In this episode, we speak with cartoonist/writer/editor/designer RONALD WIMBERLY about his career and current work, including the new magazine LAAB, his webcomic/essay LIGHTEN UP, and his upcoming book SUNSET PARK. We discuss his inspirations, his thoughts on politics, art, and activism, and a dozen other fascinating tangents from one of the sharpe…

In this episode, we speak with legendary publisher RON TURNER, starting with his early days as an activist, through the creation of foundational publishing house LAST GASP, the heyday of the Underground Comix movement, and a myriad of other topics from an amazing life. TOPICS INCLUDE: Amputation, Activism, Air Pirates, Ecology, and R. Crumb The CBL…

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist.writer/editor SINA GRACE about his career and current work, including NOTHING LASTS FOREVER from Image Comics, and Marvel Comics' ICEMAN. We discuss his start in the industry, the various roles he has filled over the years, his creative process, and his approach to adult content. TOPICS INCLUDE: LONGSHOT, C…

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist R SIKORYAK about his latest book, THE UNQUOTABLE TRUMP, from Drawn & Quarterly. We discuss his career, his thoughts on activism, the variety of places he's been published, and the wide world of literature and comics he has managed to mush together, recontextualizing both in the process. TOPICS INCLUDE: Host…

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist JEFFREY BROWN about his work, and the changes (and lack of changes) in his art and his interests over the years. We discuss as many aspects of his career as we could fit into 45 minutes, with is really just the tip of the iceberg. Brown is an enormously prolific artist, with a wide library including Clumsy,…

In this episode, we speak with editor, publisher, writer, and translator ANNE ISHII about her current venture MASSIVE GOODS, and the world of gay manga. We discuss cultural differences with regards to erotica, gender politics, and pornography, niche subcultures, and take a diversion into our mutual love of the greatest Death Metal manga ever made. …

In this episode, we speak with writer MATTHEW ROSENBERG (We Can Never Go Hom, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank, Rocket Raccoon , Kingpin, 12 Reasons To Die) about his work, and the influence on his career of personal politics and activism. We discuss the early days of BLACK MASK STUDIOS, interacting with an angry audience, and maintaining nuance in politica…

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist and journalist SARAH GLIDDEN (ROLLING BLACKOUTS, HOW TO UNDERSTAND ISRAEL IN 60 DAYS OR LESS) about her work, and the evolution thereof. We discuss the process of becoming a journalist, and the role and responsibilities of reporters in the world. TOPICS INCLUDE: Birthright Trips, German Book Reviewers, Art …

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist ED LUCE (WUVABLE OAF) about coming to comics from fine arts, educating a new generation, and life in the OAF-O-VERSE. We discuss his early inspirations, and how he has managed to find broad appeal with what was once considering niche content... TOPICS INCLUDE: Johnny Ryan, Shepard Fairey, Full Frontal Nudit…

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist GILBERT HERNANDEZ (LOVE & ROCKETS, BLUBBER) about his career, his work, and his early inspirations. We discuss reactions to his work and controversies therein, and his personal views on mature content in comics and elsewhere. TOPICS INCLUDE: HEAVY METAL, Steve Ditko, Katy Perry, Grindhouse cinema, CLASSICS …

In this episode, we speak with cartoonist and writer KATIE SKELLY (NURSE NURSE, OPERATION MARGARINE, MY PRETTY VAMPIRE) about two classic European comic creators; Guido Crepax and Milo Manara. Katie discusses the craft, context, and legacy of these two masters of erotica (and more). TOPICS INCLUDE: Jeff Koons, Fellini, Frank King, Bondage (Full dis…

In this episode, we speak with author CHUCK PALAHNIUK (FIGHT CLUB, FIGHT CLUB 2, CHOKE), who has just completed writing FIGHT CLUB 2, as a graphic novel, with artist Cameron Stewart. TOPICS: Kolchak the Night Stalker, EC Comics, radiation poisoning, and more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program…

In this episode, CBLDF Editorial director BETSY GOMEZ talks with artist BRIAN STELFREEZE (BLACK PANTHER, DAY MEN), hot off the launch of the what is likely the year's biggest release, the new BLACK PANTHER series from Marvel Comics with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. TOPICS: Blaxploitation, self-censorship, costume design, and more! The CBLDF Podcast is …

In this episode, we are LIVE from Charm City! CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox talks with Vivek Tiwary (THE FIFTH BEATLE), Ron Marz (WITCHBLADE, GREEN LANTERN, SILVER SURFER), and Dirk Wood (IDW PUBLISHING) in a thrilling conversation! TOPICS: KISS, Mutant Turtles who are Teenage Ninjas, Diversity and Representation, Comic Book Rockstars, Marriage Eq…

