Makingcomics.com Gutter Talk Podcast

Nearly five months ago, we released what we thought was the last of the Making Comics Gutter Talk re-issue podcasts. For those not familiar with the backstory, at one time, this great site was run by Jason Brubaker, creator of Sithrah and reMIND. However, as Jason's work and home life began to increase with success and responsibilities, both the site and podcasts became a responsibility he didn't feel comfortable not putting his all into. He subsequently handed the reigns to Patrick Yurick near the end of 2013 and, well, the journey has been interesting since then, to say the least. A new podcast and podcast host joined the ranks. Still, people clamored for Jason's old podcasts, and rightly so. The guests and conversations were a great mix of depth and joy, and every episode was a learning tool. After contacting Jason, he agreed to let us re-release the old podcasts until they ran out. Earlier this year, towards the end of May, we thought we had reached that point. However, what was previously released was o

It's not often we at the Making Comics Gutter Talk podcast get an Emmy Award winning artist on the show. Of course that's not why we were solely excited to have Dean Haspiel on but we'd be lying if we said it didn't add to that excitement. In this Gutter Talk episode, Adam picks Dean's brain to discuss all things art and comics. Well, maybe not all things. There were a few tangents but it was all art related. Sort of. Early on Adam and Dean discuss the art experience, what it's like to encounter art in a way you neither expected nor experienced in the past. Sometimes it's the challenge that makes art an emotional experience and those emotions can range from joy to confusion to sometimes anger. These feelings, however, only confirm the effectiveness of the art the viewer is visually taking in. Another important topic of discussion was what makes a story unique and universal at the same time. In Dean's soon-to-be released graphic novel, Beef With Tomato, he exuded the heart and essence of New York City. If yo

Some of you may be old or wise enough to remember a heavy metal band called Twisted Sister. Back when MTV used to play music, they had a video out for one their popular songs, "We're Not Gonna Take It" and in this video, the opening montage starts with an angry father berating his young teen for playing rock and roll on his guitar. At the end of his tirade, he angrily asks, "What do you want to do with your life?" The kid looks at him with a grin and that patent heavy metal glare and says, "I wanna rock." The reason for the trip down memory lane is because at the end of this Gutter Talk interview with artist and musician Jeffrey Burandt, we could picture little Jeffrey Burandt saying that classic line but following it up with, "And make comics, too." Join Adam and Jef as they turn it up to 11 and discuss not just the depths of art but the depth of life, too. As the previous 81 episodes will attest, we all encounter hurdles and mountains in our quest to fill our lives with creative endeavors, big or small. W

We here at the Making Comics Gutter Talk podcast are not promoting anarchy. Still, as you'll hear in today's podcast with Chris Hunt, maybe those in charge don't know what they're doing. This doesn't mean start a riot but as Chris found out and explained, sometimes the adults get it wrong, like when he was told he'll never be able to read at an early age, for example. He questioned that assessment and clearly overcame that obstacle, not letting others determine his path and accomplishments in life. In the world of art and comics, this fortitude and resolve will come in handy. In fact, it already has. In this episode, Adam talks to Chris about overcoming hurdles like a champ, as well as what it's like to be old school in a new school world. The term Luddite even comes up a few times. Still, one of the more inspiring things you'll hear in today's episode is Chris's drive to pursue a career and life he wants and seemingly will get. After you listen to this episode, we're pretty sure you'll be hardpressed to dis

Like a story to tell, everyone has a journey to take in life. For some, that journey is quick. For others, it's a lifelong voyage. And then there are those whose journey is right on time. Never, though, is it what we expect. In today's Making Comics Gutter Talk episode, Adam sits down with artist, game developer, and journeyman, John Mueller. John is the creator of the dystopian series, OINK, and as of this episode's release will have six more days to hit stretch goals in the Kickstarter project. That's right, stretch goals. John's Kickstarter project has hit its initial goal and now comes all the fun stuff. Listen in as John and Adam talk about the journey not only his OINK project has been on but the overall journey John has been on as an artist. His path through the gaming world provides a unique insight into storytelling and world building when it comes to the gaming world versus graphic novels. Plus, there's a drive inside John that is very inspiring, as he is the type of individual that goes out and ge

