Adrian Has Issues

The Adrian Has Issues podcast recently celebrated a 3-year anniversary. Adrian and Eileen decided to take the time out to say "thanks!" for the love and support from the comic book and podcasting communities. However, in those three years, there have been some issues that need to be addressed. With much reflection and soul-searching, our hosts expressed those issues in the hope of creating a dialogue among the community regarding topics related to professionalism, responsibility, ethics and more. The intention is not for the sake of condemnation, but to help a supportive group continue to grow and be there for one another. Podcasting is very important on a personal and professional level, but if it is to grow it takes everybody working together.

This week's episode features guests Mark Frankel and Alexander Sapountzis. The former is the CEO/COO and the latter is the CTO/Creative Director of the independent publisher Wayward Raven Media. Along with Editor-In-Chief Joshua Lee Andrew Jones, Mark and Alexander oversee the production of several comics including Signed C: The Missing, The Committee and the webcomic Damn Heroes, which is written by Frankel and drawn by Sapountzis. In this episode, Mark and Alex describe the origins of Damn Heroes, which serves as a humorous ribbing of various superhero tropes. The duo also share their many experiences as exhibitors at numerous conventions and stress the necessity for creators to produce original content amidst the countless remakes and retreads in pop culture. 

Christopher Khayman Lee is a Los Angeles-based writer and actor. He is perhaps best known for his role as the character Andros, the "Red Ranger" on the popular kids action series Power Rangers In Space. Recently, Chris is the founder and lead writer of the company West Coast Comics, which produces the webcomic L.A. Crazytown. In this episode, Chris shares his experiences working on Power Rangers and the enduring popularity of the franchise, as well as the many ups and downs of being an indie comic book creator. Plus, Adrian and Chris create a psych profile for numerous superheroes including Batman, Deadpool and even Andros himself. Also In This Episode: Cannibals = The new zombies! Batman vs. A well-adjusted Bruce Wayne! Christopher vs. The League of Extraordinary Stuntmen! Bizarre Andros fan theories!

Darryl Mansel is a North Carolina-based podcaster and comic book writer. He is the creator of the Poprika Podcast Network and has recently released the first issue of his indie comic Pineville on Comixology. In this episode, Darryl gives us insight into what inspired Pineville and how crucial elements such as story outlining and taking a minimalist approach to storytelling played into the comic's narrative. Plus, Darryl and Adrian discuss viewing comic books as a legitimate art form and dealing with buyer's remorse and an updated debate on the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Enrica Jang is a writer, editor and the founder of the independent comics publisher Red Stylo Media. Under the Red Stylo Media banner, Enrica has overseen the release of several comics anthologies including The 27 Club, Angel With A Bullet and the upcoming Baroque Pop: A Lana Del Rey Fanthology (produced by comic book writer Mario Candelaria). The publishing imprint has also released comics under Red Stylo Press including Azteca, Torchbearer and City of Walls. The latter title features art by former guest AK Lovelace. In this episode, Enrica explains how a real-life train incident served as inspiration for her comic Crossing (featuring artist Alex Cormack & letterer Mark Mullaney). Enrica also gives listeners insight into her story submission for the Baroque Pop anthology, as well as contemplate art's place in the troubling uncertainty of the Trump era.

Steve Petrivelli is a Philadelphia-based comic book writer, best known for his comic Sweetie, which was drawn by Sean Dillon. In his third appearance on the podcast, Steve continues his "History of Comics" lesson from Episode 67. In this episode, Steve recalls the "Bronze Age" of comics from the 70s to mid-80s and the underground comics movement popularized by Robert Crumb and Harvey Pekar. Plus, we look at DC Comics' massive event Crisis On Infinite Earths, the birth of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the formation of Image Comics. 

This week's episode of Adrian Has Issues features not one--not two--but three awesome guests! Comic book creators Matt Harding, Ricardo Lima and returning guest Kevin Cuffe are all involved in an upcoming anthology entitled, Not Forgotten: A Public Domain Superhero Anthology. The collection features re-imaginings of obscure "Golden Age" superheroes that have faded into relative obscurity. We discuss the origins of the anthology and Iron Skull by Kevin and Ricardo, which will be included in the anthology. Plus, there's hilarious discussions on Star Trek and the epic beards of comic book creators.

Episode 82: King Of The Road

Josh Dahl is a New England-based comic book writer and educator. Under his MONOLITH banner, he has released comics such as the supervillain revenge tale, Rapid City: Below Zero, which is drawn by Shawn Langley. Josh has also worked with companies like Big Blue Comics, Bad Kids Press and ComicsWork. In today's episode, Adrian talks with Josh about Rapid City how his work in the criminal justice system informs his views of supervillainy. Plus, Josh Dahl explains his unique take on comic shop signings by "barnstorming," which will see he and fellow comic creator Johnny C tour several comic book shops in one weekend. Adrian and Josh also share ideas on finding new and inventive ways to engage new fans at conventions and on social media.

This week's guest is Donny Cates, a Texas-based comic book writer best known for penning titles such as Archer and Armstrong, Buzzkill and The Paybacks. His most recent title is God Country from Image Comics, in which a man battling dementia encounters an enchanted sword--and the Jack Kirby-esque creatures that seek to reclaim it. The book also features artist Geoff Shaw, colorist Jason Wordie and letterer John J. Hill. In this episode, Donny explains the real-life inspiration behind God Country and the importance that small-town Americana plays as it's juxtaposed with an epic sci-fi story.

