The Corner Box

David & John

Welcome to The Corner Box, where we talk about comic books as an industry and an art form. You never know where the discussion will go, or who’ll show up to join hosts David Hedgecock and John Barber. Between them they’ve spent decades writing, drawing, lettering, coloring, editing, editor-in-chiefing, and publishing comics. If you want to know the behind-the-scenes secrets—the highs and lows, the ins and outs—of the best artistic medium in the world, listen in and join the club at The Corner Box!

  1. 1 day ago

    David Pepose in the Wonderful Land of The Corner Box - S3Ep42

    The guys sit down with David Pepose as The O.Z. heads toward its third and final Kickstarter chapter, turning the Wizard of Oz into a war-torn fantasy battlefield with Dorothy Gale’s granddaughter at the center of the wreckage. Pepose breaks down the long wait between issues, why keeping Ruben Rojas on the book mattered, and how trauma, reinvention, and redemption became the spine of his work from Spencer & Locke to Space Ghost. Things get especially sharp when the conversation turns to “cheap heat” retellings, why a grim hook is worthless without a real human story, and how Kickstarter gave Pepose both creative control and a life-changing payday. David and John also dig into Space Ghost’s breathless pacing, the value of done-in-one adventures, the brutal usefulness of editor notes, and why licensed comics can be freeing when the right people stay out of the way. Plus, Speed Racer goes full volcano madness, Pepose reveals he’s stepping away after his planned run, and fatherhood starts looming over the whole episode like the ultimate deadline. Captions: “Comics are ultimately all about playing the long game. This one was a little bit of a longer game than I had anticipated.” — David Pepose on the long road to finishing The O.Z. “What if Mad Max took place in the Wizard of Oz?” — David Pepose explaining the killer hook behind The O.Z. “I owe him my career, but not in the way that he expected.” — David Pepose on Bobby Kurnow accidentally steering him away from editing and toward writing. “We were turning sacred cow into Tasty Hamburger.” — David Pepose on the gamble of Spencer & Locke. “Shock can get your foot in the door once. But I’m playing the long game here.” — David Pepose on why grim retellings need more than cheap heat. “Superheroes are not superheroes because they punch out a bad guy.” — David Pepose sharing the Tom Brevoort rule that shaped his Space Ghost. “Sequels are another opportunity to screw up.” — David Pepose on why he won’t extend a story unless the timing and reason are right. Splash Page: [00:24] – Enter Pepose, Exit Safe Choices: John introduces David Pepose, from Spencer & Locke to Speed Racer, Space Ghost, Cable, Punisher, Fantastic Four, Moon Knight, and Captain Planet. [01:07] – The Long Road to the Occupied Zone: Pepose explains why The O.Z. #3 took years, why Ruben Rojas stayed on the book, and why the finale had to feel consistent instead of rushed. [02:41] – Mad Max Meets the Yellow Brick Road: Pepose lays out The O.Z. as Dorothy Gale’s granddaughter entering a brutal power vacuum in Oz after the “happy ending” fell apart. [05:21] – The Editor Who Scared Him Straight: Pepose talks DC internships, comics criticism, Comics Experience, and realizing he was absolutely not built for the editor’s chair. [07:09] – Sacred Cow, Tasty Hamburger: Spencer & Locke becomes the career gamble that proves Pepose can take an outrageous premise and make it hurt in the right way. [20:07] – Cheap Heat Gets Exposed: Pepose draws the line between a lazy grim retelling and a real story with emotional investment. [27:02] – The Brevoort Rule: Pepose shares the superhero lesson that shaped Space Ghost: it’s not about punching villains, it’s about protecting people. [55:29] – Speed Racer Hits the Finish Line: Pepose reveals he’s stepping away from Speed Racer after his planned run, with fatherhood and a packed workload forcing the baton pass. Support the Corner Box: David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin: David Pepose (https://www.davidpepose.com/) - The guest of the episode and writer of The O.Z., Spencer & Locke, Space Ghost, Speed Racer, Savage Avengers, Punisher, Moon Knight, and more. Ruben Rojas (https://www.davidpepose.com/the-oz/) - Artist of The O.Z., whose work Pepose waited on to keep the finale visually consistent with the rest of the series. Whitney Cogar (https://www.instagram.com/smashpansy/) - Colorist on The O.Z., part of the finale team Pepose praises near the end of the episode. DC Hopkins (https://hopkinsletters.myportfolio.com/) - Letterer on The O.Z., credited as part of the book’s creative team. Jonathan Lau (https://www.instagram.com/jonathanalau/) - Artist on Space Ghost, described by Pepose as drawing “like a damn Terminator.” Andrew Dalhouse (https://www.instagram.com/adalhouse/) - Colorist on Space Ghost, praised as part of the book’s consistent creative engine. Taylor Esposito (https://www.ghostglyphstudios.com/) - Letterer on Space Ghost and owner of Ghost Glyph Studios, called an unsung hero by Pepose. Davide Tinto (https://www.instagram.com/tintodavideart/) - Artist on Speed Racer, part of the team bringing Pepose’s high-speed Mad Cave run to life. Kenneth Wagnon (https://www.patreon.com/Kennethjwagnon/about) - Artist behind the fully illustrated map of The O.Z. mentioned as a Kickstarter stretch goal. Tom Brevoort (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brevoort) - Marvel editor whose advice about superheroes defending the little guy became a major storytelling rule for Pepose. C.B. Cebulski (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._B._Cebulski) - Marvel figure Pepose mentions while discussing how Spencer & Locke helped get him on Marvel’s radar. Bobby Kurnow (https://idwpublishing.com/blogs/news/behind-the-scenes-with-bobby-curnow-interview) - Editor whose class visit helped Pepose realize editing was not his path. Dan Slott (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Slott) - Writer praised during the conversation as someone who can love Spider-Man without being trapped by that fandom. Daniel Warren Johnson (https://danielwarrenart.com/) - Mentioned as a creator who helped blow open what licensed comics could be. Ryan North (https://www.ryannorth.ca/) - Mentioned as part of the modern wave of done-in-one and short-arc superhero storytelling Pepose looked at while building Space Ghost. Steve Orlando (https://www.steveorlando.com/) - Mentioned alongside Scarlet Witch as another example of current superhero pacing and structure. Jed MacKay (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jed_MacKay) - Mentioned in connection with Moon Knight and modern superhero structure. Joe Kelly (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Kelly_(comics)) - Writer of the Space Ghost miniseries that introduced Pepose to a more serious superhero version of the character. Ariel Olivetti (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_Olivetti) - Artist on the 2005 Space Ghost miniseries referenced during the conversation. Heidi MacDonald (https://www.comicsbeat.com/author/heidi/) - Comics journalist mentioned for the “satisfying chunk” idea about single issues earning their keep. George Marston (https://www.gamesradar.com/author/george-marston/) - Pepose’s friend who helped him frame Space Ghost as “Batman in space.” The O.Z. (https://www.davidpepose.com/the-oz/) - Pepose’s Ringo Award-winning fantasy war story and the emotional center of this episode. The O.Z. #1-3 Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theozcomic/the-oz-3) - The campaign for the third and final issue discussed throughout the episode. Spencer & Locke (https://www.davidpepose.com/spencer-and-locke/) - Pepose’s breakout “Calvin and Hobbes grew up in Sin City” comic and the project that helped put him on the map. Scout’s Honor (https://www.davidpepose.com/scouts-honor/) - Pepose’s AfterShock series that helped build the critical momentum leading to Marvel work. Space Ghost (https://www.davidpepose.com/space-ghost/) - Pepose’s Dynamite series and the major craft conversation point for pacing, done-in-one stories, and emotional superhero storytelling. Speed Racer (https://madcavestudios.com/product/speed-racer-issue-0/) - Pepose’s Mad Cave run, discussed here as it heads toward the end of his planned arc. Savage Avengers (https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/32776/savage_avengers_2022_-_2023) - The Marvel book where Pepose turns a Conan idea into a sword-and-sorcery Deathlok chase. Punisher (https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/36917/punisher_2023_-_2024) - Pepose talks about the challenge of creating a Punisher-adjacent book while dealing with modern baggage around the iconography. Captain Planet (https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513034110501011) - One of Pepose’s licensed projects and an example of an idea he had been carrying for years. The Devil That Wears My Face (https://www.davidpepose.com/the-devil-that-wears-my-face/) - Pepose’s Mad Cave horror book, brought up as his supernatural take on Face/Off-style body-swapping. Astro City (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astro_City) - The Confession arc comes up as an influence on how Pepose approached Space Ghost through Jan and Jace. Batman: The Long Halloween (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_The_Long_Halloween) - Pepose uses it as a tonal and structural comparison point for Space Ghost. Space Ghost Coast to Coast (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Ghost_Coast_to_Coast) - The version of Space Ghost many fans know, and one Pepose had to work around while rebuilding the hero.

