The Short Box Podcast: A Comic Book Talk Show

Recorded at this year's Collective Con, here's three back-to-back-to-back interviews starting with Bob's Burger character designer Jay Howell about zine culture and working in animation, and then artist/ painter Andrew Robinson speaks on longevity and the art of creating covers, and last but not least, comic colorist Mike Spicer talks about Transformers and Batman, and being Daniel Warren Johnson's right-hand man Watch the uncut video versions of this interviews on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler GroupClick here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Fresh off his Walk...Before You Fly Tour, Rapper Ben Reilly joins the show to talk about his favorite comics, and the origin of his superhero alter ego: HEROMAN. We also discuss his critically acclaimed album: SAVE!, securing a "Stan Lee" cameo, growing up on Spider-Man, the upcoming Spider-Man Noir TV series, and the origin of his East Coast meets down South rap style. Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Dave "The Reverend" Johnson (100 Bullets, Superman: Red Son, Pop Kill) joined me on stage for a live Q&A discussing his career as one of the most in-demand cover artists of all time. We discussed his "Billboard" philosophy for comic covers, his new Superman/ Spider-Man cover, coming up with the design of Soviet Superman, drawing 100 covers for 100 Bullets, the truth about designing the original Ben 10, and his new violent espionage comic: Pop Kill Watch the uncut video version of the panel on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Joining us is Chuck Costas, an OG comic art collector and VP of Business at Propstore—one of the world’s premier auction houses for entertainment memorabilia—to preview their massive 3-day Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction happening in Los Angeles and online this March 25–27. We dive into the "holy grail" items hitting the block, including iconic props and costumes from Batman Begins, Blade, and Arrow, as well as the auction's crown jewel: Frank Frazetta’s hand-painted masterpiece, "Captive Princess." Chuck also breaks down the meticulous process of preserving movie history and explains what puts Frazetta’s legendary fantasy artwork in a league of its own. Check out the auction's digital catalogue: HERE Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Collective Con 2026HERE Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Collective Con Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Daniel Hastings is the owner of Jacksonville's newest comic shop in town: Black Cat Comics, and having just celebrated the shop's first anniversary, Dan sits down with us to pull back the curtain on his first 365 days in business. We talked about the challenges and rewards of being a first year comic shop owner, and Jacksonville's rich comic shop history. Dan also breaks down the current state of the industry—discussing the best-selling books of 2025 vs. now, the impact of the speculator bubble, and the surprising resurgence of physical media in the digital age, as well as the sleeper comics everyone should have on their pull list Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Collective Con 2026HERE Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Collective Con Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

A true architect of modern horror comics: Stephen Bissette (Swamp Thing, Taboo, Tyrant) joins the show to discuss his incredible journey from the first graduating class of the Joe Kubert School to becoming a pioneer of independent publishing. Steve is also working with Lighthouse Press to officially bring back his prehistoric masterpiece, Tyrant. We talk about the origin of this meticulously researched T-Rex biography, why he’s bringing it back for a modern audience now via Kickstarter, and how his 15 years teaching at the Center for Cartoon Studies shaped his perspective on the industry today. Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Collective Con 2026HERE Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Collective Con Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Everyone's favorite comic YouTuber, Dave from West Coast Davengers, joins me live from Original Art Expo in Orlando, to record a recap of the event. We talk about our experiences at the convention as a first-timer and a seasoned attendee, the incredible original comic art we saw, the difference between collecting and engaging with art, the inaugural Kirby Awards, tips for new art collectors, and Dave lists the mandatory comic shops you have to visit next time you're on the West Coast. Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Collective Con 2026HERE Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Collective Con Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

World renowned illustrator and cartoonist, Michael Cho joins the show to talk about his new comic covers for Thundarr The Barbarian and Space Ghost (for Dynamite Entertainment). We also deep dive into his artistic process, Jack Kirby and Silver Age comic influences, "meeting" Captain America in The Avengers in the Verocity Trap, and Mike takes a moment to remember his friend Darwyn Cooke. Watch the uncut video version of this episode on YouTube LINKS: Patreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Collective Con 2026HERE Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Proudly sponsored by Collective Con Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Edmund Dansart is back from hiatus to join the show for a special tribute episode. In this one, we celebrate the life and career of comics fast and furious artist Sal Buscema, followed by recapping comic news from the year so far, like the global Supergirl anthology and the Absolute Universe's latest reprint run. Ed also chimes in with his favorite comics at the moment (Universal Monsters: The Invincible Man, James Stokoe's Orphan in the Five Beasts, This Ends Tonight) Check out patreon.com/theshortbox for pt. 2 and more comic news recap! LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group Click here to text us Fan Mail! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus Collective Con 2026HERE Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit Proudly sponsored by Collective Con Proudly sponsored by IDW Comics Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Doug Wagner (writer of PLASTIC, PLUSH, VINYL) joins the show to discuss writing dark comedy horror comics like I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer, and the latest addition to his Image Comics Materials-Universe: Narco, the story of a narcoleptic man attempting to solve the grisly murder of his neighbor. Doug also elaborates on his time working at Malibu Comics, his favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies, starting 12-Gauge Comics and writing the black & white anthology series: The Ride, and shares stories about working with Brian Stelfreeze and Cully Hamner Watch the unedited video version of this episode: HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Click here to pay-what-you-want for the Dynamite Humble Bundle deal Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Proudly sponsored by Collective Con! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Award-winning comic artist, Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman, Paper Girls) joins the show to talk about what it's like being in-between projects and gearing up for the next big thing. We also talk extensively about his creative process, influences and mentors, working in DC editorial, Paper Girls live-action show, how Catwoman: Lonely City came together, manga he's reading, and discuss the upcoming Vertigo relaunch. Watch the unedited video version of this episode: HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Click here to pay-what-you-want for the Dynamite Humble Bundle deal Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Another January means another annual trip to visit the big homie, Walt. We hit the ground running so fast this episode, that we didn't even have time to record a proper intro. We talked about a bit of everything, including Walt's pull-list, Ryan Coogler's original script for Black Panther 2, things we'd change about digital comics, Todd McFarlane and Jim Lee's legacy, Avenger's: Doomsday, and we defended Cyclops' honor. This episode also includes a special cameo via phone towards the end 😉 LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Click here to pay-what-you-want for the Dynamite Humble Bundle deal Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Proudly sponsored by Collective Con! Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

