bolognini allows her to explore. And if you want to know what some of Mirka's favorite horror movies and video games are? This is the episode for you.
S1 · E55
Wednesday · 1 hr 2 min· Video
Tim Seeley Talks The Princess Murders and His Road to Image Comics
This week on Let's Talk Comics, Tim Seeley joins the show to talk about how he got his parents to drive him from Wisconsin to Chicago to meet the Image Comics founders and how coming home with a Spawn shirt signed by Todd McFarlane made him know exactly where he wanted to make comics. We go through Tim's early days drawing G.I. Joe at Devil's Due and how a sick day spent watching slasher movies gave him the idea for Hack/Slash. He shares the one-sentence pitch he and Mike Norton used to sell Revival and explains how a box of sketches his mom saved put a superhero he'd invented as a kid into the pages of Local Man. Tim also gets into The Princess Murders, his new series with Local Man collaborator Tony Fleecs. Tim pitched Tony a fairy tale where the wicked stepsister and a fairy godmother have to solve a princess's murder. And yes, there are musical numbers. Tim is a creator full of stories, and you get some of them right here in this episode. Check it out, tell a friend and enjoy the ride.
S1 · E54
October 6 · 1 hr 3 min· Video
Rob Liefeld Talks AVENGELYNE and Why Creator-Owned Comics Are Winning
Rob Liefeld returns to Let's Talk Comics for a high octane chat about the return of AVENGELYNE, with artist Daniel Mainé. Rob explains why this was the right moment to reintroduce the fallen angel, how the new series explores faith, power and humanity, and why he wanted its violence and subject matter to push into firmly R-rated territory. He also shares the latest on AVENGELYNE's developing film adaptation and explains the story behind the book's polybagged NSFW cover. Rob also covers YOUNGBLOOD's return, the creation of BADROCK with Seth Damoose, the approaching 35th anniversary of Image Comics and the new generation of creators building their biggest work through creator-owned comics. It's always a fun ride when Rob joins the show, so buckle up and enjoy!
S1 · E53
October 1 · 1 hr 26 min· Video
Daniel Warren Johnson Talks CHAINKATA and Leaving It All On The Table
Superstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson joins the show this week to talk about his journey from art teacher to one of the most distinctive creators working in comics today. Daniel looks back at the early days of SPACE MULLET, the breakthrough that came with EXTREMITY, finding the emotional core of MURDER FALCON, and bringing his uncompromising approach to characters like Beta Ray Bill and Absolute Batman. He also opens up about creative block, the fear that he may only have a few stories left to tell, and knowing when a project simply is not worth doing unless he can do it his way. Then, Daniel goes deep on CHAINKATA, his new creator-owned science-fiction epic from Image Comics. He explains how the project nearly died, why DUNE brought it back to life, the painstaking process behind its distinctive painted space backgrounds, and why he turned down major opportunities to bring this story into the world. Plus: AEW wrestler Brody King's custom jacket, his unmonetized YouTube drawing streams, guitars, golf, Limp Bizkit, and much more. CHAINKATA #1 arrives at comic book shops on November 18.
S1 · E52
September 2 · 53 min· Video
Gary Frank Talks How GEIGER Changed Everything!
Gary Frank joins the show to celebrate the upcoming GEIGER #25 and discuss how one creator-owned project helped grow into Ghost Machine. Gary takes us back to his early days at Marvel UK, how he landed The Incredible Hulk, and the beginning of his almost 20 year working relationship with Geoff Johns. He also reveals the light-bulb moment that made him want to step away from exclusive contracts and create something he could truly call his own. The conversation digs into the creation and visual design of Geiger, how Ghost Machine came together, working with colorist Brad Anderson, and the surreal experience of seeing his characters become toys and merchandise. Gary also shares his evolving philosophy on comic-book storytelling and why clarity and immersion now matter more to him than creating a flashy individual page. Plus, we look ahead to GEIGER #25, the upcoming "Radioactive Revolution" storyline, and the very different dynamic between Tariq Geiger and Simon Pure.
