Episode 054 • NEAR MINTerview w/ Bill Willingham

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2013 is upon us and we’re kicking off the new year with one of our biggest guests to date. Bill Willingham is the Eisner Award-winning creator of Fables and he joined us for an in-depth conversation about the series and it’s ever-growing universe.

Willingham reveals his secret origin as an MP before breaking into comics as a penciler. Then, we discuss the latest Fables collection (vol. 18, “Cubs in Toyland”) and why you might need an english lit lesson before you read it. We also talk about the spinoff series, Fairest and the recent original graphic novel, Werewolves of the Heartland, and find out what character he couldn’t bear to turn over to another writer.

Later in the conversation we learn about Fabletown and Beyond, a 3-day convention coming to Minnesota, March 22-24 to celebrate Fables and other comics from the “mythic fiction” genre. Willingham gives his perspective on the departure of longtime Vertigo editor, Karen Berger and what it means for the future of the imprint. Finally, we wrap things up with a preview of the 2012 Minty Awards. What is Bill Willingham’s “Oh shit” Moment to the Year? Listen and find out.

Music in this episode by: Sara Bareilles

Episode 049 • NEAR MINTerview w/ Cullen Bunn

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From his brain to your ears, Ben Peirce steps inside the mad mind of Cullen Bunn in the latest NEAR MINTerview! The Eisner-nominated writer of The Sixth Gun joins us to talk about that, along with a myriad of other projects including Wolverine, Venom, Spider-Man: Season One, Captain America and a few more teases of things to come.

Along the way, we talk about Cullen’s approach to writing, the never-un-changing-forever world of superhero comics, the perils of the continuity trap, and creator-owned comics vs. bucket list characters. It’s an hour+ of awesome with one of the top writers in comics!

Music in this episode by: Ween, Stereophonics

Episode 041 • NEAR MINTerview w/ Nate Simpson

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Ben Peirce returns with another NEAR MINTerview.  This time, our guest is Nate Simpson, the breakout writer/artist behind the hit new series Nonplayer from Image Comics.  Nonplayer #1 took the comics world by storm selling out across the country and grabbing tons of praise from critics and industry professionals alike.  Series creator, Nate Simpson, is a complete newcomer to comics after working primarily in game design. He’s crafted an exciting story that blends elements of sword & sorcery-style fantasy, distopian future sci-fi and multiplayer online gaming with breathtaking visuals.

Nate was recently honored at the Eisner Awards ceremony with the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award and with just one issue to his credit, he now faces down a world of great expectations.  He talks candidly about the challenges he faces as a new creator – honing his craft, meeting deadlines and responding to the pressure of new-found fame.  We discuss his inspirations as an artist and a writer, find out about the inner workings of Image Comics and talk in-depth about the world of Nonplayer. Listen in as we bear witness to a comics star being born.

Editors Note: Nonplayer made news once again this week, when Warner Borthers optioned a film treatment of the series with David Heyman (Harry Potter) attached as producer.  This announcement was made just hours after we spoke so it is not included in our conversation but we’ll be sure to follow up with Nate as the series and the possible film adaptation progress.  If you missed the initial release of Nonplayer, you can pick up a second print copy signed by Nate Simpson for cover price (plus shipping) at the Nonplayer Store.

Music in this episode by: Big Pun

Episode 039 • NEAR MINTerview w/ Frank Quitely

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After an action-packed month of May, that maxed out our available bandwidth, the Near Mint Comic Show is back with this much-anticipated NEAR MINTerview. In this episode we call across the pond to talk to superstar artist, Frank Quitely.   Frank’s unique style and gift for storytelling, have propelled him to the top of the industry’s A-list. Frank’s recent collaborations with Grant Morrison have garnered praise from fans, won awards and spawned everything from deluxe hardcover treatments of the work to animated adaptations.

Quitely discusses this early concept sketch for Dick Grayson as Batman

In this conversation, we discuss Frank’s early work for Judge Dredd and the genesis of his partnership with Morrison.  We dive into some of his recent work including the re-establishment of the X-Men in New X-Men, the iconic resonance of All-Star Superman the design of a new Batman in Batman and Robin and the chance to revisit old material in We3. We also discuss the challenge of balancing beautiful illustration with effective storytelling and get some of Frank’s reading recommendations.   We’re very excited to bring you this interview and we think you’ll enjoy it!

Music in this episode by: 

Alice Cooper

EDITOR’S NOTE: As you may know, our own Ben Peirce made a short film this past weekend as part of the New Hampshire 48 Hour Film project.  If you haven’t already seen it, head over to pilotgroove.com and check out Just Remember That They’re Dead.  It’s 7 minutes and 12 seconds well-spent!

Episode 038 “Rocked by Granitecon”

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Ben and Josh return with another “Live” episode , this time on location from the floor of the Granite State Comic Con.  We open up this mammoth episode with a recap of Free Comic Book Day and the pre-Granitecon Drink & Draw, which Ben took part in once again.  Then we throw a shameless plug to Josh and PJ Huot’s new MMA show on WGAM– honest-to-goodness real-live radio!

Tony Moore missed the show this year but we don’t let it dampen our spirits, diving into lots of comic talk, including Fear Itself, Osborn, FF, and Kick Ass 2.  Then we welcome listener, Dan Bertwell and con-virgin, Mike SMith to the show.  Mike gives the wide-eyed newbie perspective and agrees to take on a homework assignment.  Later, Ben & Josh give thier thoughts on the Thor movie and Calrton Greene of Eat Sleep Comics stops by to talk comics, sing Kumbaya, and drop a few f-bombs.