There is nothing easy about making comics, whether it's the art or the storytelling. Just flipping through the first few pages of your favorite story can be enough to intimidate even the hardiest of the artists out there. It really does take a fair amount of chutzpah to want to make comics. But fear not, for there are things out there that may not make it easy for you but can, if nothing else, make it easier. And that's why we at Making Comics were excited to have assembled this group of people ranging from artists to editors, if not both, for the live Gutter Talk panel at this year's Comic Con in San Diego, because we just had a feeling that they would be the ones to provide both inspiration and very useful knowledge. Moderated by the Gutter Talk podcast host Adam Greenfield, the panel consisted of Mark Waid, writer of Daredevil and most recently the Archie comics, Christy Blanch, an educator and also writer for The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood, Chris Miskiewicz, the writer for Thomas Alsop, Rachel Dukes,

**tap tap tap** Is this thing on? Yeah? You can hear me? Ok, good. Hi, everyone. Adam here. Yes, your host. I know it's been a few weeks but if you couldn't tell, I've been a little busy. Also, usually this post is written in 3rd person but this is a bit of a special post so I'm going to do that thing in 1st person, if you all don't mind. Who knows? Maybe this will become a trend. Unless you've been under a rock or are new to us, I say either glad to see you're free or welcome to the site, whichever suits your situation. Either way, you probably know by now that we had a live Gutter Talk panel at this year's San Diego Comic Con and from what I remember, it was pretty great. It's weird once you get up there and get on a roll. You sort of black out and the next thing you know a Comic Con employee is holding up a STOP sign. Where the heck did that 50 minutes go?! From what I do remember, though, it was a pretty great panel. Just to be sure my memories were right, tonight I went back and listened. I stand cor

In 1988, a wildly talented musician named Bobby McFerrin released a song titled "Don't Worry, Be Happy." For those of us who remember this song, it was certainly catchy enough to often catch yourself whistling while walking to the bus stop. And yet who knew in the end just how useful those words would be if only we had really taken them to heart? Of course, easier said than done, but it sure would've been nice to not worry. That said, we're artists. Who are we kidding? And that's what makes this Gutter Talk episode with Rachel Dukes, artist and creator of Frankie Comics, so great. It's further confirmation that worrying as a young, budding artist just trying to get their bearing in this ocean of art, let alone in the lake of comics, is actually normal. It's even proof that yes, you can outgrow the worst of it. Now if only we had time machines.... Download the podcast and listen in as Adam and Rachel discuss why see-through rulers are better than rulers you can't see through, her Kickstarter project for Fran

Every week on the Making Comics Gutter Talk podcast we do our best to make sure we bring you guests with wide ranges of experience and knowledge. Some guests in the past only recently made their foray into comic creation and some are, well, Mark Waid and Stephen Bissette. However, one topic that doesn't come up as Adam would like sometimes is the amount of power an artist has in not just their skills but their talent. This week's Gutter Talk guest, though, Marcus Kwame Anderson, is well aware of just how much power he has with his art. As a seemingly jack of all creative trades, Marcus uses his art and comics to not just please himself and consumers but to also make a statement. As you'll hear, he has found out just how much positive change he can make. He hasn't stopped trying since. In this episode you'll also hear some big news in the intro regarding the future of Gutter Talk. Ok, that sounds a little more ominous than intended but really, it's all good. Just download, listen, and everything will be just

After months and months of threatening to redesign the site, we did it. We finally did it! And it was totally worth it. That's why we at MakingComics.com thought a dedicated Gutter Talk podcast to discuss the features and efforts and excitement of the staff would be a fantastic episode. We think this will be worth it to you, too. In this Gutter Talk episode you will hear from Patrick Yurick, Mark Luetke, Kevin Cullen, Marisa Brenizer, Michael Yakutis, and your loving host, Adam Greenfield. Each of them will discuss the work and dedication it took to create the site, as well as some of their favorite parts. It even ends on a warm and fuzzy note. Who doesn't like warm and fuzzy endings? Actually, don't answer that. Just download the podcast and you'll feel what we mean. While you're listening to the podcast, we promise not to be upset if you step away from the site and head over to our iTunes page to give us a rating and review. Of course, that is if you give us a positive rating and review. If you don't, we'