S1 · E51
August 28 · 36 min· Video
Eliot Rahal & Mattia Monaco Talk The Wild Friendship at the Heart of CRIMES AGAINST NATURE
Writer Eliot Rahal and artist Mattia Monaco join the show to talk about CRIMES AGAINST NATURE, their new six-issue Image Comics series about a Hollywood animal trainer, his gorilla best friend, and a crime they didn't commit. Eliot and Mattia talk about how their partnership evolved from their first book together into a much more heartfelt collaboration. They also dig into balancing the book's premise with a genuinely emotional story about friendship, creating characters who communicate through sign language, and making readers care about an intentionally unlikable main character. Mattia also shows off a bunch of original art after years of working digitally, while Eliot explains the thinking behind the book's impossible-to-miss banana cover. It's 30 minutes talking about trusting your partner, taking ridiculous ideas completely seriously, and so much more.
S1 · E50
August 21 · 49 min· Video
Che Grayson Talks Exquisite Corpses: Fox Mask Killer & Why She Loves Tales From The Crypt
This week on Let's Talk Comics, writer and filmmaker Che Grayson joins the show to talk about putting one of EXQUISITE CORPSES' most intriguing killers directly into the spotlight, FOX MASK KILLER. Che talks about discovering comics while attending film school, finding a home in comics, breaking into the industry through BITCH PLANET: TRIPLE FEATURE, and how creator-owned comics offered the creative freedom they had been searching for. The two also cover how Che became part of the Corpse Crew, developing the first season of EXQUISITE CORPSES through a collaborative writers' room, and the moment Che realized there was a much larger story waiting beneath Fox Mask Killer's mask. EXQUISITE CORPSES: FOX MASK KILLER is a new five-issue miniseries with artist Adam Gorham, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Becca Carey that combines the action and mythology of JOHN WICK and KILL BILL with a dark Southern Gothic story. The series asks, can a legendary assassin get the one thing she may never be allowed to have? A way out. Che discusses writing the killer without turning her into a hero, building action around character, and so much more. Plus if you're wondering if you can read FOX MASK KILLER without having read EXQUISITE CORPSES. The answer is yes, and Che tells you why.
S1 · E49
August 11 · 51 min· Video
Darcy Van Poelgeest & Ian Bertram Talk Why THE KARMAN BLADE Had to Be Different
This week on Let's Talk Comics, Eisner Award-winning creators Darcy Van Poelgeest and Ian Bertram join the show to talk about their latest project together, THE KARMAN BLADE. The two talk about how one fateful email, almost ten years ago, turned into LITTLE BIRD and evolved into PRECIOUS METAL. They also cover how the trust the two of them built over their time together allowed their work to keep changing as it moves from script to art and beyond. Ian shows off some gorgeous original artwork while Darcy explains why THE KARMAN BLADE was designed to demand something from its readers. Plus the two dig into the books world, the sentient blade, the giant wolf, and why they wanted to make something that felt decidedly different.
August 4 · 1 hr 1 min
Image Comics @ SDCC 2026 - The Future Of Comics
Recorded live at San Diego Comic-Con, Jim Viscardi sits down with Doug Wagner, Michael Walsh, Tyler Boss, Curt Pires, and Jonathan Ball to talk about the all the fun projects they have coming out and their thoughts on being a creator in the industry. The panel digs into YUMI 00EX, EXQUISITE CORPSES, RASCAL RANDY, FIREBORN, LOST FANTASY, and THE EYE COLLECTOR. The creators also discuss the rise of horror comics, designing memorable monsters, building connected worlds, and how TikTok, YouTube, retailers, and online communities are changing the way readers discover new books. Plus, some fun new teases and the panel answers fan questions!
