Off Panel: A Comics Interview Podcast

Artist Rafael Albuquerque joins the show to talk about his life and career in comics and the upcoming Absolute Green Arrow. Albuquerque discusses traditional vs. digital art, his comic origins, the generations of artists in Brazil, how he figured out art, the impact of influences, the project that changed how he was seen in comics, why Absolute Green Arrow feels like a next step, his original Absolute experience, collaboration, Absolute freedom, his favorite part of Absolute Green Arrow's design, how horror shapes his work, what keeps him excited about art, learning from others, where Brazil's comic scene is headed, and more.

Writer Pornsak Pichetshote joins the show to talk about where he is in his career and the upcoming Absolute Green Arrow. Pichetshote discusses his new email newsletter, being vulnerable, how he sees himself in comics, why he hasn't taken on more for hire work before, what differentiated Absolute, when his journey to Absolute Green Arrow started, the personal nature of the book, Rafael Albuquerque's impact, making Green Arrow make sense, the focus of the book, the challenge of mysteries, character designs, the response to the book, imposter syndrome, the unique nature of Absolute and Exquisite Corpses, learnings from those projects, whether he's entering a new phase of his career, his ideal mix, and more.

Cartoonist Julia Wertz joins the show to talk about her career and her new graphic novel Bury Me Already (It's Nice Down Here). Wertz discusses her upcoming book tour, perceived age, promotional images, when she started making comics, what comics are for her, her comic strip-like approach, her natural art style, comic processes, approaching sensitive subjects, continuity, parenting books, the emotions of Bury Me Already, learning about herself through her work, drawing spaces, her book covers, the material she ends up with, putting books in a box, relationships with readers, what keeps her going with comics, tips for autobio creators, and more.

Comics critic Tiffany Babb joins the show to talk about her comics zine, The Comics Staple, and the world of comics journalism. Babb discusses pre-Kickstarter feelings, the joy of creating, her fearless nature, the importance of failure,  why comics needs something like The Comics Staple, the importance of tastemakers, the contributors to the zine, the Staple's audience, what differentiates it, why she enjoys prints so much, the impact of her previous work, the state of comics journalism, what's missing in that space, the Eisner judge experience, her read of the industry, convention panel tips, and more.

Cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks joins the show to talk about her new graphic novel Inbetweens and the evolving role of comic creators. Hicks discusses her (tough) love of horror, operating outside the box, the path to release for Inbetweens, battling boredom, Inbetweens' origins, its evolution, the leads of the book, its timeframe, the gender disparity of animation, changing requirements for cartoonists, the evolution of the internet, The Adventures of Superhero Girl, slowing down, and more.