Would you uproot your entire family and history to move for a job, even if that job was in comics? This isn't an easy question to answer if those roots are deep underground and have been for a while. In this Gutter Talk episode, Adam asks his guest, artist and writer, Brian Shearer, this question. You'll just have to listen to the episode to get the answer but we promise it will be worth it. It usually is. But that's not all Adam and Brian talk about. We also discuss what it's like to draw professionally some of the comics you grew up with, the importance of starting and finishing projects, and also why sometimes statistics can be- well, again, no spoilers so you'll just have to download the episode and listen. While you're listening to the podcast, make sure you're checking out all the amazing things the new redesign of our site has to offer. Everything is comfortably laid out for you to navigate through in search of the article or podcast you need. Also be sure to join the Underdog community. We can't say

We're coming down to the last couple re-issue episodes from when Jason Brubaker was hosting the podcasts back in the day. The guests on this show are also no strangers to his show, as they were both on once before. And that was a fantastic conversation so it only makes sense this one is just as great. In this Making Comics Gutter Talk re-issue episode Jason and his special co-host are joined by artists and creators Doug TenNapel and Ethan Nicolle for the first part of a two part conversation. There are some very heartwarming moments and also some fantastic information to keep in mind when considering doing a Kickstarter project in this episode, especially when Jason's talking about his experience with reMIND. Plus, Ethan talks a little about the cast of Axe Cop, the television adaptation of the comic he co-created with his younger brother, Malachai. Hopefully you've had a chance to really explore the redesign of the site. If you have, please be sure to let us know what you like, don't like, or if there's so

Sometimes life seems to point you in the direction it wants you to go. And sometimes it drops you in the middle of nowhere with a good luck pat on the back. Both times should be celebrated as chances to see what happens in the biggest game of Chance ever: life. In this Gutter Talk episode, Adam sits down with artist and educator, Alec Longstreth, to discuss the path that got him to where he is. From living in cities all across the United States to working on the set of Star Wars in Australia, Alec has a thing or two to say about a thing or two, and can even back it up with some amazing art. One of the things we hear frequently is how artists adapt, as well as the various ways artists use the materials around them to create tricks and tools of the trade. In Alec's case, it's a MacGyvered tool rack that he has attached to the side of his drawing table. Alec was kind enough to send us a photo so we've attached that to this post. If you're reading this on a mobile device and can't see the photo, please be sure t

We return to the walls and halls of the hallowed ground known only as the Anaheim Convention Center during WonderCon 2015 where our Gutter Talk podcast hero-slash-host Adam teams up with artist and illustrator Chris Callahan to battle a villain so evil it has no name, only a sad truth that would make any protagonist feel ill: Lack of Knowledge. Okay, maybe that's a bit overly dramatic but some days it sure does seem that way. That's why we're looking forward to bringing you this conversation Adam had with Chris, as he has the knowledge and experience of taking a chance and finding success in the work that comes along with it. Chris has been a part of projects that range from creating visual graphics for major television shows and broadcasts to creator-owned comics, such as Robochuck. Listen in as Chris discusses those experiences he's had and what he's taken away from it all, as well as some of the smaller details about comic creation. While you're listening, please be sure to head on over to iTunes, if yo

It's the second Friday of the month, which can only mean one thing: another great Gutter Talk Three Questions episode with great information and even better music. In this episode, Patrick Yurick meets up with Dawn and Clint Wolf, the creators of the webcomic Zombie Ranch, and poses three questions smack dab in the middle of the halls at WonderCon 2015 this year. These are Dawn and Clint's three questions: Question 1: (Clint) You've been lucky enough to write for various things, whether that's games or even possibly doing some technical writing when you once worked in tech support. What are some of the things you took away from those writing jobs that you've been able to apply to current work in comics? Question 2: (Dawn) In one of the Inktober challenge drawings, you did it on a skirt but is there a medium you prefer and why? Question 3: (Both) What are some of the pros and cons of working together not just as collaborators but also as a married couple? Also be sure to head over to iTunes, if you're not