August 3 · 54 min
Image Comics @ SDCC 2026: Storytelling, Genre, and Crafting Unforgettable Comics
Recorded live at San Diego Comic-Con, Jim Viscardi brings together Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, Chris Condon, Wes Craig and Tyler Kirkham for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, genre and the work that goes into creating unforgettable comics. Geoff Johns shares what's ahead for GEIGER, REDCOAT, their first crossover in RADIOACTIVE REVOLUTION, and FIRST GHOST while Jason Fabok jumped in for ROOK: EXODUS, including new ROOK: WARDENS one-shots. Chris Condon discusses working with Charlie Adlard on the slow-burn horror series OF THE EARTH and returning to Ambrose County for a new chapter of THAT TEXAS BLOOD (with Jacob Phillips). Wes Craig opens up about mapping the long journey of KAYA, while Tyler Kirkham explains how FINAL BOSS made the jump from comic book to video game. The conversation then turns to the craft itself. The creators talk about letting characters change their original plans, recognizing when an ending needs more space and why spectacle means very little if readers do not care about the people at the center of it. Enjoy!
July 31 · 54 min
Image Comics @ SDCC 2026: Artists Unleashed
Recorded live at San Diego Comic-Con, Jim Viscardi brings together Skottie Young, Daniel Warren Johnson, Ian Bertram, Caspar Wijngaard, Sanford Greene, and Sean Gordon Murphy for a wide-ranging conversation about making comics and developing an unmistakable artistic voice. The panel also offers discussions on I HATE FAIRYLAND, CHAINKATA, THE KARMAN BLADE, THE POWER FANTASY, BITTER ROOT BLACK AND WHITE, and THE LAST DRIVER. The artists discuss the work that shaped them, the difference between studying an influence and simply swiping from it, and how their lives away from the drawing board have changed the way they work. They also dig into character and creature design, balancing detail with clear storytelling, and why your style may really be a collection of all the mistakes you made while trying to draw like somebody else. If you're a creative, this episode is for you.
July 30 · 48 min
Image Comics @ SDCC 2026: Comics Characters Fans Will Love or Hate—or Love to Hate!
The next few episodes of Let's Talk Comics are going to sound a little different because we're coming to you live from San Diego Comic-Con! For the first panel in our SDCC series, Jim Viscardi is joined by Matt Rosenberg, Patrick Kindlon, John Layman, Rob Guillory, Dustin Nguyen, and Tony Fleecs for a conversation about creating comic book characters readers will love, hate, or love to hate. The group previews some of their latest Image Comics projects, including IF DESTRUCTION BE OUR LOT, REGICIDE, GHOST BRAWLER, CROWBOUND, and FERAL. They also discuss reuniting with longtime collaborators, hiding clues in the artwork, balancing humor with darker stories, and what happens when readers fall in love with characters they probably shouldn't. How quickly does a first issue need to define its characters? Does every terrible person deserve a redemption arc? And why does making readers laugh make it hurt so much more when everything goes wrong? Recorded live at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
S1 · E48
July 8 · 47 min· Video
Iman Vellani Talks Turning Her Love of Comics Into CHACHU
This week on Let's Talk Comics, Iman Vellani joins the show to talk about her Image Comics debut, CHACHU, hitting shops everywhere August 5th. Iman has never been shy about how much she loves comics and now she is taking that love and putting it into her first creator-owned series. CHACHU was born from a whole lot of notes-app chicken scratch into something deeply personal. The series is a deeply personal coming-of-age noir, where as she went along writing it, realized how much introspection was happening at the same time. She goes in depth about the differences about approaching her work in film vs. what it takes to put a comic script together while also getting to know your collaborators (Marianna Ignazzi & Jordie Bellaire). She also gets honest about imposter syndrome, finding her own voice outside of Ms. Marvel and why she wanted the responsibility and risk of owning the story herself. Lots to take from this episode, so we hope you enjoy!