World renowned comic writer, Jim Zub (Avengers, Conan, Skullkickers), joins the show for a conversation that really covers it all. Jim talks about writing the flagship Conan comic series for Titan Comics, working with rising comic artist Roberto de la Torre, Robert E. Howard's legacy, Dungeons & Dragons, and the power of storytelling, working at Udon with Capcom, and he also shares a heartfelt story about attending GenCon with his brother. Watch the video version of this episode, HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Ben and I continue our annual tradition of recapping the best comics of the year with a special 2025 farewell episode, recorded live from Gotham City limit comic shop. We answer some fan mail questions, and talk about the comics, creators, and trends that made this a great year for comic fans, and the things we're excited about for 2026. Some of Ben's comic picks: Sisterhood: A Hyde Street StoryCheetah & Cheshire Rob The Justice LeagueAbsolute BatmanOrdainedArcadia Exquisite CorpsesSkinbreakerOur Soot Stained HeartRed VectorAmerican CaperWatch the video version of this episode, HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Aaron Hazouri (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toaster Guy, NECA) returns to the show after almost 12 yrs since his first appearance on the podcast! He's back to talk about his new career as a concept artist and illustrator for NECA toys, doing production art for their TMNT line of figures and collectibles, meeting Kevin Eastman, working on Sesame Street, and talks about his upcoming in-person signing at Black Cat comics this Saturday, December 20th. Watch the video version of this episode, HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Proudly sponsored by Collective Con! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

This episode was recorded at Gotham City Limit comic shop, last month, where superstar comic-cover-artist, Aaron Bartling was celebrating the release of his Final Boss shop exclusive variant. Aaron was kind enough to chat with me about his life and career, working in the Death metal scene with bands like Impending Doom, his creative process and favorite tools of the trade, advice for new artists, and discussed the cover that put him on the map: TMNT: Last Ronin Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, here Enter in this month's giveaway contest, to win a copy of Aaron Bartling's exclusive variant of Final Boss #1: HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Buy your tickets for Collective Con 2026, Northeast Florida's largest pop culture convention: HERE Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Proudly sponsored by Collective Con! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Comic writer Torunn Grønbekk (Catwoman, Carnage, Thor) joins the show to talk about her new ongoing comic series: The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Shiver of Christmas Town, and explains how she broke into the comic industry, Co-writing Thor with Jason Aaron, and explains what life is like for a comic writer living in Norway. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, here LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Visit the shop in Jax, or shop online at gothamcitylimit.com Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Proudly sponsored by Collective Con! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

This episode was originally released in September 2023, as Ep. 401 Brian Wiedman a Comic Book Consignment Director at Heritage Auctions, joins the show for episode #401, to talk about the busy life of a comic auctioneer, setting a world record for the highest Batman comic ever sold, and gives a tour of some rare comics and original artwork that will be going up for auction in the Comic & Comic Art Signature Auction #7341 Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube, here LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Proudly sponsored by Collective Con! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

This episode was originally released in May 2024, as Ep. 427 Sanford Greene joins the show to talk about his new Marvel comic: Doom #1, a passion project and love letter to Marvel's top super villain and monarch. Sanford also talks about the comic scene in the Carolinas, his early career, finding influence from MF DOOM's music, co-writing with Jonathan Hickman, and what makes Dr. Doom one of the best characters of all time. He also gives an update on the return of Bitter Root! Watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel (Here) LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats

Rapper, producer, and comic writer: Esoteric (of 7LES & Czarface) is on the show to talk about all things comic books and hip-hop. Eso breaks down the origin of Czarface and the group’s comic book influences, his writing/ creative process, fatherhood, working with LaMour Supreme, MF DOOM and Ghostface, meeting comic book royalty like Todd McFarlane, his friendship with Tom Hardy (and Frankie Pulitzer), and talks about his new Czarface comic series: Stress Fracture (out now on czarcomics.com) Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: HERE LINKS: HEREPatreon Communitybonus episodesHEREcomic shoppingGotham City Limit!The Schiller Kessler Group We read Fan Mail, send us some! Pre-order a brand new Short Box shirt, long sleeve, or hoodie: HERE Proudly sponsored by Gotham City Limit! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show REACH OUT! 🤝🏼 theshortboxjax@gmail.com IG theshortboxjaxtheshortboxentertainment.comDeftStrokeSoundMecca Tha MarvelousDJ CrumbzL.E.R.M.Dialectable Beats