April showers may bring May flowers but the one thing you can be sure of that May will also bring is yet another spate of talented artists to the Making Comics Gutter Talk podcast. Two of them will be with artists we met and talked to while at WonderCon back in the first week of last month. Today's episode, however, was recorded away from the craziness that conventions can sometimes bring. In this Gutter Talk episode, Adam and co-host Patrick Yurick, a voice you'll hear this week and next, get the pleasure and opportunity to talk to Paolo Rivera, artist and illustrator, both freelance and working for others. It took a few emails back and forth, even a reschedule or two, to nail down a specific day and time but in the end, it was completely worth it. The conversation spanned topics of why he went to the Rhode Island School of Design (a question in which he has a few answers, actually) to a question he is often asked, how does an artist get their voice and style. We're pretty sure you're going to dig this epi

Fresh off a highly successful panel at WonderCon, as well as your benevolent host recording three other future podcast episodes, the Making Comics Gutter Talk podcast returns with a flashback, or a re-issue as they've come to be known around these parts. In this episode we return to the great conversation Jason Brubaker was in the midst of with Daniel Lieske, the mastermind and artist behind the Wormworld Saga. If you have not yet had a chance to listen to the first half of this conversation, click here to check it out. In this episode Jason and Daniel Lieske go into detail about their strange and exciting successes with their respective Kickstarter projects, as well as some great conversation about crowdsourcing in general. It really does seem to be important to make sure you continue to build your fan base in order to help drive your successful project. As a side note but one that also reaches up for the WonderCon mention above, were you there? If so, let us know. We'd love to hear what your thoughts were

The Making Comics Gutter Talk podcast goes live once again from the halls and walls that make up the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California as several of the Making Comics crew invades WonderCon 2015. Last year's panel was so much fun we had to do it again, though this time there were no Godzilla facts. Sorry to disappoint you. But there were other facts we figure you will want to hear. This year's Gutter Talk WonderCon panel was led by Adam and focused on storytelling in comics. The topics ranged from story idea inspiration to editing a story halfway through to collaborating with an artist or storyteller. There were questions from Adam, including a pop quiz, and some fantastic questions from the audience, which the panelists handled like the professional artists they are. Speaking of the panelists.... Just like last year's Making Comics panel, this year's guests were top notch. The list included Rachel Beck from Storyforge Productions, Jason Brubaker, the creator of Sithrah and reMIND, Ted Washin

Several of the MakingComics.com crew graced the rooms and halls of WonderCon 2015 recently and while there, Adam was able to record four upcoming podcasts, the live Gutter Talk panel "Storytelling in Comics" included, in a 24 hour period. That has to be some kind of record, right? And while very little time was spent wandering the floor, it was a worthy sacrifice to be able to capture conversations like the one you're about to listen to. In this Three Questions episode, freelance writer and soon-to-be mom Sarah Yoon sits down with Karyn Keene, co-founder of Storyforge Productions, a company with a stated mission of helping tell stories across various mediums. In an age where there are numerous ways of telling a story, it can be both tricky and overwhelming. One of the biggest steps to being a better effective storyteller that Sarah discusses is knowing the type of writer and storyteller you are. Using ideas from her book, "Firestarters: Multi-Disciplinary Inspiration for Writers," Sarah dives in to the three

Welcome to April and what is shaping up to be another stellar month of Gutter Talk podcasts, including the audio from our live Gutter Talk panel at WonderCon. In order to remain in the moment, let's start with today's podcast. In this eposide, Adam sits down with artist and writer, Michael Dambold. The topics discussed in this episode ranged from the difficulties of what it's like to grow up in the Louisiana, right in the heart of Cajun Country, when your bloodline is not from there to the process of creating a story and both the successes and failures that came from it. Turns out what was needed was Michael telling the story he wanted to tell, not necessarily the story he thought people wanted to hear or read. As an artist, that realization is a difficult one to get to. On the one hand, you want readers and viewers to enjoy the story and art so it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to satisfy them by giving them what you think they want. However, what's more important and rewarding as an artist and writ