S1 · E47
July 2 · 1 hr 4 min· Video
Trish Forstner Talks Feral #25 and How Stray Dogs Changed Her Life
This week on Let's Talk Comics, Trish Forstner joins the show to celebrate FERAL hitting a landmark 25th issue and how the STRAY DOGS cast have played an important role in this current arc. Trish's entry into comics was actually through a combo BronyCon and doing covers for My Little Pony. From there, she met Tony Fleecs and learned sequential storytelling while working on STRAY DOGS. She shines a bit more light on how the team of her, Tony & Tone Rodriguez developed a creative process that operates more like an animation studio than a traditional comic book production. We also get into the massive success of STRAY DOGS and how it changed her life almost overnight, the difference between its psychological horror and the more in-your-face zombie violence of FERAL. And naturally we spend a bit of time on why FERAL #25 represents such a major moment for both series. Plus, Trish discusses studying under animation legend Don Bluth, learning how to draw blood and gore, hiding character relationships in the backgrounds of pages, why animals might be the ultimate storytelling cheat code, and the emotional experience of drawing readers' pets at conventions. FERAL #25 arrives July 29.
S1 · E46
June 19 · 35 min· Video
Seth Damoose Talks What It Takes To Take On BADROCK
On this episode of Let's Talk Comics, Jim Viscardi sits down with artist Seth Damoose to talk about his upcoming Image Comics series Badrock, created alongside legendary Youngblood creator Rob Liefeld. Seth is no stranger to Image Comics, having worked on Xenoholics with Joshua Williamson back in 2011, and now in 2026 he makes a return! How Seth and Rob came to working together is one heluva story. Basically, Seth took the concept of "Inktober" and put a Rob Liefeld twist on it with "Robtober." Seth would draw one Liefeld character a day in the month of October and it caught Liefeld's attention which ultimately led to drawing one of the most iconic characters in the Youngblood universe. We of course dive into breaking into comics, learning from rejection, manga influences, storytelling versus illustration, and what makes Badrock such a unique character to bring to life. We also discuss the emotional core behind the new series, the freedom of working Marvel-style scripts from Rob, classic comic cover homages, hidden Easter eggs, and why Badrock might be the perfect character for Seth's kinetic art style. Lots to learn in this one (especially if you're curious about zipatone). Don't miss it, and make sure to preorder BADROCK #1 from your local comic shop.
S1 · E45
June 5 · 1 hr 4 min· Video
Liam Sharp Talks Building Worlds And The Art of Reinvention
With decades of experience under his belt working in comics, Liam Sharp still feels a sense of wonder when bringing his creator owned world of Starhenge to life. In this episode of Let's Talk Comics, Liam joins the show for a conversation that spans his time in Darby, England, getting his start at Marvel UK in the early 90's to seeing the Image Revolution happen and then finally taking the chance on himself and doing the thing. Plus, Liam shares the story of turning down Oxford after landing an apprenticeship with legendary artist Don Lawrence, and how that set the course for his entire career. He learned that "being reliable matters more than being brilliant." Then the conversation moves to StarHenge: A Kiss for Atticus, the next chapter in Liam's ambitious creator-owned epic. There's a lot to unpack in this story and the two cover everything from how he made Merlin a science-fiction character, to how AI is a natural enemy of magic. StarHenge has become the project Liam has spent a lifetime preparing to make and even now, after nearly 40 years in comics, he still feels like he's only scratching the surface of what the medium can do. Get the paper and pen ready folks, you're going to be taking some serious notes.