    1 hr

  2. 6 days ago

    Bart Sears Gives Away Ominous Secrets on The Corner Box - S3Ep41

    Part 2 of the Bart Sears interview continues as Bart walks David and John through the high-pressure years where every career move looked massive and every deadline came with teeth. Bart talks Eclipso, DC exclusives, the frustration of not getting one of the big characters, and the Valiant jump that put him on X-O Manowar and Turok right as the 90s boom was cooking itself alive. Then things get even more beautifully ridiculous with ToyBiz figure designs, Wizard pseudonyms, Brutes and Babes, and the launch of Ominous Press with a first issue that was basically a comic book, trading card set, collectible object, and logistical nightmare all at once! Along the way, Bart gets brutally honest about missed deadlines, silence with editors, depression, burnout, and why communication can save a project before everything goes sideways. It’s funny, brutal, and honest as hell — Bart Sears tells the truth about surviving the machine. Captions:“I wanted one of the main characters or I was gone.” — Bart Sears on asking DC for a bigger book before leaving for Valiant “They manufactured that heat.” — Bart Sears on how Valiant built demand by under-shipping early books “Wait, are you claiming that you ended the comic book industry in the 90s boom?” — David calling out Bart after the Turok sales talk “I screwed myself with Valiant.” — Bart Sears on taking X-O Manowar and Turok at the same time “If I’d stayed communicating, I probably would have been fine.” — Bart Sears on deadlines, embarrassment, and the editor relationship “I’ve never really enjoyed drawing.” — Bart Sears on the brutal honesty behind burnout, talent, and the job Splash Page:[00:57] – Eighty Pages of Pain: Bart remembers the Eclipso 80-pagers and the line technique that looked great but turned into a time-sucking monster. [03:09] – The Gem Cover Defense: The infamous Eclipso cover gets defended with the most collector-unfriendly solution possible: just buy two. [04:02] – Give Me Batman or I Walk: Bart explains why DC’s refusal to put him on a bigger character pushed him toward Valiant. [07:32] – Valiant Builds the Furnace: Bart breaks down how under-shipping created demand, heat, and eventually a sales bubble nobody could sustain. [09:32] – Two Monthly Books, One Bad Idea: X-O Manowar and Turok looked like a payday until deadlines, style choices, and pressure turned the whole thing into quicksand. [11:17] – Silence Kills Pages: David lands a real editor lesson for younger artists: communicate early, because quiet makes everybody panic. [15:24] – The Wizard Pseudonym Game: Bart explains why “Whitman” and “McNabb” showed up on Wizard covers while everyone with eyeballs knew it was him. [22:36] – The Monument Edition Madness: Ominous Press launches with loose cardstock pages in custom plastic cases, hand-packed in Bart’s mother’s garage like the most 90s comic object ever created. Support The Corner Box:David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin: Bart Sears (https://www.bartsearsart.com) - The guest of honor, walking through Eclipso, Valiant, ToyBiz, Ominous Press, burnout, and the giant-art choices that made his pages impossible to ignore. David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box co-host steering the conversation with collector brain, editor instincts, and full-on Bart Sears fandom. John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box co-host bringing the editor’s-eye view on contracts, deadlines, layouts, and why Bart’s pages never felt like anyone else’s. Joe Quesada (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Quesada) - Mentioned by John in connection with young artists leaving when publishers would not hand them bigger characters. Steven Massarsky (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Massarsky) - The Valiant co-founder Bart says was actively wooing him away from DC. Gareb Shamus (https://www.instagram.com/garebshamus/) - Wizard founder referenced during the Ominous Press discussion and the choice to launch with Brute and Babe. Todd McFarlane (https://mcfarlane.com) - Comes up during Bart’s Violator story, where deadline expectations collided hard with burnout. Christopher Priest (https://digitalpriest.com/about/) - The writer on Captain America and the Falcon, where Bart turned boredom into huge Cap and Falcon visuals on the page. Ron Marz (https://www.ronmarz.com/) - The writer on The Path, where Bart happily blew up the layouts while working inside CrossGen. Rob Hunter (https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Rob_Hunter) - The inker Bart wanted on Captain America and the Falcon because he knew Hunter’s line would make the heavy rendering sing. Andy Smith (https://www.andysmithart.com/) - Mentioned as part of the studio and Silver Surfer-era orbit around Bart’s post-Valiant scramble. Mark Pennington (https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Mark_Pennington) - The inker Bart discusses in relation to The Path and its blown-up marker layouts. Eclipso (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipso) - The DC villain and crossover work that pushed Bart into massive 80-page assignments and one very memorable gem-cover controversy. Justice League Europe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_League_Europe) - Bart’s DC title before the Eclipso frustration and the “why won’t they give me a bigger character?” breaking point. Valiant Comics (https://www.dmg-entertainment.com/ip-universes/valiant-comics/) - The hot publisher that pulled Bart away from DC during the early 90s boom. X-O Manowar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-O_Manowar) - One of the Valiant books Bart took on while trying to chase a more illustrative style under impossible monthly pressure. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turok:_Dinosaur_Hunter) - The Valiant hit Bart connects to the massive sales spike and speculator-era overload. Wizard Magazine (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizard_%28magazine%29) - The 90s comics magazine where Bart’s Brutes and Babes tutorials and pseudonymous covers helped boost his profile. Toy Biz (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Biz) - The toy company behind the Marvel figure work Bart was designing around the same time he was trying to build a studio. Ominous Press (https://www.bartsearsart.com/folio-9) - Bart’s creator-owned publishing swing, built on huge mythology, Brute and Babe, and the infamous Monument Edition packaging gamble. CrossGen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossGen) - The publisher where Bart became art director and pushed layouts hard on books like The Path. Captain America and the Falcon (https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Captain_America_and_the_Falcon_Vol_1_1) - The Marvel series Bart discusses for its big figures, silhouette vehicles, and heavily rendered approach. The Path (https://crossgen-comics-database.fandom.com/wiki/The_Path_%28comics%29) - The CrossGen series Bart used to experiment with two-page spreads, marker layouts, and page design that ignored the safe route.

