Comic Book Central

Joe Stuber
  • 4.6 (57)
  • Society & Culture
  • Biweekly

World's first podcast devoted to in-depth interviews with legendary talents who bring comic books to life in movies, TV, live shows, video games, and more!

  1. 2d ago

    542: William Shatner Returns! Star Trek at 60, Wisdom & Worries, and a Legendary Career

    William Shatner returns to Comic Book Central! As Star Trek celebrates its 60th anniversary, the legendary William Shatner joins host Joe Stuber for a revealing conversation about his extraordinary life, career, and deeply personal new book, Wisdom & Worries: Reflections on Life, Death, and Everything in Between, written with Robert Sharenow. Bill reflects on the difficult years following Star Trek's cancellation, his remarkable journey from Captain Kirk to cultural icon, and the enduring legacy of Gene Roddenberry's groundbreaking series. In this episode: The inspiration behind Wisdom & Worries and the lessons learned over a lifetime The struggles and uncertainty following Star Trek's cancellation Celebrating 60 years of Star Trek and the enduring legacy of Captain Kirk Paul Wesley, Strange New Worlds, and the possibility of Kirk's return The continuing popularity of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan An unexpected proposition involving George Takei, The Odd Couple, and Shatner's philosophy of saying YES! The William Shatner Speed Round! William Shatner's latest projects Wisdom & Worries — Available now from Open Road Integrated Media and major booksellers. Love & Other Mysteries — Featuring collaborations with Brad Paisley and other acclaimed musicians. Listen on Spotify. William Shatner Live On Stage William Shatner's website MORE JOE STUBER: I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Stay on Course Podcast The Patrick LabyorSheaux Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life. Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: joe@comicbookcentral.net   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    542: William Shatner Returns! Star Trek at 60, Wisdom & Worries, and a Legendary Career

  2. Oct 8

    541: Zak Penn: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Season 2 Secrets (Part 2)

    Screenwriter ZAK PENN returns to the Lair for PART TWO of his Comic Book Central conversation! This time, we're diving headfirst into the multiverse madness of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe! Zak takes us behind the scenes of the wildly inventive Big Bang Theory spinoff, revealing how an unlikely friendship with Chuck Lorre led to their collaboration with Bill Prady, and how the three creators combined sitcom comedy, science fiction, and comic-book mythology into one outrageous adventure. We're talking comic-book Easter eggs, alternate universes, Green Lantern, The Flash's cosmic treadmill, and the secrets behind Episode 9, "Spoiler: We Couldn't Get Green Lantern!" Zak also reveals his unexpected on-screen contribution to the series and some incredible memorabilia from his Hollywood career. And what about Season Two? Zak drops some fascinating clues about the mysterious Adversary, reveals that certain universes aren't what they appear to be, and teases some surprising developments ahead. Plus, could we see more familiar faces from The Big Bang Theory? And did Stuart REALLY burn down his comic book store?! Then it's time for the COMIC BOOK CENTRAL SPEED ROUND! Marvel or DC? X-Men or Avengers? Favorite comic-book villain? Best superhero casting of all time? Most underrated comic-book movie? Zak tackles those questions and more, including his favorite Spielberg film and whether the Hulk is more dangerous than a Chuck Lorre notes session! It's Zak Penn on Comic Book Central, Episode 541, Part Two! Catch Part One in Episode 540. MORE JOE STUBER: I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Stay on Course Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life. Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: joe@comicbookcentral.net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    541: Zak Penn: Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Season 2 Secrets (Part 2)

  3. Oct 8

    540: Zak Penn - From Last Action Hero to X-Men, Hulk & Stuart Fails to Save the Universe – Part 1