S1 · E44
May 28 · 57 min· Video
THE EYE COLLECTOR Team Talks Cosmic Horror & The Monster Between Panels
Jonathan Ball and GMB Chomichuk join the show to dive deep into their upcoming Image Comics series THE EYE COLLECTOR. THE EYE COLLECTOR is a surreal cosmic horror story that has artist GMB Comichuk bending perspective and writer Jonathan Ball's storytelling in a way you haven't seen in comics in a while. This is a story that sat with Jonathan for a while (decades even!) and the path to where it is now, why every issue was designed to feel different, and how the two creators kept pushing each other to make the book stranger, scarier, and more ambitious with every chapter will make you immediately put this on your pull list. The group also dives into what it takes to create an iconic horror monster and why it's harder than it looks. Then we get into the nitty gritty, everything from horror pacing to page layouts, color theory, and everything in between. This is a book where the monster can literally reach across panels and manipulate the reader's point of view. Want to know how? You're just going to have to listen to find out. You know the deal, if you like what you've heard, leave a review on APPLE PODCASTS, or a rating on SPOTIFY Help us get the good comic book message out to the masses. The Eye Collector #1 hits comic shops June 24 from Image Comics.
S1 · E43
May 20 · 54 min· Video
TERMINAL Might Be Robert Kirkman's Wildest Superhero Book Yet (and we talk INVINCIBLE S4)
Robert Kirkman is back and is about to launch a brand-new superhero universe within the pages of his new Image Comics ongoing series, TERMINAL. On this episode we start with Invincible Season 4 and what it's like watching fan reactions while already deep into production on future seasons. Kirkman talks about expanding material from the comics for animation, and how characters unexpectedly blowing up with audiences (like Machine Head - now in the pages of CAPES) can lead to fun new moments. Then we dive deep into TERMINAL, Kirkman's new superhero universe with Joe Casey, Andy Kubert, David Finch, Arthur Adams, Dave McCaig, and Rus Wooton. Kirkman breaks down building a giant interconnected cast and why the book feels inspired by the energy of 90s X-Men comics. TERMINAL is a superhero comic that feels huge, messy, unpredictable, and bringing danger back to comics again. So much to dig into and its another insightful episode from one of the best to be doing it. Enjoy.
S1 · E42
May 5 · 50 min· Video
Inside the Return of That Texas Blood With Chris Condon & Jacob Phillips
Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips are back, and so is That Texas Blood. This episode of Let's Talk Comics kicks off a new format where we bring the full creative team on to break down one project from top to bottom. First up is the return of one of Image's best crime series with That Texas Blood #21. Hell is coming to Allison Ranch and we get into the nitty gritty right off the bat. Everything from what it took to revisit Ambrose County to why this arc is the biggest one yet. Chris and Jacob have been at this one for a while so they're finally excited to invite fans on the wild ride that is this critically acclaimed series. That Texas Blood #21 starts with a bit of a time jump, set against the backdrop of the Iraq War and Chris explains why that plays a key role in the story they're telling. Then Jacob breaks down the challenge of bringing a new level of action to the page without losing the grounded, lived-in feel the series is known for. That Texas Blood #21 is everything you'd expect from the team and then some! If you've been waiting for it to come back, this is the perfect place to jump in.
S1 · E41
April 23 · 1 hr 30 min
Charlie Adlard Talks Of The Earth and Longevity In Comics
Charlie Adlard joins the show for a must listen episode with one of the greatest to ever do it. We get into how he broke into the industry and why building relationships and networking matter just as much to breaking in as the work itself. From there, we of course dig into the sixteen year stint he did on The Walking Dead, how his style evolved once he got on the book, how he maintained that pace, and what it was like working alongside Robert Kirkman. Then we shift into what comes next. Charlie talks about life after The Walking Dead, why he doesn't like to slow down, and how he approaches each new project differently, from Heretic to Altamont to his latest Image Comics series, Of the Earth. Of The Earth is Charlie's triumphant return to single issue storytelling in a neo-noir-tinged eco-horror with writers Chris Condon & Andrew Ehrich. In Of The Earth, Tabitha 'Tabby' Black flees a sordid life for her quiet hometown of Solitude, Texas and the comfort of her Gramma's home where she was raised. Only home isn't what it once was.... and neither is Gramma. We also get into process, building tension on the page, inking vs penciling, and why he treats comics like a film playing in his head while he works. It's a fun one you don't want to miss.

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