    34 min

  3. 16 Jun

    Kickstarter Marketing 101 on The Corner Box - S3Ep38

    The guys get into the real mechanics of launching a comics Kickstarter without just throwing a link into the void and praying to the algorithm gods. David breaks down why the campaign is won before launch day, how email lists and “notify me” clicks create the first-day fire, and why stretch goals work best when they feel like party favors instead of cheap bait. John digs into the questions creators actually ask: do updates cost pledges, do non-comics audiences convert, and how much should you show before you spoil your own book? From there, the conversation jumps into “Here’s What John & David Read This Week” with Joe Palmer’s Destination Kill, the absolute fever dream of Neil Adams on Mr. T and the T Force, and a heartfelt detour into the wild, too-short career of Seth Fisher. It’s part creator survival guide, part comics archaeology, and part “how did Mr. T end up kicking through a roof?” Captions: “It’s almost like doing a pre-order for the pre-order.” — John translating Kickstarter strategy into direct-market terms “When you generate $10,000 in 12 hours, Kickstarter pays attention.” — David on why day-one momentum changes everything “The stretch goals are kind of like the party favors.” — David on treating a campaign like a celebration, not a begging bowl Splash Page: [00:00] – Hall of Fame Host Energy: David kicks things off by needling John with the Transformers Hall of Fame intro, and John takes the bait beautifully. [03:32] – The Kickstarter Firestarter: David lays out the big lesson: if you wait until launch day to build heat, you may already be cooked. [06:57] – Pre-Campaign Is the Campaign: The “notify me” page becomes the whole game, turning awareness into day-one pledges. [13:32] – Three Hours to Funded: Super Kaiju Book 3 hits its goal fast, giving David a real-world case study instead of vague creator advice. [16:49] – Stretch Goals as Party Favors: David reframes extras as a celebration for backers and a smart way to move fence-sitters. [25:14] – Link in Bio or Get Buried: The guys get into how social platforms punish links and force creators into smarter, weirder promotion tactics. [34:09] – Don’t Ignore the Monster Fans: David makes the case for chasing kaiju lovers, roller derby people, and genre fans outside the comics bubble. [48:51] – Mr. T Saves Literacy and Kicks Through a Roof: John opens a polybagged time capsule and finds Neil Adams, gold chains, moral chaos, and pure comics madness. [51:58] – The Seth Fisher Appreciation Lap: David revisits The Flash: Time Flies and celebrates Fisher’s dense, inventive, future-shocked artwork. Support the Corner Box: David Hedgecock (https://www.funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin: Creators Mentioned David Hedgecock (https://www.funtimego.com) - The Corner Box co-host and Fun Time Go publisher breaks down his Kickstarter playbook from direct experience. John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box co-host, longtime Transformers writer, former IDW editor-in-chief, and current PUG Worldwide editor-in-chief asks the creator-side questions that make the Kickstarter talk useful. Rolando Mallada (https://www.instagram.com/rolomallada) - Artist on Super Kaiju Rock-N-Roller Derby Fun Time Go, praised by David as a major selling point of the campaign’s interior art. Bart Sears (https://www.bartsearsart.com) - Legendary artist discussed as a past live-event guest and character designer for Sugar Bomb. Rich Johnston (https://bleedingcool.com/author/rich-johnston/) - Bleeding Cool writer mentioned as receiving a launch-day exclusive for the Super Kaiju Kickstarter. Jay Gonzo (https://www.instagram.com/jaygonzoart) - Artist behind the collector’s box artwork for Super Kaiju, praised for his Day of the Dead-inspired style. Dave Baker (https://www.heydavebaker.com) - Creator mentioned through John’s Jay Gonzo story and a broader comics-world connection. Joe Palmer (https://www.instagram.com/palmerjoeart) - Artist of Destination Kill, which John calls a fantastic first issue. Neal Adams (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Adams) - Legendary comics artist whose work on Mr. T and the T Force sends John into full back-issue joy mode. Mr. T (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._T) - Pop culture icon at the center of the wild Now Comics book John brings to the table. Pete Stone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Stone_(writer)) - Writer credited in the discussion of Mr. T and the T Force. Seth Fisher (https://www.floweringnose.com/) - The late artist celebrated for his inventive, dense, wildly imaginative comics work. John Rozum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Rozum) - Writer of The Flash: Time Flies, the Seth Fisher-drawn DC one-shot David revisits. Sergio Aragonés (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergio_Aragon%C3%A9s) - Referenced as a comparison point for the amount of visual information packed into Fisher’s pages. Zeb Wells (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeb_Wells) - Writer of Fantastic Four/Iron Man: Big in Japan, one of Fisher’s last major works. Joe Hill (https://joehillfiction.com/) - Writer mentioned in connection with a posthumously published Seth Fisher story. J. M. DeMatteis (https://www.jmdematteis.com/) - Writer of Green Lantern: Willworld, remembered as a perfect match for Seth Fisher’s surreal visual imagination. Mark Badger (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Badger) - Artist mentioned by John while connecting DeMatteis’ stranger comics work to Fisher’s energy. Topics & Resources: Super Kaiju Rock-N-Roller Derby Fun Time Go: Fuji-Tengu Flames (https://bleedingcool.com/comics/super-kaiju-rock-n-roller-derby-fun-time-go-fuji-tengu-flames/) - The Book 3 campaign discussed in the episode, including its launch push and press strategy. Kickstarter Comics (https://www.kickstarter.com/comics) - The crowdfunding ecosystem David breaks down throughout the first half of the episode. Bleeding Cool (https://bleedingcool.com) - Comics news site mentioned as part of David’s launch-day press push. Comic Geek Speak (https://www.comicgeekspeak.com) - Podcast mentioned as part of David’s campaign outreach. Destination Kill (https://oni-press.myshopify.com/products/destination-kill-1) - The Oni Press sci-fi comedy John recommends during the weekly reading segment. Oni Press (https://oni-press.com) - Publisher of Destination Kill, brought up during John’s new-comics enthusiasm. Mr. T and the T Force (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._T_and_the_T-Force) - The bizarre Now Comics back issue John brings in, complete with Neil Adams art and a polybagged trading card. Now Comics (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Now_Comics) - Publisher behind Mr. T and the T Force. Superman vs. Muhammad Ali (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_vs._Muhammad_Ali) - Neal Adams classic used as a comparison point for big, goofy, high-energy celebrity comics. The Flash: Time Flies (https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Flash:_Time_Flies_Vol_1_1) - The Seth Fisher-drawn DC one-shot David uses as his entry point back into Fisher’s work. Green Lantern: Willworld (https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Green_Lantern:_Willworld_Vol_1_1) - Seth Fisher and J. M. DeMatteis’ surreal Green Lantern story, remembered fondly by David. Fantastic Four/Iron Man: Big in Japan (https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/1845/fantastic_four_iron_man_big_in_japan_2005_-_2006) - The Marvel mini-series by Zeb Wells and Seth Fisher discussed as one of Fisher’s final major works. Myst III: Exile (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myst_III:_Exile) - Video game David mentions as part of Seth Fisher’s creative path before returning to comics. Locke & Key (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locke_%26_Key) - The Joe Hill series connected to one of Fisher’s posthumously published comics stories. Justice League Europe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_League_Europe) - Bart Sears’ run is referenced while David talks about bringing him into Fun Time Go live-event orbit. Rocky III (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_III) - The film that made Mr. T’s Clubber Lang iconic, referenced through the Mr. T trading card. Marvel (https://www.marvel.com) - Mentioned across the episode through David and John’s industry histories, Fisher’s Big in Japan work, and the broader state of current comics. DC Comics (https://www.dc.com) - Mentioned through Seth Fisher’s DC work, The Flash: Time Flies, Green Lantern: Willworld, and the current comics landscape. IDW Publishing (https://idwpublishing.com) - Referenced through David and John’s editorial history and the wider independent comics scene.