Daryl Freimark is a New York-based filmmaker, producer and the executive editor of the supernatural comic book, The Devil Is Due In Dreary. His film credits include Hairspray, Some Velvet Morning and the critically-acclaimed drama, Five-Star. Continuing the conversation from Episode 75, Daryl returns to give listeners the inside scoop on what it takes to produce films for both major and independent studios. We also discuss the future of the independent film industry, including the back-and-forth battles between theater chains and home video/digital markets.

This week's episode features two great guests! Johnny C is a New England-based producer, director and writer. He is the founder of the entertainment website Movie (P)Review Show as well as the writer of comic books such as Sartana, Surrounded By Death and the upcoming Clark & Five. Chris Liryo is a freelance artist from New York. She is the artist on Clark & Five and the creator of an upcoming project entitled Deep Breath. Johnny and Chris give listeners an in-depth look into the creation process of Clark & Five. The team explains how their collaboration allowed the characters and themes to evolve from its initial concept, and stress the importance of trust and communication between creative teams in crafting a an engaging story.

On this week's episode, Adrian chats with New England-based writer Cody about his horror comic miniseries Croak, which is released through Alterna Comics. Cody talks about how his love (and frustration) with the horror movie genre inspired his comic and how its origins as a short film helped shaped the book's story and the artwork. Adrian expresses how John Carpenter's The Thing is ruining lives (in a good way) 34 years later and Cody gives details the hidden potential of a strong presence on social media.

Sebastian Bonet is a freelance illustrator based out of New York City. As a self-taught artist, Sebastian has been steadily honing his craft and establishing his brand through local comic book conventions such as INBEON Con and self-publishing his first-ever comic book entitled Dead Planet. Initially meeting through the Creator After Con Network during NYCC 2015, Adrian and Sebastian catch up and discuss a myriad of topics including: Being a "professional student" in the comics community, Effective marketing as both a professional and individual, Quidditch Beer Pong, Batman vs. Ozzy Osbourne, The Joker vs. The IRS And more!

Daryl Freimark is a New York-based filmmaker, producer and the executive editor of the supernatural comic book, The Devil Is Due In Dreary. Recorded prior to the start of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Adrian chats with Daryl about his experiences in film and the many parallels it has to creating comics. Daryl also explains the ups and downs of producing films including his work on Hairspray, Some Velvet Morning and the critically-acclaimed indie drama Five-Star.

As is often said on this show, the Adrian Has Issues podcast would be nothing without the love and support from its listeners and guests, but also the comic book community itself. To that end, Adrian and and Eileen forego a standard interview to say "thank you" to everybody who has supported the show since its inception. Adrian reflects on the his humble (and awkward) beginnings as a podcaster and Eileen reaffirms the podcast's mission to continue to be a voice for the hardworking men and women in the comic community. Also, both hosts emphasize the importance of respect and professionalism among creators and fans.

Back in Episode 62, Adrian and his producer Eileen spoke with Buddy Scalera, a noted content strategist, author and journalist. Buddy also has an extensive background in comic book writing, having worked on Deadpool for Marvel Comics and publishing creator-owned titles like Necrotic and 7 Days of Fame through After Hours Press. Buddy is perhaps best known for his role as the founder of the company Comic Book School, which, as the name suggests, aims to educate people in the creation, sales and marketing of comic books. In association with Red Bull and Marvy Uchida, Buddy's Comic Book School hosted a block of educational panels at New York Comic Con 2016 including Creators Studio with Joe Quesada. In an intimate, one on one conversation, Buddy Scalera speaks with Joe Quesada, the former Editor in Chief and current Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Comics. Joe discusses his rise through the ranks as an artist on titles for Valiant, DC and Marvel, eventually running the latter during one of the companies most t

Katy Rex is a Minnesota-based freelance writer, perhaps best known for Jade Street Protection Services for Black Mask Studios and the original graphic novel Strange Wit, which tells the incredible life story of writer Jane Bowles. Katy is also the editor of the comic book, Kim & Kim. Fabian Lelay is a comic artist and illustrator based out of New York. He is the artist of Jade Street Protection Services as well as Sea of Clouds. Fabian is also an artist in residence of Carmine Street Comics in NYC. In this episode, I talk with Katy and Fabian regarding their experiences working on Jade Street and together we cover a series of topics including: The girls of Jade Street as a rock band! The perils of Wikipedia clickholes! The girls of Jade Street as Dungeon & Dragons classes!

Alexa Fox is a writer, publisher and the president of Challenging Comics. In addition to publishing creator-owned titles, the company also maintains a studio-for-hire division entitled Challenging Studios, which serves the needs of other companies and art professionals. Co-written by Alexa Fox and Sean Gilmour, Challenging Comics' flagship title Danger Gliders chronicles the adventures of three superheroic sugar gliders. The book features art by JP Palabon and JM Venezuela, colors by Roy Canlas and JP Palabon and letters by Jon Zamar. Alexa Fox is also an accomplished voice actress, working with such talent as Mike McFarland, Monica Rial and Colleen Clinkenbeard.

Leeann Hamilton is an illustrator and graphic artist from Ireland. New York Comic-Con 2016 marks her first-ever visit to New York, speaking at a panel entitled ComicsBeat Presents: The European Comics Invasion. In a brief interview prior to the start of the panel, Leeann discusses her experiences at NYCC and representing the growing Irish art/comic scene.