
Hosted by Dollar Bin Bandits, Bleav · EN

Today we sit down with David Steinberger and Chip Mosher to discuss the evolution of DSTLRY and the rapidly expanding world of Neon Ichiban, with a major focus on the newly unveiled Neon Ichiban 2.0 platform update. The conversation explores how their backgrounds at comiXology and BOOM! Studios helped shape their creator-first approach to publishing and collectibles, while also diving into the changing nature of fandom, curation, and premium physical media in modern comics culture. David and Chip discuss the philosophy behind Neon Ichiban’s evolution, the challenge of balancing collectibility with accessibility, and why they believe thoughtfully curated experiences and high-end presentation still matter in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape. Check out their creations at dstlry.co and neonichiban.com. You can preorder a Mischief of Magpies at focrewards.com and earn credit for comics reviews here: https://neonichiban.com/hubs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Bandits welcome Jim Zub for a wide-ranging conversation about his career in #comics, with a special focus on his recent Conan the Barbarian work. Jim discusses the challenge of taking on one of fantasy’s most iconic characters, balancing classic Robert E. Howard influences with modern storytelling, and why Conan continues to resonate with readers decades after his creation. The discussion also explores Jim’s broader journey through the industry, from self-publishing and creator-owned projects like Skullkickers to major runs on franchises including Dungeons & Dragons, Avengers, and Thunderbolts. Along the way, Jim reflects on the realities of building a long-term comics career and his passion for mentoring the next generation of creators through education and industry transparency. You can follow Jim on his site, jimzub.com, or on Instagram @jim_zub. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dollar Bin Bandits welcome legendary creator Dan Brereton back to the show to talk monsters, mood, and the long-awaited return of his beloved noir-horror universe in Nocturnals: Darkly. Dan digs into the origins of the new graphic novel, why the Nocturnals characters continue to resonate decades later, and how his lush painted artwork has evolved over the years while still channeling the same spooky pulp energy fans fell in love with in the ’90s. We also chats with Dan about crowdfunding, creator-owned comics, and the challenges of balancing storytelling with jaw-dropping visuals. And for listeners looking to join the monster party, the Nocturnals: Darkly Kickstarter campaign is still accepting late pledges: http://kck.st/3NBLP5Z. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dollar Bin Bandits sit down with Bryan Liddiard and Jon Bryans to discuss the long history and enduring cult appeal of Panda Khan, the martial arts-inspired anthropomorphic comic that became one of the standout independent books of the late black-and-white boom era. The conversation explores the origins of the character, the influence of kung fu films and 1980s comics culture, the challenges of creating independent comics during a rapidly changing market, and the surprising legacy Panda Khan has maintained with collectors and fans decades later. Bryan and Jon also reflect on creator-owned comics, the realities of indie publishing, and what it’s been like revisiting Panda Khan for a new generation of readers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Returning guest Diana Schutz joins us for a candid and wide-ranging look back at her decades helping shape Dark Horse Comics as the legendary publisher celebrates its 40th anniversary and faces a new era following the departure of founder Mike Richardson. Diana reflects on the early days of Dark Horse, the company’s creator-first philosophy, and the editorial voice that helped separate it from the Big Two, while also discussing the challenges, risks, and missed opportunities that came with navigating multiple eras of the comics industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode, we sit down with Morgan Siebert, curator of the Super Museum, for a conversation about preserving the legacy of the Man of Steel and celebrating one of pop culture’s most enduring icons. Morgan shares stories from the museum’s incredible collection of comics, props, toys, and memorabilia, discusses what it’s like running a museum dedicated to Superman, and reflects on how the character has evolved across generations of fans. The episode also dives into the history of the Superman Celebration, rare collectibles, and the unique role Metropolis, Illinois plays as Superman’s hometown in the real world. Check out all that's going on at the Super Museum on their website, supermuseum.com, or by following them on Instagram @supermanmuseum. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Returning guest Judd Winick introduces Hilo Presents, a new imprint expanding beyond the beloved Hilo series to bring his signature action-packed storytelling and humor to brand new stories and worlds. The Mighty launches as the first book under this banner, and Judd breaks down the story of Miranda Luna, an average kid in Willow City navigating multiple changes—rising crime, increased bullying, a mysteriously acting family, and her own body's unexpected transformations including super-strength and sudden hair growth—while grappling with a local legend about a giant, furry, mythical creature that protects the city in times of need. He discusses his approach to balancing themes of growing up and feeling out of control with fun middle-grade adventure, explains how The Mighty compares to Hilo in tone and audience, and shares his vision for the Hilo Presents imprint including plans for additional books, whether he's still working on Hilo simultaneously, and where readers can find The Mighty. As always, you can find Judd on Instagram @juddwinick. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a galaxy not so far away, we sit down with artist Stephane Leonardi to talk shop on the ever-evolving world of sketch cards, with a heavy lean into his standout work on Star Wars and Marvel Universe sets. Leonardi breaks down the unique challenge of telling a complete, dynamic story in just a few square inches, sharing insights into his process, materials, and the hustle behind commission-driven art and collector culture. The conversation celebrates the intersection of fandom and artistry that makes sketch cards such a vital (and addictive) corner of the hobby. You can follow Stephane on his site, stephaneleonardi.com, or on Instagram @artofstephaneleonardi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will Meugniot joins the Bandits for a wide-ranging conversation spanning his decades-long career across #comics, animation, and toy design. He traces his path from discovering comics and early cartoons to breaking into the industry professionally, touching on his co-creation of DNAgents with writer Mark Evanier and discussing how the character designs came together. The bulk of the conversation focuses on his extensive animation work, including his roles as producer and director on X-Men: The Animated Series, where he helped adapt decades of Marvel mythology for a new generation of fans, as well as his contributions to Batman: The Animated Series, G.I. Joe, and Captain Planet. Will reflects on the technical constraints of 80s and 90s animation production and how those limitations often drove creative solutions, while also discussing the differences between storyboarding for animation and laying out a comics page. He shares thoughts on the evolution of the animation industry, collaborators who shaped his storytelling instincts, and which projects brought him the most satisfaction — as well as a few that never made it to screen but still linger in his imagination. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roy Thomas returns to discuss A Life in Four Colors, 1940–1966, his long-awaited autobiography published by TwoMorrows. In the book, the man Stan Lee dubbed "Rascally Roy" and "Roy the Boy" tells the full, uncensored story of his emergence as one of the brightest stars in the Marvel Comics firmament. Readers get a ringside seat at some of the earliest comics conventions, and at the fateful 1965 New York Herald Tribune interview that caused a seismic rift between Lee and Kirby. The full-color hardcover is illustrated with rare and unseen art and behind-the-scenes photos from the dawn of the Silver Age, and Roy teases that he's already hard at work on a follow-up volume covering the rest of his Marvel tenure from 1967 to 1980. You can find the book from TwoMorrows here: https://twomorrows.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1878. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.