    1 hr

  4. 9 Jun

    Is Clive Barker Responsible for The Matrix?! on The Corner Box - S3Ep37

    David & John talk about the brutal math of making comics after the pages are done and the hard truth of the hard work behind every Kickstarter project. The guys talk about Marvel's changing of the guard, Dan Buckley’s legacy, DC’s momentum under Marie Javins, and whether comics are being pulled closer to media-brand machinery than comic-book instinct. John then drags Clive Barker’s Razorline out of the longbox, complete with Ecto Kid, Hyperkind, Steve Skroce, James Robinson, Lana Wachowski, and some truly heroic cover embossing. David counters with AmeriKarate, an Action Lab oddball that sounds like Team America, American Dad, Chuck Norris, and karate-chop insanity got shoved into one very dumb, very fun blender. Somehow, it all becomes a love letter to strange comics, dead-end experiments, and the beautiful mess of the medium. Captions: “Marketing comic books is a lot.” — John stating the creator pain in six words “We blew it, man. We were like amateur hour big time.” — David on wishing they’d done more with David Harper “It is nonsense… but oddly under control.” — John on Hyperkind and the chaos of Razorline “Everything is solved with a karate chop to the face.” — David on AmeriKarate’s entire operating system Splash Page: [00:47] – The Kickstarter Pain Machine: David breaks down why making the comic is only the first boss fight. [03:39] – Eisner Guest Regret Spiral: The guys admit they may have fumbled a killer David Harper conversation. [05:05] – Marvel Gets a New Boss Fight: Dan Buckley’s exit sparks talk about Marvel, Disney, and the future of the line. [09:23] – Dark Horse Alarm Bells: David worries about shops closing and comics losing focus to bigger media plays. [12:01] – DC Gets Its Flowers: Mark Waid’s comments back up David and John’s read on Marie Javins’ steady hand. [18:16] – Enter Razorline: John revisits Clive Barker’s strange Marvel horror-superhero experiment from the ’90s. [22:00] – Embossed Abs Era: Ecto Kid’s cover becomes a love letter to ridiculous, beautifully overworked ’90s production. [46:04] – AmeriKarate Kicks the Door In: David recommends a wildly dumb, wildly fun Action Lab series with maximum karate stupidity. Support the Corner Box: David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin: Part 1 — Creators Mentioned David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - Co-host, comics veteran, and creator behind Super Kaiju Rock n’ Roller Derby Fun Time Go. John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - Co-host, writer, editor, and Transformers Hall of Fame comics veteran. David Harper (https://sktchd.com) - Comics journalist and Off Panel host discussed after his recent Corner Box appearance. Dan Buckley (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Buckley) - Longtime Marvel publishing executive discussed during the Marvel leadership conversation. Marie Javins (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Javins) - DC editor-in-chief credited in the conversation for helping steer DC’s current momentum. Mark Waid (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Waid) - Veteran comics writer discussed for his long-running relevance and current DC work. James Gunn (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Gunn) - Mentioned in the conversation about comics-aware leadership and DC’s broader direction. Mike Richardson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Richardson_(publisher)) - Dark Horse founder discussed in relation to the company’s leadership shift. Clive Barker (https://www.clivebarker.info) - Horror and dark fantasy creator behind Marvel’s Razorline concepts. Steve Skroce (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Skroce) - Artist on Ecto Kid and later collaborator with the Wachowskis. James Robinson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Robinson_(writer)) - Writer of early Ecto Kid issues, discussed shortly before his Starman era. Lana Wachowski (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lana_Wachowski) - Mentioned for taking over Ecto Kid under her earlier name and later collaborating with Steve Skroce. Corey Kalman (information missing) - Co-writer of AmeriKarate; reliable official reference not provided in transcript. Brockton McKinney (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2444198/) - AmeriKarate co-writer connected in the discussion to Gingerdead Man movies and Rick and Morty comics. Devon Roth (information missing) - AmeriKarate artist praised for animation-flavored storytelling; reliable official reference not provided in transcript. Dave Dwonch (https://www.actionlabcomics.com) - Letterer on AmeriKarate and Action Lab-connected creator mentioned in the credits discussion. Part 2 — Topics & Resources Super Kaiju Rock n’ Roller Derby Fun Time Go (https://funtimego.com) - David’s Kickstarter comic promoted during the episode. Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com) - The platform at the center of David’s creator-marketing pain and Super Kaiju campaign. Marvel Comics (https://www.marvel.com/comics) - Discussed through leadership changes, market position, and the Razorline back catalog. DC Comics (https://www.dc.com) - Discussed for its current creative momentum, Absolute line, compact editions, and editorial direction. Dark Horse Comics (https://www.darkhorse.com) - Discussed through leadership changes, shop closures, and publishing focus. Things From Another World (https://www.tfaw.com) - Dark Horse-connected retail operation discussed after store closure news. Razorline (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razorline) - Clive Barker’s Marvel imprint and the centerpiece of John’s reading pick. Ecto Kid (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecto_Kid) - Razorline title praised as the strongest of the batch. Hyperkind (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkind) - Razorline superhero title discussed for its wild ’90s execution. Hokum & Hex (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokum_%26_Hex) - Razorline title discussed for its hard-to-explain weirdness. Saint Sinner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sinner) - Razorline title discussed as one of the darker Barker concepts. AmeriKarate (https://www.actionlabcomics.com) - Action Lab series David recommends for absurd action-comedy mayhem. Gingerdead Man (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gingerdead_Man) - Bizarre horror-comedy rabbit hole connected to Brockton McKinney. Image Comics (https://imagecomics.com) - Discussed as the massive early-’90s disruption that forced Marvel and DC to react. X-Force (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Force) - Used as a reference point for Marvel’s early-’90s artist churn and post-Liefeld direction.