    Screenwriter Zak Penn enters the Lair! In Part One of this wide-ranging Comic Book Central conversation, Zak takes us back to his beginnings as a comic book-obsessed kid devouring the legendary Chris Claremont/John Byrne X-Men, Frank Miller’s Daredevil, and the Dark Phoenix Saga, long before he would help bring some of Marvel’s biggest characters to the screen. Zak talks about breaking into Hollywood with Last Action Hero, the film’s unlikely journey from box-office disappointment to cult favorite, and why he now believes it really was ahead of its time. Then we dive into the superhero universe! Zak reveals that one of the first things he asked after getting an agent was, “What’s going on with the X-Men?” He shares memories of working alongside a young Kevin Feige, his approach to X-Men, the Marvel characters he never got the chance to tackle, and the unmade ROM: Spaceknight screenplay still sitting in the vault. Plus, Zak tells the fascinating story of writing The Hulk in the 1990s, then being asked years later to essentially rewrite himself for The Incredible Hulk. He explains how the Bill Bixby television series influenced his darker, lonely “man on the run” approach to Bruce Banner, and looks back at what went wrong with Elektra and the R-rated, Frank Miller-inspired version he originally envisioned. And right off the top, we talk Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the insanity of Season One, that comic-book universe, the sitcom universe, and where things stand with Season Two! Zak Penn on Comic Book Central – Part One! MORE JOE STUBER! I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Stay on Course Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life! Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: joe@comicbookcentral.net Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    540: Zak Penn - From Last Action Hero to X-Men, Hulk & Stuart Fails to Save the Universe – Part 1

  4. Sep 25

    539: George Feltenstein Uncensored! Superman, Hanna-Barbera & More (Part 2)

    The Warner Bros. vault is still open, and in Part 2, George Feltenstein is going UNCENSORED! I jump right back into my conversation with the Warner Archive legend with one of the most controversial topics in animation history: The Censored 11. George reveals the fascinating history behind the infamous group of cartoons, explains why far more than 11 shorts eventually disappeared from circulation, and discusses whether these films could someday be released in their proper historical context. Then it’s time to raid another corner of the vault! George talks Hanna-Barbera, including Quick Draw McGraw, Huckleberry Hound, The Banana Splits, and the challenges of reconstructing classic television the right way. Plus, there’s a major update on the restoration of the legendary 1960 Bugs Bunny Show, which George calls a “Holy Grail.” And then...we go SUPER! George discusses the long-unavailable Filmation Superboy series and the possibility of bringing more classic DC animation to Blu-ray. He also shares an emotional behind-the-scenes story about Richard Donner and his involvement with Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, talks about the chances of an expanded Superman IV, and reveals that previously unseen George Reeves Superman material could potentially find its way out of the vault! Finally, George faces the Comic Book Central Speed Round, with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Chuck Jones, Tex Avery, Huckleberry Hound, Superman, and more! The Censored 11. Hanna-Barbera. Superboy. Donner. George Reeves. And plenty more surprises from the Warner Archive vault. Part 2 is packed! MORE JOE STUBER! I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life! Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: joe@comicbookcentral.net Order the following from Warner Archive: Looney Tunes: Collector's Vault, Vol. 3 Scooby-Doo-Mystery Incorporated: The Complete Series The Quick Draw McGraw Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    539: George Feltenstein Uncensored! Superman, Hanna-Barbera & More (Part 2)

  5. Sep 25

    538: George Feltenstein Opens the Warner Bros. Vault! (Part 1)