Finally, we wrap up the show by interviewing two filmmakers.  First, we sit down with Mike Dogherty, producer/director of Browncoats: Redemption – a Whedon-sanctioned, fan-made sequel to Serenity.  After that, we chat with Pasha Roberts, director of the upcoming animated feature, Silver Circle.

Tuck in the kids and put on a pot of coffee because this is a long one, but it’s Chock Full o’ Near Mint goodness!

Visit our Facebook page and check out our photos from Granitecon.

Music in this episode by: Bentframe, Mötley Crüe, Curtis Mayfield, Citizen Cope, Gary Portnoy, Sonny Rhodes, Europe

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: The Walking Dead at NYCC 2010

At the 2010 NY Comic Con, NearMintComicShow.com had the opportunity to sit down with the cast and creators behind AMC’s upcoming series, The Walking Dead for an exclusive and very intimate interview session. In this 30-minute documentary feature, you get to share the experience!

Executive producers, Frank Darabont and Gail Ann Hurd and series creator, Robert Kirkman along with cast members, Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Jon Bernthal, Laurie Holden, Norman Reedus and Steven Yeun, take you deep inside The Walking Dead.  Explore the inspiration, vision and incredibly talented people bringing the hit comic book series to television this fall.

Spoiler Warning: for those who have not read the comic, these conversations reveal some plot points from early in the series – proceed with caution.

For more exclusive video content, visit:
Facebook.com/​nearmintcomicshow

 

NEAR MINTerview with Jim Rugg

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

Well, it may be the unofficial last day of summer but we’re celebrating the occasion with a couple of Near Mint firsts.  This is the first installment of coverage from last week’s Baltimore Comic-Con, it’s also our first video NEAR MINTerview.  Ben had the opportunity to sit down with Afrodesiac co-creator, Jim Rugg and he dropped some science on us.  In this 16-minute interview, Jim schools us on the history of comics and the direct market, blaxploitation, and the creative process that went into his amazingly unique work on books like Afrodesiac, Street Angel and Rambo 3.5 (which you can read here for free).

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Episode 024 – NEAR MINTerview w/ J.H. Williams III

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Every once in a while this little ol’ podcast reels in a very BIG guest and this one is no exception.

In this Near Minterview special, we talk one-on-one with the eisner-nominated artist of Detective Comics, J.H. Williams III.  Fresh off his phenomenal run with writer, Greg Rucka, J.H. is poised to take Kate Kane, Batwoman, from the pages of Detective and into her own monthly ongoing which he will write and draw in collaboration with W. Haden Blackman (Star Wars: Purge) and Amy Reeder Hadley (Madame Xanadu).

During our conversation we talk about JHW3′s career in comics, his unique melting pot approach to art and storytelling, and his ability to push conventions and expand the language of comics.  In the second half of the episode, we cover all things Batwoman as J.H. takes us behind the scenes of the on-again-off-again Bat-title and how it finally got the green light.  We discuss Kate Kane’s character, her costume, her sexuality, her place in the greater DCU and what we can expect to see in her upcoming adventures.

Music in this episode by:
Animal Liberation Orchestra, Pilotgroove and Ben Folds Five

Episode 021 – NEAR MINTerview with Sean Murphy

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In this special NEAR MINTerview episode, we’re very excited to talk with artist, Sean Murphy. Sean is currently working alongside Grant Morrison on the Vertigo series, Joe the Barbarian. His unique style and rich detail has created a ton of buzz around the book and will no doubt make him an artist to watch in 2010.

Sean will be in New Hampshire on Friday, February 19 from 4-7pm for a signing at Double Midnight Comics (245 Maple St, Manchester, NH). for more information, visit dmcomics.com

For more on Sean Murphy, visit seangordonmurphy.com. Sean’s original artwork is available for sale at cadencecomicart.com

Music in this episode by: Jimi Hendrix

*CALL THE NEAR MINT VOICEMAIL LINE: 1-825-31-SNIKT*

Episode 017 – “Nobody’s Business”

It’t the 17th Episode Spectacular and we’ve got a really big show lined up for you. First up, we weigh in on the news that has everyone talking – Disney’s 4 billion dollar aquisition of Marvel Comics.

Then it’s a blockbuster Near Mint interview, as Ben sits down to talk with Jeff Lemire (the Nobody, Essex County, Sweet Tooth).

Finally, we hear from Scott Proulx about his trip to the San Diego Comicon and throw in a boatload of comics talk for good measure, including: Ultimate Spidey & Avengers, Amazing Spider-Man, Y: the Last Man, Batman, Utopia and more. Hold onto your backing boards folks, this one’s a whopper!

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It’s the 17th Episode Spectacular and we’ve got a really big show lined up for you. First up, we weigh in on the news that has everyone talking – Disney’s 4 billion dollar aquisition of Marvel Comics.

Then it’s a blockbuster Near Mint interview, as Ben sits down to talk with Jeff Lemire. Jeff is the writer/artist of the critically-acclaimed graphic novel, the Nobody from Vertigo. His Eisner-nominated trilogy, Essex County, was just released in a 500+ page collected edition from Top Shelf. And his new ongoing monthly from Vertigo, Sweet Tooth, just dropped last week.

Finally, we hear from Scott Proulx about his trip to the San Diego Comicon and throw in a boatload of comics talk for good measure, including: Ultimate Spidey & Avengers, Amazing Spider-Man, Y: the Last Man, Batman, Utopia and more. Hold onto your backing boards folks, this one’s a whopper!