    54 min

  5. 2 Jun

    David Harper Goes Off... Panel on The Corner Box - S3Ep36

    John and David welcome Eisner-nominated comics journalist and podcaster David Harper for an Eisner Awards heat check. Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, Assorted Crisis Events, Ghost Pepper, Jerome, Land, and Hirayasumi all get thrown into the ring. David Hedgecock argues for Denis Camp, Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, and books that actually make you feel something, even if that feeling is misery. David Harper brings the manga enthusiasm, the awards perspective, and just enough Alaska warmth to keep things from going completely off the rails. Somewhere between Club 52, AI anthology drama, and Batman being “best new comic,” the episode becomes a snapshot of comics having one hell of a year. Captions: “Club 52 is a perfect comic book cool guy club that we’re all in.” — John describing how David Harper accidentally invents DC’s worst nightclub “I have never been more depressed reading a comic book series in my life.” — David on Assorted Crisis Events doing its job too well “After you read an issue, you need to watch a Paddington movie afterwards so you can feel better about life.” — David Harper on Assorted Crisis Events “Absolute Wonder Woman is the best thing that DC is publishing.” — David on Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman’s run “Best new comic: Batman. Technically true, but also feels kind of funny.” — David Harper on Batman landing in Best New Series “The straw that stirs the Absolute drinks are the artists, plain and simple.” — John on Nick Dragotta, Hayden Sherman, and the Absolute line Splash Page: [00:01] – Welcome to Club 52: David Harper joins the show and the Eisner-nominated flexing begins. [03:50] – John Likes Comics Again: John admits the Eisner list actually made him feel plugged back in. [06:22] – Best One-Shot Bloodbath: Absolute Batman Annual, Absolute Martian Manhunter, Ice Cream Man, and Dennis Camp collide. [07:36] – Sadness as Craft: David explains why A Sort of Crisis Events practically forced him to go outside. [10:21] – Absolute Wonder Woman Wins Hearts: Harper and David make the case for DC’s strongest current book. [17:00] – The AI Anthology Mess: Stardust gets pulled into the awards controversy, and the guys break down why the Eisners need clearer rules. [28:18] – Manga Opens the Floodgates: Harper champions Hirayasumi, Land, and Tokyo Alien Bros as essential reads. [33:37] – The Scott Snyder Debate: David argues Absolute Batman may be more about Nick Dragotta than Snyder. Support the Corner Box: David Hedgecock (https://funtimego.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-Host The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin: David Harper (https://sktchd.com) - Eisner-nominated comics journalist, SKTCHD founder, and Off Panel host guesting on this episode. Deniz Camp (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deniz_Camp) - Writer behind Absolute Martian Manhunter, A Sort of Crisis Events, and The Ultimates, making him one of the episode’s biggest award-season names. Kelly Thompson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Thompson) - Writer of Absolute Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey, and Jeff the Land Shark, praised heavily here. Scott Snyder (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Snyder) - Absolute Batman writer whose nomination sparks one of the sharper debates. Nick Dragotta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Dragotta) - Absolute Batman artist discussed as a major force behind the book’s impact. Hayden Sherman (https://www.haydensherman.com) - Absolute Wonder Woman artist praised for page design, detail, and consistency. Jesse Lonergan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Lonergan) - Jerome creator discussed as a major Best Writer/Artist contender. Junie Ba (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Ba) - Creator praised for Monkey Meat, The Fable of Earl King Woods, and a singular comics voice. Van Jensen (https://www.vanjensen.com) - Writer and organizer behind the Stardust anthology discussed during the AI controversy. Jordie Bellaire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordie_Bellaire) - Colorist mentioned during the Eisner craft-category tangent. Part 2 — Topics & Resources: Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards (https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards/) - The awards list driving the full conversation. SKTCHD (https://sktchd.com) - David Harper’s subscription-based comics journalism site. Off Panel Podcast (https://sktchd.libsyn.com) - Harper’s weekly comics interview podcast. Stardust the Super Wizard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stardust_the_Super_Wizard) - Golden Age character at the center of the anthology discussion. Stardust the Super Wizard Anthology (https://zoop.gg/c/stardust) - The anthology discussed after its Eisner nomination issue. Absolute Batman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Batman) - Major awards contender and lightning rod for writer/artist credit debate. Absolute Wonder Woman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_Wonder_Woman) - The book repeatedly praised as one of DC’s best current titles. 2000 AD (https://2000ad.com) - Long-running British comics institution mentioned in the anthology category. Judge Dredd (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judge_Dredd) - 2000 AD icon referenced during the anthology nominations. Akira (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akira_(manga)) - Manga touchstone mentioned as David talks about where he is in his manga-reading journey.