    The Warner Bros. vault is OPEN! In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, I welcome George Feltenstein, longtime champion of classic film and animation preservation and a driving force behind the Warner Archive Collection. George takes us inside the new Looney Tunes Collector’s Vault Volume 3, featuring 50 restored cartoons spanning nearly 40 years of Warner Bros. animation history. He reveals what goes into selecting, restoring, and preserving these classic shorts, why getting them into the hands of collectors can sometimes be a battle, and why there is still so much left in the vault waiting to be rediscovered. George also looks back at his early days at MGM/UA Home Video, his decades-long friendship and collaboration with animation historian Jerry Beck, and the six-year fight that eventually helped give birth to the landmark Looney Tunes Golden Collection. Plus, George talks physical media, the future of the Collector’s Vault series, lost animation history, and the childhood obsession with cartoons that ultimately became his career. And just wait until Part 2, when the conversation turns to The Censored 11, Hanna-Barbera, The Bugs Bunny Show, Filmation’s Superboy, Richard Donner, Superman, George Reeves, and much more! It’s time to crack open the vault with George Feltenstein! ️MORE JOE STUBER! I’ve also been popping up on some other great podcasts recently. Check out my guest appearances: Cake on Tuesday Podcast Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast Comic Book Central...where comic books come to life! Subscribe for more conversations with the actors, writers, producers, directors, composers, and creators who bring our favorite comic book and pop-culture worlds to life! Comic Book Central Website Subscribe in Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeartRadio Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Listen on the BLEAV Network Follow Comic Book Central on Instagram "Like" Comic Book Central on Facebook Follow Comic Book Central on X (formerly Twitter) Follow Comic Book Central on Bluesky Subscribe to Comic Book Central’s YouTube Channel email: joe@comicbookcentral.net Order the following from Warner Archive: Looney Tunes: Collector's Vault, Vol. 3 Scooby-Doo-Mystery Incorporated: The Complete Series The Quick Draw McGraw Show   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    538: George Feltenstein Opens the Warner Bros. Vault! (Part 1)

  6. Aug 13

    537: Kevin Sussman Fails to Save the Universe!

    STUART BLOOM IS BACK...AND HE’S GOT A UNIVERSE TO SAVE! Kevin Sussman returns to Comic Book Central to take us inside the wildly inventive Stuart Fails to Save the Universe! Kevin reveals how the Big Bang Theory spinoff finally came together, what it was like stepping back into Stuart’s shoes, keeping track of multiple universes (yes, there was a chart!), and reuniting with familiar faces including Kunal Nayyar and Kaley Cuoco. Plus, we dig into the secrets of the Comic Center of Pasadena, what Kevin may have snagged from the set, hopes for the future of the series, and MUCH more! And stick around for the SUSSMAN SPEED ROUND! Batman or Superman? Betty or Veronica? Mel Brooks or Gene Wilder? Doctor Doom or Lex Luthor? ️The latest episode of Comic Book Central is streaming NOW. Subscribe & don’t miss it! TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy Kevin Sussman Stuart image TM & copyright HBO Max Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    537: Kevin Sussman Fails to Save the Universe!

  7. Jul 29

    536: Jane Seymour Talks James Bond, Somewhere in Time, Smallville & Harry Wild

    She's been a Bond girl. A Smallville villain. A doctor. A mystery solver. And now... she's finally on Comic Book Central! This week, I'm joined by the legendary Jane Seymour for a career-spanning conversation celebrating an incredible body of work, including: Live and Let Die Somewhere in Time Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman Smallville Harry Wild We talk about becoming Solitaire opposite Roger Moore, the enduring magic of Somewhere in Time, stepping into the world of Superman on Smallville, and why Harry Wild continues to surprise audiences five seasons in. Plus, stick around for a fun Speed Round featuring coffee vs. tea, mystery vs. romance... and the toughest choice of all: Superman or James Bond? TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy AcornTV Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    536: Jane Seymour Talks James Bond, Somewhere in Time, Smallville & Harry Wild

  8. Jul 22

    535: John Ross Bowie on Barry Kripke's Audition, The Big Bang Theory & More! (Pt. 2)

    Barry Kripke's story continues! John Ross Bowie returns to Comic Book Central for Part 2, and we're diving even deeper into The Big Bang Theory universe! John shares the story behind his memorable audition, reveals how Barry Kripke came to life, and looks back on some of his favorite moments from one of television's biggest sitcoms. We also preview his upcoming political thriller The Brink of War, talk more about HBO Max's Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and wrap things up with a hilarious Speed Round you won't want to miss! If you loved Part 1, don't miss the conclusion! TM & copyright Comic Book Central Photo courtesy John Ross Bowie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    535: John Ross Bowie on Barry Kripke's Audition, The Big Bang Theory & More! (Pt. 2)
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4.6
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About

World's first podcast devoted to in-depth interviews with legendary talents who bring comic books to life in movies, TV, live shows, video games, and more!

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Stuber
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    545
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Joe Stuber/Comic Book Central
  • Show Website
    Comic Book Central

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