In this episode, CBLDF Editorial Director Betsy Gomez speaks to cartoonist Raina Telegemeier (DRAMA, SMILE, SISTERS) and CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox talks with ARCHIE COMICS Senior VP of Publicity and Marketing, Alex Segura. TOPICS: Kevin Keller, Libraries, PREDATOR, Wally West, Film Noir, Orthodontary. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Boo…

Join the CBLDF Staff for a quick preview of everything happening at COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL 2015, in San Diego, from July 8th to July 12th! IDW Editor Sarah Gaydos also joins us to discuss a Very Special Variant Cover! More information can be found at cbldf.org!Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

In this episode, CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein speaks to Image Comics Publisher (and author of NOWHERE MEN, and THEY'RE NOT LIKE US) Eric Stephenson. The writing process, influences, views on censorship and free expression, and Eric's personal history ion the comics industry are all discussed. TOPICS: being offended, being offensive, …

In this episode, we come to you from Seattle, Washington, with a live recording from Emerald City Comic Con! Our panel includes Josh Fialkov (ELK'S RUN, PUNKS, THE BUNKER, ULTIMATE FF), Ed Luce (WUVABLE OAF), and IDW Publishing's VP of Marketing, Dirk Wood. We discuss: Libraries, Chest Hair, The Kroll Show, Gengoroh Tagame, PALESTINE, and much more…

In this episode, we speak to author and CBLDF Advisory Board Co-Chair (as well as CBLDF Board of Directors Alumni) NEIL GAIMAN. Neil is one of the most popular authors working today, a ground-breaking graphic novelist, a humanitarian deeply involved in multiple charitable projects, and a winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker awards, as well a…

In this episode, we speak to Brian Heater; journalist, podcaster, comic critic, and all-around Big Thinker when it comes to comics, comic art, and the comic industry. Check out Brian's regular podcast, RIYL, at http://riylcast.tumblr.com/ We discuss: THE SCULPTOR, Roz Chast, CHARLIE HEBDO, tablets, Raina Telgemeier, comics journalism, and much more…

n this episode, CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein talks to former CBLDF Executive Director Susan Alston about the early days of the Fund. We discuss: Mike Diana, Paul Mavrides, social media, the Supreme Court, and much more. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part w…

In this episode, CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein presents the History of the Comics Code Authority before a live audience at Wondercon 2014, in Anaheim California. He discusses: Tarzan, Fellini, Johnny Craig, Speedy's drug use, Wolfmans, Phil Sueling, Elfquests, and more! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's …

In this SPOOKY episode, we speak to Scott Allie, Editor-In-Chief of Dark Horse Comics, and Cartoonist and Horror Expert Jeff Zornow, who is currently illustrating GODZILLA: RULERS OF EARTH for IDW Publishing. Both of these gentlemen are big fans of horror as a genre, and horror comics, and we spend some time with them talking about what has traditi…

In this episode, CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein travels to Great Britain, and visits Page 45 in Nottingham, and the Cartoon Museum. We discuss: Constantine, "Spitting Image", censorship in British schools, Hunt Emerson, and much more. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possi…

In this episode, we present a live panel from New York Comic Con 2013, featuring a "Who's Who" in All-Ages Graphic Novels. The panel is a roundtable on using Comics in the Classroom, and we hear from (among others) author and educator Meryl Jaffe, author Jenni Holm, cartoonist Matt Holm, cartoonist Eric Wight, cartoonist Larry Marder, and more. The…

In this episode, we speak to Ross Richie, Founder and CEO of BOOM! Studios. Over the past few years, Ross has overseen BOOM! as it has grown into one of the most vibrant and diverse publishers in the market, and has turned what began as a handful of anthology books into a creative collective that publishes a variety of genres, including titles prod…

In this episode, we speak to CBLDF Board Member and Author JENNI HOLM (BABYMOUSE, SQUISH). Jenni is a one of the most important proponents of Graphic Novels for kids working today, and her books are wildly popular among humans of all ages. We discuss: Five Card Nancy, Petri Dishes, Bloom County, Sergei Eisenstein, New York real estate, and more. Th…

Writer and Producer Vivek Tiwary walks us through the creation of THE FIFTH BEATLE, and discusses how the life and times of Brian Epstein resonate with Free Expression struggles today. We discuss The Beatles, Colonel Tom Parker, Oscar Wilde Laws, Alanis Morrisette, and the underrated films of Peyton Reed. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book…

Interviews with Howard Cruse, Fiona Staples, and Robert Williams, from the floor of the 2014 Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival! The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and member support. More information can be found at cbld…

Author Fred Van Lente (Action Philosophers, Conan, Amazing Spider-Man, Archer & Armstrong) discusses Fredric Wertham, Juvenile Delinquency, and the birth of the Comics Code Authority. The CBLDF Podcast is part of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's ongoing education program, made possible in part with a donation from The Gaiman Foundation, and memb…