    45 min

  6. 28 Apr

    Groo Boat Rules and Other "Hot" Takes on The Corner Box - S3Ep31

    David admits that his comic collecting is a full-blown lifestyle problem, complete with eBay piles, office deliveries, and one gloriously baffling Rob Liefeld ashcan. John and David then bounce from a weirdly amazing 1972 fanzine packed with future legends to Marvel Knights: The World to Come, a book that asks for patience before it finally starts paying off. From there, it’s straight into Groo territory, where the art still rules, the coloring looks sharp as hell, and one impossible boat-sinking moment throws the whole universe slightly off its axis. Along the way, there’s talk of Al Milgrom, Jim Starlin, Christopher Priest, Joe Quesada, and Sergio Aragonés. Then the mood turns when the guys issue a call to arms regarding a massive $1 million art heist from Mark Evanier’s collection. Captions “We’re not popular… but we’re headed in that direction.” - David “We’re getting less not popular.” - John "Everything is there by the time you get to the end, but your tolerance for getting to the end is really dependent on your level of buy-in in the beginning." - John "These pieces of original art are history, and they need to be treated with respect." - David "I don’t think either one of those influenced the other one in terms of the name." - John Barber (on D'rok vs. D'orc) Splash Page [00:01] – Vacation Mailbox of Doom: David returns from Hawaii to a mountain of comic packages. [02:06] – Ashcan School: David breaks down what ashcans are and why they matter. [09:18] – The Lost Fanzine Files: John cracks open a strange 1972 comic called Title. [18:13] – Future Wakanda, Rough Start: David digs into Marvel Knights: The World to Come. [31:56] – Groo Rules Are Meant to Break?: A new Groo mini sparks one very specific continuity crisis. [37:11] – Missing Masterpieces: The guys react to Mark Evanier’s stolen original art. [41:03] – Less Not Popular: The episode closes with a very Corner Box way to celebrate growth. Support the Corner Box David Hedgecock - The Corner Box Co-Host John Barber - The Corner Box Co-Host The Corner Box - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin Rob Liefeld (https://robliefeldcreations.com/) Al Milgrom (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Milgrom) Jim Starlin (https://www.instagram.com/jimstarlin/) Tom Orzechowski (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Orzechowski) Christopher Priest (https://www.christopherpriest.com/) Joe Quesada (https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Joe_Quesada)  Sergio Aragonés (https://www.sergioaragones.com/) Mark Evanier (https://www.newsfromme.com/) Acrobats (https://imagecomics.com/creators/rob-liefeld) Title #1 (https://www.comics.org/issue/253965/) Groo the Wanderer (https://www.darkhorse.com/Search/Groo)

    42 min

  7. 21 Apr

    Top Ten Hottest Artists - April 2026 on The Corner Box - S3ep30

    David survives a once-in-a-century storm in Hawaii, and it’s back to business as John and David break down the creative DNA of comics — including the return of the “Top 10 Hottest Artists” list! From a Silver Age deep dive into Don Heck and the surprisingly bold Avengers #32, to the wild discovery of a pre-Fantastic Four appearance of Ben Grimm as a WWII flying ace, it’s equal parts nostalgia, disbelief, and appreciation. Add in John’s latest indie finds and you’ve got a packed, can’t-miss episode. Super Kaiju Rock and Roller Derby Fun Time Go will be launching soon. Visit get.funtimego.com for more details. Captions "Don Heck is the guy who should have sued Harlan Ellison and Gary Groth." — John Barber“If anybody ever says that Stan Lee and Marvel weren't forward-thinking and aggressively progressive... they're wrong." — David Hedgecock"Nick Dragotta on Absolute Batman continues to dominate." — David HedgecockSplash Page [00:01:25] – Storming the Set: David reports on the Hawaii tropical storm that wrecked the Jurassic Park sets.[00:03:22] – “What John and David Read This Week”: John and David recap this week’s reads.[00:04:15] – Avengers Time Capsule: David hits issue #32 and finds modern relevance[00:13:05] – The Leatherneck Raiders: John discusses Captain Savage #7 and the bizarre visual of soldiers on surfboards.[00:18:45] – The Thing’s Flight School: Discussing Ben Grimm’s history as a World War II air ace.[00:25:35] – The Grading Shift: News on CBCS shutting down and the differences in signature verification.[00:28:20] – The Hottest Artists: David dishes out this month’s Top 10 Hottest Artists.[00:33:45] – The One to Watch: David spotlights Pye Parr and the upcoming M.A.S.K. comic from Skybound.[00:44:20] – The Absolute Champion: LISTEN IN TO FIND OUT WHO takes the number one spot on the Hottest Artists list.Support the Corner Box David Hedgecock (https://linktr.ee/funtimego) - TCB Co-Host John Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - TCB Co-Host The Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official Website Dive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin Don Heck (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Heck) - Silver Age Marvel artist known for Avengers and Iron Man.Stephen McArdle (Vendetta Holy Vindicator) - Creator of Vendetta: The Holy Vindicator and Crowbar 9.Ken Landgraf (https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Ken_Landgraf) - Veteran artist who provided a new pinup for the Crowbar 9 revival.Archie Goodwin (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archie_Goodwin_(comics) - Legendary writer/editor mentioned for his work on Captain Savage.

    45 min

  8. 14 Apr

    Mignola, Miller, and Missing Sam Keith on The Corner Box - S3ep29

    A new segment hits The Corner Box this week as John and David roll out “Here’s What We Read This Week!” John dives into Alien: Salvation, arguing that Mike Mignola and Kevin Nowlan teaming up is just plain unfair, while David revisits Dark Knight Returns and DK2, wondering if Frank Miller’s chaos is actually the point — and loving it either way. Along the way: DSTLRY’s return, Ditko Artist’s Editions, Jae Lee redrawing on the fly, and a heartfelt, funny tribute to the late Sam Kieth — celebrating the weird, wild creators who make comics unforgettable. Captions "Don't die and keep doing the thing." — John Barber"Nobody draws like Mignola. That means nobody inks like Mignola." — John Barber"I would love to be the fly on the wall in Frank Miller's head to find out what that was all about." — David Hedgecock“The whole piece feels like this crazy outsider art.” — David Hedgecock“We’ll miss you, Sam.” — John BarberSplash Page [01:58] – A Short Box Smorgasbord: The guys decide to go loose and talk about what’s actually on their reading piles.[04:25] – Horror in Space: A deep look at the "murderer's row" creative team behind Alien: Salvation.[11:15] – The Miller Aesthetic: David breaks down why Dark Knight 2 is a "weird commercial outsider art piece."[18:55] – The Ditko Blueprint: Discussion on the upcoming Amazing Spider-Man Artist’s Edition and Peter Parker’s "schlubby" roots.[22:08] – The Perfectionist Grind: John shares stories of Jae Lee redrawing pages while the printer was waiting.[26:12] – Remembering Sam Kieth: A tribute to the unique genius of the creator of The Maxx and his unconventional career.[33:05] – The FedEx Masterpiece: The legendary story of Sam Kieth drawing a final page on the inside of a shipping box.Support the Corner Box David Hedgecock (https://linktr.ee/funtimego) - The Corner Box Co-HostJohn Barber (https://www.pugworldwide.com) - The Corner Box Co-HostThe Corner Box (https://www.thecornerbox.club) - Official WebsiteDive Deeper Into the Back Issue Bin Mike Mignola (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Mignola) - Legendary artist of Hellboy and Alien: Salvation.Kevin Nowlan (Kevin Nowlan) - Master inker known for his work with Mignola and Quesada.Frank Miller (https://frankmillerink.com/) - Creator of The Dark Knight Returns and Sin City.Scott Dunbier (https://twitter.com/sdunbier)

    36 min
See All (153)

About

Welcome to The Corner Box, where we talk about comic books as an industry and an art form. You never know where the discussion will go, or who’ll show up to join hosts David Hedgecock and John Barber. Between them they’ve spent decades writing, drawing, lettering, coloring, editing, editor-in-chiefing, and publishing comics. If you want to know the behind-the-scenes secrets—the highs and lows, the ins and outs—of the best artistic medium in the world, listen in and join the club at The Corner Box!

Information

  • Creator
    David & John
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fun Time Go, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Corner Box

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